Call to the pen
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Predicting the Entire 2016 American League Playoff Field

By Jacob Kornhauser

May 9, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Red Sox third baseman Pablo Sandoval (48) and Boston Red Sox left fielder Hanley Ramirez (13) during batting practice before a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
May 9, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Red Sox third baseman Pablo Sandoval (48) and Boston Red Sox left fielder Hanley Ramirez (13) during batting practice before a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /
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AL West Champion – Houston Astros

Oct 12, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa #1 celebrates a double against the Kansas City Royals in game four of the ALDS at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Thomas B. Shea, USA TODAY Sports /

Houston certainly appears to be ready to emerge as the best team in the American League in 2016. They have an emerging superstar in Carlos Correa and a potentially stacked lineup. On top of that, they bolstered their bullpen by adding Ken Giles.

In the rotation, 2015 Cy Young award winner Dallas Keuchel is ready to establish himself as a perennial ace and the depth behind him is nothing to laugh at. Lance McCullers and Collin McHugh could develop into really nice middle-of-the-rotation pitchers.

Above all else, the Astros’ youth and excitement could propel them to 95+ wins in 2016. Of course, youth means more inexperience, but the team got a taste of the postseason last year. After a rough exit in 2015, they’re going to be hungry to go deep into October this year.

Next: AL Central Champion - Cleveland Indians

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