As Felix Hernandez has already shown, pitchers start the regular season ahead of hitters. This is the time as a pitcher to grab a few fairly easy wins before the hitters get caught up to snackin on fastballs. Still, King Felix plays on a team that doesn’t really feel like scoring many runs. That’s been okay for him in the past, but will be a big disadvantage with top pitchers rolling for some of the most explosive AL lineups in years.

Say, like a Justin Verlander, the defending Cy Young award winner that has gained a Prince Fielder in the off-season. In fact, it’s a trend for the most likely candidates to have tons of offensive help that allows them to win a game even when if they give up four runs. The AL favorites are clustered on just a few teams including the Angels, Yankees, Red Sox, Rangers, and Rays. All are heavy favorites to push for the playoffs Continue reading →