by Todd Pheifer

Created on: March 27, 2010

The 2010 baseball season is about to begin and there are a number of teams that have high hopes for success, which will hopefully result in a playoff berth.  Since baseball does not have a salary cap, there is typically a correlation between teams that spend money and those that have post-season success.  Spending the most money certainly doesn't guarantee success, and sometimes a team with a lower payroll can maximize their talent and have enough momentum to propel them into the postseason.  With that in mind, here are a few predictions for the 2010 Major League Baseball season and which teams might end up in the World Series. 

American League West

The Los Angeles Angels have been dominant for a number of years, but age and free agency has taken it's toll.  Now, the newly rejuvenated Seattle Mariners and the hard-hitting Texas Rangers will likely challenge for the division title.  Division Winner Prediction: Seattle Mariners

American League Central

The Minnesota Twins battled their way into the postseason in 2009, and they may return in 2010.  However, the Detroit Tigers have a tough lineup and a pitching staff that might be difficult to beat.  The Tigers fell a game short in 2009, but that may not happen again.  Division Winner Prediction: Detroit Tigers

American League East

The American League East starts and ends with the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox.  The Jays and the Rays may cause some problems, but figure on New York and Boston being there at the end.  Division Winner Prediction: Boston Red Sox.  Wild Card Winner: New York Yankees

National League West

The Los Angeles Dodgers will probably be the early-season favorites, but the Colorado Rockies have a tough lineup and the San Francisco Giants pitching is very good.  WIth the combination of pitching and a solid young core, the Blue Crew and Manny Ramirez may repeat.  Then again, maybe Colorado will be back in the postseason.  Division Winner Prediction: Los Angeles Dodgers 

National League Central

Will the Chicago Cubs finally live up to their potential and win the division? Or will the St. Louis Cardinals, led by solid pitching and Albert Pujols hold off the Cubbies for one more year? Could Milwaukee, Cincinnati, or Houston make some noise? Probably not.  Division Winner Prediction: St. Louis Cardinals

National League East

It is hard to argue against the Philadelphia Phillies to repeat as National League champs.  They have the pitching, the hitting, and the defense.  The New York Mets have talent, but somehow they always seem to fall a bit apart.  Florida always makes things interesting, but they do not seem to have the depth in order to take the division. Division Winner Prediction: Philadelphia Phillies.  Wild Card Winner: New York Mets

World Series Prediction: Philadelphia Phillies over the Boston Red Sox

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