Free picks for MLB 2008

Don’t expect to see the Rockies back in the World Series in 2008 with the way they’ve played so far this season looking more like a last-place club. Division rival Arizona has a better chance with the acquisition of Dan Haren and the success he’s had so far. The Mets are hoping the addition of Johan Santana will allow them to avoid another late-season slump, and so far, Santana has done his job and will only get better later in the season, his record shows.

I don’t think any of these moves are good enough to keep the Chicago Cubs out of the World Series in the 100th year since they last won a title. The Cubs have a batting order that I think will be the best in baseball in 2008.

Alfonso Soriano, Aramis Ramirez and Derrek Lee are guys who can hit 30 home runs and have over 100 RBIs. The addition of Japanese superstar Kosuke Fuudome makes this lineup even more powerful. Durability in the Cubs’ starting rotation and pen used to be an issue, but now the Cubs have four starters who can throw 200 innings. Ryan Dempster has really become a solid starter in the Cubs’ rotation and has given them a chance to win every time he steps on the mound.

This is a personnel that has led the league in strikeouts seven straight seasons. The ability to sit down hitters is especially great in the postseason. With Carlos Marmol emerging as a great reliever and Kerry Wood content to be a fiery pitcher from the corral, the Cubs have a team capable of winning it all.