After previewing the Yankees 2012 season a few weeks ago, here is my brief preview of all 30 teams for this season. With a new playoff format debuting, where two wild card teams will play in a one-game playoff for a chance to make it into the Divisional Series, there is more incentive to win your division than ever.
This division will be a three-team race again, with the Yankees, Red Sox, and Rays all battling. The Yankees starters pitchers have struggled in Spring Training, but luckily they have an ace in the hole with Pettitte coming back in May. The Sawx are back with pretty much the same team that had the wild card locked up until choking in September. They have one of the best lineups in baseball, but can have problems with their starting pitching, and lost their closer Jonathan Papelbon. I really like the hiring of manager Bobby Valentine, and the rivalry with the Yankees should be red hot. The Rays are on the opposite side of the spectrum with great starting pitching, but a lineup that leaves something to be desired. Also, with a smaller payroll than their rivals, the fact that they're in the race is a nod to their front office personnel. The Blue Jays have some raw young starting pitchers and a very good lineup. Unfortunately, they play in the toughest division in baseball, and are unlikely to compete for a playoff spot. Finally, the Orioles will be bringing up the rear, with what could be one of the worst teams in the AL.
AL CENTRAL
This is the Tigers division to lose plain and simple. With the acquisition of Prince Fielder to join a stacked lineup, plus a great rotation that includes the best starter in baseball, Justin Verlander, the Tigers are World Series contenders. The Royals have a lot of young talent all over the field, but need a few more years before they can contend. The Indians have some guys with a lot of potential, like Asdrubal Cabrera, Shin-Soo Choo, and Ubaldo Jimenez. They should play above .500 ball this season. The Twins had a terrible 2011, where everything that could go wrong did. If the new M&M Boys, Mauer and Morneau, can stay healthy they could be decent, but if they are injured again, this season could be disastrous. The White Sox are in rebuilding mode under new manager Robin Ventura. The loss of Mark Buhrle leave their pitching staff without a true number one guy.
AL WEST
The Angels made a splash this offseason, landing Albert Pujols and CJ Wilson. It's crazy to think that Wilson could be the fourth starter on what could be the best rotation in baseball. Pujols will provide enough pop to make the lineup dangerous. The back-to-back AL Champion Rangers are hoping that Yu Darvish could fill the void that C.J. Wilson left. You just have to wonder if there is hangover effect after coming so close to winning World Series last year, only to watch it slip from their grasp. The Mariners and A's split their first two regular season games in Japan this week. That is the last time either of these teams will be relevant this season. Billy Beane's moneyball isn't working anymore in this top-loaded divsion. The addition of Jesus Montero won't be enough for Seattle to put up better offensive number. I wouldn't be suprised if King Felix is traded by the deadline.
NL EAST
The Phillies come back as favorites to win the division for the 6th straight season. They have a stacked lineup and rotation, and finally have a consistent closer with the acquisition of Jonathan Papelbon. Age may start to become a negative factor for them though. The Marlins brought in a new manager, Ozzie Guillen, star shortstop, Jose Reyes, and a very good starting pitcher, Mark Buehrle, along with a brand new stadium. On top of all that, they're getting ace pitcher Josh Johnson back. They can be dangerous this year. The Nationals have the most young potential of any team in the league. Between Bryce Harper and Stephen Strasburg, the Nats could have the best pitcher and hitter in the game within 5 years. The Braves struggled toward the end of the season, leaving the door open for the Cardinals to make the playoffs. If Jason Heyward could have a bounce back year, they could be decent, but won't compete for a playoff spot this year. The Mets are in complete rebuilding mode, after the Wilpons were left broke following the Bernie Madoff scandal. Losing their spark plug, Jose Reyes, and possibly departing with David Wright before the trade deadline, I would be surprised if they win more than 75 games this year.
NL CENTRAL
This is the Reds' time to prove themselves. They struggled a little last year, but the division got a lot easier with the departure of Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder. Their young stars, like Brandon Phillips and Joey Votto, have to take a bigger more consistent role in the offense. The Cardinals got hot at the right time last season, and used that momentum to propel them to become World Series Champions. Adding Carlos Beltran to make up for losing Pujols, might be enough for them to take a Wild Card spot. The Brewers are going to take a step back this year following the loss of Prince Fielder. Ryan Braun's failed drug test controversy is going to make him an easy target for hecklers on the road. The Pirates had a nice run last season, leaving fans in the 'Burgh some hope for this season. The heart of their lineup, Andrew McCutchen, Neil Walker, and Garrett Jones, boasts some of the best young talent in the game. The Cubs are going to have to wait another season for their first World Series in 100-plus seasons. They are going into rebuilding mode now. The Astros are the worst team in the majors. They can't score and give up a lot of runs, they could be a lock for 100 losses.
NL WEST
The Giants had a disappointing 2011 after winning the World Series in 2010. With possibly the best 1-2 punch in baseball with Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain, and hopefully a healthy Buster Posey, they will be back to the playoffs. The Diamondbacks surprised everyone last season by winning the division. With good young talent on both sides of the ball, including Ian Kennedy and Justin Upton, they will be good but won't sneak up on teams this year. The Dodgers were recently sold to a new ownership group that includes Magic Johnson. They have both a Cy Young and MVP candidate in Clayton Kershaw and Matt Kemp, but don't have enough pieces around them. The Rockies could hit the ball with the best of them, but I don't believe their starting pitching is good enough. The Padres are hoping to get back to being contenders to win the division after acquiring Carlos Quentin and Edinson Volquez this offseason.
Predictions
AL
East: Yankees
Central: Tigers
West: Angels
Wild Card: Red Sox, Rangers
ALCS: Angels over Yankees
NL
East: Phillies
Central: Reds
West: Giants
Wild Card: Marlins, Cardinals
NLCS: Marlins over Phillies
World Series: Angels over Marlins
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