The Best in the MLB
Now that the season is just above a quarter way over, there has been much excitement - and even a few surprises - that has given the fans something to talk about. Who would have thought that the Yankees would be almost 10 games back of their division rival Red Sox? Who would have imagined the Milwaukee Brewers dominating the NL Central? Do the St. Louis Cardinals of now really look like the defending world champions? In spite of all the action, here is a look at the four current best teams in baseball and how they will finish:
Milwaukee Brewers Sports Illustrated thought that the defending world champion St. Louis Cardinals would be the division leaders. This is definitely not the case. This ball club has sent the message that you don't have to have a high payroll to be a winner, as they have just the 18th highest salary in the MLB. With strong efforts from their starting rotation (and a little help from a youthful surging offense), the Brewers have demonstrated that they can control a commanding lead in the NL Central. JJ Hardy has continued to put up breakthrough numbers, on the verge of possibly having a 40+ HR and 120+ RBI season. Power lefties Prince Fielder and Geoff Jenkins add veteran experience to the young offense, which currently ranks 2nd in the MLB in home runs. However, although the starting rotation has been nothing short of superb, the team may need to go shopping for a left-handed reliever to optimize their bullpen, as the Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros could make a late-season run.
My Prediction: Brewers Hold on to Win Division
Detroit Tigers Despite unfortunate injuries to pitchers Kenny Rogers and Joel Zumaya, the Tigers have continued to impress, much like they did last season as the American League champions. With an offense that can hit, bunt, steal, and drive the long ball, there is no doubt that this team will make a run for the postseason. However, with injuries to Jeremy Bonderman and Kenny Rogers, the team may need to find a way to compensate for this loss if these players remain unhealthy. The Cleveland Indians have been on the Tiger's tail all season, and there is no doubt that it will come down to a matter of the last couple games between these two ball clubs. However, with ongoing production from the emerging Magglio Ordonez and offseason acquisition Gary Sheffield, there is no doubt that this team is even better than they were last year.
My Prediction: Tigers keep it close throughout and go on to win the division by a few games over the Indians.
New York Mets This team was undoubtedly the team to beat in the National League last season, and the same can be said about this year. With unexpected production from pitchers John Maine and Oliver Perez, the team has found a way to fill in for the injuries suffered by ace Pedro Martinez and starter Orlando Hernandez. The offense continues to get contributions all around, especially from all-star shortstop Jose Reyes, who is on pace to steal close to 100 bases. Youngsters David Wright and Carlos Beltran have improved since last year, providing the backbone of this offense. But the Atlanta Braves are not far behind, and the team may be forced to shop another veteran starter come July if they want to secure the division championship, assuming Pedro Martinez is unable to return.
My Prediction: Mets starting pitching starts to struggle and loses division to the Braves but secures wildcard.
Boston Red Sox This team has inarguably the best pitching staff in all of baseball, and any 1 of their 4 starters could be an ace for another ball club. Free agent pickups Julio Lugo and J.D. Drew have had slow starts, but there is no doubt that when these players come around this will be one of the best teams in baseball. Not to mention David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez continue to show why they may be the most feared 3-4 hitters in the game. If the team remains healthy, you can be assured that it will have a spot in the postseason. Their pitching will be the key to their success, and closer Jonathan Papelbon will provide much security to the back-end of their pitching staff.
My Prediction: Boston easily wins a division title.
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