The ¼ Mile

About one quarter of the way through this arduous baseball season and the AL East race has not disappointed. The standings are as follows:

Toronto

Boston 3 GB

New York 4.5 GB

Tampa Bay 6.5 GB

Baltimore 9 GB

Wait a tick. Did I just make an absurd typo? Nope, the Toronto Blue jays are leading the most competitive division in baseball. How, you ask? There's a few reasons that I have been able to pinpoint.

First off. The Emergence of Aaron Hill. After having an injury riddled last couple of years; consecutive AB's and the reassurance of the starting job has lead to an outbreak season for this 2Ber. In a league with a plethora of All-Star second baseman (Pedroia, Kinsler, Roberts) Hill is fast becoming a fantasy baseball waiver wire gold mine and a sleeper for the starting job for this Midsummer's Classic.

Next. Starting Pitching. At first glance the only person of recognition is Roy "Doc" Halladay, but they are breeding pitchers like rabbits up North. You can Sharpie in Halladay for 20+ wins and 220+ innings, but the rookie phenom Ricky Romero has been compared to a smaller version of Johan Santana by Jack "Home Run or Bust" Cust, another rookie Scott Richmond that got off to a fast 4-0 start has come back to earth some but still has great stuff and the starting 5 ERA is one of the tops in baseball.

Lastly. Cito Gaston. After managing the Blue Jays to their only World Series wins in their history 1992 and 1993 they figured he still had something left to give. This franchise has a 15 year World Series Drought and is primed for FUTURE success. Cito, is the man to right this ship and through the first quarter mile, is my pick for Coach of the Year.

Still have to believe that this team is two years away from legitimate contention but speaks volumes for the strength of this division in the years to come.

Stay Tuned

Ryan