To me, it’s always about starting pitching. That’s what can win it or lose it for you. And, I think the Yankees were blessed with Small, Wang and Chacon last year. If they don’t repeat that blessing, then there’s no way that the Yankees are as good as they were last year.
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So do we concede the division to the Red Sox?

To me, it’s always about starting pitching. That’s what can win it or lose it for you. And, I think the Yankees were blessed with Small, Wang and Chacon last year. If they don’t repeat that blessing, then there’s no way that the Yankees are as good as they were last year.

Well, they both won exactly 95 last year. Would you say that they’re both the same team as last year – pitching and hitting-wise? And, would you say that the rest of the AL East is the same?
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Both teams have made improvements, as for the rest of the teams in the division, it’ll be another two team race. Burnett’s elbow’s acting up again? Imagine that! Didn’t see that one coming

The pitching is about the same, factoring in drop-offs by Chacon, Wang, and Small, combined with slight upgrades to the bullpen.

The offense is only slightly better, with the addition of Damon. Bernie is this year’s Womack.

Even though CF has been upgraded, the defense is about the same, due to the diminishing range of Sheff, Jeter, Giambi, and Matsui.

To me, the division is only slightly better; but the league as a whole seems vastly improved. Cleaveland, Chicago, Oakland, Minnesota, Boston, Anaheim, and Detroit can beat anyone, anytime.

I realize how this “assessment” is a sabermatrician’s nightmare, but, based on all these anecdotal factors, I would be thrilled to see them win 95 games again.

Well, they both won exactly 95 last year. Would you say that they’re both the same team as last year – pitching and hitting-wise? And, would you say that the rest of the AL East is the same?

I can’t see the Yanks or Sox winning only 90 games. There is a lot of baseball left in the season.