MLB, presented by Covers.com
Spring Training has begun, and the 2017 MLB season swiftly approaches. Last year saw an incredible comeback from the Chicago Cubs in the World Series, breaking a curse that seemed insurmountable, setting the stage for some wacky postseason finishes across the world of sports. This year should be no less exciting, as the Cubs attempt to hold on to the trophy, while every other team in the league nips at their heals. Let’s take a look at how teams finished last season, as we look ahead to how they might fare this year.
AL East
- Boston Red Sox: 93-69
- Baltimore Orioles: 89-73
- Toronto Blue Jays: 89-73
- New York Yankees: 84-87
- Tampa Bay Rays: 68-94
AL Central
- Cleveland Indians: 94-67
- Detroit Tigers: 86-75
- Kansas City Royals: 81-81
- Chicago White Sox: 78-84
- Minnesota Twins: 59-103
AL West
- Texas Rangers: 95-67
- Seattle Mariners: 86-76
- Houston Astros: 84-78
- Los Angeles Angels: 74-88
- Oakland Athletics: 69-93
NL East
- Washington Nationals: 95-67
- New York Mets: 87-75
- Miami Marlins: 79-82
- Philadelphia Phillies: 71-91
- Atlanta Braves: 68-93
NL Central
- Chicago Cubs: 103-58
- St. Louis Cardinals: 86-76
- Pittsburgh Pirates: 78-83
- Milwaukee Brewers: 73-89
- Cincinnati Reds: 68-94
NL West
- Los Angeles Dodgers: 91-71
- San Francisco Giants: 87-75
- Colorado Rockies: 75-87
- Arizona Diamondbacks: 69-93
- San Diego Padres: 68-94
The Cubs were, by far, the MLB‘s hottest team last season, and they don’t seem to have lost any momentum heading into 2017. They’ll look to repeat their amazing performance this October, and should be the odds-on favorite to grab another World Series Championship. The Indians, their opponents last year, were a big surprise, but perhaps should not have been, given the time manager Terry Francona has spent improving his club, preparing them to rise up from obscurity into the ranks of the best teams in the league. Can they return, or will other clubs make a bigger splash this year? Major League Baseball is never static, free agent moves and emerging talent always playing a big role in underdogs becoming division winners, so don’t count out your favorite team if they had a quiet 2016. This is a brand new season, an empty slate on which will be written a new chapter of hardball history.
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