With final roster decisions in the books and the 2020 season underway at long last, it’s time to make some predictions. We’re polling the MLBTR readership on each of the game’s six divisions — though plenty more teams will crack the postseason under the rather inclusive new playoff qualification system. We’ve already surveyed the AL Central, NL Central, and NL East landscapes, and now we’ll turn to the American League East.
The Yankees have certainly been tabbed the favorite by most observers, but several key players have questionable injury histories and the short-season format opens the door for challengers. The Rays are perhaps the prime contender for a surprise, with a deep and versatile roster that’s far more talented than the payroll would suggest. Then again, we may all be overlooking the Red Sox, who have certainly shed some talent but still have several rather high-ceiling players. There’s a ton of young talent on the Blue Jays roster; maybe the team could surprise if those precocious performers develop ahead of schedule. It’s quite difficult to make a case for the Orioles, even in a pithy blurb, but … hey, they’re tied for the division lead at 2-1 entering play today!
Which team do you think is going to take the division title? (Poll link for app users.)
Covid, that’s who
Ok Karen
Yea, I kind of regret saying that. Way too negative and I would have deleted it if I wasn’t on the app.
Yea I kind of regret saying that. Way too negative and out of character for me. Would have deleted if I wasn’t on the app.
Why? You’re probably right.
Exactly. Just your honest opinion. Not being negative when the facts seem supportable. The one who should regret posting in my view is Sadosfan for using a derogatory new word.
Amen
actually that’s the opposite of a karen… karl
Please stop using the word Karen. Talk about a double-standard. Such is simply racist and for some reason is allowed to exist without being called out. Refer to those individuals as arrogant, jerks, etc. but by lumping all into a name meant as derogatory for only a certain group, how is that any more acceptable than another name designed for only another specific race? This may not be acceptable to say but we need to stop all forms of racism together for this country to truly take a turn for the better.
Hahaha, that’s awesome!
I went Rays
How’d BAL get 10%?
Ya I know….shoulda been 25% at least.
Well now I’m gunna vote for ’em just because
Meth.
can i get the shirt?
Orioles chugging in 3rd and the Red Sox hate is real at under 3%. Vicious.
The orioles unironically have a better shot than the red sux. Without erod they might as well just be throwing BP to opposing hitters
I could care less. I picked the Yankees.
You’re going to want to go with couldn’t.
Nope. I’m going with could.
Please explain exactly how much less you could care,
honestly i tried to defend the Red Sox this offseason, but i dont think ive seen a rotation and a pen this bad.
My high school team…..nah, my team was better….
When you get slapped around by Baltimore you deserve the hate.
New York
Tampa Bay
Buffalo
Baltimore
Boston
Thumbs up for Buffalo
Love the vote for Buffalo!
Lots of underestimating the Rays. Sensational pitching, even if Snell takes advantage of his guaranteed deal and drops a sofa on his foot. Deep, deep lineup, even if KK takes his usual sabatical because he contracts Ebola (another guarantee goof). And they have lots and lots of payroll space/prospect capital on August 31.
im sure it’s a joke related to voting for the O’s, but the Jays not being at least 3rd, even with their situation, is criminal.
Rays
Jays
Yanks
Sox
O’s
10% took Baltimore. Is that a joke?
How did 10% pick Baltimore?
Lotta fan bases showing their Moxy!
Baltimore has some believers.
Uh?
Oh, hey, I see a couple people actually think the red sox have a chance (mustn’t be bed time for a couple kids yet).
Obviously it’s the Yanks. The Devil Rays second. Blue Jays third. Orioles then red sox.
Obvious to whom? Other than Yankee fans.
Oh, Valkyrie.
It would appear it is obvious to the readers of MLBTR. And Vegas. And Fangraphs. Every season prediction I’ve seen. MLB Network.
Or…are all of those merely Yankee fans, too?
Uh?
I’d pump the breaks on the Orioles definitely being better than the Red Sox. Taking 2/3 in Boston helps our case but this is a very bad baseball team as well. Should the Red Sox get E-rod back at any point they should be a better team than the O’s. There’s more talent on that roster right now.
Of course the Orioles very well may finish ahead of Boston. Who may not put up much of a fight as unmotivated team w/ an essentially interim manager.
Without E-Rod,!their 19-game winner from
last year, the Sox will probably finish last in the AL East. However, they could find a few pieces for next year.
Don’t care as long as it’s the Rays. They’re the best.
Come on this is Baltimore’s year , not a lot of games , teams cancelled because of Covid ,