2018 Team Previews: American League(Part 1)

On to the America League (Part 1) of our MLB Team Preview Series

All win total predictions will be based on Bovada.com projections: URL-https://sports.bovada.lv/baseball/MLB-season-props

Baltimore Orioles 73/ pick-over

It will be difficult for the Orioles to keep pace in the A.L. East, the addition of former Ray pitcher Alex Cobb was a very smart signing. He immediately becomes arguably the best starter on a very mediocre rotation. This could be the Biggestthird baseman Many Machado’s last season as an Oriole, he will be looking to have a big season before entering free agency. Look for the O’s and Jays to battle it out for third in the division, go just over the number, Manager Buck Schowalter always gets the most of what he is given.

Boston Red Sox 91.5/ pick-over

All the hype seems to surround the New York Yankees, we may be underestimating the Bosox. They truly lacked a power bat last season, they now found there guy in J.D. Martinez. Boston had a good hitting team last year, they just didn’t have a really reliable source to drive in runs. If they can get respectable numbers from Hanley Ramirez and Rafael Devers continues his emergence, this team will compete for the division. The biggest concern may lie in the pitching, they are hoping for a rebound, injury-free season out starting pitcher David Price.

Chicago White Sox 68/ pick-under

When James Shields is listed atop the pitching rotation(mlb.com depth charts) as your number one you may be in trouble. This version of the White Sox is all about fostering young talent. We will get a good look at a number of players that posssess potential, shortstop, Tim Anderson, starting pitcher, Lucas Giolito, second baseman, Yoan Monchada, and third baseman, Matt Davidson will all get an ample amount of playing time. This in turn, of course, will result in a lot of losses as it will be more about discovering talent than winning games.

Cleveland Indians 94.5/ pick-over

Yonder Alonso will replace Carlos Santana at first base and should be a viable replacement, although, maybe not as skilled in the run producing department. Outfielder Michael Brantley is always an injury concern and will begin the season on the DL. Mainstays, Francisco Lindor, Jose Ramirez and Jason Kipnis will lead this offense. As always the biggest strength in lies with the pitching. Cy Young winner, Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco, Trevor Bauer and super relief pitcher, Andrew Miller make up a very good pitching nucleus. The win total will also be aided by the fact the A.L. Central is a very week division.

Detroit Tigers 68.5/ pick-over

Joining the White Sox at the bottom of the barrel in the American League will be the Detroit Tigers. Still some established talent, so they aren’t quite as bad as Chicago. Victor Martinez, Miguel Cabrera and Nick Castellanos are capable of putting up good seasons. On the pitching side of things, after Michael Fulmer, it gets pretty dull. They barely get 70 wins off the back of one of the greatest hitters of this generation, Miguel Cabrera.

Houston Astros 96.5/ pick-over

This version of the Astros could be even better than last seasons championship club. The addition of starting pitcher Gerrit Cole and a full season out of all-star shortstop Carlos Correa has 100 wins well within reach for the A.L. West powerhouse. The only concern is if they decide to take the foot off the gas once home field has been clinched.

Kansas City Royals 71.5/ pick- over

The Royals have just enough talent to get them over the total, but not by much. All of the Royals starters are just good enough to provide adequate pitching. The lineup is similar to the pitching in that it will be fair enough to win a respectable amount of ball games. They will also have to get similar production as last year from newly resigned third baseman Mike Moustakas.

Los Angeles Angels 84.5/ pick-over

Shohei Ohtani, Ian Kinsler and Zack Cozart are the new kids in town. Kinsler and Cozart will add offense and leadership to a pretty good lineup. If Ohtani pans out to be the sensation that everyone is dreaming about the Angels get to 90 plus wins. So far with the limited amount we’ve seen out of the Japanese import, it appears there may be some growing pains to adapt to the big leagues. Even still, aided by a good and healthy pitching staff, this group can get over the line.

The second part of the American League will be next, and it will conclude our team previews series. The 2018 season begins this Thursday, April 29.

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