As we finish up with July and head into August, every Major League Baseball fan is getting a little excited; a little nervous; and most importantly, a little hopeful.
Hopeful for what?
Hopeful that their team can stay on top, or make a move and get to the top.
Hopefully my words here will ease some of you, and infuriate some of you.
So, lets get started with the predictions:
AL WEST
Already out: Seattle. Even with the best young pitcher, Seattle needs to get back into the rebuilding mode and start focusing for being a contender a few years from now.
Stand a chance (kind of): Oakland and Texas. Even though Texas has a couple of good young sluggers, and Oakland has a good young team, I can not see either of them catching the red hot Angels. Sorry Oakland and Texas fans, but do not expect a wildcard either.
Locked up: Los Angeles Angels. With a 10-game lead, do not expect the Angels to falter. You will see them in the playoffs.
AL CENTRAL
Sorry but no cigar: Cleveland and Kansas City. Almost a let-down season for Cleveland after a good one last year. Just do not have the momentum anymore. And how do you get rid of C.C.?
Kansas City is a young team, but aren't they always a young team? Enough is enough if your a Royals fan.
In it to win it: Detroit, Minnesota and Chicago WS. Detroit will hit its stride, Minnesota will keep playing good, and Chicago will keep being gritty. Who will win?
If I were a betting man, I would put my money on Chicago winning the division and Detroit and Minnesota fighting over the Wild card. I think Detroit has shot themselves in the foot, and Minnesota is just not as tough as Chicago to win those must win games when it comes down to it.
AL EAST
Same Ol, Same Ol: Toronto and Baltimore. The tough AL East always seems to bury these two teams who have had good years...sometimes. This year do not expect to see either one of them near the top of the standings as the playoffs near.
Could win the Wild card: Tampa Bay and New York AL. I believe that either one of these two teams will win the wild card in the AL but will not be able to win the division. Tampa Bay will fold and New York just has too many other story lines to keep them from their true potential.
And the winner is: Boston. With the return of Big Papi and maybe the best pitching staff in baseball, plus not to mention the fact that they are the defending champions, expect Boston to display its veteran know how and win the AL East.
AL Run-Down:
AL West—Los Angeles Angels
AL Central—Chicago White Sox
AL East—Boston Red Sox
AL Wild card—New York Yankees
NL WEST
Roughnecks: San Diego, San Francisco and Colorado.
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4 months ago
Great run-down! I agree with most of it, but have issues with the AL Central, NL West, and NL Central.
Good work!
from 4 months ago
What are your issues? Thanks for the add by the way!
from 4 months ago
I think if Minnesota can make some changes like bring up Liriano and getting rid of Bass, finding both a set-up man and a power hitting third baseman, they can certainly win the division this year.
Probably a bit of a homer pick, but whatever. :)
4 months ago
O yeah? What would your dis-agreements be!?
4 months ago
I agree with most of this, except one key thing: Andruw Jones. I see Penny doing great, but Andruw Jones is finished. He can no longer mash like he did in Atlanta, the guy is fat and slow and old. Count Jones out. Even though I am a Giants fan, I can admit they're out.
from 4 months ago
Thanks for the read. You think Jones is finished? Time for a change in terms of the outfield for the Dodgers you think?
4 months ago
When are you going to write an article about Drew Stanton taking the Lions to the playoffs?
4 months ago
Don't sleep on the rockies. They currently sit just 6 games back, behind two teams that just aren't very good. Yeah they a lot of games under five hundred but in a division where everyone is they still have a chance. They have had to deal with a lot of injuries, and a bit of a hangover from last year's furious finish. Right now they have some starting pitchers who are beginning to step up.
4 months ago
Jimenez and Cook look like a good one two punch right now.
from 4 months ago
We shall see. I do agree with you. Jimenez and Cook are two formidable starters and I personally do like Aaron Cook. He proved himself last year and I expect him to do well again this year!
4 months ago
No offense or anything, but i could have predicted this before the season even started. Maybe not the Cardinals, but i honestly knew that the rays would succed this year. I mean really when you dont take into account how close other teams are, every team you picked to make it this year are perennial playoff contenders anyways.
from 4 months ago
I can agree with that but it is not like I was doing this in search of an upset! Though having St. Louis winning the Central is kind of an upset.
4 months ago
yea ur right, but i mean everyone is looking for the Rays to crash and burn, and for the Cubs to slip, and for the Brewers not to make it. i dont mean to shoot down your article, im just saying what i think
from 4 months ago
O no worries man! I am glad you are taking the time to give some feedback! I mean in no way was I trying to be defensive at all!
4 months ago
A pretty solid list. I am a believer in your AL analysis, I have the exact same thing. But in the NL, the D-Backs will rebound in a cruddy division and the Cubs won't be denied by anyone, especially the Cards. The Mets win the wild card and the Cards are left out, as are the Dodgers. Other than that, nice rundown.
from 4 months ago
Yeah I understand what you mean in terms of the Mets and D-Backs. To be honest, those two divisions are so close that a true canindate may not emerge until the last week of the season.
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