*Photo from definearevolution.com*
Since we're in full swing of spring training games, it's time to begin the 2020 team previews for all 30 clubs, and we'll start with the American League East like always.
*Photo from the New York Times*
New York Yankees
2019 record: 103-59
My oh my, these Yankees look stacked. I hate to say that as a Boston fan, but I've got to admit it at some point. They added Gerrit Cole on a 9 year, $324 million deal, which immediately makes them a world series favorite. Add that to a deadly lineup that has Aaron Judge, Gleyber Torres, DJ Lemahieu, and Gio Urshela, and you've got a force in the Bronx. The injury bug that hit them hard in 2019 is sticking around however, as James Paxton is out for a few months, Luis Severino will miss all of 2020, and Giancarlo Stanton is currently shut down. The Yankees will need to plug a few holes in the back of their rotation until Paxton returns from injury and Domingo German returns from suspension, but these boys look good.
*Photo from the Boston Globe*
Tampa Bay Rays
2019 record: 96-66
The Rays had quite a 2019, and they basically overhauled their roster this offseason. They brought in quite a lot of outfielders, including Hunter Renfroe and Carlos Martinez, and got rid of Tommy Pham among names. They lost a few names in the front office, with Chaim Bloom heading for Boston and James Click off to Houston, but the Rays will be hotshot playoff contenders again because of the talent they have, combined with Kevin Cash being just short of a complete genius of a manager. Watching Brendan McKay become a full time two way player will be just one of the many cool on field talents the Rays will trot onto Tropicana Field this Summer. If only anyone would come to the games.
*Photo from Over the Monster*
Boston Red Sox
2019 record: 84-78
Despite having a similar roster to 2018, the 2018 champs will have a lot to prove this season. They'll have to prove they can stay healthy, but Chris Sale will miss opening day and Alex Verdugo might miss opening day as well. They'll have to prove they can survive after trading away Mookie Betts and David Price. They'll have to prove that they can play games with the whole MLB sign stealing investigation hanging over their heads. There is some promise though. Verdugo will slot into right field and likely become a force when healthy, the hitting game is potent, with JD Martinez, Xander Bogaerts, and Rafael Devers leading the way there, and Eduardo Rodriguez is fresh off a 19 win season to slot with Chris Sale at the top of the rotation when Sale gets healthy. Also, the bullpen doesn't look completely horrible, which is good. I think the Red Sox will fly under the radar and have a sneaky good 2020, and will look scary throughout the season.
*Photo from ESPN*
Toronto Blue Jays
2019 record: 67-95
The kids are in Toronto now. Bo Bichette, Cavan Biggio, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr are now big leaguers, and in a few years Toronto should become a force again. They brought in Hyun-Jin Ryu to be their ace as the Blue Jays make the transition from rebuild to playoff hopefuls, and it starts this year. Ken Giles is also back to be their lockdown closer, which always helps. The Blue Jays won't make the playoffs this year, but in 2021 and 2022, expect the team to start making some noise up in Toronto.
*Photo from MASN*
Baltimore Orioles
2019 record: 54-108
The Orioles were quite horrible in 2019, and they will be for years to come. But there were some bright spots. Trey Mancini continued to be Trey Mancini, Jonathan Villar had a revival(but he's gone now), and John Means had a fantastic rookie season to emerge as Baltimore's ace. Behind Means, there's nothing good in the rotation, or in the bullpen, or in most positions on the field, yeah the Orioles are still awful everywhere else. At least Adley Rutschman will be real good whenever he makes it to Baltimore.
Division Assessment:
Despite what many people think, the AL East is still a 3 team race. The Yankees and Rays are the clear favorites, but like I said before, the Red Sox have the opportunity to fly under the radar and surprise quite a few people. I wouldn't be surprised if that happened, but lots would. The Blue Jays are close, but this year isn't their year. The top 3 teams will be something to watch, so watch them when you get a chance.
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