1. Mets- They are deep in every facet of the game. They have the best bench. They have a strong bridge to Wagner. Their rotation might be their achillies right now but they have so many options in a short series depending which pitcher can step up in the 2nd half of the year. El Duque is a masterful postseason pitcher. Soler has upside and if he can put something together, he might not be a bad 4th starter. Bannister was a solid option until he got injured and he might be a solid option. They remind me of the 1996 Yanks with all the aged role players like Franco, Valentin.
2. White Sox- Best rotation in baseball. They have potential to outslug any team in AL. Their bridge to Jenks could be a little better though.
3. Dodgers- Another deep team with alot of rookies who can finally play. Their rotation has potential to win a postseason series. Their pen without Gagne is pretty solid. If Gagne comes back, that pen is nasty.
4. Red Sox- Possibly best balanced lineup in AL. If Schilling, Beckett and Lester are all healthy and pitching their A games at the right time, they are the scariest team in baseball. The Timlin to Papelbon bridge has alot of potential. Injuries will determine how far they go.
5. Houston- Their rotation is the best in baseball now that Clemens is in there. If Lidge has his head on straight, that bullpen is still nasty. I expect them to go on another run.
Honorable Mention
Yankees- They are the Yankees
Blue Jays- Might have best balanced team all around in AL East
Cards- They still are the Cards
Twins- Pitching has sick potential to go a long way.