It’s finally here, the day I’ve longed for since October. Baseball is back and this lifelong fan is ready for Opening Day. I’m pumped because I finally get to enjoy MLB games on my XM Radio (it’s great, by the way). In light of Opening Day, here are my predictions for the upcoming baseball campaign.

AL East: Yankees
I know, I’m really going out on a limb here. The Yankees have only won the East every year for the past 8 seasons. But this year’s Bombers are loaded. Offensively, they’re the best club in baseball. If the Big Unit stays healthy and they can add another frontline starter at the trade deadline (like Barry Zito, maybe?), they’ll be OK.

AL Central: Twins
A lot of the prognosticators are picking the White Sox to repeat, and they very well might, but I love the Twins pitching. I expect the Sox starters to regress some in ’06, and the Indians’ staff is weaker, too. Nelson Liriano is the next Johan Santana; the current Santana ain’t too shabby, either. I expect they’ll add a bat at the deadline, but the Twins are one of my sleeper picks for the season.

AL West: Angels
I think the Angels starting rotation is the best in baseball, a hair better than Oakland’s. The Angels’ bullpen has always been great and I like their offense with Figgins and Guerrero. They have the prospects to be active at the trade deadline, but this club is the most balanced in baseball, in my opinion.

AL Wild Card: A’s
I think Boston could contend for this spot along with the White Sox, but the A’s are one of the best young clubs in all of baseball. Harden, Haren and Blanton are all aces in the making. And the A’s have finally eschewed their Moneyball ways by embracing the value of defense. Look for the A’s to win the wild card and push the Angels for the West crown.

NL East: Braves
I’m sick of looking like an idiot by not picking the Braves to win. Until they stumble, I’m going to pick ’em. Seriously, I like them in a weak Eastern division. I know some like the Mets; I’m not a believer. Braves win the division by at least 5 games.

NL Central: Cardinals
You know I’m going to pick my boys. Although this year’s version may not be as deep, especially in the ‘pen, the Cards are still the best team in the league. If the Astros stay in it until Clemens returns, they’ll give the Cards a push. I also like the Brewers to finish above .500. But I expect the Cards to make it to the postseason yet again.

NL West: Giants
This one may surprise you, but my pick comes with one huge caveat: IF Barry Bonds stays healthy for 110 games, the Giants will win the West. Let’s face it: Bonds is still a great hitter and when he plays, he affects the entire lineup. If he plays 100 games, the Giants win 60. That means San Fran only needs to go .500 in games he doesn’t play in order to win a weak NL West. They have great starting pitching and I like them as my NL sleeper team.

NL Wild Card: Astros
This one could be interesting if Clemens decides to retire. But I expect him to come back to Houston in June, making the ‘Stros a formidable club once again. If he stays retired, this one could go to the Mets, Dodgers or maybe even the Brew Crew. Who knows?

AL Playoffs
A’s over the Yankees
Angels over the Twins
Angels over the A’s

NL Playoffs
Cardinals over the Giants
Braves over the Astros
Cardinals over the Braves

World Series
Angels over the Cardinals

I know, some will rip me for picking against my team. But I seriously like the Angels and Cardinals as two of the more balanced teams in the majors. I hope I’m wrong (I’d love for the Cards to win it all), but for now, I’m picking the Halo’s.