but if u talk about firepower in batting lineup, orioles and Whitesox have arguably the best of lineups and yet they can't make the playoffs >>> don't know how much AL West do you wathc. You should have heard of team name called Angels. They got the best lineup. So does the Rangers and As. Don't know how can you add White Sox, their both offensive power big hurt and M. ordonez are hurt for some time now. Orioles have a good line up with Tejada, Palmerio and lopez but nothing coampred to Yankees or even Red Sox. Orioles will be really good next year, they need some pitching. Watch out Red Sox, 2nd place mite not be your from next year :) About the Yankees pitching staffs, yeah their ace was hurt. But do check the last 4-5 starts for all the Yankees starter and you will be surprised. AL Central divison fans, you should start to watch some AL west and east games, so you can know how great of a divisions they are. AL Central divison is like an AAA division for East and West