It's the weekend finally and there seems to be some good matchups this weekend.  Here's the info on the big series of the weekend:

Yankees(12-10) @ Indians(10-12)
Let's just say that these two teams don't like each other.  Cleveland was the big dog in the AL in the mid 1990's until the Yankees stepped up and took the mantle from them.  Everyone loves being the Yankees and the Indians are no exception.  Coming off a strong series against the Royals, look for the Indians to keep the pressure on.  The Yankees will hopefully have A-Rod back in the lineup and the Yankees miss Carmona and Cliff Lee, the most consistant healthy pitchers for the Indians.  Pick:  Yankees take 2 of 3

Angels(14-9) @ Tigers(10-13)
Detroit just got done sweeping the powerless Rangers at home and they have found their offensive stride.  Having Curtis Granderson back in the lineup will make the Tigers the team to beat in the AL Central again and Miguel Cabrera, Magglio Ordonez and Co. are now hitting a ton.  The Angels won the last game in Boston, but they seem to be missing something....their starting pitching.  Pick:  Tigers sweep

Diamondbacks(16-6) @ Padres(9-14)
This is a pitching dream series, for the most part.  Friday, you have Randy Johnson(0-1) v. Randy Wolf(2-0).  Saturday, it's Micah Owings(4-0) taking the mound v. Justin Germano(0-2).  On Sunday, you have Brandon Webb(5-0) v. Jake Peavy(3-0)-why this game isn't the Sunday Night Baseball game on ESPN is beyond me.  I'd much rather watch this game than do what I'm going to do(listen to it).  I think the Big Unit will get his stuff together and throw a great game on Friday, the question is will Wolf match him pitch-for-pitch?  Pick:  Diamondbacks take 2 of 3

These are the three series that I'm looking forward must to.  It should be a great weekend!

It's glad to be back in the blogosphere, here's something for ya'll to chew on

Well, the baseball season is only three weeks old but we do have a few surprises.  Here's the list of surprises, both negative and positive:

The Detrot Tigers are playing like an A-Ball team.  I know that they got some wins over the weekend against Cleveland, but this team needs to put together some big weeks to get back into the race.  They will be getting Curtis Granderson back soon, but they still have glaring holes in the bullpen with the absence of Fernando Rodney and Closer-In-Training Joel Zumaya.  I think they'll turn it around before Memorial day, which is the first true measuring stick for the season.

Also in the AL Central, the Kansas City Royals have been a pleasant surprise this season so far.  The team is at 9-10 right now after being swept by the A's(more on them later), but I like their starting rotation with Zack Grienke, Brian Bannister, and Gil Meche.  I know the Mets could use Bannister now.  The questions that I have all have to do with their lineup.  This team will only go as far as Alex Gordon and Billy Butler will take it, which I think will be an improved team, but still about a year or 2 away from the playoffs.

The Oakland A's are leading the AL West and I can honestly say that I didn't see this one coming.  I was expecting Joe Blanton and/or Rich Harden to be traded as the team rebuilded again.  Once Harden and Eric Chavez get back from the DL, look for the A's to continue their run at least until Memorial Day.  By then, John Lackey for the Angels and Erik Bedard for the Mariners will be healthy.

Who would have thought that the Florida Marlins would be leading the NL East?  A team of no-names that gets paid less than A-Rod and Manny are leading the division.  This definitely won't last, I'm still going with the Mets over the Phillies and Braves to win the division.

Speaking of headline grabbers, how about the NL Central.  The Cardinals, who many picked to finish in 5th place, were in 1st place until yesterday and now sit a 1/2 game behind the Cubs.  I hear that the "What the Fuk?" shirts are popping at Wrigley, we'll see how the lovable losers fair when they play someone other than the Pirates.  Miguel Tejada got 2 years older overnight, what a shock.  Eric Gagne is pitching horribly for the Brewers and Rickie Weeks and Ryan Braun can't hit right now, but that should change soon.  And look at the job that Dusty Baker is doing in Cincinnati.  Sure, I'm not a Reds fan but it's always good to see the Reds play well.  Ken Griffey will always have a place in the hearts of many people my age and Johnny Cueto?  What a stud!

The NL West hasn't really been too crazy, except for the fact that the Baby 'Backs are doing what they couldn't do last season.  They are crushing the ball behind Justin Upton and Mark Reynolds.  With the staff that they possess, they have to be the favorites to win the division.

Remember though, it's only been 3 weeks so we'll see how it works out.

The reigning AL Champs made the first big splash in the offseason getting Gary Sheffield from the Yankees to add the power bat that they were missing in the World Series against St. Louis.  Here's the position preview for the Tigers.

Catcher
What can you say about Ivan Rodriguez.  Pudge had a great season, but struggled in the postseason.  He is the leader on the field and is a perfect fit for Jim Leyland when dealing with the young arms on the staff.  I can't think of a better catcher for this team.  Grade:  A-

First Base
What started out as Chris Shelton became "The Mayor" Sean Casey who should be loved by the fans in the Motor City because of his great work ethic.  This guy is a throwback in every sense.  He may not be a power hitter, but he has a great glove and can spread the ball everywhere.  Grade:  B+

Second Base
I hoped and prayed that Placido Polanco would have been available in the free agent market prior to the 2004 season because he is probably the player I miss the most as a Cardinals fan.  He is a hardnose, gritty player who tends to do what a #2 hitter needs to do, get the runner over.  Grade:  B

Shortstop
Carlos Guillen had an MVP-type season last year because he actually stayed healthy the entire year.  Guillen is a free agent-to-be and hopefully will be resigned with a long term deal.  I don't know what he doesn't get the love that he deserves nationally, but he will this season.  Grade:  A-

Third Base
It's another homegrown player that has made a difference for this team.  Inge, who started his career as a catcher, made a good transition to third base and was rewarded with a contract extension.  He batted .253 with 27 HR and 83 RBI last season and was the power bat in the bottom of the order.  Grade:  B-

Outfield
The outfield of Craig Monroe, Curtis Granderson, and Magglio Ordonez is probably the best outfield in the AL Central.  Monroe had a good year power wise with 28 HR and 92 RBI and a .255 average while Granderson went .255 with 19 HR and 68 RBI and 8 SB.  Magglio went .298 with 24 HR and 102 RBI.  They need more production on the bases from Granderson.  Grade:  B-

Designated Hitter
They are using Gary Sheffield as the DH and will love having the power bat this season.  He is a perfect fit for this lineup.  Grade:  A-

Starting Rotation
This staff is the best in the Central with "The Gambler" Kenny Rogers, Bonderman, and Verlander as top of the line starters.  Nate Robertson and Mike Maroth are dependable lefties with injury issues.  First round pick Andrew Miller is waiting the wings.  Grade:  A-

Bullpen
I love this staff, with Todd Jones closing and Joel Zumaya and Fernando Rodney setting him up throwing 100 mph heat.  Grade:  A-

Overview
I'm picking the Tigers to finish second, but this is a three team race in the AL Central and any of the three teams can win it and the wild card probably will come out of this division.  Grade:  B+