A.L. East Predictions....I know its still the offseason and many moves can and will still be made. But its never too early for a prediction on the new season! As it is the best division in baseball by far....

1. New York Yankees- The big bad Yankees spent an enormous amount of money this offseason and I expect it to pay off nicely. (at least in the regular season) The additons of Sabathia and Burnett (if he stays healthy) provide stability and a few horses that can eat up innings and be dominant at times. Although I thought the signing of Texeira was unnecesary and the amount of money they spent will haunt them down the road there is no question he will be a valuable piece to the puzzle this year. A team that has more talent than any in baseball there arent many weaknesses. With all these moves they still didnt address their biggest issue. They dont play playoff type baseball. Meaning they don't do the little things to win the tight games like run the bases well or turn those clutch double plays. Also an older veteran team must always be weary of injuries. My Predicition  101-61

2. Boston Red Sox- The Red Sox had an impressive offseason as well and have just as high of expectations as Yankees. The depth of there starting rotation is by far the best in baseball. They are so talent rich at the position Clay Buckholtz name has beeen mentioned in trades...the same guy who threw a no hitter and hasnt even hit the prime of his careeer. There are questions in the bullpen until you get to the 9th inning. One major concern for Red Sox fans has to be where does the unbelivably consistent production that Manny provided come from. Hate to break it to Sox fans but Jason Bay aint no Manny. Also like the Yankees, they must worry about injuries especially the health of Big Papi. He makes that lineup go and he is irreplaceable. My Prediction  92-70

3. Tampa Bay Rays- Coming off one of the most improbable seasons ever the Rays have a lot to look forward to. Unfortunately for them its gonna be even harder this year to get back to the Series. The Rays are a tough team to predict as a lot of the players they count on are still young and it is very difficult to project what they will do. Some may exceed expectations while others might flop. There farm system is great and the depth that provides will keep the Rays in this race down to the last month of the season. David Price could be the next big thing on the mound as we all saw what he can do last october. In the end im not sure the Rays have enough to make the playoffs. Nothing to be ashamed of as after all this is the best division in baseball hands down.  My Prediction 84-78

4. Toronto Blue Jays- In any other division Toronto may be the second best team but not in the AL east. Realistically this team needs to be thinking towards the future and giving young guys opportunities to prove themselves. Expect Roy Halladay to compete for another Cy Young and I wouldnt be surprised if Marcum has a breakout year and establishes himself as the #2 of that staff.Toronto should consider trading some of there veterans around the trade deadline as they have a long way to go to win the AL east. This may include the very talented but injury prone Vernon Wells. Don't be surprised if he is the biggest commodity come late July. My Prediction 70-90

5. Baltimore Orioles- The 2009 season is being looked at as a stepping stone to 2010 and beyond when the Orioles crop of young stud arms can mature enough to throw big time innings in the Major Leagues. The outfield should be one of the best and most exciting in baseball with future perrenial all stars Nick Markakis and Adam Jones in Righ and Center field, along with a platoon of young talented players in left field ( Lou Montanez, and Felix Pie). This team will be very busy at the trade deadline getting rid of older players in search of good young prospects. Brian Roberts name has beeen mentioned for years in trade rumors but the longer he stays here the more im coming to think hes not going anywhere. Although Andy Mcphail has pumped life into this organization this team is still a way off. Expect the #1 rated prospect in baseball ,according to Keith Law, Matt Wieters to establish himself as the Orioles starting Catcher and middle of the order hitter and possibly win Rookie of the Year. With all that being said...the Orioles will compete for the worst record in baseball. My Prediction 59-103