Pam Richter
With the MLB midway point past us now, it is time to take a quick glance at the standings and make some predictions in each division. Many races are still close and it will be exciting as teams race for the division until the last days in September.
NL West: The LA Dodgers. The team has run away with the division and proved they can play without Manny Ramierez. Even if Ramierez is not a factor in September, the Dodgers will easily with this division.
NL Central: No team has proved to be the outright favorite in this division. The Cubs were supposed to dominate the division, but have struggled throughout the season to play consistent baseball. Look for the St. Louis Cardinals to finish this division on top. The Cardinals have the best combination of pitching and defense in the division and have played the most consistent throughout the season.
NL East: Last night, the Phillies lost their first game after winning 10 straight. Through this run they gained much-needed ground in the division to hold a five and a half game lead over Atlanta. There's questions about the Phillies starting pitching, but World Series MVP Cole Hamels has pitched mediocre at best this season. Hamels will likely pick up his game to lead the staff. Rookie J.A. Happ has been the best pitcher in the Phillies rotation as of late. Even without the addition of Roy Hallady, the Phillies will win the division with strong defense and hitting.
AL West: The Angels are currently leading the division, but look for the Texas Rangers to be on top when the season is over. The Rangers are young and exciting to watch. The Angels are banged up and there's questions about Vladimir Guerrero's health. Seattle will stick around in the race for about another month, but slowly fade into the distance.
AL Central: Currently a three team race in the division has Detroit on top with a one game lead over the Chicago White Sox. But, it's currently the third place team, the Minnesota Twins that will win this division. Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau will carry this team to the top of the division as the season goes on. With Mauer being injured the first part of the season, he's hitting better than ever. Not typically seen has a power hitter, Mauer has been doing that this season.
AL East: The Boston Red Sox are in the middle of some severe hitting woes, but they will break out of this slump to regain the lead in the division. The Yankees are playing the best baseball right now, but their pitching will hurt them in the end. The Tampa Bay Rays are making it a three team race, but won't have enough magic to make the push. Look for this to be the tightest race in baseball once September starts.
Wild Card Picks:
AL Wild Card: This will go to whoever ends up finishing second in the AL East, which I feel is the NY Yankees. The Yankees showed their faults early on in the season and as I said before, will be hurt by their pitching. The Red Sox have better starting pitching and better relievers, which will help them sail to victory.
NL Wild Card: This will be a closer race than the American League, with most teams in the Central still in contention. The Rockies are currently on top, but won't have the pitching to stay there. The Giants are in second place, but won't have the offense to stay there. The Chicago Cubs will rebound from their early season struggles to capture the Wild Card.