American League East Mid-Season Review
The Race Is Tight In Baseball's Toughest Division
Jul 12, 2009
The Red Sox will look to hold off the Yankees and Rays in the ultra-competitive American League East.
Boston Red Sox - First Place
The Red Sox have thus far been the best team in this division. Their offense is one of the best in the league led by Jason Bay, who leads the league in RBIs, Dustin Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis, and "Big Papi," David Ortiz, who has come on of late after a terrible start. They also boast one of the deepest pitching staffs in the league led by Josh Beckett, first-time All-Star Tim Wakefield, and one of the best closers in the league, Jonathon Papelbon. They are especially tough at home, where they have the best record in baseball. This team has to be considered a favorite to not only win the division, but the World Series as well.
New York Yankees - 3 Games Back
The Yankees boast the most prolific offense in the league. They have been playing home run derby all year at hitter-friendly Yankee Stadium. The return of A-Rod has given the team a big boost, particularly, Teixeira, who now has protection in the order. 1-9, there are no easy outs in the lineup. The pitching staff has been inconsistent, though. This team's biggest problem, however, is that they can't beat the Red Sox. They are 0-8 this year against their bitter rival. That will have to change if the Yankees are to overtake the Red Sox in the division. If they fall short, though, they are still favorites to land the wild-card.
Tampa Bay Rays - 6.5 Games Back
The Rays got off to a slow start this year but have come on of late. Their pitching has been much better recently. Their offense has been strong all year led by B.J. Upton, Carl Crawford, Carlos Pena, who leads the league in home runs, and Evan Longoria, third in the league in RBIs. They have played well at home but have struggled on the road. That will have to change if they hope to make the playoffs for a second year in a row. This is a team whose best baseball is yet to come and they figure to be the strongest competition for the Yankees in the wild-card race.
Toronto Blue Jays - 11 Games Back
The Blue Jays got off to a great start this year but have played poorly recently and fallen out of the race. The offense has cooled as has the pitching. They simply don't have enough to compete with the big three in the division. They will look to rebuild by trying to unload Vernon Wells and his big contract and they will see if they can get some good young prospects for ace Roy Halladay. This is a team already looking to next year.
Baltimore Orioles - 14 Games Back
As usual, the Orioles are bringing up the rear in the American League East. There is some light at the end of the tunnel, though. Some of their young players have shown some potential. Like most young teams, they have played well at home but struggled on the road. Next year .500 could be a possibility for this team that is getting better every day.
