The AL East the last few years has been pretty easy to figure: New York or Boston. If you said in April Tampa Bay would have 55 wins before the All Star break, let alone in be in first place, you’d be drug tested. But the Rays are in first place and don’t appear to be going away. The talent has finally come through and if they can survive through the Dog Days, we could have ourselves one fine stretch run.
The Red Sox might have something to say about this and certainly have a lot of fight left. The defending champs have survived some pitching injuries (no more Schilling and Dice K was on the DL earlier in the year) and Manny being Manny. Bottom line this is a team that knows how to win and should be expected to play well into October.
You keep waiting for the Yankees to overcome everything that has been thrown at them this year. New manager, A-Rod’s issues and loads of pitching issues. But don’t give up on them yet as there are enough vets to carry them. Also don’t discount any dealing they may do to make the big push in the end. But for them, pitching is the key…
As for the pretenders, the Orioles looked like for about ten seconds that they might stick around. But not surprisingly, they have fallen and finishing .500 might be a more reasonable goal. I think they have shown strides in the first half and must feel good for still having Brian Roberts on their team. The Blue Jays expected better and fired their manager because they weren’t. Can Cito Gaston bring the glory days back to Toronto? Not with a team that can’t hit with runners in scoring position.
The big prediction? I think Boston pulls out the division, but won’t have enough to go very far in the playoffs. The wildcard will come from here as well, as Tampa surprises all, although by October, we shouldn’t be. The Yankees will be left out.
MVP of this division? Hard to say, but it boils down to A-Rod and Kevin Youkilis. The league MVP won’t come from here. Pitching? Nothing stands out to me, but Mike Mussina and Roy Hallady have each had solid years.
AL Central:
At first blush in May, this division looked awful. The two favorites-Detroit and Cleveland were floundering and the White Sox were in the lead, but not looking good doing it. And now?
The White Sox have played like they could make the World Series again despite Ozzie being Ozzie. Their bullpen may be the best in baseball and they have a very legitimate MVP candidate in Jermaine Dye. The Sox have one of the best records in baseball and look to be around until October. Surprisingly, the Twins are in the race, but over the years, this shouldn’t surprise anybody. They always seem to have players, not unlike Oakland, that come through after the stars have left. The team is well run from top to bottom. I don’t see them in the playoffs in the end, but a nice foundation has been st.
A World Series championship was predicted by this riffer in March. Instead, the Tigers have hunter-flopped through most of the season as injuries, sloppy play and over the top expectations have hindered this team. And yet, despite all of this, the Tigers are poised to make a big run in the second half. They’ve been better of late and should make life interesting. As for the rest, status quo for the Royals, who still aren’t ready for prime time. As for the Indians, they are one of the biggest disappointments in baseball this year. They still have the talent on paper, but have started giving up when CC Sabathia was traded. As Cubs fans know, there’s always next year. Keep Clif Lee…
Best player in the division? I say it comes down to three right now: Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau and Jermaine Dye. Others may rise as the season unfolds, but I think these three have been great contributors to their teams. Pitching? Clif Lee has been fabulous so far; don’t discount Bobby Jenks.
Predictions? A tough one, but as it kills me to say this, I see the White Sox hanging on. Detroit makes a run, but falls short. The Twins will remain pesky…
AL West:
think we take what the Angels are doing for granted. Mike Scioscia, I don’t believe, gets enough credit for being as good as he is. The Angels, say what you want about the Rays, are the best team in the AL, possibly in all of baseball. They have a good combination of hitting and pitching and drop dead great closer. I can see a World Series future here.
Moneyball is back for the A’s. Nobody expected them to be in contention, but when Billy Beane is involved, you know the A’s do more with less. Did Beane know something about about Rich Harden the rest of us didn’t? Mark Mulder, for example, hasn’t been the same since he left. Tim Hudson has been solid, but like in his Oakland days.
The Rangers are an interesting story. I think if you give them some pitching, they will be more competitive, given their offense. They have had a nice season so far with the AL’s (or baseball’s) best story in Josh Hamilton. Milton Bradley and Michael Young have been great as well.
Ah…the Mariners. What can I say? They suck. Nothing right has gone on here. Sorry….
As for the division’s best player? Right now it’s Josh Hamilton. Most won’t consider him as an MVP, but don’t discount what he has done. This is what was expected when he was younger. I like Francisco Rodriguez for Cy Young and possibly MVP. He’s been awesome so far.
Prediction? I like Angels as possibly a World Series champ at this point. I think they could match up well with anyone in baseball. Oakland and Texas may be a bit behind in the wild card, but should make things interesting.
That’s it for my All Star Break Reviews! Hope you enjoyed! An Apple a day keeps the ARods away…..
