MLB Power Rankings: Will Blue Jays' Strong Play Vault Them into Top 10?

With spring training currently in full swing, speculation is running rampant as to who the best teams in baseball may be. 

With free agents still swirling around, position battles taking place and free agents making big impacts, every team is attempting to nail down their final roster before Opening Day on April 4th, 2012. 

Teams are continually shuffling through various rankings as we progress through the arduous month of March, as key injuries and major issues seem to pop on a daily basis. 

Will Yu Darvish's impressive play move the Rangers to the No. 1 spot?  How does Ryan Howard's injury affect the placement of the Phillies?

All of these questions will be answered along with others as we take a look at the current rankings of every MLB team.  Enjoy!

30. Houston Astros

2011 Regular Season Record: 56-106

2012 Spring Training Record: 4-4

If there is one thing that is certain, it's that the Astros are in rebuilding/transitioning mode. 

There are very few certainties when it comes to this team.  They have many young players that are vying for playing time at some key positions.  They have Bourgeois, who is attempting to earn a spot in the outfield this season. They also have Matt Downs, who is fighting to earn a spot at second or third base. That being said, the Astros are solely on the back of slugging first baseman Carlos Lee. 

Unfortunately for Houston, most of the offseason was spent transitioning to a new owner; therefore, little attention was paid to the product on the field.

Fans of the Astros are in for another long, grinding season, which may very well end in another 100+ loss season.  Also, when rumors of trades begin to swirl, do not be surprised when the Astros come up repeatedly in conversations. 

Prediction:

Sixth in NL Central

49-113

29. Chicago Cubs

2011 Regular Season Record: 71-91

2012 Spring Training Record: 4-3

The best news for the Chicago Cubs this season was the acquisition of new GM Theo Epstein.  That says a lot for the position of this troubled organization. 

The Cubs have too many questions that have to be answered in order for them to even come close to making a meaningful run at the NL Central crown in 2012. 

However, they do have some bright spots.  They have the very talented Matt Garza in their rotation, whose name will appear repeatedly in trade rumors each and every week.  They also have Ryan Dempster and Paul Malholm, who both have the ability to pitch very well, but can also show signs of vulnerability when the game is on the line. 

Shortstop Starlin Castro is a player on the rise, and he may be for an incredible season.  With the right attitude and work ethic, Castro could provide huge numbers for the Chicago Cubs this season.  Also, if Ian Stewart can avoid the injury bug, he could also provide some big numbers in the offensive categories, which they will desperately need following the departure of Aramis Ramirez to the Brewers. 

Unfortunately for Cubs' fans, it will be more of the same in 2012.  Look for the Cubs to finish just ahead of the Houston Astros in September. 

Prediction:

Fifth in NL Central

63-99

28. Baltimore Orioles

2011 Regular Season Record: 69-93

2012 Spring Training Record:  4-2

While there are a great deal of doubters about the Orioles this season, I believe they have a real chance to make an impact on their year's postseason race, in much the same way they did on the very last day of the 2011 season against the Red Sox.  However, I do not believe they have a chance at winning the AL East or a Wild Card spot.

There are, however, a few bright spots for this organization.  First of all, when Jake Arrieta, Tommy Hunter and Zach Britton begin pitching to their potential, the Orioles' rotation will be very strong.  These are three young players who have a great deal of talent, but they have yet to tap into that potential.

Secondly, the Orioles will be able to score some significant runs behind the offense of players like Matt Wieters, Mark Reynolds, Nick Markakis and the newly-acquired Wilson Betemit. 

Unfortunately for Baltimore, they are sitting behind perennial powers New York, Boston and Tampa Bay—not to mention the very talented Toronto Blue Jays. 

Prediction:

Fifth in AL East

65-97

27. New York Mets

2011 Regular Season: 77-85

2012 Spring Training: 3-5

The Mets really do have a lot to look forward to.  However, it is not going to be this season.  Every team in the NL East has gotten better over the offseason with the exception of New York. 

The good news for Mets' fans is that they have some talented, young players who will most likely be the core of this team moving forward.  Players like Lucas Duda, Daniel Murphy, Ike Davis, Justin Turner and Scott Hairston could put up some big numbers during the 2012 season, which could help lure some big-time free agents during the 2013 offseason. 

With Johan Santana, they have one of the best pitchers in the major league—when he is not injured.  If the Santana whom the Mets traded for in 2008 comes back, he will provide a much-needed spark for a drowning franchise.  Other pitchers who are poised for big years could possibly include Frank Francisco, Jon Niese and R.A. Dickey. 

It will be another long season for the New York Mets, with trade speculations swirling around them all season.  However, look for this team to show real signs of improvement in 2012. 

Prediction:

Fifth in NL East

68-94

26. Pittsburgh Pirates

2011 Regular Season Record:  72-90

2012 Spring Training Record: 3-5

It is safe to say that a lot of fans—both inside and outside of Pittsburgh—were rooting for the Pirates during the 2011 season.  They were the "feel good" story of the season. However, when they were six games above .500 after their 100th game of the season, they went on to finish the season with a 19-47 record.

The Pirates are going to be in a very similar position in 2012.  They have a lot of young talent, but they are in no hurry to rush that talent to the league too quickly.  Therefore, acquiring guys like A.J. Burnett and Eric Bedard during the offseason added some veteran stability and leadership while making the team slightly better in the short term.

On that note, the Pirates have a lot to be excited about with Andrew McCutchen.  Not only do Pirates fans' love him, but he loves to be in Pittsburgh.  The Pirates need to find a way to crawl out of the NL Central basement in order to draw better, more exciting free agents to their franchise. 

Look for another sub .500 season from the Bucs this season, though they will show signs of improvement. 

Prediction:

Fourth in NL Central

78-84

25. San Diego Padres

2011 Regular Season Record: 71-91

2012 Spring Training Record:  3-5

The Padres may be a team that is on the rise, but it will not be during the 2012 season.  While they have some players that can score some runs on a daily basis, they only have average starting pitching and an even worse bullpen.

Offensively, newly-acquired Carlos Quentin will provide some big at-bats for San Diego all season. Also, players like Chase Headley, Will Venable, Yonder Alonso, Nick Hundley and Cameron Maybin are the future of this young franchise.  They are all heading into their prime, which is good news for all San Diego fans.

Their starting rotation, however, leaves something to be desired.  Cory Luebke could be a the brightest spot in the Padres' rotation, as 172 strikeouts in 157 innings is something to get the Padres' brass excited about.  Tim Stauffer may be considered the "ace" of the Padres' staff, and he may be poised for a big season in 2012. Lastly, the addition of Huston Street will pay huge dividends for San Diego down the stretch. 

Prediction:

Fifth in NL West

75-87

24. Seattle Mariners

2011 Regular Season Record: 67-95

2012 Spring Training Record:  7-2

Even with some key departures over the past year, the Seattle Mariners are truly a team on the rise. 

They went out and got Jesus Montero from the New York Yankees, and he could be a huge offensive improvement to the organization, as the Mariners were dead last in runs scored during the 2011 season.  Montero will share time with catcher Miguel Olivo while spending a great deal of time in the DH role. Chone Figgins is also ready to prove to everyone that he is not as bad as he has shown over the past two seasons.  When he plays to his potential, Figgins is one of the best lead-off hitters in the game.

There is no doubt as to who the "ace" of the Mariners' staff will be.  Year in and year out, Felix Hernandez is always fun to watch.  He has the ability to dominate a strike zone and put up big numbers.  There is no question that his numbers floundered last season since he had very little offensive support.  Other pitchers who could improve upon last season and help vault the Mariners ahead of the Athletics in their division include Jason Vargas, Charlie Furbush and Hisashi Iwakuma.

Look for the Mariners to improve upon a dismal 2011 season, but not enough to get them to third place in the AL West. 

Prediction:

Fourth in AL West

73-89

23. Oakland Athletics

2011 Regular Season Record: 74-88

2012 Spring Training Record:  6-3

While the Athletics are not in a position to challenge the Angels or the Rangers for the AL West title, they are a team showing some improvement.  They are also a team that has an owner willing to roll the dice in order to bring a winner to the Bay area besides the Giants. 

The A's have some decent starting pitching, but the departures of Gio Gonzalez and Trevor Cahill may have left the rotation with more questions than answers.  Brandon McCarthy and Dallas Braden will be the 1 and 2 of the rotation; however, the rest of the starting rotation is up in the air.  Pitchers like Bartolo Colon, Brett Anderson and Brad Peacock may round the A's rotation, and it is hard to determine what the A's will get from these players.

The most exciting thing to happen to Oakland this year, besides the hit movie Moneyball, is the arrival of CF Yoenis Cespedes.  In his first spring training game, Cespedes hit a home run and an RBI single.  The A's are expecting big things from their new star, and there is little doubt that he will start the season in center field with the big league club.  After Cespedes, players like Crisp, Weeks and Reddick will need to step up and provide some offense in order to keep this team out of the AL West cellar.  Manny Ramirez's return after his 50 game suspension may be the biggest X-factor in all of baseball.  If he can put up some big numbers out of the DH spot, he may well provide the needed spark to put the Athletics in the hunt for the AL West crown.

That being said, I don't see that happening.  Look for the Athletics to battle the Mariners for last place in the division.

Prediction:

Third in AL West

78-84

22. Minnesota Twins

2011 Regular Season Record: 63-99

2012 Spring Training Record:  4-5

The Minnesota Twins were once the most feared team in the AL Central, but that time is long forgotten. 

This team will have to be anchored by the return of Joe Mauer.  Without Mauer, this team has no chance to compete for anything.  Even with the arrivals of Jamey Carroll and Ryan Doumit, this team still needs players like Denard Span, Ben Revere and especially Justin Morneau to be key offensive weapons throughout the 2012 season. 

The Twins' starting rotation is not horrible, but it is also one that must be improved before this team can contend once again.  Anchored by Carl Pavano and Francisco Liriano, this rotation must show signs of improvement if the Twins wish to improve for future season.  Scott Baker, Nick Blackburn and Jason Marquis could put up some big numbers for this organization if they live up to their potential.

All in all, this is a team that is on the way down rather than up.  They will play well enough to keep themselves afloat most of the season, but it won't be enough to challenge for the AL Central title in 2012.

Prediction

Fifth in AL Central

72-90

21. Colorado Rockies

2011 Regular Season Record: 73-89

2012 Spring Training Record: 1-5

While there is no question that this team will be able to score runs in 2012, they will struggle on the mound, and this will ultimately be their downfall.

The addition of Jeremy Guthrie from Baltimore and Drew Pomeranz from Cleveland could really help the Rockies if they are able to perform up to their potential.  Jorge De La Rosa will also need to have an incredible season in order to give the Rockies a chance at winning the NL West, and it has been reported that he may not return until mid-July.

Bringing in Michael Cuddyer during the offseason was a great move in order to get some more firepower in the batting order.  He will be added to an already powerful lineup featuring Troy Tulowitzki, Carlos Gonzalez and Todd Helton.  This will be a dangerous lineup to face all season.

However, this team does not have enough pitching to contend in the division this season.  Their bullpen may be one of the worst in the league, and they will most likely struggle because they will be overworked. 

Look for the Rockies to finish below .500 once again and struggle to stay out of the NL West basement. 

Prediction:

Fourth in NL West

79-83

20. Los Angeles Dodgers

2011 Regular Season Record: 82-79

2012 Spring Training Record:  4-1

While the majority of the 2011 season for the Dodgers was spent discussing issues with ownership as well as the San Francisco Giants' fan who was beaten severely in the Dodgers' parking lot, the team actually has a lot to be excited about.

Not that this needs to be mentioned, but the Dodgers have one of the best pitchers in the league with Clayton Kershaw.  He put up some impressive numbers in 2011 and will most certainly look to mirror those numbers or improve on them during 2012.  Ted Lilly and Chad Billingsley are fully capable to be suitable in the 2 and 3 positions for the Dodgers' starting rotation.  The addition of Chris Capuano could also provide a spark for this improving Dodger team.

In the field, the success of this team will begin and end with Matt Kemp.  After a disappointing 2010 season, Kemp came back in a big way and almost won the NL MVP.  He will surely continue his hitting ways and may even improve upon his stellar season a year ago.  Andre Ethier, who struggled at the plate in 2011, will no doubt improve his hitting for the upcoming season.  If he is healthy, he will provide a huge spark for the Dodgers' offense.  Other players, such as James Loney and Dee Gordon, will have to perform well in order for the Dodgers to attempt a run at the NL West title.

While they will improve on their 2011 season, the LA Dodgers will not have enough to overtake the Giants or the surging Diamondbacks in their division.

Prediction:

Third in NL West

85-77

19. Chicago White Sox

2011 Regular Season Record: 79-83

2012 Spring Training Record: 2-5 

A lot has happened to the Chicago White Sox over the span of five months—none of it was good.  Not only did they lose Ozzie Guillen to the Marlins, but they also lost Mark Buerhle and Carlos Quentin to other teams in the National League.  

The White Sox starting rotation will be their strongest weapon, provided they pitch like they have been able to in the past.  John Danks and Gavin Floyd have both shown that they can take over the game when they are pitching at their best.  Jake Peavy hasn't been the same pitcher since he arrived in Chicago years ago.  If he is finally healthy, he may be the deciding factor to the White Sox' ability to contend in the AL Central.  Finally, Chris Sale is a pitcher whose stock is steadily rising.  He may be in for a big 2012 season.

On paper, the White Sox' offense could be very dangerous.  However, Adam Dunn must improve upon one of the worst seasons in MLB history.  If he is able to do so, and other players like Alex Rios, Paul Konerko and young power hitter Dayan Viciedo have tremendous seasons, the White Sox will be right in the thick of the AL Central title when September rolls around.

However, after tumultuous seasons from both Dunn and Rios, not to mention the instability of the White Sox pitching staff, it is hard to envision this team finishing above the Indians or Tigers in the division.

Prediction:

Fourth in AL Central

77-85

18. Milwaukee Brewers

2011 Regular Season Record: 96-66

2012 Spring Training Record:  3-4

While the Brewers were able to add some impressive names during free agency, what they lost more than outweighs what they gained.

Losing Prince Fielder, Casey McGehee, Mark Kotsay and Yuniesky Betancourt will prove incredibly detrimental to this team during 2012.  While they were able to add the likes of Aramis Ramirez during the offseason, he will not be enough to fill the gaping hole left by some of these players.  Also, many fans have been angered at fan-favorite Ryan Braun for his recent positive drug test, which became a winning appeal on Braun's part.

The Brewers' rotation looks strong with Yovani Gallardo, Zack Greinke and Randy Wolf solidifying the one, two and three spots in the starting rotation.  The starting pitchers were the anchor of this playoff organization in 2011, and they will have to be the same way for this team to succeed in 2012.

Ryan Braun and Aramiz Ramirez will provide a lot of home runs and RBIs throughout the 2012 season, but they will not be enough to lead this team to a division title. 

Prediction:

Third in NL Central

87-75

17. Washington Nationals

2011 Regular Season Record: 80-81

2012 Spring Training Record: 4-3

If there is one thing for sure, it is that the Nationals have improved. 

The additions of Gio Gonzalez and Edwin Jackson to the starting rotation will automatically help this team contend in the NL East.  The return of Stephen Strasburg will almost certainly be a huge spark to this Nationals organization.  Finally, 2011 standout Jordan Zimmerman could be in line for an even bigger 2012 season if he is able to stay healthy. 

The Nationals' offensive squad will be paced by Ryan Zimmerman and Adam LaRoche.  However, having consistent seasons from Mike Morse and Jayson Werth would be huge to this team.  This team is young and there are a lot of players who need to have big seasons in order for this team to contend in 2012. 

In my opinion, this is a team that is a year away from making some noise in the NL East. 

Prediction:

Fourth in NL East

76-86

16. San Francisco Giants

2011 Regular Season Record: 86-76

2012 Spring Training Record: 6-3

The San Francisco Giants are a team that is going to show vast improvement upon their 2011 season.  After a disappointing 2011, this team is back and ready to take over the lead in the NL West.

Pitching wins ball games, and this team can pitch.  Anchored by perennial All-Star Tim Lincecum, the starting rotation of the Giants looks to be one of the best in baseball.  Matt Cain, Madison Bumgarner, Ryan Vogelsong and Barry Zito are all capable of taking over games with their dominant abilities.  These five players will lead the Giants back to the playoffs.

No one is more excited about getting back in a uniform than Buster Posey.  After a severe leg injury last season, Posey is "poised" for a huge 2012 season.

Pablo Sandoval and Freddy Sanchez will also provide big numbers for the Giants' offense, but the biggest impact may be seen by one of their key offseason acquisitions: Melky Cabrera.   Cabrera had a great season with the Royals in 2011, and there is no reason why he would regress in 2012.

Look for the Giants to battle the Diamondbacks and Dodgers through most of the season, but they will pull away in September to win the NL West. 

Prediction:

Second in NL West

87-75

15. Cleveland Indians

2011 Regular Season Record: 80-82

2012 Spring Training Record: 2-5

This team has a lot to be excited about.  They have a starting rotation that—on paper—could be very good in 2012.  They also have a lot of young talent in the field.  However, what they have will not be enough to keep up with Detroit in the AL Central.

Their starting rotation features a couple dominant pitchers in Justin Masterson and Ubaldo Jimenez.  When they are on, they are difficult to beat.  The addition of Derek Lowe will do little to boost this team's performance any more than last season's.  They will desperately need their starting pitching to improve on their 2011 season in order to augment their record from a year ago.

Offensively, this team will lean upon Casey Kotchman, Travis Hafner and Carlos Santana.  These players will need to step up in order to keep pace with Detroit this season.  Other players such as Jason Kipnis, Asdrubal Cabrera and Michael Brantley will have to provide more than just their defense in order for this team to compete.

At the end of the season, this team will struggle to stay above the young and much-improved Kansas City Royals. 

Prediction:

Third in AL Central

79-83

14. Kansas City Royals

2011 Regular Season Record: 71-91

2012 Spring Training Record: 5-3

The Kansas City Royals may be young, but they are going to be good.  It may not come together this season, but when it does, the rest of the league will need to watch out.

Offensively, this team will not sneak up on anyone this season.  With Butler, Moustakas, Hosmer and Gordon leading the way, this team is going to give a lot of pitchers fits during the 2012 season.  Veteran Jeff Francoeur will also have a big impact this season in much the same way he helped this team during 2011. 

Their starting rotation, though, is where they will struggle in 2012.  Luke Hochevar will most likely become the "ace" of the staff with Bruce Chen following closely behind.  The addition of Jonathan Sanchez will not help the Royals' staff as much as many people think, and their downfalls will cause their always-improving bullpen to become overworked.

Look for the Royals to improve drastically over last season, but not enough to take the reigns of the AL Central away from Detroit.  However, a winning record and second place in the division is definitely not out of the question.

Prediction:

Second in AL Central

82 - 80

13. Cincinatti Reds

2011 Regular Season Record: 79-83

2012 Spring Training Record: 4-4

Fans of the Cincinatti Reds can be assured of one thing: You have a very good baseball team.

The starting rotation of the Reds will definitely help to solidify this team and perhaps send them to the postseason.  Johnny Cueto, Bronson Arroyo and Aroldis Chapman will need to improve upon their seasons from a year ago.  Cueto impressed during 2011, but there is always room for improvement.  The addition of Mat Latos from San Diego will also help in the second spot of the rotation.

Joey Votto will lead the way offensively this season, as well as second baseman Brandon Phillips.  They always put up big numbers, and there is no reason to assume otherwise during 2012.  Other players, such as Scott Rolen, Zack Cozartand Ryan Hanigan, will need to step up offensively in order to catapult this team to the top of the NL Central. 

In the end, it will be a three-team race for the division title in 2012, and the Reds are in for a battle all season long.

Prediction:

Second in NL Central

90-72

12. Miami Marlins

2011 Regular Season Record: 72-90

2012 Spring Training Record: 5-2

What team has undergone more changes this offseason than the Miami Marlins? 

The additions of Jose Reyes, Mark Buehrle, Carlos Zambrano and Heath Bell have been stated over and over in the media.  But will they be enough to get this team back in the hunt for a division title?

The Marlins' rotation will most certainly be anchored by Josh Johnson.  After an injury-shortened season in 2011, Johnson is ready to prove why he is one of the most dominant pitchers in the league.  Adding veteran Mark Buehrle to the mix will most assuredly make this Marlins team a force.  Finally, Ricky Nolasco and Anibal Sanchez could thrive in their new scenery and post big numbers in 2012. 

Offensively, this team will be paced by the play of Jose Reyes, Hanley Ramirez, and Giancarlo Stanton.  Stanton may be the wild card of this trio.  He has the potential to produce seasons with 30+ home runs and 100+ RBIs every year.  If he is able to do this and more while Reyes and Ramirez work their magic, this will be a team to be reckoned with come September. 

The Marlins will have their hands full in a tough division, but look for them to battle it out with the Phillies and Braves all season long.

Prediction:

Third in NL East

86-76

11. Atlanta Braves

2011 Regular Season Record: 89-73

2012 Spring Training Record: 1-9

After the epic collapse of 2011, the Braves are off to a rocky start during spring training.  While this is not always an indicator of the season, this may be a time to start worrying.

When hot, the Braves have a good starting rotation, anchored by veteran Tim Hudson.  With a solid season from Hudson, and contributions from Tommy Hansen, Jair Jurrjens and Brandon Beachy, the Braves' starters could log a lot of innings during 2012.  While their abilities are never questioned, their consistency will be.

The Braves' offense could end up being one of the most potent in the NL East.  With Brian McCann, Dan Uggla, Freddy Freeman, Martin Prado and the powerful Jason Heyward, the Braves will need solid improvement across the board to challenge for the division title.  After a down year for Heyward, he is expected to improve in 2012.  Without his improvement, the Braves will be all but out of the race by September.

Look for the Braves to battle all season long, keeping pace with Phillies but falling short in the final weeks to take second place in the NL East.

Prediction:

Second in NL East

90-72

10. St. Louis Cardinals

2011 Regular Season Record: 90-72

2012 Spring Training Record: 2-3

Even with the departure of perennial All-Star Albert Pujols and soon-to-be Hall of Fame manager Tony LaRussa, the Cardinals are poised to win the NL Central during the 2012 season.  This team improved in a big way during the postseason last year, and that improvement cannot go unnoticed for the upcoming season.

The starting rotation will be anchored by Chris Carpenter, who may have gotten off to a slow start, but pitched in dominant fashion after the break and during the postseason.  The return of Adam Wainwright will be an incredible spark to the Cardinals' rotation.  Also, Kyle Lohse, Jaime Garcia and Jake Westbrook will look to improve upon their 2011 seasons in order to secure a division title.

Offensively, the addition of Carlos Beltran will surely be a boost to an offense that lost one of the best hitters to ever play the game.  However, Yadier Molina, Lance Berkman, Jon Jay, Matt Holliday, and fan-favorite David Freese will most assuredly provide enough offense to catapult this team into a battle for the division crown.

While many fans and members of the media may expect the Cardinals to regress, I feel they will be locked in a dead hit for the division title come October.  In the end, they will be victorious. 

Prediction:

First in NL Central

94-68

9. Toronto Blue Jays

2011 Regular Season Record: 81-81

2012 Spring Training Record: 7-2

The new-look Toronto Blue Jays are tired of being in the basement of the AL East, and they are in a position to fight back against their big brothers in the division. 

The Jays have a decent rotation with Ricky Romero and Brandon Marrow anchoring the top end.  The question marks are in the play of Brett Cecil, Dustin McGowan and Henderson Alvarez.  Also, it is unclear if Kyle Drabek will make the club's roster, but he could provided a needed spark to the Jays' rotation.

Offensively, the Jays will need to squeeze all they can out of J.P. Arencibia, Adam Lind, Kelly Johnson and Colby Rasmus.  Obviously, Jose Bautista will provide the same power numbers he always does, and Brett Lawrie will need to have a big year at the plate as well.  If these guys cannot make big things happen at the plate, they will be at the bottom of the AL East once again.  However, if they do, everyone better watch out.

Look for the Blue Jays to battle the Rays, Red Sox, and Yankees all season long; however, they won't be good enough to overtake any one of those teams this season.

Prediction:

Fourth in AL East

83-79

8. Arizona Diamondbacks

2011 Regular Season Record: 94-68

2012 Spring Training Record: 2-5

The 2011 Diamondbacks may have been the most improved team in the league last season.  While they lost some key players, they will still be in a position to win the NL West once again. 

The D-Backs will have a very good starting rotation led by Ian Kennedy, who had a dominating 2011 season.  Daniel Hudson and Trevor Cahill both had average seasons last year and will need to bounce back and improve in order for the D-Backs to contend. Without a strong showing from their five starters, it will be a rough year in Arizona. 

Arizona will have limited offensive firepower during the 2012 season, and they will need everyone to contribute, much like 2011, in order to keep their winning ways going.  The addition of Jason Kubel will help this offense in a big way, but they will also need big seasons from Miguel Montero, Aaron Hill and Justin Upton. 

While they will battle with San Francisco all season long, look for Arizona to come out on top at the end of the season. 

Prediction:

First in NL West

90-72

7. Boston Red Sox

2011 Regular Season Record: 90-72

2012 Spring Training Record: 5-2

The Red Sox participated in one of the worst single-season collapses in all of baseball history last season.  Add in the stories of beer drinking in the clubhouse during games and the departure of Theo Epstein, and the Red Sox have truly had a horrible offseason. However, it is hard to argue with the talent on their roster.

The rotation of the Red Sox will, once again, be anchored by the play of Josh Beckett.  Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz and Alfredo Alceves will all need to improve upon their 2011 seasons in order for the Red Sox to overtake the Yankees as best in the Al East.  The question mark of their rotation comes with the transition of Daniel Bard from reliever to starter.  If he is able to transition smoothly, the Red Sox will have a very dominant rotation, at least on paper. 

While the Red Sox were expected to do big things in 2011, it is hard to say they won't be able to do those things in 2012 with the names on their roster.  Adrian Gonzalez, Dustin Pedroia and Jacoby Ellsbury are all poised for big seasons.  However, they will need much more than that.  Crawford will need to get healthy as soon as possible while improving upon his dismal 2011 season.  They will need to get consistent contributions from Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Kevin Youkilis and David Ortiz.

The Red Sox will improve upon their 2011 season, but they will fall short to the Yankees and the Rays in the end.  

Prediction:

Third in AL East

87-75

6. Tampa Bay Rays

2011 Regular Season Record: 91-71

2012 Spring Training Record: 3-6

The 2011 regular season ended in an incredibly exciting fashion for the Tampa Bay Rays.  Honestly, that may have been one of the most exciting games in MLB history.  The question is, can they do it again?

Luckily for the Rays, they have one of the youngest and most talented starting rotations in all of baseball.  David Price, James Shields, Jeremy Hellickson, Wade Davis and Matt Moore are all capable of posting big numbers.  All of them will look to improve on their seasons a year ago, and if they are able to do that, the AL East crown may well be within reach. 

Offensively, this team will be anchored by the play of Evan Longoria,  While he had a rough season at the plate in 2011, he will most likely improve on those numbers with an improved offense around him.  Other players, such as B.J. Upton, Desmond Jennings, Matt Joyce and Carlos Pena, will need to provide consistent offense. If they are unable to do so, do not be surprised when teams like Boston or Toronto overtake them in the division.

Look for the Rays to battle with the Red Sox and Blue Jays all season.  However, they will fall short to the Yankees when the season is done. The Rays will play well enough to take second in the division, though.

Prediction:

Second in AL East

95-67

5. Detroit Tigers

2011 Regular Season Record: 95-67

2012 Spring Training Record: 6-1

After word got out that Victor Martinez was lost for the season, everyone in Detroit took a collective breath. Then, they went out and signed Prince Fielder.  

Excitement in Motown is at an all-time high.

The rotation will obviously be anchored by Cy Young award winner and MVP Justin Verlander.  While it will be hard to improve upon his 2011 season. Verlander has the work ethic and drive to take a shot at it.  Fister had a great season after being traded to Detroit.  While he will most certainly regress a little, do not expect him to let up one bit.  If Scherzer, Porcello and the fifth starter to-be-named-later can pull off some magic, this team will be more dominant than many think in 2012.

Offensively, this team is paced by the play of Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder.  While Cabrera will struggle slightly in his transition to third base, his numbers at the plate are undeniable.  Fielder will be his powerful self in Comerica Park all season long, and he will definitely provide some fan excitement.  The Tigers will need strong play from lead-off man Austin Jackson.  He must improve on a horrible 2011 season if the Tigers are to contend for a championship.  Brennan Boesch, Alex Avila, Jhonny Peralta, and Delmon Young will also be key factors if Detroit is to contend in October.

In the end, Detroit will lock up the AL Central crown once again this season.  Their sights are not set on that crown.  The path to a World Series title will be more difficult, however.

Prediction:

First in AL Central

98-64

4. New York Yankees

2011 Regular Season Record: 97-65

2012 Spring Training Record: 5-5

The Yankees and their fans must be tired of this team always being in contention. 

All kidding aside, this team did nothing this offseason but get better.  Their rotation will be anchored by the strong pitching stylings of C.C. Sabathia.  Young stud Ivan Nova will need to provide the same incredible numbers he did last season in 2012.  Newly-acquired pitchers Hiroki Kuroda and Michael Pineda will provide a tremendous amount of depth in the Yankees' rotation.  The fifth starter is the question mark, as it will be either Phil Hughes or Freddy Garcia.

The Yankees have one of the most dangerous offenses in the game.  They will need strong play at the plate from Alex Rodriguez, Curtis Granderson, Mark Teixeira, Russell Martin and Raul Ibanez.  If they are able to provide these numbers, the rest of the division will be no match for this team.  Since they are hitting in home run friendly Yankee Stadium for half of the year, they have every opportunity to put up some big numbers in the offensive categories.  

In the end, the Yankees will be fighting it out all season with the Rays and the Red Sox.  This may be one of the best divisional races in all of baseball, but the victory will go the Yankees.

Prediction:

First in AL East

98-64

3. Los Angeles Angels

2011 Regular Season Record: 86-76

2012 Spring Training Record: 4-2

Boy, did this team get better during the offseason.  There is no doubt that this team is in position to take back control of the AL West during the 2012 season.

They have an incredibly strong anchor with veteran Jared Weaver.  He will most likely post big numbers while entering himself into Cy Young contention.  Dan Haren, who is no slouch himself, will also put up big numbers once again, as he has a much-improved offense to provide support for.  Newly-added C.J. Wilson may regress a little, but he will still provide adequate numbers in the three-spot. Ervin Santana, who is rarely talked about anymore, may sneak up on some people with his talent.  He may have a standout season in 2012.

There are a lot of players on this Angels team who can provide big numbers in the offensive categories.  Albert Pujols, Howie Kendrick, Alberto Callaspo, Erick Aybar and Bobby Abreu can all hit the ball very well, and they will definitely continue their hitting ways into this coming season.  The Angels have all the offensive weapons necessary to put up a 12-round fight with the Rangers for control of the division.

While the Angels are much improved, they will not do enough to vault over the Rangers for reign of the AL West.  But, it will be fun to watch. 

Prediction:

Second in AL West

92-70

2. Philadelphia Philles

2011 Regular Season Record: 102-60

2012 Spring Training Record: 4-5

The Phillies had a rough go of it during the 2011 postseason.  However, they will most assuredly be back at it again during the 2012 season. 

Once again, the Phillies have one of the strongest rotations in baseball.  There is truly nothing to worry about when Roy Halladay is the ace of your staff.  He is incredibly consistent, and will continue to be during 2012.  Following him will be Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels.  One could argue that these three are the best 1-2-3 combination in all of baseball right now.  Vance Worley had a breakout season during 2011, and he may even improve upon those numbers during the upcoming season.

With Ryan Howard out until May or June, the Phillies will need strong offensive play from players like Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, Placido Polanco and Hunter Pence.  If they are unable to do so, the Phillies will be in for hard times during the early half of the season.  They will need Ryan Howard to come back in a hurry if they wish to repeat as NL East champions in 2012.

Look for this team to struggle a bit early on, but they will turn it on at the right time to win the division again in 2012. 

Prediction:

1st in NL East

93 - 69

1. Texas Rangers

2011 Regular Season Record: 96-66

2012 Spring Training Record: 2-5

The Texas Rangers were one of the best teams in baseball during 2011, they went out and got one of the best free-agent pitchers available during the offseason.  This team is built for a big postseason run.

The biggest news of the offseason for the Rangers was the acquisition of Yu Darvish.  If he is able to pitch as advertised, he will provide a huge boost for this Rangers team.  Colby Lewis, Derek Holland, Matt Harrison and Alexi Ogando will all need to provide good outings if the Rangers wish to repeat as AL champions.  If they are able to improve upon their numbers from a year ago, they will be a very dangerous team. 

Offensively, the Rangers are one of the best teams in the league once again.  They will be anchored by the big bats of Mitch Moreland, Adrian Beltre, Ian Kinsler, Michael Young, Josh Hamilton and Nelson Cruz.  From the top of the order to the bottom, they are so scary to face each and every night.  When one has an off night, another one is able to step up and get big hits when necessary in order to help the team win. 

Look for the Rangers to battle the Angels all season long, but they will outlast them in the end and take control of the AL West. 

Prediction:

First in AL West

99-63