While Kevin Thomas and Mike Antonellis are at spring training reporting on the Sox and Sea Dogs, I thought I would take a peek at the opposition.

We must first look to the Yankees, the odds-on favorite to win the A.L. East, according to most "experts." Though, as usual I have different ideas.

Now, I'm not suggesting for a moment that New York will not been seen in October, but I don't think their reign is a given either.

The season starts and ends with pitching.

Chien-Ming Wang is on the D.L. with hammy issues. Which for a pitcher could be particularly painful; the power comes from the heiny afterall.

Then there is new acquistion, Andy Pettitte. He's battling some back pain which will slow him down. We'll have to see when he'll be ready to go.

And the Moose is looking, well, less moosely. Mike Mussina is not scheduled to start until May. So the fierce Yankees will place the person who Mussina chastised earlier this spring - Carl Pavano.

That's right the same Pavano who has not pitched since June '05 is the opening-day starter.

But do not fear at least one Yankee blogger has faith in Carl.

But skepticism is more the reality, just ask Yahoo sports' Jeff Passan, who at one point in his entry refers to Pavano as "Carla."

Oh this is sweet. Controversy has already begun and the first pitch of the regular season has not yet been tossed.

The good news for the Yankees they start the season with a home series against Tampa Bay. The Devil Rays have not faired well in the Bronx (2-7 in 2006).

So there is hope, Yankee fans. Though, I truly believe the Sox and the Devil Rays will be tied for first come April 3.

Get a Posted by Ed Walsh at 11:39 AM