I still remember the blog I wrote from Florida last March. It concerned comments from Tampa Rays pitcher Scott Kazmir that his team could be a playoff contender.

Without directly laughing at the quote, I questioned it ... okay, I said there was no way it was going to happen.

When the Rays got off to their best start, and there were still doubts ... and the doubts continued until Tampa Bay beat Boston in Game 7 of the ALCS.

In today's column in the Maine Sunday Telegram, we look at the race in the AL East, which is now a THREE-team affair.

For more on the Rays, check out the Marc Topkin in the St. Petersburg Times.

So the Rays are for real. So are the Red Sox. Both teams will be working out today at Fenway Park.

I'll check back later from Boston (been waiting six months to say that again).

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