Your A.L. Second Half Preview

By Greg Bergman
Love of Sports Correspondent

The time has come for the second half of the Major League Baseball season. Is your team a buyer or seller? A pretender or a contender?

I’m here to help you decide whether you’re going to passively watch your team fall into the abyss or be at the edge of your seat with title hopes.

Broken down divisionally and in order of current standings, here is your 2008 second half American League preview.

AMERICAN LEAGUE WEST

Los Angeles Angels

The Halos are looking poised to win the West for the fourth time in the last five years. Their young pitching staff’s keeping them atop the standings as they wait for the power numbers to catch up. Joe Saunders has turned himself into a legitimate 20+ game winner. Ervin Santana’s brushed off his troubles from last year, and veterans John Lackey and Jon Garland have the playoff run experience needed to keep the young guns in check. Add Jered Weaver into the mix and the Angels will have their entire starting rotation with 10 or more wins.

Buyer or Seller?

Buyers. Look for first year GM Tony Reagins to try and jumpstart the offense by adding a legitimate third baseman or an everyday catcher. Extra pitching is always nice, but this bullpen is stacked. K-Rod’s on pace to destroy Bobby Thigpen’s saves record of 57 in a season.

Projection: AL West Champion

Oakland A’s

Despite the A’s surprising first half, GM Billy Beane doesn’t seem to believe they are true contenders. Trading Rich Harden looks to be only the first of many moves. The hitting is lacking, and the pitching staff - minus Justin Duchscherer - is less than desirable. However, Beane teams always seems to be right there at the end with nothing. I wouldn’t expect the same this year.

Buyer or Seller?

Sellers. Despite a horrible year so far, the Joe Blanton trade still brought in a ton of young arms from the Phillies last week. Bobby Crosby can help a team in need of a shortstop or possibly moved over to third base. Huston Street being moved is a possibility as well.

Projection: Third place in West

Texas Rangers

This team could very well be the feel good story of the year. The core of Josh Hamilton, Ian Kinsler, Milton Bradley and Michael Young will keep them in any game. Youngster David Murphy has shown he can hit the long ball. Unfortunately, the Rangers are known for starting strong and fading fast. Can their hitting keep them in contention, or will the major lack of pitching kick them out of the race? Kevin Millwood and Vicente Padilla have been their best starters, and that really isn’t saying much. Padilla’s the only 10-game winner, and he’s currently on the DL with multiple injuries.

Buyer or Seller?

Sellers. This one was tough. If they can stay in the race long enough, they may be able to pick up some pitching. But then who do you trade? Do you give up some power for heat? Years past say no.  Look for GM Jon Daniels to trade away Padilla, Millwood or both to real contending teams. This is sad, too, because the Hamilton story’s been so fun to watch.

Projection: Second place in West

Seattle Mariners

This team had high hopes coming into the season. Their lineup was very well rounded, and the pitching staff was supposed to be tough with Felix Hernandez, Erik Bedard and Jarrod Washburn. Too bad the expectations were nowhere near met. Ichiro’s having a typical Ichiro year, despite some drops in numbers, and Bedard has been in and out of the training room all season. Twenty games out of first is making Seattle fans yearn for football season to start.

Buyer or Seller?

Sellers. Could this be the year Ichiro is traded? I doubt it, but something has to be done. Remember that when Ken Griffey, Jr. and Alex Rodriguez were traded, they seemed to get better. So, really anything is possible. Bedard and Adrian Beltre are the most likely of candidates to be shipped out, and Richie Sexson’s already been outright released and subsequently signed by the Yankees.

Projection: Last place in the West

AMERICAN LEAGUE CENTRAL

Chicago White Sox

The South Siders have once again started listening to outspoken manager Ozzie Guillen. It could be said they’re playing over their heads, but their lineup is stacked with power. Jim Thome’s started to find his bat, Jermaine Dye’s having another solid year and Carlos Quentin has been a run-producing machine. Just like the Rangers, though, their pitching is lacking. Mark Buerhle, Javier Vazquez and Jose Contreras have had sub-par years, but look for them to bounce back in the second half. Gavin Floyd’s been tremendous, and John Danks is beginning to make a name for himself.

Buyer or Seller?

Buyers. GM Ken Williams was unable to find a suitor for struggling second baseman Juan Uribe. Expect to see some more depth added to their starting pitching and a reliever or two. With Bobby Jenks coming back from the DL soon enough, the closing situation is in good hands. Would the ChiSox be willing to part with rookie second baseman Alexei Ramirez and settle with Uribe? Don’t bet on it, but it’s always an option.

Projection: Second place in Central

Minnesota Twins

Despite the losses of Torii Hunter and Johan Santana, the Twinkies are riding a high right now led by Home Run Derby champion Justin Morneau and fellow All-Star Joe Mauer. They surprised a lot of teams in the first half with a bunch of no name players. Innings eater Livan Hernandez has been just that, and 26-year-old Nick Blackburn’s had a solid first half. Will they continue to shock the Central Division or fade under the pressure of having their division rivals not being caught off guard?

Buyer or Seller?

Buyers. Minnesota began the year looking to rebuild, but manager Ron Gardenhire’s done an outstanding job of getting these young guys to play well. Look for a third base upgrade in the likes of Adrian Beltre, Garrett Atkins or Hank Blalock. Casey Blake could be a target as well. Everyone is looking for pitching and the Twins are no exception.

Projection: Third place in AL Central

Detroit Tigers

The Tigers have been a bigger disappointment than any team in the majors. But don’t fret Tiger fan, you’re beginning to play up to expectations. The loss of Jeremy Bonderman is a big blow, as he was just starting to find his stride. However, Justin Verlander’s won six starts in a row and Armando Galarraga has stepped up admirably. With Joel Zumaya and Fernando Rodney back to form, the bullpen’s back as well. This lineup, from top to bottom, is too good and has too much pop in their bats to be held down in the second half.

Buyer or Seller?

Buyers. Unfortunately, their payroll is a little inflated (thank you Dontrelle Willis), but look for a fifth starter to be added to replace Jeremy Bonderman. Padilla and Millwood are too expensive, but they’ll find someone serviceable. Left fielder Marcus Thames has enough power to possibly be a moving piece, and even Gary Sheffield could be on he block to bring in an extra arm as well.

Projection: AL Central champion

Kansas City Royals

K.C. has a decent amount of young talent to work with. Alex Gordon, despite a below-par year, is a rising star and Jose Guillen just needs to control his emotions to be a true force. Joakim Soria’s looking like a prime time closer in this league, and Zack Greinke can be a solid No. 2 starter on a lot of teams. Too bad they’re always a farm system for the high bankroll teams.

Buyer or Seller?

Sellers. The Royals will once again be sending away their best players to contenders. Look for John Buck to get a lot of interest, possibly by the Angels, and Soria could fit in well for a team in need of a closer. He may be too much of a fan favorite to be moved, however.

Projection: Last place in the Central

Cleveland Indians

The Tribe have already traded away their ace (CC Sabathia), so they look to be in trade mode. They have a lot of talent in the organization, with Grady Sizemore, Jhonny Peralta, Ben Francisco and others. Fausto Carmona’s ready to return, and Cliff Lee’s one of the best pitchers in the league right now. They can be poised for a run, but may be too far out of the race already. The teams above, sans Royals, have too much going for them to be overtaken.

Buyer or Seller?

Sellers. GM Mark Shapiro is in sell mode. Look for third baseman Casey Blake to be moved. Relief pitcher Rafael Betancourt could be a big upgrade for all teams looking for bullpen help. However, don’t expect either of them to come cheap.

Projection: Fourth in the Central

AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST

Boston Red Sox

The BoSox are the class of the American League. If David Ortiz comes back in the next few weeks, as he’s scheduled to, the lineup gets that much scarier. There are no holes on this team, and they probably have the best starting pitching in all of baseball. Is there any stopping this powerhouse from winning their third title in five years? My guess is no.

Buyer or Seller?

Buyers. The only moves they’d make are minor ones. Coco Crisp is always the subject of rumors, so look for him to be moved to solidify the bullpen even more. They could also use a bit of an upgrade over Julio Lugo at shortstop. Besides that, though, there isn’t much left for this team to do.

Projection: AL East champion

Tampa Bay Rays

If the Rangers are the feel good story, the Rays are the surprise team of the year. All the young talent they’ve acquired over the years has placed them squarely in playoff position. Evan Longoria, Dioner Navarro and B.J. Upton have made games exciting to watch for Rays fans. Power hitter Carlos Pena is beginning to find his stroke again, and Carl Crawford is showing he can do more than steal bases. The pitching staff of Scott Kazmir, Andy Sonnanstine, James Shields and Matt Garza has rivaled the Red Sox this year. Throw in Edwin Jackson, who is having a bounce back season, and the Rays staff is one to reckon with. The main question mark is can they fight off the surging Yankees long enough to stay in the race.

Buyer or Seller?

Buyers. For the first time in franchise history, the Rays will be making moves to push towards a playoff spot rather than their annual fire sale. With Troy Percival aging and hurt again, look for the Rays to make a run at a closer. Joakim Soria would be a great pickup for them if they can pry him away from the Royals. Percival came off the DL this past weekend, so this week will be very important for him to prove he’s in it for the long haul.

Projection: Third place in the East

New York Yankees

The Yankees always have a top notch lineup to keep them afloat. These slow starters always seem to pick it up in the second half and find their way into the playoffs. Expect nothing less this year. Their pitching is a big problem, however. Andy Pettitte and Mike Mussina seem to have found their game again, and Joba Chamberlain is exciting fans every time he pitches. After them, though, the cupboard seems to be bare. Sidney Ponson can only last for so long, and if Chien-Ming Wang doesn’t come back in September, they may not have enough to overtake the Rays.

Buyer or Seller?

Buyers. The Yankees are always buyers. Expect GM Brian Cashman to look for pitching in every area. Mariano Rivera is arguably still the best closer in the game. But from starter to closer, there isn’t much to be excited about. Rafael Betancourt of the Indians could get a look by the Brox Bombers, and the Royals’ Zack Greinke could be a starter they’ll look at. The annual emptying of their minor leagues will be held true to form this year, as Yankees fans will turn on them with another early out in the playoffs.

Projection: Second place in East – Wild Card Berth

Toronto Blue Jays

Despite the fact the Jays are only a game under .500, they don’t have much of a chance to catch the top teams. Complete game monster Roy Halladay has to be ready for a change, and Jesse Litsch has cooled off after a hot May and early June. Outfielder Vernon Wells is on the DL, and Alex Rios hasn’t been close to the same player that made him an All-Star last year.

Buyer or Seller?

Sellers. I’d love to see Halladay moved to a contender. He’s too good to be stuck in Toronto on a losing team. A.J. Burnett is seemingly gone, but to where? David Eckstein could provide some infield depth to someone in need. He does have a pair of World Series rings he won with the Angels and Cardinals, so he’s been through it before.

Projection: Fourth place in the East

Baltimore Orioles

The Orioles could be a decent team if they played in the National League. Unfortunately for them, they’re in the toughest division in baseball. Daniel Cabrera can throw heat, but his control is lacking. The rest of the pitching staff is leaving a lot to be desired, but they weren’t expected to be anything special this year anyway. Nick Markakis has a good bat, and Aubrey Huff has found the power he left in Tampa Bay. Closer George Sherrill’s been one of the few bright spots for this team, but he’s started to cool off as well. The O’s will be stuck around the bottom of the East for a long time.

Buyer or Seller?

Sellers. Relievers Matt Albers and Chad Bradford could provide bullpen relief for a contender. Third baseman Melvin Mora’s been less than productive this year, but he may just need a change of scenery to revive his bat. Pieces will be moved in order for a youth movement to take place. Expect a lot of changes for this team over the next few weeks.

Projection: Last place in the East

PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS

Division Series: Yankees vs. Angels – Angels in 5

I like the Angels pitching staff over the Yankees for obvious reasons. Also, in the 2000s, the Halos seem to have mind control over the Yanks. The Bombers just can’t get past that team in Orange County that feels they need to have the Los Angeles name attached to them to be legitimized.

Division Series: Tigers vs Red Sox – Red Sox in 4

The Red Sox should take this one easily, but I can see the powerful Tiger lineup breaking through to win Game 3 at home. That’s it, that’s all. The Tigers made the big run to the top of their division, but ran into the best team in baseball. Good night.

ALCS: Angels vs Red Sox – Red Sox in 5

This is a bad matchup for the Angels. The Sox have better players in every facet of the game. Just like the Tigers, they’ll find a way to scrounge out a win in either Game 3 or 4, but that’s all she wrote.

WORLD SERIES

Red Sox vs Some team from the National League – Red Sox in 4

I’ll let the writer from the National League Preview tell you who’ll be Boston’s World Series participant. All I know is that it won’t matter. Bring on the Cubbies. Let’s see the Marlins. The Phightin’ Phils don’t scare me, either. The Red Sox will be back-to-back World Series Champs, and I’m not even a Red Sox fan.

Feel free to let me know your feelings, and then I’ll tell you why you’re wrong!

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