AL Preview

To compliment my 'Readers Digest'-style NL preview below, I wanted to offer up my thoughts on the AL East and AL West in similiar form. I'll have an expanded look at the AL Central in a few days.

AL EAST:

The Yankees pitching is questionable again this year. But it won't matter - they have a lot (really - A LOT) of hitting. Toronto is much improved and will contend. Boston has big pitching problems, a brand new infield, and Coco Crisp! Its not enough to get into the post season. Baltimore remains in free-fall. Tampa has some good young players but that translates into another last-place finish.

AL WEST:
Toughest division in baseball to pick. The LA Angels have so much talent I wonder how they could lose. they'll be out to avenge their performance in 2005. Oakland is fielding another fine team on a budget, but too many question marks to be a sure thing. The Central Texas Lumber Company - aka "The Rangers" - finally have a pitcher (Millwood) to go with their abundance of hitting. they will be close, at least until mid-season. Seattle has a few players worth watching, but will not contend.