2008 MLB Predicted Standings: American League

Early Bird Predictions for America's Pastime

It's never too early to make some baseball predictions. Obviously, there are still some things yet to be resolved for the 2008 season, notably where Johan Santana will play. At this point, it's looking like it'll be either Minnesota or Boston.  Quite frankly, Santana won't change much of those teams' 2008 outlooks very much.

So here we go:

AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST
As usual, it will come down to the Red Sox and Yankees. Oh, the Blue Jays and will be competitive, and might even win a playoff spot if they played in the National League. If Toronto can keep its pitchers healthy, they might have the staff (Roy Halladay, A.J. Burnett, Dustin MacGowan, et. al.) to sneak into second place. The Rays also have lots of young talent, especially on offense. And the Orioles... have nice uniforms? Sorry, Baltimore. It's "Wait 'til next year... or the year after that, or that, or that" at Camden Yards this season. Again.

But the Red Sox are the clear favorite here.

Even as it comes off the emotional high of its second World Series in four seasons, Boston looks loaded for 2008 - with or without Santana. Their rotation features Cy Young runner-up Josh Beckett, the veritable Curt Schilling, a more seasoned Daisuke Matsuzaka, Jon Lester and the ancient Tim Wakefield. Add in a lineup featuring Big Papi, Manny Ramirez, Rookie of the Year Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis, Jason Varitek and wunderkind centerfielder Jacoby Ellsbury, and the Red Sox will finish on top again. They're still the best team in baseball, period.

PREDICTION: It's the RED SOX over the Yankees by at least six games, followed by the Blue Jays, Rays and Orioles, in that order. As a consolation prize, the Yankees grab the Wild Card. The Jays are competitive for the Wild Card until the end, and Tampa Bay finishes with a team-record 75 or so wins. The Orioles trade Erik Bedard at the trading deadline.