Ranking the majors’ 2010 division races
Article By smcneal.tsn on 30th March, 2010
If you don't agree that the best races will be in the American League, consider the numbers. Ten of 14 teams enter the season with a legitimate chance of reaching the postseason. In the NL, the Phillies and Cardinals are such clear favorites that the West could end up being the only close call.
Ranking the division races:
By leaving the Angels for the M's, Chone Figgins may help change the dynamic in the AL West. 1. AL West
What's to like: All four teams should contend in what shapes up as the majors' deepest division. The three-time defending champion Angels lost four key players, including No. 1 starter John Lackey, while the Mariners, Rangers and Athletics all added potential aces in Cliff Lee, Rich Harden and Ben Sheets. Adding intrigue: The Angels' blueprint is being copied as their three rivals put greater focus on defense and pitching. Seattle, in fact, snatched Angels catalyst Chone Figgins to pump up its offense.
"Everyone's talking about three teams and discrediting Oakland, but they're going to be a good defensive club with a very good pitching staff," Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said. "You can make a legitimate case for any of the four teams."
Don't be surprised if: Every team finishes .500. The A's won 75 games last season -- and that was after finishing on a seven-game losing streak.
Be surprised if: The Angels win fewer than 92 games. They have won at least that many in five of the past six seasons, the exception being an 89-win season in 2006.
2. AL East
What's to like: The bullies have reloaded for another edition of the greatest rivalry in American sports. Game 1 of 18 will be Sunday night at Fenway Park. Whether the Yankees and Red Sox actually have improved remains to be determined. Boston sacrificed Jason Bay's power for Mike Cameron's defense, but that doesn't mean it is better. New York is counting on the younger and more athletic C...
Read Complete Article at Latest Sporting News Articles for MLB
Ranking the division races:
By leaving the Angels for the M's, Chone Figgins may help change the dynamic in the AL West. 1. AL West
What's to like: All four teams should contend in what shapes up as the majors' deepest division. The three-time defending champion Angels lost four key players, including No. 1 starter John Lackey, while the Mariners, Rangers and Athletics all added potential aces in Cliff Lee, Rich Harden and Ben Sheets. Adding intrigue: The Angels' blueprint is being copied as their three rivals put greater focus on defense and pitching. Seattle, in fact, snatched Angels catalyst Chone Figgins to pump up its offense.
"Everyone's talking about three teams and discrediting Oakland, but they're going to be a good defensive club with a very good pitching staff," Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said. "You can make a legitimate case for any of the four teams."
Don't be surprised if: Every team finishes .500. The A's won 75 games last season -- and that was after finishing on a seven-game losing streak.
Be surprised if: The Angels win fewer than 92 games. They have won at least that many in five of the past six seasons, the exception being an 89-win season in 2006.
2. AL East
What's to like: The bullies have reloaded for another edition of the greatest rivalry in American sports. Game 1 of 18 will be Sunday night at Fenway Park. Whether the Yankees and Red Sox actually have improved remains to be determined. Boston sacrificed Jason Bay's power for Mike Cameron's defense, but that doesn't mean it is better. New York is counting on the younger and more athletic C...
Read Complete Article at Latest Sporting News Articles for MLB
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