The Phillies salvaged a win from a weekend series with San Diego, hitting six home runs, the most in one game since 2004. The team ends the first half with a 29-58 record, still on a pace to lose over 100 games.
We are know of the Phillies' needs as the trade deadline approaches, but a few highlights include:
- Looks like the rotation is starting to find a core to build on. Aaron Nola has pitched well, with a deceiving 6-6 record. More importantly, he has shown no signs of the elbow injury he suffered last summer. Nick Pivetta has tossed more solid outings than bad one, even going toe-to-toe with the great Chris Sale. Jared Eichoff hasn't gotten much run support with a 1-8 record, but yesterday he had a good effort and hopefully will bounce back in the second half.
So, there is room for hope. The next few weeks will be interesting as trades are made, roster spots open, and prospects are promoted.
Scott Kingery probably won't see Philadelphia this year after all. He's not on the 40-man roster, and keeping him off the roster now would allow the organization to protect an extra player during the off-season.
I hope Kingery plays great and forces the Phillies hand in spring training, otherwise I fear they will handle Kingery as they did Franco when he was ready to be promoted. If they keep Kingery in Lehigh Valley until Mid May they extend his service time an extra year.
I get that in the long -run. But the fan in me says I want to see Kingery on Opening Day with the other kids who will be ready to play in Philly.
* We are at the All-Star break, so its time to check out the standing at the unofficial halfway point and look at the rest of the summer.
Speaking of the All-Star Game, it would count as much this year as in the recent past. Its back to just an exhibition game, as it should be. The All-Star game showcased for years Baseball's brightest stars. Why should winning the game decide who gets home field advantage in the World Series? That was stupid. Your best players may only play 3 innings, so a world championship may hinge on the outcome of an exhibition game whose best players don't even play the entire game?
The team with the best record during the regular season will get crucial home field advantage.
Teams leading their divisions at the All-Star break make the playoffs approximately 60% of the time. Good news for Boston, Cleveland, Houston, Washington, Milwaukee and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
I'm more looking forward to the Home Run Derby tonight, especially Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton. Not only who will hit the most homers but who will hit the longest home runs.Look out for rookie Cody Bellinger.
Here the scoop on the pennant races:
NATIONAL LEAGUE
NL East W L GB
1. Washington 52 36 -
2. Atlanta 42 45 9.5
3. Miami 41 46 10.5
4. NY Mets 39 47 12
5. Philadelphia 29 58 22.5
Notes-
Nationals- The Nats will cruise into the playoffs and not get challenged the rest of the way. Their bullpen will ultimately kill them in the playoffs. Their offense is great, as is their starting pitching. They will be the 2nd seed, which means they will have home field advantage in every series unless they face the Dodgers in the NL Championship. With Bryce Harper ready to bolt to Chicago after next season, this may be one of the last times the Nats have to reach the World Series before they begin to decline.
Braves- Nice mix of young talent with vets, exactly what the Braves wanted when they signed a bunch of experienced players . Bartolo Colon hasn't worked out, but the plan was hold the fort until their wealth of prospects in their abundant farm system starts to pay-off.They are 8 games out of the wild card chase, so it will be tough. The Phillies wish they were in the Braves' position, competitive now with hope on the horizon.
Marlins- Even without the late, great Alex Fernandez the Marlins have a group of young stars. Stanton, Ozuma, Bohr are lighting it up. The Marlins are having an overall solid season, barring in mind the devastating grief and loss of Hernandez.
Mets- Disappointing, to say the least, but injuries have cost the Mets this year. They still have a solid rotation with Syndergaard and deGram. They are cooked for this season but look for a rebound in 2018
Phillies- Playing out the string already. Lining up to get the 1st overall selection in the 2018 June draft.Trades and promotions are the only thing to watch for the rest of the summer. Who will be fired form the front office in the off-season? For a team striving to play .500 and take a step to punch in the stomach wake-up call.
NL Central W L GB
1. Milwaukee 50 41 -
2. Chi. Cubs 43 45 5.5
3. St. Louis 43 45 5.5
4. Pittsburgh 42 47 7
5. Cincinnati 39 49 9.5
Notes-
Brewers- Surprise team. Wins by hitting tons of homers, like the old Harvey Wallbanger days. I think they will go on to win the division. Gives hope for teams like the Phillies, as the Brewers were terrible only recently. Their young talent blossomed and here they are, on the verge of dethroning hte world champs.
Cubs- I predicted the Cubbies would fall off this year. How could they duplicate the magic of their 2017 championship and they win they won it all? No way. There had to be a let-down. Plus don't forget- the Cubs were down 3-1 to the Indians in the Series. To their credit they won the last 3 games, including Game 7 in Cleveland. A wild card slot isn't even assured. Right now they are 7 1/2 games out of the wild card. If any team can come back its the Cubs with their talent. But this season the bull's -eye is on their backs and teams are extra motivated playing the Cubs.
Cardinals- They are always in the mix, despite injuries. Their potent farm system keeps them relevant. I could easily see the Cards making a run at either the division or wild card before it's over.
Pirates- They seem to be coming on, with a red-hot Andrew McCuthen leading the way. Even if they sneak into the wild card will they choke again in the playoffs as before, even with home field advantage?
Reds- After a good start, the Reds have fallen off as expected. But the early part of the year showed the promise of their young talent and the Reds will be a team to reckon with in the future. Just not now.
NL West W L GB
1. LA Dodgers 61 29 -
2. Arizona 53 36 7.5
3. Colorado 52 39 9.5
4. San Diego 38 50 22
5. San Francisco 34 56 27
Notes-
Dodgers- My pick to win the National League when they season began ( playing the Red Sox in the World Series). They are running away with the west. It was close, with the Diamondbacks and Rockies on their heels, but a recent surge against both clubs have put the Dodgers in the driver's seat. Needless to say, they will win the division and will have the No. 1 seed in the playoffs. Strong starting pitching, led by the one and only Clayton Kershaw, a lights-out closer in Jensen, young, rising stars such as Bellinger, Seager and Pederson,sprinkle in vets like Chase Utley and you have a winner. It's their year.
Diamondbacks- A really solid year. Too bad they are in the same division as LA. Still, they are up 9 1/2 games for the top wild card spot. All of that potential after the D-Backs signed Grenke is finally paying-off. They are tough to beat at home, so they have a shot to catch the Dodgers. But I think their best bet of making the playoffs is the wild card.
Rockies- A good season so far, recently slipped against the Dodgers. Currently 7 1/2 game sup in the wild card race They can hit but can their pitching hold up in Coors Field?
Padres- Not in the same class as the teams above them in NL West. A bad team with hope for the future with their young prospects. Their farm system is rated as one of the best.
Giants- a huge disappointment. It's not an even-numbered year, so a fall-off was expected but this bad? Will the Giants be sellers and try to trade guys like Pence and Baumgarter? Weird not to see the Giants battling the Dodgers atop the division.
NL Wild Card Race
Arizona +2
Colorado -
Chi Cubs 7.5
St. Louis 7.5
Atlanta 8
Pittsburgh 9
Miami 9
Notes-
I don't think both NL West teams- Diamondbacks and Rockies- will get the wild card. The Braves don't have the talent yet to make a push. If any team makes a charge it will be the Cubs. Don't count out the Cardinals.
My Picks-
Wild Card- Diamondbacks and Cubs
Playoffs- Dodgers over Cubs
Nationals over Brewers
NL Championship- Dodgers over Nationals
AMERICAN LEAGUE
AL East W L GB
1. Boston 50 39 -
2. NY Yankees 45 41 3.5
3. Tampa Bay 47 43 3.5
4. Baltimore 42 46 7.5
5. Toronto 41 47 8.5
Notes-
Red Sox- My pick to win the American League before the season began. After the Yankees and Orioles led the division early, the Red Sox have claimed the top spot with their solid pitching and overall talent. Their young stars are rising, and veteran stars like Sale and Kimbrel are leading the pitching staff. Even if the Yankees overtake them for the division ( and that's a big "if"), the Red Sox should cruise into the wild card. The Red Sox- Yanks rivalry heats up again.
Yankees- Exciting club to watch with hope in the future. Aaron Judge alone ( the next Mickey Mantle?) is worth watching. Still within striking distance of first place, despite a really rough patch of games recently. Expect the Yanks to add to their roster before the July 31 trade deadline to keep up with the Sox. teams are so bunched in the American League even a wild card isn't assured, so the Yankees better win the division to play safe.A Yankees- Dodgers World Series? Hasn't happened since 1981. Probably won't happen this year, but look out for down the road.
Rays- Under-rated team. Quietly, they are right there in the division. Tough to win the wild card, in the same boat with the Yanks. I expect a fall-out in the second half as the other teams in the division jockey for playoff positions.
Orioles- Started off strong, now sliding. Even with Machado having a down year, the O's have hung in there so far. I don't think they will win the division but a push before summer is over is certainly possible, including for the wild card.
Blue Jays- Disappointment. Their bad pitching was exposed yesterday in a 19-0 pounding by the Astros. They have the talent, after all , they were in the playoffs last year. Still, I don't see the Blue Jays coming-on anytime soon.
AL Central W L GB
1. Cleveland 47 40 -
2. Minnesota 45 43 2.5
3. Kansas City 44 43 3
4. Detriot 39 48 8
5, Chi White Sox 38 49 9
Notes-
Indians- After a slow start they are taking control, as expected, in AL Central. They have too much talent not to. I did predict the Indians would not make the playoffs this year. Hard to overcome the tragic way the season ended in 2017, blowing a 3-1 lead in the World Series and losing Game 7 at home. It looks like they win AL Central after a struggle, but get knocked out in the playoffs. They better win the division- too crowded of a scenario for the wild card.
Twins- Another huge surprise,a s their young talent suddenly blooms. My feeling is that they will start to slide, not make a wild card, but they are showing the hope for the future. Yet, anything can happen, and they are only 2 1/2 games off the pace for first.
Royals- An experienced team that knows how to win. Hanging in there to take the division, I would think they are also a favorite to secure a wild card berth as well.
Tigers- Before the season began I thought the Tigers would be a surprise. I was wrong. The Tigers are the Tigers, and despite stars like Caberra and Verlander they won't reach the playoffs again.
White Sox- Not expected to contend in 2017. They are stockpiling young prospects thru trades, sudden as the Chris Sale deal. But as the Twins have risen this year, don't be surprised to see the Chisox start to ascend in the near future.
AL West W L GB
1. Houston 60 29 -
2. Texas 43 45 16.5
3. LA Angeles 45 47 16.5
4. Seattle 43 47 17.5
5. Oakland 39 50 21
Notes-
Astros- Blowing everyone away in the division, on their way to 100+ wins. Scary thing is the Astros are still young. Wise trades and a rich farm system have put the Astros where they are- favorites to at least get to the World Series. The top three players in their line-up are hitting well over .300. Witness their 19-0 bashing of Toronto yesterday.
Rangers- Have young talent but not all have come thru, plus injury to Cole Hamels didn't help. Buried in the division but only 3 games behind in the wild card which is their only hope to reach the playoffs again. Once there will they choke again? I would think its time to break this crew up if they don't step up soon. Yu Darish may leave as a free agent.
Angels- Hanging in there impressively, despite losing the famed Mike Trout for a good part of the season. Like the Rangers, their only hope is the wild card. Trout should be back soon, so anything is possible, but I doubt it.
Mariners- Interesting team that can really hit. Felix Hernandez is a shell of himself anymore. Done in the division but only 4 back in the wild card chase.I can't see them in the playoffs yet.
A's- Billy Bean Moneyball at play. Too far gone, even in the wild card hunt. Organization has some young talent. They need a new stadium and a fresh perspective.
American League Wild Care Race-
Yankees -
Rays -
Twins 1
Royals 1.5
Angels 3
Rangers 3
Mariners 4
Orioles 4
Blue Jays 5
Notes-
Yankees and Rays right now lead the wild card chase, but it's so crowded 9 teams within 5 games) that it's too soon to tell. I like the Royals and Orioles too because of their experience. It would be fun to see Yankee Aaron Judge in the playoffs.
My Picks-
Wild Card- Yankees and Royals
Playoffs- Astros over Royals
Red Sox over Indians
AL Championship- Red Sox over Astros
WORLD SERIES PICK- Dodgers over Red Sox in 6 games.
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