The 2016 MLB season is almost upon us. With that in mind, it's time to make some predictions. Over the next several days I will offer my predictions for the upcoming season, division by division. So, let us begin with the AL East:
5. Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles went into the off-season with a considerable number of question marks, most notably their rotation. Though they did sign Yovanni Gallardo, they still do not have a true number one. They might not have noticed, but that strategy did not work out so well for the Boston Red Sox last season . And yes, they did re-sign Chris Davis, but, I don't believe it's going to be enough to land them any higher than dead last.
4. Tampa Bay Rays
As is the case for most offseasons, the Rays made a myriad of moves in order to fill spots and address needs. I love the additions of Corey Dickerson, Brad Miller and Logan Morrison, although they did have to give up quite a bit, Nate Karnes & Jake McGee, to get them. Chris Archer is one of the top 10 starters in all of Major League Baseball, but, the back end of the rotation and bullpen could be the reason they may come up short.
3. Toronto Blue Jays
Although, like the Baltimore Orioles, the Jays do not have a true ace. Marcus Stroman may be one of the best up and coming pitchers in the game, at least, that is what David Price said of the 24-year-old before he departed for Bean Town. The jury is still out on how effective Toronto's new rotation additions, J.A. Happ, Jesse Chavez & Gavin Floyd, will be. However, they still have former Cy Young Award winner R.A. Dickey, the afore mentioned Stroman, and Marco Estrada, who had a pretty spectacular season last year. Not to mention, one of the most daunting lineups in all of baseball. With their ability to bash their way back in to any game, they should be in the hunt all season.
2. New York Yankees
Health is the primary focus for this team in 2016. If they can keep Mark Teixeira, Jacoby Elsbury, Masahiro Tanaka and Michael Pineda from any major stints on the DL, this team could be electric. After his breakout season, Nathan Eovaldi looks like he is ready to pick up right where he left off, before departing from last year's season with an injury. Aaron Hicks appears to be ready to fill in the shoes left by Chris Young and Starlin Castro is poised to have a monster year now that he no longer has to worry about his playing time being in jeopardy. Oh, and by the way, five words: back end of the bullpen. If healthy, we could see some special things from this team this year.
1. Boston Red Sox
Although it kills me to do it, I have to go against my Yankee loving gut. The addition of David Price provides that number one that Boston so desperately needed. As he has done in the prior three cities for which he has pitched, he makes everyone around him better. Bucholtz is as good a number two as there is, and, Porcello has shown some signs of brilliance, even if he is the highest-paid number three in all of baseball. The transition to first base will be much more seamless to Hanley Ramirez than most think. And, even if that doesn't work out, the plethora of talent they have in their outfield and at the Triple-A level is more than enough to make a move for whatever they find themselves lacking. Craig Kimbrel forces Koji to a set up role, which, when you say it out loud, is pretty unfair. In the swan song of David Ortiz's career, Boston seems poised to make a run at another title.
Let the debating begin!