MLB Contenders and Pretenders

June 1st is a pretty significant landmark during a major league baseball season.  It means we're one-third the way thru the season.  It means teams have begun to trend the way their season fortunes are going to play out.  It means team's brain trusts are deciding whether to become buyers or sellers at the July 31 trade deadline.  And it means columnists and bloggers begin writing predictable "It's June 1, do you know where your team stands" columns.

So, predictably, on to my list of contenders and pretenders (through May 31). I'll consider a pretender anyone who is currently in contention but about to fade, and a pretender is anyone who can win their division or compete for the wild card.

American League

Contenders:

New York (29-21, 1st, East): Playing great since A-Rod's return, and hasn't gotten much from him. Pitching can only improve.

Boston (29-22, 2nd, East): They've got excess pitching which means another bat will be on the way.  And if David Ortiz isn't done, that's 2 bats.

Tampa Bay (25-28, 4th, East): The Rays have been treading water but now that David Price is up, he may be able to help right the pitching ship that began sinking when Scott Kazmir lost it.

Detroit (28-21, 1st, Central): They've surprised me.  Their pitching is dominating.  Edwin Jackson has put it together, and Justin Verlander is back throwing heat.

Minnesota (25-27, 3rd, Central): They're one Francisco Liriano away from having the best pitching in the division, if he can get it together.

Cleveland (22-30, 5th, Central): After playing the Yankees June 1st, they have just 7 games remaining against the top 4 teams in the AL East.  This means one of baseball's top slugging clubs can outscore teams and make up a mere 7.5-game deficit.  And if they ever start to pitch...

Texas (30-20, 1st, West): I don't believe.  But they lead by 4.5 games and only the Angels will be challenging them.  And the Angels have had no luck this year, so maybe that's why Texas will win it? They can't continue to pitch this well.  They're the Rangers, after all.

Los Angeles (25-24, 2nd, West): They're the best team in the West.  But they're battered by injury, tragedy, and age issues.

Pretenders:

- Toronto: Those no-namers can't continue to pitch this well

- Kansas City: Already coming back to earth

- Chicago: They'll try to get a couple bats, because they aren't hitting

- Seattle: They'd be silly to try to contend when they have sellable parts to build for 2010

National League

Contenders:

New York (28-21, 2nd, East): Considering the amazing run of injuries they've had, it's a Christmas miracle that they are only a half-game out.

Florida (23-28, 4th, East): This speaks more to my thoughts on the Phillies and Braves (below), and the Mets' propensity to keep things interesting, but I really believe in the Marlins' starting pitching. A little bullpen help and some discipline in their lineup, and they could surprise.

Milwaukee (30-20, 1st, Central): Losing Rickie Weeks may not be a bad thing, as Craig Counsell is an able fill-in.  Trevor Hoffman has stabilized their bullpen, their lone Achilles heel in 2008.

St. Louis (29-21, 2nd, Central): Exceeding expectations, this team seems to have something special going on despite distractions (Carpenter injury, Greene weirdness). Getting a few bats back, they may be ready to make a big run.

Chicago (25-24, 4th, Central): They have been brutally inconsistent.  They miss Aramis Ramirez in their lineup. Lou Piniella isn't playing Reed Johnson enough.  But he'll lose patience with Milton Bradley soon, and Ryan Dempster is starting to deal.

Los Angeles (35-17, 1st, West): They've handled the loss of Manny Ramirez wonderfully, as expected.  They haven't lost more than two games in a row all season.

San Francisco (25-24, 2nd, West): Their GM and manager are fighting for their jobs, and they have a great farm system to deal with.  And they need bats. Plural. Because they are wasting some of the best starting pitching in baseball.  But if they get a bat or two, look out.

Pretenders:

- Philadelphia: I know they are in first now and are defending world champs, so I'll get ridiculed for saying this.  But they just don't have enough pitching, especially after losing Myers, and not enough in the farm system to acquire any reliable arms

- Atlanta: They aren't scoring, and their outfield is the main problem. Their pitching is average, but they don't have the money to take on any salary in potential deals.

- Cincinnati: Emerging offense and improved pitching, but they aren't quite there. Harang isn't pitching like an ace anymore.

- San Diego: 10-game winning streak not withstanding, I've already recently outlined why this team isn't for real.  But it was a hearty effort, boys.

(Photo: Getty Images)

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Chase Parker believes in the East Coast bias, stretching triples into doubles, and considers Tommy Boy to be the greatest athlete of our generation.

Unless otherwise stated, no particular sexual orientation of anyone depicted is implied or should be presumed.

Comments

[Dutchess Anna]

Shouldn't you proof-read your articles before posting?

From Chase: I'll consider a pretender anyone who is currently in contention but about to fade, and a pretender is anyone who can win their division or compete for the wild card.