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 26, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista (19) celebrates with third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) after hitting a three run home run against the Tampa Bay Rays in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista (19) celebrates with third baseman Josh Donaldson (20) after hitting a three run home run against the Tampa Bay Rays in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports /

Toronto Blue Jays

Last season, the Blue Jays were the kings of the AL East and looked ready to make a run to the World Series. Josh Donaldson and Jose Bautista were the best duo in the sport, with Donaldson bringing home the AL MVP away. For 2016, the expectations are going to be even higher. Anything short of their first World Series appearance since 1993 could be deemed a disappointment.

Projected lineup
CF Kevin Pillar
3B Josh Donaldson
RF Jose Bautista
DH Edwin Encarnacion
SS Troy Tulowitzki
1B Chris Colabello
LF Michael Saunders
C Russell Martin
2B Ryan Goins

The lineup stays pretty much the same. Donaldson and Bautista will get some help from players like Encarnacion and Tulowitzki, which should take some of the pressure off and allow the stars to do their thing.

Projected rotation
RHP Marcus Stroman
RHP R.A. Dickey
RHP Marco Estrada
LHP J.A. Happ
RHP Aaron Sanchez

Toronto does have question marks regarding its pitching staff. To get David Price in a deadline move last season, the Blue Jays had to part with some of their top pitching prospects … a move that looked like it had backfired when Price moved to Boston in the offseason. Stroman will be the opening day starter and as he goes this season, so will Toronto. If they want to repeat as AL East champs, the Blue Jays will need a monster effort from their bullpen over the course of the year.

Projected record: 92-70

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