2008 Preview: AL East Division

The Boston Red Sox appear strong favorites to repeat as AL East champions with a chance at another World Series run. The Tampa Bay Rays are better, but not ready to contend. The Toronto Blue Jays could move up, while the Baltimore Orioles likely will need lots of luck to avoid 100 losses. The New York Yankees? Plenty of sticks, shaky pitching ... and no Joe Torre in the dugout. Not good enough.

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BALTIMORE ORIOLES
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It will be critical and difficult for the Orioles to come up with a starting rotation after trading their best pitcher, Erik Bedard, to the Mariners. The top two projected starters won a combined 16 games last season, and one, Daniel Cabrera, remains a gigantic question mark because of his lack of control and consistency. The other three form a mountain of inexperience with a combined 3-5 record, which leaves the possibility for a lot of changes before Opening Day. The bullpen is in similar limbo, which means a lot of work for pitching coach Rick Krantz.
One of the major factors in the Orioles' nightmarish 2007 was their inability to throw the ball over the plate. They led the majors by issuing 696 walks, 160.5 above the average of 635.5 for the 30 major league teams and 35 more than any other team. During the offseason, manager Dave Trembley talked about the importance of throwing strikes. Hoping to cure the control malady, the Orioles hired Rick Kranitz, who spent more than two decades in the Cubs organization, from the Florida Marlins to serve as the pitching coach.
ARRIVALS: CF Adam Jones and LHP George Sherrill (trade with Mariners), RHP Roberto Novoa (waivers from Cubs), C Guillermo Quiroz (free agent from Rangers), OF Luke Scott, LHP Troy Patton and RHPs Matt Albers and Dennis Sarfate (trade with Astros), RHP Greg Aquino (waivers from Brewers), OF Chris Roberson (purchased from Phillies), RHP Lance Cormier (free agent from Braves), RHP Steve Trachsel (free agent from Cubs).
DEPARTURES: LHP Erik Bedard (trade to Mariners), SS Miguel Tejada (trade to Astros), RHP Kris Benson (free agent to Phillies), C Paul Bako and CF Corey Patterson (non-tendered).
PROJECTED ROTATION:
1. RHP Jeremy Guthrie
2. RHP Daniel Cabrera
3. LHP Adam Loewen
4. LHP Troy Patton
5. LHP Garrett Olson
Guthrie, the Indians' first-round pick in 2002 and now the Orioles' likely No. 1, pitched better than his 7-5 record would indicate -- a 3.70 ERA in 175 1/3 innings -- but 2007 was his rookie season. Cabrera led the league with 18 losses and 108 walks, but his potential gives him a spot that is his to lose. Adam Loewen was out for the season after six starts but could be a key man if he comes back strong from surgery for a stress fracture in his left elbow. There are numerous possibilities for the other spots. Patton, acquired from the Astros, and Olson, who has climbed through the Orioles' organization, are considered the best of the group that includes RHP Matt Albers, another who came from the Astros, and RHPs Hayden Penn and Brian Burres. Also in the mix is veteran RHP Steve Trachsel, in camp on a minor league contract.
PROJECTED BULLPEN:
LHP George Sherrill (closer)
RHP Chad Bradford
LHP Jamie Walker
RHP Lance Cormier
RHP Greg Aquino
RHP Dennis Sarfate
Chad Bradford and Jamie Walker are the lone returnees because closer Chris Ray and setup man Danys Baez will sit out all or most of the season after having Tommy John surgery. The remaining relievers have been collected from free agent signings, off the waiver wire and through trades, which means there probably will be a lot of competition for the jobs. Brian Burres could be the long man, and RHPs Jim Hoey, ex-Indian Fernando Cabrera and Rocky Cherry also hope to earn a spot along with longshots Randor Bierd, a Rule 5 pick from the Tigers, and Bob McCrory. The group that emerges could prove to be a decent unit with more potential waiting to be called up from the minor leagues.
PROJECTED LINEUP:
1. 2B Brian Roberts
2. 3B Melvin Mora
3. RF Nick Markakis
4. DH Aubrey Huff
5. C Ramon Hernandez
6. LF Luke Scott
7. 1B Kevin Millar
8. CF Adam Jones
9. SS Luis Hernandez
There could be several changes if Roberts is traded, as expected, but for now Roberts and perhaps Melvin Mora will be at the top and Luis Hernandez and Adam Jones will be at the bottom of the lineup. Nick Markakis is a sure bet at No. 3, but the four, five, six and seven spots are interchangeable depending on production. That group will include Aubrey Huff, Luke Scott, Kevin Millar and Ramon Hernandez. The lack of power is an ongoing problem in the organization. The Orioles hope that Markakis can continue to hit the long ball and that Scott, who came from the Astros, a rejuvenated Hernandez and Huff and Millar can step up. Jay Gibbons will get a chance to share the designated hitter role with Huff and Millar.
PROJECTED RESERVES:
OF Jay Payton
INF Scott Moore
INF Brandon Fahey
C Guillermo Quiroz
OF Freddie Bynum
OF Tike Redman
Picking the right players for the bench will be difficult. There will be some speed but little power among the reserves. The extra outfielders -- Jay Payton, Tike Redman and Freddie Bynum -- could be productive and would provide some speed. Scott Moore could be a key backup as a pinch hitter. As has been the case for several seasons, backup catcher Guillermo Quiroz offers little with the bat, which keeps the pressure on to have a slowing Hernandez behind the plate too often. TOP ROOKIES:
LHP Garrett Olson, who got his first taste of the majors while going 1-3 in seven starts in 2007, could lean on that limited experience to step up as a regular in the rotation. LHP Troy Patton, acquired from the Astros in the trade for Miguel Tejada, was one of the gems of the Houston organization despite appearing in only three games and losing his only two late season starts last year.
MEDICAL WATCH: 1B/DH Aubrey Huff (offseason hernia surgery) is making slow progress. ... RHP Chris Ray (Tommy John surgery in August) might miss all of the 2008 Season. ... RHP Danys Baez (Tommy John surgery in September) likely will miss the entire 2008 season. ... LHP Troy Patton (sore left shoulder) might have a labrum tear that could require surgery.

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BOSTON RED SOX
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The Red Sox have virtually the same 25-man roster that won the 2007 World Series and seem primed for another run at their third trophy in five years. The center-field competition between Jacoby Ellsbury and ex-Indian Coco Crisp bears watching. Ellsbury was impressive during his September audition and performed again in the postseason spotlight. He figures to win the starting job if he has a solid spring. Crisp isn't likely to step aside and a fierce competition for the spot could develop.
The Sox will have to do without RHP Curt Schilling for at least half of their season, and that could mean greater contributions from LHP Jon Lester and RHP Clay Buchholz. Former Indians RHP Bartolo Colon was signed to a minor league free agent deal and is aiming to earn a rotation spot. Colon could make up to $7 million this season if he hits all of his incentives but will need to prove he's healthy after back and elbow injuries dogged him last season.
ARRIVALS: 1B Sean Casey (free agent from Tigers), RHP David Aardsma (trade with White Sox), RHP Danny Kolb (free agent from Pirates), RHP Bartolo Colon (free agent from Angels).
DEPARTURES: RHP Eric Gagne (free agent to Brewers), 1B Eric Hinske (free agent to Rays).
PROJECTED ROTATION:
1. RHP Josh Beckett
2. RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka
3. RHP Tim Wakefield
4. LHP Jon Lester
5. RHP Clay Buchholz
The injury to Curt Schilling requires a bit more reliance on the younger arms at the back end of the rotation, but both Lester and Buchholz showed moments of brilliance last season. Beckett should be a perennial Cy Young Award contender and is among the best pitchers in all of baseball. Expect Matsuzaka to make a leap forward as he regains the feel for his off-speed stuff and is able to draw on a year of experience in the major leagues. If Wakefield can remain healthy, he will be a vital cog in the middle of the Sox starting staff. RHP Julian Tavarez and RHP Kyle Snyder could also figure into the starting rotation mix if any of the kiddie corps isn't ready to go when camp breaks. RHP Bartolo Colon should compete with Buchholz for a starting spot.
PROJECTED BULLPEN:
RHP Jonathan Papelbon (closer)
LHP Hideki Okajima
RHP Mike Timlin
RHP Manny Delcarmen
RHP Julian Tavarez
LHP Javier Lopez
Papelbon ties everything together at the back end of the bullpen, and Sox officials hope that Okajima can duplicate his miraculous rookie season as a lights-out setup man. Timlin and Tavarez will provide experience and arms still capable of meaningful innings. Young pitchers like Delcarmen and Lopez are being looked upon for continued improvement, and Delcarmen could be a key if Okajima fades in his eighth-inning role.
PROJECTED LINEUP:
1. CF Jacoby Ellsbury
2. 2B Dustin Pedroia
3. DH David Ortiz
4. LF Manny Ramirez
5. 3B Mike Lowell
6. RF J.D. Drew
7. 1B Kevin Youkilis
8. C Jason Varitek
9. SS Julio Lugo
The lineup is identical to the one penciled in during the World Series games at Fenway Park and perfectly illustrates the stunning lack of change this season. Expect Ortiz and Ramirez to have big seasons and Drew and Lugo to return to their normal career numbers -- the latter two both were shaky in their first year in Boston. A great deal of the offense's health relies upon Ellsbury and Pedroia's ability to provide runners on base for the middle of the lineup to drive in.
PROJECTED RESERVES:
C Doug Mirabelli
1B Sean Casey
SS Alex Cora
OF Coco Crisp
OF Bobby Kielty
The bench could potentially be a giant strength for the Sox this season with Mirabelli continuing his stellar defensive work with RHP Tim Wakefield, Casey providing pop and Crisp using his speed. Kielty will be an excellent right-handed hitting complement to J.D. Drew in right field, and Cora continues to be among the best utility players in the major leagues.
TOP ROOKIES:
RHP Clay Buchholz showed flashes of dominance during his no-hit performance against the Baltimore Orioles on Sept. 1 and will be expected to step into Boston's starting rotation now that Curt Schilling is out. OF Jacoby Ellsbury retains his rookie status despite hitting .353 in September and starring for the Sox during the World Series. Ellsbury could be an electric performer at the top of Boston's lineup.
MEDICAL WATCH: RHP Curt Schilling (right shoulder) began experiencing discomfort in the offseason and will begin a regimen of rest and then muscle-strengthening around the shoulder. Schilling is expected to be out until the All-Star break, and his career could be in jeopardy.
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NEW YORK YANKEES
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Instead of spending $150 million and trading a gaggle of talented arms, such as RHP Phil Hughes or RHP Ian Kennedy, in a deal for LHP Johan Santana, the Yankees held on to their young guns. Now, much will be expected from Hughes, Kennedy and RHP Joba Chamberlain. With flux in the setup position and no situational lefty, there's much pressure on Mariano Rivera to perform. But there's still an All-Star at every field position.
Chamberlain will train as a starter, but may begin the season out of the bullpen because of his innings limitation (around 150 total). RHP Mike Mussina, 39, could be in for a fight for the No. 5 starter's job against Kennedy, 23. That could give the Yankees a very youthful starting rotation. RHP Kyle Farnsworth enters as the main setup reliever for closer Mariano Rivera, but there are plenty of setup roles available. First base has the only position battle, with Jason Giambi ahead of a field that includes switch-hitter Wilson Betemit and right-handed hitters Morgan Ensberg, Jason Lane and Shelley Duncan.
RHP Chien-Ming Wang is lined up to start Opening Day against the Blue Jays, and he's set to unveil a new part of his repertoire -- an improved Changeup. Though Wang always had the pitch in his bag, he rarely used it during his back-to-back 19-win seasons in 2006 and 2007. But Wang was hit hard last October during the Division Series. The Indians beat him twice, and Wang -- who lasted a total of only 5 2/3 innings over the two starts -- posted a 19.06 ERA. "As a pitcher, I don't care who you are. You have to change speeds," Yankees first-year pitching coach Dave Eiland said.
ARRIVALS: RHP LaTroy Hawkins (free agent from Rockies), INF Morgan Ensberg and INF Jason Lane (free agents from Padres), RHP Jonathan Albaladejo (trade from Nationals), RHP Scott Strickland, INF Chris Woodward, INF Bernie Castro and INF Nick Green (non-roster invitees).
DEPARTURES: RHP Luis Vizcaino (free agent to Rockies), RHP Roger Clemens (free agent, unsigned), LHP Ron Villone (free agent to Cardinals), 1B Doug Mientkiewicz (free agent to Pirates), RHP Tyler Clippard (trade to Nationals), INF Andy Phillips (released, signed with Reds).
PROJECTED ROTATION:
1. LHP Andy Pettitte
2. RHP Chien-Ming Wang
3. RHP Phil Hughes
4. RHP Joba Chamberlain
5. RHP Mike Mussina
Without a true ace, the club will rely heavily on Pettitte and Wang to repeat past performances. If Mussina isn't reliable, RHP Ian Kennedy could take his place. Chamberlain will be limited to about 150 innings and is expected to see some time in the bullpen. There's more starting depth with talented youngsters in RHP Jeff Karstens, RHP Jeff Marquez and LHP Chase Wright. This should be the first full year from Hughes, who dealt with ankle and hamstring issues last season.
PROJECTED BULLPEN:
RHP Mariano Rivera (closer)
RHP Kyle Farnsworth
RHP Ross Ohlendorf
RHP Jose Veras
RHP LaTroy Hawkins
RHP Brian Bruney
The club will attempt to limit Rivera to the ninth inning exclusively, though it might be a challenge without Chamberlain as his main bridge. Farnsworth has been largely unreliable and injury prone, and much could be asked of the inexperienced -- but talented -- Ohlendorf and Veras. Hawkins is reliable and experienced, but he won't replace RHP Luis Vizcaino's 77 appearances and he's not a late inning option. Bruney has been prone to walks, so Jonathan Albaladejo, 25, and Edwar Ramirez, 27, could get a shot at significant innings. Without a situational lefty, the bullpen is major question.
PROJECTED LINEUP:
1. LF Johnny Damon
2. SS Derek Jeter
3. RF Bobby Abreu
4. 3B Alex Rodriguez
5. DH Hideki Matsui
6. C Jorge Posada
7. 1B Jason Giambi
8. 2B Robinson Cano
9. CF Melky Cabrera
Hard to believe that a potential .300/30-homer hitter could be projected to bat eighth, but Cano might be able to climb to sixth or seventh this year. With Damon, Abreu, Matsui, Giambi and Cano, this is a heavily left-handed dominant lineup, susceptible to unfavorable late inning relief matchups. Giambi's playing time will depend on his health and his ability to play defense now that Matsui is expected to serve as a full-time DH and Damon is moved to left. It's hard to expect Posada to duplicate last year (.338, 20, 90), but Cabrera is gaining more confidence and discipline at the plate.
PROJECTED RESERVES:
C Jose Molina
INF Wilson Betemit
INF Nick Green
OF Shelley Duncan
INF Morgan Ensberg
Molina is the sturdy defensive receiver (and decent hitter) the club has always needed in a backup. A switch-hitter, Betemit could see more time at first base, as could Duncan -- though he might be an occasional surrogate for Damon. Green will battle middle infielders Alberto Gonzalez and Bernie Castro for that spot, but Betemit also serves as a backup at short and third. Right-handed hitters Jason Lane and Chris Woodward could compete with Ensberg, who could provide the most experienced right-handed bat off the bench.
TOP ROOKIES:
After starting the season at Class A, RHP Ian Kennedy, 23, went 1-0 with a 1.89 ERA and held opponents to a .191 batting average in three starts as RHP Mike Mussina's late season replacement. Kennedy could start the season in the rotation if RHP Joba Chamberlain is in the bullpen, or he could beat out Mussina for the No. 5 spot. RHP Alan Horne, a first-round pick by the Indians a few years ago who didn't sign with Cleveland, went 12-4 with a 3.11 ERA in 27 starts at Class AA Trenton. He had 165 strikeouts and 57 walks in 153 1/3 innings and should start the year at Class AAA this year -- though he could be summoned to the Yankees as a replacement starter or in relief.
MEDICAL WATCH: RHP Carl Pavano (Tommy John surgery in June 2007) is hopeful of returning to the majors by July, though the Yankees certainly aren't counting on their injury-prone, free agent bust. He's in the last year of his contract.

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TAMPA BAY RAYS
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Having made big changes throughout the winter -- name, colors, uniforms, roster, outlook -- the Rays will focus on getting better at the little things. Manager Joe Maddon has identified several areas of interest -- baserunning, situational hitting, strike-throwing and overall defense. The team has spent considerable time talking about secondary leads and the responsibilities of the trail runner. "That's one of our priorities, to be considered the best baserunning team in either league," Maddon said. "And I really want us to get to that point."
Rays officials said they were committed to making their team better and followed it up with a significant payroll increase, from $24 million on Opening Day last season to more than $40 million, and a series of acquisitions to address their biggest needs, adding a closer (Troy Percival), left-handed hitter (Cliff Floyd), No. 3 starter (Matt Garza) and starting shortstop (Jason Bartlett). But they still have a number of question marks and at best are probably a .500 team.
The two most watched people in spring training will be OF Rocco Baldelli and 3B Evan Longoria -- Baldelli is trying to come back from lingering hamstring injuries that limited him to 35 games last season and could be an impact player if healthy; Longoria is an elite prospect hoping to make the Opening Day roster.
1B Carlos Pena is confident the pressure of trying to match his breakout 2007 season of 46 homers and 121 RBIs won't affect him this year. That doesn't mean he won't reflect on it, either. "It will be used as a source of energy and a source of confidence," Pena said. "I can look back and say it is possible."
ARRIVALS: RHP Troy Percival (free agent from Cardinals), RHP Matt Garza and SS Jason Bartlett (trade with Twins), OF Cliff Floyd (free agent from Cubs), LHP Trever Miller (free agent from Astros), LHP Kurt Birkins (waivers from Orioles), INF Willy Aybar (trade from Braves), INF/OF Eric Hinske (free agent from Red Sox), RHP Scott Munter (free agent from Giants), C Mike DiFelice (free agent from Mets), LHP Brian Anderson (free agent from Royals), INF Andy Cannizaro (free agent from Yankees).
DEPARTURES: RHP Brian Stokes (trade to Mets), OF Delmon Young and INF Brendan Harris (trade to Twins), OF Elijah Dukes (trade to Nationals), INF Josh Wilson (waivers to Pirates), RHP Shawn Camp (free agent to Blue Jays), LHP Jeff Ridgway (trade to Braves), INF Greg Norton (free agent to Mariners), C Raul Casanova (free agent to Mets), LHP Jon Switzer (free agent to Red Sox).
PROJECTED ROTATION:
1. LHP Scott Kazmir
2. RHP James Shields
3. RHP Matt Garza
4. RHP Andy Sonnanstine
5. RHP Edwin Jackson
The addition of Garza gives the Rays three potential frontline starters all under 27 and all under team control for at least three seasons, a trio many teams would envy. The question is how big the dropoff will be to the last two spots, whether it's the incumbents listed above or challengers RHP Jason Hammel, LHP J.P Howell and RHP Jeff Niemann. Of those three, Niemann has the most upside but might be the least ready.
PROJECTED BULLPEN:
RHP Troy Percival (closer)
RHP Al Reyes
RHP Dan Wheeler
RHP Gary Glover
LHP Trever Miller
RHP Grant Balfour
RHP Jason Hammel
The Rays consider the signing of Percival to pay off in two ways -- giving them a proven veteran to handle the closer's role, and allowing all their returning relievers to slide into a lesser role. Realistically, Percival, Reyes, Wheeler, Glover and Miller are on the team, leaving only two spots to be decided among more than a half-dozen candidates, with RHP Scott Dohmann and RHP Juan Salas probably next in line after Balfour and Hammel. If the Rays opt for another lefty, Kurt Birkins or converted starter J.P. Howell could have a chance.
PROJECTED LINEUP:
1. 2B Akinori Iwamura
2. LF Carl Crawford
3. 1B Carlos Pena
4. CF B.J. Upton
5. DH Rocco Baldelli
6. RF Jonny Gomes or Cliff Floyd
7. 3B Willy Aybar
8. C Dioner Navarro
9. SS Jason Bartlett
Manager Joe Maddon settled on the unorthodox structure midway though last season, with the three left-handers at the top, but stuck with it and saw the payoff when Upton put up big numbers and Pena had a remarkable, record-setting season. Maddon plans to keep the top four the same and seems settled on Navarro and Bartlett at the bottom. That leaves three middle spots undetermined. A lot depends on whether Baldelli is healthy enough to play regularly and whether rookie Evan Longoria makes the Opening Day roster, sending Aybar to the bench. Another issue to watch is how Iwamura handles the move from second base to third.
PROJECTED RESERVES:
C Shawn Riggans
OF Jonny Gomes or Cliff Floyd
INF Ben Zobrist
INF/OF Joel Guzman
The health of Rocco Baldelli will have a big impact on the makeup of the bench; the Rays might have to consider carrying a sixth outfielder if he is limited to DH duties. Similarly, if rookie 3B Evan Longoria makes the team, the Rays could carry Aybar as a super utility type and carry an extra bat, such as Eric Hinske, who will be in camp on a minor league deal. The backup catcher's job is somewhat wide open, with Riggans the slight frontrunner over two veterans in camp on minor league deals, Mike DiFelice, who was an original Ray, and Josh Paul, a Joe Maddon favorite who had the job the last two seasons when healthy.
TOP ROOKIES:
3B Evan Longoria is going to be an impact player in the major leagues -- the only question seems to be whether he will be on the Opening Day roster or have to spend a few months in the minors even though he has been successful (223 hits, including 44 homers, in 198 minor league games with a .934 OPS). RHP Jeff Niemann was once considered for future greatness, but a series of injuries and slow progress through the minors (17-13, 3.58, 249 K in 239 IP in three seasons) has dimmed his star -- though he could still be a contributing member of the rotation.
MEDICAL WATCH: LHP Scott Kazmir (strained left elbow) was hurt while warming up for the Rays' intrasquad game on Feb. 26. He says he still expects to pitch the season opener, but team officials indicated that is too ambitious. ... OF/DH Rocco Baldelli (hamstrings) is taking it slowly with the hope of getting to Opening Day injury-free. ... C Hector Gimenez (shoulder surgery in March 2007) is being watched closely during the first few weeks of spring training. ... LHP Brian Anderson (Tommy John surgery in July 2006) is on a restricted schedule early in spring training but showing impressive signs of progress.

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TORONTO BLUE JAYS
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The big offseason move was the trade with the Cardinals that brought in Scott Rolen in exchange for Troy Glaus. Rolen has had issues with his left shoulder, but if healthy he will provide better defense than Glaus, who was hampered by back and foot problems. In a surprise move, the Jays signed free agent SS David Eckstein after awarding SS John McDonald with a two-year contract in September. C Rod Barajas also arrives as the backup to Gregg Zaun a year after reneging on a contract he agreed to in 2007.
The makeup of the bullpen will be determined by the recovery of LHP B.J. Ryan from "Tommy John" surgery. CF Vernon Wells is a main key in the Jays attack and needs to bounce back after an unproductive 2007 season caused by a torn labrum in his right shoulder.
One question facing manager John Gibbons is how his regular batting order will shape up. Where will he bat RF Alex Rios? Should he be at the top of the lineup to take advantage of his speed, or in the middle of the order to drive in runs? Rios, if he had a vote, appears lean toward the latter. He shrugs when asked where he prefers to hit, though he seemed to hint that he enjoys occupying a spot in the heart of the order. "Hitting is hitting anywhere in the lineup," he said. "Obviously, you have a better chance to drive in more runs when you're not hitting first, leading off. When you hit third or fourth, you get more chances to get more RBIs, but I don't mind."
ARRIVALS: 3B Scott Rolen (trade with Cardinals), SS David Eckstein (free agent from Cardinals), C Rod Barajas (free agent from Phillies), OF Buck Coats (trade with Reds), INF Marco Scutaro (trade with Athletics), RHP Shawn Camp (free agent from Rays), LHP John Parrish (free agent from Mariners), INF Pedro Lopez (waivers from Reds), RHP Lance Carter (free agent from Japan).
DEPARTURES: RHP Josh Towers (free agent to Rockies), LHP Joe Kennedy (died of heart failure), 3B Troy Glaus (trade to St. Louis), INF Ray Olmedo (waivers to Pirates), OF John-Ford Griffin (released), RHP Lee Gronkiewicz (free agent to Red Sox), INF Ryan Roberts (free agent to Rangers).
PROJECTED ROTATION:
1. RHP Roy Halladay
2. RHP A.J. Burnett
3. RHP Dustin McGowan
4. RHP Shaun Marcum
5. RHP Jesse Litsch
The lone open spot in the rotation is No. 5 with Litsch expected to emerge with the job in a three-way battle with RHP Casey Janssen and LHP Gustavo Chacin. Chacin, who is recovering from shoulder surgery, figures to start at Class AAA Syracuse; Janssen would be shifted back to the bullpen if LHP B.J. Ryan, the closer, needs more time to recover from "Tommy John" surgery. In 2007, both McGowan and Marcum made giant strides and will be counted on to continue to improve. Litsch made the jump last year from Class AA and was 7-9 with a 3.81 ERA in 20 starts.
PROJECTED BULLPEN:
RHP Jeremy Accardo (closer)
LHP Scott Downs
RHP Casey Janssen
RHP Brian Wolfe
RHP Jason Frasor
LHP Brian Tallet
RHP Brandon League
While the above is the likely bullpen at the start of the season, the roles will change dramatically when B.J. Ryan returns from "Tommy John" surgery to reclaim the closer role. In that scenario, Accardo moves to a setup role and the others are bumped down a peg. The odd man out then figures to be Wolfe, who has options, Frasor or League.
PROJECTED LINEUP:
1. SS David Eckstein
2. 1B Lyle Overbay
3. CF Vernon Wells
4. DH Frank Thomas
5. 3B Scott Rolen
6. RF Alex Rios
7. LF Matt Stairs
8. C Gregg Zaun
9. 2B Aaron Hill
This is the lineup against right-handed hitters. Manager John Gibbons will use Reed Johnson in LF and Rod Barajas at C against left-handers. In that case, Johnson will bat second and Overbay will be dropped to No. 7. Barajas will bat eighth. Injuries made a mess of the lineup in 2007, and Gibbons is looking for a return to health and stability in 2008. A lot of the Jays' success will center around a return to form by Wells, who because of a bad shoulder hit just .245 with 16 homers and 80 RBI in 2007.
PROJECTED RESERVES:
C Rod Barajas
INF Marco Scutaro
INF John McDonald
LF Reed Johnson
Rod Barajas, who bats right, will form a platoon with Gregg Zaun and get the start against left-handers. He will also see action against teams that can run, such as Tampa Bay. Johnson, who bats right, is part of a platoon in left with veteran Matt Stairs. Johnson will start against left-handers and will see more action depending on how he bounces back after an injury-plagued (back surgery) 2007. McDonald figures to get two starts per week at shortstop and should be in the lineup in all of Roy Halladay's starts.
TOP ROOKIES:
LHP David Purcey was restricted to 11 starts at Class AA New Hampshire because of elbow problems but was impressive in the Arizona Fall League. A former No. 1 pick (2004), Purcey is expected to make giant strides this season. C Roninzon Diaz hit .316 at Class AA and .338 in 19 games at Class AAA Syracuse and is the Jays' catcher of the future.
MEDICAL WATCH: LHP B.J. Ryan (Tommy John elbow surgery in April 2007) is expected to be ready sometime before June at worst and mid-April at best.