07/06/2007
Sports Channel / Baseball Home / Bullz-Eye Home
Okay, so we've already covered 15 things we learned in the first half, but what should we be looking for in the second half of the season? Lots. Have you seen how stacked the AL Central is? The Tigers and Indians could help keep the Yankees out of the postseason for the first time in a decade, though Dice-K and the Red Sox will obviously have a say in that matter. A certain bulky slugger will likely break a certain high-profile record in the coming weeks while another aging slugger may find himself playing in a new home stadium soon. It's all on the way, including a fire sale in the Lone Star State and the return of a legend in the Big Apple, in the season's second half.
15) TORII HUNTER LEAVING THE TWINS: Even though we’ve been hearing this rumor for a few years now, I think we’ll actually see it happen in 2007. The Twins simply don’t have the pitching to contend long-term with the likes of Cleveland and Detroit this season. With a bunch of big names expecting to demand big money during the next five years, Hunter could be the odd man out.
14) A TIGHT RACE IN THE AL CENTRAL: The Tigers are not a one-year wonder and the Indians have some serious staying power. Cleveland has managed to put together a great first half despite Travis Hafner struggling at times. Detroit’s pitching continues to be productive and Magglio Ordonez (right) is having an MVP type of season. Justin Verlander’s dominance has continued; throwing 102 MPH in the ninth inning of a no-hitter is a thing of beauty. And let’s not forget the impact Gary Sheffield has had on this team. Many people wrote him off (this writer included) as an aging egomaniac with diminished skills, but after a slow start, his bat has been on fire. Both the Tigers and Tribe could be making a lot of noise come October.
13) BARRY BONDS FINALLY BREAKING THE RECORD: We’ve all been waiting for it…good or bad. Bonds will likely break the record sometime in September with Bud Selig in attendance. Despite the overwhelming evidence that Bonds is a cheater, and he played in an era of juiced balls, watered down pitching and steroids, it’s still quite an achievement. And I can’t wait for the day someone else breaks the record.
12) TEXAS RANGERS FIRE SALE: So maybe Buck Showalter wasn’t the problem. What a horrible season it’s been for the Rangers. Eric Gagne, Kenny Lofton and Mark Teixeira could all be on their way out.
11) DICE-K PROVING HIS WORTH: His first half has been good, but many predict Boston pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka will have a fantastic finish to the 2007 season. Expect the ERA to dip well below 4.00, assuming his control stays in check. If Dice-K cuts down on his baserunners, he’ll be able to go deeper into games and help out the bullpen.
10) OAKLAND MAKING A PUSH: Like a high school kid who waits until the last possible minute to do his homework, the A’s seem to wait until the dog days of summer to make their run every season. For their sake, they better not wait too long. The Angels are here to stay (see #1) and while the Mariners may have a slip up, the Tigers and Indians will make winning the Wild Card a tough challenge.
9) THE BREWERS WINNING THE NL CENTRAL: In a division full of mediocre to bad teams, Milwaukee has been a pleasant surprise, thanks in large part to the NL’s first-half home run king, Prince Fielder. Yeah, he plays in a hitter friendly ballpark, but some of Prince’s homers are pure bombs. It’s always great to see small-market teams make the playoffs…but that doesn’t mean the Brew Crew will stick around beyond the first round.
8) PEDRO RETURNING: He may return throwing 82 mph, but he’ll be back. Never underestimate Pedro Martinez’s tenacity on the mound. Like him or not, he’s always been one hell of a competitor. Even if the speed isn’t there, he still has the moxie to get guys out throwing junk.
7) THE CUBS FIGHTING SOME MORE: Lou Piniella will challenge oft injured pitcher Kerry Wood to a fight after Wood demands to be reinstated from the DL. Mark Prior will serve as special guest referee. Lou will then kick dirt on Prior, causing a disqualification. After the fight, Wood nails Piniella with a steel chair.
6) MARK BUEHRLE HEADING TO NEW YORK: Lots of teams will be in the running, but the Mets have more to offer. Sox GM Kenny Williams has shown he enjoys doing business with National League teams rather than with enemies the Sox face every year. Look for the Mets to finally part with Lastings Milledge, although he won’t be the centerpiece of the deal. (Okay, so we missed this one.)
5) THE ROCKET HURTING HIMSELF: I smell a bad hamstring coming for Roger Clemens. He’s become a six-inning pitcher, throwing a bunch of pitches each frame. Come start number 10 or so, don’t be surprised if things start pulling in the wrong direction.
4) THE PHILLIES OVERTAKING THE METS: This just in…the Mets have some major pitching problems. Even the expected addition of Mark Buehrle and the likely return of Pedro may not be enough. The Phillies had a horrible start to the season and have underachieved until recently. Ryan Howard’s batting average will most certainly be on the rise and Pat Burrell’s .207 average can’t go anywhere but up. Aaron Rowand has had a monster year, and if he stays healthy, his defense certainly makes a difference in center.
3) KEN GRIFFEY JUNIOR GETTING TRADED: It’s time for the Reds to part with Junior, even if the fan base takes the move as an admission of failure. He’s been relatively healthy and an American League team would love for Griffey to be their everyday DH. Don’t be surprised if Junior is headed back to Seattle.
2) YANKEES NOT MAKING THE PLAYOFFS: I know I’m being cursed by millions of Yankee fans across the country. Truth is, this team just isn’t that good. They’ll have winning streaks here and there, but last time I checked, there are some really good teams in the American League. Catching the Red Sox is out of the question, and the Tigers, Indians, Mariners and A’s will be hanging around for that Wild Card berth. This season has featured all kinds of secondary topics. Will Joe get the axe, will Roger earn his money, and most important…who the hell is that girl with A-Rod? The future looks good with some nice young arms in the Yankee system, but aging stars like Johnny Damon and Jason Giambi could hold New York down for years to come.
1) ANGELS WINNING THE WORLD SERIES: Don’t be surprised to see the Angers go out and land themselves another big bat for that lineup, pushing them up the hill. Expect the Angels to be players for Griffey, assuming he’s made available. Mark Teixeira would be a good fit here, but the Rangers would never trade talent like that to a division opponent. It all comes down to pitching. Kelvim Escobar and Bartolo Colon should step up, the bullpen will be running at full speed, and the offense will get just enough production to win games. The Red Sox and Tigers are playing the best baseball as of now, but the Angels have the tools to win come October.