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MLB 2017: American League East Rankings

By Jason Evans

Sep 11, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; A general view during the national anthem prior to the game between the New York Yankees and the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; A general view during the national anthem prior to the game between the New York Yankees and the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /
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MLB: Boston Red Sox at Tampa Bay Rays
MLB: Boston Red Sox at Tampa Bay Rays /

Over the next six weeks, I will be taking a look at every team in baseball by evaluating each team’s rotation, infield, outfield, lineup and bullpen to figure out who will win each division in our MLB 2017 preview. Today, I will start with the American League East.

The American League East has been one of the toughest divisions in all of MLB over the last few seasons.Gone are the days when the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees would win the division and make the playoffs every year.  Every team in the division has been in the playoffs since 2013.

The Rays are going through some re-tooling as usual. They’ve added offense this off-season in Wilson Ramos, Colby Rasmus and Mallex Smith while still having an excellent rotation. The Yankees brought back Aroldis Chapman after trading him during last season and added Matt Holliday to DH. With Greg Bird returning and Gary Sanchez for a full season, along with a loaded farm system, the Yankees have a bright future.

The Boston Red Sox may have lost David Ortiz this off-season, but they’ve added Chris Sale to their rotation and upgraded their infield defense with the signing of Mitch Moreland and moving Hanley Ramirez to DH. Can a skinny Pablo Sandoval perform at third?

The Baltimore Orioles brought back Mark Trumbo. They acquired Seth Smith and Welington Castillo as well, but can the rotation hold up?

The Toronto Blue Jays lost Edwin Encarnacion and Michael Saunders, but kept Jose Bautista and added Kendrys Morales and Steve Pearce. So which AL East team is the best? Let’s take a look.

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