Baseball Week #10: Look Out For The Teams That Lurk

As we move along this baseball season, we start to see teams make their move. The trading deadline isn't too far away and this is the time (already!!) that teams will decide if they're all in or if they will fold. So this week's update focuses on the teams that lurk-the teams expected to be in the hunt, but aren't quite there. But look out!...they might be coming!!

-NY Yankees. About a week or two or ago, the Yanks made their move and was in first place. They've fallen a bit, but don't ever discount the Yankees. They may need some pitching down the stretch, but they will in prime position for a playoff spot. I rate their playoff chances a 9.

-Minnesota. They've had injury issues, but never ever discount what the Twins can do. For years, they have done more with less than any other team in baseball. With the AL Central in a weakened state, the Twins can take this one. I rate their playoff chances a 9.

-Cleveland. A flop of the year candidate, injuries have done the Indians in. Again, with the AL Central any body's race, the Indians may not want to sell this year and see what happens. I rate their playoff chances a 6.

-SoCal Angels. Another team that has been affected by injuries this year. Once the pitching gets back in gear, they should be okay. As defending division champs, the Angels know what it takes. The question is when will Texas fade? I think the Angels will have more trouble than many think, so i rate their playoff chances a 6.

-NY Mets. Each and every year we wait for the Mets, and they have failed. This year I predicted they would win the NL East. But there they are in second place again spinning their wheels. They are always a factor; will they make a move? I think given the crowded state of the NL playoff race, this could get interesting. I still, despite the past two choke jobs, rate the Mets' playoff chances a decent 7.

-Florida. They seem to be out of it, but don't count them out. Playoff chances aren't great, so I rate the Marlins a 4.

-Chicago Cubs. Oh the Cubs. every time they seem to make a move, they fade. And in spite of all of their issues (by golly do they have issues), they are only 3 1/2 games out. They should be major players in the trade game. Once ARam comes back, their playoff chances should increase. If the bullpen stabilizes and the situational hitting improves, then clearly so will their playoff chances. I've had bad feelings all year, so I rate their chances only a 5.

-St. Louis. No one expected them in the hunt, so expectations are low. I still expect them to make a run in the second half, since the division is up for grabs. Playoff chances: I give my enemy an 8.

-San Francisco. No one in theory really has a chance in the NL West, but right now the Giants are the wild card if the season ended today. They remain only 7 games out of first and who knows what could happen. If the youngsters hang in there, then I like their chances. But realistically, I don't think they'll get in, so I rate their playoff chances a 4.

Hunter Flops

Finally, we're back to the regular edition of the Hunter Flops. It's been a while, so the list is a little on the large side.

-For the teams, there not many I'd rate as flops right now. I would say the biggest offenders are Cleveland, Oakland and the Cubs. Expectations were high for these teams and they are playing well below that. Sure, injuries have been a factor, but better was expected.

And for the players (and maybe for fun, use your All Star ballot for flops):

-David Ortiz. Flop of the year front runner. up to 4 HR now, batting only .204.

-Geovany Soto. Last year's Rookie Of the Year has been awful this year, hitting .209 and only 3 HR.

-Ken Griffey. .211 BA. End of the road?

-Jimmy Rollins. Only .211 BA

-Milton Bradley. Can't keep track of outs, can't run, can't do anything right. And this was the big splash free agent siging by the Cubs???

**Amazing thing with Ortiz and Rollins, is that their teams are in first place despite these stinky performances.

-Scott Kazmir. A 7.69 ERA from a once "can't miss" pitcher.

-Jamie Moyer. Is it fair to pick on 46 year old pitchers? Maybe when your ERA is 6.11

-Adam Eaton. An 8.56 ERA just plain sucks.

-Brad Lidge. Sure he has 13 saves, but a 7.27 ERA??

-Dontrelle Willis. Man this guy was so promising, but an ERA over 6.00-is he washed up at 28??

Early MVP candidates: Joe Mauer, Albert Pujols, Kevin Youkilis, Raul Ibanez.

Early Cy Young candidates: Roy Halliday,Zack Greinke, Johan Santana, Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Chad Billingsly.

The Strasburg watch continues.

Jp