2011 American League Preview and Predictions

The 2011 season is almost here, and as spring training begins, the offseason ends.

Teams will inevitably look slightly to substantially different on opening day then they do now, but we at least have a pretty good idea of each teams 40-man roster and ideal depth chart.

I have graded each team's projected 25-man roster in terms of starting pitching, bullpen, infield/catcher, Outfield/DH, and coaching. For infield and outfield grades, offense and defense are equal factors.

These grades and projections are all done as objectively and carefully as possible, each player was considered. A potentially excellent 5th outfielder could change a C- outfield to a C, and a bullpen with one extra great reliever could go up from a B- to a B. I was precise in my grades.

The projected records are based on a combination of the team's five letter grades as well as the strength of their division. Overall, the American League is projected to finish over .500, but I have balanced it so that the MLB is projected at exactly .500.

Just as we all can't wait for the season to start, you can't wait to stop reading this pointless introduction. So here we go.

Anaheim Angels (That's What They're Called)

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

ANAHEIM, CA - SEPTEMBER 06: Dan Haren #24 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim pitches against the Cleveland Indians on September 6, 2010 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Starting Pitching: A-

Relief Pitching: C-

Infield/Catcher: C+

Outfield/DH: B+

Coaching: A

Forecast: Speedy infield and the influx of power bats looks to back up strong rotation and solid defense. Weak bullpen and multiple lineup holes could be teams downfall.

Prediction: 85-77, 3rd

Oakland Athletics

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OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 03: Gio Gonzalez #47 of the Oakland Athletics pitches against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim during a Major League Baseball game at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 3, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed

Starting Pitching: A+

Relief Pitching: A+

Infield/Catcher: C

Outfield/DH: B+

Coaching: B-

Forecast: The rotation and bullpen are each baseball’s best, the defense is very strong, and the lineup is deepif not flashy. Bench and pitching depth could push this team into the playoffs.

Prediction: 93-69, 1st

Seattle Mariners

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TORONTO - SEPTEMBER 23: Felix Hernandez #34 of the Seattle Mariners points to a fly ball during the game against the Toronto Blue Jays on September 23, 2010 at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays defeated the Mariners 1-0. (Photo by

Starting Pitching: C

Relief Pitching: D

Infield/Catcher: C

Outfield/DH: C+

Coaching: C-

Forecast: Felix Hernandez, Ichiro Suzuki, and a whole lot of nothing. Awful team in a strong division.

Prediction: 60-102, 4th

Texas Rangers

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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 22: Mitch Moreland #18 of the Texas Rangers scores ahead of Josh Hamilton #32 in the bottom of the fifth inning against the New York Yankees in Game Six of the ALCS during the 2010 MLB Playoffs at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on

Starting Pitching: B-

Relief Pitching: B-

Infield/Catcher: A-

Outfield/DH: A

Coaching: B

Forecast: Potent lineup even stronger with Beltre, as is defense. Loss of Cliff Lee leaves team with hole in rotation, but Brandon Webb should help sure it up.

Prediction: 92-70, 2nd*

All AL West Team

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OAKLAND, CA - JULY 11: Andrew Bailey #40 of the Oakland Athletics pitches against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on July 11, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Starters: Felix Hernandez, Trevor Cahill, Jared Weaver, C.J. Wilson, Brett Anderson

Bullpen: Andrew Bailey, Neftali Feliz, Scott Downs, Arthur Rhodes, Craig Breslow

Infield/Catcher: Kendry Morales, Mark Ellis, Elvis Andrus, Adrian Beltre, Kurt Suzuki

Outfield/DH: Vernon Wells, Josh Hamilton, Ichiro Suzuki, Michael Young

Manager: Mike Scioscia

Chicago White Sox

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BOSTON - SEPTEMBER 05: Mark Buehrle #56 of the Chicago White Sox reacts after giving up a two run homer to Victor Martinez of the Boston Red Sox in the seventh inning on September 5, 2010 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Ima

Starting Pitching: B+

Relief Pitching: C

Infield/Catcher: B+

Outfield/DH: B+

Coaching: B

Forecast: Speed, power, and a deep rotation bring back memories of the 2005 Sox. Bullpen is only question mark.

Prediction: 88-74, 2nd

Cleveland Indians

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - JULY 05: Catcher Carlos Santana #41 of the Cleveland Indians on July 5, 2010 at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Starting Pitching: D

Relief Pitching: B-

Infield/Catcher: D

Outfield/DH: B

Coaching: D+

Forecast: Solid bullpen is necessary to say the least with a shallow rotation. Infield is anemic. Accelerated development from Carlos Santana is the only hope for anything more than last place.

Prediction: 67-95, 4th

Detroit Tigers

J. Meric/Getty Images

ST. PETERSBURG - JULY 27: Pitcher Justin Verlander #35 of the Detroit Tigers pitches against the Tampa Bay Rays during the game at Tropicana Field on July 27, 2010 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

Starting Pitching: C+

Relief Pitching: B

Infield/Catcher: B

Outfield/DH: A-

Coaching: B+

Forecast: Potent lineup top-to-bottom should provide enough run-support to make above-average staff look good. Bullpen could use another arm, but top guys are lights out.

Prediction: 91-71, 1st

Kansas City Royals

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KANSAS CITY, MO - JULY 28: Billy Butler #16 of the Kansas City Royals congratulates Yuniesky Betancourt #3 after a run during the game against the Minnesota Twins on July 28, 2010 at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Get

Starting Pitching: D-

Relief Pitching: D+

Infield/Catcher: D+

Outfield/DH: C-

Coaching: C+

Forecast: This team has absolutely no strengths. Billy Butler, Joakim Soria, and 100+ losses guaranteed.

Prediction: 56-106, 5th

Minnesota Twins

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

NEW YORK - OCTOBER 09: Manager Ron Gardenhire #35 (L) takes starting pitcher Brian Duensing #52 of the Minnesota Twins out of the game in the bottom of the fourth inning against the New York Yankees during Game Three of the ALDS part of the 2010 MLB Play

Starting Pitching: B-

Relief Pitching: C-

Infield/Catcher: A-

Outfield/DH: B

Coaching: A-

Forecast: While other central contenders improved, Minnesota’s off-season was average. Still, this is a solid team all around, and Gardenhire has won with less.

Prediction: 87-75, 3rd

All AL Central Team

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

NEW YORK - AUGUST 19: Miguel Cabrera #24 of the Detroit Tigers runs the bases after his first inning two run home run against the New York Yankees on August 19, 2010 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Im

Starters: Justin Verlander, Francisco Liriano, Mark Buehrle, Fausto Carmona, Max Scherzer

Bullpen: Joakim Soria, Jose Valverde, Joaquin Benoit, Matt Thornton, Rafael Perez

Infield/Catcher: Miguel Cabrera, Carlos Guillen, Alexi Ramirez, Mike Aviles, Joe Mauer

Outfield/DH: Delmon Young, Shin Soo-Choo, Magglio Ordonez, Billy Butler

Manager: Ron Gardenhire

Baltimore Orioles

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ST. PETERSBURG, FL - SEPTEMBER 29: Outfielder Adam Jones #10 of the Baltimore Orioles flies out against the Tampa Bay Rays during the game at Tropicana Field on September 29, 2010 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

Starting Pitching: D+

Relief Pitching: B

Infield/Catcher: B+

Outfield/DH: A-

Coaching: C-

Forecast: After a season of dismal pitching, weak defense, and average hitting, Baltimore improved all three elements of their team drastically and looks better than they have in years. However, a questionable rotation should keep them out of contention come September.

Prediction: 84-78, 3rd

Boston Red Sox

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SEATTLE - JULY 23: Kevin Youkilis #20 of the Boston Red Sox bats against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on July 23, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Starting Pitching: A

Relief Pitching: A

Infield/Catcher: A+

Outfield/DH: A-

Coaching: B

Forecast: With a stellar rotation, dangerous bullpen, and the best lineup in baseball, Boston looks like the team to beat in the American League. The only thing that could stop this team is injuries, as the depth isn’t sensational.

Prediction: 98-64, 1st

New York Yankees

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

NEW YORK - OCTOBER 20: Starting pitcher CC Sabathia #52 of the New York Yankees adjusts his cap as he talks with catcher Jorge Posada #20 after Sabathia gave up a single to Jeff Francoeur #21 of the Texas Rangers to load the bases in the top of the sixth

Starting Pitching: C

Relief Pitching: A-

Infield/Catcher: A-

Outfield/DH: B-

Coaching: C+

Forecast: The Yankees were outdone this off-season not only by Boston (by a longshot), but by Baltimore too, something they aren’t used to. With The Boss gone, this is suddenly a flawed team with lots of question marks pitching wise.

Prediction: 89-73, 2nd

Tampa Bay Rays

J. Meric/Getty Images

ST PETERSBURG, FL - OCTOBER 06: Pitcher David Price #14 of the Tampa Bay Rays pitches against the Texas Rangers during Game 1 of the ALDS at Tropicana Field on October 6, 2010 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

Starting Pitching: B

Relief Pitching: C

Infield/Catcher: C-

Outfield/DH: C-

Coaching: A-

Forecast: The Rays lost more key pieces this off-season than any other team in the league. Besides a strong rotation, this team is a shell of last year’s division winner. The offense could be among the AL’s worst.

Prediction: 77-85, 4th

Toronto Blue Jays

J. Meric/Getty Images

ST. PETERSBURG, FL - AUGUST 31: Pitcher Ricky Romero #24 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches against the Tampa Bay Rays during the game at Tropicana Field on August 31, 2010 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

Starting Pitching: C-

Relief Pitching: B

Infield/Catcher: C-

Outfield/DH: C-

Coaching: C-

Forecast: A deep bullpen and otherwise very mediocre team doesn’t seem capable of doing much, although in a weakened division third place isn’t out of the question

Prediction: 73-89, 5th

All AL East Team

Chris McGrath/Getty Images

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 25: Jon Lester #31 of the Boston Red Sox pitches against the New York Yankees during their game on September 25, 2010 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

Starters: David Price, Jon Lester, C.C. Sabathia, Clay Buchholz

Bullpen: Mariano Rivera, Rafael Soriano, Daniel Bard, Mike Gonzalez, J.P. Howell

Infield/Catcher: Adrian Gonzalez, Robinson Cano, Derek Jeter, Evan Longoria, Russell Martin

Outfield/DH: Carl Crawford, Rajai Davis, Nick Markakis, Luke Scott

Manager: Joe Maddon