Zach’s 2009 AL All-Star Roster

Since the American League is once again wholly superior (seriously, one could make the argument that any of the top four teams in the East could win four out of the other five divisions, the West being the exception with the Dodgers) and the league I know better than the back of my hand, here’s my best shot at devising what should be true the 2009 AL All-Star Game Roster complete with nine starting position players, six starting pitchers, six closers and 13 reserves:

TAM 14, BOS 5: Torcher

Evan Longoria is being handed the American League MVP award courtesy of the Boston Red Sox pitching staff.

TAM 13, BOS 0: Roadblock

Even though Boston just recently had an 11-game winning streak snapped and beat the Cleveland Indians coming back from a 5-run deficit winning on a Jonathan Van Every homer in extra innings — his first of his MLB career — the Red Sox still have some things to figure out. Matt Garza is one and Josh Beckett is the other.

TB 4, BOS 3: Longoria, Garza power Rays past Sox

Only three games into the season, Evan Longoria has already punched his name into the American League MVP race.
And Matt Garza made a loud statement that the Rays aren’t a flash in the pan.

TB 7, BOS 2: Pena breaks funk, Lester lackluster

Most baseball analysts think Jon Lester will emerge as one of the best pitchers in the league this year.
His start yesterday against the Tampa Bay Rays took a sharp left turn. And it wasn’t in the right direction.

BOS 5, TB 3: Beckett’s back

Any questions about Josh Beckett returning to his 2007 form were answered against the Tampa Bay Rays. At least for one start.

Know Thine Enemy 2009: Tampa Bay Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays are coming off their first successful season in the history of the franchise. Finally, they’re not considered doormats with no vision of the future. Now the Pirates stand alone there. (Even the Royals are much improved!)

This club is scary in the pool of young talent they already hold plus more on the way in the minor leagues. The Rays will compete for a very, very long time. But will they be able to withstand the Red Sox and Yankees assault in 2009?

TB 13, BOS 4: Sox pounded

Tim Wakefield got shelled early and the trend continued as the Tampa Bay Rays now have a 3-1 lead over the Boston Red Sox in the ALCS.
The Rays hitters scored [...]

Battle For First Place: Sox, Rays open up three-game set

Sure, if all breaks right this upcoming series at the Trop, the Red Sox could find themselves in first place with an opportunity to finish first two straight years since [...]

BOS 8, KC 2: Offense still cooking

Boston scored all their runs with two outs and Tim Wakefield pitched six innings with six strikeouts to keep pace with the Rays who do not know how to lose [...]