MLB thoughts (June 7)

We're about a third of the MLB season in the books, and I have some thoughts as who could be contenders and who could be busts.

AL East: Four out of the five teams in the American League East all have a chance to win the division.  The Yankees have had the injury bug all season, and now with Mark Teixeira back (3 home runs in last 5 games), he provides a much needed offensive bat.  Give credit to Vernon Wells & Lyle Overbay for filling the gap in the lineup, but when Derek Jeter and A-Rod return, the team will be better.  The Red Sox have been the surprising team during the first 60 games.  The BoSox are the 2nd best team in the American League (behind Texas), and with John Farrell's leadership and with offensive production by Mike Napoli, Dustin Pedroia, Jacoby Ellsbury & David Ortiz, this team will surely be around in October.  The Orioles are quietly making a move up towards the top of the AL East, thanks to 1B Chris Davis (20 home runs), 3B Manny Machado and OF Nick Markakis, leading the team in batting averages.  Pitching though is weak, but if Chris Tillman, Freddy Garcia & Miguel Gonzalez improve, this could be a wildcard team in the playoffs.  The Rays are also in the mix, thanks to Evan Longoria (possible comeback player of the year) and pitcher Matt Moore, who leads the league with 8 wins.  Also Tampa's schedule has helped them be a better team last few weeks.  Like I said, those 4 teams have a chance to be in the playoffs, but I say it will be Boston & Baltimore playing in October.

Los Angeles: I'm not sure what L.A. based team is more disappointing: Angels or Dodgers.  Unless, each team gets on a huge run, winning 30 of 33, they will not be playing in October.  For the Angels, Albert Pujols has 9 homers and batting .243.  The offseason acquisition of Josh Hamilton is worse, 2 home runs and batting .216, definitely struggling in his first year of a multiyear contract.  Now with Jered Weaver off the DL, the pitching could be a little better (Tommy Hanson & Joe Blanton have both struggled in 2013 so far).  For the Dodgers, the mega-trade back in August, has now favored the Red Sox.  Josh Beckett is on the DL and his career could be in jeopardy due to his thumb.  OF Carl Crawford is also on the DL.  Adrian Gonzalez has really put a spark on this team though, batting .327 and having 43 RBIs, more than double of the rest of his teammates.  Problem is the Dodgers have lost some tough games and have found themselves in last place of the NL West.  If they want a chance to improve, they need to start winning games against Arizona & San Francisco.

Phillies:  In a weak NL East division (exemptions: Atlanta & Washington), the Phillies find themselves over .500 thanks to a win last night.  Problem is though with all the injuries by Chase Utley, Roy Halladay & Carlos Ruiz, the team is not good.  Luckily, Domonic Brown leads the NL with 16 home runs (8 in last 12 games).  Ryan Howard continues to hit HRs or strikes out.  Cliff Lee is a name considered for trades come July 31st.  Cole Hamels is 2-9, having a rough start to 2013, mostly thanks to poor offense.  Even being in 2nd place in the division, I don't see Philly playing in October.

Atlanta: The D-Backs keep shooting themselves in the foot by trading Justin Upton to the Braves, who lead Philly by 6.5 games in the division.  The Upton brothers have combined for 24 home runs.  The other surprise for Atlanta is Evan Gattis, who did a great job filling in for the injured Brian McCann behind home plate, hitting .270 and 13 HRs.  He will definitely be a fit if not for the Braves, but another team down the road, years to come.  Atlanta will definitely be a contender come October.
 Lastly, the White Sox have been disappointing.  Could be the pitching, could be hitting.  Just surprised they are last place in AL Central.  The White Sox have had a tough stretch, including 2 west coast trips, but have alot of home games coming up.  Also, I would like to see Dayan Viciedo and   Paul Konerko improve a little more offensively.  The starting rotation is averaging a 3.5 ERA, but with 2/3 of the season left, they could improve.  Problem is that Detroit is leading the division.  Tigers stars Miguel Cabrera, Prince Fielder & Justin Verlander have been superb in 2013.  Don't be surprised if Detroit does come on top of the division.