Barry Bonds to appear at "Game of Shadows" book signing!

Ok, I know I wrote earlier in the day. But. . .its finals week. I need reasons to procrastinate on my studying. So here I give you 5 bold (or not so bold, or just plain stupid) predictions about the Angels for the coming season.

1.    The Angels will win the west by at least 8 games.

Yes they will. Maybe they didn't add a big bat to protect Vladdy, but lets face it, its gonna come    down to pitching  come August and September. Yes, the Rangers 'upgraded' their staff, but its easy to upgrade a brokedown piece of junk. I'll give the Rangers Kevin Millwood, but past that, its still is just as sketchy. Adam Eaton has left the pitcher-friendly grounds of PETCO, and Vicente Padilla is average on his best day. Kameron Loe is a wild card, he has the potential to be great, but then again, the track record on young pitchers in Texas isn't that good.

Seattle is more of the same. Jamie Moyer is done. D-O-N-E. He's fooled hitters one year too long its its going to finally cave in this year. Pinero was a flash in the pan and won't recover to his so-called potential. Wash has been lucky he's been with the Angels. He's the type of pitcher the Halos devour. A strike-throwing, blue-collar type guy who sticks with mainly fastballs. Meche and Hernandez? Please.

The only staff that scares me is Oakland. They are just as good or even better than the Angels. The verdict is still out on which Esteban Loaiza will show up this year. And that's really their only question mark. Dan Haren and Joe Blanton are for real. But I just don't have faith in that offense. They've got -good- bats all around. But not -great- bats. And besides, any team with Milton Bradley is just asking for chemistry trouble.

2.   John Lackey will finish at least third in the Cy Young voting.

Face it, the Texan has broken out. This is the year he puts it together for a full season. And           that curveball is down right filthy.

3.    Casey Kotchman emerges as viable protection for Vlad.

Sure, they'll still walk Vladdy if and when they move Kotch to that 4 or 5 spot. But that just means more RBIs for the kid.

4.    The Angels will stand pat or at the most make a minor move at the deadline.
          
That's my not so bold prediction. Stoneman -WILL NOT- part with anybody in that minor league system. Besides, when have the Angels ever made a move at the deadline?

5.    Adam Kennedy will not be with the Angels in '07
            
Another not so bold prediction. Stoneman, with his love-fest for his minor league prospects will finally let go of that classic (and sometimes annoying) veteran loyalty that the Angels have shown over the years. He's already done so with the departures of Troy and Jerrod. Good for you, Bill.

And there you have it. I have to get back to studying.