Well, unfortunately, only 8 teams will make it. I am here to tell you who is going to make it and why. So buckle up and hold on. It could get messy.
Lets start in the National League.
The National League west is by far the least competitive of all the divisions. I don't see that changing at all. The Dodgers are by far the best team in this division. They have the pitching and the hitting to dominate this division. The Giants are an interesting team. They have the best pitching in the division, but the worst hitting. Unless they get a bat or two, the will fall short of not only the division, but the wildcard as well.
Pick: Dodgers
The National League central is by far the most competitive division in the national league. As of right now, 5 teams are separated by 5 games. Now, eventually, I believe the Reds and Brewers, will start to fade. The Astros will stick around a little longer, but then they will fade as well. That brings it down to the Cubs and the Cardinals. I like the Cardinals lineup, and I think they will add a pitcher (Mark Buehrle?) . The Cubs, can hope that their pitching lives up to the billing...but I don't.
Pick: Cardinals
The National League east has the defending champs, and then 3 more teams within 3 games of each other. The Mets are just injury bitten this year. It started in the offseason with Wagner, and has gone into the season with Reyes, Beltran, and Delgado. This just isn't their year. The Marlins are young and hungry, but they won't add anyone, and the young guys will get tired. The Braves will make a strong push, and at least give the Phillies a run, but it too will come up short. With the addition of Pedro Martinez, and Roy Halladay, the pitching will catch up with the best offence in the National league.
Pick: Phillies
For the Wildcard, I think the Braves hold off the Giants and the Cubs.
Pick: Braves
Now on to the American League.
Lets start in the American League West. The Angels are the leader at the midpoint, and their pitching staff is getting healthy. The only problem is, the hitters are getting hurt. Hunter and Guerrero have to be in the lineup for the Angels to win. The Rangers are coming on, and are getting healthy. Plugging Hamilton back in the middle of the order can only help. The Rangers problem is the ballpark they play in. August will hurt them when it gets so hot, but they stick around after the trade for Zach Duke. Seattle and Oakland are sellers, and are going to effect races in other divisions. ( Holliday,Bedard)
Pick: Angels
The American League Central is very confusing. The Tigers are leading, but their offense is struggling. The Twins bats are on fire, but their pitching has been very poor. The White Sox, are kinda all over the place. I don't think the Twins will add at the deadline, but I think the White Sox and Tigers will. That being said, I always take pitching over hitting, so I like the Tigers.
Pick: Tigers
The American League East is once again going to dominate the headlines until the end of the year. The Rays are the defending American League champs. The Red Sox and Yankees will be big buyers at the deadline, so it will come down to The Red Sox and Yankees. The Red Sox have the best starting pitching in the league, a great lineup, and a great bullpen. The Yankess have the best lineup, and great bullpen, but their rotation is suspect. They will add at least one top pitcher, but it won't be enough.
Pick: Red Sox
The Wild Card will come down to 3 teams: Yankees, Rays, and Rangers. The Yankees and Rays will battle themselves and the Red Sox, which will allow the Rangers to take the Wildcard.
Pick: Rangers
Before we get to the playoffs, I am giving out my awards.
AL MVP - Joe Mauer- Minnesota Twins. The best hitter in the league has added the longball. He is a complete hitter at a very demanding position.
NL MVP -Albert Pujols- St. Louis Cardinals. The best hitter in the last 25 years. This year he is also stealing bases. Next year, he will probably be the team's fifth starter. The guy does it all.
AL CY Young - Josh Beckett- Boston Red Sox. He is back to the pitcher he was 2 years ago. He could easily win 22 games and carry the Sox to the title.
NL CY Young - Tim Lincecum- San Fransisco Giants. He is just as dominating as last year, maybe even better. He is single-handedly keeping the Giants in the race.
AL Rookie - Elvis Andrus- Texas Rangers. He is getting better with every game, and his main competition is hitting a wall(Rick Porcello)
NL Rookie - Colby Rasmus- St. Louis Cardinals. Hitting at the top of the Cardinals lineup gives him alot of opportunities to score. He is taking advantage of that.
AL Manager - Jim Leyland- Detroit Tigers. This team was supposed to finish third or forth. He has them in the lead, and getting stronger as the season goes.
NL Manager - Bobby Cox- Atlanta Braves. When he gets the addition to the team he wants (Holliday), this team will take off. The pitching has been solid, and Hansen is only getter stronger.
Now for the playoffs.
National League
Philly vs. St. Louis - Philly
Atlanta vs. Dodgers - Dodgers
Philly vs. Dodgers - Philly
American League
Boston vs. Texas - Boston
Detroit vs. Angels - Angels
Boston vs. Angels - Boston
World Series
Philly vs. Boston
BOSTON
As always, if you like it, tell me. If you don't, tell me. My email is jpconner9@yahoo.com.
See you guys later. J Conn
