The Ultimate AL 2nd Half Preview

OK, we previewed the NL a few days ago, now it is time to focus on the AL 2nd half preview before devoting my attention to the NFL and Fantasy Football. Here we go:

AL East:

NY Yankees: The Yankees have been surprisingly quiet so far this year, as this is normally their time of year to shine and buy a non-championship. With Pedro Martinez being signed by the Phillies though, their target market of players who are 38 and were great 10 years ago is now limited. Prediction: Just Missing the Wild Card

Boston Red Sox: It has been reported that the Red Sox acquired 1B Andy LaRoche today from the Pirates. It could be a decent trade assuming David Ortiz doesn't utter the words, "Mmm, Papi hungry. Give me the new guy here to take my place." I am pretty sure that is why Dice-K is now on the disabled list with his injury listed as "Ingestbipapi". Prediction: Missing the playoffs...(just let out a little woohoo)

Tampa Bay Rays: They have the young legs and should be fresher for the second half as it seems they haven't exerted much energy in the first half. Also, it seems that guys really want to play for this team, as phenom pitcher David Price's salary is $0 according to ESPN. Prediction: Division Winners

Toronto Blue Jays: They are looking to sell off their best player in Roy Halladay. Things aren't looking good for them, though they only have 16 more years of Vernon Well's contract of $4.2 million per hour. Prediction: Continue their fall.

Baltimore Orioles: In a few years, they could become the Tampa Bay Rays of this division with their young talent. That is of course only if Peter Angelos doesn't trade of Adam Jones, Nick Markakis and Matt Wieters for the aforementioned Vernon Wells. Prediction: 4th place.

AL Central:

Detroit Tigers: They have been devastated by injuries, which is what happens when you spend so much time in Jim Leyland's smoke-filled office, you lose a little lung capacity. I don't foresee them holding on. Prediction: Just missing the playoffs.

Chicago White Sox: GM Kenny Williams is known for making some big trades around the deadline. If he can somehow manage to trade AJ Pierzynski before a member of his own team kills him, they have a shot. Prediction: Due to the utter lack of competition among the bottom two, i guess 3rd place.

Minnesota Twins: Not since the days of Puckett, Hrbek, Gaetti and Brunansky have the Twins had a middle of the lineup that could hit it out of the park like this. Now if the guppies (formally known as the piranha's) could get on base more than once every 5 at bats we might have something. Prediction: Winning the Division

Kansas City Royals: A 4th place finish here would be huge. For that to happen though, I think Greinke will need to win another 30 games on his own, preferably without any fielders behind him to screw it up. Prediction: Another last place finish.

Cleveland Indians: They were suppose to be so much better, but that is the chance you take when you add Carl Pavano to your roster. He turned Cliff Lee from Cy Young to Cy Sperling. (Yes, I will be here all week) Prediction: Threaten the White Sox for 3rd.

AL West:

LA Angels: They survived a horrible tragedy to start the year and Torii Hunter has been one of many to bring them through it. This is a feel good story. Prediction: Winning the Division

Texas Rangers: They made it through the A-Rod is on our team, and though he is immensely talented, he is a loser, years. They still have the hitting, and now have added some pitching. Prediction: Wild Card

Seattle Mariners: They brought back Ken Griffey Jr for one final run. So now they may have 2 of the 3 best pure hitters of the last 15 years (other being Mauer). Unfortunately, Griffey is no longer in the top 150. Prediction: Hovering around .500 all year.

Oakland A's: They will probably get rid of Matt Holiday and that will leave them with Jack Cust as the only player that is on anyone in their right mind's fantasy roster. That is never a good sign. Prediction: Maybe next decade.

My final predictions, including the NL from my last post:

NL:

Rockies over the Phillies in 6
Dodgers over the Pirates in 5
Rockies over the Dodgers in 5

AL:

Twins over the Rangers in 5
Angels over the Rays in 7
Angels over the Twins in 7

Angels over the Rockies in 6