Here is an interesting division. You have the league champs from last year.............wait, just kidding ;).....you have the runner-ups from last year at the top of the division with a 9-5 record. Then the next 3 teams are tied for second with 6-8 records. Let's break it down, shall we:
First, the leaders, the Cubbies, managed by the Commish himself, Jeremy Clark, are as mentioned before 9-5. They have a nice 3 game cushion on the rest of the division. Although hindered by injuries to key stars like Jake Peavy, Rich Harden, Aramis Ramirez, and Geo Soto the Cubs have managed to get by and still win some games. Obviously once they get healthy this team is deadly, and certainly not a team you'd like to see on the other side of the box score. They are a force to be reckoned with, and certainly look good atop the NL East, where I predict they stay, bold I know.
The next three teams are the Braves(Philip Rukse - great name btw), Cardinals(Kyle Bethel), and Mets(Chris Woodward). 3 interesting teams.
The Braves, are definately not known for their bats, as they rank last in hitting points. But, their arms can certainly get the job done. On a weeks where their big guns; Javier Vasquez, Jair Jurrjens(best name in baseball), Tommy Hanson, Derek Lowe, Kyle Lohse, John Lannan, etc get going, they are a team you should fear. That is a nice rotation to have, and they have plenty of other good arms. Now, just if the offense can get healthy - yeah, you Alex Gordon, and Torii Hunter -and put up big numbers, I think they can make a push. But, they may be to far off the pace(3 games in division, 2 in WC).
The Cardinals are a team that don't like to show up some weeks, but other weeks, they show up big. Most notably against the Cubs. With a team highlighted by, you guessed it, Albert Pujols(and his astonishing 634 points)the Cards have some good players. After Pujols you get guys like: Chris Iannetta, Jose Lopez, Ian Stewart, McLouth, Flyin' Hawaiian, Adam Wainwright, Chris Carpenter, etc. They have a good base, it's just a matter of them all showing up on the same week. The Cards are a SP or two away from making a push, will they get that P, who knows, stay tuned.
Next are the Mets. The Mets have a great lineup, but like others, are decimated by injury. When you are missing 3 studs like Jose Reyes, Josh Hamilton(no longer with the team), and Ervin Santana you are going to struggle a bit. This team has a premier lineup, and maybe one of the best in the league, but the P's need to step up. Ervin Santana in particular, been very disappointing to this point only tallying half a point in 40 some odd innings. Same deal with the Mets as is the Cards, I feel this team is a SP away from the playoffs. Reminding Ervin Santana he's Ervin Santana may help too.
In summary, I feel the Cubs are the only team coming out of this division for the playoffs. It's certainly not a bad division, as obviously it's a tight race, just each team is missing 1 or 2 parts.
5 Comments
Brandon
7/16/2009 12:33:27 am
Man, starting pitching seems to be a theme with the teams on the cusp. Like you said though, one of them gets hot 2GB isn't that much.
Reply
Phil
7/16/2009 02:16:03 am
like you said Phil, if I had just a couple more good hitters I think I could have a shot, but otherwise I probably wont make it to the top.
Reply
Jeremy
7/16/2009 04:46:25 am
I'm hoping this 3 game lead is good enough to hold off the Braves and the Cards. The Cards seem to be making a run for it right now. The Mets just need a couple pitchers and they will be a force.
Reply
Phil
7/16/2009 08:28:15 am
Alex Gordon heard you Phil, hes coming back tomorrow. Thanks for talking smack to him. LOL
Reply
Phil U.
7/16/2009 10:54:30 am
Good, he needs to come back. I am huge fan of Gordon, and it's sad how he hasn't lived up to expectations. He had a fantastic spring, so maybe he comes back and mashes. Hopefully Teahan won't take time from him though.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
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
|