Boston Red Sox (89-73, 3 rd place in the division in 2010) important additions: Carl Crawford, Adrian Gonzalez, Bobby Jenks and Dan Wheeler.
Major losses: Adrian Beltre, Bill Hall, Victor Martinez and Mike Lowell. Venezuelan
: Marco Scutaro and Felix Dubrount
In the past nine seasons, the Red Sox only had two seasons with fewer than 90 victories, Theo Epstein, would not repeat the experience of previous years and decided once hung out the last World Series, go to the game two batters for his offense.
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Carl Crawford
In your search, Boston deepen its market in the minor league system, and got the parts needed to bring the first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, San Diego. Gonzalez has been the main objective of the team in New England in the past two seasons and despite coming from a shoulder operation, the team has full confidence in the Mexican-American who is able to hit 40 homers in a park made for lefties.
Boston also more appealing most to the market player, Carl Crawford, who came to team with $ 142 million for seven years, this player will make the start of the line up and is a triples machine, which changes the whole tone of the lineup with his speed.
Both sluggers join proven hitters like David Ortiz, JD Drew, Jacoby Ellsbury, Kevin Youkilis, Dustin Pedroia and Jason Varitek. And although left-handed players abound, Boston's offense still looks dangerous, especially the shape axis Ortiz-Gonzalez and Youkilis.
Jason Varitek team captain, returns to star plan again after from the first leg of Victor Martinez, who despite his record, I do not enjoy the esteem of the fans, but Varitek is employed to the maximum to prevent Saltalamachia Jarrod is forced on the role of owner.
Pitching is strengthened by the arrival of Dan Wheeler and Bobby Jenks, who will deepen the relay that has the arms of Daniel Bard and Jonathan Papelbon as the most reliable.
Josh Beckett and John Lackey, again will be on 1-2 rotation, both campaigns are disappointing, so expect a minimum of 18 wins both for Boston to get into the playoffs.
Figure: "The Titan" Gonzalez comes to Boston for the purpose of being offensive that axis needed to complete the void left by Manny Ramirez (in season), Victor Martinez and Adrian Beltre. Gonzalez will receive $ 5,500,000 million from a San Diego current contract which ends this season. Boston and assure that a contract offer to first baseman Mark Teixeira similar to tie him to the team for several years. The 29-year-old Mexican is the fifth play with Boston, before they were Melo Almada (1933), Beto Avila (1959), Vicente "Egg" Romo (1969-70) and Carlos Rodríguez (1994-95).
In five years with San Diego, shooting 161 homers and 501 RBIs, also establishing a brand for the club with 30 or more homers in four consecutive seasons. Also played with Texas, the team which debuted in the majors. Last year, batting for 298, 31 homers and 101 RBIs.
The manager: Terry Francona is in its eighth consecutive season with the team. With 654-480 mark and two titles World Series, Francona has important elements both in pitching and in the offensive that he needed to get to the playoffs. For the first time in the last three years, Boston sounds like a serious candidate to win the World Series, thanks to the presence of Gonzalez and Crawford, which resizes completely line up.
In eight months we will know whether the investment in Boston, paid off expected.
New York Yankees (95-67, 2 nd in the division in 2010)
important additions: Rafael Soriano, Andruw Jones, Russell Martin, Freddy Garcia, Bartolo Colon, Pedro Feliciano and Mark Prior.
Lost more: Kerry Wood, Javier Vazquez, Lance Berkman and Marcus Thames.
Venezuela: Freddy Garcia, Francisco Cervelli and Jesus Montero
Looking renowned parts arrived only stands to Rafael Soriano, the rest are players who are no longer stars, and that because of injuries, now wander for another opportunity and be reborn in their careers.
The re-sign Mariano Rivera and Derek Jeter was undoubtedly an important commitment on spring break, but things were not quite productive with Jeter, who was released brush with Brian Cashman about his market value to such an extent that the organization suggested the iconic player, explore new options in the market.
But the process ended with a Jeter accepting a benefit payment that will retire as a Yankee this year and reach the coveted mark of 3,000 hits.
Despite renegotiations with these two emblems of the organization, New York focused their batteries on the possible signing of Cliff Lee, offering a guaranteed contract of $ 148 million, but was not sufficient to buy it and would rather go to Philadelphia with an inferior contract, demonstrating that the money is not everything in life. This situation put the Yankees against the wall, they saw as the best pieces were made by other teams (Martínez, Crawford, Werh and Gonzalez), to go after Lee. The options were dashed quickly, even declined to go for Zack Greinke, leaving management with no plans B and C to carry out.
What really happened to that New York did not follow the trend of large firms in the summer?, Actually met Cashman's claim not to invest heavily in players and focus on farm equipment. Perhaps Soriano signing was the trigger that Cashman, predicted that statement, but really New York faces a season where he was most remarkable in their offense will be the addition of Russell Martin at catcher and Jorge Posada as a DH.
The offense is loaded with power and is able to support the pitching and get 90 matches won, Alex Rodriguez already has two MVP with this organization, while Derek Jeter, Robinson Cano and Mark Teixeira have been close to obtaining it. In banking there are not many names that can support the headlines, Joe Girardi and therefore, should focus on proving that their boys are still competitive.
There are two big promises that New York is at catcher soon give his leap to the majors, Jesus Montero and Austin Rommie, Montero is perhaps the most coveted piece for a mid-season change and assure a bat or a pitcher important for the second half.
As for pitching signing Soriano for three years and $ 35 million, revolutionized the value of the set up in the majors, the contemplation of a contract that includes two years as the launcher can opt out of the contract, is a double edged sword-agent Scott Boras player-won, and that few executives who signed a preparer for such money.
Soriano and Joba Chamberlain will be the main supporters of Rivera in the final episodes, while CC Sabathia, Phil Hughes and AJ Burnett are the only guarantee offered starting pitching, as the loss of Andy Pettitte, left an important gap that the organization will have to settle with five candidates, including Freddy Garcia.
are nearly $ 200 million invested in a team with a roster ready for anything.
Figure: Robinson Cano did in 2010 year his consecration. Since the retirement of Roberto Alomar has not been a second baseman that comes close to what was done by the Puerto Rican, who was recently elected to the Hall of Fame. There were Craig Biggio, Jeff Kent, Brandon Phillips, Dan Uggla, Chase Utley, Jose Lopez, but Cano with his campaign, showed that it is currently the best bartender in place.
319, average, 29 homers and 109 RBIs earned him third in the MVP voting in 2010. In addition to a call-Star, a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger. Jeter Cano is very reminiscent in its infancy, when the team formed alignment around her figure, a situation that will occur after 2012, when it is declared a free agent (and New York consider the two remaining years of extension), since the middle of last season was inserted into the top of the lineup, hitting behind A-Rod and Teixeira with favorable results, a situation that will be repeated this year.
has just 28 years and is experiencing its best in its seven-year career in the majors, which of course will afford him more Gold Gloves, Silver Slugger, All-Star and why not a MVP.
The Manager: Joe Girardi facing his fourth season in front of the Bronx, now in its display case lies a World Series, so the challenge is greater this year, when no one takes for favorite for the Classic.
287-199, Girardi is the record in front of the Yankees, despite having one of the most expensive payroll in the sport, for the first time players who blew mules in the era of "Boss" Steinbreinner was unacceptable. The safest thing is that during the campaign made some moves, continuing that philosophy to change their top talent to bring desirable pieces. Girardi has proven to be a winner and work with what you have to give good results, especially if we consider that the vast majority of their players were on order last year.
Baltimore Orioles (66-96, 5 th place in the division in 2010) important additions: Derrek Lee, Mark Reynolds, Vladimir Guerrero, Justin Duchscherer , JJ Hardy and Kevin Gregg.
Lost older: Ty Wigginton, Kevin Millwood, David Hernandez, Corey Patterson
Venezuela: Cesar Izturis
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efforts who carried out the management of orioles to get the necessary parts and compete in a division where the Yankees, Red Sox and Tampa have taken the honors.
The last time Baltimore was the dispute occurred in 1997, when Davey Johnson placed them as division champions with a 98-64 mark, falling in the championship series against the Cleveland Indians. By then, the Orioles had proven hitters such as Cal Ripken Jr, Roberto Alomar, Albert Belle, Brady Anderson and Mike Mussina was the ace of the rotation. From there the orioles began a negative cycle where they spent six seasons without success strategists, one of the failures of Baltimore was because they did not have a relay generation, who could continue the work of the team's stars.
The first great success of Andy MacPhail was ratified in office to Buck Showalter, who took the baton of David Trembley and Juan Samuel, as managers who were laid off during the season. Showalter had with the Orioles 34-23 mark, occupying the third box, during the time he took office the experienced strategist.
Baltimore's management was aggressive in the summer, pushing for the mask Victor Martinez, despite not achieving the goal, acquired from other hitters, who recalled the time when Roberto Alomar Albert Belle, Rafael Palmeiro, Miguel Tejada, among others came to this team to completely change your face.
The same situation presented this year with the acquisitions of Derek Lee for $ 7.25 million, who despite having a quiet season, is still a warranty with the bat and glove at first, and is a player delivered to collaborate with the team. Mark Reynolds reached third base to clear a disastrous 198 that leave you with Arizona in 2010. His arrival in the American League can help you print that role he had in 2009, when I shoot more than 40 home runs with Arizona.
Vladimir Guerrero is the designated and hopes to prove he still has the conditions to return to be an offensive reference as it was in Texas, Anaheim and Montreal. JJ Hardy will be the shortstop and a hitter who predicts 30 or more home runs, they will join Adam Jones, Brian Roberts, Luke Scott, Matt Wieters, Nick Markakis and Felix Pie, to give a new face to some Orioles who want to stop being last-place.
Justin Duchscherer pitching in the attempt to find his career in Baltimore, there will be Jamie Guthrie, Brian and Brian Bergersen Matsusz for the first three seats of the rotation. Kevin Gregg is the closer and will have the support of several relief pitchers who might have an exceptional season.
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| Vladimir Guerrero |
Figure: get to a team where expectations are high, making his figure, generates a special attention as to know he will do in the field game. Vladimir Guerrero will attempt to be the Orioles referring offensive about wanting to surprise this year. The previous season, the Dominican Republic was an important piece for Texas accede to the World Series, batting 300 with 29 homers and 115 RBIs, despite his 35 years, remains an intimidating figure in the batters box.
In fact, Guerrero is 64 homers to reach 500, and a good performance this year was closer to that mark.
The manager: Baltimore last year had three managers during the season, began with Dave Trembley (1915-1939), Juan Samuel (1917-1934) and Buck Showalter (34 -23). It was that brand that inspires positive management of the orioles have to Showalter in front of the Orioles.
Showalter's record is impressive, since taking for the first time the post of manager in 1992 with the Yankees, took a 313-268 mark have always had in New York among the top three in the division, including 1994, when because of the strike, the team concluded in the first place. After leaving the team in 1996 began the dynasty of New York wins, the hand of Joe Torre.
In 1998 returns to the helm this time with Arizona, an expansion team in three years at the helm, the desert had 250-236 mark with a first place in that period. When fired, Arizona soon win the World Series.
again takes the helm in 2003 with Texas, but the result was the same, because the team had no material to be container and finished with a record of 319-329. This time, Baltimore is aware of the virtues of Showalter in the dugout and despite having several veterans, he will be able to get the most out of your players to get the path to success.
Toronto Blue Jays (85-77, 4 th place in the division in 2010) important additions: Frank Francisco, Octavio Dotel, Jon Rauch, Juan Rivera and Rajai Davis Major losses: Vernon Wells, John Buck, Scott Downs, Kevin Gregg, Lyle Overbay and Shaun Marcum
Venezuela: Juan Rivera
New general manager Alex Anthopoulos has made some interesting changes since his arrival in 2009 at the Canadian organization. Roy Halladay left to get three good prospects from Philadelphia and Kyle Drabek, Travis D'Arnaud and Anthony Gose.
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| Juan Rivera is the new hope of Toronto |
Earlier this year off of Vernon Wells to take it to Anaheim by Juan Rivera and Mike Napoli, who then was traded to Texas for reliever Frank Francisco. In this movement the Angels will assume the payment of the $ 86 million still owed to Wells, a fact considered positive by many.
Who will be the face of the franchise?, That is none other than José Bautista, player who shot 54 homers and recently signed a contract extension.
core is expected to be composed of Baptist offensive with Adam Lind and Travis Snider, who with the newcomer Juan Rivera, will be the team's offensive weight.
As for the pitching does not have Shaum Marcum, but will have to promise to be with Romero Drabek, Cecil and Litsch, creating an extremely young pitching with a promising future.
In bullpen will have input from Rauch, Francis and Dotel.
Figure: The Blue Jays roster has only one name common weight but must prove that what was done in 2010, it was not by chance. Jose Bautista is emerging as the face of the organization, thanks to his 54 homers, 260 RBIs and 124 average, which earned him fourth in the MVP voting to the young circuit.
Bautista faces a new challenge and prove to those skeptics who recently signed the contract, was not in vain, for it is confident attitude of leader he has made to other figures in full development.
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| Baptist can repeat his numbers |
The manager: With the retirement of Clarence " Cito "Gaston, several names sounded to be the new boss of the Blue Jays, but the plans of John Farrell, made the decision is correct.
Farrell performance as pitching coach of the Boston Red Sox during the past four seasons, where his pitching staff recorded a 4.08 of ERA in that period.
With his arrival, Toronto showed a willingness to negotiate with Manny Ramirez, but never anything concrete. Farrell should be used to fund in its debut year leaving a record similar to that discussed by Gaston in his last year.
Tampa Bay Rays (96-66, 1st place in the division in 2010) major additions: Manny Ramirez, Johnny Damon, Kyle Farnsworth, Joel Peralta and Casey Kotchman Major losses: Carl Crawford, Carlos Pena, Matt Garza, Jason Bartlett, Rafael Soriano, Grant Balfour, Dan Wheeler and Randy Choate Venezuelan : Jose Lobaton
2011 with Tampa facing many changes, the loss of several renowned figures , Joe Maddon will be required only in recent years, proving to be a manager who knows how to work with what you have.
The addition of Johnny Damon and Manny Ramirez gives the team a touch of shocking, because although both the advanced age of sluggers, can pose a hazard if they are healthy.
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| Johnny Damon and Manny Ramirez, together again |
The loss of Crawford and Pena will be offset by these two veterans who will try for everything high again increase their numbers as their predecessors.
are few players still on the team and they were three years ago in the World Series. On the offensive Evan Longoria, BJ Upton and Ben Zobrist will join Damon and Ramirez in the production of racing, John Jaso will be one of the players that will generate interest because it will be the opener of the line up.
As David Price pitching back up as the ace of the rotation, now have the support James Shield and Joe Niemann, then there will be several candidates for the remaining two spots, but the best of Tampa is relieved that looks solid with Peralta, Sonnanstine, Howell and Farnsworth.
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| Evan Longoria |
Figure: Evan Longoria will be the lone star, will assume a larger role within the team, and will be supported by Damon and Ramirez who know how to win in October. Therefore, this young 24 year old, take full advantage of the wisdom of two excellent hitters in the sport.
Last year batting 294 with 22 homers and 104 RBIs, but their numbers fell compared to 2009, is expected to again increase its numbers and continue to demonstrate the status of mega star which will speak from his ascent to the majors.
The manager: Joe Maddon has been a true craftsman in the success of Tampa Bay, especially in the last three years where the Rays have earned a spot in the World Series last year fell in the first round against the Texas Rangers. In the history of the club is the manager number four and perhaps the most successful.
404-310 Maddon is the record in front of Tampa Bay for five years. This man has proved a winner since his arrival and has structured and made her line up based on the talent of their players, regardless of the opposition, what was done in the past three years is an indication of that, but this year faces radical changes that can affect that path of success fall into an abyss total this year.
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