A Summer of Heroes?

Hey guys. Our commissioner has decided to weigh in on every team in the league, predicting how they will in the season, and giving us a breakdown of every division. To put it in terms the modern baseball fan will understand, its kind of like power rankings on steroids. Check it out, and let us/him know what you think.

While many have been taking days off to go to the beach, many more have been filling HABLA stadiums this year, in what may be developing as one of the more memorable seasons to come down the pike. Although the season is still fresh, only one-third of the games have been played, if the league remains as even handed on the whole this could be one of the most competitive seasons in memory. Are there runaway divisions, yes, there are. No one will catch the Phillies, and while Seattle is giving it a valiant effort it is difficult to see any team in the AL West winning but Texas, which seems to have taken over Seattle's old role as perennial division champion. However, after those two, who lead the entire pack, there is a clamoring for position such as has not been seen in many years. There are a few teams that you can already write off, and most knew going in that the Braves, Mets, Cubs, Padres, Blue Jays, Royals, and Angels had no real chance of winning anything, and are all mostly playing to avoid 90 losses, rather than gain 90 wins. However, that leaves 19 teams who should be thinking if they have the stuff to make them a contender, or at the very least make a showing that will keep fans in the seats, or out of them cheering, throughout this summer.

For reference sake I have always looked at the following numbers to be benchmarks. Any team with over 90 wins, or a .555 Win Percentage is a solid team. Any team with over 97 wins or .600 is a potential champion. If a team can manage a .667 percentage, they move to the "Godlike" teams. Conversely, any team with over 90 losses, .444 or less is a weak team, and any team with over 97 losses .401 is a very poor team. However, a team with a winning pecentage of .333 or less is just plainly awful. Which leaves teams between 73 and 89 wins, or .444 through .554 as teams that are competitive, but need a bit of work here and there. Let's look at each division and see how the teams measure up.

NL East
This is one of the least competitive divisions in the league at this point, and has been for a few seasons.

Phillies - .714 they are godlike, and the only hope teams in NL have is to try to beat them in a short series. With their pitching it will be tough, but it can happen.
Florida - .559 A solid team that has not hit this year. They could be better and are improving.
Montreal - .536 A team on the cusp. Gary has done a great job bring back the bats, and also managing to find a few good arms. They are a starting pitcher away from being tough.
Mets - .399 A weak team, but they are starting to hit a bit better. Maybe the hapless manager of this club has found a combination that will give his young arms a few runs.
Braves - .362 The team is playing worse than they look, but maybe a closer look is needed.

NL Central
Traditionally the NL Central has been one of the best in the league, and although no team stands out, this is a GREAT division. The divisional play really makes this group of owners very tough, as it seems that year in year out a good race emerges here. Five teams, and even the Cubs can play. I think they are a step away from being right in the mix, and they are only ten games off the pace. Arguably the most competitive division in the league.

Houston - .554 Sam always seems to manage to find a way to get his team in the thick of it, and this year "small ball" is the method. Always a decent team
Reds - .537 Matt has changed the look of KB's team, and though it has been a bumpy road, the Reds are right there this year.
Cards - .526 Jer is one of the most studied GM's in the league, at least by the commissioner. No offense, but the pitching and fielding shine.
Pirates - .519 The new look Bucs are in the hunt, and showing a balanced style of play this year
Cubs - .375 Don't laugh this team off. The trades they have made this year, as well as some of the picks are going to return BIG for this club in the future, if not a turnaround this year.


NL West
Recently LA has had its lock on the title challenged by the Rockies, and the power in this division is in flux. This division is now wide open.

Giants - .554 Watch out for SF, seasons of poor records have brought in many hungry players who are talented. Many trades have changed the face of the Giants, but they seem to be very much for real, and with their youth they could be tough for a very long time.
Dodgers - .544 LA has gotten a bit longer in the tooth. Chris made this team a dynasty by the draft picks that he made when his team was poor, and they were among the worst in the league for awhile.
Rockies - .509 While LA has slipped Colorado has moved up the past few years, although their season thus far has been a bit of a disappointment.
Padres - .321 Possibly the worst team in the league, and going nowhere fast.

Overall look
Godlike - 1
Very Strong 0
Strong - 1
Competive - 8
Weak - 3
Awful - 1

Who's in the hunt
Let's look at the standings for that elusive fourth playoff spot.Bold means leading their division. If you look at these teams you will see that they are all equally matched with the other. This could be a great summer in the NL.

Marlins 33-26
Astros 31 - 25 0.5
Giants 31 - 25 0.5Dodgers 31 - 26 1.0
Reds 29 - 25 1.0
Expos 30 - 26 1.5
Cards 30 - 27 2.0
Pirates 28 - 26 2.5
Rockies 29 - 28 3.0

The American league is not that different, but here it seems that the focus will be on winning the division as the Mariners are likely to run away with it in their probably futile chase of the Rangers.

AL East
This has traditionally been a weaker division in the league, and this remains the case today. However, it is also one of the most competitive with teams showing long trends. Right now the trend is Boston and NYA are ascending. Baltimore and Toronto are stuck in gear, and Detroit is an unknown. This will be a fun season in the AL East.

Boston .536 They've made a lot of deals and moves, but the combinations don't seem to be working yet. However, their staff makes them tough.
Detroit .534 Some good trades and a well experienced club. No names on the staff, but the veteran presence helps this team.
Yankees .500 They have the talent, but are struggling putting it together. Needs to look at the roster a bit more closely. They need a pitcher or two.
Orioles .407 Team was in a shambles financially, and have put a team of journeyman type players for this year. A lot of work needed here, but some trades may have helped.
Toronto .339 Team is actually showing signs of life. Owner needs to exercise patience and cultivate young talent.

AL Central
The Old Black N Blue earned it's name for the early years of HABLA where the clubs were typified by the Bad Boys of Chicago. The division is not as competitive in recent years, but is still strong. This is a VERY competitive division and will likely stay that way.

Indians .574 This club seems to disappear from the radar and then bounce back. They have survived a financial debacle. Clearly this team is like their owner, one of the most colorful of the league.
Twins - .571 They have greatly improved and are young and talented. They are streaky and very dangerous, but fall into lulls. The Twins and Indians may be fighting it out all year.
Brewers .519 Brew Crew never was the same after Rob left them. By far he is one of the greatest GM's in the league's history. Club went through a nadir and now seems to be ready to compete.
White Sox .474 The "Bad Boyz" are not the same as they were. They are leaner and faster, and GM Dinnis may be putting together a club that can make some noise very soon.
Royals - .357 The Dr. Jekyll Mr. Hyde of HABLA. I've never seen a time rise and fall so fast as this team. To put it mildly, they are entertaining.

AL West
Has been the runaway division from the league's inception. Seattle OWNED this division for years, then the Angels did. Now, Texas is in charge, and it may be awhile before anyone can force the title from their hand. Traditionally this is the least competitive division in the league.

Texas .696 This team is very strong and are the favorites to meet the Phils in the World Series. They are not in decline either as some would hope. They are young and well managed.
Seattle .632 The second best team in the AL has been wonderfully crafted. They can play with the Rangers, but are not likely to win the season. Hands down they are improving.
A's .526 They just can't get past the hump. They have the tools, but seem to never put it together. They are dangerous and can really cause other AL teams problems. In another division they would likely be the leaders.
Anaheim .339 KB is one of the best at building a team from scratch. He has his work cut out for him.

Overall Look
Godlike - 1
Very Strong 1
Strong - 2
Competitive - 6
Weak - 4
Awful - 0

Who's in the Hunt: Division leaders are bold
Mariners 36 - 21
Indians 31- 23 3.5
Twins 32 - 24 3.5
Red Sox 30 - 26 5.5
Tigers 31 - 27 5.5
A's 30 - 27 6.0
Yankees 29 - 29 7.5