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Minnesota Twins: 2017 MLB Projections and World Series Predictions

By Jordan Ison

Apr 17, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; The Cleveland Indians during batting practice prior to tonights game against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; The Cleveland Indians during batting practice prior to tonights game against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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MLB: Chicago White Sox at New York Yankees
Apr 17, 2017; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) pitches against the Chicago White Sox during the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees won 7-4. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /

AL East Final Standings

1) New York Yankees (91 – 71)

Key Pitcher – Michael Pineda

Key Batter – Starlin Castro

Reason Why They Will Succeed – The Yankees have been the hottest team over the last week or so and it all begins with their pitching. They have a fantastic pitching rotation followed up by a great bullpen. Pitching is the first key to any team’s success.

Reason Why They Will Fail – They still have a lot of young guys trying to get their footing. Don’t let a hot streak fool you – this team could fall, and quick. If their young players start playing like their age, don’t expect much from the Bronx.

2) Boston Red Sox (85 – 77)

Key Pitcher – Chris Sale

Key Batter – Mookie Betts

Reason Why They Will Succeed – The Red Sox have been streaky to begin the season. But when they’re hot, they’re really hot. Led by Mookie Betts, the Sox could easily hit their way into a run in October.

Reason Why They Will Fail – Injuries could be the fallout for the Red Sox. David Price has been injured and doesn’t show many good signs on the road to a return. If they don’t have a full, healthy lineup, their lack of depth could come back to bite them.

3) Baltimore Orioles (80 – 82)

Key Pitcher – Ubaldo Jimenez

Key Batter – Manny Machado

Reason Why They Will Succeed – The Orioles have a lot of talented players offensively. If their bats get rolling, it’s hard to find any team that could keep up with that run production.

Reason Why They Will Fail – The bottom part of their pitching rotation and bullpen needs some work. Their better half could bring in some wins, but their bottom half seems to be holding them back.

4) Toronto Blue Jays (76 – 86)

Key Pitcher – Marcus Stroman

Key Batter – Jose Bautista

Reason Why They Will Succeed – They’ve been here before. A weak start to the season isn’t new to the Blue Jays. They have been one of the best hitting teams in the MLB over the last few seasons, and their bats could get them back in the race again.

Reason Why They Will Fail – Their great players have always under-performed. If that continues this year, there’s no way the Jays will find themselves in the playoff race in the midst of a strong division.

5) Tampa Bay Rays (63 – 99)

Key Pitcher – Chris Archer

Key Batter – Evan Longoria

Reason Why They Will Succeed – The Rays could find success in 2017 if their pitching rotation comes together and has a nice streak. They need a low ERA and to go deep into games to make up for their lack of offense.

Reason Why They Will Fail – They don’t have many strong bats. They can put the ball in play, but the Rays struggle in putting runs on the board. Obviously, that could be an issue.

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