The MLB Mid-Season Report
- Updated: July 18, 2015
The second half of the MLB season has begun and what can we expect from the San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Angels and the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The San Diego Padres, has been snake bitten by the injury bug all season and there are talks about trading Justin Upton,Craig Kimbrel and James Shields. Just a few months ago, this team on paper looked like they would contend for the National League Western crown, now they are just struggling to play .500 baseball.
The Padres are in a very tough position. They should have enough in the tank to hold on to third place in the division but the Rockies and the Diamondback are going to fight them to the end for that position. Right now, they just don’t have enough to overtake the Dodgers and the Giants for the top spot in the division.
The Los Angeles Angels, they are now on top of the American League West, just a half game ahead of the surprising Houston Astros. They have had injuries but they have found a way to get back on top of the division. Jared Weaver should return from injuries real soon, to help out the starting rotation. Just don’t count them out of the Cole Hamels, Johnny Cueto, Mike Leake and Scott Kazmir sweepstakes as well.
The main question for the team is bringing in another bat, to give Albert Pujols some much-needed protection in the lineup. Who? Ryan Howard? Jay Bruce? Carlos Gomez? All three players are rumored to be on the trading block at the trade deadline, because all three players are on teams that are totally out of the playoff picture.
Hopefully, the shake up in the front office, earlier in the season, won’t affect the solid play of this team.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, has the most flexibility of the three teams mentioned. The Dodgers starting pitching has been stellar, the two aces has given this team a legit chance to win in the post season. The problem has been in the bullpen. The always opinionated closer of the Philadelphia Phillies has mentioned that he wants to play for a winner but the cost could be Yasiel Puig, NO WAY.
The Phillies are really tired of Jonathan Papelbon and he should be moved at the end of July. Another possibility is Francisco Rodriguez, Craig Kimbrel and Aroldis Chapman, to help out the bullpen .
One of the bigger issues that the Dodgers face, is trying to hold off the San Francisco Giants for the top spot in the National League West of the MLB and the best way of doing this, is to win the division and eliminate them from the post season. Looking at things right now in the National League, the Mets, Pirates and Cubs battling for the Wild Card in the league.
Stay with us at Calisportsnews.com as we will keep you up-to-date on all things Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, and San Diego Padres and the rest of the LA sports teams! All Cali, All the time!
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