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The official over unders for teams total wins are in paranthesis
1) Boston
Really dont see how the Sox improved but since they won 98 games last year I think they will be right around there again. The keys are Schilling, Wells and Miller's health combined with Clement switch to the AL and Arroyo continued growth. Pen and Lineup are solid. (Sox 95+)
2) NYY
Think the Yanks improved there pitching greatly with there new additions and the return to health of certain players like Giambi and Bernie combined with bounce back years from Jeter and Arod make them the team to beat on paper(naturally the Sox are the defending Champs). Key is Pavano and Wrights continued growth in the AL and overall health to the entire team. Last year they won 101 with a 12-11 start to the year , a less talented rotation , and tons of injuries and supbar years...I expect 105+ this season. (NY 100.5+)
3) Angels
Lots of new faces in Los Angeles these days. Salmon out for the year, Guillen banished, Glaus in Zona , Eckstein in STL, Percival in Det ! They brought in Finley who is a solid player but really cant see how he could be an offensive upgrade over Guillens 2004 season. The chemistry aspect along with his defense should be the plus. Hopefully Anderson can stay healthy in 2005. They have penciled in McPherson to play third and DaaVannon is the early replacement for Salmon. The lineup is again very strong along with improved defense. Its all bout the pen and rotation. Over teh past few yeasr the Angels pen has lost some key contributors and now elevated K-Rod from setup man to closer effectively weakening there pen IMO. The rotation has to depend on inconsistent starters liek Colon and Washburn while hoping Escobar is as good as 2004. ALckey and Byrd fill out the rotation. With Seattles tough lineup but questionable staff and the other West question marks (Angels 92+)
4) DBacks
With all the new additions and the watered down West I see Arizona topping the 74 win mark. Three new starters in Vazquez, Ortiz and Estes who are huge upgrades over some of teh gusy they had last year like Edhar Gonzalez and Casey Daigle naturally the Unit is gone. The pen could be outstanding if certain guys get healthy. Aquino,Valverde, Villareal and so on. The lineup has some nice new additions and play in a great hitters park.(Dbacks 74+)
5)Braves
I think with the improved rotation and the emergence of Andruw Jones they will again top 90 wins! The key is there bullpen and who emerges as a reliable set of relievers in teh 7th and 8th innings. Mondesi and jordan if healthy will contribute while I expect big years from Chipper, Andruw and Giles.(Braves 88.5+)
6)Orioles
With the addition of Sosa and some growth from the starting pitchers this team is not far off from serious contention. The lineup is on par with teh Sox and Yanks but the pitching is where the difference lies. However for a team that won 78 games last year but went just 5-13 in Interleague Play I see no reason why they dont improve in 2005.(Orioles 80+)
7)Cubs
Injuries , Injuries, Injuries are the key to this thin team. Cause of there SP i think they will get to teh 86 win mark but not much higher! Dont like the bullpen and hate the cloud hanging over Woods and Prior. The corner OFs are a big question mark but if all goes well this is a 90win team. (cubs 86+)
8) WSox
Really like teh new look Sox and there key to success is Contreras and El Duque. Really like there lineup even without the BigHurt cause EVerett has looked great in the Spring. The pen is solid but again its all about the SP!(WSox 82+)
9) Reds
Again if healthy and some SP this could be a suprise team in the weak Central. Health is the key up and down the roster. They fell apart after losing Griff and Kearns last year so if they stay healthy I expect a 500club!(reds 77.5+)
10) Rockies
This team outside of some of its hitters i s pretty awful and even worse thin!Expect a 100 loss season even in the West.(Rockies under 68)
11) Indians
Tough call for me I think the lineup is solid but may be hard pressed to repeat some of there 04 seasons. The SPis a big qiestion mark with Sabathia injured and Westbrook still unproven IMO. Then you have Millwood and Elarton coming over from the NL where they were largely unsuccessful. Sure Elarton pithced decent in a few starts late but thats asking alot to depend on him IMO. They do have some solid arms in the Minors who could step in and the pen looks okay on paper. I think this division is going to be tight (Indians under 83 wins)
12) Tigers
To me this team is just as good maybe better then Cleveland so I say over! There lineup is excellent with Maggs ,Inge and Monroe taking over for somewhat unproductive players. Th ekey is the continued emergence of Bonderman, Maroth , Robertsona and Ledezma who I really like. If they keep Urbina it give sthem a good open if they deal him hopefully its far a ML ready starter who can replace jason Johnson...not likely though(Tigers 79+)
13) Marlins
The East is tough cause I expect all the teams to battle for 1st place with 85-92 wins! Florida has an excellent lineup and great upside with its rotation problem is they cant afford an injury to there SP and the pen is a question mark. (Florida 87+)Really think they win 86-88 games
14) Astros
Again another tight number! Really think Houston struggles this year wiythout Beltran to carry them. Clemens will not be super human again so I will say Under!(Stros under 82)
15)KC
KC is extremely young and will have growing pains especially when it deals Sweeney. (KC under 65.5)
16) Dodgers
I dont think LA is that bad but injuries to the rotation have to be a concern when your using Rupe and Erickson early to fill in. The lineup is okay and when fully healthy I like the pitching but expect a slight drop in wins.(LA under 84.5)
17) Brewers
Only cause of the slight upgrade in offense will I say they get to70! Hopefully losing Kolb doesnt give away any wins late! SP and pitching in general is a major concern but I think the Central will be down this year!
18)Twins
Solid, fundamental team but think they fall shy! Santana really cant improve and they have some young players on the left side of the IF along with questions around Mauer. After Santana and Radke I dont trsut there rotation!(Twins under 88.5)
19) Mets
Think excitement is back and if they all stay healthy they should top the 85 win mark! Really whats to say that hasnt been the key is lineup health, Ishii and Zambrano in the rotation along with who emergences in the pen.(NYM over 84.5) again have them 84-86 wins!
20) A's
The young staff will have its growing pains and just miss winning 80 games. Already Dan Meyyer doesnt look ML ready. There pen loooks awesome but could lose effectiveness late cause of overuse. The lineup is basiclly the same as last year. (A's under 81)
21)Philles
Well if I think NY slides over then I have to think Philly does. Same ole story ....SP!! They have Wagner and a great lineupso can they put it together expect Wolf to suprise! (Philly 84.5+)
22) Pirates
Think they are again a 75 win team but anywhere from 70-75 will not suprise! There rotation si stronger then most 70win clubs so I will go over. (pitt 73.5+)
23)Padres
Lots of talk here again bottomline is health cause they have no pitching depth IMO. (SD 87+)
24) Seattle
Awesome lineup but again pitching is the key and I am not sure I like Seattles staff. Though 500 is likely!(Sea 79+)
25) StLouis
Like the rotation of Mulder, carpenter, Morris afte that cam Marquis and Suppan duplicate 04 and what will the pen do with some key losses? Still think they win low 90's expect 91-95 wins!(Cards 93+)
26)DRays
Awful team plain and simple especially with Baldelli hurt. Way under!60 wins would almost be suprising!! (TB under 70.5)
27)Rangers
Still dont have pitching!! Hard to imagine a better then 500 season! lineup is great and loaded with potential but a bounce back down to Earth IMO for this team. (Rangers under 81.5)
28)BJays
Sorry Toronto fans but not sure how they win 70 games this year in the EAST cause the other 3 teams are that much better then them. They have 2 solid starters but Bush,Towers and Chacin have a better chance of fa;lling flat on there face IMO then winning 30 or so games bewteen them. The pen is better but still very unproven but my concern is teh lineup especially with a still struggling Wells as the centerpiece. I said this before they are filled with 6 and 7 hitters really remind me of Seattle last year when people banked on Aurila, Spezio and Ibanez to "improve' The lineup! (Toronto under 70.5)
29) Nationals
If healthy they win 72-75 games so I will say over due to there SP. Still dont think they can hit much but they are in a pitchers park. (Nationals 71+)
30) Giants
With or without Bonds they win 85 games. He will be back its called frustration !! (SF 84+)
1) Boston
Really dont see how the Sox improved but since they won 98 games last year I think they will be right around there again. The keys are Schilling, Wells and Miller's health combined with Clement switch to the AL and Arroyo continued growth. Pen and Lineup are solid. (Sox 95+)
2) NYY
Think the Yanks improved there pitching greatly with there new additions and the return to health of certain players like Giambi and Bernie combined with bounce back years from Jeter and Arod make them the team to beat on paper(naturally the Sox are the defending Champs). Key is Pavano and Wrights continued growth in the AL and overall health to the entire team. Last year they won 101 with a 12-11 start to the year , a less talented rotation , and tons of injuries and supbar years...I expect 105+ this season. (NY 100.5+)
3) Angels
Lots of new faces in Los Angeles these days. Salmon out for the year, Guillen banished, Glaus in Zona , Eckstein in STL, Percival in Det ! They brought in Finley who is a solid player but really cant see how he could be an offensive upgrade over Guillens 2004 season. The chemistry aspect along with his defense should be the plus. Hopefully Anderson can stay healthy in 2005. They have penciled in McPherson to play third and DaaVannon is the early replacement for Salmon. The lineup is again very strong along with improved defense. Its all bout the pen and rotation. Over teh past few yeasr the Angels pen has lost some key contributors and now elevated K-Rod from setup man to closer effectively weakening there pen IMO. The rotation has to depend on inconsistent starters liek Colon and Washburn while hoping Escobar is as good as 2004. ALckey and Byrd fill out the rotation. With Seattles tough lineup but questionable staff and the other West question marks (Angels 92+)
4) DBacks
With all the new additions and the watered down West I see Arizona topping the 74 win mark. Three new starters in Vazquez, Ortiz and Estes who are huge upgrades over some of teh gusy they had last year like Edhar Gonzalez and Casey Daigle naturally the Unit is gone. The pen could be outstanding if certain guys get healthy. Aquino,Valverde, Villareal and so on. The lineup has some nice new additions and play in a great hitters park.(Dbacks 74+)
5)Braves
I think with the improved rotation and the emergence of Andruw Jones they will again top 90 wins! The key is there bullpen and who emerges as a reliable set of relievers in teh 7th and 8th innings. Mondesi and jordan if healthy will contribute while I expect big years from Chipper, Andruw and Giles.(Braves 88.5+)
6)Orioles
With the addition of Sosa and some growth from the starting pitchers this team is not far off from serious contention. The lineup is on par with teh Sox and Yanks but the pitching is where the difference lies. However for a team that won 78 games last year but went just 5-13 in Interleague Play I see no reason why they dont improve in 2005.(Orioles 80+)
7)Cubs
Injuries , Injuries, Injuries are the key to this thin team. Cause of there SP i think they will get to teh 86 win mark but not much higher! Dont like the bullpen and hate the cloud hanging over Woods and Prior. The corner OFs are a big question mark but if all goes well this is a 90win team. (cubs 86+)
8) WSox
Really like teh new look Sox and there key to success is Contreras and El Duque. Really like there lineup even without the BigHurt cause EVerett has looked great in the Spring. The pen is solid but again its all about the SP!(WSox 82+)
9) Reds
Again if healthy and some SP this could be a suprise team in the weak Central. Health is the key up and down the roster. They fell apart after losing Griff and Kearns last year so if they stay healthy I expect a 500club!(reds 77.5+)
10) Rockies
This team outside of some of its hitters i s pretty awful and even worse thin!Expect a 100 loss season even in the West.(Rockies under 68)
11) Indians
Tough call for me I think the lineup is solid but may be hard pressed to repeat some of there 04 seasons. The SPis a big qiestion mark with Sabathia injured and Westbrook still unproven IMO. Then you have Millwood and Elarton coming over from the NL where they were largely unsuccessful. Sure Elarton pithced decent in a few starts late but thats asking alot to depend on him IMO. They do have some solid arms in the Minors who could step in and the pen looks okay on paper. I think this division is going to be tight (Indians under 83 wins)
12) Tigers
To me this team is just as good maybe better then Cleveland so I say over! There lineup is excellent with Maggs ,Inge and Monroe taking over for somewhat unproductive players. Th ekey is the continued emergence of Bonderman, Maroth , Robertsona and Ledezma who I really like. If they keep Urbina it give sthem a good open if they deal him hopefully its far a ML ready starter who can replace jason Johnson...not likely though(Tigers 79+)
13) Marlins
The East is tough cause I expect all the teams to battle for 1st place with 85-92 wins! Florida has an excellent lineup and great upside with its rotation problem is they cant afford an injury to there SP and the pen is a question mark. (Florida 87+)Really think they win 86-88 games
14) Astros
Again another tight number! Really think Houston struggles this year wiythout Beltran to carry them. Clemens will not be super human again so I will say Under!(Stros under 82)
15)KC
KC is extremely young and will have growing pains especially when it deals Sweeney. (KC under 65.5)
16) Dodgers
I dont think LA is that bad but injuries to the rotation have to be a concern when your using Rupe and Erickson early to fill in. The lineup is okay and when fully healthy I like the pitching but expect a slight drop in wins.(LA under 84.5)
17) Brewers
Only cause of the slight upgrade in offense will I say they get to70! Hopefully losing Kolb doesnt give away any wins late! SP and pitching in general is a major concern but I think the Central will be down this year!
18)Twins
Solid, fundamental team but think they fall shy! Santana really cant improve and they have some young players on the left side of the IF along with questions around Mauer. After Santana and Radke I dont trsut there rotation!(Twins under 88.5)
19) Mets
Think excitement is back and if they all stay healthy they should top the 85 win mark! Really whats to say that hasnt been the key is lineup health, Ishii and Zambrano in the rotation along with who emergences in the pen.(NYM over 84.5) again have them 84-86 wins!
20) A's
The young staff will have its growing pains and just miss winning 80 games. Already Dan Meyyer doesnt look ML ready. There pen loooks awesome but could lose effectiveness late cause of overuse. The lineup is basiclly the same as last year. (A's under 81)
21)Philles
Well if I think NY slides over then I have to think Philly does. Same ole story ....SP!! They have Wagner and a great lineupso can they put it together expect Wolf to suprise! (Philly 84.5+)
22) Pirates
Think they are again a 75 win team but anywhere from 70-75 will not suprise! There rotation si stronger then most 70win clubs so I will go over. (pitt 73.5+)
23)Padres
Lots of talk here again bottomline is health cause they have no pitching depth IMO. (SD 87+)
24) Seattle
Awesome lineup but again pitching is the key and I am not sure I like Seattles staff. Though 500 is likely!(Sea 79+)
25) StLouis
Like the rotation of Mulder, carpenter, Morris afte that cam Marquis and Suppan duplicate 04 and what will the pen do with some key losses? Still think they win low 90's expect 91-95 wins!(Cards 93+)
26)DRays
Awful team plain and simple especially with Baldelli hurt. Way under!60 wins would almost be suprising!! (TB under 70.5)
27)Rangers
Still dont have pitching!! Hard to imagine a better then 500 season! lineup is great and loaded with potential but a bounce back down to Earth IMO for this team. (Rangers under 81.5)
28)BJays
Sorry Toronto fans but not sure how they win 70 games this year in the EAST cause the other 3 teams are that much better then them. They have 2 solid starters but Bush,Towers and Chacin have a better chance of fa;lling flat on there face IMO then winning 30 or so games bewteen them. The pen is better but still very unproven but my concern is teh lineup especially with a still struggling Wells as the centerpiece. I said this before they are filled with 6 and 7 hitters really remind me of Seattle last year when people banked on Aurila, Spezio and Ibanez to "improve' The lineup! (Toronto under 70.5)
29) Nationals
If healthy they win 72-75 games so I will say over due to there SP. Still dont think they can hit much but they are in a pitchers park. (Nationals 71+)
30) Giants
With or without Bonds they win 85 games. He will be back its called frustration !! (SF 84+)