The Red Sox had an absolutely great September, but an absolutely awful October. They faltered badly at the end of the season, losing their final two games against the Jays and then being swept in three by Cleveland. Maybe clinching the division a couple of days prior to the Jays series didn't help. But they did try to win that series (vs Jays) and went with their best lineup and pitching matchup, so that ain't an excuse. But maybe clinching too early got them off their game a bit...maybe they lost their edge.
Although the Red Sox had a remarkable season, being knocked out of the playoffs so quickly has to hurt. I'm certain there's a lot of second-guessing going on right now. Were they right in giving all that money to David Price? Should they have coaxed David Ortiz to wait until the end of the season before he announced he'd retire after this season? Maybe delaying the announcement would have given him time to reflect on his future and possibly stay for another season. Should they have picked up more veterans? Other than Ortiz and Pedroia, this is a relatively young and inexperienced team. Should they have picked up an elite closer prior to the deadline? Who knows.
My guess is that John Farrell will be gone soon. Hitting isn't the problem, but pitching is. Will they finally part with Clay Bucholz? Will they make a run at a high-quality starter? Will they go after Aroldis Chapman? Will they make a run at signing Edwin Encarnacion to replace Ortiz? Time will tell.
As for the Yankees, the starting staff is aging and they're not 100% healthy. Gardiner and Ellsbury are no spring chickens either. My advice would be to bolster the outfield with more power. As of now, i'd say it's probably one of the weakest-hitting outfields in baseball. They also need to replace the now-retired Mark Texeira. Would they consider signing Edwin Encarnacion? Or will they stick with the kids? I'd also do something about third base and maybe use Didi Gregorius as trade-bait since they're strong at the shortstop position for the future. Should they try to trade Brian McCann? If so, who would be crazy enough to acquire him and pay him the salary the Yankees provided for him? Many questions.
The Jays will play Cleveland on Friday. It'll be a tough series for both teams. The attack is similar. Maybe the Jays have a bit more power. I give the Jays the edge in pitching, but Cleveland plays very well as a team, they're well managed and have been playing good baseball throughout the season. They also have Andrew Miller, one of the best relievers in baseball. I still can't understand the Yankees for trading him away when he still had a couple of years left to go on his contract. He's a gem!
I won't make a prediction. My heart is with the Jays, but i fear the Indians. It'll be a very entertaining series, and i hope the Jays will prevail and meet the Cubs in the World Series.
