One strongpoint to this pitching staff though is Chien-Ming Wang, who went 19-7 last season with a 3.70 ERA. Other projected starters are Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy, and Joba Chamberlain.
Much is expected from youngsters Chamberlain and Kennedy, who could possibly be the future of Yankee pitching.
The bullpen is weak, but I like Kyle Farnsworth. Mariano Rivera is still one of the strongest closers in the game. The game is usually put out of reach for the opposing team once the ball reaches his hand.
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox have a serious chance of repeating.
The BoSox remain a powerhouse with David Ortiz as the backbone to this could-be dynasty. Ortiz comes up with big numbers every year and is clutch for the Red Sox. He has hit 30-plus homers for the past five seasons, knocking in 642 runs in that time.
Josh Beckett, Curt Schilling, Daisuke Matsuzaka, knuckle ball-king Tim Wakefield, and Jon Lester comprise a solid rotation. What makes this rotation much more deadly is the solid bullpen that backs it up.
Jonathan Papelbon is probably the best closer in the game and will be for years to come. Mike Timlin, though aging, shows he still can get the job done when called upon. Julian Tavarez and Kyle Snyder are also key elements.
Boston’s core line up remains strong with Kevin Youkilis probably getting the nod at first over Sean Casey. Julio Lugo, Dustin Pedroia, and Mike Lowell round out a strong infield, whose fielding is as impressive as its hitting.
Look for Manny Ramirez, Coco Crisp, and J.D. Drew in the outfield come opening day.
All in all, a very strong team that is a favorite to repeat its postseason glory of 2007.
Tampa Bay Rays
No longer the Devil Rays, Now Just the Tampa Bay Rays. Rays of sun I guess, judging by their new logo.
Tampa is a young team that got knocked around last year. Bright spots include Carlos Pena, who hit a career-high 46 home runs and 121 RBIs, while batting .282. Look for big things again from Pena.
The Rays sport an athletic outfield with Carl Crawford, B.J. Upton, and Rocco Baldelli.
Matt Garza, Scott Kazmir, and James Shields are probably going to be the top three dogs and a choice of Jason Hammel, J.P. Howell, Andy Sonnanstine, or Edwin Jackson will attempt to fill the final two spots. Bullpen is not much of a strength and will hurt them late into games. Closing duties will go to Troy Percival.
This team will be a serious contender within the next few years, but not for this year. Other than big seasons from Pena, Kazmir and possibly Garza, I don’t expect much other than competition with the Orioles.
Baltimore Orioles
Jeremy Guthrie? Adam Loewen? Uh oh. Baltimore is in trouble.
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