Another productive off-season has come and gone, and starting Tuesday we'll get to see some baseball being played. True, it's just pre-season baseball, but in my mind at least, it marks the beginning of the season. So the logical question you're probably asking yourself is, who are the favorites to win their divisions? Well thankfully for you, I write this blog. Here now is the first of my six-part Major League Baseball Prediction Special.
Let's get one of the more obvious choices out of the way first. The American League East will once again be decided by either the Yankees or the Red Sox. Tampa Bay will play a factor because of some dynamic young pitching, both in the majors and coming up through the minor leagues, as well as some great young talent on the field. If certain things work out well for the Rays, like the progression of some of the younger pitchers, B.J. Upton having a return to prominence, and Ben Zobrist having a good to great year at second base, then Tampa could stand a chance to compete for the Wild Card playoff spot. Carl Crawford is in a contract year as well, so having him play his tail off won't hurt. But the Yankees and Red Sox just have too many potential weapons, and the likelihood that Tampa Bay has enough sustainability to stay close or pass the other two at the end of the season is remote. Don't get me wrong, I like Tampa Bay a lot. In fact, I think they have one of the best front-offices in baseball. It just looks like New York and Boston have spent their way into the playoffs yet again.
Now I don't think all of Boston's off-season moves were completely wonderful, mind you. Marco Scutaro is a little overrated, by myself included, but should be productive as maybe a seventh or eighth hitter. Mike Cameron could be a valuable pickup, but he will not supply the same production that Jason Bay did. Also, John Lackey has never pitched particularly well in Fenway, but maybe he can find a way to turn that around. Overall, I think the Red Sox had a better team last year than the one they will put on the field in 2010.
The Yankees decided to take it easy this past off-season, and basically are sticking with the same team that won them the World Series last year, and who can blame them. They made a big trade in acquiring Curtis Granderson from the Detroit Tigers, but many baseball analysts are wary of his potential impact on the team. Most people expected the Yanks to resign Johnny Damon, but I guess they wanted a more youthful outfield. In the same vein they let Hideki Matsui, who I guess they thought his best years were behind him, go to the Angels and instead signed Nick Johnson as the new designated hitter. And these moves might work out. Granderson might see a better average in addition to possibly benefiting from Yankee Stadiums' air streams. And Nick Johnson is a fantastic on-base hitter. But ultimately the success of the Yankees will come down to Jeter, Rodriguez, Texiera, and the starting pitching. Whether Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain switch places or not, the Yankees have a fairly strong starting five. The bullpen has Mariano Rivera, so you need not say more about it. And few teams can match the power that the Yankees' lineup can put up. It's unfair, it's boring, and I hate it, but ultimately, barring a rash of injuries, which is possible with this aging team, I have to say that the favorite to win the American League East is the New York Yankees. So there it is folks, I know you knew it already, but now it's official. On this blog, anyway.
Now I realized I haven't talked about the Baltimore Orioles or the Toronto Blue Jays, but honestly neither team is going to compete for the division title this year. Baltimore is very intriguing because of all their young hitting talent, and Toronto has some fantastic pitching coming up in the next few years. But unfortunately both teams will have losing seasons this year, and even when they eventually become competitive, they will have to compete with Steinbrenner's wallet.
Here's a fun fact I didn't know. In 1901 and 1902 the New York Yankees played as the Baltimore Orioles. Also in 1901, the current Baltimore Orioles were called the Milwaukee Brewers. Weird.
Q. When Derek Jeter re-signs with the Yankees after this season, how long do you think they will resign him for?
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