The moment the 2012 baseball season came to a close, we saw a glimpse of the type of excitement we’re going to see in 2013.

Teams began their shuffling of rosters, players signed contracts — or didn’t — while others underwent surgery or got caught in controversy that will surely make an impact on this season. Some players even did both.

Regardless of what happened during the busy offseason, we have arrived at the ultimate product: an MLB season that promises plenty of big story lines, individual performances and a tight competition toward the fall classic.

When I sat down to make my predictions this year, I kept in mind some important things.

First of all, just because everyone thinks a team is going to win it all, it doesn’t mean it’s going to happen. Of course, the Washington Nationals are the clear-cut favorite. I’ll be rooting for them. Maybe they will make it all the way, but history says they won’t. I think Cincinnati is collectively a better team and more suited for a long run in the playoffs. That is my justification for leaving the Nats out this year.

Secondly, even though a team is stacked with big names and talent doesn’t necessarily guarantee a divisional championship. We saw that with the Angels last year. I expect a similar outcome from them again.

I also don’t like Baltimore, who looks more like a fluke than a true competitor. Toronto probably made the most improvement during the offseason, and they are tempting to choose. But in years past, making big-time roster moves doesn’t guarantee championships.

In the end, I like the team that has already proven it is the league’s strongest. While Detroit fell just short last year, it has the talent, the experience, the hitting, the pitching, the depth and the management to go the distance.

Here are some other things to watch for:

**Impressive Rookies:** This year, newcomers to the league will battle it out for the honor of rookie of the year. And they are sure to excite. Keep your eyes on San Diego’s Jedd Gyorko. If you haven’t heard of him now, you probably will soon. Wil Myers in Tampa is sure to impress are the duel threats of Jurickson Profar and Leonys Martin of the Rangers.

**Cy Young Newbies:** I’m going out on a limb here, especially with Justin Verlander in the mix, but I think both Cy Young winners will be first timers. My pick: Cinnatti’s Johnny Cueto and Texas’ Yu Darvish.

**The Yankees will lose:** I foresee tough times ahead for a team that is in chaos with a stumbling pitching staff, controversy and injuries of players and a mixed up front office.

**The Braves will excite:** Perhaps still a year or two removed from returning to glory, Atlanta will still exhilarate fans with big bats and a very deep bullpen.

**Dickey, Strasburg, Cueto will win 20:** While I don’t think R.A. Dickey will win another Cy Young this year, he along with other candidates Strasburg and Cueto will reach that 20-win mark.