MLB: AL East At The All-Star Break

by Chad Jones

An inside look at the teams in the AL East at the All-Star break. What has your team done?


Boston Red Sox (58-39)
Simply magnificent. Leading baseball scoring 5.11 Runs Per Game, it's come from known commodities: Dustin Pedroia, Jacoby Ellsbury & David Ortiz; New Arrivals: Mike Napoli, Shane Victorino Jose Iglesias, Jonny Gomes & David Ross; plus unheralded role players (Mike Carp, Daniel Nava). Both GM Ben Cherington & Manager John Farrell have played all the right cards. Everybody is contributing, even once despised, and now thinned down John Lackey, who of Tommy John has thrown 100 innings at at 2.78 ERA. 

Many pegged the Red Sox for the cellar of the AL East, but they've been a pleasant surprise behind an elite offense that's mixed & matched on a nightly basis according to matchup. Sustaining the success will hinge on the pitching staff, where a group of talented farmhands are ready to supplement for the stretch run. 

Tampa Bay Rays (55-41)
GM Andrew Friedman & Manager Joe Maddon have the best rapport in the game today. They seemingly replace departed players on a yearly basis, showing rare ability to find a bargain in the process. What's notable about their method is willingness to admit mistakes. Prior to 2012, the organization signed Luke Scott, who failed to deliver results anticipated. Similarly to Pat Burrell years prior, the organization cut its losses and moved forward. Though Scott was ultimately retained, the savings were applied to numerous FA bargains. 

In Free Agency, the team added non-tendered 1B James Loney for 1 Year 2.0 M, and he's been one of the better at his position this year. Similar values were found on Yunel Escobar & Kelly Johnson, who've admirably filled voids from offseason departures. The notable acquisition came in the James Shields trade, Outfielder Wil Myers is one of the best prospects in baseball & will be integral to the teams second half fortunes. 

When you look at the record, it's astonishing how they've pitched absent former CY Young David Price, whose been sideline with injury. Matt Moore, Jeremy Hellickson & Alex Cobb have been fabulous; and recent arrival Chris Archer has added to the rotational depth, pitching a complete game shutout on Sunday. The team will have Price back for the second half, and like every season, won't go down without a fight. It's a gritty club that resembles its manager & leader Evan Longoria. A group of grinders that bring it to the ballpark everyday. 

Baltimore Orioles (53-43)
3rd in the AL in Runs Scored & 1st in Home Runs by a 17 dinger margin; the offense is simply elite. It's lead by MVP frontrunner Chris Davis, Rookie of the Year frontrunner Manny Machado, and Franchise cornerstones Adam Jones, Nick Markakis & Matt Wieters. Stronger second halves from Jones & Wieters could actually improve the Offense, as could Brian Roberts if he stays healthy. 

The question is pitching, and GM Dan Duquette acted early to add Scott Feldman from the Cubbies. Another former Texas Ranger, Buck Showalter has done a tremendous job with the club. Another pitching acquisition, or the emergence of their young studs(Gausman & Bundy) make the Orioles a World Series contender. 

New York Yankees: (51-44)
11th in the American League in Runs, the Yankees don't resemble the 'Bronx Bombers' of years past. Finishing the first half 7 games over .500 is a testament to Brian Cashman, Joe Girardi & the pitching staff. Unfortunately for the Yanks, help hasn't reintegrated successfully, with the stars quickly returning to the DL after brief returns. The Yankees will inevitably fade, but for all the doubters that constantly point to Brian Cashman's budget- Take Note. 

Toronto Blue Jays (45-49)
Disappointment of the first half across baseball shows winning the offseason headlines doesn't equate to wins. With Jose Reyes & Brett Lawrie returning from injury, the offense should improve, particularly atop. But the question remains the pitching staff, which has surrendered 440 Runs against, 2nd to last in the American League. 

Issues reside in the rotation, where the entire staff has 4+ ERAs. It's not the type of issue that can be addressed via trades or through a depleted system; the Jays simply must get Dickey, Josh Johnson & Mark Buehrle pitching more effectively. See, this is why the Marlins were smart to jettison some major assets, they also parted with Buehrle & the 48 Million he was owed over the remaining 3 years of the contract & an injury prone Johnson. I'm hesitant to believe the Jays can contend in 2013, not with this pitching staff. It's a cautionary tail for the team that wins next years offseason by consensus 'Experts'.