The American League East has always been a case of the haves and the have nots. At the top you have the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox who seem to have an endless amount of cash at their disposal to sign whom ever the top free agents are on the market. At the bottom you have the Baltimore Orioles, Toronto Blue Jays and Tampa Bay Rays who have a hard time “keeping up with the Jones”. Who has the best Pitching Staff of the 5 teams on the eastern sea board for the junior circuit? Which GM is getting the most bang for their buck?

New York Yankees: The Bronx Bombers are the perennial favorites to win the division year in and year out. They have a long history of success with their hurlers going back to Whitey Ford, Ron Guidry and the like. This season’s rotation is well rounded but it comes at a premium price of around $63.25 million.

• C.C. Sabathia: He is one of the most dominate lefties in baseball at the moment. He posted a 3.37 ERA, 197 K’s, 230.0 IP and 67 BB at price tag of $23 million.
• A.J. Burnett: Burnett has a wicked curveball and some of the most explosive stuff in baseball. However he has does have fits of wildness on the mound that leads to some high numbers. He posted 4.04 ERA, 195 K’s, 207.0 IP and 97 BB while collecting $16.5 million.
• Andy Pettitte: Pettitte has been a stalwart in the Yankees’ rotation for years now. He has always been a dependable big game pitcher. He posted 4.16 ERA, 148 K’s, 194.2 IP and 76 BB for $11.75 this coming season.
• Javier Vazquez: This is Vazquez’s second time around with the Yankees. He has great stuff but has a reputation for not being able to rise to the occasion in a pressure situation and that could lead to disaster in New York. Vazquez posted a 2.87 ERA, 238 K’s, 219.1 IP and 44 BB for $11.5 million.
• 5th Starter: There are several options for the Yankees in this spot this year. Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes are most likely the top two candidates for the position.

Boston Red Sox: The Red Sox have really come into their own over the past decade and have finally rid themselves of the dreaded “Curse of the Bambino”. Pitching has played a major role in this turn around with the likes of Pedro Martinez and Curt Schilling. The Red Sox rotation has a price tag of approximately $45.75 million for 2010 with the option to choose from 6 pitchers depending on how healthy they are.

• Jon Lester: After battling back from cancer treatments a couple of years ago Jon Lester and blossomed into a fine young pitcher. He posted a 3.41 ERA, 225 K’s, 203.1 IP and 64 BB for only $3.75 million in 2010.
• Josh Beckett: As the ace of the staff in 2009 Beckett led the charge with a 3.86 ERA, 199 K’s, 212.1 IP and 55 BB for $12 million.
• John Lackey: Lackey joins the BoSox this season after coming off injuries that have plagued him the past two seasons. He posted 3.83 ERA, 139 K’s, 176.1 IP and 47 BB for $18 millions. (A side note Lackey’s annual salary actually decreases to 15.25 million a season after 2010)
• Daisuke Matsuzaka: Dice-K has been a thorn in the Red Sox side as of late. They have not been happy with his conditioning and Matsuzaka has not been very cooperative in return. He posted a 5.76 ERA, 54 K’s, 59.1 IP and 30 BB for $8 million.
• Clay Buchholtz: At the age of 25 Buchholtz is another rising star in the Red Sox rotation. He threw for a 4.21 ERA, 68 K’s, 92.0 IP and 36 BB for near the major league minimum.
• Tim Wakefield: The crafty knuckleballer has been a constant in the ever changing rotation for the Red Sox and he expects to compete for a starting position. He hurled a 4.58 ERA, 72 K’s, 129.2 IP and $50 walks for $3.5 million.

Tampa Bay Rays: The Ray’s have come into their own the last few season’s by molding their raw young talent in to a success baseball team. While they don’t have the money the Red Sox and the Yankees’ possess they have still fielded a competitive team and even made a World Series appearance. The Rays have $7.5 million wrapped up in their starting rotation for 2010.

• James Shields: Shields is the defacto ace of the staff now that the Rays traded Scott Kazmir to the Angels. He has posted good number and has seen quite a bit of success. He numbers are as follows 4.14 ERA, 167 K’s, 219.2 IP and 52 BB for $2.5 million. 
• Matt Garza: Garza has the numbers to challenge Shields for the aces designation for the Rays. Tampa did a great job in acquiring him from the Twins a few years ago and have not been disappointed by his numbers. In 2009 he threw for a 3.95 ERA, 189 K’s, 203.0 IP and 79 BB for $3.35 million in 2010.
• Jeff Niemann: Niemann was a pleasant surprise this past season for the Rays. He really stepped up and met the challenge in his first full season in the majors. He posted a 3.94 ERA, 125 K’s, 180.2 IP and 59 BB for near the minimum. 
• David Price: Price has been talked about a lot since the Rays drafted him. He came up and was lights out in the playoff for the Rays but last season didn’t fair as well. He posted a 4.42 ERA, 102 K’s, 128.1 IP and 54 BB for near the minimum. 
• Wade Davis: Davis has the inside track for the 5th spot in the rotation. He is definitely raw but he showed quite a bit of potential last season with a 3.72 ERA, 36 K’s, 36.1 IP and 13 BB at the minimum.

Toronto Blue Jays: The Jays rotation his a huge question mark this upcoming season. They have traded their ace Roy Halladay in an effort to rebuild. They are also coming off a season in which a majority of their young staff was out with injuries. The positive is that there is some upcoming talent and they are all making nearly the minimum. The Jays will pay approx $3 million for their rotation in 2010.

• Ricky Romero: Romero has the daunting task of heading up the staff in only his second season in the big league. He posted a 4.30 ERA, 141 K’s, 178.0 IP and 79 BB near the minimum. 
• Shaun Marcum: Marcum was one of the injured players last season, missing the entire 2009 season. In 2008 he posted a 3.39 ERA, 123 K’s, 151.1 IP and 50 BB. He is signed for $850k in 2010.
• Brandon Morrow: Morrow came to the Jays in the Roy Halladay trade. He posted a 4.39 ERA, 63 K’s, 69.2 IP and 44 BB at near the minimum for Seattle last season.
• Marc Rzepczynski: Rzepczynski did an admirable job for the Jays with a 3.67 ERA, 60 K’s, 61.1 IP and 30 BB for the minimum.
• Dustin McGowan: McGowan had shown great strides in becoming an important pitcher for that Jays until he too went down with an injury and missed the 2009 season. In 2008 he had a 4.37 ERA, 85 K’s, 111.1 IP and 38 BB for $500K.

There are several others vying for a spot in the Jay’s rotation as well. Among them are Brett Cecil, Scott Richmond, David Purcey and recently acquired Dana Eveland. They are all making about the minimum.

Baltimore Orioles: The Orioles wound up in the cellar in 2009 and are hoping to pull themselves out with an improved pitching staff. They have seen a lot of talent leave the nest but they have also acquired a new ace and have some promising young talent to back him up. The Orioles are spending approximately $17 million on their 2010 rotation with the majority of that wrapped up in Kevin Millwood.

• Kevin Millwood: Millwood was acquired from the Texas Rangers to head the rotation in 2010. He posted a 3.67 ERA, 123 K’s, 198.2 IP and 71 BB while earning $12 million.
• Jeremy Guthrie: Guthrie was the ace last season and didn’t fair as well as he has in the past. He posted a 5.04 ERA, 110 K’s, 200.0 IP and 60 BB. Guthrie is arbitration eligible and will earn as much as $3.625 million.
• Brad Bergesen: Bergesen what a diamond in the rough in 2009. In his rookie season he threw for a 3.43 ERA, 65 K’s, 123.1 IP and 32 BB for the major league minimum.
• Brian Matusz: Matusz had cruised through the minors last year only to get roughed up in his first few starts. He settled down and did well at the end of the season. He posted a 4.63 ERA, 38 K’s, 44.2 IP and 14 BB at the minimum. 
• Chris Tillman: Tillman had a rough start and what really hurt him was the long ball. If he can keep the ball in the park he may see quite a few starts this season. He posted a 5.40 ERA, 39 K’s, 65.0 IP and 24 BB at the minimum.
• David Hernandez: Hernandez’s season went well up until August last year when gave up 23 homers over his last 12 starts. He posted a 5.42 ERA, 68 K’s, 101.1 IP and 46 BB for the minimum.
• Jason Berken: Berken was less then stellar in his debut last season. He posted a 6.54 ERA, 66 K’s, 119.2 IP and 44 BB for the minimum.

After running through the numbers of all the AL East teams you can see how large a distance there is on spending between the clubs. Do not feel sorry for everyone those. Teams like the Orioles have the money to spend on free agents but have either chosen not to or cannot convince top tier starters to join their club. As this point I am torn. I want to give the Rays my vote for best overall rotation (considering money as a factor) but the Red Sox keep must be given the award. Though they are out spending the majority of their division they have acquired top tier talent without completely over spending like the Yankees have. They are also doing a much better job at managing and growing their in house talent. The Joba Chamberlain debacle in the Bronx is really hurting the Yankees in my opinion.  So what do you think?

9. Javier Vazquez – Vazquez is a surprising choice for the No. 9 spot on the list. Over the decade, he went 128-116 with a 4.01 ERA for 5 different teams. Vazquez led the majors in “quality starts” for the decade and finished second to only Randy Johnson for the most strikeouts with 2,001 in 2,163 IP. He was selected to the All-Star Game in 2004 and enjoyed most of his success pitching in the NL with the now defunct Montreal Expos and is currently with the Atlanta Braves.

8. C.C. Sabathia – Sabathia burst onto the scene with the Cleveland Indians in 2001 where he won 17 games his rookie season. He completed the decade with a record of 136-81 to go along with a 3.62 ERA. His best season was in 2007 where he won the AL Cy Young award and established himself as a premier pitcher in the game. The most defining moment of his career was this past season where he won his first World Series title with the New York Yankees as the ace of their staff.

7. Roy Oswalt – Like Sabathia, Oswalt also had a very successful rookie season in 2001 with the Houston Astros by going 14-3 with a 2.73 ERA in only 28 appearances (20 of them starts). Oswalt produced back to back 20 win seasons in 2004 and 2005 and was named the NLCS MVP in 2005 as well. He was a 3-time All-Star this decade and finished with a record of 137-70 with an impressive 3.23 ERA.

6. Roy Halladay – The recently acquired pitcher of the Philadelphia Phillies finds his name next on the list. Halladay finished with a record of 139-69 with a 3.40 ERA all with the Toronto Blue Jays. In the day and age of pitch counts, the man they call “Doc”  led the majors with an outstanding 47 complete games this decade. He also appeared in 6 All-Star games and won an AL Cy Young in 2003 where he posted the first of his two 20 win seasons. Halladay is a throwback pitcher and is one of the most feared pitchers in all of baseball with his bulldog mentality.

5. Andy Pettitte – Pettitte was the winningest pitcher in the majors this decade with 148 wins for the Yankees and Astros. In this decade, Pettitte has been known as a big game pitcher as his 2 World Series rings and 2001 ALCS MVP award will attest to that. He produced one 20 win season with the Yankees in 2003 and had arguably his most dominating season in 2005 with the Astros where he won 17 games to go along with a 2.39 ERA in 222.1 IP. In my opinion, his placement on this list, especially in this spot, is up for debate.

4. Roger Clemens – The illustrious career of arguably the best pitcher of the modern era came to a halt in 2007 amid well documented steroid allegations. In 8 seasons this decade, Clemens went 107-50 and added 2 more Cy Young awards to his credit, including becoming one of only 4 pitchers all time to win the award in both leagues. Like his good friend Pettitte, Clemens pitched for both the Yankees and Astros this decade and appeared in 4 All-Star games. In the future, it will be interesting to see how the Hall of Fame voters view Clemens when it is time for his name to be on the ballot amid the above mentioned steroid allegations.

3. Johan Santana – Santana started his career in 2000 with the Minnesota Twins where he didn’t truly establish himself as an elite pitcher until he won the first of 2 Cy Young awards this decade with a 20 win season in 2004. He also was a 3-time ERA leader and even won the pitching Triple Crown in 2006 by leading the AL in wins (19), ERA (2.77), and strikeouts (245).  He finished the decade with a record of 122-60 with an ERA of 3.12 and 1,733 strikeouts (9.12 K/9). Santana is also known for his defense and even won a AL Gold Glove in 2007.

2. Pedro Martinez – The charismatic pitcher is making a case for Cooperstown with his numbers this decade. Pedro had the best winning percentage of any pitcher this decade as he won 69 % of his starts (112-50). He also led all pitchers with an ERA of 3.01. Pedro produced one 20 win season in 2002 with the Boston Red Sox and won the AL Cy Young in 2000 with a record of 18-6 along with a dominating 1.74 ERA and 284 K in 217 IP. The best moment of the decade for Pedro was being a vital key in ending the curse in Boston by winning a World Series title. He was arguably the most dominating pitcher of the decade when healthy.

1. Randy Johnson – The “Big Unit” has been the most feared pitcher in the game over his career and especially in this decade. The man with the 6-10 presence and long flowing hair often used intimidation and intensity to become the No. 1 starting pitcher on this list. The Big Unit started off the decade with a bang by winning  3 consecutive NL Cy Young awards from 2000-2002 with the Arizona Diamondbacks. His biggest feat in those 3 seasons was being the Co-MVP of the 2001 World Series where he won his first ring. Like Santana, the Big Unit won the Triple Crown in 2002 with 24 W, 2.32 ERA, and 334 K. He finished the decade with an amazing 2,182 K’s and in 2004 became the oldest pitcher to pitch a perfect game. Even more impressive, the Big Unit joined the exclusive 300 win club last season with the San Francisco Giants at the age of 45. His path to Cooperstown has been paved.

In my opinion, the most glaring omission on this list is Curt Schilling. Schilling went 117-63 with a 3.54 ERA this decade. He was a runner-up for the Cy Young 3 times and who could forget his domination with the Big Unit where they almost single-handedly won the Diamondbacks their first and only World Series. Also, who can forget the bloody sock? He definitely deserves to be on this list instead of Vazquez, who was a very average pitcher in the AL.

Another name who deserves some consideration for this list is Greg Maddux. Maddux seems to get lost in the discussion at times despite being one of the top 10 best pitchers of all time, in my opinion. Despite not pitching in 2 years this decade, “Mad Dog” was 134-101 with a 3.70 ERA along with winning his 300th game, 3,000th K, and 18th Gold Glove. I find it hard to believe Maddux didn’t have as big of an impact on the league than Vazquez or even Sabathia.

Up Next: Top 9 Closers of the Decade

Astros sign Brandon Lyon – Ken Rosenthal tweeted that Brandon Lyon (RHP) has agreed to a 3-year deal worth $15 million with the Houston Astros. Lyon is a possible option for the closer’s role  for the Astros should Jose Valverde leave via free agency.

Roy Halladay Update – According to Bob Elliott of the Toronto Sun, the Los Angeles Angels sent the Toronto Blue Jays a trade proposal on Wednesday for ace Roy Halladay (RHP). The Angels offer is rumored to include starter Joe Saunders (LHP), shortstop Erick Aybar, and outfield prospect Peter Bourjos (CF). ESPN.com’s Jayson Stark also reported that Halladay would approve a deal to the Phillies, Yankees, Red Sox, and Angels. The Halladay trade discussions should heat up as the offseason goes along, especially if the Yankees and Red Sox get involved as expected.

Rafael Soriano On His Way to Tampa – FOXSports.com’s Jon Paul Morosi says a deal between the Atlanta Braves and Tampa Bay Rays for relief pitcher Rafael Soriano is nearly complete. In exchange for Soriano, the Rays are expected to send recently acquired relief pitcher Jesse Chavez (RHP), formerly of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Soriano became available after accepting the Braves arbitration offer earlier this week.

Rich Harden a Ranger – Rich Harden will become the newest member of the Texas Rangers’ staff pending a physical as he has signed a 1-year deal with a mutual option for 2011 with the team. Ed Price of AOL FanHouse has the breakdown of Harden’s deal with the Rangers which guarantees him $7.5 million for next year. The deal was made possible with the earlier trade of Kevin Millwood to the Orioles. Harden is basically a 6 inning pitcher at this point due to numerous arm and shoulder issues, however, when healthy Harden has some of the best stuff in the game.

Mike Lowell a Ranger? – The Rangers capped off their busy Wednesday by having a deal in place for the Red Sox’s Mike Lowell (3B). The Boston Herald reports that a deal sending Lowell to the Rangers is “not done yet”, but is expected to be completed on Thursday. If the deal is completed as expected, Lowell would be used primarily as a first basemen/DH with the Rangers as they are set with Michael Young at third. The Red Sox would receive Max Ramirez (C) who is limited defensively and stuck behind Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Taylor Teagarden in the Rangers catching ranks. The Red Sox are expected to eat most of Lowell’s $12 million contract for next season in the deal.

White Sox Close with J.J. Putz? – Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun Times wrote in his blog that the Chicago White Sox are closing in on a deal with free agent J.J. Putz (RHP).  White Sox GM Kenny Williams tried to downplay the rumor as he was upset with the media hyping the rumor to the Hot Stove. Putz pitched only 29.3 innings last year due to elbow issues and underwent surgery in July. Putz is scheduled to throw for teams on Friday with the hopes of proving his health is not an issue.

Kevin Millwood Traded to the Orioles – The Rangers kicked off their busy Wednesday by trading starting pitcher Kevin Millwood (RHP) to the Baltimore Orioles for reliever Chris Ray (RHP). The motive behind this deal for the Rangers was to create financial flexibility which would come into play with the above mentioned deal for Rich Harden. The Rangers are not getting much in return in Chris Ray as he has been plagued by injuries in his short career and is nothing more than a decent back end member of the bullpen at best.

Astros Acquire Matt Lindstrom – The Houston Astros added another piece to the back end of their bullpen with the acquisition of Matt Lindstrom (RHP) from the Florida Marlins. Lindstrom is a power pitcher who has been known to reach triple digits on the radar gun. However, control has been a problem for him along with injuries. The Marlins received two low-level prospects in the deal.

Red Sox After Adrian Beltre – The Boston Herald reports that the Red Sox have “significant” interest in free agent third basemen Adrian Beltre. The Red Sox’s interest would especially be increased with Mike Lowell possibly headed to Texas. Beltre has for the most part not lived up to the expectations of his last free agent deal with the Seattle Mariners. However, Beltre has finally started to show more consistency with his bat to go along with good defense, which makes him an intriguing option at third base for the Red Sox.

Mets Soon to Offer Deal to Bengie Molina – Anthony DiComo of MLB.com expects the New York Mets to offer a two-year deal to free agent catcher Bengie Molina before they leave Indianapolis on Thursday. Molina is expected to command close to $6 million a year with his new contract. The Mets have a gaping hole behind the plate and could use Molina’s bat in their lineup.

Milton Bradley Update – The news was not so optimistic for the Cubs on Wednesday. Despite optimism of a deal being completed on Wednesday, Paul Sullivan writes in his latest column that the Cubs are having a difficult time dealing Bradley as expected. Earlier in the day, the “mystery team” from the AL was revealed by Bruce Levine to be the Boston Red Sox with Mike Lowell’s name being mentioned as a possibility for the Cubs. Unfortunately for the Cubs, the Milton Bradley saga doesn’t look like its headed for a quick resolution.

LaTroy Hawkins Signs with the Brewers – The Milwaukee Brewers added another pitcher to the team on Wednesday with the signing of free agent reliever LaTroy Hawkins (RHP). The deal is for two years and $7.5 million. Hawkins is now with his third NL Central team after previous stints with the Cubs and Astros. Hawkins is expected to set-up closer Trevor Hoffman in the Brewers pen.

Derek Lowe On The Move? – According to Mark Bowman of MLB.com, the Atlanta Braves are discussing Derek Lowe (RHP) with multiple teams. The Braves feel Lowe is viewed as a cheaper alternative to free agent pitcher John Lackey (RHP) for some teams. Lowe is owed $45 million over the next three years and the Braves are willing to eat some of his contract in a trade. Lowe has a reputation for being a very consistent and durable pitcher and should attract some interest around the league if the Braves are willing to eat some of his contract.

Andy Pettitte Re-signs with the Yankees – Andy Pettitte will return for his 13th season with the New York Yankees next season as he signed a new 1-year deal worth $11.75 million with the ballclub. Pettitte became the first pitcher in MLB history to start and win the clinching game in all three postseason rounds this past season. Pettitte has won 5 World Championships with the Yankees and has been a big-time pitcher for the team over the years.

Randy Wolf Signs with the Brewers – Free agent starter Randy Wolf (LHP) completed his rumored deal with the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday. Wolf is expected to supply the Brewers with much needed help in the rotation as they led the NL in starters ERA last season. Wolf was one of the more attractive free agent starting pitchers on the market and received a pretty favorable deal with the Brewers.

Day three of the meetings was by far the busiest day this week. On Thursday, the meetings will conclude with the Rule 5 draft. Such names as Johan Santana, Shane Victorino, Dan Uggla, and the great Roberto Clemente were once Rule 5 picks. I will be back later with a recap of Thursday’s events. Stay tuned!

Baseball America

The Astros have had their share of highs and lows over the last several years. They spent most of this past decade playing second fiddle to the St. Louis Cardinals. They have had many good players come up through their system and make contributions–most famously the killer B’s of Berkman, Biggio and Bagwell. Roy Oswalt has been the cornerstone of the Astros for the last several years being complemented by the likes of Roger Clemens, Andy Pettitte and up and coming pitcher Wandy Rodriguez. The Astros, however, had the oldest roster in the major leagues last year and decided against rebuilding the team by trading away starting talent even though rumors swirled around them trading Roy Oswalt. I have to give Owner Drayton McLane and GM Ed Wade credit for keeping fan favorites around even though logic says to ship them out to greener pastures. The Astros have been an extremely loyal team, having many players that have played their entire careers with them. But, is that really helping their cause?

The Astros have not had much success in developing minor league talent. Since 1998, Brad Lidge and Chris Burke are the only #1 draft picks that have made it to the major league level. There is room for hope though. Catching prospect Jason Castro is showing real promise and looks to be the first #1 pick to make the majors since Chris Burke did in 2001. Castro has a good glove and can hit for average. The Astros will need to see more improvement out of their prospects for things to not continue they way they have.  Brian McTaggart of MLB.com quotes Drayton McLane as saying “We’re going to have to work to see who’s out there and what our needs are. We’re not like we were when we signed Carlos Lee three years ago [to a six-year, $100-million contract] or when we signed free agents in the past. We’re just going to have to evaluate what’s on the market, what our needs are and how the economy is looking.”

The Astros have been on the fence for a while now and need to figure out which direction they are taking the team. The current strategy of half-hearted free agent signings and poor minor league development just isn’t going to cut it.

Baseball America’s Top Ten List of Astros Prospects

1. Jason Castro, c
2. Jiovanni Mier, ss
3. Jordan Lyles, rhp
4. Sammy Gervacio, rhp
5. Chia-Jen Lo, rhp
6. Ross Seaton, rhp
7. Tanner Bushue, rhp
8. Jay Austin, of
9. Jon Gaston, of
10. T.J. Steele, of