2014 AL/NL East Previews

Gonna condense the last 2 divisions because the season is just around the corner. 

AL EAST
With the Red Sox winning the World Series last season, they are definitely the favorite for winning the division again this year.  However, the Rays made some moves to continue making the team better and hitters like James Loney, Ben Zobrist & Evan Longoria could make it happen.  The Red Sox have the same rotation this year as in 2013 including Jon Lester & John Lackey, but loses OF Jacoby Ellsbury to the Yankees.  The Yankees spent nearly $300M on Ellsbury, Brian McCann & Carlos Beltran as well as Masahiro Tanaka.  With players like Derek Jeter & Mark Teixeira coming back from injury and A-Rod suspended this season due to PEDs, the Yankees will improve from last season, will not win the division, but can grab a wildcard spot.  The Orioles have a young pitching staff and have power hitters in Manny Machado (starts season on DL), Chris Davis & Nick Markakis and are a sleeper pick to win the division.  Definitely a good team to keep an eye on this year.  Toronto lost J.P. Arencibia in the offseason and need Edwin Encarnacion & Jose Bautista to provide spark on offense this year, otherwise it will be a long season up north.  I'm taking Red Sox to win division, TB in wildcard.

NL EAST
The Nationals have a solid team to work with.  Outstanding pitching including Stephen Strasburg, Gio Gonzalez & Doug Fister, and good hitting from Bryce Harper, Ryan Zimmermann & Nate McLouth.  Add in a good bullpen and we have a possible divisional winner.  The Phillies continue to clean house after Roy Halladay's retirement and possibly trading shortstop Jimmy Rollins.  The Phils will struggle to find rhythm in 2014, will not finish last but I see them going .500.  The Braves have good hitting in B.J. & Justin Upton as well as Freddie Freeman & Jason Heyward, but the pitching is going to struggle.  Kris Medlen & Brandon Beachy are both out for the 2014 season due to Tommy John Surgery and losing Tim Hudson to SF doesn't help.  The Braves will have to look at Julio Teheran, Zach Stewart & Aaron Harang to get things going if the Braves contend for a wildcard spot.  The Marlins & Mets both are rebuilding, especially the latter.  Numbers will increase for both teams but won't be playing in October.  Going Nationals to win the division.