MLB Mid-Summer Classic Predictions

Baseball.  What a game.  With this much of the season over, contenders and pretenders are starting to become more and more evident, and there are still quite a few contenders left in every league.  This is the time of year when the "experts" begin making their playoff predictions, so I wanted to get ahead of the curve and throw out a few thoughts on the playoff picture.  

AL East - Yankees.  Chicks still dig the long ball and these guys can hit.  The O's will have some trouble keeping pace with the Bronx Bombers late, and the Sox don't have the drive.  Look for the Yankees to make a move for another starter to solidify the rotation and keep them in the hunt until they can get all their guys healthy.  Yanks win the division by at least 5 games.

AL Central - Tigers.  We know they can hit, and Verlander is probably the best starting pitcher over the past 3 seasons.  One thing that has hurt them to this point in the season is the injury to Fister, who has the stuff to be a more than adequate #2 in the rotation.  I look for the Tigers to continue to heat up their bats and edge the White Sox late, by no more than 2 games.

AL West - Rangers.  Until another team takes the division from them, it is theirs as far as I am concerned.  One of the best offensive teams in all of baseball, their starting pitching feels great knowing the offense they will get every night.  They may run away with this one...

AL Wild Card Game - White Sox over the Angels.  

NL East - Braves.  One last time for Chipper.  The Phils have had too many injuries, the Marlins cannot close out a game, and the Nats need experience.  The Braves have the will and the experience to win enough games to edge the Mets for the top spot.

NL Central - Reds.  Could it be?  The Reds win the division?  Yes!  Rejoice Cincinnati!  Votto is one of the best hitters in baseball and their pitching is on point.  Chapman should be starting, but he can close a game just as well.  Dusty Baker gets the job done as the Reds continue the hunt for a Reds October.

NL West - Giants.  The pitching finds form and Tim and Matt lead the Giants into the playoffs.  

ML Wild Card Game-Cardinals over Dodgers.  It seems like picking against the Cards, Pujols or not, is never a safe bet.

I like the Rangers to finally get their title and beat the Reds in 6.  

Now, all this being said, I will probably be wrong on all of this, but heck, so will everyone else!  Enjoy!

-Hammer