DET loses Bonderman; Westbrook out for CLE. What SP loss would most alter the '08 AL race?
| BOS, Beckett |  81 (36.82%) |
| OAK, Blanton | 5 (2.27%) |
| TOR, Halladay | 47 (21.36%) |
| TB, Kazmir | 59 (26.82%) |
| CLE, Lee | 10 (4.55%) |
| NYY, Mussina | 10 (4.55%) |
| LAA, Saunders | 4 (1.82%) |
| Other (who?) | 4 (1.82%) |
220 votes | 6 featured comments
Im pretty sure that Wang would be most devastating to a rotation. However, it wouldn't really effect the race.
It came down to Beckett and Kazmir for me (as it evidently did for most), but I voted Kazmir because I figure the Red Sox can withstand the loss of Beckett given the depth of their rotation, while I don't think the Rays can compete without Kazmir.
Came down to Kazmir and Halladay for me. Two best starters in the AL, I think. I voted Kaz since the Rays aren't 6.5 games off the pace at the moment.
I'm with Alex and Dave, Kazmir is the closest thing the Rays have to a "Stopper" in the rotation, and I wouldn't trust the rest of the rotation to hold up over a full season without him.
The Rays were without Kazmir for a stretch and didn't crumble. I think Blanton would dramatically alter the AL West race. The A's are 4 back. If they fold then the AL West is a leisurely walk for the Angels.
I voted for Contreras - he's gone 6 - 2 in his last 10 games, and until only recently, their offence hasn't been strong.
I then looked at the standings, and with Chicago up by 6.5 games, maybe he wouldn't affect the standings all that much. But if that's the case, Lee shouldn't be on this list either.