The Return of the Anti-Christ

Johnny Demon returned to Fenway Park, and walls are still standing, the sun came up, and civilization as we know it has continued. Red Sox fans demonstrated everything that people love and hate about them last night. They should have applauded Damon when he came back for the first at bat, and then booed him every at-bat after that. That would have shown that they hated him for going to NY, but hadn't forgotten everything that he did while playing for Boston. That would have been fine. As it was, he got booed, pretty much incessantly, the whole game. I think he handled it ok, but whatever. Some thought the tipping of the hat was a sign of delusion, others thought it was handled perfectly.

On the other hand was the reaction to the return of Doug Mirabelli. Some say that the ecstasy over the return of a backup catcher is a sign of insanity. As much as it goes against my instincts to stick up for the Red Sox, I do think that it is a sign of the knowledge and passion of Red Sox fans that they recognize the importance of Mirabelli. In all reality, Wakefield is a crucial part of any chance the Red Sox have for success. With Mirabelli, he has a better chance of success.

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On to the picks. Today, I'll work my way through the AL and NL Central. Some years, this is a meaningless pick. This year? Not so much.

AL Central

1. White Sox - I hate picking the White Sox to win. It bores me, and to be honest, I just don't like them. Since they picked up right where they left off last year, and they are the defending champs, and they only seem to have improved themselves last year... Well, it's hard to pick against them to win their division at least.

2. Indians - Rememeber a few years back, when Cleveland traded some fat shlub (Colon) and got a ton of prospects in return? This is why. The Indians are absolutely loaded offensively, and their pitching might be just good enough to win. They have a couple top of the rotation type pitchers in Westbrook and Lee, and Wickman can play the role of the fat veteran closer with no fear with the best of them. This might be their year, but the White Sox are going to have some injuries for that to happen.

3. Tigers - It's amazing what happens when you hire a real coach. Leyland has his boys playing hard, and they have quite a bit of upside. Chris Shelton may be a good player, but he's not keeping up this pace. Also, their Ace? Kenny Rogers. In another year, they could be a dark horse to win the division, but the Central is crazy good this year.

4. Twins - I can't believe I'm picking the Twins for 4th in the division, but I am anyways. Things don't seem to have come together for the Twins this year, but their pitching is good enough so that they could make a run at it. Santana may not have started that well, but he's the real deal, and will be in the running for the Cy Young by the end of the year, again. Honestly? Any team in this division could win it, and I wouldn't be surprised.

5. Royals - With the exception of Kansas City. If they win more than 60 games this year, I'll be surprised. Seriously, can you fire an entire organization?

NL Central

1. Cardinals - Look, until St. Louis doesn't win this division? It's theirs. They might be aging a bit, but they still have two legit top of the rotation starters, a solid closer, and the best lineup in the NL. (If only because of Pujols.) Even though this is a much improved division, the Card's are still the class of the division until someone proves otherwise.

2. Brewers - This is the year that Milwaukee makes a run at it. They've got legitimate pop in their lineup, as well as possibly the best top three starters in the NL. They have the brother of Maddux coaching the pitching, so the bullpen will be solid again. They also have a deep bench. Can they take the Wild Card? I think they can. And no one in the NL will want to face Ben Sheets, Doug Davis, and Chris Capuano in a short series.

3. Astros - Eventually, the Astros are going to be too old to compete in the Central. Look, if Clemens comes back and is as good as he was last year? Maybe they can compete for the Wild Card. Maybe. But I just don't think that's going to happen.

4. Reds - I know the Reds are in first right now. But seriously, they've got nuthin. Their best pitcher may also be their best singer is Bronson Arroyo, and he's going to come down to earth. They're going to hit some home runs, but they'll give up more. Still, they're improved since last year.

5. Pirates - This pick is for Joey only. At this point in the season, it will be a major success if the Pirates don't lose 100 games. I don't understand why they're not better, but they're not. They have decent pop, young pitching with potential, and good defense. Still, the reality is that the Pirates will be hard-pressed to stay out of the Central in an improved division.

6. Cubs - Improved, that is, except for the Cubs. They just suck. Maddux is carrying them right now, and while I'm sure he'll get his 15, and Zambrano will probably get his 15, I don't see where any others are coming from. This team is just not good.

Tomorrow: AL East and NL East
Thursday: Wild Cards
Friday: Playoffs