This division is the most intriguing of the six divisions this season. Sports Illustrated has a panel of seven national baseball writers make their picks and none of them have the Yankees and the Red Sox make the playoffs. Think about it. Those two teams have not only dominated the division but baseball over the last 10 or years. Here's a shot at handicapping a division that honestly all five teams could win…and with the parity they may beat each other up to the point the second place team does not have a chance at one of the wild cards.
1. Toronto Blue Jays – They spent big in the off-season. They a moving truck to Miami and brought back two starting pitchers in Josh Johnson and Mark Buehrle and shortstop Jose Reyes. They also traded for NL Cy Young winner R.A. Dickey , so they are going for it now. They also signed Melky Cabrera, who had a big year going in SF before getting suspended for PED's. John Gibbons returns to the dugout to manage and if people play to their capabilities, Toronto will be in post season for the first time since Joe Carter homered to give them a World Series.
2. Tampa Bay Rays – This team has done so much with very little money or fan support. Joe Madden is one of the best managers in baseball and he will find a way to keep this team in contention. David Price is one of the best top of the rotation pitchers in baseball. If you are looking for a breakout player look for Desmond Jennings . He struck out a lot last year, but a year's experience will help.
3. Baltimore Orioles – My favorite park. They went from 69 wins in 2011 to 93 and a wild card last year. Buck Showalter's M.O. has been develop a hungry team but not take it over the hump. Let's see if he can improve this one. Like the core of this team with Brian Roberts (2b), Nick Markakis (rf), Adam Jones (cf), and Matt Weiters (c). Manny Machado is the red hot prospect that like Cal Ripken, Jr., has opened his big league career at third with a possible move back to short later. They'll go as far as the starting pitching will carry them. Jim Johnson is a solid closer.
4. New York Yankees – Old, injured, and overpaid. The season could open with Texeira, Jeter, A-Rod and Granderson, all on the DL. Rivera will pitch his last season. Other than C.C. Sabathia, the rotation looks mediocre. Best pickup of the off-season is Kevin Youkilis who has something to prove. With A-Rod's injury, he will be the every day thirdbaseman. A lot of holes, they will be fortunate to be third.
5. Boston Red Sox – Has an organization dropped this far this fast. Their streak of sellouts will end in the second home game. The team fearing that is offering two-for-one hot dogs in April as a promotion. John Farrell, who was the pitching coach in the Francona years, returns from Toronto to manage. It will probably help the pitchign. They are hoping for Jon Lester and Clay Buckholz to bounce back. They spent some money on free agents, but I am not sure they spent wisely. Shane Victorino and Stephen Drew have bounced around a little and I think neither will be starting at the year's end.
BASEBALL TRIVIA CONTEST: Win a 15-ticket Flex Pack from the Boise Hawks – where you can pick the games you get to see – a $130 value! Email the correct answer to [email protected]. We will draw a winner from all correct answers.
Derek Jeter has been in the Yankees opening day starting lineup 16 times, tops for them. With his consecutive games played streak, Cal Ripken, Jr, is tied for the Orioles club leading 20 opening day appearances with 14 at short and 6 at third. Name the other Oriole who was in their opening day lineup 20 years?
