Biggest Disappointment
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AL Central
Remember in the beginning of the year when people were saying that the AL Central would be the toughest division boasting the Chicago White Sox, winners of the World Series in 2005, the defending AL Champs the Detroit Tigers, the defending AL Central winners the Minnesota Twins and the Cleveland Indians. Who knew the Royals would end up being as competitive as the Chicago White Sox? It seemed the Minnesota Twins, who are notoriously late bloomers never got past puberty and the Tigers, who spent a large portion of the season neck and neck with the Indians, missed the bus for the big show and were forced to hang out in AAA. So instead of the Central producing two playoff contending teams, it will just be the Indians this year.
(Photo: google imgages)
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Andruw Jones
Jones, just 30 years old, was only two years removed from a practical MVP season. (He was totally robbed in 2005) Who knew his fall from grace would be so quick or so Britney-esque…and in his walk year no less. While Aaron Rowand was belting 26 homers and knocking in 88 runs while hitting .313 in Philly and Torri Hunter was hitting 28 homers with 104 RBIs all while batting .289 in Minnesota, Andruw Jones was racking up 26 homers, 93 RBIs and a paltry .220 batting average. Yes, his gold glove is still firmly attached at hand, but his offensive numbers will not net him the $126 million contract Vernon Wells received last year. So maybe he will be back with the Braves after all, but will the Braves still want him?
(Photo: Wire Image)
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Carlos Zambrano after signing his big contract
Since July 28th Zambrano has an ERA of 5.52 over 60.1 innings and he didn’t even sign his new contract until early August. Since then he has a stellar record of 2-5. Yeah, he’s actually been winning some games down the stretch when he’s not disrespecting the Cubs fans. But seriously, was this what you thinking when you signed him to a five year, $91.5 million deal? I don’t think so.
(Photo: Wire Image)
Biggest Suprise
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NL West
The early talk of the season was how competitive the NL East was going to be with the New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves fighting tooth and nail for two playoff spots. (There was even some mention of the Florida Marlins, but that didn’t pan out so well.) While the Mets and Phillies just might be making the playoffs this year, did you see the Arizona Diamondbacks taking the NL West? Were you guessing the Colorado Rockies would be just a game out of the Wild Card with a week to go? If you did can you help us out with our picks for Sunday’s games? We are really trailing in our office pool.
(Photo: tsn.ca)
The early talk of the season was how competitive the NL East was going to be with the New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves fighting tooth and nail for two playoff spots. (There was even some mention of the Florida Marlins, but that didn’t pan out so well.) While the Mets and Phillies just might be making the playoffs this year, did you see the Arizona Diamondbacks taking the NL West? Were you guessing the Colorado Rockies would be just a game out of the Wild Card with a week to go? If you did can you help us out with our picks for Sunday’s games? We are really trailing in our office pool.
(Photo: tsn.ca)
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Dustin Pedroia
My love of small tough players is no secret. But this Dustin Pedroia kid sure was a surprise. In April, Red Sox nation was calling for Pedroia’s head. Who would blame them; he was only batting .182 with only two RBIs. By May, he batted .412 and had finally gotten over whatever mental problem was holding him back. Now the kid, who is listed at just 5’9, is in contention for AL rookie of the Year.
(Photo: AP)
My love of small tough players is no secret. But this Dustin Pedroia kid sure was a surprise. In April, Red Sox nation was calling for Pedroia’s head. Who would blame them; he was only batting .182 with only two RBIs. By May, he batted .412 and had finally gotten over whatever mental problem was holding him back. Now the kid, who is listed at just 5’9, is in contention for AL rookie of the Year.
(Photo: AP)
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Ozzie Guillen’s contract extension
If you’re more impressed by expletive laced rants and throwing your team literally under the bus (ok not completely true but it’s not like you can’t see Ozzie doing that) then you must be a big fan of Ozzie Guillen. Why else would you give a guy who is managing a team that is 68-88 and one game in front of the Kansas City Royals an extension to 2012? So he was the manager when the Sox won the World Series in 2005 but what have they done for me lately? Aren’t they pretty close to the team they were in 05? Less the amazing Aaron Rowand, of course…maybe that’s the missing link.
If you’re more impressed by expletive laced rants and throwing your team literally under the bus (ok not completely true but it’s not like you can’t see Ozzie doing that) then you must be a big fan of Ozzie Guillen. Why else would you give a guy who is managing a team that is 68-88 and one game in front of the Kansas City Royals an extension to 2012? So he was the manager when the Sox won the World Series in 2005 but what have they done for me lately? Aren’t they pretty close to the team they were in 05? Less the amazing Aaron Rowand, of course…maybe that’s the missing link.
(Photo: US Presswire)
Check back in tomorrow to find out who won.
It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate
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