Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Baseball Preview: American League East (2/15/11)

NY Yankees- C+. Any time you add talent like Rafael Soriano you instantly become a better team. Pettite retires, Jeter in turmoil, No 4th and 5th starters. Yanks are heading backwards.
Additions: Rafael Soriano, Russell Martin

Boston- A+. The Red Sox added two of the top players in the game and it only cost them a few hundred million. Have solid 1-9 Lineup. Great Depth, Strong Bullpen and Solid 5 starters
Additions: Carl Crawford, Adrian Gonzalez, Bobby Jenks, Dan Wheeler

Toronto. A. The A is for effort but ultimately the Jays are a B+ at best. Trading the immovable contract of Vernon Wells, giving away aging vets: Gregg, Downs, Tallet, and 28 year old Shaun Marcum shows Jays are going young. Love the idea of Kyle Drabek to what is a good young core of pitchers. Bullpen is the early question, who emerges as closer?
Additions: Octavio Dotel, Jon Rauch, Frank Francisco, Juan Rivera, Rajai Davis

Tampa Bay-D. Bullpen torn to shreds, adding aging vets, have young core but overmatched. Price, Longoria, Upton have to hold the load. Pitching Staff is above average, besides that nothing to be note worthy.
Additions: Manny Ramierez, Jonny Damon, Karl Farnsworth

Baltimore- A. Good thing for Oriole Fans is after many years of being at the bottom, they are starting to put pieces together. Bring in powers in Derek Lee, Mark Reynolds and Vlad,a Plus. Questionable pitching core+ bullpen. Catcher Matt Wieters breaks out
Additions: Derek Lee, Mark Reynolds, Kevin Gregg, Mike Gonzalez, Vladimir Gurrero.

Skinny: It’s ultimately going to be Boston who dictates the division. Toronto contends for wild card. Baltimore does not finish last. Yanks and Rays take a step backwards.

1st: Boston
2nd: Toronto
3rd New York
4th: Baltimore
5th: Tampa Bay

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