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The 2013 Major League Season begins on March 31 with most teams playing their first games on April 1.

As Spring Training games get closer, here are my American League division race predictions for 2013 with a very brief commentary of why I predict a team’s finish.

AMERICAN LEAGUE WEST

1. Los Angeles Angles – Mike Trout, Albert Pujols, and Josh Hamilton head very powerful lineup

2. Oakland Athletics – Last season’s surge at the end was no fluke. Young and very talented.

3. Texas Rangers – Lost some pop but still competitive.

4. Seattle Mariners – King Felix needs more than a king-sized contract. He needs run support.

5. Houston Astros – Very young team in new division. It will take them a few years.

AMERICAN LEAGUE CENTRAL

1. Detroit Tigers – Best pitching staff in the American League and no soft spot in batting order

2. Cleveland Indians – Will not fade again. Great pickups in Swisher and Bourn

3. Chicago White Sox – The loss of A.J. Pierzynski will prove huge.

4. Kansas City Royals – Improved but not quite ready to contend just yet

5. Minnesota Twins – The Twins are still rebuilding. They should win a few more games, though.

AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST

1. New York Yankees –NOT too old. Experience will win the division, but they do lack the depth they normally have. Cashman will make the right mid-season deals.

2. Toronto Blue Jays – Major roster overhaul and a healthy pitching staff. Jose Bautista is back.

3. Boston Red Sox – New manager and roster overhaul. Team chemistry and energy should return.

4. Baltimore Orioles – This young, talented team will contend. Even fourth place will still be close.

5. Tampa Bay Rays – They will play .500 or better, but losing James Shields will hurt.

The 2013 season promises excitement for all Major League Baseball fans, and the American League will have three great races. I cannot wait for the season to begin.

Raymond became a baseball fan at a very young age. He played baseball through high school and soon after became a varsity coach. Raymond previously produced radio sports talk shows and hosted a weekly MLB radio call-in show. His favorite teams are the Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees. Follow Raymond on Twitter@RayBureau

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