MLB: Very Early Baseball Predictions for 2013

It's never too early to look ahead to 2013.

It’s never too early to start thinking about 2013. At least now that the World Series is over. I mean, what else is there to think about? Pitchers and catchers report in a little more than 100 days. Certainly, key trades and free agent signings will tweak these predictions as we get deeper into the offseason. But for now, here’s an early, early look at how the standings might appear next October.

American League

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2012 MLB Pennant Races: A to Z

A
A’s
A’s, as in the Oakland Athletics, are in a pennant race for the first time since 2006. We have the second wild card to thank for this, but the no-name A’s have been the hottest team since July 1. It’s amazing what can be accomplished when you assemble a competent pitching staff.

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AL Central Predictions

Detroit dominance continues

AL Central
1. Detroit
2. Cleveland
3. Kansas City
4. Minnesota
5. Chicago

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Cleveland Indians 2012 Preview

Can Indians build on 2011 success?

Cleveland Indians

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Cleveland Indians Mt. Rushmore

Old-school, old-timers honored

MLB Mt. Rushmores

by Charlie Miller

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Rockies Entertaining More Offers for Ubaldo Jimenez

The Colorado starter may or may not be dealt by Sunday's MLB trade deadline

Sources indicate that the Colorado Rockies are switching into selling mode as the Major League Baseball trade deadline approaches, particularly with starting pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez.

Sources tell Fox's Ken Rosenthal that several teams are lining up as suitors, including the Tigers, Yankees, Reds, Red Sox, and Indians. Still, the Rockies are not considered desperate to move Jimenez, and are negotiating hard for the right price.

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Ervin Santana Tosses No-hitter

Santana pitches the third no-hitter of the season, the ninth in Angels history

Ervin Santana tossed a no-hitter Wednesday afternoon against the Clevelnd Indians, beating the Tribe, 3-1. Santana is the kind of pitcher who can shut down a lineup with electric stuff and the endurance to get through nine innings. He just doesn’t do it consistently. But when he’s on, he’s tough to hit. The Indians’ lone run came in the first inning after leadoff batter Ezequiel Carrera reached on an error by shortstop Erick Aybar, stole second went to third on a fielder’s choice before scoring on a Santana wild pitch.

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Trade Deadline Deals Not Always Worth It

Trading prospects for rental players is playing Trade Deadline Roulette

by Charlie Miller

As soon as the dust settled at the All-Star Game, the chatter around the majors turned to trade talk. Who are the buyers and sellers? Fans want to know. This season, with so many close races, the buyers may outnumber the sellers, raising the prices for prized rental players.

But fans should beware, not all trades made for the stretch run work out. And fans of sellers, beware, not all “can’t miss” prospects make it.

Here’s a sampling of history that should put any deadline deals in perspective.

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Nine Positive Stories From MLB's First Half

You know the bad news; now it's time for the good stuff from the first half of the baseball season.

By Patrick Snow (@AthlonSnowman on Twitter)

You already know about the Dodgers and Mets financial issues, that Adam Dunn has two hits (in 58 at-bats) off of lefties this season, and that the Cubs are…well, the Cubs. Now it’s time to focus on the positive news from the first half of the baseball season. Here’s my starting nine:

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MLB's Dim-Star Teams

These players have put up the worst first half stats in 2011.

Twitter: @4QuartersRadio

The MLB All-Stars have been selected, and there is no shortage of debates on the merits of the players who made the mid-summer squads. Most of the candidates, though, have some merits to debate.

This piece is not about those players.