American League Central

1. Cleveland--For Kenny Lofton--a great leadoff hitter but who has not been as good of a center fielder as advertised for the past two years--get another great leadoff hitter in Marquis Grisson and a great left fielder in Dave Justice. Justice is an idiot for losing Halle Berry, but he joins a lineup which also features Manny Ramirez, Jim Thome, and Matt Williams. Albert Belle who?

2. Chicago--Robin Ventura's ill-fated slide still haunts me a night. Albert Belle and Frank Thomas will be great, but the defense needs work.

Also, they are relying on Danny Darwin and Doug Drabek. Did they watch any Astros games last year?

3. Kansas City--Good starting staff. Acquired Jay Bell, Jeff King, Jermaine Dye and Chili Davis. Questions still linger about Jeff Montgomery's shoulder.

4. Minnesota--Problem with Rick Aguilera's health and not much experienced pitching. In general, the team has some talent though.

5. Milwaukee-Alice Cooper may know the etymology, but he doesn't know how the Brewers will fare without veterans Greg Vaughn and Kevin Seitzer.

American League West

1. Seattle--If Randy Johnson's okay, then the Mariners will be very good.

Jeff Fassero is a good addition as an opening day starter.

2. Texas--The good news is, all five starters in the rotation are back and set. But is that good news?

Also, Juan Gonzales and Rusty Greer are hurt. Will there be enough runs for new closer Wetteland to get saves?

3. Anaheim--New coach in former Houston skoipper Terry Collins. He's hyper and may pump up this young team. The team also acquired solid players in Jim Leyritz, Dave Hollins and Eddie Murray. Watch for pitcher Shigetoshi Hasagawa (okay, I just like saying his name).

4. Oakland--The Bash Brothers are back in business. But both be injury-prone. There's also no pen for another former Astro manager, Art Howe.

National League East