Now on to the AL East. This division contains several teams that could be competitive if they were in a different division. If they were in the AL Central, the Toronto Blue Jays or the Boston Red Sox would probably compete for the division title. If the Baltimore Orioles or the Tampa Bay Devil Rays were in the AL Central, they might be wild-card contenders. (OK, that's a pretty big "might.") But the point is: the Yankees are the class of the AL East, the American League, and Major League Baseball. Until someone de-thrones them, no one else can be considered the favorites. But for discussion purposes, let's look at each team anyway.
New York Yankees The Yankees just do not have any big weaknesses. But they do have a list of some potential problems. David Cone, Roger Clemens, and Paul O-Neill are all 37, and last season their numbers have started to decline. They still have no left fielder. Chuck Knoblauch can't throw from second base to first. And catcher Joe Girardi is gone. Having said all that, the Yankees should win the AL East again and probably go to the World Series again.
Boston Red Sox Take away Pedro Martinez and his win total, and Boston is a mediocre team. Take away Martinez and Nomar Garciaparra, and Boston is a below average team. But they have both players. If these two stay healthy, they will carry this team. They did it last year, so they know that they can do it again this year. I would expect them to contend for a wild card spot.
Toronto Blue Jays Gone is Pat Hentgen and Shawn Green. This team is young but is talented. If this young starting rotation develops quickly, they may contend for the wild card spot. Either way, the second half will show the Blue Jays to be an improving team.
Tampa Bay Devil Rays The Devil Rays made some nice pick-ups this off-season. Without a doubt, they are an improved team and, potentially, a playoff contender. A lot of things would have to go right but its possible. I really root for teams who sign good players and try to compete instead of whining about how they can't compete. Realistically, the Devil Rays should play .500 ball. The much-publicized power quartet of Fred McGriff, Jose Canseco, Vinny Castilla, and Greg Vaughn will do some damage to opposing pitchers, but the entire lineup will have to produce in order to win. The pitching staff contains some larger problems. Juan Guzman is vastly underrated and will be the staff ace. Wilson Alvarez needs to improve drastically. Steve Trachsel stinks (sorry, Steve) and was lucky to get signed at all. Fortunately, they have a solid closer in Roberto Hernandez, so if one of the starting pitchers somehow gets a lead to him, he can close the deal.
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