2011 MLB Preview: AL East
By Tim Ryan
Prediction: 98 wins
Mariano will be Mariano, and now they have a closer playing the role of setup man in Rafael Soriano as well as a lefty, Pedro Feliciano, who doesn’t live on the DL. The offense will be there like it has been for quite some time. Most importantly, The Captain, Derek Jeter will reach 3,000 hits by early summer, the first Yankee ever to do so. Now stand up and clap like you’ve never clapped before. Prediction: 90 wins
3. Tampa Bay Rays (2010 record: 96-66, 1st place) — The list of goners from last year is a significant one: Grant Balfour, Jason Bartlett, Carlos Pena, Carl Crawford, Matt Garza, Rafael Soriano, Dioner Navarro, Chad Qualls, Joaquin Benoit, Dan Wheeler, and Rocco Baldelli retired. As currently constructed, the lineup isn’t inspiring anyone to bust out the Ric Flair strut unless you’re impressed by the fact they went out and signed what’s left of Manny Ramirez and Johnny Damon. Six years ago, acquiring these two alone would be enough to pencil in a parade. In 2011, those two just want to enjoy the warm weather as they coast into retirement. Now after saying that, you can fully expect Manny to put up ridiculous numbers and win the MVP, all while the Smurfs theme song happily plays in his head. Remember how lethal B.J. Upton was in the 2008 ALCS against the Boston? Where the hell is that guy? If that version of him can be found, it will restore some faith in this lineup. Starting pitching is what made the Rays relevant, and once again they’ll have a nice rotation, but this division is like going ten rounds with Piston Honda and Soda Popinski at the same time. The performance of 23-year-old starter Jeremy Hellickson could very well be the difference between third place and the wildcard. Prediction: 87 wins
*That one was for you, Schlereth, Merril & the many others who cover the National Football League
[Photos via Getty]