When the baseball season officially started last week in Tokyo, most people didn’t realize it was happening. Not only did Major League Baseball mistakenly put the first game of the season on tape delay, the whole scenario was lost among Tebowmania and March Madness. What’s even weirder is how Seattle and Oakland returned to the United States and continued to play spring training games. Things really start up tonight as the first real game is played in the Marlins’ new stadium. Hopefully the baseball game dwarfs the novelty of the two aquariums behind home plate. Play ball!
Arizona Diamondbacks: 86 Games
Mr. T's Pick: Over
After a tremendous year last year, the Diamondbacks are likely to fall back to earth somewhat. They’ll still be a strong team, however, given there hasn’t been that much improvement around them in the NL West.
Atlanta Braves: 86.5
Mr. T's Pick: Under
The NL East will be quite formidable this year and the Braves aren’t necessarily keeping up with the upstarts in the division. Tommy Hanson and Brandon Beachy are good young arms, but Julio Teahran and Randall Delgado haven’t lived up to expectations yet. That doesn’t help with a lineup lacking a real stud.
Baltimore Orioles: 69.5
Mr. T's Pick: Under
While Matt Weiters might finally improve into the player he was expected to become, look for the Orioles to struggle again as the clear cellar-dweller of the AL East
Boston Red Sox: 89.5
Mr. T's Pick: Over
Boston fans will remember how last season fell apart, but it’s worth noting that a few of Boston’s better hitters (Kevin Youkilis and Carl Crawford) didn’t have great seasons. Closer Andrew Bailey is already hurt, but the Red Sox have capable replacements.
Chicago Cubs: 73.5
Mr. T's Pick: Under
There will be brighter days in Wrigley Field, but it will take some time. Expectations should be very low as Theo Epstein reinvents the franchise.
Chicago White Sox: 75
Mr. T's Pick: Over
I expect the White Sox to be invigorated without manager Ozzie Guillen’s dominating personality in the locker room. If Adam Dunn can bounce back from the depths of awful and Chris Sale provides a stable arm in the rotation, it’s possible that Chicago could contend for the division.
Cincinnati Reds: 88
Mr. T's Pick: Over
The NL Central is weak right now and the Reds are poised to take advantage. With Milwaukee and St. Louis figuring to have worse seasons, the newly added Mat Latos should be able to anchor a decent pitching staff that knows it has the bats behind it.
Cleveland Indians: 78.5
Mr. T's Pick: Over
The Indians are still a team in flux, but they should be a little better than the projected Vegas win total. They’ve got a reasonably good top four in the pitching rotation and their offense should be better if everyone stays healthy.
Colorado Rockies: 81.5
Mr. T's Pick: Under
The Rockies have some strong young arms, but somehow wound up with Jamie Moyer as a No.2 starter. Troy Tulowitzki, Carlos Gonzalez, and the under-the-radar signing Michael Cuddyer will make sure the offense produces as expected.
Detroit Tigers: 92.5
Mr. T's Pick: Under
Have you looked at their starting pitching? It’s really not that good. Definitely not good enough to secure 95 wins. The defense is also a question mark. While I expect them to win a weak division, I really don’t expect them best last year’s win total.
