MLB Mid-season review
We're entering the mid-season break this week for the 2005 season of Major League Baseball. While the heralded All Stars head to Detroit, the timing is perfect for some thoughts on the season so far and my award picks and division winners, not to mention the world series.
The Surprising player of the first half is Chicago Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee. Lee, who turns 30 in September was part of the 2003 World Champion Florida Marlins team but was considered expendable and was traded to the Cubs for essentially Hee-seop Choi who is now a Dodger. A career .275 hitter, Lee is hitting .378 with 27 HR and 72 RBI at the break, when it took a whole season last year to get 32 HR and 98 RBI. To say this guy is on a tear might just be an understatement, and if he keeps it up, Lee will be a threat to obtain the Triple Crown. Honorable mention goes to Cincinnati Reds outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. While not voted to the All Star game this year, Griffey has had perhaps his healthiest season in quite a few year (perhaps 4-5). He's stayed off the DL and is hitting .287 with 17 HR and 58 RBI. If he stays healthy he could hit 40 HR and drive in over 100 RBI something he hasn't done since 2000.
The Disappointing player of the first half is Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Jim Thome. Thome, who turns 35 in August had been averaging a .280 average with 47 HR and 115 RBI the last 3 years before hitting a wall this season. Struggling with the injury bug, Thome has only played in 59 games with a .207 average and 7 HR & 30 RBI. For a team expected to contend with their manager gone during the offseason, the Phillies have struggled and one reason has been the poor showing from Thome. Honorable mention goes to Baltimore Orioles outfielder Sammy Sosa. While it's common opinion that Sosa is on the downside of his career, the soon to be 37-year old outfielder has fallen on hard times. Hitting only .225 with 9 HR and 27 RBI for the contending Orioles is not cutting it and there are rumors that the Orioles may let Sosa go in September.
Predictions:
AL Cy Young: Mark Buerhle (Chicago) - With Halladay out for the next 2 months, Buerhle's main competition may come from fellow teammate Jon Garland. While I may prefer Garland, Buerhle has the better shot to come out on top.
NL Cy Young: Chris Carpenter (St. Louis) - The announced starter for the NL is my choice to finish on top because of the advantage of having a team that's one of the best. Pedro Martinez of the Mets, Roger Clemens of the Astros and Dontrelle Willis of the Marlins will all be in contention, but they need to be on their game 24/7 while Carpenter can lean on his offense at times to help guide him to a win.
AL MVP: Vladimir Guerrero (Angels) - The defending American League MVP is my favorite to win it again. His biggest competitor may be Boston's David Ortiz, I just can't see a DH winning it. Especially when there's someone as talented as Guerrero giving it his all on both sides of baseball.
NL MVP: Andruw Jones (Atlanta) - While Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee may be getting all the attention with his triple crown chase, Andruw Jones has quietly hit 27 HR while leading the Braves back into contention for their fourteenth consecutive division title. Expectations have been high for Jones since his major league debut, and he may be finally coming into form.
AL Playoffs:
Boston (East) - They're the most consistent team in the AL East, I just don't see them having a set back.
Chicago (Central) - The most surprising team in the AL, they'll have to keep their momentum going as the Twins and Indians have impressive records at the break, and I think Chicago can keep it up.
Angels (West) - While the A's are making a run back into contention, the Angels are clearly the best team in the AL West and should win the division.
Baltimore (Wildcard) - Finally having the players to create a contender the Orioles got off to a great start but have come back to the pack in the last month due to injuries. When they get Bedard and Lopez back, the O's should be back to winning consistently.
NL Playoffs:
Atlanta (East) - While the Nationals got off to a riveting start, the Braves have quietly made their way to near the top of the NL East. With some players due to come off the DL, the Braves should make their push soon.
St. Louis (Central) - By far the most consistent team in the NL, they've had the offense for years, and finally they have a pitching staff that is comparable. With the healthy return of All Star Chris Carpenter and the addition of Mark Mulder this past offseason, the Cards are set to make another run to the World Series.
San Diego (West) - In the least impressive division of the National League, the young Padres are taking advantage of injuries to the Giants & Dodgers and should be able to maintain their lead in the West.
Houston (Wildcard) - Beltran who? Morgan Ensberg has helped ignite the Astros, who are making another run comparable to last year. With Clemens, Oswalt & Pettite the Astros have an intimidating top 3 starters and should they reach the playoffs they could do damage.
World Series: Angels over Atlanta - I see Atlanta and the Angels doing the best of all the teams in the second half of the season. I just see Atlanta coming up short to the better team, like they did in the 90's.
The Surprising player of the first half is Chicago Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee. Lee, who turns 30 in September was part of the 2003 World Champion Florida Marlins team but was considered expendable and was traded to the Cubs for essentially Hee-seop Choi who is now a Dodger. A career .275 hitter, Lee is hitting .378 with 27 HR and 72 RBI at the break, when it took a whole season last year to get 32 HR and 98 RBI. To say this guy is on a tear might just be an understatement, and if he keeps it up, Lee will be a threat to obtain the Triple Crown. Honorable mention goes to Cincinnati Reds outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. While not voted to the All Star game this year, Griffey has had perhaps his healthiest season in quite a few year (perhaps 4-5). He's stayed off the DL and is hitting .287 with 17 HR and 58 RBI. If he stays healthy he could hit 40 HR and drive in over 100 RBI something he hasn't done since 2000.The Disappointing player of the first half is Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Jim Thome. Thome, who turns 35 in August had been averaging a .280 average with 47 HR and 115 RBI the last 3 years before hitting a wall this season. Struggling with the injury bug, Thome has only played in 59 games with a .207 average and 7 HR & 30 RBI. For a team expected to contend with their manager gone during the offseason, the Phillies have struggled and one reason has been the poor showing from Thome. Honorable mention goes to Baltimore Orioles outfielder Sammy Sosa. While it's common opinion that Sosa is on the downside of his career, the soon to be 37-year old outfielder has fallen on hard times. Hitting only .225 with 9 HR and 27 RBI for the contending Orioles is not cutting it and there are rumors that the Orioles may let Sosa go in September.
Predictions:
AL Cy Young: Mark Buerhle (Chicago) - With Halladay out for the next 2 months, Buerhle's main competition may come from fellow teammate Jon Garland. While I may prefer Garland, Buerhle has the better shot to come out on top.
NL Cy Young: Chris Carpenter (St. Louis) - The announced starter for the NL is my choice to finish on top because of the advantage of having a team that's one of the best. Pedro Martinez of the Mets, Roger Clemens of the Astros and Dontrelle Willis of the Marlins will all be in contention, but they need to be on their game 24/7 while Carpenter can lean on his offense at times to help guide him to a win.
AL MVP: Vladimir Guerrero (Angels) - The defending American League MVP is my favorite to win it again. His biggest competitor may be Boston's David Ortiz, I just can't see a DH winning it. Especially when there's someone as talented as Guerrero giving it his all on both sides of baseball.NL MVP: Andruw Jones (Atlanta) - While Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee may be getting all the attention with his triple crown chase, Andruw Jones has quietly hit 27 HR while leading the Braves back into contention for their fourteenth consecutive division title. Expectations have been high for Jones since his major league debut, and he may be finally coming into form.
AL Playoffs:
Boston (East) - They're the most consistent team in the AL East, I just don't see them having a set back.
Chicago (Central) - The most surprising team in the AL, they'll have to keep their momentum going as the Twins and Indians have impressive records at the break, and I think Chicago can keep it up.
Angels (West) - While the A's are making a run back into contention, the Angels are clearly the best team in the AL West and should win the division.
Baltimore (Wildcard) - Finally having the players to create a contender the Orioles got off to a great start but have come back to the pack in the last month due to injuries. When they get Bedard and Lopez back, the O's should be back to winning consistently.
NL Playoffs:
Atlanta (East) - While the Nationals got off to a riveting start, the Braves have quietly made their way to near the top of the NL East. With some players due to come off the DL, the Braves should make their push soon.
St. Louis (Central) - By far the most consistent team in the NL, they've had the offense for years, and finally they have a pitching staff that is comparable. With the healthy return of All Star Chris Carpenter and the addition of Mark Mulder this past offseason, the Cards are set to make another run to the World Series.
San Diego (West) - In the least impressive division of the National League, the young Padres are taking advantage of injuries to the Giants & Dodgers and should be able to maintain their lead in the West.
Houston (Wildcard) - Beltran who? Morgan Ensberg has helped ignite the Astros, who are making another run comparable to last year. With Clemens, Oswalt & Pettite the Astros have an intimidating top 3 starters and should they reach the playoffs they could do damage.
World Series: Angels over Atlanta - I see Atlanta and the Angels doing the best of all the teams in the second half of the season. I just see Atlanta coming up short to the better team, like they did in the 90's.
posted by Anonymous at 5:05 PM
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