The Trade that Changed Baseball

Alex Rodriguez and The Trade

Eleven years ago today the New York Yankees and The Texas Rangers pulled off a blockbuster trade that would change baseball forever. Alex Rodriguez the best shortstop in baseball would go to the Yankees and agree to play third base. The 2003 AL MVP would change positions for Derek Jeter. Rodriguez and Captain Derek Jeter would team up to be one of the most talked about and best left side of an infield ever.

The Early Lows

Alex Rodriguez and the Yankees were up 3-0 on the Boston Red Sox in the 2004 ALCS. Rodriguez
batted 339 in the 2004 playoffs however things changed for A-Rod when the Yankees blew the series.
 Of course their was the famous play when he slapped the glove of Bronson Arroyo. Rodriguez took some criticism and the next year A-Rod had a miserable postseason. In 2006 A-Rod had another brutal postseason and Joe Torre even dropped him all the way down to eight in the order. In 2007 the Yankees had another bad postseason and Alex was not much better.

Derek Jeter Relationship

The Papers and the media made a lot of drama out of the frayed relationship between Jeter and Alex Rodriguez. When the Yankees lost postseason series people worried about the chemistry between the two stars. However when they won the World Series no one questioned the friendship. Personally I
never believed that they were not friends. If they weren't why would they always be together in the dugout sitting together ? The papers and the news always over blew the relationship. Jeter and A-Rod played in many all star games together and always will have an odd friend ship. They definitely had their differences but their friendship was apparently strong enough to make it work. They had their highs and their lows. They make their case for one of baseballs best dynamic duos ever.

The Early Highs and the MVP Awards

Alex Rodriguez won two MVP Awards in his career with the Yankees. In 2005 Rodriguez blasted 48 home runs. He also batted 321 with 130 RBI. In 2007 Alex Rodriguez had possibly his best season ever. Rodriguez hit 54 homers swiped 24 bags and knocked in 156 RBI. Rodriguez hit his 500th
home run in the 2007 season. A-Rod was named to the All Star team with the Yankees from 2004-2008. He had at least 30 homers and 100 RBI in every one of those seasons. Rodriguez also opted out of his contract and signed a 10 year $275 million deal.

The Admission and the Post Season Hero

In February 2009 Alex Rodriguez admitted that he used PED's during the 2001-2003 seasons with the Texas Rangers. It was shocking to many baseball fans. On top of all of this A-Rod would get hip surgery and miss the first month of the baseball season. When he returned he hit a home run on the very first pitch he saw. During the 2009 season Rodriguez hit two homers in one inning on the last day of the season to get to 30 homers and 100 RBI once again. Rodriguez would silence the critics and have a monster postseason. Rodriguez would have a monster ALCS and ALDS before hitting a game winning double in the World Series. Perhaps two of A-Rods biggest homers ever were his game tying homerun off of Joe Nathan and his extra inning game tying homer off of Brian Fuentes. The Yankees would win their 27th World Series and A-Rod was the best player throughout the postseason run.

2010-2012

A-Rod would have another 30 home run and 100 RBI season with the Yankees. He would make it to another All Star game. He would also belt his 600th career home run. In 2011 Rodriguez would be named an all star once again. However injuries would hurt his second half. For the first time in 13 years Alex would not have a 30 homer and 100 RBI seasons. In 2012 Rodriguez battled more injuries and hit a low point in his career when he was pinch hit for in the postseason. The Yankees were bounced out of the ALCS by the Tigers and Rodriguez took a lot of the blame despite most of the team playing terrible. Rodriguez hit just 118 during the whole postseason. During the offseason Rodriguez would under go more surgery and the surgery would sideline him for some time in 2013.

2013 and the Biogenesis Suspension

In 2013 Alex Rodriguez was Suspended for his involvement in the Biogenesis case. However he appealed the suspension and was able to play when he returned from injury in August. Rodriguez added a boost to the Yankees lineup and his return added some ratings and excitement. He played in just 44 games and hit 7 home runs. His two biggest homers were the record breaking grand slam against the San Francisco Giants. A-Rod hit the grand slam that helped the Yankees win the game , it broke the all time grand slam record. Perhaps the best moment was when he was intentionally hit by Ryan Dempster against the Boston Red Sox. He then responded by blasting a home run. After the season Alex continued to defend himself however his efforts were for nothing. Rodriguez was suspended for all of the 2014 season. The suspension left a man who breathes baseball off the field for the first time in probably 30 years. Now the suspension is over and Rodriguez looks to make his
return.

11 years since the deal

So did the trade work out? Of course the trade worked out. Alex Rodriguez put up monster numbers. Rodriguez even without playing in 2014 and being injured from 2011-2013 is still fifth in WAR amongst active players. Rodriguez is sixth all time in home runs in Yankee history , despite just ten seasons. A-Rod may have cost the Yankees a lot of money however he has also made them a lot of money. Rodriguez has helped the ticket sales , tv ratings and memorabilia sales. A-Rod has become one of the most notable figures in Sports history for the good and bad. If A-Rods first 11 years are indicative of anything we have no idea what to expect from the next few. Rodriguez has had moments that are not pretty during the Yankee tenure , however he has had some great moments as well. The main reason it worked out is because the Yankees one the 2009 title and he was a major part of it.

By Peter Vitella
@realpete13

Al Central

AL Central

Tigers

Strength - The Tigers lost some pieces however they still have a tremendous 3-4 combo in the lineup with Miguel Cabrera and Victor Martinez. The Tigers also acquired Yoenis Cespedes. This team will not be short on power as all three players had at least 100 RBI. The Tigers also have a solid 1-3 with David Price , Anibal Sanchez , and Justin Verlander in the rotation.

Weakness - The Tigers bullpen is a major question mark once again. It looks like the Tigers will stick with Joe Nathan to close. The Tigers are shaky throughout and it hurt them once again in the playoffs last season.

Wild Card Players - Justin Verlander is a former CY Young and MVP winner. He has to be better than he was last year if the Tigers are to return to the playoffs. Max Scherzer is gone and Verlander has to be back to what he was in 2013. He may never be the guy with an era under 3 but his 2013 numbers have to be closer to that season.

Royals

Strength - The Kansas City Royals went to the World Series thanks to a dominant bullpen. The Royals have one of the best closers in baseball in Greg Holland and Wade Davis had one of the best seasons as a set up man. The Royals bullpen is filled with flame throwers.

Weakness - The Royals lineup is never the strongest. They parted ways with one of their longest

tenure veterans in Billy Butler. The Royals need production from their young players. They can't afford for any more inconsistent seasons. Eric Hosmer needs to truly break out into the star we have seen in the past.

Wild Card Players - I think Eric Hosmer can truly break out into a star baseball player this season. We have seen it in the past and if Hosmer can stay at his best he will be an all star. The Royals need him
to be their top hitter and replace Billy Butler in every way.

Indians

Strength - The Indians have a very power full lineup. The Indians will be looking for Nick Swisher and Jason Kipnis to bounce back. They also acquired Brandon Moss.  They also have Michael Brantley coming off an MVP type year. Carlos Santana and Yan Gomes also had powerful seasons.

Weakness - The Indians have a bullpen with a lot of players we are not sure about. Cody Allen showed us he can pitch In the ninth but you have to question who is going to get the baseball to him. You have to also see if he will have another good year because he is unproven.

Wild Card Players - Nick Swisher had a miserable year however he has had some big seasons in the past. The Indians are not short on power but imagine if Nick Swisher can bounce back and belt 20-25 home runs it makes the lineup that much deeper.


White Sox

Strength - The White Sox made some impressive moves this off season but perhaps the Pitching staff
was bolstered the most. The White Sox who already have Chris Sale and Jose Quintana , added Jeff Samardzija. The White Sox rotation will be very strong as Chris Sale is one of baseballs best pitchers.

Weakness - The Sox are relying on some un known talent at 2nd and 3rd base. The Sox have Carlos Sanchez and Conor Gillaspie at those positions. The Sox put a lot into the team and need both guys to contribute for this team to play well.

Wild Card Players - Sanchez and Gillaspie will need to be productive for this team. They also have Emilio Bonifacio. He can play many positions and can bring speed to the table. The mix of the three infielders can be good if they all play up to potential.

Twins

Strength - The Twins have plenty of veteran presence on this team. Joe Mauer is a former MVP primed for a big season and Tori Hunter makes his return to the Twins lineup. They also have Phil
Hughes and Kurt Suzuki.


Weakness - The Twins are still weak in some spots in the starting rotation. Ricky Nolasco had a terrible year. They also have some holes in the lineup and even the bullpen. The Twins will rely on some bounce back players and some breakout players.

Wild Card Players - Joe Mauer had a down year for really the first time in his career. This can be the year that Mauer is back to All Star status. Mauer was still getting used to not catching and I think that move will ultimately benefit him in every form of the game. Kenny Vargas showed off some power last year. A full season of him can be a big one for the Twins.


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By Peter Vitella
@realpete13

NL West

NL West

Dodgers

Strength - Anytime you have a rotation featuring the best pitcher in baseball Clayton Kershaw and a former Cy Young Winner in Zack Greinke you are dangerous.
Kershaw is clearly the best pitcher in all of baseball. Greinke had another great season on the mound. Hun Jin Ryu is an excellent third started and the addition of Brandon McCarthy will help the rotation even more.

Weakness - The Dodgers always make the playoffs but have been bounced year after year. With a top payroll and all this talent we need to see more from the Dodgers in the playoffs.


Wild Card Players - Jimmy Rollins is a former MVP and Rollins can contribute to this lineup. I think
the move to a contender can definitely rejuvenate him. Joc Pederson may finally get the chance to be in the Dodgers starting lineup. Pederson is a top prospect and a highly touted player. Pederson can potentially bring an impact along the lines of what Yasiel Puig brought when he emerged.

Giants

Strength - Once again the Giants have a talented and veteran pitching rotation. The Giants have pitchers who are proven winners and guys who can eat up innings. The Giants have post season legend Madison Bumgarner. They also have Matt Cain coming back from injury. The Giants also have veterans Jake Peavy , Tim Hudson , and Ryan Vogelsong. They also have Tim Lincecum and Yusmeiro Petit. Of the three Vogelsong , Lincecum , and Petit two of them will most likely contribute from the bullpen. The Giants have starters who can produce as starters who can be comfortable pitching from the bullpen.


Weakness - The Giants will never have the best lineup we know that. However they always find a way to win and be competitive. The Giants will have to scrap runs together even more this season as they lost Pablo Sandoval and Mike Morse.


Wild Card Players - Tim Lincecum showed us flashes of him being the freak last years. This can be the year he fully reinvents himself as a starter or it can be the year he moves to the bullpen. If he were to make the move to the pen I think we can see many benefits from this. Lincecum has shown us in the postseason how good he can be in the role.

Padres

Strengths - The Padres lineup is greatly improved and so has the starting rotation. The Padres added to the outfield and now have Justin Upton , Matt Kemp , and Will Myers. The Padres also have a strong rotation with Andrew Cashner , Tyson Ross and James Shields.

Weakness - The Padres  are taking a gamble. They made some big moves and will rely on some new players to make big strides. We have seen these teams fail in the past but the Padres have as good a shot as any.

Wild Card Players - Jedd Gyorko had a down year last year. Middle infield power is rare and we have seen him put up big numbers in the past. Gyorko will need to bounce back because the Padres can not just rely on the new additions. Andrew Cashner is proving how good he can be. The main concern is
his health. The Padres  need him to be healthy.

Diamondbacks

Strengths - The Diamondbacks have one of the best players in baseball in Paul Goldschmidt. He is a
monster bat and is young. He is ready for another great season. Mark Trumbo is another power bat
and he can protect Paul Goldschmidt.

Weakness - The Diamondbacks are really weak in their starting rotation. The Diamondbacks rotation consists of a lot of cast offs and pitchers who are 4's and 5's. Jeremy Hellickson will need to really bounce back and return to form.

Wild Card Players - Aaron Hill is a former all star and he has had big seasons in his own right. Hill has had some down years and injuries but the D'backs need a healthy year from him. The same can be said from former AL Rookie of the Year Jeremy Hellickson.

Rockies

Strengths - The Rockies have one of the most powerful lineups in baseball. Troy Tulowitzki is the best shortstop in baseball of course the Rockies need him to stay healthy. Charlie Blackmon and
Corey Dickerson had monster breakout seasons and so did Nolan Arenado. Justin Morneau won the batting title. Carlos Gonzalez when healthy is one of the best players in baseball and the Rockies lineup will be even better if he can play a full year.

Weakness - The Rockies play in the thin air and the ball flys out of the park. The Rockies pitching is never their strong suite. Jorge De La Rosa will be the ace of the staff and he too has battled injuries. The Rockies will rely on some questionable pitchers in both their bullpen and rotation.

Wild Card Players - When healthy Carlos Gonzalez is one of the best players in baseball. If the Rockies can keep him in the lineup the entire year they will have one of the best lineups in all of baseball.


Peter Vitella
@realpete13

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AL West

AL West 

Athletics 

Strength - The A's always put together a competitive team. They find a way to score runs and find a way to have certain players have career years. Once again the A's are still pretty deep at starting pitching. Sonny Gray had a very good year last year and so did Scott Kazmir. The A's will need Kazmir to have another great year. Jesse Chavez had flashes also. Drew Pomeranz also had some nice moments on the mound. The A's also have Jarrod Parker and AJ Griffin coming back some time during the season.

Weakness - Obviously the A's are missing three big power bats from the beginning of last season. They have lost Yoenis Cespedes , Josh Donaldson , and Brandon Moss. The Athletics appear to be very weak with offense however they have many players who they will count on to have career years. That will be the difference between a horrible year and another playoff year.

Wild Card Players - Ike Davis has displayed power in his career however we have seen him land on some tuff times. Davis had some tuff years with the Mets and did not have a huge role with the Pirates last year. Brett Lawrie was acquired when the A's traded the Blue Jays Josh Donaldson. Lawrie was a top prospect and every year we are waiting for his breakout. Can this be the year he breaks out ? A change of scenery can be good for Lawrie. 

Angels

Strength - The Angels have a powerful lineup. They have league MVP Mike Trout and one of the best players ever in the presence of Albert Pujols. Pujols bounced back to have a very good year last year and we saw Mike Trout have his best power year. Kole Calhoun belted 17 home runs. 

Weakness - The Angels are pretty solid all around however they need to rely on some of their pitchers if they are to make the playoffs again. Matt Shoemaker had a great year but we have to see if he can 

continue it. Andrew Heaney may get a chance despite struggling in his first call up last year. Jered Weaver is aging but still effective and we have to see when Garrett Richards returns. The Angels need CJ Wilson to bounce back. We saw his whip jump from 1.13 to 1.45 and his era jump from 3.38 to 4.51. It's hard to call this rotation the weakness because I like it but Wilson will be key. So will the recovery of Garrett Richards. 

Wild Card Players - Josh Hamilton is a former MVP and all star. He has had some of the best seasons around. Hamilton has already been injured and will miss 4-6 weeks. Many people do not expect much from Hamilton but that does not mean he can't return to All star status. That will be key for the Angels lineup. 

Mariners 

Strength - The Mariners have Felix Hernandez and Hisashi Iwakuma. They are both all star pitchers. Hernandez is clearly one of the best pitchers in baseball. James Paxton is also a very talented arm and I expect him to make great strides this season. The Mariners also have a top prospect in Taijuan Walker. The Mariners can use him to have a big season. 

Weakness - The Mariners have improved the lineup as Nelson Cruz will be able to protect Robinson Cano. Cano will have an even better season than last year now with the protection. The Mariners will swing and miss a lot. They will have a lot of hitters who will have low batting averages such as Mike Zunino , Austen Jackson  , Logan Morrison , and Brad Miller.

Wild Card Players - James Paxton showed us flashes of how good he can be. If 2015 is the year he breaks out and stays healthy the Mariners can have one of the best rotations in baseball. Paxton has a 2.66 era in 17 career starts. Taijuan Walker is clearly a highly touted prospect and the Mariners are not counting on him to break out yet but if he does imagine the benefits.

Rangers 

Strength - The Rangers will have a powerful lineup once again. Prince Fielder appears to be healthy and he will match up nicely with Adrian Beltre. Sin Soo Choo and Mitch Moreland can bounce back and put up nice power numbers. The Rangers have a great ballpark for hitters. 

Weakness - The Rangers have a lot of players who they are unsure of. They have many players who need to have bounce back seasons. How will Robinson Chirinos produce , how will Nick Martinez produce , who will play left field and second base? The Rangers will have question marks to overcome. 

Wild Card Players - Jurickson Profar was a former top prospect however now we are unsure were he
will play do to the various injuries. Profar does not have a guaranteed starting job. He has played in 

just 37 MLB games the past two seasons. This could be the year that Profar performs the way he was projected. 

Astros 

Strength - The Astros have a lot of power bats in their lineup. They also have some guys who can get on base and hit for some average. Jose Altuve Is easily one of the best players in baseball. George Springer , Chris Carter , Jason Castro , Evan Gattis , and Jon Singleton will hit the ball out of the park. 

Weakness - The Astros clearly do not have a clear cut ace. Dallas Kuechel had a great season but the Astros need him to have another big season. The Astros could not land Ryan Vogelsong and will count on some mediocre pitchers at the back of the rotation. They have some guys in the rotation who we just do not know what to expect. 

Wild Card Players -  Jason Castro was an All star in 2013. Last year he struggled but the Astros need him to bounce back and have a good season. Castro can be a vital part of the batting order. Jon Singleton showed some power last year however he fell on some hard times with the bat. If he puts it all together he can have a 30 home run season. 

@realpete13

Peter Vitella 

Check out the AL East and NL East Articles. These are not standings previews those are to come. 

http://theleaguesports.blogspot.com/2015/02/al-east.html

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Sports Bros Podcast

Episode 43: Kidney Message

This week on the Sports Bros Podcast, Jordan, Shane, and Brad talk about Kanye at the Grammys, Syracuse’s self imposed post season ban, Yoan Moncada, the Ohio State/ Michigan recruiting battle, and talk sheep and goats.

To vote for the winner of this week’s opening question, be sure to head over to www.jordanrhall.com/vote

Don’t forget to follow the Bros on Twitter

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Give our buddies a download and listen to their great Podcast. 

@Realpete13

@Theleaguesport 

NL East

NL East

Nationals

Strength - The Nats starting rotation is clearly the best in baseball. Some people are talking about it being the best ever and we have not even played a game. I will hold off on that but I do know the Nats were one of the best teams last year and now they add Max Scherzer. Scherzer will be the number one. You also have Stephen Strasburg and Jordan Zimmerman who are also number ones and two of the best arms in the game. Doug Fister and Gio Gonzalez are aces in their own rights and Tanner Roark who was excellent shifts to the pen.

Weakness - In the past the weakness has been the experience factor but they have been relevant for some time now and I don't see much weakness on this team. The only weakness would be getting over the hump and avoiding getting bounced in the NLDS.


Wild Card Players - Is it possible to be as good as Bryce Harper and be a wild card player? It is possible because if Harper can stay healthy and play his game all year he is an MVP candidate and one of the best players in baseball. Ryan Zimmerman is also a wild card because when healthy he has been great. He is a great hitter and is a big RBI production. He needs to stay healthy.

Mets

Strength - The Mets have a dominant pitching staff. I say their staff is right behind the Nationals and close to as good as the Dodgers. The Mets get back their ace Matt Harvey and will have Jacob deGrom last years NL Rookie of the Year on their side. They also have Zach Wheeler who still has some growth. Dillon Gee and Jon Niese have had a lot of success also. Niese will be the lone lefty.
The Mets also have some touted pitching prospects and you can't forget about Bartolo Colon.

Weakness - The Mets failed once again to make a splash for a big bat. The Mets did pick up Michael Cuddyer however the question is will he be enough. The Mets have to depend on players like David Wright and Curtis Granderson to bounce back    and sometimes it's hard to depend on older players.

Wild Card Players - David Wright needs to be the Wright of old. The Mets need him to have a solid season. Wright can do it. Wright is a constant and a leader and a big season is needed if the Mets are going to make the playoffs. Matt Harvey is also a wild card because we have to see If he is going to be fully back and ready to go or if they are going to baby him. Will he be back to his old self?

Phillies

Strength - Philly is going through a tuff time. I don't see them being a good team this year however anytime you have Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels you would have to consider that your strength. The rest of the rotation is shakey to say the least.

Weakness - The Phillies are old and past their primes. A lot of the players they invested big in are finished as top players or are still really good and the Phillies are trying to trade them in the case of Lee and Hamels. This team has holes everywhere.

Wild Card Players - Ryan Howard was once one of the most feared hitters in baseball. If he can get back to something along those lines it would be great for the lineup. Dominick Brown was a 30 homer guy two years ago , last year he was terrible. He is still young and can bounce back.

Marlins

Strength - The Marlins play in a very big ballpark and they have a lot of pitching depth to go along with it. The Marlins probably will not get Jose Fernandez back until June but they recently acquired Mat Latos. We also saw big steps from Henderson Alvarez and Zach Cosart. The Marlins also acquired David Phelps and Dan Haren. Tom Koehler had a nice year also.

Weakness - The Marlins have improved with the bats and arms. They are pretty strong all around however they still have some players who they need to come through. There weakness has to be that they just have some players they are hit or miss.

Wild Card Players - Mike Morse can be a big bat for the Marlins lineups. He when healthy is a powerful bat and gets super hot. The Marlins need to keep him out of deep slumps and keep him healthy. David Phelps had some success with the Yankees and now he is in a better scenario. I think he can have a very good year for the Marlins.

Braves

Strength - The Braves traded away and got rid of a lot of players. They appear to be a bad team this year however they still have their strengths. They have Freddie Freeman who is one of the best hitters in the NL and Craig Kimbrel as the closer. These are two strong pieces.

Weakness - The Braves cut down on the strikeouts in the offseason however they still have hitters who have a ton of strike out potential. These hitters do not have as much power potential however. The Braves traded Jason Heyward , Justin Upton , and Evan Gattis and clearly downgraded at these positions. They appear to be rebuilding a little.

Wild Card Players - Mike Minor and Shelby Miller both had down seasons however if they come back and have good seasons the Braves will not be as bad as expected. Minor was dominant two years ago and showed flashes of it last year down the stretch.

Check out the Al East Preview also

http://theleaguesports.blogspot.com/2015/02/al-east.html

By Peter Vitella 

@Realpete13 

AL East

AL East

Yankees

Strength - The Yankees definitely have some depth now with versatile players like Stephen Drew and Garret Jones coming to the team. They also have plenty of options at the corners with Alex Rodriguez , Mark Teixeira , Chase Headley , and Jones. The Yankees have plenty of players who can move around and spell some older players.

Weakness - The Yanks are extremely old and injury prone. Their roster will be filled with players like Carlos Beltran , A-Rod , Teixeira , CC Sabathia , and Brian McCann. The pitching staff is also a concern because of health not so much age. Michael Pineda and CC have clearly had their injury issues over the past few years. Ivan Nova is coming off of Tommy John Surgery and Mashahiro Tanaka clearly has his elbow problems.


Wild Card Players - Michael Pineda is clearly an ace when healthy. He can be a Cy Young candidate if he stays on the mound all season. With the bat the Yankees have a guy with over 600 homers who is considered to be an unknown. Alex Rodriguez is coming back. We have seen guys like Raul Ibanez have monster seasons at age 40 and 41 so why should we rule it out for A-Rod.

Red Sox

Strength - The Red Sox have a lineup filled with All Stars and sluggers. David Ortiz is still having monster years. The Red Sox have added the big bats of Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval. I think Hanley will put up monster seasons for Boston. Then Dustin Pedroia is the Red Sox heart. Pedroia was injured but will have a major bounce back season. The Sox also have some young players like Mookie Betts and Xander Bogaerts.

Weakness - The Red Sox pitching staff is littered with questions. The Sox do not have a clear cut ace. A lot depends on what Clay Buchholz can do this season. The Red Sox also need a big year from Rick Porcello. Porcello had a great year last year but has never had a full year of consistent dominance before. Wade Miley has been up and down and a move to the AL can't really help. Justin Masterson has had his struggles and so has Joe Kelly. Kelly has great stuff and can be great for the staff.

Wild Card Players - Clay Buchholz and Joe Kelly can each be all stars if they can put everything together. They both have had flashes of dominance and Buchholz has had big years before. The Red Sox have some wild card bats in guys like Allen Craig and Shane Victorino  have been all stars in the past. Right now they don't have a job. One of them can still be traded but whatever they do can still
be beneficial. Brock Holt is also a player who showed us what he can do. Hopefully the he gets
playing time because he is good.

Rays

Strength - Even without David Price the Rays pitching staff is still very talented.
Alex Cobb is turning into one of the best pitchers in all of baseball. Cobb has dominated in the AL East his whole career. The Rays also Chris Archer and Drew Smyly young pitchers who continue to improve. The Rays also have a very talented pitcher in Matt Moore returning from Tommy John
Surgery.


Weakness - The Rays lost some bats. The bats always seem to be the problem. The Rays traded away Myers and Zobrist. They will count on James Loney , Desmond Jennings and John Jaso to protect Evan Longoria. The question for the Rays will be can they scratch out enough runs to support the
pitching staff.

Wild Card Players - Desmond Jennings has showed us flashes of being a star baseball player. The Rays will need him to have a strong season. The Rays also need a big season from Matt Moore coming back from injury. Moore has shown how great he can be. Without Price the Rays can really use him to have a big year. Jennings and Moore need to fully develop.

Blue Jays

Strength - The Blue Jays obviously have one of the best 3/4 lineup combos in baseball. The Jays also have speed with Jose Reyes. The Jays have finally added an extremely talented and gritty catcher in Russell Martin. Martin is a catcher who can slug 20 homers. The Jays also traded for Josh Donaldson who is another hitter who can give you 30 homers and 90-100 RBI.

Weakness - Besides Marcus Stroman and RA Dickey it is safe to say that the Jays are a little weak on the mound. Mark Buehrle is a trusted veteran but is better suited as a 4 or 5 than a 2 or 3. Drew Hutchison , and Marco Estrada will give up a lot of home runs and the AL East will be a tuff place to play. The bullpen is filled with question marks and Brett Cecil will take over as closer. I am more worried about who gets him the ball rather than if he can close. Perhaps the Jays can still add a veteran reliever.

Wild Card - It looks like the Jays will go with Justin Smoak at first base. Smoak has clearly had his problems but he has also showed us that he has power. The move from Seattle can really benefit Smoak. Smoak has been trying to break out for sometime now and the move may be his make or break. It also allows Encarnacion to mainly DH.

Orioles

Strength - Even with some subtractions the Orioles still have a pretty powerful club. They also have a good mix of some speed. Adam Jones is obviously the best player on the team. He can do it all and is a major power bat. This should be the year that Manny Machado puts everything together. Despite losing Nelson Cruz I think Steve Pearce can be a guy who can hit 20-25 homers.

Weakness - The Orioles clearly do not have an ace yet again. They have a rotion filled with mostly threes. They have Chris Tillman as their number one. The Orioles have made the playoffs without a clear cut ace but that has not translated into a World Series appearance.

Wild Card - Steve Pearce will be getting a lot more at bats now that Nick Markakis and Cruz are gone. Pierce showed a lot of pop last year and has the potential to be a guy who can hit 20-25 homers. Chris Davis has had his up and downs but the question will be can David be the guy from two years ago or is he more inclined for 30 homer seasons. Either way Davis should bounce back in a big way , just how big is what makes him a wild card.




By Peter Vitella
@realpete13