The American League Eastern Division seems wide open at this early juncture of the season. It’s possible that any of the five teams in the division can finish on top of the division.
The AL East was arguably one of the best divisions in baseball last year. All five teams were playing exceptional against non-division opponents in 2014, and that could be the case this year as well.
This means, of course, that winning division match ups could be the stepping stone for the playoffs.
There are already some early surprises this year. The Boston Red Sox are experiencing pitching woes. Red Sox “ace” Clay Buchholz has a 4.84 ERA, and highly paid starting pitcher Wade Miley has an 8.62 ERA, which is definitely not what Sox fans imagined at this point in the season.
However, the Tampa Bay Rays have surprised many in a different way.
Although projected to be a mediocre team heading into the 2015 season, the Rays are tied for first with the Yankees at 11-8. Tampa’s pitching and hitting has been decent enough so far.
Rays ace Chris Archer has one of the best ERA’s in the league, which stands at 0.84. To add to solid pitching Evan Longoria and company are taking care of business. Longoria is hitting .306 so far.
Tonight’s showdown against the Yankees should be interesting. It could be an indicator on how this team will be play for the rest of the season.
Nathan Karns will be on the mound for the Rays tonight. Adam Warren will be pitching for the Yanks. Both have ERA’s over 5.
Tampa Manger Kevin Cash talks about recent performances from his team in sound below.