2008 Woodie Awards
Play ball: MLB preview
Look for the Tigers, Mets to slug it out in the 2008 World Series
Lance Miller
Issue date: 4/1/08 Section: Sports
After an off-season filled with steroid allegations and superstar trades, it's time to sort out who's got a shot (that's you, Detroit) and who doesn't (sorry, Kansas City). Let's break it down, division by division.
National League Winners
N.L. East: New York Mets
Here's why: While losing Tom Glavine seemed to completely handicap the Mets at first, they pulled off a deal for stud-ace Johan Santana and they didn't give up anyone big to get him.
Santana brings to the N.L. two Cy Youngs and has led the league in strikeouts, ERA and wins in the past three seasons.
They also added OF Ryan Church, C Brian Schneider and extended 2B Luis Castillo's contract. With all of these additions, look for the Amazins' to take down the weak N.L. East this season and cruise through the playoffs to the World Series.
N.L. Central: Chicago Cubs
Here's why: Everyone that matters from last year's Division Championship team has returned to the Cubs.
The big addition they made was importing Japanese stud Kosuke Fukudome, who provides exactly what the Cubbies lacked last season: a potent, left-handed bat, which balances out their heavily right-handed lineup.
Also, the return of Kerry Wood as the closer has Cubs fans excited.
The 2008 season marks the 100th year since the Cubs have won a World Series. Anyone picking the Cubs to win it all this year?
N.L. West: L.A. Dodgers
Here's why: The Dodgers signed Joe Torre to manage their squad. He will come to the N.L. West, with all of his worldly experience as manager of the Yankees and manage the Dodgers right to a division title. Andruw Jones will have a bounceback season in L.A. and the Dodgers will easily take down a strong West Division.
American League Winners
A.L. East: Boston Red Sox
Here's Why: The Sox did not make any significant upgrades, but other than losing Schilling, they didn't get significantly worse.
The Sox have that perfect combination of young exciting players (Jacoby Ellsbury and Dustin Pedroia) mixed with seasoned veterans like Jason Varitek.
National League Winners
N.L. East: New York Mets
Here's why: While losing Tom Glavine seemed to completely handicap the Mets at first, they pulled off a deal for stud-ace Johan Santana and they didn't give up anyone big to get him.
Santana brings to the N.L. two Cy Youngs and has led the league in strikeouts, ERA and wins in the past three seasons.
They also added OF Ryan Church, C Brian Schneider and extended 2B Luis Castillo's contract. With all of these additions, look for the Amazins' to take down the weak N.L. East this season and cruise through the playoffs to the World Series.
N.L. Central: Chicago Cubs
Here's why: Everyone that matters from last year's Division Championship team has returned to the Cubs.
The big addition they made was importing Japanese stud Kosuke Fukudome, who provides exactly what the Cubbies lacked last season: a potent, left-handed bat, which balances out their heavily right-handed lineup.
Also, the return of Kerry Wood as the closer has Cubs fans excited.
The 2008 season marks the 100th year since the Cubs have won a World Series. Anyone picking the Cubs to win it all this year?
N.L. West: L.A. Dodgers
Here's why: The Dodgers signed Joe Torre to manage their squad. He will come to the N.L. West, with all of his worldly experience as manager of the Yankees and manage the Dodgers right to a division title. Andruw Jones will have a bounceback season in L.A. and the Dodgers will easily take down a strong West Division.
American League Winners
A.L. East: Boston Red Sox
Here's Why: The Sox did not make any significant upgrades, but other than losing Schilling, they didn't get significantly worse.
The Sox have that perfect combination of young exciting players (Jacoby Ellsbury and Dustin Pedroia) mixed with seasoned veterans like Jason Varitek.
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