2010 AL East Preview: Sox, Yankees reloaded

As Spring Training finally dawns, we are looking at two teams at the top of the division with significant turnover from this offseason. The Yankees have shed several older, oft-injured players and added a powerful left-handed bat in OF Curtis Granderson. For their part, Boston has decided to focus on run prevention with the signing of John Lackey and even sacrificed OBP in order to improve their team defense in this “bridge year”. The Tampa Rays have another year of development and polish on their young and talented core. Meanwhile, Toronto has gone into rebuilding mode with the trade of Roy Halladay to the Phillies, and the Orioles’ youth movement is on the cusp of paying dividends. What can we expect to see in 2010?

17-12: Sox walk-off again, 2-1

I know I said I wouldn’t post, but I couldn’t resist putting down some of my game notes…

Dustin McGowan: Young flamethrower, very nice pitcher to have. I was impressed with more than his heater.

Daisuke Matsuzaka: Could still throw more strikes, but you can’t argue with the results. Congrats on finishing seven innings. Told you he’d be pretty darn good this year.

Jason Varitek continues to handle the staff masterfully. That’s a TOTAL of 7 runs allowed in four games. Whew!