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2013 MLB American League Predictions; Division Winners, Awards & More

Jurickson Profar

The American League Champions have been beaten four of the past five years in the MLB World Series, will the 2013 season end in the same manner? There should be plenty of surprises and great games this season as many teams heavily improved their rosters. Here are my full predictions for the American League in 2013 including AL MVP, Cy Young, Rookie of the Year, Win-Loss predictions, playoff spots, and the American League Champions.

2013 American League MVP: Miguel Cabrera – Detroit Tigers
It is hard to bet against Miguel Cabrera as the 2013 American League MVP. Cabrera won the 2012 Triple Crown and was voted AL MVP. Although he probably won’t repeat his Triple Crown, it looks like unless Mike Trout can stop him, Cabrera will win a second consecutive MVP.

2013 American League Cy Young: Justin Verlander – Detroit Tigers
Justin Verlander was just one first place vote away from winning his second consecutive Cy Young Award in 2012. Verlander led all of baseball in strikeouts with 239, had 17 wins and a 2.64 ERA. Expect a few more wins for Verlander and similar strikeouts and ERA.

2013 American League Rookie of the Year: Jurickson Profar – Texas Rangers
Jurickson Profar will have an opportunity to prove that he is worthy of all the hype he has received over the past few years. The young infielder may get moved around the infield when needed, but at some point in the season he should claim a starting spot in the infield and will have a great shot at winning the 2013 AL Rookie of the Year.

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American League East
Toronto Blue Jays (92-70)
Now one of the most talented rosters in baseball, the Blue Jays big moves should result in an American League East Division Championship.

Tampa Bay Rays (90-72)
Tampa Bay Rays have a solid team, and with a healthy Evan Longoria, they should be able to earn a Wild Card playoff berth.

Baltimore Orioles (83-79)
A solid winning season for the Baltimore Orioles, but no playoffs.

New York Yankees (80-82)
Injuries will stop the New York Yankees in 2013.

Boston Red Sox (75-87)
Another disappointing season for the Boston Red Sox.

American League Central
Detroit Tigers (95-67)

With Victor Martinez back from injury and Torii Hunter in the outfield, it is hard to imagine the Detroit Tigers not winning the AL Central this season.

Kansas City Royals (75-87)
Newly acquired James Shields will help the Kansas City Royals move up to second place.

Chicago White Sox (71-91)
Too much lost and not enough gained to be competitive.

Minnesota Twins (69-93)
What ever happened to the Minnesota Twins? It should be a couple of years before they can rise to the top of the division.

Cleveland Indians (66-96)
The Cleveland Indians were active in the offseason, but it will take time to rebuild their weak roster.

American League West

Los Angeles Angels (96-66)
The Los Angeles Angels are loaded and ready to win the AL West.

Texas Rangers (92-70)
An interesting year for the Texas Ranges, but they still have more than enough to win a Wild Card spot.

Oakland Athletics (89-73)
This young team will continue to grow, but I don’t like their chances at making the playoffs in 2013.

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Seattle Mariners (79-83)
Is there anyone on their team besides Felix Hernandez?

Houston Astros (55-107)
It’s going to be a few years before the Houston Astros look like a MLB team.

Wild Card Spot 1: Texas Rangers

Wild Card Spot 2: Tampa Bay Rays

American League Champions: Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers have more than enough to repeat as American League Champions, and may win it all in 2013.

*Statistics from MLB via MLB.com