Extra Innings

New Faces: A.L. East

Arguably, the A.L. East will come down to the Yankees or Red Sox. Regardless how well the Orioles, Devil Rays or Blue Jays do they will always be over shadowed by the Yanks and Sox. In years previous, the Red Sox and Yankees were highly involved in trades and free-agent signings. In 2008, both were able to re-sign their All-Stars and did not make a splash in the off season. The season has yet to start, but both at any day could change the complexion of their teams. Both are left off this article, but can be added if any transactions occur from now, until opening day.

Baltimore Orioles

OF Adam Jones:

One of the main ingredients of the trade that sent LHP Eric Bedard packing to the northeast will have an opportunity to start in Baltimore. Last year, Jay Payton started and will challenge the rookie for playing time. However, the Orioles are clearing in a rebuilding mode a do not be surprise if the Orioles trade Payton that will pave the way for Jones to play everyday.

Fantasy Analysis:

Jones has spent the majority of his career in the minors, yet has impressive numbers. The rare 5-tool player, Jones will benefit by playing in Camden Yards and be able to show all of his talents. He has a career batting average of .291 and an OBP of .350. He has a career SLUG% of .476, which shows his power and in 2007 he had a career high 25 home runs in only 101 games. Look for him in A.L. only leagues as a potential sleeper.

Tampa Bay Devil Rays

SP Matt Garza:

One of the biggest trades in the off season saw two young outstanding players change homes. The two main players involved in the trade were SP Matt Garza going to Tampa and Delmon Young going to Minnesota. Garza will be penciled in as the number 3 starter, behind proven starter LHP Scott Kazmir and breakout star of last year, RHP James Shields.

Fantasy Analysis:

In 15 starts last year with Minnesota, Garza was 5-7 with a 3.78 ERA. He pitched 81 innings and only walked 32 batters, while striking out 66. All 15 starts last year was a quality start and yet he struggled pitching at home. He went 1-5 and had a 5.25 ERA. In only 36 innings he gave up 21 runs. Nevertheless, he was a completely different player away from the dome. He was 4-2 with a 2.49 ERA. In 47 innings he only allowed 12 runs. He is a very interesting player on draft day that should be considered a sleeper on draft day. Moving to Tampa will hurt his win/lose record, but he still is a quality arm worth owning on draft day.

Toronto Blue Jays

3B Scott Rolen:

He has missed a combined 176 games over the last 3 years, an average of almost 60 games per year. When healthy, Rolen is a rare player that has the ability to play well offensively and defensively. The five-time All-Star and seven-time Gold Glover will switch leagues in 2008. How will Rolen adjust to the American League?

Fantasy Analysis:

Health is his biggest issue, yet at the 3B position there is plenty of depth in fantasy. He is an injury-risk sleeper because of his ability to produce when healthy. Switching to the A.L. will benefit Rolen and his owners. Look for him to be available late on draft day and remember Rolen. He has the job at 3b and all signs are that he is feeling healthy and has something to prove. A chip on his shoulder is always a great thing for fantasy owners to remember when drafting.

Next week, I will end this six part series with the A.L. Central. Comments or questions send them to jca112@yahoo.com