MLBPly_ContendersAL.page

American League Contenders                                                            By Daniel Paulling
(East)
New York Yankees
Strengths: The Yankees offense has been living up to its name of the Bronx Bombers. Jason Giambi (28 homers) and Alfonso Soriano (28 homers) have been mashing the ball with authority. Robin Ventura has hit 23 homers, and most every other starter in the Yankees lineup has double-digit figures in terms of homers.
Weaknesses: The Yankees starting rotation has been weak. Roger Clemens spent three weeks on the DL, but looked strong against the Royals (but then again, who doesn't?) pitching seven strong innings. Andy Pettitte has also spent some time on the DL with an inflamed elbow, and has been pitching with a tired arm. Mike Mussina's ERA is hovering around the 4.90 mark. It is rumored that David Wells can't even sit down between innings, due to a bad back. Orlando Hernandez is always an injury risk and Jeff Weaver has been pitching very ineffectively so far.
Who needs to step up? Mike Mussina and Roger Clemens need to start pitching like their October track records say. The back-end of the rotation (Wells and Hernandez) could also use a slight improvement.
What to expect? The Yankees will probably win it all this year.

Boston Red Sox
Strengths: The Boston Red Sox's 1-2 punch of Derek Lowe and Pedro Martinez is leading the league in ERA. The Sox also have a 36-10 record against the AL East, best in the division.
Weaknesses: The back end of the rotation has been nothing but a revolving door with John Burkett, Casey Fossum, Tim Wakefield, Rolando Arrojo and Frank Castillo all taking turns. The offense (other then Nomar, Manny and Floyd) has been weak.
Who needs to step up? John Burkett needs to regain his form from last year, with Casey Fossum and Frank Castillo taking charge of the 4-5 spots. Wakefield's knuckleball belongs in the ?pen, where he can pitch day after day. Arrojo has also done some good work from the 'pen this season.
What to expect? The Curse of the Bambino still lives, and I don't think this is the season that they will break it.
(Central)
Minnesota Twins
Strengths: The Twins have been hitting the long ball as of late. Torii Hunter is an MVP candidate with his stellar defense (did you see his catch robbing Bonds of a home run in the All Star game? He does that every day.) and improved offense. Jacque Jones has been hitting with power as well as David Ortiz, though the team looks to be dismantled after this season due to financial concerns with arbitration to Johan Santana, Doug Mientkiewicz, Torii Hunter, David Ortiz and Jacque Jones. The bullpen has been outstanding as well.
Weaknesses: The Twins' starting rotation has been decimated due to injuries. Eric Milton, Joe Mays and Brad Radke have all spent time on the DL, but the Twins continue to win.
Who needs to step up? Luis Rivas and Cristian Guzman need to regain their speedy forms and begin stealing more bases with authority. Corey Koskie hasn't had his power stroke either. The starting rotation needs to get back together as well.
What to expect? If the Twins can't get their starting rotation all lined up, then they're gonna be in trouble for the postseason.
(West)
Seattle Mariners
Strengths: The Mariners have received very solid performances from Freddy Garcia and Jamie Moyer. Joel Piniero has been one of the top number three men in the Major leagues. Ichiro Suzuki is continuing to hit and Sasaki is continuing to save games at an amazing pace.
Weaknesses: James Baldwin and John Halama have pitched effectively, but could use some improvement. Jeff Nelson and Arthur Rhodes have been used a lot and need some rest to remain strong for the postseason. Bret Boone and Mike Cameron have not been hitting the way the way they did last season.
Who needs to step up? Bret Boone, Mike Cameron, and Jeff Cirillo need to begin hitting for more power so the Mariners' lineup can produce enough offense to offset a weak starting rotation. The back-end of the rotation and bullpen could use improvement as well.
What to expect? The Mariners just don't have the starting pitching to get past a team like the A's or Yankees or Red Sox in the postseason. They could manage to win one series, perhaps two, but I doubt three.

Oakland A's
Strengths: The A's have a formidable 1-2 punch in Mark Mulder and Barry Zito, but Tim Hudson has been pitching ineffectively as of late and Ted Lilly has been injured and will stay out until September. Aaron Harang has filled in nicely in the number five spot of the rotation.
Weaknesses: Tim Hudson's pitching hasn't been as good as it should be for this time of the year. Cory Lidle is way off the mark he set for himself last season. The A's have also been lacking power at the plate with the absence of Jason Giambi in the number three spot.
Who needs to step up? David Justice, Jermaine Dye, Eric Chavez and Scott Hatteberg all need to begin hitting for more power. If the A's lineup can begin producing and offset the loss of Giambi, then they can manage to do something. Tim Hudson needs to regain the form that he is known for.
What to expect? Probably another early exit in the first round from the Yankees. The A's need to get past the first round and then they might win another series, and make it to the World Series.

Anaheim Angels
Strengths: The Angels have had solid pitching from Jarrod Washburn and Ramon Ortiz, but Aaron Sele and Kevin Appier need to turn things around. John Lackey has been a good person to have at the back-end of the rotation. Weaknesses: Not being able to have a solid bullpen. Troy Percival has been injured, as has Al Levine and Dennis Cook. The Angels should've kept Shigetoshi Hasegawa to be the left-handed setup man they could really use right now. The lineup needs to continue to produce especially Darrin Erstad.
Who needs to step up? Aaron Sele and Kevin Appier need to pitch like the proven veterans they are. Darrin Erstad needs to be able to lead the offense and Troy Glaus needs to regain his 40-homer power stroke.
What to expect? Probably not enough pitching to get far in the postseason.