Rounding the Bases

American League Preseason Contenders

By Ryan Frisco

We're almost there!! After that exhilarating end of the NFL season, and before the start of the 162 game MLB season, we stand in a state of indecisiveness.  We don't know what to do!!  Do we try and watch some College Basketball on the weekends?  Do we try something new and see if there's ANY way possible to get into that farfetched sport of NASCAR?  I guess we can watch some hockey here and there....but now everything is going to be okay, because baseball season is starting!

It's been another crazy offseason.  Robinson Cano is the latest to jump ship for some serious dough.  We have confirmation that Derek Jeter, one of the greatest shortstops around to play the game, is retiring.  Some teams seem primed to make a deep playoff run...others (the Phillies) have us all scratching our heads, as it seems they are trying to go the opposite direction.  Let's take a look now at the Top 5 American League World Series Contenders.

Photo Cred www.komonews.com

1. Oakland Athletics - This team has been on a steady rise the past few years.  They've done a fantastic job of growing their talent within the Farm System, and building a solid all around team out of a group that doesn't boast an All Star lineup. Everyone gets the job done each game, and it leads to wins, lots of them.  I think this year is the year that they take the AL by storm, and move at least into the Championship Series, if not the World Series.  They can do it.

2. Los Angeles Angels - I put them here last year, and they grossly underperformed.  I'm putting them here again.  Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me.  This team is just wayyyy to good to be kept down another year!! An incredible lineup: Trout, Pujols, Hamilton....backed up by a stellar pitching staff.  Look for a drastic improvement from last year, as they battle Oakland to the end for the West crown.

Photo Cred www.concordmonitor.com

3. Boston Red Sox - I liked them last year, and I like them again this year.  After an improbable run to the World Series Championship, this team should be a frontrunner in the East all year, especially with the Yankees in the state they are.  A repeat isn't out of the question, but they'll need to battle the Rays and Orioles, as potentially three teams could come out of the East into the playoffs.

4. Detroit Tigers - Someone's gotta come out of the Central Division, and the only real option that makes sense is the Tigers.  They lost some talent this offseason, but they still have a solid core in place.  They should easily win the division, and after that, who knows what could happen in the playoffs!! The Tigers certainly have the pitching to take them somewhere.

Photo Cred www.bloguin.com

5. Baltimore Orioles - I love the Orioles.  The thing is, I honestly don't know what we're going to get this year!!! They did so much this offseason to add talent to the squad, and on paper, I would say they look unstoppable!  But, it depends.  Will the offense produce near the level they did last season?  Will the young group of starters be able to live up to the hype and be consistent?  Will veterans Ubaldo Jimenez and Johan Santana be able to contribute like they have in the past?  And what about the relief staff?  So many questions going into the season.  The biggest one is whether or not they will be able to close out games, and win the close ones.  In my biased opinion, I like their chances.

So there it is!! I'm choosing the Yankees and Rangers to have a seriously down year, the Rays to probably contend till the end but miss out, and the rest of the Central to continue their state of mediocrity.  The baseball season is finally here!!!!