Toronto Blue Jays
 The American League East, with the defending World Champion New York Yankees and
the always dangerous Baltimore Orioles, is arguably the toughest division in
baseball. Unfortunately, despite some notable offseason moves, the Blue Jays
still seem to lack the consistent power needed to be a contender.
With addition of Roger Clemens, the Blue Jays now have one of the strongest
rotations in baseball. In Clemens, Juan Guzman and Pat Hentgen, the Blue Jays
send a former Cy Young Winner (Clemens owns three awards), the defending Cy Young
Winner (Hentgen), the defending ERA champion and runner up (Guzman and Hentgen
respectively) and the three pitchers that held batters to the lowest averages in
the league last season. Joining them is Eric Hanson, who besides battling
injuries has several good seasons left in him, and a bullpen led by Dan Plesac
and Mike "the knife" Timlin.
In addition to the strong pitching staff, the Jays have a strong defensive core.
But, the loss of Roberto Alomar and John Olerud is being felt at the plate. Joe
Carter's production has waned over the past few seasons, veteran catcher Benito
Santiago is focused on his catching rather than his hitting, and the injury bug
has sidelined most of the young prospects the Jays' were depending on for quick
infusion of power. And, since neither Otis Nixon nor Orlando Merced are known as
power hitters, the Blue Jays will have to look deeper for the power they will
need.
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Anaheim Angels
The Angels aren't the same team that finished 70-91 in 1996. They have a new
name (from California to Anaheim), new uniforms, a new logo, and a newly
renovated stadium. Plus, the Angels went out and changed their roster, adding
both hitting and pitching to make them contenders in the tough American League
West.
Unfortunately, the Angels starting rotation, even with changes, can not compete
with the elite pitching staffs in the league. Chuck Finley and Mark Langston
will lead the rotation with off-season addition Mark Gubizca and veteran Jim
Abbott following in their wake. Todd Van Poppel, if he can find his rhythm,
Jason Dickson, if he can mature into a major league talent, and Allen Watson, if
he can find the skills that made him a number one draft pick, will all challenge
for the fifth spot. The two who don't end up starting will join Mike James, Pep
Harris, Japanese import Shigetoshi Hasegawa and Chuck McElroy as long relievers
and set up men. Troy Percival, who saved 36 games and struck out 100 batters in
74 innings will be the closer.
The Angels continue to have one of the youngest, most exciting, lineups in the
majors. Shortstop Gary Discarsina is expected to blossom into a talented hitter
and on-field leader while Darin Erstad, who was a high school star in three
sports (none of which being baseball) will provide some much needed speed and
excitement in the leadoff spot. The additions of veteran DH Eddie Murray and
third baseman Dave Hollins will provide leadership to this inexperienced team.
And, the Angels outfield, with Jim Edmonds in center, Tim Salmon in right, and
Garret Anderson is not only the youngest starting outfield in the majors, it is
said to be the best trio of young outfielders in decades.
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City of Anaheim
