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Divisional Outlook For June - Al East

Well, we’re looking like geniuses based on our last report on this division. It’s still more than the traditional two-horse race, as the Red Sox and Yankees have a party-crasher still hanging on to hopes of a division title in the form of the Toronto Blue Jays. Although the standings are the same as last month, there have been more than a few twists and turns since we last visited the AL East, and it still looks like any of the top three teams could emerge as the champ come October.

Boston Red Sox

Currently:
The Red Sox are holding on to the lead by the slimmest of margins, but they’re still on top, and that’s what matters. The Red Sox have been mediocre in the past month, posting a 15-13 record, and David Ortiz and Mike Lowell are continuing their strong seasons. Manny Ramirez is also having another Manny-like year. The team’s pitching has fallen off a bit, though, as Josh Beckett has struggled.

Outlook:
The Red Sox have too much talent and heart to simply fade away, and if their pitching comes back around, they’ll be there at the end.

New York Yankees

Currently:
The Yankees have been similarly mediocre in the past month, putting together just a 15-14 record and failing to gain much ground on the Red Sox. They have also been inconsistent, as they’ve enjoyed a five-game winning streak and dealt with a four-game skid during this time. Derek Jeter and Robinson Cano are still going strong, but the Alex Rodriguez drama has been a distraction.

Outlook:
If Rodriguez can win back the fans by turning it around, this team could surge. Mike Mussina is still going strong, and Randy Johnson is coming around. They’ll be around all year.

Toronto Blue Jays

Currently:
Apparently, it’s been mediocrity all around for the contenders in the AL East, as the Blue Jays have also gone 15-14 in the past month. It seems that no one is making a move these days in a division that could be had. The Blue Jays are still getting offense from Alex Rios and Vernon Wells, but their pitching outside of Roy Halladay remains suspect.

Outlook:
If the Blue Jays can get some pitching help either from their current roster or with a trade-deadline move, they could shock the world and win this division.

Baltimore Orioles

Currently:
The Orioles had a disappointing month, going only 14-17. Their bats have gone cold recently, and that spells big trouble for the Orioles, who continue to struggle with pitching. Only the Royals have given up more total runs this season than the Orioles.

Outlook:
It’s getting late rather early in Baltimore. If they don’t turn it around soon, they’ll be planning for next year very soon.

Tampa Bay Devil Rays

Currently:
After a somewhat promising start, the Devil Rays stumbled last month, going 13-18. The team started the month on a four-game winning streak, but lost that momentum with a six-game skid soon thereafter. The team really doesn’t have much offense, as only the Royals have scored fewer runs in the AL this season.

Outlook:
This is a team that needs to be viewed in the big picture. They are building a young foundation, and in a year or two could contend, but not this year.

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