As the month of April approaches, it signals the start of several vital events in the world. Of course, I am talking about the NHL playoffs, Veishea, and Major League Baseball.

What’s that? No NHL playoffs?! How will I live without Jarome Iginla and Miroslav Satan? You’re joking right — no Veishea either? I’m so angry I could start a riot. Wow, I promise no more lame jokes for at least another sentence.

While I mourn these losses, let’s take a look at the upcoming MLB season for the area teams that matter. In order to find the teams of most importance on campus, I did my research with the help of Thefacebook.com, as well as the differing amounts of MLB paraphernalia I’ve been able to see on the bus.

Here’s the order of most important teams at Iowa State: 1. Chicago Cubs 2. Minnesota Twins 3. St. Louis Cardinals 4. Kansas City Royals.

Cubs:

For the first time in 13 years, the Cubs open the season without Sammy Sosa on the roster. Now playing right field, Jeromy Burnitz! Doesn’t quite have the same ring, does it?

Mr. Mia Hamm, err… Nomar Garicaparra has been demolishing pitching this spring, batting .488 with six home runs. He will be the key to igniting the Cub offense that also has to replace Moises Alou. Both Kerry Wood and Mark Prior have missed starts in March because of arm troubles. These two need to be healthy if the Cubs want to win the NL Central. Joe Borowski is out for at least a month, meaning LaTroy Hawkins will close to start the year.

Prediction: 91-71, second in the NL Central and wild card winner. Corey Patterson begins getting booed April 27.

Twins:

Once again the Twins enter the year as favorite to win the AL Central. Quietly, they have become one of the best franchises in baseball. They have a great core of position players led by Torii Hunter, Jacque Jones and budding star Joe Mauer. Mauer’s knees are a concern, but the Twins have a way to fill holes through their farm system. They have a rock-solid pitching staff and a closer who had 44 saves last year. Did I mention they have the best pitcher in baseball, Johan Santana?

Prediction: 93-69, first in AL Central.

Cardinals:

The Cardinals have Albert Pujols. That is all that needs to be said.

Prediction: 101-61, first in NL Central.

Royals:

I feel sorry for Royals fans. Here is an excerpt from their Facebook fan group. “George Brett is the greatest player in the history of baseball. Tony Pena is awesome, and Mike Sweeney is the best first baseman in baseball today.” It’s usually not a good sign when you mention a guy who retired 15 years ago and your coach as reasons to be excited. On the bright side, they start a guy named Ruben Gotay at second base.

Prediction: 63-99, last in most statistical categories, including wins.

— Brent Blum is a sophomore in pre-journalism and mass communication from Urbandale.