Sportswriter for Lansdale Reporter
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#6.
PROJECTED LINEUP
LF Alejandro De Aza
3B Manny Machado
CF Adam Jones
1B Chris Davis
DH Stephen Pearce
SS JJ Hardy
RF Travis Snider
C Caleb Joseph
2B Jonathan Schoop
PROJECTED ROTATION
Chris Tillman
Wei-Yin Chen
Kevin Gausman
Bud Norris
Miguel Gonzalez
PROJECTED BULLPEN
Closer: Zach Britton
Set-up: Darren O'Day
Top Prospect: Dylan Bundy (P)
BREAKOUT - While you can wonder how a team trying to get over the ALCS hurdle can just let offensive threats like Nick Markakis and Nelson Cruz walk it is because their faith in a better year from Chris Davis, Matt Wieters, JJ Hardy, and especially Manny Machado. I healthy season from the future could make Machado the current hot commodity right now. Once in talks with Bryce Harper and Mike Trout for the face of baseball, Machado has every chance to put together a all-star, if not MVP type season this year.
SPRING STORYLINES - After falling one series shy of the Fall Classic fans want to see their team add in the offseason, but the O's have stayed the same, if something, they subtracted. The same old stroy about the starting staff, and do they have enough to contend with Chris Tillman as the ace, when he is really a two or a three remains. But the real question is who will be scoring runs besides Adam Jones for this current perennial contender.
LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 96-66 (1st in AL East)
PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 91-71 (1st in AL East)
#5. 
PROJECTED LINEUP
3B Matt Carpenter
RF Jason Heyward
LF Matt Holliday
SS Jhonny Peralta
C Yadier Molina
1B Matt Adams
CF Randal Grichuk
2B Kolten Wong
PROJECTED ROTATION
Adam Wainwright
Lance Lynn
Michael Wacha
John Lackey
Marco Gonzales
PROJECTED BULLPEN
Closer: Trevor Rosenthal
Set-up Man: Jordan Walden
Top Prospect: Stephen Piscotty (OF)
BREAKOUT - It is almost insane to think the Cardinals will not be in the division hunt because they are every season. It is also smart to think a pitcher will find a way to have success in Saint Lou. Look for Marco Gonzales to get a crack at the rotation and relish the role of fifth start. Like Joe Kelly, Jaimie Garcia and all starters before him, he should put up solid numbers for manager Mike Matheny.
SPRING STORYLINES - Health is the biggest issue here. Adam Wainwright put a scare into the Cardinals, but looks ready for Opening Day. He will be monitored closely all season. But also Wacha, Garcia, Rosenthal, Holliday, and the list goes on for Cardinals trying to stay on the field. If they are on the field, the Cardinals have a chance to be the best team in baseball.
LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 90-72 (1st in NL Central)
PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 92-70 (2nd in NL Central)
**Check back tomorrow for the Dodgers and White Sox
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