Things to watch for in ‘08.

1. The roar is louder than ever in mo-town:

The Tigers should attract plenty of attention around the league this year. With Dave Dombrowski making some very key moves this offseason with the addition of Miguel Cabrera, Edgar Rentaria and Jacque Jones to an already potent line-up that finished third in runs scored last year. This team has to be considered a serious threat anytime they take the field. Dombrowski didn’t stop there either; he added Dontrelle Willis to a very talented piching rotation including their ace Justin Verlander, Jeremy Bonderman, Nate Robertson and veteran Kenny Rogers. I think there would be little room for argument when I say look out for the Tigers in ‘08 to win their second AL pennant in 3 years

  2. The NL New Yorkers are on a mission:

With the addition of all-star Johan Santana, the NY Mets will be expected to win. They have to win to get the sour taste of 2007 out of their mouths. With guys like Carlos Beltran and Jose Reyes and David Wright, there should be no doubt that these guys will come out on a mission as soon as the first pitch on opening day is thrown. The pitching staff doesn’t look too shabby either. Santana and Martinez, arguably, have to be the most lethal 1-2 punch in any rotation in the league. Watch out for the Metropolitans to take over the NL East.

3. NL West is up for grabs:

Let’s be honest, the Rockies surprised everyone last year with that amazing run towards the end of the regular season. The winning streak was unmatched and dominated all story lines in September. Making it to the big show only to be overmatched by the Boston Red Sox. The Colorado Rockies will be looking to take the NL west with Matt Holliday and Willy Tavaras. Tavaras has five stolen bases in the last three games. He participated in some offseason training which has him in great shape for the upcoming season. If things go as planned for the Rockies, their offense production will once again be atop the NL. That being said, it will not be an easy task by any means. They will be contending against a very young and talented Arizona squad with all-star pitching and a highly respected offensive threat. Behind them, we have the new look Dodgers with former Yankee skipper Joe Torre on the high seat in L.A. Should be a fun summer in the NL West but my pick goes to the defending NL champs Rockies.


4. Probable Milstones

Ken Griffey Jr. is just seven home runs shy of 600 for his career. I am banking he will get that this year. Anyone want to place a bet on that? Boston Red Sox’s Manny Ramirez and Detroit’s Gary Sheffield should reach 500 home runs each for their respected careers. Ramirez needs 11 to hit the milestone and Sheffield needs 21 long balls to join the 500 club. Best of luck guys.