2009 MLB Preview: American League

(Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images)

It's about that time again.

American League East (predicted order of finish and records)

New York Yankees (96-66) – After a disappointing season where 89 wins wasn’t enough to make the playoffs, the Yankees enter 2009 reloaded. Add to last year’s team two of the most coveted starters and hitter of this winter’s free agent pool, and there’s no reason not to believe that New York puts the best product in baseball on the field. Rodriguez will return around May solidifying the lineup, complemented by a star-studded rotation, and a young, fiery bullpen with the stoic Rivera at the back end. This team should be the favorite in this division, and has the tools to make a deep October run.

Boston Red Sox (90-72) – There’s no question that the Sox have been the most effectively run organization in baseball over the past few years, and though they didn’t spend as frugally as their division rivals, they come into this season with a ridiculously deep pitching staff and probably the best right side of the infield in baseball. Their offense might take a hit without the day-to-day production of Ramirez, but this team laden with veterans, surely has enough to get by. They may not be able to win the division this season, but a Wild Card run is certain from this team that poses a threat to all comers.

Tampa Bay Rays (87-75) – The Rays possess everything necessary to contend except a winnable division to play. Everyone’s lovable bunch from 2008 returns with essentially the same squad that helped them get to the most recent World Series. However, successful young teams often suffer from the “too much success, too soon” syndrome, and these Rays might have a textbook case. In any other division, this team would be a slam dunk favorite, running away with it, and though this team has young talent a plenty, they don’t have the financial resources to compete with New York and Boston.

Toronto Blue Jays (80-82) – Similar to Tampa, but to a lesser degree, the Jays suffer from the “In any other division...” condition. It looks to be a long year at the plate for Toronto after big steps back from both Rios and Wells, and losing three starters from last year’s rotation put more of the onus on Roy Halladay to pile up the innings and quality starts. For the last several years and for the foreseeable future, it seems as if these Jays will be stuck in mediocrity in a division with whose top teams they can’t compete. It’ll be more of the same north of the border, as this team is nearly a lock for fourth place.

Baltimore Orioles (66-96) – The Orioles are a team that are way behind and can’t keep up with their divisional opponents. For what was at one time such a proud franchise, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Their team features a young (and pretty good) lineup, but most of their downfall will be due to their pitching staff, which is questionable at best. Their roster is chocked full of question marks, and though they hope to get a midseason spark from sensational young catcher Matt Wieters, their pitching will need to undergo wholesale changes in the near future.

American League Central (predicted order of finish and records)

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