An American League Spring Training Primer

Evan Longoria (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)

There is a lot that goes on during the baseball off-season. Following along with all of the rumors and speculation can sometimes be a full time job. And we are just talking about the Astros.

However, there are also 14 other teams that you must keep track of and follow in the American League. If you are unsure of what to expect from them in 2014, then we have you covered here at Climbing Tal’s Hill.

We know that the Astros are not going to making any runs at the playoffs this year, but at least they should be more competitive. And it is always helpful to be aware of, and know your competition. This is especially true since it is only the Astros’ second year in the American League.

Over the next few weeks, I will take you through a quick preview on the 10 teams of the AL East and AL Central. Greg Thurston will be taking a more detailed look our AL West foes.

For now, I offer up my preliminary predictions for the American League. They are subject to change as we go through Spring Training and I consider them further, but for now this is how I see things shaking out. As always, conversation and feedback is encouraged and welcomed.

American League East:

• Tampa Bay Rays
• Boston Red Sox (Wild Card)
• Toronto Blue Jays
• New York Yankees
• Baltimore Orioles

American League Central:

• Detroit Tigers
• Kansas City Royals
• Cleveland Indians
• Chicago White Sox
• Minnesota Twins

American League West:

• Oakland A’s
• Seattle Mariners (Wild Card)
• Texas Rangers
• LA Angels
• Houston Astros