Blue Jays completely disrespected in ranking by The Athletic

The ranking puts them fifth in the AL East, although with slightly better playoff odds than the Tampa Bay Rays. Many other projections had the Blue Jays ranked third, behind the Yankees and Orioles, but ahead of the Red Sox and Rays.

In the piece, which was compiled by McCullough, Grant Brisbee, and Gary Nesbitt, the top five ranked teams are all from the National League. Unsurprisingly, the Los Angeles Dodgers are in first place, followed by the Braves, Dimaondbacks, Phillies, and Mets.

The inclusion of Arizona at number three is a bit surprising, especially since they were only given 43.9% playoff odds.

The Red Sox and Yankees are the top two ranked American League teams, coming in at sixth and seventh respectively, The Yankees ranking matches other projections but the fact that Boston is top-ranked AL East team is more than a bit surprising.

The Astros, Orioles, and Rangers round out the Top 10.

The Rays are ranked slightly ahead of the Blue Jays, coming in at number 14, though with slightly lower playoff odds at 29.6% compared to the Blue Jays 31.9%.

The main problem with McCullough's ranking is it is based on what the Blue Jays didn't do and not what they did. McCullough saying that the Blue Jays signings only bring more about questions come off as slightly glib.

This is a recurring for the Blue Jays who, even today, feel misunderstood and even dismissed by many American sportswriters.

Now, it's up to the Blue Jays to prove them wrong.