With spring training almost in the books, the Major League Baseball season is right around the corner and teams are perparing for a push toward October.

The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim were in many offseason headlines. The Angels acquired only four players, but one of the signed free agents was 31-year-old left fielder Josh Hamilton. Hamilton signed with the Angels for a five-year contract worth $123 million.

This followed up the Angels’ 2011 offseason when they signed Albert Pujols, a 33-year-old first baseman for a 10-year, $250 million contract.

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Although the Angels have an assortment of stars, outfielder Mike Trout holds the highest stock right now. Last year, he hit 30 home runs, brought in 83 RBIs, held a .326 batting average and won the American League Rookie of the Year.

University students are excited to see if the Angels meet expectations.

“I’m most looking forward to seeing the Angels and if they live up to the hype of trying to be the new Yankees,” said Logan Causey, a senior from Decatur studying economics. “There is no reason they shouldn’t lead in offense with all the players they have.”

Although the Angels have quite the payroll, Stephanie Feeman, a senior from Belleville studying elementary education, said she doesn’t believe the team has what it takes to reach the championship.

“Money can buy you talent, but it can’t buy you sportsmanship or teamwork,” she said. “I think the Angels won’t go far this year because they lack the teamwork that money can’t buy.”

The team with the most significant offseason moves was the Toronto Blue Jays. Toronto hasn’t seen the playoffs since it won the World Series in 1993, but the Blue Jays appear to be attempting a playoff run by the looks of their free agent pick-ups. The Blue Jays attained 10-year veteran R.A. Dickey in a trade from the New York Mets for catching prospect Travis d’Arnaud and pitching prospect Noah Syndergaard.

Dickey, who is known for his knuckle ball, struck out 230 batters, posted a 2.36 ERA and won 20 games en route to a 2012 National League Cy Young Award.

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He could be the type of pitcher to supplement a Toronto team that went 73-89 in 2012.

Outfielder Melky Cabrera also looks to make an impact with the Jays this season. Cabrera finished the 2012 season with 11 home runs, 60 RBI, a .336 batting average and was named the 2012 all star game MVP. However, in August of last season, Cabrera was suspended for 50 games after he tested positive for a banned substance.

Michael Webb, a junior from Decatur studying agribusiness economics, said when a player is accused of using steroids, it’s hard to look past.

“I lost respect for players like Cabrera and Braun because I feel like they violated the rules of America’s sacred pastime,” he said. “At the same time, I feel like everyone deserves a second chance, and that’s what Cabrera will get with his new team.”

Evan Shaffer, a senior from Maroa studying graphic design, said the players’ contracts should be at stake when they are punished.

“I think players who have been caught cheating or using steroids need to be punished more severely than just getting game suspensions,” he said. “Their contracts need to be affected, whether it’s how much money they’re making that season or for how many years they’re on a contract.”

The 2013 MLB season starts Sunday, when the Houston Astros host the Rangers in the Astros’ first American League game. The rest of the opening games begin April 1.

With so many teams hopeful to reach the this season’s playoffs, it will be a tight race. Teams have bulked up on offense, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see another batter win this year’s triple crown.

For the playoffs; Toronto, the Detroit Tigers, the Atlanta Braves, the St.Louis Cardinals, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Angels will win their divisions. The four wild card teams will include the Toronto Blue Jays, the Chicago White Sox, the Philadelphia Phillies and the Cincinnati Reds.

In a battle for Los Angeles, the Dodgers and Angels will meet in the 2013 World Series. The fall classic should see high-powered offense followed by pitching duels. This could be one of the most exciting world series matchups in recent years with the Angels winning in 6 games.

Needless to say, once Sunday is upon us, we are in for a slug-fest type of season.