AL East Preview: 1. New York Yankees

1. New York Yankees 103-59 Predicted: 100-62
Projected Lineup:AVG, HR, RBI,PVR

SS Derek Jeter 334. 18 66 18
LF Randy Winn 262. 2 51 167
1B Mark Teixeira 292. 39 122 6
3B Alex Rodriguez 286. 30 100 7
CF Curtis Granderson 249. 30 71 29
C Jorge Posada 285. 22 81 70
2B Robinson Cano 320. 25 85 66
RF Nick Swisher 249. 29 82 102
DH Brett Gardner 270. 3 23 287

Rotation W L PVR
C.C. Sabathia 19 8 2
A.J. Burnett 13 9 22
A. Pettitte 14 8 80
J. Chamberlain 9 6 100
J. Vazquez 15 10 88

PVR=Player Value Ranking

Smoltz Designated For Assignment

John Smoltz, hall of fame pitcher for the Boston Red Sox has been designated for assignment by the Red Sox. That means the Sox have 10 days to release, trade or send Smoltz down to the minors. Smoltz got beat up his last start against the New York Yankees as the Sox lost 13-6. This may be the end of Smoltz's storied career.

Halladay Going To Phillies?

Roy Halladay, ace of the Toronto Blue Jays has been mentioned many times in trade talks with the Philedelphia Phillies before the trade deadline on Friday. The Jays are asking tons for Roy Halladay(as they should) including pitchers J.A. Happ and Kyle Dreyback, top prospects for the Phillies.

Mid Season Report:Boston Red Sox

In 2004, the "Curse of the Bambino" was broken. After that histrorical moment the Red Sox have been unstoppable. Even without Manny Ramirez, the Red Sox have managed with all stars Jason Bay, Dustin Pedroia (2008 AL MVP) and Jonathan Papelbon. This year they seem to be even better than last year, first in the AL East with a 49-33 record.

Mid Season Report:Baltimore Orioles

When will it happen? The Orioles have been struggling to get anywhere close to the top of the AL East. They have many bright spots just like the Braves including: Matt Wieters, Nick Marakis, Adam Jones and Jeremy Guthrie. They are in the cellar of the AL East with a 36-46 record. It doesn't look like the second half of the Orioles season will be even better.

Matt Wieters will be an all star soon enough.

The Blue Jays Surprising

The Toronto Blue Jays have soared in the AL East after many didn't expect much from the 'Jays. Despite loses this off season they have come back into shape. Hopefully, the Red Sox or Yankees won't over power them. It's a tough division, anything could happen.

The Rays Continue To Struggle

The Tampa Bay Rays continue to struggle after last season's surprise finish. I was one of the experts that predicted the Rays to have a fast start and that's not working out well. The only bright spot so far has been first basemen Carlos Pena who continues to be a leader in tough times. Hopefully, strong players Evan Longoria and B.J. Upton can add to the cause.

AL East:Toronto Blue Jays

Travis Snider could be an all star someday.

5. Toronto Blue Jays

SS Marco Scutaro

PVR 253

HR 7

AVG .267

2B Aaron Hill

PVR 116

HR 2

AVG .263

RF Alex Rios

PVR 50

HR 15

AVG .291

CF Vernon Wells

PVR 98

HR 20

AVG .300

DH Adam Lind

PVR 193

HR 9

AVG .282

3B Scott Rolen

PVR 186

HR 11

AVG .262

1B Lyle Overbay

PVR 222

HR 15

AVG .270

C Rod Barajas

PVR 264

HR 11

AVG .249

LF Travis Snider

PVR 181

HR 2

AVG .301

Projected Record:70-92

PVR=Player Value Ranking

AL East:Baltimore Orioles

4. Baltimore Orioles

2B Brian Roberts
PVR 34
HR 9
AVG .296

CF Adam Jones
PVR 129
HR 9

Matt Wieters will be a contestant for the

catcher job.

AVG .270

RF Nick Markakis
PVR 83
HR 20
AVG .306

1B Aubrey Huff
PVR 57
HR 32
AVG .304

3B Melvin Mora
PVR 97
HR 23
AVG .285

DH Luke Scott
PVR 166
HR 23
AVG .257

C Gregg Zaun
PVR 302
HR 6
AVG .237

LF Felix Pie
PVR 202
HR 1
AVG .241

SS Cesar Izturis
PVR 268
HR 1
AVG .263

Projected Record:74-88

PVR=Player Value Ranking

AL East:Boston Red Sox

" Big Papi" David Ortiz will need to be better this season.

3. Boston Red Sox

CF Jacoby Ellsbury
PVR 51
HR 9
AVG .280

2B Dustin Pedroia
PVR 10
HR 17
AVG .326

DH David Ortiz
PVR 29
HR 23
AVG .264

1B Kevin Youkilis
PVR 22
HR 29
AVG .312

RF J.D. Drew
PVR 102
HR 19
AVG .280

LF Jason Bay
PVR 53
HR 31
AVG .286

3B Mike Lowell
PVR 155
HR 17
AVG .274

SS Jed Lowrie
PVR 181
HR 2
AVG .258

C Jason Varitek
PVR 239
HR 13
AVG .220

Projected Record:88-74

PVR=Player Value Ranking

AL East:New York Yankees

CF Brett Gardner.

1. New York Yankees
Lineup:

SS Derek Jeter
PVR 47
HR 11
AVG .300

LF Johnny Damon
PVR 121
HR 17
AVG .303

1B Mark Teixeira
PVR 22
HR 33
AVG .308

3B Alex Rodriguez
PVR 4
HR 35
AVG .302

DH Hideki Matsui
PVR 112
HR 9
AVG .294

C Jorge Posada (injured)
PVR 125
HR 3
AVG .268

2B Robinson Cano
PVR 131
HR 14
AVG .271

RF Xavier Nady
PVR 133
HR 25
AVG .305

CF Brett Gardner
PVR 199
HR 0
AVG .228

Projected Record:97-65

PVR=Player Value Ranking