AL East Capsule: A Preview...

New York Yankees (96-66): With a starting lineup that could rival any in history, I see the Yankees as the early odds on favorite in the American League East. The everyday lineup is constructed to mow through poor and mediocre pitching, and from top to bottom, you have potential perennial All-Stars to future Hall of Famers like A-Rod and Jeter.

When you add bats such as leadoff man, Johnny Damon; the big bat of Jason Giambi, steady Hideki Matsui, uber-kid Robinson Cano. Posada and on-base machine Abreu, the Yanks will score runs and frustrate opposing pitchers.

The starting pitching will remain a question with Mike Mussina being a year older, the uncertainty of Carl Pavano, but with veteran Andy Pettitte back in the fold, and youngster Chien-Ming Wang, the Yankee rotation is still one the better staffs in the game. It is unknown how Kei Igawa will do on the other side of the pond, but the Yankees offense is so good that it can offset poor outings (case study: the departed Randy Johnson).

It’s universally assumed that the Yankees will get into the postseason one way or another, but their true test for will be from October on. Their pitching has flopped during the postseason, and that will be the key.

Boston Red Sox (94-68): The Red Sox look to be stronger and better from last year. Under the tutelage of Theo Epstein, the Red Sox have taken steps to ensure they are keep up the Yankees and not have a repeat of 2006.

First off, the starting pitching is greatly improved. It is too early to tell, but so far, Daisuke Matsuzaka has come as advertised. If he can mix up his pitches and translate his success from Japan, he will be the saving grace for the team.

If you add super kid Papelbon to the starting pitching mix, the Red Sox staff will be scary and one of the elite in the game. As long as Curt Schilling & Tim Wakefield do not start to show their age, and if Beckett can trim down his ERA and stop giving up homers, the rotation will be set to go toe to with the Yankees.

The offense returns in 2007 with more firepower, as the team added J.D. Drew and Julio Lugo; however, Drew will be the key, as he must remain healthy to help out the team. The offense of course, returns with big bats Ortiz, Ramirez and supporting cast mates Varitek, Mike Lowell, Coco Crisp and Kevin Youkilis.

The bullpen will be the big issue for the Red Sox, as it is uncertain who the closer will be (most likely Joel Piniero to start with) and a plethora of young arms.

However, the Red Sox have plenty of arms and bats to go to head to head with the Yankees and make baseball in the Northeast interesting.

I pick the Red Sox this year to win the wild card.

Toronto Blue Jays (85-77): The Blue Jays, I think took a few steps back this year. The Jays upgraded their offense with Frank Thomas; however, the question is will they see the ’06 version of Thomas, or the brittle Frank.

They should be one of better starting lineups in the league, but they are suffering with the pitching. However, the middle infield is a little weak, especially with the team signing Royce Clayton (?)

With the exception of Roy Halladay, the Jays have a black hole with the staff.

The Blue Jays will need A.J. Burnett to stay healthy along with John Thomason Gustavo Chacin to step up. As well, Tomo Ohka will need to be consistent and it’s unknown where Victor Zambrano will end up.

Baltimore Orioles (83-79): The Orioles will finish above .500 thanks to the development of the young pitching, an upgraded bullpen and the biggest addition, Aburey Huff.

The Orioles are much, much better and more talented than most will give credit for.

Pitcher Erik Bedard should win at least 15 games and continue his upward climb, but the big question is whether Daniel Cabrera will finally get the next level and bring everything together, or will he struggle with his control and confidence? Also, will Adam Loewen still up as well after showing flashes of brilliance during the 2006 season?

At this point, both Steve Trachsel and Jaret Wright are stop-gaps, and no more than 5-6 inning pitchers, although their veteran presence should help the O’s, and they could not be any worse than the combination of Russ Ortiz, Bruce Chen and Rodrigo Lopez.

The bullpen is retooled with veterans, and Chris Ray should continue to develop in his third year.

The offense does not have the firepower of the others in the East, but expect Markakis to be solid and improve, Tejada with renewed vigor to contribute, Ramon Hernandez to consistent, and Huff to have a good year in Baltimore.

However, it will be seen if Mora can improve on his 2006, although he’s heading into his mid 30’s, Jay Gibbons can stay healthy, and if Corey Patterson can continue his improvement.

The Orioles still have to climb a mountain, but they are in shape to make things interesting in the American League East.

Kudos to the front office for making some moves, but a bigger bat is needed to protect Tejada and Huff, and a frontline starter is needed.

Tampa Bay Devil Rays (67-95): The Devil Rays have a lot of promise; however, 2007 will still usher in some growing pains. With youngsters, Rocco Baldelli, Carl Crawford, B.J. Upton, Delmon Young and Elijah Dukes in the organization, it’s not a matter if those names will develop and become stars – but when. The team needs big bats Jorge Cantu and Johnny Gomes (injury) to bounce back and reproduce their 2005 seasons.

Third baseman, Aki Iwamura should add a lot of flair to the team, and there will be more youngsters in the fold, but the pitching is still a problem.

With the exception of Scott Kazmir, who has the potential to be one of the great starters in the game if he keeps up his progress, the pitching situation is just a mess.

The team is still in the building stage, and it may be another 2-3 years before they reach .500

I commend the ownership for taking steps to build for the future, but when you play in the American League East with financial powerhouses, the Yankees and Red Sox, you might as well be climbing Mount Everest.