Who is the best MLB team going into the 2007 season?And Why?

Answer 1

Right now there are four maybe five teams that seem pretty strong headed into 2007.

In the American League the Yankees, Red Sox and Tigers all appear to be stocked and ready for solid runs at the AL pennant in '07.

Both the Yankees and Red Sox did their best to improve both their front-end rotations as well as their bullpens this offseason. The Yankees are hampered by the question marks surrounding the back end of the rotation and dominance of late innings set-up men. Rivera can't pitch two and three inning saves anymore, so if the 7th and 8th inning patrol can't get it done, the Yankees will suffer.

The Red Sox biggest question mark lies in the closer position. Theo Epstein addressed just about every other major concern the team had headed into this season by adding a top of the line shortstop and a solid corner outfielder and bat (pending physical). However, I still think the team should have thrown down a little more money to acquire either Eric Gagne or retain Keith Foulke. But as Jon Papelbon proved last year a team can survive on an unproven closer. The other interesting piece of the puzzle will be how Matsazuka does in the American League East. If he proves to be worth every penny, the Sox could be a serious threat to win another title. If he fizzles, at least the rotation is deep with Jon Lester and a crop of young arms waiting in the wings.

The Tigers retain primarily the same squad that cobbled together a very impressive and surprising 2006. The only difference to the offense is the addition, yes, ADDITION of Gary Sheffield. As if this team's offense wasn't potent enough in 2006, adding a Hall of Fame bat like Sheffield's can only further the Tigers chances of reigning in the AL once again. The back end of the bullpen took a few hits and Todd Jones is just another year older, but the rest of the squad looks very, very solid.

In the rather weak National League only two teams currently stand above the rest in my opinion the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Mets kept primarily the same team intact that was one inning away from the World Series a few months ago. They swapped out a gimpy Cliff Floyd for an aging Moises Alou and lost a few pieces of the dominant bullpen, but gained some of it right back by swapping highly touted Brian Bannister for Ambroix Burgos from the Royals. I'd expect the Mets to walk away with the NL East again. Especially if Oliver Perez regains his fire of 2004 and Glavine and El Duque are able to put together solid seasons as well.

The Dodgers were good last year, good enough to work their way into the playoffs as the Wild Card. This season they've only improved. They retained much of the same personel only losing notables JD Drew and Julio Lugo. However, Jeff Kent should be healthy in 2007, which would be a boon to the offense and the team will have a revitalized Luis Gonzalez in LF for the season. The already solid pitching staff was only improved by the addition of new staff ace Jason Schmidt. Expect the Dodgers to pace the Padres for much of the season and pull away in the second half.

Beyond those five teams no one else appears to have made any moves that put them above and beyond the competition.

Answer 2

I have to say I think the World Series winner will come out of the AL. The Yankees and Red Sox have probably the best rosters on paper with all rosters still evolving. When I watched the 2006 World Series, I saw a very flat and error prone Detroit Tiger team basically hand the World Series to an unimpressive Cardinals team.

In the end, I like nothing more than one pissed off manager and an angry team, the Detroit Tigers. It think they will take the prize this year.

P.S. Jim Leyland will force his pitchers to take 20 hours a day of fielding practice on bunts for the rest of thier lives.

Answer 3

In the National League I really think the Mets are going to be the team to beat. In the American League it is not as easy. The Red Sox, Tigers, White Sox, Yankees and even Toronto are ready to make a run. If I had to pick the one team I feel is going to be the best, I couldn't.

Answer 4

Without a doubt the New York Yankees

Answer 5

I read all the answers and nobody mention the Mets.Its OK.However, the Flashing team will be at the top this season.They are ready and good.Last year we were so close,but this time is in the basket. METS.

Answer 6

new york yankees b/c they improved the pitching staff and there offense is so good they have a good chance this years for 2007

Answer 7

Dem Yankees!! They got it covered from A to Z. The team is solid.

Answer 8

Probably the Red Sox. I think Matsuzaka will be really good and they're not out of the Roger Clemens bidding. The Sox should take the title if they get some bullpen stability. My second coice would be the Chicago White Sox.

Answer 9

This may sound crazy but I will go with the Twins. They have a good pitching staff and some good young bats and of course Tori Hunter who is a great player and class act!!! I wish I could say the Cubbies!!!

Answer 10

It will be the Chicago Cubs because they have new players, a great new manager (Lou Pinella) and star pitching. I see the Cubs winning the World Series in 2007.