American League
American League East

American League East

1. New York Yankees

2. Boston Red Sox

3. Toronto Blue Jays

4. Baltimore Orioles

5. Tampa Bay Devil Rays

Until some team stops the Yankees, I am not picking against them. The addition of Mike Mussina to the pitching staff is a boost for the Bronx Bombers, who won a World Series with essentially six pitchers. The team is aging, the middle relievers and setup men in the bullpen are suspect and the offense is questionable.

But shortstop Derek Jeter and center fielder Bernie Williams are the catalysts and Mariano Rivera may be the greatest closer ever. With just a little help, that threesome should push New York to the top again.

Boston stumbled in 2000 as the offense ranked 12th in a 14-team league, but any team with Pedro Martinez on the hill is a contender.

The Red Sox' other starting pitchers were 35-46. Aye, there is the rub.

Boston added Manny Ramirez to ignite its stalled offense and the hope is veterans David cone, Frank Castillo and Hideo Nomo can improve the starting staff behind Martinez.

Don't forget, despite their offensive woes last season, the Red Sox finished only 2 1/2 games behind the Yankee.

Toronto traded pitcher David Wells. With him, the Blue Jays pitching was suspect at best. Without him, and the subsequent injury to Mike Sirotka, whom they acquired in the deal for Wells from Chicago, pitching threatens to be a disaster area.

But Toronto is buoyed by a stellar offensive attack. Shannon Stewart is an excellent leadoff hitter and Carlos Delgado, Raul Mondesi and Brad Fullmer can bring home the runs.

Bill Koch was an outstanding closer in 2000. He'll need to be again.

Baltimore and Tampa Bay have little hope of even having a remote chance at competing in this division.

The Orioles started an overhaul at the trading deadline last year. Much more is needed.

They lost Mussina in the off-season and brought in Pat Hentgen from St. Louis. The return of Mike Bordick, who was traded by the O's last season to the Mets, and signing of first baseman David Segui gives Baltimore some credibility in the infield.

Tampa Bay has never finished anywhere but last. Until they prove they can move up, I'm picking the Devil

Rays last.

Tampa Bay brought in all the power it could find in 2000 and finished with the worst offense in the AL.

The Devil Rays got just four outs all season from Wilson Alvarez and Juan Guzman. Ryan Rupe slipped and closer Roberto Hernandez was traded for outfielder Ben Grieve. Esteban Yan is the new closer.