2006 MLB season at the break
by Pete Cataldo
The Astros carried it into the playoffs but the Indians never got to the postseason. We saw the White Sox become just another team after the break, but they survived their swoon and won it all. The Yankees last year “turned it on” after the break to get to the postseason after a mediocre first half.
So what’s in store for in ’06 the second half?
AL West: The Angels still look like a team that can win it. Bartolo Colon pitched a complete game shutout this week and shocked the zeros out of me. Put that up with a one-hitter by John Lackey in his last outing, and Jered Weaver who is unbeaten, and you have a 1-2-3 as good as any. Then you add Santana and Escobar and that should be enough to win the west.
AL Central: WOW, three very good clubs in this one and all are hot. We know about the White Sox, but the Twins have all the parts to make a second half run. Santana and Liriano and prey for rain (I know they play in a dome).
Then we have the Tigers. This is the team that does not need a break. They are young and we don’t know how good they are. But they also have a player to lead them to the playoffs in Ivan Rodriguez, he has done it before. Jim Leyland has his hands full with this young group, so be careful betting them after the break. They may realize they have the best record in baseball and start thinking too much.
AL East: The best division money can buy. I’m sure they will be wheeling and dealing before the trading deadline of July 31st.
The Yanks need an outfielder and some bullpen help. The Blue Jays need a pitcher, the Carmines look pat. Take your pick here.
NL Central: It’s more like who will lose it. The Cardinals are in a major funk due to a shaky pen and the failure of their starters. The Reds can only win 10-9 it seems, their pen is awful. The Astros can’t hit when it counts and Pettitte, and Oswalt are just shadows of what they were and closer Brad Lidge has completely lost it. So not even the Rocket can get them into the playoffs the way I see it.
Again here it looks like whoever gets a good deal before the deadline will get a trip to the playoffs.
NL Wildcard: Up for grabs. Phils, the loser in the central, or will someone in the west get hot?
So here we go, a week off and we bettors have to figure out what’s going on. So to start the second half I will put my $$$$ on solid pitchers.
I’m espically looking at Jake Peavy and Chris Young of the Padres. After the break the Padres get Atlanta and the Phils. That may be a good spot for these 2 hurlers as both series will be on the left coast and they will be well rested.
Another pitcher I will take a shot with is Paul Byrd of the Tribe, but I will go against him and take the over, he is a lot worse than his 4.31 ERA tells you.
