Baltimore Orioles: DH Trumbo, Ortiz Headline Class of Sluggers in AL East

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Sep 22, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) is presented with a broken phone by Baltimore Orioles outfielder Adam Jones (10) prior to the game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /

Baltimore Orioles DH Mark Trumbo and Red Sox’s David Ortiz highlight a powerful group of sluggers in the American League East Division.

As Spring Training began for the Baltimore Orioles, I started my annual series of ranking each position in the American League East (Preseason rankings: C | 1B | 2B | 3B | SS | LF | CF | RF | DH).

With the 2016 season officially over, I have released my latest AL East rankings for the positions of catcher, first base, second base, third base, shortstop, left field, center field and right field.

And that means we are in the position of designated hitter. Going into the season, we knew it would be David Ortiz‘ last year. We didn’t know it would be Alex Rodriguez‘s, or that Edwin Encarnacion and Mark Trumbo would be free agents at the end of the year (it was assumed, but extensions can happen).

One other note, save for a few, most of these guys have been discussed at other positions, so I may not go as in depth as previously.

So, what the rankings look like to wrap up 2016 will be much different than the first rankings in 2017. Let’s get to it.

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