The Rangers' offense is loaded with power, which was evident in just their first at-bat of the season, an Ian Kinsler bomb. Kinsler, Adrian Beltre, Michael Young, Mike Napoli, Nelson Cruz, Josh Hamilton all hit at least 20 home runs last season. On top of that, Hamilton and Beltre had MVP-like seasons, both having batting averages greater than .320, more than 30 home runs and at least 100 RBIs.
The Angels may lack the power of the Rangers, but they do have great starting pitching. The team, however, added 30-home run-hitter Vernon Wells, and have Kendry Morales returning to the lineup after a season-ending injury last year. On the mound, the Angels have ace Jered Weaver, as well as Dan Haren, Scott Kazmir and Ervin Santana.
Another team coming out of the AL West that could threaten the Red Sox is the Athletics. Last year, Oakland was ranked 28th in the league with 109 home runs and was 23rd with 663 runs scored, but the team finished fourth in baseball and first in the AL with a 3.56 ERA. The A's starting rotation is loaded with youth, including Brett Anderson, perfect game thrower Dallas Braden, Trevor Cahill and Gio Gonzalez.
The AL Central also has several dangerous teams, including the Tigers. Detroit is a very well-rounded team, and its lineup and pitching staff are full of stars. The offense includes newly added Victor Martinez, 2010 MVP runner-up Miguel Cabrera and Magglio Ordonez, while the pitching staff includes starter Justin Verlander, closer Jose Valverde and set-up man Joaquin Benoit.
Like the Rangers, the White Sox are loaded with power hitters, as well. The offense includes three potential 40 home run hitters in Adam Dunn, Carlos Quentin and Paul Konerko. Chicago also added speed with Juan Pierre, who has stolen at least 40 bases in nine of his 10 full seasons, including 68 swipes last year.
Lastly, the Twins, a team which always manages to hang on despite injuries, will again be a force to be reckoned with. Minnesota's four best players experienced injury issues last year, including two recent MVPs, Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau — who are .300/30/100 guys — as well as two dominant arms, starting pitcher Francisco Liriano and closer Joe Nathan.
It's only the first week of the season, but come October, these teams won't be easy outs for the Sox, if they are able to make it that far.
Which team do you think is the biggest threat to the Sox in the AL? Leave your thoughts below.
Which American League team is biggest threat to Red Sox outside of AL East?survey software
