AL East Preview: Boston Looks to Run Away with Division

Both have pitched under 250 innings in their careers. Loewen boasts a career record of 8-6, while Guthrie’s career numbers are set at 7-5, which were also his numbers for last year. These two youngsters are going to get rocked at the beginning of the season, but I’m sure they will come into their own by season’s end.  

Daniel Cabrera, Troy Patton, and Garret Olson will round out a weak rotation. 

Pitching doesn’t get any better in the bullpen. George Sherrill, who was acquired in the Bedard deal, has posted solid numbers throughout his short career and is the ray of hope. The rest of the bullpen is not up to standards and will get bombed all year long.

Nick Markakis has been posting good numbers in his two years in the majors. Got stiffed for money and will probably split when he’s able to test the free-agent waters. Will get what he’s looking for if he can keep playing the game he’s been playing. Will have another career year on a struggling team.

This is a team that isn’t going to win very much this year; no doubt about it. But, I always liked the way Oriole Park looked with the buildings behind the right field wall. All in all, the softest team in the East if not the American League. Look for a Cal Ripken-like streak, except of losing.

Predictions for the East 

Boston will be on top of the East more than likely by a significant number.

If the Blue Jays can stay healthy, and key players can perform up to their expected standards, they can edge out the Yankees, who are beatable this year if you can drive in runs against them. Look for Tampa Bay to be behind them distantly. That leaves Baltimore in the cellar. 

Boston is a force that will be looking to repeat last year’s World Series win and is in a position to do it. The Yankees, Blue Jays and even The Rays will have to be on the top of their games if they want to compete. The Projected Standings again are:

1 - Boston Red Sox

2 - Toronto Blue Jays

3 - New York Yankees

4 - Tampa Bay Rays

5 - Baltimore Orioles

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