As the winter fades away and green grass again makes an appearance, baseball fans eagerly await the start of a new MLB season.
The first step is spring training. where managers figure out if their new toys are going to mesh with the team philosophy. For example, the Tigers and White Sox made some big splashes in the free agent and trade markets in an attempt to catch the defending World Series champion Royals. Will it pay off?
The AL Central, once considered the weakest division in the league, looks as if it could feature five playoff-contending teams in 2016. The Twins, who surprised many last season, should be better this year as they get a full season of phenoms Miguel Sano and Byron Buxton.
Led by a flamethrowing rotation that ranked second in MLB in strikeouts last season, the Indians will give teams trouble if they can get even marginal production from their lineup, which ranked 23rd last season.
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Both the AL East and AL West appear to have clear favorites in the Blue Jays and Astros, respectively, but a host of teams is waiting to pounce should they falter. The Yankees, in particular, made some interesting moves this offseason. Often thought of as big spenders, New York elected not to sign any of the big-name players on the open market. Instead, the Yankees traded for second baseman Starlin Castro and closer Aroldis Chapman, giving them one of the best bullpens in baseball.
Here are five things to look for in the AL as spring training begins:
1. How will the Royals look after an offseason of celebrating?
It's common for players to let themselves go a bit after a championship run. Countless parties, parades and talk-show visits can distract even the most focused athlete from training hard, leading to a slow, sluggish start the following season. Anyone who follows last year's English Premier League champions, Chelsea, know's what we're talking about.
But the Royals are different. Built on the foundation of bringing up their own youth talent, Kansas City has a blue-collar mentality that should help it defeat any complacency that may come with winning the World Series. Guys like Alex Gordon, Lorenzo Cain, Mike Moustakas and Yordano Ventura are gifted talents who play with chips on their shoulders because they continue to get overlooked as among the game's best players.
The Royals spent more time, and money, making sure their key pieces from last season's team returned, rather than signing new guys. The biggest change they made, was replacing disappointing midseason addition Johnny Cueto with journeyman Ian Kennedy. On paper, it looks like a poor move. But it's just the type of transaction manager Ned Yost turns into gold.
2. Speaking of the Yankees' bullpen, how are they going to keep everyone happy?
A few eyebrows were raised when New York acquired Chapman from the Reds this offseason. There's no question he is one of the best closers in baseball, but Andrew Miller — New York's closer last season — isn't far behind.
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Miller went 3-2 with 36 saves in his first season with the Yankees last year. He had a 2.04 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and 100 strikeouts in 61 2/3 innings. He hardly deserves a demotion. Just behind Miller was Dellin Betances. The 6-8 giant overpowers opposing hitters, leading to a tremendous strikeout rate. The big right-handed reliever finished last season 6-4 with nine saves while filling in when Miller was injured. Betances also had a sterling 1.50 ERA and 131 strikeouts in 84 innings.
Having a multitude of talented arms in the bullpen is never a bad thing — just ask the Royals — but having three guys who could be closers on almost any other team might lead to some ego issues.
3. Is this the year Mike Ilitch finally gets his elusive World Series title?
Few owners have poured more of their heart, soul and money into their respective teams as Ilitch has with the Tigers. Since trading for Miguel Cabrera before the 2008 season, Detroit has been in win-now mode.
Whether it was signing Magglio Ordonez, locking up Justin Verlander and Cabrera to monster long-term contracts, or shelling out insane money for Prince Fielder when Victor Martinez injured his knee, Ilitch has done everything in his power to help the team win it all.
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Detroit has been close, losing the World Series in 2006 to the Cardinals and again in 2012 when they were swept by the Giants, but the Tigers just haven't been able to give Ilitch what he wants so desperately. They've won the AL Central four of the last five years (2011-14) and look poised to contend again this year after shelling out more money during the offseason.
The two big additions — outfielder Justin Upton and starting pitcher Jordan Zimmermann — should upgrade an aging roster dogged by injuries last season. Detroit also upgraded its bullpen and traded for center fielder Cameron Maybin, who was originally a part of the Cabrera trade.
Is it enough to get the Tigers over the hump?
4. Just how good are the Astros going to be?
There seem to be differing opinions. Some, like Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow, believe they are ready to win a World Series now. Others feel like the Astros are still a couple years — and a couple players — from competing with the game's best.
One thing is for certain: The Astros possess two of the best infielders in MLB. Second baseman Jose Altuve, 25, vaulted himself into stardom last season by finishing with a .313/.353/.459 slash line, 15 home runs, 66 RBIs and 38 stolen bases. The infield tandem was made complete when shortstop Carlos Correa came up from Triple-A. Correa, 21, finished with 22 home runs, 68 RBIs and 14 stolen bases in just 99 games. The AL Rookie of the Year is the game's next big star.
Houston also gets a full season from its promising outfield. Veteran Carlos Gomez, 30, leads the group, but rising star George Springer, 26, and basher Colby Rasmus, 29, complete the promising trio that can take over games.
The pitching staff will again be led by 2015 AL Cy Young award winner Dallas Keuchel, who won 20 games and struck out 216 batters during the regular season last year. Pitching may be an area of concern after Keuchel and Collin McHugh, but Houston hopes Lance McCullers Jr. will take a step forward and Doug Fister can regain some of his form.
Both the Rangers and Angels will be tough competitors in the AL West this year, yet Houston has the talent to go on a magical run.
5. Will the mood be positive or negative in Boston?
After doling out big money on Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval last offseason, even though they play the same position, the Red Sox finished last in the AL East and looked dysfunctional as their high-priced players struggled with injury.
Pitching was a big problem for Boston last season. New faces Rick Porcello and Wade Miley struggled in Fenway Park's short corner porches, and rising prospect Joe Kelly was sent back down to the minors after a brutal first couple months. The Red Sox, who finished 25th in team pitching last season, went out and addressed their need by signing ace David Price to a monster deal and trading for closer Craig Kimbrel.
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The talent is there, but it seems like the biggest thing standing in Boston's way is it's attitude. Guys like Sandoval and Ramirez are just as likely to sulk and bring a clubhouse down as they are to carry a team to the World Series. A healthy dose of youth and veteran leadership should help the Red Sox this season.
The AL East will once again be competitive with the Blue Jays, Yankees, Orioles and Rays all postseason hopefuls. The Red Sox need to get off to a quick start to avoid another midseason collapse.