We’re about an hour away from the 2,743rd nationally televised Yankees-Red Sox game in the last 18 months or so. This one will kick off yet another Major League Baseball season.

While I’m frequently critical of MLB’s less-than-stellar competitive balance situation and of the leadership displayed by both MLB itself and the Major League Baseball Players Union, I can’t help but be excited to see the season get underway.

Among the reasons this year, my home team, the Twins, move into a new ballpark and they spent the money to put together a truly competitive-looking team this year. By all reports, Target Field is fantastic in everything except its corporately-paid for name.

I haven’t spent a great deal of time studying divisions and the like this year but I’ll fearlessly make some predictions just for the heck of it.

AL East – Yankees
AL Central – Twins
AL West – Seattle
Wild Card – Tampa

NL East – Phillies
NL Central – Cardinals
NL West – Rockies
Wild Card – Braves

Yep, the Braves outlast the Dodgers for the Wild Card in the NL, sending Bobby Cox out with a playoff appearance … and another playoff series loss.

World Series – Phillies over Yankees

Yep, the Yanks didn’t go as crazy with the money this offseason but last season’s spending keeps them good enough to win the AL again this year. But the Phillies win their third straight NL pennant and head toward dynasty status with their second title out of the three.

Have fun everyone. Enjoy the season.