Sunday, March 30, 2014

Predictions for the American League 2014

   I still have yet to complete my best players in MLB series, and due to school work and other commitments, the series is taking a hiatus. However tonight is Opening Night for MLB in America, so I am going to take the time to predict the final standings of each MLB Division (First to Last) and give a brief explanation. This post will concern the American League and I will post about the National League tomorrow. (Here is a look at my predictions from last season on the AL and NL East, AL and NL Central and the AL West and NL West).


AL East: Hardest division to predict, it could go any way, the Orioles and Blue Jays are dark horses, but the other three should lock down this division.

Boston Red Sox (92-70): They lost Jacoby Ellsbury, but other than that the team is basically the same. The addition of Grady Sizemore could prove to be a huge bargain, plus if it ain't broke, don't fix it. They won the World Series last year so another division crown seems likely.

New York Yankees (90-72): They spent money like old times to construct their roster, health permitting they will be very competitive. They made key additions like Masahiro Tanaka and somehow still managed to get older, but money can fix that too...maybe.

Tampa Bay Rays (89-73): They picked up established closer Grant Balfour and they are the Rays, so they will compete with their pitching defense and superstar Evan Longoria.

Baltimore Orioles (86-76): They have good bullpen and a well constructed team, but even though they are talented, this is probably the toughest division to play in.

Toronto Blue Jays (76-86): Another last place finish, they got weaker over the off season, but they have productive bats in Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion.


AL Central: The Tigers are still the class of the division, don't expect an upset.

Detroit Tigers (91-71): This is a good all around team, but should be weaker with the loss of Prince Fielder and Doug Fister. They still have a good pen and Miguel Cabrera, plus Justin Verlander put up an excellent spring.

Kansas City Royals (89-73): One of the more underrated teams, with one of the best bullpens and an offense that can produce. This one is more of a hunch.

Cleveland Indians (86-76): They lost Scott Kazmir and Ubaldo Jimmenez, they got worse, but if Nick Swisher and Michael Bourn live up to their potential then they could finish second, but I see third place as their likely finish.

Minnesota Twins (75-87): They added a ton of starting pitching this off season and rumors say they tried to add some impact bats, while they seem to have improved a ton, they will not compete in this division.

Chicago White Sox (70-92): Jose Abreu should bring some much needed offense to the lineup, and perhaps Adam Dunn and Paul Konerko will exceed expectations. The rotation will be formidable led by lefty ace Chris Sale.


AL West: Tough division up top if everyone performs, the division is between the Angels, Rangers and Athletics, but don't count the Mariners out.

Oakland Athletics (95-67): By now everyone knows the A's are a well constructed team, not a fluke. They have won the division two years in a row, the team has an underrated bullpen, a platooned offense that seems to get things done and one of the smartest GM's in baseball.

Texas Rangers (93-69): They added Shin-Soo Choo and Prince Fielder to give the offense a boost and they have Adrian Beltre who is an excellent third baseman, the early injuries to the pitching staff are not promising, but as long as that is not too detrimental, they could win the division.

Los Angeles Angels (85-77): Well they have Mike Trout locked up for the next six years, so they have that going for them. Perhaps Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton can rebound to some extent, but don't count on near career years. The pitching staff is also improved with the likes of Tyler Skaggs. If they or the Rangers win the division however, it would be hard to consider it an upset.

Seattle Mariners (80-82): Well they spent a ton of money on Robinson Cano, but the starting pitching has taken a hit and they have an alright bullpen, some complementary pieces, but if they do not bring in another formidable bat don't count on an upset. The additions of Corey Hart and Logan Morrison could prove to be good moves.

Houston Astros (64-98): Believe it or not, they spent some money this offseason. They signed Scott Feldman and Jesse Crain. but they have an awful long way to go. Some of the young talent is looking impressive, but it is not 2018 yet.