AL East Preview
Boston Red Sox
Projected Record: 93-69
The Red Sox come into the 2017 season off a rather disappointing closing to the 2016 postseason at the hands of a 0-3 sweep to the Cleveland Indians. On the heels of their sweep, they also said goodbye to the iconic David Ortiz. The Red Sox made a big splash this offseason by obtaining Chris Sale (17-10, 3.44) from the Chicago White Sox for two high end prospects in Yoan Moncada and Michael Kopech. Returning is the reigning Cy-young winner Rick Porcello (22-4, 3.15) to pair up with Sale, and David Price (likely on DL to begin season). The Red Sox remain young with the likes of Andrew Benintendi, Xander Bogaerts, and Mookie Betts, then added veteran Mitch Moreland to platoon with Hanley Ramirez at first. The Red Sox rotation remains in question outside of their top 2-3 pitchers and the question is will their offense be able to repeat their performance from 2016.
Toronto Blue Jays
Projected Record: 89-73
The Blue Jays were able to re-sign Jose Bautista, however they were unable to re-sign Edwin Encarnacion (Cleveland Indians). Encarnacion accounted for 111 RBIs in 2015 and 127 in 2016. The signing of Kendrys Morales to play first base will lessen the blow a little bit, but Encarnacion's production certainly will be missed in the middle of their lineup surrounded by Troy Tulowitski, Josh Donaldson and Bautista. The question will be if J.A. Happ can have a repeat from his 2016 campaign (20-4, 3.18) and be a strong option for their strong rotation consisting of the WBC MVP Marcus Stroman (9-10, 4.37) and Angel Sanchez (15-2, 3.03). Francisco Liriano has had a strong spring training, but it remains to be seen if he can carry that momentum into the regular season.
Baltimore Orioles
Projected Record: 89-73
The Orioles return many of their starting position players with the likes of their stars Adam Jones, Manny Machado, and Chris Davis. Their rising youngster, Jonathan Schoop, looks to repeat a strong 2016 campaign (.267, 25 HR’s 82 RBIs) and continue to rise up in the ranks of top tier second baseman. The Orioles were able to re-sign their power hitting middle of the lineup bat in Mark Trumbo as well. Matt Wieters was not retained and their pitching outside of opening day starter Kevin Gausman (9-12, 3.61) and Chris Tillman (16-6, 3.77, not expected to be ready opening day) remains in question with Ubaldo Jimenez and Wade Miley at the back end. Ubaldo Jimenez has shown glimpse of a solid end of the rotation pitcher, and Wade Miley looks to return to his form in regards to high innings pitched for the 2017 season.
New York Yankees
Projected Record: 84-78
The Yankees seem to have finally turned the page and gotten younger from previous years. By trading Andrew Miller and Aroldis Chapman (re-signed with Yankees this season), they were able to re-stock their farm system and now have one of the better farm systems in the Majors. Questions still remain with some veteran players such as C.C. Sabathia (9-12, 3.91) and their rotation outside of Masahiro Tanaka (14-4, 3.07), but with Chapman returning and pairing up again with Dellin Betances, their bullpen is a strength. Young power hitters in Greg Bird and Gary Sanchez look to provide a much needed spark in their lineup, and Didi Gregorious looks to expand on his strong 2016 season ( .276, 20 HR’s 70 RBIs). With the Yankees seemingly getting younger, they also have players like Gleyber Torres in the minors as a top prospect, just waiting for his chance to break onto the scene in 2017.
Tampa Bay Rays
Projected Records: 72-90
The Rays made the acquisition of Wilson Ramos this offseason, unfortunately the all-star catcher is expected to start the season on the DL following knee surgery. The Rays starting pitching of Chris Archer and Jake Odorizzi remain consistent, the question at this time is how much contribution will the rest of the rotation have on their 2017 season. Blake Snell (6-8 3.54) seems to be on the verge of making the turn to be a consistent middle/back end of the rotation starter, and Alex Cobb looks to bounce back and get on track for the 2017 campaign. The 2x all star Wade Davis continues to be a rock at the back end closing games, and Kevin Keirmaier continues to be a rising star, who will be seeking his 3rd gold glove of his career in 2017. Evan Longoria, even with trade rumors in recent years, continues to be a strong corner infielder providing much needed power in the Rays lineup, although the infield still has many question marks, one being second base. Matt Duffy was acquired from the San Francisco Giants last season but the injury bug has hampered his success. Look for the Rays to try and avoid any more injuries in the 2017 season to hopefully lead to success.
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