tonytalkssports My Take on Sports, particularly the Yankees, Maple Leafs and Browns

AL East Dominant No More

Last night the two mega-powers, the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, went down like second division bottom feeders as they were both beaten at home as a result of a fatal flaw: a mediocre pitching staff.

The Red Sox were getting a pretty steady performance from Clay Buchholz only to have the bullpen blow it all away.  Meanwhile in the Bronx, Ivan Nova continued where he left off last year by not being able to pitch past the 5th inning and not giving his team a chance to win.  While you can win games with offense, to be a champion you need pitching and neither of these teams right now have it.

Take a look at Texas.  Three starters 27 years old and under, Ogando, Harrison and Holland, with a combined ERA under 2.50.  Look at Cleveland right now.  Justin Masterson, he of Red Sox origin, pitched a gem last night against the supposed improved Buck Showalter led Orioles.  Oakland led by Gio Gonzalez.  Meanwhile the Yankees and Red Sox are left with trying to bash everyone into oblivion.

Unless something changes soon, the title of best division in the American League will no longer reside in the East.  Without good pitching you are going no where and right now that's where the Yankees and Red Sox will be even if either one of them are playing in early October.