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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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Starting Pitching

5. Baltimore Orioles- Chris Tillman had an excellent season for the Orioles winning 16 games for the first time since his All-Star 2013 campaign and posted his highest K/9 ratio since that year as well. Kevin Gausman stepped up his game during the second half of the season, going 8-6 with a 3.10 ERA but we will see how responds in 2017 after increasing his innings by 67. Dylan Bundy emerged as a part of the rotation finally after injury trouble. Wade Miley struggled after the Orioles acquired him and Ubaldo Jimenez is a roller coaster.

4. New York Yankees- Masahiro Tanaka appears to be healthy and is one of the top pitchers in the game. The rest of the rotation is full of questions. Can Michael Pineda be consistent? What does CC Sabathia have left in the tank? Will any of their young pitchers emerge to grab to the final two spots of the rotation?

3. Tampa Bay Rays- Chris Archer led the league in losses last season, but seemed to look better during the second half of the season. Jake Odorizzi turned in another solid season. Blake Snell is getting his feet wet in the majors. Alex Cobb is back from Tommy John surgery.  Matt Andriese is going to get a chance to start for a full season for the first time.

2. Toronto Blue Jays- Aaron Sanchez and Marcus Stroman are two of the best young pitchers in the game. J.A. Happ won 20 games last season. Marco Estrada is very consistent. Francisco Liriano seemed to get himself together back with old Pittsburgh battery mate in Russell Martin.

1.Boston Red Sox- Their top three of Chris Sale, David Price and Rick Porcello is among the best in the MLB, however, they all have questions. How will Sale do with a team in the playoff hunt. Can Porcello continue with his Cy Young form? Can Price get right or will he start to decline? Steven Wright was an All-Star last year, but can he do it again? And does he have a spot in the rotation? Which of Eduardo Rodriguez and Drew Pomeranz will emerge? A ton of questions, but a ton of talent.

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