The Yankees haven't missed the postseason two years in a row since the Buck Showalter era. This year, they've got stiff competition yet again in the AL East and I've gotta say, it doesn't look too good for the Bronx Bombers.
One thing's for sure: the Yankees' farm system isn't going to dazzle this year. That means it will be up to this year's 25-man roster to bring the Yankees back to the postseason. As you'll see below, I believe these 25 can do it. But I've chosen my words carefully, and health – as it always is with the Yankees – will be the X-factor. These 25 can do it.
Sure, there are plenty of questions about this year's team, starting with Masahiro Tanaka. And what about CC Sabathia's velocity? Mark Teixeira's wrist? Derek Jeter's ankle? Thinking about all of that makes your nervous, and let's not forget about David Robertson's attempt to fill in for the great Mariano Rivera. Well, my sixth annual preseason predictions are below!
AL East
1. Rays
2. Red Sox*
3. Yankees*
4. Orioles
5. Blue Jays
AL Central
1. Tigers
2. Royals
3. Indians
4. Twins
5. White Sox
AL West
1. Athletics
2. Angels
3. Rangers
4. Mariners
5. Astros
NL East
1. Nationals
2. Braves
3. Mets
4. Phillies
5. Marlins
NL Central
1. Reds
2. Cardinals*
3. Pirates
4. Brewers
5. Cubs
NL West
1. Dodgers
2. Diamondbacks*
3. Giants
4. Padres
5. Rockies
*Wild Card Winner
Playoffs
AL Champion: Athletics
NL Champion: Dodgers
World Series Champion: Dodgers, 4 games
Awards
AL MVP: Mike Trout
NL MVP: Bryce Harper
AL Cy: Felix Hernandez
NL Cy: Stephen Strasburg
AL RoY: Yordano Ventura
NL RoY: Billy Hamilton
AL Manager: Bob Melvin
NL Manager: Don Mattingly
Yankee Stats
Masahiro Tanaka wins: 16
Jacoby Ellsbury runs: 111
Brian McCann home runs: 27
Carlos Beltran RBIs: 92
Mark Teixeira AVG: .241
Alfonso Soriano strikeouts: 132
CC Sabathia ERA: 4.72
David Robertson saves: 39
Derek Jeter games: 136
One thing's for sure: the Yankees' farm system isn't going to dazzle this year. That means it will be up to this year's 25-man roster to bring the Yankees back to the postseason. As you'll see below, I believe these 25 can do it. But I've chosen my words carefully, and health – as it always is with the Yankees – will be the X-factor. These 25 can do it.
Sure, there are plenty of questions about this year's team, starting with Masahiro Tanaka. And what about CC Sabathia's velocity? Mark Teixeira's wrist? Derek Jeter's ankle? Thinking about all of that makes your nervous, and let's not forget about David Robertson's attempt to fill in for the great Mariano Rivera. Well, my sixth annual preseason predictions are below!
AL East
1. Rays
2. Red Sox*
3. Yankees*
4. Orioles
5. Blue Jays
AL Central
1. Tigers
2. Royals
3. Indians
4. Twins
5. White Sox
AL West
1. Athletics
2. Angels
3. Rangers
4. Mariners
5. Astros
NL East
1. Nationals
2. Braves
3. Mets
4. Phillies
5. Marlins
NL Central
1. Reds
2. Cardinals*
3. Pirates
4. Brewers
5. Cubs
NL West
1. Dodgers
2. Diamondbacks*
3. Giants
4. Padres
5. Rockies
*Wild Card Winner
Playoffs
AL Champion: Athletics
NL Champion: Dodgers
World Series Champion: Dodgers, 4 games
Awards
AL MVP: Mike Trout
NL MVP: Bryce Harper
AL Cy: Felix Hernandez
NL Cy: Stephen Strasburg
AL RoY: Yordano Ventura
NL RoY: Billy Hamilton
AL Manager: Bob Melvin
NL Manager: Don Mattingly
Yankee Stats
Masahiro Tanaka wins: 16
Jacoby Ellsbury runs: 111
Brian McCann home runs: 27
Carlos Beltran RBIs: 92
Mark Teixeira AVG: .241
Alfonso Soriano strikeouts: 132
CC Sabathia ERA: 4.72
David Robertson saves: 39
Derek Jeter games: 136
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