Hello RML Managers!
A few Friday afternoon musings on the things that amuse, bemuse and confuse a man in the wonderful world of RML...Unless some big names (RichAnkiel, Dave Shine, Bryant Burton, Ken Griffey) are signed by the respective teams between now and the off-season. It looks like it will be a wild and zany free-agent period......And now the Creature's look at the penant races and how they break down:
AL EAST: 1) TORONTO- As expected, the Jays rised from the early season ashes to take the division. But Ankiel's rotator cuff, could suddenly pose problems. 2) BALTIMORE- Some of their starters are finally coming back to earth after a great first half. This is a great young team, so don;t count them out 3) N.Y YANKEES- As the Yanks slowly age into oblivion, they become less of a factor. New York needs to verhaul this team back into a contender
AL WEST: 1) SEATTLE- By far the most active traders at the deadline, picking up Kerry Wood and Fernando Tatis from the Mets. They may be down, but not out. This thing won't be wrapped up until the final weekend when the M's and A's meet. 2) OAKLAND- I kept waiting, hoping to save face, but the damn A's wouldn't fade. So I'll admit that I misjudged this team. They made a lot of good moves in the offseason to pick up guys like Chen and Hammonds. They remain the underdog, but right now the A's control their own destiny 3) TEXAS- After several changes, Ric Money's squad began the year locked in the basement. But they've been hot as a pistol ever since and now with a bevy of young stars like Darryl Ivy and Hideki White leading the way with old horse Greg Maddux, they are back in it. But for now, they are definitely on the outside looking in
NL EAST: 1) PHILLY- I hate to say it, but my gut feeling tells me that the bad boys from the City of Brotherly Love are going to take it. The Phillies have been in many close wars before and haven't lost many of them. 2) FLORIDA- Need Bryant Burton and Big Mac to be healthy in the final month. The Cinderella story last year, the Marlins don't want another moral victory this season. The division is in their sights. 3) PITTSBURGH- A team with a promising future, the Pirates have snuck up on everyone just as I expected in my preview. There are a lot of weapons on this squad and with seven games to close the season against Florida, things should get interesting
NL WEST: 1) ATLANTA- Riding the backs of Pedro and a deep rotation, the Braves should cruise to the division. The only thing standing in their way is six head-to-head meeting with the Dodgers. 2) LOS ANGELES- WIth the deadline "heist" of Scott Elarton from Houston, the Dodgers have a rotation consisting of three studs. But they have disappointed down the stretch and their only hope remains an Atlanta collapse in their six games against them 3) SAN FRANCISCO- After an off-season makeover, the Giants came out of the gates like gangbusters. But the past few months have seen a steady decline. This team has played mediocore ball ever since and need to turn it around in a big way
HEROES: KEVIN YOUNG of the Boston Red Sox- The only thing keeping the 'Boo'sox respectable....ZEROES: MONTREAL EXPOS- Just a month ago this team was in first, but playing .250 baseball doesn't usually keep you there.....As always, the Creature welcomes your opinions. |
