Time for baseball season

I always get incredibly excited for baseball season. I'm more pumped for Opening Day than the World Series, and the first few games of the season are more enjoyable than the final few weeks. I'm not sure why.

Probably because I'm a Cubs fan.

And on Opening Day, Chicago is atop the National League Central standings.

I understand that technically it's a tie for first place, and the only reason Chicago is listed first is due to alphabetical reasons.

But they're still in first place. Cubs fans take what they can get.

But it's not just Cubs fans - everybody can dream on Opening Day.

Yes, it is time for baseball season. And with baseball season comes a load of predictions.

A.L. East: This division is Boston's to lose. Toronto and New York will certainly compete for the division crowd, but neither team can match Boston's balance. The Red Sox have a dangerous offense that can mix the mashers (David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez) with players like Kevin Youkilis, who gets on base and keeps innings alive. Curt Schilling is still in shape and motivated, and Daisuke Matsuzaka in the No. 3 spot could win 18 games.

A.L. Central: In the most loaded division in baseball - you could make a solid argument that four teams have a chance to win it - I like Detroit. An excellent rotation was dealt a blow when it was announced that Kenny Rogers has a blood clot and will miss extended time. But the Tigers have a deep staff, and the addition of Gary Sheffield puts the lineup over the top.

A.L. West: In what should be a tight race most of the season, I'm going to take Oakland. The A's somehow patch together a 90-win team every season. They'll beat out Los Angeles for the division crown, but the Angels will earn the wildcard berth, mainly because Chicago, Minnesota and Cleveland will beat up on each other in the rugged A.L. Central.

N.L. East: The Braves should have a nice bounce-back year, but New York is the most talented team in the division. The Mets will win it if their aging rotation holds up. Atlanta will earn the wildcard, though.

N.L. Central: St. Louis. A part of me really wants to pick the chic team - Milwaukee - but St. Louis' offense is just too good. It will have to be to carry the bottom half of that pitching rotation, though.

N.L. West: Arizona. Kind of a surprising selection, but they have a nice rotation and tons of young talent. The Diamondbacks' closest competition, the L.A. Dodgers, are relying on a lot of iffy players - Juan Pierre (doesn't take nearly enough pitches), Nomar Garciapara, Jeff Kent, Luis Gonzalez. Too many question marks in L.A.

As for the World Series, let's go with Detroit over New York. The Kenny Rogers situation is worth watching, but a lineup loaded 1-9, a great rotation, superb bullpen and veteran manager should help navigate the Tigers through the A.L. playoffs and to a 4-2 series win.