Concentrated Pitching
Cleveland has to be last among these four great teams, even though their top two starters can beat any other two in the game. One of the problems for Cleveland, though, is that the same can be said of Boston and New York, although Boston has to have the edge there.
And their offense, built to be ferocious just last year, now looks tame next to both Houston’s and New York’s. Losing Carlos Santana while the Sox and Yankees each added power bats further devalues the team.
Boston comes in next on this list for a few key reasons, roster construction being chief amongst them. There are just far too many trade-off players on this bloated roster.
Also, Fenway does not play well for J.D. Martinez, and will not necessarily highlight his strengths as a hitter.
However, this is a comparison of the best teams in the AL. Boston’s starting staff should end as the best of the bunch, and that alone could carry them to another division crown and deep into the playoffs.
But top to bottom, with all things considered including defense and lack of possible additions and upgrades, the Red Sox look like the third best team in the AL.
That just leaves the Yankees and Astros.
Houston Has Few Problems
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Pitching is close, as the Astros get the edge in starters but the Yankees have a better bullpen. And I love the Astros attitude in camp. They have an edge to them and will not be a one-year wonder.
However, the addition of the National League MVP to the Yankees offense puts this team in a different category.
We saw what a healthy Astros offense could do last year. But we still haven’t seen what Bird, Sanchez, and Judge can do together for a full season, let alone with Stanton in the midst. That might be something we haven’t seen before.
Last year at this time I previewed the AL East. I picked Boston to win the division and the Yankees to come in second, with a real chance at the Wild Card.
This year, the Yankees are the team on top.
Not only because their offense might be a modern-day murderers row, but also because they have impact players waiting in the wings. Add their financial ability to bring in a key player or two in July, or the prospects to trade for one, and the Bronx Bombers look like the team to beat.
Next: Yankees Manager Aaron Boone is Coming in to Focus
I have no doubt that the label of the homer is about to be applied; that’s a reasonable accusation. And it means as much as my insights, which is to say nothing. The only real truth is that the season will finally soon be upon us and we have no fewer than seven Super teams to enjoy in 2018.
I’ve said it before: Baseball is in its glory. And whether the Yankees or Red Sox or Nationals prove to be the best, it is a great time to be a fan of any of these powerhouse teams.
But especially for the one that does win now, and their soon to be super excited fans.