PORT JEFF, NY – Greetings. Let’s get right into today’s topics. Mets Win and MLB Mid-Season Review
Mets Win
After closing out the first half in excellent form, the Mets have split their first two with the Marlins. Luis Severino has been incredible all year long and has proven to be the best bargain contract of any player in baseball. It was also very encouraging to finally see some life from Jeff McNeil – who homered twice on Friday. If he gets going it would really add incredible depth to this lineup. The return of Kodai Senga and a trade for multiple relief arms would be massive, and could be the missing pieces that propels the Metsies on a serious run.
MLB Mid-Season Review
As we enter the second half of the MLB season (not technically) let’s take a look around the league.
National League
The Phillies are a borderline juggernaut. They currently hold the best record in baseball at 62-36. Bryce Harper and Trea Turner are both playing at an MVP level, as usual. Kyle Schwarber has continued his consistent power and Alec Bohm as emerged as one of the best pure hitters in the game. Their rotation is very deep led, by former Met Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola. The only thing holding them back is their lackluster bullpen which they’ll almost certainly address at next week’s trade deadline.
Brewers
After parting ways with long time manager Craig Counsill and trading their ace Corbin Burnes, many assumed they’d take a big step back. Milwaukee has silenced the doubters and sits comfortably in first place in the Central, 5.0 games ahead of the Cardinals. Christian Yelich has enjoyed a resurgence leading the NL in batting, William Contreras is perhaps the games most underrated catcher and they just continue to find ways to win ball games. I’m not sure they have enough pitching for a serious playoff run but I certainly wouldn’t bet against them.
Dodgers
Injuries are the only thing that can derail this team, and to this point they have. With a long list of players on the IL, including Mookie Betts, Max Muncy, Yoshinobu Yamamoto (and many more), the Dodgers haven’t been at full strength at really any point this season. Clayton Kershaw and Tyler Glasnow are set to come off the IL this week and when fully healthy I think they’ll coast to the LCS against Philadelphia in all likelihood.
American League
Yankees
The Bronx Bombers have the two best hitters in baseball and that’s about it. If Brian Cashman doesn’t make some serious changes to the rest of this lineup, they’re in big trouble.
Orioles
Won’t spend too much time here, as no one can go toe to toe with the O’s lineup. The only thing stopping them is their lack of pitching depth, which they’ll surely address at the deadlines. I think they run away with the East and are destined for a trip to the World Series.
Guardians
Much like the Brewers, most thought Cleveland would take a step back after longtime manager Terry Francona retired, but they’ve also proven to be one of the feistiest teams in baseball. They have Steven Kwan – who is maybe the games best pure hitter leading baseball ( with .351 average), Jose Ramirez, who continues to be a superstar, and the best closer in the game in Emmanuel Clase. If they add a starting pitcher or two this team could be a real threat to make a deep playoff run.
Astros
On June 19th the Astros were 10 games behind the Mariners, and as of today they’re one game ahead and lead the AL west. All this they’ve done without Justin Verlander and Kyle Tucker. They’re peaking at the right time and seem primed for another title run
Honorable Mentions.
Twins and Braves
Simply put, this isn’t the Braves’ year. Ronald Acuna will miss the remainder of the year and even when he was healthy this lineup just hasn’t been very good this year. After having a historical offensive season last year, they have just one player with an OPS of above 800. I’m not sure what the problem is but they just don’t look right.
Twins
If they could only stay healthy they’d be a serious threat. That always seems to be the case with this team. Royce Lewis has been one of the best hitters in baseball in the brief time he’s played, Carlos Correa is enjoying a nice bounce back year an Carmen Jose Miranda – who’s also on the injured list – is maybe the best player you’ve never heard of. They currently sit five games behind Cleveland and hold the second WC spot, if they can find a way to get healthy at the right time they’re a dangerous team to face come October.
With that, I’m out. Leave your thoughts below and come back for the Sports Rain tomorrow, Junior Blaber.
