So I have waited as long as I could to make my picks for playoffs and awards but I can't put it off anymore. It's time to put up or shut up so here we go...(NL predictions in a few days)

AL EAST -New York Yankees

As stated before, I like the Yankees to win the division barring a rash of major injuries that cripple the team. Too much quality starting pitching and too many big bats in middle of lineup.

AL CENTRAL- Minnesota Twins

Every year I pick the twins to finish 2nd, and they usually either end up there or in first. Well, I'm not making that mistake anymore. The twins are my team in the central this year coming on strong to overtake the White Sox in September.

AL WEST-Oakland Athletics

The Angels are the prohibited favorite this season but I'm feeling frisky and this is my sleeper pick. I like Billy Beane and the Oakland A's to rise up and take the division with their patented second half push. Watch for some young players we have never heard of to come out of nowhere and carry this team.

AL WILD CARD- Boston Red Sox

Although, it would not surprise anyone if they win the AL east and have the best record in baseball. I just see a few of their key guys struggling through the grueling 162 game season causing them to come up just short in the divison but still have the second best record in the AL. John Smoltz might be their X factor when he returns in a few months.

Playoffs

YANKEES beat A's in 4

RED SOX beat Twins in 4

YANKEES beat Red Sox in 7 ( Epic Series for the Ages)

AL MANAGER OF THE YEAR- Bob Geren, Oakland Athletics

WHO????  I always like former catchers as managers and he is one, having played for Padres and Yankees professionally. Since the A's are my surprise team to win the West, if that happens he will have to be the manager of the year wont he?

AL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR- Matt Wieters C,Baltimore Orioles

This is a tough call because there is no set time for him to make his major league debut and, therefore, no gurantee he will get enough at bats to be a serious contender. But if he does, look for him to shoot onto the scene as one of the next big things in baseball. Rated the #1 prospect by most services, it is only a matter of time before he is behind the plate for the Orioles and holding down the cleanup spot in the order.

AL CY YOUNG- C.C. Sabathia

He is going to love the run support the Bombers are going to provide him. And with that, he will win 20 games and be near the league lead in strikeouts. This will equal an obvious choice as Cy Young winner. I expect a pitcher from the red sox to challenge him and lookout for Gavin Floyd as a darkhorse.

AL MVP- Joe Mauer C, Minnesota Twins

As professional of a hitter as there is in baseball. I look for him to add power to his already tremendous approach at the plate. I think he would have been a serious candidate in years past but, without the glamorous home run totals he has come up way short. I think this is his year to belt 25 homers along with his usual stellar batting average and great work behind the plate. That will be enough to earn him MVP with no other contenders really stepping up to the plate.