Red Sox fans need to keep a wary eye on American League East rivals
The Red Sox have needs and they are quite obvious. Solid rotation depth, a competent bullpen arm, and something at first base that doesn’t hit like a sloth. Despite the defects, the machine has run rather smoothly and is still clinging precariously to first place in the American League East. But know thy enemy, to paraphrase Sun Tzu.
Just who is the enemy? That is that tight group on the heels of the Red Sox. Leading the pack is the Tampa Bay Rays. The Rays consistently distinguish themselves by accomplishing more with less.
The Rays are just below Boston statistically in hitting and pitching. They have a fairly loaded farm system and are not reluctant to trade MLB pieces and to open up slots on the MLB roster. Wander Franco replaced Willy Adames when he was traded to the Brewers. The Rays’ most notable need from my observation is another starter. That hinges on the status of Tyler Glasnow who may or may not be done for the year.
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The Rays could use another solid bat and that bat could be on the roster in the 2020 playoff phenom Randy Arozarena. Arozarena is not quite in the disappointment category but is close to that designation, especially in the last twenty or so games.
The Rays chips are obvious as previously stated – the combination of replaceable MLB talent and a productive and highly rated farm system. With Tampa, always hovering is the Angel of Fiscal Death. The Rays are generally cash strapped and taking on a large and certainly, a mega-contract is highly unlikely. GM Erik Neander will make moves but it will be for perceived value and not the big splash.
Toronto has a formidable lineup led by triple crown possibility Vladimir Guerrero Jr. George Springer is back and scraping off the rust so that lineup will be even more deadly. The Jays shipped off Red Sox killer Rowdy Tellez for what is the Jays weakness. If you said pitching then you are preaching to the baseball choir.
The Jays’ pitching statistics are far from shinning. The bullpen took a jolt when Kirby Yates was gone for the season and has not been replaced. Is Craig Kimbrel a possibility? Is Kendall Graveman heading to Buffalo?
The Jays did rather well in an offseason free-agent binge with Robbie Ray and a trade that brought in Steven Matz. Tanner Roark was a $12 million disaster and that certainly put a damper on the rotation. The Jays will need another starter and will have to pay with either an MLB-established player or prospects.
Could the Jays grab Merrill Kelly, Tyler Anderson, or even Michael Pineda who are three possible mid-rotation starters? The Jays are also $50 million under the luxury tax threshold so even a big fish is not out the realm of possibilities. The Blue Jays are for real and have a legitimate shot with a few plus additions to the pitching staff.
The Yankees took two from Boston to invigorate after a dismal 0-7 against their most notorious of rivals. The Yankees need someone in center field to replace Aaron Hicks and Brett Gardner gives away far too many at-bats. Will the luxury tax strapped Yankees go after Starling Marte?
Statistically, the Yankees mound work is among the best. The waiting game is possible with Luis Severino and Corey Kluber that could power up the rotation. Still waiting to impact is Zack Britton who could be a more consistently reliable option than Aroldis Chapman.
The Yankees have – like the Red Sox – apparently taken the fiscal pledge. But sometimes one falls off the wagon and New York may be tempted to toss fiscal caution into the breeze and go spend. That would create an interesting dilemma for Boston. That said I would expect New York to stay the course, look for a mid-tier starter, and attempt to find a competent outfield piece.
As with the opening Sun Tzu – who would have made a spectacular GM – would have as we should keep a close watch on the opposition. The Red Sox moves will most certainly be of prime consideration, but the moves of our division rivals could impact this season to a greater degree.