Success of Players Like Adam Lind, Adam Jones May Go a Long Way in Deciding AL East Race

David Ortiz was asked this week about his old teammates Manny Ramirez and Johnny Damon going to Tampa Bay. He discussed the positive effects the additions will have on the Rays and then he had a tangent upon a tangent while discussing the upgrades other teams made in the American League East.

"This division is getting stronger," he said at the end, before even mentioning the rival New York Yankees.

The AL East camps, each of which is clustered in a portion of southwest Florida, are buzzing with activity this week as players hit the field for their first workouts.

In our latest look at what binds the division, let's examine one player with each Red Sox rival that needs to pull through for their team to have success.

Baltimore Orioles: Adam Jones

New York Yankees: Joba Chamberlain

Tampa Bay Rays: James Shields

Toronto Blue Jays: Adam Lind

Every Saturday, NESN.com Red Sox reporter Tony Lee will look at Boston's competition in the AL East.