With the 2006 playoffs starting Tuesday that means there will be a million predictions between now and the World Series. With that in mind I felt I could give some of my knowledge and predictions for the playoffs even though none of my “favorite” teams are in. So lets get our hands dirty and diagnose this thing.
The MLB MVP is one of the most prestigious individual honors among every team sport. It signifies not only putting up great numbers, but also raising the overall level of your team’s play. Usually, there are only two or three main contenders in each league for this award. But this year, players left and right are producing unbelievable numbers. We’ve got sluggers on pace for 60 homers, average machines, and plenty of difference-makers on contending teams. But who will win? Here’s my take as of now.
By Matt Barone
The American League has a designated hitter. Their lineups are stacked from top to bottom, with power hitters like David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez, Jason Giambi, and Jim Thome, just to name a few. It’s a lot harder to pitch in the American League. Ask these American League Failures:
As Bruce Sutter and his 13-year wait for the Hall of Fame just proved, it’s hard to make it in to the Hall. You could even be the all-time saves leader (like Lee Smith is) and not make it to Cooperstown. While some active pitchers will be having their busts carved out in the near future, the vast majority need more work. Which pitchers will make it to the Hall? Here’s my analysis.
David Ortiz has been pitched around in recent years’ MVP voting, but now he is flat out winning games for his team, and is that not the definition for MVP?
Despite the fact that it is July 29, I thought that with the Trading Deadline on Monday, I’d take an early look at free agency.
What is wrong with pitchers? One hundred pitches and they call it a night.
Times have been a changin’ and not for the better in baseball.
You hardly see any pitcher go the full 9 innings and throw over 120 pitches. Come on, suck it up. You get paid to pitch, what could be better?
The mind set for pitches has changed dramatically since the days of Feller, Koufax, Gibson and Guidry. It used to be, throw the complete game. Pitch as much as you could and not give in at first sign of fatigue and pain…
It’s fashionable to like the A.L. Central right now. Fine, I can deal with it because the once-toothless Tigers have played great baseball, and that’s kind of cute. But writing off the A.L. East as a Wild Card threat? Gimme a break!
2006 Tigers Record through 92 games: 62-30
World Champion 2005 White Sox Record through 92 games: 62-30
So why are the Tigers still considered the underdog while the White Sox were hailed as favorites? I’m not sure, but I hope I can change your mind.
In past years, the AL East owned the most interesting divisional race in baseball. And while the Yankees and Red Sox are at it again this year, they won’t be the race to watch. The AL Central race is simply fascinating, as the Tigers and the White Sox have the top two records in the majors and will battle until the end. But which team will emerge as the divisional champions? And which has the better shot at walking away with the title? Both are excellent, but one team has the edge.