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 Central has 3 solid teams that will compete for the Wild Cards and will get boosts to their records by 2 rebuilding teams. The Royals are possible AL favorites. The Indians pitching makes them a possible sleeper.
In order from favorite to least favorite (2013 record)(My projection):
Kansas City Royals (20-2)(20-2)- Obviously, I am the owner of this team, so I will try to be as unbiased as possible. The Royals will likely have the strongest pitching in 2014. The rotation is headlined by the reigning AL Cy Young Scherzer, former Cy Young winner Cliff Lee, Adam Wainwright, and Jered Weaver. There is also strong depth in Jonathan Niese, Miguel Gonzalez, Ivan Nova, and Charlie Morton. The relief corps is also very strong with Holland, Robertson, and Melancon. The offense is the teams weakness, but it is still fairly strong. Led by Bautista and Hosmer, there is solid depth, but the team lacks true star potential. The MI is weak and there are several injury prone players which could derail the Royals’ World Series hopes. The Royals are still the favorites to win the Central and possibly the AL.
Detroit Tigers (19-3)(15-7)- The Tigers made a strong run at the division last year and have the best chance to challenge KC this year. There is very solid depth in the batting lineup. If Sizemore and Teixeira can return to their old forms, Lawrie can play to his potential, and Chris Johnson and Rasmus can repeat, the Tigers could have one of the best overall lineups in the league. The pitching needs a little luck, however. They have depth at starting pitcher, but injuries, age, and declining performance make them question marks. The same could be said for the bullpen. Springer and Ventura are probable midseason callups that could really give this team a boost. The division is probably unlikely, but a Wild Card spot is definitely possible.
Cleveland Indians (15-7)(13-9)- The Indians took a favorable schedule and some luck to a 15-7 record last year. I actually think this team has improved and expect them to increase their point total, but expect more of a challenge from opponents. They have many mediocre to below average offensive weapons, but should get points from almost every position. If Morse and Castro can bounce back, Gattis can replicate his first half from last year after making adjustments and some injuries happen to some starters, the Indians offense could surprise and be a solid contributor. Javier Baez could provide a big boost with a callup. The strength of the team is its’ pitching however. Kluber and Salazar have great potential and Greinke and Sanchez have already proven they are studs. O’Day, Putz, Soriano, and Rodney headline one of the strongest bullpens in the league. The pitching could make this team a wild card contender.
Chicago White Sox (12-10)(4-18)- The White Sox were an above average team last season, but have since gone into rebuild mode. Questionable callups may end up hurting the team long term as prospects like Hedges and Manaea will use up their team control early. Rios, Willingham, Reed, and Peavy should prevent the South Side from pulling up the rear in the division, but good young signings will help them compete in 5+ years.
Minnesota Twins (3-19)(1-21)- The signings of Anetsberger (who?), Cantu (still alive?), and Ryan Adams (no, the singer is Bryan Adams) have shown that Tankesota has no intention of competing this year. It’s actually a smart move, because those players, unlike the prospects (which are very good) in their system, will not be hurt by having their clocks started. The dearth of prospects could actually make the Twins competitive in a couples years if things go right. In any case, McClouth, Revere, Chen, and Lackey might help this team win a game over the ‘Stros or Yankees but not much else.
