The AL East is all about the "Holy War" and the inevitable Boston-New York ALCS. But what about the unheralded, underdog contenders in the AL East?
Not the Orioles, bloated with yet another binge of over-aged free agents, nor the perennial basement-dwelling Devil Rays. I speak of the Toronto Blue Jays, the one team that can unseat the metaphorical Greeks and Trojans. Blue Jays GM JP Ricciardi, a stats-friendly "Moneyball" disciple, has resurrected a formerly moribund franchise.
The Blue Jays already possess two of the five best players in the American League. Carlos Delgado, the slugging first baseman, led the AL in OPS, outpacing the better-known A-Rod and Manny. Their ace, Roy Halladay, won last year's Cy Young award and, unlike certain pitchers (cough, cough, Pedro, cough), Halladay is exceptionally durable, leading the league in innings pitched by a wide margin.
The supporting cast can't match the All-Star flash of New York or Boston, but compares favorably to the rest of the league. Vernon Wells is both a fine defensive center fielder and the best young hitter in the American League. 3B Eric Hinske and DH Josh Phelps are one year removed from star rookie seasons. Each was hindered by injuries in 2003, but both players are now healthy and entering their prime.
Miguel Batista, signed as a free agent this winter, is the best pitcher you've never heard of. Overshadowed by rotation-mates Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling, Batista has posted a 3.76 ERA since 2001 for the Diamondbacks. Second baseman Orlando Hudson is no star, but young and far superior to the stiffs manning the position in Boston and New York.
Like all old teams, the Yankees and Red Sox will feel the ravages of age and decay, but there is a strong chance for rapid improvement from the youthful Blue Jays. Boston and especially New York are built around aging players, more vulnerable to injury or sudden decline.
Unsurprisingly, Trot Nixon and Nomar Garciaparra, both recently turned 30, are already felled by injury. In contrast, with the exception of 32 year-old Carlos Delgado, the opening-day lineup for Toronto will all be on the right side of 30.
Even if the Blue Jays fail to upset their juggernaut rivals in this upcoming season, their ascent to the top of the division remains all but inevitable. The Yankees and Red Sox farm systems are a wasteland, with all worthwhile prospects shed as trade fodder in the arms race between the rivals.
Meanwhile, GM Ricciardi and his Blue Jays have been accumulating minor league talent, building for the day when Rome falls. Simply put: The Blue Jays' best seven prospects are superior to any minor leaguer in either the Yankees or Red Sox organizations, and are among the top 50 in all of baseball. Enjoy the "Holy War" now, because soon, Boston and New York will be playing for second place.
