EARNING THEIR STRIPES

AL CENTRAL
In the conclusion of SportsNight's midseason report we look at one of the most underrated divisions in all of baseball is the AL Central. Every single year it seems that the race for the central has come down to the wire. Since 2005 every team in the division has made the playoffs except, of course the Royals. The parity is screaming once again this summer. The top three teams are separated by 4 games. At the all-star break the division title may be in doubt but it has the ingredients for a fun summer.

1.) DETROIT TIGERS (--0 GB)
Remember last year—Sports Illustrated predicted that the offensive juggernaut Tigers were going to blast their way to a World Series, and Dontrell Willis was going to win the AL Cy-Young. Well Dontrell is still having his problems but the Tigers finally caught up to the front of the pack. Miguel Cabrera leads the way offensively with .323 average and 48 rbi’s. On defense the Tigers are enjoying the success of Edwin Jackson who has .256 era. As of right now the Tigers aren’t in the same class as the Sox or Yankees but that doesn’t matter. One you into the post-season anything can happen.

2.) MINNESOTA TWINS (--4 GB)
Unfortunately for the Twins their hopes of making the post season will depend on whether or not they can catch the Tigers for the division. It seems that the Wild Card is going to either come out of the AL East or the runner-up in the West. So it is an up hill battle for the Twins but it is possible with Joe Mauer hitting everything, leading the league in average and rbi machine Justin Morneau in the top five in both rbi’s and home runs. The Twins have also gotten good pitching. The pieces to the puzzles are there but can they put it all together in time to make a run at the Tigers.

3.) CHICAGO WHITE SOX (--2.5 GB)
The defending Central Champion White Sox won the division on an extra game with Minnesota last year, and it might take a similar type of magic to get to October again. Konerko, Ramierez will have to make up for the absence of Carlos Quentin. The White Sox are experienced but another magical comeback might not be in the cards.

4.) KANSAS CITY ROYALS (--10.5 GB)
The Kansas City Royals were in fact in first place for longer than usual this year. They rode the arm with AL Cy Young Candidate Zach Greinke who almost had a negative ERA in the beginning of the year. Which is very impressive considering he is a Royal. The Royals will continue to be mediocre and look towards next year, again.

5.) CLEVELAND INDIANS (--14 GB)
The Tribe has to be one of the biggest disappointments this season. With not much more to play for this season the Indians look to the future and Cliff Lee’s status. They seem to be sellers at the trade deadline but only for a hefty price. Lee’s performance recently has been on of the only bright spots after a rough start.

Tightly Packed…Except For One

The NL Central is the only division to feature six teams. While this may sound cluttered, normally there is a pretty good spread between first place and the Pirates. However, this year, teams are battling for position like horses out of the gate at the Kentucky Derby. Right now, it’s St. Louis that is out in front…but it could be a photo finish.

1. St. Louis Cardinals (- GB)
Led by the best player in the game, Albert Pujols, the Cardinals are in the lead halfway through the season. They have seen terrific offensive performance throughout their lineup and have seen good pitching from their under-rated rotation and bullpen. Probably one of the biggest surprises has been the pitching of Chris Carpenter and Ryan Franklin. Carpenter has returned to his ace like status after an injury-plagued season, and Franklin has been lights out in his new found closer role.

2. Milwaukee Brewers (2 GB)
The “Brew Crew” are probably the biggest surprise in this division. Written off after losing C.C. Sabathia and Ben Sheets, the Brewers have pitched fairly well and hit even better. They post one of the best lineups in baseball, and Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder have proven that they will make up the core of this team for years to come. Look for the Brewers to stay close, but probably fall down the stretch.

3. Chicago Cubs (3.5 GB)
They are the biggest disappointment of the season. Touted as the NL team to beat, the Cubbies have not lived up to expectations. They added Milton Bradley to an already meaty lineup, but he has failed to perform. The rotation has Zambrano, Dempster, and Harden at the top, but yet the pitching has had issues. They should be fine by the end of the season, but even if they make the playoffs, this is not the year that the Series comes to Wrigley.

4. Houston Astros (4.0 GB)
While they started off slow, the Astros have picked up the pace. With a middle of the order that features Tejada, Lee, and Berkman, they will always have a chance. This offense must continue to overcompensate for their mediocre pitching. If they could go get an arm before the deadline, they would be better set for an August/September run.

5. Cincinnati Reds (4.5 GB)
The Reds show future promise, but future is the key word. They’re led by youngsters Jay Bruce and Joey Votto offensively, and have got good pitching from their young rotation. However, there are still missing pieces in Cincinnati, such as a stronger top of the order which will allow Votto and Bruce to knock in some more runs.

6. Pittsburgh Pirates (8 GB)
What’s there to say? They are only eight back, but the Bucs haven’t had a winning season since 1992 and they have traded away most of their current talent for prospects. In the past year alone, they’ve trade Xavier Nady, Jason Bay, Nate McClouth, and Nyjer Morgan. Talk about a sale. Fans are hoping the team goes up for sale soon!

HOLLYWOOD STARS

In recent years a reviewing the NL West has been a solemn affair. It seems that the past few seasons the teams that compose this mediocre division have played in such a way that it challenges whether or not Major League Baseball NEEDS to send an NL West team to the playoffs. It is the division that has gone the longest without a World Series and it didn’t seem to be changing. But this year the NL West has packed some punch and has attempted to prove that the best are out west.

1.) LOS ANGELES DODGERS (--GB)
The Los Angeles Dodgers bursted out of the gate with sites on a getting over the NLCS hump and into the World Series. There success on the field has been overshadowed by the commotion off of it. The Dodgers were able to survive the Manny Ramirez 50 game suspension in large part to the outstanding play of Manny-replacement Juan Pierre who sits four in the NL in batting average. With Manny back the Dodgers will regain power in the lineup and become unstoppable the second half. If it weren’t for the pesky Giants the Dodgers would have clinched the division by now. The Dodgers will end up winning the division by a longer lead than Manny's dreads.

2.) SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS (7 GB)
Who would have thought that the Giants’ post-Barry Bonds era was going to begin so quickly. The Giants are this year’s dark horse as they find themselves nestled into the NL wildcard spot at the break. They have been able to ride great starting pitching with arms Matt Cain and NL Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum. Catching the Dodgers will be tough but a solid second half could land the Giants in the postseason. At the beginning of the year I wouldn’t have guessed that the team turning heads out of the Bay Area were the Giants and not the A’s.

3.) COLORADO ROCKIES (8 GB)
The mile high city saw their beloved Rockies crash back down to earth after their World Series appearance two years ago. With all of the Jay Cutler drama with the Broncos and with the retirement of the Avalanche’s Joe Sakic few have noticed that the Rockies are a game out of the wildcard. As we saw in 2007 do not count out the Rockies down the stretch.

4.) ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS (--17.5 GB)
This time last season we were talking about D-Backs in October but since then they failed to make the postseason and now are in the cellar of the NL West. Despite having slugger Mark Reynolds and NL leading pitcher Danny Haren the D-Backs’ are in trouble. Their bats’ fortunes have gone as dry as the Arizona desert. It will be something that needs to be fixed if they want to turn this season around.

5.) SAN DIEGO PADRES (--18 GB)
Luckily for Arizona the Padres have been even worse. After a decent starts the Padres’ play has slowly declined. Not even the mighty bat of Adrian Gonzales has been able to salvage the Padres’ woes.

Youk and Bay Lead the Way

The AL East has been one of the best divisions in baseball history the past couple years. While still dominated by the New Englanders and Bronx Bombers, the division has become slightly more competitive as of late. However, until baseball institutes a higher luxury tax, I’m afraid that the Sox and the Yanks will continue to dominate this division.

1. Boston Red Sox ( - GB)
No surprise here, as the Red Sox are in first once again. Probably the most consistent team since their World Championship in 2004, the Sox stayed strong while the Jays were on their early season terror and are now holding back the Yankees by having dominating their arch-nemesis head-to-head this season. Jason Bay and Kevin Youkilis have been putting the beat into the heart of the order (as Papi has struggled until late), while Beckett and an improving Lester have pitched well as of late. With perhaps one or two small additions before July 31st, the Sox could well be headed back to October glory, which I predicted in March on the air. (Phillies need to pick it up though if my WS prediction is going to hold true.)

2. New York Yankees (1 GB)
The Bronx Bombers have been exactly that this season. The New Yankee stadium has seen so many balls fly out of the park, that if you weren’t paying attention, you might think it was a bad hailstorm in the outfield. While losing a few players from last year, the core of the club is much stronger, and the addition of Tiexiera has been huge. Damon has had an impressive season and Jeter is playing Yankee baseball as always. Look for some October baseball to return to the Bronx this postseason.

3. Tampa Bay Rays (5.5 GB)
Why aren’t the Rays dominating like last season? Is it because they lost talent? Is it because the other divisional foes added much more firepower? No it’s mostly just because they aren’t sneaking up on anyone this season. Manager Joe Maddon knew this might be a problem for the Rays this season, and it has. However, they are still playing good baseball, as their young pitching has been pretty good. If they can put together a good second half, they could challenge for a playoff spot, but its becoming doubtful.

4. Toronto Blue Jays (8 GB)
The Jays had the fever early, but the temperature has gone done at the Rogers Centre since. The Doc, along with an explosive offense, was ironically the main cause of the fever, and he has continued to pitch sensationally, and has earned an opportunity to perhaps start the mid-summer classic. However, batting averages have slipped since the start of June and now Toronto management is willing to entertain offers for their ace. The main bright spot – Aaron Hill has become one of the best second basemen in the majors.

5. Baltimore Orioles (13.5 GB)
With lots of young talent, the O’s looked poised for a better season. While they are far from the playoffs, they do have the best last place record out of all three AL divisions, if that offers any consolation. Matt Wieters and Adam Jones (a steal in the Erik Bedard trade with the M’s a couple season ago) have proved themselves stars of the future in Maryland though, which could be a good sign for years to come.

PHILADELPHIA THREEDOM

Unlike the AL West the NL East has witnessed a dip in 2009. There still is a very competitive race for the top spot in the division but each of the teams has been plagued by injuries and slumping stars. The division is a long way off from its form in 08 when it featured the three top offenses in the National League but if those offenses awaken it should produce a very dramatic finish down the stretch.

1.) PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES (--GB)

The defending champion Phillies found them star struck in the champion spotlight and stumbled out of the stretch. They salvaged themselves by posting a league’s best road record (26-15). These road warriors have had their share of problems. They have endured injuries to Raul Ibanez and Brett Myers as well as career low slumps by Jimmy Rollins and Brad Lidge. But despite the downfalls the Phillies have rode NL All Stars Chase Utley and fantasy superstar Raul Ibanez to a first place position. The Phillies will turn it around which is a scary concept for the rest of the division. Ibanez will return, Rollins is coming out of his slump, Howard is waiting to explode for the second half like always and Lidge looks like lights out again. If they can pick up another pitcher and right handed bat from the bench the Phils will be poised to complete the Three-Peat in the NL East.

2.) NEW YORK METS (-4.5 GB)

The Mets have looked atrocious this season. The injury bug not only has bitten them, the injury bug has eaten them. Regardless, the Mets find themselves only 4.5 games out of the lead for the division. The sliver of light has been David Wright who has a high average, rbi’s and extra base hits. The Mets too have pitching problems and need to address that. But if they get healthy they could give the Phillies another run for the division. Unfortunately they aren’t going to be good enough to get a huge lead in the division which would set up an opportunity for another historical collapse.

3.) FLORIDA MARLINS (-2 GB)

The Marlins are the ultimate dark horse. They have stuck around in the race long enough. Unlike their World Series runs, the Marlins aren't oozing with flourishing talent. They have rode #1 fantasy pick Hanley Ramirez who is batting (.346). I expect the Fish to slowly fade in the division especially with the resurgence of the Phillies and Mets. If they do make it to the playoffs expect them to win it all, it's what they do.

4.) ATLANTA BRAVES (-5 GB)

The Braves have stuck around in the division because the other teams hadn't been living up to their potential. Chipper Jones isn't hitting like his MVP like self from a year ago and no one in the lineup has been able to step it up. Even with the addition of Nate McClouth from Pittsburgh the tomahawk is going to fall in Atlanta.

5.) WASHINGTON NATIONALS

The Rays won the AL pennant last season while vacating the league's distinction of Worst Team. Call them what you want, whether its the NOTS or the NATINALS but they seem more than eager to fill the postition. There's isn't much to say about Washington when the highlight of the season was a three game winning streak.

There Is Some Magic In Anaheim, and Mickey Is Not Involved

This week, Nick and myself will take a look at the baseball season, as most teams complete their 81st game today, marking the halfway point of the season. We will break down by division.

The AL West has rebounded to a respectable division after a 2008 season that saw 3 of the 4 ball clubs have losing records. This year, the Angels, Rangers and Mariners are making a bid for a playoff spot, while the A’s, a pre-season dark horse, have fallen to the back of the pack.

1. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim ( - GB)
The Angels have been one of the most successful teams in the AL since they won the crown in 2002. This year, they started slow, due to injuries to Lackey and Santana and a low performing offense. They have bounced back, reclaiming first, due to their division best road record. They have dedicated this season to Nick Adenhart, the pitcher who lost his life earlier this season. Manager Mike Scioscia has poised his team to do big things, so look for them to continue to push for the AL West crown, with them having been the front runner since the beginning.

2. Texas Rangers ( - GB)
A Hamilton-less ball club has kept pace for the first half, and now, with their slugger back, they should be a team to be reckoned with in the second half as well. The team has played extremely well as a whole, and their pitching has kept the ball in the ballpark, an important part to playing in Arlington stadium. The Rangers could make a run, but they have to play well in head-to-head match ups against the Halos. They start a three game series tonight at home!

3. Seattle Mariners (3.5 GB)
The M’s have rebounded from an hundred loss season in 2008. They have played significantly better, and new acquisition and everyday first baseman, Russell Branyan, has played extremely well. However, they just lost third baseman Adrian Beltre to shoulder surgery until September. That may very well doom the club.

4. Oakland Athletics (11.0 GB)
They added roughly $20M of offense in the off-season, and they are still hitting a league low .238. The young pitchers have performed reasonably well, but without run support, it’s hard for the youngsters to compete for the win. Look for them to dump Holliday come late July, add some prospects and continue to develop their young pitching. Beane’s got a struggle ahead of him, as the recession is hurting small market clubs harder. All they can do is develop and hope for next year.