AL East
Toast of the division: Boston Red Sox
With the addition of speedster Carl Crawford and masher Adrian Gonzalez to an already star studded lineup the Red Sox have put themselves in prime position to be in control of the East.
Health was a major concern for this ball club last year as the disabled list seemed to have a revolving door. Healthy returns from Dustin Pedroia and Jacoby Ellsbury make a formidable 1-2 punch at the top of the lineup. The only major concern is pitching.
Can Clay Bucholz continue his ascent up the pitching ranks along with Jon Lester? Was Jonathan Papelbons’ down year a sign of things to come? Daniel Bard and Bobby Jenks provide insurance in case it was, but I am a little skeptical of the rotation beyond Bucholz and
Lester.
Best of the rest:
2. Yankees
3. Rays
4. Orioles
5. Blue Jays
MVP: Adrian Gonzalez, Boston Red Sox
I’m expecting Gonzalez to put up video game like numbers with Fenway Park as his home now. Considering he put up solid numbers at cavernous PETCO Park I wouldn’t be surprised if he takes his career to a Hall of Fame level in Boston.
Cy Young: David Price, Tampa Bay Rays
Lefty is ready to make a superstar leap after his breakout in 2010. He has a solid enough cast behind him to challenge for 20 wins and a sub-3.00 ERA
Impact Rookie to watch: Zach Britton, Baltimore Orioles
Britton put the Grapefruit League on notice this spring with his live arm, pinpoint control and veteran poise; he will give the Orioles an added boost when he is called—likely in late April or early May.
AL Central
Toast of the division: Minnesota Twins
It's hard to ignore the cold hard facts here: 1) Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau are still the cornerstones of this lineup, 2) Ron Gardenhire is still the best manager in the division, and 3) Every year the twins find a way to win the Central division by playing by the simplest credo in baseball: Throw strikes and catch the ball.
While the names might not jump off the page and you probably look at the White Sox (respectfully so) as the flashy pick, know this; Ron Gardenhire’s impact and presence can’t ever be understated and, until this Tom Kelly disciple isn’t in the dugout for the Twins, know they will be the most prepared team in the division to fend off any and all opponents.
Best of the rest:
2. White Sox
3. Tigers
4. Royals
5. Indians
MVP: Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins
Three-time batting champion looks to continue his rise in his prime. Power numbers took a dip in the new home park but should fare better in year two. Not to mention he’s making a name for himself as a clutch performer batting .344, .380, and .329 in July, August and September/October respectively (baseball-reference.com).
Cy Young: Justin Verlander, Detroit Tigers
Another young gun in his prime; already has a Rookie of the Year, three All-Star appearances and a World Series trip on his resume. And did I mention he’s thrown a no-hitter? His shut down stuff is becoming legend in Motown and he’s only getting better at age 28 when he was already scary good.
Impact Rookie to Watch: Tsuyoshi Nishioka, Minnesota Twins
I know the age old debate. “Is he really a rookie after playing in Japan for these years?” The answer is a resounding yes. Technicalities aside, the reports out of spring training mirror the reports from his Japanese playing days. Has above average defense (which I know is important to the fundamental minded Gardenhire) and can hold his own with the wood.
AL West
Toast of the division: Texas Rangers
This pick wasn’t as easy as some might think. Yes they went to the World Series last year—and they also added Adrian Beltre to an already loaded lineup—but I see a team with some personnel issues; starting with their inability to find a position for their most consistent player, Michael Young, and their Joba-like handling this winter/spring of Neftali Feliz.
While I feel they have what it takes to repeat as division champs I am skeptical. The rotation after C.J. Wilson is still a question mark after the loss of Cliff Lee, but I like the team’s offense, and their defense could be one of the best in the AL.
Best of the rest:
2. Angels
3. Athletics
4. Mariners
MVP: Josh Hamilton, Texas Rangers
What more can be said about the man who is one of the most talented players in baseball? I’ll give it a whirl. Did anyone realize this man won a batting title this year in a league that includes hit machine Ichiro Suzuki, Robinson Cano and the great Joe Mauer? Did anyone realize that he was the league’s MVP and Texas’ first MVP since a man named Alex Rodriguez?
If you hadn’t realized these things you’ve been living under a rock, and if anyone puts together a better all-around game than Josh Hamilton, you would be hard-pressed to find him.
Cy Young: Felix Hernandez, Seattle Mariners
Yes I hear the Bay area overture, but here’s a question for all of you drooling over that rotation Oakland has put together: If you had to pick one pitcher from this division to pitch a game seven for you who would you choose? If any of you said Trevor Cahill you’re lying.
While I couldn’t completely fault you for your choice, “King” Felix is just simply too good. How good is he? In his last eleven starts he allowed eleven earned runs. For those of you who are math challenged I’ll give you his ERA…1.21. Shaving .57 points off of his season ERA in 11 starts; and when you throw in 83 strikeouts in 82 innings, allowing a .173 .opp BA, and on a Mariners squad that lost 101 games, you’ve got a man whose performance can be summed up in two words: Lights. Out.
Impact rookie to watch: Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels
I heard about the noise he made last season at the All-Star break, and this spring in Triple-A and the Arizona Fall League, and I’m quite sure he’s beyond ready to make his debut for the Angels. He could be a solid difference maker when his time comes this season (yes I said THIS season).
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