The wood and the nails have been purchased. The better team took 2 of 3. The Dads are for real and the Blue are fakers. This is the worst Dodger team I've seen since 1993. Except that '92 team at least had some nice role players. Unless they can make an unlikely blockbuster deal, this campaign is as good as over. I mean, come on! They stink. They can't hit. They don't have enough pitching. They don't have enough heart. But, more importantly, as evidenced by his performance today, they kind of have no manager. Joe Torre has been mailing it in all year and his bizarre non-move today against the Dads in what was the most important game of the year, proved startlingly idiotic. Only complacency could be responsible for such stupidity from a man who's been around baseball as long as Torre. He just doesn't really care. How else could you explain using your all-time worst with the game on the line, with Jonathan Broxton loose in the pen and ready to go? What was he saving him for?
George Sherrill needs to be given his unconditional release. It's the only way to keep him from causing any further damage.
As far as good ol' Joe, so many bad calls at first base not going the Dodgers' way, so many times Joe sits on his ass in the dugout not saying a word. The call last week when the umps charged replacement manager, Donny Baseball with a second trip to the mound and removed Broxton from the game went unchallenged. The umps blew the ruling. Broxton should've been made to pitch to that batter - can't even remember who it was - THEN, he was supposed to be removed. Could've changed the outcome of the game, which turned out to be a Dodger loss. Unprotested. What manager who's actually been given a chance to pull a win out of the loss column doesn't even lodge a protest?
So, now to the trade deadline. Lee is a Ranger, Haren is a Halo and now, Oswalt is one of the Phillies, (who I believe are going back to the World Series.) The Dodgers acquired Scott Podsednik from KC yesterday. A good move by Colletti given his employer's tightfisted policy. Pod is a fine, hard-nosed ballplayer with speed, a little power and a lot of fundamentals. I was hoping they landed him so they can move Kemp somewhere. Anywhere. Kemp is awful, but some team may not think he's as bad as he is. Ok, so Oswalt's out. Greinke? I really doubt it.
Once again, it comes down to the weakness of what we used to affectionately call the "kiddie corps." The corps has become their "core" and they're just not enough. Andre Ethier is a fine ballplayer, but let's face it, he's so bad against lefties you almost want to platoon him. Loney homered today - his 8th, which means he has one more than Furcal - then proceeded to look like Hell the rest of his at bats. Loney is not the kind of first baseman that can lead the team to a division title or pennant. Kemp cannot stop pulling off the ball. He just doesn't get it. Kemp and Loney, both, take many at bats off and I have no idea why Torre puts up with it. Russell Martin, simply put, has become one of the worst hitters I've ever seen. Broxton is good, not great, certainly not a lights out closer. In fact, he shouldn't even be there closer. Let's give it to Kuo and Jansen. (I like the look of this Kelly Jansen, although, in spite of my disdain for Broxton, I still think he was a far better choice than Sherrill in the 9th.) Billingsley has turned out to be a sometimes solid middle of the rotation guy, not so much the difference-maker he was touted to be. Kershaw could be the real deal, but he's not quite there yet. There's your core. Not much without a vital Manny hitting somewhere in the middle. Not much without another starter to anchor a slightly better-than-average staff.
Casey Blake? Take him off the grill. He's done. Blake DeWitt? Not good enough, not yet, anyway. But more importantly, the owner has no passion for winning and will not open his wallet to give the fans what they deserve and have deserved for many, many years. He's a greedy, miserly SOB and I hope the divorce ruins him. This team has no chance.
For next year, my dream is for McCheap to sell to someone with a beating heart who knows what the Dodgers once meant to baseball. I hope this owner installs either Bobby Valentine or Dusty Baker, someone with blue in his blood, as their new manager.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Ladies & Gentlemen, Your Lose Angeles Dodgers.
I hate 2 things:
1) Blowing my own horn.
2) When the Dodgers lose (and stink)
That being said, I hate to blow my own horn, but I told you the Dodgers would stink. Back in early April I made a series of predictions and one of those predictions was that the Blue would finish in 4th place in the West. Where are they on 7/20/10? Mired in 4th place after losing 5 straight. Is the season over? Not by a long shot. There's plenty of baseball left to be played and plenty of opportunity for the Dodgers to climb right back up there. The question is, can they? My answer at this time is an emphatic "no."
They're right where Frank McCourt's team oughta be. They have poor starting pitching. They have a horrific bullpen. They have rather little hitting. They have poor defense. They play extremely poor fundamental baseball. They have very little heart. They have a dispassionate manager. They have an owner who doesn't care. Hence, 4th place. It is this blogger's opinion that, so long as McCheap isn't going to try to land an ace or a big bat, the Dodgers should consider being sellers rather than buyers in the next 2 weeks. Shall we go through the lineup?
THE OUTFIELD
One of my more recent predictions was that Manny would again be on the DL before season's. Who knew he would hurt himself again THAT NIGHT? Manny is absent. Manny is powerless. Manny is over. I'm over Manny.
Bill Shaikin's Sunday article regarding possibly moving the plateaued Matt Kemp made sense. Sure Kemp is still only 25 and, with his incredible natural gifts, should have many great years in front of him. Problem is, he doesn't. Not unless he gets a personality and brain overhaul. He just doesn't make the adjustments and doesn't have the baseball smarts. Opposing pitchers toy with him. Most of his power numbers were put up in April and early May. I no longer believe in Matt Kemp as a potential superstar and the face of the team. If they could move him for a top notch starter whom they could hang onto for a few years, it might be well worth it. Watching him makes me miss Reed Johnson.
Andre Ethier is the new face of the Dodgers. He's great. Problem is, he's the only one. And he has a few flaws that hurt the team. One is, he simply can't hit lefties very well at all. And there are lefties in baseball. This makes him kind of streaky. The other is, it still seems like he regards his personal performance over that of the team. I know that's not fair for me to say without having spoken to Andre or knowing him personally, but I can read his body language. The other is, he's not the fastest guy out there by a long shot. He's also pressing a little. I don't blame him. He's got very little support around him in the lineup.
THE INFIELD
James Loney is having a career year. He's now officially an effective singles-hitting first baseman. I used to compare him to Mark Grace, but at least Grace hit doubles. I disagree with most on his defense. I think Loney plays a mediocre to under par first base. This team has no pop. We need a first baseman with pop. I don''t hate Loney. But if you can move him for some prospects or someone who can be a game changer, let's do it.
I love Blake DeWitt's efforts and he may end up being a mainstay in someone's lineup one of these days, and he does a lot of little things that people don't notice, but he's no Ian Kinsler or Chase Utley. Jaimie Carroll does everything better than De Witt and should play everyday.
Furcal is on fire and made a well-deserved appearance in the All-Star game. I can't say anything negative about this man. He's their only offense right now. He's a solid choice at short until, at such time, Dee Gordon is ready.
Casey Blake is not a particularly good ballplayer. He's a better than average fielder and a very poor hitter. A little pop down the line - he hits practically EVERYTHING down the line, and if he doesn't, he usually strikes out. He's been trying to drive the ball the other way of late, but it ain't working. He's hitting .247 with far too few RBI's for an everyday 3rd baseman. I'm sure he's a great guy. I don't like him as a ballplayer. I'd rather give Ronnie Belliard a shot everyday.
Russell Martin - Martin stinks. Of all 14 starting catchers in the NL, I rank him nearly last. I even rank him behind some of the backup catchers. Don't believe me? I'd rather have Hundley, Posey, Olivo, Montero, Snyder, Soto, Molina, Doumit, Ruiz, Pudge, Paulino, McCann, Barajas or Hernandez.
THE BENCH
Carroll and Reed Johnson are great. AJ Ellis and Garret Anderson are awful. I like Xavier Paul, but he has no pop.
STARTING PITCHING
I was watching Giants 20 year-old Ross Bumgarner shut down the Blue last night and I was noticing how much more poise and confidence he has on the mound than Clayton Kershaw. Kershaw's a fine pitcher, but he needs to get tougher. So far, he's just an ace by default.
I'm not particularly impressed with Billingsley. He's had a few solid games. He doesn't exactly strike fear in the hearts of men. His stuff isn't that impressive and he gives up a lot of dongs. Kuroda is solid, has some great games and some terrible games sandwiched in. I don't trust him to be the man. I mean, let's fact it, he's not exactly C.C. Sabathia. Can't complain about Vicente Padilla. He's been a great 4th starter. Could be the best number 4 guy in the league along with Jonathan Sanchez and R.A Dickey. They have no number five guy because McCheap doesn't want to spend the money.
THE PEN
Broxton is not a great closer. He throws gas. He has loads of talent. But he's a lucky closer a lot of the time. He just gets too freaked out and still doesn't know how to shut teams down. Looks the part, but doesn't appear to have the psyche for it. I would prefer Kuo, but Hong Chih can't throw 2 days in a row. The rest of the pen is lousy with the exception of Weaver and Schlichting who are just okay.
THE MANAGER
After getting beaten down 2 straight games in blazing hot St. Louie, the Dodgers and Hiroki Kuroda had a shot in the next game. John Jay hits a double play grounder and the umpire blows the call at first base, leading to the Cards first run. Torre just sits in the dugout. Not a peep out of him. Need I say more? Okay, then I will... what the hell is he doing batting Casey Blake in the cleanup spot last night? Is he out of his 70 year-old mind? Happy birthday, Joe.
We're beginning to learn about these young guys they brought up a few years ago to be the future of the organization. They're simply not a strong enough core. They won the West the last 2 seasons because they got quality innings from their starters and their pen and they were girded by a potent Manny for much of that time. If they start moving some of these guys for some real prospects, they could have a shot in a few years. This core, however, are just not good enough to win anything this year or any year. They could've be with some valuable additions, but their soon-to-be-divorced owner doesn't want to spend the money. And why should he? It's not like the Dodgers led the Majors in attendance or anything last year. ... Oh, wait a minute, they did.
1) Blowing my own horn.
2) When the Dodgers lose (and stink)
That being said, I hate to blow my own horn, but I told you the Dodgers would stink. Back in early April I made a series of predictions and one of those predictions was that the Blue would finish in 4th place in the West. Where are they on 7/20/10? Mired in 4th place after losing 5 straight. Is the season over? Not by a long shot. There's plenty of baseball left to be played and plenty of opportunity for the Dodgers to climb right back up there. The question is, can they? My answer at this time is an emphatic "no."
They're right where Frank McCourt's team oughta be. They have poor starting pitching. They have a horrific bullpen. They have rather little hitting. They have poor defense. They play extremely poor fundamental baseball. They have very little heart. They have a dispassionate manager. They have an owner who doesn't care. Hence, 4th place. It is this blogger's opinion that, so long as McCheap isn't going to try to land an ace or a big bat, the Dodgers should consider being sellers rather than buyers in the next 2 weeks. Shall we go through the lineup?
THE OUTFIELD
One of my more recent predictions was that Manny would again be on the DL before season's. Who knew he would hurt himself again THAT NIGHT? Manny is absent. Manny is powerless. Manny is over. I'm over Manny.
Bill Shaikin's Sunday article regarding possibly moving the plateaued Matt Kemp made sense. Sure Kemp is still only 25 and, with his incredible natural gifts, should have many great years in front of him. Problem is, he doesn't. Not unless he gets a personality and brain overhaul. He just doesn't make the adjustments and doesn't have the baseball smarts. Opposing pitchers toy with him. Most of his power numbers were put up in April and early May. I no longer believe in Matt Kemp as a potential superstar and the face of the team. If they could move him for a top notch starter whom they could hang onto for a few years, it might be well worth it. Watching him makes me miss Reed Johnson.
Andre Ethier is the new face of the Dodgers. He's great. Problem is, he's the only one. And he has a few flaws that hurt the team. One is, he simply can't hit lefties very well at all. And there are lefties in baseball. This makes him kind of streaky. The other is, it still seems like he regards his personal performance over that of the team. I know that's not fair for me to say without having spoken to Andre or knowing him personally, but I can read his body language. The other is, he's not the fastest guy out there by a long shot. He's also pressing a little. I don't blame him. He's got very little support around him in the lineup.
THE INFIELD
James Loney is having a career year. He's now officially an effective singles-hitting first baseman. I used to compare him to Mark Grace, but at least Grace hit doubles. I disagree with most on his defense. I think Loney plays a mediocre to under par first base. This team has no pop. We need a first baseman with pop. I don''t hate Loney. But if you can move him for some prospects or someone who can be a game changer, let's do it.
I love Blake DeWitt's efforts and he may end up being a mainstay in someone's lineup one of these days, and he does a lot of little things that people don't notice, but he's no Ian Kinsler or Chase Utley. Jaimie Carroll does everything better than De Witt and should play everyday.
Furcal is on fire and made a well-deserved appearance in the All-Star game. I can't say anything negative about this man. He's their only offense right now. He's a solid choice at short until, at such time, Dee Gordon is ready.
Casey Blake is not a particularly good ballplayer. He's a better than average fielder and a very poor hitter. A little pop down the line - he hits practically EVERYTHING down the line, and if he doesn't, he usually strikes out. He's been trying to drive the ball the other way of late, but it ain't working. He's hitting .247 with far too few RBI's for an everyday 3rd baseman. I'm sure he's a great guy. I don't like him as a ballplayer. I'd rather give Ronnie Belliard a shot everyday.
Russell Martin - Martin stinks. Of all 14 starting catchers in the NL, I rank him nearly last. I even rank him behind some of the backup catchers. Don't believe me? I'd rather have Hundley, Posey, Olivo, Montero, Snyder, Soto, Molina, Doumit, Ruiz, Pudge, Paulino, McCann, Barajas or Hernandez.
THE BENCH
Carroll and Reed Johnson are great. AJ Ellis and Garret Anderson are awful. I like Xavier Paul, but he has no pop.
STARTING PITCHING
I was watching Giants 20 year-old Ross Bumgarner shut down the Blue last night and I was noticing how much more poise and confidence he has on the mound than Clayton Kershaw. Kershaw's a fine pitcher, but he needs to get tougher. So far, he's just an ace by default.
I'm not particularly impressed with Billingsley. He's had a few solid games. He doesn't exactly strike fear in the hearts of men. His stuff isn't that impressive and he gives up a lot of dongs. Kuroda is solid, has some great games and some terrible games sandwiched in. I don't trust him to be the man. I mean, let's fact it, he's not exactly C.C. Sabathia. Can't complain about Vicente Padilla. He's been a great 4th starter. Could be the best number 4 guy in the league along with Jonathan Sanchez and R.A Dickey. They have no number five guy because McCheap doesn't want to spend the money.
THE PEN
Broxton is not a great closer. He throws gas. He has loads of talent. But he's a lucky closer a lot of the time. He just gets too freaked out and still doesn't know how to shut teams down. Looks the part, but doesn't appear to have the psyche for it. I would prefer Kuo, but Hong Chih can't throw 2 days in a row. The rest of the pen is lousy with the exception of Weaver and Schlichting who are just okay.
THE MANAGER
After getting beaten down 2 straight games in blazing hot St. Louie, the Dodgers and Hiroki Kuroda had a shot in the next game. John Jay hits a double play grounder and the umpire blows the call at first base, leading to the Cards first run. Torre just sits in the dugout. Not a peep out of him. Need I say more? Okay, then I will... what the hell is he doing batting Casey Blake in the cleanup spot last night? Is he out of his 70 year-old mind? Happy birthday, Joe.
We're beginning to learn about these young guys they brought up a few years ago to be the future of the organization. They're simply not a strong enough core. They won the West the last 2 seasons because they got quality innings from their starters and their pen and they were girded by a potent Manny for much of that time. If they start moving some of these guys for some real prospects, they could have a shot in a few years. This core, however, are just not good enough to win anything this year or any year. They could've be with some valuable additions, but their soon-to-be-divorced owner doesn't want to spend the money. And why should he? It's not like the Dodgers led the Majors in attendance or anything last year. ... Oh, wait a minute, they did.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
2nd Half, Shmecond Half
Been awhile... again. My apologies... again. Had to finish a project. Deadlines and all. I know my worldwide capacity crowd of faithful readers have missed my plaintive cries about the Dodgers. Before the complaining begins, let me first say that I am extremely and pleasantly surprised the Dodgers begin the "2nd half" of the season, or, more aptly put, the post-All-Star break period only 2 games out of first, currently tied with the Rockies who I had predicted would eventually take the West. The Blue could do much worse than 10 games over .500, as they're not a very good club. Good club? See the Texas Rangers, New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays, and 3/5ths of the AL Central. Yes, all AL teams. That's why the Dodgers still have a chance. The NL kinda sucks this year from a team standpoint. However, I still believe in the power of a healthy Phillies team, so we'll see what happens.
The All-Star game was excellent this year and I was quite pleased the NL eked our a win after 13 years. Now the Phillies, Braves, Met, Reds, Cards, Rockies, Dads, or Giants will have home field advantage. I think it was appalling that no Padres starting pitchers were on the team and I find it equally appalling, that, though Molina got a hit and McCann delivered the game-winning blow, Muguel Olivo who's hitting a ton for Colorado. (And, up until tonight, I also felt like Clayton Kershaw got robbed.) Was afraid the Dodgers were gonna blow it for the NL when Hong Chih Kuo lobbed that ball over Adiran Gonzalez's head and let in the game's only run until McCann hit his double. Then I thought Broxton looked primed to blow it. Lucky play (and a nice play) by Marlon Byrd to save Broxton's bacon.
So long, Mr. Steinbrenner. I don't know, you may have hated him, but I grew to love him. Why? Because he loved and respected Yankee fans and would do whatever it took to put a winner on the field. If the Pins didn't win the World Series, the Big Stein would apologize to the fans. I'm not saying that's what Dodger ownership should do every year, but damn it, if McCourt or any Dodger owner in the past 12 years had one iota of the passion that The Boss had for winning, we'd all be happier Dodger fans. Thank you, Mr. Steinbrenner for your loyalty and commitment to your fan base.
So long, Bob Sheppard, the Voice of God. I love the deep, reliable tones of the Dodgers public address announcer, (don't know his name) but Bob Sheppard - even though all he said were basically names and numbers, he said them better than anyone ever. It was a nice touch having him posthumously announce Jeter's at the All-Star game.
So, now to the second half of the 2010 season. As I type, the Blue just lost an ugly one to the Cards. Kershaw looked as bad as he's ever looked. From the first pithc in the dirt on, you could tell he just didn't have it. They were wailing on his curve and fastball. I must say, I'm getting kind of tired of hearing how he's only 22. He's been in the Bigs now for 3 years. He needs to learn how to come out and throw strikes. As talented as he may be, that baby-faced look of overwhelming fear and frustration every few starts is getting old. The kid needs to give his team a chance to win and not walk the world every first inning. Between him and Ely, (who's done, by the way) and Kuroda's recent starts, this team simply just doesn't have the starting arms, and certainly not the bullpen to win the West. Padilla has pitched nicely since coming back and Billingsley has looked pretty good. But Kershaw MUST be their ace and pitch like it. I think in the end, he just may not be there... yet.
There are simply too many holes in the pitching staff AND the lineup to sustain a 90 + win season. Colletti is supposed to deal for a pitcher, but, they didn't have anything close to what Seattle wanted for Cliff Lee and McCheap will NOT pay for Roy Oswalt. I'm tired of hearing about how strapped he is from the divorce. Steinbrenner would make the moves that were needed to be made to win). Dan Haren, if he goes, will go elsewhere. The Dodgers don't have the prospects to trade within their division unless they're willing to part ways with Kemp, Loney or Billingsley. Who else can they get? Ted Lily - very inconsistent, certainly not a season-changer. Crazy Carlos Zambrano? No, thanks. Brian Bannister from KC? Marcum fro Toronto? I just don't see anyone out there who could really help boost them over the top. Their bullpen is basically down to 4 guys - Broxton and Kuo, and that's only when they're ahead, normally, and Schlichting (pleasant surprise) and Weaver.
And their offense? It's very weak in spots. Furcal and Loney have been hot and it's nice to see. Ethier hit a bomb tonight and he may indeed be back. Casey Blake made some nice defensive plays tonight and he hit one ball pretty hard, but his bat is just too inconsistent and he strikes out way too much in crucial sitches. Martin stinks. DeWitt, bless his heart, is no Brandon Phillips, Utley or Kinsler. (He still needs to lear how to turn DPs.) And so much for Matt Kemp's hot streak following his disciplinary benching. He looks terrible ... again. Not just tonight but the last few games. And Manny? Manny was hitting a little before his latest DL stint, but rest assured, his power is all but gone and he'll be back on the DL before season's end.
Nope. In spite of their stellar record against NL West teams, the Dads aren't going to just go gentle into that good night. And the Rocks and Giants have improved and will continue to improve a great deal while the Blue fades. Pessimistic... again.
Here's my "2nd half" predictions:
NL WEST
Rockies
Giants
Dads
Blue
Snakes
NL CENTRAL
Reds!
Cards
Brew Crew
Cubs
'Stros
Bucs
NL EAST
Phils
Braves (W.C.)
Mets
Fish
Nats
AL WEST
Rangers
Angels
A's
M's
AL CENTRAL
Twins
Chisox
Tigers
Royals
Tribe
AL EAST
Yanks
Rays (WC)
Bosox
Jays
Orioles
NLCS
Phils-Rockies
ALCS
Yanks-Rangers
World Series
Phils-Yankees
Winner - Yankees
As always, I could be wrong.
The All-Star game was excellent this year and I was quite pleased the NL eked our a win after 13 years. Now the Phillies, Braves, Met, Reds, Cards, Rockies, Dads, or Giants will have home field advantage. I think it was appalling that no Padres starting pitchers were on the team and I find it equally appalling, that, though Molina got a hit and McCann delivered the game-winning blow, Muguel Olivo who's hitting a ton for Colorado. (And, up until tonight, I also felt like Clayton Kershaw got robbed.) Was afraid the Dodgers were gonna blow it for the NL when Hong Chih Kuo lobbed that ball over Adiran Gonzalez's head and let in the game's only run until McCann hit his double. Then I thought Broxton looked primed to blow it. Lucky play (and a nice play) by Marlon Byrd to save Broxton's bacon.
So long, Mr. Steinbrenner. I don't know, you may have hated him, but I grew to love him. Why? Because he loved and respected Yankee fans and would do whatever it took to put a winner on the field. If the Pins didn't win the World Series, the Big Stein would apologize to the fans. I'm not saying that's what Dodger ownership should do every year, but damn it, if McCourt or any Dodger owner in the past 12 years had one iota of the passion that The Boss had for winning, we'd all be happier Dodger fans. Thank you, Mr. Steinbrenner for your loyalty and commitment to your fan base.
So long, Bob Sheppard, the Voice of God. I love the deep, reliable tones of the Dodgers public address announcer, (don't know his name) but Bob Sheppard - even though all he said were basically names and numbers, he said them better than anyone ever. It was a nice touch having him posthumously announce Jeter's at the All-Star game.
So, now to the second half of the 2010 season. As I type, the Blue just lost an ugly one to the Cards. Kershaw looked as bad as he's ever looked. From the first pithc in the dirt on, you could tell he just didn't have it. They were wailing on his curve and fastball. I must say, I'm getting kind of tired of hearing how he's only 22. He's been in the Bigs now for 3 years. He needs to learn how to come out and throw strikes. As talented as he may be, that baby-faced look of overwhelming fear and frustration every few starts is getting old. The kid needs to give his team a chance to win and not walk the world every first inning. Between him and Ely, (who's done, by the way) and Kuroda's recent starts, this team simply just doesn't have the starting arms, and certainly not the bullpen to win the West. Padilla has pitched nicely since coming back and Billingsley has looked pretty good. But Kershaw MUST be their ace and pitch like it. I think in the end, he just may not be there... yet.
There are simply too many holes in the pitching staff AND the lineup to sustain a 90 + win season. Colletti is supposed to deal for a pitcher, but, they didn't have anything close to what Seattle wanted for Cliff Lee and McCheap will NOT pay for Roy Oswalt. I'm tired of hearing about how strapped he is from the divorce. Steinbrenner would make the moves that were needed to be made to win). Dan Haren, if he goes, will go elsewhere. The Dodgers don't have the prospects to trade within their division unless they're willing to part ways with Kemp, Loney or Billingsley. Who else can they get? Ted Lily - very inconsistent, certainly not a season-changer. Crazy Carlos Zambrano? No, thanks. Brian Bannister from KC? Marcum fro Toronto? I just don't see anyone out there who could really help boost them over the top. Their bullpen is basically down to 4 guys - Broxton and Kuo, and that's only when they're ahead, normally, and Schlichting (pleasant surprise) and Weaver.
And their offense? It's very weak in spots. Furcal and Loney have been hot and it's nice to see. Ethier hit a bomb tonight and he may indeed be back. Casey Blake made some nice defensive plays tonight and he hit one ball pretty hard, but his bat is just too inconsistent and he strikes out way too much in crucial sitches. Martin stinks. DeWitt, bless his heart, is no Brandon Phillips, Utley or Kinsler. (He still needs to lear how to turn DPs.) And so much for Matt Kemp's hot streak following his disciplinary benching. He looks terrible ... again. Not just tonight but the last few games. And Manny? Manny was hitting a little before his latest DL stint, but rest assured, his power is all but gone and he'll be back on the DL before season's end.
Nope. In spite of their stellar record against NL West teams, the Dads aren't going to just go gentle into that good night. And the Rocks and Giants have improved and will continue to improve a great deal while the Blue fades. Pessimistic... again.
Here's my "2nd half" predictions:
NL WEST
Rockies
Giants
Dads
Blue
Snakes
NL CENTRAL
Reds!
Cards
Brew Crew
Cubs
'Stros
Bucs
NL EAST
Phils
Braves (W.C.)
Mets
Fish
Nats
AL WEST
Rangers
Angels
A's
M's
AL CENTRAL
Twins
Chisox
Tigers
Royals
Tribe
AL EAST
Yanks
Rays (WC)
Bosox
Jays
Orioles
NLCS
Phils-Rockies
ALCS
Yanks-Rangers
World Series
Phils-Yankees
Winner - Yankees
As always, I could be wrong.
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