Thursday, July 31, 2008

MLB Trade Deadline Thoughts

[Editor's note: Due to the frenzy surrounding baseball's trade deadline and the game's exciting pennant races taking place, Ramblings From The Rafters will now be published five days a week starting Monday. Tod made the decision after an exciting week of baseball in his baseball-crazed (and sports-crazed) town of Chicago.]

Oh, Manny. I hope you are happy now. Your wish has been granted. Do you still feel disrespected? Perhaps you will be happier playing for Joe Torre in LA-LA Land. Perhaps Ned Colletti will feel more comfortable coddling you than Theo Epstein. I hope Frank McCourt will not do anything to disrupt the Manny legacy that you so industrially worked for during your time in Boston.

Three words Manny: Shut your mouth. Three more big boy: And play ball. Enjoy your mediocre ballclub and below-average fans. Welcome to the land of insignificant baseball: the National League.

As for Manny's old Red Sox team, Craig Hansen has yet to develop into the consistent relief pitcher the Sox had hoped for this season, while Brandon Moss is nothing more than a solid fourth outfielder. Jason Bay was a perfect snag to fill King Manny's cleats, as Pittsburgh continues to kill off its franchise.

Junior Griffey may resemble more of Senior Griffey these days, but Kenny GM finally has the centerfielder he has coveted for three years. The White Sox acquired the first-ballot Hall of Famer at a moderately cheap price, though I still believe Danny Richar has the potential to be a Delino DeShields-type player. And despite his recent ineffectiveness, Nick Masset has good stuff and should get a chance to start for the Reds the final two months once his arm gets stretched out.

Yanks GM Brian Cashman made one final move on the heels of the Nady deal, getting Ivan Rodriguez for Kyle Farnsworth. While Jose Molina is more effective behind the plate, Pudge gives the Yanks an extra bat to outhit its opponents, which I still think they will need to do to get to the Show.

The Rays failed to get a much-needed right-handed bat, which may be the difference in their tight race with the Red Sox. Though I believe that Matt Garza and James Shields have not hit their peaks yet for the season. However, how long can that bullpen hold up?

By the way, do the Cards want to compete in the NL Central race this season?

On the field, the Cubs outscored the Brewers 31-11 in a four-game sweep that stunned the previously surging Brew Crew. After taking down aces CC Sabathia and Ben Sheets in the first two games of the series and cruising to victory last night, the Cubs showed no mercy today as Rich Harden remained dominant in posting 9 strikeouts in seven innings of one-run ball.

And the White Sox have a chance to escape the Metrodome still in first place by 2 1/2 games if budding young lefthander John Danks can lead the team to a series split tonight.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Trade Deadline Buzz

All things considering, I think the Atlanta Braves scored a coup in the Mark Teixeira deal. While GM Frank Wren probably never imagined having to deal Teix at the deadline in his first full season with the club, to be able to get Casey Kotchman--arguably the Angels' MVP thus far--was outstanding work. Righty Steve Marek is also supposed to pan out on the mound, but even if he doesn't the Braves secured a first baseman of the present and the future in the deal. Unless of course they deal Kotch next season at the deadline. All kidding aside, I think the Braves can quickly rebound in 2009 from this injury-riddled season.

Is it just Manny Being Manny again? The Red Sox will have to decide if they want to live with the volatile slugger for their postseason push and defense of the World Series title after the brash superstar ripped into the organization once again. Injured hamstring? Sore right knee? Bruised ego? Only Manny knows the truth, but can the Red Sox really live with this soap opera much longer? We already know they will be parting ways no matter what happens after the 2008 season? Why prolong the divorce if you can swing a deal for a Jason Bay? While not exactly in Manny's league, Bay can provide better D and a potent enough bat to balance ou the offense. The Sox won't win because of hitting anyway. If not Bay, Raul Ibanez would enjoy hitting in Fenway.

If you're Theo Epstein, when your best hitter is purposely dodging the likes of Felix Hernandez and some of the game's toughest pitchers, how much can you really count on him in the postseason anyway? Even if his threat to sit out the rest of the season is merely just a threat, do you really want to go to postseason war with Manny Being, well, Tiresome.

Monday, July 28, 2008

Trade and Pennant Fever in July

After an exciting weekend of pennant-fever baseball, the non-waiver trade deadline is rapidly approaching. By 3pm ET Thursday afternoon, teams in the hunt for a postseason berth will look to have their rosters fine-tuned for the stretch drive. Though I would love to enjoy covering a trading frenzy, initial sources indicate that it could be a rather bland deadline. Clearly, CC (without the periods) Sabathia and Rich Harden were the best available gems (Harden is included with the expectations that he is able to stay healthy). And they were already snatched up by NL Central powers Chicago and Milwaukee. But there is still the expectation that Mark Teixiera has been made readily available by Atlanta, with Arizona showing serious interest. I don't see them giving up Scherzer, though, whom the Braves reportedly seek. I don't see Matt Holliday moving from Colorado, but there are a few solid bats that should find new homes. One of them already has, as Xavier Nady was picked up by the Yankees. Really nice move by Yanks GM Brian Cashman, but I don't think Damaso Marte will shine in New York. Jason Bay is healthy again and should bring in some prospects for lowly Pittsburgh. Other than Bay, however, expect a few bullpen arms moving and a few fourth starters.

On the playing field, the national spotlight will be shining brightly on the Chicago baseball cicuit the next four days as the first-place Chicago Cubs go up to Miller Park to take on the surging Milwaukee Brewers. The Cubs moved back into sole possession of first place with a huge comeback victory yesterday afternoon, while the Brewers suffered a terrible defeat heading into this week's showdown with their hated rivals. Meanwhile, the White Sox head to Minnesota with a 2 1/2 game lead on the Twins after taking two of three in Detroit. This may in fact be the most exciting week of the baseball season until we hit September.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Devaluing Devin

First things first. Brett, if you are going to have contact with Vikings brass, at least use the cell that was not provided by the Pack. I know it was an oversight, but it's 2008. Everything gets tracked buddy. I'm sure that this phone isn't the only one that you have. And if it is, well, I'm actually impressed by your frugality. We need more of that in our athletes today...

Surprise! Surprise! Another whiny Chicago Bear is making news. No, this time it isn't Brian Urlacher, who weasled his way into more money. Now it's "Superman" Devin Hester, apparently the greatest return man in NFL history according to pretty much every NFL "expert" and talking head. Hester is holding out of Bears camp, unhappy that he would be the last Bear to receive his big payday after brass re-upped with Urlacher, Lance Briggs, Tommie Harris, Robbie Gould, Kyle Orton, Desmond Clark and Sexy Rexy. While there is no question that #23 has been arguably the most valuable Bear the past two seasons, the move to hold out is a classless joke on his part. If he was an established receiver making $445,000 a year, I would be in his corner. But for a guy who is still a baby at the wideout position, it speaks volumes to his dedication to the game of football to miss valuable camp time working with your QB's and going through reps.

I certainly have never been a Jerry Angelo fan, particularly during his time running the Bears. And even though I agree that Hester arguably should have been a bigger priority in the offseason, at least he has been in negotiations with Hester's agent Eugene Parker and genuinely is has been trying to hammer out a deal. While he and Lovie Smith, in my opinion, have miscast Hester as the team's number one wideout, he knew going into this season that renegotiating with Hester was the fair prudent thing to do. And he was doing just that.

Devin Hester wants more money. The Bears want to give Devin Hester more money. The action being taken by Hester is deplorable, which fits right in with the Bears players' way of doing things apparently. If reports are true that the Bears offered to make Hester the highest-paid return man in league history with bonus clauses that would kick in as he develops as a receiver, then Hester is delerious. Sit out all you want Devin, but I hope you understand the multiple risks involved.

Monday, July 21, 2008

Weekend Whispers

What a tough final day for Greg Norman in the 137th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. The Shark struggled to a 77 as Padraig Harrington brilliantly shot 69 and won his second straight Claret Jug. So once again, Greg Norman led a major after 54 holes. And once again Greg Norman failed to win the big one. But 1996 this was not. That was the last time we saw Norman fail in such a huge spotlight, in the '96 Masters. Yesterday at sunny Birkdale, Norman quietly went off into the sunset after collectively playing the four best days of golf he had played in a long, long time. And this time, unlike all the other times he would sign is scorecard as the bridesmaid, Norman could be content with the end result. While he may not have won his third Jug, he proved to golf fans longing for a quick recovery from Tiger that drama can indeed still be provided by a 53-year-old man tempting history. If only a few of those putts could have fallen...

I have to hand it to Daniel Snyder. Seemingly minutes after Phillip Daniels' season ended on the first day of 7-on-7 drills, the Redskins owner brought in highly sought Pro Bowl defensive end Jason Taylor to fill the void and give new coach Jim Zorn a dynamic pass rusher. I still have questions about that 'D' even with Taylor, but I credit Snyder for actually making a smart big-money decision. I really thought Jim Fassel was the right hire in Washington, but perhaps Zorn's enthusiasm will rub off on the players.

Friday, July 18, 2008

Norman Standing Tall at the British

After two rounds of play, the old man who wooed Chris Evert to be his boo is perched near the top of the leaderboard at The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. Now I know it's early. And I'm sure Moving Day on the course tomorrow will provide plenty of other great stories. But something tells me that the more laid-back and serene 'Shark' has something left to give his fans. I remember the '96 Masters vividly. Unfortunately. Here's hoping I'm waking up Sunday morning at 8am to see him teeing off in the final group...

Oh Phil. How you love to break my heart when I have 200 friendly dollars riding on you (and Sergio) in my fantasy golf league. After carding a brutal 79 on Thursday, you sucked me back into believing with your 68 today that leaves you only eight back going into Saturday. Please remember one thing: this is a links course and it is not necessary to loft the ball so much. Have fun and play for par.

And Serge. He's certainly in position, sitting at six shots behind leader K.J. Choi. I really believe Sergio likes his position going into Day Three. I'm having visions of a Harrington-Garcia playoff on Sunday. Just throwing it out there. Harrington, by the way, showing that he may indeed be the second-best player in the world after shooting a 68 Friday to move to +2. The defending champ looks healthy and primed for a big weekend. What wrist injury?

And last but not least, Greg Norman isn't the only former number one shockingly present on the first page of the leaderboard. Family man David Duval shot a sizzling 69 to put him at +2 for the tournament. The self-described "country club golfer" looks content and carefree on the course. Could this be the beginning of a career revival? I think we all know the answer to that one, which is why I'm just planning to enjoy watching a guy playing golf for all the reasons that he started to play in the first place. But to his credit, he stated today that his goal is not just to make cuts and to play decent, but to strive for and reach greatness again. Perhaps his 2001 triumph at Royal Lytham & St. Anne's can be duplicated this week. Should be an exciting weekend of golf.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

All-Star Pre-Game Show

I was listening to the "Boers and Bernstein" show today on Chicago's 670 The Score, and Boers was discussing the elongated pre-game festivities prior to last night's All-Star game. I'm sure that this was discussed at least briefly on most sports talk shows across the country today. Boers contended that the honoring of today's living Hall of Famers was pretty much a farce, as most of these players--in his opinion--from the 60's and 70's were not the nicest guys around. Now I'm sure they weren't--just as I'm sure that a similar percentage of today's players aren't the greatest to deal with either. Let's look at it for a second. If you're a Hall of Famer, you were rather great as an athlete. Thus, you probably carried with you a bit of an air of egotism and narcissism. And that doesn't occur today?

I don't mean to call out Boers, I am only bringing him up because I know that his sentiments are being expressed by many others across the country today. My whole thing is that I really don't care if half the players--or all the players for that matter--were jerks in their playing days or are still jerks now. If we are constantly told that we shouldn't worship our athletes or treat them as heroes--and we shouldn't--and just appreciate them for their athletic achievements, then why couldn't we enjoy the pre-game ceremony for what it was. Players of the highest skill level and passion for the game congregating on one stage to celebrate the greatest game of them all--baseball. I know that it was a long ceremony and the game was even longer, but it's once a year and perhaps I am speaking for myself but I still get a special kick out of seeing the legends that have were immortal to me as a child.

Now if only Chris Berman and Joe Buck can go away and not return for football season.

Monday, July 14, 2008

Favre Redux

Alright, alright. Perhaps I jumped the gun on the Ted Thompson bashing. Perhaps.

If it's true that Brett Favre began the comeback talks with Pack brass back in March and they apparently were receptive to the idea--on the condition that the decision be made sooner rather than later in order to not deter Rodgers from getting the reps in OTA's--then I give a bit of a reprieve to Ted Thompson. A bit of a reprieve. The fact of the matter is that the NFL is a win-now league and a business. And Brett Favre gives you the best chance to win. Should they worry about losing the confidence of Aaron Rodgers? If Rodgers can't handle some adversity, then he isn't the long-term solution at quarterback anyway.

If in fact that March press conference was scheduled in Mississippi to announce his comeback and Favre called it off because of second thoughts, then I completely understand the hesitancy of Thompson. But Favre is human. We do have second, third and fourth thoughts.

This was botchery at its finest by Brett. No question about it. But don't ask the guy to come back as a backup Ted. If one wants to argue that Brett isn't being fair to the team by the way he is pining to come back, then I will argue that Ted is not being fair to the team by not annointing him the starter for the Week One Monday night showdown against the Minnesota Vikings.

But, at least Ted Thompson is making a decision these days. And he's been pretty steadfast in this one, too. But I still can't blame Brett for his wavering desires and passions.

Friday, July 11, 2008

Sir Elton Swerves the Clips

I'm sorry, but I can't blame Donald Sterling for this one. I know that he has been an incredibly inept owner for most of his NBA career, but this saga in L.A. falls on the broad shoulders of Elton Brand. I don't care that he is citing the changing language of the Clippers' newest contract proposal as one of the issues that ultimately led to his signing with the Philadelphia 76ers. Don't beg for the club to sign your boy Baron Davis and parade around saying that you will re-up, only to back out and badmouth your former organization.

This was about another NBA player looking for every last penny. And just when I start to think that not every athlete is all about the moolah, I am proven wrong once again.

Perhaps Brand saw a better opportunity in a comparatively weaker Eastern Conference. Perhaps he was sick of sharing a building and taking an eternal backseat to L.A.'s more prominent team in the league. Perhaps. But my thinking is that Brand ultimately saw one thing: greener pastures in Philly.

I thought for sure after Davis signed that Brand would re-up with the Clips. According to my sources, Brand told Davis on the phone that he would re-up in L.A. for less money if he came aboard to join him, Chris Kaman and Al Thornton. Would the Clips have been able to make a run in the playoffs similar to 2006 when they had the Suns on the brink in Game 7 of their second round series? I don't know. What I do know is that if Brand was so unhappy in L.A. as he was in '03 when he begged Sterling not to match Miami's offer sheet, he should not have paraded the organization around and made a joke out of these negotiations.

I know that there are always three sides to a story: yours, his or hers, and the truth. So perhaps I am jumping the gun here by directing the blame at Brand. But I find it hard to believe that Sterling would spend big on Davis just so he could sabotage the Brand negotiations...

And by the way, according to LeBron, Brooklyn is his fave New York borough. Just preparing the Cavs fans for his eventual anti-climactic departure.

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Furor over Favre

Obviously the talk of the sports world has been the prospective return of Brett Favre. Most sports talk radio hosts and television talking heads that I've heard and seen are taking the stance that it was inevitable for him to get the itch to play, and that it would be unfair to ask his replacement, Aaron Rodgers, to step aside again after taking all of the practice reps in OTA's. While I agree that a Favre return was as likely as the sun rising the next day, I don't concur on the point regarding Rodgers. The fact of the matter is that Rodgers should be working hard anyway because in the NFL the guy in front of you is just one blindside hit away from pressing you into service. So in actuality, the reps Rodgers has been getting are still valuable. The notion of it being fair or unfair is moot. The NFL and every other sport is about winning, and whoever gives you the best chance to win should be starting.

So if Brett Favre does decide he wants to return, this situation falls directly into the hands of GM Ted Thompson. There were whispers before Mike McCarthy was even hired two years ago that Thompson was secretly hoping Favre would retire and open the starting job up for Rodgers. Perhaps McCarthy would not have minded this, either, as it would give him the opportunity to tutor his young QB and grow right along with him. If Thompson did indeed feel that way at the time, he certainly cannot be happy about a Favre return. It speaks volumes when he reportedly barely even responded to a text message from Favre less than a week ago. Vacation or not, you would think that Thompson would be a little bit more excited about the prospect of perhaps the best quarterback in NFL history returning to the franchise that he helped revive.

If Thompson returns from his hiatus and Favre is indeed serious about a return, he should be explicity clear about his stance with Favre and Favre alone. Whether he wants to include McCarthy in the conversation is up to him. But as soon as he returns, he owes it to the Green Bay Packers' organization and fans to take a stance. No more secrecy.

I know what people are going to say. "What about the wavering Brett is doing? He's been pulling the same stunt for three years." My response to that: 61,655 yards, 442 TD's, 3 League MVP's, 2 Super Bowl appearances, a Super Bowl victory and a revival of pro football in Green Bay. I think the token Jeff Tedford overrated QB can wait another year.

Monday, July 7, 2008

NL Report: Where teams stand on the 4th of July

Our MLB report continues today with our National League spotlight.

NL Central

Cubs: The Cubs remain the best team in the National League even after the C.C. Sabathia trade. But I still have some concerns about this club. I believe Ryan Dempster worked profusely this offseason to get into great shape for his return to the rotation, but the innings are piling up. It'll be interesting to see how his arm holds up. Ted Lilly is still the guy who threw down his mitt in a fit after giving up the homer to Chris Young in the NLDS last season. And I still think Carlos Zambrano can implode any second. That being said, Carlos Marmol and Bob Howry bridging the game over to closer Kerry Wood makes me nervous. Derrek Lee not swinging the bat in the three-game sweep last postseason makes me shake my head. Conversely, Alfonso Soriano and A-Ram swinging at everything also makes me shake my head. But the fact that there is this much concern for a team with the best record in the NL shows that it is World Series or bust on Chicago's North Side.

Cardinals: I don't know how they do it, but Tony LaRussa and Dave Duncan are working their magic again this season in St. Louis. With a rotation featuring journeymen Kyle Lohse, Joel Piniero and former relievers Todd Wellemeyer and Braden Looper, the Cards are in the thick of the NL race. Ryan Ludwick has completely rejuvanated a fledgling career, while Rick Ankiel's bat has slowly started to come around. Chris Duncan's struggles will make it important that they add a bat at the deadline. Can they add a closer, too? Izzy and Franklin in the late innings might be their eventual downfall.

Brewers: C.C. instantly makes them dangerous in a short series, as he'll pair with Ben Sheets to rival only Brandon Webb and Danny Haren as the most lethal 1-2 punch in baseball. With the bullpen starting to at least hold leads now and an offense scoring some runs, they have all the momentum to pull of a Rocki-ish feat. But despite the bullpen's run of solid work, they still have Guillermo Mota, who may be the worst veteran bullpen arm in baseball. Salomon Torres has performed well, but he is due to crash. How will Eric Gagne fit in?

Reds: Will Cincinnati say goodbye to Junior? Are those pesky Rays really in hot pursuit of Mr. 600? The idea of finishing his career in Seattle cannot look too appealing right now to him, but Griffey seems to definitely be open to leaving Cincinnati. One guy definitely not leaving is Edison Volquez, who helps form a nice young frontline duo for years to come. Homer Bailey who?

Pirates: Jason Bay, Xavier Nady and Damaso Marte are on the blocks and ready for their exile from Pittsburgh. The Pirates always seem to have a few bats, but once again they are unable to supplement with decent pitching. Ian Snell has been brutal after signing his contract extension. Tom Gorzelanny can't throw strikes. And even when they do get a good start from Zach Duke or Phil Dumatrait, the bullpen seemingly can't hold the lead. Nate McLouth is pretty much the only reason to go to PNC Park these days, which is still filled with the ghost of Matt Morris.


Astros: They might be able to score, but this team actually may have the worst pitching in baseball. Roy Oswalt has to be hiding an injury because he has not been himself all year. I still think Wandy Rodriguez can be dirty, but he has to stay healthy. Meanwhile, Brandon Backe has regressed each season since the 2005 World Series run. Voting for Carlos Lee to make the All-Star team via the Final Vote is pretty much the only thing to look forward to as a 'Stros fan.

NL East

Phillies: Can they have back-to-back-to-back league MVP's? Chase Utley is further revolutionizing the second base position while helping lead the Phils to first place thus far. It was unfortunate that he was in midst of a terrible slump while the team went 1-5 against the AL's best, the Angels and Red Sox. Ryan Howard amazingly has 70-plus RBI despite his staggeringly awful start and current average in the .220's. And Pat Burrell is having a nice comeback season. Brad Lidge has been lights-out and is one the best stories in baseball this season. They'd love to add a new set-up man because Tom Gordon is done, and they'd like to add a big-time starter at the deadline. Once again, pitching stands between the Phils and a deep run in the playoffs.

Marlins: I just love how Scott Olsen and Ricky Nolasco are throwing the ball right now. They just have no other reliable starter, and I don't see the team adding payroll at the deadline despite being immersed in the division race. Perhaps the one move they'll make is bringing back Jeff Conine for the fourth time. Is that Chase Utley playing second base? Dan Uggla has been amazing and keeps getting better. Every team would love to have a guy on their staff like Renyel Pinto.

Mets: M-E-T-S Mets Mets Mets! As Jose Reyes goes, so goes the Mets. Willie Randolph apparently treated this god wrong, so it was time for Ghandi Jerry Manuel to step in. It'd be nice if the two Carloses could actually be leaders on this team. I give credit to Billy Wagner for at least trying to even though it is always through the media. The bullpen has a nice collection of arms, but consistently can't hold leads or keep the team in games. I feel sorry for David Wright, especially. If you want to find the real source of conflict, look to Assistant GM Tony Bernazard, who deals exclusively with the Latin players and had it out for Willie Randolph from day one.

Braves: Will they deal Mark Teixeira? I wouldn't put it past GM Frank Wrenn considering Teixeira is a Boras client. But could the Braves get similar value to what they gave up to get him in the first place? They'd love to grab some more arms to replenish that rotation. It's sad that Chipper keeps getting banged up because he legitimately could have flirted with .400...at least until August. Could this have been the last season we saw Smoltzie, Glavine and Maddux? Jair Jurrjens has been outstanding and a bit of a rotation stabilizer along with Jorge Campillo. The Peter Moylan injury killed the bullpen more than most people would have thought.

Nationals: Nice ballpark there in D.C., eh? It's been nice to see Cristian Guzman rebound from a rough couple of seasons. Of course he and Odalis Perez will help net a couple of low-end prospects at the deadline. John Lannan has been great, and I still like Jason Bergmann. The bullpen has been a major disappointment. It's a shame that Chad Cordero is hurt because he could have brought a decent return. I still have hope for GM Jim Bowden, but I feel like he won't be there to reap the benefits when this team gets competitive.

NL West

Diamondbacks: Wow. What was supposed to be the best team in the NL has really turned into a laughingstock. Though Jose Valverde has not lit it up in Houston, I never liked the idea of having Brandon Lyon close. I'm not sure if Chris Young will ever hit for average, but I'd at least like to see the OBP higher than .300. Eric Byrnes is having a disastrous season, and his struggles have highlighted even more the mistake the club made by trading Carlos Quentin. The team just doesn't score enough runs, which wouldn't be so bad if they had a better 'pen. The relievers' numbers are very deceiving. inconsistency of the young players

Dodgers: If you thought the D-Backs couldn't hit, have you seen the Dodgers play this year? Losing Rafael Furcal looked to be a deathblow, especially because he could have made a difference in this close race. Andruw Jones is seriously hitting below .160. Amazing. Brad Penny pitched hurt all year, but the club is getting outstanding production from Chad Billingsley, Hiroki Kuroda and a resurgent Derek Lowe. Chan Ho Park has been great out of the pen and in a spot start here and there, while Hong-Chih Kuo has maybe been the team MVP. Saito has not been as dominant this year, while Scott Proctor has not been the same since being overused in the first half of last season with the Yankees.

Giants: The future is bright for the G-Men. They have the young starting pitching in place, and now they just need that veteran presence. Oh wait, they do have Barry Zito. Hmm. They actually haven't looked as bad as I thought they would offensively. Once they get the Aurilia's, Durham's and Vizquel's off the books, they will be able to spend. And they must spend because every position but CF and maybe 1B needs retooling.

Rockies: A disaster. I think Jeff Francis is feeling the toll that a deep postseason run takes on an arm. But let's be serious here. This team overachieved and has been a below .500 team minus their incredible late season fluke stretch last year. Aaron Cook has been a nice rotation anchor, but Franklin Morales has struggled badly, while Ubaldo Jimenez may have turned the corner this last month and a half. I expected more from Greg Reynolds, but maybe he can settle down in the second half. The team simply must rid itself of Brian Fuentes and Manny Corpas.

Padres: Is there any offense being displayed in the NL West? The Padres lineup is the weakest in baseball save for Adrian Gonzalez. I love Chase Headley, so they are set on the corners. But at some point Kevin Towers has to construct a more versatile and balanced lineup, especially when the team plays in a big park like Petco. Bullpen has been a disappointment, while Chris Young was unsteady before the injury. Trevor Hoffman's most likely swan song has not gone very well.

Friday, July 4, 2008

AL Report: Where teams stand on the 4th of July

There are three distinct marking points in every baseball season: Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and Labor Day. These American holidays have historically been linked with our great American pastime because of their occurence every year when the sport is in full swing. Now that we have reached Fourth of July weekend, let's assess the six division races currently taking place in major league baseball. The first segment posted today covers the American League. The second segment covering the National League will be posted Monday.

AL Central

White Sox: Despite a pitching staff that has finally looked human the last few weeks, it is still the backbone of a team much too reliant on the home run ball. The offense has finally shown signs of stringing together base hits to manufacture runs, and it will have to continue to do that to stave off the surging Twins and now respectable Tigers. Having Jim Thome and Paul Konerko in the middle of the lineup is great--if it was 2004. The duo must break out of a seasonlong slump. Thome needs to continue to go opposite field, while the DL stint for Paulie may have helped his ailing right thumb. Sox fans also must hope the tightness in Bobby Jenks' upper back/left shoulder area is not an issue. Despite the fact that GM Ken Williams said most of the team's heavy lifting was done in the offseason, I still see the never satisfied Kenny GM making a shrewd move for a reinforcement at the deadline.

Twins: Livan Hernandez over Johan Santana? I wouldn't do it, either. But that's essentially what the Twins did in the offseason, and it has positioned themselves to be breathing down the necks of the White Sox. Oh, that's right. I forgot about Carlos Gomez, the gem of the Santana deal with the Mets. Despite his lack of plate discipline, the center fielder has helped ease the loss of Torii Hunter by playing excellent defense and swiping 21 bags. His power is in the early development stages, but look for him to easily hit 20 HR's in the near future. Rookies Kevin Slowey and Nick Blackburn have helped stabilize a shaky rotation, which is huge because Boof Bonser blows. If Francisco Liriano can return to form--or at least slightly resemble his dominant former self--the Twins can be a dangerous player in the second half. However, the bullpen has been down this year, making the bridge to closer Joe Nathan less than stable.

Tigers: The sexy pick to represent the American League in the World Series this year has finally started to show some signs of life. Miggy Cabrera probably will never be able to live up to that contract, but he is putting together a solid season nonetheless. They have been shut out 10 times to lead all of baseball, however. And their bullpen--despite having a collection of talented arms--remains an enigma that will ultimately cost the Tigers any chance of a postseason berth. Nate Robertson and Kenny Rogers don't go late enough into games to make the bullpen a nonissue. It's a shame, too, because Todd Jones has been rather good this year.

Royals: While they are out of postseason contention, it will be interesting to see if Billy Butler can hit--and hit for power--at the major league level in the second half. I also am intrigued by Mike Aviles, as the Royals try to solve their never-ending hole at short. I'd also like to see Alex Gordon and Mark Teahen continue to make strides. It's a shame the Royals plummeted so fast during their 12-game losing streak because they finally have some semblance of a bullpen this year.

Indians: So I hope that this Matt LaPorta kid is the real deal. Or perhaps the real gem in the deal is 3B Taylor Green, the Brewers Minor League Player of the year last season who is rumored to be the PTBNL (RFTR says pay no attention to those J.J. Hardy rumors). In any event, the Indians no longer have their ace just days after saying goodbye to their "closer." The fans surely are counting the days to shorts and pads season.

AL East

Rays: This team has been devilishly good past the midway point, and I'm sold. I've been a big fan of Matt Garza for a few years, and he's part of a solid rotation one through three. As well as Ed Jackson and Andy Sonnanstine have been pitching, I think they need to add a pitcher at the deadline because I still think Kazmir throws too many pitches to be an ace. They still don't scare me offensively, either, but I'll take a team with pitching and defense. Iwamura has been playing a great second base all season.

Red Sox: To quote Ric Flair, "To be the man, you've got to beat the man." Still the team to beat until another squad holds the World Series trophy. Dice-K still walks too many batters for my liking, but I think Clay Bucholz can have a nice second half once he gets recalled. Their organizational depth will make them major players at the deadline. I think a bat is needed in case J.D. Drew goes into a tailspin or Big Papi isn't completely healthy. The bullpen remains a disaster; I love the arms of Delcarmen and Hansen, but they have struggled at crucial times. Timlin is done and Okajima has not produced like he did in '07.

Yankees: The Wang injury was a near fatal blow. Every team will be looking for pitching at the deadline, so the Yanks will have to wait in line. I can see them getting a Randy Wolf, but Joba remains crucial to their playoff hopes. I don't want to buy too much into the hype, but he's no longer on a pitch count. He must throw strikes, though. The bullpen has started to pitch a little better, but I don't know how much longer the team can stay afloat without Wang and a healthy Jorge Posada.

Orioles: Will they finally decide to move Peter Angelos favorite Brian Roberts? Will Kevin Millar go back to the Sox? That's about the only intrigue left for this team, but not because they've played terrible baseball. Once again their division will keep them near or in the basement, but this team has played real hard for manager Dave Trembley.

Blue Jays: I don't get the A.J. Burnett love. I'll be interested to see which team gives up a bundle for him at the deadline. I think J.P. Ricciardi will be making his final deadline moves with this organization. Expect Cito Gaston to put his mark on this team in the second half.

AL West

Angels: Perhaps the most balanced and well constructed team in the American League, specifically for the playoffs. I think Jose Arredondo has a chance to step in for K-Rod when he leaves as a free agent after the season. The fact that they don't miss Kelvim Escobar speaks volumes. Jered Weaver can be such a key factor for them. I still think they need to grab a bat at the deadline, however. But this, in my opinion, is the best team in the league.

Athletics: GM Billy Beane keeps doing it. Seemingly every year his team is picked to be just ahead of the Rangers, but every year he manages to construct a competitive club. Will he deal Harden? I don't think he will considering they hold an option for 2009 and they are still in the AL West race. But Beane is a maverick and a gunslinger, so I'm sure he has a surprise move up his sleeve. If he does deal Harden to the Cubs, look for Beane to acquire either Sean Gallagher or Sean Marshall. Something tells me he wants Matt Murton, who I believe has been overvalued by major league scouts the last couple of years.

Rangers: I think team president Nolan Ryan's presence really lit a fire under Ron Washington's Rangers beginning in May. And it certainly doesn't hurt that the club has the best player in baseball. The oft-repeated Josh Hamilton story will never get old for me. What does get old is seeing such a porous Rangers pitching staff being thrown out there every night. David Murphy looks like he is ready to win the AL Rookie of the Year award, though I feel that Evan Longoria will somehow win the crown.

Mariners: Ichiro...a cancer? Seems his act is wearing real thin in the Seattle clubhouse and ownership would love to have management find a taker for his huge contract. I feel sorry for those fans because they are some of the best in baseball and they deserve a winning product. Just won't happen, however, when you sign undeserving Carlos Silva and Richie Sexson to rich contracts.