Post by White Sox GM (Michael) on Oct 27, 2012 17:40:09 GMT -5
Detroit Tigers: The class of the American League. Posey, McCutchen, Cargo, Verlander, Kershaw...the list goes on and on. However, the team is not invincible. Although they should again take the Central and the AL's best record, this monstrous squad can again be stopped in the playoffs.
Boston Red Sox: A lineup with very good hitters, highlighted by Jason Heyward, Elvis Andrus, and Matt Wieters. Great pitching with potential to improve. Offensive depth could eventually hold the Red Sox back if too many injuries are suffered.
Chicago White Sox: Strong squad with many great hitters. Pitching is a notch below those of the two preceding teams. Expect Chicago to again be serious contenders.
Kansas City Royals: A team that has greatly improved so far in the offseason, using his developed talent to trade for stars, including Ryan Braun. Overall very good team, but there are questions about whether their young budding stars will be big contributors in the 2013 season. They are the x-factor; if Moustakas, Moore, Miller, and other young players exceed expectations, the Royals might win the pennant.
New York Yankees: The 2012 champions have a similar lineup and rotation to the one that won them the title. Questions arise everywhere as to whether his roster can catch fire again. IT's hard to doubt GM Wood, but this current roster will have a tough time repeating.
Los Angeles Angels: A team dressed with superstars just has too many uncertainties when it comes to the health of their best players, including Tulowitzki, Kemp, and Sabathia. Team lacks in players with potential for improvement. In addition, they are hindered with large contracts, struggling to get under the cap limit. No question, they will contend, but moves need to be made.
Texas Rangers: GM Bill is doing a good job in replenishing the team with youthful contributors. Ellsbury's performance could make or break their season. Sale and Johnson anchor a solid rotation. All this team needs to do is continue to move in this direction.
Baltimore Orioles: Not a powerhouse, but this team will give any team trouble in a matchup. Another terrific season from Jeter will boost this team into wild card contention.
Cleveland Indians: A lineup anchored by Adam Jones and Hanley Ramirez. Lots of moves will need to be made before they can be considered contenders.
Minnesota Twins: A squad with a lot going for them in future seasons. MLB team is highlighted by Will Middlebrooks, who should continue to grow into one of the league's best third basemen. Should be a non-factor in the AL Central for next season but is slowly creeping up behind the upper-tier teams.
Oakland Athletics: The direction of the A's is somewhat confusing, though it is clear that they are looking for youth while trying to be a factor in the West. They should finish comfortably in 3rd place and somewhere in the middle of the pack for the AL.
Toronto Blue Jays: A lack of talent in all areas. The GM has done a good job in rebuilding, and should be able to compete if he continues on this path.
Seattle Mariners: Taking a step in the right direction. A long rebuilding process is the way to go here. A great GM can make this a winning franchise.
Tampa Bay Rays: The roster is getting there, but will get eaten alive by the beasts of the East. Expect the Rays to seriously, seriously contend in 2015.
Boston Red Sox: A lineup with very good hitters, highlighted by Jason Heyward, Elvis Andrus, and Matt Wieters. Great pitching with potential to improve. Offensive depth could eventually hold the Red Sox back if too many injuries are suffered.
Chicago White Sox: Strong squad with many great hitters. Pitching is a notch below those of the two preceding teams. Expect Chicago to again be serious contenders.
Kansas City Royals: A team that has greatly improved so far in the offseason, using his developed talent to trade for stars, including Ryan Braun. Overall very good team, but there are questions about whether their young budding stars will be big contributors in the 2013 season. They are the x-factor; if Moustakas, Moore, Miller, and other young players exceed expectations, the Royals might win the pennant.
New York Yankees: The 2012 champions have a similar lineup and rotation to the one that won them the title. Questions arise everywhere as to whether his roster can catch fire again. IT's hard to doubt GM Wood, but this current roster will have a tough time repeating.
Los Angeles Angels: A team dressed with superstars just has too many uncertainties when it comes to the health of their best players, including Tulowitzki, Kemp, and Sabathia. Team lacks in players with potential for improvement. In addition, they are hindered with large contracts, struggling to get under the cap limit. No question, they will contend, but moves need to be made.
Texas Rangers: GM Bill is doing a good job in replenishing the team with youthful contributors. Ellsbury's performance could make or break their season. Sale and Johnson anchor a solid rotation. All this team needs to do is continue to move in this direction.
Baltimore Orioles: Not a powerhouse, but this team will give any team trouble in a matchup. Another terrific season from Jeter will boost this team into wild card contention.
Cleveland Indians: A lineup anchored by Adam Jones and Hanley Ramirez. Lots of moves will need to be made before they can be considered contenders.
Minnesota Twins: A squad with a lot going for them in future seasons. MLB team is highlighted by Will Middlebrooks, who should continue to grow into one of the league's best third basemen. Should be a non-factor in the AL Central for next season but is slowly creeping up behind the upper-tier teams.
Oakland Athletics: The direction of the A's is somewhat confusing, though it is clear that they are looking for youth while trying to be a factor in the West. They should finish comfortably in 3rd place and somewhere in the middle of the pack for the AL.
Toronto Blue Jays: A lack of talent in all areas. The GM has done a good job in rebuilding, and should be able to compete if he continues on this path.
Seattle Mariners: Taking a step in the right direction. A long rebuilding process is the way to go here. A great GM can make this a winning franchise.
Tampa Bay Rays: The roster is getting there, but will get eaten alive by the beasts of the East. Expect the Rays to seriously, seriously contend in 2015.
