And The World Series Champs Will Be...

I had begun a division-by-division analysis, but life got in the way. So instead of such minutiae, let's stick to the important things. Yes, like who is going to win it all.

To get there, we will need to first discuss many key topics for the year. So, here they are:

• Yes, the Yankees will win the AL East. This is a no-brainer. They made improvements where needed and have the best lineup in baseball. Plus, having guys like Melky Cabrera and Miguel Cairo on the bench gives them added strength. Unlike some recent seasons, the Yankees will win 2007 going away.
• No, The Red Sox won't make the playoffs. Not a chance. This supposed amazing rotation consists of an aging veteran (Schilling) who came into spring in terrible shape -- something a man his age won't be able to handle, an inconsistent Josh Beckett and Dice-K. Let's be realistic, few players live up to the hype. He had a great WBC. Once AL hitters figure him out (and it won't take long) he will be another tremendous disappointment. Dice-K will be a Mariner in '08.
• The AL Central rules. Four teams in this division have a legitimate chance at winning the World Series. In my eyes, only one other division has more than one (NL West). The ultimate winners in the battle among the Twins, Indians, Tigers and White Sox will quite possibly raise the flag.
• The Dodgers are back. And, yes, they are for real.
• Barry Bonds' rape of the records will continue. Number 756 will fly into McCovey Cove this summer, taking with it any meaning to baseball numbers. And, sadly, ESPN will say it's a great event.

Now, to the predictions (wildcard team with an *):

AL East

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

AL Central

1. Tigers
2. Twins*
3. Indians
4. White Sox
5. Royals

AL West

1. Athletics
2. Angels
3. Mariners
4. Rangers

AL Champs: Minnesota Twins

NL East

1. Mets
2. Phillies
3. Braves
4. Marlins
5. Nationals

NL Central

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

NL West

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

NL Champs: Los Angeles Dodgers

And the 2007 World Series Champions will be...

The Minnesota Twins