All Star Break: NL Looks Weak

by user Justjudith

We're almost to the halfway mark and even though the Cardinals still lead the NL Central, they are struggling to win consistently and convincingly. The Mets have won 50 games, and I still don't like them to win it all. Houston will probably get hot again, but can they really do that three seasons in a row? I'm hoping for some second half magic. Here's a prediction: the Cardinals' rotation stabilizes, and Pujols gets some more protection in the lineup -- Edmonds, Rolen, Encarnacion and one other bat gets HOT. Isringhausen stops blowing saves, and the bullpen solidifies itself. That's asking a lot but, hey, since it's my scenario, I'm going all out. The Ass-tros are our only real rival in baseball though it's fun beating up on the Cubs; they're no competition. And if we don't watch out, Houston can get it going and win the Central. That would suck.

Date

Thu 07/06/06, 12:21 pm EST

Jgov05All-American

1265 days ago

Score 0

The Mets and Cardinals are the only teams that on paper can challenge the AL's best. St. Louis was blown out in interleague play, so I think the Mets are the only NL team that has a chance at the World Series title.

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Sayhey-rodSoccer Kid

1265 days ago

Score 0

Mets didn't fair well in interleague play either.

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JustjudithWaterboy

1265 days ago

Score 0

the mets got knocked around by the AL too. but they have to be the favorites right now but that's not saying much...

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JLew1122Varsity

1265 days ago

Score 1

The mets tend to use their bullpen a lot and take advantage of pinch hitters. After glavine, pedro, and sometimes trachsel their starters lack too much. Even glavine and pedro dont usually last entire games. With a DH in the american league starting talent is crucial which is the one thing the mets really lack.

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CoreyisarealboyMajor Leaguer

1265 days ago

Score -1

Last I checked the hottest team in the Central was the Brewers, who moved ahead of the Astros into the third place, and are now just a half game behind Cincinnati and two games out of first. Oh yeah, and did I mention that's without their ace and No. 4 starter, who are both going to be back by the end of the month? If you think the Astros are the Cards' only competition you need to pay more attention to baseball.

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JuTMSY4Legend

1265 days ago

Score 0

Best part is, the brewers 1-3 pitchers (when healthy) can easily match up against any in the NL...

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JustjudithWaterboy

1265 days ago

Score 0

i'm aware of the brewers. i pay attention but i'm talking about post season and if i recall, the brewers haven't been a threat recently. i'll pay attention if they're still winning in august.

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CoreyisarealboyMajor Leaguer

1264 days ago

Score 0

JuT, I'm confident that 1-5, that rotation could potentially be the best in baseball (except for maybe the Tigers, but I'm still not convinced all those pitchers are that good). Doug Davis, despite his command troubles at the beginning of the season, has looked pretty sharp of late, and Dave Bush has been on fire too. Of course, we don't even have to mention how good Capuano has been. Along with Ben Sheets at his best and Tomo Ohka as an effective No. 4, You're looking at the possibility of all five of those guys sporting sub-4 ERAs if they're on.

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JustjudithWaterboy

1265 days ago

Score 0

I still say the NL is weak even if you do include the surging Brewers...

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