MLB Final Four

It's funny to watch pre-season predictions unfold. For instance we rounded up an MLB Preview for the 2006 season, now let's see how they did:

Oakland A's: Pick - 1st Place in AL West - this could be the year. Past teams of GM Billy Beane have been built to do well in the regular season but haven’t gotten far in the post-season, but this team could change all that. First off, it’s always easiest to win the AL West because there are only 4 teams. Since it looks like only the Angels will provide much competition, that’s another point in the A’s favor. The team is solid at every position, stellar at some, and deep all around. Most importantly, the starting pitching could be the best in all of baseball from 1-5. The key to success is probably Crosby. He must stay healthy as he is the most irreplaceable cog in the A’s machine.


Detroit Tigers: Pick - 4th Place in AL Central - If everything comes together this season – and I do mean everything – Detroit could compete for the division title or, more likely, the Wild Card. But it still looks like they may be a year away from being a serious competitor. Bonderman and Verlander both have top of the rotation stuff and breakout seasons from them will signal that the team is close to ready to compete. Tigers really need a few more offensive parts before we talk about them seriously, however.

New York Mets: Pick - 2nd Place in NL East - The Mets are better offensively but weaker in the rotation than they were in 2005. Did they rob Peter to pay Paul? That remains to be seen. They’ll score enough to make the division race interesting throughout the season. But unless they add another proven starter or two, they don’t have enough to topple the Braves. They should be in good position to compete for the Wild Card, however, in a pretty weak National League.

St. Louis Cardinals: Pick - 1st Place in NL Central - The Cardinals are very similar to the team that nailed down a division crown last season and have a strong lineup and rotation at manager Tony La Russa’s disposal. That balance of hitting and pitching, along with the energy of playing in a new ballpark, should be more than enough to help the Cards bring home a third straight NL Central title.