MLB: 2017 Underdogs Who Have a Chance to Win Their Divisions
By Tim Boyle
New York Yankees
Should anyone ever count out the New York Yankees? Even in their darkest days, they seem to field a competitive team. The most successful franchise in American sports history surely wants to return to the playoffs in 2017. Although they are far from fully loaded and in a tough division, the Yankees have bright spots. Will the American League East belong to them again?
Let’s assume the starting rotation is not a complete mess. If Masahiro Tanaka pitches like an ace and the rest of the staff pitch above average, the Yankees are already in decent shape. They would probably need another starter at the trade deadline to really make a run against the Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays, who all made the playoffs last year.
The Yankees’ best asset truly is their offense. They have some of the game’s best young players along with some veterans still looking to remain productive. On paper, they have less talent than other AL East squads. When the games begin to count, these underdogs have a chance to surpass the rest of the division.