State News sports reporter Denny Schwarze forecasts the playoff teams for the remainder of the 162 game-long minefield otherwise known as the Major League Baseball regular season.
American League East
With the Boston Red Sox up nine games on the New York Yankees and 10 games over the Toronto Blue Jays, things look to be out of reach for the Bronx Bombers and the Jays.
You can eliminate the Blue Jays right away because of the injuries facing the team.
The Yankees only get the Sox six more times the rest of the season. The team will be lucky to get a split in those six. From the way the Yankees have been teetering on the .500 mark, do you think they can play 10 games better than Boston the rest of the way? Boston's pitching is too strong to lose a nine-game lead.
Pick: Boston Red Sox
American League Central
The Detroit Tigers led the Cleveland Indians by a game through Monday, with the Minnesota Twins only six games back.
I would like the Twins' chances if they were chasing one team (see 2006 season), but not two.
The Indians are finally playing up to the level the team was expected to compete at last year. Their once-maligned bullpen is now becoming effective.
But when September comes around, you have to give the edge to the Tigers. They were in this very position last season, and the focus will be there after last year's collapse.
Pick: Detroit Tigers
Wild-Card pick: Cleveland Indians
American League West
While many have given this division to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, the Seattle Mariners have quietly crept within three games through Monday. The Angels desperately need a bat behind Vladimir Guerrero, as teams will give him first base for free as the season continues. Seattle is getting good starting pitching, but the Angels' rotation is far deeper.
Pick: Los Angeles Angels
National League East
The New York Mets could use White Sox starter Jose Contreras, but with several outfielders injured, the Mets must use Lastings Milledge for themselves instead of packaging him in a potential deal for a starter. Interestingly enough, the starter they need might be on their roster. Pedro Martinez has resumed throwing after tearing a rotator cuff and looks to return in mid-August.
The Atlanta Braves' pitching situation is not as clear. The Braves seem to have two ace-caliber starters in John Smoltz and Tim Hudson but three No. 5 starters in Kyle Davies, Buddy Carlyle and Chuck James.
Pick: New York Mets
National League Central
It seems the division will come down to the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers. The Brewers have been the Cinderella story of the season. Prince Fielder and J.J. Hardy lead a young, exciting lineup.
But the Cubs are closing fast. Carlos Zambrano is pitching free and easy. The Cubs are built to win now, and with their recent strong play, you start to wonder if the Brewers are still a year away.
Pick: Chicago Cubs
National League West
It seems two bids to October will come from this league.
The San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers have so many similarities, it's scary. Both have incredible starting pitchers and great closers.
But Padres batters can't hit to save their lives. To put this in perspective, Mike Cameron leads the Padres with a .262 batting average through Monday. The Dodgers are a little better in the hitting department and boast several superstars in the making. I like the Padres' move for outfielder Milton Bradley, but they need to make a move for a power hitter.
Pick: Los Angeles Dodgers
Wild-Card pick: San Diego Padres
WORLD SERIES: Tigers over Dodgers in six
