I've been more a silent observer than active discusser so far this season. But since we've passed the one-third point of the season, here are my reflections so far:
AMERICAN LEAGUE
* New York - They always start out slow but always find a way to grab the division crown by the end of the year. If they are on the same agenda, they're taking a little longer to snap out of their funk. The pitching is a mess. A-Rod has had to carry them on his back most of the season. If they win, it's not going to be due to anything Roger Clemens does. He might have been a savior if he had stayed with Houston. The pitching jinx could go on in the Bronx.
* Detroit - They may not make it to the post-season this year, and ironically it's due to the pitching. However, they have taken on Jim Leyland's intensity and never give up. The Cleveland series was a killer, but the team was in every game. Hope for good health for Ordonez and Sheffield; they along with many others have the chance to set some records this season.
* Tampa Bay - * Sigh *... why does Major League Baseball still allow them to play? They don't know anything but fifth place. They've had players and managers with all different styles and it has amounted to nothing so far. How far does the fans' patience go? Or how far do you have to go to even find a fan?
* Kansas City - see above... but makes it more regrettable because the team is a waste of a naturally awesome ballpark. I've always wanted to see Fenway & Wrigley... but I've always wanted to see Kaufmann Stadium too.
NATIONAL LEAGUE
* Atlanta - They have shown a resurgence, but more due to their hitting than pitching. This appears to be a smart team that will once again be in it for the long haul. There seems to be no dread at all when it comes to the team's recent history: even with new ownership on the horizon, I wouldn't forecast a dropoff too much. They say managers don't affect a team by their presence; one look at Bobby Cox and I'm ready to dispute that.
* Milwaukee - They would be in third place in the AL Central and NL East, and fourth in the NL West... but as long as they're in first place somewhere, and known for something other than their sausage races, all the better for Brewer fans. Milwaukee has always been a team I secretly root for and hope for good things to happen to. You remember Cecil Fielder? His son, Prince, will overshadow him before long.
* Arizona - Remarkably competitive. After a slow start, Randy Johnson is showing the way again. You don't hit second place on the career strikeout list for nothing. I hadn't seen their record in awhile, and was surprised when I did so. Possibly the best NL team that no one is talking about.
MISCELLANEOUS
* Jason Giambi - Now that he's on the shelf, Bud Selig wants him to do a favor for the sport. Ah, I don't like the odds of that one. Palmerio kept quiet, McGwire distanced himself, and Bonds won't speak up. The plateau of their investigation came from a clubhouse assistant manager. I don't expect it to go much further -- sorry, Bud.
* Texas Rangers - Wouldn't it be nice if oil money went somewhere else other than the executives -- or the Rangers payroll? What do they have to show for A-Rod? Homer binge in the Bronx. And what do they have to show for Kevin Millwood? Overpaid drastically. Pitchers' careers seem to go in a funk when they hit Arlington (case in point: Chan Ho Park).
* Clint Hurdle - How does he still manage to hold onto his job as the Rockies' manager? They lost their calling card (power) and there's no more 4-million attendees at Coors Field. The fever is still there, but not the results. I'm amazed they've stood pat for so long.
* Lou Piniella - Maybe some of the analysis I've heard the past week about his latest tirade rings true: part of his reaction may be due to the club tuning him out. There's an influx of new blood in younger managers who have a clue about how to treat today's player. Trust me: Piniella still has gate value as a performer for the fans who love to see his tirades, but will it improve the ballclub? Thank goodness for the Cubbies that their fans are among the most loyal in sports. Very admirable.
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I am looking to make this a weekly blog with summaries of games and my opinions. Sorry that it has not turned out to be daily like I had hoped for... I will be filling in gaps where needed as I make my observations (to cue a disabled list term) retroactive.
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