Bleacher Report - Articles by Brian C

Five Reasons Why the Tampa Bay Rays Will Not Win the AL East

Brian C — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 10:22:25 -0400

With a 5-4 victory last night over the Red Sox, the Tampa Bay Rays are now 1 1/2 games ahead of the Sox in the AL East standings. Although they have played well against top competition, I still don't believe they will win the division. Here are five reasons why:

1. Boston Red Sox

I know they lost to the Rays last night, but they are still 6-4 against them on the season. The Red Sox obviously have so much more experience and I think a three-game set this September in Boston will show that. The Red Sox organization just needs to make sure Manny Ramirez gets as many tickets as he wants for the playoffs.

2. C.C. Sabathia

He is not only on fire lately, he's also on the trading block. The Rays have the prospects to get him (David Price), but they won't pull the trigger. Another contender will make the deal and head to the playoffs. Another reason the Rays won't make the deal is because of the money he will command as a free agent.

3. James Shields

I am a big fan of Shields, but I don't think he's ready to lead this team to the playoffs. He is still very young, plus he's only 6-5 on the season. Shields has also showed some signs of immaturity when he decided to fight CoCo Crisp last month, he fanned with the right hook but held up better than the Red Sox traveling secretary.

4. New York Yankees

The Yankees find themselves 6.5 games back in the AL East and I don't think they will win the division. However, they will definitely have a major role on the outcome because they play two series against the Rays in September. The Rays need to hope that Jason Giambi gets rid of his mustache.

5. Experience

If they don't trade Price away at the deadline, the Rays could look to their top prospect to contribute down the stretch and I don't think he will be able to deliver. The Rays don't really have much experience playing in contention down the stretch, plus they rely on so many young players already (Longoria, Upton, Navarro).

Whatever ends up happening in the AL East, it will be an interesting race down the stretch between the Rays and whoever else decides to join the party.

MLB Midseason Predictions

Brian C — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 19:38:10 -0400

Well it’s the midway point of the season and there have been a lot of surprises, but I expect a few more down the stretch. So here are my predictions for the division winners, playoffs and awards.

American League

East: Red Sox

For most of the season the Red Sox have been in a dead heat with the Rays, but I still think the Yankees are still the real threat to de-throne the Red Sox. The deciding factor for me is the Red Sox offense, because Youkilis, Pedroia, and Ramirez are having monster seasons.

Central: Tigers

This might be a homer pick by me, but they have been playing great baseball as of late. Their starting pitching has been on a tear, including ace Justin Verlander.

July will be a pivotal month for the Tigers with key series against division rivals Twins and White Sox. The Tigers won’t be able to win the central in July, but they can lose it.

West: Angels

It seems like every year now the Angels are in cruise control in the AL West when July rolls around. The A’s are only a few games behind right now, but I don’t see them catching the Angels.

Wild Card: Yankees

Nothing has really been impressive about the Yankees so far this season, but somehow they are only five games back in the wild card and the East. They seem primed for their second half run for the playoffs, once they get healthy they will start rolling.

Cy Young: Cliff Lee

Despite the Indian’s poor season, Cliff Lee has been the exact opposite. He currently leads the AL in wins (11) and ERA (2.34). With the possible departure of C.C. Sabathia at the trade deadline, he will become the new ace of Cleveland’s staff.

MVP: Josh Hamilton

After blowing a lot of rails, he’s now on the fast track to the Triple Crown and MVP. All kidding aside, this is a great story and he may hit the DL because he’s carrying my fantasy team on his back.

National League

East: Phillies

The Phillies won’t need a late season rally or a Mets collapse to make the postseason this year. Chase Utley is having an MVP caliber season and could be the third straight Philly to win the award.

Central: Cardinals

The question in the Central is when are the Cubs going to choke. With their injuries, I think it will be now rather than October. The Cardinals also have had their fair share of injuries, but I think Albert Pujols will stay healthy and lead them to the division championship.

West: Diamondbacks

Brandon Webb has cooled down after a hot start, but he still has 12 wins. The Diamondbacks are the only team in their division above .500 and should coast to the postseason.

Wild Card: Cubs

The Cubs injuries will finally catch up to them, but they are still going to be in the playoffs. Their success will hinge upon Zambrano and Lee, maybe the Billy Goat too.

Cy Young: Brandon Webb

Although he has declined lately, he is still a virtual lock for 20 wins. Webb’s season will be defined by what he does in the postseason.

MVP: Chipper Jones

Hooters waitress’ beware, Chipper has been having a career year. He can finally put behind his thoughts of hitting .400 behind him and focus on his team making the playoffs. Bottom line is that Chipper is having a career year at the age of 36.

Derrick Rose Can Afford to Buy a Lot More Gummi Bears Now

Brian C — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:49:54 -0400

Once again, the majority of tonight's lottery picks will be college freshmen.

O.J. Mayo and Kevin Love will be drafted before more experienced players like Mario Chalmers and Chris Douglas-Roberts. David Stern will continue to step up to the microphone every few minutes to announce the names of players we watched for maybe one year or in the case of international players, never.

Derrick Rose will be heading back to his hometown of Chicago. Who knows where O.J. Mayo and his entourage will go. What will happen when some of these freshmen turn out to be busts? Will David Stern change the draft entry rules again?

Who knows, but in the meantime enjoy watching Danilo Gallinari get drafted.