Post by Commissioner Erick on Jul 19, 2020 11:46:51 GMT -5
Over the past two seasons, AL East hegemony has gone from a battle between New York and Tampa Bay to a battle between New York and Toronto with the Rays dropping off. Baltimore remains intriguing but in asset collection mode, while Boston continues to wander the wilderness.
1) Toronto Blue Jays
2023: 98-64, AL East Champion. Lost to New York Yankees 4-2 in ALDS.
Who They Were: After spending much of the first half figuring out their best nine to play, Toronto took off. Their starting staff was strong all season, their defense was exceptional, and their offense got better as the year went on. Jake Burger rebounded from lean years to post 48 home runs and 138 RBIs, while Vladimir Guerrero Jr played part-time for a good chunk of the early year and still was an All-Star who popped 40 home runs.
Offseason Review: Toronto is led by new management with Chris Levant taking over from Brian Violette. With a young team, the Blue Jays made no moves to add to their roster, but they only lost Reese McGuire and Joe Biagini as impactful regulars. Dakota Robbins, who has played well in Triple-A in the past, should be the new starter though the bullpen appears to be a question mark.
On the Farm: With numerous graduations, the Blue Jays no longer have a jewel of a system. That said, with the core of the roster entering its early prime, it's less imperative to have a good system as the team should be cheap and improving the next few seasons. There's depth in the mid-minors, including Catcher Eric Walker, and slugger Federico Pando, who look like future starters. The pitching in the system is mostly found lower down so Toronto may struggle with internal reinforcements.
Best Case Scenario: The team plays Guerrero Jr. the whole season and Toronto breaks through to win 100 games.
Worst Case Scenario: Close games in the middle innings.
Key Questions: You didn't replace Joe Biagini when he left in Free Agency. Do you think your bullpen is good enough to contend for a title?
Will Eric Drouet start for you or will he be crowded out by a very talented infield?
2) New York Yankees
2023: 94-68, 2nd Place AL Central. Defeated Chicago White Sox in Wild Card Game. Defeated Toronto 4-3 in ALDS. Lost to Minnesota 4-2 in ALCS.
Who They Were: The Yankees finished in Top Three in home runs for the fifth consecutive season, which wasn't a surprise. What was a surprise was the wonderful job Ron Romanick did with a patchwork rotation to guide New York to the playoffs. Once there, despite their under-talented starting pitching group, the Yankees were able to work their magic, with a wild comeback in the Wild Card Game to beat the White Sox, and a huge two-homer performance from Gleyber Torres in Game 7 of the ALDS to advance to baseball's Final Four.
Offseason Review: Superstar Gary Sanchez was sent packing in a stunning move with Miguel Gomez brought in to replace him. Amed Rosario is added to a deep infield, and Mr. Perfect, Jerad Eickoff, is on to add to the rotation. The team only lost Luis Cessa, but aside from Eickoff, didn't add to their rotation.
On the Farm: It's not a strong system and most of the talent is in the deep minors or the international complex. Virtually any depth piece will need to come externally.
Best Case Scenario: Another postseason date with the White Sox
Worst Case Scenario: There's not as much high-end talent as years past, and little depth, meaning the team may not be as resilient. With considerable downside risk, the Yankees can finish below .500 if the pitching takes a step back.
Key Questions: You made it work last year, but are you confident in your starting staff remaining a solid unit this season?
With Amed Rosario in tow, how will your starting infield be aligned?
3) Baltimore Orioles
2023: 77-85, 3rd Place AL East
Who They Were: The offense was surprisingly decent and Darwinzon Hernandez took another leap, striking out 254 batters, leading the league in WHIP, and emerging as a superstar. The team didn't hit for power or have depth, but for the first time, the Orioles showed a light at the end of their rebuild.
Offseason Review: Baltimore didn't rush things, remaining in asset-acquisition mode taking on bad money and shipping off veteran talent for draft picks and prospects. Should he remain on the team, Giancarlo Stanton was the big new addition and should add power to the club. Mike Floyd is the first star position player to make the club and he won a Platinum Stick as a DH in just his second season, while former top prospect Sam Carlson had a 2.5 WAR year as a 24-year old.
On the Farm: A deep system, despite the fact that a lot of the elite talent has breached PBA shores. Jorge Ontiveros is the next addition. Last year's #17 prospect, he may start the season in Triple A or begin the year with the big club. Vinny Escuedero is in the same boat, as Baltimore's First-Round pick in 2022 posted 6 WAR in Double-A last year. Andrew Knutson and Justin Townes are huge names on the position player side. Though they won't be ready this year, they have franchise-changing potential. There's also a ton of talent in the international complex and big relief pitching talent in the system making Baltimore a team to watch in a couple years.
Best Case Scenario: The stars raise the team to an 83-win season.
Worst Case Scenario: It isn't a great position player crop yet, and most of the pitching is still developing. Baltimore could take a step back on the field and win only 73 games.
Key Questions: With how explosive the talent is in your system, when is the first year you feel you can really make a run at the division?
Will Jeremiah Jackson start the year as your Shortstop?
4) Tampa Bay Rays
2023: 76-86, 4th Place AL East
Who They Were: After a pair of seasons of dizzying activity, Tampa Bay's young talent didn't develop, it didn't have as many veterans to compensate, and it underachieved in the middle of the season before selling at the trade deadline. The back of the rotation never produced despite a breakout season from Chance Adams, which dragged the team down.
Offseason Review: The team focused on rebuilding, adding mostly very young prospects and letting Blake Snell, Chance Adams, and Brad Hand move on. The team skews much younger at the big league level, with enough veterans around to give the team some upside possibility. Considering how many of the youngsters performed last year and how scouts view their future potential, there's a lot of variance with Tampa Bay.
On the Farm: Most of the talent is either in the PBA or in the lower minors, with Juan Vega the only guy who looks like he could make the team in 2025 without significant development. It's not a great system, which means Tampa Bay's rebuild won't be an accelerated one.
Best Case Scenario: Willy Adames and Nick Allen rebound from dreadful seasons, the team's defense and bullpen are outstanding, and Tampa Bay wins 87 games and puts itself in the playoff mix.
Worst Case Scenario: Andrew Toles' outrageous BABIPs comes back to earth, the offense doesn't produce, and the Rays go 72-90.
Key Questions: Ronald Acuma had a disastrous season last year that helped torpedo your team. What role will he have this season?
Ernesto Roca had some big minor league seasons but struggled in a brief view of the majors last year. What will his role be this season?
5) Boston Red Sox
2023: 53-109, Last Place AL East
Who They Were: Boston's questionable prior free agent signings and inability to develop talent led to a moribund 109-loss squad. Ten offensive players had at least 50 at bats and negative WAR. The rotation was serviceable and Jeurys Familia was strong, but with only three position players producing more than 0.6 WAR, it didn't matter.
Offseason Review: Without much flexibility with a surprisingly veteran roster, Boston stood pat this offseason. With most of the team's older players and worst contracts expiring after 2025, Boston didn't do anything to jeopardize that. They claimed Daniel Murphy on waivers, but Murphy is reasonably priced and expires after 2026. At 38 years-old and with a player option, he may retire or leave before then. Ryder Jones, Paul DeJong, and Jose Ramirez left in Free Agency which should actually help, and A.J. Cole will need to be replaced in the rotation. The team is just looking to get to the 2026 offseason with some flexibility, if not talent.
On the Farm: Boston is finally starting to develop some minor league talent, but it's mostly forever away from making an impact in the bigs. Juan Betancourt and Steve Hartman are close to major league ready as relief arms that could provide an impact, but they're mostly the only ones. A problem with the system is an overabundance of promising relief arms as opposed to true starters or position players. Joel McCabe looks terrific, but he's still in Rookie Ball.
Best Case Scenario: Chris Berson continues to develop, and some other terrible teams distract from Boston's futility.
Worst Case Scenario: The Angels and Indians improve, focusing everyone's attention on Boston.
Key Questions: Zack Collins still has talent, though tearing his Achilles in each foot means he hasn't had a chance to display it these past few seasons. Is he a trade candidate?
What do you think Daniel Murphy will add to your club this year?
1) Toronto Blue Jays
2023: 98-64, AL East Champion. Lost to New York Yankees 4-2 in ALDS.
Who They Were: After spending much of the first half figuring out their best nine to play, Toronto took off. Their starting staff was strong all season, their defense was exceptional, and their offense got better as the year went on. Jake Burger rebounded from lean years to post 48 home runs and 138 RBIs, while Vladimir Guerrero Jr played part-time for a good chunk of the early year and still was an All-Star who popped 40 home runs.
Offseason Review: Toronto is led by new management with Chris Levant taking over from Brian Violette. With a young team, the Blue Jays made no moves to add to their roster, but they only lost Reese McGuire and Joe Biagini as impactful regulars. Dakota Robbins, who has played well in Triple-A in the past, should be the new starter though the bullpen appears to be a question mark.
On the Farm: With numerous graduations, the Blue Jays no longer have a jewel of a system. That said, with the core of the roster entering its early prime, it's less imperative to have a good system as the team should be cheap and improving the next few seasons. There's depth in the mid-minors, including Catcher Eric Walker, and slugger Federico Pando, who look like future starters. The pitching in the system is mostly found lower down so Toronto may struggle with internal reinforcements.
Best Case Scenario: The team plays Guerrero Jr. the whole season and Toronto breaks through to win 100 games.
Worst Case Scenario: Close games in the middle innings.
Key Questions: You didn't replace Joe Biagini when he left in Free Agency. Do you think your bullpen is good enough to contend for a title?
Will Eric Drouet start for you or will he be crowded out by a very talented infield?
2) New York Yankees
2023: 94-68, 2nd Place AL Central. Defeated Chicago White Sox in Wild Card Game. Defeated Toronto 4-3 in ALDS. Lost to Minnesota 4-2 in ALCS.
Who They Were: The Yankees finished in Top Three in home runs for the fifth consecutive season, which wasn't a surprise. What was a surprise was the wonderful job Ron Romanick did with a patchwork rotation to guide New York to the playoffs. Once there, despite their under-talented starting pitching group, the Yankees were able to work their magic, with a wild comeback in the Wild Card Game to beat the White Sox, and a huge two-homer performance from Gleyber Torres in Game 7 of the ALDS to advance to baseball's Final Four.
Offseason Review: Superstar Gary Sanchez was sent packing in a stunning move with Miguel Gomez brought in to replace him. Amed Rosario is added to a deep infield, and Mr. Perfect, Jerad Eickoff, is on to add to the rotation. The team only lost Luis Cessa, but aside from Eickoff, didn't add to their rotation.
On the Farm: It's not a strong system and most of the talent is in the deep minors or the international complex. Virtually any depth piece will need to come externally.
Best Case Scenario: Another postseason date with the White Sox
Worst Case Scenario: There's not as much high-end talent as years past, and little depth, meaning the team may not be as resilient. With considerable downside risk, the Yankees can finish below .500 if the pitching takes a step back.
Key Questions: You made it work last year, but are you confident in your starting staff remaining a solid unit this season?
With Amed Rosario in tow, how will your starting infield be aligned?
3) Baltimore Orioles
2023: 77-85, 3rd Place AL East
Who They Were: The offense was surprisingly decent and Darwinzon Hernandez took another leap, striking out 254 batters, leading the league in WHIP, and emerging as a superstar. The team didn't hit for power or have depth, but for the first time, the Orioles showed a light at the end of their rebuild.
Offseason Review: Baltimore didn't rush things, remaining in asset-acquisition mode taking on bad money and shipping off veteran talent for draft picks and prospects. Should he remain on the team, Giancarlo Stanton was the big new addition and should add power to the club. Mike Floyd is the first star position player to make the club and he won a Platinum Stick as a DH in just his second season, while former top prospect Sam Carlson had a 2.5 WAR year as a 24-year old.
On the Farm: A deep system, despite the fact that a lot of the elite talent has breached PBA shores. Jorge Ontiveros is the next addition. Last year's #17 prospect, he may start the season in Triple A or begin the year with the big club. Vinny Escuedero is in the same boat, as Baltimore's First-Round pick in 2022 posted 6 WAR in Double-A last year. Andrew Knutson and Justin Townes are huge names on the position player side. Though they won't be ready this year, they have franchise-changing potential. There's also a ton of talent in the international complex and big relief pitching talent in the system making Baltimore a team to watch in a couple years.
Best Case Scenario: The stars raise the team to an 83-win season.
Worst Case Scenario: It isn't a great position player crop yet, and most of the pitching is still developing. Baltimore could take a step back on the field and win only 73 games.
Key Questions: With how explosive the talent is in your system, when is the first year you feel you can really make a run at the division?
Will Jeremiah Jackson start the year as your Shortstop?
4) Tampa Bay Rays
2023: 76-86, 4th Place AL East
Who They Were: After a pair of seasons of dizzying activity, Tampa Bay's young talent didn't develop, it didn't have as many veterans to compensate, and it underachieved in the middle of the season before selling at the trade deadline. The back of the rotation never produced despite a breakout season from Chance Adams, which dragged the team down.
Offseason Review: The team focused on rebuilding, adding mostly very young prospects and letting Blake Snell, Chance Adams, and Brad Hand move on. The team skews much younger at the big league level, with enough veterans around to give the team some upside possibility. Considering how many of the youngsters performed last year and how scouts view their future potential, there's a lot of variance with Tampa Bay.
On the Farm: Most of the talent is either in the PBA or in the lower minors, with Juan Vega the only guy who looks like he could make the team in 2025 without significant development. It's not a great system, which means Tampa Bay's rebuild won't be an accelerated one.
Best Case Scenario: Willy Adames and Nick Allen rebound from dreadful seasons, the team's defense and bullpen are outstanding, and Tampa Bay wins 87 games and puts itself in the playoff mix.
Worst Case Scenario: Andrew Toles' outrageous BABIPs comes back to earth, the offense doesn't produce, and the Rays go 72-90.
Key Questions: Ronald Acuma had a disastrous season last year that helped torpedo your team. What role will he have this season?
Ernesto Roca had some big minor league seasons but struggled in a brief view of the majors last year. What will his role be this season?
5) Boston Red Sox
2023: 53-109, Last Place AL East
Who They Were: Boston's questionable prior free agent signings and inability to develop talent led to a moribund 109-loss squad. Ten offensive players had at least 50 at bats and negative WAR. The rotation was serviceable and Jeurys Familia was strong, but with only three position players producing more than 0.6 WAR, it didn't matter.
Offseason Review: Without much flexibility with a surprisingly veteran roster, Boston stood pat this offseason. With most of the team's older players and worst contracts expiring after 2025, Boston didn't do anything to jeopardize that. They claimed Daniel Murphy on waivers, but Murphy is reasonably priced and expires after 2026. At 38 years-old and with a player option, he may retire or leave before then. Ryder Jones, Paul DeJong, and Jose Ramirez left in Free Agency which should actually help, and A.J. Cole will need to be replaced in the rotation. The team is just looking to get to the 2026 offseason with some flexibility, if not talent.
On the Farm: Boston is finally starting to develop some minor league talent, but it's mostly forever away from making an impact in the bigs. Juan Betancourt and Steve Hartman are close to major league ready as relief arms that could provide an impact, but they're mostly the only ones. A problem with the system is an overabundance of promising relief arms as opposed to true starters or position players. Joel McCabe looks terrific, but he's still in Rookie Ball.
Best Case Scenario: Chris Berson continues to develop, and some other terrible teams distract from Boston's futility.
Worst Case Scenario: The Angels and Indians improve, focusing everyone's attention on Boston.
Key Questions: Zack Collins still has talent, though tearing his Achilles in each foot means he hasn't had a chance to display it these past few seasons. Is he a trade candidate?
What do you think Daniel Murphy will add to your club this year?
