MLB: Predicting the Records of Every American League Team in 2012

Though we are still many months away from the start on the 2012 season, baseball never ends for us true diehard fans. The 2012 season began the day after the 2011 season ended.

Though it is hard to predict 2012, as every major free agent is yet to be signed, I will attempt to do it anyway. Some teams are looking to rebuild, while others are looking to make the jump from pretender to contender. As in every year, there will be surprise teams, but how will they fare against the perennial favorites?

American League: 14. Seattle Mariners

Unfortunately for the Seattle Mariners, they now find themselves in an extremely difficult division. It will be difficult for anyone other than the Texas Rangers to win the American League West, and Seattle isn't a very successful baseball city right now.

With no major free agents likely landing in Seattle, they will continue to find themselves at the bottom of the league. The Mariners will hit rock bottom in 2012, and hopefully 2013 brings more success. Lucky for them, 2013 will be adding another bottom feeder to the West, the Houston Astros.

Record: 52-110

Division Standing: Fourth in AL West

13. Minnesota Twins

The Minnesota Twins have fallen quickly in the American League Central. After winning the division in both 2009 and 2010, they fell to last place in 2011.

Injuries to players like Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer have contributed to the Twins taking a backseat to teams like the Detroit Tigers and Chicago White Sox, and it will be difficult for them to regain their top spot. 2012 will be another unsuccessful year, as the Tigers dominate the American League Central division.

Record: 61-101

Division Standing: Fifth in American League Central

12. Chicago White Sox

Robin Ventura's first year as manager of the White Sox will be a disappointing one. With the Royals and Indians on the rise, and the Tigers taking control, the White Sox will struggle just to get to .500. The White Sox will miss that mark, taking a very disappointing step backwards.

Record: 68-94

Division Standing: Fourth in American League Central

11. Baltimore Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles are full of young talent, but unfortunately there are too many other strong teams in the American League for them to compete with. Hopefully their prospects will be ready in the near future, but until then Baltimore will continue to struggle.

Record: 72-90

Division Standing: Fifth in American League East

10. Cleveland Indians

Remember when the Indians were in first place in the American League Central? In 2011, Cleveland looked to be returning to 2007 form, but a late-season plunge took them out of the picture. Their talented SS Asdrubal Cabrera won't be enough for Cleveland to overtake the mighty Detroit Tigers, though they won't miss the .500 mark by much.

Record: 75-87

Division Standing: Third in American League Central

9. Oakland Athletics

The Oakland Athletics have a very bright future, future. Right now, they are struggling to find offense, and their potentially superb pitching staff is struggling to pull themselves together. Finishing a few games under .500 would be an improvement for the Athletics, so let's hope that they can accomplish this sad goal.

Record: 79-83

Division Standing: Third in American League West 

8. Kansas City Royals

The Kansas City Royals are looking to improve in 2012. After many future stars made their big league debuts in 2011, they will continue to bring up the Triple-A squad in 2011. Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas and others will have a strong season in 2011, which will be enough to place the Royals above the .500 mark.

Record: 82-80

Division Standing: Second in American League Central

7. Los Angeles Angels

The Angels barely missed the postseason in 2011. With the added Wild Card teams in 2012, the Angels have more of a chance of making the playoffs, as it will have been difficult for them to overtake the reigning American League champions next season. With dominant pitchers such as Dan Haren, Jered Weaver and others, the Angels will have a shot at making the playoffs.

They will finish with a decent record but just miss the postseason.

Record: 85-77

Division Standing: Second in American League West

6. Tampa Bay Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays put together a semi-magical 2011 season. The magic was winning the season on the final day, in dramatic fashion.

Without a doubt, the American League East is the most difficult division in all of baseball, and next season may find four teams competing for one division win, and two wild-card spots. The Tampa Bay Rays will miss the playoffs by one game, being stunned by......

Record: 91-71

Division Standing: Fourth in American League East

5. Toronto Blue Jays

...The Toronto Blue Jays!

In 2012, The Toronto Blue Jays will return to the playoffs, clinching the second American League wild-card spot. Everything will click in 2012 for the Jays, and they will be the team most benefited by the extra wild-card team. Jose Bautista will put together another monster season, Ricky Romero will begin to establish himself as an elite pitcher and players like Adam Lind, Yunel Escobar and J.P. Arencibia will step up in the upcoming season.

Expect great things from the 2012 Blue Jays. They may not be able to carry themselves very far into the playoffs, but expect them to at least make the first round.

Record: 92-70

Division Standing: Third in American League East (Wild Card No. 2)

4. Detroit Tigers

After the way they performed in 2011, the Detroit Tigers are the clear favorites to win the American League Central. In 2012, we will see if Justin Verlander's amazing season was for real, if Miguel Cabrera can continue his consistency and if the Tigers can hold their position atop the Central.

With the talent that they have, it would be hard for them not to win the division. The Tigers will repeat their success from 2011, and look to win the World Series in 2012.

Record: 94-68

Division Standing: First Place in American League Central  

3. New York Yankees

Is anybody else tired of seeing the New York Yankees in the playoffs? Whether you are a Yankee fan or not, you can't argue with how talented the team is. Even their backup players are exceptional! The key for the 2012 Yankees will be pitching, and rebuilding their rotation. Perhaps signing C.J. Wilson will add stability behind C.C. Sabathia, but the Yankees will compete regardless.

The Yankees will win an unbelievable amount of games but will find themselves in second place, due to a familiar foe.

Record: 97-65

Division Standing: Second in American League East (Wild Card No. 1)

2. Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers are building a dynasty in the American League. After winning the American League for the second year in a row, they will be looking to take the final step in 2012. The most complete lineup in baseball may be in need of pitching, though, as C.J. Wilson could be on his way out. Whether Wilson returns or not, the Texas Rangers will continue to compete for the best record in the American League, a competition that they will not be successful in.

They may not have the best record, but they could be the favorites to win the World Series, in their third attempt.

Record: 102-60

Division Standing: First in American League West

1. Boston Red Sox

It is hard to bet against a team like the Red Sox. Yes, they have missed the playoffs each of the last two years, but their lineup is nothing short of amazing. They will need to re-sign David Ortiz, though, as he is the glue of their team. We may have expected it last season, and we saw it for all but two months, but the Red Sox will destroy the American League in 2012. They will put together the best record in all of baseball, and win an unbelievable amount of games.

Three American League East teams will make the playoffs, only adding to the claims that it is the best division in the majors.

Record: 109-53

Division Standing: First in American League East

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