With pitchers and catchers reporting to spring training in less than a week, it's time to take an early look at the upcoming baseball season. Here's a look at five starting pitchers from the AL East who could be key factors in the overall fortunes of their clubs in 2008:

Baltimore: Daniel Cabrera-The O's are still waiting for Cabrera to reach his potential after four years in the rotation. He has been durable by making more than 25 starts in each season but he has had an E.R.A. of over 4.50 in all four years. Cabrera had a career-worst 5.55 E.R.A. in 2007. Control has been the main problem as Cabrera had 108 walks in 204.1 innings last year. At 26, the young right-hander could be ready to maximize his ability in 2008.  

Boston: Daisuke Matsuzaka-The former Japanese league was solid if not overwhelming in his first big league season with a 4.40 E.R.A. He wore down a little after the all-star break with a 5.19 E.R.A. compared to a 3.84 E.R.A. before the break. Durability will be a concern heading into 2008. Including spring training and the playoffs, Matsuzaka pitched 242 innings for the Red Sox in 2007. With Curt Schilling's status in doubt for the start of the season and possibly beyond, Matsuzaka could be the key to Boston's hopes of a repeat in 2008.

New York Yankees: Phil Hughes-The prized arm of the Yankees system showed flashes of brilliance in 13 starts as a rookie in 2007. Hughes posted a 4.46 E.R.A. last year despite some thought that he was rushed into his debut at the age of 20. With some questions at the back of the rotation, Hughes will be important in 2008 as he prepares to make 30+ starts.

Tampa Bay: Edwin Jackson-The former top prospect of the Dodgers was inconsistent in his first full big league season as a starter in 2007 in Tampa. Jackson posted a 5.76 E.R.A. in 31 starts last year while allowing 88 walks in 161 innings of work. He made some nice progress after the all-star break as Jackson posted a 4.48 E.R.A. after posting an E.R.A. of over seven in the first half. At 24, he still has plenty of time to fulfill his potential. 

Toronto: Shaun Marcum-Injuries gave Marcum a chance to join the rotation last May. He was a surprise for Toronto in 2007 with an E.R.A. of under four in his 25 starts. However, after a quick start before the all-star break, Marcum struggled in the second half with an E.R.A. of 4.68 in 14 starts after the break. The right-hander will be looking for a more consistent season in 2008 as Marcum will begin the season in the rotation after being in the bullpen at the start of the 2007 campaign.