sportsjabber.net

The Red Sox seemed out of it a month ago, and yet here they are. Certainly this most competitive division; even with the Orioles at at an MLB-worst 19-43, the AL EAST is 23 games over .500.

AL EAST: As predicted, this is a red-hot race. The three pre-season favorites are all within 5 games, and Toronto is still lurking, only 6.5 back. The two surprises in my book: Tampa Bay’s resilience - they’ve had a lock on first place in spite of the Yankees’ breathing down their backs all year - and Boston’s resurgence. The Red Sox seemed out of it a month ago, and yet here they are. Certainly this most competitive division; even with the Orioles at at an MLB-worst 19-43, the AL EAST is 23 games over .500.

AL CENTRAL: No surprises here. Only Detroit, at 4.5 back, seems able to contest the Twins year-long dominance. Yet, the Tigers never seem quite able to break through.

AL WEST: It’s a dogfight for sure between Texas, LA, and even Oakland, but is it me or do all three dogs seem to lack that killer instinct?

NL EAST: This is turning into a barn burner. I would not have picked Atlanta to be leading this division, especially after the start they had, nor would I have had Washington within 5 games of the lead. The Mets even look like they have a shot at it. In the final analysis, Philadelphia still is the team to beat here, but their recent lethargy at the plate in particular is not making it easy.

NL CENTRAL: In Cincinnati, Dusty Baker has not destroyed this talented young team, and in another surprise, they are giving the Cardinals a run for their money. Outside of those two, the rest of this division is wretched (as a division, the NL Central is 28 games under .500).

NL WEST: The recent flight of the Dodgers has finally taken away what had to be the biggest surprise of the season: San Diego’s month-long run in first place. The Padres are not out of it; neither for that matter are the Giants (3 back) or the Rockies (5.5 back). Should be a good race out west. Too bad I’ll be asleep for most of it.

MY PREDICTIONS NOW:

• New York Yankees
• Tampa Bay (WC)
• Minnesota
• LAA
• Philadelphia
• Atlanta (WC)
• St, Louis
• LAD