Wild Card Race

[jay87shot]

I had thought the Cubs were a mirage, but I have to say that offense is legit. Additionally they probably have money and the prospects to add some pitching. I am at least for now turning my attention to the NL Wild Card. At this point I am going to go on the assumption that the Cubs win the Central, the Dodgers win the West (when they get healthy I still think they are the NL favorite), and one of the Phillies/Mets win the East. I know there is still over 1/2 the year so that is in know way set in stone. Just a reminder 3 teams get the Wild Card so now it would be the Phillies, Giants, and Padres with us 1.5 back.

The Contenders

Mets (45-27)/Phillies (42-29)= Both are playing well and have been pretty solid. The Phillies need some bullpen help and the Mets will be getting some injured starting pitching back.

Giants (41-31)= Acquire Devers for peanuts puts them in a good spot. There pitching is strong and at least on paper that offense should be solid. However with a loaded West they could easily catch a couple rough stretches.

Padres (39-31)= They aren't afraid to make moves but have one of the worst farm systems especially if De Vries is untouchable. They have some real holes to fill but also how one of the most dangerous top of the orders if firing on all cylinders. Pitching has been good and the pen is top notch.

Brewers (39-34)= When you look at the teams ahead of us from a talent point we are very behind them. However if we can improve SS/3B we can matchup well in the playoffs with most teams.

Cards (37-35)= They have a solid 1-9 order with improved pitching. I still don't think they have enough but they are serious threats.

Reds (37-35)= If they can get some consistent run production in the middle of the order they could be dangerous. The starting pitching could be enough to keep them dangerous.

D-backs (36-35)= Pitching injuries are going to limit their upside especially with Gallen and ERod not pitching real well. The offense and defense/athleticism will keep them around but likely the 4th team in the West.

Braves (31-39)= Obviously they haven't played well and have injury issues. However that offense has a chance to catch fire and has the ability to go like 30-10 at some point and get them back in it. They also could continue to struggle for a month and trade off a bunch of guys.

[Frisbee Slider]

I’m still not sold on Chicago running away with things. Their offense can legitimately be good and still have plenty of room to regress. 

They lost series against Detroit and Philadelphia. They played four 1-run games against the Pirates.

[Frisbee Slider]

At the same time, you are right that the Wild Card is a more reasonable target.