Thursday, July 11, 2019

PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- BASEBALL REVIEW

We are past the All-Star Game so it's time to review the first half and make predictions for the second half. Here are the current standings-

American League

East                      W-L           GB

1. Yankees           57-31         -----
2. Rays                52-39          6.5
3. Red Sox           49-41         9
4. Blue Jays         34-57         24.5
5. Orioles             27-62        30.5

Central

1. Twins             56-33         -----
2. Indians           50-38         5.5
3. White Sox      42-44        12.5
4. Tigers            28-57         26
5. Royals           30-61         27

West

1.Astros              57-33       -----
2. A's                  50-41       7.5
3. Rangers         48-42        9
4. Angels          45-46         12.5
5. Mariners       39-55        20



National League


East

1. Braves         54-37           -----
2. Nationals     47-42          6
3. Phillies        47-43          6.5
4. Mets            40-50          13.5
5. Marlins        33-55         19.5

Central

1. Cubs         47-43         ------
2. Brewers    47-44         0.5
3. Cardinals   44-44       2
4. Pirates       44-45      2.5
5. Reds          41-46     4.5

West

1. Dodgers     60-32     ------
2. DBacks      46-45       13.5
3. Padres        45-45       14
4, Rockies      44-45       14.5
5. Giants         41-48       17.5

AL Wild Card
 1. Rays                -----
2.  Indians              0.5

3. A's                      1.5
4. Red Sox              2
5. Rangers              3



NL Wild Card

1. Vationals           -----
2. Phillies              0.5

3. Brewers           0.5
4. DBacks            1.5
5. Padres              2
5. Cardinals         2


National League Notes & Predictions-

East-

Braves- Young, solid team. Only getting better. If injuries curtail can reinforce from farm system. Should win division,

Nationals- Nats seem to have turned-around season, not missing Bryce Harper. Their starters will always keep them in games & avoid long losing streaks.Wouldn't be surprised if they catch young Braves  at the end.

Phillies- Inconsistent. Injuries. Underachieving. Phils were in 1st early in season. June swoon led to collapse. Will they be buyers or sellers soon/

Mets- A total mess. Manager will be fired. Will they trade starters & really tear apart team?

Marlins- Young squad, good players for future. But then will management keep them or deal young core as in past?

Central-

Cubs- Streaky but have best pitching  in division. Experienced group knows how to win.

Brewers- Big year from Yelich. Will make playoffs somehow.

Cardinals- Always dangerous. Prime to make run at .500.

Pirates- Surprise they are so close. Bell is carrying club.

Reds- Not ready to win yet but getting closer. Watch take off next year.

West-

Dodgers- Could it be Dodgers-Yankees in World Series? Dodgers should get to third consecutive WS. Who will stop them?

DBacks- Hanging in there with out  Goldschmidt Will they trade Grienke?

Padres- Young team still coming together. Too inexperienced to make playoff run.

Rockies- Has stars but Dodgers too much in West.

Giants- Playing for next year & beyond. Will Bumgarner & Smith be dealt away?

Playoff Teams-

Division Winners- Braves, Brewers, Dodgers
Wild Cards- Cubs, Nationals
NL Champ- Dodgers over Braves



AL Notes & Predictions-

East-

Yankees- Despite numerous injuries Yanks rule. Have depth to overcome injuries.

Rays- Still best team nobody cares about. Will they at least make Wild Card?

Red Sox- Disappointing season. could still make run at post-season but somehow I feel they will pack it in.

Blue Jays- Still rebuilding around Val Jr.

Orioles- Awful team & organization.


Central-

Twins- Surprise, young Twins hit homers.

Indians- Has experience to overtake Twins.

White Sox- Getting better but still can't compete in division.

Tigers- Still rebuilding & floundering.

Royals- Young team will need time to jell.


West-

Astros- After bad start Astros are cruising in AL West.

A's- MoneyBall working again. A's have young stars to keep them close.

Rangers- Gallo & young guys keeping Rangers afloat but still won't win.

Angels- Even great Trout can't keep them close.

Mariners- After terrific start now 20 back.


Division Winners- Yankees, Twins, Astros
Wild Card Winners- Rays, Indians
AL Champ- Astros over Yankees

World Series Champ- Dodgers over Astros in 7.






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