The gates are open and the final run is on. It’s going to be a close race, a photo finish, right down to the wire, but however it turns out, the Yankees won’t even be close.Hey, what do you know, the Yanks are in first place! What a surprise. But where has that great record gotten them the last three years? Nowhere–absolutely nowhere to Yankee standards. Tisk, tisk, tisk, Steinbrunner, you keep screwing up.
Some dangerous teams to watch down the stretch:
Athletics: The A’s are always great down the stretch. They always seem to elevate their game a notch when the postseason rolls around. The A’s problem is that they have never been able to take the extra leap to advance deep in the playoffs. Hitting has always been an issue for Oakland in recent years; and losing Miguel Tejada didn’t help that much (Crosby has filled in nicely though). The A’s will always be considered a threat as long as they have their Big 3. Those men are the centerpiece behind the A’s success or failures.
Angels: Anaheim has had an inconsistent year leading up to this point. Yet they sit only a game or so out of the playoffs. Injuries have plagued this team all season, and they are still not back to full form with Glaus done for the year. The Angels have had time to recoup, and look for them to make a great run and make the playoffs. This team wants to win, badly. And they have all the right pieces to do it.
Red Sox: A team built to demolish the Yankees, and that’s exactly what they’ve done so far. With Pedro and Schilling leading the charge, Manny and Ortiz whacking the hell out of the ball, and solid defensive pickups this team will be tough to beat.
Twins: Yes, that’s right, the Twins. With Corey Koskie as hot as he has been recently, Torii Hunter patrolling the gates in center, the blazing speed of Guzman, and Santana throwing a gem of a year, this team is in contention, like they always are this time of year. The bottom-line, these guys know how to play baseball. The good, all-round, fundamental play from every single player on the field will make this team a great threat to win a playoff series.
Cubs: Acquiring Nomar may have been the most crucial move this season. The Cubs needed a solid bat to help solidify a lineup that swings and misses too much. Nomar will help that. He hits for power, average, and sprays the ball to all fields. He is a great pickup. When healthy, the Cubs also posses the best starting 5 in baseball. The Cubs will tear through the playoffs and finally reach the World Series.
Padres: Look out, this team is in the race. Brian Giles is a great player and team leader; he will have his troops ready to make a run. Besides, these guys have improved dramatically this year, though they probably won’t win it all, they can still affect the outcome of some playoff races.
Dodgers: They currently lead their division, but have lost considerable ground after losing Mota to the Marlins. The common clique, “the bridge was broken”, is actually factual. This team is still very good, and the addition of Finley should bear fruit down the stretch. Even with the loss of their all-star catcher.
Giants: I don’t know how they continue to play so well. They have the best hitter and pitcher in the NL, but that’s it. No other hitting besides Bonds, and very little pitching next to Schmidt. I’m utterly speechless.
The race is on, and the teams are into the final turn. Who will come out on top, who will breakdown in the final days, and who will keep making excuses?