New Beasts of the East

By: Mike Wagenman

The consensus around the MLB over the past few years is that the American League East is the strongest division in baseball. And why not? They have had three different teams reach the World Series (Red Sox, Rays, Yankees), two different teams win the World Series (Red Sox, Yankees), and three different teams finish in first place (Red Sox, Rays, Yankees) since 2007. That is strong, hard-nosed, bitter inter-division competition. That competition has only been found in one place recently, the AL East. Granted, other divisions have had heated races, such as the AL Central competition between Detroit, Chicago, and Minnesota. But, it is nothing like the AL East, where the Yanks, Sox, and Rays always seem to be not only three of the best teams in their division or league, but in baseball as well.

However, it is beginning to seem like their may be a power shift in baseball approaching. The American League East may have some upcoming competition from another division on their side of the map for the title of strongest division in baseball, the National League East.

For the five teams in the NL East, the future is looking bright, and the sky is the limit. Obviously, the Philadelphia Phillies are the powerhouse, and do not seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. The Phils have won one of the last three World Series, 2 of the past 3 NL pennants, and all of the last 3 NL East Titles. With one of the best pitching staffs ever assembled, the Phillies are destined for greatness this season. Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee are two proven aces who are both in their prime, even though they are both over the age of 30. Cole Hamels has pitched like the ace that Philadelphia had hoped he would be, and he is still young and getting even better. The fact that Roy Oswalt is much less effective and much more banged up than he was in his Houston days opened the door for Vance Worley to step up, and he has pitched to a 7-1 record with a 2.02 ERA at the age of 23. That four-man rotation seems nearly unbeatable, and could be unbeatable for the next few years. Also, the Phillies top prospect Domonic Brown has become the full-time right fielder, and although some of the Phillies position players are a bit older, their farm system is surprisingly strong, so many players are prepared to step in. Incredible pitching, veteran leadership, and solid prospects will keep the Phillies in the hunt for the NL East title for years to come.

The Atlanta Braves are another NL East team that is producing right here and now. They, like the Phillies, have an incredible pitching staff. The Braves also have an advantage that most teams cannot seem to perfect; a lockdown bullpen. Closer Craig Kimbrel has already set the Braves rookie record in saves with 30 and made the NL All-Star squad, all at the age of 23. Eric O'Flaherty has a 0.92 ERA in 48.2 innings as a 26 year old, and fellow 26 year old Jonny Venters has a 1.30 ERA and an All-Star selection. The youth and effectiveness of the Braves bullpen, plus Cy Young candidate Jair Jurrjens and starter Tommy Hanson will keep the Braves in contention for the NL East crown for a long time to come. Also, rookie first baseman Freddie Freeman and second year right fielder Jason Heyward will help the league's best catcher in Brian McCann and power hitting second baseman Dan Uggla anchor the lineup for the future.

The New York Mets are often the laughingstock of baseball because of their high payroll and lack of success, but that is about to change. The Mets just unloaded Carlos Beltran to the Giants and got back their top pitching prospect Zack Wheeler, who, if he gets his control down pat, has the potential to be a true ace. His mid-to-upper 90s fastball got him drafted 6^th overall out of high school in 2009 by the Giants, so he is still very young. The Mets already have young pitchers in the big leagues getting better by the start. Dillon Gee started this season winning his first seven decisions, plus Jonathon Niese and Mike Pelfrey have plus-stuff and big league experience. The Mets youngsters in the bullpen also bode well for them moving forward. Pedro Beato started his career with 18.2 consecutive scoreless innings, and flame throwing Bobby Parnell is the developing closer. Plus, Johan Santana is rehabbing and is a proven ace. The fact that the Mets position players usually get injured actually helps them in this scenario. In a year that they have little chance to make the playoffs, many young talents have emerged as staples in their lineup. Justin Turner came from nowhere and is now the second baseman of the future, Ruben Tejada defied his critics and proved that at the young age of 21, he is ready for the big stage, and Josh Thole, Lucas Duda, and Jason Pridie, although not putting up eye-popping stats, have been solid fill-ins and have collected valuable experience in the majors. They could become key role players in years to come for New York. Also, don't forget Fernando Martinez is still in the minors, and Ike Davis and David Wright will be healthy next season. Add all of that with Jose Reyes' electrifying play (if the Mets can keep him), and you have a force to be reckoned with in the National League.

The Florida Marlins are always exciting. They have tons and tons of young, talented players that light it up year after year. However, the fact that some high schools draw more fans than the Marlins often causes them to trade away their stars for prospects, because they cannot afford them. In 2012, this problem may be solved. The Marlins are moving into a new, beautiful, state-of-the-art stadium in Miami which is sure to draw much more fans than their current ballpark. This will generate revenue, and will allow the Marlins to re-sign and lock up their stars for the future. Mike Stanton, Logan Morrison, Hanley Ramirez, Gaby Sanchez; the list can go on and on. These players are middle-of-the-lineup caliber players who the Fish must keep around for the future. Think about it, Gary Sheffield, Miguel Cabrera, Dontrelle Willis, Derek Lee, Alex Gonzalez, Edgar Renteria, Dan Uggla, Ivan Rodriguez, Josh Beckett, A.J. Burnett, Carl Pavano, Andrew Miller, Brad Penny, Mike Lowell; that list can go on and on as well. Those are just some of the players that played for Florida in their prime or younger years that the team just could not hold on to because of financial reasons. The Marlins current pitching staff is young and effective, with Anibal Sanchez, Chris Volstad, and Ricky Nolasco as starters and Leo Nunez closing out games. If the Marlins can pay their players and keep them around, they may be able to win themselves a third World Championship.

The Washington Nationals, the usual bottomfeeders of the NL East, have an exciting future ahead of them. Ryan Zimmerman is the face of the franchise, and soon enough, he will have a supporting cast. Danny Espinosa and Ian Desmond are two young middle infielders who are producing at the big league level already. Couple that with the world's top prospect Bryce Harper, who is slated to arrive in the MLB sometime in 2012. Wil Ramos is a young, stud catcher who is learning from Pudge Rodriguez, and Jayson Werth will be the power bat in the middle of the lineup for the next seven years. Pitching has been a bit suspect, although reliever Tyler Clippard was an All-Star and closer Drew Storen is young and lethal. But, 2009 top pick Stephen Strasburg will be back to lead the rotation next year with his blazing heat and knee-buckling curveball. If Jason Marquis sticks around and John Lannan pitches to his ability, the Nationals may be a young team who will rapidly improve.

The Last Star To Align

By: Mike Wagenman

After three months of baseball and players making names for themselves, the American League and National League All-Star squads have finally been set. Just as is the case before every Mid-Summer Classic, there are certain players who were snubbed of an All-Star selection. But for 10 of those snubs, a new opportunity has arisen. The All-Star Final Vote Ballot presented by Sprint gives fans and fans alone the chance to name the final member of both the American and National League teams. Five worthy finalists from each league have been named, and now it is time for us, the fans, to again make ourselves heard. The Final Vote is one of the hardest choices to make as far as the All-Star teams are concerned because all of the Final Vote participants are so statistically similar. Here is a thorough breakdown of all 10 Final Vote players, so you the fans have an easier time voting.

AMERICAN LEAGUE:

Alex Gordon, LF Kansas City Royals: .298 AVG | 10 HR | 46 RBI | .367 OBP

It's about time Gordon has been considered for a spot on the All-Star team. The one time Baseball America Top Prospect has had a rough start to his career, hitting only .256 in his first four years. However, the third basemen turned outfielder has finally come into his own and has played as many had expected him to when he first donned a Royals uniform back in 2007. As a near .300 hitter this year, Gordon has shown the ability to hit for average, and glimpses of a power stroke. His 98 hits are good for 7^th in the AL, and his 24 doubles tie him for 3^rd. He has also legged out four triples, just three behind league leader Curtis Granderson (7).

Adam Jones: CF Baltimore Orioles: .283 AVG | 13 HR | 46 RBI | .325 OBP

After a bit of a down year in 2010, the 2009 AL All-Star is back to his strong hitting ways in 2011. However, with every major statistic lower than or equal to Alex Gordon's (aside from three more home runs and just one more stolen base), Jones may have a tough time earning enough votes to make the AL team. He is a great defensive outfielder with speed, and that may provide a bit of incentive for voters who are fans of World Series contending teams, looking for the right mix of players to earn home field advantage in the World Series.

Paul Konerko: 1B Chicago White Sox: .319 AVG | 21 HR | 62 RBI | .390 OBP

Konerko is possibly the biggest All-Star snub in the majors this season. With nearly a .320 batting average, over 20 home runs, and over 60 runs batted in before the break, Konerko seemed like a sure lock to make the squad. However, fans overlooked the always consistent Chicago first baseman. He ranks 8^th in the AL in hits (97), and 4^th in home runs, RBI, batting average, and slugging percentage. That impressive resume looks not only All-Star worthy, but maybe MVP race worthy if the White Sox can hang around in the AL Central race.

Victor Martinez: DH Detroit Tigers: .328 AVG | 6 HR | 46 RBI | .375 OBP

Martinez has settled in nicely in his new home of Detroit. He has only struck out 27 times this year, and his .328 batting average ranks third in the AL, one point behind second place. The versatile Martinez DH as well as play 1B and C. Although the power numbers are not there, Martinez works counts and does the little things that do not show up in the box score.

Ben Zobrist: 2B Tampa Bay Rays: .256 AVG | 9 HR | 40 RBI | .342 OBP

Another versatile player, Ben Zobrist who can play all over the diamond, finds himself on the final ballot again. However, with his stats being, for the most part, the lowest of the five finalists, Zobrist does not seem to have much of a chance of earning the final spot. One thing that Zobrist has going for him, besides his versatility, is his 27 doubles, one behind the American League leader, Adrian Gonzalez.

WINNER: Paul Konerko – With Konerko leading nearly every major stat category, he is the clear favorite to earn a well deserved final spot on the AL All-Star team.

2^nd – Alex Gordon

3^rd – Victor Martinez

4^th – Adam Jones

5^th – Ben Zobrist

NATIONAL LEAGUE:

Andre Ethier: RF Los Angeles Dodgers: .317 AVG | 7 HR | 41 RBI | .385 OBP

Ethier sported a 30-game hitting streak earlier this season, and has always been a great hitter for average. His 23 doubles rank just one behind NL leaders Carlos Beltran, Chris Young, and Hunter Pence (tied with 24). Furthermore, his 99 hits leave him at 5^th in the National League. With a solid stat line, and a plus defensive glove in the outfield, Ethier could see some love from the voters.

Todd Helton: 1B Colorado Rockies: .319 AVG | 9 HR | 39 RBI | .392 OBP

The ageless wonder and always consistent Todd Helton makes another run at the All-Star team. The 5-time All-Star is putting up stellar numbers yet again in 2011, including the National League's 6^th highest batting average, and 8^th best on base percentage. He may not have the gaudy power numbers of other All- Stars, but Helton's stat line speaks for itself.

Ian Kennedy: RHP Arizona Diamondbacks: 8-3 | 3.38 ERA | 103 K | 1.14 WHIP

Kennedy is a bit of a curveball on the NL Ballot (gotta love baseball puns) as the only pitcher. His 122.1 innings pitched ranks 5^th in the NL, and he has only given up 107 hits. He has a complete game shutout this season, and has the 12^th best WHIP in the NL. A once highly considered pitching prospect for the Yankees, many thought this success would come sooner. Nevertheless, Kennedy is a strong candidate for an extra arm in the NL 'pen.

Michael Morse: 1B Washington Nationals: .299 AVG | 15 HR | 46 RBI | .349 OBP

Morse is one of the big boppers in the middle of a surprisingly successful Nationals lineup. He can hit the ball a long way, recording a few blasts that landed over 450 feet away. His stats are very good, but may not be flashy enough to earn more votes than his other competitors. However, if NL fans want a power bat off the bench to pinch hit in a key spot, look no further than Michael Morse.

Shane Victorino: CF Philadelphia Phillies: .303 AVG | 9 HR | 34 RBI | .376 OBP

The Phlyin' Hawaiian is at it again in the City of Brotherly Love. Victorino is familiar with the Final Vote Ballot, as he won in back in 2009 and became an All-Star. Like the other NL participants, Victorino does not boast gaudy numbers, just very consistent and very productive numbers like always. He has 13 stolen bases so far this year, and his 9 triples rank 2^nd in the NL, behind Superman Jose Reyes.

WINNER: Todd Helton – Although it would be nice to pick Ian Kennedy, his numbers just do not rank high enough among the league leaders, and although an 8-3 record looks good, wins and loss stats for pitchers have become less important. And although Phillies fans usually make their voices heard louder than anyone in these votes (hoping to send Victorino), Helton deserves one last shot at being an All-Star. He is defying age and hitting .319, keeping the Rockies lineup stable. His numbers are good enough, and just a tad better than his competitors.

2^nd – Andre Ethier

3^rd – Ian Kennedy

4^th – Michael Morse

5^th – Shane Victorino

REMINDER: VOTE ON MLB.COM OR ON ANY MLB TEAM SITE! VOTING ENDS 3 PM THURSDAY!

My winners, Todd Helton (left) and Paul Konerko back in their Minor League Days

Fish Out Of Water

By: Corey Donetz

The 2-1 loss handed to the Marlins by in-state rival Tampa Bay extended the struggling Fish’s losing streak to 10 straight losses. Florida has only one win in June, posting an abysmal 1-18 record this month. The team has had losses off the field as well with the departures of hitting coach John Mallee and manager Edwin Rodriguez. The executives of the Marlins decided to hire former ESPN analyst and former big leaguer Eduardo Perez as new hitting coach, and to re-hire 80-year old Jack McKeon. For those who are unaware, McKeon was the manager of the 2003 Marlins team that won the World Series; he was named Manager of the Year for his efforts.

The exodus of Edwin Rodriguez wasn’t taken well in the Marlin’s clubhouse as shortstop and one of the faces of franchise, Hanley Ramirez, was not happy to say the least. Ramirez wasn’t shy about standing up for his now ex-manager, but even he wasn’t enough to keep Rodriguez around. The Chicago Tribune caught up with Ramirez to speak on the matter, "When we do good, people look at us,'' Ramirez said. "It's like Ozzie [Guillen] says, 'Yeah, when the team is winning you have to give credit to the players and when they're losing they want to fire me.' No, that's not how it [should be].”

Although they are over 12 games out of 1^st place behind the Phillies in the N.L. East, playoff hopes remain alive, as they are only 7 ½ games behind in the Wild Card race despite the team’s dreadful June. With playoff hopes still in reach, a change was definitely needed, regardless as to who is at fault for the bad play. The injury bug has obviously affected the team’s play, but injuries affect every team’s play so that can never be used as an excuse. To put it simply, a baseball executive cannot sit back and watch their team win one game in a month, lose 10 straight (It wasn’t at 10 when Rodriguez was let go, but just for the sake of being current), and not do anything about it; especially when said team is already a bottom dweller as far as game attendance goes.

However, what’s done is done, so Ramirez and the rest of his teammates will have to move on and play under the helm of McKeon. McKeon is not your typical 80 year old, he is said to have the energy of a 25 year old and the heavily respected two-time NL Manager of the Year will bring that energy back to Florida along with his 1011 career wins and his ’03 World Series ring as he hopes to bring the Fish back to their winning ways. He has a ton of young talent to work with, and although it doesn’t seem likely that his team will contend this season, there is still hope in sunshine state.

The Fightin’ Fish will have to finish the season strong, and once ace Josh Johnson comes off of the disabled list we can get a feel of what McKeon’s Marlins can do. If there is one thing that baseball has taught us (especially as far as standings in the N.L. East are concerned), anything is possible. Just ask the Mets.