Sunday, July 19, 2009

A Look at the 1st Half

With the season just over halfway finished, I thought it would be a good time to analyze the first half and look ahead to see how the season will play out. The AL East is just as tough as everyone thought it would be. The Sox are in 1st place and have done it with solid pitching, timely hitting, and playing well at Fenway. Also, it doesn't hurt that they have taken the first 8 games against the Yankees.

The Yankees are not far behind and have been the best team in baseball since Alex Rodriguez rejoined the team in May. Jeter is having a renaissance season at 35 while Mark Texiera is proving he is worth every penny. If the Sox had managed to sign Texiera last winter, I have no doubt that the Sox would be running away not only from the Yankees, but the entire American League. Their pitching is starting to become more consistent and Phil Hughes and the timeless Mariano Rivera have anchored the bullpen.

The Rays are still within striking distance of both teams and will remain close until October. They have, arguably, the most potent offense in the AL and Carlos Pena is having a career year. They are still a very dangerous team.

Looking forward, the Sox and the Yankees both have the money and prospects to make some needed additions before the July 31st deadline. The yankees could use another reliable arm in the bullpen and the Sox could use another bat. Though it is unlikely, if either team can put together an offer to pry Roy Halladay from the Blue Jays the rest of baseball should pack it in. Personally, if I was Theo Epstein, I would sell the farm to the Jays for Doc Halladay. If you have Roy Halladay, Josh Beckett, and John Lester you are basically guaranteed the next two world series. I think that is worth any 3 or 4 prospects you have. If the yankees manage to get him I will probably stop following baseball all together.

The Rays could probably add a small piece like an extra arm or a bench guy, but nothing major. Here is where the Rays have a distinct disadvantage when it comes to competing with the Sox and Yankees. I see this race staying close to the end and a series in Tampa with Yankees on the last week on the season might be the deciding factor of who get the last playoff spot. I have a feeling those 8 games against the Sox will come back to hurt the Yankees, but I find it hard to image them not making the playoffs. The Sox have the best pitching so I think even with injuries to Mike Lowell and an inconsistent David Ortiz the Sox still get into the playoffs. Unfortunately, the Rays will most likely win 94 games and not get into the playoffs while the Tigers or the White Sox will win 85 and get swept in the 1st round.

Tomorrow I will submit Part II of this monster post. We will examine the rest of baseball and see what story lines we can all look forward to following.

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