Power Ranking All 30 Projected MLB Lineups Entering Spring Training

A solid starting rotation may be the biggest driving factor in a team winning a championship, but there is no doubt a potent lineup can go a long way in helping as well. 

This offseason saw a number of impact hitters changing teams, with Josh Hamilton joining the Los Angeles Angels, Justin and B.J. Upton joining the Atlanta Braves, Shin-Soo Choo joining the Cincinnati Reds and Nick Swisher and Michael Bourn signing with the Cleveland Indians, among other major moves.

With nearly every team making a move to change up its offense in one way or another this offseason, here is a look at where I would rank all 30 MLB lineups as full-squad spring training kicks off.

30. Houston Astros

Overview

As the rebuilding continues, the Houston Astros will once again fill a lineup that looks more like it belongs in Triple-A than in the majors.

Carlos Pena was added to give the team some pop, and Chris Carter (16 home runs in 218 at-bats in 2012) was acquired from the Oakland A's for shortstop Jed Lowrie. Outside of those two and All-Star Jose Altuve, it's doubtful the rest of this lineup would start anywhere else.

Projected Starting Lineup

1. SS Tyler Greene
2. 2B Jose Altuve
3. DH Carlos Pena
4. LF Chris Carter
5. 1B Brett Wallace
6. CF Justin Maxwell
7. C Jason Castro
8. RF Fernando Martinez
9. 3B Matt Dominguez

Projected Bench

C Carlos Corporan
IF Marwin Gonzalez
OF Rick Ankiel
OF J.D. Martinez

29. Miami Marlins

Overview

After trading Hanley Ramirez to the Los Angeles Dodgers at the deadline last year, the Miami Marlins dealt Jose Reyes and Emilio Bonifacio in this offseason's fire sale.

As a result, their lineup is a collection of unproven youngsters and middling veterans. Giancarlo Stanton remains one of the game's most talented young hitters, and Logan Morrison could put up solid numbers.

Aside from those two guys, there is not much to speak of in the Miami lineup.

Projected Starting Lineup

1. LF Juan Pierre
2. 3B Placido Polanco
3. RF Giancarlo Stanton
4. 1B Logan Morrison
5. CF Justin Ruggiano
6. C Rob Brantly
7. 2B Donovan Solano
8. SS Adeiny Hechavarria
9. Pitcher

Projected Bench

C Jeff Mathis
IF Nick Green
IF/OF Greg Dobbs
IF/OF Chone Figgins
OF Gorkys Hernandez 

28. San Diego Padres

Overview

The San Diego Padres enjoyed the services of one of the league's breakout stars in 2012, as Chase Headley stepped his game up several notches to turn in a .286/.376/.498 slash line with 31 home runs and 115 RBI.

The team also gave Carlos Quentin a three-year extension, and it has a pair of emerging players in Yonder Alonso and Yasmani Grandal, though Grandal will miss the season's first 50 games due to a suspension for testosterone use. At second base, slugging prospect Jedd Gyorko could also make an impact.

Still, there is work to do over the next few seasons for the Padres to return to contention.

Projected Starting Lineup

1. SS Everth Cabrera
2. 2B Logan Forsythe
3. 3B Chase Headley
4. LF Carlos Quentin
5. 1B Yonder Alonso
6. RF Will Venable
7. CF Cameron Maybin
8. C Nick Hundley
9. Pitcher

Projected Bench

C John Baker
1B/OF Jesus Guzman
1B/OF Mark Kotsay
IF/OF Alexi Amarista
OF Chris Denorfia 

27. New York Mets

Overview

After parting ways with Scott Hairston, Andres Torres and Jason Bay this offseason, the New York Mets outfield is a mess with the only returning starter Lucas Duda coming off of a rough season.

David Wright and Ike Davis should give the team plenty of production in the middle of the order, and the arrival of top catching prospect Travis d'Arnaud will help, but the Mets lineup has plenty of holes entering the 2013 season.

Projected Starting Lineup

1. SS Ruben Tejada
2. 2B Daniel Murphy
3. 3B David Wright
4. 1B Ike Davis
5. LF Lucas Duda
6. RF Mike Baxter
7. C John Buck
8. CF Kirk Nieuwenhuis
9. Pitcher

Projected Bench

C Anthony Recker
IF/OF Justin Turner
IF/OF Jordany Valdespin
OF/1B Andrew Brown
OF Collin Cowgill 

26. Minnesota Twins

Overview

The Minnesota Twins traded outfielders Ben Revere and Denard Span to improve their pitching, and they acquired Vance Worley, Trevor May and Alex Meyer.

As a result, their offense will take a hit this coming season, but they still have solid hitters in Joe Mauer, Josh Willingham and Ryan Doumit. Additionally, former star Justin Morneau is in a contract year.

If guys like Trevor Plouffe and Chris Parmelee can produce, the offense could actually be solid.

Projected Starting Lineup

1. CF Darin Mastroianni
2. 2B Jamey Carroll
3. C Joe Mauer
4. LF Josh Willingham
5. 1B Justin Morneau
6. DH Ryan Doumit
7. RF Chris Parmelee
8. 3B Trevor Plouffe
9. SS Pedro Florimon Jr.

Projected Bench

C Drew Butera
1B Jeff Clement
IF Eduardo Escobar
OF Brandon Boggs

25. Chicago Cubs

Overview

The Chicago Cubs' focus this offseason was improving their starting rotation, and they did so by adding Edwin Jackson, Scott Feldman, Scott Baker and Carlos Villanueva in free agency.

They added some secondary pieces to their lineup, signing outfielders Nate Schierholtz, Scott Hairston and a handful of reserves. The bulk of the production will come from young centerpieces Anthony Rizzo and Starlin Castro, as well as Alfonso Soriano, who is coming off of his best season with the Cubs.

There are holes, but it should be an adequate group if the players can stay healthy.

Projected Starting Lineup

1. CF David DeJesus
2. RF Nate Schierholtz
3. 1B Anthony Rizzo
4. LF Alfonso Soriano
5. SS Starlin Castro
6. 3B Ian Stewart
7. C Welington Castillo
8. 2B Darwin Barney
9. Pitcher

Projected Bench

C Dioner Navarro
IF/OF Brent Lillibridge
IF/OF Luis Valbuena
OF Scott Hairston
OF Dave Sappelt 

24. Seattle Mariners

Overview

The lowest-scoring offense in the American League the past three seasons, the Seattle Mariners sought to improve their run-scoring ability this offseason. They did so with the additions of Kendrys Morales and Michael Morse via trade.

If young players Dustin Ackley, Jesus Montero and Justin Smoak can start to live up to their potential, and current top prospects Mike Zunino and Nick Franklin can make an impact, this could be a substantially improved group from last season.

Projected Starting Lineup

1. 2B Dustin Ackley
2. CF Franklin Gutierrez
3. 3B Kyle Seager
4. LF Michael Morse
5. DH Kendrys Morales
6. C Jesus Montero
7. 1B Justin Smoak
8. RF Michael Saunders
9. SS Brendan Ryan

Projected Bench

C Kelly Shoppach
IF Robert Andino
OF Jason Bay
OF Raul Ibanez

23. Tampa Bay Rays

Overview

In recent years, the Tampa Bay Rays have been a team carried by their terrific pitching staff but lacking in the offensive department beyond star third baseman Evan Longoria.

The team has taken steps to improve the offense this offseason, signing James Loney and Kelly Johnson, and trading for Yunel Escobar. The biggest move, though, was the acquisition of top prospect Wil Myers for James Shields.

Myers could be making a serious impact in the middle of the lineup by midseason.

Projected Starting Lineup

1. CF Desmond Jennings
2. SS Yunel Escobar
3. RF Ben Zobrist
4. 3B Evan Longoria
5. LF Matt Joyce
6. DH Luke Scott
7. 2B Kelly Johnson 
8. 1B James Loney 
9. C Jose Molina

Projected Bench

C Jose Lobaton
1B/OF Shelley Duncan
IF Sean Rodriguez
IF/OF Ryan Roberts

22. Pittsburgh Pirates

Overview

During the first half of last season, Andrew McCutchen single-handedly carried the Pittsburgh Pirates offensively, and he should continue to be one of the league's top all-around producers.

Pedro Alvarez, Neil Walker and Garrett Jones are all plus contributors, and there is no question that newly signed Russell Martin is an upgrade over Rod Barajas. Now it's just a matter of those guys getting off to a solid start alongside McCutchen and producing all season.

Projected Starting Lineup

1. LF Starling Marte
2. 2B Neil Walker
3. CF Andrew McCutchen
4. 1B Garrett Jones
5. 3B Pedro Alvarez
6. C Russell Martin
7. RF Travis Snider
8. SS Clint Barmes
9. Pitcher

Projected Bench

C Michael McKenry
1B Gaby Sanchez
IF Brandon Inge
IF/OF Josh Harrison
OF Jose Tabata 

21. Kansas City Royals

Overview

The Kansas City Royals have developed as impressive a homegrown core as any in baseball. Billy Butler, Alex Gordon, Mike Moustakas, Eric Hosmer and Salvador Perez have all come through the Kansas City system.

That group will carry the offense once again this season, and a bounce-back season from Hosmer would go a long way toward improving the lineup. One to watch is shortstop Alcides Escobar, who quietly enjoyed a breakout season in 2012 and should continue to improve.

Projected Starting Lineup

1. CF Lorenzo Cain
2. SS Alcides Escobar
3. LF Alex Gordon
4. DH Billy Butler
5. 3B Mike Moustakas
6. C Salvador Perez
7. 1B Eric Hosmer
8. RF Jeff Francoeur
9. 2B Chris Getz

Projected Bench

C George Kottaras
2B Johnny Giavotella
IF Elliot Johnson
OF Jarrod Dyson

20. San Francisco Giants

Overview

The San Francisco Giants failed to make the offseason splash that many thought they would, but they did re-sign a pair of key free agents in Angel Pagan and Marco Scutaro.

A full season of Hunter Pence hitting behind MVP Buster Posey should be an improvement, and Brandon Belt should continue to improve. But the Giants will once again rely on their pitching to carry them.

Projected Starting Lineup

1. CF Angel Pagan
2. 2B Marco Scutaro
3. 3B Pablo Sandoval
4. C Buster Posey
5. RF Hunter Pence
6. 1B Brandon Belt
7. SS Brandon Crawford
8. LF Gregor Blanco
9. Pitcher

Projected Bench

C Hector Sanchez
1B/3B Conor Gillaspie
1B/OF Brett Pill
IF Joaquin Arias
OF Andres Torres 

19. Oakland Athletics

Overview

The A's pitching led the way to their surprise AL West title last season, but the offense exceeded expectations as well. Cuban import Yoenis Cespedes led the way with a fantastic rookie season, but everyone contributed.

Brandon Moss and Josh Reddick turned in surprise seasons, and the additions of John Jaso, Jed Lowrie and Hiroyuki Nakajima should make this group even better.

Second base is a question mark, and they'll have to find a way to get Chris Young at-bats, but the pieces are there for the A's to once again have a solid offense.

Projected Starting Lineup

1. CF Coco Crisp
2. 3B Jed Lowrie
3. LF Yoenis Cespedes
4. 1B Brandon Moss
5. RF Josh Reddick
6. DH Seth Smith
7. C John Jaso
8. 2B Scott Sizemore
9. SS Hiroyuki Nakajima

Projected Bench

C Derek Norris
1B Daric Barton
3B Josh Donaldson
OF Chris Young

18. Philadelphia Phillies

Overview

The Philadelphia Phillies have a core of superstars in Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and Michael Young who are making a substantial amount of money and will be largely relied on to carry the offense.

Ben Revere was acquired from the Twins to play center field, and Delmon Young and Carlos Ruiz will eventually return to the lineup after coming back from injury and suspension. Still, health is a major question with this group, and even if they stay on the field, they aren't the players they once were.

Projected Starting Lineup

1. SS Jimmy Rollins
2. CF Ben Revere
3. 2B Chase Utley
4. 1B Ryan Howard
5. 3B Michael Young
6. RF Laynce Nix
7. LF Domonic Brown
8. C Erik Kratz
9. Pitcher

Projected Bench

C Humberto Quintero
1B/OF Darin Ruf
IF Kevin Frandsen
IF Freddy Galvis
OF/1B John Mayberry Jr.

17. Chicago White Sox

Overview

The Chicago White Sox offense benefited greatly last season from the bounce-back performances of Alex Rios and Adam Dunn, but they will need to duplicate last season's success if they are to have any chance in the AL Central.

Jeff Keppinger was signed to replace the departed Kevin Youkilis at third base, and Tyler Flowers will take over for A.J. Pierzynski in a pair of moves that appear to be a step back for the offense.

Guys like Alexei Ramirez, Gordon Beckham and Dayan Viciedo could help things with improved production, but there are just too many questions for this group to rank any higher.

Projected Starting Lineup

1. CF Alejandro De Aza
2. 3B Jeff Keppinger
3. DH Adam Dunn
4. 1B Paul Konerko
5. RF Alex Rios
6. LF Dayan Viciedo
7. SS Alexei Ramirez
8. C Tyler Flowers
9. 2B Gordon Beckham

Projected Bench

C Hector Gimenez
1B/OF Lars Anderson
IF Angel Sanchez
OF DeWayne Wise

16. Texas Rangers

Overview

The Texas Rangers offense was dealt a blow this offseason with the losses of Josh Hamilton, Mike Napoli and Michael Young, and they were replaced by Lance Berkman and A.J. Pierzynski.

Adrian Beltre is still an MVP candidate, and guys like Ian Kinsler, Nelson Cruz and Elvis Andrus are still plus offensive players. One thing that could push them back in the ranks of the elite would be the continued progression of Jurickson Profar and Mike Olt.

Projected Starting Lineup

1. 2B Ian Kinsler
2. SS Elvis Andrus
3. DH Lance Berkman
4. 3B Adrian Beltre
5. RF Nelson Cruz
6. LF David Murphy
7. C A.J. Pierzynski
8. 1B Mitch Moreland
9. CF Leonys Martin

Projected Bench

C Geovany Soto
IF/OF Jeff Baker
IF/OF Leury Garcia
OF Craig Gentry

15. Arizona Diamondbacks

Overview

The Arizona Diamondbacks traded star outfielder Justin Upton and Chris Johnson to the Braves for a package of players built around Martin Prado and pitching prospect Randall Delgado.

The team has a weakness at shortstop in defensive-minded Cliff Pennington, and an unproven leadoff hitter in Adam Eaton, but they have a solid core of hitters capable of putting up solid power numbers.

The additions of Eric Chavez and Eric Hinske to the bench should help the offense as well.

Projected Starting Lineup

1. CF Adam Eaton
2. 2B Aaron Hill
3. C Miguel Montero
4. LF Jason Kubel
5. 3B Martin Prado
6. 1B Paul Goldschmidt
7. RF Cody Ross
8. SS Cliff Pennington
9. Pitcher

Projected Bench

C Wil Nieves
1B/3B Eric Chavez
1B/OF Eric Hinske
IF John McDonald
OF Gerardo Parra 

14. Cleveland Indians

Overview

Expected to sell this offseason, the Indians instead wound up improving their lineup significantly. They have an outside chance at contending for a postseason spot as a result.

They traded free-agent-to-be Shin-Soo Choo for pitching prospect Trevor Bauer and outfielder Drew Stubbs, then signed Nick Swisher, Michael Bourn and Mark Reynolds as free agents.

If third base prospect Lonnie Chisenhall can lock down the hot corner, the team won't have a real hole in its lineup. 

Projected Starting Lineup

1. CF Michael Bourn
2. 2B Jason Kipnis
3. SS Asdrubal Cabrera
4. 1B Nick Swisher
5. C Carlos Santana
6. DH Mark Reynolds
7. LF Michael Brantley
8. 3B Lonnie Chisenhall
9. RF Drew Stubbs

Projected Bench

C Lou Marson
1B Jason Giambi
2B/OF Ryan Raburn
IF/OF Mike Aviles

13. Baltimore Orioles

Overview

The Baltimore Orioles resisted the urge to spend this offseason. The re-signing of Nate McLouth and waiver acquisitions of Danny Valencia and Alexi Casilla made up their offseason activity on the offensive side of things.

There are some plus pieces in Adam Jones, Matt Wieters, Nick Markakis, J.J. Hardy and Chris Davis, but the team is without an impact bat at DH, and the health of second baseman Brian Roberts is an ongoing question.

Still, a full season of Manny Machado at third base should give them a boost, and there are enough producers here for the team to make another run at contention.

Projected Starting Lineup

1. LF Nate McLouth
2. SS J.J. Hardy
3. RF Nick Markakis
4. CF Adam Jones
5. C Matt Wieters
6. 1B Chris Davis
7. DH Wilson Betemit
8. 3B Manny Machado
9. 2B Brian Roberts

Projected Bench

C Taylor Teagarden
3B Danny Valencia
IF Alexi Casilla
OF Nolan Reimold

12. Colorado Rockies

Overview

The Colorado Rockies may again be held back by their pitching, but their offense will get a major boost from the return of superstar shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, who played just 47 games last season.

If guys like Dexter Fowler, Josh Rutledge and Wilin Rosario can duplicate their breakout numbers from a season ago, and top prospect Nolan Arenado can take the next step and shore up third base, they could be among the best in the National League.

Projected Starting Lineup

1. CF Dexter Fowler
2. 2B Josh Rutledge
3. LF Carlos Gonzalez
4. SS Troy Tulowitzki
5. RF Michael Cuddyer
6. 1B Todd Helton
7. C Wilin Rosario
8. 3B Chris Nelson
9. Pitcher

Projected Bench

C Ramon Hernandez
C/IF Jordan Pacheco
1B/OF Tyler Colvin
IF/OF Reid Brignac
OF Eric Young Jr. 

11. New York Yankees

Overview

Looking to avoid the luxury tax threshold, the New York Yankees offseason was a relatively quiet one on the offensive end. They re-signed Ichiro Suzuki and added former stars Kevin Youkilis and Travis Hafner on one-year deals.

They'll once again count on their core of high-priced players.

While there may be a hole at catcher, and depth is a serious concern, they still have the high-end talent to be one of the American League's best offenses.

Projected Starting Lineup

1. RF Ichiro Suzuki
2. SS Derek Jeter
3. 2B Robinson Cano
4. 1B Mark Teixeira
5. CF Curtis Granderson
6. 3B Kevin Youkilis
7. DH Travis Hafner
8. LF Brett Gardner
9. C Chris Stewart

Projected Bench

C Francisco Cervelli
1B/OF Juan Rivera
IF Eduardo Nunez
OF Matt Diaz

10. Milwaukee Brewers

Overview

The Milwaukee Brewers had the highest-scoring offense in the National League last season, and they return essentially the same group as last season. (Though they'll be without Corey Hart to open the season after he underwent knee surgery.)

Ryan Braun remains among the most dominant all-around offensive players in the game, and Aramis Ramirez held his own in replacing Prince Fielder's lost production. Beyond those two, they have a solid group of secondary guys who are all capable of being plus producers.

The loss of 1B Mat Gamel to an ACL tear will be a challenge.

Projected Starting Lineup

1. RF Norichika Aoki
2. 2B Rickie Weeks
3. LF Ryan Braun
4. 3B Aramis Ramirez
5. C Jonathan Lucroy
6. 1B Hunter Morris
7. CF Carlos Gomez
8. SS Jean Segura
9. Pitcher

Projected Bench

C Martin Maldonado
IF Jeff Bianchi
IF Alex Gonzalez
IF/OF Taylor Green
OF Logan Schafer 

9. Atlanta Braves

Overview

The Braves offense and clubhouse took a hit with the retirement of Chipper Jones, and the team needed to find a replacement for free agent Michael Bourn. They addressed those issues with the additions of Justin and B.J. Upton.

Gerald Laird will hold down the fort at catcher until Brian McCann returns, and third base is a question with the duo of Juan Francisco and Chris Johnson splitting time.

However, the continued emergence of Jason Heyward and Freddie Freeman, along with the additions of the Upton brothers, could make the Braves lineup better than last season.

Projected Starting Lineup

1. SS Andrelton Simmons
2. RF Jason Heyward
3. LF Justin Upton
4. 1B Freddie Freeman
5. CF B.J. Upton
6. 2B Dan Uggla
7. 3B Juan Francisco
8. C Gerald Laird
9. Pitcher 

Projected Bench

C Matt Pagnozzi
3B/1B Chris Johnson
IF Ramiro Pena
OF Reed Johnson
OF Jordan Schafer 

8. Boston Red Sox

Overview

The Boston Red Sox took the money they saved in their blockbuster deal with the Dodgers and signed a bevy of mid-level free agents.

Mike Napoli, Shane Victorino, Stephen Drew and Jonny Gomes will join the lineup, and they'll have third baseman Will Middlebrooks for a full season after an impressive debut last year.

Pitching remains a serious concern, as does the overall future of the team, but the lineup should be a major asset in the season ahead.

Projected Starting Lineup

1. CF Jacoby Ellsbury
2. 2B Dustin Pedroia
3. DH David Ortiz
4. 1B Mike Napoli
5. RF Shane Victorino
6. 3B Will Middlebrooks
7. SS Stephen Drew
8. LF Jonny Gomes
9. C Jarrod Saltalamacchia

Projected Bench

C David Ross
1B Lyle Overbay
IF Pedro Ciriaco
OF Daniel Nava

7. Washington Nationals

Overview

The Washington Nationals will once again count on their terrific starting pitching and deep bullpen, but that is not to say their offense isn't among the best in baseball.

Ryan Zimmerman and Adam LaRoche are proven run producers, and Bryce Harper should continue his ascent to superstardom. Catcher is up in the air, and Danny Espinosa is a bit of a question mark at second base.

Still, the Nationals offense is solid and will be more than suitable to back their staff.

Projected Starting Lineup

1. CF Denard Span
2. LF Bryce Harper
3. 3B Ryan Zimmerman
4. 1B Adam LaRoche
5. RF Jayson Werth
6. SS Ian Desmond
7. 2B Danny Espinosa
8. C Kurt Suzuki
9. Pitcher

Projected Bench

C Wilson Ramos
1B/3B Chad Tracy
1B/OF Tyler Moore
IF/OF Steve Lombardozzi
OF Roger Bernadina 

6. Cincinnati Reds

Overview

The Cincinnati Reds improved their biggest hole this offseason when they traded for Shin-Soo Choo and his .381 career on-base percentage. He'll give them the table-setter they were lacking last season.

Joey Votto is a bona fide superstar, and he'll once again be joined by Brandon Phillips, Ryan Ludwick, Jay Bruce and a full season of Todd Frazier to give the Reds a potent offensive group.

Ryan Hanigan and Zack Cozart are average at best, but the rest of the lineup more than makes up for them.

Projected Starting Lineup

1. CF Shin-Soo Choo
2. 2B Brandon Phillips
3. 1B Joey Votto
4. LF Ryan Ludwick
5. RF Jay Bruce
6. 3B Todd Frazier
7. C Ryan Hanigan
8. SS Zack Cozart
9. Pitcher

Projected Bench

C Devin Mesoraco
3B/1B Jack Hannahan
IF Jason Donald
OF Chris Heisey
OF Xavier Paul 

5. Los Angeles Dodgers

Overview

The Dodgers are entering their first full season with the services of Carl Crawford, Adrian Gonzalez and Hanley Ramirez in the lineup. They join Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier in a Dodgers lineup with no shortage of star power.

Mark Ellis is not exactly the ideal leadoff hitter, and Luis Cruz is not your standard power-hitting third baseman, but the Dodgers have the star power to have one of the highest-scoring lineups in all of baseball.

Projected Starting Lineup

1. 2B Mark Ellis
2. LF Carl Crawford
3. CF Matt Kemp
4. 1B Adrian Gonzalez
5. SS Hanley Ramirez
6. RF Andre Ethier
7. 3B Luis Cruz
8. C A.J. Ellis 
9. Pitcher

Projected Bench

C Tim Federowicz
2B/OF Skip Schumaker
IF Nick Punto
IF Juan Uribe
IF/OF Jerry Hairston Jr. 

4. St. Louis Cardinals

Overview

The St. Louis Cardinals dealt with the loss of Albert Pujols just fine last season, ranking second in the National League in runs scored and second in batting average.

The emergence of Allen Craig as a top-tier run producer and Yadier Molina as one of the best offensive catchers in baseball certainly helped. Those two will once again lead the offense alongside Matt Holliday and Carlos Beltran.

If top prospect Oscar Taveras can continue his development, he could give them another superstar bat.

Projected Starting Lineup

1. SS Rafael Furcal
2. 1B Allen Craig
3. LF Matt Holliday
4. RF Carlos Beltran
5. C Yadier Molina
6. 3B David Freese
7. CF John Jay
8. 2B Daniel Descalso
9. Pitcher

Projected Bench

C Tony Cruz
IF Ronny Cedeno
IF/OF Matt Carpenter
IF/OF Ty Wigginton
OF Shane Robinson 

3. Toronto Blue Jays

Overview

A healthy Jose Bautista alongside 2012 breakout star Edwin Encarnacion should give the Toronto Blue Jays one of the most dangerous slugging duos in all of baseball.

Jose Reyes and Melky Cabrera give the team impact table-setters atop the lineup, and third baseman Brett Lawrie is a superstar in the making. There is no real hole in the lineup.

If Colby Rasmus and Adam Lind can perform up to their potential, this lineup could be dominant.

Projected Starting Lineup

1. SS Jose Reyes
2. LF Melky Cabrera
3. RF Jose Bautista
4. 1B Edwin Encarnacion
5. CF Colby Rasmus
6. 3B Brett Lawrie
7. DH Adam Lind
8. C J.P. Arencibia
9. 2B Emilio Bonifacio 

Projected Bench

C Henry Blanco
IF Maicer Izturis
IF/OF Mark DeRosa
OF Rajai Davis

2. Detroit Tigers

Overview

Triple Crown winner Miguel Cabrera and slugger Prince Fielder formed the most dangerous one-two punch in baseball last season, and they'll get a boost from the return of Victor Martinez to the middle of the order.

Austin Jackson emerged as a star last season, and the team signed Torii Hunter to fill what was a major void in right field. The bottom four guys in the order are average at best, but if a couple of them can step up, the Detroit Tigers could make a run at the top spot here.

Projected Starting Lineup

1. CF Austin Jackson
2. RF Torii Hunter
3. 3B Miguel Cabrera
4. 1B Prince Fielder
5. DH Victor Martinez
6. LF Andy Dirks
7. SS Jhonny Peralta
8. C Alex Avila
9. 2B Omar Infante

Projected Bench

C Brayan Pena
IF Ramon Santiago
OF Quintin Berry
OF Brennan Boesch

1. Los Angeles Angels

Overview

The Angels were one of the biggest disappointments in baseball last season. They spent big to add Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson in free agency, but failed to reach the postseason.

They spent big again this winter to sign Josh Hamilton, and he joins Pujols, Mike Trout and Mark Trumbo to form a lethal core of hitters. The complementary guys all have the upside to put up plus numbers at their position, and on paper, the Angels lineup is the scariest in all of baseball entering 2013.

Projected Starting Lineup

1. LF Mike Trout
2. SS Erick Aybar
3. 1B Albert Pujols
4. RF Josh Hamilton
5. DH Mark Trumbo
6. 2B Howie Kendrick
7. 3B Alberto Callaspo
8. C Chris Iannetta
9. CF Peter Bourjos 

Projected Bench

C Hank Conger
IF Andrew Romine
IF/OF Bill Hall
OF Vernon Wells