Houston- The reigning World Series Champions lost free agent P Justin Verlander and will be without 2B Jose Altuve (thumb) for likely the first 2 months of the season. DH Michael Brantley and P Lance McCullers are also dealing with lingering injuries heading into 2023. On paper the AL West appears stronger this year with improvements expected from both the Rangers and Angels. This is still a talented roster but matching last year’s 106 wins regular season seems unlikely. OVER/UNDER Total Wins 97.5
Cleveland- The Guardians greatly exceeded expectations in 2022 winning 92 games before eventually falling to the Yankees in the ALDS. The lineup, however, lacked power finishing near the bottom of league in home runs per game and must rely on free agent signings 1B Josh Bell and C Mike Zunino to add more pop. The back end of the pitching rotation is vulnerable and fielding was a major liability last year ranking 23rd in the league in errors per game. They are still the favorites to win the AL Central but expect a regression from last season 92-70 mark. OVER/UNDER Total Wins 86.5
Baltimore- The Orioles came out of nowhere in 2022 improving their win total by 31 games and making a serious charge for a Wild Card spot before ultimately falling short. Statistically, the team ranked in the bottom half of the league in both batting average and earned run average. So the question is was last year’s 83 wins an anomaly or a stepping stone into something bigger in 2023? With no blockbuster acquisitions in the offseason they must continue to rely on young talent which is a tough task in the always challenging AL East Division. OVER/UNDER Total Wins 76.5
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