I will start this article about 2008 MLB predictions the same way that I start every article about MLB predictions: The Cubs are not going to win the World Series.

Sorry Cubbies, but you still stink. The good news is that they play in a division that's only slightly less volatile than a South American government or Middle East cease-fire. But while some poor souls are getting roped into believing that 100 Years Of Darkness over Wrigley Field are about to end, I think that the safest bet on the board is that anyone who puts a dime on the Cubs to win the World Series (presently the odds are an enticing 10-to-1) won't be cashing in that ticket.

That's an easy prediction for the upcoming MLB season, which begins with Boston and Oakland embarking on a two-game set on March 25 in Japan. And while I'm in a groove with making obvious Major League predictions let's stick with a goldmine of simple soothsaying: the American League.

It really doesn't get any easier for prognosticators than the American League. We know that the Yankees and Red Sox will be 1-2 in the East with Toronto third, the Angels will win the West, and someone will try to convince you that this is the year that the "young studs" on Tampa Bay make them a sleeper. We know Kansas City will finish last in the Central. Now, it does get a little tricky in the Central, where things are actually in flux because the disparity in payroll between those teams is, unlike in the other divisions, less than the GPD of Saudi Arabia. But it's safe to say that it will be Cleveland and Detroit going toe-to-toe and finish 1-2. Beyond that, about the most challenging decision you have to make when handicapping the American League is who will finish higher in the West: Texas or Seattle?

Predicting who will win the National League is much, much more difficult. In the East, there are three teams that each has a legitimate opportunity to take the division title. The West and the Central? Best of luck. It's a crapshoot and that's where having a clear picture about where these teams are and where they are headed is very valuable information for any baseball handicapper or anyone interested in baseball betting.

I'm going to throw out some names for MVP, Cy Young, and Manager of the Year predictions, but I'll handle futures bets on team and individual numbers in a separate article in the future. But for now, here are some 2008 MLB predictions:

American League East
1. Boston, 2. New York Yankees, 3. Toronto, 4. Tampa Bay, 5. Baltimore

American League Central
1. Detroit, 2. Cleveland, 3. Chicago, 4. Minnesota, 5. Kansas City

American League West
1. Los Angeles Angels, 2. Texas, 3. Seattle, 4. Oakland

National League East
1. Atlanta, 2. Philadelphia, 3. New York, 4. Washington, 5. Florida

National League Central
1. Chicago, 2. Cincinnati, 3. Houston, 4. Milwaukee, 5. St. Louis, 6. Pittsburgh

National League West
1. Los Angeles Dodgers, 2. Arizona, 3. Colorado, 4. San Diego, 5. San Francisco

AL Wild Card: Cleveland Indians
NL Wild Card: Arizona Diamondbacks
World Series: Detroit over Los Angeles (4-1)
MVP's: Grady Sizemore, Cleveland and Mark Teixeira, Atlanta
Cy Youngs: Justin Verlander, Detroit and Roy Oswalt, Houston
Managers of the Year: Ron Washington, Texas and Joe Torre, Los Angeles Dodgers