MLB

Toronto Blue Jays:

Don't look now but the Toronto Blue Jays are 6-2 and leading the revamped American League Eastern division. My first Bleacher Report article outlined this possibility when upon the re-hiring of former manager Cito Gaston on June 20, 2008 the team proceeded to finish last season on a 51-37 clip.

I know it's early, but I really don't think the Cleveland Indians have a shot at winning the AL Central division. If you look at all the pieces, they just don't seem to come together.

While I don't think Cliff Lee's phenomenal year in '08 was all a fluke, I'm calling him out a little bit. I can't see him with an ERA under three this year. Looks more like he'll post one around 4.00, which is much more in-line with his career numbers.

Continuing in my series of "25 Ways To Know If You're a ______ Fan," this article is on the most storied franchise in baseball—the New York Yankees. Read the list, leave a comment on your thoughts, and enjoy.

So, New York, here is your list!

The Red Sox claimed second baseman Travis Denker off waivers from the San Diego Padres; the Padres nabbed him from the San Francisco Giants last year.

Denker, 23, has a .243/.333/.486 line in 37 at-bats with the Padres this year. It was his major league debut, and TSN.ca says he is "a true gamer with some pop in his bat, decent speed and pretty good plate discipline. Has solid gap power."

By the way, that phenom reliever is Nick Swisher.

I hate the Yankees.  Therefore, every chance I get to mock them, I go for it.

It is a sad day when your first baseman pitches better in relief than the actual guys labeled as pitchers on your 25-man roster.

Chien-Ming Wang now has a 28.93 ERA.  It's a good thing the Yankees stocked up on starting pitching this offseason.

Carlos Pena, Jason Bartlett, and Pat Burrell all went deep off Yankee pitching last night, helping the Rays demoralize the Yankees 15-5.

With the Red Sox off to a sluggish 2-5 start, their worst since 1996, it leaves fans wondering where this premiere-looking offense is hiding.

While Boston's pitching thus far hasn't been exactly stellar itself, the offense looks even worse.  Following a 5-3 win on Opening Day, the Red Sox have dropped five of their last six games leading up to the 2-5 record. Through those six games, the Red Sox have allowed 23 runs across the plate.

It's all downhill from here...

*First off, I would like to introduce Cody Swartz as my co-Community Leader for the Philadelphia Phillies. Cody has mostly written about the Philadelphia Eagles, but has also written about the Phillies and shares the same knowledge with the Phillies as he does the Eagles. He has officially been promoted to the position as my co-CL. He will be a huge help with all of the activities that are planned to be introduced to our community this season, so look out for messages from Cody or myself in the near future for a community event.

Phew. I'm tired.

The New York Yankees play the second game of a three game set with Tampa Bay tonight at 7 p.m. on MY9 in New York. A.J. Burnett will make his second start and look to go deeper into the game especially with the Yankees bullpen in flux. Matt Garza makes the start for the Rays. Here are the lineups via Peter Abraham

Yankees
Gardner(cf)
Jeter(ss)
Teixera(1b)
Swisher(lf)
Posada(dh)
Cano(2b)
Nady(rf)
Pena(3b)
Molina(c)

My love for Mr. Swisher runs unconditional. At least until the next slump.

Red-hot hitting, and an inning of relief to boot. Plus, he's an entertaining chap.

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways:

One.

Two.

Three.