Our Atlanta Braves Writers Predict the MLB Season

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Mar 25, 2017; West Palm Beach, FL, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Lance McCullers (43) throws a pitch against the Washington Nationals during a spring training game at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

American League East

With this division, we agree up top, are lost in the middle, and are pretty much resigned to to the fate of the trailing team.

Boston, 90% of 1st place votes… regardless of the status of David Price
Yankees/Baltimore – both teams tied for the most 2nd place votes (36%), though the “spread” for New York is tighter than that of the Orioles
Toronto – 54% of the 3rd place votes, though it’s telling that they also received a first place vote, plus a couple of 2nds.
Rays – 63% for last place… though Tampa Bay also got some love for 3rd (1 vote) and 4th (3 votes).

In other words, after the Red Sox, we basically have no idea.

I am convinced that the Orioles will make a show of things, but their ownership continues to cloud the issue with strange decisions that tie the hands of those actually trying to run the team.

The Yankees are also a curious lot, but their big question will be “when do they decide to stomp on the gas pedal again?” That could be this Summer, but more likely will wait until the off-season when they start throwing money at every free agent starting pitcher available.

Toronto made a couple of head-scratcher moves this off-season, but aren’t all together much different from last season. That probably won’t be enough to catch Boston, but they could hang around for a while.

Tampa Bay could be quietly competitive, but between a lack of overall horsepower and the near-constant threat of trading one of their rotation members, it just seems to be a year of treading water for them.

American League Central

Cleveland: 91% of the first place votes.
Detroit: 82% of the second place votes
Royals: All over the map, including the last 1st place vote
White Sox: Mostly figured for fourth; more on them below.
Twins: 5th place, save for three optimistic votes.

Indians and Tigers for the Central… and they could be a strong Wildcard club contenders in this division as well.

Chicago and the Royals represent the enigmas. By July, both clubs could be in full-out “FOR SALE” mode. But until the prices can be met, both are marking time… though admittedly, the Royals are currently in denial about this.

Either way, these clubs are likely not to win a lot for the first half of the season, but it’s the second half that could be utter disaster for both.

American League West

Who do you like here?

Houston. All of us are thinking 1st or 2nd place. Will they truly go ‘All In’ and buy Jose Quintana?
Seattle. The most second place votes, but they also received nods for everything between 1st and 4th place. Sounds about right.
Texas. Got 3 first place votes, none for second, 6 (54%) for third, and a couple for 4th. This is a team that should be heavy in the mix for the division title… but will that happen? As usual, pitcher will lead their way.
Angels. Another enigma. Votes received from 2nd through 5th place… which is also about right. 54% of us are thinking “4th place”.
Oakland. Back to consensus… If they don’t have Sonny Gray, they’ve got nothing.

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