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Boston Red Sox Could be AL East Favorites in 2015

By Aaron Ferguson

Jul 15, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; American League pitcher Jon Lester (31) of the Boston Red Sox throws a pitch in the second inning during the 2014 MLB All Star Game at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 15, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; American League pitcher Jon Lester (31) of the Boston Red Sox throws a pitch in the second inning during the 2014 MLB All Star Game at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Boston Red Sox could be AL East favorites in 2015

The Boston Red Sox have won three World Series in the past decade, but missed the playoffs with a 71-91 record last season.  This season could become another playoff season for the historic organization who could quickly improve their team during the 2014 offseason.

With recent free agent offers to former Red Sox ace Jon Lester and Giants’ third baseman Pablo Sandoval, Boston is in full pursuit of contending.  According to ESPNBoston, the Red Sox have extended an offer to Lester of at least six years and in the $130 million to $150 million range.  The Boston Globe reported that the Red Sox along with the Giants are the frontrunners to land Sandoval.  Sandoval is seeking a six-year deal worth $20 million per year.

If the Red Sox can land both Lester and Sandoval, they would bolster their rotation and their lineup in a big way.  When Boston traded Lester at the trade deadline they received veteran outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, who is a big bat to add to the lineup and is known for his cannon arm in the field.

Oct 28, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; San Francisco Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval hits a single against the Kansas City Royals in the 8th inning during game six of the 2014 World Series at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 28, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; San Francisco Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval hits a single against the Kansas City Royals in the 8th inning during game six of the 2014 World Series at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /

Sandoval is a switch hitter that can be thrown in the middle of the lineup to protect the heavy hitters in the Sox lineup.  He also has a great glove at third base, a combination the Red Sox have been lacking since Adrian Beltre signed with the Texas Rangers.  Sandoval, a lifetime .294 hitter, was a part of all three World Series championships with the Giants.   Sandoval’s postseason experience and consistent game will be a big help to the Red Sox if he signs with Boston.

Lester’s return to the Red Sox may be more likely than it has previously been.  The Cubs believe that Boston will ultimately be where Lester lands.  Lester is coming off of the best season in his career finishing with a 2.46 ERA, pitching much better than his record.  Lester has been dominant in the postseason with a 2.57 ERA in 12 starts and 14 total appearances.  Lester is one of the most reliable left-handed pitchers in the regular season and postseason in the game today.

The offseason can completely change a team, for better or for worse.  The Toronto Blue Jays signed catcher Russell Martin to a five-year $82 million deal.  The Blue Jays are believed to also be in the Sandoval discussions, but are not a front runner.  Toronto made a run at the division for the majority of last season, but finished 13 games behind the division-winning Orioles.  With the Blue Jays strengthening their lineup and having a strong rotation, they could potentially win the AL East in 2015, depending on how the rest of the offseason plays out.

Baltimore clinched a playoff birth and the AL East by winning the division by 12 games.  The Orioles improved with trades throughout the season, but they lost outfielder’s Nelson Cruz and Nick Markakis to free agency.  It’s still possible that the Orioles could make a splash in free agency, however their name hasn’t come up in free agency talks yet.  The Orioles will retain a strong rotation and bullpen along with getting stars Manny Machado and Chris Davis back to their lineup.  The Orioles will be good in 2015, but may not be a clear-cut favorite to win the division.

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New York has lost Derek Jeter to retirement, and now the Yankees will have to move on without their captain.  Injuries bothered the Yankees in 2014, but they still finished second in the AL East in 2014.  Continuing to get a year older, the Bronx Bombers can build around outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury and emerging ace Masahiro Tanaka.  The Yankees are known to be big spenders, but they have talked about not spending this offseason.  However, they still have the ability to pursue whoever they want this offseason.  Unless they improve through free agency, the Yankees shouldn’t be considered as a favorite for the AL East in 2015.

With the departure of mastermind Joe Maddon, the Rays could be in for a long season.  Third Baseman Evan Longoria will have to step up in the clubhouse and be a leader on the field.  The Rays have yet to hire Maddon’s replacement, but he will have big shoes to fill.  The Rays showcased a lot of their young talent last season after they were no longer in contention for the AL East.  It will be a rebuilding year as the Rays get acclimated with their new manager and younger players.  It’s not expected that the Rays target any big-name free agents, but they could add a couple of veterans.  However, the Rays won’t be contending for the AL East in 2015.

Boston’s rich tradition and success over the past decade have spoiled Red Sox fans.  General manager Ben Cherington is trying to get the Red Sox back to the playoffs by bringing Lester back and adding a great bat with Sandoval.  If Lester and Sandoval sign with the Red Sox, they will likely be the frontrunners for the AL East in 2015.

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