Post by aaron_commissioner on Apr 1, 2018 22:15:43 GMT -8
In what is likely the only slam-dunk division, I see the New York Yankees taking the AL East by double-digit games. Two-time defending champions, the Yankees have a knack for understanding when they need to make a move and knowing when they do not need to. Overall, they had a very quiet offseason, but winning two championships in a row can lend to such a strategy. Look for the Yankees to post one of the best lineups in the ABL again, and do not be surprised if they make a deep run in the playoffs with a healthy rotation.
The Toronto Blue Jays acquired one of the bigger names this offseason in Manny Machado. However, it did not come cheap, needing to part with Richard Urena in order to happen. The Jays also traded oft-injured Aaron Sanchez to the cross-division rivals in the Red Sox, and were able to shed some salary in the Machado deal. Overall, I think this remains a talented group that simply needs a few pieces to fall in place in order to snag a wild card spot. Recent records suggest that this team won’t fade, and I think enough talent remains for them to stay relevant.
The Boston Red Sox were very active this offseason, trading away Rick Porcello, acquiring Aaron Sanchez, and finding value wherever they could. The BoSox are still struggling from some heavy contracts provided in past years, but they seem well managed and equipped to continue to pounce on good values while staying competitive. In a very talented AL field, a wild card appearance may be out of reach. However, I think this team could still be better than 2020’s club, and well positioned for future success.
The team in perhaps the worst financial situation in the ABL is the Baltimore Orioles. However, they have done a good job of managing their team in order to stay somewhat competitive and rebuild for the future. With budget room on the horizon in 2022, the O’s still field a somewhat talented team that can hit the ball out of the yard. They have stocked up on prospects and look likely to be active in future offseasons. For now, however, they simply look to improve upon a last place finish in 2020, which I believe is more than possible.
The Montreal Expos have returned to eastern Canada and the ABL, and have absolutely decimated their major league roster. Finding incredible value in nearly every trade, the Expos look very well positioned for the future, but have a long road ahead to get to that point. The on-field product may not be pretty for the next year or two, but watch out for this team down the road. They are loaded with young talent.
Questions for everyone:
- The division currently has a clear leader, but is also filled with big-budget teams and good farm systems. Who do you see dominating the division in 5 years, and why?
- What would need to happen 2021 for you to consider the season a success?
- Introduce us to a player who we may not yet have heard of, but could become more relevant in 2021.
The Toronto Blue Jays acquired one of the bigger names this offseason in Manny Machado. However, it did not come cheap, needing to part with Richard Urena in order to happen. The Jays also traded oft-injured Aaron Sanchez to the cross-division rivals in the Red Sox, and were able to shed some salary in the Machado deal. Overall, I think this remains a talented group that simply needs a few pieces to fall in place in order to snag a wild card spot. Recent records suggest that this team won’t fade, and I think enough talent remains for them to stay relevant.
The Boston Red Sox were very active this offseason, trading away Rick Porcello, acquiring Aaron Sanchez, and finding value wherever they could. The BoSox are still struggling from some heavy contracts provided in past years, but they seem well managed and equipped to continue to pounce on good values while staying competitive. In a very talented AL field, a wild card appearance may be out of reach. However, I think this team could still be better than 2020’s club, and well positioned for future success.
The team in perhaps the worst financial situation in the ABL is the Baltimore Orioles. However, they have done a good job of managing their team in order to stay somewhat competitive and rebuild for the future. With budget room on the horizon in 2022, the O’s still field a somewhat talented team that can hit the ball out of the yard. They have stocked up on prospects and look likely to be active in future offseasons. For now, however, they simply look to improve upon a last place finish in 2020, which I believe is more than possible.
The Montreal Expos have returned to eastern Canada and the ABL, and have absolutely decimated their major league roster. Finding incredible value in nearly every trade, the Expos look very well positioned for the future, but have a long road ahead to get to that point. The on-field product may not be pretty for the next year or two, but watch out for this team down the road. They are loaded with young talent.
Questions for everyone:
- The division currently has a clear leader, but is also filled with big-budget teams and good farm systems. Who do you see dominating the division in 5 years, and why?
- What would need to happen 2021 for you to consider the season a success?
- Introduce us to a player who we may not yet have heard of, but could become more relevant in 2021.
