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2017 American League East Preview: Can Red Sox Repeat?

By Rob Hill

Mar 14, 2017; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts (50) reacts after he struck out during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 14, 2017; Fort Myers, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts (50) reacts after he struck out during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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#1 Boston Red Sox 

While most of the teams in the AL East seem to be on the decline, the Boston Red Sox look like they’re ready to run off a streak of division titles. After being the favorites in the American League to head to the World Series last year, they met an early exit in the playoffs from the Cleveland Indians in the ALDS.

Boston’s general manager Dave Dombrowski took the early exit as a sign to win now as he departed with top prospects to acquire Chicago White Sox ace Chris Sale this past offseason. Sale, along with former Cy Young award winner David Price and recent recipient Rick Porcello will form one dynamic trio as they will torment American League offenses all season long. Speaking of offense, this Red Sox team has a perfect blend of star studded veterans and young players.

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Hanley Ramirez, Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts, Andrew Benintendi, and Dustin Pedroia head one of the best offenses in all of baseball; even after the retirement of Red Sox fan favorite David Ortiz. The back end of Boston’s bullpen is also something not to mess with. Former All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel and setup men Carson Smith and Tyler Thornburg will create one of the more underrated bullpens in the game. With a team that is filled with very few holes, Red Sox manager John Farrell should have little to no anxiety through the season.

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