AccessMyLibrary provides FREE access to over 30 million articles from top publications available through your library.
Create a link to this page
Copy and paste this link tag into your Web page or blog:
1 KEN ROSENTHAL'S SURPRISE ENDINGS
Angels Their starting pitching isn't good enough, and they won't upgrade it significantly against the trade deadline; it's just not their style. Their offense was amazing in the playoffs last year, almost an aberration--they're good but not that good. It looks as if David Eckstein may be a one-year wonder.
They'll struggle the rest of the way.
Blue Jays I didn't expect this to be baseball's No. 1 offense, but with Eric Hinske coming back, the Jays ought to stay near the top statistically. Their rotation is better now with Kelvim Escobar in it. The bullpen? The biggest concern, by far. They should trade Shannon Stewart for a starter. Roy Halladay is a legit ace Cory Lidle is not, but if he keeps getting such incredible run support, he'll win a lot more games.
They're in the race for good.
Cubs Considering how little they've received from Sammy Sosa, the Cubs have reason to be very confident. They'll win the division hands down if they add Mike Lowell--and no matter what anybody else says, the Cubs, because of their farm system, are the team best-equipped to get him. Matt Clement is a big key because if he pitches well, the Cubs will have by far the best staff in the division.
They'll be even better in the second half.