2013 MLB Season Predictions: Projecting the division and award winners

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American League Central

Matt Shetler: Detroit- This could be the Tigers year, as they have been close to a championship on a couple of occasions lately. They have a stacked lineup and with a pitching staff led by Justin Verlander, they are built to win a championship. I have concerns about the backend of their bullpen, but they are the most talented team in the division. Don’t sleep on Kansas City though as they could be the surprise team in baseball this year.

March 18, 2013; Viera, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers third baseman Miguel Cabrera (24) at bat against the Washington Nationals during the spring training game at Space Coast Stadium. Detroit beat Washington 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

Matt Gajtka: Detroit-Talent wins, as the Tigers proved last year, although it took longer than anyone expected for them to lock up the division. This time, Victor Martinez joins Detroit’s cast of stars, helping overcome a weak underbelly of scrubs than can limit the team’s ultimate potential.

Drew Shetler: Detroit- The Tigers have a great team and will win the division again. Kansas City has been up and coming for years. This year, with the offseason moves they made, they take a step forward into becoming contenders.

Zac Weiss: Detroit- This is a race for second place right now. Victor Martinez is back with the Tigers so when you add his bat and for the Tigers’ sake hopefully a healthier Alex Avila. The pitching staff is improved and Rick Porcello has had a nice spring. I don’t need to say much more about Justin Verlander, Prince Fielder and Miguel Cabrera’s quest for a second straight Triple Crown. The Indians are much improved. They have a culture of winning with Terry Francona having a homecoming of sorts. Their outfield is much better with Michael Bourn at the top of the lineup and Nick Swisher should be able to offset the loss of Shin-Soo Choo. The pitching depends on the health of Ubaldo Jimenez and if Brett Myers is ready to start. Scott Kazmir has looked great thus far.

The Kansas City Royals are built to win now and have some pitching to help out Alex Gordon, Billy Butler and Jeff Francoeur among others. They have made too much of an investment to lose. The Chicago White Sox will be without John Danks to start the season as he tries to up his velocity. Paul Konerko will bring the power but I am unsure if this team is ready for the season. I don’t know what exactly the Twins are trying to do unless they are trying to fire Ron Gardenhire. They’ve made some improvements, but they are a distant fifth right now.