Clearing The Bases

Last week we talked about the playoff picture in the American League, which looked kind of locked up with the Yankees, Red Sox, Tigers and Rangers looking like they would have to collapse not to get in, but wouldn’t you know it, the Sox are trying to put Tampa back in the playoff hunt.  Problem is the Rays have just lost two straight to Baltimore and will now have to pretty much sweep Boston in Fenway this weekend to have a legitimate shot at the Wildcard.  The Angels are also trying to make a fool out of me by over taking the Rangers in the AL West, and currently they are only three games behind Texas, which could make that final series versus the Rangers in Anaheim very interesting.  With that being said let’s take a look at the National League.  Sorry Cardinal’s fans, I just don’t think you’re going to be able to pull off a miracle and pass the Braves.

Philadelphia Phillies

Strengths:  If we are going to talk about the Phillies strengths we have to begin with their pitching staff.  Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, Roy Oswalt, and Vance Worley.  that is just an embarrassment of riches.  Hard to see any team beating them in a five or seven game series, they have to be the favorites heading into the playoffs.  I mean, Worley, who has gone 11-2 with a 2.92 ERA and 1.179 WHIP may not get a chance to pitch in the playoffs, that’s just insane.  Hunter Pence has given the Phils the right handed hitter they needed to balance out all the lefties in their lineup, no longer can the opposing manager bring in a left-handed reliever to face Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, and Raul Ibanez, Pence splits them up nicely.

Weaknesses:  Not easy to find one.  Over confidence comes to mind if they believe they are shoe-ins to reach the World Series.  The concussion to Chase Utley has to raise a flag or two as you will want to get him, along with every other player, 100% healthy before the playoffs begin.  The bullpen is good, but not great.  Ryan Madson has done a very good job since taking over the closer role, but Antonio Bastardo looks to be tiring.  Of course the Phillies have plenty of time to rest anyone they believe needs rest, and with their starting pitching staff, it’s not like the relievers are going to be over worked.

Atlanta Braves

Strengths:  As much as the Phillies rotation has been lights out, so has the Braves bullpen, especially Jonny Venters and Craig Kimbrel.  Although they have also shown signs of the long season catching up to them of late, their numbers still stand out big time.  Venters: 6-1, 5 saves, 1.54 ERA, 1.049 WHIP.  Kimbrel: 4-2, 43 saves, 1.76 ERA, 1.005 WHIP.  Wow, talk about turning a game into seven innings instead of nine.  Brian McCann has been slumping since coming off the DL, but is still the best catcher in the National League, and possibly all of MLB.  Michael Bourn has given them the presence at the top of the lineup they have been looking for, not to mention a really good centerfielder.

Weaknesses:  The starting rotation may not be that of the Phillies, but it was pretty good in its own right until injuries have taken their toll.  Tommy Hanson hasn’t pitched since early August and in a best case scenario would get one start in September to determine his availability for the playoffs.  Jair Jurrjens, the Braves best pitcher this season, is still not throwing off a mound and his availability for the playoffs is in extreme doubt.  This leaves the Braves depending on their youngsters to not only secure a playoff berth, but possibly pitch in those playoffs as well.  That’s a lot to ask.

Milwaukee Brewers

Strengths:  This team can absolutely mash the baseball.  That shouldn’t be surprising with Prince Fielder, Ryan Braun, and Corey Hart on board.  Nyjer Morgan has added an element of energy to this team they didn’t possess before.  Zach Greinke, Shaun Marcum, and Yovani Gallardo can match up against the Phillies if they are on their game, question is will all three be on their game at the same time.  Francisco Rodriguez and John Axford give the Brewers a solid 1-2 punch in the 8th and 9th, not as good as the Braves, but better than most.

Weaknesses:  They have had a tough time beating good teams this season, record away from home is nothing to brag about either, and they will need to do both to get to where they want to go.  Nyjer Morgan adds energy, but he also has trouble controlling his emotions which can lead to unnecessary confrontations (Cris Carpenter and Albert Pujols last week).  Inconsistency in the starting staff is their biggest problem.  Rickie Weeks is back from his ankle injury, but obviously not 100% as anyone watching yesterday’s game can attest to.  Seeing him limping around the bases was painful.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Strengths:  Besides the fact that they can rake also with Justin Upton, Chris Young, and Miguel Montero, but they seem to have the desire, the want to, has to be because of their manager, Kirk Gibson.  Additions like Aaron Hill from Toronto and Paul Goldschmidt from the minors have kept the energy high.  Ian Kennedy has turned into a CY Young candidate.  JJ Putz has stabilized what was a terrible bullpen in 2010.

Weaknesses

No true number one pitcher, as good a season as Kennedy is having he doesn’t scare anyone.  How should this team handle the bright lights and all the media attention that comes along with the playoffs?   They seem to me to be a Cinderella team, and I have to wonder if the clock is going to strike midnight come playoff time.