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The Sox had plenty of players perform at the very least above what would be expected of them and quite a few career years that will not likely be repeated.
Garland - Aside from 117 IP in 2001, this year's ERA was better than any previous year by more than 1 run. He could have a significant decline.
There's not much to go off of from Contreras but he's not 33 as listed.
Garcia and Burhle are fine pitchers but neither is a true 'ace' pitcher.
El Duque sucks, he's done.
It's a GOOD rotation, but not a GREAT rotation. Two '#2' guys and and some league average guys are nice but not typical of a favorite. Cleveland did pitch just as well as the Sox and Min was right behind them.
On offense, they had a very average team. 16th in OPS and 13th in runs scored. They won due to career years from key pitchers and Garcia and Burhle doing a little better than expected.
I wouldn't put money on the Sox even winning their division. Cleveland will be a threat, as will Minnesota.
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