Contender/Pretender June 2006 A.L. Edition
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by user JuTMSY4
The question has come up especially as we approach the mid-season classic, who are the contenders and pretenders for the playoffs. Without true consideration to statistics (Which I admittedly detest for sports, but abuse constantly), this is my position on where some teams stand heading into the break. More importantly, I witnessed Steve Phillips pick the winners of each division a few weeks ago. Surprisingly, he picked the current leader in each. What can I say, the man deserved to be fired. Kansas City Royals need not apply, you’re a pretender before you started the season.
American League East
Toronto Blue Jays
As debated earlier today on AGM, Blue Jays and the Playoffs? In a word, no!, this team is still a few pieces short of being a legit contender. They do have an ace of the staff and what COULD be a great number two in A.J. Burnett but he’s got to stay healthy and he hasn’t done that. They also have some young arms in Gustavo Chacin and Ted Lilly, which remains to be seen. They do have what looks like 3 good outfields and a shutdown closer, not to mention a decent looking infield, hitting wise. I’m just not convinced. Prove to me that the staff can stay healthy and has a little more experience and I jump the fence, until then
PRETENDER
Boston Red Sox
Much like the Blue Jays, the Red Sox have an Ace (Curt Schilling) and a closer in young Jonathan Papelbon (I still think he’s a little young for those pressure closes, but he could very easily prove me wrong). Moreover, Josh Beckett has had his moments, and he’s also had some poor outings. The offense should never be an issue for this squad, boasting 4 (when healthy) very good outfielders and what looks like the best power hitting catcher in the league (or close to it). This team has the ability, they might be a pitcher short, but are still very close. Plus, they’ve been there before
CONTENDER
New York Yankees
The balance of this team hinges, almost entirely on health. If you tell me that Hideki Matsui and Gary Sheffield will come back in September in mid-season form, I’m listing them as a contender, no questions asked. But there are concerns. Mike Mussina has looked good up until late and Randy Johnson hasn’t until recently (He’s getting back to form, just relax), but they have issues in their rotation. Sometimes I’m really impressed sometimes I’m not. I wish I could go push on this, but I can’t
CONTENDER
American League Central
Detroit Tigers
Boy, Jim Leyland really gave these kids a kick in the pants. Things were really working and even when they cooled off, they still look pretty solid. Their pitching staff did look good, but besides Kenny Rogers can you really trust rookie Justin Verlander, Mike Maroth (Who’s hurt) and Jeremy Bonderman to get you through to the post season. I like Verlander, just not this year. Plus, I wouldn’t trust Todd Jones to close out the big ones
PRETENDER
Chicago White Sox
What is probably the most complete team in baseball, the Chicago White Sox, to me, look as good, but different than they did last year. Jon Garland hasn’t played up to par with what we expected, however, they’ve gotten great games from guys like Freddy Garcia and Jose Contreras. Moreover, the offense has been dominant, especially with a guy like Jim Thome in the heart of the order. You can argue with who will win the World Series, but this guys have to come up in that argument.
CONTENDER
American League West
Oakland Athletics
Good rule of thumb is, someone has to win this division. I don’t particularly like the Athletics, but they’ve done it before and have the advantage of some playoff experience. Their pitchers are different but the same, with the big three consisting of Barry Zito, Danny Haren and Rich Harden (He needs to get healthy]] along with some extras like Joe Blanton and Kirk Saarloos who have been serviceable. The lineup looks better, especially the way Nick Swisher has been playing. You got to think this team is playoff caliber again, even though their division is just plain terrible.
CONTENDER
Texas Rangers
I dare you, with a straight face, to name a Rangers starting pitcher past Kevin Millwood that you would trust in the post-season. Don’t even mention that slug, Vicente Padilla, who’s best statistic was how many beers he drank in a night. This team has major concerns around their staff, but few around the lineup. Guys like Hank Blalock and Brad Wilkerson are more than making up for the slow start for Mark Teixeira. Plus, this team is still searching for a closer since Francisco Cordero starting blowing up. If this team had one word written all over it, it would be:
PRETENDER
That's a wrap, N.L. Should come tomorrow.
Date
Mon 06/19/06, 12:25 pm EST
