MLB Power Rankings: Do Red Sox Still Have the Most Powerful Lineup?

Going into the 2011 season, there was a lot of hype surrounding the Boston Red Sox offense.  Not only was most of the core group returning, but then-GM Theo Epstein had signed highly-touted free agent Carl Crawford and also traded prospect Anthony Rizzo to the San Diego Padres for power-hitting first baseman Adrian Gonzalez.  With those two bats plus a solid pitching staff, the team seemed a lock for the World Series.

Though Boston missed the playoffs and Crawford was a disappointment in the end, the Red Sox lineup was still a force to be reckoned with and led the majors in runs scored.  Entering 2012, the starting nine will essentially be the same, give or take a new face or two.

Yet, many of the other 29 teams in baseball have undergone some lineup changes as well, so who knows how Boston's will fare in the upcoming season?  Let's take a look at all of the potential starting lineups and see just who ranks among the elite.

No. 30: Houston Astros

Projected Lineup/Starters:

C: Humberto Quintero

1B: Carlos Lee

2B: Matt Downs

SS: Jed Lowrie

3B: Jimmy Paredes

LF: J.D. Martinez

CF: Jordan Schafer

RF: Brian Bogusevic

Last year was one to forget for the Houston Astros, as the team lost an MLB-worst 106 games and finished dead last in the NL Central.  Going into 2012, it doesn't look like they'll fare much better.

The entire team is young and inexperienced, and the sole effective (and I use that term VERY loosely) veteran, Carlos Lee, is going to be traded at some point.  On top of that, there's no telling how the outfield will pan out by the end of spring training, and third base will certainly be a battle between the speedy Jimmy Paredes and the power-hitting (to a degree) Chris Johnson.  No matter how you look at it, this lineup needs a lot of help.

No. 29: Seattle Mariners

Projected Lineup/Starters:

C: Miguel Olivo

1B: Justin Smoak

2B: Dustin Ackley

SS Brendan Ryan

3B: Kyle Seagar

LF: Trayvon Robinson

CF: Franklin Gutierrez

RF: Ichiro Suzuki

DH: Mike Carp/Casper Wells

Much like the Houston Astros, the Seattle Mariners finished dead last in their division thanks to a nonexistent offense.  The team should look a little better next year with Dustin Ackley in full-time along with Mike Carp and Casper Wells adding some extra pop, but the M's are still relying heavily on a bunch of youth that doesn't have much experience at the major-league level.

The only way I see the team doing better is if Ichiro recovers from an off 2011 and if Chone Figgins returns to his Angels form.  Yet, only one of those has a shot at happening, if you ask me—while the offense may improve in 2012, it won't by much.

No. 28: Chicago Cubs

Projected Lineup/Starters:

C: Geovany Soto

1B: Anthony Rizzo

2B: Darwin Barney

SS: Starlin Castro

3B: Ian Stewart

LF: Alfonso Soriano

CF: Marlon Byrd

RF: David DeJesus

Even though a revamped front office led by Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer will surely improve the team in the long run, the Chicago Cubs still have a lot of question marks entering 2012.  Anthony Rizzo is definitely a youthful upgrade at first base and David DeJesus will be solid in the outfield, but the lineup in general is still very young and light-hitting.

Throw in the fact that the pitching is unpredictable as well, and the Cubs lineup looks improved, but still very weak.

No. 27: New York Mets

Projected Lineup/Starters:

C: Josh Thole

1B: Ike Davis

2B: Daniel Murphy

SS: Ruben Tejada

3B: David Wright

LF: Jason Bay

CF: Andres Torres

RF: Lucas Duda

It's no secret that the New York Mets are a complete mess.  The lineup just lost one of its best in shortstop Jose Reyes, and chances are that come July 31, fan-favorite David Wright will be dealt to dump some salary.

Andres Torres may add some pop and so will Ike Davis, but the rest of the lineup is a crapshoot. When push comes to shove, barring some sort of miracle, the Mets will be lucky to finish above last place in the NL East.

No. 26: Kansas City Royals

Projected Lineup/Starters:

C: Brayan Pena

1B: Eric Hosmer

2B: Johnny Giavotella

SS: Yuniesky Betancourt

3B: Mike Moustakas

LF: Alex Gordon

CF: Lorenzo Cain

RF: Jeff Francouer

DH: Billy Butler

The Kansas City Royals are on the road to contention, but they aren't there just yet.  Eric Hosmer, Jeff Francouer and Billy Butler will provide some decent pop for now, as will Mike Moustakas down the road.  Yet, GM Dayton Moore traded away last year's most effective hitter in Melky Cabrera.

Save for the heart of the order, KC's offense is very hit-or-miss—while it could become good with time, it's just too unpredictable this coming season.

No. 25: Minnesota Twins

Projected Lineup/Starters:

C: Joe Mauer

1B: Justin Morneau

2B: Tsuyoshi Nishioka

SS: Jamey Carroll

3B: Danny Valencia

LF: Josh Willingham

CF: Denard Span

RF: Ben Revere/Rene Tosoni

DH: Ryan Doumit

Don't let that picture fool you.  The Minnesota Twins don't have much to smile about on offense come 2012.  They've lost two key cogs in Jason Kubel and Michael Cuddyer, and while the team signed the power-hitting Josh Willingham, Target Field has proven to be a place where home runs go to die.

More importantly, much of the Twins' success at the plate depends on the health of Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau.  Last year, the two only played a combined 151 games as the Twins lost 99 games and finished last in the AL Central.

I'm guessing that the team won't be as bad in 2012, but if last year's trends continue, it's going to be a long season in the Twin Cities.

No. 24: Arizona Diamondbacks

Projected Lineup/Starters:

C: Miguel Montero

1B: Paul Goldschmidt

2B: Aaron Hill

SS: Stephen Drew

3B: Ryan Roberts

LF: Jason Kubel

CF: Chris Young

RF: Justin Upton

They may have won the NL West last season, but the Arizona Diamondbacks' march to the playoffs was heavily fueled by pitching.  The offense, save for Justin Upton, was very hit-or-miss.

Arizona's lineup is looking better next year with the additions of Jason Kubel and prospect Paul Goldschmidt, not to mention the return of Stephen Drew at shortstop.  Yet, compared to the other teams in the majors, their lineup is still pretty weak.

No. 23: Los Angeles Dodgers

Potential Lineup/Starters:

C: Matt Treanor/Tim Federowicz

1B: James Loney

2B: Mark Ellis

SS: Dee Gordon

3B: Juan Uribe/Adam Kennedy/Jerry Hairston Jr.

LF: Tony Gwynn Jr./Juan Rivera

CF: Matt Kemp

RF: Andre Ethier

The Dodgers put together a respectable second half in 2011, but their offense still left something to be desired.  Save for three solid regulars in Loney, Kemp and Ethier, the rest of the positions could be entirely up for grabs, especially third base.

The biggest problem with the offense is just that: no stability at many positions.  If manager Don Mattingly can put together a solid lineup that stays consistent and produces, then the Dodgers should be fine.  If trends keep up as I expect them to, then it could be another disappointing season.

No. 22: Cleveland Indians

Projected Lineup/Starters:

C: Carlos Santana

1B: Matt LaPorta

2B: Jason Kipnis

SS: Asdrubal Cabrera

3B: Lonnie Chisenhall

LF: Michael Brantley/Ezequiel Carrera

CF: Grady Sizemore

RF: Shin-Soo Choo

DH: Travis Hafner

For the first half of the 2011 season, the Cleveland Indians actually looked pretty solid as Asdrubal Cabrera broke out and carried the team to a winning record.  Unfortunately, inexperience caught up with the young squad as that, plus injuries, led to a second-half collapse that caused Cleveland to miss the playoffs again.

New blood in Jason Kipnis and Lonnie Chisenhall should provide some hope in 2012, but the Indians offense as a whole is just too young and inexperienced to do battle with the veteran-laden teams in a playoff race, let alone the postseason.

No. 21: San Diego Padres

Projected Lineup/Starters:

C: Nick Hundley

1B: Yonder Alonso

2B: Orlando Hudson

SS: Jason Bartlett

3B: Chase Headley

LF: Carlos Quentin

CF: Cameron Maybin

RF: Will Venable

Just one year after coming within a game of the NL West crown, the Padres suffered a bit of a setback last season, as losing Adrian Gonzalez proved to be a difference-maker.  In 2011, the team scored just 593 runs compared to 665 in 2010.

This year is set to be different, as new GM Josh Byrnes has traded for two solid bats in Yonder Alonso and Carlos Quentin.  Paired with Cameron Maybin, these two could help bring the team back into contention on the back of a solid offense.

Yet, all of that depends on how both adjust to the spacious dimensions of PetCo Park.  If their power numbers suffer, then the Padres offense is average at best.

No. 20: Pittsburgh Pirates

Projected Lineup/Starters:

C: Rod Barajas

1B: Casey McGehee

2B: Neil Walker

SS: Clint Barmes

3B: Pedro Alvarez

LF: Jose Tabata

CF: Andrew McCutchen

RF: Garrett Jones

They may be on a losing season streak that's approaching the two-decade mark, but the Pirates actually showed signs of life last year.  The lineup is a group of young hotshots headlined by Andrew McCutchen—compared to other young lineups, they seem incredibly motivated.

Yet, as is the case with most young offenses, the group is inexperienced.  When the most experienced hitter in the lineup is Rod Barajas, then there's a problem.  I'm sure the team will improve upon its 2011 campaign, but not on the back of the starting lineup.

No. 19: Chicago White Sox

Projected Lineup/Starters:

C: A.J. Pierzynski

1B: Paul Konerko

2B: Gordon Beckham

SS: Alexei Ramirez

3B: Brent Morel

LF: Alejandro De Aza/Brent Lillibridge

CF: Alex Rios

RF: Dayan Viciedo

DH: Adam Dunn

Last season, I picked the White Sox to win the AL Central since Adam Dunn would finally give Paul Konerko some protection in the lineup.  Instead, the entire team flopped and Dunn had one of the worst seasons in baseball history.  Even though the team finished in third place and just four games under .500, GM Kenny Williams went into housecleaning mode and traded away closer Sergio Santos and outfielder Carlos Quentin.

In doing that, unless Dunn rebounds and is back to his old self, the White Sox offense will be heavily reliant on Konerko's bat.  People have high hopes for Dayan Viciedo, but he only has 29 major-league games under his belt.

Don't get me wrong, the White Sox lineup has potential—but there's just too much going on with the team at the moment (new manager, GM in rebuilding mode, pitching staff a question mark) for the offense to produce a contender.

No. 18: San Francisco Giants

Projected Lineup/Starters

C: Buster Posey

1B: Aubrey Huff/Brandon Belt

2B: Freddy Sanchez

SS: Mike Fontenot/Brandon Crawford

3B: Pablo Sandoval

LF: Melky Cabrera

CF: Angel Pagan

RF: Nate Schierholtz

The Giants have too many players in terms of both the infield and the outfield, so there's no telling just how the Opening Day lineup will turn out.  Still, while some solid additions have been made, there's still much work to be done.

The team has a good balance of veterans and youth, but scoring runs always seems to be an issue.  Cabrera and Pagan will certainly help in that department as will the return of Posey, but most of the other starters are pretty unpredictable save for Sandoval.  This offense has potential, but I wouldn't call it one of the better ones in the game.

No. 17: Oakland Athletics

Projected Lineup/Starters:

C: Kurt Suzuki

1B: Brandon Allen

2B: Jemile Weeks

SS: Cliff Pennington

3B: Scott Sizemore

LF: Collin Cowgill

CF: Coco Crisp

RF: Josh Reddick

DH: Chris Carter

Finally, we come to the Moneyball team.  The A's lineup will be one that will surely run the table in terms of getting on base.  Yet, the execution after people get on base remains a question mark.

GM Billy Beane made solid acquisitions in outfielders Josh Reddick and Collin Cowgill, and making Brandon Allen and Chris Carter full-time starters at the positions above should (with luck) compensate for the loss of Josh Willingham.  Yet, as has been the case with the Moneyball A's the past few years, there's a line between getting on base and having the necessary tools to break out once someone is on base.

The lineup is a decent young squad, but just how much they can utilize their talent as a whole remains to be seen.

No. 16: Cincinnati Reds

Projected Lineup/Starters:

C: Devin Mesoraco/Ryan Hanigan

1B: Joey Votto

2B: Brandon Phillips

SS: Paul Janish

3B: Scott Rolen

LF: Chris Heisey

CF: Drew Stubbs

RF: Jay Bruce

Now that Albert Pujols is with the Angels and Prince Fielder is almost certainly out of the division as well, the Reds are in a prime position to make a run at the NL Central title.  They've already upgraded the pitching staff with the addition of Mat Latos, but the offense took a hit as acquiring Latos meant giving up Yonder Alonso.

Still, the Reds lineup is solid and features former MVP Joey Votto as well as some solid young bats in Jay Bruce and catching prospect Devin Mesoraco.  This offense certainly has what it takes to turn Cincinnati into a contender, but the sacrifice of batting average in favor of power, especially among the outfielders, concerns me.  If the proper balance can be found, then the Reds offense could rocket its way out of the middle of my pack and into the elite club.

No. 15: Baltimore Orioles

Projected Lineup/Starters:

C: Matt Wieters

1B: Chris Davis

2B: Brian Roberts

SS: J.J. Hardy

3B: Mark Reynolds

LF: Jai Miller/Endy Chavez

CF: Adam Jones

RF: Nick Markakis

DH: Nolan Reimold

Even though they lost 93 games in 2011, the Orioles still scored 708 runs, just five less than the 102 game-winning Philadelphia Phillies.  Long story short, the offense was solid but was betrayed by horrifically bad pitching.

Still, seeing as how the pitching staff can't possibly do any worse than they did last season, the Orioles just might have a shot next season.  The offense features some solid bats in Markakis and Jones, but strikeout machines Mark Reynolds and Chris Davis could be cause for concern.  Also, let's not forget the always questionable health of Brian Roberts.

Still, barring any major catastrophes, the Orioles offense should put up equal or greater numbers than it did in 2011.

No. 14: Colorado Rockies

Projected Lineup/Starters:

C: Ramon Hernandez

1B: Todd Helton

2B: Jonathan Herrera

SS: Troy Tulowitzki

3B: Casey Blake

LF: Carlos Gonzalez

CF: Dexter Fowler

RF: Michael Cuddyer

With Coors Field as their home stadium, you know that the Rockies are going to be a lock for having a strong offense no matter who is in their lineup.  Thus, it's no surprise that they're in the top half of this countdown.  The team was looking good last year and scored 735 runs, but lost Jorge De La Rosa to Tommy John surgery early in the season, and Ubaldo Jimenez underachieved before being traded to Cleveland.

Thus, while I think the team will be better and contend now that De La Rosa is set to return, a few questions still remain.  Hernandez, Blake and Helton are all over 35 and their staying healthy all season is a point of concern.  Coors Field will help pad their offensive stats, but keep in mind that Helton hasn't hit 20 or more home runs since 2005.

Still, the lineup in general is a solid one, and with equally solid pitching, the Rockies could make a serious run for the playoffs.

No. 13: Toronto Blue Jays

Projected Lineup/Starters:

C: J.P. Arencibia

1B: Adam Lind

2B: Kelly Johnson

SS: Yunel Escobar

3B: Brett Lawrie

LF: Eric Thames

CF: Rajai Davis/Colby Rasmus

RF: Jose Bautista

DH: Edwin Encarnacion

There's no denying that the Blue Jays can hit home runs, as the team hit 186 in 2011 to rank fifth in the majors.  They may have finished in fourth place with a .500 winning percentage, but this team would definitely be a force to be reckoned with if the pitching was more consistent.

Still, that doesn't take away from the fact that the Blue Jays make the best pitchers in baseball work extremely carefully to the point where they may be too careful.  Just one mistake, and whoever is up to bat will take the ball for a long, high ride to the outfield. 

Don't let last year's record fool you.  Batting average may be sacrificed for power, but this team's offense is dangerous.

No. 12: Washington Nationals

Projected Lineup/Starters:

C: Wilson Ramos

1B: Adam LaRoche

2B: Danny Espinosa

SS: Ian Desmond

3B: Ryan Zimmerman

LF: Michael Morse

CF: Roger Bernadina

RF: Jayson Werth

The Nationals lineup could face some major changes in the near future, as GM Mike Rizzo is reportedly courting Prince Fielder, who would inject new life into the offense.  Yet, assuming that deal doesn't happen, the Nats still have a fairly solid lineup.

Michael Morse and Wilson Ramos have proven to be quite reliable at the plate, and Jayson Werth will surely bounce back from an off-2011.  The only major concerns lie in Espinosa, Desmond and LaRoche.

Espinosa and Desmond can be solid when they're on, but don't hit particularly well for average, with Desmond's impatience seriously hampering him.  In terms of LaRoche, he only appeared in 43 games and hit .172 before having shoulder surgery.  Shoulders are hit or miss when making a comeback from surgery, so there's no telling how effective LaRoche can be.

Yet, if my predictions don't fail me, top prospect Bryce Harper will make his long-anticipated debut at some point in 2012.  If he meets and/or exceeds expectations, the Nationals lineup could become one of the league's best almost overnight.

No. 11: Atlanta Braves

Projected Lineup/Starters:

C: Brian McCann

1B: Freddie Freeman

2B: Dan Uggla

SS: Tyler Pastornicky

3B: Chipper Jones

LF: Martin Prado

CF: Michael Bourn

RF: Jason Heyward

The Atlanta Braves lineup is one that has a good balance of veterans and youth, so it's puzzling as to why it has problems scoring runs.  Still, the fact that the team just missed out on a wild-card berth last year says something—in 2012, I have a feeling they'll be more focused.

Jason Heyward will surely come back from his sophomore slump, Michael Bourn will be an exceptional leadoff man and Tyler Pastornicky will take the league by storm once he debuts.  The only red flags I can think of belong to Dan Uggla and Chipper Jones.

Uggla hit 36 home runs and had 82 RBI last year, but only hit .233 and got off to an extremely slow start because of his tendency to put power before average.  In terms of Jones, he's just getting up there in years and is no longer the electrifying star he was 10 years ago.  He turns 40 in April, so management just takes what they can get from him.  Still, this lineup looks good and could go far.

No. 10: Tampa Bay Rays

Projected Lineup/Starters:

C: Robinson Chirinos

1B: Russ Canzler/TBD

2B: Ben Zobrist

SS: Sean Rodriguez

3B: Evan Longoria

LF: Desmond Jennings

CF: B.J. Upton

RF: Matt Joyce

DH: TBD

The Rays are an interesting lineup in that two of the most important positions on any American League team have yet to be shored up.  Casey Kotchman was solid at first base last year, but he is a free agent still looking for a job which makes prospect Russ Canzler the man at that position for now.  In terms of DH, there's no telling who will be placed there, and spring training is only five weeks away.

However, I have faith in the Rays lineup.  Here's a team that lost their franchise player, Carl Crawford, to free agency last offseason and was nine games behind Boston in the AL wild-card race in early September.  Manager Joe Maddon put together a group of various role players mixed with veterans, and once the final day of the season was over, the Rays were the wild-card champs.

That being said, no matter who Rays front office guru Andrew Friedman brings in to fill the final holes, if anyone at all, the Rays will find a way to compete and small-ball their way to an effective season.

No. 9: Miami Marlins

Projected Lineup/Starters:

C: John Buck

1B: Gaby Sanchez

2B: Omar Infante

SS: Jose Reyes

3B: Hanley Ramirez

LF: Logan Morrison

CF: Chris Coghlan

RF: Mike Stanton

After years of not spending money and trading away popular players in order to save money, the Miami Marlins have finally broken from that tradition as they move into a new stadium this season.  Jose Reyes was brought in to be the leadoff man of an offense that already features a solid core in Hanley Ramirez, Mike Stanton and the ever-popular Logan Morrison.  Simply put, this lineup looks too good not to compete in the tough NL East.

The only real question mark is outfielder Chris Coghlan, who hasn't been the same since winning NL Rookie of the Year back in 2009.  Yet, as long as the other position players are doing their job at the plate, does it really matter?

No. 8: Philadelphia Phillies

Projected Lineup/Starters:

C: Carlos Ruiz

1B: Ryan Howard

2B: Chase Utley

SS: Jimmy Rollins

3B: Placido Polanco

LF: John Mayberry, Jr.

CF: Shane Victorino

RF: Hunter Pence

Besides having what might be the best pitching rotation in baseball, the Philadelphia Phillies have a great lineup as well.  From top to bottom are players who are valuable to the offense in their own unique way.

The only cause for concern with this lineup would be the age of the eight players above, as six are over the age of 30.  Still, they all manage to be effective and were instrumental in the team's 102-win season in 2011.  In 2012, look for the entire offense to be running on all cylinders as it looks to avenge last year's NLDS loss.

No. 7: Detroit Tigers

Projected Lineup/Starters:

C: Alex Avila

1B: Miguel Cabrera

2B: Ramon Santiago

SS: Jhonny Peralta

3B: Brandon Inge/Don Kelly

LF: Delmon Young

CF: Austin Jackson

RF: Brennan Boesch

DH: Victor Martinez

Over the past few years, the AL Central has gained a reputation as the easiest division in the majors.  This isn't far off, as the Tigers won the Central by a whopping 15 games last year.  Their offense was fourth in the majors with 787 runs scored.

Overall, I see nothing but good things happening for this lineup in the future.  The only problems could be with Kelly and Inge's patience at the plate, but the production of Cabrera and Martinez more than makes up for that.

No. 6: Los Angeles Angels

Projected Lineup/Starters:

C: Chris Iannetta

1B: Albert Pujols

2B: Howie Kendrick

SS: Erick Aybar

3B: Alberto Callaspo

LF: Vernon Wells

CF: Mike Trout/Peter Bourjos

RF: Torii Hunter

DH: Bobby Abreu/Mark Trumbo

Ever since Mike Scioscia took over as manager back in 2000, the Angels have been a team known for playing strict and extreme small-ball, relying on scratch base hits, stolen bases, solid defense and top-notch pitching in order to win games.  Yet, this offseason, GM Jerry Dipoto went out and spent $254 million on first baseman Albert Pujols, who is used to playing in a system that gives him some more freedom at the plate.

While I have no doubt that the Angels will have a great 2012 campaign, their offense still seems suspect.  Out of all the people listed above, Pujols is the only lock for both strong home-run power and superior batting average.  Last year, as a team, the Angels were ranked 15th in team batting average with a mark of .253.

Seeing as how baseball is a team game, the Angels can't rely on Pujols and pitching alone to get them over the hump.  If small-ball weren't so rampant throughout the lineup, and if Scioscia wasn't completely married to it, I'd easily place the Halos higher on this list.

No. 5: Milwaukee Brewers

Projected Lineup/Starters:

C: Jonathan Lucroy

1B: Mat Gamel

2B: Rickie Weeks

SS: Alex Gonzalez

3B: Aramis Ramirez

LF: Ryan Braun

CF: Nyjer Morgan

RF: Corey Hart

If Prince Fielder does indeed sign with another team, and if a certain hearing is ruled in a certain someone's favor, this is what the Brewers' Opening Day lineup should look like.  Save for the absence of Fielder, it's basically the same.

Taking over for Fielder is prospect Mat Gamel, who hit .310 with 28 home runs and 96 RBI at Triple-A last season.  Like his predecessor, he too bats left-handed.  Thus, if he adjusts well to major-league pitching, it will be as though Fielder never left.

Still, although most of last year's NL Central-clinching team remains, the loss of Fielder is still a big one.

No. 4: St. Louis Cardinals

Projected Lineup/Starters:

C: Yadier Molina

1B: Lance Berkman

2B: Skip Schumaker

SS: Rafael Furcal

3B: David Freese

LF: Matt Holliday

CF: Carlos Beltran

RF: Allen Craig

It's so weird looking at a St. Louis Cardinals group of starting position players and not seeing Albert Pujols there, isn't it?  Still, now that he's taken his talents to SoCal, this is what the Cardinals lineup will look like in terms of who is playing which position.

Overall, I think that the team looks just as good or even better than last year's World Series-winning squad.  Guys like Craig and Freese turned on the afterburners to become playoff heroes and should ride that momentum into the regular season.  Still, as is the case with Prince Fielder leaving Milwaukee, Pujols leaving St. Louis is a tremendous loss, as he is a player who is borderline irreplaceable.

No. 3: New York Yankees

Projected Lineup/Starters:

C: Russell Martin

1B: Mark Teixeira

2B: Robinson Cano

SS: Derek Jeter

3B: Alex Rodriguez

LF: Brett Gardner

CF: Curtis Granderson

RF: Nick Swisher

DH: Jesus Montero

Say what you will about the New York Yankees getting old, choking in the playoffs or being a bunch of overpaid prima donnas.  The fact is that regardless of whether that is true or not, this team knows how to hit.  Last year, the Yanks won yet another AL East title and finished second in the majors with 867 runs scored while finishing first in team home runs with 222.

In 2012, while the pitching staff may have some holes that need to be plugged, I'm picking the lineup to have yet another great year.  Rodriguez will be 100 percent again and back to his old power-hitting ways, while Montero will take the majors by storm.

Sure, the pitching staff will determine how far the team goes, but one thing is certain: The Yankees offense will be top-notch as usual.

No. 2: Boston Red Sox

Projected Lineup/Starters:

C: Jarrod Saltalamacchia

1B: Adrian Gonzalez

2B: Dustin Pedroia

SS: Marco Scutaro

3B: Kevin Youkilis

LF: Carl Crawford

CF: Jacoby Ellsbury

RF: Ryan Sweeney

DH: David Ortiz

Forget the epic collapse at the end of last season.  The Boston Red Sox have one damn good lineup.  From leadoff man Jacoby Ellsbury to No. 9 hitter Marco Scutaro, there's someone who can ruin your team's day in a heartbeat.

The Sawx had baseball's best offense last season, scoring an MLB-best 875 runs while driving in an MLB-leading 842.  As a team, they hit .280.  The entire starting lineup looks the same as last year with the exception of new right fielder Ryan Sweeney. It's certain that Carl Crawford will improve, so chances are that the Red Sox will once again make a strong run at the AL East.

No. 1: Texas Rangers

Projected Lineup/Starters:

C: Mike Napoli

1B: Mitch Moreland

2B: Ian Kinsler

SS: Elvis Andrus

3B: Adrian Beltre

LF: David Murphy

CF: Josh Hamilton

RF: Nelson Cruz

DH: Michael Young

There are three reasons the Texas Rangers have been to the World Series the past two seasons: long-balls, long-balls and more long-balls.  They finished second to the Yankees in home runs hit by a team, with 210.  Yet, the Yankees only hit .263 on the year while the Rangers hit an MLB-best .283.

Sure, Texas may play in a hitter-friendly ballpark, but that doesn't take away from the fact that this team can kill the opposition with one swing of the bat.  Of the nine men listed above, five hit 25 or more home runs during the regular season.  Simply put, this lineup is the most dangerous in baseball.

Durability is a concern, seeing as how Napoli, Beltre, Hamilton and Cruz all spent time on the DL last year, but just look at what they did when healthy.  If they all played a full season, the Rangers offense probably would have set records.  Thus, when it comes to all of the lineups in baseball, this one is easily the best.