Second Season

I'm a big baseball fan, and I love the Dodgers, thick or thin, but I still try to be impartial (except for those lowlifes in SF)...

Dodgers vs. Friars: Who's the contender, and who's the pretender? Consensus says L.A. is to be taken seriously as a WS contender. My feeling is they are a starter away from making it happen. Trading deadline is coming up, and everyone wants our young talent. We're not giving away the farm this time, we can be patient. Thank God Buehrle is off the market -- he's way overpaid for an underachiever. I'm sure one of our young studs is on the way out, I just hope they make the right choice. Then again, the farm system is the best it's been since the 80's, so we're back. Friars don't have Bochy anymore to carry them down the stretch, so I'm not threatened by them. That leave the D'Backs, who also need an arm, plus they need Ran-day to come all the way back (I'll take the latter, since he's on my Fantasy Baseball team). Come September, the Cardinals and Sun Devil Football will be on the front page of the sports section in PHX (same as it ever was). Dodger Blue will win out.

Reds: What sucks is that my local Turner South station has committed to showing the Reds' games this year. What did I do to deserve this?? Repeat after me: "Playing Out The String". 'nuff said.

YankMe's: oh, they're getting closer! They gotta jump over what,10 teams? Could it happen? Don't see how, but you can never fully count them and the Braves out of it. Yanks need consistent quality starts, don't see it on this roster. Again, July 31st is coming up, and Cashman is on the short leash...

Sawks: oh, another loss last night! To the lowly Jays! Is that a gag reflex I hear? Local sports radio dedicated Wednesday to all baseball fans, to get their prognostications for their fav teams in the 2nd half (remember, Charlotte is a melting pot thanks to all the relocated bankers from the north and west). Yanks fans were optimistic, Sawks fans were concerned. At 10.5 games out??? True, Manny and Papi haven't hit yet, but what if they don't? You gonna hitch your star on Kevin Youkilis? Francona sounds calm, but his team's fan base is starting to wring their hands, while A-rod and Co. are talkin' smak. My prediction? Wilbon will be hatin' life come September, cuz you know Mr. Tony won't let go of this story.

NL Central: The story will be LOU and the CUBS. All that crap we saw earlier this season, he was just being the Step-Dad marking his territory and erasing the crud from the old regime. Now his team knows what he expects from them. Prepare to see the Cubs make a strong move to the finish.

AL West: Of course I love the Halo's, but don't forget about the A's. As Vlad goes, so do the Angels. Billy Bean is a genius. Lost or dumped most of his starters and is still in contention. Love it.

NL East. Braves could make some noise, but the Mets are just too loaded. Barring a collapse, the wild card will again go to the NL West. Bravos don't have a bullpen, and that's what gets you into October.

AL Central: Tribe all the way, with maybe a push from the Twinks. Pale Hose will implode, and Ozzy will be managing in Florida next year...