The Sandspur

Issue date: 2/26/07 Section: Sports

For much of the recent past, the American League's Eastern division has been home to the best offenses and the most offensive spending. However, in this millennium, the division has produced only one World Series
champion; furthermore, in the past two years, none of the five teams have escaped the first round of the playoffs. That may change in 2007. The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox have loaded up on pitching, bringing in Andy Pettitte and Daisuke Matsuzaka, respectively. Both of these teams
-- as well as the Toronto Blue Jays -- have legitimate chances to win 90-plus games next season and play deep into the postseason.
Here's a close look at the beasts in the east.

New York Yankees

The Reason for Hope: The 2007 Yankees are going to redefine the term "Bronx Bombers." The projected lineup for next season features nine players who should achieve double-digit home run totals, and many of their hitters rank among the best in the game
in getting on base and/or seeing pitches per plate appearance.

The Cause for Concern: Each member of the starting rotation has question marks. Can Chien-Ming Wang continue to get away with giving up so many hits? Can Kei Igawa avoid giving up the walks that his Japanese statistics say he does? Can Mike Mussina,
Carl Pavano, and Pettitte stay healthy?

Prediction: First place, with 98 wins

Boston Red Sox

The Reason for Hope: The starting rotation runs six deep with Matsuzaka, Curt Schilling,
Jonathan Papelbon, Josh Beckett, Tim Wakefield, and Jon Lester. All of these pitchers can last deep into games and have been successful starters throughout their careers.

The Cause for Concern:
Manager Terry Francona has a lot of arms to go to in his bullpen, but when push comes to shove, just who is going to get the call?
It doesn't seem like that question has a good answer at the time.

Prediction: Second place, with 95 wins

Toronto Blue Jays

The Reason for Hope: This offense, while it won't compete with the other two teams listed
above, has a chance to be very productive. Center fielder Vernon Wells is becoming the best player no one's heard of, while Alex Rios, Lyle Overbay, and Troy Glaus are
all strong complements.

The Cause for Concern: After the powerful duo of Roy Halladay and AJ Burnett, there isn't much in the starting rotation for the Blue Jays. In fact, of the three starters
coming after them, only one--Tomo Ohka -- had an ERA below 5.00 last year, and that came in the National League. Injuries have

Continued...

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