AL teams to watch in shortened season

*Photo from Wikipedia*

   Baseball is back. Team workouts started today all across baseball, as teams prepare for a shortened 60 game season that will start on July 23. Because of this shortened season, teams who might have been unlikely to make the playoffs in a full 162 game season now have a better chance to make it in this shortened season. Today, I'll preview AL teams to watch in the frantic playoff race in this unique baseball season. 

*Photo from BoSox injection*

Boston Red Sox

This one is a simple one. Despite me being a Red Sox fan, I figured they would be fringe contenders all season long in a 162 game season due to some questionable depth. Now that the season has been cut down by 102 games, the Red Sox suddenly look a lot better in the grand scheme of things. I've never had doubts about the lineup, which was humming along without a hitch in 2019, but rather the pitching. With a shortened season, the Red Sox pitching depth won't be under as much strain and pressure as they would be in a full season. With the arms likely being fresher, the Sox have a legitimate shot to get to the playoffs this year. 

*Photo from NBC Sports*

Toronto Blue Jays

The Blue Jays had some promise to end 2019. The young core of Guerrero, Bichette, and Biggio is starting to take shape, along with other legitimate hitters to support them. They beefed up the pitching staff with Hyun-Jin Ryu this offseason, and if this was a full season, I'd be saying that they're a year or two away from truly competing. Now, that's changed. Top prospect Nate Pearson will almost certainly get his shot this season, bolstering the pitching even more. The Jays have enough talent on display where they could be dark horse postseason candidates this season. They need to get the pitching in order for that to happen however, but they might just do it. 

*Photo from NBC Sports*

Chicago White Sox

The White Sox had a great offseason, bolstering up for a playoff run in 2020. Over a shortened season, they might be poised to do even more damage on the AL Central this season. They have the pitching pieces in Dallas Keuchel and Lucas Giolito leading the charge, along with Yasmani Grandal, Eloy Jimenez, and Yoan Moncada leading the hitting core. The South Side of Chicago is about to emerge, and this season is kickstarting it. 

*Photo from Sportsnet*

Cleveland Indians

After trading away Corey Kluber and having Emmanuel Clase suspended, things were looking pretty bleak for the Indians in a 162 game season. Now that it's 60, the Indians can surprise. The pitching staff now might have the gas to finish 60 games at full strength, which wouldn't have been the case had it have been a full season. Mike Clevinger and Shane Bieber lead the charger in the rotation, and Jose Ramirez and Francisco Lindor are still the keystones of the lineup. The Indians had a great stretch of baseball in June and July of 2019, and if they can replicate that, they'll challenge the Twins for the AL Central. 

*Photo from Forbes*

Los Angeles Angels

This one is the big one. The Angels have all the hitting necessary for the playoffs. Mike Trout and Anthony Rendon form a middle of the lineup that is enjoyable for no one, with Shohei Ohtani also entering the fold, and Tommy LaStella coming off a breakout 2019. Justin Upton can also mash as well. The pitching was always the big problem. Ohtani pitching helps, but he can't do it all by himself. The Angels have upside this season, but it won't matter if the pitching can't get their act together. 

*Photo from ESPN*

Texas Rangers

The Rangers pitching is definitely good. After Mike Minor and Lance Lynn impressed in 2019, GM Jon Daniels responded by opening the vault for starting pitching. Jordan Lyles, Kyle Gibson, and Corey Kluber were all brought in to reinforce the walls. The hitting core is anchored by Joey Gallo and his impressive power, so there is cause for excitement in Texas. A 60 game season might give their rebuild the boost it needs to get back to contending status.