Bob Haynie: 2014 American League Preview

Earlier in the week, I gave you my National League preview for the 2014 Major League Baseball season. For the record, I'm picking the St. Louis Cardinals to repeat as NL champs.

Now it's time for the American League. In 2013, the Boston Red Sox reigned supreme as they won the AL Pennant and the World Series.

Do I think they'll do it again? Let's find out.
 
AL East

1. Rays: Strong pitching and a timely offense. Have won at least 90 games four-straight years.
2. Orioles: Powerful lineup. Best rotation they've had in years. Exceptional defense.
3. Red Sox: Went from worst to best. Can RP Koji and league-leading offense duplicate 2013 performances?
4. Yankees: SS Jeter's swan song. Lineup looks formidable on paper. No more Rivera to close games.
5. Blue Jays: Have a potent lineup. Pitching is suspect. Didn't really do much to improve.

 
AL Central

1. Tigers: 1B Cabrera is a great hitter and a very rich man. Top-notch rotation. Veteran Nathan will close.
2. Royals: The rotation is solid and closer Holland is strong. Gold Glove defense.
3. Indians: Questionable rotation and closer. Finished 4th in the AL in runs scored last season.
4. White Sox: Tough southpaw-heavy rotation. Should be better offensively.
5. Twins: Mauer moves to 1B. Veterans Nolasco and Hughes will try and boost the rotation.

 
AL West

1. A's: Loss of ace Parker is huge. There is still some depth in the rotation. Versatile offense.
2. Rangers: Should score a lot of runs with this lineup. Rotation is a little shaky.
3. Angels: Could surprise after two-straight disappointing seasons. OF Trout is legit.
4. Mariners: 2B Cano gets a lot of cash and will be counted on in a big way. Will he stay motivated when the M's start losing?
5. Astros: Building a strong farm system. Still a few years away.

 
Wild Cards

1) Orioles
2) Red Sox
 
AL Champion
 
Tigers
 
World Series
Cardinals over Tigers

In:
• MLB
• Detroit Tigers
• Baltimore Orioles
• Tampa Bay Rays
• Boston Red Sox