Previously: AL East, AL Central.

1. Seattle - What fun is it to follow the crowd? Pecota and Chone both have the Mariners less than 10 games out of first place (behind Oakland and Anaheim, respectively). We haven’t seen one prognosticator pick the Mariners, so why not? Last year Seattle was a sexy pick, but the M’s are largely considered an afterthought this season. Adrian Beltre probably has the most pop in that lineup. Sad, indeed. But what if Hernandez and Bedard are healthy? What if Morrow’s the stud everyone thinks he’ll be? [Aside: For numbers-lovers.] Because picking a sleeper is a must: 84 wins and the division title.
2. Anaheim - Someone trying to defend a longshot pick might argue this: the Angels outfield’s aging and the infield’s too young and the pitching staff overachieved last season. They’ll slip back to 82 wins and just miss the postseason.
3. Oakland - Available in every fantasy draft, and maybe even on the waiver wire: Dallas Braden. Who? He’s the A’s No. 1 starter. Billy Beane knows pitching, people. Holliday, Giambi and Nomar? At least they’ll be watchable this year. Think they’ll match the Angels with 82 wins.
4. Texas - Thinking of bringing a WILL WORK FOR PITCHING sign to the ballpark? Try WILL GROVEL FOR PITCHING. Because it’s fun to make silly predictions: Brandon McCarthy will lead the team in victories. Really like the bats, and we’ve gambled on Andrus in almost all of our fantasy leagues. Saltalamacchia is a cool last name; Salty a great nickname.