My second half predictions:
NL East:
The NL east has seen a great shift in change this year. One of the biggest surprises has been the NY Mets. The Braves have shown they'll be there, whether or not they'll be able to best all the other teams in the east is another matter. Don't count out the Marlins though. I have a feeling no matter who wins in this division, it will be decided in the last week or two of the season.
NL Central:
The Cardinals have shown their dominant side so far this year and as in every year over the last half decade they've been very good against teams in their own division. However, they haven't hit their true slide yet, as all teams do. So the Cubs and the Astros will be there in the end as well as perhaps the Reds. Look for this division to come down to the wire as well.
NL West:
This division is the one that hurts me the most. Yes, I'm biased, my Diamondbacks are having their worst season since their expansion year in 1998. All the trade talks about Randy and other staples of the franchise since 1999 such as Steve Finley or Gonzo being traded to a contending team has me seriously bitter at the local & national media. We had our sale during the offseason dealing Schilling to Boston for virtually nothing and then dealing our entire infield of very talented veterans/developing stars in getting Sexon in the first place.
Then the loss of our newly accquired slugging phenom Richie Sexon to season ending shoulder surgery when he hasn't been on the DL his entire career. meh....Theres no reason why this team can't hold on to who they have to make a run for next year. We aren't obligated to trade anyone before the deadline anyways. We made the necessary adjustments to trim payroll before this season even began. Anyways, should have saved this for another time, but I had to get it out.
Ahem....I think the Giants will win the West and keep the tradition of Giants/Dbacks winning the division since 1999 going. Dodgers don't have the stamina and the Padres have been patch worked into a contending team that will need time to gel together. They also had Nevin go down again, which is a big blow.
AL East:
I've said it before and I'll say it again, the Yankees will have their problems. Sure, they'll make the playoffs but I don't expect them to go to the WS this year. Look for Boston to be there in the last few weeks of the season. I think whoever finishes the strongest in the season series against eachother will win the Division and the other will be the Wildcard.
AL Central:
All I can say is keep an eye on the Indians or the Tigers to make a run for it in the final month. In the end though it will probably come down to the ChiSox and Twins in the final weeks.
AL West:
This one has been a big surprise this year. It will be heated between the Angels/Rangers/A's down the stretch. Don't count out the Rangers, they might take the whole thing. The Wildcard could very easily come out of this division as well.
I'm kind of tired of making set in stone predictions because predictions are just what they are. In the end you'll be completely wrong or close to being right or perhaps once in a blue moon right on the money. All I know is if you base all your judgements on so called expert opinion then you're bound to fail because half the time they don't know WTF they're talking about. Just watch and find out, thats the fun of it
