Now that Porter has all the football out of his system, it's time to move onto baseball as pitchers and catchers report to spring training within the next week. The AL East the past few seasons has been unpredictable besides the fact that the Sox, Rays, and Yanks will be in the top three. This year is no different, but the order will no doubt change. Here's the breakdown:
1. Red Sox (96-66): Theo brought the heat this off-season with the moves he made. Crawford and Adrian being the largest , as well as adding a little depth to the bullpen has changed the look of the team. The biggest reason for the 95+ win season will be the pitching. Clay Bucholz will be the season changer if he can keep coming with what he had last year. He seemed to figure out how to bring his good stuff day to day while locating his curve-ball. Along with the Lester and Becket, these three will form a solid playoff three that has the potential to carry them to the Series. The only question is if Youk and Pedroia are actually over their injuries. Pedroia was still complaining about soreness near a week ago, and it will be a wait and see process.
2. Yankees (90-72): The loss of Andy Petite puts a lot of pressure for Hughes to repeat another good season, and the depth of that rotation has taken a step backwards. There is still a good enough team for a 90 win season, but there is no doubt they have lost some big players. Look for Cano to have an MVP like season at the plate, as well as the expected A-Rod season. Now Posada will be taking the DH position, as well as a very defensive outfield other than Granderson at the top of the line-up. The one good positive is their ability to hold leads in the later innings. I expect the Yanks to not sit back during the season, and I can see a big move to acquire a pitcher before the deadline.
3. Rays (86-76): Garza is now a Cub. That alone takes away quality starts for the Rays. Their make up and style of play was dangerous to so many teams, and now the whole vibe of the team looks different. They did sign Manny and Johnny Damon to deals, but they won't be making the playoffs this year with losing some of the back end of the bullpen as well as one of their key starters. Crawford going to the Sox also leaves a big hole that Damon will be trying to fill, but Johnny isn't the player he used to be. There will be no playoff baseball on the ugly rug this year.
4. Blue Jays (80-82): The Jays have pesky the past few seasons, but I haven't noticed many moves that will change their late seasons problems. There isn't much of a breakdown besides they will duplicate their early season ups, and late season fizzles.
5. Orioles (75-87): It was tough deciding between the final two teams knowing all the moves the Orioles made, but I can never agree with what they do. They actually have a surprisingly good lineup, with Roberts, Markakis, and Guerrero. But their pitching won't get anything done for them. If anything can be learned by the Rays its that the farm system needs to be built and developed especially for lower market teams. Paying Vlad isn't the answer for them and there needs to be more of a long term mind set in the front offices. I was generous with 75 wins, but the offense will have trouble backing up that starting rotation.
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