2014 AL Pennant Race
Baseball season is just about upon us, and the junior circuit appears to be fairly wide open, which is going to make for an interesting run towards the American League Pennant. Here is a look at a favorite, a mid-level contender, and a longshot to break through and finish atop the American League this season.
The Favorite
New York Yankees +650
The Yankees don’t exactly fall into the category of teams that will employ a rebuild. The Yankees missed the postseason in 2013 and opened up their chequebooks to ensure that wouldn’t happen again this season. The team spent big money on the likes of Masahiro Tanaka, Jacoby Ellsbury, Carlos Beltran, and Brian McCann.
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That influx of talent has the Yankees looking like a team poised for a walk through the American League this season on its own, but some low profile additions could prove impactful as well. The return of Michael Pineda following a year lost due to injury could really serve to fill out the team’s rotation, and new third baseman Kelly Johnson could really thrive at Yankee Stadium, as his skill-set really fits the park well.
Brian Roberts, Brendan Ryan, and Scott Sizemore were all brought in to help with infield depth after a year in which the team really struggled in that area. Alex Rodriguez won’t be around, which could be a good thing, and while his absence will hurt the team this year, they were lucky to get out from under Robinson Cano’s massive contract.
The Contender
Toronto Blue Jays +1400
The Blue Jays were favored to accomplish this feat at this time last year. Little has changed from then to now. The pitching rotation has lost some name-value, but returns some good young arms from injury that should serve to better where the rotation stood at this time a year ago.
As for the lineup, it remains largely unchanged. Brett Lawrie begins the year healthy at third base, and Jose Reyes is around. Dioner Navarro has been brought in to play behind the plate, and he should offer more to the pitching staff than J.P. Arencibia ever did. Melky Cabrera cleared up some medical issues that reportedly have him back in top form. Colby Rasmus is playing for a contract and that could see him put together his best year yet.
The team’s contentment with Ryan Goins as an everyday second baseman has many within the fan base up in arms, and the A.L. East is going to be tough from top to bottom this year, but the Blue Jays have plenty of post-hype sleeper value, and could surprise many down the stretch with their ability to generate runs.
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The Longshot
Cleveland Indians +2000
The Indians made a surprise trip to the postseason in 2013, and while they couldn’t manage more than a single postseason game, the team did show a lot of promise which offers a lot of optimism for their chances this season.
The team’s lineup remains largely unchanged. Second baseman Jason Kipnis appears poised for another step forward, as does Carlos Santana, whose numbers should get a boost on the back of his move from catcher to first base and designated hitter. Asdrubal Cabrera will surely bounce back after a down year in 2013, and the additional of David Murphy is a low profile move that could provide a positive impact. Moving Yan Gomes behind the plate permanently could also prove to be a good move, as he is an above average hitter for the position, and can defend it well.
Losing Ubaldo Jimenez hurts, but Danny Salazar appears poised to take the next step, and Justin Masterson is playing for a contract. John Axford discovered he was tipping pitches and has corrected that problem – he should solidify the back end of the team’s bullpen.
Complete Odds to Win American League
Detroit Tigers +425
Boston Red Sox +600
Tampa Bay Rays +600
Texas Rangers +800
Oakland Athletics +900
Los Angeles Angels +1100
Baltimore Orioles +1600
Kansas City Royals +1600
Seattle Mariners +1600
Chicago White Sox +2500
Minnesota Twins +5000
Houston Astros +10000
