AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST 2019 SEASON PREVIEW

As the 2019 MLB season is getting closer, it is time to take a look around the game. To begin, we preview the American League East.

Heading into the 2019 MLB season, the American League East appears to be defined in two very distinct classes. There are the haves, with the defending World Series champion Red Sox, the retooled Yankees, and the surprising Rays. Then, there are the have-nots, encompassing the Blue Jays and the historically awful Orioles.

Those levels are really not that much different than where the AL East was at the end of the 2018 campaign. The Red Sox had emerged from the three way battle with the division crown, while the Yankees were one of the best Wild Card teams in recent history. Tampa Bay, despite 90 wins, found themselves on the outside of the postseason, even though their win total would have been enough to reach the playoffs in most years.

Obviously, there can be surprises. Few expected the Rays to be a contending franchise last year, especially given the injuries to their rotation. Heading into 2019, the AL East once again appears to have very defined expectations. But, as they say, the games are not played on paper.

What should we expect in the American League East for the 2019 MLB season? Here is our divisional preview.

5. BALTIMORE ORIOLES

While no one really expected the Baltimore Orioles to stock up for the 2019 season, complete silence was not expected either.

Instead of focusing on free agents that could make the current roster more respectable, the Orioles had targeted the Mesa Brothers, looking to bring the duo in to be the first pieces of their rebuild. Instead, Baltimore was rebuffed in their attempts, with the Mesas signing with the Marlins, and pitcher Sandy Gaston inking a deal with the Rays.

That is not to say that the cupboard is entirely bare in the days A.M.M. (after Manny Machado). There are some solid pieces, from the power bats of Trey Mancini and Mark Trumbo, to the speed of Jonathan Villar. Chris Davis cannot possibly be as bad as he had been in 2018. Likewise, one would have to expect improvement from Alex Cobb and Andrew Cashner.

Even if everything falls into place, and the Orioles show signs of competence, it may not matter. On paper, they are clearly the worst team in the division, a team that might be lucky to win 70 games during the 2019 season. The rebuild, which needed to begin years ago, has only begun.

The coming year may be painful for the Baltimore Orioles. However, they will need to have these rough years in order to undo the damage caused by a mediocre farm system, ignoring the international market, and several bad contracts.

4. TORONTO BLUE JAYS

Unlike the Orioles, the Toronto Blue Jays have made moves ahead of the 2019 season.

However, none of these moves are designed to be long term solutions. Clay Buchholz, Clayton Richard, and Matt Shoemaker were brought in to fortify the rotation, with Bud Norris agreeing to a minor league contract to provide depth to a shaky relief corps.

And yet, even with these moves, the Blue Jays have the future in mind. Each of these signings was on a one year deal. Richard is a solid back of the rotation arm, with Buchholz and Shoemaker having had moments of brilliance. Norris has experience as a closer, and could be a decent reliever in a multitude of roles. Come the trade deadline, if those pitchers are healthy, they could bring back a decent return.

That is what the 2019 campaign is about for the Blue Jays – the future. Uber prospect Vladimir Guerrero Jr will be in the majors as soon as his free agency is delayed for a year. Bo Bichette may join him shortly thereafter. Danny Jansen, the Blue Jays top catching prospect, is already penciled into a starting role.

For the Toronto Blue Jays, the 2019 season will be about the prospects. The future of the franchise is coming soon, at least on offense.

3. TAMPA BAY RAYS

Once again, the Tampa Bay Rays redefined the game last year, turning the Opener into a weapon en route to winning 90 games in 2018.

Heading into the 2019 season, the Rays have added to their roster. Charlie Morton signed a two year deal to join reigning Cy Young winner Blake Snell and the intriguing Tyler Glasnow. Avisail Garcia was signed as a free agent, while Yandy Diaz and Mike Zunino were acquired in trade. The Opener is still going to be a part of the Rays strategy, although the days where they had one starting pitcher listed on the depth chart appear to be over.

On paper, these upgrades may not seem like enough. There are questions in the bullpen, particularly at closer, where Chaz Roe and Jose Alvarado may serve as co-closers. The duo of Diaz and Ji-Man Choi are expected to platoon at first, although neither has proven to be a major league piece over a full season.

And yet, the Rays just find ways to win games. No one expected the Opener to work, but it did. The Rays will pitch well, catch the ball, and find the right matchups for their relievers. Even if the names are not impressive, Tampa Bay will be greater than the sum of their parts, as they are seemingly every year.

The Tampa Bay Rays have not made the postseason since 2013. That streak could end this year, as the Rays have to be considered a favorite in the Wild Card hunt.

2. BOSTON RED SOX

The Boston Red Sox celebrated their World Series championship by essentially doing nothing in the offseason.

That is not to say that they did not bring players in. They retained World Series hero Steve Pearce, and brought back Nathan Eovaldi to shore up the rotation. The Red Sox also signed 20 relievers on minor league contracts, including the formerly banned for life Jennry Mejia.

However, that quantity, as opposed to quality approach, may be their downfall. Joe Kelly departed in free agency, signing with the Dodgers. Craig Kimbrel is still languishing in free agency, but the Red Sox seem determined to not spend the money to bring him back. Instead, the enigmatic Matt Barnes, Ryan Brasier, who had a breakout rookie season at 30 years old, or possibly knuckleballer Steven Wright, will serve as the closer.

It appears that general manager Dave Dombroski did not learn his lessons from the Tigers inability to win a championship during his tenure. The Red Sox have plenty of offense, and as long as Chris Sale remains healthy, the rotation could be one of the best in the league. However, if the bullpen cannot hold those leads, it does not matter.

Right now, the Boston Red Sox are good enough to win a Wild Card berth. But if they are going to repeat as World Series champions, they may need to upgrade that bullpen.

1. NEW YORK YANKEES

To some, the fact that the New York Yankees did not come away with either Manny Machado nor Bryce Harper is a disappointment. Yet, they made several shrewd moves as they positioned themselves as the favorites in the AL East.

The Yankees made sure to add depth to the starting rotation, acquiring James Paxton in a trade from the rebuilding Mariners. Troy Tulowitzki was brought in on a low cost deal to see if he can man short until Didi Gregorius can return to the lineup. DJ LeMahieu was signed as a super utility man, and will presumably play all over the infield.

New York also addressed the bullpen. Zack Britton was brought back as a free agent, and the Yankees also signed Adam Ottavino. Along with Dellin Betances and Aroldis Chapman, the Yankees have quite the formidable bullpen, turning any game into a six inning affair.

That is not to say that the Yankees are without questions. Gary Sanchez had struggled mightily last season, losing his job to backup Austin Romine. Greg Bird has been a disappointment and may have been pushed from the lineup by Luke Voit, who had two excellent months at the end of 2018 to become a fan favorite. Tulowitzki is hardly a lock to remain healthy. Yet, even with those holes, the Yankees enter the 2019 season as one of the favorites to reach the World Series.