Fansided

2016 MLB season: AL East preview

By Jason Parker

Sep 6, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Alex Rodriguez (13) hits a solo home run during the sixth inning of the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 6, 2015; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees designated hitter Alex Rodriguez (13) hits a solo home run during the sixth inning of the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 23, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado (13) throws to first base for the force out of Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (not pictured) during the fourth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 23, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado (13) throws to first base for the force out of Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (not pictured) during the fourth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Baltimore Orioles

While the rest of the division was out making moves this offseason (more on that later), the Orioles were relatively quiet … by AL East standards, anyway. While Baltimore seems to be relatively happy with its lineup, the lack have activity has many people doubting the men from Maryland can compete this season.

Projected lineup:
3B Manny Machado
CF Adam Jones
1B Chris Davis
RF Mark Trumbo
C Matt Weiters
DH Pedro Alvarez
SS J.J. Hardy
2B Jonathan Schoop
LF Hyun-soo Kim

The biggest acquisitions for the Orioles this offseason were Alvarez and Trumbo, who is expected to start in right field. That doesn’t mark any significant change, but there wasn’t much to be done with a lineup featuring Machado, Davis, Jones and Wieters.

Projected rotation
RHP Ubaldo Jimenez
RHP Yovani Gallardo
RHP Chris Tillman
RHP Miguel Gonzalez
RHP Kevin Gausman

In an attempt to improve their rotation, the Orioles signed Gallardo in the offseason as a compliment to opening-day starter Jimenez — names that will not exactly strike fear into the hearts of the rest of the teams in the AL East, or in any other division. Baltimore will likely have to beat teams with their bats if they are to have any hope this season. In a division with some of the top pitching staffs in all of baseball,  a lack of elite pitching may be the reason the Oriole’s find themselves propping up the division this year.

Projected Record: 72-90

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