As many websites, newspapers, magazines and talk show hosts will try and tell you every little detail about what will make a World Series champion this year, we here at the SportsBlahg wanted to get in on the act. But while most people will give you minute details (i.e. The battle for the 5th starter spot on the Royals could mean the difference between winning 40 games and 42 games), we are going to give it to you straight up and with lots of zingy one-liners, because let’s face it, we loves sports, but we love ourselves more!
American League East:
Baltimore Orioles:
- What went right in 2007: They traded away Miguel Tejada one day before he was officially proven to be a liar.
- What went wrong in 2007: Besides the fact that most people in the beltway couldn’t name either their starting 9 or 5-man rotation (can anyone even name this years)?
- What they need to do in 2008: Push fan expectations lower than the basement of the AL East (like expect last in the AL).
- Outlook: Grim, at least for this season. Granted they have a team of 20-somethings that could be good “someday” but O’s fans, you’d better settle in for a long season that could have them losing a series to the Nationals! (see new team picture below).
Boston Red Sox:
- What went right in 2007: They won the World Series (without cheating) which is more than I can say for the Patriots these days.
- What went wrong in 2007: Realizing that they have too many good players and trading Willy Mo Pena away for a cheeseburger(right) and a lap dance for Theo.
- What they need to do in 2008: Not lose to the F@!# YANKEES!
- Outlook: Starting out your season in Japan is certainly one way to do it, but the Sox have to be favored to win the AL East for a second year in a row.
New York Yankees:
- What went right in 2007: Finding out they actually do have a bunch of quality young talent.
- What went wrong in 2007: The AARP tax kicked in on about 10 of their starters and they didn’t trade away “Ass-Rod”.
- What they need to do in 2008: Trade A-Rod, or at least stop letting those cocky punks from Boston beat them.
- Outlook: Cranky, especially with two Steinbrenners, an All-Star game and the last season in the house that Ruth built.
Tampa Bay Devil Rays:
- What went right in 2007: They didn’t finish last in the entire American League.
- What went wrong in 2007: Rocco Balldelli and Carl Crawford still have yet to play a complete season, and oh yeah, they play in the AL East.
- What they need to do in 2008: Get out of the AL East, and fast!
- Outlook: With the Orioles “rebuilding” and the Blue Jays “being Canadian” there’s a real chance the D-Rays don’t finish 5th this year.
Toronto Blue Jays:
- What went right in 2007: They were almost competitive with the Yankees/Sox, without a closer.
- What went wrong in 2007: Lost closer B.J. Ryan in the first month of the season, still located in Canada.
- What they need to do in 2008: Move out of Canada so they can start paying their players with real $$ (see photo below).
- Outlook: Same old same old, 3rd place is good in the AL East, but when you’re 10+ back, it’s not REALLY that good.
Now that’s some “funny money”.
Next: The NL East, where the Mets will attempt to improve upon their ability to tear the hearts out of their fans! This time with Johan Santana goodness.
One thing that the Tampa Bay Devil Rays did pick up this year is an old hanover high math teacher, Mr. Larry Baio. That will most likely boost them down a couple games.
the turtle
February 24th, 2008