Aceves hurts back plus predictions

Just five days after releasing Chad Gaudin, the Yankees were dealt some bad news from the pitching staff. It seems that Alfredo Aceves is having back problems -- which also sidelined him for nine days last August -- and might miss the season opener.

If Aceves starts the season on the DL, the Yanks might opt to go with Boone Logan or Royce Ring in the bullpen to add lefty depth. Damaso Marte is the only other southpaw in the bullpen, and Girardi has expressed interest in adding another LOOGY (which is never a bad thing).

Also on the injury front for the Yanks, Mark Teixeira was hit in the right elbow by Jeremy Guthrie in Monday's 11-7 win over the O's. Francisco Cervelli was also beaned two innings later (again by Guthrie) but stayed in the game. Tex said he should be back in the lineup on Thursday, but you never want to see that happen during Spring Training.

It seems the injury bug that evaded the team (for the most part) last season is back with a vengeance.

* * * *

On a lighter note, allow me to make some predictions for the 2010 season. 

Before I go any further please remember that you heard it here first and that I called it. Here is how the division races will play out:

AL East:

1. Yankees
2. Red Cox (Wild Card)
   
3. Rays
4. Orioles
5. Blue Jays

AL Central:

1. Twins
2. Tigers
3. ChiSox
4. Royals
5. Injuns

AL West:

1. Mariners
2. Halos
3. Rangers
4. A's

NL East:

1. Phils
2. Bravos (Wild Card)
   
3. Nats
4. Fish
5. Mest

NL Central:

1. Cards
2. Cubbies
3. Brewers
4. Reds
5. Pirates
6. 'Stros

NL West:

1. Dodgers
2. Fake G-Men
3. Rox
4. D'Bags
5. Pads

ALDS:
Yanks over Twins, Mariners over Red Cox

NLDS:
Cards over Phils, Bravos over Dodgers

ALCS:
Yanks over Mariners (4-2)

NLCS:
Cards over Bravos (4-1)

2010 World Series:
Yanks over Cards in a seven-game classic with Andy Pettitte getting the deciding win and riding off into the sunset with his sixth ring.

AL Cy Young:

• Justin Verlander (DET)

NL Cy Young:

• Roy Halladay (PHI)