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<\/a>Okay, so Opening Day won’t be quite the same. At least, it’s on the way.<\/p><\/div>\n
It\u2019s getting close to Opening Day and it’s time for Baseball Roundtable to look ahead (and make predictions) for the 2021 season.\u00a0 We\u2019ll start with American League won-loss predictions,\u00a0 move on to a look at some of the players (on each AL team) that BBRT will be watching in the coming months, and wrap up with BBRT favorites for some key junior circuit awards.\u00a0 So, let\u2019s get started.<\/p>\n
Note:\u00a0 For the National League predictions and Watch List, click here.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Yankees \u2026\u00a0 98-61<\/strong><\/p>\n Blue Jays \u2026 87-75 (Wild Card)<\/strong><\/p>\n Rays \u2026 85-77<\/strong><\/p>\n Red Sox\u00a0 \u2026 81-81<\/strong><\/p>\n Orioles \u2026 64-98<\/strong><\/p>\n The Yankees have a deep and powerful lineup (they could have seven players with 25+ home runs), with plenty of quality replacements when needed. Plus, they have a solid rotation (particularly after adding Corey Kluber and Jameson Taillon) and a plus bullpen. The Bronx Bombers may get a stretch-run boost with the return of Luis Severino and Zack Britton.\u00a0 They should top the AL East.<\/p>\n Now, smart money would put the Rays (last year\u2019s AL World Series’ representative) in – at least – the second place\/wild card spot. But I\u2019m going out on a limb and picking the Blue Jays for second \u2013 based on an exciting young lineup, augmented by veteran acquisitions George Springer and Marcus Semien. \u00a0How their pitching holds up will tell the tale. \u00a0It is hard to go against the Rays who, year-after-year, seem to be able to translate defense, a solid (if, at times, unconventional) pitching strategy and equally strategic lineups into a wining record.\u00a0 Still, I think the loss of Blake Snell and Charlie Morton at the top of the rotation may cost the Rays a spot in the standings. The Red Sox should be more competitive than a year ago \u2013 particularly if Chris Sale is back in form \u2013 but I don\u2019t see them passing any of the top three. The Orioles seem to be in the early innings of a rebuilding project.<\/p>\n AMERICAN LEAGUE CENTRAL<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Twins\u00a0\u00a0 \u2026 91-72<\/strong><\/p>\n White Sox\u00a0\u00a0 \u2026 87-75 (Wild Card)<\/strong><\/p>\n Indians \u2026 84-78<\/strong><\/p>\n Royals \u2026 70-92<\/strong><\/p>\n Tigers \u2026 67-95<\/strong><\/p>\n Maybe it\u2019s because they are my \u201chome team,\u201d but I\u2019m expecting the Twins to repeat as AL Central champs. However, it won\u2019t be easy as the White Sox are coming on strong. The Twins still have one of the AL\u2019s most powerful lineups and should be improved on defense with newcomer (four-time Gold Glover) Andrelton Simmons now at shortstop, Josh Donaldson back at third base and Jorge Polanco moving to second (and let\u2019s not forget Gold Glover Byron Buxton in center). The rotation will be again headed by Kenta Maeda and Jose Berrios \u2013 and looks to include Michael Pineda, J.A. Happ and Randy Dobnak. (or Matt Shoemaker). A revamped bullpen looks solid.<\/p>\n Coming on fast are the White Sox with a deep batting order; a rotation headed by Lucas Giolito, Lance Lynn and Dallas Keuchel; and a bullpen featuring new (and elite) closer Liam Hendriks.\u00a0 It\u2019s going to be a dogfight at the top of the Central Division, but I expect the Twins experience to give them a slight edge.\u00a0 Carlos Carrasco, Francisco Lindor and Carlos Santana are gone from the Indians and, despite a solid bullpen and a rotation headed by Shane Bieber, Zach Plesac and the emerging Triston McKenzie and the addition of slugger Eddie Rosario, the Indians are likely to finish behind both the Twins and White Sox. The Royals look to be improved with a lineup that includes professorial hitter Whitt Merrifield, slugger Jorge Soler and newcomer Carlos Santana.\u00a0 They are also looking for a rebound from OF Andrew Benintendi (acquired via an off-season trade). The Tigers will have to wait from some of their young pitching prospects – Casey Mize, Tarik Skubal, Matt Manning and Franklin Perez to develop before moving up in the standings. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Mize and Skubal break camp with the Tigres.<\/p>\n AMERICAN LEAGUE WEST<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Astros \u2026 91-71<\/strong><\/p>\n A\u2019s \u2026 86-76<\/strong><\/p>\n Angels \u2026 84-78<\/strong><\/p>\n Mariners \u2026 69-83<\/strong><\/p>\n Rangers \u2026 65-97<\/strong><\/p>\n The Astros will miss George Springer (now with the Blue Jays) and Justin Verlander (Tommy John surgery), but still seem to have enough to win the West.\u00a0 The lineup has some star power with Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman and Carlos Correa \u2013 not to mention Kyle Tucker and Yordan Alvarez. Jake Odorizzi is a nice addition to a rotation that also offers Zack Greinke, Cristian Javier, Framber Valdez, Lance McCullers and Jose Urquidy. Ryan Pressley heads a bullpen that will need to prove itself over the long season.\u00a0 It looks like another division title for Houston, but they’ll have to hold off the pesky A’s.<\/p>\n Losing closer Liam Hendriks and shortstop Marcus Semien put a dent in the A\u2019s playoff hopes, but there is still reason to expect them to be in contention. There is potential in the rotation (Mike Fiers, Scott Manaea, Frankie Montas, Jesus Luzardo, Chris Bassitt, A.J. Puk), as well as some power in the lineup (led by the double Matts \u2013 Olson and Chapman – who are also both superior defenders.\u00a0 Still, there are questions in the bullpen and the lineup could use a bit more punch. The Angels should be improved, but there are still too many question in the starting rotation (which has had the second worse ERA in MLB in each of the past two seasons). The Mariners are on the cusp of making some noise, and are anxiously awaiting the arrive of such prospects as OFs Jarred Kelenic and Taylor Trammel, RHP Logan Gilbert and RHP Emerson Hancock.\u00a0 In the meantime, enjoy the performance of southpaw Marco Gonzalez, 3B Kyle Seager and CF Kyle Lewis.\u00a0 Finally, the Rangers appear to be in rebuilding mode, so we\u2019re likely to see a handful of young players getting a chance to develop on the big league diamonds.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/p>\n — BBRT 2021 AL Watch List —<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Now, some players BBRT will be watching on each team.<\/span><\/p>\n Baltimore Orioles – Trey Mancini, Ryan Mountcastle<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Trey Mancini – Ready to lead Orioles’ offense. Photo by docjeffhyde<\/a> Trey Mancini missed the 2020 season missed the 2020 season due to a bout with colon cancer. His 2021 comeback is one of those \u201cfeel good\u201d stories you just have to watch play out. In 2019, Mancini (DH\/1B\/OF) went .291-35-97.\u00a0 BBRT will also follow the development of 24-year-old 1B\/OF Ryan Mountcastle. \u00a0As a rookie in 2020, Mountcastle went .333-5-23 in 35 games. This followed a .312-25-83 2019 season at Triple A.\u00a0 He looks ready to contributed to an Orioles\u2019 offense and (since he only appeared in 35 games last season) should be in the running for Rookie of the Year.<\/p>\n Why You Need to Stay and Watch the Whole Game<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n On August 1, 2020 – thanks to MLB’s short-season, extra-inning rules – the Rays opened the top of the tenth inning of a 4-4 game against the Orioles with Ji-Man Choi on second base.\u00a0 The first batter, Yoshi Tsutsugo flied out to Cedric Mullins in LF. Choi tried to advance to third, but was thrown out.\u00a0 It was the first time in MLB history that the leadoff hitter in an inning hit into a double play.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Boston Red Sox – Eduardo Rodriguez, Chris Sale<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Bobby Dalbec – Adding power in Boston.<\/p><\/div>\n Southpaw starter Eduardo Rodriguez went 19-6, 3.81 in 2019 and then lost the 2020 season to COVID-related heart issues (myocarditis).\u00a0\u00a0 The Red Sox absolutely need Rodriguez to bounce back if they are to finish above .500.\u00a0 BBRT will also be watching to see when Chris Sale (Tommy John surgery) returns to the mound (expected in late June or July).\u00a0 \u00a0BBRT is also interested in the development of Red Sox’ 25-tear-old 1B Bobby Dalbec, who hit eight home runs in just 23 games a year ago – and is having a strong spring (to date). In 2019, Dalbec his 27 round trippers in 135 games at Double-A and Triple-A.\u00a0 If he can cut down on whiffs, he can add notable power to the BoSox lineup.<\/p>\n The Red Sox gave up 351 runs in 2020, the most in the American League.<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Chicago White Sox – Nick Madrigal, Tim Anderson<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Nick Madrigal – Young table setter in Chicago.<\/p><\/div>\n Lots of big boppers to watch in the White Sox lineup (Jose Abreu, Eloy Jimenez, Luis Robert), but BBRT is going to be watching a couple of players more suited to be table setters.\u00a0 2B Nick Madrigal (just 24-years-old this season), hit .340 as a rookie in 2020 \u2013 after hitting .311, with 35 steals in three minor-league stops (120 games) in 2019. He had shoulder surgery in the off season (October), and BBRT will be looking to see how he bounces back. I\u2019ll Also be watching SS Tim Anderson, the 2019 AL batting champ (.335, with 18 long balls and 17 steals), who hit .322-10-21, with five steals in 49 games a year ago. One thing of interest with Anderson will be to monitor his splits against lefties and righties. Over his five\u00a0 MLB seasons,\u00a0 he has hit .323 against lefties and .265 against right-handers \u2013 and, last season, that was even more pronounced (.449 against lefties and .283 versus righties).\u00a0 No matter, these two middle infielders should spend a lot of time creating problems for opponents.<\/p>\n In 2020. the White Sox led the American League in home runs with 96.\u00a0 American League MVP Jose Abreu led the way on the ChiSox with 19, followed by Eloy Jimenez with 14.\u00a0 Abreu also led the league in hits (76), RBI (60) and total bases (148).\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Cleveland Indians – Shane Bieber, Eddie Rosario<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Shane Bieber – On everyone’s CYA watch.<\/p><\/div>\n How can you not get excited about watching Shane Bieber, last year\u2019s AL Cy Young Award winner, who led all of MLB in wins (8), strikeouts (122 in 77 1\/3 innings) and ERA (1.63)?\u00a0 In his three MLB seasons, Bieber. Just 25-year-old, is 34-14, 3.32 with 499 whiffs in 406 1\/3 innings pitched \u2013 and he seem to be getting better.\u00a0 He\u2019s on everyone ‘s Cy Young watch list.\u00a0 With Francisco Lindor (trade) and Carlos Santana (free agency) gone, the Indians will be looking for some new sources of offense.\u00a0 Being a Twins fan, I\u2019ll be watching former Twin Eddie Rosario, who has shown 30-home run\/100-RBI power in the past.<\/p>\n The Indians recorded the American League’s lowest team ERA in 2020 at 3.29.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Detroit Tigers – Miguel Cabrera, Casey Mize<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Miguel Cabrera – Adding to HOF credentials.\u00a0 Photo by Kevin.Ward<\/a> Number one on my Tigers\u2019 watch list is DH Miguel Cabrera – entering his 19th<\/sup> season just 134 hits shy of 3,000, 13 home runs short of 500.\u00a0 It will fun to watch the four-time batting champion, two-time Most Valuable Player and 11-time All Star add these landmarks to his Hall of Fame credentials. On the other end of the spectrum, I\u2019ll be watching the 2018 MLB Draft first overall pick \u2013 RHP Casey Mize.\u00a0 A star at Auburn, Mize put up a 2.74 ERA with 120 strikeouts (and just 26 walks) in two minor-league seasons (2018-19). He got a brief, not so impressive, look-see in 2020 \u2013 going 0-3, 6.99 for the Tigers. \u00a0Still, Mize has a devastating splitter, mid-90s fastball, slider and curve. If he can bring the command he exhibited in college and the minor leagues to the Detroit mound, he should be a mainstay in the Tigers’ rotation.\u00a0 He may not start the season in Detroit, but they need pitching, so you can expect to see him in the Motor City sooner rather than later.<\/p>\n From 2009-2016, Miguel Cabrera averaged .330, never hitting under .313 in a season.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Houston Astros – Kyle Tucker, Jake Odorizzi, Jose Altuve<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Kyle Tucker – Adding to the Astros’ offense.\u00a0 Photo by Ken Lund<\/a> The Astros will open the season without ace starter Justin Verlander (Tommy John surgery), a well as without a big run-producing bat (George Springer, free agency). BBRT will be watching a couple of players the Astros hope will take up some of the slack.\u00a0\u00a0 OF Kyle Tucker (24-years-old) may be ready to blossom. In 58 2020 games for Houston, Tucker hit .268, with nine home runs and 42 RBI, while also stealing eight bases and leading MLB with six triples. \u00a0Oh, and he was also a Gold Glove finalist. It would be no surprise to see Tucker turn in a 25-homer, 80-RBI, 25-steal campaign. Free-agent Jake Odorizzi was signed to bolster the rotation. A 15-game winner with Twins in 2019, Odorizzi needs to bounce back from an injury-interrupted 2020 season, when he pitched only 13 2\/2 innings.\u00a0 For a little extra (watching credit), take a look at three-time batting champion Jose Altuve, who hit just .219-5-18 in 48 games last season. Those are not Altuve-like numbers (.311 career average), and the Astros are looking for a rebound from the 31-year-old in both the average and power departments.\u00a0 Can’t wait to see what the mighty-mite has in the tank.<\/p>\n Ten pitchers made their major-league debuts with the Astros in 2020.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Kansas City Royals – Whit Merrifield<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Whit Merrifield – Professional baseman.\u00a0 Photo by Minda Haas Kuhlmann<\/a> Whit Merrifield is a professional hitter, an accomplished base runner and a versatile defender – as well as player who stays on the field.\u00a0 He is, for BBRT, an “0ld-school\u201d kind of guy, well worth watching day-in and day-out.\u00a0 Consider, over the past three seasons, Merrifield has played in 380 of the Royals 384 gamers. Over that time, he has averaged .300 (486 hits) and stolen 77 bases \u2013 while leading the AL in hits twice and triples and steals once each. He\u2019s also taken the field at second base, first base and all three outfield positions.<\/p>\n The Royals turned 62 double plays in 2020, tops in the American League.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Los Angeles Angels – Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Shohei – Something to watch on the mound and at the plate. Photo by shinya<\/a> How can you not watch three-time AL MVP Mike Trout, who\u2019s never finished lower than fifth in the MVP voting in his ten MLB seasons?\u00a0 Don\u2019t expect any surprises \u2013 just a solid .300, 30-home run, 90 RBI campaign (or even a little better).\u00a0 BBRT also will be watching 2018 AL Rookie of the Year Shohie Ohtani, who looks to be both in the starting rotation and seeing regular duty at DH.\u00a0 You may recall, in his rookie season, Ohtani hit .285 with 22 home runs in 104 games AND went 4-2, 3.31 in ten starts on the mound. Ohtani is more than one year removed from Tommy John surgery and seems fully recovered from last year\u2019s elbow\/forearm strain.\u00a0 I\u2019ll be watching to see how far he can take this two-way approach (20 homer runs\/10 mound victories?).<\/p>\n Angels’ Pitching Woes<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n You might want to monitor the entire Angels’ rotation, which turned din MLB’s second-worst earned run average in 2020 (5.52) \u2013 and that wasn\u2019t a short-season fluke.\u00a0 They also put up MLB’s second-worst ERA in 2019 (5.64, only the Rockies starters were worse).\u00a0 They are hoping for a boost from Shohei Ohtani\u2019s return to the mound, as well as from newcomer (free-agent) Jose Quintana (3.73 career ERA, over 254 appearances).<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Minnesota Twins – Nelson Cruz, Byron Buxton, Alex Kiriloff<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Nelson Cruz – Betting his age-41 seasons will be a thing of beauty.\u00a0 Photo by andywitchger<\/a> In 2019, Twins\u2019 DH Nelson Cruz (who turned forty on July 1) went .303-16-33 in 53 games. He recorded the American League’s seventh-highest average, fifth-most home runs, third-highest on-base percentage and fifth-highest slugging percentage.\u00a0 BBRT will be watching to see what he can do in his age 41 season,<\/p>\n Others to watch in Minnesota include center fielder Byron Buxton \u2013 a multi-tool player whose all-out style of play has made him injury prone (he has played in at least 100 games in only one of six MLB seasons). Last season, Buxton hit 13 home runs in just 39 games.\u00a0 Buxton is a Gold Glove outfielder, who \u2013 if he stays in the lineup \u2013 could easily put up 25 home runs and 25 steals.\u00a0 The fact is, when he is on the field, he changes the game.\u00a0 Let\u2019s see if he can stay off the IL.\u00a0 I\u2019ll also be watching 23-year-old rookie OF Alex Kiriloff. Kiriloff has a .317 average, with 36 home runs over three minor-league seasons (279 games) and the Twins would like him to replace departed outfielder Eddie Rosario (.257-13-42 in 2020 and .276-32-109 in 2019). A .280-25-75 campaign from Kiriloff would do the trick.<\/p>\n The Twins have lost a record 18 consecutive post-season games.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n New York Yankees – Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Luis Severino<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Giancarlo Stant0n – big bat (when he’s) in the Yankee lineup.\u00a0 Photo by IDSportsPhoto<\/a> Plenty to watch in the Yankee lineup (they could run seven 25+ home run hitters out there).\u00a0 So, BBRT will be watching to see who is NOT in the lineup.\u00a0 That includes:\u00a0 RF slugger Aaron Judge \u2013 who has played in just 63 percent of the Yankees’ games over the past three years \u2013 and DH Giancarlo Stanton, who has appeared in just 52 percent of the Bomber\u2019s games over that time. \u00a0(Consider, Judge \u2013 as a rookie – hit 52 home runs in 2017. He hasn\u2019t hit more than 27 in a season since.\u00a0 And Stanton, who hit 59 home runs as a Marlin in 2017 and 38 as a Yankee in 2018, has hit seven homers, while playing in just 41 games, over the past two seasons.) BBRT will also be watching to see when potential staff ace Luis Severino (a 19-game winner in 2019) returns from Tommy John surgery.<\/p>\n In 2020, the Yankees led the American League in run scored (315), walks (251) and on-base percentage (.342)<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Oakland A\u2019s – Trevor Rosenthal, Jake Diekman, Matt Olson, Matt Chapman<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Matt Olson – Bringing leather and lumber to the A’s.\u00a0 Photo by mwlguide<\/a> Over the past two seasons, Liam Hendriks has owned the ninth inning for the Oakland A’s. He appeared in 99 games, won seven (five losses), saved 39, put up a minuscule 1.79 ERA and fanned 161 batters in 110 1\/3 innings. Hendriks is now going to come in from the pen for the White Sox (free agency) and the scramble is on to replace him at closer. BBRT will be watching to see who moves into the spot. Candidates seem to be free-agent signee Trevor Rosenthal (132 career saves\/11 saves and a 1.90 ERA in 2020\u2019s short season) and Jake Diekman (a 0.42 ERA in 21 appearances last season). Always worth watching are the A\u2019s two Matts \u2013 Olson and Chapman \u2013 a pair of Gold Glover corner infielders (Olson 1B, Chapman 3B),\u00a0 both proven capable of 30+ homer power (and keys to the A\u2019s offense and defense).<\/p>\n Over the past three seasons Matt Olson and Matt Chapman have won four Gold Gloves and hit 149 home runs.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Seattle Mariners – Marco Gonzales, Rafael Montero<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Marco Gonzales – Mariners’; ace. Photo by Minda Haas Kuhlmann<\/a> Marco Gonzales will again be the ace of the Mariners\u2019 staff. (He was 7-2, 3.10 in 2020). Gonzales is not overpowering (64 strikeouts in 69 2\/3 innings), but he gets the job done (59 hits and just seven walks). He\u2019s the guy you want on the mound if you\u2019re headed to a Mariners\u2019 game. BBRT will also be watching new closer Rafael Montero (trade with Rangers) to see if he\u2019s the real deal. The 30-year-old Montero is a converted starter, who didn\u2019t have a save in his first five MLB seasons and then saved eight games in eight opportunities in 2020. He\u2019s got a high-90s fastball, a sinker and a change up (his 4.08 Era in 2020 is a bit concerning).\u00a0 The closer role was a bit of a revolving door for the Mariners last season. If Montero grabs the role full-time it will help stabilize the Mariners’ bullpen.<\/p>\n The Mariners led the American\u00a0 League in stolen bases last season with 50 and had five players with five or more steals.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Tampa Bay Rays – Randy Arozarena, Rays’ Free-Agent Starters<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Randy Arozarena – Post-seasons hero.<\/p><\/div>\n Rays\u2019 rookie OF Randy Arozarena set the post-season on fire \u2013 hitting .376, with ten home runs and 14 RBI in 29 games,\u00a0 setting a record for the most home runs in a single year\u2019s post season.\u00a0 This performance, contrary to some observers, did not come out of nowhere.\u00a0 Arozarena hit .281-7-11 in 23 games for the Diamondbacks in the regular season and .300 (6-for-20) in 19 games for the Cardinals in 2019.\u00a0 (He was traded from the Cardinals to the Rays in January of 2020.)\u00a0 The 2020 post-season, in fact, was not even Arozarena\u2019s first post-season experience. He got in five post-season games for the Cardinals.\u00a0 \u00a0Further, Arozarena posted a .292 average in three minor-league seasons, including a .344-15-53 line in 92 (AA-AAA) games in 2019.\u00a0 He looks like the real deal \u2013 and well worth watching.<\/p>\n BBRT will also be keeping an eye on Tampa Bay free-agent signees Rich Hill, Chris Archer, Collin McHugh and Michael Wacha.\u00a0 The Rays, who lost their two top starting pitchers (Blake Snell by trade, Charlie Morton to free agency) are once again rebuilding their pitching staff and it will be interesting to see how the rotation fleshes out (which may determine if the Rays or Blue Jays make it to the playoffs).<\/p>\n On September 11, 2020, the Rays starting lineup against the Red Sox was: Austin Meadows, LF; Joey Wendle, SS; Brandon Lowe, 2B; Ji-Man Choi, 1B; Kevin Kiermaier, CF; Yoshi Tsutsugo, 3B; Nate Lowe, DH; Brett Phillips, RF; Michael Perez, C.\u00a0 Uniquely, they were all left-handed hitters.\u00a0 Oh, and the Rays’ starting pitcher was southpaw Blake Snell. Righty Andrew Triggs started for the BoSox and gave way (after one scoreless inning) to left-hander Matt Hall. Hall surrendered four runs in 2 1\/3 innings and took the loss.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Texas Rangers – Joey Gallo<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Joey Gallo – Texas-sized power.\u00a0 Photo by mikelachance816<\/a> Will Joey Gallo lead the league in home runs, strikeouts or both?\u00a0 The a question is worth considering \u2013 and watching for the answer to. In the two full seasons, Gallo has played for the Rangers (at least 140 games), he hit .208, with 81 home runs AND 403 strikeouts. I\u2019d love to see Gallo make more contact (that could lead to a 50-HR season).\u00a0 Notably, the free-swinging Gallo has added another reason to put him on you watch list.\u00a0 In 2020 the Ranger RF was a Gold Glover.<\/p>\n The Rangers’ 224 runs scored in 2020 were the fewest in the American League. They also had the leagues’s fewest hits (420), lowest batting average (.217) and fewest total bases (704).<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Toronto Blue Jays – George Springer, Kirby Yates<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Geroge Springer – Big Bat\/Veteran presence. Photo by Stabbur’s Master<\/a> The Blue Jay have lots of emerging young players who deserve a look, many with familiar last names \u2013 SS Bo Bichette, 1B Vlad Guerrero, Jr., 3B Cavan Biggio.\u00a0 BBRT, however, will be keeping an eye on a couple of newcomers.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The Jays made a big splash in the free-agent pool, led by the six-year, $150 million contract they gave to former Astro George Springer. Springer brings a proven bat to the middle of the Blue Jays’ lineup.\u00a0 He averaged .270-35-93 for each 162 games over a seven season MLB career \u2013 and, in 2019, went .293-39-96. He also brings a veteran presence to this young squad \u2013 and the Blue Jays hope he can lead them to the post-season. The Blue Jays also brought in closer Kirby Yates (free agency). In 2019, Yates led the NL in saves (as a Padre) with 41, along with a 1,19 ERA and 101 strikeouts in 60 2\/3 innings.\u00a0\u00a0 Bone chips in his elbow (requiring surgery) limited Yates to six appearance in 2020. The Blue Jays expect him to come back with a vengeance in 2012 \u2013 and so does BBRT.<\/p>\n Other Blue jays to put on your \u201cbird watching\u201d list include outfielder Teoscar Hernandez, who surprised in 2019 with a .289-16-34 season (50 games). Going into the season, Hernandez has a .237 average in 327 MLB games over four seasons. The Blue Jays would like to see the 2019 version. Also, keep an eye on top pitching prospect Nate Pearson with his triple-digit fastball and wicked 90-mph+ slider.\u00a0 His emergence could bolster the Jay\u2019s rotation.<\/p>\n In 2020, the Blue Jays had MLB youngest roster or position players and fifth-oldest roster of pitchers.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n — MAJOR AWARDS —\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Finally, predictions on BBRT favorites for\u00a0 American League Awards.<\/p>\n Al MVP:\u00a0<\/strong> 1. D.J. LeMahieu;\u00a0 2) Matt Chapman, A\u2019s; 3) Aaron Judge, Yankees; 4) Alex Bregman, Astros; 4) George Springer, Blue Jays<\/p>\n AL Cy Young:<\/strong> 1) Gerrit Cole, Yankees; 2) Shane Bieber, Indians; 3) Lucas Giolito, White Sox; 4) Tyler Glasnow, Rays<\/p>\n AL Rookie of the Year;<\/strong> Randy Arozarena, Rays; Casey Mize, Tigers; Alex Kiriloff, Twins; 4) Wander Franco, Rays<\/p>\n Primary Resources:\u00a0 Baseball-Reference.com; MLB.com.<\/em><\/p>\n Coming Soon; BBRT’s National League Predictions\/Watch List.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n <\/p>\n<\/a><\/small><\/p><\/div>\n<\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/small><\/p><\/div>\n<\/a><\/small><\/p><\/div>\n<\/a><\/small><\/p><\/div>\n<\/a><\/small><\/p><\/div>\n<\/a><\/small><\/p><\/div>\n<\/a><\/small><\/p><\/div>\n<\/a><\/small><\/p><\/div>\n<\/a><\/small><\/p><\/div>\n<\/a><\/a><\/small><\/p><\/div>\n<\/a><\/small><\/p><\/div>\n\n
<\/a>Baseball Roundtable is on the Feedspot list of the Top 100 Baseball Blogs.\u00a0 To see the full list, click\u00a0here.<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nI tweet baseball @DavidBBRT<\/h3>\n