The American League East Division should be a tough division this season. Atlanta has stacked the pitching staff, like pancakes on Rosie O'Donnell's plate. Pitching will be extreme in Atlanta. They kind of remind me of the Braves of the 90's. Pitching will be their anchor this season. Boston on the other hand, has the line-up that makes pitchers cringe. They are young, hungry, and have Sherman to anchor them. If Sherman stays healthy they should be very tough in the division. They remind me of Boise, hitting their way to contention this season. But in the end, they will fall short too. Burlington is another powerhouse in the division. They have a blend of young hitters to go along with balanced pitching. Burlington hung tough all the way last season, before falling to Atlanta in the division. This season will be like last season.It will be a 3 dog race, with a limping injured dog bringing up the rear. Durham was the punching bag for the East last season. It looks like they have some great hitting, but the pitching is as light as a Pringle in a hurricane. They will win more games, but with that tough trio ahead of them, it won't be much more. With that being said, let's get down to the brass tactics.
Atlanta got Powell, Hartman, and Saunders via the trade wire. They strengthened the pitching staff, but losing Morris might hurt them a little. Morris had 28 homers and drove in 115 for them last year. Pitching will win titles, but when pitching struggles you will need hitting. Atlanta should hold off Burlington and Boston again this year. I also think it will come down to the last week for all 3 teams in the division. The predictions are as follows:
Atlanta 97-65
Boston 92-70
Burlington 90-72
Durham 71-91