Preview/Prediction

There is a unique feeling for Philadelphia fans entering the 2013 season.  Much of the talent that helped the team win 102 games in 2011 remains, but the bitter taste of the 2012 season remains strong.  Ruben Amaro has quietly filled the team's needs, avoiding the flashy free-agent signing or blockbuster trade that has marked seasons past.  The team appears poised to compete, but there is more uncertainty surrounding this team than there has been in many years.

With the announcement that Alex Rodriguez needed hip surgery, as a New York Yankees fan, I was strangely excited. Finally the Yankees would use this opportunity to get younger on the diamond, I thought. We could let an unproven young talent take over for a few months and see if we had the next Derek Jeter on our hands.

Boy was I wrong.

By signing Josh Hamilton, the Los Angeles Angels fortified their lineup with a third legitimate American League MVP candidate. Teammates Albert Pujols and Mike Trout share the same distinction.

Do their individuals odds improve or worsen in each other's company?

Here's my breakdown of the 2013 AL MVP race. According to these rough projections, one player is significantly favored over his peers.

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Just like that, the Detroit Tigers shocked their fans and national pundits—not because they re-signed pitcher Anibal Sanchez, but because of the cost they paid to do it. The reported five-year, $80 million deal (via ESPN) gives the Tigers one of the best rotations and highest-paid No.

The Atlanta Braves have made a bit of a splash this winter by signing B.J. Upton and then dealing Tommy Hanson to the Angels for hard-throwing Jordan Walden. However, according to Internet rumors, the Braves haven't finished making changes to their roster.

The New York Yankees have filled their void at third base—left by the ailing Alex Rodriguez—by signing free-agent infielder Kevin Youkilis on Tuesday, reported first by Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.

Kevin Youkilis is no longer a free agent, as he's agreed to a one-year, $12 million deal to become the newest member of the New York Yankees, as reported by Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal

• AL East
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