schneider@vlnvax.DEC (06/28/85)
Its happening again. The AL east is beginning to assert as the most talented
in baseball once again. These teams (NY, Boston, Detroit, Toronto and Balt.)
represent 5 of the top 8 or so in all of baseball. And now its starting to
get interesting. Detriot is really flexing its muscles, but they're still
two out and all five teams are within seven games of each other. AS the rush
to be in first at the All-Star break continues, I only see Boston as a medium
candidate to fall off from the early pace. Somebody recently posed the
question "What's wrong with the NL?". Equally as appropriate is "Why is this
division so good?" My analysis:
Toronto: An excellent team who needed a bullpen and put together exactly
that. Add Jimmy Key to a very good starting staff (including the GREAT and
unsung Dave Steib) and also an outstanding young outfield who haven't really
started to hit, and this is a team to reckon with this year and for many.
My vote for best young team in baseball.
Detroit: Sparky Anderson is very lucky he (or his GMs) has an eye for talent
so good that it overcomes his POOR tactics. The man is not even a good
field manager, but you don't have to be with this team. Walt Terrell was a
steal; Lou Whitaker may be MVP; they have two Cy Young candidates, three
(other) legit power hitters. And their just starting to play well. The
favorites as I see it.
New York: This team will make some noise and it doesn't require a miracle
for them to end up on top. Henderson is the other early MVP candidate and
with MAttingly, Baylor, Winfield still to hit stride (all with 40+ RBIs), they
are/will score runs. Guidry is back - strong; the other starters are
performing well and not over their heads and they've come up with two gems
in the bullpen - Rich Bordi and Brian Fischer. And don't forget the Billy
Martin factor with new (somewhat) teams.
Boston: The small fish in the big pond. McNamara has decided that he doesn't
want to wait for the long ball, and the team will benefit, but pitching is
the key. After the marvelous Oil Can, the pickings are slim and the bullpen
is dicey at best. Gedman has established himself at catcher and you can
bet Dewey Evans will get hot, but their beginning to seek their own level
after that hot streak (16-2).
Baltimore: I'll never trust this team to have an off year - especially now
that Weaver is back. They are far from a great team - instead they have a
few great players and a few bad ones, but they always have solid pitching
and Freddie Lynn will make some noise before the season is out. Flanagan's
comeback is a key to success for Earl. Remember, no one has any reason
not to think he is the best manager in baseball.
There you have it. I may have to revise what I originally said. San Diego
may be the only other team in this class in baseball today. Comments
and discussion welcome.
Daniel Schneider
{decvax}!decwrl!dec-rhea!dec-vlnvax!schneider