George Klein
AL EAST
1.
Tampa
Bay Rays
The Rays boast one of the best
rotations in baseball, even after trading James Shields (15-10, 3.52) to the
Royals for uber-outfield prospect Wil Myers. Myers will begin the season in the
minors to delay his free agency by a year, and the Rays’ other bats must compensate.
Evan Longoria needs to remain healthy though this season (74 games played in
2012, 133 in 2011) for the Rays to achieve their lofty expectations for the
season. Desmond Jennings will look to build on a mediocre season (.257, 15, 54,
38 SB), and put more of his tools and enormous potential to use.
Best Case: The staff performs at
historic levels and with the additions of Myers, SS Yunel Escobar, and 2B Kelly
Johnson to the lineup, the Rays head to the World Series
Worst Case: The pitching will still
keep the team in ballgames, but with a lacking offence the Rays sink into the
middle of the pack in the closely contested AL East.
2.
Toronto
Blue Jays
The Blue Jays went through massive
changes in the offseason, making a shocking trade with the Marlins in an 11
player deal, signing R.A. Dickey (20-6, 2.73, 230 K) the NL Cy Young award
winner and Melky Cabrera (.346, 11, 60, suspended 50 games for PEDs). Star
shortstop Jose Reyes (.287,11,50,40 sb) looks to continue his strong level of
production, while starting pitcher Josh Johnson (8-14, 3.81), also a part of
the Marlins deal, is trying to get back
to his ace level of production,
but following years and years of injuries he might not have it in him.
Mark Buerhle (13-13, 3.74) adds a veteran presence to the clubhouse while
eating innings, and Jose Bautista (.241, 27, 65) needs to get back to his star
form after a broken wrist injured his 2012 season.
Best Case: The offseason moves work
with Dickey and Johnson leading the rotation, while Reyes and Cabrera as lineup
anchors. Bautista comes back from his injury with no lingering problems,
leading the team to an AL East win, and a battle in the ALCS.
Worst Case: Injuries to Johnson,
Reyes, Bautista, and Brandon Morrow (10-7, 2.96) ruin this team, Cabrera and
Buehrle flop, and the team ends up with an under .500 record.
3.
Baltimore
Orioles
The Orioles sport a similar team that
last year took a magical run to the postseason. The team is going to rely on
the continued improvement of Chris Tillman (9-3, 2.93), Brian Matusz (6-10,
4.87), and Manny Machado (.262, 7, 26), along with their incredible record in
one run games last season (29-9). Star
pitching prospect Dylan Bundy waits in the wings, and could provide a boost for
the team in August and September. Brian Roberts (.182, 0, 5) and Nick Markakis
(.298, 13, 54) will look to recover their pre-injury form; this will prove
especially hard for Roberts who has been sidelined with concussions the past
three seasons. Adam Jones (.287, 32, 82), and Matt Wieters (.249, 23, 83) are
the growing stars and are the backbone of this team.
Best Case: 2012 proves to not be a
fluke year; Machado shows great improvement at the plate while Bundy dominates
down the stretch. The team gains a wildcard spot in the postseason.
Worst Case: The young players fail to
improve, the O’s pitching flounders, and the team ends up with a mid-70s win
total, far out of playoff contention.
4.
Boston
Red Sox
After their worst season in years, a
disaster under Bobby Valentine, the Red Sox must regroup to regain the
affection of Red Sox Nation. Having added Shane Victorino (.255, 11, 55), Ryan
Dempster (12-8, 3.38), Mike Napoli (.227, 24, 56), and Joel Hanrahan (2.72, 36
sv), the Red Sox will boast many new faces. But in order to get back to the
level of play they were used to they must receive bounce back seasons from
Jacoby Ellsbury (.271, 4, 26) and Jon Lester (9-14, 4.82). Will Middlebrooks
(.288, 15, 54) at third needs to continue to provide a solid lineup spot. Jackie Bradley Jr. is a star in the making in
leftfield, adding a burst of enthusiasm and youth the team desperately needs.
Best Case: The clubhouse chemistry
improves under the leadership of John Farrell, Ellsbury plays 150 games, the
team wins 80 games and things look good for 2014.
Worst Case: The team plays old and
lifeless and finishes last in the AL East in a second consecutive season for
the first time since 1930.
5.
New
York Yankees
This is finally the year. The dynasty
is over. The Yankees are old and desolated by injuries. Teixeira(.251,24,84),
Granderson (.232,43,106), Jeter(.316,15,58), and Alex Rodriguez (.272,18,57)
are all casualties. Mariano Rivera (2.16, 5 sv) is still in rehab from Tommy
John surgery and it could be more than a month before he is fully ready to
play. Star pitching prospect Manny Banuelos and Dellin Betances are still two
years away from major league ready. Simply put, the the short term outlook of
this team is the bleakest in almost two decades.
Best Case: The team battles hard in
the AL East before fading from contention due to age in late August.
Worst Case: The team plays
disinterested and soft and the Yankees fall far into the basement.
Detroit Tigers
1. The Tigers look good this season,
really really good. They have Miguel Cabrera (.330, 44,139), the Triple Crown
Winner and reigning AL MVP. They have Justin Verlander (17-8, 2.64, 239k), 2011
Al CY Young award winner, and the rest of a very strong rotation with Doug Fister
(10-10, 3.45), Anibal Sanchez (9-13, 3.86), and Max Scherzer (16-7, 3.74). The
Tigers have added outfielder Tori Hunter (.313, 16, 92) and Victor Martinez
(out last season with a torn ACL) to an already potent lineup. With the little
competition in the AL Central, the Tigers will coast to the postseason. The
only question is how far in the postseason they will go.
Best case: Cabrera and Verlander
dominate once again, Martinez shows no ill effects of his injury, and the
Tigers roll to the ALCS and beyond.
Worst Case: A shaky bullpen unravels
and the Tigers lose in the first round of postseason action.
2. Chicago White Sox
After a surprisingly good year in
which they finished second in the AL Central, battling the Tigers all year
long, the White Sox look to Chris Sale (17-8,3.05) and Jake Peavy (11-12,3.37)
for the backbone rotation. For the White Sox to continue their strong run Alex
Rios needs to break his inconsistency year to year (.304,25,91 in 2012,
.227,13,44 in 2011) and Paul Konerko (.298,26,75) must continue to provide as
the Lineups most consistent and powerful source.
Best Case: Konerko and Adam Dunn
(.204, 41,96) launch a ton of balls and the team fights the Tigers all season.
Worst Case: The boppers show their
age, Sale and Peavy regress, and the team stumbles to a middle of the pack AL
Central finish.
3. Kansas City Royals
The Royals are a young improving
team. After an offseason trade for James Shields (15-10, 3.52, 223k) the Royals
have their first bona-fide ace in years. In the lineup, Billy Butler (.313,
29,107) is a mainstay at the third spot providing power and Alex Gordon (.294,
14, 72) has developed into a strong defensive outfielder and table setter. Mike
Moustakas (.242, 20, 73) looks to continue to improve on his pitch recognition
skills and Eric Hosmer(.232,14,60) is trying to bounce back after a
disappointing sophomore slump. A very young team the Royals will struggle
mightily at some points this season but the long term outlook is optimistic.
Best Case: James Shields leads a
strong rotation, all the young players continue to improve, and the Royals make
a run at the second wild-card spot.
Worst Case: The young players flop,
Shields is a bust, and the Royals have a 70 win season.
4. Cleveland Indians
Terry Francona brings a new energy to
a team that oftentimes played lackluster last season. Justin Masterson (11-15,
4.93) and Ubaldo Jimenez (9-17, 5.40) at the top of the rotation need to
regroup after taking large steps backward last season. Asdrubal Cabrera (.270,
16, 68) and Jason Kipnis (.257, 14, 76,31sb) make up a very good middle
infield. New additions Michael Bourn (.274, 9, 57,42sb), Nick Swisher (.272, 24,
93), and Mark Reynolds (.221, 23, 69) will provide speed and pop (Bourn the
speed, Swisher and Reynolds the power). Star pitching prospect Trevor Bauer
(1-2, 6.06) awaits in the wings at Triple-A and will most likely be called up
mid-season.
Best Case: Swisher and Reynolds each
hit 30, Bourn steals 45+ bags, Masterson and Jimenez regain their old form, and
the Indians flirt with an above .500 record.
5. Minnesota Twins
The Twins are in rebuilding mode.
They will rely on rookie Aaron Hicks in the leadoff spot and in center field.
New faces Vance Worley (6-9, 4.20) and Kevin Correia (12-11, 4.21) anchor the
rotation while Mike Pelfrey (0-0, 2.29) tries to comeback from Tommy John
surgery. The Twins still sport a lineup core of Joe Mauer (.310, 10, 85), Josh
Willingham (.260, 35,110), and Justin Morneau (.267, 19, 77). Glen Perkins
(2.56, 16sv) is looking like a blossoming star in the closer position. This
team has valuable pieces, but it will be a couple of years before they are
competitive in the AL Central.
Best Case: Morneau improves with a
second injury free season, Pelfrey gets back to his 2011 season from, and the
outlook is bright for the Twins
Worst Case: Mauer, Morneau, and
Pelfrey deal with serious injuries and the Twins lose a hundred games.
AL West
1. Los Angeles Angels
The Angels come in looking like a top
team on paper, but as they know from last year you have to perform on the
field. Mike Trout (.326, 30, 83, 49 sb) batting leadoff is arguably the best
player in baseball. If Albert Pujols (.285, 30,105) has a bounceback year and
Josh Hamilton (.285, 43,128) remains injury fee, the Angles could also have the
best 3-4 punch in the game. The rotation boasts star Jered Weaver (20-5, 2.81)
and southpaw CJ Wilson (13-10, 3.83) who looks to enjoy more success than his
first go around. The backend of the rotation is all new with Jason Vargas
(14-11, 3.85), Tommy Hanson (13-10, 4.48), and Joe Blanton (10-13, 4.71). The
Angles are one of the favorites to make the World Series.
Best Case: Trout, Pujols, and
Hamilton are an unstoppable combination, weaver and Wilson dominate, and the
team rolls over the Tigers and into the World Series.
Worst Case: Pujols and Hamilton
decline, the team visibly drags on the field, and the team misses the playoffs
for a second consecutive year.
2. Texas Rangers
The Rangers are still a strong offensive
team with 3B Adrian Beltre (.321, 36, 102), 2B Ian Kinsler (.256, 19, 72), and
OF Nelson Cruz (.260, 24, 90) leading the way in that department. SS Elvis
Andrus (.286, 3, 62) is very strong in defensive and speed; him and rotation
anchor Yu Darvish (16-9, 3.90) are blooming stars who are the future of this
team. Matt Harrison (18-11, 3.29), Derek Holland (12-7, 4.67), and Alexi Ogando(2-0,3.27)
all are young contributors to the rotation, and none have reached their peak.
Super infield prospect Jurickson Profar (.176,1,2) will come up later in the
season and hopefully will receive at least 300 Abs. Injured pitchers Colby
Lewis (6-6,3.43), Martin Perez (1-4,5.45), and Neftali Feliz (3-1,3.16) will
all be back at some point this season and will try to help this team down the
stretch.
Best Case: Lewis, and Perez return
from injury early, Cruz stays healthy all season, and the team is in the
playoffs come October.
Worst Case: The injury bug hits the
Rangers hard; the team proves to be too old and fragile. The Rangers miss out
on the playoffs.
3. Oakland Athletics
The Athletics are for real. Though
they are devoid of any big names, with the possible exception of Yoenis
Cespedes (.292, 23, 82), they have a great rotation with the likes of Jarrod
Parker (13-8, 3.47), Brett Anderson (4-2, 2.57), and Tommy Milone. Young
players Cespedes, Josh Reddick (.242, 32, 85), and AJ Griffin (7-1, 3.06) are in
a great position to build on their performances from last year. In a strong yet crowded outfield, Coco Crisp
(.259, 11, 46,39sb) is the table-setter for this team with blazing speed and
Chris Young (.231, 14, 41) adds some pop. The A’s have a strong back end of
their bullpen, with closer Grant Balfour (2.53, 24sv), and Ryan Cook (2.09,
14sv), one of last year’s standout rookies.
Best Case: The walk-off hits keep
coming, Cespedes reaches new heights, and the A’s once again are AL West
champions.
Worst Case: The strong pitching is
unable neutralize a weak lineup, and the A’s regress back to a mid-70’s win
total.
4. Seattle Mariners
The Mariners will again try to
support their star pitcher Felix Hernandez (13-9, 3.06, 223k). They have added
solid pieces in Kendrys Morales (.273, 22, 73) and Mike Morse (.291, 18, 62).
Young players Michael Saunders (.247, 19, 57), Jesus Montero (.260, 15, 62),
and Dustin Ackley (.226,12,50) try to take steps forward after each put forth a
disappointing 2012 season. Third overall pick Mike Zunino won’t be in the
minors for long; he’s a very polished prospect.
Best Case: Morales and Morse add some
power, Hernandez dominates again, and the Mariners win 75 games.
Worst Case: The offence flounders,
Hernandez regresses, and the Mariners lose 95 games.
5. Houston Astros
The Astros are bad, really bad. They
are without a doubt the worst team of the past decade. Their entire payroll is
less than Alex Rodriguez’s salary this year. The scary part is that this season
could prove to be even worse than last year, the by-product of their move from
the NL Central to the AL West. Jose Altuve (.290, 7, 37,33sb) is solid at
second, Bud Norris (7-13, 4.65, 8.8k/9) and Lucas Harrell (11-11, 3.76) could be
average to slightly above average pitchers this season, and Jason Castro
(.257,6,29) is improving at catcher. Everything else about this team is
horrendous, proof as the Astros are going to rely on Carlos Pena (19hr, 61rbi),
who hit .197 last season and Chris Carter (16hr,39rbi) who hit .239, in the
three and four spots in the rotation. The lineup is trash, and the backend of
the rotation is going to be pummeled.
Best Case: Pena and Carter break out,
Norris miraculously dominates, and the Astros win 60 games.
Worst Case: The team plays to their
talent and sets baseball’s single season loss record.
Playoff Predictions:
Al East: Rays
AL Central: Tigers
AL West: Angels
Wildcard #1: Blue Jays
Wildcard #2: Rangers
ALDS: Angels vs.
Blue Jays, Tigers vs. Rays
ALCS: Angels vs.
Tigers
ALCS Winner Tigers
Who will the Tigers play in the World
Series? NL predictions coming soon!
