An AL scout spoke with Sporting News’ Ryan Fagan about three of the division’s biggest questions:
Will Javier Vazquez have more success in his second stint with the Yankees?
Scout says: "There’s less pressure for him to anchor that staff than there was the last time he was there (4.91 ERA in 2004). He’s obviously going to have a little more run support than last year in Atlanta, a bit better ballclub and a little less pressure every five days. When you put him in that rotation with that ballclub, he’s going to be a great complement."
Now that third baseman Adrian Beltre is out of cavernous Safeco Field and at hitter-friendly Fenway Park, will he see a big uptick in his offensive production?
Scout says: "Yes, and not only from the different ballpark but from the guys that will surround him this year. His supporting cast in Boston is going to allow him to make a big impact. And some may make light of this, but the travel is going to be less for him, and that’ll help, too."
Will Rays starter David Price rebound from a sophomore slump?
Scout says: "I don’t think it was a slump. It’s a situation where a young guy was coming out of the bullpen, where he’d had a lot of success in short looks vs. hitters. But the league tends to do a lot of study on pitchers and makes adjustments. This guy is one of the best young pitchers in the game. He’ll be fine."
This story first appeared in the February 15 edition of Sporting News magazine. If you are not receiving the magazine, subscribe today, or pick up a copy, available at most Barnes & Noble, Borders and Hudson Retail outlets.
Ryan Fagan is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at rfagan@sportingnews.com, and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/ryan_fagan.