Saturday, April 3, 2010

SE: AL East



1. New York Yankees 103-59 Key Additions: CF Curtis Granderson, DH Nick Johnson
The former champs return most of the 2008-2009 team. Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter and Mark Teixeira return. The Yankees also added former Tiger Curtis Granderson, a speedy player that can also hit with some power (30 home runs last season). The pitching staff is led by the 1-2 punch of C.C Sabathia and A.J. Burnett. Mariano Rivera will close games.
2. Boston Red Sox 95-67 Key Additions: 3B Adrian Beltre, SP Jon Lackey
Boston signed vets Adrian Beltre and Jon Lackey showing that they want to win the AL and the World Series. Jacoby Ellsbury is young and talented along with Dustin Pedroia. The Sox need David Ortiz to return to form if they want to make a true run come October.
3. Tampa Bay Rays 84-78 Key Additions: RP Rafael Soriano
After a dream 2007-2008 season the Rays pulled out as an average AL team last season. The Rays said good bye to second basemen Akinori Iwamura and replaced him with rookie Sean Rodriguez replacing him. But, they still have young stars like Evan Longoria, B.J. Upton and Carlos Pena. Ben Zobrist played seven positions last season and made an all-star appearance. The bullpen was buffed up by the signing of Rafael Soriano.
4. Baltimore Orioles 64-98 Key Additions: 3B Miguel Tejada, 1B Garrett Atkins
Baltimore would like to forget last season's 98 losses. There is hope with talented catcher Matt Wieters, and an underrated outfield led by Nick Markakis and Adam Jones. The pitching staff got a lot skilled and experienced by the signing of Kevin Millwood.
5. Toronto Blue Jays 75-87 Key Additions: RP Kevin Gregg, C John Buck
The Blue Jays had one of the off seasons people will talk about for a while. They traded off all-star pitcher Roy Halladay to the Phillies and replaced him with untested Ricky Romero. After last season, in which the Jays moved Scott Rolen and Alex Rios away the team is left with Edwin Encarnacion and Jose Bautista. Needless to say, the Jays only chance of winning the AL East is if all of the Yankees, Red Sox and Rays stars get injured. Yeah, that puts their chances in perceptive.
Predicted Records: New York, 99-63, Red Sox, 95-67, Tampa Bay, 90-72, Baltimore, 75-87, Toronto, 66-96.

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