Fansided

MLB 2017: One prediction for each team

By Joshua Sadlock

CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 02: Kris Bryant
CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 02: Kris Bryant /
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Oct 10, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts (50) rounds third base to score a run in the eighth inning against the Cleveland Indians during game three of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts (50) rounds third base to score a run in the eighth inning against the Cleveland Indians during game three of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

Boston Red Sox: BoSox run away with AL East

In 2016, the Red Sox muddled along for most of the year, giving the Orioles hope they could win the division. When it mattered most, Boston turned it on and went 19-8 in September while outscoring their opponents 150-85. Offensively, the Red Sox are a juggernaut, and led the league last season in every major offensive category.

Seeing the Red Sox swept out of the playoffs in the first round was a complete and total shocker. This looked like a team that was on a collision course with the Chicago Cubs, but even the most potent lineups can hit a slump in a short series. Boston had the best team in the American League last year regardless of final result, and that fact remains unchanged.

Adding Chris Sale only makes the Red Sox more dangerous. More importantly, Dave Dombrowski didn’t have to trade any players from the MLB roster to acquire a second ace to pair with David Price. The 2016 AL Cy Young winner, Rick Porcello, now slides down to third in a loaded rotation that also includes one of the top young left-handers in baseball in Eduardo Rodriguez.

Losing David Ortiz will hardly slow the Red Sox down next season. Mookie Betts has emerged as an annual MVP candidate. Hanley Ramirez was rejuvenated by a move back to the infield last year, and reminded everyone why he was worth $88 million in the first place. Xander Bogaerts won his second straight Silver Slugger award at shortstop, and Dustin Pedroia had his best OPS since 2011. The Red Sox have not had a core of players this exciting since the early 2000s. Now, they finally have the pitching staff to back it up, something that has plagued the franchise on and off since the 2012 season.

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