MLB Is Back...Thank Goodness

I have to admit, I've been glued to my television for the past few days watching Major League Baseball.

I know it's only the second and third games of the season for some teams, but the games already have been absolutely fascinating. The Yankees and Red Sox series had the feel of October. Games were taking upwards of 3.5 hours and every pitch was magnified.

Then, you've got the Pirates, who at the time of writing this blog are 2-0, and playing well. The big key early for the Buccos has been pitching. While Garrett Jones has already hit three home runs, the Pirates' pitching has been solid. The bullpen has been lights out and the two starts who've worked have been tough against one of the teams many think will make serious noise in the N.L. in the Dodgers.

I know, I know it's only two games in, but there are some signs for this Pirates' club, which are uplifting to the spirits of their droves of fans who are dying for meaningful baseball in late August and September.

The Giants have also been impressive thus far. Pitching is the key again. Tim Lincecum and Barry Zito were brilliant against the Astros. The other big National League story is Jason Heyward who greeted Carlos Zambrano and the Cubs with a dinger in his first MLB at-bat. Just scratching the surface with this guy and Oh by the way, the first basemen for the Cardinals and Phillies appear to be on a path to battling for MVP Honors.

Speaking of post-season accolades, here are my picks:

World Series

Yankees over Cardinals

NLCS

Cardinals over Giants

ALCS

Yankees over Red Sox

Division Champs

NL East -- Phillies

NL Central -- Cardinals

NL West -- Giants

Wildcard -- Braves

AL East -- Yankees

AL Central -- White Sox

AL West -- Mariners

Wild Card -- Red Sox

NL MVP -- Albert Pujols

AL MVP -- Alex Rodriguez

NL Cy Young -- Tim Lincecum

AL Cy Young -- Mark Buerhle