MLB: 2017 Underdogs Who Have a Chance to Win Their Divisions
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Which MLB underdogs will shock us in 2017 and win their divisions?
Baseball is a sport where each year at least one underdog seems to make it into the postseason. Thanks to a pair of Wild Card spots, it's a lot more possible to see the playoffs even without winning the division.
However, settling for less than a division title is not the way to go. Even the MLB underdogs many are counting out before the season opens should shoot for a spot at the top. Which of them have the best chance to accomplish this goal?
The last two seasons have included several underdog playoff teams. Not many seemed to believe the Cleveland Indians were poised to reach the World Series. When the season began, the Detroit Tigers and defending champion Kansas City Royals were the squads most favored. The Indians surpassed those expectations and found themselves not only atop the American League Central, but also one game from winning it all in the World Series.
Other recent underdog teams have been the postseason as well. The 2015 Houston Astros, for example, managed to overcome years at the bottom of the baseball barrel only to earn a playoff spot. Although they settled for a Wild Card berth, the 2015 Astros were a fine example of how a team can suddenly go from a losing team to a serious contender.
This year, more of baseball's underdogs enter the year hopeful to overcome the odds. The Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox may enter the season as near-unanimous favorites. Until the games are actually played, they have won nothing. These six underdogs will look to beat the odds and not only add October baseball to their schedule, but also capture a division title in the process.
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New York Yankees
Should anyone ever count out the New York Yankees? Even in their darkest days, they seem to field a competitive team. The most successful franchise in American sports history surely wants to return to the playoffs in 2017. Although they are far from fully loaded and in a tough division, the Yankees have bright spots. Will the American League East belong to them again?
Let's assume the starting rotation is not a complete mess. If Masahiro Tanaka pitches like an ace and the rest of the staff pitch above average, the Yankees are already in decent shape. They would probably need another starter at the trade deadline to really make a run against the Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays, who all made the playoffs last year.
The Yankees' best asset truly is their offense. They have some of the game's best young players along with some veterans still looking to remain productive. On paper, they have less talent than other AL East squads. When the games begin to count, these underdogs have a chance to surpass the rest of the division.
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Chicago White Sox
Many regard the American League Central as a three-team race between the Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Royals. The top-heavy division could offer a surprise if the MLB underdog Chicago White Sox turn things around.
It's very unlikely the White Sox make any noise this season. However, one must consider the proven talent remaining on the roster. Jose Quintana has ace stuff while Miguel Gonzalez is coming off a very underrated season. There's also no telling what James Shields could do in his attempt to return to relevancy. Add in Lucas Giolito or Michael Kopech vying for the Rookie of the Year and the White Sox pitching looks top notch.
They should also get help from their bats. Todd Frazier could always turn things around and do more than hit home runs There's also Jose Abreu to give them MVP-caliber offense. Several other players, including Yoan Moncada, may also have a productive year. Let's not forget the White Sox started off strong at the beginning of last season. The uphill climb is a long one, but not completely impossible.
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Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
If MLB gave out an award for the most improved division, the American League West would win unanimously. Everyone but the Oakland Athletics got significantly better. Among the other four squads, it's the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim who appear least likely to win the division.
Like their division rivals, the Angels did get better this offseason. Maybe more importantly is that they stayed away from any huge contracts. This has been the franchise's folly for some time. No longer are they stuck paying Jered Weaver or C.J. Wilson to under-perform and sit on the sidelines, and Josh Hamilton also finally comes off the books after this season.
The best thing the Angels have going for them is their continued employment of the best player in baseball: Mike Trout. Trout will again put up MVP numbers as he looks to defend his title. He'll get a little more help from newcomers Danny Espinosa and Cameron Maybin along with a (hopefully) healthy Albert Pujols. The pitching staff has some question marks and its health concerns. However, a few breakout seasons can put the Angels right in the thick of things.
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Miami Marlins
When the Miami Marlins make the playoffs, it always ends with a championship. Unfortunately, they haven't been to the postseason since 2003. This could be the year they return as Miami appears to have one of the National League's most balanced starting lineups.
Of course, the Marlins have obstacles to overcome. The New York Mets and Washington Nationals have two of the best rotations in baseball. The same is not true of the Marlins. In fact, their starting rotation is their biggest weakness of all. Edinson Volquez and Wei-Yin Chen will headline the staff. Following them are more mid-rotation arms expected to do a lot more.
The Marlins will need a healthy year from everyone to have a chance at winning the NL East. This includes slugger Giancarlo Stanton and speedster Dee Gordon. They can also see their chances increase if Christian Yelich can continue to establish himself as one of the game's best young outfielders. This young and hungry roster is their key to success and overcoming the underdog label they will begin the year with.
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Pittsburgh Pirates
The 2016 season was an unusual one for recent Pittsburgh Pirates teams. After ending their playoff drought in 2013, the Pirates became regular World Series contenders in the years to follow. Last year, they took a respite from the postseason. This season, they could shock the world and win the National League Central.
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Most seem to believe the Chicago Cubs already have the division locked up. It's fair considering how terrific the roster still is and performed last year. It's also not right to completely dismiss the Pirates. Things could go terribly wrong for the Cubs, which would allow the Pirates a chance to plunder the division.
The most probable positive ending to the Pittsburgh regular season has them winning a Wild Card. This does not mean they should settle for anything less than a division title. Another year of experience for the younger players such as Gregory Polanco and Starling Marte should pay off for the 2017 Pirates. Both of them have now passed Andrew McCutchen in terms of talent. When the year opens, the Pirates should have a deep roster only limited by a lack of star power in the starting rotation. They can solve this at the trade deadline with a move to bolster the pitching staff.
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Colorado Rockies
Is this the year the Colorado Rockies make their stand? The starting lineup certainly looks a lot more reliable than it has in the past. In the first time in a long time, they will actually begin the year with a well-respected roster in every aspect. Much of this is based on last year's performance, as guys like Tyler Anderson and Tyler Chatwood pitched them toward .500.
The Rockies' offense should be just as incredible this year as it always is. Perennial MVP candidate Nolan Arenado will look to again lead the league in home runs and RBI. Second baseman DJ LeMahieu also has some lofty goals in his defense of the National League batting title.
Although the offseason was not an incredibly loud one for the Rockies, they did add Ian Desmond and now have Greg Holland as their closer. They lost very little to free agency while deciding not to trade stars Charlie Blackmon and Carlos Gonzalez. Passing the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants is certainly a challenge, but one the Rockies could do if all goes well.
