American League East: Who Will Win It?

As the season gets ready to begin in a few weeks, everyone has ideas on who will win the American League East.

Boston always predicts the Red Sox. New York picks the Yankees. Tampa Bay is usually further down the mix.

This year, as in most, it depends on pitching.

Let's start with The Yankees.

It has three obvious starting pitchers in CC Sabathia, Phil Hughes and AJ Burnett. The fourth and fifth starters are undecided. The Yanks chances depends on at least a fourt reliable starter. Ivan Nova has looked good. Freddy Garcia and Bartolo Colon have looked impressive.

Everything changes in the real season. Come May, the starting five will emerge. New York will go as far as they take them. The offense is old, but strong and will no doubt score many runs.

Keep an eye on Brett Gardner and Alex Rodriguez. Speed and power is vital and that is their role on offense.

The Red Sox have named Jon Lester opening Day starting pitcher. Clay Buckholz is the number two pitcher and according to many, may perhaps be Boston's best pitcher. The Sox also have Josh Beckett and John Lackey. Dice K is a huge question mark.

The Sox have a good offense with Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis. It's not as strong as New York's offense, but it will not lack runs.

Tampa Bay appears to have the best pitching staff of the three. David Price may be a top 3 pitcher in the American League. It also has Matt Garza and Jeremy Hellickson.

Former Red Sox Johnny Damon and Manny Ramirez along with Evan Longoria could make some noise offensively. But, what the Rays lack is relief pitching.

The Red Sox have the best relievers of the three.

But Mariano Rivera still rules when it comes to closers. He keeps pitching one inning three strike out 12 pitch innings in preseason. He is, however, getting up on age and by the end of the year, who knows how he will be.

So, who will win the American League East?

I'm taking the Yankees. It's hard to go against proven winners and if they need more pitching, the will get some in July. Their batting line-ups is heads above the rest. I can see a record number of runs scored this year.

It sure look, however, to be a race that will be decided in September!

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