Welcome to the Gigantic Sox and Dawgs 2013 MLB preview.  Over the next few days you will get a team by team look at its key players, new faces, their potential MVP, Cy Young and Rookie of the Year candidates, their possible starting lineup and rotation as well as a quick summary. 

We will also select a MVP candidate and Cy Young candidate for each team no matter what their predicted team outcome is.

This preview was sculpted over the off season with some mild tweaking as we went along prior to publication.  It comes from a culmination of reading many hours of baseball research. 

I hope you enjoy this look at the upcoming season.  I know everyone will not agree with me and that’s fine put it in the comments or hit me up on Twitter or via email.  I can assure you I'll most likely have an argument for each and every objection that you could possibly raise. 

Yesterday we looked at the AL Central, Sunday was the NL West, Monday was the AL West, Tuesday we previewed the NL Central and today it’s the NL East.

To continue reading, click on the read more button below if you're on the home page.

National League East

In what could possibly be an epic battle for the division, the NL East will see the Braves and Nationals go toe to toe all season with the outcome not being decided until the last weekend.  Both teams are deep in all phases and this will be baseball's best race.  The Phillies are getting old and will not be a factor at the end while the Mets and the Marlins could both lose 100 games.

1. Atlanta – Manager Fredi Gonzalez (3rd year/7th overall)

The Braves will not only challenge for the division but for a World Series appearance in 2013.  In the off season they added the Upton Brothers, B.J. via free agency and Justin via trade, to their outfield to compliment RF Jason Heyward and become a formidable trio for years to come.  The pitching should be more than solid with veteran Tim Hudson leading a young group of starters that feature Mike Minor and Julio Teheran and will only get better upon the return of Brandon Beachy.  The bullpen with Craig Kimbrel, Jonny Venters and now Jordan Walden on the back end are top notch. The one concern the team has is 2B Dan Uggla and C Brian McCann need to put 2012 behind them and return to the form of previous seasons.  McCann may have a delayed start due to off season surgery.

Home Field: Turner Field

Key Players: CF B.J. Upton; LF Justin Upton; RF Jason Heyward; P Tim Hudson; RP Craig Kimbrel

MVP Candidate: RF Jason Heyward

Cy Young Candidate: P Kris Medlen

ROY Candidate: P Julio Teheran

Key Additions: C Gerald Laird; 3B/1B Chris Johnson; CF B.J. Upton; LF Justin Upton; RP Jordan Walden; OF Jordan Schafer

Possible lineup: Simmons SS; B. Upton CF; Heyward RF; McCann* C; J. Upton LF; Freeman 1B; Uggla 2B; Francisco 3B

*McCann may miss start of season due to injury.

*Alternate lineup: Simmons SS; B. Upton CF; Freeman 1B; J. Upton LF; Heyward RF; Uggla 2B; Francisco 3B; Laird C

Possible rotation: Hudson; Medlin; Minor; Maholm*; Teheran

*Beachy will miss part of the season recovering from TJS

*Possible rotation: Hudson; Medlin; Minor; Beachy; Teheran

2. Washington – Manager Davey Johnson (3rd year/17th overall) 

This will be Davey Johnson’s last ride and he will get the full Stephen Strasburg experience as the reigns have been taken off the young starter and Cy Young Candidate.  The starting rotation is solid top to bottom although the bullpen could be a bit deeper the pitching is first rate.  Although they could probably use a veteran bat off the bench they may have the best overall roster in the majors.

Home Field: Nationals Park

Key Players: RF Bryce Harper; LF Jayson Werth; 3B Ryan Zimmerman SP Stephen Strasburg; RP Rafael Soriano

MVP Candidate: RF Bryce Harper

Cy Young Candidate: P Stephen Strasburg

ROY Candidate: 3B Anthony Rendon

Key Additions: CF Denard Span; SP Dan Haren; RP Rafael Soriano; RP A.J. Cole

Possible lineup: Span CF; Harper RF; Zimmerman 3B; LaRoche 1B; Werth LF; Desmond SS; Espinosa 2B; Ramos C

Possible rotation: Strasburg; G. Gonzalez; Zimmermann; Haren; Detwiler

3. Philadelphia – Manager Charlie Manuel (9th year/12th overall)

Phillies fans are going to be looking at an older team this season and one that is lacking in the outfield.  P Roy Halladay (36); P Cliff Lee (34) and new 3B Michael Young (35) aren’t so much so any longer as the Phils start to get a bit long in the tooth.  The starting pitching has to carry the team and get it to closer Jonathan Papelbon because the rest of the pen is very inconsistent.  The team is weak on the corners in the outfield and they will pay for that defensively.  C Carlos Ruiz is gone for 25 games for a PED suspension.

Home Field: Citizens Bank Park

Key Players: SS Jimmy Rollins; 2B Chase Utley; 3B Michael Young; P Cliff Lee; RP Jonathan Papelbon

MVP Candidate: 1B Ryan Howard

Cy Young Candidate: P Cliff Lee

ROY Candidate: P Jonathan Pettibone

Key Additions: 3B Michael Young; CF Ben Revere; RF Delmon Young; RP Mike Adams; RP Chad Durbin; SP John Lannan

Possible lineup: Rollins SS; Revere CF; Utley 2B; Howard 1B; M. Young 3B; D. Young RF; Brown LF; Kratz* C

*Ruiz suspended for 25 games

*Alternate lineup: Rollins SS; Revere CF; Utley 2B; Howard 1B; Ruiz C; M. Young 3B; D. Young RF; Brown LF

Possible rotation: Lee; Hamels; Halladay; Kendrick; Lannan

4. New York – Manager: Terry Collins (3rd year/ 9th overall)

I have heard one Mets fan say this may be the worst Mets team in his lifetime and that’s roughly 40 years going back to the glory season of 1973 when they lost in the World Series to Oakland.  They plan on building around 3B David Wright; RF Lucas Duda and 1B Ike Davis along with SP Matt Harvey.  The pitching is mostly young and inexperienced, the bullpen is wide open and there is a lot of room for improvement.  They are not a good “up the middle” team as they have holes in CF and C and the middle infield is non-descript.

Home Field: Citi Field

Key Players: 3B David Wright; 1B Ike Davis; RF Lucas Duda; SP Matt Harvey SP Zack Wheeler

MVP Candidate: 3B David Wright

Cy Young Candidate: P Johan Santana

ROY Candidate: P Zack Wheeler

Key Additions: C John Buck; C Travis d'Arnaud; C Anthony Recker; SP Zack Wheeler; CF Collin Cowgill; RP Brandon Lyon; SP Shaun Marcum

Possible lineup: Tejada SS; Murphy 2B; Wright 3B; Davis 1B; Duda LF; Baxter RF; Buck C; Cowgill CF

Possible rotation: Santana, Neise, Harvey; Marcum; Wheeler

5. Miami – Manager Mike Redmond (1^st year)

Well one season of going all out and going for it was enough for owner Jeff Loria and he had his baseball op’s people blow up the team.  It was quite the explosion as fans, media and the local politicians feel they were fleeced.  The pitching is nearly non-existent both in the rotation and the bullpen and there will be a lot of players coming in and out through the year but look for Marlins to compete with the Mets for the cellar.  The only thing good about this team is 1B Logan Morrison and RF Giancarlo Stanton and don’t look now Marlins fans but they won’t be there much longer.

Home Field: Marlins Park

Key Players: RF Giancarlo Stanton; 1B Logan Morrison;3B Placido Polanco;

MVP Candidate: RF Giancarlo Stanton

Cy Young Candidate: P Ricky Nolasco

ROY Candidate: C Rob Brantly; SS Adeiny Hechavarria

Key Additions: Mgr Mike Redmond; LF Juan Pierre; 3B Placido Polanco; SS Adeiny Hechavarria; C Rob Brantly; C Jeff Mathis: RP Jon Rauch; RP Scott Maine

Possible lineup: Pierre LF; Polanco 3B; Morrison 1B; Stanton RF; Ruggiano CF; Brantly C; Solano 2B; Hechavarria SS

Possible rotation: Nolasco; Alvarez; LeBlanc; Eovaldi; Turner

Tomorrow, in Day 6, we will preview the AL East.

Follow Steve on Twitter @SteveMichaelsII

photo credits: getty images, getty images, getty images, getty images, getty images

Welcome to the Gigantic Sox and Dawgs 2013 MLB preview.  Over the next few days you will get a team by team look at its key players, new faces, their potential MVP, Cy Young and Rookie of the Year candidates, their possible starting lineup and rotation as well as a quick summary. 

We will also select a MVP candidate and Cy Young candidate for each team no matter what their predicted team outcome is.

This preview was sculpted over the off season with some mild tweaking as we went along prior to publication.  It comes from a culmination of reading many hours of baseball research. 

I hope you enjoy this look at the upcoming season.  I know everyone will not agree with me and that’s fine put it in the comments or hit me up on Twitter or via email.  I can assure you I'll most likely have an argument for each and every objection that you could possibly raise. 

Yesterday we looked at the NL Central, Sunday was the NL West, Monday was the AL West and today it’s the AL Central.

To continue reading, click on the read more button below if you're on the home page.

American League Central

Detroit is the class of the division and has been the last couple years and will be again in 2013.  But as Minnesota flounders and Chicago isn’t what it once was, we should start to see the resurgence in Kansas City and Cleveland.  There is no time like the present for the Royals to make a jump and contend this season.

1. Detroit – Manager Jim Leyland (8th year/22nd overall)

The Tigers are on a mission and that is to get to the World Series and win.  The Lineup 2-3-4-5 is absolutely terrifying with the return of DH Victor Martinez and addition of Torii Hunter to go along with Prince Fielder and Triple Crown winner Miguel Cabrera.  The starting pitching and offense are solid and will make up for the lack of depth in the bullpen and the average defense.  Looks like Leyland is looking at rookie Bruce Rondon to close and he will be an important piece in solidifying the back end of the pen.

Home Field: Comerica Park

Key Players: 1B Prince Fielder; 3B Miguel Cabrera; C Alex Avila; P Justin Verlander; RP Bruce Rondon

MVP Candidate: 1B Prince Fielder and 3B Miguel Cabrera

Cy Young Candidate: P Justin Verlander 

ROY Candidate: RP Bruce Rondon

Key Additions: OF Torii Hunter; P Kyle Lobstein; 2B Jeff Kobernus; C Ramon Cabrera

Possible lineup: Jackson CF; Hunter RF; Cabrera 3B; Fielder 1B; V. Martinez DH; Dirks LF; Peralta SS; Avila C; Infante 2B

Possible rotation: Verlander; Fister; Scherzer; Sanchez; Porcello

2. Kansas City – Manager Ned Yost (4th year/10th overall)

The Royals are making another jump and if the rest of the division isn’t careful this could be a team that will sneak up on you.  Feeling like they had a good lineup but needed pitching they made a deal with Tampa Bay for starters Wade Davis and James Shields to improve in this area.  They are on a win now mission with young stars and budding pitching staff but the arms need to not only hold up but produce results.

Home Field: Kauffman Stadium

Key Players: 1B Eric Hosmer; 3B Mike Moustakas; DH Billy Butler; P James Shields; P Wade Davis

MVP Candidate: 1B Eric Hosmer

Cy Young Candidate: P James Shields

ROY Candidate: P Yordano Ventura

Key Additions: SP James Shields; SP Wade Davis; C George Kottaras; RP Guillermo Moscoso; SP Ervin Santana; RP Chris Volstad

Possible lineup: Cain CF; Escobar SS; Gordon LF; Butler DH; Moustakas 3B; Perez C; Hosmer 1B; Francouer RF; Getz 2B

Possible Rotation: Shields; Guthrie; Davis; Santana; Chen

3. Cleveland – Manager Terry Francona (1^st year/13^th overall)

The Indians made a dugout change bringing in former Red Sox and Phillies skipper Terry Francona as the new pilot.  Francona doesn’t need to win now but he needs to see improvement.  He has a team that is strong up the middle with C Carlos Santana, 2B Jason Kipnis, SS Asdrubal Cabrera and newly acquired CF Michael Bourn, but lacks pitching depth especially in the rotation.  He could also use some offensive help and hopes that bringing in Bourn, Nick Swisher and Mark Reynolds will help in that department.

Home Field: Progressive Field

Key Players: C Carlos Santana; SS Asdrubal Cabrera; CF Michael Bourn; 2B Jason Kipnis; P Justin Masterson

MVP Candidate: C Carlos Santana

Cy Young Candidate: P Justin Masterson

ROY Candidate: SP Trevor Bauer

Key Additions: Mgr Terry Francona; RF Nick Swisher; 1B Mark Reynolds INF/DH Mike Aviles; OF Drew Stubbs; SP Trevor Bauer; SP Brett Myers; RP Matt Albers; OF Ben Francisco; P Scott Kazmir; DH Jason Giambi; SP Daisuke Matsuzaka; CF Michael Bourn

Possible lineup: Bourn CF; Brantley LF; Cabrera SS; Swisher 1B; Santana C; Kipnis 2B; Reynolds DH; Chisenhall 3B; Stubbs RF

Possible rotation: Masterson; Jimenez; Myers; McAllister; Bauer

4. Chicago – Manager Robin Ventura (2nd year)

The biggest thing for the White Sox to overcome is the fact the have a lot of aging players in key spots.  Jake Peavy (32); Paul Konerko (37); Alex Rios (32) and Adam Dunn (33) are among them and last year this team faded horribly down the stretch.  The good part of this team is the emergence of Dayan Viciedo and Alejandro De Aza plus that good bullpen.

Home Field: U.S. Cellular Field

Key Players: LF Dayan Viciedo; SS Alexei Ramirez, 1B Paul Konerko; DH Adam Dunn; P Chris Sale

MVP Candidate: LF Dayan Viciedo

Cy Young Candidate: P Chris Sale

ROY Candidate: OF Trayce Thompson

Key Additions: 3B Jeff Keppinger; 1B Lars Anderson; RP Matt Lindstrom; RP Zach Stewart

Possible lineup: De Aza CF; Keppinger 3B; Dunn DH; Konerko 1B; Rios RF; Viciedo LF; Ramirez SS; Flowers C; Beckham 2B

Possible rotation: Sale; Peavy; Danks; Floyd; Quintana

5. Minnesota – Manager Ron Gardenhire (12th year)

They had a healthy return of 1B Justin Morneau and C Joe Mauer in 2012 and they need to have that repeated.  The pair also need to rediscover their power as Morneau last hit 20+ HR in 2009 and Mauer has only 22 HRs in last 3 years after hitting 28 in ’09. This team is against it because the pitching will really decide their fate and it doesn’t look good from here.  In 2012 the starting pitching was the worst in baseball and there looks to be very little recovery there and the bullpen is just weak from top to bottom.  They need a lot of help but it’s not coming this season.

Home Field: Target Field

Key Players: C Joe Mauer; 1B Justin Morneau; DH Ryan Doumit; P Vance Worley; RF Josh Willingham

MVP Candidate: C Joe Mauer and 1B Justin Morneau

Cy Young Candidate: P Vance Worley

ROY Candidate: P Kyle Gibson; OF Aaron Hicks

Key Additions: P Kevin Correia; P Vance Worley: P Mike Pelfrey*; IF Tommy Field

Possible lineup: Mastroianni CF; Carroll 2B; Mauer C; Willingham LF; Morneau 1B; Doumit DH; Parmelee RF; Plouffe; Flourimon SS

Possible rotation: Worley; Correia; Hendriks; Duensing; Blackburn*

* Pelfrey had Tommy John surgery in May 2012 and will most likely miss start of the season and Nick Blackburn is a candidate to replace him until his return.

Tomorrow, in Day 5, we will preview the NL East.

Follow Steve on Twitter @SteveMichaelsII

photo credits: getty images, getty images, getty images, getty images, getty images

Welcome to the Gigantic Sox and Dawgs 2013 MLB preview.  Over the next few days you will get a team by team look at its key players, new faces, their potential MVP, Cy Young and Rookie of the Year candidates, their possible starting lineup and rotation as well as a quick summary. 

We will also select a MVP candidate and Cy Young candidate for each team no matter what their predicted team outcome is.

This preview was sculpted over the off season with some mild tweaking as we went along prior to publication.  It comes from a culmination of reading many hours of baseball research. 

I hope you enjoy this look at the upcoming season.  I know everyone will not agree with me and that’s fine put it in the comments or hit me up on Twitter or via email.  I can assure you I'll most likely have an argument for each and every objection that you could possibly raise. 

Yesterday we looked at the AL West and we started on Sunday with the NL West, today it’s the NL Central.

To continue reading, click on the read more button below if you're on the home page.

National League Central

The NL Central after many years of belonging to St. Louis with an occasional take over by Milwaukee or Chicago looks to be going Cincinnati’s the next few years.  St. Louis will always compete for the top of the division as well as a wild card spot and now Pittsburgh is trying to take the next step and move up some as Milwaukee starts to slide.  It may be a few years yet before the Cubs once again return to playoff baseball and fans on the South Side will need to remain patient and believe in the process.

1. Cincinnati – Manager: Dusty Baker (6th year/20th overall)

The Reds are ready to be a team that is at or near the top of the NL Central every year for the next several years.  They have a solid core of young players, good veteran’s and a staff that has a style that fits well with the make up of the club.  They do have a big bullpen change in that the plan is to move Aroldis Chapman from the closer spot into the rotation and former Dodgers closer Jonathan Broxton will handle the back end of games. They have a strong lineup especially 1-6, deep rotation and are solid defensively with no noticeable weaknesses other than they could use an additional utility infielder and a lefty reliever.

Home Field: Great American Ball Park

Key Players: 1B Joey Votto; 2B Brandon Phillips; RF Jay Bruce; P Johnny Cueto; RP Jonathan Broxton

MVP Candidate: 1B Joey Votto

Cy Young Candidate: P Johnny Cueto

ROY Candidate: OF Billy Hamilton

Key Additions: CF Shin-Soo Choo; 3B/1B Jack Hannahan; IF Jason Donald

Possible lineup: Choo CF; Phillips 2B; Votto 1B; Bruce RF; Ludwick LF; Frazier 3B; Hannigan C; Cozart SS

Possible rotation: Cueto; Latos; Arroyo; Bailey; Chapman

2. St. Louis – Manager: Mike Matheny (2nd year)

The Cardinals got back to the post season in 2012 as a wildcard and then dispatched Atlanta and Washington before losing to San Francisco in the NLCS.  It was probably more than they could have asked for after getting a new manager and losing 1B Albert Pujols in free agency.  This year the Cards will have a chance to get back to the post season again but are a bit weak in the middle infield as Rafael Furcal is aging and Daniel Descalso plays better as a utility infield not a starter, Pete Kozma could see sometime at short. OF Carlos Beltran who replaced Pujols is older and has knee issues that could hurt his production.  But the pitching staff throws strikes and the entire staff has a good BB:K ratio.

Home Field: Busch Stadium

Key Players: RF Carlos Beltran; LF Matt Holliday; 3B David Freese; P Adam Wainwright; P Chris Carpenter

MVP Candidate: LF Matt Holliday

Cy Young Candidate: P Adam Wainright

ROY Candidate: OF Oscar Tavares; P Joe Kelly

Key Additions: 2B/SS Ronny Cedeno; IF/OF Ty Wiggington; RP Randy Choate

Possible lineup: Furcal SS*; Jay CF; Holliday LF; Beltran RF; Molina C; Freese 3B; Craig 1B; Descalso 2B

*Furcal may miss start of season with injury.

Alternate lineup: Jay CF; Descalso 2B; Holliday LF; Beltran RF; Molina C; Freese 3B; Craig 1B; Kozma SS

Possible rotation: Wainwright; Lynn; Garcia*; Westbrook; Miller

*Garcia is questionable for start of season with shoulder injury. Joe Kelly could take the spot in the rotation.

3. Pittsburgh – Manager: Clint Hurdle (3rd year/11th overall)

For the second season in a row Pittsburgh had a baseball resurgence and played good baseball for most of the season only to fade at the end. They had their 20th losing season in a row. I see more of the same this year for the Buco’s as they compete before falling out of contention for a playoff spot but the may climb as high as 3rd in the Central.  They have a good 1-2 veteran combo in the rotation and one of the stars of the game in Andrew McCutchen but they need more offense, to play better defensively and be stronger come August and September where they are 38-77 the last two seasons.

Home Field: PNC Park

Key Players: CF Andrew McCutchen; 1B Garrett Jones; C Russell Martin; P A.J. Burnett; RP Jason Grilli

MVP Candidate: CF Andrew McCutchen 

Cy Young Candidate: P A.J. Burnett

ROY Candidate: P Gerrit Cole

Key Additions: C Russell Martin; RP Mark Melancon; RP Zach Thornton; P Francisco Liriano; P Vin Mazzaro

Possible lineup: Marte LF; Walker 2B; McCutcheon CF; Jones 1B; Alvarez 3B; Martin C; Snyder RF; Barmes SS

Possible rotation: Burnett; W. Rodriguez; McDonald; Karstens; Liriano

4. Milwaukee – Manager: Ron Roenicke (3rd year)

The Brewers are rebuilding and will most likely find themselves in a battle for 3rd in the Central with the up and coming Pirates. It will be hard for the Brew Crew as they will miss 1B Corey Hart for at least four months as well as his replacement Mat Gamel who tore his ACL and is out for the season.  Also starter Chris Narveson may not be ready to start the season after shoulder surgery. The pitching lacks depth behind Yovani Gallardo and John Axford and the less experienced pitchers will need to assume larger roles if they are to compete.

Home Field: Miller Park

Key Players: LF Ryan Braun; 3B Aramis Ramirez; CF Carlos Gomez; P Yovani Gallardo

MVP Candidate: LF Ryan Braun  

Cy Young Candidate: P Yovani Gallardo

ROY Candidate: P Wily Peralta; 1B Hunter Morris

Key Additions: RP Burke Badenhop; P Shaun Marcum; RP Mike Gonzalez; RP Tom Gorzelanny; 1B Hunter Morris

Possible lineup: Aoki RF; Weeks 2B; Braun LF; Ramirez 3B; Lucroy C; Gomez CF; Morris 1B; Segura SS

Possible rotation: Gallardo; Estrada; Fiers; Narveson*; Peralta

*Narveson had shoulder surgery in May 2012 and may miss start of season.  Mark Rogers and Josh Stinson are candidates for the rotation spot.

5. Chicago – Manager: Dale Sveum (2nd year)

Year Two of the “Theo Epstein Project” (that should be the name of his band) and now without Houston in the division any longer there is no one but themselves to keep the Cubs out of the basement.  Epstein along with GM Jed Hoyer are working feverishly to build the farm system as they both know that is what will help them down the road.  They hope that the road will eventually take them to the franchise’s first World Series title since 1908.  They’ve stopped handing out crazy money and bad free agent contracts.  While the farm system still lacks premium prospects they have a good MLB core of P Jeff Samardzija, 1B Anthony Rizzo, 2B Darwin Barney and SS Starlin Castro. The bullpen is shaky especially with Carlos Marmol as the closer, the rotation is inconsistent and they lack a true CF.

Home Field: Wrigley Field

Key Players: SS Starlin Castro; 1B Anthony Rizzo; 2B Darwin Barney; SP Jeff Samardzija; SP Matt Garza

MVP Candidate: SS Starlin Castro

Cy Young Candidate: P Matt Garza

ROY Candidate: RP Kyuji Fujikawa

Key Additions: SP Edwin Jackson; SP Scott Baker; C Dioner Navarro; OF Nate Schierholtz; SP Scott Feldman; RP Kyuji Fujikawa

Possible lineup: DeJesus CF; Scheirholz RF; Rizzo 1B; Soriano LF; Castro SS; Stewart 3B; Castillo C; Barney 2B

Possible rotation: Samardzija; Garza; Jackson; Feldman; Baker

Tomorrow: the AL Central.

Follow Steve on Twitter @SteveMichaelsII

photo credits: getty images, getty images, getty images, getty images, getty images

Welcome to the Gigantic Sox and Dawgs 2013 MLB preview.  Over the next few days you will get a team by team look at its key players, new faces, their potential MVP, Cy Young and Rookie of the Year candidates, their possible starting lineup and rotation as well as a quick summary. 

We will also select a MVP candidate and Cy Young candidate for each team no matter what their predicted team outcome is.

This preview was sculpted over the off season with some mild tweaking as we went along prior to publication.  It comes from a culmination of reading many hours of baseball research. 

I hope you enjoy this look at the upcoming season.  I know everyone will not agree with me and that’s fine put it in the comments or hit me up on Twitter or via email.  I can assure you I'll most likely have an argument for each and every objection that you could possibly raise. 

Yesterday we looked at the NL West, today it’s the AL West.

To continue reading, click on the read more button below if you're on the home page.

American League West

The West division in the American League hasn’t seen the Angels contend in the last few seasons but 2013 seems to be a year where they can win the division and get deep into the post season.  Oakland should be able to build on a wonderful 2012, while this year is the year the Rangers continue to slide and do not make the playoffs.  Good news for Seattle is they won’t finish last this year that’s because Houston switches leagues and comes to AL West.

1. Los Angeles – Manager Mike Scioscia (14th year)

The Angels once again jumped into the free agent market when owner Artie Moreno got itchy and decided he wanted to be involved.  Last year it was for 1B Albert Pujols, this time around Moreno went above his baseball executives and came back with OF Josh Hamilton. Los Angeles was looking for someone to compliment the middle of the order and now they have Hamilton who will certainly replace Torii Hunter, who signed with Detroit, in the field and at the plate.  The starting pitching is a bit iffy after Jared Weaver especially with C.J. Wilson coming off surgery on his elbow. The back of the rotation needs to be good Joe Blanton and Jason Vargas are only stop gap measures and Tommy Hanson is in his first AL season. Bullpen is a bit of concern with Ryan Madson returning post TJS but a solid 2-3-4-5 in the lineup, good defense and smart baseball will carry them.

Home Field: Angel Stadium

Key Players: 1B Albert Pujols; OF Mike Trout, OF Josh Hamilton; P Jered Weaver; RP Ryan Madson

MVP Candidate: 1B Albert Pujols; RF Josh Hamilton; LF Mike Trout

Cy Young Candidate: P Jered Weaver

ROY Candidate: 2B/SS Andrew Romine

Key Additions: OF Josh Hamilton; P Tommy Hanson; RP Ryan Madson*; RP Jason Vargas; P Joe Blanton; INF Bill Hall

Possible lineup: Trout LF; Aybar SS; Pujols 1B; Hamilton RF; Trumbo DH; Kendrick 2B; Callaspo 3B; Ianetta C; Bourjos CF 

Possible rotation: Weaver; Wilson; Hanson, Blanton, Vargas

*Closer Ryan Madson status is uncertain for the start of season and may start on DL.  In this case Ernesto Frieri would close games until his return.

2. Oakland – Manager Bob Melvin (3rd year/10th overall) 

Last year it looked like Billy Beane was trading away the entire team and all he did was rebuild them into the AL West Champions for 2012.  The starting pitching is young and solid as is the bullpen of no-names.  The questions are can Yoenis Cespedes continue to improve in 2013 and can he get the protection he needs in the lineup from Josh Reddick and Brandon Moss who need to duplicate 2012 for this team to get back to the playoffs.

Home Field: O.com Coliseum

Key Players: RF Josh Reddick; LF Yoenis Cespedes; SS Hiroyuki Nakajima; P Jarrod Parker; P Brett Anderson

MVP Candidate: LF Yoenis Cespedes

Cy Young Candidate: P Brett Anderson

ROY Candidate: SS Hiroyuki Nakajima, P Dan Straily

Key Additions: SS Hiroyuki Nakajima; OF Chris Young; IF Andy Parrino; 3B Jefry Marte; C John Jaso; SS Jed Lowrie; RP Fernando Rodriguez; RP Hideki Okajima

Possible lineup: Crisp CF; Sizemore 2B; Cespedes LF; Moss 1B; Reddick RF; Donaldson 3B; Smith DH; Jaso C; Nakajima SS

Possible rotation*: Anderson; Parker; Milone; Griffin; Straily

* Expect one of the back end starters to lose his spot once Bartolo Colon returns from his 50-game PED suspension.

3. Texas – Manager Ron Washington (7th year)

The Rangers made the playoffs for the third year in a row but barely and that streak should end this season.  After going to the World Series in 2010 and 2011 as AL West Champs they got into the tournament in 2012 as one of the two AL Wild Card teams and were promptly eliminated at home by Baltimore.  They have a good top third of a lineup but were weakened in the middle when Josh Hamilton left for Los Angeles. Yu Darvish needs to build on 2102 as the starting pitching is only average and the bullpen should be a raging concern other than closer Joe Nathan who is always solid.

Home Field: Rangers Ballpark at Arlington

Key Players: 2B Ian Kinsler; 3B Adrian Beltre; DH/1B/OF Lance Berkman; P Yu Darvish; RP Joe Nathan

MVP Candidate: Adrian Beltre

Cy Young Candidate: P Yu Darvish

ROY Candidate: 1B/3B Mike Olt; CF Leonys Martin; SS Jurickson Profar

Key Additions: DH/1B/OF Lance Berkman; C A.J. Pierzynski; RP Josh Lindblom; P Jason Frasor; RP Joakim Soria; 1B/3B Mike Olt; SS Jurickson Profar; CF Leonys Martin

Possible lineup: Kinsler 2B; Andrus SS; Berkman DH; Beltre 3B; Cruz RF; Murphy LF; Pierszynski C; Moreland 1B; Martin CF

Possible rotation: Darvish; Holland; Harrison; Ogando; Perez

4. Seattle – Manager Eric Wedge (3rd year/10th overall)

The Mariners have to be grateful that the Houston Astros have moved from the NL Central to the AL West because it should give them another 10-12 wins and keep them out of the basement.  Mariners’ fans badly want some new ownership to give the franchise a boost much like Paul Allen did for the Seahawks. In order to generate more offense the team has also moved the fences in at Safeco Field. Until they show some of the big name free agents they are serious and want contend on a regular basis they will continue to languish at or near the bottom of the AL West.  Even with an elite starter in Felix Hernandez and closer Tom Wilhelmsen aren’t enough to save them right now. They are solid defensively but the worry is that they won’t score runs.  Don’t worry M’s fans help is on the way through your farm system you may have the best Top 5 prospects in the game.

Home Field: Safeco Field

Key Players: CF Franklin Gutierrez; 1B Kendrys Morales; DH Jesus Montero; P Felix Hernandez; RP Tom Wilhelmsen

MVP Candidate: P Felix Hernandez

Cy Young Candidate: P Felix Hernandez

ROY Candidate: SP Erasmo Ramirez; C Mike Zunino; P Danny Hultzen

Key Additions: 1B Kendrys Morales; IN Robert Andino; OF/DH Jason Bay; LF Raul Ibanez; OF/1B Michael Morse; C Kelly Shoppach

Possible lineup: Ackley 2B;Gutierrez CF; Seager 3B; Morse LF; J. Montero DH; Morales 1B; C; Saunders RF; Shoppach C; Ryan SS

Possible rotation: Hernandez; Iwakuma; Beavan; Noesi; Ramirez

5. Houston – Manager Bo Porter (1^st year)

The Astros changed uniforms and moved to AL West for 2013, there’s also a new manager and new league to lose a ton of games in this year as the ‘Stros will now be the whipping boys for the American League.  It’s not going to be pretty but then again it hasn’t been for the last 10 years in Houston.  The team has lost 213 games the last two seasons and you can look for another 100 losses this year.  The starting pitching has little MLB experience and they are very weak across the board in all phases, offense, defense, pitching and on the bench.

Home Field: Minute Maid Park

Key Players: 2B Jose Altuve; LF J.D. Martinez; DH Carlos Pena; P Bud Norris; P Phil Humber

MVP Candidate: 2B Jose Altuve

Cy Young Candidate: P Bud Norris

ROY Candidate: 3B Matt Dominguez; 1B/OF Jonathan Singleton

Key Additions: Mgr Bo Porter; DH Carlos Pena; OF Che-Hsuan Lin; RP Josh Fields; P Phil Humber; P Erik Bedard; OF Rick Ankiel; 1B Chris Carter; P Brad Peacock

Possible lineup: Altuve 2B; Greene SS; Carter 1B; Pena DH; Maxwell CF; J.D. Martinez LF; Castro C; F. Martinez RF; Domiguez 3B

Possible rotation: Norris; Harrell; Lyles; Humber; Bedard/Peacock

Tomorrow: The National League Central

Follow Steve on Twitter @SteveMichaelsII

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Welcome to the Gigantic Sox and Dawgs 2013 MLB preview.  Over the next week you will get a team by team look at its key players, new faces, their potential MVP, Cy Young and Rookie of the Year candidates, their possible starting lineup and rotation as well as a quick summary. 

We will also select a MVP candidate and Cy Young candidate for each team no matter what their predicted team outcome is.

This preview was sculpted over the off season with some mild tweaking as we went along prior to publication.  It comes from a culmination of reading many hours of baseball research. 

I hope you enjoy this look at the upcoming season.  I know everyone will not agree with me and that’s fine put it in the comments or hit me up on Twitter or via email. 

It was a lot of work but a lot of fun compiling this preview and starting today we will take a look at the National League West.  The rest of the schedule follows with a different division being profiled each day and the final day will bring you the winners, award selections and a list of managers who have a lot to prove in 2013 if they want to be on the bench in 2014.

Tomorrow you will get the American League West preview followed by the NL Central, AL Central, NL East and AL East.

To continue reading, click on the read more button below if you're on the home page.

National League West

The National League West will once again see the Giants take the division flag come years end but will also see the Dodgers contend for the division title.  It will be the Giants pitching that will overcome the Dodgers hitting.  The Diamondbacks should also be in the picture at least until August while the Padres and Rockies expect to be on the outside looking in.

1. San Francisco – Manager Bruce Bochy (7th year/19th overall)

When you win two World Series titles in a three year span you should be the favorite for your division and that’s where I have the Giants.  Buster Posey may be the game’s best player but once again after him there is not a lot of pop in the line up although it’s possibly better than last year.  It will be the defense and the outstanding pitching, both the starters and bullpen, that propels them.  What has set them aside the last few years is the late season moves always seem to work out for the best even though they may have overpaid to retain two of those late season acquisitions in CF Angel Pagan and 2B Marco Scutaro.

Home Field: AT&T Park

Key Players: C Buster Posey; RF Hunter Pence; SS Brandon Crawford; SP Matt Cain; RP Sergio Romo

MVP Candidate: C Buster Posey

Cy Young Candidate: P Matt Cain

ROY Candidate: 1B/3B Conor Gillaspie

Key Additions: OF Andres Torres; RP Sandy Rosario; RP Chad Gaudin

Possible lineup: Pagan CF; Scutaro 2B; Sandoval 3B; Posey C; Pence RF; Belt 1B; Crawford SS; Blanco LF

Possible rotation: Cain; Bumgarner; Lincecum; Volgelsong; Zito

2. Los Angeles – Manager Don Mattingly (3rd year)

New owners, the Guggenheim Group, came in with deep pockets and showed they weren’t afraid to spend money and now they have baseball’s largest payroll at this time.  They have a good lineup but could use a better option at third other than Luis Cruz or Juan Uribe.  Even though they lack a true closer and could possibly use an additional situational lefty in the pen it is expected that they will seriously challenge the Giants for the division.

Home Field: Dodger Stadium

Key Players: 1B Adrian Gonzalez; SS Hanley Ramirez; CF Matt Kemp; P Clayton Kershaw; P Chad Billingsley

MVP Candidate: 1B Adrian Gonzalez; CF Matt Kemp

Cy Young Candidate: P Clayton Kershaw

ROY Candidate: P Hyun-Jin Ryu

Key Additions: 2B/OF Skip Schumaker; P Zack Greinke; P Hyun-Jin Ryu; RP J.P. Howell; RP Rob Rasmussen; C Tim Federowicz

Possible lineup: Crawford* LF; M. Ellis 2B; Gonzalez 1B; Ramirez SS; Kemp CF; Ethier RF; Cruz 3B; A.J. Ellis C;

*Crawford may not be ready to play until early May after Tommy John surgery.  If that’s the case flip his spot with Either and Hairston will LF.

Possible rotation: Kershaw; Greinke; Beckett; Ryu; Harang**

**Billingsley is up in the air for 2013 after an elbow injury and Harang would be a candidate for his spot.

3. Arizona – Manager Kirk Gibson (4th year)

The Arizona Diamondbacks are looking for some consistency they had too many mental lapses in 2012 and it cost them.  After making the playoffs in 2011 they failed to get back to the post season even with the additional wild card team in each league.  They have a young talented starting rotation and they did some overhauling of the roster again which included dealing Justin Upton to Atlanta but I don’t see them beating out the Giants or Dodgers for the division but they could hang in there for a wild card berth.  Look for rookie Adam Eaton to be an impact player on offense and defense.

Home Field: Chase Field

Key Players: 3B Martin Prado; 1B Paul Goldschmidt; CF Adam Eaton; P Ian Kennedy; P J.J. Putz

MVP Candidate: 3B Martin Prado

Cy Young Candidate: P Ian Kennedy

ROY Candidate: CF Adam Eaton and P Tyler Skaggs

Key Additions: OF Cody Ross; 3B Eric Chavez; P Brandon McCarthy; SS Cliff Pennington; RP Heath Bell; 1B/OF Eric Hinske; 3B Martin Prado; P Randall Delgado; RP Matt Reynolds

Possible lineup: Eaton CF; Hill 2B; M. Montero C; Kubel LF; Goldschmidt 1B; Prado 3B; Ross RF; Pennington SS

Possible rotation: Kennedy; McCarthy; Cahill; Miley; Delgado

4. Colorado – Manager Walt Weiss (1st year)

The Rockies floundered in 2012 after a major overhaul of the major league roster and that cost some people their jobs including manager Jim Tracy who has been replaced by Walt Weiss who was coaching high school baseball and Colorado only gave him only a one-year contract.  They’re going to have to fight to stay out of the cellar in 2013, they should score some runs especially at Coors Field but it is the pitching that will doom them.  The starters have a history of injuries and giving up tons of runs, the bullpen was overworked in 2012 and that needs to change.

Home Field: Coors Field

Key Players: LF Carlos Gonzalez; SS Troy Tulowitzki; RF Michael Cuddyer; P Jorge De La Rosa; P Rafael Betancourt

MVP Candidate: LF Carlos Gonzalez

Cy Young Candidate: P Jorge De La Rosa

ROY Candidate: RP Daniel Rosenbaum

Key Additions: Mgr Walt Weiss; RP Daniel Rosenbaum; 3B Ryan Wheeler; OF Ken Williams; RP Wilton Lopez

Possible lineup: Fowler CF; Rutledge 2B; Gonzalez LF; Tulowitzki SS; Cuddyer RF; Helton 1B; Rosario C; Nelson 3B

Possible rotation: De La Rosa; Chacin; Pomerantz; Nicasio; Francis

5. San Diego – Manager Bud Black (7th year)

The Padres should once again struggle to get to .500 this season and they’ll have trouble scoring runs even with the fences at Petco moved in.  Any success that San Diego has will most likely come if the pitching holds up but the staff as a whole lack depth due to injuries and resources.  They’re defense is poor except on the infield corners where they are anchored by Chase Headley and Yonder Alonso. They will miss C Yasmani Grandal who is suspended 50 games for PEDs and was expected to play a part this season.

Home Field: Petco Park

Key Players: 3B Chase Headley; 1B Yonder Alonso; LF Carlos Quentin; P Edinson Volquez; RP Huston Street

MVP Candidate: RF Carlos Quentin

Cy Young Candidate: P Edinson Volquez

ROY Candidate: P Casey Kelly

Key Additions: P Jason Marquis; P Tyson Ross; RP Wilfredo Boscan; IF Cody Ransom; P Freddy Garcia

Possible lineup: Cabrera SS; Forsythe 2B; Headley 3B; Quentin LF; Alonso 1B; Denorfia RF; Maybin CF; Hudley C

Possible rotation: Volquez; Richard; Marquis; Stults; T. Ross

Tomorrow: The American League West

Follow Steve on Twitter @SteveMichaelsII

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I hope you enjoyed the Gigantic SOX & Dawgs 2011 MLB preview.  Over the last week we gave you a team by team look at the key players, new faces, potential MVP, Cy Young and Rookie of the Year candidates, possible starting lineups and rotations as well as a quick summary.

This preview was sculpted over a nearly seven week period in the off season with some mild tweaking as we went along prior to publication.  It comes from a culmination of reading so many baseball magazines, periodicals, articles and websites that in some cases I may know a team better that its own management. 

After previewing all six divisions, today is the day we look at the big winners and managers who could be in trouble in 2011.  You can check out all the division previews by following the links.

Sunday: NL West

Monday: AL West

Tuesday: NL Central

Wednesday: AL Central

Thursday: NL East

Friday: AL East

Play Ball!

To continue reading, click on the read more button below if you’re on the home page.

2011 Post Season picks, Award winners and Managers on the Hot Seat

In the final day of the Gigantic Sox and Dawgs 2011 MLB Preview I, with a little help from Ian, will reveal all my playoff picks, the World Series winner and the major Award winners for 2011 but first let’s take a quick look at what managers are in dire straits as we begin the new season.

In the National League, former Red Sox bench coach Brad Mills is entering the second year of his contract with Houston.  Lately Drayton McClain has been going through a manager every two seasons or so. Cecil Cooper got just under 2 seasons; Phil Garner a little over two and he took them to their first World Series and before him Jimy Williams lasted just over two seasons.  Hopefully McClain realizes a revolving door isn’t a good thing and Millsy gets to hang on for a while.  In Washington, Jim Riggleman is starting his 3rd season (2nd full) there and another 30 games below .500 finish or potential finish will mean the end of his job.  And in St.Louis look for the possibility that long time Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa pulls the plug after the season.  LaRussa is on yet another one year contract and he may feel that 16 years in one spot is enough.

In the American League I always feel as if Ozzie Guillen is on the hot seat.  Generally not for the way his teams play, he’s only had 2 sub .500 seasons and won a World Series in 2005, but because of his mouth and his antics.  At some point GM Ken Williams is going to feel enough is enough and Guillen will get the gate.  The question is will 2011 be the year? In Detroit Jim Leyland is in his 6th year leading the Tigers and you have to wonder if he may start feeling the fatigue he had felt in the late 90’s and he himself steps away at years end.  The only other manager I wonder about as the season starts is Oakland’s Bob Geren.  The A’s had a .500 season last year after 3 sub .500 years and they look to be much improved in ’11.  If the team doesn’t get off to a good start and is seemingly falling short of expectations he could get the gate.

Now here are the Sox & Dawgs picks for the 2011 playoffs and the major award winners:

Steve:

• AL East: Boston
• AL Central: Detroit
• AL West: Texas
• AL Wild Card: Minnesota

Ian:

• AL East: Boston
• AL Central: Detroit
• AL West: Texas
• AL Wild Card: New York

Steve:

• NL East: Philadelphia
• NL Central: St.Louis
• NL West: San Francisco
• NL Wild Card: Atlanta

Ian:

• NL East: Philadelphia
• NL Central: St.Louis
• NL West: San Francisco
• NL Wild Card: Cincinnati

Steve:

• AL Division Series: Minnesota over Texas 3-2; Boston over Detroit 3-1
• NL Division Series: Atlanta over St. Louis 3-1; Philadelphia over San Francisco 3-2

Ian:

• AL Division Series: Texas over New York 3-1; Boston over Detroit 3-1
• NL Division Series: Philadelphia over Cincinnati 3-0; St. Louis over San Francisco 3-2

Steve:

• AL Championship Series: Boston over Minnesota 4-2
• NL Championship Series: Philadelphia over Atlanta 4-2

Ian:

• AL Championship Series: Boston over Texas 4-2
• NL Championship Series: Philadelphia over St. Louis 4-2

Steve:

• World Series Champion: Boston over Philadelphia 4-3

Ian:

• World Series Champion: Boston over Philadelphia 4-3

Steve:

• AL MVP: Adrian Gonzalez, 1B Boston
• NL MVP: Chase Utley, 2B Philadelphia

Ian:

• AL MVP: Josh Hamilton, OF Texas
• NL MVP: Albert Pujols, 1B St. Louis

Steve:

• AL Cy Young Winner: Jon Lester, SP Boston
• NL Cy Young Winner: Roy Halladay, SP Philadelphia

Ian:

• AL Cy Young Winner: Jon Lester, SP Boston
• NL Cy Young Winner: Roy Halladay, SP Philadelphia

Steve:

• AL Rookie of the Year: Desmond Jennings, LF Tampa Bay
• NL Rookie of the Year: Aroldis Chapman, RP Cincinnati

Ian:

• AL Rookie of the Year: Desmond Jennings, LF Tampa Bay
• NL Rookie of the Year: Freddie Freeman, 1B Atlanta

Steve:

• AL Manager of the Year: Jim Leyland, Detroit
• NL Manager of the Year: Fredi Gonzalez, Atlanta

Ian:

• AL Manager of the Year: Terry Francona, Boston
• NL Manager of the Year: Charlie Manuel, Philadelphia

Gold Gloves – AL

• P – Felix Hernandez, Seattle
• C – Joe Mauer, Minnesota
• 1B – Adrian Gonzalez, Boston
• 2B – Dustin Pedroia, Boston
• 3B – Alex Rodriguez, New York
• SS – Alexei Ramirez, Chicago
• LF – Carl Crawford, Boston
• CF – Coco Crisp, Oakland
• RF – Ichiro Suzuki, Seattle

Gold Gloves – NL

• P – Roy Oswalt, Philadelphia
• C – Yadier Molina, St Louis
• 1B – Lyle Overbay, Pittsburgh
• 2B – Freddy Sanchez, San Francisco
• 3B – Scott Rolen, Cincinnati
• SS – Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado
• LF – Carlos Lee, Houston
• CF – Shane Victorino, Philadelphia
• RF – Jayson Werth, Washington

Follow Steve on Twitter @djstevem and follow SOX & Dawgs on Twitter @soxanddawgs and become a fan of SOX & Dawgs on Facebook.

Note from Ian: A very big thank you goes out to Steve for taking the time to put together this huge and great preview for the 2011 season. I hope everyone has enjoyed it as much as I have.