The biggest off-season talk so far in the AL East has clearly been about the Red Sox big moves. Around the division, beyond Boston, the Yankees have made little improvement from last year, losing out on Cliff Lee, and signing Rafael Soriano, all while waiting on Andy Pettitte.
As of recent, the Yankees have been most active, in signing veteran pitchers Mark Prior, Bartolo Colon, and Freddy Garcia, all to minor league deals. According to sources, Pettitte has a $12M offer waiting for him, if he decides to return for another year.
The Rays have now countered their mostly young roster, by adding veterans Johnny Damon, and Manny Ramirez. Damon last played for Detroit in 2010, and Ramirez split the season between Los Angeles and Chicago. They both played in Boston, and as most remember, were apart of the historic 2004 team.
Clearly, this piece is not to discuss the moves of the AL East, but to preview the 2011 Tampa Bay Rays, from player projections, to possible impact rookies, and overall record and division finish.
To see my complete preview and projections for all the AL East teams, feel free to become a fan as they’ll all be written soon