The American League East is arguably the best division in baseball with four teams that combined to average 91 wins in the Rays, Red Sox, Yankees, and Blue Jays. This year’s race appears to be wide open.

ORDER OF FINISH
Red Sox – They still have the best team in the division. I like their approach this off-season. Rather than spending big on one player, Theo Epstein took advantage of a slow market and signed several veterans (Brad Penny, John Smoltz, Rocco Baldelli, and Brad Wilkerson) at reduced rates to fill the gaps. The rotation is great at the top and as deep as any in baseball. Jonathan Pabelbon is the best closer in the game and the lineup is perfectly balanced with everybody knowing their role.

Yankees – They spent over $180 million to bring in C.C. Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, and Mark Teixeira. However, questions surrounding Alex Rodgriguez’s hip and an ongoing steroid scandal is enough to cause concern and controversy. There’s no doubt that they have shored up last year’s biggest weakness (the rotation), but this lineup is getting old. I would be surprised if they will be able to avoid the injury bug. They are going to be my pick for a wildcard and should finish in the 90-win range, but I just don’t like them as much as the Red Sox.

Rays – Tampa is for real, they are stacked with some of the game’s best young talent. Still, I am having a tough time picking them to repeat last year’s performance. Their rotation remains their strength and is the reason they will challenge again for the playoffs. The addition of Pat Burrell adds some more pop in an already productive line-up. However, in the end they are going to come up just a bit short.

Blue Jays – The team quietly won 85 games in 2008, but several key losses in free agency is going to force them to turn to some unproven commodities. Roy Halladay is one of the best five pitchers in the game, but the rest of the rotation is a bit shaky. They still have enough talent to play spoiler and would compete in nearly any other division in baseball, but they are a fourth place team amongst these heavyweights and will be hard pressed to match last year’s win total.

Orioles – The safest pick amongst my predictions inside the division, the Orioles are in a league of their own in the AL East cellar. I do like their young outfield of Nick Markakis, Adam Jones, and Felix Pie, even though they are still far from developing into their potential. The rotation is horrid and the infield is getting a little long in the tooth. The O’s are a mortal lock to finish fifth unless the Blue Jays simply tank.

AWARDS
MVP – Dustin Pedroia (BOS)

Cy Young Candidate – C.C. Sabathia (NYY)

Biggest Bust – A.J. Burnett (NYY)

Biggest Breakout – Adam Jones (BAL)

Comeback Player – Robinson Cano (NYY)

Rookie of Year – David Price (TB)

MLB 2009 mlb predictions, al east, red sox, yankees, rays, blue jays, orioles