Spring Training has past.
The Major League Baseball season is upon us.
While the National League has already started with games in Autralia, the American League looks to open their gates on Monday.
The following is a look at the American League teams as the summer grind begins.

Capsules by The Associated Press sorted by order of finish in the division.

CENTRAL DIVISION
Detroit Tigers
2013 — 93-69, first place (lost to Boston in ALCS).
Manager — Brad Ausmus (first season).
He’s Here — RHP Joba Chamberlain, OF Rajai Davis, SS Alex Gonzalez, 2B Ian Kinsler, LHP Ian Krol, RHP Joe Nathan, SS Andrew Romine.
He’s Outta Here — Manager Jim Leyland, RHP Joaquin Benoit, 1B Prince Fielder, RHP Doug Fister, 2B Omar Infante, C Brayan Pena, SS Jhonny Peralta, RHP Jose Veras.
Projected Lineup — 2B Ian Kinsler (.277, 13 HRs, 72 RBIs with Texas), RF Torii Hunter (.304, 17, 84), 1B Miguel Cabrera (.348, 44, 137 to win second straight MVP award), DH Victor Martinez (.301, 14, 83), CF Austin Jackson (.272, 12, 49), C Alex Avila (.227, 11, 47), 3B Nick Castellanos (.278 in 11 games in MLB debut), LF Rajai Davis (.260, 6, 24, 45 steals with Toronto), SS Alex Gonzalez (.177, 1, 8 with Milwaukee).
Rotation — RH Justin Verlander (13-12, 3.46 ERA, 217 Ks), RH Max Scherzer (21-3, 2.90, 240 Ks to win Cy Young Award), RH Anibal Sanchez (14-8, 2.57, 202), RH Rick Porcello (13-8, 4.32), LH Drew Smyly (6-0, 2.37 in 63 relief appearances).
Key Relievers — RH Joe Nathan (6-2, 1.39, 43 saves with Texas), RH Joba Chamberlain (2-1, 4.93 with New York Yankees), RH Al Alburquerque (4-3, 4.59), LH Ian Krol (2-1, 3.95 with Washington).
Hot Spots — A recent rash of major injuries — albeit not to the team’s top players — left the Tigers scrambling. Outfielder Andy Dirks is expected to miss the first couple months of the season while recovering from a back injury, and shortstop Jose Iglesias will likely be out even longer with stress fractures in his legs. Detroit will also be without reliever Bruce Rondon because of elbow surgery. Davis may have a chance to be more than a platoon player in left, although Don Kelly is also an option there. Rondon’s injury puts more pressure on Chamberlain and Alburquerque to perform well in the late innings.
Outlook — The Tigers are probably still the favorites to win a fourth straight AL Central title, but it’s been an unsettling spring training. In addition to the injuries, Scherzer’s stalled contract talks — he’s a free agent after this season — add to the sense of uncertainty about the team’s future. As long as Scherzer, Verlander and Miguel Cabrera are healthy, however, Ausmus will have plenty to work with in his managerial debut. Detroit still has perhaps the game’s best starting rotation, and after three straight appearances in the AL championship series — and a pennant in 2012 — Detroit is still very much a threat to win it all.

Cleveland Indians
2013 — 92-70, second place (AL wild card).
Manager — Terry Francona (second season).
He’s Here — RHP John Axford, OF David Murphy, LHP Josh Outman, RHP Shaun Marcum, OF Jeff Francoeur, OF Nyjer Morgan, RHP David Aardsma, RHP Kyle Davies.
He’s Outta Here — RHP Chris Perez, RHP Ubaldo Jimenez, RHP Joe Smith, LHP Scott Kazmir, OF Drew Stubbs, RHP Matt Albers, LHP Rich Hill, OF Jason Kubel, C Lou Marson.
Projected Lineup — CF Michael Bourn (.263, 6 HRs, 50 RBIs, 23 steals), 1B Nick Swisher (.246, 22, 63, 77 BBs), 2B Jason Kipnis (.284, 17, 84, All-Star), DH Carlos Santana (.268, 20, 74, 93 BBs), LF Michael Brantley (.284, 10, 73, zero errors), SS Asdrubal Cabrera (.242, 14, 64, 114 Ks), C Yan Gomes (.294, 11, 38, threw out 38 percent of runners), RF David Murphy (.220, (career-low) 13, 45 with Rangers), 3B Lonnie Chisenhall (.225, 6, 26, 94 games).
Rotation — RH Justin Masterson (14-10, 3.45 ERA, 195 Ks, All-Star), RH Corey Kluber (11-5, 3.85), Zach McAllister (9-9, 3.75, DL for finger), RH Carlos Carrasco (1-4, 6.75, missed ‘12 with surgery), RH Danny Salazar (2-3, 3.12, started year in Double-A).
Key Relievers — RH John Axford (7-7, zero saves with Brewers and Cardinals), RH Cody Allen (6-1, 2.43, club-high 77 appearances), RH Bryan Shaw (7-3, 3.24, 70 games), LH Marc Rzepczynski (0.89 in 27 games, LHs hit just .128).
Hot Spots — Cabrera just signed a $292 million, 10-year deal with the Tigers, and now he needs to bounce back from a sub-par 2013 to have a future in Cleveland — or anywhere. He hit .031 points below his career average last season, when he missed time with a leg injury.
Outlook — “Unfinished Business” is the theme in 2014 as the Indians intend to go deeper in the playoffs after losing in the wild-card game to Tampa Bay. Francona did a masterful job in his first season, guiding his team through some difficult stretches while instilling a belief in his players that they can beat anyone. Replacing Jimenez and Kazmir — who combined for 23 wins — will be a key along with Axford regaining his 2011-12 form, when he saved 81 games for Milwaukee. Brantley and Kipnis are two of the AL’s best young players with the potential of blossoming into perennial All-Stars. The Indians, who won their last 10 games to make the postseason a year ago, went just 4-15 against Detroit and have to do better than that to unseat the AL Central champions.

Kansas City Royals
2013 — 86-76, third place.
Manager — Ned Yost (fifth season).
He’s Here — LH Jason Vargas, 2B Omar Infante, RF Norichika Aoki, 3B Danny Valencia, LHP Patrick Schuster.
He’s Outta Here — RH Ervin Santana, LH Will Smith, 2B Chris Getz, RF David Lough, C George Kottaras, 3B Irving Falu, RH Felipe Paulino, RH Luis Mendoza, 3B Jamey Carroll.
Projected Lineup — RF Norichika Aoki (.286, 8 HRs, 37 RBIs, 20 SBs with Brewers), 2B Omar Infante (.318, 10, 51 with Tigers), 1B Eric Hosmer (.302, 17, 79), DH Billy Butler (.289, 15, 82), LF Alex Gordon (.265, 20, 81), C Salvador Perez (.292, 13, 79), 3B Mike Moustakas (.233, 12, 42), CF Lorenzo Cain (.251, 4, 46), SS Alcides Escobar (.234, 4, 52).
Rotation — RH James Shields (13-9, 3.15 ERA, 196 Ks), LH Jason Vargas (9-8, 4.02, 109 with Angels), RH Yordano Ventura (0-1, 3.52, 11), RH Jeremy Guthrie (15-12, 4.04, 111), LH Bruce Chen (9-4, 3.27, 78). Key Relievers: RH Greg Holland, (2-1, 1.21 ERA, 47/50 saves), RH Aaron Crow (7-5, 3.38), RH Wade Davis (8-11, 5.32), RH Kelvin Herrera (5-7, 3.86), LH Tim Collins (3-6, 3.54), LH Danny Duffy (2-0, 1.85).
Hot Spots — Shields is in a contract year, so the Royals are counting on a big season from him. The veteran right-hander will anchor a rotation that swapped out Santana for Vargas and welcomes Ventura, a hard-throwing youngster who the franchise views as a future ace. The Royals have struggled to find adequate pitching for years, but the hope is that their strongest rotation since the ’80s — at least on paper — will be able to deliver a postseason drought that stretches back just as far.
Outlook — Kansas City returned most of its key players from last season with the mindset that youngsters such as Hosmer, Moustakas and Escobar are still getting better. General manager Dayton Moore also filled two glaring holes by trading for Aoki and signing Infante, vastly improving the top of the batting order. Now, if the Royals can only avoid the kind of disastrous stretch that they had last May, when they endured a 12-game losing streak that put them in a hole too deep to dig out of, the long-suffering franchise just might be able to contend with Detroit in the AL Central and make the playoffs for the first time since 1985.

Minnesota Twins
2013 — 66-96, fourth place.
Manager — Ron Gardenhire (13th season).
He’s Here — RHP Ricky Nolasco, RHP Phil Hughes, C Kurt Suzuki, OF Jason Kubel.
He’s Outta Here — C Ryan Doumit, RHP Josh Roenicke, RHP Andrew Albers, LHP Pedro Hernandez, OF Clete Thomas, RHP Liam Hendriks, RHP P.J. Walters.
Projected Lineup — CF Aaron Hicks (.192, 8 HR, 27 RBIs, 84 Ks, 81 Gs), 2B Brian Dozier (.244, 18 HR, 66 RBIs), 1B Joe Mauer (.324, 11 HR, 47 RBIs, 35 2B, .404 OBP, .476 SLG), LF Josh Willingham (.208, 14 HR, 48 RBIs, 111 Gs), RF Oswaldo Arcia (.251, 14 HR, 43 RBIs, .430 SLG), DH Jason Kubel (.216, 5 HR, 32 RBIs in 97 Gs with Arizona and Cleveland), 3B Trevor Plouffe (.254, 14 HR, 54 RBIs), C Kurt Suzuki (.232, 5 HR, 32 RBIs in 94 Gs with Washington and Oakland), SS Pedro Florimon (.221, 9 HR, 44 RBIs, 15 SBs).
Rotation — RH Ricky Nolasco (8-3, 3.52 ERA in 15 starts for Dodgers, 199 1-3 IP with Dodgers and Miami), RH Kevin Correia (9-13, 4.18), RH Phil Hughes (4-14, 5.19, 24 HR allowed with Yankees), RH Mike Pelfrey (5-13, 5.19), RH Samuel Deduno (8-8, 3.83) or LH Scott Diamond (6-13, 5.43).
Key Relievers — LH Glen Perkins (2-0, 2.30, 36/40 saves), RH Jared Burton (2-9, 3.82), RH Anthony Swarzak (3-2, 2.91), RH Casey Fien (5-2, 3.92), LH Brian Duensing (6-2, 3.98), LH Caleb Thielbar (3-2, 1.76).
Hot Spots — First base. For the first time in his career, Mauer is moving from being a full-time catcher to a full-time first baseman, supplanting buddy Justin Morneau. The Twins made the move to try to address health concerns that came from their star player going through the grind of catching. Now it’s up to Mauer to maintain his stellar batting average while adding a little more to his power numbers to help the Twins offense. The starting rotation is another key area. The Twins had the worst rotation in the majors last season, but spent big money to bring in Nolasco and Hughes and bolster the group.
Outlook — Not promising. The Twins have lost more than 90 games for three straight seasons. The franchise is waiting for star prospects Byron Buxton, Miguel Sano and Alex Meyer to mature and make an impact. But Buxton, a five-tool center fielder, is probably a year away and Sano, a power-hitting 3B, will miss the season after having Tommy John surgery. Improvements to the rotation should keep them from losing 95 games again, but it’s difficult to see a scenario where they contend with the Detroit Tigers in the AL Central.

Chicago White Sox
2013 — 63-99, fifth place.
Manager — Robin Ventura (third season).
He’s Here — 1B Jose Abreu, OF Adam Eaton, LH Scott Downs, LH Eric Surkamp, RH Ronald Belisario.
He’s Outta Here — RHP Addison Reed, INF Brent Morel.
Projected Lineup — CF Adam Eaton (.252, 3 HRs, 22 RBIs with Arizona), SS Alexei Ramirez (.284, 6 HRs, 48 RBIs), 1B Jose Abreu (.345, 19 HRs, 60 RBIs in 42 games for Cienfuegos of the Cuban National League), RF Avisail Garcia (.283 7 HRs, 31 RBIs, with Detroit and White Sox), DH Adam Dunn (.219, 34 HRs, 86 RBIs) or Paul Konerko (.244, 12 HRs, 54 RBIs), LF Dayan Viciedo (.265, 14 HRs, 56 RBIs), 3B Conor Gillaspie (.245, 13 HRs, 40 RBIs) or Jeff Keppinger (.253, 4 HRs, 40 RBIs), C Tyler Flowers (.195, 10 HRs, 24 RBIs), 2B Gordon Beckham (.267, 5 HRs, 24 RBIs).
Rotation — LH Chris Sale (11-14, 3.07 ERA, 226 Ks), LH Jose Quintana (9-7, 3.51 ERA), LH John Danks (4-14, 4.75 ERA), RH Erik Johnson (3-2, 3.25 ERA), RH Felipe Paulino (3-1, 1.67 ERA, 7 starts with Kansas City in 2012).
Key Relievers — RH Nate Jones (4-5, 4.15 ERA), RH Matt Lindstrom (2-4, 3.12 ERA), Belisario (5-7, 3.97 ERA with Los Angeles Dodgers), Downs (4-4, 2.49 ERA with Los Angeles Angels and Atlanta), LH Donnie Veal (2-3, 4.60 ERA), RH Daniel Webb (0-0, 3.18 ERA).
Hot Spots — Which John Danks are the White Sox getting this season? The guy who once won 15 games or the one who struggled coming back from a shoulder injury last season? Jones, a candidate for the closer job, got a late start missed much of the early going in camp because of a strained glute and Lindstrom’s been bothered by an oblique injury.
Outlook — The White Sox believe they can make a quick turnaround after collapsing last season. Several factors will determine if that actually happens. One is Abreu. The White Sox are counting on the Cuban slugger, who signed for six years and $68 million, to boost an offense that scored the fewest runs in the American League and hit only 148 homers. They’re also counting on the back end of the rotation to hold its ground. They’re solid at the top with Sale and Quintana, but beyond that, there are some question marks. Landing Masahiro Tanaka might have helped, but the White Sox came up short in their bid for the Japanese star. Having a full year with García after acquiring him from Detroit in the midseason deal that sent Jake Peavy to Boston should boost the lineup. They’re committed to Ventura as their manager after he agreed to a multiyear contract extension, but they’ll likely be saying goodbye to Konerko at the end of the season after he re-signed for one more year.

EAST
Boston Red Sox
2013 — 97-65, first place (World Series champions).
Manager — John Farrell (second season).
He’s Here — OF Grady Sizemore, C A.J. Pierzynski, LHP Chris Capuano, RHP Edward Mujica, RHP Burke Badenhop, INF Jonathan Herrera.
He’s Outta Here — OF Jacoby Ellsbury, C Jarrod Saltalamacchia, SS Stephen Drew, RHP Ryan Dempster, LHP Franklin Morales.
Projected Lineup — CF Grady Sizemore (.224, 10 HR, 32 RBI in 2011, DNP 2012-13), RF Shane Victorino (.294, 15, 61, 21 SB), 2B Dustin Pedroia (.301, 9, 84, 193 H, 42 2B), DH David Ortiz (.309, 30, 103, .564 SLG), 1B Mike Napoli (.259, 23, 92, 187 Ks), LF Daniel Nava (.303, 12, 66, .831 OBP) or Jonny Gomes (.247, 13, 52), 3B Will Middlebrooks (.227, 17, 49), C A.J. Pierzynski (.272, 17, 70 with Texas), SS Xander Bogaerts (.250, 1, 5).
Rotation — LH Jon Lester (15-8, 3.75, 177 Ks), RH John Lackey (10-13, 3.52, 161 Ks), LH Felix Doubront (11-6, 4.32), RH Jake Peavy (12-5, 4.17 with Chicago White Sox and Boston), RH Clay Buchholz (12-1, 1.74).
Key Relievers — RH Koji Uehara (4-1, 1.09, 21/24 saves, 101Ks, 9 BB), RH Junichi Tazawa (5-4, 3.16), LH Craig Breslow (5-2, 1.81), RH Edward Mujica (2-1, 2.78, 37/41 saves with St. Louis), LH Andrew Miller (1-2, 2.64).
Hot Spots — The Red Sox began spring training planning to have two rookies in the starting lineup, SS Bogaerts and CF Jackie Bradley Jr. Bogaerts started all six World Series games against St. Louis at 3B and moved to SS to replace Drew, who became a free agent. Bradley competed to take over for Ellsbury, who signed a seven-year contract with the New York Yankees after batting .298 with 52 steals as the leadoff hitter. But Sizemore, who missed the past two seasons with right knee and back injuries that required surgery, has remained healthy and outplayed Bradley.
Outlook — After their third World Series championship in 10 years, the Red Sox stuck with the strategy that worked last offseason. They resisted giving free agents expensive, long-term contracts and signed Mujica for two years and Pierzynski, Sizemore and Capuano for one year each. The rotation is the same group of solid veterans led by Lester. The bullpen is deep with the addition of Mujica. He could close games when Uehara needs a rest but primarily will join Breslow and Tazawa as setup men. Uehara was nearly unhittable in the postseason, pitching 13 2-3 innings in 13 games and striking out 16 while allowing no walks and one earned run with seven saves in seven opportunities. Despite the loss of Ellsbury, the lineup remains potent with Ortiz and Napoli providing power. The defense took a hit when Ellsbury and Drew left, but Pedroia and Victorino are outstanding fielders. Still, the Red Sox won’t take anyone by surprise after their stunning rebound last year from a 69-93 record.

Tampa Bay Rays
2013 — 92-71, 2nd place, lost to Boston in division series.
Manager — Joe Maddon (ninth season)
He’s Here — C Ryan Hanigan, RHP Grant Balfour, RHP Heath Bell, RHP Brad Boxberger, INF Logan Forsythe, RHP Juan Carlos Oviedo, INF Jayson Nix, INF Wilson Betemit.
He’s Outta Here — RHP Fernando Rodney, DH Luke Scott, OF Kelly Johnson, DH Delmon Young, OF Sam Fuld, INF Ryan Roberts, RHP Roberto Hernandez, RHP Jamey Wright, LHP Alex Torres.
Projected Lineup — LF David DeJesus (.251, 8 HRs, 38 RBIs with Cubs, Nationals, Rays), 2B Ben Zobrist (.275, 12, 71, 36 doubles), 3B Evan Longoria (.269, 32, 88, 39 doubles), RF Wil Myers (.293, 13, 53, in 88 games, AL rookie of the year), 1B James Loney (.299,13, 75), DH Matt Joyce (.235, 18, 47), CF Desmond Jennings (.252, 14, 54, 31 doubles, 20 SBs), C Ryan Hanigan (.198, 2, 21 in 75 games with Reds) or Jose Molina (.233, 2, 18), SS Yunel Escobar (.256, 9, 56).
Rotation — LH David Price (10-8, 3.33 ERA , 151 Ks), RH Alex Cobb (11-3, 2.76, 134 Ks), LH Matt Moore (17-4, 3.29,143 Ks), RH Chris Archer (9-7, 3.22, 101 Ks), RH Jake Odorizzi (0-1, 3.94 in 7 appearances, 4 starts) or LH Cesar Ramos (2-2, 4.14 in 48 relief appearances).
Key Relievers — RH Grant Balfour (1-3, 2.59, 72 Ks, 38/41 saves with Athletics), RH Heath Bell (5-2, 4.11, 72 Ks with Diamondbacks), RH Brandon Gomes (3-1, 6.52), LH Jake McGee (5-3, 4.02, 75 K’s), RH Joel Peralta (3-8, 3.41, 74 Ks).
Hot Spots — With little roster turnover in the offseason, the Rays entered spring training with fewer than usual battles for jobs. Maddon faces a decision on a No. 5 starter who’ll fill in for the first six to eight weeks of the season while RH Jeremy Hellickson recovers from elbow surgery. Most of the change has come in the bullpen, where Balfour was brought as the closer and Bell is looking to get his career back on track after struggling the past two seasons with the Marlins and Diamondbacks.
Outlook — The budget-minded Rays don’t have the financial capability of the AL East rival Red Sox and Yankees, but principal owner Stuart Sternberg spent generously this winter — boosting payroll to about $80 million, a team record — to ensure most of the key components of a team that won 92 games and made the playoffs for the fourth time in six seasons remained together. In addition to not trading Price, instead giving him a $14 million, one-year contract, the Rays re-signed Loney; picked up options on Zobrist and Escobar; traded for Hanigan, Bell and Forsythe; and signed Balfour in free agency. With Price anchoring one of the strongest starting rotations in baseball and Longoria and Myers providing a powerful one-two punch in the middle of the batting order, the Rays feel they not only have what it takes to get back to the playoffs but win the World Series.

Baltimore Orioles
2013 — 85-77, third place (tie).
Manager — Buck Showalter (fifth season).
He’s Here — RHP Ubaldo Jimenez, DH Nelson Cruz, RHP Ryan Webb, INF Jemile Weeks, OF David Lough, OF Francisco Peguero, OF Delmon Young, OF Xavier Paul, RHP Edgmer Escalona, SS Alex Gonzalez, RHP Alfredo Aceves.
He’s Outta Here — RHP Jim Johnson, 2B Brian Roberts, LF Nate McLouth, RHP Jason Hammel, DH Wilson Betemit, RHP Scott Feldman, OF Michael Morse, C Taylor Teagarden, DH Danny Valencia, RHP Francisco Rodriguez.
Projected Lineup — RF Nick Markakis (.271, 10 HRs, 59 RBIs), 3B Manny Machado (.283, 14, 71, 51 doubles), CF Adam Jones (.285, 33, 108, 100 runs), 1B Chris Davis (.286, ML-leading 53, 138, 103 runs, 42 doubles), DH Nelson Cruz (.266, 27, 76 with Texas), C Matt Wieters (.235, 22, 79), SS J.J. Hardy (.263, 25, 76), LF David Lough (.286, 5, 33 with Kansas City), 2B Ryan Flaherty (.224, 10, 27 in 85 games).
Rotation — RH Chris Tillman (16-7, 3.71 ERA, 179 Ks, 33 starts, 206 1-3 innings), RH Ubaldo Jimenez (13-9, 3.30, 33 starts with Cleveland), LH Wei-Yin Chen (7-7, 4.07), RH Miguel Gonzalez (11-8, 3.78, 120 Ks in 171 1-3 innings), RH Bud Norris (10-12, 4.18, 32 games with Houston and Baltimore).
Key Relievers — RH Tommy Hunter (6-5, 2.81, 4/6 saves), RH Darren O’Day (5-3, 2.18, 2/6 saves), RH Ryan Webb (2-6, 2.91, 0/3 saves), LH Brian Matusz (2-1, 3.53, stranded 32 of 37 inherited runners).
Hot Spots — Hunter is likely to get the nod at closer as the fill-in for Jim Johnson, who had 50 saves in 2013 before being traded to Oakland in a cost-cutting move. The Orioles reached agreement with Grant Balfour as a replacement, but he flunked the physical. That leaves Hunter, who has little experience as a closer but owns a fastball that has been clocked at 100 mph. Manager Buck Showalter has other options, but if Hunter succeeds that will enable the manager to use Webb and O’Day at the back end of a new-look bullpen.
Outlook — By signing Jimenez and Cruz after the start of spring training, Orioles VP Dan Duquette solidified the rotation and improved the offense of a team that hopes to make some noise in the AL East after finishing in a tie for third last season. Baltimore led the majors in HRs in 2013, and the addition of Cruz should enable the team to keep on slugging even if Davis experiences an inevitable drop off after hitting a career-high 53 last year. The Orioles shouldn’t have much trouble scoring runs but won’t have to if the pitching holds up. Jimenez provides depth to the rotation, but the back end needs to do its part for Baltimore to return to the playoffs and compete in a very tough division against the defending champion Red Sox and improved Yankees.

New York Yankees
2013 — 85-77, third place (tie).
Manager — Joe Girardi (seventh season).
He’s Here — C Brian McCann, OF Jacoby Ellsbury, OF-DH Carlos Beltran, INF-OF Kelly Johnson, 2B Brian Roberts, INF Scott Sizemore, LHP Matt Thornton, RHP Masahiro Tanaka.
He’s Outta Here — 2B Robinson Cano, OF Curtis Granderson, 3B Alex Rodriguez (suspended), 3B Kevin Youkilis, DH Travis Hafner, OF-DH Vernon Wells, 1B-3B Mark Reynolds, 1B Lyle Overbay, C Chris Stewart, RHP Mariano Rivera, LHP Andy Pettitte, RHP Joba Chamberlain, LHP Boone Logan, RHP Phil Hughes.
Projected Lineup — CF Jacoby Ellsbury (.298, 9, 53, league-leading 53 SBs for Boston), SS Derek Jeter (.190, 1, 7, 17 games), RF Carlos Beltran (.296, 24, 84 for St. Louis), DH Alfonso Soriano (.255, 34, 101 with Yankees and Cubs), 1B Mark Teixeira (.151, 3, 12, 15 games), C Brian McCann (.256, 20, 57 for Atlanta), 2B Brian Roberts (.249, 8, 39 in 77 games for Baltimore), LF Brett Gardner (.273, 8, 52, 10 triples, 24 SBs), 3B Kelly Johnson (.235, 16, 52).
Rotation — LH CC Sabathia (14-13, 4.78 ERA, 175 Ks, league-leading 112 earned runs allowed), RH Hiroki Kuroda (11-13, 3.31), RH Ivan Nova (9-6, 3.10, 116 Ks in 139 1-3 innings), RH Masahiro Tanaka (24-0, 1.27, 183 Ks in Japan), RH Michael Pineda (has not pitched in majors since 2011; shoulder surgery).
Key Relievers — RH David Robertson (5-1, 2.04, 3/5 saves), LH Matt Thornton (0-4, 3.74 with White Sox and Boston); RH Shawn Kelley (4-2, 4.39, 71 Ks in 53 1-3 IP); RH David Phelps (6-5, 4.98 22 games, 12 starts); RH Dellin Betances (0-0, 10.80 in 6 games; 6-4, 2.68, 5 saves at Triple-A).
Hot Spot — Infield. With Cano, a Gold Glove second baseman, gone to free agency and Alex Rodriguez suspended this season for his involvement in the Biogenesis performance-enhancing drug scandal, the Yankees will have an infield that is completely different than last year’s opening-day group. Teixeira is returning from wrist surgery that limited him to 15 games last season; Jeter played just 17 games because of a broken ankle, and the soon-to-be 40-year-old shortstop’s range is greatly diminished; the oft-injured Roberts has not played more than 60 games at second base in any of the past four seasons; and Johnson has started just 16 games at the hot corner in his eight-year career. Expect to see Ryan, one of the best fielding shortstops in baseball, replace Jeter in the field late.
Outlook — The Yankees committed $471 million on free agents, including the $20 million payment to Tanaka’s Japanese team, hoping the shopping spree has the same payoff as their last pricey offseason after missing the playoffs did: a World Series championship. That could be difficult. It’s been five years since Teixeira and Sabathia arrived in the Bronx, and both are coming off career lows — Sabathia a 4.78 ERA, Teixeira .151 average and three homers in 53 at-bats. Jeter, the last remaining member of the Core Four, is about to begin his retirement tour after missing nearly all of last season and career saves leader Rivera has already hung up his cutter — his closer job goes to Robertson, who has eight saves in 18 career chances. The addition of Tanaka and his masterful splitter, Ellsbury, McCann and Beltran might not be enough to propel the Yankees back to the postseason in a packed American league.

Toronto Blue Jays
2013 — 74-88, fifth place.
Manager — John Gibbons (second season).
He’s Here — C Erik Kratz, C Dioner Navarro.
He’s Outta Here — C J.P. Arencibia, INF Mark DeRosa, RHP Josh Johnson, RHP Brad Lincoln, LHP Darren Oliver.
Projected Lineup — SS Jose Reyes (.296, 10 HRs, 37 RBIs), LF Melky Cabrera (.279, 3, 30), RF Jose Batiste (.259, 28, 73), 1B Edwin Incarnation (.272, 36, 104), DH Adam Lind (.288, 23, 67), 3B Brett Lawrie (.254, 11, 46), CF Colby Rasmus (.276, 22, 66), C Dioner Navarro (.300, 13, 34 with Chicago Cubs), 2B Ryan Goins (.252, 2, 8).
Rotation — RH R.A. Dickey (14-13, 4.21 ERA), RH Drew Hutchison (missed 2013 with elbow injury), LH Mark Buehrle (12-10, 4.15), LH J.A. Happ (5-7, 4.56 in 18 starts), RH Brandon Morrow (2-3, 5.63 in 10 starts).
Key Relievers — RH Casey Janssen (4-1, 2.56, 34/36 saves), RH Sergio Santos (1-1, 1.75), LH Brett Cecil (5-1, 2.82, All-Star), RH Steve Delabar (5-5, 3.22, All Star), LH Aaron Loup (4-6, 2.47).
Hot Spots — Morrow went 10-7 with a 2.96 ERA and three shutouts 2012, but was limited to 21 starts by a strained muscle in his side. He missed even more time last season, making just 10 starts before being shut down by a nerve problem in his forearm. If the former first-round pick can finally turn in a complete season of elite performance, it would be a massive boost to Toronto’s suspect rotation. Besides Morrow, the Blue Jays are counting on bounce-back efforts from Hutchison, out since elbow surgery in 2012, and Happ, who missed most of last season after taking a line drive off the head.
Outlook — Having failed to add reinforcements through trades or free agency, the Blue Jays will make another run for the playoffs with a roster strikingly similar that of 2013, when a much-touted team turned in a disappointing last-place finish. With a lineup led by former batting champion Reyes and former All Star Cabrera, and bolstered by sluggers Bautista and Encarnacion, the Blue Jays should boast a prolific offense as long as key players avoid injuries. All four were sidelined at some point in 2013. As usual, competition is expected to be fierce in the AL East, where the Yankees have retooled after missing the playoffs and the Red Sox are the reigning World Series champions.

WEST
Oakland Athletics
2013 — 96-66, 1st place, lost in division series.
Manager — Bob Melvin (fourth season).
He’s Here — LHP Scott Kazmir, RHP Jim Johnson, RHP Luke Gregerson, LHP Eric O’Flaherty, INF Nick Punto, OF Craig Gentry, LHP Drew Pomeranz, OF Sam Fuld.
He’s Outta Here — RHP Bartolo Colon, RHP Grant Balfour, LHP Brett Anderson, LHP Jerry Blevins, OF Chris Young, OF Seth Smith, C Kurt Suzuki, RHP Pat Neshek, OF Michael Choice.
Projected Lineup — CF Coco Crisp (.261, 22, 66, 21 SBs), 3B Josh Donaldson (.301, 24, 93, 37 2Bs), SS Jed Lowrie (.290, 15, 75, 45 2Bs), LF Yoenis Cespedes (.240, 26, 80), 1B or DH Brandon Moss (.256, 30, 87), RF Josh Reddick (.226, 12, 56), DH or C John Jaso (.271, 3, 21), C Derek Norris (.246, 9, 30) or 1B Alberto Callaspo (.258, 10, 58 with Oakland and Los Angeles Angels) or 1B Daric Barton (.269, 3, 16), 2B Eric Sogard (.266, 2, 35) or 2B Nick Punto (.255, 2, 21 with Los Angeles Dodgers).
Rotation — RH Sonny Gray (5-3, 2.67), LH Scott Kazmir (10-9, 4.04), RH Jesse Chavez (2-4, 3.92), RH Dan Straily (10-8. 3.96), LH Tommy Milone (12-9, 4.14) or RH A.J. Griffin (14-10, 3.83 ERA, MLB-worst 36 HRs allowed).
Key Relievers — RH Jim Johnson (3-8, 2.94, 50/59 saves), RH Luke Gregerson (6-8, 2.71, 4 saves), LH Sean Doolittle (5-5, 3.13, 2 saves, .188 BA vs LH), RH Ryan Cook (6-4, 2.54, 2 saves), RH Dan Otero (2-0, 1.38).
Hot Spots — Starting rotation. What looked to be a strength heading into spring training was dealt serious blows in Arizona. Projected opening day starter Jarrod Parker was lost to a season-ending elbow injury and Griffin will also miss the start of the season with a strained right arm. Kazmir has also dealt with a sore left arm, leaving the rotation with many question marks heading into the season. Milone, who looked to be the odd man out at the start of spring, will be back in the rotation and Chavez should come out of the bullpen to fill Griffin’s spot for the first month or so. The A’s will count on Gray to deliver more performances like his dazzling nine-strikeout, no-run performance in Game 2 of the ALDS to make up for the absences.
Outlook — The low-budget A’s can no longer be considered a surprise after beating out their big-spending AL West rivals for the division title the past two seasons. Oakland came into spring training looking like the favorite again in the division but the injuries to the rotation cast a cloud over that. Luckily for the A’s, GM Billy Beane has acquired plenty of depth, especially in the bullpen led by new closer Johnson and setup man Gregerson. While Oakland lacks a big-name star in the lineup, the A’s still finished fourth in the majors in runs in part because of Melvin’s expert use of the platoon to gain an edge. Donaldson and Moss thrived last season and the A’s are hoping to get more a consistent performance from Cespedes and a bounce-back year from Reddick after a wrist injury slowed him for much of 2013.

Texas Rangers
2013 — 91-72, second place.
Manager — Ron Washington (eighth season).
He’s Here — 1B Prince Fielder, LF Shin-Soo Choo, C. J.P. Arencibia, OF Michael Choice, INF Josh Wilson, INF Donnie Murphy, C Chris Snyder.
He’s Outta Here — Closer Joe Nathan, 2B Ian Kinsler, RF Nelson Cruz, C A.J. Pierzynski, RHP Matt Garza, 1B/DH Lance Berkman, CF Craig Gentry, OF David Murphy, INF Jeff Baker.
Projected Lineup — LF Shin-Soo Choo (.285, 21 HRs, 54 RBIs, 20 SBs, 112 walks for Cincinnati), SS Elvis Andrus (.271, 4, 67, 42 SBs), 1B Prince Fielder (.279, 25, 106, 36 doubles for Detroit), 3B Adrian Beltre (.315, 30, 92, AL-high 199 hits), RF Alex Rios (.278, 18, 81, 42 SBs combined with Chicago White Sox/Texas), DH Mitch Moreland (.232, 23, 60), C J.P. Arencibia (.194, 21, 55 with Toronto) 2B Josh Wilson (.200, 1, 4 for Arizona), CF Leonys Martin (.260, 8, 49, 36 SBs).
Rotation — RH Tanner Scheppers (6-2, 1.88, 76 appearances in setup role most ever for a Texas right-hander), LH Martin Perez (10-6, 3.62), LH Robbie Ross (4-2, 3.03 in 65 appearances), LH Joe Saunders (11-16, 5.26 for Seattle), RH Nick Martinez (looking for MLB debut). NOTE: RH Yu Darvish (13-9, 2.83 ERA, ML-leading 277 Ks) was scratched from opening-day start with neck stiffness and likely will start season on DL. LH Matt Harrison, last year’s opening day starter who made only two starts before back surgery, is expected to return in mid-to-late April.
Key Relievers — RH Joakim Soria (1-0, 3.80 in 26 games), LH Neal Cotts (8-3, 1.11, ML high-tying eight wins in relief, 65 Ks in 57 IP), RH Jason Frasor (4-3, 2.57), RH Alexi Ogando (7-4, 3.11 in 23 games/18 starts).
Hot Spots — Along with getting Fielder from Detroit, the trade of Kinsler cleared the way for highly touted prospect Jurickson Profar to be the everyday second baseman. But Profar is out as long as three months with a muscle tear in his right shoulder. Journeymen Wilson and Murphy, just acquired on a waiver claim from the Chicago Cubs, could both see action at second base. ... Soria, a two-time All-Star for Kansas City before ligament replacement surgery in his right elbow in 2012, won the closer role. He replaces Nathan, the 39-year-old All-Star who left in free agency for a multiyear deal with Detroit.
Outlook — After missing the playoffs for the first time in four years, scoring their fewest runs (730) in a full season since 1992 and being shut out 11 times, the Rangers’ two most significant offseason moves were to improve the offense. They sent 2B Ian Kinsler to Detroit for slugger Prince Fielder in a rare trade of All-Star players, then signed free agent Shin-Soo Choo to lead off. Only Mike Trout (564) and two-time AL MVP Miguel Cabrera (562) reached base more than Choo (556) and Fielder (542) the past two seasons. Fielder, who batted ahead of MVP winners the last three seasons, now hits between Elvis Andrus and Adrian Beltre. Rangers ace Yu Darvish should especially appreciate the offensive boost. He was the first MLB pitcher since 1989 to suffer four 1-0 losses in the same season, but still won 13 games and finished second in the AL Cy Young Award voting. Texas lost two expected starters for up to three months with injuries to Profar and C Geovany Soto (right knee).

Los Angeles Angels
2013 — 78-84, third place.
Manager — Mike Scioscia (15th season).
He’s Here — 3B David Freese, LHP Tyler Skaggs, LHP Hector Santiago, DH Raul Ibanez, RHP Joe Smith, INF John McDonald.
He’s Outta Here — OF Peter Bourjos, DH Mark Trumbo, LHP Jason Vargas, RHP Jerome Williams, RHP Tommy Hanson.
Projected Lineup — RF Kole Calhoun (.282, 8 HRs, 32 RBIs, 2 SBs), CF Mike Trout (.323, 27, 97, .988 OPS, 110 BBs), 1B Albert Pujols (.258, 17, 64, 99 GP), LF Josh Hamilton (.250, 21, 79), 3B David Freese (.262, 9, 60 with Cardinals), DH Raul Ibanez (.242, 29, 65 with Mariners), 2B Howie Kendrick (.297, 13, 54), C Chris Iannetta (.225, 11, 39), SS Erick Aybar (.271, 6, 54, 12 SBs).
Rotation — RH Jered Weaver (11-8, 3.27 ERA, 117 Ks), LH C.J. Wilson (17-7, 3.39, 188 Ks), RH Garrett Richards (7-8, 4.16), LH Hector Santiago (4-9, 3.67 with White Sox), LH Tyler Skaggs (2-3, 5.12 ERA for Diamondbacks).
Key Relievers — RH Ernesto Frieri (2-4, 3.80, 37 saves), RH Dane De La Rosa (6-1, 2.86), RH Joe Smith (6-2, 2.29 with Indians), RH Kevin Jepsen (1-3, 4.50).
Hot Spots — The Angels are relying heavily on their high-priced bats returning to form for their return to the playoffs. Pujols appears healthy and ready to play most games at first base after injuries ended last season in July, while Hamilton is hoping to regain his MVP swing by adding muscle after an ugly debut season in Orange County. If Pujols and Hamilton have still got it, the Angels should be in good shape. If they don’t, the Angels’ payroll and lineup will be weighed down for the next several years.
Outlook — After four straight years out of the postseason for the big-budget Angels, 2014 feels like a make-or-break year for manager Mike Scioscia and general manager Jerry Dipoto. While they wait to see whether owner Arte Moreno’s expensive hitters finally come through, Dipoto filled the club’s glaring holes in the offseason with Freese, Santiago and Skaggs. Weaver and Wilson are back to headline a rotation that was the Angels’ true downfall last season. Los Angeles still has arguably the majors’ best player in Trout, and the club is talking about a long-term contract extension with the gifted outfielder. But the two-time MVP runner-up needs support from a veteran lineup. Pujols and Hamilton realize they’ve got to get going quickly to give the Angels a chance to get back to October.

Seattle Mariners
2013 — 71-91, fourth place.
Manager — Lloyd McClendon (first season).
He’s Here — 2B Robinson Cano, OF Corey Hart, 1B-DH Logan Morrison, C John Buck, INF-OF Willie Bloomquist, RHP Chris Young, RHP Fernando Rodney.
He’s Outta Here — Manager Eric Wedge, OF Raul Ibanez, DH Kendrys Morales, SS Brendan Ryan.
Projected Lineup — CF Abraham Almonte (.264, 2 HR, 9 RBI in 25 games; .314 at Triple-A Tacoma) or Michael Saunders (.236, 12, 46), 3B Kyle Seager (.260, 22, 69, 32 doubles), 2B Robinson Cano (.314, 27, 107, 41 doubles with Yankees), RF/DH Corey Hart (.270, 30, 83 in 2012 with Brewers), 1B Justin Smoak (.238, 20, 50), DH Logan Morrison (.242, 6, 36 in 85 games with Marlins), C Mike Zunino (.214, 5, 14 in 52 games), LF Dustin Ackley (.235, 4, 31), SS Brad Miller (.265, 8, 36, 6 triples in 76 games)
Rotation — RH Felix Hernandez (12-10, 3.04 ERA, 216 Ks), RH Hisashi Iwakuma (14-6, 2.66, 185 Ks), LH James Paxton (3-0, 1.50 in 4 starts; 8-11, 4.45 at Tacoma), RH Taijuan Walker (1-0, 3.60 in 3 starts; 5-3, 3.61 at Tacoma), RH Erasmo Ramirez (5-3, 4.90 in 13 starts), RH Chris Young (4-9, 4.15 in 20 starts in 2012 with Mets).
Key Relievers — RH Fernando Rodney (5-4, 3.38, 37/45 saves), RH Tom Wilhelmsen (0-3, 4.12, 24/29 saves), RH Danny Farquhar (0-3, 4.20, 16/20 saves), LH Charlie Furbush (2-6, 3.74, 71 appearances).
Hot Spots — Injuries have left the rotation as Seattle’s biggest concern heading into the regular season. Neither of the setbacks to Walker (shoulder) and Iwakuma (finger) should be long-term issues with the likelihood that both are back within the first month of the season. But the rotation was already unsettled even before the injuries, leaving the likes of Blake Beavan, Ramirez and newly signed Chris Young as needed contributors the first few weeks while Seattle tries to hang on through a brutal first 16 games all against division contenders Texas, Oakland and the Angels.
Outlook — The arrival of Cano gives Seattle an offensive equivalent to what they have in the pitching staff with Hernandez: a superstar that’s among the best in baseball. Whether Cano can get Seattle into contention with the top three in the loaded AL West, well, that’s another story. Seattle could use another right-handed bat in its lineup, but will likely go into the season lefty heavy. If Cano is going to have the same impact he did in New York, he needs Seager and Hart to be good enough to provide protection. Hernandez is the only certainty in the rotation as the season begins, with Iwakuma and Walker slowed by injuries. The Mariners are again a team filled with just as many questions as answers and in division stacked with contenders that could mean a 13th straight season without a postseason berth.

Houston Astros
2013 — 51-111, fifth place.
Manager — Bo Porter (second season).
He’s Here — RH Scott Feldman, CF Dexter Fowler, RH Jesse Crain, RH Jerome Williams, RH Chad Qualls, RH Matt Albers, 1B Jesus Guzman and LH Raul Valdes.
He’s Outta Here — LH Erik Bedard, CF Brandon Barnes, RH Jordan Lyles, RH Philip Humber, OF Trevor Crowe.
Projected Lineup — CF Dexter Fowler (.263, 12 HRs, 42 RBIs, 19 SBs with Rockies), 2B Jose Altuve (.283, 5, 52, 35 SBs, 31 doubles), 3B Matt Dominguez (.241, 21, 77), C Jason Castro (.276, 18, 56), RF L.J. Hoes (.282, 1, 10, 7 SB with Orioles and Astros), 1B Marc Krauss (.209, 4, 13) or Jesus Guzman (.226, 9, 35 with Padres) LF Robbie Grossman (.268, 4, 21), SS Jonathan Villar (.243, 1, 8, 18 SBs), DH Chris Carter (.223, 29, 82, led majors with 212 Ks).
Rotation — RH Scott Feldman (12-12, 3.86 ERA, 132 Ks with Orioles and Cubs), RH Jarred Cosart (1-1, 1.95 in 10 starts), LH Brett Oberholtzer (4-5, 2.76), RH Brad Peacock (5-6, 5.18) or RH Lucas Harrell (6-17, 5.86), RH Jerome Williams (9-10, 4.57 with Angels) or LH Dallas Keuchel (6-10, 5.15).
Key Relievers — RH Jesse Crain (2-3 0.74, 46 Ks with White Sox), RH Matt Albers (3-1, 3.14 with Indians), RH Chad Qualls (5-2, 2.61 with Marlins).
Hot Spots — The Astros brought in Guzman for an upgrade at first base, but a big spring by Krauss has made him the front-runner to start the season there. Whoever wins the job out of spring might not have it for long. If top first base prospect Jon Singleton gets off to a good start in Triple-A, he could be elevated to the majors soon. Houston had a league-high 29 blown saves last season, but thinks that offseason upgrades to the bullpen should help turn things around. The group received a blow with news that All-Star reliever Crain will likely start the season on the disabled list after biceps surgery.
Outlook — The Astros fielded a team with an MLB-low payroll under $30 million last season and finished with a franchise-record 111 losses for their third straight 100-loss season. Now that they’ve restocked their once-barren farm system, they’ve started spending money to add pieces to pair with their up-and-coming players and should be better in 2014. Their most notable offseason addition was Feldman, who signed a three-year, $30 million contract to lead the rotation. They also boosted their dreadful bullpen by signing Crain, along with Qualls and Albers. They upgraded the lineup by trading for center fielder and leadoff hitter Fowler, and this could be the year that intriguing prospect George Springer arrives in Houston. The 24-year-old outfielder had 37 homers, 108 RBIs and 45 stolen bases combined in Double-A and Triple-A last season, but will start the season in Triple-A.