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Divisional Outlook - Al East

Most baseball fans thought that this year would be like any other in the AL East - a two-horse race between the reigning super powers in the division, the Yankees and the Red Sox. However, as we approach June, one team is hanging in right with the two favorites and the other two are not out of it yet. This is partially due to the Yankees and Red Sox having somewhat disappointing seasons so far, but regardless, the race could be interesting all the way into October.

Boston Red Sox

Currently:
The “Honeymoon” season after “The Curse” was finally vanquished is in the books, and Red Sox fans are hungry for another title. After a drama-filled offseason, the team sits in first place as of this writing, and this is due to an all-around solid, if not spectacular, team effort. Offensively, Mike Lowell and David Ortiz rank in the Top Ten in the AL in several categories, and others are holding up their ends. On the pitching side, Curt Schilling and Josh Beckett are off to strong starts, and the team is ranked 3rd in the AL in both BAA and K/BB.

Outlook:
The team has remained consistent, and if Manny Ramirez turns it on and their other players continue on course, this appears to be the team to beat in the AL East.

New York Yankees

Currently:
The Yankees are staying within striking distance of their archrivals, and they’re doing so with a patchwork outfield due to injuries. Derek Jeter is off to a scorching start, and although Jason Giambi’s batting average isn’t great, he is supplying power and his OBP is outstanding. Young 2B Robinson Cano is beginning to fulfill his promise. The pitching has been decent despite the struggles of Randy Johnson, but Mike Mussina is throwing like an ace.

Outlook:
If the Yankees can get healthy, and Gary Sheffield appears to be close to returning to the battered outfield, Randy Johnson can regain his form and the team string together some wins, the Yankees will be there in the end, as always.

Toronto Blue Jays

Currently:
The Blue Jays are nipping at the heels of the Yankees due to strong starts from young players like RF Alex Rios and veterans like Vernon Wells. Overall, Toronto is doing it with offense, as they lead the AL in team BA and OPS, and rank in the Top 5 in nearly every other offensive category. Outside of Roy Halladay, the pitching has been mediocre at best, but the staff is relatively young and has lots of upside.

Outlook:
If the offense keeps its torrid pace and the pitching comes around in the second half of the season, this division will involve more teams than the Red Sox and Yankees.

Baltimore Orioles

Currently:
This is a team that’s staying within shouting distance of the division leaders with two things: Miguel Tejada and overall power. Tejada is having a monster season, sitting in the Top Ten in the AL in seven different offensive categories. As a team, the Orioles are near the top of the AL in home runs. Their ability to manufacture runs, however, has been limited because of the absence of 2B Brian Roberts, the leadoff hitter who’s set to return after missing several weeks with a groin injury. In his absence, the Orioles leadoff men are hitting only .198. The pitching, other than Kris Benson, has been a disaster.

Outlook:
If Roberts can help by putting men on base for all the home runs the team has been hitting, the Orioles will score even more. Otherwise, the team needs to find some pitching, as winning 10-9 games is not a successful long-term formula. Despite all of this, the Orioles are far from out of it at this point.

Tampa Bay Devil Rays

Currently:
The Devil Rays are showing signs of life after years of dismal results. The team is getting offensive firepower from young players like Johnny Gomes and Ty Wiggington, but not one of their regulars is batting over .300, which is why the team overall is last in the AL in BA. The team’s MVP right now, and the player most responsible for the Devil Rays remaining competitive, is pitcher Scott Kazmir. He’s only 22, and his ERA is a miniscule 2.39 as of this writing.

Outlook:
If the team can hang in there while their young nucleus continues to mature, the Devil Rays could be playing meaningful games late in the season, which will be a welcome change for local fans.

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