American League Contenders

Post-Cliff Lee Deal, Pre-Trade Deadline

I woke up Friday morning to a text from a friend about Cliff Lee joining the Yankees. I then checked Twitter and read numerous updates from Buster Olney about Lee to New York. I continued to turn to all sources and grabbed the remote. I turned on the television and everything pointed towards the Yanks acquiring Lee. My heart sank. After all Lee had done for the Phillies and the city in the short span of time he spent here, I did not want him to go to the team and city that dethroned my beloved Phillies from World Series champions. I then began to type a new post about what the Yankees rotation had just become. I didn't get too far before I decided to finish at a later time. That afternoon, either talks between the Yanks and Mariners stalled or the Rangers offered a better deal and the M's backed out of New York's offer or something along those lines. What matters is that Lee didn't end up wearing pinstripes.

He's a Texas Ranger. One of Nolan Ryan's Texas Rangers. He's the Nolan Ryan type. A horse that doesn't come out of the game until he is done. Tonight, he didn't have the best outing, but I'll guarantee that he will not toe the rubber every night and give up three homeruns. He's going to give whatever team he is playing for every pitch. He's just what the Rangers need to catapult their club from contender in the AL West to possible AL pennant winner. The move by Texas changes the complexion of the American League. The Rangers, already with a cushion in the West, shouldn't have trouble conquering their division. But here are my thoughts on the rest of the American League (keep in mind a lot of team transformation can take place between now and the trade deadline).

Tampa Bay Rays
I have always thought the Rays to be somewhat pretenders. No doubt they have the talent to compete for not only a second division title in three years but even a World Series championship. Their pitching staff leads the AL in ERA anchored by David Price and Jeff Niemann. The Rays are still staying more than afloat at only two and a half games back of the Yankees in the division, even with Carlos Pena hitting a nickel over the mendoza line. It all depends on what type of move they make before the trading deadline and how the still relatively young team reacts to that move. BJ Upton rumors had been swirling while Lee was still available but have since quieted. Upton, also struggling at the plate, could be moved for a pitcher. I had counted the Rays out all year in 2008. Think I've learned my lesson? Nope. If they prove me wrong again then I might become a believer.

Detroit Tigers
Miguel Cabrera has been on a tear the whole first half. Austin Jackson and Brennan Boesch have also adjusted to the big league level well with .304 and .343 averages, respectively. But Justin Verlander has really been the only consistent starter this year for the staff and Joel Zumaya is out for the rest of the season. Then what happens if Miguel Cabrera goes into any type of funk? And what happens when other teams find weaknesses in Jackson and Boesch? Too many potential downfalls for the Tigers.

Los Angeles Angels
When the Angels walk-off win a little while back by Kendry Morales turned into a limp-off win, I thought they'd make a trade for a run producer. That didn't happen and Mike Scioscia's club has found themselves four games back in the division and even further back in the wild card, seven games. If Scott Kazmir could pitch like the Angels thought he would, it would give them a much better chance. If the Angels turn a deal for an arm and a bat, they could make a little run, but as I've stated earlier I think the AL West is the Rangers' division this season.

Chicago White Sox
This team has been hot since interleague play has started and the pitching has stepped up since Jake Peavy went down with an injury. The resurgent Alex Rios and recently announced All-Star Paul Konerko may need some help with the production though. Carlos Quentin is hitting .240 (but has been improving) and Gordon Beckham is posting a pitiful .208 average. They could still use a bat before the deadline. Adam Dunn has been rumored to be of interest by Chicago. But the Nationals aren't sure if they want to move him. If I'm Kenny Williams, I push hard for Dan Uggla or Kelly Johnson because who knows when the Red Sox, Rockies, or Phillies make a deal for one of those two. This team can hang around until the end but they may not be able to take the division if they don't grab some help.

Boston Red Sox
The only other team that is more battered and bruised than the Phillies is the Red Sox. And they've still won at least fifty games at the All-Star break. The Sox are plating the most runs per game in the AL. Offseason acquisitions Marco Scutaro and All-Star Adrian Beltre have been paying off with the injuries to Jacoby Ellsbury, Dustin Pedrioa, Victor Martinez, and Mike Cameron (another offseason addition). I assume that Theo Epstein will be able to land a bat and another starting pitcher. Whether a secondbaseman or an outfielder remains to be seen. But assuming they make a deal, I think that the nine (ahh DH, 10) taking the field every night will be able to hold down the fort until some of their wounded soldiers return.

Minnesota Twins
In a "down" season for Joe Mauer in which he is hitting .293 with only four homeruns, Justin Morneau has certainly picked up the slack. Morneau is third in the league in batting average and has driven in fifty-six runs. At four games back in the division, I don't see the Ron Gardenhire managed club worried about that quite yet. It is hard to put the Twins down because they are a scrappy club that plays the game the right way. They put together good at-bats and field the ball well. They haven't given me any reason to not favor them yet.

New York Yankees
Let's be honest. The Yanks are going to win the East. Especially now that Javier Vazquez is pitching as they had hoped. Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixiera have seemed to found their swing again. Robinson Cano is playing like an MVP candidate. His approach at the plate is much different this year. He seems to be more patient and it has paid off for both himself and the team.

--Dan

Oh, and I'm by no means a soccer fanatic. In fact, you could even call me a United States bandwagon fan and I wouldn't be bothered. But I've really enjoyed watching the World Cup for the most part. Here's my prediction for the game tomorrow.

Netherlands 2
Spain 1

Robin van Persie is the difference.