It’s time to take a look at five potential playoff teams for 2013 in the American League. As is the case in every off-season players have changed teams. The real question is will it change the balance of power? Let’s take a look. New York Yankees As much as people want to write off the Yankees it’s difficult not seeing this team making the post-season. The pitching is solid with one of the best starters and closers in the game in CC Sabathia and Mariano Rivera. The Bronx Bombers will be loaded offensively as well. They display speed and power in players such as Ichiro, Cano, Teixeira, Granderson, and Gardner. A couple big questions facing this team is how will Youkilis fill in for Rodriguez and how will Jeter fair after coming back from ankle surgery? There is no doubt the Yankees are aging but they more than likely will be in the post-season once again. Toronto Blue Jays After a busy off-season the Blue Jays have added the players they need to become a serious contender. The addition of R.A. Dickey, Josh Johnson, and Mark Buehrle is a great 1-2-3 punch to their pitching rotation. Offensively they have added Jose Reyes and Melky Cabrera to a lineup that already features Edwin Encarnacion and Jose Bautista. If Cabrera can produce like he did for the Giants before his suspension for testing positive for testosterone then the Jays will look like geniuses for signing him. As long as this team stays healthy they are definitely a contender. Detroit Tigers The Tigers are the best bet to represent the American League in the World Series once again. The line up will get some power back with Victor Martinez set to return after his knee injury. Detroit also signed Torii Hunter in free agency. Hunter is coming off a 2012 that saw him hit a career high .313. The Tigers also boast what is arguably the deepest rotation in baseball lead by Justin Verlander. With a top leadoff man in Austin Jackson and slugger Prince Fielder the offense will be good. Oh yeah, don’t forget about Triple Crown and MVP winner Miguel Cabrera. If the Tigers can solve the closer situation they will be dominant. Los Angeles Angels The Angels have shown that they are not afraid to spend money on players to improve their roster. Last year they paid big bucks to add Albert Pujols and C.J. Wilson. This year Josh Hamilton was paid top dollar. However, there is no doubt this team underachieved in 2012. Expect things to change in 2013. Adding Hamilton to the mix with Pujols and MVP runner up and Rookie of the Year Mike Trout will improve the lineup. The big issue for this team will be the bullpen. They blew 22 saves last year which was tied for third in all of baseball. They hope the addition of Ryan Madson will solve that problem. Madson, though, has not pitched in over a year and is coming off of Tommy John surgery. The bullpen will still remain a question mark but the offense and a solid starting rotation will make this team a playoff contender. Texas Rangers Sure the Rangers lost Josh Hamilton in the offseason and didn’t make a big free agent splash but there is just too much talent on this team to count them out. The roster still consists of numerous All-Stars including three in the rotation. Ian Kinsler and Elvis Andrus are great up the middle and Nelson Cruz provides the power. Don’t count the Rangers out as they will be there in the end knocking on the playoff door. Chase Diamond
 

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