Rounding the Bases

Preseason American League Power Rankings

By Ryan Frisco

The 2012 baseball season was one for the ages, especially for the American League.  We saw Miguel Cabrera win the first Triple Crown (league leader in Average, Home Runs and Runs Batted In) for either league since Carl Yastrzemski did it in 1967, one of the sport's greatest feats.  Mike Trout was introduced to the league as Center Fielder for the Angels, and wowed the world.  Between his weekly web gems gracing the SportsCenter Top 10 plays and his hitting ability both for average and power (not to mention his speed on the bases), it's obvious Trout will be around as an elite force for years to come.  

Photo Cred www.cbssports.com

And with all that talent and records set, the American League still missed out on the greatest feat last season; victory in the World Series.  The Detroit Tigers fell short of the title, as the National League took it home for the third year in a row.  And they let pitchers hit.

With the 2013 campaign fast approaching and players gearing up for Spring Training, let's take a look at who I believe are the Top 5 candidates to bring glory back to the better division in baseball.

1. New York Yankees - As much as personal bias is against the Yankees, I can't argue with the truth; they're good.  The Yankees always find a way to win.  As long as I've been alive, they have owned the league.  Derek Jeter rejuvenated his career last season.  Hopefully he can come back from his ankle injury.  Mark Teixeira has the power, along with Curtis Granderson.  Robinson Cano is still the best second baseman in the league.  Oh, and there's also Alex Rodriguez, Ichiro Suzuki and Kevin Youkliss.  Seriously, how can this team not be in the conversation again this season?

Photo Cred sportsillustrated.cnn.com

2. Los Angeles Angels - Last year was tough for LA, who had high hopes early, but had trouble getting going.  It was obvious later in the year what talent they had, and they almost made a run.  This year will be good.  Listen to this outfield; Josh Hamilton, Mike Trout and Vernon Wells.  Oh yeah, they also have Albert Pujols, too.  With a strong enough pitching rotation to get them through the season, expect this team to be a powerhouse in the American League.  I would be surprised if they aren't battling to go to the World Series this year.

3. Oakland Athletics - The A's don't have a stacked roster.  There's no home run king or obvious MVP candidates.  These player's baseball cards aren't even worth investing in.  But starpower doesn't have anything to do with winning, and that's what this team does.  Oakland is a young, feisty, spunky team that gets the job done.  They had a great end of the year run last season to take the A.L. West Crown, and it's looking to me like that momentum will continue into 2013.

4. Baltimore Orioles - I know, I know, of course I'm going to put Baltimore in this list.  Okay, yes I may be biased because I'm a lifelong Orioles fan.  But come on, did you see what they did last year?!  Fourteen straight years of well below .500 baseball, and they come out and make the playoffs!  The O's exciting run ended at the hand of Raul Ibanez (all the credit to him, none to the Yankees) but these were huge steps they took.  Most of the pieces from last year are returning.  This team is young and they are talented; they'll be around for more than a year or two, especially with Buck Showalter at the helm.

Photo Cred www.sfgate.com

5. Boston Red Sox - This pick was tough.  I'm counting it as my dark horse this year.  Boston's had a couple rough seasons here, which doesn't happen often.  I don't think they can be kept down any longer.  They have the pitching.  They've got good hitting, and a few new big names this off season makes me believe they are revving up for a spurt of greatness this year.  It's a long shot at best, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Boston high up on the list come September.

I left out some great teams, I know.  Texas has lost too much talent the past two years.  Seattle is not ready yet.  Toronto is still just so so and Tampa hasn't done anything to better their roster.  The A.L. Central is still well sub par to the others.  My picks are probably completely wrong.  But one thing's for sure, 2013 will break records.  What will go down this year?  A home run record?  Maybe the all time team wins in a seaon?  Or maybe one of the more dubious records, like most losses or strikeouts?  It's time to PLAY BALL!