Our MLB 2015 Predictions Simulation From MLB 15: The Show
Sep 21, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista (19) watches a ball hit by New York Yankees catcher Brian McCann (34) go into the stands in the first inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
AL East
2015 MLB Standings
- Red Sox: 83-79
- Blue Jays: 82-80
- Orioles: 81-81
- Rays: 79-83
- Yankees: 77-85
The powerhouse that once was the AL East is no more. Just a few years after the division was so stacked it approached the final 2 months of the 2012 baseball season with all teams at a .500 winning percentage or above, the team with the biggest win/loss difference in our 2015 MLB simulation for the AL East was just +4. It was a decidedly weak year, plagued by injuries, weird trades and everyone failing to tank for a playoff spot at the same time.
Boston Red Sox
Red Sox Nation, just like Libya, is a land of contrast. Relying on a handful of pitchers and batters to lead the offense, while others disappointed greatly. Red Sox fans should look forward to a core pitching trio of Clay Buchholz, Wade Miley and (somehow) Rick Porcello, averaging roughly a 3 ERA between them. Justin Masterson and Joe Kelly, however, truly solidified their status as #4 and #5 guys, with an ERA around 4.80 and a WHIP above 1.50 each. Either way, their rotation stayed healthy, with no spot starters whatsoever throughout their 162 game schedule. I’m not sure if that’s even ever happened before, let alone in the 2015 MLB season!
It was a tale of two halves for the batters, with some disappointing outputs for new guys and some outstanding stats for regulars. Pablo Sandoval’s production might not be worth his contract, sporting a .232/.297/.361/.657 slash line, 17 HR, 66 RBI and just 54 runs over 599 at-bats. During the season, Torii Hunter joined the squad to put up career-average numbers, while Hanley Ramirez only played 110 games due to injuries. David Ortiz somehow still steals the show, going .306/.372/.549/.921 with 41 dingers and 305 total bases. He seemed to carry his team to the postseason, but just barely, with 2nd place only 1 game behind in the standings.
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