The Cleveland Indians, Seattle Mariners, and Toronto Blue Jays are the trendy picks to win the American League pennant in 2014 but we are going to go with more proven commodities. Toronto was a hot pick last year and went bust before the All Star Break, which is a stark reminder about reaching with unproven. Our picks are more proven commodities with rosters that appear to have staying power for the marathon season.
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox had quite a fall last year after their surprise World Series Championship in 2013. Boston is looking primed for a deep post season run, however, as they were aggressive about fixing their problems of last season.
The biggest moves were the acquisitions of third baseman Pablo Sandoval and left fielder Hanley Ramirez. The Red Sox were very aggressive about retooling their battered pitching staff as Rick Porcello, Wade Miley, Justin Masterson, Robbie Ross, and Anthony Varvaro join the re-signed Craig Breslow for a much needed facelift on the hill.
In an American League East that is a mere shell of its former dominant self, the Red Sox should roll with a resurgent season that puts them into the playoffs and potentially beyond.
Los Angeles Angels
It took longer than expected but the Los Angeles Angels have again taken over as the superior team in the American League West. The Angels ended a playoff drought that extended back to 2009 last season.
Left handed pitchers Andrew Heaney arrives from up the freeway with the Los Angeles Dodgers in a trade for Howie Kendrick. Heaney is a much needed arm for a pitching staff that still lacks depth and was exposed as not ready for prime time in the playoffs last year. Right-hander Nick Tropeano arrives from Houston to add further depth. Mike Trout powered to 36 home runs for the Angels and could have the potential for more.
Baltimore Orioles
The team that the new math crowd loves to hate makes Baltimore a team to root for. Manager Buck Showalter has proven that character and fundamentals can trump analytics with teams that have won 96, 85, and 93 games the past three seasons with two playoff berths in that span.
Somehow the Orioles have been able to get past a pitching staff that is far from dominant though functional. Chris Davis should have a strong comeback season at first base and likely designated hitter Steve Pearce emerged as a reliable bat last year. Catcher Caleb Joseph flashed a strong arm last year in gunning down 40 percent of base stealers.
The same computers that have been wrong about the O’s again pick them for last in the AL East. It should mean for a banner year at Camden Yards. Showalter has demonstrated the value of a top manager in ending a Baltimore playoff drought the extended from 1998 to 2012.
