American League East is a Beast of a Division

For the past decade the order of finish in the American League East has practically been predetermined from day one. The Red Sox and Yankees would battle for first place, Toronto Blue Jays would finish in the middle of the pack, the Orioles would be afterthoughts and the only question with Tampa Bay was whether they would lose more than 100 games or not. This seasons looks like it could be entirely different and the division is experiencing more depth than it has since the mid 1990's when Boston, New York and Baltimore were all contenders.

The defending World Series champion Red Sox are clearly the favorite to win the division, but they are not likely to run away with it. The Yankees clearly have plenty of questions marks with their pitching staff, but they are still loaded on offense and their lineup will likely be second only to the Detroit Tigers. Remember last season pitching was clearly not the Yankees strong suit but the offense still carried them to 94 wins.

Toronto was expected to be able to contend the the two heavyweights last season, but the team seemed to catch every bad break possible. Nonetheless, they managed to finish with 83 wins and their struggles should make them a stronger team, provided they can stay healthy. The Blue Jays offense will be strong this year, especially with a healthy Vernon Wells who struggled last year with shoulder problems. Roy Halladay anchors a rotation that will be one of the strongest in the game when AJ Burnett is healthy. Shaun Marcum and Dustin McGowan proved to be solid starters and should be strong in the 3 and 4 slots in the rotation. Closer BJ Ryan says he will be ready for opening day after missing most of last year following Tommy John surgery. In his absence, Jeremy Accardo emerged to save 30 games and should be a great set up man to help the Jays shut the door in the late innings.

The name might not be the only thing different about the Tampa Bay Rays this season, they might actually be a good team. They are young and will experience their share of growing pains, but one cannot doubt their talent and potential, headlined by Evan Longoria, Baseball America's number one prospect in the country. BJ Upton seems ready to emerge as the star he is projected to be now that he is settled into centerfield and Carl Crawford returns as one of the most exciting players in the game. Scott Kazmir and James Shields will anchor a young rotation and will be joined by former Twins prospect Matt Garza. Carlos Pena, Cliff Floyd and Troy Percival should provide veteran leadership to help this young team through the grind of the Major Leage season. The Rays won't contend for the division this year, but could finish around .500 and prove to be problematic for the teams at the top of the division. With more talent from the minors on the way, especially top pitching prospects Wade Davis and David Price, Tampa Bay might be able to contend with the big boys in a couple of years.

Red Sox Nation may be excited about the possibilities of a dynasty, but it will not come easy. The Yankees and a healthy Blue Jays could turn the division into a real dogfight. Given the strength of the Tigers and the Cleveland Indians, it is possible there will be only one playoff spot to fight for in the AL East. Though they won't be in the mix, Tampa Bay will surely have some say in who comes out on top as they are no longer the pushover they once were. Be prepared for a wild season in a division that is as strong as any in baseball.