MLB Preview

News flash: A-Rod was just traded to the Red Sox for Pedro, Detroit is looking to contend for a postseason spot and the entire Cubs starting rotation has decided to give up baseball for a go at Olympic figure skating.

Here's another news flash: its April 1st. That means two things, first, April Fools' Day, second, the start of widespread MLB play. Of course every team likes to go into the season saying that they have a chance to make the playoffs, but the fact is, this year, like most years, there are a few clear-cut favorites.

The Yankees have got to be at the top of everyone's playoff list. Besides the fact they have been a lock, since forever, to be playing in October, they have the most potent lineup in the baseball, arguably one of the best ever. Let's see if you recognize any of these names: Jeter, Giambi, Rodriguez, Sheffield, Lofton, Williams, Matsui, Posada. Reads like the roster for the All-Star Game. Its hard to not favor a team with such great run producing potential. On top of that they still have a few top-tier arms in their rotation and one of the nastiest closers around. Look for them to slug their way through the regular season and make some noise in the fall.

But this year is a little different. The Yankees aren't necessarily the best team in the Majors, or even in the American League. In fact they aren't even the best team in their division. Wait, and take a look at this: Pedro Martinez, Curt Schilling and Derek Lowe. Boston has one of the most devastating starting rotations around, with a 1-2-3 as automatic as any in the league. Another big plus is that the Sox are returning most of the lineup that created the best offense in the Major's last year, scoring more runs than Atlanta and New York. Don't expect Boston to duplicate that success, Bill Mueller and Kevin Millar had over-their-head seasons, and they were huge cogs in the Red Sox offensive machine. But, it would be crazy to think they aren't going to have a solid run producing lineup, and with their pitching, they won't need much. Boston is looking good this season, expect them and the Yankees to put on a great show battling for first place. But expect Boston's pitching to give them an edge over Bronx Bombers going into the postseason.

Another team that everyone is talking about is the Cubs. They have the best starting rotation, one through five, in the Majors. Hands down. There is not a single day that the Cub's opponents can look at the pitching probable and breath a sigh of relief. They have a number five pitcher in Matt Clement who can shut any team down, any given start. In his 14 wins last year he had a 1.61 ERA. He has that ability, that type of stuff, and he's their five, that's scary. Their hitting was their problem last year, they ranked 9th in the NL in runs scored. But expect a big year out of Sammy Sosa and Corey Patterson is back, and he is ready to continue his break out season where he left it off when he went down with an ACL tear. Aramis Ramirez and Derek Lee should add some pop. Don't expect this lineup to flounder much in 2004, and don't expect them to feel any pressure, no matter who is on the mound for them.

These are the big three, but if the last two years have taught us anything, its that the favorites sometimes cast a shadow on clubs who simply, get it done. Some teams to watch this year are the Astros, who helped themselves out this offseason in a big way by picking up Andy Pettitte and Roger Clemens. The Twins, who are primed to finally fulfill their potential. And Oakland, who always seems to win, and win a lot, in the regular season.

Both the Cubs and the Red Sox are threatening to break their curses, and when you find yourself watching a Chicago/Boston World Series it might be hard to believe. At least you will know it isn't an April Fools' joke.