AL East Preview

1. Boston Red Sox- The Red Sox went into the off-season trying to improve their run prevention. That is exactly what they did by adding John Lackey, who may be the best #3 starter in all of baseball, to an already stellar rotation. If Buchholz continues to develop and Matsuzaka shows any semblance of the pitcher from two years ago this staff will be absolutely dominant. They also have several outstanding or elite fielders in Youkilis, Pedroia, Beltre, and Drew which can only help their pitchers out. Many people will disagree with this pick due to the Red Sox supposed lack of offense. According to the CHONE Projections, which derives offensive output from player projections and lineup position, the Red Sox will score the second most runs in the AL. How is that for a lack of offense? Ultimately, if Beltre has a comeback year and Ortiz exhibits some consistency this team is a serious World Series contender.

2. New York Yankees- Right now the Yankees are still the team to beat. They are the defending World Series Champions. However, I am not sure how much this team really improved from last year. Sure Granderson could probably hit 30 homers in that joke of a right field. What scares me about Granderson is that his average has rapidly decreased over the past couple seasons (.302, .280, .249), which really limits the strength of his speed. He used to be a very good ballplayer who knew his role and right now he seems like he is trying to hard to extend it. I think that the Javier Vazquez will work out well for the Yankees, but not in the way people think. Anyone who expects a three-something ERA should give up on that. I think Vazquez will be an excellent innings eater. 2004 was the last year he threw less that 200 innings and that was 198 with the Yankees. If Granderson does not get tempted by that right field too much and Vazquez does not implode, this team would win the division. Only thing is, I think Granderson will be too tempted.

3. Tampa Bay Rays- Don’t be fooled. This is an outstanding club and definitely one of the top 5 teams in baseball. The only problem for them is that two of the other top two teams are in their division. They have an excellent lineup that is very deep and balanced. The Rays will need a big year from Pena though to add to their already strong lineup. As for their pitching I think they have an excellent staff and Matt Garza is primed for a huge year. The biggest question for the Rays, as it has been in the past, will be the bullpen. If Rafael Soriano can help solidify the pen and nail down the ninth this team can certainly win the division and maybe the World Series.

4. Baltimore Orioles-It’s a shame this young and exciting team is stuck in the division from hell. If MLB does ever decide in favor of realignment the O’s will be a team that will certainly benefit. They are quietly putting together a great core headed by Matt Weiters and Adam Jones. Then they have Brian Mastuz, Jeremy Gutherie, and Brad Bergeson with Zach Britton still waiting in the wings. They are definitely a club capable of a .500 season. They are still a two to three years away from contention unless realignment comes along.

5. Toronto Blue Jays- A couple years ago this team looked like it could compete in the AL East. Then the Rays emerged and the Blue Jays took a back seat. The Vernon Wells contract has not helped things. Now the essential guaranteed win on every fifth day with Halladay is gone. They have an up-and-coming staff that could be quite good in a few years, The one bright spot of the team is the sudden emergence of Adam Lind who is an outstanding player. This team is quite a few years away from contention though.