By BILL MADDEN
After more than a decade of Yankees-Red Sox dominance, there is another super power looming in the nuclear American League East - the suddenly flush-with-money Toronto Blue Jays.
A spectacular spending spree, in which the Jays doled out more than $100 million in free agent contracts for starter A.J. Burnett, closer B.J. Ryan and catcher Benjii Molina while acquiring third baseman Troy Glaus and his $45.3 million contract and extending ace righthander Roy Halladay for another $40 million through 2010, had heads spinning throughout baseball this winter. "Now," as Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi says, "comes the fun part."
There is no question the additions of Burnett, Ryan, Molina, Glaus and first baseman Lyle Overbay have dramatically improved the Blue Jays (80-82 in '05), at least on paper. Whether they are truly ready to play with the big boys will depend on a number of factors. Neither Burnett (who's had a history of arm injuries) nor Ryan (who's only had one full year of closing) has any postseason experience and it remains to be seen what kind of pennant-race pitchers they can be. What can be expected from the rotation after Halladay, Burnett and lefty Gustavo Chacin? Lefty Ted Lilly (10-11, 5.56 last year) had a rocky spring while control master Josh Towers (112 strikeouts, 29 walks in '05), needs to build on his breakthrough 13-win season.
And until proven otherwise, the Yankees have to be regarded as the team to beat in the division, having secured Johnny Damon to lead off the most formidable lineup in all of baseball. As GM Brian Cashman puts it, "That's a double win for us because it takes him away from the Red Sox." The Yankees' other key offseason moves may well pay equal dividends - the signings of righty set-up men, Kyle Farnsworth and Octavio Dotel and lefty specialist Mike Myers to fortify the bullpen in front of Mariano Rivera, who is still the primary difference-maker in this division. Indeed, offense and the bullpen should not be problems for the Yankees. But their creaky starting rotation, headed by 41-year-old Randy Johnson and 37-year-old Mike Mussina, is going to need a lot more contribution from last year's expensive, oft-injured free agent busts Carl Pavano and Jaret Wright if the Yanks are to live up to George Steinbrenner's $200 million expectations.
By contrast, the Red Sox appear to have a wealth of starting pitching with ex-Marlins ace Josh Beckett joining veteran holdovers Curt Schilling, Tim Wakefield, Matt Clement and David Wells. Highly regarded rookie Jonathan Papelbon will be there too if he is not asked to try his hand at closing. There's also lefty Jon Lester, another highly regarded rookie, waiting in the wings in Triple A. It's in the bullpen where the Red Sox have major questions. They're banking on Keith Foulke's knees holding up and that may be asking too much. If not Foulke, the Sox's closer options are all problematic: veteran Mike Timlin is much better suited as a set-up man, rookie Craig Hansen isn't ready, and scouts seem to agree Papelbon needs to stay a starter. The Sox did add two more capable set-up relievers in Rudy Seanez and Julian Tavarez. Their most important offseason acquisition, however, was Coco Crisp, a 16-homer, 15-steals, outfielder with the Indians last year, who is being counted on to more-than-adequately replace Damon in center field and as a top-of-the-lineup table-setter for Manny Ramirez, David Ortiz & Co. The Red Sox are also breaking in an entirely new infield. There is, however, concern that first baseman J.T. Snow, second baseman Mark Loretta and third baseman Mike Lowell are all past their prime while shortstop Alex Gonzalez provides little offense. All of this makes the Red Sox a real curiosity. If Foulke (or someone) solidifies the closer role, and Crisp emerges as an impact player, and the infield jells, they could be quite formidable. If any one of those things doesn't happen, they could be staying home in October for the first time since 2002.
In any case, the AL East at least figures to be a three-team race, which will be refreshing unless you're a fan in either Baltimore and Tampa Bay where long, hot summers have become a depressing ritual. Sammy Perlozzo went from interim to fulltime manager of the Orioles over the winter, but that can hardly be viewed as a reward. The additions of Kris Benson to the starting rotation, LaTroy Hawkins to the bullpen, Ramon Hernandez at catcher and Corey Patterson in center field do not figure to make much difference for the O's, who collapsed to 74-88 last year and after a winning first half. And in Tampa Bay, where ex-Angels bench coach Joe Maddon has replaced Lou Piniella as manager, the diversified speed and power lineup should score a lot of runs, but not nearly enough to offset a threadbare (quality-wise) staff made worse by the trading of closer Danys Baez to the Dodgers.
Predicted Finish
Yankees 98-64
Blue Jays 92-70
Red Sox 88-74
Orioles 70-92
Devil Rays 61-101
[SIZE=+1]Jesse Spector's Capsule Preview[/SIZE]
TORONTO BLUE JAYS
LAST YEAR: 80-82, third place
GOING, GOING, GONE: Miguel Batista (D-Backs), Dave Bush (Brewers), Bubbie Buzachero (Indians), Chad Gaudin (Athletics), Gabe Gross (Brewers), Orlando Hudson (D-Backs), Zach Jackson (Brewers), Corey Koskie (Brewers).
FRESH BLOOD: James Bladwin, A.J. Burnett, Troy Glaus, Wayne Lydon, Mike Mahoney, John McDonald, Bengie Molina, Lyle Overbay, Jason Phillips, B.J. Ryan, Sergio Santos, Brian Talent, Ben Weber.
THE BATS: While Eric Hinske has never lived up to the promise he showed in winning Rookie of the Year honors in 2002, it's hard to believe that he doesn't have an everyday position. Yet the Blue Jays have a strong enough order to force Hinske into shuttling between first base, right field and DH. Glaus and Overbay join Shea Hillenbrand and Vernon Wells to form a dangerous group in the middle of the order. The Jays had enough faith in Aaron Hill to trade Hudson.
THE ARMS: The Blue Jays overpaid for Ryan and Burnett, but knew they did. And if it brings a championship north of the border, it won't be overpaying. "The pitching's pretty good," one GM said. "If (Roy) Halladay stays healthy, if Burnett can reach his potential with (Gustavo) Chacin and (Ted) Lilly ... Burnett might break through. He might be ready to hit it good." That's a lot of ifs and mights, and Burnett does have a fragile elbow, but it does have a good chance of all coming together.
UP-AND-COMER: Dustin McGowan, 24, was 1-3 with a 6.35 ERA in 13 major league games last season, but didn't allow an earned run in his last five appearances. Not coincidentally, the hard-throwing righthander didn't allow any walks in those games.
HERE'S THE PITCH: For the first time in years, expectations are high in Toronto. "They're going to win more games than they did last year," one GM said. "I think they're going to challenge Boston and New York." That may very well be, but all of the moves that GM J.P. Ricciardi made over the winter will have to work out if the Blue Jays are to reach the playoffs for the first time since their 1993 championship.
BOSTON RED SOX
LAST YEAR: 95-67, tied for first place, lost to White Sox in first round
GOING, GOING, GONE: Bronson Arroyo (Reds), Chad Bradford (Mets), Johnny Damon (Yankees), Jesus Delgado (Marlins), John Flaherty (retired), Chad Harville (Devil Rays), Adam Hyzdu (Rangers), Matt Mantei (Tigers), Andy Marte (Indians), Kevin Millar (Orioles), Wade Miller (Cubs), Doug Mirabelli (Padres), Guillermo Mota (Indians), Bill Mueller (Dodgers), Mike Myers (Yankees), John Olerud (retired), Matt Perisho (Mets), Hanley Ramirez (Marlins), Edgar Renteria (Braves), Mike Stanton (Nationals).
FRESH BLOOD: Josh Beckett, Coco Crisp, Trent Durrington, Alex Gonzalez, Willie Harris, Mark Loretta, Mike Lowell, Dustan Mohr, Wily Mo Pena, David Riske, Rudy Seanez, J.T. Snow, Julian Tavarez, Jermaine Van Buren.
THE BATS: With David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez providing their usual thunder, the question lies in whether Crisp (.300 with 16 homers and 15 stolen bases last season) can replace Damon at the top of the order. Picking up Pena in spring training, though, may have been the Sox's best move of the offseason: Reds GM Wayne Krivsky said before trading the outfielder that "he's got as much raw talent as anyone for hitting the baseball a long way."
THE ARMS: If Curt Schilling, Beckett and David Wells are at the top of their games, the Sox have as good a rotation as anyone. But Schilling made only 11 starts, Beckett has a history of injuries and Wells will be 43 in May. Jonathan Papelbon provides insurance, and Boston has Craig Hansen in Triple-A to do the same in the bullpen, where Keith Foulke's 2005 season was marred by injury and ineffectiveness.
UP-AND-COMER: Papelbon is already in the majors, but Boston's brightest pitching prospect may be 22-year-old Jon Lester, who was 11-6 with a 2.61 ERA and 163 strikeouts in 148.1 innings at Double-A Portland last season.
HERE'S THE PITCH: Schilling has some greatness left, the Sox have a lot of talent and they'll win plenty of games. Somehow they have lost that championship feeling.
BALTIMORE ORIOLES
LAST YEAR: 74-88, fourth place
GOING, GOING, GONE: Kurt Ainsworth (Dodgers), James Baldwin (Blue Jays), Eric Byrnes (Diamondbacks), Bernie Castro (Nationals), Sal Fasano, (Phillies), Jason Grimsley (Diamondbacks), Jorge Julio (Mets), Steve Kline (Giants), John Maine (Mets), Eli Marrero (Rockies), Rafael Palmeiro, B.J. Ryan (Blue Jays), Sammy Sosa, B.J. Surhoff.
FRESH BLOOD: Kris Benson, Jim Brower, Jeff Conine, Vic Darnesbourg, John Halama, LaTroy Hawkins, Ramon Hernandez, Luis Lopez, Kevin Millar, Corey Patterson, Desi Relaford, Tyler Yates.
THE BATS: Like many things about Baltimore, the lineup would look pretty darn good if it weren't for Boston and New York. Patterson should benefit from a change of scenery, while Hernandez stands to improve after leaving San Diego's spacious park. Moving Javy Lopez out from behind the plate should also help rejuvenate his bat, while moving Sosa should be addition by subtraction. Miguel Tejada remains one of the best hitters in the game - despite a lower-than-usual homer total last season, he posted the second-highest slugging percentage (.515) of his career.
THE ARMS: Rodrigo Lopez was 14-9 with a 4.71 ERA against everyone but the Yankees. Against the Bombers, he was 1-3 with a 6.18 ERA in five starts. That's not what you want from an ace, but Lopez remains Baltimore's top gun. New pitching coach Leo Mazzone will try to work his magic, and this will be a good test of his skills - nobody on the staff is close to John Smoltz.
UP-AND-COMER: Between Single-A and Double-A last season, 22-year-old outfielder Nick Markakis hit .310 with 15 homers and 92 RBI. "I don't know if he's going to get a chance," one GM said. "But he's a pretty good hitter."
HERE'S THE PITCH: The Orioles will be a better team than their record will suggest, simply because they play so many games against some of baseball's best. If Baltimore finishes higher than fourth place, the season will be a major success.
TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS
LAST YEAR: 67-95, last place
GOING, GOING, GONE: Roberto Alomar, Danys Baez (Dodgers), Danny Bautista, Joe Borowski (Marlins), Dewon Brazelton (Padres), Lance Carter (Dodgers), Alex Gonzalez (Phillies), Pete Laforest (Padres), Trever Miller (Astros), Eduardo Perez (Indians).
FRESH BLOOD: Russell Branyan, Sean Burroughs, Shawn Camp, Wayne Franklin, Chad Harville, Edwin Jackson, Dan Miceli, Shinji Mori, Josh Paul, Ty Wigginton.
THE BATS: The Devil Rays didn't make any significant moves to upgrade their lineup over the winter, but if Rocco Baldelli is healthy, it would be the equivalent of one. Still just 24, Baldelli's mix of power and speed should be a boost in the middle of the order. Jorge Cantu, also 24, drove in 117 runs last year. So, while it's a young lineup, don't be fooled into thinking that the Devil Rays can't put runs on the board, especially with Carl Crawford an Julio Lugo at the top of the order, running wild on the basepaths.
THE ARMS: Tampa Bay's staff nearly drove Lou Piniella nuts, and could do the same for new manager Joe Maddon. There is one exception, and Mets fans already know who it is. "How about Scott Kazmir?" one GM said when asked for an AL player poised for a breakout year. "He's a young guy who hasn't had the impact yet that he's going to have. He surely could do it." Kazmir issued 100 walks in 186 innings - if he can rein in his control, he could emerge as an ace. Don't ask about the rest of the rotation. Or the bullpen. It's not pretty.
UP-AND-COMER: Delmon Young, 20, hit .336 with 20 homers in 84 games at Double-A, then .285 with six more homers in 52 games at Triple-A. He'll start the season in Triple-A, but don't be surprised to see him in the majors soon. HERE'S THE PITCH: In eight seasons, the Devil Rays have finished out of last place just once. Predicting anything else would be foolhardy, but Tampa Bay's mix of a young, talented lineup and a near-total lack of pitching will lead to a lot of exciting games.
Originally published on March 30, 2006
The Red Sox hope Coco Crisp got milk in the form of a World Series title.
After more than a decade of Yankees-Red Sox dominance, there is another super power looming in the nuclear American League East - the suddenly flush-with-money Toronto Blue Jays.
A spectacular spending spree, in which the Jays doled out more than $100 million in free agent contracts for starter A.J. Burnett, closer B.J. Ryan and catcher Benjii Molina while acquiring third baseman Troy Glaus and his $45.3 million contract and extending ace righthander Roy Halladay for another $40 million through 2010, had heads spinning throughout baseball this winter. "Now," as Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi says, "comes the fun part."
There is no question the additions of Burnett, Ryan, Molina, Glaus and first baseman Lyle Overbay have dramatically improved the Blue Jays (80-82 in '05), at least on paper. Whether they are truly ready to play with the big boys will depend on a number of factors. Neither Burnett (who's had a history of arm injuries) nor Ryan (who's only had one full year of closing) has any postseason experience and it remains to be seen what kind of pennant-race pitchers they can be. What can be expected from the rotation after Halladay, Burnett and lefty Gustavo Chacin? Lefty Ted Lilly (10-11, 5.56 last year) had a rocky spring while control master Josh Towers (112 strikeouts, 29 walks in '05), needs to build on his breakthrough 13-win season.
And until proven otherwise, the Yankees have to be regarded as the team to beat in the division, having secured Johnny Damon to lead off the most formidable lineup in all of baseball. As GM Brian Cashman puts it, "That's a double win for us because it takes him away from the Red Sox." The Yankees' other key offseason moves may well pay equal dividends - the signings of righty set-up men, Kyle Farnsworth and Octavio Dotel and lefty specialist Mike Myers to fortify the bullpen in front of Mariano Rivera, who is still the primary difference-maker in this division. Indeed, offense and the bullpen should not be problems for the Yankees. But their creaky starting rotation, headed by 41-year-old Randy Johnson and 37-year-old Mike Mussina, is going to need a lot more contribution from last year's expensive, oft-injured free agent busts Carl Pavano and Jaret Wright if the Yanks are to live up to George Steinbrenner's $200 million expectations.
By contrast, the Red Sox appear to have a wealth of starting pitching with ex-Marlins ace Josh Beckett joining veteran holdovers Curt Schilling, Tim Wakefield, Matt Clement and David Wells. Highly regarded rookie Jonathan Papelbon will be there too if he is not asked to try his hand at closing. There's also lefty Jon Lester, another highly regarded rookie, waiting in the wings in Triple A. It's in the bullpen where the Red Sox have major questions. They're banking on Keith Foulke's knees holding up and that may be asking too much. If not Foulke, the Sox's closer options are all problematic: veteran Mike Timlin is much better suited as a set-up man, rookie Craig Hansen isn't ready, and scouts seem to agree Papelbon needs to stay a starter. The Sox did add two more capable set-up relievers in Rudy Seanez and Julian Tavarez. Their most important offseason acquisition, however, was Coco Crisp, a 16-homer, 15-steals, outfielder with the Indians last year, who is being counted on to more-than-adequately replace Damon in center field and as a top-of-the-lineup table-setter for Manny Ramirez, David Ortiz & Co. The Red Sox are also breaking in an entirely new infield. There is, however, concern that first baseman J.T. Snow, second baseman Mark Loretta and third baseman Mike Lowell are all past their prime while shortstop Alex Gonzalez provides little offense. All of this makes the Red Sox a real curiosity. If Foulke (or someone) solidifies the closer role, and Crisp emerges as an impact player, and the infield jells, they could be quite formidable. If any one of those things doesn't happen, they could be staying home in October for the first time since 2002.
In any case, the AL East at least figures to be a three-team race, which will be refreshing unless you're a fan in either Baltimore and Tampa Bay where long, hot summers have become a depressing ritual. Sammy Perlozzo went from interim to fulltime manager of the Orioles over the winter, but that can hardly be viewed as a reward. The additions of Kris Benson to the starting rotation, LaTroy Hawkins to the bullpen, Ramon Hernandez at catcher and Corey Patterson in center field do not figure to make much difference for the O's, who collapsed to 74-88 last year and after a winning first half. And in Tampa Bay, where ex-Angels bench coach Joe Maddon has replaced Lou Piniella as manager, the diversified speed and power lineup should score a lot of runs, but not nearly enough to offset a threadbare (quality-wise) staff made worse by the trading of closer Danys Baez to the Dodgers.
Predicted Finish
Yankees 98-64
Blue Jays 92-70
Red Sox 88-74
Orioles 70-92
Devil Rays 61-101
[SIZE=+1]Jesse Spector's Capsule Preview[/SIZE]
TORONTO BLUE JAYS
LAST YEAR: 80-82, third place
GOING, GOING, GONE: Miguel Batista (D-Backs), Dave Bush (Brewers), Bubbie Buzachero (Indians), Chad Gaudin (Athletics), Gabe Gross (Brewers), Orlando Hudson (D-Backs), Zach Jackson (Brewers), Corey Koskie (Brewers).
FRESH BLOOD: James Bladwin, A.J. Burnett, Troy Glaus, Wayne Lydon, Mike Mahoney, John McDonald, Bengie Molina, Lyle Overbay, Jason Phillips, B.J. Ryan, Sergio Santos, Brian Talent, Ben Weber.
THE BATS: While Eric Hinske has never lived up to the promise he showed in winning Rookie of the Year honors in 2002, it's hard to believe that he doesn't have an everyday position. Yet the Blue Jays have a strong enough order to force Hinske into shuttling between first base, right field and DH. Glaus and Overbay join Shea Hillenbrand and Vernon Wells to form a dangerous group in the middle of the order. The Jays had enough faith in Aaron Hill to trade Hudson.
THE ARMS: The Blue Jays overpaid for Ryan and Burnett, but knew they did. And if it brings a championship north of the border, it won't be overpaying. "The pitching's pretty good," one GM said. "If (Roy) Halladay stays healthy, if Burnett can reach his potential with (Gustavo) Chacin and (Ted) Lilly ... Burnett might break through. He might be ready to hit it good." That's a lot of ifs and mights, and Burnett does have a fragile elbow, but it does have a good chance of all coming together.
UP-AND-COMER: Dustin McGowan, 24, was 1-3 with a 6.35 ERA in 13 major league games last season, but didn't allow an earned run in his last five appearances. Not coincidentally, the hard-throwing righthander didn't allow any walks in those games.
HERE'S THE PITCH: For the first time in years, expectations are high in Toronto. "They're going to win more games than they did last year," one GM said. "I think they're going to challenge Boston and New York." That may very well be, but all of the moves that GM J.P. Ricciardi made over the winter will have to work out if the Blue Jays are to reach the playoffs for the first time since their 1993 championship.
BOSTON RED SOX
LAST YEAR: 95-67, tied for first place, lost to White Sox in first round
GOING, GOING, GONE: Bronson Arroyo (Reds), Chad Bradford (Mets), Johnny Damon (Yankees), Jesus Delgado (Marlins), John Flaherty (retired), Chad Harville (Devil Rays), Adam Hyzdu (Rangers), Matt Mantei (Tigers), Andy Marte (Indians), Kevin Millar (Orioles), Wade Miller (Cubs), Doug Mirabelli (Padres), Guillermo Mota (Indians), Bill Mueller (Dodgers), Mike Myers (Yankees), John Olerud (retired), Matt Perisho (Mets), Hanley Ramirez (Marlins), Edgar Renteria (Braves), Mike Stanton (Nationals).
FRESH BLOOD: Josh Beckett, Coco Crisp, Trent Durrington, Alex Gonzalez, Willie Harris, Mark Loretta, Mike Lowell, Dustan Mohr, Wily Mo Pena, David Riske, Rudy Seanez, J.T. Snow, Julian Tavarez, Jermaine Van Buren.
THE BATS: With David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez providing their usual thunder, the question lies in whether Crisp (.300 with 16 homers and 15 stolen bases last season) can replace Damon at the top of the order. Picking up Pena in spring training, though, may have been the Sox's best move of the offseason: Reds GM Wayne Krivsky said before trading the outfielder that "he's got as much raw talent as anyone for hitting the baseball a long way."
THE ARMS: If Curt Schilling, Beckett and David Wells are at the top of their games, the Sox have as good a rotation as anyone. But Schilling made only 11 starts, Beckett has a history of injuries and Wells will be 43 in May. Jonathan Papelbon provides insurance, and Boston has Craig Hansen in Triple-A to do the same in the bullpen, where Keith Foulke's 2005 season was marred by injury and ineffectiveness.
UP-AND-COMER: Papelbon is already in the majors, but Boston's brightest pitching prospect may be 22-year-old Jon Lester, who was 11-6 with a 2.61 ERA and 163 strikeouts in 148.1 innings at Double-A Portland last season.
HERE'S THE PITCH: Schilling has some greatness left, the Sox have a lot of talent and they'll win plenty of games. Somehow they have lost that championship feeling.
BALTIMORE ORIOLES
LAST YEAR: 74-88, fourth place
GOING, GOING, GONE: Kurt Ainsworth (Dodgers), James Baldwin (Blue Jays), Eric Byrnes (Diamondbacks), Bernie Castro (Nationals), Sal Fasano, (Phillies), Jason Grimsley (Diamondbacks), Jorge Julio (Mets), Steve Kline (Giants), John Maine (Mets), Eli Marrero (Rockies), Rafael Palmeiro, B.J. Ryan (Blue Jays), Sammy Sosa, B.J. Surhoff.
FRESH BLOOD: Kris Benson, Jim Brower, Jeff Conine, Vic Darnesbourg, John Halama, LaTroy Hawkins, Ramon Hernandez, Luis Lopez, Kevin Millar, Corey Patterson, Desi Relaford, Tyler Yates.
THE BATS: Like many things about Baltimore, the lineup would look pretty darn good if it weren't for Boston and New York. Patterson should benefit from a change of scenery, while Hernandez stands to improve after leaving San Diego's spacious park. Moving Javy Lopez out from behind the plate should also help rejuvenate his bat, while moving Sosa should be addition by subtraction. Miguel Tejada remains one of the best hitters in the game - despite a lower-than-usual homer total last season, he posted the second-highest slugging percentage (.515) of his career.
THE ARMS: Rodrigo Lopez was 14-9 with a 4.71 ERA against everyone but the Yankees. Against the Bombers, he was 1-3 with a 6.18 ERA in five starts. That's not what you want from an ace, but Lopez remains Baltimore's top gun. New pitching coach Leo Mazzone will try to work his magic, and this will be a good test of his skills - nobody on the staff is close to John Smoltz.
UP-AND-COMER: Between Single-A and Double-A last season, 22-year-old outfielder Nick Markakis hit .310 with 15 homers and 92 RBI. "I don't know if he's going to get a chance," one GM said. "But he's a pretty good hitter."
HERE'S THE PITCH: The Orioles will be a better team than their record will suggest, simply because they play so many games against some of baseball's best. If Baltimore finishes higher than fourth place, the season will be a major success.
TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS
LAST YEAR: 67-95, last place
GOING, GOING, GONE: Roberto Alomar, Danys Baez (Dodgers), Danny Bautista, Joe Borowski (Marlins), Dewon Brazelton (Padres), Lance Carter (Dodgers), Alex Gonzalez (Phillies), Pete Laforest (Padres), Trever Miller (Astros), Eduardo Perez (Indians).
FRESH BLOOD: Russell Branyan, Sean Burroughs, Shawn Camp, Wayne Franklin, Chad Harville, Edwin Jackson, Dan Miceli, Shinji Mori, Josh Paul, Ty Wigginton.
THE BATS: The Devil Rays didn't make any significant moves to upgrade their lineup over the winter, but if Rocco Baldelli is healthy, it would be the equivalent of one. Still just 24, Baldelli's mix of power and speed should be a boost in the middle of the order. Jorge Cantu, also 24, drove in 117 runs last year. So, while it's a young lineup, don't be fooled into thinking that the Devil Rays can't put runs on the board, especially with Carl Crawford an Julio Lugo at the top of the order, running wild on the basepaths.
THE ARMS: Tampa Bay's staff nearly drove Lou Piniella nuts, and could do the same for new manager Joe Maddon. There is one exception, and Mets fans already know who it is. "How about Scott Kazmir?" one GM said when asked for an AL player poised for a breakout year. "He's a young guy who hasn't had the impact yet that he's going to have. He surely could do it." Kazmir issued 100 walks in 186 innings - if he can rein in his control, he could emerge as an ace. Don't ask about the rest of the rotation. Or the bullpen. It's not pretty.
UP-AND-COMER: Delmon Young, 20, hit .336 with 20 homers in 84 games at Double-A, then .285 with six more homers in 52 games at Triple-A. He'll start the season in Triple-A, but don't be surprised to see him in the majors soon. HERE'S THE PITCH: In eight seasons, the Devil Rays have finished out of last place just once. Predicting anything else would be foolhardy, but Tampa Bay's mix of a young, talented lineup and a near-total lack of pitching will lead to a lot of exciting games.
Originally published on March 30, 2006
The Red Sox hope Coco Crisp got milk in the form of a World Series title.
.
It's the final series between the Yankees and the Red Sox - a battle for first place. 
CTRL A is your friend.
