11 Phillies 73-62 - 5/16 The good: The offense seemed to snap out of it over the weekend against the Dodgers. If that's actually the case, the Mets may not have gotten enough of a jump in the East standings. The bad: Geoff Jenkins had been a disappointment, but the Phils' depth is somewhat compromised by his landing on the DL over the weekend.
The good: The offense seemed to snap out of it over the weekend against the Dodgers. If that's actually the case, the Mets may not have gotten enough of a jump in the East standings. The bad: Geoff Jenkins had been a disappointment, but the Phils' depth is somewhat compromised by his landing on the DL over the weekend.
Team: Home | Stats | Fantasy | Schedule
12 Yankees 71-62 2 2/23 The good: Carl Pavano finally made his way back to the mound. The Yanks obviously can't count on him, but at least they're getting something for all that wasted money. The bad: Yanks fans have already forgotten about winning the East and are now holding out hope for a wild-card run.
The good: Carl Pavano finally made his way back to the mound. The Yanks obviously can't count on him, but at least they're getting something for all that wasted money. The bad: Yanks fans have already forgotten about winning the East and are now holding out hope for a wild-card run. My how the mighty have fallen.
Team: Home | Stats | Fantasy | Schedule
13 Marlins 68-66 2 6/29 The good: Forget about Dan Uggla, the Marlins' true breakout player this season has been Jorge Cantu, who has 22 homers. The bad: Hanley Ramirez wasn't in the lineup for two straight days due to a bruised thumb.
The good: Forget about Dan Uggla, the Marlins' true breakout player this season has been Jorge Cantu, who has 22 homers. The bad: Hanley Ramirez wasn't in the lineup for two straight days due to a bruised thumb. Gasp!
Team: Home | Stats | Fantasy | Schedule
14 Blue Jays 68-65 1 6/23 The good: The Jays are starting to hit for some pop as the season winds down, as evidenced by Vernon Wells' two long balls in a rout of Boston Saturday. The bad: Despite the recent power surge, the Jays are still in the league's bottom five in homers.
The good: The Jays are starting to hit for some pop as the season winds down, as evidenced by Vernon Wells' two long balls in a rout of Boston Saturday. The bad: Despite the recent power surge, the Jays are still in the league's bottom five in homers.
Team: Home | Stats | Fantasy | Schedule
15 Dodgers 65-69 5 5/21 The good: The Dodgers may be able to catch their breath this week with three games against the Nats. Then comes a trip to the desert that could make or break the season. The bad: We mentioned it here last week, all facets of the bullpen are stretched to the fullest and it's starting to really show.
The good: The Dodgers may be able to catch their breath this week with three games against the Nats. Then comes a trip to the desert that could make or break the season. The bad: We mentioned it here last week, all facets of the bullpen are stretched to the fullest and it's starting to really show.
Team: Home | Stats | Fantasy | Schedule
16 Astros 68-66 - 10/24 The good: Manager Cecil Cooper has vowed to start taking a look at the future over the final five weeks. The bad: Hopefully part of that future doesn't include Michael Bourn, who is hitting under .230 and clearly isn't an everyday player.
The good: Manager Cecil Cooper has vowed to start taking a look at the future over the final five weeks. The bad: Hopefully part of that future doesn't include Michael Bourn, who is hitting under .230 and clearly isn't an everyday player.
Team: Home | Stats | Fantasy | Schedule
17 Tigers 64-69 2 3/27 The good: Armando Galarraga, who has a 3.17 ERA, has been the Tigers' best starter and gives them something to build around next season. Galarraga with a healthy Justin Verlander and Jeremy Bonderman could form a nice trio.
The good: Armando Galarraga, who has a 3.17 ERA, has been the Tigers' best starter and gives them something to build around next season. Galarraga with a healthy Justin Verlander and Jeremy Bonderman could form a nice trio. The bad: The lineup that was so ballyhooed will need a major overhaul going into '09. Getting rid of Gary Sheffield is an obvious place to start.
Team: Home | Stats | Fantasy | Schedule
18 Rangers 66-69 - 13/30 The good: Righty Kameron Loe, who figures to be a big part of the Rangers' future, tossed five scoreless innings during his recent call-up before being sent back down to the Triple-A Oklahoma.
The good: Righty Kameron Loe, who figures to be a big part of the Rangers' future, tossed five scoreless innings during his recent call-up before being sent back down to the Triple-A Oklahoma. The bad: The Rangers continue to bring up the league rear in team ERA.
Team: Home | Stats | Fantasy | Schedule
19 Rockies 63-72 2 10/30 The good: Third baseman Ian Stewart looks ready to become the can't-miss fixture at