MLB 1st Half in Review

Added on Jul 21, 2009 by sbworld in

MLB

Let’s take a look at how the MLB divisions are shaking up at the halfway point of the 2009 season. *

American League East – The Red Sox have the second best record in baseball but with the Yankees and Devil Rays playing so strongly as of late, this is a divisional race that is far from over and it’s a shame that one of these three quality teams will miss out on the postseason.

American League Central – Detroit stumbled to a horrible 2008 campaign but currently lead the White Sox by 3.5 games at the break in what has been a big surprise story that continues to develop. Staff ace Justin Verlander has been amazing but this division is going to come down to the wire with the White Sox and Twins both making strong pushes.

American League West – Seattle and Texas have played above expectations while the Angels are showing they are still quality enough to win a below average division. The Athletics appear to be dead in the water and a Matt Holliday trade might be just around the corner.

National League East – The Mets have been one of the most disappointing teams in the league this year but are still only 6.5 games back of the division-leading Phillies at this point. It’s hard to tell if the division is down this year or if a bunch of quality teams are just beating up on each other.

National League Central – We have a lot of teams in contention here but Albert Pujols and his St Louis Cardinals are 2.5 games ahead. I still question the starting pitching for St Louis and I expect the Cubs to make a 2nd half run while the Brewers and Astros fall off somewhat.

National League West – San Francisco has been a nice story while Arizona has faltered but the big news here is that the Los Angeles Dodgers have the best record in baseball despite being without their star hitter Manny Ramirez for much of the year. With a healthy Manny, look for them to finish as the top team as well.

*Records current as of the All-Star break of the 2009 MLB regular season.