How to Fix the AL East in 2009

I must start this post with an apology. I had aspirations of previewing every team individually this off season. Unfortunately, December has not afforded as much free time as I had once hoped (seriously, who's Christmas tree falls over twice? And for the record, I didn't see it and it did make a sound - so at least we can settle that debate). So my compromise to you, the loyal reader (if you are out there), is an abbreviated preview of each team. So we will start out east, because we all have that east coast bias. So here it is, your AL east preview.

Tampa Rays -
2008 recap - Everything went right. No one had a career year, but everyone played well. They spent the entire year with everyone waiting for them to fall apart during the regular season, they didn't. Then we thought they might stumble in the playoffs against the more experienced White Sox, the didn't. We were sure the Red Sox would stomp them out in the ALCS, again the didn't. They put Tampa baseball on the map and at least 7,000 fans a night were there to witness it.
Bright Spots of 2008 - Well, everyone. Especially David Price, Rocco, and most of all the introduction of the Ray-Hawk
How to fix the Rays in 09' - A great mechanic once told me, "never question success". This should be the Rays mantra. They have a well rounded team. They have a future ace in David Price. The Rays need to tweak a few things, but no major changes. Just keep on keeping on. They picked up some power in the outfield by trading for Matt Joyce. It wouldn't hurt to sure up the bullpen - Troy Percival could be next year's Todd Jones. It may have been a fluke last year, but until we know for sure - don't break up the best team in the AL east.

Boston Red Sox
2008 Recap - It was a strange season for Boston. They had the emergence of an Ace in John Lest. Matsusaka never seemed to lose. Their gritty second baseman won the MVP. Youklis had a breakout season. Jason Bay proved he could handle the big stage. But not all was well in Mudville. Manny basically held Boston hostage until he was sent packing, David Ortiz looked very old very quickly. Josh Becket had a fairly pedestrian regular season - and shockingly a rather pedestrian post-season as well. Mike Lowell was hurt. It almost seemed like the Red Sox were underachieving all season - and yet they were one game away from the world series.
Bright Spots of 2008 - I'll keep this rather short. Pedroia and Lester give Boston fans hope for life after Manny and Ortiz
How to fix the Red Sox in 2009 - Don' get complacent. The Yankees are re-loading with one thing in mind - beat Boston. If Ortiz can't find his stroke, Lowell remains hurt, and Beckett is a 0.500 pitcher - you can almost convince yourself this is a 3rd place team. They really need to sign Teixeira. One more solid, steady bat to go with Pedroia and Youk. The rotation could use some depth after Lester, Matsusaka, and Beckett -but that's not as important as the offense.

New York Yankees
2008 Recap - I have never seen more stories written about failures and disappointments from a team that won 89 games. Last year, for the first time I can remember, the Yankees decided not to mortgage the future to go for the world series this year. The refused to trade Ian Kennedy and Phil Hughes for Johann Santana. They were going to keep and develop Melky Cabrera. This was the first season of the new Yankees mantra.
Bright Spots of 2008 - There were many nice stories this year, but Mussina winning 20 for the first time in his career, one year after everyone pronounced his arm dead, take the cake.
How to fix the Yankees in 2009 - Well, as your probably know the Yankees have invested 240 million in AJ Burnett and CC Sabathia. This may prove to be just what the Yankees need to reach October baseball in 2009 - However, in 2011, 12, 13, etc. I imagine CC and AJ are going to be the highest paid duo who live on the DL. The Yanks really still need a bat - Giambi is gone and Teixeria makes sense, but someone other than A-rod and Jeter have to hit on this team.

(I am running a bit short on time - so the Jay and O's will be done in Haiku)

Toronto Blue Jays
2008 Recap
Two aces threw well
However other three stunk
Spahn and Sain of 08'
Bright Spots of 2008
86 wins great
Alex Rios rising star
Doc is fantastic
How to fix the Blue Jay in 2009
Someone needs to score
Cito brings back 90s ball
Young arms come through soon

Baltimore Orioles
2008 Recap
Miles away from 4th
Staff is all fifth starters but
At least Huff can hit
2008 Bright Spots
Few and far between
5 guys with 20 plus bombs
Meet next great closer
How to fix the Orioles for 2009
Offense needs anchor
Pitching staff needs everything
At least park is great