Boston Red Sox J.D. Martinez feels playoffs already determined for 2019
By David Hill
Boston Red Sox slugger J.D. Martinez did not hold back about the state of Major League Baseball, especially when it comes down to which teams will contend in 2019.
It is understandable that players and fans alike have been frustrated by the slow pace of free agency this offseason. Top players are not getting contracts, teams are sitting out free agency entirely, and tanking is rampant. While teams like the Padres and Reds actually made moves to improve their rosters, there were far too many teams that were content to sit back and do virtually nothing.
That lack of effort is certainly being noticed by the players. Boston Red Sox slugger J.D. Martinez did not mince words about the state of the league, as he feels that one can already pick which teams will make the 2019 postseason.
Woah, J.D. Martinez didn't hold back, via @bradfo.
— Jason Mastrodonato (@JMastrodonato) February 24, 2019
"You can go right now through everyone's lineup and you already know who's going to be in the playoffs. What's the fun in that? We might as well just fast-forward to the end of the season." https://t.co/IceYCfgxsz
That is absolutely the case in the American League. Aside from the surprising A’s and Rays last season, the haves and have-nots were easily identifiable from the start of the year. The Astros appear destined to win the AL West, and even though the Indians took a step back, they will likely come away with the AL Central. The Red Sox and Yankees will battle for AL East supremacy, with the loser playing in the Wild Card Game.
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Their opponent? Maybe the Rays, or the A’s, or possibly the White Sox or Twins. Those four teams essentially make up the middle class of the American League, with the remainder falling into the basement. Maybe one of those teams can surprise in 2019, but that this point, that is highly doubtful.
In a way, that case about teams not spending could be made against the Red Sox as well. They have watched Joe Kelly sign with the Dodgers, and former closer Craig Kimbrel remains unsigned. With the bullpen being a giant question mark last season, and into the playoffs, having a closer like Kimbrel could make a tremendous difference.
Yes, bringing back World Series hero Steve Pearce and the talented Nathan Eovaldi help their cause for 2019. However, the Red Sox may have fallen behind the rival Yankees, and the Rays have certainly improved. Instead, the defending champions are more focused on staying below the luxury tax than strengthening their roster.
Next. Will Craig Kimbrel actually sit out the year?. dark
Boston Red Sox slugger J.D. Martinez is correct when he says that the probable playoff teams are easily identifiable, at least in the American League. Something needs to change, but what?