The Yankees and Red Sox have been the giants in this division for the last 15 years or so with both making the playoffs each year except for one in that time span. This year should be no different. The Red Sox add Carl Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez to their already powerful offense, and also add former closer Bobby Jenks to their hard throwing bullpen. There starting rotation needs to improve from last year but the talent is there, and their offense alone will make them the strong favorite to win the division and also the American League pennant. Boston's biggest challenger of course will be their hated rival the New York Yankees. Although the Yankees missed out on big free agent pitcher Cliff Lee they still have one of the more potent offenses in baseball, the clubs only question will be the back end of the rotation. Tampa Bay will be the team most likely to challenge these two legendary teams. The past two years have been great for the once dreadful franchise. The Rays have lost many key players to free agency this winter but have a group of young players still eager to prove they belong with the big guns. Coming off a surprising season the Toronto Blue Jays will look to build off last years success. With MVP candidate Jose Bautista resigned Toronto will look to see if he can reproduce last year, and look for their young pitchers to continue to develop. Finally the Baltimore Orioles will more than likely bring up the rear in this division. Look for the O's to be much improved with key offensive additions, as well as another year of experience for its young pitching staff.
Projected Standings:
1. Boston
2. New York
3. Tampa Bay
4. Toronto
5. Baltimore
I can't believe the RedSox started this bad! I would have never predicted this. The Rays look like they are going to have a long season and I dont know if Baltimore can keep winning like this.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I see the Red Sox not doing so hot even though they acquired so much talent over the off-season. My projected standings have the Yankees winning the divison, followed by the Orioles, who I think have a great offense and led by a well-respected manager. Boston will finish 3rd with the Rays in 4th and Blue Jays finishing up in 5th. By far this is the best division in all of baseball and should be fun to watch throughout the season.
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