Post by Rockies GM (Alex) on Jun 25, 2012 13:14:18 GMT -5
Well, there's only 8 games left! Hard to believe I know. Here's how the predictions are looking at the midpoint of the season.
AL East:
What I said.....
What has happened....
1. New York Yankees - They've bulldozed through almost everyone with the scoring. What an offensive show...
2. Baltimore Orioles - Trying to rebound after a slow start, things are on the upswing.
3. Tampa Bay Rays - Has been battling for second place for awhile. Would be if not for the 0.2 point loss to Texas.
4. Toronto Blue Jays - The team continues to stick around. Not out of it yet, a game out of 2nd place.
5. Boston Red Sox - So far a disappointment, still, a two game deficit could evaporate in a small amount of time.
AL Central:
What I said....
What has happened...
1. Minnesota Twins - Probably the biggest surprise so far this year has been Minnesota. Top 10 in the league and with a Detroit loss the division is theirs.
2. Detroit Tigers - Still winning games, but not by the margins I would have though. The record doesn't reflect the low power ranking place.
3. Kansas City Royals - The complete opposite of Detroit. They've actually outscored their division rivals, however, the 5-6 record doesn't show much upside.
4. Chicago White Sox - They are who we thought they were. Not enough talent at the major league level to really compete this season.
5. Cleveland Indians - The draft should go well for the Indians with two picks in the top 5. It's about the only thing looking upwards at the moment.
AL West:
What I said...
What has happened....
1. Texas Rangers - In what is shaping up to be the best division title race, Texas has the advantage. The team is better than I thought and should be in the post-season even without the division.
2. Los Angeles Angels - Only a game out of first place. As expected, LA has been one of the top teams this year and a repeat AL crown would be no surprise.
3. Seattle Mariners - The Mariners continue to keep stride with the division leaders. They're in line for a wild card spot if they continue.
4. Oakland Athletics - It's apparent the team is in rebuilding mode. Being last in the power rankings is never a great thing, but when you're looking at the 1st pick in the 2013 Amateur draft...
NL East:
What I said....
What has happened....
1. New York Mets - The Mets... really? The Mets?! Yes, New York is in control of the NL Central with a dominate pitching rotation. Who would have thought they'd be two games ahead of Philly at this point.
2. Washington Nationals - A strong core with a good supporting cast contributes to a solid start for the Nats. The team should be in the post-season, division title or not.
3. Philadelphia Phillies - The key word for Philly: injuries, and lots of the them. The team has been killed by injuries, still, they're a game ahead in the wildcard, and when players return, they may retake the division.
4. Atlanta Braves - Just an average team with a few wins. They don't have a chance at the post-season, and a .500 season should be in store for Atlanta.
5. Miami Marlins - Wow was I wrong about Miami. After 11 weeks, the team has managed 2 victories and is in the bottom five in the the league power rankings.
NL Central:
What I said....
What has happened...
1. Houston Astros - Don't have much to say here... not one of my finer predictions. Anyways, top team in the National League.
2. St. Louis Cardinals - Making a strong bid for the wild card... should have it locked up at the season's end.
3. Cincinnati Reds - 3rd on the power rankings with a 7-4 record. Should be able to get into the post-season with the point production.
4. Milwaukee Brewers - Still an outside chance at 6-5, just not enough pieces to make a run in this tough division.
5. Pittsburgh Pirates - The Pirates remain towards the bottom of the league. Yet, improvement has shown and the prospects are close.
6. Chicago Cubs - Nearly identical situation as Pittsburgh. If both teams rebuild quick enough, it could be a 6 team division.
NL West:
What I said....
What has happened....
1. Colorado Rockies - The last undefeated team up until two weeks ago. After two loses the team dropped back down to reality, but in a relatively week division the title should be in Colorado.
2. San Diego Padres - "This team will be in the mix for a wild card" and that's exactly where they are. A few games away from being right there.
3. Arizona Dbacks - The team lacks the offensive firepower to compliment the incredible rotation. Maybe with new management the team will start climbing upwards.
4. San Francisco Giants - Is this the same team....? No. I don't really know what's wrong with San Fran. Rebuilding is the only option now.
5. Los Angeles Dodgers - It's incredible that this team still hasn't won a game. They're ahead of 8 teams in the power rankings, including the Braves who have won 4 games.
So far I'm doing pretty well, with the exception of the Mets, haha.
Good luck for the rest of the season!
AL East:
What I said.....
1. [image] Baltimore Orioles - Mike Natelli
The Orioles made enough moves in the off-season to vault them to the top of the division. The team is strong everywhere except for a suspect bullpen. A playoff run is expected.
2. [image] New York Yankees - Robert Hull
The Yankees had a relatively quiet off-season. The team did make a move to acquire top closer Chris Perez and should be solid. The offensive firepower will make them contenders for the division.
3. [image] Boston Red Sox - Jason Leonard
The Red Sox had an extremely passive off-season do to lax ownership. A new GM may pull a few strings before the start of the season, however, the rotation's lack of depth won't get them past the first round in the post-season.
4. [image] Tampa Bay Rays - Jake Monseth
The team had a quiet off-season as expected with a lot of young talent. It could have been special in 2012, but the Rays moved Longo which left a big whole in their offense. The rotation should be ridiculous, but you can't get far in the post-season without at least one slugger.
5. [image] Toronto Blue Jays - Sam Bornstein
The Blue Jays had a above-par off-season bringing in Jonny Venters and signing international free agent Norichika Aoki. The team has a solid offense, but the post-season appearance in this division with zero pitching is to much to ask.
What has happened....
1. New York Yankees - They've bulldozed through almost everyone with the scoring. What an offensive show...
2. Baltimore Orioles - Trying to rebound after a slow start, things are on the upswing.
3. Tampa Bay Rays - Has been battling for second place for awhile. Would be if not for the 0.2 point loss to Texas.
4. Toronto Blue Jays - The team continues to stick around. Not out of it yet, a game out of 2nd place.
5. Boston Red Sox - So far a disappointment, still, a two game deficit could evaporate in a small amount of time.
AL Central:
What I said....
1. [image] Detroit Tigers - Jacob Stalsberg
The Tigers had a low key off-season, but there wasn't really a need for a shake up after a disappointing upset finish last year. The team still has a great offense, top notch pitching (with Verlander and Halladay), and a strong bullpen. The team should be contenders for the ALCS.
2. [image] Kansas City Royals - Bill Warnke
The Royals didn't do much this off-season in addressing their big need at SP. Nevertheless, they could have a shot at getting one of the three wild card spots in the AL. Joey Votto and Jose Reyes will make sure of it.
3. [image] Minnesota Twins - Kyle Locker
Probably one of the closer races in all the league will be that of the Royals and Twins for second in the Central. The Twins had a productive off-season and a good balance of pitching and hitting will keep things interesting. A Joe Mauer resurgence could spell w-i-l-d-c-a-r-d for Minnesota.
4. [image] Chicago White Sox - Steve Oravecz
The White Sox didn't do anything to boost their chances this off-season. However, they have perhaps the best farm in the league and could be major contenders in a year or so. You never know, if some of the young guns reach the majors, they could sneak up on KC and MIN.
5. [image] Cleveland Indians - Michael Terilli
The Indians are set for the long run if they continue the smart drafting. The team has a great farm, but shouldn't be contending for a couple of years. For now, the cellar is the gloomy home for the tribe.
What has happened...
1. Minnesota Twins - Probably the biggest surprise so far this year has been Minnesota. Top 10 in the league and with a Detroit loss the division is theirs.
2. Detroit Tigers - Still winning games, but not by the margins I would have though. The record doesn't reflect the low power ranking place.
3. Kansas City Royals - The complete opposite of Detroit. They've actually outscored their division rivals, however, the 5-6 record doesn't show much upside.
4. Chicago White Sox - They are who we thought they were. Not enough talent at the major league level to really compete this season.
5. Cleveland Indians - The draft should go well for the Indians with two picks in the top 5. It's about the only thing looking upwards at the moment.
AL West:
What I said...
1. [image] Los Angeles Angels - Derrick Lester
It's scary to think this team could have improved, but they did. Big off-season acquisition Justin Upton boosts the team above the rest in the AL. An ALCS repeat may be coming to LA. Watch out for the "Beat LA" signs.
2. [image] Texas Rangers - George Edelman
The Rangers shook some things up on the roster, but the teams looks virtually the same as last season. They can compete for a wild card, but the division title is just out of reach. A last month move to bring in an arm could secure a wild card.
3. [image] Seattle Mariners - Nate Monseth
The Mariners got busy this off-season signing 4 new starters that included Heath Bell and David Ortiz. Although the team has improved, they still don't have the talent compete with the rest of the division, or the AL for that matter. An already strong rotation could be incredible with a Gerrit Cole sighting.
4. [image] Oakland Athletics - Noah Eli
The Athletics are obviously in rebuild mode. The team has moved their proven starters to boost a strong farm system. Last place is the apparent destination for the A's, but the future looks great for Oakland.
What has happened....
1. Texas Rangers - In what is shaping up to be the best division title race, Texas has the advantage. The team is better than I thought and should be in the post-season even without the division.
2. Los Angeles Angels - Only a game out of first place. As expected, LA has been one of the top teams this year and a repeat AL crown would be no surprise.
3. Seattle Mariners - The Mariners continue to keep stride with the division leaders. They're in line for a wild card spot if they continue.
4. Oakland Athletics - It's apparent the team is in rebuilding mode. Being last in the power rankings is never a great thing, but when you're looking at the 1st pick in the 2013 Amateur draft...
NL East:
What I said....
1. [image] Philadelphia Phillies - Jon GaskinsThe Phillies look set to be front runners for a title for at least the next two to three seasons. The team addressed its greatest need by acquiring top pitchers Gio Gonzalez and Yovani Gallardo and closer Jason Motte. With no holes in the lineup a repeat could be inevitable.
2. [image] Washington Nationals - Peter Cimini
The Nationals had probably the most productive off-season of any team. The team made moves to acquire top 10 outfielders Josh Hamilton and Mike Stanton and will get Buster Posey back from injury. The rotation is a question mark outside of Lincecum, but the team should easily win a wild card with a great lineup.
3. [image] Miami Marlins - Oren Jungreis
The Miami Marlins should be looking forward to a productive first year in a new city. The team boasts a talented rotation with Dan Haren at the helm and made a move to acquire slugger Carlos Quentin in the off-season. With a many teams going for the 2nd and third wild card spots, this will be a race to the end for the post-season.
4. [image] New York Mets - Mike Berger
The Mets should have no problem out-pitching most teams this season. The team has incredible depth along with a couple of top guns in Beckett and possibly Johan Santana who is coming off an injury. The team will need to make a move to improve its offense if it wants to challenge for a wild card.
5. [image] Atlanta Braves - Jared Thatcher
The Atlanta Braves are slowly, but surely improving their squad. The GM has gotten good value for his veterans and have a few players that should be stars in the future in the farm system. For now, the Braves should be at the bottom of the NL East, but with high drafting position, improvement will continue.
What has happened....
1. New York Mets - The Mets... really? The Mets?! Yes, New York is in control of the NL Central with a dominate pitching rotation. Who would have thought they'd be two games ahead of Philly at this point.
2. Washington Nationals - A strong core with a good supporting cast contributes to a solid start for the Nats. The team should be in the post-season, division title or not.
3. Philadelphia Phillies - The key word for Philly: injuries, and lots of the them. The team has been killed by injuries, still, they're a game ahead in the wildcard, and when players return, they may retake the division.
4. Atlanta Braves - Just an average team with a few wins. They don't have a chance at the post-season, and a .500 season should be in store for Atlanta.
5. Miami Marlins - Wow was I wrong about Miami. After 11 weeks, the team has managed 2 victories and is in the bottom five in the the league power rankings.
NL Central:
What I said....
1. [image] St. Louis Cardinals - Austin Overmann
In an extremely tight race, I believe the Cardinals come out on top in the NL Central. The team has an unbelievable rotation headlined by young ace Clayton Kershaw and Adam Wainwright. The offense is solid, but an upgrade could make a clear gap between the Cards and Reds who are right behind.
2. [image] Cincinnati Reds - Slava Pashchenko
The Reds are in the midst of one of the tightest race for a division title in the league. The team boasts an above average rotation, bullpen, and lineup. Led by up and coming hitters Alex Gordan and Eric Hosmer, a rebound season for Shin-Soo Choo and a repeat performance for Johnny Cueto could push the Reds past the Cards for the top of the division.
3. [image] Milwaukee Brewers - Mitch
The Brewers have one of the more talented lineups in the league with Fielder and Braun back and a solid pitching rotation. The team has young top draft picks Matt Barnes and Trevor Bauer in the minor leagues, however, if they want to be a legitimate division contender, they will need to part with some of their prospects for an ace which the team lacks. Even without a top pitcher, they are still in the hunt for a wild card.
4. [image] Houston Astros - Gregg Willis
The GM for Houston has taken a lowly franchise to the brink of the post-season. The Astros just aren't quite there yet. The team has probably the best farm system in the league with players like Christian Yelich, Trevor May, and James Tailion. With ace Steven Strasburg already on the mound, the team will likely continue to build around him to head to the post-season by 2013. A wild card may be a stretch for 2012.
5. [image] Chicago Cubs - Michael Higgins
Here's another example of a fantastic job done by a new GM. The Cubs made moves to acquire up and coming players like Mike Moustakas, Dayan Viciedo, and Zach Britton. The team likely won't be in the post-season for a year or two, but the foundation is there parring busts of high end potential. The team should continue to stock up on young talent until the time is right for a playoff run.
6. [image] Pittsburgh Pirates - Reynaldo Almanza
The team that has long been consider the joke of baseball will have to lay in wait for a while longer to remove the title. The lineup and rotation for the Pirates has some bright spots (Neil Walker and Joel Hanrahan), but it isn't nearly enough to go for the playoffs. The new GM has brought some life into the organization quickly by bringing in prospects Oscar Taveras and Shelby Miller. Together with Anthony Rendon the team can look to the future with its youth.
What has happened...
1. Houston Astros - Don't have much to say here... not one of my finer predictions. Anyways, top team in the National League.
2. St. Louis Cardinals - Making a strong bid for the wild card... should have it locked up at the season's end.
3. Cincinnati Reds - 3rd on the power rankings with a 7-4 record. Should be able to get into the post-season with the point production.
4. Milwaukee Brewers - Still an outside chance at 6-5, just not enough pieces to make a run in this tough division.
5. Pittsburgh Pirates - The Pirates remain towards the bottom of the league. Yet, improvement has shown and the prospects are close.
6. Chicago Cubs - Nearly identical situation as Pittsburgh. If both teams rebuild quick enough, it could be a 6 team division.
NL West:
What I said....
1. [image] Colorado Rockies - Alex MonsethThe Rockies appear set for a deep playoff run. The team has a top rotation led by David Price and Ubaldo Jimenez and a solid lineup with two premier third basemen in David Wright and Evan Longoria. A couple of holes here and there (especially the outfield), but the team should finish just ahead of the Giants based on the rotation. A Harper appearance could greatly boost the outfield.
2. [image] San Francisco Giants - Alex Horowitz
The Giants, by far, had the most productive off-season bringing in two superstars in King Albert Pujols and Carlos Gonzalez. The team has a solid lineup and bullpen, but a shaky rotation with Mark Buerhle holding it afloat. The Giants are an ace away from possibly taking over the division. If a move isn't made by the end of the off-season, a move before the deadline could be expected. Nevertheless, a wild card spot should be secured.
3. [image] Arizona Diamondbacks - Justin Flanagan
It's literally extremely close between the Padres and Dbacks for third place. I decided to go with the Dbacks. The rotation is there with three young top pitchers in Ian Kennedy, Ricky Romero, and Jair Jurrjens. Ricky Weeks and Jay Bruce lead a talented lineup. The team lacks starters and some positions and doesn't have the depth needed to get past San Fran. A couple trades could fix the problem. The Dbacks will be in the mix for a wild card.
4. [image] San Diego Padres - Charlie
The team had a pretty quiet off-season after being very active in their first year. After an extremely close finish for the wild card last year (that ended in a losing effort), the team should be once again in the hunt with more of the same. The rotation is led by Mat Latos and a talented outfield of Peter Bourjos, Jayson Werth, and Cameron Maybin lead the charge on offense. This squad will be in the mix for a wild card.
5. [image] Los Angeles Dodgers - Ryan Kim
For being ranked last in the division, there sure is a lot of talent on this team. The team has a decent rotation with Justin Masterson and Hiroki Kuroda and the lineup has solid bats like Nick Markakis and up-and-coming speedster Dexter Fowler. If the GM decides to push for a wild card, they will need a few upgrade in the offense and the rotation. Another option would be rebuilding. Masterson and Markakis could fetch a high price in young talent.
What has happened....
1. Colorado Rockies - The last undefeated team up until two weeks ago. After two loses the team dropped back down to reality, but in a relatively week division the title should be in Colorado.
2. San Diego Padres - "This team will be in the mix for a wild card" and that's exactly where they are. A few games away from being right there.
3. Arizona Dbacks - The team lacks the offensive firepower to compliment the incredible rotation. Maybe with new management the team will start climbing upwards.
4. San Francisco Giants - Is this the same team....? No. I don't really know what's wrong with San Fran. Rebuilding is the only option now.
5. Los Angeles Dodgers - It's incredible that this team still hasn't won a game. They're ahead of 8 teams in the power rankings, including the Braves who have won 4 games.
So far I'm doing pretty well, with the exception of the Mets, haha.
Good luck for the rest of the season!
