Butterfield: Yanks improved more than Red Sox

Brian Butterfield, the Toronto Blue Jays third base coach and an Orono native, said people he has talked to seem to think the Boston Red Sox have “one-upped” the New York Yankees with their acquisitions of ace righthander Curt Schilling and closer Keith Foulke.

But Butterfield disagrees and it isn’t the trade for superstar Alex Rodriguez that has him giving the Yankees the edge.

“I liked what the Yankees had done with their pitching staff more than the Red Sox before the trade, especially if they can stay healthy,” said Butterfield, a former three-sports star at Orono High and the starting second baseman for the University of Maine.

“The biggest question is can Kevin Brown stay healthy,” said Butterfield, who left his Standish home this morning for spring training in Dunedin, Fla.

“When Brown is healthy, he’s one of the best pitchers in baseball,” continued Butterfield. “Javier Vazquez is an up-and-comer and Jon Lieber was an All-Star [with the Cubs] before he got hurt. They say he’s throwing 92-93 [mph] now.”

Lieber spent last season rehabilitating after undergoing Tommy John elbow surgery.

“And I’ve always liked Tom Gordon, especially in the setup role,” said Butterfield. “The Yankees needed to solidify their bullpen and they’ve done that, and their starting pitching has the potential to be better than last year.”

“That all goes down the tubes if Brown goes down, Lieber isn’t able to come back, and Gordon gets hurt,” said Butterfield. “It’s the same with the Red Sox. Pedro [Martinez] isn’t a great big man and there’s a chance he could break down a little bit.”

He said the same goes for the 37-year-old Schilling.

Butterfield said the Blue Jays have some good young arms and “we’ve definitely improved our bullpen.”

“And I’m excited about the acquisition of [veteran starting pitcher] Pat Hentgen,” added Butterfield.

“He will be the pitching version of Mike Bordick: an older guy who has had a great career and is a quality guy. He will be good for our young pitching staff,” said Butterfield.

Bordick, a former Hampden Academy and University of Maine star, played shortstop, third, and second for the Blue Jays a year ago and Butterfield said he was a great influence on their young players.

Bordick has announced his intentions to retire.

Butterfield expects the Red Sox to be solid.

“I love their makeup. I love the additions they’ve made,” said Butterfield.

He also thinks Baltimore has improved itself and “I see Tampa Bay getting better.”

“The American League East is, undoubtedly, the best in baseball,” Butterfield said.

The Yankees and Red Sox have much higher payrolls than the other teams in the AL East, but Butterfield said the Blue Jays aren’t going to complain about it.

“I know the mentality in our clubhouse and we’ll be ready and anxious for the challenge, as will the other teams,” said Butterfield. “We’re excited about the season. Who knows what’s going to happen? So much goes into it. You may have a good team on paper, but injuries and chemistry can factor into it. They can help or hinder a ballclub.”