While it is still early to be naming anyone a World Series champ, or even predict division champs at the All Star Break, the midway point to the MLB season certainly gives us a feel of how October can shape up. While some divisions are predictable, others promise an exciting finish. So, while anything can still happen, I will evaluate my picks from the beginning of the season and try to predict how October will look. 

AL East: Boston Red Sox

Stick or Re-Pick: I’m sticking with my Red Sox pick. While I believe the Rays will continue to improve this season, and work themselves closer to the top of the division, the only team I see as a problem for the Red Sox is the Yankees, who cannot seem to beat them.

 

AL Central: Cleveland Indians

Stick or Re-Pick: I’m going to re-pick. At the beginning of the season, you could have picked the Tigers, White Sox or the Indians and had a good chance of being correct. This season proved that statement to be false. I really like the Minnesota Twins offensively and defensively.

 

AL West: LAA Angels

Stick or Re-Pick: For once the Angels have some competition. The Angels started off slow, and the Rangers began the season sprinting. I believe the Rangers will give chase and make this division exciting for once, but to no avail. I’m sticking with the Angels pick.

 

AL Wildcard: New York Yankees

Stick or Re-Pick: I’m sticking. Sure, the Yankees cannot beat the Red Sox, but they are still only 3 games back– what does that tell you? After the last season I think the Yankees will proudly take the wildcard.

 

NL East: New York Mets

Stick or Re-Pick: Not only did I pick against the reigning division champs, but the reigning World Series champs as well. But, with the Mets’ revamped bullpen, it was hard to pick against the Mets. When picking the Mets I said it was their division to lose. Well, injuries has plagued the Mets this season with 3/4 of the core to return in August. That may be too late. I’m re-picking and taking the Phillies.

NL Central: Chicago Cubs

Stick or Re-Pick: This is the Cubs’ season…. right? While I can proudly say I predicted the Cardinals being good this season (and the Reds and Giants), I still did not pick them for the division. I am not making the same mistake this season. Carpenter is back, Pujols is shining his three crowns, and oh yeah, rumors of Matt Holliday are blooming. I’m Re-picking and taking the Cards.

NL West: LA Dodgers

Stick or Re-Pick: The Dodgers quickly proved that they do not need Manny to be good. They are easily the best team in the majors and I am sticking with my pick.

 

NL Wildcard: Florida Marlins

Stick or Re-Pick: The NL East was supposed to be amazing this season, wasn’t it? I said I regretted no pulling the trigger on picking the Cardinals. I also regret not taking the Giants. San Fran has the best 1-2 punch in the majors right now in Lincecum and Cain. Therefore, I will re-pick and take the Giants.

 

AL Champs: Boston Red Sox

Stick or Re-Pick: I am going to re-pick and take the Yankees to represent the American League in the World Series. This pick may seem crazy being that the Yankees seem unable to beat the Sox and Angels during the season, and both teams, according to my picks, will be in the playoffs. However I feel like once the Yanks rotation gets into the playoffs the millions and millions of dollars will pay off.

 

AL Champs: Boston Red Sox

Stick or Re-Pick: I am going to re-pick and take the Yankees to represent the American League in the World Series. This pick may seem crazy being that the Yankees seem unable to beat the Sox and Angels during the season, and both teams, according to my picks, will be in the playoffs. However I feel like once the Yanks rotation gets into the playoffs the millions and millions of dollars will pay off.

 

NL Champs: New York Mets

Stick or Re-Pick: Re-pick, obviously. I would love to say I am taking the Dodgers, just for the fact that I would love to see Joe Torre come into New York and beat the Yankees. I would also love to take the Dodgers because they are the best team in baseball. But, I am not. First, Dodgers will clinch very early. It is proven that most of the time when a team clinches very early in the season, they do not go very far in the playoffs (ala Angels). I think if the Cardinals can get Holliday, along with their rotation and offense they can definately make the World Series.

 

World Series Champs: Boston Red Sox

Stick or Re-Pick: Well it comes down to either the Cards or Yankees, so I will re-pick. As much as I hate to do it, I am predicting the Yankees to win their 27th World Series behind their rotation. I will go out on a limb and say Joba has his Cole Hamels (or Smoltz or Beckett or whoever has made a name for themselves in the playoffs) performance in October, solidifying his rotation spot and killing the bullpen talk.

 

So there you have it. While many will disagree, I think we can agree on one thing: we have one hell of a season left!

Subscribe to the comments feed, reply, or trackback.