Ok, here it is finally, the rest of the teams in review as we are a third of the way done! Hard to believe! I am going off of last week's standings and the next team in line is Champions. Since I did my last post, there have been no changes in the top 4 teams.
Champions: What do I say about Ed's team, except VOLATILE! This week the team is sinking like the Dow Jones. Maybe the Federal Reserve will come to his relief and prop him up a bit? Yes, Utley is back and Ed better hope he plays like his self of old because the offense is up and down like a yo-yo. But, there is hope as Ed has been making manuevers with the club and rounded out some rough edges on offense. Teh additions of Lucroy, Torres, and Crisp will help, but they aren't but lower tier players still. Castro has been the one ray of light at SS and he is a keeper. I do think the offense will improve and now there is a little more depth and balance. But, once again, Champs is relying on his pitching, which has not been lights out like last year. Hard to repeat last year's performance. Can Peavy and Colon hang in there? Is Josh Tomlin for real? We know about Lee and Halladay, but there are some question marks with the staff. Champs will be vying for a playoff spot, but will not reach third like last year. This team will need Ben Berneke to print bloated stats to win it all this year.
Tennessee Hitters: Other than the pitching, I like this team a lot. Was blessed with obtaining Ryan Braun and Adrian Gonzalez in the first two rounds. Let's just say mistakes were made. I am not sure if Jeff Francoeur can keep it up or Melky Cabrera as there are some depth issues, but Stanton is really picking up the pace and Rollins is healthy and playing steady at SS. The question is not with Beltre, Gonzalez, Braun, and Prado as we all know these guys will deliver numbers, but can the other guys keep up the pace? If so, then watch for Hitters to rise in the standings. The pitching has been lackluster so far, but has potential. I do like the K's. To put it bluntly, this team was built around offense, and hopefully the pitching will be about even. I like Hitters as a playoff team and ultimately will be entrenched somewhere in the middle of the top 6.
Hardballers: This team should be better than what it is and Randy knows it. What looked like to be a better offensive club than defensive has been just the opposite really. James Shields, Ian Kennedy, Gio Gonzalez?? These guys have been a Godsend for Hardballers so far and good thing! The K's on the staff are tough to beat. I don't care what Randy says but Ubaldo will come around, which will make the staff more dangerous. The offense has been slow to start the season, but look for that to change. There are already some signs as Pedroia and Varitek start to produce. I am not a big Carlos Quentin fan, but he has been one of the bigger performers thus far. And Alez Avila, I think this guy is for real at catcher. Another diamond in the rough for Randy. But, for Randy to be ultimately successful he needs Pujols to play like Pujols, Jeter to show he is not over the hill, and Delmon Young and Rios to play like actual major leaguers. At least 3 of the 4 better show improvement or Randy will continue to be lying on the outskirts of a playoff position. For the last two-thirds of the season, I look for this team to improve and be competing closely for a playoff spot.
Wooster Panties: Have to give a shout out to Bill, who lives in Ohio from where I am a native! Plus, after years of absense, this team is showing its mettle and hanging tough! If the season ended today, Bill would be in the playoffs, but unfortunately it doesn't. Bill can say a big thank you to the sluggers on Texas in Kinsler and Young first of all. Kinsler's average and power are down, but still has decent numbers. I guess you shouldn't piss Michael Young off like Texas did. The guy is hitting .340 with 64 hits! Hanley is starting to turn it around for the Fish and he is absolutely key. Hard to win with a top draft pick producing so dismally like Han-Ram has been doing. Yet, there is light. Also, some unheralded surprises at this point in their careers have to be Big Papi and Alfonso Soriano. These guys are producing, not like in their prime, but they are still valuable contributors. Plus with Holliday whacking the baseball all over the field, Panties has been a surprise so far this season. I still have doubts though Mr. Stansifer. If Kyle Lohse can continue those stats, then you really are living right. Not a big fan of the pitching staff as it is mediocre at best. Enjoy the good times while they last Panties as I have a hard time believing in this team all the way to the end.
Will try to post the last 4 teams soon!
BASEMAN
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