It makes sense to wonder if this is finally the year of the Blue Jays. The Toronto club rely on a balanced offense, defense and hill formation, but the competition in the American League remains very tough, especially in the East Division.
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Nothing is guaranteed for the Jays, and here are the main reasons:
Without doubting the Toronto team’s potential, we have to admit that there are quality opponents out there. Among them, the New York Yankees could very well win the division title again after posting an excellent 99-63 record in 2022. You must go back to the 2015 campaign to list the Blue Jays’ most recent Eastern US championship in the regular season. Quebecer Russell Martin was there. It’s been a while.
On the mound, it’s hard to see how Alek Manoah, as good as he is, will be able to repeat his exploits from last season. The starter remains a top pitcher without a doubt, but hitting 16 wins while maintaining a 2.24 ERA year after year isn’t easy. Manoah, 25, was beaten only by Justin Verlander and Dylan Cease in the USA’s Cy Young Trophy race. Of course, the other starters and the helpers also have to contribute to the balance.
Could the departure of Teoscar Hernandez, traded to the Seattle Mariners for Erik Swanson, take the edge off the Blue Jays’ attack? Quite possible. That’s one fewer hitter capable of hitting a 25-homer season… That leaves Vladimir Guerrero Jr., George Springer, Matt Chapman, and Bo Bichette. We’ve seen worse. In the last year of the Expos, 2004, only Brad Wilkerson and Tony Bautista had hit more than 15 long balls. nostalgia if you hold us! Speaking of Wilkerson, he’s now with the Yankees as an assistant coach.
A top manager
An interesting highlight for the Blue Jays remains the team’s performance under coach John Schneider. After taking on Charlie Montoyo last season, Schneider finished the campaign 46-28. Such efficiency during a busy schedule of 162 games would result in a hundred wins…
While the Blue Jays formation remains an offensive threat, it offers a more complete portrait than 2022. Kevin Kiermaier and Daulton Varsho are bolstering the outfield defense. Chris Bassitt was included in the starting rotation, while helper Erik Swanson is a must-know.
What about Guerrero?
Of course, Quebec baseball fans will be keeping a close eye on Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Disabled by a knee injury, the Dominican Republic star was forced to retire from the recent World Baseball Classic. However, he should be used again at the start of the Blue Jays’ season.
In form, Guerrero Jr. could pass the milestone of 40 home runs, 100 RBIs and 100 runs scored. He’d done that in 2021 before seeing a slight dip last year with 32 long balls, 97 RBI and 90 runs scored. only that
Montrealer Otto Lopez, also of Dominican descent, could see action with the Jays. Last October, he finished the regular season with Toronto with six goals in nine official appearances.
EAST SECTION
Toronto Blue Jays
> Managing Director: John Schneider
› Sheet 2022: 92-70
> Rank: 2nd in the east
› Important acquisitions: Chris Bassitt, Daulton Varsho, Kevin Kiermaier, Erik Swanson
› Significant disposals: Teoscar Hernandez, Lourdes Gurriel Jr.
NEW YORK YANKEES
> Managing Director: Aaron Boone
› Sheet 2022: 99-63
> Rank: 1st in the east
› Important acquisitions: Carlos Rodon, Tommy Kahnle
› Significant disposals: Aroldis Chapman, Chad Green, Jameson Taillon, and Andrew Benintendi
Analysis :
Aaron Judge is one who set the bar very high by hitting 62 home runs last season. After also maintaining an excellent .311 batting average, he won the title of America’s Most Valuable Player.
Since the New York market is special with its Yankees, a bit like Montreal with the Canadiens, we should remember that Judge didn’t like the way the leaders were doing things before they posted a 9th place last December -year deal worth $360 million. In an interview with Time, the star player accused his bosses of pressuring him by leaking details of certain deals to the media.
Anyway, with Judge, the Yankees’ situation on offense isn’t a concern. On the hill, the starting rotation is solid. The New York squad lost some big names in the bullpen (Aroldis Chapman, Zack Britton and Chad Green) but Clay Holmes, Jonathan Loaisiga, Lou Trivino and Michael King will get the job done. If he were playing cards, manager Aaron Boone would start the season with a full game.
TAMPA BAY RAYS
> Managing Director: Kevin Cash
› Sheet 2022: 86-76
> Rank: 3rd in the east
› Significant acquisition: Zach Eflin
› Significant disposals: Corey Kluber, JP Feyereisen, Brooks Raley
Analysis :
Kevin Cash is one of Major League Baseball’s brightest and most innovative managers. It seems obvious that the Rays will be able to compose and even exploit all the intricacies surrounding the new rules in Major League Baseball.
However, there are limits to what a manager can do depending on the tools available. The Rays don’t have bad formation, but they don’t have the depth of the Yankees or the Blue Jays, either on offense or on the hill. Only left-hander Shane McClanahan was able to win the Rays many games. In 2022, the starter ended the season with a 12-8 record, but above all with a deserved run average of 2.54. He notably had 194 strikeouts in 166 and a third innings.
BALTIMORE ORIOLE
> Managing Director: Brandon Hyde
› Sheet 2022: 83-79
> Rank: 4th in the east
› Significant acquisition: Kyle Gibson
› Significant disposal: Jordan Lyles
Analysis :
Could the Baltimore Orioles surprise after so many years as American League East underdogs? We wish you! If only to post a record over 0.500, as was the case with the last campaign.
The Baltimore club haven’t changed much this off-season. However, the team is counting on some up-and-coming talent on the rise, starting with receiver Adleyrutschman, who was selected as the overall pick of the 2019 draft.
Infielder Gunnar Henderson will be another prospect to watch for the Orioles in the near future, he who shows great offensive ability with both his shots and speed on the trails. On the hill it will be necessary to see if Grayson Rodriguez can become a contender for the title of Rookie of the Year in American.
BOSTON RED SOX
> Managing Director: Alex Kora
› Sheet 2022: 78-84
> Rank: 5. in the east
› Important acquisitions: Justin Turner, Masataka Yoshida, Corey Kluber, and Kenley Jansen
› Significant disposals: Xander Bogaerts, JD Martinez, Nathan Eovaldi, and Michael Wacha
Analysis :
The Boston market is as demanding for its Red Sox as New York is for its Yankees. However, Massachusetts baseball fans are not particularly spoiled these years. Bostonians are strongly encouraged to enjoy the Bruins in hockey and the Celtics in basketball.
Plenty of uncertainties for the Red Sox on the hill in 2023 with, within the starting rotation, the fragile Chris Dirty and James Paxton. Xander Bogaerts’ departure to the San Diego Padres as a free agent doesn’t exactly inspire confidence. The signing of Japanese outfielder Masataka Yoshida is intriguing, to say the least. The 29-year-old athlete arrives in North America, rain or shine, in his home country in the uniform of the Orix Buffaloes, an Osaka-based club.
MIDDLE SECTION
CHICAGO WHITE SOX
> Managing Director: Pedro Grifol
› Sheet 2022: 81-81
> Rank: 2nd in the middle
› Important acquisitions: Andrew Benintendi, Mike Clevinger
› Significant disposals: Jose Abreu, Elvis Andrus
Analysis :
Good old Tony LaRussa had a broad back to justify why the White Sox didn’t live up to last season’s expectations. Although the coach seemed overwhelmed at times, the Chicagoans were not spared from injuries either.
Despite Jose Abreu’s departure, it seems the White Sox have what it takes to lead the American League Central Division. The new manager Pedro Grifol, who is supposed to bring a breath of fresh air, is counting on good elements, including several young stars.
Dylan stops and Michael Kopech are excellent starting pitchers, while Lucas Giolito can still do well even if he no longer dominates opposing batsmen as much. At bat, several players remain enigmatic but have tremendous potential: Eloy Jimenez, Luis Robert and Yoan Moncada. Shortstop Tim Anderson is an established star, while Andrew Vaughn represents the future of the White Sox.
MINNESOTA TWINS
> Managing Director: Rocco Baldelli
› Sheet 2022: 78-84
> Rank: 3rd in the middle
› Important acquisitions: Pablo Lopez, Christian Vazquez, and Joey Gallo
› Significant disposals: Luis Arraez, Gio Urshela, Gary Sanchez, Dylan Bundy
Analysis :
Quebec baseball fans will be more and more interested in following this team in the years to come because of the promising Édouard Julien. However, it’s hard to say if the young Quebecer will be able to break the Twins’ formation this season.
One thing is certain, Julien found a mentor in him Carlos Correa, during training camp to help him with his infield defensive play. The trade that sent Luis Arraez to the Miami Marlins in exchange for Pablo Lopez solidifies the Minnesota starting rotation. It was already counting mostly on Joe Ryan and Sonny Gray.
Arraez’s absence needs to be filled collectively, he who maintained a .316 batting average throughout last season. If he stays healthy, outfielder Byron Buxton has the potential to be one of Major League Baseball’s biggest stars.
CLEVELAND GUARDIAN
> Managing Director: Terry Francona
› Sheet 2022: 92-70
> Rank: 1st in the middle
› Important acquisitions: Josh Bell, Mike Zunino
› Significant disposal: Austin Hedges
Analysis :
The Guardians surprised many in 2022 with 92 wins. Manager Terry Francona deserves a lot of respect, he always seems to get the best out of his players.
Transported partially through Joseph Ramirez On offense, the Cleveland roster is poised for some stability for the new season, with no notable departures except perhaps Austin Hedges, who is replaced by Mike Zunino behind plate. On the mound, starters Shane Bieber, Triston McKenzie and Cal Quantrill should routinely lead the Guardians to victory, while reliever Emmanuel Clase is among the best at finishing games and making saves. It will ultimately be interesting to see if the Guardians take advantage of the new rules in baseball, which have notably managed 119 stolen bases during the last campaign.
KANSAS CITY ROYALS
> Managing Director: Matt Quatraro
› Sheet 2022: 65-97
> Rank: 5th in the middle
› Important acquisitions: Ryan Yarbrough, Jordan Lyles
› Significant disposal: Zack Greinke
Analysis :
Bobby Witt Jr. is a young star on offense while pitcher Brady Singer seems poised to deliver on promises. Behind them is Vinnie Pasquantino, who goes somewhat unnoticed.
Pasquantino had rookie status in 2022, hitting 10 doubles and 10 homers in just 258 official at-bats. He could be a key offensive player for the Royals alongside Witt Jr. and veteran receiver Salvador Perez.
Will the presence of young stars in the nascent enough for the Kansas City club to hold a .500 record? Probably not.
A lack of depth in the starting pitchers should be noted. Singer is not well backed despite adding gunners Jordan Lyles and Ryan Yarbrough during the offseason.
DETROIT TIGER
> Managing Director: AJ Hinch
› Sheet 2022: 66-96
> Rank: 4th in the middle
› Significant acquisition: none
› Significant disposal: Jeimer Candelario
Analysis :
The poor Detroit Tigers appear destined to set a record-breaking seventh straight loss.
The team totaled just 110 homers last season and hit 557 runs. No other team has done worse in the American League.
It doesn’t look much better on the hill: Pitcher Tarik Skubal had to have an operation last August. Too bad because he was one of the only reasons Tigers fans were happy. The Detroit club has one of the worst starting rotations in major league baseball. Even the lifter Gregory Soto, Great once, couldn’t help the Tigers last season, going 2-11 with a 3.28 ERA.
The biggest change for the Tigers may be the appointment of Scott Harris as general manager. However, we’ll have to wait another two or three seasons before we see any potential impact.
WEST SECTION
HOUSTON ASTROS
> Managing Director: Dusty Baker
› Sheet 2022: 106-56
> Rank: 1st in the west
› Significant acquisition: Jose Abreu
› Significant disposals: Justin Verlander, Yuli Gurriel
Analysis :
Did the Houston Astros, defending World Series champions, really need to add Jose Abreu to their roster? He’ll likely hit several home runs at Minute Maid Park, where the fence is pretty close to left field.
Keep in mind that the Astros already have a core made up of Jose Altuve, Yordan Alvarez, Alex Bregman and Kyle Tucker, not to mention Jeremy Pena, who has excelled in the last few playoffs.
Still, the fight could heat up in the American’s West Division as the Seattle Mariners appear to have taken it to the next level. The Texas Rangers should also be kept in mind.
The loss of Justin Verlander among the starters isn’t necessarily a concern as the Astros are backed by Framber Valdez, Cristian Javier, Lance McCullers Jr. and Luis Garcia. The Houston Club is also in good hands in the bullpen.
SEATTLE SAILORS
> Managing Director: Scott Servais
› Sheet 2022: 90-72
> Rank: 2nd in the west
› Important acquisitions: Teoscar Hernández, Kolten Wong
› Significant disposals: Mitch Haniger, Adam Frazier, and Abraham Toro
Analysis :
The already revamped Mariners are giving their hull a fresh coat of paint with outfielder Teoscar Hernandez
and the infielder Kolten Wong.
Hernandez, former Blue Jays, will patrol the outfield, particularly with Julio Rodriguez, who was named 2022 American League Rookie of the Year. Ty France and Eugenio Suarez also have to contribute offensively. Catcher Cal Raleigh is another who can easily hit 20 home runs in a season. The Mariners’ starting rotation offers great depth with Luis Castillo, acquired from the Cincinnati Reds last August, then Logan Gilbert and George Kirby. Joining this right-handed trio are left-handers Robbie Ray and Marco Gonzales. There’s also Canadian Matt Brash who, currently being used as a backup, seems able to support them. Gilbert, 25, was particularly impressive last season, going 13-6 with a 3.20 ERA.
TEXAS RANGERS
> Managing Director: Bruce Boch
› Sheet 2022: 68-94
> Rank: 4. in the west
› Important acquisitions: Jacob de Grom, Nathan Eovaldi
Significant departures: Kole Calhoun, Matt Moore
Analysis :
By offering the pitcher a bold five-year, $185 million deal Jacob de Grom, Rangers hope to have transformed their club. Still, deGrom, a two-time Cy Young Trophy winner at the National with the New York Mets, must be healthy…
Otherwise, the Rangers led the 2022 American League with a total of 128 stolen bases. Trail running is just one facet of baseball, of course, but it could help the Rangers surprise many this season, especially since base size has increased (really!).
It remains to be seen whether new manager Bruce Bochy, who was named at the helm of Rangers last October, will be as aggressive as his predecessors Chris Woodward and Tony Beasley. During his tenure as manager of the San Francisco Giants, with whom he won the World Series three times (2010, 2012 and 2014), Bochy didn’t hesitate to take advantage of his fastest runners. In Texas he could be served well at this level by Marcus Semien and Adolis Garcia, among others.
LOS ANGELES ANGELS
> Managing Director: Phil Newin
› Sheet 2022: 73-89
> Rank: 3rd in the west
› Significant acquisition: Gio Urshela, Hunter Renfroe, Tyler Anderson
› Significant disposal: none
Analysis :
It’s still crazy to see the Angels bet on both Mike Trout and Mike Shhei Ohtani, without, however, achieving greater success. Are they so badly surrounded?
Anthony Rendon, who enjoyed some success with the Washington Nationals, seemed like a key addition for the Angels but has been sidelined regularly since moving to Los Angeles.
Led once again by Trout and Ohtani, the Angels are hitting a lot of home runs, but they’re still among the worst clubs in the American in the Run column. Newcomers Gio Urshela and Hunter Renfroe should be able to help the Angels, but only up to a point.
Alongside Ohtani, left-handers feature in the pitching rotation with Tyler Anderson, Patrick Sandoval, Jose Suarez and youngster Reid Detmers.
OAKLAND ATHLETICS
> Managing Director: Mark Kotsay
› Sheet 2022: 60-102
> Rank: 5. in the west
› Significant acquisition: Trevor May
› Significant disposal: Sean Murphy
Analysis :
It’s sad what’s happening in Oakland! In a way, it’s reminiscent of the last few years of Expos in Montreal.
Athletics will be good one day. Maybe 2026 or 2027 when they move to Las Vegas? Who knows?
At the moment, the organization is replenishing its young hopefuls and piling up defeats. More than 100 losses in the past year and this situation could no doubt be repeated this season.
After the departure of several good pitchers, including Frankie Montas, it was veteran receiver Sean Murphy who lifted the veil after a trade with the Atlanta Braves. Murphy led the A’s regulars last season with a .250 batting average. When your best hits are for .250, it’s hard! We pity the poor supporters of athletics. It’s going to be a long season in Oakland!