We FINALLY have arrived at the American League East. A division that should be run strictly by Boston and New York. The talent both teams possess makes these two no doubters to finish at numbers one and two. Toronto and Baltimore will look to play supporting roles in the division. Tampa Bay will be present in the division, but nothing more than mediocre. Here is the outlook:
Tampa Bay Rays
Chris Archer will be the anchor of this ball club. With the loss of Logan Morrison, Chris Archer is the face of Tampa Bay. With Denard Span and Carlos Gomez playing supporting roles, these three are the only ones likely to produce this season.
Baltimore Orioles
The addition of Alex Cobb is huge for Baltimore’s rotation that is led by Dylan Bundy. Baltimore is unfortunately one of those teams that has a hot start, then declines as the season goes on. Chris Davis, Adam Jones, and Manny Machado will be the key players to watch closely this season for the Orioles. The main storyline that will be coming out of Baltimore, “Will Machado be with the club past the trade deadline?”
Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto will be interesting this season. The addition of Curtis Granderson replaces the veteran presence in the outfield Jose Bautista had brought each season. Marcus Stroman looks as good as can be and will be the ace of the staff, despite J.A. Happ getting the ball opening day. Josh Donaldson and Justin Smoak anchor the lineup, looking to be the power force in the order. The question out of Toronto, “Will Donaldson stay?”
New York Yankees
The Yankees made the ALCS last season during a “rebuild year”. With the addition of Giancarlo Stanton, they went from a scary lineup to just downright frightening. With the likes of Aaron Judge and Gary Sanchez included in the core part of the order, they have the best power lineup in baseball. Their problem? Pitching. The two top guys in the rotation are Cy Young candidate Luis Servino and Masahiro Tanaka. Once you get past them it’s a toss-up in regards to consistency. C.C. Sabathia, Sonny Grey, and Jordan Montgomery will look to execute in regards to consistent success in the rotation. Delin Bentances and Aroldis Chapman will be the leaders out of the pen for New York. They have all the tools and necessities to win a title. Can the pitching late in the rotation step up?
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are winning the 2018 World Series. They have the pitching in Chris Sale, David Price, and Rick Porcello with a strong supporting cast behind them. New York may have the power, but Boston has the consistency in their lineup that can take them further than the Yankees. Benintendi looks on fire this spring, so we can assume to expect a good amount from Benny this season. Mookie Betts, newcomer J.D. Martinez, Rafael Devers, Hanley Ramirez, and Jackie Bradley Jr. will look to continue to shine during the season. The acquisition of J.D. this off-season matches Boston up with New York in regards to power and consistency in their lineups. Boston’s key to success to not only the division, but the season: pitching. Boston in 7.
Final Standings
Boston Red Sox
New York Yankees
Baltimore Orioles
Toronto Blue Jays
Tampa Bay Rays