While everyone else is out "celebrating" April Fools' Day, baseball fans know what today really means; today is the official first day of the 2007 Major League Baseball season. As a Cardinals fan, I am pumped up about tonight's game. I have my Willie McGee jersey on, and I am ready to rock. But before we get to that, I've got some picks to make. So without further ado, here are my picks for the 2007 MLB Season.

AL WEST

1. Angels
2. A's
3. Rangers
4. Mariners

This is a tough division to call. I give the ever-so slight edge to the Angels based on their rotation. If Jered Weaver can stay healthy, he can help the Angels find their way into the postseason.

AL CENTRAL

1. Tigers
2. Indians (Wild Card)
3. White Sox
4. Twins
5. Royals

I have to tell you. I really thought long and hard about putting the powerhouse Royals at the top of the division before thinking twice. I mean, that Gil Meche signing really put them over the top. Okay, I am kidding. Obviously, the Royals have no business being compared to the other four teams in the AL Central. The Tigers are a near flawless team, besides their pitchers' defense (thanks for the title!). But seriously, they have the tools to make another run at the World Series, especially with the addition of Gary Sheffield. The Indians have a lot of hype to live up to; will it get to them like it has in recent years? Bottom line is that this is the Tigers' division title to take.

AL EAST

1. Red Sox
2. Yankees
3. Blue Jays
4. Orioles
5. Devil Rays

This is the "Yawn Division." The bottom three teams just do not matter. When the top two teams are spending un-godly amounts of money, no one else has a chance. And yes Red Sox fans, your team is becoming the Yankees Part Two. The Dice-K and JD Drew signings are evidence of that. Management overpaid about $30 million dollars for an oft-injured, middle of the road outfielder in Drew. Have fun cursing him for riding pine for 10 games because of a bruised ass cheek or something. He's good at doing that. The Dice-K signing might be a good one, but just like the Yankees, the Red Sox went Pac-Man Jones and just started dropping tons of cash on the table before thinking twice about it. Classic "Evil Empire" move. Regardless, the Red Sox may finally end the Yanks division title run. I'd be happier if the Red Sox hadn't developed into the Yankees baby brother.

NL WEST

1. Padres
2. Diamondbacks
3. Dodgers
4. Giants
5. Rockies

This is a tough division to pick, because I really think any of the top three teams can make a run at it. The D-Backs have so much talent and bringing Randy Johnson back can't hurt. The Dodgers have a solid pitching staff, but their lineup has some holes. The Padres are the defending NL West Champs and I think they'll repeat.

NL CENTRAL

1. Cardinals
2. Brewers
3. Cubs
4. Astros
5. Reds
6. Pirates

Your eyes do not deceive you. A 300 million dollar spending spree cannot buy you a division title if you are the Cubs. That's why they are in the middle of the pack. The Astros are going to fall to fourth this year, as they have their weakest rotation in about 3-4 years. The Brewers, on the other hand, have the best rotation in the division and tons of young talent. They could make a run at the Wild Card, and perhaps even a division title. But the Cardinals are the NL Central kings the last few years, and for their spot atop my picks to change, someone is going to have to de-throne the defending World Series Champs. As for the Pirates, well....uh....enjoy Adam LaRoche.

NL EAST

1. Mets
2. Phillies (Wild Card)
3. Braves
4. Marlins
5. Nationals

The division no longer belongs to the Braves! And with that, the Mets look like they begin a steady hold atop the East. Many people are picking them to not only win the East, but the NL Pennant as well. Maybe if Carlos Beltran actually swings the bat this time, eh? Ryan Howard will help push the Phillies towards the playoffs and the Braves will be left out for the second straight year.

And there you have it. i wouldn't be surprised if half of the picks look stupid by June, but that's baseball and that's why I love it. Enjoy the season, folks.

Labels: 2007, Division Picks, Evil Empire, MLB