Youk and Bay Lead the Way

The AL East has been one of the best divisions in baseball history the past couple years. While still dominated by the New Englanders and Bronx Bombers, the division has become slightly more competitive as of late. However, until baseball institutes a higher luxury tax, I’m afraid that the Sox and the Yanks will continue to dominate this division.

1. Boston Red Sox ( - GB)
No surprise here, as the Red Sox are in first once again. Probably the most consistent team since their World Championship in 2004, the Sox stayed strong while the Jays were on their early season terror and are now holding back the Yankees by having dominating their arch-nemesis head-to-head this season. Jason Bay and Kevin Youkilis have been putting the beat into the heart of the order (as Papi has struggled until late), while Beckett and an improving Lester have pitched well as of late. With perhaps one or two small additions before July 31st, the Sox could well be headed back to October glory, which I predicted in March on the air. (Phillies need to pick it up though if my WS prediction is going to hold true.)

2. New York Yankees (1 GB)
The Bronx Bombers have been exactly that this season. The New Yankee stadium has seen so many balls fly out of the park, that if you weren’t paying attention, you might think it was a bad hailstorm in the outfield. While losing a few players from last year, the core of the club is much stronger, and the addition of Tiexiera has been huge. Damon has had an impressive season and Jeter is playing Yankee baseball as always. Look for some October baseball to return to the Bronx this postseason.

3. Tampa Bay Rays (5.5 GB)
Why aren’t the Rays dominating like last season? Is it because they lost talent? Is it because the other divisional foes added much more firepower? No it’s mostly just because they aren’t sneaking up on anyone this season. Manager Joe Maddon knew this might be a problem for the Rays this season, and it has. However, they are still playing good baseball, as their young pitching has been pretty good. If they can put together a good second half, they could challenge for a playoff spot, but its becoming doubtful.

4. Toronto Blue Jays (8 GB)
The Jays had the fever early, but the temperature has gone done at the Rogers Centre since. The Doc, along with an explosive offense, was ironically the main cause of the fever, and he has continued to pitch sensationally, and has earned an opportunity to perhaps start the mid-summer classic. However, batting averages have slipped since the start of June and now Toronto management is willing to entertain offers for their ace. The main bright spot – Aaron Hill has become one of the best second basemen in the majors.

5. Baltimore Orioles (13.5 GB)
With lots of young talent, the O’s looked poised for a better season. While they are far from the playoffs, they do have the best last place record out of all three AL divisions, if that offers any consolation. Matt Wieters and Adam Jones (a steal in the Erik Bedard trade with the M’s a couple season ago) have proved themselves stars of the future in Maryland though, which could be a good sign for years to come.