So we are basically in July, and the standings show that the Yankees, Tigers, Rangers, Braves, Reds, and Padres are all in first place. I would guess that no one predicted the Tigers, Braves, Reds, or Padres to be in first place in July. Most people were on the Mariners bandwagon which crashed and burned about two weeks in.
Although, it is safe to say that most teams in first now are not going to hold up throughout the season. Which got me thinking about who the worst first place team is in the bigs right now.
It is hands down the Braves.
At least teams like the Padres and Reds are stacked with young talent developing, the Braves have Jason Heyward, and Yunel Escobar. The rest of the team is stacked with old players that are over achieving. Tim Hudson has come out of no where, and my guess is that this pitcher that relys mostly on pitching to contact, is going to hit the tank down the stretch.
The Braves have also played in a division of inconsistency. The Phillies have not even come close to hitting their potential and went about a month without scoring a run. The Mets could compete if they land Cliff Lee, but for the most part they either blow, or string together nine game win streaks. The Nationals suck, and get over your win against Strasburg. He shut them down, and got to him because of a botched double play ball.
The Yanks have been playing with the Sox and Rays all year, the best three teams in baseball. The Padres play in a division that is wide open because every team has an ace, a solid pen, and has yet to suffer through injuries. The Reds pitching has just been out of this world, and frankly I can’t explain why they are so good, but their players have obviously developed well. The Rangers win by default, and could make noise in the playoffs. Finally, the Tigers will fall to the Twins, but the Tigers are scary in a short series.
Bobby Cox is living a story book final season thus far, but it won’t last. There is one thing I have learned over the years
in baseball, it’s a long season, and over achievers always get flushed out towards the end. Especially when their staff ace (Hudson) hasn’t pitched over 150 innings since 2007. How are those legs gonna hold up Timmy boy?
side note, with Heyward headed to the DL the Braves might have the best outfield in the majors with Gregor Blanco, Melky Cabrera, and Eric Hinske.
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