2007 Baseball Preview: AL East
03/30/2007
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It's the AL East, which means it's the Yankees and Red Sox. The Bomber brought back a familiar face in pitcher Andy Pettitte while shutting Randy Johnson and Gary Sheffield off in separate deals. Boston hopes the additions of J.D. Drew and Japanese import Daisuke Matsuzaka (have you heard of him?) will be end their postseason draught, . Toronto and Baltimore are improving, but are still a ways off, while Tampa Bay owns one of the youngest and most exciting outfields in baseball…but that’s about it.
AL East |
1. New York Yankees
Newcomers: After three years in Houston, LHP Andy Pettitte returns to the Bronx to beef up the starting rotation. 1B Doug Mientkiewicz (Royals) was added for depth and LHP Kei Igawa (Japan) will probably be number four in the starting rotation.
Departures: The most notable departures were OF Gary Sheffield and LHP Randy Johnson, who were traded to Detroit and Arizona, respectively. RHP Tanyon Sturtze and 1B Craig Wilson both signed with Atlanta, while RHP Octavio Dotel went to Kansas City.
Watch Out For: Robinson Cano, 2B
In a sea of All-Stars, it’s easy to miss the impact Cano had for the Yankees last year. He ranked third-best in the AL with a .342 Avg., cracked 15 HRs and added 78 RBI. Not good enough? Don’t forget he batted seventh in the lineup, where most teams bury defensive infielders who lack offensive pop. Look for Cano to improve defensively and continue his offensive production.
Letdown Alert: Alex Rodriguez, 3B
A-Rod should keep his eyes on the prize instead of on whatever Derek Jeter is doing. He led all AL third basemen with 24 errors last year, an uncharacteristically high number for him. Despite posting solid numbers (.290 Avg., 35 HR, 121 RBI), he seemed to let the New York media and fan circus get to him, and there were offseason rumors that he doesn’t get along with Jeter. This guy might need a change of scenery before New York swallows him whole.
Glass Half Full: Easily the best offensive team in MLB, Jeter, Rodriguez, Bobby Abreu and Jason Giambi should all produce high RBI totals again, while Johnny Damon adds a nice balance of speed and power from the leadoff spot. Cano is the best seventh hitter in the league and Hideki Matsui should be 100 percent healthy after missing more than half of last season with a broken wrist. Melky Cabrera could be a starter on most teams in the league, and gives Manager Joe Torre a solid fourth outfielder. The pitching staff should get a boost with Pettitte and Mike Mussina back, while Chien-Ming Wang continues to anchor the rotation. In the bullpen, Mariano Rivera is still the best closer in the game, and Scott Proctor was a nice surprise as a middle reliever last season. Kyle Farnsworth is a solid setup man and Mike Myers should continue to haunt left-handed hitters.
Glass Half Empty: Without question, the biggest issue facing the Yankees is the pitching staff. In just four postseason games last year against the AL Champion Tigers, New York gave up a total of 22 runs. The fourth and fifth spots in the rotation are huge question marks because of an inexperienced Igawa, and an injury-prone Carl Pavano. Just like last year, if the run supply dries up, this team could be in serious trouble. At this point, nobody knows how much of an upgrade Pettitte is going to be over Randy Johnson, and injuries have hurt the team as of late. Will A-Rod’s head explode? Will owner George Steinbrenner put Torre on the hot seat again if the Yankees start to falter? There’s no question the talent will lift the Yankees to another playoff run, but will this team crumble again in the postseason?
2. Boston Red Sox
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| FIRST BASEMEN
1. Albert Pujols, Cardinals 2. David Ortiz, Red Sox 3. Ryan Howard, Phillies |
| SHORTSTOPS
1. Jose Reyes, Mets 2. Derek Jeter, Yankees 3. Jimmy Rollins, Phillies |
| OUTFIELDERS
1. Alfonso Soriano, Cubs 2. Carl Crawford, Devil Rays 3. Vladimir Guerrero, Angels |
| STARTING PITCHERS
1. Johan Santana, Twins 2. Roy Oswalt, Astros 3. Chris Carpenter, Cardinals |
Newcomers: Boston shelled out $51.1 million just to talk to Japanese pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka. Former Dodgers OF J.D. Drew and multi-talented SS Julio Lugo bolster the lineup. RHPs Joel Pineiro (Mariners) and J.C. Romero (Angels) were added to beef up the bullpen.
Departures: RHP Keith Foulke and OF Trot Nixon both signed with the Indians, but Foulke retired shortly after he got to Cleveland. OF Gabe Kapler also retired, while middle infielders Alex Gonzalez and Mark Loretta signed with Cincinnati and Houston, respectively.
Watch Out For: Coco Crisp, OF
With Crisp batting deeper in the order this season, he could emerge as the versatile outfielder the team thought it was getting last year. Crisp is an aggressive switch hitter who likes to spray the ball down the line and use his speed to burn the defense. He’s also a solid outfielder with good range and an adequate arm. He’s more of a complementary player, exactly the role he should find himself in with the addition of Lugo at the top of the order.
Letdown Alert: J.D. Drew, OF
Drew has major baggage in both the clubhouse and with injuries. Previous stops in St. Louis and Los Angeles left reports that he was a loner who cracks easily under pressure and has the personality of paint. Does that sound good in media-crazed Boston? His production on the field is solid, but getting him to stay on the field is the major problem. The Sox uncovered shoulder issues during Drew’s physical exam and had to work out contract stipulations with his agent, Scott Boras, before he eventually signed. Boston made a risky $70 million commitment to a potential headache, especially with Manny “Man-Ram” Ramirez still on the team.
Glass Half Full: The starting rotation looks like the class of the division, with Matsuzaka joining the ageless one, Curt Schilling, ’06 acquisition Josh Beckett and knuckleballer Tim Wakefield. Last year's rookie sensation, Jonathan Papelbon, was slated to be the team's fourth starter before recently requesting to be put back into the closer's role. His migration to the bullpen leaves a gaping hole in the Sox rotation, but it also fills what probably was the club's biggest need coming into the season. Plus, gee, look who now has an open spot in their rotation for a certain "retired" former Boston pitcher. Of course, the offense is extremely dangerous too, with Ramirez and David Ortiz forming one of the best 1-2 punches in the league. Pitchers can’t avoid that combo now, with Lugo providing a nice blend of speed and pop at the top of the order and Kevin Youkilis showing outstanding patience at the plate. When healthy, Drew is a very patient hitter who will drive doubles into the gaps and to the opposite field.
Glass Half Empty: This team could go either way. The Sox' second half of last year was either a fluke or a preview of things to come. Papelpon should again be dominant in the ninth but will his shoulder hold up over the long haul, and who will take his vacated spot in the rotation? Julian Tavarez is slated to become the fifth starter now, but the 33-year old journeyman doesn't over more than a stopgap at this point. The potent lineup has age and health concerns too. Jason Varitek and Mike Lowell struggled last year and could be the difference in how good the Red Sox will be this season. Mix in “Manny just being Manny” and Drew, and this team could sink by the All Star break. The talent is good enough to compete all season with the Yankees and beyond, but there are some glaring issues that could potentially haunt the Sox.
3. Toronto Blue Jays
Newcomers: DH Frank Thomas joins the Jays after having a very productive ’06 season in Oakland. Royce Clayton was signed from Cincinnati to be the everyday shortstop and RHP John Thomson (Braves) was acquired to shore up the starting rotation.
Departures: Toronto’s biggest loss was LHP Ted Lilly, who signed with the Cubs, although some would argue losing RHP Justin Speier (Angels) was just as significant. The club also lost a veteran leader in C Bengie Molina, who signed with San Francisco.
Watch Out For: Alex Rios, OF
Rios has all the tools to become a very productive hitter in the near future. He has a niceshort swing that generates power and solid contact. He also throws well from the outfield and he certainly has the speed to chase down balls in the alley. After OF Vernon Wells, Rios may arguably become the best offensive weapon Toronto has to offer, and that’s including Thomas, 1B Lyle Overbay and 3B Troy Glaus in the discussion.
Letdown Alert: A.J. Burnett, RHP
Burnett was acquired last offseason to provide a steady 1-2 punch with RHP Roy Hallady. What the Jays got was an injury-prone 10-8 pitcher with a 3.98 ERA. Burnett is a big, strong thrower who can overpower hitters when he’s on, but with not much backing him up in the rotation he’ll essentially kill any hopes in Toronto if the injury issues continue.
Glass Half Full: Toronto has quietly put together a pretty potent offense. Wells is a beast and should total close to 30 HRs and 100-plus RBI while chasing the MVP title. Rios, as previously noted, is a rising star and a great complement to Wells, Overbay and Glaus. Clayton is an excellent defender and C Gregg Zaun should be a small upgrade over Molina on the base paths and behind the plate. If Burnett could stay healthy, the Jays might get the complement to Hallady they were looking for last season. LHP Gustavo Chacin might be another player to keep an eye on, with his deceptive stuff and 22-13 record as a starter.
Glass Half Empty: Thompson and Dustin McGowan are huge question marks at end of the starting rotation, and the bullpen looks severely thin with the subtraction of Speier. The player who could be most affected by Speier’s departure is closer B.J. Ryan, who had an excellent ’06 season. Like most teams, injuries are a major concern. In addition to Burnett, Chacin spent two-plus months on the disabled list with elbow problems. The promising Rios might be the first one on the trading block if the organization feels it needs another starting pitcher to effectively compete.. After all of its efforts to finish second in the division last season, Toronto might take a step back this year.
4. Baltimore Orioles
Newcomers: OF/INF Aubrey Huff (Astros), OF Jay Payton (A’s), LHP Jamie Walker (Tigers), RHPs Danys Baez (Braves), Chad Bradford (Mets), Scott Williamson (Padres) and Jaret Wright (Yankees) were Baltimore’s most notable offseason acquisitions.
Departures: The only significant losses were RHP Chris Britton (Yankees) in the trade for Wright, and RHPs LaTroy Hawkins (Rockies) and Russ Ortiz (Giants). But unless the O’s want to pad their losses for some reason, Hawkins and Ortiz won’t be missed any time soon.
Watch Out For: Nick Markakis, OF
Despite struggling early in ’06, Markakis showed maturation at the plate and finished with a .291 Avg.. He led all MLB players with a .366 average in June, July and August, leading many to believe he’s ready to take the next step. Given his marked improvement last year, he has the potential to be a five-star player and an eventual All Star. He should only get better both at the plate and defensively, where he has a strong, accurate arm and solid instincts.
Letdown Alert: Miguel Tejada, 3B
Possibly the biggest question mark is Tejada, who demanded a trade near last year’s All-Star break. The team abided by Miggie’s wishes, but couldn’t find suitable trade offers last year or this offseason. So where is Tejada’s head this season? His talent speaks for itself, but if his mind is elsewhere, the O’s are doomed.
Glass Half Full: What’s not to like about the young pitching staff? Erik Bedard, Chris Ray, Adam Loewen and Daniel Cabrera all have enticing stuff, with Bedard’s combination of pitches and confidence easily making him a number one. Cabrera has all the talent in the world and Loewen seems to be a rising star as long as he can command his fastball. The O’s also made Leo Mazzone’s job easier with the veteran bullpen additions of Walker, Baez and Bradford. Miguel Tejada is an iron man who should hit over .300 with close to 30 HR and 100 RBI. Huff will give the team a nice bat from the left side and if Markakis’ ’06 season is any indication, he should give pitchers fits from the number two spot in the lineup. Melvin Mora’s numbers should improve after a struggling ’06 campaign, especially with the addition of Huff, and the O’s also boast two of the AL’s top base stealers in 2B Brian Roberts and OF Corey Patterson.
Glass Half Empty: Once again, where is Tejada’s head going to be if the O’s struggle in the first half? Will he be a constant strain in the clubhouse and to the front office? That aside, this team lacks serious power and has many question marks in the starting rotation. While Cabrera has lights-out stuff, he is wildly inconsistent and needs to harness his control. Kris Benson still has the intelligence and savvy, but his stuff has declined and wouldn’t be a number two on most teams. They certainly have improved – especially in their bullpen – but probably not enough to see a significant jump in the standings. Plus it doesn’t help that they play in one of the toughest divisions in baseball.
5. Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Newcomers: Amazingly, the only move the Devil Rays made the entire offseason was acquiring 3B Akinori Iwamura (Japan).
Departures: Similar to the shortage of newcomers, nobody really left Tampa either. RHP Brian Meadows signed a minor league contract with the Reds and SS Tomas Perez did the same with the Cubs. OF Damon Hillons signed to play in Japan next year.
Watch Out For: Carl Crawford, OF
Kind of easy to pick the best player on the team, but unless you’re a Devil Rays fan, why else would you pay attention to this club? Blessed with exceptional athletic ability, Crawford is one of the most exciting young players in MLB. He has a rare blend of speed and power, and is fluid in the outfield when tracking down balls in the alleys. Barring injury, he’ll continue to be one of the best athletes in the game and a MLB star.
Letdown Alert: Rocco Baldelli, OF
In 42 games last year, Baldelli batted .339 with 11 HRs from the leadoff spot. He has been one of the most talked-about prospects over the past few years, but the major issue is his durability. He missed the first two months last year and hasn’t played a full season since ’03. When healthy, he’s a five-tool player with excellent defensive skills, base running ability and a fluid swing. He’s just got to stay healthy, and his durability may hinder his potential.
Glass Half Full: It all begins and ends with LHP Scott Kazmir and the outfield. Kazmir was having an exceptional ’06 campaign until injuries sidetracked his season. If he stays healthy, he can be a 15 or 20-game winner depending on how much help he gets from the offense. As previously noted, Crawford is an emerging talent, Delmon Young is well on his way, and if Baldelli can stay healthy, the Rays would have the most exciting outfield in the league. Keep an eye on Iwamura too, who hit .311 with 32 HRs in Japan last year.
Glass Half Empty: Here’s a number that will make a Tampa Bay fan cringe: .255. As in the Devil Rays’ batting average that tied Houston for the worst in MLB last year. The young talent is there in Crawford, Young and Baldelli, but even those three don’t have enough potential to transform a losing organization. The rotation under Kazmir is a mess and the infield doesn’t match the load of talent in the outfield. Playing in the AL East only makes matters worse, although they always seem to play well against the Yankees. Go figure.
AL East |