Advantage in the AL East?

Although i'm not yet going to predict the placing in the AL east, I wanted to give my opinion on who has the advantage going into the season. The Yankees are almost always a perennial contender for the division, and with their recent additions, I think they are definatally going to contend in 09'. They added the best free agent pitcher in Sabathia, and pretty much the best free agent hitter (considered the best due to his age and consistency) in Tiexiera (in my opinion, Dunn is just as good if not better (offensively) due to his home runs and OBP. And then theres Manny, but yeah, you know, he'd be worth more if he didn't have to be Manny being Manny).  Along with those two players, they added Burnett, who can be nasty if he's healthy, but hes also shown lack of heart and commitment, but who knows, that could change now that he is with a better team.

Next there's the Red Sox, who have been perennial contenders for the better half of this last decade. They also seem like they are going to be able to contend for years to come with one of the best farm systems out there.  They have a solid rotation and bullpen (as well as a pitching surplus this year), a great veteran presence, the reining AL MVP, and some great sluggers, but it always seems to be their emerging talent that wins them ball games. *See Papelbon in 06', Ellsbury in 07' and Lowerie in 08'.  So I guess according to my theory, the Sox's fate  in 09' will depend on wether their emerging talent has an impact.

Finally, (yes finally) theres the Rays, whom in my opinion have the Advantage heading into the 2009 season. They have a great rotation, let me rephrase that. A great, very young rotation that is now a year older, wiser, and assumingly better due to their run last year in the playoffs. They also have in my opinion the best lineup in baseball at this time. B.J. Upton was INSANE in the playoffs (and defensively), Evan Longoria was the Rookie of the year, and was a very dangerous player throughout his first experience in the playoffs. Expect the two of them to be better this year, Carlos Penawill be his 30-40 HR hitting self, and they have also added Pat Burrell (who has my respect and admiration) who is capable of hitting 30+ HRs. Navarro never let his AVG go below .300 which fantastic for a catcher. THe only weak spot I see with the rays is the bullpen. They have no definite closer (please do not say Dan Wheeler), and they were almost too perfect last year. Look for guys like Balfour and Howell to let their ERA's go up. 

Let me know what you think, again, this is all just me expressing my opinion and I would like to hear what you have to say on this topic. Serious, unbiased discussion only please.