2013 MLB Season Predictions: Projecting the division and award winners
By Matt Shetler
American League East
Matt Shetler: Tampa- They just always find a way to stay in the race and this year I think they win the division. Even though they lost the likes of James Shields and B.J. Upton, they still have enough to hold off a talented Toronto and a resilient Baltimore team.
Feb 25, 2013; Dunedin, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Jose Reyes (7) against the Boston Red Sox during a spring training split squad game at Florida Exchange Park. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Matt Gajtka: Toronto- It’s finally the Blue Jays’ year as big production from Jose Reyes and Josh Johnson propels Canada’s team to the second season. With the Yankees and Red Sox stagnant and the Rays unable to match their raw ability, the Jays take their first division title in two decades.
Drew Shetler: Toronto- The Blue Jays did not go out and spend all the money to finish in second place. Tampa will be Tampa hanging around and playing competitive baseball and end up winning the Wild Card. New York slips to third their players aren’t getting any younger. Could be last call for the Yanks to win a title.
Zac Weiss: Baltimore- I believe that everyone has improved in the AL East. I think people are sleeping on Baltimore and if Brian Roberts and Nick Markakis are healthy and their starters can get into the sixth inning, then their great bullpen can take over. I am wary of the Blue Jays because I trusted these Marlins guys last year and they let me down. Their rotation though is great although R.A. Dickey going back to the AL concerns me a little.
I do believe the Yankees will start slow due to these injuries and Derek Jeter perhaps not being ready. There still are too many question marks in the rotation after C.C. Sabathia. Not many are talking about the Rays but for now their rotation is weaker due to the trade with the Kansas City Royals plus sending B.J. Upton to the Braves hurts that offense. I do believe the Red Sox will play harder this year but David Ortiz is injured again. The bullpen is better but I am unsure how often they can give the bullpen the lead.