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Kansas City Royals:
2012 Record: 72-90
Manager: Ned Yost
Projected Starting Pitchers: James Shields, Jeremy Guthrie, Ervin Santana, Wade Davis, Bruce Chen
Projected Starting Fielders: C Salvador Perez, 1B Eric Hosmer, 2B Chris Getz/Johnny Giavotella, SS Alcides Escobar, 3B Mike Moustakas, LF Alex Gordon, CF Lorenzo Cain, RF Jeff Francoeur, DH Billy Butler(Wheres George Brett and Bo Jackson?)
2012 review: While they didn't have a lot of success overall, they were a team that as always gave both the Chicago White Sox and Detroit Tigers fits, beating them multiple times and possibly deciding the division. They were incredibly inconsistent however and were unable once again to make the playoffs, which they have failed to do in quite sometime. They have been one of those teams that doesn't make the playoffs but always plays a part in deciding playoff races, which I expect them to continue.
2013 outlook: As I mentioned in my opening paragraph, their moves cannot go unnoticed as much as everyone counts out the Royals, including myself. In the offseason they went out and got James Shields and Ervin Santana to add to their rotation, both quality starting pitchers that will only boost their solid rotation. This team has benefited in much the same way as Washington has in having early picks that have worked out well for them, and now will see them maturing to the players they were expected to become. I reference the possibility of two second basemen on this team, because both Getz and Giavotella saw ample playing time at second base last year, this also holds true for the rotation. Luke Hochevar is another of their early draft picks of the last few years that has produced for them, and will continue to do so, even if he starts in the bullpen this year, as it appears he will.
2013 projected wins: 84 They have the pitching, but I don't know if they have the offense right now to stay with the Tigers, they will more then likely have a shot at deciding the division by the end of the season.
The Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians:
2012 Record: 68-94
Manager: Terry Francona
Projected Starting Pitchers: Justin Masterson, Ubaldo Jimenez, Brett Myers, Zach McAllister, Carlos Carrasco(Wait, no Ricky Vaughn?)
Projected Starting Fielders: C Carlos Santana(the man makes great music, oh wait wrong one) 1B Nick Swisher, 2B Jason Kipnis, SS Asdrubal Cabrera, 3B Lonnie Chisenhall, LF Michael Brantley, CF Michael Bourn, RF Drew Stubbs, DH Mark Reynolds
2012 review: Like the Royals, the Indians have had some down years recently, although not as bad a playoff drought, but still not performing to their old standard. The Indians had an up and down year that culminated in firing Manny Acta and hiring Terry Francona, in hopes of returning to the years of old. The Indians struggled on both offense and defense, which of course isn't a recipe for success, but they have a good young pitching rotation that could blossom in the coming years.
2013 preview: They like the Royals made a couple of unexpected splashes in the offseason, including the latest, adding CF Michael Bourn just days before spring training began. Adding Brett Myers is an interesting question however, as he was a reliever last year for both the Chicago White Sox and Houston Astros last year. Adding to their questions for this year, is the injury to closer Chris Perez, who has been diagnosed with a shoulder injury and should be out until opening day, which doesn't cause the worry, its what happens later on with his injury. I'm not sure they can make that big jump into the playoffs this year, but I have a feeling that they will be in contention and compete throughout the year.
Projected 2013 wins: 75, not yet in the playoffs but not completely out of it either.
So in my next post I will address the Minnesota Twins and the Houston Astros to start into my AL West predictions, thanks for reading.
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