2013 MLB Season Predictions: Projecting the division and award winners
By Matt Shetler
American League West
Matt Shetler: Los Angeles- I still think Texas and Oakland will be right in the middle of things, but even though I’m not crazy about their pitching, this Angels lineup will be scary good.
Mar 13, 2013; Peoria, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Angels left fielder Josh Hamilton (32) at bat during the fourth inning against the San Diego Padres at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Matt Gajtka: Texas- After an inexplicable collapse, the Rangers get back on the horse and ride out the entire regular season this time around. Losing Josh Hamilton helps remove a distraction, and a bounce-back season from Derek Holland will help on the run-prevention side of things.
Drew Shetler: Los Angeles- So last year didn’t quite work for the Angels signing the best free agent in Albert Pujols . So what did they do, they went and signed the biggest free agent in this year’s class in Josh Hamilton. They have an all-star lineup and enough pitching to win the division. Oakland has enough pitching to stay competitive but it’s the Angels division and everyone else is playing for second place.
Zac Weiss: Los Angeles- The Angels lineup is essentially murderer’s row. C.J. Wilson, Jared Weaver, Joe Blanton and Tommy Hanson will comprise four spots of the rotation and if Hanson is healthy then this team will be dangerous. Add Kevin Jepsen, Ryan Madsen and Ernesto Frieri to the back end of the bullpen and this team is set. Now that the Rangers have lost Josh Hamilton, I feel that the division is gone as well. The rotation is there and I do like the addition of A.J. Pierzynski in a hitter’s park. I am intrigued to see how the Rangers handle Jurickson Profar all season.
The A’s once again could be sleepers but the bats will have to come to life once again. The Mariners have improved adding Kendrys Morales, Michael Morse and Raul Ibanez as bats in addition to Jeremy Bonderman coming back and wowing this spring. I just wonder how the starting rotation will wind up after Felix Hernandez. The Astros are a distant fifth. Their bats have been great in Spring Training but I doubt it translates into the season.