Previewing The AL East

The AL East, which has been one of the best divisions in baseball for the past decade, again promises to have atleast two World Series contenders.

The Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are one of the greatest franchises in baseball. For years, they have maintained a constant of winning, while not spending as much as the Yankees. With a group of stars like Josh Beckett, Jon Papelbon, Manny Ramirez, and David Ortiz, it looks like Boston has the makings to be back in the World Series this year. I would be shocked to see this team win less than 90 games, and would also be shocked if they didn't make it back to the ALCS.

The Yankees
The New York Yankees are baseball's highest spending franchise. This year, the final for old Yankee Stadium, they have the highest payroll in baseball history. While the Yankees would love for Yankee Stadium to go out with a bang, the veterans on the team may weight it down. For a team with so many veterans, staying healthy will be the key in making the playoffs, and potentially the World Series. The Yankees havn't missed the playoffs in 15 years, and it looks like again they have bought themselves a spot.

The Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays have the most potential of any team in baseball. With young players like Carl Crawford, Scott Kazmir, and B.J. Upton, the Rays are primed for a breakout in the next two years. If they do what they have to this point been unsuccessful with, which is holding onto young players, they have a group that will defenitly rise them into the playoffs in the coming years. This year, it's likely that they will show shades of the future, though it's not probable that they will yet compete for the title. I would look for 80-85 wins at most out of this team, but that's being very, very optimistic.

The Orioles
The Orioles will likely be the last place team in the AL East this year. This offseason, they have traded Eric Bedard, and Miguel Tejada, the two stars of the team. Bedard brought back Adam Jones, who is one of the best 5 tool prospects in baseball. While this team will struggle, it will be intresting to see what Jones can do if he gets playing time. I'd look for 70-75 wins out of the O's this year.

The Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays have recently been making an effort to prove that they can spend with the Red Sox and Yankees. Bringing in A.J. Burnett, and B.J. Ryan, most of the money has been spent on pitching. The franchise traded power hitting third baseman Troy Glaus for a great defender, and good hitter in Scott Rolen. Rolen, while struggling with injuries, still has put up good numbers in recent years. I believe that this club will need to score more to win, because it's not likely you will hold the Sox or Yankees under 5 runs a game. While I don't see them winning the division, it's not hard to see the Jays making a run, and being in contention for second or third place in the division.