Some teams already have started holding organizational meetings to review what happened in 2017, and to plan for 2018. Because while five teams in each league will move ahead into the playoffs, 10 other clubs will take it to the house and try to build a better future.

The offseason work ahead for the AL teams not currently in the playoff picture:

Baltimore Orioles: Baltimore could not find a suitable deal for Zach Britton before the July 31 trade deadline, deferring a difficult decision they will face early in the offseason: Should they bring back the closer, who probably will make $14 million or $15 million after he goes through the arbitration process? This is not the first time for the Orioles in a situation like this. Jim Johnson saved 101 games for them in 2012-2013, and with his salary headed for $10 million in 2014, Baltimore dumped the All-Star closer for Jemile Weeks and a player to be named (who turned out to be David Freitas).

Baltimore’s greatest need, as always, will be in the rotation, with Chris Tillman headed into free agency and the Orioles holding a $12 million option on Wade Miley. Lance Lynn would be the type of innings-eating plow horse that the Orioles could use, but Baltimore would have to outbid other teams for Lynn’s services, and that doesn’t often happen. The Orioles have typically done well in free agency waiting for bargains near the start of spring training.

Once again, it appears that Baltimore is not ready to consider a trade of Manny Machado or Adam Jones, who are free agents after next season.