MLB Power Rankings: Where Does Your Favorite Team Stand on Opening Day?

The Seattle Mariners and Oakland Athletics kicked off the 2012 MLB season with a two-game series in Japan, but the rest of the league gets going later this week, as the season will be in full swing by the weekend.

With the end of spring training near, most of the major roster battles and lineup decisions have already been made, and we have a much clearer picture of how all 30 teams will look this season than we did a month ago.

Here are my MLB power rankings as the 2012 season kicks off, with projected rosters and rotations for all 30 MLB teams, ranked from No. 30 to No. 1.

*Note: Projected rosters taken from MLBDepthCharts, a fantastic website worth checking out if you've never visited it.

(R) - Rookie
Bold - New Acquisition

No. 30: Houston Astros

Projected Opening Day Lineup

CF Jordan Schafer
SS Jed Lowrie
LF J.D. Martinez
1B Carlos Lee
RF Brian Bogusevic
3B Chris Johnson
C Jason Castro
2B Jose Altuve
Pitcher  

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP Wandy Rodriguez
SP Bud Norris
SP J.A. Happ
SP Jordan Lyles
SP Kyle Weiland (R)
CP Brett Myers  

Season Outlook

It's likely going to be a long season in Houston, as the team finds itself in the early stages of a full-scale rebuild and will be fielding what amounts to a Triple-A team for much of the season as a result.

Left fielder J.D. Martinez has some legitimate potential, and it will be interesting to watch their young pitching staff take shape behind Wandy Rodriguez, but in the end it will be a miracle if this team can avoid 100 losses and then some.

No. 29: Oakland Athletics

Projected Opening Day Lineup

2B Jemile Weeks
SS Cliff Pennington
LF Coco Crisp
DH Seth Smith
C Kurt Suzuki
RF Josh Reddick
CF Yoenis Cespedes (R)
1B Brandon Allen
3B Eric Sogard

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP Brandon McCarthy
SP Bartolo Colon
SP Tom Milone (R)
SP Tyson Ross
SP Graham Godfrey (R)
CP Grant Balfour

Season Outlook

The Athletics continued their strategy of a never-ending rebuild this offseason, as they dealt established young starters Gio Gonzalez and Trevor Cahill for a bevy of solid prospects.

Adding Seth Smith and Josh Reddick gives the Athletics a pair of solid young hitters to anchor their lineup and build around moving forward.

However, the rotation is greatly lacking in established talent, and at the end of the day this is an Athletics team that could be hard pressed to win games in 2012. Watching Yoenis Cespedes adapt to the big-league game will at least give A's fans something to watch this season.

No. 28: San Diego Padres

Projected Opening Day Lineup

CF Cameron Maybin
2B Orlando Hudson
3B Chase Headley
LF Jesus Guzman
1B Yonder Alonso (R)
C Nick Hundley
RF Will Venable
SS Jason Bartlett
Pitcher

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP Edinson Volquez
SP Cory Luebke
SP Dustin Moseley
SP Clayton Richard
SP Tim Stauffer
CP Huston Street

Injured Starters Expected To Return 

LF Carlos Quentin (Guzman to Bench)

Season Outlook

The Padres are a shell of the team they were when they made a push for the NL West title in 2010, and that is not necessarily a bad thing at this point.

They sold off one of their biggest assets in trading Mat Latos to the Reds but in return landed a pair of players that will contribute right now (Alonso and Volquez) and a pair of players who should play a big part in the team's future.

They are a pitching-thin team with a thin lineup right now, but they have one of the most talented farm systems in all of baseball and are a franchise heading in the right direction. For now, however, they will be among the worst in baseball.

No. 27: Baltimore Orioles

Projected Opening Day Lineup

LF Nolan Reimold
SS J.J. Hardy
RF Nick Markakis
CF Adam Jones 
C Matt Wieters
3B Mark Reynolds
DH Wilson Betemit
1B Chris Davis
2B Robert Andino

Projected Opening Day Rotation 

SP Wei-Yin Chen (R)
SP Jason Hammel
SP Brian Matusz
SP Jake Arrieta
SP Tommy Hunter
CP Jim Johnson 

Injured Starters Expected To Return

2B Brian Roberts (Andino to Bench)

Season Outlook

The Orioles were active this offseason on the international market, signing a pair of pitchers in Wei-Yin Chen and Tsuyoshi Wada, and Chen has been impressive enough this offseason that he is the front-runner to get the ball on Opening Day.

Still, the team will be without second baseman Brian Roberts as he continues to battle back from a concussion, and in his absence they lack a true leadoff hitter and lineup catalyst.

The team has some solid young hitters and a pitching staff full of potential, but in the end the Orioles are unquestionably the worst team in the AL East and are headed for their fifth straight last-place finish in the division.

No. 26: Chicago Cubs

Projected Opening Day Lineup 

RF David DeJesus
2B Darwin Barney
SS Starlin Castro
1B Bryan LaHair
LF Alfonso Soriano
3B Ian Stewart
CF Marlon Byrd
C Geovany Soto
Pitcher

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP Ryan Dempster
SP Matt Garza
SP Jeff Samardzija
SP Chris Volstad
SP Paul Maholm
CP Carlos Marmol

Season Outlook

The Cubs had a busy offseason, and it all began with the addition of Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer to the front office, two men committed to rebuilding the team from the ground up.

With that in mind, the team will likely continue to move veterans during the season as they look to stock up on prospects and boost a farm system that has been depleted in past seasons.

This rebuilding effort likely means a .500 record will be the best Cubs fans can hope for the next couple seasons, but watching the continued development of superstar-in-the-making Starlin Castro and the eventual debuts of top prospects Brett Jackson and Anthony Rizzo should at least give Cubs fans something to look forward to in 2012.

No. 25: New York Mets

Projected Opening Day Lineup

CF Andres Torres
2B Daniel Murphy
3B David Wright
1B Ike Davis
LF Jason Bay
RF Lucas Duda
C Josh Thole
SS Ruben Tejada 
Pitcher

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP Johan Santana
SP R.A. Dickey
SP Jon Niese
SP Mike Pelfrey
SP Dillon Gee
CP Frank Francisco

Season Outlook

The Mets will have to deal with the loss of the face of their franchise, as Jose Reyes has moved on to the Marlins in free agency, but they are a team headed in the right direction.

With the outfield fences moving in to help make Citi Field more of a hitter's park, Jason Bay and David Wright could be in line for bounce-back seasons, and those two combined with emerging young hitters Ike Davis and Lucas Duda should give the team a solid lineup.

However, the team's pitching still leaves something to be desired and while reinforcements are on the way in the form of top prospects Matt Harvey and Zack Wheeler, the team that will take the field in 2012 won't be able to compete in the NL East.

No. 24: Chicago White Sox

Projected Opening Day Lineup

CF Alejandro De Aza
C A.J. Pierzynski
RF Alex Rios
1B Paul Konerko
DH Adam Dunn
SS Alexei Ramirez
LF Dayan Viciedo
3B Brent Morel
2B Gordon Beckham

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP John Danks
SP Jake Peavy
SP Gavin Floyd
SP Chris Sale
SP Phil Humber
CP Matt Thornton

Season Outlook

The White Sox have seemingly taken steps towards a rebuild this offseason, as they traded slugging outfielder Carlos Quentin and closer Sergio Santos this offseason and could look to deal others as the season progresses.

A sexy pick to win the AL Central last season, the team got horrendous seasons from guys like Adam Dunn (.159 BA), Alex Rios (.227 BA) and Gordon Beckham (.230 BA) as the team finished 11th in scoring in the American League.

With Mark Buehrle gone, the team will turn to John Danks as the staff ace, but the most intriguing pitcher this season will be Chris Sale, a dominant setup man over the past two seasons who is making the move to the rotation. Regardless, the team is likely at least a few years from contention and could be headed for a last-place finish.

No. 23: Seattle Mariners

Projected Opening Day Lineup

LF Chone Figgins
2B Dustin Ackley
RF Ichiro Suzuki
1B Justin Smoak
DH Jesus Montero (R)
3B Kyle Seager
C Miguel Olivo
CF Michael Saunders
SS Brendan Ryan

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP Felix Hernandez
SP Jason Vargas
SP Hector Noesi
SP Blake Beavan
SP Kevin Millwood
CP Brandon League

Season Outlook

The Mariners shouldn't have much trouble improving on what was a 95-loss team last season that ranked last in the American League in batting average and runs scored.

That offset an above-average pitching rotation that was led by one of the best in the league in Felix Hernandez and saw the team compile a 3.90 ERA.

Trading Michael Pineda to the Yankees for Jesus Montero and Hector Noesi should give the offense a shot in the arm and the potential AL Rookie of the Year in Montero. His production combined with another year of development from guys like Dustin Ackley and Justin Smoak should mean improvement. Not contention, but at least improvement.

No. 22: Pittsburgh Pirates

Projected Opening Day Lineup

LF Alex Presley
RF Jose Tabata
CF Andrew McCutchen
2B Neil Walker
1B Garrett Jones
C Rod Barajas
3B Pedro Alvarez
SS Clint Barmes
Pitcher

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP Erik Bedard
SP Jeff Karstens
SP James McDonald
SP Kevin Correia
SP Charlie Morton
CP Joel Hanrahan 

Injured Starters Expected To Return 

SP A.J. Burnett (Correia to Bullpen)

Season Outlook

Tied for the NL Central lead on July 25th, the Pirates went on a 1-12 slide to effectively fall out of contention. Nonetheless, they were perhaps the biggest surprise of the 2011 season, and with a good young core they should only get better.

Their pitching was their biggest downfall last season, and while it is still an area of weakness, the team did add veterans Erik Bedard and A.J. Burnett to its rotation this offseason.

The Pirates also upgraded at both shortstop and catcher this winter, and though they may not yet be a playoff team, they are headed in the right direction. Once prospects Gerrit Cole and Jameson Taillon are ready, the team will be a legitimate contender.

No. 21: Minnesota Twins

Projected Opening Day Lineup

CF Denard Span
SS Jamey Carroll
C Joe Mauer
DH Justin Morneau
LF Josh Willingham
RF Ryan Doumit
3B Danny Valencia
1B Chris Parmelee (R)
2B Alexi Casilla

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP Carl Pavano
SP Francisco Liriano
SP Liam Hendriks
SP Nick Blackburn
SP Jason Marquis
CP Matt Capps 

Injured Starters Expected To Return

SP Scott Baker (Hendriks to Minors or Bullpen)

Season Outlook

The Twins were decimated by injuries and ineffectiveness last season, as they lost 99 games and finished last in the AL Central.

The key to the team's success is the health of stars Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau, who played a combined 151 games last season, and if they can stay healthy alongside free-agent additions Josh Willingham and Ryan Doumit, the Twins offense could be a good one.

Their pitching staff has some depth but lacks a true ace, as it is more a collection of No. 3 starters, and the combination of an improved lineup and pitching depth should at the very least mean a finish in the middle of the AL Central pack.

No. 20: Kansas City Royals

Projected Opening Day Lineup

LF Alex Gordon
CF Lorenzo Cain
1B Eric Hosmer
DH Billy Butler
3B Mike Moustakas
RF Jeff Francoeur
2B Chris Getz
C Humberto Quintero
SS Alcides Escobar

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP Bruce Chen
SP Luke Hochevar
SP Jonathan Sanchez
SP Luis Mendoza
SP Danny Duffy
CP Jonathan Broxton

Injured Starters Expected To Return

C Salvador Perez (Quintero to Bench) 

Season Outlook

The Royals continue to build up an impressive, homegrown core of players that should help the team continue to move towards contention and allow them to remain a top team for years to come once they get there.

While the lineup is impressive, the pitching staff remains an area of concern, as Bruce Chen gets the nod as the team's Opening Day starter this season and is followed by a fairly unimpressive group. The team was also dealt a big blow when All-Star closer Joakim Soria was forced to undergo Tommy John surgery.

Coming off a 71-91 season, the Royals could be in line for a big improvement this season; at the very least expect them to finish somewhere other than last place in 2012.

No. 19: Colorado Rockies

Projected Opening Day Lineup

CF Dexter Fowler
2B Marco Scutaro
LF Carlos Gonzalez
SS Troy Tulowitzki
1B Todd Helton
RF Michael Cuddyer
C Ramon Hernandez
3B Jordan Pacheco (R)
Pitcher

Projected Opening Day Rotation 

SP Jeremy Guthrie
SP Jamie Moyer
SP Juan Nicasio
SP Jhoulys Chacin
SP Drew Pomeranz (R)
CP Rafael Betancourt

Season Outlook

The Rockies finished with a disappointing 73 wins last season, and they addressed their struggles by acquiring a number of veterans to fill what had been glaring areas of need.

Those veterans join the superstar duo of Troy Tulowitzki and Carlos Gonzalez in the lineup, while the rotation added a good deal of depth as well.

However, the rotation lacks a true ace following the trade of Ubaldo Jimenez at the deadline last season, and while their depth should mean an improvement from last season, it likely won't be enough to make the Rockies a playoff team.

No. 18: Cleveland Indians

Projected Opening Day Lineup

CF Michael Brantley
SS Asdrubal Cabrera
RF Shin-Soo Choo
C Carlos Santana
DH Travis Hafner
1B Casey Kotchman
LF Shelley Duncan
2B Jason Kipnis
3B Jack Hannahan

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP Justin Masterson
SP Ubaldo Jimenez
SP Josh Tomlin
SP Derek Lowe
SP Jeanmar Gomez
CP Chris Perez

Injured Starters Expected To Return

CF Grady Sizemore (Brantley to LF, Duncan to Bench) 

Season Outlook

The Indians were one of the surprise teams of the season last year, and while they finished 80-82, they showed some promise for the seasons to come.

While they fell apart at the end of the season, they have a young core and should improve on their finish last season. The additions of veterans Casey Kotchman and Derek Lowe to a young lineup should help.

The Tigers are clearly the class of the AL Central, and while the Indians likely won't be a playoff team in 2012, they have a good chance of finishing second in the division this coming season.

No. 17: Los Angeles Dodgers

Projected Opening Day Lineup

SS Dee Gordon
2B Mark Ellis
CF Matt Kemp
RF Andre Ethier
LF Juan Rivera
1B James Loney
3B Juan Uribe
C A.J. Ellis
Pitcher

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP Clayton Kershaw
SP Chad Billingsley
SP Chris Capuano
SP Aaron Harang
SP Ted Lilly
CP Javy Guerra

Season Outlook

No move the Dodgers made this offseason compares to the team being sold to a group of buyers led by Magic Johnson last week.

While the current roster is mostly made up of mid-level veterans and the team likely won't be in a position to contend in 2012, it has a good deal of money coming off the books in the next couple seasons. With an owner actually willing and capable of spending money, the Dodgers are a team to watch over the next couple seasons.

In the meantime, the duo of Matt Kemp and Clayton Kershaw should win more than a few games for the Dodgers on their own, and the veteran core should at least keep the team competitive in a wide-open NL West.

No. 16: Toronto Blue Jays

Projected Opening Day Lineup

SS Yunel Escobar
2B Kelly Johnson
RF Jose Bautista
1B Adam Lind
DH Edwin Encarnacion
3B Brett Lawrie
LF Eric Thames
CF Colby Rasmus
C J.P. Arencibia

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP Ricky Romero
SP Brandon Morrow
SP Brett Cecil
SP Henderson Alvarez
SP Kyle Drabek
CP Sergio Santos

Season Outlook

The Blue Jays continue to build a solid team thanks to some good homegrown talent and wise moves by the front office, coming off an 81-81 season last year.

Ricky Romero continues to move into the upper echelon of starting pitchers, and the offense ranked fifth in the league in scoring last season. They need Adam Lind and Kelly Johnson to have bounce-back seasons and another starter or two to step forward if they want to take the next step.

In the end, the Jays are still a notch below their three division rivals in the Yankees, Red Sox and Rays, but they are a team that continues to improve and could make some serious noise in the next couple seasons.

No. 15: San Francisco Giants

Projected Opening Day Lineup 

CF Angel Pagan
LF Melky Cabrera
3B Pablo Sandoval
C Buster Posey
1B Aubrey Huff
RF Nate Schierholtz
2B Emmanuel Burriss
SS Brandon Crawford
Pitcher

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP Tim Lincecum
SP Madison Bumgarner
SP Matt Cain
SP Barry Zito
SP Ryan Vogelsong 
CP Brian Wilson

Injured Starters Expected To Return

2B Freddy Sanchez (Burriss to Bench) 

Season Outlook

Another season, the same story for the Giants, as they will once again be a team whose terrific starting pitching is held back by a subpar offense.

Getting Buster Posey back from injury is better than any offseason move they made, but they also upgraded their outfield in adding Angel Pagan and Melky Cabrera.

The Giants have the pitching to stay in most games, and if they can get to the postseason, their first three starters rival any in the league, but that looks to be a fairly large if as of right now.

No. 14: Washington Nationals

Projected Opening Day Lineup

SS Ian Desmond
2B Danny Espinosa
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Adam LaRoche
RF Jayson Werth
CF Rick Ankiel
C Wilson Ramos
LF Roger Bernadina
Pitcher

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP Stephen Strasburg
SP Gio Gonzalez
SP Jordan Zimmermann
SP Edwin Jackson
SP John Lannan
CP Brad Lidge 

Injured Starters Expected To Return

LF Mike Morse (Bernadina to CF, Ankiel to Bench)
CP Drew Storen (Lidge to Setup Relief) 

Season Outlook

After opening their pocketbook last offseason for outfielder Jayson Werth, the Nationals were active on the free-agent market once again this offseason, making offers to a number of players before eventually signing Edwin Jackson to a one-year deal.

They also sent a four-player prospect package to the Athletics for Gio Gonzalez, giving them what should be one of the strongest rotations top to bottom in all of baseball.

While they still may be a year from legitimate contention, the Nationals have proven their willingness to build a winner, and if nothing else, the fanbase can look forward to the arrival of uber-prospect Bryce Harper at some point this season, and they should improve on their 80-win season of last year.

No. 13: Miami Marlins

Projected Opening Day Lineup

SS Jose Reyes
CF Emilio Bonifacio
3B Hanley Ramirez
RF Giancarlo Stanton
LF Logan Morrison
1B Gaby Sanchez
2B Omar Infante
C John Buck
Pitcher

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP Josh Johnson
SP Mark Buehrle
SP Ricky Nolasco
SP Carlos Zambrano
SP Anibal Sanchez
CP Heath Bell

Season Outlook

Set to open their new stadium this season, the Marlins were as active as anyone this offseason as they looked to put a winning team on the field to usher in the new park.

The biggest addition was last year's NL batting champ Jose Reyes, and his addition at shortstop meant a move to third base for Hanley Ramirez, a move he did not immediately take to. However, the team also added Mark Buehrle, Carlos Zambrano and Heath Bell.

If their solid young core can take the next step and their rotation can avoid injury alongside their solid veteran additions, the Marlins could make some serious noise this coming season under new manager Ozzie Guillen.

No. 12: Milwaukee Brewers

Projected Opening Day Lineup

2B Rickie Weeks
CF Nyjer Morgan
LF Ryan Braun
3B Aramis Ramirez
RF Corey Hart
1B Mat Gamel
SS Alex Gonzalez
C Jonathan Lucroy
Pitcher

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP Yovani Gallardo
SP Zack Greinke
SP Randy Wolf
SP Shaun Marcum
SP Chris Narveson
CP John Axford

Season Outlook

The Brewers were no doubt dealt a blow in losing first baseman Prince Fielder, but Ryan Braun winning his appeal and not missing 50 games is a huge plus for the offense.

Aramis Ramirez was signed to help replace some of Fielder's offense in the middle of the lineup, and Mat Gamel will have the task of replacing Fielder at first base, and in the end those two should help ease the blow.

More importantly, the team returns its terrific five-man staff, a group that should at least give the Brewers a chance in what could be a wide-open NL Central this season.

No. 11: Atlanta Braves

Projected Opening Day Lineup

CF Michael Bourn
LF Martin Prado
C Brian McCann
2B Dan Uggla
1B Freddie Freeman
RF Jason Heyward
3B Juan Francisco
SS Tyler Pastornicky (R)
Pitcher

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP Tommy Hanson
SP Jair Jurrjens
SP Mike Minor
SP Brandon Beachy
SP Randall Delgado (R)
CP Craig Kimbrel

Injured Starters Expected To Return

3B Chipper Jones (Francisco to Bench)

Season Outlook

The Braves were relatively quiet this offseason, with their big move being dealing overpaid, underperforming starter Derek Lowe to the Indians.

Still, the team has a solid young rotation with plenty of depth, perhaps the best bullpen in all of baseball and a lineup that has plenty of upside to be better.

If Dan Uggla can avoid badly slumping early in the season and Jason Heyward can bounce back to at least his rookie season form, the offense should be more than good enough to make the Braves competitive. The NL East will be tough this season, but the Braves have the pieces to make a push.

No. 10: Boston Red Sox

Projected Opening Day Lineup

CF Jacoby Ellsbury
2B Dustin Pedroia
1B Adrian Gonzalez
3B Kevin Youkilis
DH David Ortiz
LF Cody Ross
C Jarrod Saltalamacchia
RF Ryan Sweeney
SS Mike Aviles

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP Jon Lester
SP Josh Beckett
SP Clay Buchholz
SP Felix Doubront (R)
SP Daniel Bard
CP Andrew Bailey

Injured Starters Expected To Return

LF Carl Crawford (Ross to RF, Sweeney to Bench)

Season Outlook

Coming off an epic late-season collapse, the Red Sox underwent an overhaul this offseason as GM Theo Epstein moved to the Cubs and Bobby Valentine was hired as manager.

Those aren't the only changes though, as Jonathan Papelbon is gone and in his place is former A's closer Andrew Bailey. The starting rotation has a pair of new faces in Felix Doubront and former setup man Daniel Bard, and a Cody Ross/Ryan Sweeney platoon will be handling right field duties.

While some of those moves may be considered a downgrade, the team still has a potent offense and an impressive top of the rotation. Boston should once again be in the thick of things in the AL East, especially if Carl Crawford can come back strong from injury and make a significant impact.

No. 9: Cincinnati Reds

Projected Opening Day Lineup

2B Brandon Phillips
SS Zack Cozart (R)
1B Joey Votto
3B Scott Rolen
RF Jay Bruce
LF Chris Heisey
CF Drew Stubbs
C Ryan Hanigan
Pitcher

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP Johnny Cueto
SP Mat Latos
SP Bronson Arroyo
SP Mike Leake
SP Homer Bailey
CP Sean Marshall 

Season Outlook

After capturing the NL Central title in 2010, the Reds took a step back last season in going a disappointing 79-83, and that was due in large part to a poor starting rotation that had just two starters with an ERA under 4.00.

With that in mind, the team dealt four players to the Padres to acquire 24-year-old Mat Latos, giving the team a second frontline starter alongside Johnny Cueto atop the rotation.

After the Cardinals and Brewers each lost their superstar first baseman in the offseason, the Reds have a good chance to once again make a run at the NL Central crown with young sluggers Joey Votto and Jay Bruce backing an improved staff.

No. 8: Tampa Bay Rays

Projected Opening Day Lineup

CF Desmond Jennings
RF Ben Zobrist
3B Evan Longoria
1B Carlos Pena
LF Matt Joyce
DH Luke Scott
2B Jeff Keppinger
SS Sean Rodriguez
C Jose Molina

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP James Shields
SP David Price
SP Jeremy Hellickson
SP Matt Moore (R)
SP Jeff Niemann
CP Kyle Farnsworth 

Injured Starters Expected To Return

CF B.J. Upton (Jennings to LF, Joyce to RF, Zobrist to 2B, Keppinger to SS, Rodriguez to Bench) 

Season Outlook

The Rays made the postseason last season despite an offense that ranked eighth in runs scored and 12th in batting average after they lost Carlos Pena and Carl Crawford in free agency.

The team brought back Pena this season to bat cleanup and also added Luke Scott and Jeff Keppinger for what should be an improved offense. Nonetheless, the Rays are still weak offensively at a number of positions.

However, on the mound they have a rotation that could rival any in terms of both talent and potential. After Jeremy Hellickson won the AL Rookie of the Year last season, the team could take home the honor again this season thanks to left-hander Matt Moore, who could be the best pitcher on the staff by season's end. They'll press the Red Sox and Yankees for the AL East title once again this season.

No. 7: Arizona Diamondbacks

Projected Opening Day Lineup

SS Willie Bloomquist
2B Aaron Hill
RF Justin Upton
C Miguel Montero
CF Chris Young
LF Jason Kubel
1B Paul Goldschmidt
3B Ryan Roberts
Pitcher

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP Ian Kennedy
SP Daniel Hudson
SP Josh Collmenter
SP Trevor Cahill
SP Joe Saunders
CP J.J. Putz

Injured Starters Expected To Return

SS Stephen Drew (Bloomquist to Bench)

Season Outlook

The Diamondbacks enjoyed a shocking turnaround last season, as they went from a 65-97 team in 2010 to a 94-68 team that captured the NL West title.

They return all of the major players from last season's team and have added former Twins outfielder Jason Kubel and A's starter Trevor Cahill, additions that should only cement their place as NL West favorites.

The Rockies got better, the Giants are always tough with their pitching and with new ownership in Los Angeles, the Dodgers will be looking to turn things around quickly. Until they are unseated, though, the Diamondbacks have to be viewed as the class of the division.

No. 6: Philadelphia Phillies

Projected Opening Day Lineup

SS Jimmy Rollins
3B Placido Polanco
CF Shane Victorino
RF Hunter Pence
1B Ty Wigginton
LF John Mayberry Jr.
C Carlos Ruiz
2B Freddy Galvis (R)
Pitcher 

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP Roy Halladay
SP Cliff Lee
SP Vance Worley
SP Cole Hamels
SP Joe Blanton
CP Jonathan Papelbon 

Injured Starters Expected To Return

1B Ryan Howard (Wigginton to Bench)
2B Chase Utley (Galvis to Bench or Minors) 

Season Outlook

The Phillies entered last season as the undisputed NL favorites and with a rotation that was hyped as one of the greatest of all time, meaning that anything short of a World Series title was a disappointment.

Now what is an old roster has gotten another year older, and the team will have to deal with Ryan Howard and Chase Utley starting the year on the disabled list. Ty Wigginton and Jim Thome were brought in to hold down first base until Howard returns, and they should at least offer some pop.

Still, the team has three of the best starters in all of baseball, and while the NL East has gotten much better with the Marlins and Nationals now legitimate contenders, the Phillies can still be considered the favorites to win the division.

No. 5: Detroit Tigers

Projected Opening Day Lineup

CF Austin Jackson
RF Brennan Boesch
3B Miguel Cabrera
1B Prince Fielder
DH Delmon Young
C Alex Avila
SS Jhonny Peralta
LF Andy Dirks
2B Ryan Raburn

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP Justin Verlander
SP Max Scherzer
SP Doug Fister
SP Rick Porcello
SP Drew Smyly (R)
CP Jose Valverde 

Season Outlook

The Tigers responded to losing DH Victor Martinez for the season with a torn ACL by signing free-agent slugger Prince Fielder to a nine-year, $214 million contract.

Pairing him with Miguel Cabrera in the middle of the team's order should only make what was a 95-win team that advanced to the ALCS last season better, as they will be surrounded by virtually the same team as last year.

Justin Verlander, the reigning MVP and Cy Young winner, will again front what should be an even better staff thanks to a full season from Doug Fister. With all things considered, the Tigers have to be viewed as one of the favorites in the American League and the runaway AL Central favorites.

No. 4: St. Louis Cardinals

Projected Opening Day Lineup

2B Tyler Greene
RF Carlos Beltran
LF Matt Holliday
1B Lance Berkman
3B David Freese
C Yadier Molina
CF John Jay
SS Rafael Furcal
Pitcher

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP Kyle Lohse
SP Jaime Garcia
SP Adam Wainwright
SP Jake Westbrook
SP Lance Lynn (R)
CP Jason Motte

Injured Starters Expected To Return

SP Chris Carpenter (Lynn to Bullpen)

Season Outlook

The reigning world champions lost Albert Pujols this offseason, and while the loss of their superstar and face of their franchise hurts, the return of ace Adam Wainwright from injury and the signing of Carlos Beltran help.

With that in mind, they would be higher on this list, but starter Chris Carpenter is currently sidelined with a bulging disk in his neck. The injury has him out indefinitely and is a serious cause for concern for the Cardinals.

Even without Carpenter, they have a solid rotation and deep lineup that should at the very least make them NL Central favorites for the upcoming season. If Carpenter can return quickly, the Cardinals can be considered favorites to repeat as NL champs as well.

No. 3: Los Angeles Angels

Projected Opening Day Lineup

SS Erick Aybar
2B Howie Kendrick
1B Albert Pujols
DH Kendrys Morales
RF Torii Hunter
LF Vernon Wells
3B Alberto Callaspo
C Chris Iannetta
CF Peter Bourjos

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP Jered Weaver
SP Dan Haren
SP Ervin Santana
SP C.J. Wilson
SP Garrett Richards (R)
CP Jordan Walden 

Season Outlook

The Angels opened their wallets in a big way this offseason, adding marquee free agents Albert Pujols (10 years, $240 million) and C.J. Wilson (five years, $77.5 million) on big contracts.

Adding Pujols to the lineup immediately makes the Angels not only a better team but a legitimate contender in the American League, and sliding Wilson into a rotation that was already among the best in the league is just icing on the cake.

The Angels will still need to overcome the Rangers within their own division, but they should be at the front of the pack in the American League and serious players once the postseason rolls around.

No. 2: New York Yankees

Projected Opening Day Lineup

SS Derek Jeter
CF Curtis Granderson
2B Robinson Cano
3B Alex Rodriguez
1B Mark Teixeira
RF Nick Swisher
DH Raul Ibanez
C Russell Martin
LF Brett Gardner

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP CC Sabathia
SP Hiroki Kuroda
SP Phil Hughes
SP Ivan Nova
SP Freddy Garcia
CP Mariano Rivera 

Injured Starters Expected To Return

SP Michael Pineda (Garcia to Bullpen)

Season Outlook

After their rotation took a good deal of scrutiny last season, the Yankees addressed that situation this offseason and acquired Michael Pineda from the Mariners while also signing former Dodger Hiroki Kuroda.

The team still has as deep a lineup as anyone in the game, and as Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter have aged, Curtis Granderson and Robinson Cano have stepped forward to lead the offense.

The club will need Phil Hughes to bounce back and Ivan Nova to build off the season he had as a rookie last season, but on paper, they are a better team than they were last season when they led the AL with 97 wins.

No. 1: Texas Rangers

Projected Opening Day Lineup

2B Ian Kinsler
SS Elvis Andrus
CF Josh Hamilton
3B Adrian Beltre
DH Michael Young
RF Nelson Cruz
C Mike Napoli
LF David Murphy
1B Mitch Moreland

Projected Opening Day Rotation

SP Colby Lewis
SP Derek Holland
SP Matt Harrison
SP Yu Darvish
SP Neftali Feliz
CP Joe Nathan 

Season Outlook

The Rangers are coming off back-to-back World Series appearances, and aside from losing ace C.J. Wilson to the division rival Angels in free agency, they return nearly the same team as last season.

While the signing of Japanese stud Yu Darvish was a headline-grabbing move, it remains to be seen if he will be able to offset the loss of Wilson.

In the end, however, the Rangers lineup is still arguably the best in all of baseball, while their rotation is solid from top to bottom, so for now there is no reason to think of them as anything less than favorites to once again win the AL pennant.