Now, this isn't predictions, those are saved for Sunday Shakedown. But, I am going to start this column and breakdown each team in the selected division. Now, like I said, there are no predictions. I will not put the teams in order of how I think they'll finish. Ok, here we go.

Seattle Mariners
The Mariners are a good team, really, they are. They don't look it, but they have the talent. They didn't add anyone important this year (except Jarrod Washburn), but it doesn't matter. With Jeremy Reed and Ichiro together again, both more experienced, the outfield will be a boost. The rotation won't be vastly improved, but it's still good. Jaime Moyer, Washburn and teen superhero Felix Hernandez will be a good 1-2-3 punch. Then with Eddie Guardado in the closers role....they pitching will imrpove. Then by adding this Japanesse import to catch, the team got worse! This guy is going to catch a team he has never seen before, and his bat will diminish. He's going to play half of the season's game in a pitchers park. Not a good idea. But, the Mariners should pull it out.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (or whatever the hell they're called now)
The Angels are in the middle of a name fight, again, and they are looking (what you are about to read is shocking, but try to contain yourself) at their young TALENTED PROSPECTS! Can you believe it?! The Angles actually have talented prospects. They traded Steve Finley to get a utility infielder in Elgardo Alphonso, and he will start at 3B will Chone Figgins/Dallas McPherson need breathers. Then, back to the talented prospects, Erwin Santanna will be a starter this year, Kasey Kotchman will be at 1B/DH (Darrin Erstad moved back to CF). This team, folks, has gotten so much better, and didn't do anything! They lost Bengie Molina, Paul Byrd and Jarrod Washburn. They didn't add any big names, got rid of Finley and wallah! A team, an actual team. The Angels should defend their AL West title yet again.

Oakland Athletics
The A's haven't really added anyone huge. They did lose Ricardo Rincon (who will be replaced by Ron Flores. Yes, Randy Flores's brother, who Rincon will join in St. Louis's bullpen in 2006). They lost Scott Hatteberg and Erubial Durazo (woohoo! Big deal? I don't think so) and are on the verge of adding Frank "Big Hurt" Thomas. He will be a fine addition to the DH role. They have their rotation back, more experienced than ever, and basically, they have their entire team back. The A's will make this division tougher.

Texas Rangers
The Rangers did another addition-by-subtraction trade this year, the last one was obviously the A-Rod trade. Ironically enough, they traded the very man they got for A-Rod, Alphonso Soriano. They traded Soriano to the Washington Nationals (???why???) and got Brad wilkerson (leadoff now taken care of), Terrmel Sledge (who was traded to bring in another starter and a setup man) and a no named pitcher. They also added Kevin Millwood, Adam Eaton and Vicente Padilla to their rotation (1-2-3. Wow, much better than last year's rotation). They now have an entire outfield, young prospects fighting for 2B, their power house offense back and a complete pitching staff. This team has got it all (finally). They should be fun to watch.

Another thing that would be fun to watch is Sunday Shakedown's special 2 week prediction blogs! Coming in Feburary!