By Josh:
The All Star game is done and now teams are preparing for the final run towards the playoffs. Teams amp up their conversations for potential trades, focus on getting every player healthy, and set their roster to give them every chance at winning they can.
The first half of the season has given us a pretty good idea of who will be in the playoffs but the great thing about baseball is that teams that seem to be out of the playoff hunt can make things interesting. Here are my thoughts for each of the six division races.
NL East
The Nationals are six games up on both the Mets and Marlins and this is a race that might get really close as the months go by, but honestly I think the Nationals should take this one. The Mets are being hit by injuries and the Marlins just don’t seem to be strong enough. However, if a young power hitter named Stanton gets going he just might have the power to put the Marlins on his back and run towards first place.
NL Central
The Cubs were once being talked about as the best team in all of baseball and now they are falling back into reality. They are still up 7 games and have great pitching and some pretty powerful hitters. I will give the Cubs the edge in this race but the playoffs aren’t a forgone conclusion in the National League.
NL West
It’s an even year and the San Francisco Giants have the best record in baseball. The Dodgers aren’t out of this race but I’m leaning towards them getting into the playoffs via the Wild Card. As much as I HATE to say this I currently see the Giants as the World Series favorites. Oh my gosh did I really just type that.
AL East
The Orioles, Blue Jays and Red Sox only have two games separating them. This is going to be the best race in baseball the last half of the year. The winner of this division will be the team that avoids slumps the longest. These three teams are going to be able to go on winning streaks due to their pitching. Offense is what will win this division.
AL Central
The Indians lead the Tigers, White Sox and Royals by 6.5 and 7 games and I think that they don’t hold onto the lead. They might hold on to get into the playoffs as a Wild Card but I strongly feel the Royals make a run and take the division. The defending champions are a team that can make a run and I think it happens in August.
AL West
The Rangers have the best record in the American League and they are going to stay that way. The Astros are coming on strong and can make it a good race but the Rangers should hold on. As for my favorite team the Mariners I am just hoping they get hot enough to make a Wild Card game and allow Felix Hernandez to pitch in his first playoff game.