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INDIANAPOLIS -- The Yankees and Red Sox are the movers and shakers in this division, and this year has proved no different.But the Rays and Orioles made moves this week as well, with Tampa Bay adjusting its payroll upward to fill a hole and Baltimore picking up a veteran starter to stabilize its young rotation.
When the Yankees pulled off their trade for Curtis Granderson, some speculated the Red Sox had to "answer." But of course Boston had a plan all along to improve its team, so it's not like the Sox had to be spurred into action.
The Yankees' priority was actually re-signing Andy Pettitte, which they accomplished, allowing them to massage the rest of their rotation into shape.
Boston is less enthusiastic about Matt Holliday in left field than re-signing Jason Bay. And finishing the Mike Lowell-to-Texas deal would mean the Sox could add a bat at first or third and put Kevin Youkilis in the other spot (or give Casey Kotchman a chance at first).
Big Winner
Well, Tampa Bay's glaring weakness as it fell from the AL pennant to third place was its bullpen. And the Rays never figured they'd be able to afford a true closer.
But Atlanta was eager to move Rafael Soriano after he accepted arbitration, and Tampa spluged on him. Why? Soriano had a 2.97 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and .194 average allowed last season. And over the final two months of the season, Rays relievers had a 4.83 ERA and a 1.43 WHIP.
Unfinished Business
As described above, Boston could use a bat in left field and/or corner infield. Baltimore needs a closer and -- especially after seeing Brandon Lyon's deal -- will probably wait out the trade and free-agent markets for someone cheap. The Rays could still do a dump-for-dump deal by sending Pat Burrell to the Cubs for Milton Bradley. The Yankees seem likely to let Johnny Damon go (they say they will try to keep outfielder Jamie Hoffmann, acquired through the Rule 5 draft) and bring back Hideki Matsui at a discount.Oh yeah, Toronto still has to trade Roy Halladay.
Conclusion
Where Halladay and Bay end up could have a major impact on this division. But so will lots of other moves between now and July 31.
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