The first half of the 2009 season has come to an end, which has included several stories. We have seen the Rangers flourish and Cubs stumble, Albert Pujols putting himself into talks of a Triple Crown, Joe Mauer hittting near .400, Manny Ramirez' shocking 50-game suspension, and one of the most improbable no-hitters thrown by Jonathon Sanchez, who wasn't even suppose to pitch on that historic night.
Now we head into the second half, which is sure hold much more surprises and several more exciting moments. With that, I have decided to put together a list of predictions, including division winners, award winners, and even the World Series champion. Read on, and enjoy.
Division Winners
AL East- Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are currently three games ahead of the Yankees, and 6.5 ahead of the Rays. Boston simply has too much pitching depth, and a solid offense. The Yankees have too many question marks in their rotation and bullpen, and as impressive as their offense has been, it always comes down to pitching.
As for the Rays, they also have question marks. Their pitching staff hasn't been able to live up to their 2008 form, and the bullpen has had some issues.
AL Central- Chicago White Sox
The Tigers have surprised alot of fans since their dissapointing 2008 season, and they should be able to surpirse even more by season's end. Jim Leyland can give much thanks to his top of the rotation guys, Justin Verlander and Edwin Jackson, who have simply dominated this season.
Their lineup is also strong, with Miguel Cabrera having his normal solid season, Curtis Granderson being a force atop of the lineup, and even Brandon Inge turning many heads with his bat.
The only question mark the Tigers have is their bullpen. If they can acquire a solid arm for the bullpen at the deadline, and also have the rest of the bullpen control the flood-gates late in the game, they will win the Central.
AL West- Los Angeles Angels of Aneheim
No disrespect to the Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners, they have really turned some heads this season and shown that they are here to contend, finally. However, the Angels have too much talent not to win the West. Yes they are struggling with keeping their players out of the trainer's room, but when they eventually get healthy, they will take off.
AL Wild Card- New York Yankees
Even though I gave Boston the Division, the Yankees have too much talent to miss the post-season. Like I said before, they have a great offense and a questionable pitching staff, but they still have enough talent to seperate themselves from the rest.
NL East- Philadelphia Phillies
The defending champs are currently leading their division, and they shouldn't have a problem for the rest of the season. They have a great offense, and their pitching staff is formidable. Also, it is pretty much a done deal that Pedro Martinez is coming to Philly, and that can only help and improve their depth if he stays healthy.
The Mets and Braves are both struggling heading into the 2nd half, and the Marlins just can't seem to get on a roll since their surprising start earlier this year.
NL Central- Chicago Cubs
This was a tough one. Even though St. Louis and Milwaukee have been atop the division for most of the season, at the end of the day, the Cubs have the best shot to take the Central. So far they have failed to live up to expectations, but there is too much talent on that squad to not make a run and win the division. Did I also mention that they are led by Lou Pinella?
NL West- Los Angeles Dodgers
This was the easiest pick. The Dodgers have all but already run away with the West. They have one of the most solid rotations in the league, and have a lineup that strikes fear into opposing pitchers. Also, Joe Torre is their manager, must I say more?
NL Wild Card- San Francisco Giants
What a story this has been. The Giants are currently leading the Wild Card race for many reasons. First off, they simply have the best pitching staff in the National League. Led by All-Stars Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain, the Giants have been able to win some close games thanks to their pitching.
The only question surrounding the Giants is their offense. Even though they have had the efforts of rookie Pablo Sandoval, the Giants will most likely need to go out and acquire a bat to improve their lineup. If they do this, they are a lock for the final playoff spot.
Award Winners
AL MVP- Joe Mauer, Minnesota
AL Cy Young- Josh Beckett, Boston
AL Rookie of the Year- Rick Porcello, Detroit
NL MVP- Albert Pujols, St. Louis
NL Cy Young- Tim Lincecum, San Francisco
NL Rookie of the Year- Colby Rasmus, St. Louis
World Series Pick
Dodgers over Red Sox in 7 games
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