Tremors in the AL East?

Winston-Salem, NC -- Always the toughest division in the majors due to the big market teams at the top, there is a sense this year that the door is open for Tampa Bay and Toronto to make some postseason noise.  Are the Red Sox really "rebuilding?"  Here's how I believe they'll finish in 2012.

New York

It’s tough to pick against them since the Bombers always find a way into the postseason.  For the first time in quite awhile, the Yankees did not sign a “big” free agent.  The lineup has been both consistent and solid for a number of years.  Beyond ace CC Sabathia, the team had many holes until a significant trade was made this offseason with Seattle.  The Yankees traded slugging C/DH Jesus Montero to the M’s for star-in-the-making RHP Michael Pineda.  While Pineda’s numbers were far from perfect, his raw ability and talent make him a future number two in even the best rotations.  Tampa Bay, Boston, and Toronto will be hurdles, but ultimately, I can see New York taking another division title this year.  An interesting question is how much gas does Andy Pettitte have left in the tank?  He may not need much considering the depth of starting pitching in the Bronx.

Tampa Bay

The ultimate no-named pitching staff belongs to Tampa Bay.  The Rays are loaded with starters – James Shields, David Price, Jeremy Hellickson, Matt Moore, and Jeff Niemann form the best one-five in the majors.  If the Rays can generate any respectable form of offense, this team will be dangerous into and throughout the postseason.  Two big questions – can the bullpen hold up?  And, who is going to protect Longoria in the middle of the lineup?  If Joe Maddon can continue working magic, the league’s most under-appreciated team could be appreciated.

Boston

One never utters the “r” word in a big market, but it certainly feels like the Sox are rebuilding.  They’ve shipped out stud GM Theo Epstein (not their choice), Manager Terry Francona, old-timers Tim Wakefield and Jason Varitek, and in a cost-cutting move, Marco Scutaro and Jed Lowrie.  Will the city of Boston forgive the talented, but troubled starting pitchers Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, and John Lackey?  After an ominous start in Bean Town, Carl Crawford needs to step up and redeem the large contract awarded to him after the 2010 season.  There’s a new closer in town too.  Andrew Bailey takes over “Pap’s” closing duties – can he stay upright in a big market?  And then, there’s the colorful new manager, Bobby Valentine.  Will the players respect and respond to him?  If the answer is “no,” it could be a long summer in Boston.  I could easily see this team sliding into fourth place (yes, 4^th!) if things go awry.

Toronto

There seems to be a lot more promise north of the border.  The retro, early 90’s “stencil” style jersey numbers are back… maybe to bring back the good times?  I placed them below Boston for now because the Jays’ talent is a notch below, but not by much.  This team has been rebuilding for awhile, and they’re about to see the fruits of their labor.  Similar to the Nationals, Toronto can greatly benefit from the additional Wild Card.  I like their roster of Jose Bautista, Colby Rasmus, Adam Lind, Yunel Escobar, Edwin Encarnacion, Kelly Johnson, and Jeff Mathis.  The lineup is buoyed by a strong rotation, consisting of Ricky Romero, Brandon Morrow, Brett Cecil, and Dustin McGowan – but we’ll see if they can finally make some noise in baseball’s top heavy division.

Baltimore

If I had to do a power rankings of all 30 teams, the Orioles would be at the bottom of the American League, and maybe 29^th overall (Astros).  Another GM that has been out of the game for a decade has come to Baltimore, Dan Duquette.  It seems year after year, the Orioles are like crows, picking up the carcasses of the free agent market.  Is Johnny Damon on the radar?  After the young rotation took a major step back last year, VP Andy MacPhail took a step down.  Everyone is aware that this Buck Showalter’s team with Angelos’ input in the background.  But what is the direction of this team?  When do the Orioles show some promise and stop being the dormant of the division?