Being from the Northeast, I remember the warnings from the Boston writers last year. Tampa Bay was vastly improved and they could be ready to make some noise in the American League East.

Now, to be fair, those writers didn't have the Rays topping either the Sox or the Yankees in 2008, but at least they had them on the radar.

Now, one year after the Yanks went on another spending bender and the Sox did their fair share of throwing money around, the same writers were tossing out the name of another team.

The Blue Jays.

Those same writers that noted Tampa was on to better things in 2008 said the Jays would be vastly improved in 2009 and could be ready to make some noise (though they were likely still a year or two away from being legitimate contenders).

The New Rays

Instead, the Blue Jays appear to be the 2009 version of Tampa, young, hungry and wanting to prove themselves. Those attributes go a long way especially when you don't have to face those dreaded expectations that come with winning every year.

And it starts with a great story, that of Cito Gaston. Despite having won two World Series titles, he could not seem to get anyone interested in giving him another managerial position.

After being fired in 1997 by the same organization, Gaston was rehired by the Jays where he had served in various capacities: hitting coach, scout and ambassador. He apparently would get interviews for managerial positions with other teams, after all he is black and there is the need to appear to be interested in minority candidates.

But no one would give him a chance to prove that he really could manage. Others would try Jim Leyland and Lou Piniella, and the Braves continued with Bobby Cox.

The insiders thought: black got him interviews. But those same insiders whispered it may have been his color that kept him from getting an offer.

Whatever the case, even though Gaston owned more World Series rings than Leyland, Piniella and Cox, he could not get the head bench job until the Jays brought him back in June last year.

While most folks paid little attention, the insiders noted that over the final 3½ months of last season the Jays had the sixth best record in baseball. It was the fact that it was only the sixth best that helped them stay under the radar coming into 2009.

But taking over in mid-season is tough and Gaston clearly had the team turned around by year's end.

Kind Schedule

Today, they are probably the best hitting team in baseball. They have a legitimate stud in Roy Halliday, a true losing streak preventing starter.

And they have the best record in the American League. Not just in the East, but in the League.

The critics note that the early schedule has been kind.

No games with the Sox.

None with the Yanks.

And none with the Rays.