We’re less than a week away from the opening of the Major League Baseball season and it seems like just an afterthought on campus.

Apparently, there’s some basketball team in an important tournament. I don’t know.

But as we count down to Opening Day with the steroid controversy swirling around America’s pastime, fans should be extremely eager to get this season underway and put some of the negative talk to rest.

It’s not like baseball is short on alternative storylines to steroids.

The Red Sox will, for the first time in a long time, try and defend a championship.

The Yankees reloaded with the Big Unit, Carl Pavano and Jaret Wright, to improve its pitching staff.

And the National League East looks like the new power division with the additions of Carlos Beltran, Pedro Martinez, Carlos Delgado and Tim Hudson.

So with everyone focusing their attention on the Final Four, I’ll give everyone a quick primer so you’re prepared for the first pitch of the season Sunday night.

AL East

Boston – Goodbye Pedro and Lowe. Hello Clement, Renteria, Wells and division championship.

New York – If George spends it, championships will come. But not this year. Randy and A-Rod will bring home the wild card.

Baltimore – It’s going to be home run derby at Camden Yards … for both teams.

Toronto – Canadians can’t wait for hockey to come back.

Tampa Bay – Someone give Lou Pinella the decaf.

Al Central

Chicago – More speed, deeper rotation, better balance, better team. Ozzie’s boys should be around in October.

Minnesota – I don’t see Johan and the Twins winning again, but they’ll probably prove me wrong.

Cleveland – I don’t see the Tribe’s youngsters having career years like they did in ’04, but they should be the favorites in ’06.

Detroit – Maggs and Pudge will be waiting until next season for the pitching to come around.

Kansas City – HAHA, right.

AL West

Anaheim – The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and Orange County via San Jose or whatever they’re called will roll with the bats of Vlad and Garrett Anderson and the arms of Colon and K-Rod.

Oakland – Barry Zito will lead the youth movement, but don’t count out the moves of GM Billy Beane.

Seattle – They’re getting old, but the acquisitions of Sexson and Beltre will keep them out of the basement.

Texas – A lot of hitting plus crappy pitching equals no chance.

NL East

Florida – A surprise pick in baseball’s deepest division, but Carlos Delgado brings power and a healthy Josh Beckett and A.J. Burnett will bring wins.

Atlanta – Hudson and Smoltz will keep this team in a dogfight for the division title for yet another year.

New York – Beltran and Martinez will improve the talent, but no one knows if the free spending will improve the team.

Philadelphia – Jim Thome and Pat Burrell provide punch, but there are too many questions in the rotation.

Washington – They would stand a chance if they were in the AL Central or NL West.

NL Central

St. Louis – Despite the loss of Renteria, the addition of Mark Mulder gives the Cardinals the best team in the National League.

Chicago – If Prior and Wood’s arms stay attached, and Dusty takes his foot out of his mouth, the Cubs could have a big season without the deadweight of Sosa.

Houston – Aging stars like Clemens and Bagwell need to have stellar seasons to even come close.

Cincinnati – The Reds could be the dark horse of the National League.

Milwaukee – Carlos Lee will make them better, but they’re still as good as a warm beer.

Pittsburgh – Ten bucks to the first person who can name three people on the roster.

NL West

Los Angeles – Counting on J.D. Drew and Jeff Kent isn’t good, but their pitching depth should bring home the division title.

Arizona – The additions of Glaus, Ortiz, Green and Vazquez could mesh with the youth to surprise some people this season.

San Francisco – With all of their starting position players over the age of 31, social security night will be the biggest highlight this season, not a division title. By the way, someone hand Barry a tissue.

San Diego – Fans are still waiting for the youngsters to take the next step.

Colorado – Except for Todd Helton, Rockies’ players will have to wear “Hello, my name is” stickers all season.

This preview should give everyone a good insight into what will happen this season, but even if it doesn’t, here’s hoping this baseball season in ’05 makes people forget about steroids and returns to the form of America’s pastime that was seen in the 2004 playoffs.