Anybody who tries to predict the future has to be a mixture of foolish and pompous. I admit to being both at times, so here goes:

National League Central

1. St. Louis Cardinals -- The Cards strengthened themselves by acquiring Tino Martinez to replace the retired Mark McGwire and other players who can help.
2. Houston Astros -- The Astros are still strong despite the fact they lost Moises Alou and the name for their ballpark.
3. Chicago Cubs -- The Cubs had a horrible spring, but they added Alou to give Sammy Sosa more protection. They will go as far as their pitching can bring them.
4. Milwaukee Brewers -- If the Brewers can stay healthy, they could pass the Cubs and finish third. But, as we know that is always a big IF with the Crew.
5. Cincinnati Reds -- It's hard to believe a team with Ken Griffey Jr. and Barry Larkin can be this bad, but they have problems staying healthy too.
6. Pittsburgh Pirates -- The Bucs have become more of a small market team than the Brewers.

National League East

1. New York Mets -- The Mets look loaded with the addition of Burnie and others.
2. Atlanta Braves -- Gary Sheffield adds punch to the Braves, but they are starting to have their share of old warriors.
3. Philadelphia Phillies -- The Phils are no slouches, but they're in a tough division.
4. Montreal Expos -- The Expos will spend a season as the company team of MLB and then likely be contracted and broken up.

National League West

1. Arizona Diamondbacks -- The D-Backs look just as strong as last season and would have to be rated a favorite to win the NL pennant.
2. San Francisco Giants -- How many will Barry Bonds hit this year? The Giants will put some heat on Arizona.
3. Los Angeles Dodgers -- Without Sheffield, the Dodgers are at best a distant third.
4. Colorado Rockies -- The Rockies, despite the rarified air they play in, actually have a power shortage.
5. San Diego Padres -- The Padres look like a team waiting for a new stadium.

American League East

1. New York Yankees -- Jason Giambi should offset any losses in personnel the Yankees suffered over the off-season.
2. Boston Red Sox -- After an off-season of many changes, the BoSox look strong enough to challenge for a wild card playoff spot.
3. Toronto Blue Jays -- An interesting group of young players could make the Jays a surprise team.
4. Tampa Bay Devil Rays -- This team should be another candidate for contraction.
5. Baltimore Orioles -- Cal Ripken left this team just in time.

American League Central

1. Minnesota Twins -- Try to contract the Twinkies after they win a division title.
2. Chicago White Sox -- The consensus pick by most experts in this division, the Sox aren't as strong as they look.
3. Cleveland Indians -- The Indians are in decline after several years of post-Jake success.
4. Kansas City Royals -- The Royals have Mark Sweeney and little else.
5. Detroit Tigers -- My old buddy Phil Garner will have to be a magician to survive this season.

American League West

1. Seattle Mariners -- Ichiro has taken Seattle by storm and he is not alone.
2. Oakland Athletics -- Without Giambi, they aren't as strong.
3. Texas Rangers -- Spend, spend, spend. Lose, lose, lose.
4. Anaheim Angels -- Disney has made this team into the Bad News Bears.

Bookmark these and let me know what a pompous fool I was in October. If you disagree with the picks, why wait? Let me know now what a pompous fool I am by hitting The Brew Crew Review Message Board.

Ben Sheets already assured the Brewers will return to Miller Park for the home opener with a better record than last season. When Ben beat the Astros Tuesday, he gave the Brewers one more win than they had when they went into the then new ballpark for the first time in 2001.

The Brewers host the World Champion Arizona Diamondbacks in the opener Friday night. "Opening Day at the ballpark is always an exciting event," said Brewers' VP Laurel Prieb. "With the 2002 All-Star Game in sight, we have decided to begin what will be a truly memorable season by paying tribute to the military all-stars in our community."

For starters, members of the five branches of the United States Armed Forces will be on-hand for the opening festivities to unveil an over-sized American Flag during the performance of our National Anthem. Additionally, there will be 15 red, white and blue stars approximately 20 feet in diameter positioned throughout the outfield during baseline introductions of both teams.

Additionally, Tech Sargent Steven Thulon of the United States Air Force Band of Mid-America stationed at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois will be performing the National Anthem. For Thulon, this marks a return visit to Miller Park, as he was the featured performer of the National Anthem on September 21 when the Brewers returned to Milwaukee for the first time following the September 11 tragedy.

The Brewers will pay tribute to some of the great All Stars in Milwaukee baseball history. The Brewers will welcome former Milwaukee Braves pitcher, Gene Conley, the winning pitcher in the 1955 classic. Conley struck out the side in the 12th inning to help lead the National League to victory. Another former Braves star, shortstop Johnny Logan, will also represent the Milwaukee Braves and toss out a first ball.

A couple of Brewers legends will also be honored by tossing out ceremonial first pitches as Larry Hisle and Gorman Thomas will represent the Brewers All Stars throughout the years. Thomas, Hisle and Logan are all Milwaukee area residents.

Pre-game ceremonies will begin at approximately 6:15 p.m. Friday. Parking lots will open at 3:30 p.m. with the gates to Miller Park opening promptly at 5 p.m.

Standing room only tickets remain for the home opener and can be purchased by calling the Milwaukee Brewers ticket offices at (414) 902-4000 or by visiting the Brewers' online at www.milwaukeebrewers.com.

The Brewers also play the D-Backs Saturday night and Sunday afternoon at Miller Park.