Author: Big Al McMordie - Friday, June 23, 2006

It's nearing the end of June, which is one of the most volatile times in the baseball season. Some teams are getting better and are in pennant races, while others are already out of it. Like the stock market, that will mean buyers and sellers galore, which means the makeup of some teams will change.

That's important for sports bettors to keep up on. The team that stumbles in April or can't hit in May, can suddenly be very different in June and July. Even players coming up from the minors can play a role, as we saw a year ago with the hard throwing relievers the White Sox were able to stockpile from the farm system.

NY Mets: The Mets continue to be the best team in the NL, with an excellent balance of youth and experience. The offense, in particular, is potent, with speed and power. 23-year old SS Jose Reyes has 30 steals, 23-year old 3B David Wright is a keeper with 10 steals and 15 HRs, teaming with veterans Carlos Delgado, Paul Lo Duca and CF Carlos Beltran. The offense has been on fire and notice the Mets are on an 8-4-1 over the total run.

Twins: Minnesota is on a 10-1 run as Brad Radke begins to find his stuff, and ace lefty Johan Santana is joined by 22-year old Francisco Liriano (6-1, 2.16 ERA). Who wouldn't want this rotation?

Tigers: Folks started to wonder about the Tigers during a recent slump, but that slump is over as Detroit has won 11 of 14. This is a veteran offense and a deep young pitching staff. Veteran Kenny Rogers has anchored the staff, taking the heat off the kids, and their bullpen is loaded with power arms. Rookie starter Zach Miner just won his third consecutive start, and also doubled in his first major league at-bat, before retiring 20 Brewers in a row at one point! The Tigers have 101 home runs, putting them on a pace to hit 227 for the year. That would be two more than the team record set in 1987 (the last time they won the division).

Angels: The Angels still continue to struggle offensively. The Angels are on an 11-3-1 run under the total!

NY Yankees: The Yankees still have a very strong offense and suspect pitching. That formula can produce high scoring games. Currently the Yankees are on a 12-7 run over the total.

Atlanta: There is little doubt the Braves run of 14 straight division titles is over. They are on a 3-18 run. This is will be an interesting team to watch as they could start to sell off veteran players to get younger and rebuild. Does anyone need an ace starter like John Smoltz? How would the Detroit native look atop the Tigers rotation?

Washington: The Nationals are pitching better but not hitting. The Nationals are on a 13-6 run under the total.

Good luck, as always...Al McMordie.

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