Six weeks to go until the MLB postseason kicks off and the races couldn't be more exciting. This week's MLB review takes a look at the contenders in each division as well as the wild card leaders and labels each team's chances of winning the World Series based on personal odds. Frankly, this is the most I have enjoyed baseball this late into the season. That primarily has to do with the parity this year. Personally, I cannot stand to see the same teams in playoffs each year. I despise New York Yankees fans that think their team is God's Gift to Baseball. Same goes for Red Sox fans. I'm glad they got Boston a title. However, ever since, the so-called 'Red Sox Nation' is way too over-hyped. I can understand the bunch of bandwagoners across the country that jumped on this team's coattail, but in all seriousness, not many west of the Mississippi River even care about this team. Not many see the Cincinnati Reds making noise in the playoffs, but how can you not enjoy this team's success minus a payroll and big time players? The Tigers steamrolled critics all year and have yet to show signs of crashing, despite a small current losing streak. The Twins have been tremendous, as they overcame an awful start to climb into the heart of the AL wild card race. And as far as the Mets go, it's understandable not to give the NL credit because of its overall weakness, but the 'Amazins are arguably one of the favorites to win the World Series. Oh, and save all the Albert Pujols and David Wright MVP hype. Jose Reyes is the clear-cut winner to this point. Coming into Sunday Reyes is second in the majors in runs with 95, he has 11 home runs and 55 RBI from the lead-off spot, and he is first in the majors with 15 triples and 49 stolen bases and is the catalyst with 140 hits at the top of one of the best offenses in baseball. AL East New York Yankees: 5/1
The Bombers have flourished after its trade to acquire Abreu and Lidle. However, the Yanks need more quality starts beyond Mussina and Wang. Boston Red Sox: 8/1
As good as David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez have looked this past month, the starting rotation has been inconsistent and closer Papelbon has shown he is indeed human. AL Central Detroit Tigers: 4/1
Bottom line is Detroit has been the best team all year. They should be the favorite in the AL until they bow out. Last year's version of the unproven White Sox. Chicago White Sox: 6/1
Rebounded nicely after falling 10 games back of Detroit. Now they sit only 5 back after sweeping them this weekend. Back-to-back is a strong possibility. Minnesota Twins: 18/1
Any chance of Minnesota making the playoffs went out the door went Liriano went on the DL. AL West Oakland A's: 10/1
My personal spring training pick to make the World Series. Not likely to get there but they are peaking in the right month. Los Angeles Angels: 15/1
Tough news when Colon went down for the year. Not enough offense to boost a team that failed to make a move for Alfonso Soriano. NL East New York Mets: 3/1
With Pedro and Glavine they have a solid 1-2 punch. Reyes, Wright, Beltran and Delgado lead a deadly offense ready to carry them through the Fall Classic. NL Central St. Louis Cardinals: 10/1
Not the team from a couple of years ago. Pujols seems like he is always on point, however the rest of the team lacks the necessary swagger. Cincinnati Reds: 20/1
They have the offense to win a series in the playoffs. However Aaron Harang doesn't have the prowess of a postseason ace. NL West Los Angeles Dodgers: 12/1
The front office made some great additions with Maddux, Lugo and Betemit. With enough hitting, pitching will be the question. Is there enough behind Cy Young candidate Brad Penny? Arizona Diamondbacks: 25/1
A great chance to find a way into the wild card's top spot. However a date with the Mets would send them packing. San Diego Padres: 25/1
Could win the division or the wild card or manage to miss out on both. With ace Jake Peavy under .500 and not on top of his game, San Diego will be stuck at home after September. |
