I'm tempted to also say that this is the best division in baseball, but I still feel like the NL is a bit behind the AL in overall talent -- though not as much as some would have you believe. I think the nod still goes to the AL East. The Red Sox are (unfortunately) the best team in baseball, the Rays are a great surprise contender, and the Yankees are underachieving but can't be counted out. The Orioles are fading, but better than expected, and the Jays have better talent than their record indicates.
But looking top to bottom in the NL Central, and it's hard to argue that any division will be more fun to watch down the stretch. The Cubs, like the Red Sox before them, are taking aim at a century old curse, and are employing a very "Yankee" like attitude to reverse said curse. (A slight detour to jab at Red Sox nation -- you are winning like the Evil Empire used to, also. No shame in that, though) They have paid top dollar to fill out their roster, they make big trades to address needs, and they've even turned to a former Yankee to manage the team. They are the class of the NL right now as evidenced by their mostly deserving 7 All Stars (before fill-ins, mind you). They've added Harden, and will probably add another piece or two before all is said and done.
The Brewers with Sabathia are trying to take advantage of the moment. They have some great young talent, and with CC, Sheets and Parra, have a nice 1-2-3 punch at the top of their rotation. The likes of Jeff Suppan and Dave Bush hardly scare opposing batters, but name a number 4 and 5 starter that are better.
The Cardinals, my bias aside, are THE suprise team of the year. NO ONE picked them to be this good, and they are as much fun to watch as any team in baseball. Unlike the Rays, it's not talent finally coming into its own. They just are a tough bunch that never quits and often finds a way to win. If Tony LaRussa isn't manager of the year, then the voters should be court martialled or something.
The Reds, Pirates and Astros are not that good, but are capable of playing spoiler. The Reds have played well of late, and both the Pirates and Astros have put together stretches of good ball this year. The Pirates might be hard pressed to do much in the second half if some of the rumored trades happen, but if you look closely enough, you can start to see that they might have the makings of a decent team in a few years. Speaking of young talent, you look at Cueto, Volquez, Bruce, Votto, Encarnacion, Keppinger, Phillips, and you have to think the Reds might be good someday (if Dusty Baker doesn't work his magic on the young arms).
As it stands today, this division produces two playoff teams, and well deserved ones at that. The Cards will likely pull off a move down the stretch, and I believe you've got a 3 horse race to the finish. The Cubs remain the odds on favorite to win out, and might end up taking away some of the suspense. But if they snooze on any of these teams, they'll be in for a rude awakening. But above all, it is the fans that win, because it's going to be a hell of a ride.
Ana Beatriz Barros
Ireivy Guerra
Did You See That?
NFL's Quadruple Threats
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Carpenter came back tonight. Pitching in his first rehab start in AA Springfield. He went 4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 4 K.... Today was a GREAT day for Redbird fans with that, Garcia's debut, and the walk-off GW Grand Slam from Miles. Great day.
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nice blog BTW... everyone come check out my blog page, "Sports Through the Eyes of Jay"...
recent ones include:
MLB Power Rankings http://www.fannation.com/blogs/post/219056
MLB: Second half predictions http://www.fannation.com/blogs/post/218756
Atheletics are selling (of course!) http://www.fannation.com/blogs/post/218675
www.thejaystick.blog…
St. Louis, MO
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