Call to the pen
Fansided

A Christmas list for each AL East team

By Manny Gómez

ATLANTA, GA - JULY 28: Atlanta Braves mascot Blooper, wearing a Santa Claus costume, holds up a "Naughty or Nice?" sign in front of third baseman Manny Machado #8 of the Los Angeles Dodgers as part of a "Christmas in July" promotion during the game between the Atlanta Braves and the Los Angeles Dodgers at SunTrust Park on July 28, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JULY 28: Atlanta Braves mascot Blooper, wearing a Santa Claus costume, holds up a "Naughty or Nice?" sign in front of third baseman Manny Machado #8 of the Los Angeles Dodgers as part of a "Christmas in July" promotion during the game between the Atlanta Braves and the Los Angeles Dodgers at SunTrust Park on July 28, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images) /
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AL East
TORONTO, ON – APRIL, 13 One unhappy Jays fan looks on in the 4th inning.The Toronto Blue Jays played the Baltimore Orioles in MLB action at the Rogers Centre in Toronto.April 13, 2017 Richard Lautens/Toronto Star (Richard Lautens/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /

The Blue Jays Christmas List

First on the Blue Jays Christmas list is a pitching coach. Last season, the Jays had the 4th worst ERA and WHIP in MLB. They also had the 3rd worst FB%, a terrible attribute for a team in the launch angle revolution.

Second on the list is to trade Marcus Stroman. After rumors began to swirl that the Padres were interested in the SP, Blue Jays fans lost it. The fact of the matter is, the Jays can get a good package for Stroman. And if the plan is to rebuild, you might as well go ALL IN.

Finally, the Blue Jays need to stop playing games and give the fans what they want: Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. Has there been a more highly touted prospect like Vladimir Jr.? The last one I can remember was Bryce Harper more than seven years ago.

AL East
ST PETERSBURG, FL – SEPTEMBER 28: Blake Snell #4 and Joey Wendle #18 of the Tampa Bay Rays interact before accepting awards prior to a game against the Toronto Blue Jays on September 28, 2018 at Tropicana Field in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

The Rays Christmas List

First, after shocking the baseball world by winning 90 games last season, the Rays need to go out and get another starting pitcher. Blake Snell won the Cy Young award in 2018 by being lights out, but a single pitcher does not a rotation make. A pitcher like Ervin Santana proved to be a reliable starter over his career, and just two seasons ago anchored a rotation that led the Minnesota Twins to the Postseason. He won’t cost too much money either.

Secondly, the Rays should reacquire Sergio Romo (aka “The Opener“). Romo proved to be the perfect “Opener” for the Rays, who successfully used the strategy last season. If not Romo, bolster the bullpen with other arms, like Britton (familiar with the division) or Ottavino (nasty stuff).

Lastly, while the Rays offense was not the problem last season – they ranked 3rd in OBP – they lack some pop. Nelson Cruz, who seems to be aging in reverse, could be a potential 50 HR hitter at the Trop, providing the organization with the power they’ve been lacking.

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