Yesterday Twins DH Jim Thome launched his 600th home run at Detroit's Comerica Park without any fanfare, and he likes that. Who were the players before Thome that scored 600 home runs? A-Rod, Aaron, Bonds, Griffey, Ruth, Sosa and Mays. Well, Thome connected on 600 without the benefit of steroids or any performance enhancing drugs; instead it was a tireless work ethic that paid off for Thome, who had successful years with the Indians, Phillies, White Sox and Twins in a 20-year career.
The playoffs may only be seven weeks away but the races have heated up. As of this writing, the Yankees and Red Sox are in the tightest race for the AL East title, while Detroit and Cleveland are battling in the AL Central. Over in the AL West, the defending pennant winners Texas Rangers and perennial contenders the LA Angels are in a tight spot for winning the division. If the ALDS began, both the Sox and the Yankees may end up in the postseason either as a Wildcard entry or as division champions. The same can be said in the NL East, where Philadelphia and Atlanta are battling for the top spot. Again either may end up in the Wildcard or win the division if the NLDS began. The NL Central is a toss-up between the Brewers, seeking its first division title since 1982, and perennial playoff contenders the Cardinals. And in the NL West, Arizona and defending World Series champs San Francisco are locked in a close war for the division title.
In June, the feel-good stories belong to the Washington Nationals and the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pirates have never had a winning season since Bush 41's presidency, while the Nats seek a winning season for the first time since moving to DC six years earlier. And I mean over .500 ball, not at .500 ball. However, the Pirates are back in a slump, while old Davey J had destroyed the Nats chemistry since taking over from resigned manager Jim Riggleman. And speaking of old men, Jack McKeon of the Marlins isn't changing his team's fortunes at all. Obviously, you can't win games with great-granny managers anymore, except if you're Casey Stengel, but that was long before Twitter came. And speaking of issues, the Dodgers' debt issues, the Mariners' lengthy losing streak, the Astros' new management and Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano's freefall isn't making any good at all for their respective organizations. However, the Dan Uggla 33-game hitting streak and Jorge Posada's vengeful return from the doghouse make up for it.
Obviously, I'm for the Red Sox but the World Series winner isn't clear just yet. Can't wait for September to end.
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