My AL East Predictions (I will get to the other divisions as time allows. Let me know what you all think, I am looking forward to being completely wrong!)
The AL East reflects the difficulties of starting with teams with high payrolls, as the Red Sox and Yankees are bringing up the rear of an otherwise strong division. The Rays and Blue Jays have set themselves apart and should battle it out for the crown, and the loser should get a Wild Card spot. The Orioles are a potential sleeper.
In order from favorite to least favorite (2013 record)(My projection):
Tampa Bay Rays (13-9)(17-5)- The Rays look to defend their division title with offense and starting pitching. A lineup led by Miguel Cabrera, Evan Longoria, and Troy Tulowitzki may give the Rays the best infield in the league. Their outfield is no slouch either, as Jennings, Cespedes, and Jackson should all put up a strong showing. Sale, Cobb, Cueto, Moore, and Masterson give them 5 potential aces in the rotation and could help the Rays hold off the Blue Jays for the division. The team lacks significant depth and relievers, which could prove to be their downfall if injuries strike.
Toronto Blue Jays (0-21)(17-5)- Don’t let the 2013 record fool you, the Blue Jays are a good team and will challenge the Rays for the division. The Rays have the stronger top of the lineup and rotation, but the Blue Jays have greater depth. The Jays have projected starters in pretty much every offensive position. Pitching is probably their greatest strength however. The Jays could easily have 8 or 9 starting pitchers providing points early on in the year. Farquhar and Feliz should headline a solid relief corps. Late season callups of top prospects like Bundy and Bryant could make this team scary in the playoffs. Do not be surprised if the Jays go from worst to first. The Jays and Rays are very close.
Baltimore Orioles (11-11)(13-9)- The Orioles finished 2013 with a mediocre 11-11, but should be better this season. Wieters and McCann are probably the second best catcher tandem (hard to beat Santana/Molina in St. Louis) in a scoring system that values catchers highly. The key to the Orioles success may be how their international signings adjust to the American game. Jose Abreu and Alex Guerrero should help bolster a solid lineup led by Adams Jones, Puig, and Ortiz. Suk-min Yoon is another international gamble that help the Orioles sneak into a wild card spot. Early injuries to Arrieta and Iwakuma, however, will make it very tough for the Orioles to compete with the Rays and Jays for the division.
Boston Red Sox (11-11)(6-16)- The Red Sox have some very good players, but nowhere near enough depth to compete this year. Salty, Lowrie, Middlebrooks, Simmons, and Pedroia give the Sox an above average infield. Jansen and Darvish could easily be the best RP and SP in the game this season. Wil Myers has the potential to be a top 5 OF this year as well. Unfortunately, too many zeros from too many positions should stop this team from getting back to .500 this year.
New York Yankees (4-18)(2-20)- The Yankees, hampered by a terrible contract to A-Rod, are in full rebuild mode. Mesoraco and Andrus should provide solid points on their infield, Quintana is a solid SP, but there is very little positive to see in this team. The Yankees are 5+ years away from competing and should be looking to get what they can from the ML talent they have. They have a solid chance to win the quest for the #1 overall pick, along with the Twins and Astros.
