There are always surprises to be had once baseball season hits full swing, with some of surprises coming in the form of disappointments from teams that appear to have promise prior to the campaign. Here's a list of 3 potentially underachieving teams we think could fall into the category.
Signing RHP Jordan Zimmermann and left fielder Justin Upton to a combined $242.75 million in contracts was a bold move. However, the Tigers are relying on Justin Verlander following Zimmermann to ride the momentum of his second-half success last year and Anibal Sanchez to round back into ace form after posting a 4.99 ERA last season. That's a risky play.
It's also risky that the Tigers decided to throw a megacontract at Upton but failed to do much to improve on a 4.38 bullpen ERA in 2015 other than inking Francisco Rodriguez.
So much money spent, so many questions. Expectations are high, but there's too many questions to consider the Tigers an AL Central favorite.
The rotation is in dire need of a couple of young and fresh arms, and the offense is dotted with big-money veterans facing an inevitable decline in production. The addition of Starlin Castro via trade adds middle-infield stability, and landing Aroldis Chapman gives the Yankees one of the best 7-8-9 bullpen trios in the game with Chapman, Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller.
However, the Yankees are hoping against hope for a season with good health. That's a tall order considering the team's injury history as a whole. Plus, relying on Ivan Nova/CC Sabathia (if Nova wins a job in Spring Training) two out of every five days is a troubling thought.
The Angels are a starting pitcher and impact hitter away from being more than a fringe contender in the American League. When you've got Mike Trout, you've got a chance. Plus, the acquisition of shortstop Andrelton Simmons provides a huge defensive boost up the middle.
However, Los Angeles is paying Albert Pujols $25 million and will be banking on a full-stop return from foot surgery. As for the rotation, Andrew Heaney needs to take the next step for the Halos to keep up with the best rotations in the AL. There's reason for cautious optimism here, but it could all go majorly wrong if a couple of cards fall wrong on the table.
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