WINNER: New York Yankees
WILD CARD CONTENDERS: Boston Red Sox
Sorry Blue Jays fans, but the AL East in 2006 will once again come down to the play of the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox. Expect the Red Sox and the Yankees to once again be battling for the division crown down until the last day of the season. The New York Yankees addition of Johnny Damon gives them an upgrade in center field and their first true leadoff hitter since their last World Series title. Look for Damon to have a career high in runs scored with the likes of Derek Jeter, Gary Sheffield, Jason Giambi, reigning AL MVP Alex Rodriguez, and Hideki Matsui. Acquiring Kyle Farnsworth, 87 strikeouts in 70 innings with a 2.19 ERA in 2005, will help bridge the gap to last years AL CY Young contender, closer Mariano Rivera (43 saves with a 1.38 ERA). If the starting pitching staff, anchored by ace Randy Johnson, stays somewhat healthy, the New York Yankees will win their ninth consecutive AL East Crown.
The Red Sox should return to the postseason via the AL Wild Card, due to improved pitching and defense. The acquisition of the 2003 World Series MVP, Josh Beckett, will add depth to a pitching staff that features Curt Schilling (21-6, 3.26 ERA in 2004). One concern for the Red Sox is that Beckett has failed to pitch 200 innings at any point in his six-year career and Schilling is coming off a disappointing an injury riddled (8-8, 9 SV, 5.26 ERA) 2005. The free agent signings of Coco Crisp, Alex Gonzalez, Mike Lowell, and Mark Loretta are all defensive upgrades at their respective positions of CF, SS, 3B, and 2B. Rookie sensation Jonathon Papelbon should carry the bullpen early until the Sox find out if former closer Keith Foulke can return to his 2004 form of 32 saves with a 2.17 ERA. Look for the bats of Manny Ramirez and Davis Ortiz to carry the less potent Red Sox lineup into the playoffs.
PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS
NLDS: New York Mets vs. Houston Astros, St. Louis Cardinals vs. San Francisco Giants
NLCS: St. Louis Cardinals vs. New York Mets
ALDS: New York Yankees vs. Oakland Athletics, Chicago White Sox vs. Boston Red Sox
ALCS: New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox
WORLD SERIES
New York Yankees vs. St. Louis Cardinals; Yankees win
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