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Which teams will make MLB’s postseason?
Let’s do this by division:
(Standings as of Thursday’s games)
NL WEST
First Place: D’backs
Second Place: Dodgers (3.5 back)
NL CENTRAL
First Place: Cubs
Second Place: Brewers (6.5 gb, WC leader)
NL EAST
First Place: Mets
Second Place: Phillies (1 gb)
MY NL TAKE: There certainly could be a Colorado Comeback Version 2.0 this season, but I’m doubting it. Its pitching can’t do it again. I think in the end it will finish like it is now. Arizona seems hungrier to me, and its pitching is better.
The NL Central is the strongest division in all of baseball right now. There are three legitimate playoffs-caliber teams (Cubs, Brewers, Cardinals). I think this one is wrapped up, though. Cubs win the division, and the Brewers take the Wild Card.
The Mets will collapse again. The Phillies will become the luckiest team in baseball for the second year in a row. These teams are similar: Strong lineups, shaky pitching.
Will the Cubs choke in the playoffs? That remains to be seen. I do know that the Brewers’ top two in the rotation (Sabathia, Sheets) are awesome and would be trouble for foes in the postseason.
NL SURPRISES: For me, I’m surprised to see the Cubs perform up to expectations. I’ve really never seen that. I also thought the Dodgers would be better. Goes to show that Joe Torre isn’t a deity. Other than that, the league has played out according to more projections.
AL WEST
First Place: Angels
Second Place: Rangers (16 gb)
AL CENTRAL
First Place: White Sox
Second Place: Twins (1.5 gb)
AL EAST
First Place: Rays
Second Place: Red Sox (4.5 gb, WC leader)
MY AL TAKE: The Angels are the best team in baseball. They’re only 13 games from the magic number with 29 games remaining.
The White Sox don’t exactly scare other teams, but they haven’t had much of a threat in their own division. The Twins are scrappy, but clearly aren’t a true contender. The White Sox are getting lucky here. I do like the tenacity of their GM, Ken Williams. He makes aggressive, offseason moves. He’s a gambler and that style has put a ring around one of his fingers already.
The Rays are going to the playoffs. Amazing. They have a good rotation and a solid lineup. The Angels will mow them down, but it’ll be a franchise first to make the playoffs. The Red Sox probably will earn the Wild Card, but they aren’t the great team many labeled them heading into 2008. They’re good, but there are several teams better.
AL SURPRISES: The Rays are one, no question. So are the White Sox. But two teams I expected to see mentioned in this group would be the Tigers and the Yankees. The Tigers have had internal issues all season. The Yankees rushed young pitchers and were ravaged by injuries. A horrible combination. Frankly, I’m surprised they have a winning record. I guess $200 million payrolls have too much talent to finish below .500.
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