AL East: Ranking Each Team's Outfielding Defense

The American League East division is home to some of the winningest franchises in Major League Baseball, both historically and currently. It's not surprising to hear that the American League favorite to reach the World Series comes from this division, and rightfully so. Pitching, hitting and fielding are some of the great things these teams have to offer.

Great defense is certainly an aspect that championship teams have to keep and maintain throughout the grueling season. Let's take a look at how these teams match up as we wrap up the first quarter of the season. All players involved in the ranking have logged at least 50 innings this season as an outfielder. Read on for more.

5. Baltimore Orioles

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BALTIMORE, MD - MAY 25: Adam Jones #10 of the Baltimore Orioles blows a bubble while walking off the field after the Orioles defeated the Kansas City Royals 9-2 at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on May 25, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Get

The Orioles were off to a great start offensively but their defense has lacked, especially the outfielders. The only player with a positive ultimate zone rating (UZR) is Adam Jones. These low numbers can be attributed to five errors and a lack of range.

They have sported a -7.9 UZR so far and have a UZR150 of -45.6, which ranks among the bottom of the American League. Young guns in the rotation like Zach Britton give fans a glimmer of hope, but this outfield will prove to be a liability as the season progresses.

Best outfielder: Adam Jones, UZR150 of 0.1

Worst outfielder: Felix Pie, UZR150 of -26.5

4. Toronto Blue Jays

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TORONTO, CANADA - MAY 20: Juan Rivera #20 of the Toronto Blue Jays makes the play to first during MLB action against the Houston Astros at the Rogers Centre May 20, 2011 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Abelimages/Getty Images)

Jose Bautista is flooding the headlines in the Blue Jay blogosphere, as he should. He's been on a tear and has been carrying this team along with the rest of the offense.

But the Toronto outfielders haven't proven to be much to write about. Their UZR is 2.9 while their UZR150 is a below average, while not too bad, -1. Travis Snyder has done a stint in the minor leagues to improve his offensive ability, but it seems that his defense, along with the team's ability, isn't something to worry about.

Best outfielder: Juan Rivera, UZR150 of 21.5

Worst outfielder: Travis Snyder, UZR150 of -28.7**

**Note: Travis Snyder is the worst defensive outfielder in the division according to his ultimate zone rating.

3. Boston Red Sox

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ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 21: J.D. Drew #7, Carl Crawford #13, Dustin Pedroia #15, Marco Scutaro #10, and Jacoby Ellsbury #2 of the Boston Red Sox celebrate after defeating the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in 11 innings at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on April 21,

Everyone was expecting Boston to be a top offensive and defense team with the acquisition of Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford, but those high expectations have yet to be met.

Defensively, the Red Sox outfield is an average crew. So far, their UZR is 1.4 with a UZR150 of 0.8. Crawford is still doing an above average job, but isn't the defensive leader on the team.

Best outfielder: J.D. Drew, UZR150 of 7.1

Worst outfielder: Mike Cameron, UZR150 of -4.3

2. Tampa Bay Rays

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ST. PETERSBURG, FL - MAY 16: Outfielder B.J. Upton #2 of the Tampa Bay Rays catches a fly ball against the New York Yankees during the game at Tropicana Field on May 16, 2011 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

Fans took a beating last offseason as the Rays lost the divisional series to the Texas Rangers and later lost Carl Crawford to a division rival. Even with those blemishes, the Rays retain one of the best outfields in the American League, even with the loss of Crawford. The team UZR is 2.9 and the UZR150 is 39.7.

Best outfielder: Ben Zobrist, UZR150 of 30.7

Worst outfielder: B.J. Upton, UZR150 of -9.8

It should be noted that although Zobrist is generally an infielder, he has logged enough innings in the outfield to qualify for this analysis.

1. New York Yankees

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BALTIMORE, MD - APRIL 23: Outfielder Brett Gardner #11 (L), Nick Swisher #33 (C) and Curtis Granderson #14 of the New York Yankees celebrate after the Yankees defeated the Baltimore Orioles 15-3 at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 23, 2011 in Baltimo

This shouldn't be a surprise to Yankee fans, as they clearly have the best defensive outfielders in the division.

Although they weren't expected to win the division, they will have to rely on their pitching to shut down the opposition, as their offense struggles with batting average and age; however, it doesn't hurt to have run-preventing outfielders roaming the field of Yankee Stadium. Their UZR is 10.4 and their expected UZR150 is 48.9.

Best outfielder: Brett Gardner, UZR150 of 31.6**

Worst outfielder: Nick Swisher, UZR150 of 4.4

**Note: Brett Gardner is the best defensive outfielder in the division according to his ultimate zone rating.