Almost everybody loves a Cinderella story, and we have a couple teams that have potential to be this year’s Cinderella story after the Cubs, and Astros stole the show last year.  I do not expect all of the teams on this list to make the playoffs however I do expect the one’s that I don’t project in the playoffs to be much better than most people’s expectations.

5) Arizona Diamondbacks

After the off-season that they had this may not be much of a surprise anymore, but based off the fact that they finished with a sub .500 record last year the D-Backs are set to make a splash this season.  They already had a solid lineup, ranking in the top ten in most offensive categories, so the Diamondbacks went out and vastly improved their pitching staff.  They traded for Shelby Miller, and signed Zack Greinke to a monster contract.  The D-Backs have an above average bullpen with the signing of Tyler Clippard, and a closer in Brad Ziegler who proved to be more than capable last season.  With the Dodgers having on paper what looks to be a weaker team than they have had in recent years the D-Backs have a legitimate shot to win the division title if they can hold off the Giants.

4) Detroit Tigers

Last year was vastly disappointing for the Tigers as they finished in last place, just one season after winning 90 games, and winning their division.  To make sure that they do not disappoint fans two years in a row they went out and signed Jordan Zimmermann, Justin Upton, and Cameron Maybin.  If healthy the Tigers should have a lethal lineup, that hits a ton of homeruns.  More important than the lineup is that the Tigers went out and improved their pitching which was ranked towards the bottom in every major category last season.  Zimmermann should adjust nicely to a bigger ballpark, and if Verlander and Sanchez can have bounce back seasons, the Tigers have enough talent to make a run at the playoffs.

3) Tampa Bay Rays

Last season was expected to be a lost cause for the Rays, and while they did not make the playoffs, they far exceeded expectations.  The Rays made it a priority to improve their outfield when they went out and acquired Corey Dickerson.  The Rays offense was more than anemic last season, ranking 25th in runs, but the pitching was pretty solid after a great season from Chris Archer, and good work from their bullpen.  If Jake Odorizzi can build upon last season, and if Matt, Moore can return to his 2011-2014 form before the Tommy John surgery the Rays can make a splash in the East.  I don’t believe the Red Sox are going to be as good as people expect, and the Orioles, and Blue Jays each lost some pieces from last year, helping to pave the way for the Rays.

2) Colorado Rockies

While I do not see the Rockies making a playoff run this year, I do think they will surprise some people with how well they will play this season.  The Rockies have a ton of talented hitters on their team, and perhaps the best third baseman both offensively and defensively in baseball in Nolan Arenado.  The Rockies ranked fifth in both runs, and batting average last season, and should be equally good this season.  The one question mark is their pitching.   The bullpen is vastly improved though with Boone Logan doing long relief, and Jake McGee now closing out games.  If Jon Gray can make the team out of spring training, and give the rotation some stabilization the Rockies should rank towards the middle of the pack this season.

1) Miami Marlins

Health is going to play a huge part into whether or not the Marlins can take a step forward this year, but if they do remain healthy they have a chance to at least remain relative for most of the season.  They have a great young outfield with Christian Yelich, Giancarlo Stanton, and Marcell Ozuna.  If they can get a repeat performance out of Dee Gordon they may have an offense that rank right around 10th this season.  The Marlins have improved their pitching just enough to at least keep them in ball games.  While I don’t think Wei-Yin Chen# can replicate last season, Jose Fernandez is one of the best starters in the game, and the back end of the Marlins rotation is good enough to close out games if their starters can give them some length.  Don’t look for the Marlins to make the playoffs this year, but a .500 or just above .500 record is not out of the question as their rebuild appears to be headed in the right direction.