2013 Wish List For The American League

Hello all, In case you missed it, here is part one looking at the NL.

In part two, the American League

Baltimore Orioles: 93-69, AL Wild Card

2013 Wish: That you can be that lucky two years in a row. The Orioles were a big surprise last year, earning one of the wild-card sports and making its first postseason since 1996. However there were a lot of smoke and mirrors getting to October as the O's were 29-9 in one-run games, including 16(!) extra inning wins in a row. That would equate to a 123-39 record for a whole season. Think about that. Regression is inevitable in 2013, but with Adam Jones, Matt Weiters, and Manny Machado in the lineup the future still looks wonderful. Oh and there is baseball's top pitching prospect Dylan Bundy on the way.

Boston Red Sox: 69-93

 2013 Wish: That Toronto hasn't leap frogged us. It is astonishing that this is even for real, but after a last-place finish in the AL East and Toronto's splurge this offseason, the Red Sox are kind of in a no man's land. No superstar acquisitions this offseason is not necessarily a bad thing. They cleared a ton of salary by unloading Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez, and Carl Crawford last summer, but if you are going to keep the payroll lower top prospects like Xander Bogaerts and Jackie Bradley need to pan out. Third baseman Will Middlebrooks cannot have a sophomore slump. Is ESPN's Bill Simmons correct in his numerous predictions that the team will soon be for sale?

Chicago White Sox: 85-77

2013 Wish: That lineup questions will be resolved quickly. I like the White Sox rotation with young ace Chris Sale, Jake Peavy, and Gavin Floyd at the top. After a career year A.J. Pierzynski has left for Texas and Kevin Youkilis is in New York. Are they set to begin the season replacing them with Tyler Flowers and Brent Morel? If so players like Alex Rios, Paul Konerko, Adam Dunn, and Dayan Vicido need to produce at peak level. They should still be in the hunt in the division, but an injury could cripple them.

Cleveland Indians: 68-94

2013 Wish: That Terry Francona can still get the job done. A bitter end to his tenure in Boston, the new Tribe manager has taken a much lower profile job in Cleveland. In a three team trade outfielder Shin-Soo Choo went to Cincinnati and brought back center fielder Drew Stubbs from the Reds and young right-hander Trevor Bauer from Arizona. Bauer, once a top prospect has the potential to be a top of the rotation arm. The team also signed infielder/slugger Mark Reynolds and Columbus, OH native Nick Swisher to a four-year deal. Personally getting Francona, Bauer, and Stubbs would make it a great offseason for the team, Swisher's signing for four years? No comment.

Detroit Tigers: 88-74, AL Central Chapions, AL Champions

2013 Wish: That Victor Martinez can comeback from a knee injury. Detroit is in great shape. Justin Verlander, Miguel Cabrera, and Prince Fielder are all about as good as one can be at what you ask them to do. After shredding his knee before last year, conventional wisdom says getting Martinez to hit behind the monsters in the middle should make opposing pitchers knees shake. But I don't think it is that slam of a dunk. He is 34 and didn't really have a position before he tore ligaments. A platoon at first with Fielder and a rotation at DH between them and Cabrera makes sense. Martinez should still drive in a ton of runs and Detroit should be knocking on the door come October.

Houston Astros: 55-107

2013 Wish: That we all wake up on February 1st and it is 2016. New ownership, new league, and a new logo cannot mask the fact that Houston will have a payroll around $30 million next season. Going to be a long summer deep in the heart of Texas.

Kansas City Royals: 72-90

2013 Wish: That they make the playoffs. It's been 27 years since the Royals played a postseason game. They have had one of baseball's top farm systems over the last few years and with players like Alcides Escobar, Lorenzo Cain, Eric Hosmer, and Mike Moustakas all coming up we've started to see some of the promise bear fruit. Finally KC general manager Dayton Moore pulled the trigger this offseason acquiring Tampa Bay starters James Shields and Wade Davis. In return they gave up top hitting prospect Wil Myers and pitcher Jake Odorizzi (as well as two other minor leaguers). This is a huge gamble that probably puts Moore's job on the line. In the end can a top three rotation of Shields, newly acquired Ervin Santana, and Jeremy Guthrie get you in? Not too sure. But if Hosmer and Moustakas reach their potential it will be a lot easier. Myers could be a coup for the Rays.

Los Angeles Angels: 89-73

2013 Wish: That aggressive  moves this offseason will get LA back in the playoffs. Well if there is anything we know about Halos owner Artie Moreno it is that he does not like keeping quiet. One of the biggest splashes this offseason was signing outfielder Josh Hamilton to a five-year, $125 million deal. With Mike Trout, Mark Trumbo, Vernon Wells, and Peter Bourjos already outfielders on the roster this was a curious move, but on the other hand in sticks a thorn in the side of division rival Texas. Five years for an oft-injured talent with the most checkered past of any current professional athlete? Risky, but with Hamilton, Trout, Albert Pujols, and Trumbo in the lineup and Jered Weaver, C.J. Wilson, and offseason trade acquisitions Tommy Hanson and Jason Vargas in the rotation, games could easily be played late in October in Orange County.

 Minnesota Twins: 66-96

2013 Wish: That there is stability in the starting rotation. The Twins had 11 pitchers who made at least five starts last season. With offseason moves that have brought in Vance Worley, Kevin Correia, and Mike Pelfrey from the National League to start alongside holdover Scott Diamond, the fifth spot will be wide open in Ft. Myers with no less than about 10 candidates vying for it. Without significant improvement Justin Morneau, Josh Willingham, and Ron Gardenhire might not be around August 1st.

New York Yankees: 95-67, American League East Champions

2013 Wish: That age is nothing but a number. Here are the most important players on the Yankees roster and their corresponding age on Opening Day. Andy Pettitte (40), Robinson Cano (30), Hiroki Kuroda (38), Curtis Granderson (32), Derek Jeter (38), Kevin Youkilis (33), Mariano Rivera (43), CC Sabathia (32), injured Alex Rodriguez (37), Mark Teixeira (32), and Ichiro (39). Could this team make the World Series? Absolutely, could they finish 4th in the division? Probably not, but a healthy Michael Pineda sure would be nice.

Oakland Athletics: 94-68, American League West Champions

2013 Wish: That the magic continues. My favorite story of last year was the small market A's taking down the high payroll Angels and Rangers to win its division. With young starters like Brett Anderson, Jarrod Parker, and Tommy Milone they'll always be in the hunt. An offseason trade brings former Diamondbacks outfielder Chris Young to the east bay to help the lineup which needs to scratch and claw to stay competitive. A key will be keeping Cuban Yoenis Cespedes healthy, Oakland was 82-46 with him in the lineup.

 Seattle Mariners: 75-87

2013 Wish: That top prospect pitchers are ready to step up. With the recent trade sending Jason Vargas to LA, starters like Hector Noesi, Erasmo Ramirez, and Blake Beaven need to produce behind Felix Hernandez in Seattle. Top pitching prospects Taijuan Walker, Danny Hultzen, and James Paxton are all knocking on the door as well. There might be more offense this Season, not just because first baseman/DH Kendrys Morales came in the Vargas trade, but like San Diego, Safeco Field is having its fences moved in. Slowly but surely Seattle is moving in the right direction.

Tamps Bay Rays: 91-71

2013 Wish: That Evan Longoria is healthy and productive. Longo missed 13 weeks last season and while he was out for 85 games, the Rays went 41-44. They are loaded with young talent, but because of budget constraints there is no room for error. After signing a $100 million extension this offseason, the all-star third baseman is under team control until 2023 and might be the most indispensable player in baseball.

Texas Rangers: 93-69, AL Wild Card

2013 Wish: That the regular season will be better than the offseason. They were a juggernaut for most of last season until a September collapse and a dropped Josh Hamilton fly ball lost the Rangers the division. Things have not gone much better this winter. Gone are lineup sluggers Hamilton and Mike Napoli, ace reliever Koji Uehara, and Texas-lifer/clubhouse leader Michael Young. They have missed out on top free agent pitcher Zack Grienke and were not able to acquire outfielder Justin Upton (yet) or starter James Shields. They still have a really good club, but they might have to rely on infielders Mike Olt infielder Jurickson Profar more than they would like. Those kids are studs and Nolan Ryan will make a move midseason. If they are not in the thick of things manager Ron Washington might be out of a job.

Toronto Blue Jays: 73-89

2013 Wish: HEALTH, HEALTH, HEALTH! We save the best for last. Outfielder Jose Bautista and designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion are grinning ear to ear as the biggest news this offseason has been out of Canada. The Blue Jays have completely revamped their squad and upped payroll. Welcome reigning NL Cy Young winner R.A. Dickey and starters Josh Johnson and Mark Buehrle. Shortstop Jose Reyes and outfielder Melky Cabrera will solidify the top of the order. If this team is healthy and third baseman Brett Lawrie can live up to his potential the AL Eastern crown could find its way north of the border. Vegas has the Jays as the American League favorite right now at 15-2, that's a little much, but since the back-to-back championships in 1992-93, the Maple Leafs might not be on the front page next summer/fall. Ohh who am I kidding? They should be really, really good though.

There you have it. I hope you enjoyed my wish lists, we will be back in the coming weeks and months with more thoughts. Thanks for reading and a happy new year.

2013 Wish List For The National League

Hey all, hope you have had a good holiday so far. With a week left of 2012 and Spring Training rapidly approaching, let's check out what each National League squad might be hoping for in the new year as we gear up for PFP's in Florida and Arizona.

Atlanta Braves: 94-68, Wild Card

2013 wish: That its starting pitching rivals that of the Nationals in the East. With Kris Medlen, Tim Hudson, Mike Minor and Paul Maholm making a highly above average start to the rotation, can young guns Julio Teheran and Randall Delgado heat up in Orlando this spring to challenge the Nats? If so this rotation could rival that of the great Braves teams of the 90's.

Arizona Diamondbacks: 81-81

2013 wish: That the outfield logjam gets resolved. Justin Upton, whose been up and down, has been mentioned in multiple trade rumors this offseason. Did a hand injury limit him last year? Is there an attitude problem? Just in the last week Arizona added veteran outfielder Cody Ross to a three-year deal. This adds him to a projected outfield of Upton, Jason Kubel, and Gerardo Parra. The team also has left fielder A.J. Pollock (31 games last year) and top prospect Adam Eaton on the roster. Could Kubel be enticing for an American League team looking for a DH? Does GM Kevin Towers feel the $38.5 million owed to Upton over the next three seasons is not worth the investment? Questions abound in the desert.

Chicago Cubs: 61-101

2013 wish: That Theo Epstein can work his magic. Entering his second year with the Cubs as President, Epstein needs time to develop the North Siders. And really, why rush it? He has good pieces in place in shortstop Starlin Castro and first basemen Anthony Rizzo; he's brought in Edwin Jackson to help stabilize the rotation; and in a surprise move he inked Japanese reliever Kyuji Fujikawa to be the new closer. The only issue is since international signing rules changed before last season, Epstein cannot turn the Cubs around through international talent like he wants.

Cincinnati Reds: 97-65, National League Central Champions

2013 wish: That it all comes together. Loaded lineup, top of the rotation talent, and Aroldis Chapman. A tough, injury-filled October derailed the Reds, but these guys are primed for a deep run in 2013.  

Colorado Rockies: 64-98

2013 wish: Troy Tulowitzki is healthy and productive. San Francisco is coming off a World Series victory, Los Angeles is trying to acquire more talent than Motown Records in the 60's, San Diego can be sneaky if its pitching stays healthy, and Arizona has 32 outfielders on their roster. The fact the Rockies have no pitching is a big issue. But the only way this rebuilding team is going to sell tickets to Coors Field is if its shortstop is healthy. Tulo only played in 47 games last year, but when healthy he is almost a lock for a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger. Having #2 in the lineup is the first step in the right direction.

Los Angelas Dodgers: 86-76

2013 wish: That money can buy happiness. With new ownership spending over $2 billion last season to purchase the franchise and a current payroll of $214+ million, can LA copy the success like New York, Boston, and Philadelphia? Clayton Kershaw, Zack Greinke, and Matt Kemp is a great start but I wonder if Hanley Ramirez, Adrian Gonzalez, and Carl Crawford are what they once were. One important question I ponder, Is Dodger Stadium safe enough to draw the casual LA crowd consistently?

Miami Marlins: 69-93

2013 wish: That Doc Brown shows up and takes the franchise back to last winter. Before. After.

Milwaukee Brewers: 83-79

2013 wish: That the ship will stay afloat this season. It is never easy to lose players like Zack Grienke and Prince Fielder, but with the Brewers payroll appearing to be ~$30 million less than last season's total you have to wonder if this season could be a major letdown. Corey Hart, Rickie Weeks and Aramis Ramirez are all a year older in the lineup, but luckily there is still Ryan Braun.

New York Mets: 74-88

2013 wish: That the R.A. Dickey Trade works out. I actually applaud the Mets for trading the reigning Cy Young winner at peak value. I'm sure the 38-year old will be marvelous for Toronto, but ownership needs to clear payroll space, build around new starting catcher/top prospect Travis d'Arnaud and veteran David Wright. New York fans tend to be impatient, but this could be a catalyst for a new generation of winning Mets teams.

Philadelphia Phillies: 81-81

2013 wish: That Father Time in 2012 was not here to stay. A huge payroll and a huge step back in 2012. Phillies mainstays Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, Placido Polanco, Chase Utley and Ryan Howard will be an average of 33.5 years old on Opening Day. All battled injuries last year sans Hamels. New center fielder Ben Revere will electrify the Citizens Bank Park crowd with his defense.

Pittsburgh Pirates: 79-83

2013 wish: That finally. FINALLY. They make the playoffs. The team faded throughout the summer last season, but behind MVP candidate Andrew McCutchen there are signs for optimism. Today's trade of clubhouse leader/closer Joel Hanrahan to Boston raises eyebrows, but brings back four prospects and clears some payroll. Before today they were my surprise Wild Card pick, not sure now.

San Diego Padres: 76-86

2013 wish: That bringing in Petco Park's Fences helps the offense. San Diego pitching was ravaged last year as talented players like Andrew Cashner, Anthony Bass, and Corey Luebke missed time. The big offseason news has been cavernous Petco Park bringing in its fences to help a consistently anemic offense. Hopefully this helps 2012 breakout star Chase Headley as well as Carlos Quentin, Yonder Alonso, and Cameron Maybin.

San Francisco Giants: 94-68, National League West Champions, World Series Champions

2013 wish: That nothing changes. Hey when you are the World Champions, have the reigning MVP as your catcher and a former two-time Cy Young winner is arguably your third best pitcher, why want change?

St. Louis Cardinals: 88-74, NL Wild Card

2013 wish: That the bridge between 2012 and 2014 will continue to be a success. 2012 was another great season for one of baseball's best towns. Rookie manager Mike Matheny had the enormous task of leading leading the 2011 World Series winners replacing Hall of Fame manager Tony LaRussa. He also did not have this Albert guy who left for free agency. All this went against them yet they still made the NLCS. Though it will be interesting to see where they will be at around July with veterans like Carlos Beltran and Matt Holliday a year older. With top-outfield prospect Oscar Tavares and starters Shelby Miller and Carlos Martinez knocking on the door, this season may be one step back but the future is still bright. The Red Birds have gorgeous new alternates, too.

Washington Nationals: 98-64, National League East Champions

2013 wish: That last seasons decision to sit Stephen Strasburg does not come back to haunt this year. One of the hottest topics last season was Nats' GM Mike Rizzo's decision to limit the phenom post-Tommy John surgery. After the team with baseball's best record was upset by the Cardinals, one might fear that was the one shot. With Strasburg, Gio Gonzalez and Jordan Zimmerman at the top of the rotation; a lineup with Ryan Zimmerman, Ian Desmond, Bryce Harper and Jayson Werth; a bullpen featuring Drew Storen and Tyler Clippard; and offseason acquisitions like centerfielder Denard Span and starter Dan Haren there is a lot to love in our Nation's Capital. If all goes right they are the odds-on favorite, but we've said that about many teams before...

Tomorrow, a look at the American League where the East has gone crazy, the Central's been lazy and the West brings in Houston where it gets awfully hazy.