The United Cardinal bloggers are doing their project this month by having each blogger give their projections for each division. Today we are doing the ENTIRE American League. Here are my projections along with the number of wins and losses for each team. Be sure to give your opinions on how close you think I came to your thoughts.

American League East

Red Sox               97 -65

Yankees              93- 69

Rays                     84 -78

Blue Jays            77- 85

Orioles                 75- 87

American League Central

Twins                    88-77

White Sox           83-79

Tigers                   81- 81

Royals                 68-92

Indians               65-96

American League West

Rangers            92-70

Angels               86-76

Athletics           79-83

Mariners          70-92

That’s it for the American League.

Tomorrow I depart for Jupiter Florida for Spring Training. I have plans to attend 5 games while hanging out in the 80 degree weather.

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It is time for some more fantasy information. It is Fantasy Friday.

Check out my list and telling me where I am faulty in my thoughts.

SHORTSTOP

1. Hanley Ramirez

2. Troy Tulowitzki

3. Elvis Andrus

4. Jimmy Rollins

5. Jose Reyes

6. Derek Jeter

7. Stephen Drew

8. Alexei Ramirez

9. Rafael Furcal

10. Ian Desmond

11. Alcides Escobar

12.  Starlin Castro

13. Cliff Pennington

THIRD BASEMEN

1. Evan Longoria

2. David Wright

3. Ryan Zimmerman

4. Alex Rodriguez

5. Adrian Beltre

6. Mark Reynolds

7. Casey McGehee

8. Michael Young

9.  Jose Bautista

10. Scott Rolen

11. Pablo Sandoval

12. Pedro Alvarez

13. Aramis Ramirez

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Today I want to give a bit of a lesson on OPTIONS and how they work in MLB to the best of my recollection. What prompted me to this is that the Cardinals sent a few players down to the minor league camp this week and Zack Cox was one of those and his arbitration clock starting ticking when they exercised an option on him for it.

What are OPTIONS?

When a player is first added to the 40 man roster, he is given a total of three option years. While they are often referred to as options, this is a little misleading. In a given option year, a player may be sent down to the minors and recalled as often as the team pleases while only using one option. In other words, an option is a season during which the club may to move him to and from the minor leagues without exposing him to other clubs. Basically, options are another measure of control that a team has on its prospects–one that allows a club to send its prospects that need a little seasoning or are blocked at the major league level down to the minors, where they can get in some good at-bats and work on their issues. There are a couple of exceptions to this rule, however.

One of these exceptions is that a player optioned to the minor leagues may not be recalled for at least 10 days, unless the club places a player from the 25 man active roster on the disabled list during the 10-day window, in which case the prospect may be recalled. Another is that a player with 5 years of Major League service may not be sent to the minor leagues on an optional assignment without his consent. Thus, teams don’t have options on some arbitration eligible players due to their service time, as well as all players eligible for free agency. These players are usually designated for assignment, a topic that will be explored later in the waivers session. Let’s just look at the prospects for now.

After his three option years are exhausted, a player is out of options. Then he must clear waivers before he may be sent to the minors again.

An option year is used:

However, an option year is NOT used:

Also, in very rare cases a player may be eligible for a fourth option year if he has been optioned in three seasons but does not yet have five full seasons of professional experience–where a full season is defined as being on an active pro (major or minor) roster for at least 90 days in a season–thus short season leagues like the Pioneer and Northwest leagues don’t count as a full season for players.

This exception is really quite rare though, as teams would have to sign a player to a major league contract immediately (like Matt Wieters or Buster Posey was, I believe), then keep that player in the minors for three full years. It doesn’t happen often, as most players are signed to a major league contract when they’re about ready to contribute on the major league level.

This is it in a nutshell. Keep your eyes and ears primed and when your Buffalo Wild Wings friends start talking about baseball players and their options, you can join in the conversation.

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Be sure to check out my LIVE BLOGGING while I am in Florida for SPRING TRAINING later this month.

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Those words come from the song “Don’t Bring me Down” by Electric Light Orchestra. What does that have to do baseball? I am going to give you a few teams that are lying in the grass, like a snake, waiting to come out and take over their division and on to the playoffs. I would venture to guess that is what the San Francisco Giants did in 2010. They were not particularly on anyones radar at the start of the season to be crowned World Champions.

Who gets that distinction in 2011? Let’s preview a few teams that are considered good but not top tiered teams to win it all. Boston, Philadelphia, New York Yankees and San Francisco are the teams most are touting as the teams to beat. Here some of the teams that I give the “snake in the grass” title for this season.

The winner of the American League Central. I believe it could be the Twins or the White Sox.

Minnesota Twins- The Twins added Tsuyoshi Nishioka who was a standout in the Pacific Coast League. Add him with a healthy Morneau and Joe Nathan and this team may be an underdog worthy of attention. The White Sox added players and lots of money to their roster.

Chicago White Sox- The players add on the South Side of Chicago are Adam Dunn, Paul Konerko, Jesse Crain. But gone from the team are Bobby Jenks and J.J. Putz. If Ozzie Guillen doesn’t implode, this team could make it to the playoffs in 2011.

From the National League we have the Milwaukee Brewers as they added to strong pitching arms in Zack Grienke and Shawn Marcum coupled with Prince Fielder’s new deal makes them a formidable team for 2011.

Atlanta Braves could easily take any other division but they are in the East and secure the Wild Card spot. This is a very good team that will win many game with Jason Heyward, a 5 tool player, and Brian McCann holding a bat and look for a resurgence of Chipper Jones to compliment them. In the rotation they have Jair Jurrijens, Derek Lowe, along with Minor and Hanson.

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As I follow all of the Spring Training games I am amused at the number of fans that are so serious about the outcome of a Spring Training game. I don’t get excited until the last week. That is why my attendance in Florida will be during the final week to see all the players that make the Opening Day roster.

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Here is my updated (for March) estimated standings for the end of 2011. You can see two things from the February posting. I have moved the Cardinals from first to third with the loss of Wainwright and the light injuries to 36 year old Chris Carpenter. Coupled with reserve Nick Punto and Mitchell Boggs having issues, this doesn’t bode well for them. I move the Brewers into first place due to their pitching staff. Let me know where I have really missed it on these projections!

American League East

Red Sox              97            65

Yankees              93            69

Rays                     84            78

Blue Jays            77            85

Orioles                75            87

American League Central

Twins                    88            77

White Sox           83            79

Tigers                    81            81

Royals                   68           92

Indians                  65           96

American League West

Rangers            92               70

Angels               86               76

Athletics           79               83

Mariners          70               92

National League East

Phillies            95                67

Braves             90                75

Mets                 80                82

Nationals       76               85

Marlins           72              88

National League Central

Brewers                90             73

Reds                      88            75

Cardinals             84            77

Cubs                      76             86

Astros                  68              94

Pirates                 67              95

National League West

Rockies                  90           75

Giants                     87           78

Dodgers               82             82

Padres                   81            83

Diamondbacks  68            94

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Poetry has existed since man has recorded their activities. Poetry and Baseball have hooked up since Abner Doubleday got this invention thing right. Let’s examine some of my personal baseball poetry and then I will share a link for an extensive list of poems related to baseball.

Being a Cardinals fan I suppose it is only fitting that a few of my favorite poems were written by the last Jack Buck. This one sums up my feeling about baseball very succinctly. It is called 365.

… and who can forget Jack Buck being the voice of calmness after the Tragedy of September 11th with this rendition….

There are tons of baseball poems. Why not take some time today and look them over. I would almost guarantee a smile will come over you face as you read some of them. Here is a good list to use.

Enjoy the day and why not hook up with MLB for some radio listening of Spring Training.

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The Cardinals begin Spring Training games in earnest today and I will be near a radio to take in all the sounds of the game. I will listen to every pitch of every inning until it is over. Yes, I am a baseball junkie!

Those that know me will say that I have some humor and I can find song lyrics for almost all occasions. Today we turn our attention to baseball songs. There has not been a ton of them written but those that we have are to be cherished. Here is a short list of some of my personal favorites.

• Centerfield – John Fogerty – This is a must to add to your playlist that will get you fired up for the game, there is no better song than John Fogerty’s American favorite Centerfield. The guitar is awesome and has a regular style beat to it that keeps you tapping your feet. Add to that the hoarse, gravel voice of Fogerty and we have a baseball classic. WANT to LISTEN to this classic while you read the rest of my blog then click here for a YouTube version.
• Load up the Bases – Whiskey Falls- Load up the Bases will add country rock music to your baseball list. This is country music by Whiskey Falls at its finest. Baseball and Country Music are just made for each other.
• The Greatest – Kenny Rogers- The Greatest is a song about a boy dreaming about being the greatest hitter of all-time. He touches everyone sense of  how much baseball means in everyones life.
• Cheap Seats – Alabama - All across the United States small parks are cleaning up their stadiums and getting ready for the start of something special in their area, baseball. Sometimes we don’t care where we sit at a game, we just want to be there and take in the surroundings. This songs pays tribute to Americana.
• A Perfect Day for Baseball – Jason Siemer – The interesting aspect of this song is that it brings back the warm and fuzzy thought associated with baseball. The great weather to get you gloves out and have that first day of playing catch and hitting pepper games. We reminisce about how the weather is perfect and there is not a care in the world!

Baseball transcends politics, weather, religion and other issues of the world. Almost everyone can talk baseball and have a good time attend a game. Doesn’t matter if it is a Major League park or a Minor League diamond across America, baseball is America’s Pastime.

Later this week I will add blog about some of the greatest BASEBALL POETRY ever written.

PLAY BALL!

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Ooooh that smell
Can’t you smell that smell
Ooooh that smell

Those are the words from a Lynard Skynard song and they sum up my thoughts very succinctly concerning baseball and Spring Training. There is a certain feel about it. A certain mindset takes place when thinking,watching or listening to the Boys of Summer (not the band but the baseball players)  come back for Spring Training.

Ahh, yes! Baseball season has finally arrived and every fan from two-years old to one hundred and two are donning their favorite team`s baseball hat and heading for the park or stadium to take in the enjoyment of the great game of baseball.

When Spring comes so does baseball Spring Training.  Spring training is a time for major league teams to let rookies or new players audition for a spot on the team`s roster and let the existing players on the team practice and get ready for the upcoming season.

Spring training is held in warm climate areas such as Florida and Arizona as-well as other places. Many of the teams today have been taking part in spring training in the very same areas for many decades. A good example of this is the Los Angeles Dodgers who from 1953 ” 2008 had been holding their spring training operations at Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Florida. The Dodgers moved their spring training camp to Glendale, Arizona in 2008 due to a very lucrative offer from the newly built Camelback Ranchfacility there in Glendale, Arizona.

Spring training normally lasts around two months with the pitchers and catchers being the two positions to arrive to spring training first followed by the other players. Pitchers need to have a longer duration to get ready for the season because pitchers really have a more exhausting position to train for. After the rest of the team arrives, the practice begins.

Spring training consists of many exhibition or practice games and gives teams managers a chance to evaluate players for certain positions and to make the final cut for the team. It also gives the local community a connection with not only Major League baseball but the team itself. Many fans make it a point to travel to spring training to watch their home team practice, meet players, get autographs and sort of begin the upcoming baseball season early. Also, many college students hold their spring break at various cities that are having spring training.

The forward movement of the season of spring comes the season of baseball. The season of baseball in spring has the essence of the smell of fresh blooming flowers, freshly cut grass, and warm summer like temperatures coming with it.

(REPRINTED from HERE)

Bought your MLB package yet? Just do it! This is an awesome present for a baseball fanatic!  Order MLB-TV here .

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We always are talking about the offense some teams generate or the way the pitchers dominant teams so let’s look at the different baseball parks and analyze.

Here is what I perceive as hitters parks and pitchers parks and then we will check the second list for a more detailed, stat-oriented approach to the idea.

Pitchers Park - Meaning that the ballpark is great for pitching

Pitcher-friendly – Generally favorable to defense

Neutral – Neither pitchers or batters are favored

Hitter-friendly – Less forgiving to pitchers than to batters.

Hitters Park – The ballpark is a haven for batting

Pitcher Friendly

• Oakland-Alameda Coliseum
• Kauffman Stadium
• US Cellular
• PNC Park
• Citi Field
• Joe Robbie Stadium
• Turner Field

Pitchers Park

• Safeco Field – Pitchers Park
• Comerica Park – Pitchers Park
• Petco Park – Pitchers Park
• Nationals Park – Pitchers Park

Neutral

• Angel Stadium
• AT&T

Hitter Friendly

• The Ballpark in Arlington
• Metrodome
• Progressive
• SkyDome
• Tropicana Field
• Chase Field
• Busch Stadium
• Great American Ballpark

Hitters Park

• Coors Field
• Minute Maid
• Wrigley Field
• Miller Park
• Camden Yards
• Fenway
• Yankee Stadium

Below are the rankings of “hitter’s parks”, home teams and their rankings in runs scored.

1. Rangers Ballpark (Texas Rangers #1-AL) 1.142

2. Chase Field (Arizona D’backs #10-NL) 1.135

3. Coors Field (Colorado Rockies #8-NL ) 1.126

4. U.S. Cellular Field (Chicago White Sox #5-AL) 1.122

5. Fenway Park (Boston, Massachusetts #2-AL) 1.077

6. Comerica Park (Detroit Tigers #4-AL) 1.077

7. Great American (Cincinnati Reds #12-NL) 1.069

8. Wrigley Field (ChicagoCubs #1-NL) 1.068

9. Turner Field (Atlanta Braves #6-NL) 1.063

10. Camden Yards (Baltimore Orioles #8-AL) 1.051

11. AT&T Park (San Francisco, California #15-NL) 1.045

12. Yankee Stadium (New York Yankees #7-AL) 1.04

13. Nationals Park (Washington Nationals #14-NL) 1.038

14. Minute Maid Park (Houston Astros #11-NL) 1.036

15. Citizens Bank Park (Philadelphia Phillies #2-NL) 1.029

16. Angel Stadium (California Angels #10-AL) 1.017
Ok, the list above does not entirely match the first list. Why? Because I gave my opinion in the first list of parks and the second was some stats to them. Proves I am not always right. (Hope my wife doesn’t read this blog today).

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Check out my previous National League Central Preview.

American League Central

The Chicago White Sox look poised to regain the American League Central Division. The signing of Adam Dunn and his dingers coupled with the return play of Paul Konerko, puts manager Ozzie Guillen’s team back in the saddle again. Add to the mix Carlos Quentin, Akex Rios and Alexei Ramirez and there is a potent line-up.

The rotation smacks of veteran presence with Mark Buehrle, Jake Peavy, Gavin Floyd, John Danks and Edwin Jackson. The bullpen is the biggest question mark they have going into 2011 with the loss of Bobby Jenks and the closer role handed over to inexperienced Matt Thornton and his 17 career saves.

2011 Prediction: 92-70, 1^st place

The Minnesota Twins return some valuable commodities from the injury list for 2011. Back to close game will be Joe Nathan from Tommy John surgery and a full year of Matt Capps makes this bullpen formidable again. Jon Rauch performed well last year but the whole gang makes them eons better.

The return of Jim Thome leads an offensive explosion that is aided by a healthy Justin Morneau and ever consistent Joe Mauer. Look for an even better breakout year for Delmon Young for this team to be on fire.

The pitching staff is banking on Francisco Liriano to continue as ace material but then they fall off rapidly with Carl Pavano, Scott Baker, Kevin Slowey and Brian Duensing. This team will struggle to get games to the closer many times.

2011 Prediction: 86-76, 2^nd place

Manager Jim Leyland has struggled now for over 4 years trying to put a competitive team on the field for the Detroit Tigers. On paper they have a very good offensive team. Victor Martinez may be the key to scoring some runs this year. Add in Miguel Cabrera, if he stays away from legal issues, with Jhonny Peralta, slugger Ryan Raburn and Austin Jackson and tis has lots of power and the ability to drive in runs.

The ace of the pitching staff is left in the hands of Justin Verlander. He is definitely capable of handling those duties and will be followed by Rick Porcello and Max Scherzer. Brad Penny is added to this staff but they are not a top of the line rotation. In the bullpen we have fire-baller Joel Zumaya and Jose Valverde that can man late inning situations. Joaquin Benoit was a solid add to the team and lefty Phil Coke provides help from that side of the pitching mound.

2011 Prediction: 80-82, 3^rd place

This is the year the Kansas City Royals break out of last place. Not much better than the fifth place team but they qualify slightly. Joakim Soria is the only household baseball name left in a Royals uniform. Offensive starts with Billy Butler and trends quickly downward to Melky Cabrera and Jeff Francoeur. This team lacks many quality players to ever be taken seriously. Saving grace for them is that they have been proclaimed to have the best prospects in the Minor Leagues.

2011 Prediction: 70-92, 4^th place

Yes, I do believe there is a team worse than the Royals. It is the Cleveland Indians. They have shin-Soo Choo and Asdrubal Cabrera and….. I can’t really find any more.

The pitching rotation is one weak starter in Fausto Carmona  and then a group of Class AAAA pitchers of Mitch Talbot, Justin Masterson and Jensen Lewis. The bullpen has Chris Perez as closer and then more of the same, players that would never make most Major League rosters. This is one very weak team.

2011 Prediction: 63-99, 5th place

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