The AL East Race Handicapped

Ok, we have covered the National League divisions and now it is time to turn to the American League. With two months remaining in the Major League Baseball season, it is time to go through and see how each team has done and how they might do the rest of the year. This is part four or six parts. The American League East, home to possibly baseball's top rivalry. Let's not wait any longer.

Current standings (July 20)

Boston 56-39
New York 48-45 7 GB
Toronto 46-49 10 GB
Baltimore 42-52 13 1/2 GB
Tampa Bay 37-57 18 1/2 GB

Team by team reports

Boston - They have been the dominant team in the division all season so far. With David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez leading the offense and Josh Beckett and Daisuke Matsuzaka leading the pitching staff, this is a team I cannot see being caught. Josh Beckett is one of the leading contenders for this seasons Cy Young Award and Dice-K is not far behind him. Look for the BoSox to make a run deep into October and contend for another World Championship. Odds 4 to 1

New York - Even though the Yankees are seemingly hitting their stride and it really isn't too late to count them out. The Red Sox are just too good in my opinion for the Bombers to catch. Alex Rodriguez is having a phenomenal season and should be considered one of, if not the, top contender for the league's Most Valuable Player award. Derek Jeter is having another Jeter-esque season. This year, all fingers should be pointed at the pitching as the main culprit. Chien-Ming Wang is pitching extremely well this season. However, Andy Pettitte is showing his age and Roger Clemens has not been the savior Yankee fans expected. This team in my opinion is going to miss the playoffs and I expect to see Clemens, Pettitte and manager Joe Torre either retired or elsewhere next season. Odds 10 to 1

Toronto - This was supposed to be the season the Blue Jays finally put it all together and got back into the playoff mix. However, much like the Cardinals in the NL Central, injuries have devastated this team (possibly even more than in St. Louis). The injuries will make it tough for the Jays to trade away players for youth, but my feeling is that is not what they need to do. I think they should stand pat and take their lumps this season and get rested for a 2008 run. Roy Halladay is still one the best pitchers in the American League. Odds 25 to 1

Baltimore - The season started out so promising. Then they started struggling and the players revolted on Sam Perlozzo. As has been the case for so many years, the big story in Baltimore involves Cal Ripken, Jr. Too bad for them, this time it has nothing to do with him being on the field as he will be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame July 29. Odds 40 to 1

Tampa Bay - Ugh. The worst franchise in baseball bar none. Will they EVER finish out of last place? I'm guessing not this year....not next year....MAYBE the year after that. They have such promising young talent and cannot do anything with it. I have no idea what is the solution here. Maybe relocation. Odds 100 to 1

Two thirds of the way through the Majors....next up the home of the last two American League champions. The AL Central.