Blue Jays vs A.L. East: Positional Rankings As of 15 Nov

Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

BULLPENS (EXLUDING SETUP AND CLOSERS)

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I wanted to avoid looking at these guys as individuals since I believe that their value is entirely depended on how the pens are built amongst their respective teams. This is an area where the Red Sox and Rays dominate. They each have high quality long-relief options, great lefties, and a group that offers different arm angles and looks. Meanwhile, the Yankees have great pieces like Shreve and Warren who can eat up innings when needed.

The Jays continue to frustrate me by not investing enough money in this portion of the team, particularly when it’s obviously their biggest weakness at this point. It was most evident by the lack of confidence Gibbons showed in all of them during the playoffs. The loss of O’Day for the Orioles really kills their depth in this area.

Side Note: This is one area of these teams that is 100% going to be altered often between now and when the season opens. We’ll evaluate them more closely when the season nears, but at this point, the standings are as listed below.

Ranking: 1. Red Sox, 2. Rays, 3. Yankees, 4. Jays, 5. Orioles

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