By Ed Morrone
I know our own Tim Robertson weighed in with his thoughts on the MLB playoff races two weeks ago, but considering my head is spinning more than Jon Favreau and Heather Graham in their “Swingers” dance scene, pardon me for chiming in. As a Phillies fan, I’m only focusing on the Eagles this time of year. But with the Eagles looking more like the Detroit Lions were supposed to and the Mets looking like the Bad News Bears, it’s exactly the opposite this year. But I’m also a baseball fan, and as one of those, how can you not be loving this right now? Let’s break it down:
Teams nobody should want to play: Philadelphia Phillies & New York Yankees
For the Phillies of course, this all depends on if they actually qualify for the postseason. But as the Mets know, if the Phils do get in, watch out. They have a fantastic lineup of stars and role players that often makes up for the shaky pitching, and as Aaron Rowand said last week, “It’s not always the best team that wins it. It’s the team playing the best baseball at the time.” Right now, that’s the Phillies-yet they still have some work to do to get themselves in. After being 21-29 in late May, who would’ve thought the Yankees would only have 21 losses in the second half? It’s been unreal watching the Bombers play lately, and with the normal experienced playoff bunch in tow (as well as some dynamite rookies), who’s betting against them now?
Teams not to bet the house on: Boston Red Sox & whoever wins the NL Central
The Red Sox are going to make the playoffs regardless of the outcome in the AL East. But their play in the division is indicative of the team they put out there. If J.D. Drew, Julio Lugo, Coco Crisp, Eric Hinske, Bobby Kielty and Eric Gagne are involved, I’m running the other way. As for the NL Central, what a joke. Baseball needs to change its playoff format which would allow the four teams with the best records to get in, because the Cubs and Brewers do not deserve to see October baseball.
Teams nobody can figure out: New York Mets & Cleveland Indians
The Mets used to be great whenever they didn’t play the Phillies. Now they just look shaky all the time. Jose Reyes has been trash lately, Carlos Beltran shrinks in big spots, Carlos Delgado isn’t healthy, Paul Lo Duca talks a big game but rarely backs it up, the bullpen can’t get anyone out and the best starting pitcher this month has been Pedro Martinez. They could go to the World Series if they clean up their act or miss the playoffs. As for the Indians, they seem like huge dogs in the AL, but when they are on they can beat anyone. Will anyone aside from C.C. Sabathia and Fausto Carmona step up in October? If so, look out.
The quiet favorites/sleeping giants: San Diego Padres & Los Angeles Angels
Must be a West thing. Nobody seems to be talking about the Padres, and they are probably the most complete team in the NL (great rotation, solid lineup, decent bullpen). Lately, they haven’t been losing and definitely have Arizona looking over their shoulder. As for the Angels, they aren’t flashy, but they just win. And they own the Yankees. Don’t be surprised if they win their second title of the decade.
Top three most important position players in each league:
NL: 1) Jimmy Rollins, SS, Phillies; 2) Jose Reyes, SS, Mets; 3) Prince Fielder, 1B, Brewers
AL: 1) Alex Rodriguez, 3B, Yankees; 2) Manny Ramirez, OF, Red Sox; 3) Vladimir Guerrero, OF, Angels
The five starting pitchers that could hold the key to their team’s October success:
NL: 1) Carlos Zambrano, Cubs; 2) Chris Young, Padres; 3) Ben Sheets, Brewers; 4) Cole Hamels, Phillies; 5) Pedro Martinez, Mets
AL: 1) Fausto Carmona, Indians; 2) Roger Clemens, Yankees; 3) Curt Schilling, Red Sox; 4) Daisuke Matsuzaka, Red Sox; 5) Kelvim Escobar, Angels
Predictions
I’m sticking with my preseason pick of the Angels going to the World Series. When they won it all in 2002, the Angels had everything they have this season: a star (Vladimir Guerrero is a giant upgrade over Troy Glaus), strong starting pitching (Escobar and a now veteran John Lackey), solid role players (Chone Figgins, Orlando Cabrera, Casey Kotchman and a still breathing Garret Anderson), a reliable bullpen with one of the game’s best closers (Francisco Rodriguez) and a manager (Mike Scioscia) that’s been there before. As for the NL, well, forget about it. I’m not stupid enough that I’d make any outrageous picks with the Phillies still in the race.
Just get back to me in two weeks when my head stops spinning.
Currently one of the frontrunners for the National League Most Valuable Player award, Phillies’ shortstop Jimmy Rollins will play a key role in getting Philadelphia into the playoffs. (MLB.com)