1 Angels 100-62 - 1/12 The good: The Angels finished with the league's best record and are AL favorites heading into the playoffs. The bad: As good as they were, they could've been ever better had John Lackey and Howie Kendrick not missed considerable time because of injuries.

The good: The Angels finished with the league's best record and are AL favorites heading into the playoffs. The bad: As good as they were, they could've been ever better had John Lackey and Howie Kendrick not missed considerable time because of injuries.

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2 Cubs 97-64 - 1/13 The good: The Cubs won the NL Central because of the emergence of players like Ryan Dempster, Geovany Soto and Carlos Marmol. The bad: For the most part, the offensive superstars on this team underperformed.
The good: The Cubs won the NL Central because of the emergence of players like Ryan Dempster, Geovany Soto and Carlos Marmol. The bad: For the most part, the offensive superstars on this team underperformed. Derrek Lee and Aramis Ramirez had good, but not great years by their standards. Alfonso Soriano's numbers were compromised by injury.
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3 Rays 97-65 - 1/24 The good: Most people thought the Rays would eventually be good, but who knew eventually would be this season. No matter what happens in the postseason, the Rays had a wildly successful year.
The good: Most people thought the Rays would eventually be good, but who knew eventually would be this season. No matter what happens in the postseason, the Rays had a wildly successful year. The bad: The Rays could've been even better were it not for injuries to key players like Carl Crawford, Troy Percival and Evan Longoria.
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4 Red Sox 95-67 - 1/8 The good: When you consider that it felt like the Red Sox were constantly plugging holes due to injury, not to mention the Manny Ramirez situation, making the postseason looks like a pretty nice feat.
The good: When you consider that it felt like the Red Sox were constantly plugging holes due to injury, not to mention the Manny Ramirez situation, making the postseason looks like a pretty nice feat. The bad: Jason Bay isn't Manny and he's not hitting good pitching. That could be costly in October.
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5 Phillies 92-70 - 5/16 The good: Names like Jamie Moyer and Jayson Werth won't get the same ink as Ryan Howard or Chase Utley, but they're every bit the reason why the Phils once again won the NL East. The bad: The Phils' rotation is one of the weakest in the postseason and that could prove costly.

The good: Names like Jamie Moyer and Jayson Werth won't get the same ink as Ryan Howard or Chase Utley, but they're every bit the reason why the Phils once again won the NL East. The bad: The Phils' rotation is one of the weakest in the postseason and that could prove costly.

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6 Dodgers 84-78 1 5/21 The good: Bringing in Joe Torre and Manny Ramirez worked. The Dodgers won the NL West and appear better suited for postseason success than they were during any of their recent playoff appearances.
The good: Bringing in Joe Torre and Manny Ramirez worked. The Dodgers won the NL West and appear better suited for postseason success than they were during any of their recent playoff appearances. The bad: Torre has some shuffling to do now that Rafael Furcal and Jeff Kent are back. Playing without them worked well, but now both are expecting to contribute in the playoffs. Can they play defense?
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7 Brewers 90-72 4 4/23 The good: Back in July, the Brewers made a run and management has done everything it can to see that it ends with a trip to the postseason. More teams should adopt this aggressive approach.
The good: Back in July, the Brewers made a run and management has done everything it can to see that it ends with a trip to the postseason. More teams should adopt this aggressive approach. The bad: Fans better have enjoyed names like CC Sabathia, Ben Sheets and perhaps even Prince Fielder, because there's a good chance none will be back in '09.
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8 Twins 88-75 1 4/26 The good: Think back to when Johan Santana was traded to the Mets. Nobody gave the Twins much of a shot to be more than a .500 team. But the team certainly exceeded expectations and thus the season was a rousing success.
The good: Think back to when Johan Santana was traded to the Mets. Nobody gave the Twins much of a shot to be more than a .500 team. But the team certainly exceeded expectations and thus the season was a rousing success. The bad: The Twins have to improve in the power department next season. After Justin Morneau, this team is strapped for somebody who can clear the bases.
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9 White Sox 89-74 1 5/19 The good: The ChiSox discovered a potential star in Al