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In 2008, major league baseball is slowly trying to restore its image and finally emerge from the steroid scandal. With Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens now out of the game, the sport looks to take on a new persona. While time will tell how fans ultimately view the steroid era, there is currently plenty of talent left on the field. As pennant races heat up, fans will see some familiar faces leading the pack, as well as other teams trying to stake their claim to a World Series title. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:off ice:office" /> American League East: Young Red Sox fans are spoiled. They only know the team that has won two of the last four World Series, not the franchise that for decades tried to exorcise the Curse of the Bambino. The curse is now long gone and <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:off ice:smarttags" />Boston again fields the best team in the majors. With stout pitching and hitting, Boston will once again contend come October. The rest of the division is competitive as always. The Tampa Bay (don't call them the Devil) Rays are reaping the benefits of their young talent. Traditionally the division's cellar dwellers, Tampa newspapers have stopped reporting how the Rays are over .500 for the first time in their history. The Rays have a bright future and are contenders for the A.L. wild card. In doing so, they'll have to hold off Toronto and New York. Hank Steinbrenner has taken over decision-making for his ailing father and has already made his presence felt. First year manager Joe Girardi is under his watchful eye. One gets a sneaking suspicion that if the Yankees fail to reach their ultimate goal, heads will once again roll in the Bronx just as they always have. Predicted Division Winner: Red Sox American League Central: Ozzie Guillen continues to be baseball's most entertaining sound bite and he once again has his White Sox in contention. They will have to fend off the Indians and always pesky Minnesota Twins who now face life without Johan Santana. The Detroit Tigers after spending millions on free agency in the off-season have to be the league's biggest bust. Pre-season favorites to win this division, Tiger fans have to be wondering how they're losing with so much talent. And unfortunately for Royals fans, George Brett is not walking through that door any time soon. Predicted Division Winner: Indians American League West: This division looks like a two-team

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