While everyone else was saving their pennies, the New York Yankees were spending big.

Defying the economic crisis, they forked over $423.5 million to put Mark Teixeira, CC Sabathia and A.J. Burnett in pinstripes for the team's first season in a new $1.5 billion Yankee Stadium.

But all that cash couldn't keep Alex Rodriguez out of the steroids scandal or the operating room.

It won't guarantee New York a return to the playoffs, either. Not in a rugged division that also includes rival Boston and American League champion Tampa Bay.

So after missing the postseason last year, ending their run of 13 straight appearances, the big-budget Yankees could be in for a demanding pennant chase that piles of money just can't buy.

"I think you'd probably have to have your head in the sand if you didn't know what the expectations were," manager Joe Girardi said.

Even Rodriguez's injury hasn't tempered those expectations. The three-time MVP is expected to be out until May following arthroscopic surgery to repair torn cartilage in his right hip.

That was only part of his tumultuous offseason. Often fodder for the New York tabloids, A-Rod made it worse when he admitted that he used steroids from 2001-03 while playing for Texas.

Now, his injury leaves inexperienced backup Cody Ransom as the Yankees' starting third baseman when the season opens. Not exactly what the Bronx Bombers had in mind when they busted open the piggy bank for Teixeira, Sabathia and Burnett.

"He's a vital part of the team. But just like when anyone else gets hurt, you can't sit around and wait for them to come back," Yankees captain Derek Jeter said. "You've got to play without them, that's the bottom line. People get hurt, other guys have to step up and fill in for him."

No one is going to feel sorry for the Yankees anyway. Not after a winter spending spree that kept their payroll above $200 million.

With the national economy crumbling, New York's costly moves irritated other teams and prompted calls for a baseball salary cap -- even though the Yankees' payroll actually declined by $7 million in the end, as they parted ways with a handful of players including the retiring Mike Mussina.

Maddon and his surprising Rays went on a wild ride that took them from last place in 2007 to an improbable pennant one year later. Budding young stars such as Evan Longoria, B.J. Upton and James Shields led the charge to the World Series, where Tampa Bay lost to the Philadelphia Phillies in five games.

Now, the question is whether the Rays can win big again, this time with a projected opening-day payroll of about $64 million -- an increase of nearly 50 percent.

EAST

Boston Red Sox

Seeking their third World Series title in six seasons, the Red Sox boast a deep pitching staff that includes emerging star Jon Lester and two-time World Baseball Classic MVP Daisuke Matsuzaka.

Slowed by injuries last year, ace Josh Beckett is looking to rebound. Smoltz bolted for Boston after two decades in Atlanta and should be ready by June.

New York Yankees

Led by Sabathia and Burnett, the rotation goes five-deep and looks terrific. Andy Pettitte and Joba Chamberlain, however, aren't necessarily sure things. Chien-Ming Wang returns after missing the final 3½ months last season with a foot injury.

The offense slipped dramatically last year, due in large part to injuries to Jorge Posada (shoulder) and Hideki Matsui (knee). Both are back following surgery.

Tampa Bay Rays

This struggling club was stockpiling high draft picks and young talent for years, but few realized it would all come together at once the way it did.

Playing an exciting brand of team baseball, the Rays won 97 regular-season games and didn't stop until the World Series.

Toronto Blue Jays

Roy Halladay paced the best pitching staff in baseball last year, but he probably won't have as much help this time. Burnett opted out of the final two years of his contract and signed with the Yankees. Shaun Marcum and Dustin McGowan are hurt, depleting a now-inexperienced rotation.

Baltimore Orioles

Under president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail, the once-proud Orioles are trying to build with talented youngsters such as outfielder Adam Jones and big-time catching prospect Matt Wieters, who could reach the big leagues this year. Still, major improvement is probably a long way off.

CENTRAL

Minnesota Twins

A legitimate argument can be made for -- or against -- any team in the AL Central winning this division. Ron Gardenhire is an outstanding, underrated manager, and every year his hustling Twins play the most consistent and fundamentally sound baseball of any club in the division.

So they're the pick this year, partly by default.

Kansas City Royals

A doormat for decades, the Royals appear ready for a breakthrough within the next few seasons. Even a 10-win improvement over last year's 75-87 record could make them contenders in this division.

Cleveland Indians

Injuries took a major toll on the Indians last season. They stumbled out of the gate, then traded CC Sabathia and Casey Blake during the summer. But they played better in the second half and finished with a .500 record.

Chicago White Sox

General manager Ken Williams has been trying to make the White Sox younger while still fielding a contender, and he's done a solid job.

Josh Fields gets another shot at third base, and Chris Getz won the second base job. Alexei Ramirez, runner-up to Longoria for AL Rookie of the Year last season, shifts from second base to shortstop.

Detroit Tigers

There certainly is talent on this roster, with a projected opening-day payroll of about $128 million. But manager Jim Leyland's group just didn't seem to fit last year after entering the season as a popular choice to win the pennant.

WEST

Los Angeles Angels

Even after losing Teixeira, Francisco Rodriguez, pitcher Jon Garland and longtime outfielder Garret Anderson, the Angels appear to be the class of this division thanks to their signature depth and balance.

Two of the team's top starting pitchers were hurting in spring training: John Lackey and Ervin Santana. The latter is expected to miss at least the first month because of a sore elbow. Kelvim Escobar is still working his way back from surgery. Nick Adenhart is among the potential fill-ins.

Texas Rangers

If you like offense, Texas is fun to watch in its hitter-friendly ballpark. Ian Kinsler, Michael Young and the Rangers led the majors with a .283 batting average and 901 runs.

Oakland Athletics

The next crop of promising young pitchers is on its way in Oakland, and general manager Billy Beane upgraded a punchless offense in an effort to help.

Seattle Mariners

Expected to challenge for the 2008 division crown, Seattle flopped instead and slogged through a horrendous season. Afterward, departed players and coaches commented about the jealousy and bickering that went on, insinuating that Suzuki was a reason for the team's divided clubhouse.