2013 MLB Picks and Predictions: American League Favorites, Contenders and Sleepers – For the better part of the decade, any discussion of the American League pennant contenders started with the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. That won’t be the case this year as neither franchise has a roster that screams frontrunner. Instead, other teams that have also had a lot of success recently like Detroit, Tampa Bay and Texas have a chance to stake their claim as the AL’s dominant franchise while the door is also suddenly open for some new contenders. The end result should be fairly interesting and wide-open race in the American League in 2013. With that in mind, here is how the potential AL pennant contenders stack up.
2013 MLB Predictions: American League Favorites, Contenders and Sleepers
The Favorites
While the typical AL East powers are looking a little weak, the Toronto Blue Jays have assembled quite a roster. Jose Reyes, Melky Cabrera and Emilio Bonifacio were added to the top of a lineup that features sluggers Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion and rising star Brett Lawrie. More importantly, starters Ricky Romero and Brandon Morrow no longer have to anchor the rotation as defending NL Cy Young winner R.A. Dickey was brought in along with Josh Johnson and Mark Buehrle. The Blue Jays suddenly have one of the deepest rotations in the majors and a lineup loaded with firepower. For once, the rest of the AL could be chasing Toronto instead of the other way around.
Coming off a disappointing end to their World Series run, the defending American League champion Detroit Tigers could be even better in 2013. For one, an offense that was basically carried by 2012 AL MVP Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder will welcome back Victor Martinez from injury, adding another run producer to the lineup. In addition, veteran outfielder Torri Hunter was signed, giving the Tigers another proven bat. Of course, Detroit still has perennial Cy Young threat Justin Verlander leading a rotation loaded with power arms. With a deep rotation and an improved offense, another pennant could be in the works for Detroit.
The Contenders
Already armed with a powerful offense, the Los Angeles Angels made their lineup in deadlier by adding Josh Hamilton to the mix. The former MVP will team with Albert Pujols, Mike Trout and Mark Trumbo to form what should be the most-productive foursome in the game. While the rotation isn’t elite, C.J. Wilson, Tommy Hanson and Jason Vargas give the Angels three quality arms behind ace Jered Weaver. If this team stays healthy, there is no reason Los Angeles shouldn’t improve on its 89 wins from a year ago and be a factor in the playoffs.
The Tampa Bay Rays had the best pitching staff in the majors last year in terms of ERA, and this offseason, the front office decided to try to add some offense to support defending AL Cy Young winner David Price and the rest of the guys on the mound. Tampa Bay didn’t land any superstars, but James Loney, Yunel Escobar and Kelly Johnson all swing a decent bat. The team also landed highly-touted prospect Wil Myers in trade, and more importantly, slugger Evan Longoria will is healthy after battling injuries all of last season. If the Rays’ offense at least becomes consistent, watch out.
Sleeper Specials
After winning 85 games and being in the mix for a postseason berth, there are several reasons why the Chicago White Sox could get over the hump in 2013. The offense that ranked third in the majors in home runs and seventh in runs scored last year remains intact and could actually improve slightly if young players like Dayan Viciedo and Alejandro De Aza continue to develop. More importantly, the pitching staff that struggled at times last year stands to make strides with young starters Jose Quintana and Hector Santiago set to join the rotation full time and provide support for Chris Sale and Jake Peavy. If the pitching comes around, the White Sox could win the AL Central and maybe more.
The Texas Rangers are definitely not the same team that went to back-to-back World Series in 2010 and 2011 or even the same team that made the playoffs last year. That being said, the Rangers still have enough firepower on offense to make some noise, even without Josh Hamilton in the lineup. Adrian Beltre, Ian Kinsler and Nelson Cruz are still around, and Texas also has the top prospect in the game in Jurickson Profar waiting to make an impact. The starting rotation is sketchy after Yu Darvish and Matt Harrison, but a solid bullpen and solid offense should keep the Rangers in the mix.
2013 Odds to Win American League Pennant
5041 Baltimore Orioles +2500
5042 Boston Red Sox +1000
5043 Chicago White Sox +2000
5044 Cleveland Indians +4500
5045 Detroit Tigers +350
5046 Houston Astros +12500
5047 Kansas City Royals +3500
5048 Los Angeles Angels +300
5049 Minnesota Twins +6000
5050 New York Yankees +650
5051 Oakland Athletics +1600
5052 Seattle Mariners +4500
5053 Tampa Bay Rays +850
5054 Texas Rangers +750
5055 Toronto Blue Jays +385
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