New York, Boston, maybe Toronto

Yankees, Red Sox, Blue Jays appear AL East contenders

Mar 9, 2007 John Bowman

The American League East race is one of Major League Baseball's best divisions. Newcomers to the league, like Boston's Diasuke Matsuzaka, could define the season.

Will 2007’s American League East race belong to the New York Yankees, or will the new and improved Boston Red Sox make a run? And for a long shot, how about the Toronto Blue Jays?

In what undoubtedly is Major League Baseball’s toughest division, any one of the three teams could come out on top. All three made deals over the winter in attempts to shore up weak areas, and replace free agents with talented players.

In New York, fans are talking as much about pitching as they are the Yankees murderer’s row of the likes of shortstop Derek Jeter, third baseman Alex Rodriquez, second baseman Robinson Cano, designated hitter Jason Giambi, catcher Jorge Posada and outfielders Johnny Damon and Hiedeki Matsui, to mention a few. And to that strong lineup the Yankees acquired outfielder Bobby Abreu late last year.

But why, with all that batting talent, is pitching still the main topic on Fifth Avenue? Because, barring unexpected letdowns by several key hitters or numerous injuries, the Yanks’ starting pitching will decide whether or not New York repeats as the AL East champions. The bullpen, however, should be just fine with Mariano Rivera and Kyle Farnsworth among those throwing.

Perhaps Chien-Ming Wang is the biggest question mark. He posted a 3.63 ERA in 2006, but some wonder if he can maintain that with as many ground balls as he allows. While grounders keep the ball in the ballpark, they can become a problem if too many don’t find players’ gloves. Andy Petite is back, and should replace Randy Johnson nicely; he also should team with Wang, Mike Mussina and Carl Pavano to give the Yankees strong starting pitching, although fifth starter Kei Igawa is still an unknown commodity.

Several factors kept Boston from contending in the division last year -- the Yankees, Red Sox’s pitching and injuries to two key players, catcher Jason Varitek and outfielder Coco Crisp. Potentially, the Red Sox could have a dominant starting pitching staff which includes a newcomer from Japan, Diasuke Matsuzaka. If he and converted reliever Jonathan Papelbon lives up to potential, and pitchers such as Curt Schilling, Matt Clement and Josh Beckett do their job, the Red Sox could become a pennant contender with a lineup that includes Varitek, Crisp, Manny Ramirez, David Ortiz and newcomer J.D. Drew. Also, the Red Sox acquired Julio Lugo in the off season, which should be an upgrade at shortstop, particularly at the plate.

Toronto, which finished second a year ago with an 87-75 record, also expect to make a strong run at the Yankees. The heart of the Blue Jays’ order -- Alex Rios, Vernon Wells, Frank Thomas, Troy Glaus and Lyle Overbay -- makes one of the best 2-6 batters in baseball. Roy Holladay and A.J. Burnett (if he is healthy) gives the Jays two of the most dominant starting pitchers in the American League, but the remainder of the rotation is a bit shaky.

One of the most interested teams to ever be picked fourth is the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, who manager Joe Maddon thinks could surprise with one of baseball’s youngest teams. Pitcher Scott Kazmir is the No. 1 starter and one of the best lefties in the league. The Rays have a host of some arms, but no one seasoned. James Shields, Jae Sao, Casey Fossum, J.P. Howell, Edwin Jackson and Jason Hammel are all battling for starting jobs. Other who aren’t starters may be moved to the bullpen, where Seth McClung still must prove himself as a closer.

The Rays have one of baseball’s best young outfielders with Carl Crawford in left, Rocco Baldelli in center and Delmon Young in right. Then there’s B.J. Upton and Jonny Gomes to back them up. However, the infield is unsettled and depends a lot on how Jorge Cantu rebounds from a broken foot and whether or not newcomer Akinori Iwamura can play 3B for Tampa Bay like he did in Japan.

In Baltimore, the Orioles are trying to catch the league’s top teams, but they have a long way to go. Miquel Tejeda, Brian Roberts, Melvin Mora are all seasoned veterans in the infield, and newcomer Aubrey Huff should give them some power and versatility with his ability to play the infield or outfield. Jay Gibbons, Corey Patterson and Jay Payton add some experience in the outfield.

The Orioles have a lot of arms on their 40-man roster, but it remains to be seen if they can put together a solid starting five and compete with their bullpen.

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