TRAGEDY AT RANGERS BALLPARK—TEXAS RANGERS FAN DIES AFTER CATCHING BALL FOR SON

Shannon Stone, 39, died on July 7 after trying to catch a foul

ball tossed by Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton.

July 7, 2011 was supposed to be just another day at Rangers Ballpark for Shannon Stone and his son, Cooper.

Sadly, it turned tragic after a good gesture accidentally turned bad.

In the second inning of Thursday’s game between the Texas Rangers and the Oakland Athletics, Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton tossed a foul ball to Stone. As Stone reached out to catch the ball, he lost his balance on the railing and fell 20 feet to the ground.

Nearly an hour later, the firefighter from Brownwood, Texas was pronounced dead at the age of 39.

“We had a very tragic accident tonight and for one of our fans lost their life reaching over trying to get a ball,” Rangers team president Nolan Ryan said Thursday. “As an organization, and as our team members and our staff, we’re very heavy-hearted about this, and our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.”

Words cannot explain how the younger Stone feels right now.

Like most of us during our youth, going to a sporting event is an opportunity to bond with your father, uncle, grandfather, or any other family member. While doing so, you may get a chance to come away with a souvenir, in hopes of getting it signed by your favorite player.

I remember going to Fair Grounds Field as a kid to watch the Shreveport Captains play baseball.

The Captains were the Double A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, and the team was filled with players working hard trying to make the big leagues. Players such as Rich Aurilia, Chris Singleton, Joe Nathan, and others played for Shreveport en route to having successful careers in Major League Baseball.

I remember getting signatures from the players once (sadly, I do not have the signature-filled card anymore) along with trying to catch a few foul balls with my glove in various games.

Sometimes I was successful, sometimes I was not, but it was all fun nevertheless.

For Cooper, this was that moment that he could cherish for life. Sadly, seeing his dad die is something that might take a while, if even at all, to get over with.

Another person that I cannot imagine how he is feeling is Hamilton.

The Rangers offered to let Hamilton regroup and take some time off on Friday, but Hamilton insisted on playing.

“There’s nothing that would benefit me from not being out there playing and trying to help these guys,” Hamilton said before Friday's game. “I’ve talked with Wash (Rangers manager Ron Washington). I’ve talked with (first base coach) Gary Pettis about if I feel like I need some time, I’ll take some time.”

The Rangers and Major League Baseball have set up a memorial fund in the honor of Stone and you can make a donation here.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Stone family and to Josh Hamilton during this time of grief.

Here is the footage of Stone trying to catch the baseball (around the 1:00 mark).
WARNING: The video may be graphic for some.

THE LOS ANGELES DODGERS AND BASEBALL NEED TO HIRE MARK CUBAN

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban (shown with the Larry

O'Brien trophy) recently showed interest in owning the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have made history in the past, but not quite like this.

On Monday, the Dodgers, reached a low that no one ever thought they would reach—filing for bankruptcy.

It is sad that a team rich in history with great moments and important figures goes to a point that it may be unsure if it can pay its players on payday.

Worse yet, the Dodgers have went from two straight National League Championship Series appearances in 2008 and 2009 to eight games under .500 this season.

The only way that the Dodgers and Major League Baseball can undo the mess that owner Frank McCourt made? Hire Mark Cuban.

Cuban, an entrepreneur, continues to show that he can successfully run a major professional sports franchise. He has been the owner of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks since 2000.

In that time he has turned a horrible franchise with no success in the 90s, to one that has won at least 50 games for 11 seasons in a row. Dallas finally reached the NBA’s pinnacle on June 12 by defeating the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals.

Cuban would certainly be a hit with the Dodger fan base based on his energetic personality and his ability to be a fan-friendly owner.

However, some baseball traditionalists, such as former MLB Commissioner Fay Vincent, oppose to the idea of Cuban owning the Dodgers—or any other team.

“I don’t think Mr. Cuban’s been an easy partner or owner for David Stern, and that would put me on guard if he were to come to baseball,” Vincent said on ESPN Radio’s June 15’s airing of “The Herd”.

Cuban has been fined numerous times by the NBA for his actions, whether for criticizing the referees or the league itself.

However, he did tone his act down during the 2011 NBA Playoffs and saved his talking for after the championship.

In spite of this, his personality might have already cost him opportunities of owning an MLB team, such as the Chicago Cubs or the Texas Rangers—the two teams he previously tried buy.

Cuban is not a traditional owner, though. He would rather sit in the stands screaming his lungs out with the audience rather than inside a luxury box disconnected from the true die-hard fans.

That is what separates him from many owners, but they all share the same common goal—win and provide a profitable product.

Forbes ranked the Mavericks No. 6 in terms of value this season and the franchise is worth twice as much now than it did a decade ago.

The Dodgers desperately need to build a winner and make a profit. Cuban might be their best chance to do so.

2010 WORLD SERIES PREVIEW

San Francisco Giants vs. Texas Rangers

ANALYSIS: In the most unlikely of World Series matchups, the Giants and Rangers square off in a matchup that pits a good offense and a good defense. The Texas Rangers are making their first appearance ever on baseball’s biggest stage after only winning ONE postseason game before 2010. With the basketball season starting and with the Dallas Cowboys playing uninspired ball thus far, Ranger fever is at its highest that it has ever been. Outfielder Josh Hamilton and midseason pick-up Cliff Lee are the main leaders of the team. With reigning Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum heading the pitching staff, the Giants are trying to win their first championship since moving to California. No San Francisco regular player hit over .305 or drove in over 86 runs, but there still some good hitters such as Aubrey Huff, Juan Uribe, and Buster Posey.
SEASON SERIES: first meeting in 2010
PREDICTION: Rangers in 6
MATCHUP: Tim Lincecum vs. Cliff Lee
PIVOTAL GAME: Game 1 (I believe that whoever is down 1-0 will find it hard to stop the other team’s strengths in the long haul.)

POSITION SHOWDOWNS
C: Buster Posey vs. Bengie Molina
ADVANTAGE: Molina
-The interesting thing is that Molina was a Giant until Jul. 1, leading way for Posey becoming the future catcher of the Giants. Now if this were a footrace, you would not dare pick Molina, but based on experience, you would have to pick a seasoned vet over a rookie, wouldn’t you?

IF: San Francisco vs. Texas
ADVANTAGE: Giants
-Nothing against Michael Young, Ian Kinsler, and Elvis Andrus, but San Francisco has the more solid infield. First baseman Aubrey Huff led the Giants in home runs and RBI, third baseman Pablo Sandoval is a good hitter whenever he is on, and shortstop Edgar Renteria has been in this position before (his game-winning hit in the 1997 World Series still haunts Cleveland Indian fans to this day).

OF: San Francisco vs. Texas
ADVANTAGE: Rangers
-Some things in life are not fair. The fact that Texas' outfielders are much better than San Francisco's is one of those things. Josh Hamilton won the ALCS MVP and hit .359 with 32 home runs and 100 RBIs in the regular season. Designated hitter (and part-time outfielder) Vladimir Guerrero bounced back from a injury-plauged 2009 season to lead the Rangers with 115 RBIs.

SP: San Francisco vs. Texas
ADVANTAGE: Giants
-Texas has Cliff Lee, who is 7-0 in the postseason. However, despite his dominance, the Rangers' starters do not match up to the rest of the Giants' starters. Matt Cain is a great #2 pitcher and he has not allowed a run in the 2010 playoffs. Jonathan Sanchez is not a bad option either, since he pitched a no-hitter in 2009. Oh yeah, and did I mention that the Giants have Tim Lincecum?

RP: San Francisco vs. Texas
ADVANTAGE: Giants
-If San Francisco keeps it close, then its bullpen will prevail thanks to the one-run games it has encountered. Neftali Feliz recorded 40 saves, yet hasn't been in a save situation because Texas is winning games decisively. Brian Wilson has five saves and was vital in the Giants' six-game NLCS win over the Philadelphia Phillies. He, like Cain, has yet to allow a run in the 2010 postseason.

THE MLB PLAYOFFS: THE WORLD SERIES

WORLD SERIES: New York Yankees vs. Philadelphia Phillies
NYY's ROAD TO THE WORLD SERIES: After a not-so impressive first half to the season, the Yankees caught fire after the All-Star break, winning eight straight games en route to regaining their elusive American League East Division crown, a feat they have not done since 2006. New York did not lose a season series against any American League team. Their new found domination continued into the American League Division Series as they swept the Minnesota Twins in three games, thanks to Alex Rodriguez finally finding his postseason swing. Rodriguez would be even better in the American League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Angels as the Yankees won in six games.
PHI's ROAD TO THE WORLD SERIES: The Phillies also did decent during the first half of the season, but caught fire later in the second half, largely due to their mid-season acquisitions of Cliff Lee and Pedro Martinez. Although Philadelphia was the only winner of their Divisional Series to not sweep their opponent (they beat the Colorado Rockies in five games), the Phillies dispatched the Los Angeles Dodgers in five games.
ANALYSIS: If you love the long ball, then this is your series, as the top two home run hitting teams in a season square off for just the third time in a World Series. Rodriguez and Ryan Howard are two of the more prolific home run hitters in baseball, and will be getting a lot of help from their supporting casts. The 2009 Yankees may not be the "Murderers Row" of the 1927 squad, but with Rodriguez, Mark Teixeira, and Hideki Matsui, this team can mash a bit. The Phillies remain intact with their three MVP candidates of Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, and Howard, but the all-out effort of Shane Victorino, the acquisition of Raul Ibenez, and the emergence of Jayson Werth makes the defending champions that much stronger. Two former Cy Young teammates with the Cleveland Indians, Sabathia and Lee, will be the marquee pitching matchup, with Burnett, Andy Pettitte, Cole Hamels, and Pedro Martinez being the undercards whenever they pitch. Also, two of the more dominating closers in the MLB and in postseason history face off in Mariano Rivera and Brad Lidge.
SEASON SERIES: Phillies won, 2-1
PREDICTION: Yankees in 7
MATCH-UP: Pedro returns to New York (Game 2...sure Yankee and Met fans hate him now)
PIVOTAL GAME: Game 7 (don't be surprised if it comes down to the last at-bat)

THE MLB PLAYOFFS: THE LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

ALCS: New York Yankees vs. Los Angeles Angels
ROAD TO THE ALCS: Both teams looked impressive in the Divisional Playoffs, with both teams earning sweeps in order to get to this point. New York beat Minnesota with pitching and timely hitting as, for the meanwhile, Alex Rodriguez seems to have exercised his postseason demons, with his two home runs coming in the seventh inning or later and with the Yankees in a close game to go along with his .455 batting average and 6 RBIs. Los Angeles flipped the script on Boston and swept them, but not before clinching the sweep and the series in a huge comeback in Game 3.
ANALYSIS: If you love offense, this is your series, as both teams ranked in the top two in the American League in runs scored and batting average, but that is where the comparisons stop. The Yankees love to mash the ball with relentless aggression, as evidenced with their 244 home runs in 2009. The Angels love to use small-ball tactics in order to manufacture runs, thus relying on speed and timing. The key in this series is pitching though. The Angels will use four starting pitchers, and the Yankees will use three, but could it help or harm the Yankees by possibly having CC Sabathia pitch Games 1, 4, and 7? Only time will tell...
SEASON SERIES: tied, 5-5
PREDICTION: Yankees in 6
MATCH-UP: Joe Girardi vs. Mike Scioscia (both managers were World Series winning catchers)
PIVOTAL GAME: Game 6 (especially if the Yankees are leading 3-2)

NLCS: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Philadelphia Phillies
ROAD TO THE NLCS: The Los Angeles Dodgers flipped the light switch back to the on position after a commanding sweep over St. Louis. The hitting was good but the pitching was a little bit better, despite that the Dodgers did have trouble early in Games 1 and 2, but rebounded late. The Philadelphia Phillies were the only team to not win their series in a sweep, having to fend off the pesky Colorado Rockies in four games. The last three games of the NLDS were too close for the Phillies' comfort, especially in the bottom of the eighth inning in Game 4, when Colorado took the lead, 4-2. However, the Phillies scored three of their own in the ninth, and closed the door on the Rockies.
ANALYSIS: The rematch of the 2008 NLCS is set, but this time it is the Dodgers with home-field advantage. On paper, Philadelphia is tough on offense and Los Angeles has good pitching to get the job done, but the game can ultimately come down between Ryan Howard and Manny Ramirez, two of the more dominating hitters in baseball today. Another incentive is the supporting casts where the Phillies have a more veteran group, and the Dodgers' group are young, but grew up throughout the season.
SEASON SERIES: Dodgers won, 4-3
PREDICTION: Dodgers in 7
MATCH-UP: Pedro Martinez vs. Manny Ramirez (two of the players who won the 2004 World Series)
PIVOTAL GAME: Game 1 (to see if L.A. can shake off what happened against the Phillies last year)

THE MLB PLAYOFFS: POWER RANKINGS & THE DIVISIONAL PLAYOFFS

POWER RANKINGS
1. New York Yankees
2. St. Louis Cardinals
3. Philadelphia Phillies
4. Los Angeles Angels
5. Los Angeles Dodgers
6. Boston Red Sox
7. Colorado Rockies
8. Minnesota Twins

ALDS: New York Yankees vs. Minnesota Twins
ANALYSIS: The Twins played a hell of a game to defeat the Detroit Tigers last night for the right to play the Yankees...in New York...the next day. Combine that with the fact that the Yankees swept the 7-game season series over Minnesota, the Twins seriously do not have a chance, right? Well, the Twins are a team that can slap the ball, get base hits, and do the little things right, but New York is a more complete team with the pitching and the hitting to do well in a 5-game series. We shall see!
SEASON SERIES: Yankees won, 7-0
PREDICTION: Yankees in 3
MATCH-UP: Carl Pavano v. Yankees in Game 3 (in Minnesota)
PIVOTAL GAME: Game 1 (We'll see if the Twins can hang with the Yankees)

ALDS: Los Angeles Angels vs. Boston Red Sox
ANALYSIS: This is the third straight year the Angels and Red Sox will meet in the ALDS, and the previous two saw Boston come out on top. In matter of fact, since the Angels took a 3-1 lead in Game 4 the 1986 ALCS vs. Boston, the Angels are 1-12 in postseason play vs. the Red Sox. This year, both teams are quite even, as they both can score and can pitch, but for Angel fans, one can only hope that there will be a reversal of fortune as they play for Nick Adenhart's memory.
SEASON SERIES: Angels won, 5-4
PREDICTION: Angels in 5
MATCH-UP: Angel relievers vs. Red Sox batters (LAA has blown games late in the last 2 series)
PIVOTAL GAME: Game 2 (Weaver vs. Beckett)

NLDS: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. St. Louis Cardinals
ANALYSIS: Two of the more complete players square off in this match-up with Manny Ramirez facing Albert Pujols. These two can do it all as far as getting on base, driving in runs, and hitting home runs and are near the top of MVP talks for the NL. So the keys will be who plays the best supporting role, and since getting Matt Holliday, the Cardinals have been on fire, while having two Cy Young caliber pitchers (Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright) does not hurt. However, the Dodgers did hold tight during Manny's 50-game suspension and have been on cruise control during the season...but could cruising too much, to the point of clinching the NL West late, mean a possible bruising?
SEASON SERIES: Cardinals won, 5-2
PREDICTION: Cardinals in 5
MATCH-UP: Tony La Russa vs. Joe Torre (two of the best managers in the MLB)
PIVOTAL GAME: Games 1 or 2 (if the Dodgers can take one of those games, the series will go 5)

NLDS: Philadelphia Phillies vs. Colorado Rockies
ANALYSIS: Tell me if you have heard this before...the NL East Champion Phillies are facing against a hot, scrappy Rockies team. It happened in 2007, when Colorado swept Philadelphia en route to the World Series. This year, this happens again, but this Philadelphia team is fresh off of a World Series title, and actually are better now than they were then. If you take away the first two months of the season, the Rockies are very unstoppable as they manned up after the firing of Clint Hurdle. The Phillies have been steady despite Cole Hamels' struggles due to an injury, thanks to them picking up Cliff Lee. Also their offense of Shane Victorino, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, Ryan Howard, and Raul Ibenez is potent.
SEASON SERIES: Phillies won, 4-2
PREDICTION: Phillies in 4
MATCH-UP: the 2007 NL Champs vs. the 2008 NL Champs
PIVOTAL GAME: Game 2 (the Rockies have to stay in momentum)

HEARTBREAK CITY

John Elway.
Michael Jordan.
Ernest Byner.
Art Modell.
Jose Mesa.
Craig Ehlo.

If you say any of those words and names to a Cleveland native, you will understand the angst of what a Clevelander has been going through for the last 45 years.

If you thought Boston was going through a hard time during the Red Sox's 86-year drought of always finishing close but not winning a World Series, try telling that to Cleveland fans who have not celebrated a championship in a major sport (MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL) since the 1964 Browns shutout the then Baltimore Colts 27-0 in an upset in the NFL Championship game. That is the longest drought of any kind for a city with at least one team in a major sport.

Try these for size....

In 1965, the Browns returned to the NFL Championship Game, but only to lose to the Green Bay Packers. After the season, Jim Brown retired prematurely, and the Browns have seen perfect opportunities slip by like...

In 1980, "Red Right 88" was the infamous play that ended the Browns' season in the AFC Division Playoffs against the Oakland Raiders. Fittingly the Kardiac Kids, who had played in many heart-wrenching games in the 1980 NFL season, finally broke the hearts of Cleveland fans thanks to a Brian Sipe pass being intercepted in the end zone and securing the narrow 14-12 win for the Raiders en route to winning Super Bowl XV.

In 1986, the Browns had the Denver Broncos right where they wanted them in the AFC Championship Game: at the two-yard line with 5:32 left in the game and up 20-13. John Elway would lead his greatest comeback, "The Drive", by not panicking, chewing up the clock, and convert all three of his third-down conversions. With 37 seconds left in the game, he would tie up the game at 20, the Browns were emotionally dead in overtime at home, and Rich Karlis made the game-winning field goal.

The very next year, in 1987, the Browns and the Broncos squared off again in the AFC Championship Game, this time in Denver. Up 38-31, Ernest Byner was close to scoring the game-tying touchdown until...he fumbled the football at the three-yard line and Denver won 38-33. Elway would also victimize the Browns in the 1989 AFC Championship game, and the irony is, that Elway would lose the in the Super Bowls that he beat the Browns in the three AFC Championship Games!

In 1995, owner Art Modell left many Cleveland fans sad and bitter after announcing that the Browns would move to Baltimore in the 1996 season. Clevelanders did not make it easy, keeping the name, logo, the "Dawg Pound", etc...and got the team back in 1999 as an expansion team. Sadly, the "old Browns", the Baltimore Ravens, would win Super Bowl XXXV in the 2000 season, as the "new Browns", only made the playoffs one since their reincarnation.

The heartbreaks would also affect the Indians and the Cavaliers, starting with the fact that the Indians own the dubious distinction by being the only MLB team to NEVER play in an LCS when there were two divisions in each league (1969-1993).

Also in 1995, the Indians made the playoffs for the first time since 1954 after winning 100 games in a 144-game season, but would lose to the Atlanta Braves in the World Series.

Then in 1997, Jose Mesa, one of the more dominating closers in the 1990s and arguably the most dominating closer from 1995-1997, had a chance to close the door on the upstart Florida Marlins with a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the ninth in Game 7. The "high topped" Mesa then did what real mesas do in geology...flatten out. He blew the save by allowing the Marlins to tie the game at 2, and eventually winning the game 3-2 in the 11th inning.

In 1999 and 2007, the Indians saw leads of 2-0 (the 1999 American League Divisional Series and a best-of-five) and 3-1 (the 2007 American League Championship Series a best-of seven) evaporate thanks to the Red Sox winning three straight games to win both series.

Then the Cavaliers were victimized by Jordan's series-winning shot over Craig Ehlo in game five in the first round of the 1989 NBA playoffs, and a sweep-clincher in the second round of the 1993 NBA playoffs. Plus, Jordan and the Bulls also won the 1992 NBA Eastern Conference Finals over the Cavaliers in six games en route to Jordan's second NBA title.

Last but not least, the scene just a night ago, as the heavily favored Cavaliers lost to the Orlando Magic in the 2009 NBA Eastern Conference Finlas in six games, following a 66-win season, the most in Cavs history, and after sweeping the Detroit Pistons and the Atlanta Hawks en route to the conference finals.

In what was supposed to be a coronation for LeBron James, turned out to be an embarrassment as his supporting cast did not show up in the series, and by the fact that the Magic just were hungrier than Cleveland and wanted it more. Now as "King James" goes into a contract year with the Cavaliers, the ever-growing question pops up again...Will LeBron go to New York in 2010? If you ask me, I don't think he is going to join CC Sabathia there, but only time will tell. Until then, Cleveland fan is twisting and turning in his or her bed (whether under Indian, Brown, Cavalier, or regular covers) wondering what could have been and when will the heartbreak end?

2009 MLB PREVIEWS

Now I know the Major League Baseball season is a week old, but I still wanted to give out my predictions for the upcoming season, so here goes!

AMERICAN LEAGUE

AL East: Tampa Bay Rays Last season, Tampa Bay shocked the baseball world by not only going to the playoffs and winning the American League East, but they shocked the Boston Red Sox in seven games en route to American League crown. What's scary is...all five of their starting pitchers are heading into their primes, along with a great farm system, so despite not having the Red Sox's and the New York Yankees' money, they can still compete as a small market, with all the right decisions. The Red Sox and Yankees will battle for second, with Boston edging New York for that spot. The Toronto Blue Jays might be one of the best teams that you've never heard of, and with their Cy Young candidate of an ace, Roy Halladay, but since they are in a very tough division, they can't seem to get over the hump, and that will hold true this year as well, while the Baltimore Orioles will be in a rebuilding mode and finish in last place.

AL Central: Cleveland Indians
This division is possibly the toughest to decide upon, given that all five can either finish in first if everything goes right or last if everything goes wrong, but Cleveland can win this division thanks to two good starters (Fausto Carmona and Cliff Lee), a good line-up, and now a good closer in Kerry Wood. The Minnesota Twins will be a close second, as they can match what Cleveland can do, but their starting pitching is suspect. The Kansas City Royals will be the surprise decision to finish third, because of this team's young talent and finally a clubhouse leader in Coco Crisp that has the World Series experience to guide them in the straight and narrow. The bottom two teams will be the Detroit Tigers and the Chicago White Sox, with Detroit slightly having the edge. Losing Gary Sheffield hurts, but they have the defense to do well, while the White Sox are a decent team, but nothing jumps out at you when you look at the lineup, rotation, and bullpen.

AL West: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
They have been a constant as the kings of this division in this decade, and it really shows that owner Arte Moreno, really has his finger on this franchise, building a harmonic clubhouse along the way. The loss of closer Francisco Rodriguez will sting, but newly acquired Brian Fuentes is capable of filling the task, along with a veteran squad around him. Call me crazy, but the Texas Rangers are good enough to finish in second thanks to the reencarnation of "Roy Hobbs", Josh Hamilton. However, every it's the same thing with the Rangers...they have a ton of offense, but it's their pitching that makes them inconsistent. The Oakland Athletics will be in third as basically a dull team, and the Seattle Mariners will be in last, despite the fact that Ken Griffey, Jr. is back.

AL Wildcard: Boston Red Sox
Give me one good reason on why they can't make the playoffs...I don't have one either. Boston still has the clubhouse to do well when it matters the most, David Oritz is still Mr. Clutch, and Josh Beckett is still a big game pitcher. The Yankees and the Twins can challenge for the spot but they neither have the rotation or the lineup to come away with it at the end.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

NL East: Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies are finally are a champion for the first time since 1980, but it still hasn't quenched the average Philadelphia fan's thirst. They will win this division for the third year in a row thanks to their three MVP candidates (Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, and Chase Utley). The New York Mets have a new stadium and a new closer, but if they might would be better off if the season ended in September, instead of October, in large part of their two momumental collapses over the last two years. However, with K-Rod (along with J.J. Putz for 8th inning insurance), David Wright, and Jose Reyes, they have the talent to win now, but can they make diamonds out of pressure, without allowing it to bust their pipes? The Florida Marlins and the Atlanta Braves will vy for the third spot, with the Marlins having the edge. Florida appears to be a team on the rise with Hanley Ramirez at shortstop, but they need to surround him with more talent as well. Atlanta is not the team that ruled the 90's and the first half of the 2000's, but with young pitching and ace Derek Lowe, they can do well in the future. The Washington Nationals will be the celler dweller in this division, as Adam Dunn will mash homeruns but will strike out a lot.

NL Central: Chicago Cubs
The hands-down favorite in the Central are the lovable Cubbies, who should be able to breathe a lot easier with the Milwaukee Brewers losing CC Sabathia and Ben Sheets. Getting to the postseason isn't the problem with solid pitching and hitting, but it's winning in the second season that counts and the Cubs haven't done that since Game 4 of the 2003 NLCS, in other words, nine straight playoff losses. The St. Louis Cardinals will be first in line for second place, and the comeback of Chris Carpenter should really boost the rotation, along with perennial MVP candidate Albert Pujols to help out the lineup and to bring fears to it. The Cincinnati Reds are a young team, but could be really special in the future. Right now, a third place finish is great for the youthful team of Jay Bruce, Edison Volquez, and Brandon Phillips, but watch out for a team that will be flying around the basepaths. The Houston Astros will finish fourth, but Wandy Rodridguez and Roy Oswalt can provide a nice 1-2 punch in pitching, with Lance Berkman and Carlos Lee still crushing the ball into the built-in railroad in Minute Maid Park. The Brewers will be a disappointment this year, without their pair of aces in order to slip to fifth, and the Pittsburgh Pirates will have another last place finish, possibly reaching 17 seasons under .500.

NL West: Los Angeles Dodgers
March 4, 2009, sealed the fate for the Dodgers and the NL West as Manny Ramirez signed back with Los Angeles, and practically gave them the legs up on the other four teams of the West. In recent time (except 2007), the West has been anemic as far as offense and wins, but signing a guy who can hit .300, with 30 homeruns, and 100 RBIs certainly makes things easier. The Arizona Diamondbacks can be the closest to challenge L.A., seeing as Brandon Webb still is an elite pitcher, but Orlando Hudson helped create offense for them, and seeing as that he's with the Dodgers now, good luck. The Colorado Rockies don't have the magic anymore from their memorable 2007 World Series run, but they'll finish in a strong third, while the San Francisco Giants are a fourth place team at best with great pitching but horrible offense. The San Diego Padres, on the other hand, could be on a fire sale, and if that happens, look for the Jake Peavy sweepstakes to officially begin, which will equal to a last place finish.

NL Wildcard: New York Mets
This team can't choke in three straight years, can they? A National League playoff bid is theirs for the taking, seeing as the Brewers aren't a factor, and the Cardinals and Marlins don't have the firepower to stop them. So basically the Mets only competition is themselves...again.

World Series: Cubs beat Red Sox
If you were saying this before 2004, you would be predicting for hell to freeze over...especially on a 3-2 game in the bottom of the ninth of Game 7, and with bases loaded on a full count and two outs. Now, it can beat a Cubs dream or nightmare. Anyways, the addition of Milton Bradley gives the Cubs a much needed lefty bat, and especially if the Cubs win the Peavy sweepstakes, they would be the favorites in the NL and the MLB. The Red Sox are stinging from their Game 7 loss to the Rays last year, but they return a good lineup and pitching staff...however the Cubs will win and snap their 100 year drought.