Last, but certainly not least, is the East. The American League East that is. Naturally thought of as the best division in real baseball. Like real baseball though, the fantasy league is very good as well.
Well, out in front of all the other East Coast teams, wait no, they have a West Coast team -- silly League Commissioner(hehehe, I kid I kid). But, anyway, out in front in this division are the freakin' Chicago White Sox. Raise your hand if you thought this team was going to contend this year *raises hand*. Raise your hand if you thought this team was going to be 2nd in points scored in the league this year *raises hand*. Raise your hand if you don't believe me *raises hand*.
I think I speak for everyone when I say, I am surprised the White Sox are in 1st place. Nothing against the great Brandon Lux, but this team looked destined for trouble in '09. Former owners really made a mess of it. But, the challenge was too easy for Lux. With fantastic drafting, and some key trades(Sheffield for Millwood anyone?) he got this team to the top of the East, and he will stay there. Undoubtedly, I see the White Sox hoisting the 2009 AL East division champs. That's a certain change in pace for 2nd and 3rd place teams, the New York Yankees, and Boston Red Sox.
In 2nd is the Evil Empire. Led by Matt McKinney. The Yanks are at .500 this year, and that simply is not good enough for the owner. Two weeks ago the man in charge was growing angry. The team was 5-7 and he was threatening to make some firings. I guess the team heard him, and they responded, they have since won 2 games, and there are no signs of slowing down. This team for sure will make a wild card run, but you'll see my thoughts on that in a moment.
Sitting in 3rd place are the Boston Red Sawx. Managed by the Wisconsin guy, Andy Popp. Andy enjoyed some early success(began 3-1), then some tough patches(1-7 over the next 8 weeks). But, heading into the Break, the Sawx won 2 in a row. They out-slugged the sluggers of Milwaukee, and then totally shut up the cocky 16 year old who runs the Fish, beating them 717-618. Though, it is no coincidence at all that ever since the 'Man-Ram' returned from his 50 game suspension the Sox have started to win. They are finally getting the extra points from the lineup, and pitchers Jon Lester and Josh Becket have been fabulous of late.
Down at the bottom are the Seattle Mariners. The Mariners, coached by Jonathan Brimer, are just 4-10. However, do not for a second blame good 'ol Johnny. Blame the 'other kid' in the league(well used to be anyway)Caleb Davis. Since Caleb butchered the team some, Johnny has began to re-build, and he has done a great job so far. He has put together a solid Farm system, and cashed in on some trades that bring him back future 1st round picks. Though, this team is still a year or two from winning, Johnny will do his best, and I wouldn't be surprised if he has a White Sox Esq turn around next season.
To conclude this division, this is how I see it:
The White Sox take the title, no questions asked there, the team is just too deep to not win. However, most may say the Yanks will finish second, I say different. The Sox will eventually pass the Yanks in the standings, and find themselves in the #2 Wild Card spot, behind the Tribe.
3 Comments
Jonny B
7/16/2009 01:40:46 am
Nicely written Phil i was waiting for the slap t the face about my crappy record, glad to see you see wok in progress.
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Brandon
7/16/2009 03:01:43 am
LOL. Hey, no offense taken! I was a believer out of the gate in my boys. For example, I obviously knew a 42 year old Tim Wakefield would have 11 wins by the break and Kevin Millwood would be an Ace... And I totally predicted Manny would get suspended and give me 50 games of on fire Juan Pierre, who didn't see that coming? And let's not forget about my Ace 39th rounder... Surely I wasn't the only one who thought Joel Pineiro was going to be a stud. Clearly no luck was involved in this turnaround at all (sarcasm intended).
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Jeremy
7/16/2009 04:49:46 am
haha, nicely said Brandon.
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AuthorYou all know me, Phil Urban, owner of the Marlins in the MLB league. As well as the Eagles in both NFL leagues. I'm the youngest of the group, and perhaps the only one unable to go buy a beer at the bar. But, that doesn't stop me from whoopin' you all in fantasy ;). Archives
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