BoSox Land Byrd: AL East Breakdown

The Boston Red Sox shocked the baseball world yesterday when they claimed SP Paul Byrd off waivers from Cleveland and then made a waiver-trade to acquire the right-hander. Byrd was thought to be claimed by a team like the Yankees who are still desperate for a solid starting pitching. Paul Byrd is a free agent after the season and comes to Boston to help get this team into the playoffs and beyond. Byrd will make his first start Friday for Boston taking young righty Clay Buchholz's place in the rotation. Buchholz has struggled mightily since returning from AAA Pawtucket. With SP Tim Wakefield on the DL, Byrd gives the Red Sox another reliable guy. Byrd does not have dominating stuff, but is very accurate and never gives hitters great pitches to drive. Byrd frustrates hitters and never has awful outings. Paul Byrd is consistent and always gives his team a chance to win night in and night out.

AL East Standings 8/13/08
1. Rays - -
2. Red Sox 3 GB
3. Yankees 8 GB

The Rays have proven they are the real deal and have held off Boston and NY all season. Recent injuries to OF Carl Crawford and 3B Evan Longoria will hurt this team and gives Boston an opening to win the division. The Rays are still poised to get into the postseason via the wildcard if Boston does surpass them eventually, which I believe will still happen. The Red Sox can win the AL East without Manny Ramirez, but they will miss his clutch and reliable bat in October. The Yankees look dead unless they land some pitching soon. They are 8 back in the division and 5 back in the wildcard. Unless something changes drastically soon, count the Yanks out this year. Boston and Tampa Bay will both be playing in October and could meet in the ALCS. Plenty more on this race as we head down the stretch.