The Al East has long been known as a division where pitchers go to die. ERA’s soared as the powerful offenses of even the worst teams in the division bludgeoned teams in endless games marked by frequent pitching changes and plenty of runs. However, the tide seems to be shifting, as Peter Gammons points out an a surprisingly well balanced article:
But as we reach the Ides of March, it remains evident that the American League East has three teams that can think about winning 95 games for one major reason — pitching. It would be four teams and 90 wins if Toronto had A.J. Burnett, Dustin McGowan and Shaun Marcum. And it is pitching that has the Orioles thinking that in 2010 or 2011 they will be back in the high life again for the first time since 1997.
What the Yankees spent for CC Sabathia and Burnett has been well-chronicled, along with what it means to have Chien-Ming Wang make 30-something starts. And a full season for Joba Chamberlain and another one for Andy Pettitte. And unlike the last couple of seasons — such as 2008 when seven pitchers made at least nine starts — the Yankees have what seems to be championship depth because Phil Hughes has had an exceptional spring. They also seem encouraged that they can keep Chamberlain in the rotation because of the arms in front of Mariano Rivera — Phil Coke, Brian Bruney, Damaso Marte, et al.
Oh, there may be circumstances under which Chamberlain might go back to the ‘pen because of his unique ability to fill either role, but, for now, the Yankees think this is the most stable pitching they’ve had in years.
He goes on to list the pitching riches in Tampa and Boston, as well as the great potential for Toronto and Baltimore to have great staffs in the near future. Looking around the division, there are few young major offensive stars on the horizon outside of Baltimore. Pitching is the future in the Al East, and that should make for some exciting and competitive baseball going forward.
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