Yanks Pay Their Respects

Photo by AP

Today, the Yankees played a exhibition game against Virginia Tech University to honor those who lost their lives on the campus last year. George Steinbrenner donated $1 million to the VA Tech memorial fund after the tragedy and immediately offered to have the Yankees come and play an exhibition game during spring training. This is the least the Yankees could do. I am sure that the Yankees were touched emotionally by the events of today and were very happy to help in any way possible. ARod even said that this was his most important game as a Yankee. Also, a member of the VA Tech baseball team, even wore a Yankees jersey over his Red Sox shirt.

It is nice to see many ballplayers, coaches, and front office staff pay their respects to the many families and friends that were affected by the tragedy that struck the campus of VA Tech. Living just outside of New York City, I had friends who lost family members in the catastrophic disaster on 9/11/01. I was indirectly affected by 9/11 and I remember how everyone came together. I, like many others, turned to one of my joys in life, the Yankees for support and comfort. It just echoes the sentiment that there is a life outside of baseball and that the Yankees can help the healing process.

MLB Predictions – American League

AL:

West – LA Angels of Anaheim (the name still doesn’t make any sense)

It seems like the Angels are in the thick of things year in and year out, and this year is no different. They added Garland to an already good rotation and F-Rod is one of the best closers in baseball. They also have added Hunter to man centerfield. Their bullpen isn’t the same as it used to be and their stars are getting older and breaking down slowly. They are the only team that really scares me because they always play the Yankees hard. The Mariners could make some noise, especially with Bedard and Hernandez, back to back in rotation. I just can’t be sold on their up and down offense…mainly Sexson.

Central – Tigers

This division is a two-team race with the Indians trailing closely behind. To add the second best hitter in the National League in Cabrera, and a emotional veteran in Willis to anchor the staff, well, you can say that it was a productive offseason. The Indians would like to build on their success from last year. I just don’t think that with the lack of changes in the offseason, they can improve on last year and finish ahead of Detroit. The Twins are in a rebuilding stage and the White Sox and the Royals will fight it out for 4th place.

East – Yankees

Did you have a feeling I might predict the Yankees to win the East? Yes, I admit that I am just a little bias, but heck, they are still a darn good team. They need to get off to a really good start in order to win the division. They failed to do this last year and the Red Sox…well you know the rest. The Yankees have inning limits for Joba, Kennedy, and Hughes which really concerns me. Who will be called upon to pick up those innings late in the season? Kei Igawa…think again. Who will be in the bullpen this year? Whomever they are, they will be on a short leash, as AAA Scranton/Wilkes Barre will be stocked with arms ready for the call. The shuttle between NY and PA will surely be constantly moving. The Blue Jays have gotten better and the Devil Rays are only going to get better with more game experience. The Orioles might be the worst team in the majors.

AL Wild Card – Red Sox

The Red Sox have their problems as well. Schilling is probably out for most of the season and their bullpen is not the best. But, until someone else is crowned the World Series Champion come October, the Red Sox are still the team to beat.

AL Cy Young- Justin Verlander

AL MVP – Miguel Cabrera

AL ROY – Evan Longoria (if he plays all year)

ALCS Winner – Yankees (usually very honest but I told you I am bias)