Post by Rockies GM (Alex) on Nov 3, 2011 22:02:22 GMT -5
AL East 2012 Preview
Boston Red Sox
GM: Ben
2011: 4-9
In what could’ve been the most shocking result of the 2011 season, the Boston Red Sox finished dead last in the AL East. Poor management from the former GM resulted in inconsistent play and a lack of moves needed to improve the team. Although it would seem like the time for rebuilding a dynasty has come, the talent is there for a playoff run on the team. Star hitters Adrian Gonzalez, Starlin Castro, Dan Uggla, and Carl Crawford lead a dangerous lineup. Also, a monster pitching staff with Cliff Lee and Jon Lester as well as young Mike Montgomery is one of the league’s best. Although there is uncertainty in the ability of the team to resign key players David Ortiz and Jonathan Pablepon, the core of the squad is strong and a title run is possible. To make this team the best, better management from the GM is needed. If that happens, it’s scary to think how good this team could be.
Grade: A
New York Yankees
GM: Robert
2011: 6-7
It’s hard to beat the Red Sox 2011 disappointment, but their rivals had an unfortunate season of their own. The Yankees, again hurt by bad management at the beginning of the year, began on an extremely slow start. However, with a new GM in town, the team turned it around, but it was too late. This season, the Yankees should dominate. The lineup is arguably the best in the league with Mark Teixeira, Robinson Cano, Curtis Granderson, A-rod, and others. The staff, which is lacking depth, boasts ace C.C. Sabathia as its front-line starter. Along with the starters and hitting, one of the best closers in baseball, Mariano Rivera, shuts things down. Even though the team would already be considered a contender, what puts them ahead is their farm system. Big bat Jesus Montero is due up to start sometime in 2012 and should add yet another slugger to the lineup. In the rotation, young pitchers Jacob Turner, Simon Castro, and Andy Oliver could make the team unbeatable. The only question here is: will the youth produce? If they can, the team will win the championship. If they don’t, this team could be headed for another disappointing season.
Grade: A
Tampa Bay Rays
GM: Jake
2011: 7-6
A simple case of bad fortune kept the Rays from running away with the AL East last season. Although near the top in points scored, they lead the AL in runs scored against them, which lead to their downfall. Looking to the future, is there a better farm system in the league? I don’t think so. The pitching in the minors is sensational in Tampa Bay. Top prospects Anthony Ranaudo, Chris Archer, Matt Moore, and Drew Pomeranz will look to join an already loaded rotation in the coming years. In the major leagues, the team can shut down opposing team’s hitters with Cole Hamels, James Shields, and David Price roaming the mound. The question mark for this team is the hitting. Even though young catcher Devin Mesorasco has reached the majors, Evan Longoria is this team’s only big thread at the plate. In order to catch the teams at the top of the division, some form of stability in the lineup will need to be acquired or signed via free agency. Only a couple bats away, we’re getting close to the top here in Tampa.
Grade: B+
Toronto Blue Jays
GM: Sam
2011: 6-7
And yet another mild case of inconsistency at the head of the ballclub in the AL East… the Toronto Blue Jays were held back by a poor job at GM in the 2011 season. However, just what the doctor ordered, a new GM with a mindset to change things in the only out-of-country team in baseball. The offense is loaded with talent. Young hitters Jorge Bautista, Desmond Jennings, and Paul Goldschmidt greatly compliment veterans Michael Young and Adam Lind. With such a great lineup, the team should be able to hold its own in the toughest division in the league. However, what keeps them from contending this year will be the lackluster rotation. Colby Lewis is hardly a quality ace on a winning team and the GM will need to make improvements. One positive is the presence of quality arms in the farm system. Pitchers Alex Torres and Sonny Gray will look to make an impact soon. The Jays are a few arms away from contending in the wild AL East.
Grade: B-
Baltimore Orioles
GM: Mike
2011: 10-3
Rumored as a possible candidate for GM of the year, the head of the Orioles organization took the team from the bottom to nearly the top. Expunged by the Angels in the ALCS, the O’s look prepared to challenge for the AL title again next year. The team boasts a solid young lineup with Mike Moustakas, Matt Wieters, and Jason Kipnis as well as superstar slugger Albert Pujols. The rotation, although not a league great, is capable of sticking with the top arms in the league with Yovani Gallardo and Zach Britton on the mound. The big problem and what held them back from the World Series last year, is the big lack of a closer. After dealing their 9th inning man to Colorado, the team didn’t get enough production from the bullpen. While solid set-up man Jim Johnson remains, without a closer, it’s hard to win a championship. Look for the O’s to try for a guy to not only shut the door on games, but also the doors of teams vying for the American League birth in the World Series.
Grade: B+
Projected 2011 AL East Standings:
1. Red Sox
2. Orioles
3. Yankees
4. Rays
5. Blue Jays
Boston Red Sox
GM: Ben
2011: 4-9
In what could’ve been the most shocking result of the 2011 season, the Boston Red Sox finished dead last in the AL East. Poor management from the former GM resulted in inconsistent play and a lack of moves needed to improve the team. Although it would seem like the time for rebuilding a dynasty has come, the talent is there for a playoff run on the team. Star hitters Adrian Gonzalez, Starlin Castro, Dan Uggla, and Carl Crawford lead a dangerous lineup. Also, a monster pitching staff with Cliff Lee and Jon Lester as well as young Mike Montgomery is one of the league’s best. Although there is uncertainty in the ability of the team to resign key players David Ortiz and Jonathan Pablepon, the core of the squad is strong and a title run is possible. To make this team the best, better management from the GM is needed. If that happens, it’s scary to think how good this team could be.
Grade: A
New York Yankees
GM: Robert
2011: 6-7
It’s hard to beat the Red Sox 2011 disappointment, but their rivals had an unfortunate season of their own. The Yankees, again hurt by bad management at the beginning of the year, began on an extremely slow start. However, with a new GM in town, the team turned it around, but it was too late. This season, the Yankees should dominate. The lineup is arguably the best in the league with Mark Teixeira, Robinson Cano, Curtis Granderson, A-rod, and others. The staff, which is lacking depth, boasts ace C.C. Sabathia as its front-line starter. Along with the starters and hitting, one of the best closers in baseball, Mariano Rivera, shuts things down. Even though the team would already be considered a contender, what puts them ahead is their farm system. Big bat Jesus Montero is due up to start sometime in 2012 and should add yet another slugger to the lineup. In the rotation, young pitchers Jacob Turner, Simon Castro, and Andy Oliver could make the team unbeatable. The only question here is: will the youth produce? If they can, the team will win the championship. If they don’t, this team could be headed for another disappointing season.
Grade: A
Tampa Bay Rays
GM: Jake
2011: 7-6
A simple case of bad fortune kept the Rays from running away with the AL East last season. Although near the top in points scored, they lead the AL in runs scored against them, which lead to their downfall. Looking to the future, is there a better farm system in the league? I don’t think so. The pitching in the minors is sensational in Tampa Bay. Top prospects Anthony Ranaudo, Chris Archer, Matt Moore, and Drew Pomeranz will look to join an already loaded rotation in the coming years. In the major leagues, the team can shut down opposing team’s hitters with Cole Hamels, James Shields, and David Price roaming the mound. The question mark for this team is the hitting. Even though young catcher Devin Mesorasco has reached the majors, Evan Longoria is this team’s only big thread at the plate. In order to catch the teams at the top of the division, some form of stability in the lineup will need to be acquired or signed via free agency. Only a couple bats away, we’re getting close to the top here in Tampa.
Grade: B+
Toronto Blue Jays
GM: Sam
2011: 6-7
And yet another mild case of inconsistency at the head of the ballclub in the AL East… the Toronto Blue Jays were held back by a poor job at GM in the 2011 season. However, just what the doctor ordered, a new GM with a mindset to change things in the only out-of-country team in baseball. The offense is loaded with talent. Young hitters Jorge Bautista, Desmond Jennings, and Paul Goldschmidt greatly compliment veterans Michael Young and Adam Lind. With such a great lineup, the team should be able to hold its own in the toughest division in the league. However, what keeps them from contending this year will be the lackluster rotation. Colby Lewis is hardly a quality ace on a winning team and the GM will need to make improvements. One positive is the presence of quality arms in the farm system. Pitchers Alex Torres and Sonny Gray will look to make an impact soon. The Jays are a few arms away from contending in the wild AL East.
Grade: B-
Baltimore Orioles
GM: Mike
2011: 10-3
Rumored as a possible candidate for GM of the year, the head of the Orioles organization took the team from the bottom to nearly the top. Expunged by the Angels in the ALCS, the O’s look prepared to challenge for the AL title again next year. The team boasts a solid young lineup with Mike Moustakas, Matt Wieters, and Jason Kipnis as well as superstar slugger Albert Pujols. The rotation, although not a league great, is capable of sticking with the top arms in the league with Yovani Gallardo and Zach Britton on the mound. The big problem and what held them back from the World Series last year, is the big lack of a closer. After dealing their 9th inning man to Colorado, the team didn’t get enough production from the bullpen. While solid set-up man Jim Johnson remains, without a closer, it’s hard to win a championship. Look for the O’s to try for a guy to not only shut the door on games, but also the doors of teams vying for the American League birth in the World Series.
Grade: B+
Projected 2011 AL East Standings:
1. Red Sox
2. Orioles
3. Yankees
4. Rays
5. Blue Jays
