How will the rest of the division look next year?

[Seafordeagles]

I see the Rays:

2.) Trading James Shields for bullpen depth just like the Jason Bartlett trade.

I don't think you will ever see a 2 or 3 starter traded for "bullpen help", just my opinion. Plus he has so much more value then Barlett ever had. Tampa already has a very good bullpen. Tampa needs bats, always have and always will.

[Old Sneakers]

I think I may be in love with imagining that I'm the Rays GM.

No team could blame you for a little envy here. That team was built up wisely over a long period of time. I don't see them moving quality arms for any less than stellar talents though.

[ofahn]

If they are in bent on trading Shields, you mite see him go to the Royals for Billy Butler.

I'd be very surprised to see the Royals give up Butler for just ONE year of Shields.

[birdwatcher55]

Looks like Toronto might be the favorite

[ofahn]

Looks like Toronto might be the favorite

Perhaps in a "Fringe " alternate universe.

[A_K]

Comparing multi-year Cy Young contender Shields to below average utility infielder Bartlett is one of my favorite things I've ever seen.

[osforlife]

Comparing multi-year Cy Young contender Shields to below average utility infielder Bartlett is one of my favorite things I've ever seen.

Please don't be rude about it. Seafordegales response was much more helpful. That post was a rough run, didn't think it through completetley. Bullpen arms and potential impact bats.

[birdwatcher55]

Perhaps in a "Fringe " alternate universe.

You have no respect for the Blue Jays???

[ofahn]

You have no respect for the Blue Jays???

No, they improved, just not contender improved by this trade alone. There are OTHER problems there.

[birdwatcher55]

No, they improved, just not contender improved by this trade alone. There are OTHER problems there.

Like where?? This is a pretty solid ballclub from top to bottom

[Matt P]

As of today, before the Winter Meetings, I'd say Rays/Yankees the two top dogs, O's/Jays right behind them, and the Red Sox in last.

[LA Detective]

I had the Rays as the team to beat becasue of Price,SHIELDS,Hellickson,Moore,etc...I think trading Shields hurts them next year. And Davis was a big time innings eater in the pen. Their pitching will still be good but wont be as dominating. This division is wide open and were right there with anyone. I think only a Hamilton signing by one of the clubs would be change that. I dont see that happening. Dont see the Yanks doing it now with Youk and probably Ichiro signing...TOR took on alot of payroll...Even if Boston signed him , they still dont have enough pitching. TB sure wont.

With all the moves or moves you believe will happen how do you see it now?

[ofahn]

I had the Rays as the team to beat becasue of Price,SHIELDS,Hellickson,Moore,etc...I think trading Shields hurts them next year.

One thing NOT discussed about that trade is that the Rays freed up about 11M in payroll, and that's on top of the 15M or so they non tendered. For the first time in a while they have the money to make SENSIBLE buys in the free agent market. Don't be surprised to see them shopping in the "Value Isle" for a SP, a solid reliever, and a bat. They also might make a run at Alfonso Soriano if the Cubs will eat all but about 8 to 10M of that contract.

I wouldn't count them out yet.

[OriolesRedskins28]

Yankees are overrated at this point. Without a major acquisition (which can always happen for the Yankees) they aren't the team to beat. Sabathia isn't getting any younger, A Rod is chronically injured which will cause them to depend on an aging Youkilis for a good portion of the season, Swisher is gone (3.9 WAR), Martin is gone (2.2 WAR and he handled the pitching staff well), Jeter is OLD, Ichiro is OLD (assuming he resigns there), Granderson is a K machine, Kuroda is a year older, Pineda is coming off shoulder surgery. Let me know if I overlooked anything.

I'm not scared of the Yankees. The Rays on the other hand...

[ofahn]

Yankees are overrated at this point. Without a major acquisition (which can always happen for the Yankees) they aren't the team to beat. Sabathia isn't getting any younger, A Rod is chronically injured which will cause them to depend on an aging Youkilis for a good portion of the season, Swisher is gone (3.9 WAR), Martin is gone (2.2 WAR and he handled the pitching staff well), Jeter is OLD, Ichiro is OLD (assuming he resigns there), Granderson is a K machine, Kuroda is a year older, Pineda is coming off shoulder surgery. Let me know if I overlooked anything.

I'm not scared of the Yankees. The Rays on the other hand...

Agreed.