AL East preview

Go to FCP for my post on college players still left in the tournament that could help the Bulls next year.

1. Boston Red Sox 100-62

They’ll be relying on young starting pitching in Clay Buchholz and Jon Lester, but the Red Sox’s ability to keep filling holes with young talent makes them baseball’s premier organization. Expect Daisuke Matsuzaka to improve on a 4.4 ERA and 1.32 WHIP from last season. If Josh Beckett can stay healthy, him and Dice-K could be the best 1-2 starter combo in the American League.

2. New York Yankees 88-74

You have to admire what the Yankees did in refusing to part with young pitchers Phil Hughes, Joba Chamberlin, and Ian Kennedy in order to acquire Johan Santana. It’s a little scary that the Yanks are starting to develop such a strong farm system; couple that is endless amounts of cash and New York is set up well for the future. Still, this particular Yankees team could see some regression from their 93 win season last year because they’ll be relying on the three young pitchers so much. It’s sort of an odd blend of young and old, so A-Rod may have to wait a little while to get his ring.

3. Toronto Blue Jays 80-82

If a few young starters hold up, Toronto should be around .500 but doesn’t have enough to challenge the Red Sox and Yankees. For White Sox fans, it’s cool just watching The Big Hurt before he decides to hang up the ole’ cleats. Hopefully he’ll continue to make awesome commercials.

4. Tampa Bay Rays 77-85

The Delmon Young-Matt Garza trade seems like a curious one for most teams, but Tampa Bay is loaded with good, young hitters and desperately needed pitching. If Scott Kazmir, Jamie Shields, and Garza continue to improve, the Rays could gain as many wins as team in baseball. BJ Upton and Evan Longoria will be the reason most people monitor the Rays, but can Carlos Pena really smack 40 homers again?

5. Baltimore Orioles 64-98

Even if they keep Brian Roberts, this is one of the least talented teams in the majors. They won only 69 games last year and lost one of baseball’s best pitchers in Erik Bedard, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them lose 100 games.