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 Ken Griffey is back, but is that enough for Seattle in the AL West? The Mariners are the focus of our first MLB team preview.  The Halos didn't have a great offseason, but so what? Given their remaining talent, it's hard to favor anybody else in the West.  The A's have added Matt Holliday and Jason Giambi in hopes of knocking off the Angels in the West. But it may not happen just yet.  Texas is set to unleash Elvis Andrus. Will he be enough to take them from also-ran to contender? We preview the 2009 Rangers. |
 The Tigers were done early last season. To avoid a similar outcome, they'll need better pitching and a strong April.  The Royals had a solid offseason. The AL Central is wide open. Put them together and K.C. may be in it all the way into September.  The Twins rode a young lineup to strong season in '08. Now a year older, Minnesota is hoping to finally get over the hump.  The White Sox have no choice but to rely on young players in key spots. But if last year was any indication, that's just fine.  Unlike this time last year, nobody's expecting much from the Indians. That could mean big things if certain players rebound. |
 Jays management has been pointing to 2010. But what about this season? Brace yourself for a long summer, Toronto fans.  You don't want to be rebuilding and trying to contend in the AL East at the same time. Unfortunately, that's what the O's are doing.  Maybe the Rays did arrive a season early, but they're here now and a year older. It all adds up to another title run in the East.  Yes, the A-Rod saga hurts. But there are plenty of reasons to the like the Yanks' chances of returning to the playoffs.  Other than some risky buys, the BoSox didn't make much of a splash this offseason. But that doesn't mean they're going away. |
 Perennial Cy Young contender Brandon Webb has Arizona set for another run in the West. But they need more than just him to do it.  The Giants didn't improve much on offense, but their pitching should be even better this year. Could it add up to a playoff appearance?  The Padres have Jake Peavy and a little bit of hope for now. But there's reason to believe they could be out of both by mid-summer.  The Rockies went from NL champs in '07 to 74-win also-ran last season. So where's the truth? Find out if a rebound is in the offing.  The Dodgers did what it took to get Manny back. But whether they repeat last year's success comes down to their youngsters. |
 Youngsters like Joey Votto have some people thinking the Reds are ready to contend. That optimism might be a little premature.  With CC Sabathia and Ben Sheets gone, the time has come for Ryan Braun to carry the Brewers. But will he be enough?  The Cubs look like a good bet to stay on top of the NL Central. But that isn't enough anymore these days. Can they do better?  Don't hand the NL Central to the Cubs just yet. The Cardinals have the goods to make it a race all the way into September.  The Astros tried in vain to plug all their holes during the offseason but were unsuccessful. Get ready for more struggles.  The Bucs struggled to a 95-loss campaign in '08. Now they hope the pieces are in place to avoid another embarrassing summer. |
 The Mets have studs like David Wright and Jose Reyes, but no playoff trips to show for it. That's what makes this year so critical.  The Mets got better. So did the Braves. It will be another tough haul for the Phils, but this team looks capable of defending its title.  The Braves have built one of the league's top rotations. It's too bad they may not get the run support to have it result in a title.  Pitcher John Lannan gives the Nats' rotation some hope. But after him, things get dicey. That's why another long summer is coming.  In any other NL division, the Marlins might have a chance with their young talent. But in the East, they look like an also-ran. |
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