With the 2011 All-Star break looming around the corner, this is the time of the year when teams start to show what they are really made of. It is Fourth of July weekend, cookouts, fireworks, drinks with friends and family…and baseball. Some teams are turning it on, others are fizzling out.
The Yankees have won six straight, despite missing key players and constant questions on their pitching staff. The Yanks are currently number one in the AL East surpassing what could be the best offense in baseball, the Boston Red Sox. The Red Sox have been clicking on all cylinders, led by the aging David Ortiz and boy wonder Dustin Pedroia. Papelbon, despite his recent drama, has stepped up to the plate and is currently 2-0 with a 3.82 ERA. He’s not Mariano Rivera, but then again, who is.
The Phillies pulled an exciting comeback in their defeat of the Toronto Blue Jays today. Howard topped off the comeback with a go-ahead two-run single in the ninth to carry the Phillies to a 7-6 win over the Jays. With some unexpected pitching injuries and an inconsistent bullpen, all eyes will be on the Phillies in the upcoming weeks to see if they can live up to the hype and represent the National League in the World Series.
The AL Central and the NL Central divisions are both going to come down to the wire. Milwaukee isn’t going anywhere in their fight with St.Louis for the NL Central. First month into the season, the Indians were the best team in baseball, but in true predictable fashion, they didn’t hold up. But, to their credit they still maintain the lead in their division over the eternally inconsistent Detroit Tigers.
The best pitcher in baseball right now is Jair Jurrjens. While, fairweather baseball fans may have never heard of him, remember his name, he’s a beast. Jurrjens is 11-3 with a 1.89 ERA. He was the first ten game winner in the NL this season, and pitched a gem in his 11th win over the Orioles, allowing just one walk and one hit in his first career shutout.
The defending World Champions, the San Francisco Giants are holding there own, 2.5 games over their division rivals the Arizona Diamondbacks. But, despite the constant entertainment that is Brian Wilson, the Giants seem to lack the spark they had last year in their impressive run to the World Series.
The Mets head on a West Coast road trip and will be stopping by Dodger Stadium to the soap opera that is the Los Angeles Dodgers. All eyes will be on Jose Reyes, not Frank McCourt, this week during this series. Reyes is playing like the best player in the game right now. Rightfully so, since he is playing for a contract. Reyes is dynamic and exciting to watch. Maybe he can breathe some life into Dodger Stadium, there is no doubt that it needs it.
Happy Fourth Of July! Enjoy the cocktails, greasy food, and fireworks…most of all, stay safe!
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