Post by D Backs GM (Tyler) on Feb 1, 2018 8:38:29 GMT -5
So we aren't going to reveal the overall order of the 30 until the last day, but we will put every division in order before that so we can formulate some divisional projections and then get to the main event (the 30) at the end. While we will have all four of us writing for different teams, all of the AL East was written by me (Tyler). Full disclosure, I wrote them about a week ago, so if they are a little behind the latest transactions, sorry. Feel free to tell me or us why I am wrong in the comments below.
Previously on Winter Power Rankings: Overview
Tampa Bay Rays - 5th AL EAST (One 4th, Three 5th)
The wait for Moncada to make ""the jump"" starts now. The good news is, when he is hitting his prime, the Rays should have had enough time to put together a better team around him. This team is fixing to finish last in the AL East this year and the AL East is not particularly strong outside of the Red Sox. There is almost no MLB level pitching to speak of and it'll be interesting to see where he spends his almost 30M this year since it would likely help him in the long term to not compete and just continue to pile up assets and picks.Hopefully an interesting team in a year or two, but not now.
Baltimore Orioles - 4th AL EAST (Three 4th, One 5th)
I'll do the O's a favor and skip over their offense. I do think there is a possibility to gain a few spots with volume pitching, but that won't take them far because it will surely hurt the peripherals. Almost no bullpen to speak of either. He really needs to work some magic with his 55M to be competitive this year with the way the Red Sox are set up to dominate (spoiler alert!). Although I get the feeling that continuing to try to stockpile assets for down the road may be the order of the day.
New York Yankees - 3rd AL EAST (consensus)
I've got them in the bottom third of the league and halfway down the division but not really putting pressure on even the wild card. I think they'll really struggle offensively everywhere except probably having around league average power numbers. Lots of holds in this team but not a ton else unfortunately. They do have a few guys ready to come up and help, but not really enough to impact this season overall results unfortunately. Maybe a bump if all their 10-20 HR guys go crazy for 20-25, but I'm still not seeing it with the lack of speed and average and only 20M to spend.
Toronto Blue Jays - 2nd AL EAST (consensus)
Very torn on this team in general. Lots of changes from the perennial top of the standings contender from the manager on down. While this team is decent and has a chance for the post season (via wild card), it is what it is. Only 19M to add players won't help much in free agency, although to be fair there are not that many holes to plug, but that SP market is going to be super competitive this year and that is where the money needs to go. Yelich, Goldie, Segura, Moose, and Sale will need big years to make up for the holes in the bullpen and the lack of depth in the rotation.
Boston Red Sox - 1st AL EAST (consensus)
Ty once again will be around the top of the league. He has a very well balanced team and shockingly almost no long term contracts with big money. Should have a whopping 7 20HR players but he is really relying on Starling for steals. Also a deep rotation and bullpen. Oh, and he has 48M to spend in free agency. Kill me now. Red Sox are maybe my bet for "will win a title in the next 4 years 100% sure". They have an excellent team, cash to spend (which they are always smart with), and every player is either under a PP contract or coming off the books (via options or expirings) by 2020 at the latest #NoBadContracts.
Next up: AL Central (Tomorrow)
Previously on Winter Power Rankings: Overview
Tampa Bay Rays - 5th AL EAST (One 4th, Three 5th)
The wait for Moncada to make ""the jump"" starts now. The good news is, when he is hitting his prime, the Rays should have had enough time to put together a better team around him. This team is fixing to finish last in the AL East this year and the AL East is not particularly strong outside of the Red Sox. There is almost no MLB level pitching to speak of and it'll be interesting to see where he spends his almost 30M this year since it would likely help him in the long term to not compete and just continue to pile up assets and picks.Hopefully an interesting team in a year or two, but not now.
Baltimore Orioles - 4th AL EAST (Three 4th, One 5th)
I'll do the O's a favor and skip over their offense. I do think there is a possibility to gain a few spots with volume pitching, but that won't take them far because it will surely hurt the peripherals. Almost no bullpen to speak of either. He really needs to work some magic with his 55M to be competitive this year with the way the Red Sox are set up to dominate (spoiler alert!). Although I get the feeling that continuing to try to stockpile assets for down the road may be the order of the day.
New York Yankees - 3rd AL EAST (consensus)
I've got them in the bottom third of the league and halfway down the division but not really putting pressure on even the wild card. I think they'll really struggle offensively everywhere except probably having around league average power numbers. Lots of holds in this team but not a ton else unfortunately. They do have a few guys ready to come up and help, but not really enough to impact this season overall results unfortunately. Maybe a bump if all their 10-20 HR guys go crazy for 20-25, but I'm still not seeing it with the lack of speed and average and only 20M to spend.
Toronto Blue Jays - 2nd AL EAST (consensus)
Very torn on this team in general. Lots of changes from the perennial top of the standings contender from the manager on down. While this team is decent and has a chance for the post season (via wild card), it is what it is. Only 19M to add players won't help much in free agency, although to be fair there are not that many holes to plug, but that SP market is going to be super competitive this year and that is where the money needs to go. Yelich, Goldie, Segura, Moose, and Sale will need big years to make up for the holes in the bullpen and the lack of depth in the rotation.
Boston Red Sox - 1st AL EAST (consensus)
Ty once again will be around the top of the league. He has a very well balanced team and shockingly almost no long term contracts with big money. Should have a whopping 7 20HR players but he is really relying on Starling for steals. Also a deep rotation and bullpen. Oh, and he has 48M to spend in free agency. Kill me now. Red Sox are maybe my bet for "will win a title in the next 4 years 100% sure". They have an excellent team, cash to spend (which they are always smart with), and every player is either under a PP contract or coming off the books (via options or expirings) by 2020 at the latest #NoBadContracts.
Next up: AL Central (Tomorrow)
