We have finally reached my two favorite divisions to preview, the AL East and the NL East (and really these are my favorite because I know the most about east coast teams as opposed to west coast teams). Last year the Yankees dominated this division on their way to the World Series. I won't lie, at the beginning of the season last year the Yankees really surprised me. I didn't think that CC and Burnett would work out as well as they did and overall the team would be plagued with aging issues. That wasn't a problem at all last year, which is why I feel that the Yankees will avoid it this year as well. Here's a rundown of the division:
1. Yankees: The Yanks will probably repeat a division title. Their rotation remains intact and the lineup is basically the same, except now they have Granderson (a general upgrade for this team). As long as they avoid aging issues, this team will probably win again because of stellar pitching from the start of the game to the end of the game and a lineup that is pretty much fantastic from start to end. However, the Yankees now do not resemble Murderers Row, and can be taken down by a strong effort by the Red Sox.
2. Red Sox: Lackey was a good signing for this team, who now has a more dominant rotation than they did last season. The key for the Red Sox is a good rotation once again and also a bounce back year for Ortiz. Their lineup is also pretty fantastic. They will miss Bay to a degree, but Cameron is a nice addition to this lineup (a player who knows how to play in a big market). The combination of Ellsbury, Pedroia and Youkillis is also pretty threatning. Obvious statement: The Red Sox have the best chance to upseat the Yankees.
3. Tampa: I struggled decided whether the Rays would finish in front of the Orioles or after the Orioles this year. It came down to pitching, where the Rays have better pitching than the Orioles. The lineup is also pretty good in Tampa but something really special has to happen for them to finish above the Yankees or the Red Sox.
4. Baltimore: This is a big year for the Orioles. Their offense is going to really start to bloom this year with an outfield of Jones, Markakis and Reimold. This could also be a big year for Weiters as well. Most people do not realize how well the Orioles do and will hit the ball. The problem is they really don't have pitching, meaning a lot will be riding on prospects Matusz and Tillman.
5. Toronto: Caught in the crossroads in a hard division to play in.
