My pre-season baseball picks were:
AL West: A’s, Mariners, Rangers, Angels
A’s are in second place, ready to kill the Rangers when the time is right – they’re always a stronger second-half team.
AL East: Orioles, Red Sox, Yanks, Devil Rays, Blue Jays
I won’t pick the Yankees on general principles, but Tejada did win the Home Run Derby and set a new record in the process.
AL Central: Twins, Indians, Royals, White Sox, Tigers
Twins are in second place, White Sox are doing quite well, but they’re dirty boys who broke Eric Chavez’ hand so they will be cursed.
NL West: Giants, Padres, Diamond Backs, Dodgers, Rockies
The Giants and Dodgers are see-sawing back and forth. With the league’s best pitcher and best hitter, the Giants (currently in second place) will prevail in the end.
NL East: Braves, Phillies, Mets, Marlins, Expos
Phillies are apparently leading, but who really cares? Braves in second place.
NL Central: Cardinals, Cubs, Astros, Brewers, Pirates, Reds
This was easy.
So I’m 1 for 6 right now, but 5 out of 6 are either in first or second, which isn’t too bad for somebody who’s basically a two-team fan.
My hometown 9 has to get through the brutal July/August heat, too. It’s wilted plenty of stRanger teams. Still, I’m thrilled that they’re where they are.
Is Zito gonna turn it around in the second half?
I think they’re gonna trade him, but I don’t know for what. He sure has fallen apart this year, and it’s not physical.