World Series 2011: Who is the MLB's Dark-Horse Winner?

The Milwaukee Brewers. Yep, those Milwaukee Brewers. The team currently in a four-team race for the National League Central division. Yep, the team with a lousy shortstop and third baseman. The team that could potentially MISS the playoffs. Yep, that team!

Of course, as the title says, I am discrediting "favorites"—the Phillies, Yankees, Red Sox, Giants; teams like that are not in this discussion. I am looking at it from a July standpoint right as the free agency/trade deadline scene is dying down a little.

Being from Wisconsin, I admit it—I am showing a bias here. Following the Brewers through the years has given me enough stress, but this year, not so much. While our bullpen certainly has been a sore spot, we got K-Rod to help with those woes. Axford as our closer has been great, so no worries there. We just need out starters to be eating more innings, so we can avoid the Kameron Loe, Estrada situations that seem to always come up.

Milwaukee's hitting is (pardon the term) hit-or-miss. One game is five home runs with 11 runs, while the next we are can't even get a run. If Braun, Fielder, Weeks and the rest of the crew stay consistent (that's all I ask), we are fine there as well.

Our defense is what concerns me. The left side of the infield is a constant struggle. That would be why the trade deadline is here, and lo and behold, the Brewers are making some moves.

While some teams are content to sit back and watch, Milwaukee is "all in" this year. They know it. We know. YOU all know it. That's why come October, the Brewers will make it to the playoffs, and with Greinke, Gallardo, Marcum, Wolf and our cast of pitchers, we should have no problem giving the rest of the MLB a run for their money.

Brewers over Yankees in six.