Hope Springs Eternal: AL

Every year, people like to talk about during Spring Training, hope springs eternal. Usually, that's just some crack pot like Thomas Boswell trying to keep a literally dying readership. But I've come to the conclusion that it's true. Let's look at the American League. Every team has something to be excited about for the upcoming season. Yes, even Tampa Bay.

In the AL East, New York and Boston have legitimate playoff shots. Toronto signed a lot of good talent, even if they overpayed for most of it. You've got to believe they'll be in the hunt, even if they won't win anything. They won 80 games last year, with the talent they got, the high 80's is possible. The Orioles can at least look forward to a calmer season, and with the starting pitching improved, they have a chance to get to .500. Tampa Bay, well, they are a young team with a lot of talent. Also, they have new people running the show, which is good in that at least it's not the old people.

In the AL Central, Chicago just won the World Series, so they're probably real down on themselves right now, but all the other teams have reasons to be optimistic. Cleveland was in the race up to the last day last year, they've got to think they can do it again. Minnesota finally got some offense, and Detroit has a competent manager and improved, if old, pitching. And for Kansas City, they can win 10 more games than they did last year, which means they won't be a laughinstock.

In the AL West, Oakland signed some key players for their rotation and power hitting, so coming off an 88 win season in which injuries plauged them, they should be able to win at least 92 games this year. Anaheim lost some pieces, but signed Jeff Weaver, which helps the rotation. They may not be as good as they were last year pitching wise, but the offense has some good young talent. Texas revamped their pitching staff. Last but not least, the Mariners got a good catcher in there for the first time since Dan Wilson, and they upgraded their rotation. They may not win the division, but if Adrian Beltre bounces back, they could win 80 games.