And they’re off! The MLB season has entered the final month of a long marathon. There is still division, wildcard and pennant races to be decided. The National League seems to be wrapped up as the closest division race in six games. With less than 20 games to play, teams are focused on the magic numbers to nab a playoff spot. The stats of all the following teams and players come prior to Monday’s action:

NL East: The Philadelphia Phillies lead the division by 12 games over the Atlanta Braves. They also have the best record in baseball with 94-49. This is no surprise seeing that many picked this team to win the World Series, lead by the pitching staff of Cy Young candidates, Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels. The Phillies also have a potent lineup after trading for OF Hunter Pence before the trade deadline. Look for this team to go deep into the post-season.

NL Central: Leading the Major Leagues with the best home record at 51-22 is the Milwaukee Brewers. They lead the St. Louis Cardinals by six games and are carried by the three and four hitters Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder respectively. With the addition of Zack Grienke and Shaun Marcum in the offseason, to go along with team ace Yovanni Gallardo, the Brewers is looking to takes strides and be a serious contender. They have to quickly turn around their road woes if they hope to win it all.

NL West: The surprise team of the year resides here in the wild west. The Arizona Diamondbacks have shocked the defending World Series Champion San Francisco Giants and hold an 8 ½ game lead on them. Their ace is Cy Young Candidate, Ian Kennedy, who has an outstanding 19-4 record thus far. On the other side, Arizona is second in the NL in homeruns with 162 — 30 of which belong to MVP candidate Justin Upton. The D-backs, like their manager Kirk Gibson, are tough and won’t back down.

NL Wildcard: The wildcard leader is the Atlanta Braves and they lead the Cardinals by 4 ½ games for the final playoff spot. The Braves are strengthened by their bullpen and rookie closer Craig Kimbrel leads the way with a Major League leading of 43 saves. The Cardinals are still in the hunt and can’t be counted out with the great Albert Pujols. After a slow start Pujols has got it rolling, maybe in time to get his Cardinals into the playoffs.

Image Credit: Eric Broder Van Dyke / Shutterstock.com

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July 31^st is the date that many Major League Baseball teams are looking forward to: the trade deadline. This will be the last day teams can swap with one another to either bring in or get rid of some of their players in efforts to improve for the future. Depending on where some of these teams rank in the standings usually determines whether they will be shopping for players to bring in, or getting rid of them. Either way, the following teams are most definitely looking to make a big splash.

Buyers: The teams that just need one more piece to make that deep run in the fall.

Philadelphia Phillies: Already a World Series favorite, what more could the Phillies need? Well, since Brad Lidge went down, the closer role has been somewhat of a question mark. Ryan Madson and Antonio Bastardo did well as a stop gap, but they belong in the 7^th and 8^th inning. Heath Bell’s name has come up in rumors for Philly. Also, although their lineup is quite powerful already, they are looking to upgrade for the eventual replacement of Raul Ibanez in left field. Melky Cabrera, who is having a terrific year for Kansas City is a definite option for them.

New York Yankees: The Yankees have reportedly sent scouts out to many ballparks around the league throughout the past few weeks looking to find that one piece that can take them over the hump. They certainly will be in a tight race with Boston for the division lead come seasons end, and the roster they have now doesn’t really compare. Although Bartolo Colon and Freddy Garcia have done a wonderful job for now, who knows how long the veterans can keep that up. The Yankees have apparently been in talks about Ubaldo Jimenez from Colorado, but if they can’t land him expect them to go after someone else of that calibur. Also, with the struggles of Jorge Posada at DH, don’t be surprised if they go after an extra bat to be the Austin Kearns of 2010.

Atlanta Braves: Atlanta is in a tough position. They are one of the best teams in the National League, and yet really don’t have much chance of surpassing Philadelphia to take the pennant. Regardless, this is a playoff team with a lot of young talent. They should be able to find themselves in the playoffs, but might have to race to get there, which is where the deadline may come into play. A lot of pieces could be added to this team since the bullpen is the only spot that is flawless on the roster. Don’t expect them to shake up their team chemistry too much, but someone like Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran could find himself in a rental situation for the Braves.

San Francisco Giants: The 2010 World Series champions have been somewhat forgotten around the league, and yet they still find themselves with a sizable lead in the NL West. San Fran has been getting by with outstanding pitching, but the lineup is lacking. Not only did Buster Posey leave them with a gap behind the plate, but he was quickly becoming a force with the bat in the middle of their lineup. They might be another suitor for Beltran, but if not, they will surely try to pickup some power wherever they can find it.

Milwaukee Brewers: This is probably the most interesting team in terms of buyers. They probably already have made their big splash by landing former Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez, but apparently they’re not done. Again, offense is of priority here, especially in the outfield. Carlos Gomez just went down with a broken clavicle so General Manager Doug Melvin may look to add some depth there. Milwaukee is finding themselves in one of the tightest races in baseball, so they’re probably just one of the teams in the NL Central looking to make a buy.

**BONUS** Pittsburgh Pirates: Now this team is interesting. Nobody expected Pittsburgh to be in contention in August, and if you say you did, we all know you’re lying. Pittsburgh has claimed that this could be their year, and they might be willing to make a big deal so long as it doesn’t compromise their long term goals. As I said, don’t be surprised if every team in the NL Central makes a move. People might just be waiting for this team to implode, or might have genuine interest, either way all eyes will be on these Pirates.

Sellers: These clubs are packing it in, get rid of all of your over-performing short-term assets for some young talent.

New York Mets: Oh, the Mets. What can I say about this team? Realistically they haven’t been too bad this season. They’ve been hovering around .500 much of the year, and if they were in the NL Central too, they might find themselves as buyers rather than sellers. Alas, they are not, and it’s time to start thinking about who to move. “K-Rod” is gone and so is his gigantic contract, and supposedly the next to go will be Beltran. At this point, you would think they would be fielding calls for just about anybody, and yet that apparently is not the case. First year General Manager, Sandy Alderson has publicly insisted that star shortstop Jose Reyes is not on the trading block in his contract year. This is a bit puzzling considering the value they would be able to get for him right now, but maybe he is just trying to instill confidence in his players and ball-club. Maybe they really do think they can sign Reyes long term at years end. Regardless of whether or not he goes, more players are definitely on the way out.

Houston Astros: The Astros are not good, and haven’t been so for a few years now. It’s time to start thinking about the future, and although many people thought that future began with outfielder Hunter Pence, the organization has struggled mightily to put anybody around him. His days in Houston are probably numbered since they should be able to get some decent prospects in exchange. Also, starter Wandy Rodriguez has generated a bit of interest from a few clubs, and at this point nobody on Houston is off limits. They’ll take whatever they can get, its rebuilding time.

Chicago Cubs: Year in and year out the cubs have found a way to disappoint the north side of Chicago. They are not in contention this year, but do have some pieces that could attract some of teams who are. Carlos Zambrano seemingly has been on the block for a decade, but in his last year as a Cub he could, at the very least be a nice rental for a playoff team. Aramis Ramirez has continued to put up good numbers all throughout his time in Chicago, and though he makes a nice tandem with Starlin Castro on the left side of that infield, he won’t be around forever. Alfonso Soriano has probably the most untouchable contract in baseball, so though they probably would love to move him for a prospect, they probably won’t even be able to do that. Wrigley Field will become somewhat of a Flea Market for the next week. Buy at your own risk.

Tampa Bay Rays: What happened to the Rays? The same thing that happens to them every year. It’s sad to see such a talented team go down the drain because of financial issues, but those are the woes of the small-market team these days. Before the season began they got rid of most of their star players and reloaded with young talent. Unfortunately it didn’t workout all that well and they now find themselves in an impossible chase of the Yankees and Red Sox. Apparently James Shields could be shopped, and as he is arguably a Cy Young candidate this season, that could make for the biggest blockbuster of the deadline. B.J. Upton also might be on the block, and more than a handful of teams would be interested in his talents. I feel bad for Joe Maddon, but the Rays will get back to contention sooner or later, we just might not recognize many of the names of the roster when they do.

San Diego Padres: Lastly, but surely not least, we find the Padres. The only competition they have is for last place in the NL West with the Dodgers. San Diego might possess the biggest pitching commodity on the market in Heath Bell. Should they choose to get rid of him, they will be able to get some serious prospects in return, and have a hand in swaying the balance of power in whatever league they decide to deal him to. The Phillies will undoubtedly have interest, and if they can land him, every other National League team may as well hit the golf course already. Power-packed outfielder Ryan Ludwick could also be packaged will Bell, or moved in his own trade before July 31^st. No need for home runs when you’re 15 games out of the race.

The trade deadline is perennially one of the most fun times of the baseball season. Big time names should be on the move this season which surely will have serious implications come playoff time.

Images: Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com

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Philadelphia Phillies (National League)

The Phillies are the best team in baseball at a winning record of 55-32. This is unsurprising, especially when one considers that the fact that the Phillies were arguably the best team in baseball coming into the season, due to there acquisition of Cliff Lee during the off-season.

What is surprising about the Phillies thus far is how the team has managed to keep the best record in baseball, despite the fair share of injuries the team has succumbed to since June 23rd.

Since June 23rd, when Jose Contreras went on the disabled list with a right forearm strain, the Phillies have had pitchers, Joe Blanton, Brad Lidge, Ryan Madson and Roy Oswalt all placed on the disabled list.

While Contreras, Blanton, Madson and Oswalt were only placed on the 15-day disabled list, Lidge’s injury will surely be more costly.  Lidge is expected to miss at least 60 days with what’s described as a right rotator cuff strain and right elbow pain.

Additionally, joining the list of Phillies pitchers who have been injured recently is Center Fielder Shane Victorino.  Thankfully for the Phillies’ Victorino injury is the least concerning; he is listed as day-to-day due to a jammed right thumb. Victorino is not expected to miss any time.

New York Yankees (American League)

It is very surprising that the Yankees own the second best record in baseball behind the Phillies at 51-33. Arguably, out of these 6 teams with the best overall records in baseball, it is the Yankees who have been the team most marred by injuries.

The Yankees have lost their captain and shortstop Derek Jeter, starting pitchers Phil Hughes and Bartolo Colon, and bullpen pitchers Pedro Feliciano, Rafael Soriano and Joba Chamberlain all to the disabled list.

Additionally, two other notable players on the Yankees roster that have suffered injuries are bullpen closer Mariano Rivera, and third baseman Eric Chavez.

Out of all these Yankee Players, the most severe injury suffered is Joba Chamberlain’s. Chamberlain was diagnosed with a ligament tear in his right elbow and underwent Tommy John surgery on June 21st.

While Chamberlain had his fair share of struggles in the years past, this year he looked to be an integral part of the Yankees Bullpen. There is no doubt this will be a costly injury.

Besides Chamberlin, the other Yankee players to suffer severe injuries, includes, Phil Hughes, who had right shoulder inflammation, Rafael Soriano, who had right elbow inflammation, and Eric Chavez, who had a bone bruise on his foot; all three were placed on the 60-day disabled list.

The lesser injuries for the Yankees, but still ones they have impressively managed to play through, are Derek Jeter’s injury and Bartolo Colon’s injury.

Despite being the target of naysayers who have said he is getting too old, Jeter looked to be finding his old hitting form before he went on the disabled list. Colon looked to be having a come back year with a impressive record 6-3 after being absent from the league for the past two seasons.

Jeter and Colon were both put on the 15-day disabled list. While Colon is expected to return soon, Jeter has already returned.

The most recent Yankee to have injury problems is the all-important Mariano Rivera who is luckily listed as day-to-day at this point.

What is unsurprising about the Yankees is the fact that they are one of the best teams in baseball. It is unsurprising that the Yankees are one of the best teams because they have many superstars on their roster.

Despite their roster getting older and costly injuries almost every year, the Yankees always seem to be a juggernaut; year after year they somehow find a way to make the playoffs.

Ultimately, it should not be surprising that the Yankees are in the position they are in despite the injuries they have had been faced with. The Yankees have only missed the postseason once since 1996. Unsurprisingly, like usual the Yankees appear to be on their way to the postseason.

Boston Red Sox (American League)

The Red Sox are the third best team in baseball with a record 50-35. Despite not being as banged up as their archrivals (the Yankees), the team has still succumbed to its fair share of Injuries, which make their record surprising.

The notable pitchers on the Red Sox who have been injured this season, includes a laundry list of starting pitchers in John Lackey, Clay Buchholz, Jon Lester and Daisuke Matsuzaka, as well as bullpen pitcher Bobby Jenks.

Josh Beckett also missed 12 days with an illness but was not placed on the disabled list.

Additionally, position players Carl Crawford (center Fielder), Kevin Youkillis (third baseman), Jed Lowrie (shortstop) and Marco Scutaro (shortstop) have been injured as well.

Youkillis suffered the least significant injury on the Red Sox; he is luckily listed as day-to-day.

The most severe injury for Red Sox has been Matsuzaka’s.  Matsuzaka, who is out with what is described as a sprained right elbow, underwent Tommy John surgery on June 10th. Matsuzaka will not pitch for the remainder of the season.

Fortunately for the Red Sox most of their injuries have been to a lesser extent than Matsuzaka’s injury. Even so, despite this fortune it does not mean that these injuries have not or will not prove costly.

Lackey, Jenks and Scutaro are already back, after being placed on the 15-day disabled list earlier this season. Currently Buchholz, Crawford and Lowrie are all on the 15-day disabled list.

Wednesday it was revealed that John Lester will join Buchholz, Crawford and Lowrie on the 15-day disabled list. For the Red Sox sake, hopefully this current rash of injuries proves to not be costly.

More than injuries though, what makes the Red Sox record the most surprising is the fact they got off to a terrible start.

On April 15th the Red Sox were bottom dwellers of not just the American League East but also the entire League; at the time the Red Sox owned both the worst record in their division and the worst record in the majors at 2-10.

Since that day, the Red Sox have climbed out of the doldrums of being the worst in baseball, and have been arguably the best team.

The Red Sox are currently in great position in the American League. With the second best record behind the Yankees in the American League the Red Sox would make the playoff if it started today.

Despite their injuries and their awful start, it should be unsurprising that the Red Sox are in this position.

Like the Yankees, the Red Sox have a plethora of superstars this year and have been one of baseball’s juggernauts since the late 1990’s. The key to their success has been their ability to  to find a way to make the postseason.

Atlanta Braves (National League)

The Braves hold the fourth best record in baseball at 51-36. The Braves record is surprising because they have found a win despite their roster being one filled with many role players and very few superstars.

Arguably, the only two superstars on the Braves, includes a young and talented starting pitcher, Tommy Hanson, and the young and a talented right-fielder, Jason Heyward.

The Braves have several veteran players. These veterans include, Eric Hinske, Derek Lowe, Alex Gonzalez, Julio Lugo, Tim Hudson and Chipper Jones. Despite these players being past the prime of their careers, they are all valuable to a team have a lot younger players.

These players are no slouches either. During their careers all have had their fair share of success and brilliance.

What is also surprising is the fact that the Braves have been able to have success this season despite having a new manager. Last year it was Bobby Cox who was able lead the team to the post season; this season the coach is Fredi Gonzalez.

Despite Cox leaving it seems to be the same old Braves. It should be unsurprising that the Braves are doing as well as they are, because like the Yankees and Red Sox, they always find a way to play well and eventually make the postseason.

The Braves franchise owns one of the longest consecutive postseason streaks in league history at 14 consecutive years (1991-2005). Unsurprisingly, the Braves might be back to their winning ways.

San Francisco Giants (National League)

The Giants hold the fifth best record in baseball at 48-39. It should be unsurprising that the Giants are one of the best teams considering the fact that they won the World Series last season.

What makes the Giants record so surprising is how they’ve managed to compete despite injuries. So far for the Giants, most of the players on their roster who have been injured were all integral pieces of their World Series run last year.

These injuries the Giants have been faced with includes, the all-important and talented young catcher, Buster Posey who is out for the rest of the season and Jonathan Sanchez who was placed on the 15-day disabled list. Sanchez was an integral piece to the starting pitching staff last postseason.

The Giants have also lost starting second baseman Freddy Sanchez, backup second basemen Mike Fontenot, and third baseman Mark DeRosa to the 15-day disabled list.

At the end of the day, if a team is the defending champions like the Giants are, they should always be considered as a team that has a chance to win the World Series; this year is no different.

The Giants might be considered a surprise this year, because, like last year, their roster seems to be made up of a misfit cast of characters that other teams let go. This cast seems to work well for the Giants as they are a real contender and one of the best teams in baseball.

Tampa Bay Rays (American League)

The Rays hold the sixth best record in baseball at 47-39. What is surprising about the Rays is how successful they have been this year, despite getting rid of many important pieces of their roster that propelled them to the best record in the American League Eastern Division last season.

This past off-season, the Rays let both Rafael Soriano and Joaquin Benoit, who were key members of their bullpen last season, test the free agent market. Both Soriano and Benoit signed with new teams.

Also leaving this past off-season was the always-integral Carl Crawford (center fielder) and Carlos Pena (first baseman), as well as the talented young pitcher Matt Garza.

Crawford left as a free agent to the Red Sox during the off-season, while Pena left as a free agent to the Cubs. Matt Garza was traded to the Cubs during the off-season.

Despite these losses it is unsurprising that the Rays are one of the best teams in baseball and have one of the best coaches in Joe Maddon.

Additionally it should be unsurprising that the Rays are one of the best in baseball because they still have a lot of young talent in players such as, Evan Longoria, James Shields, and David Price.

The Rays also have a key veteran in Johnny Damon who has won a world series with both the Red Sox and Yankees.

Ultimately, over the past three seasons, the Rays have been as good as the Yankees and Red Sox; therefore, it should be no surprise that the Rays are one of the best teams in baseball.

Prediction

My prediction for the World Series this year is probably the same as most peoples. I predict the Phillies and Red Sox will square off in the World Series, in what would be almost a toss up in terms of pitching.

Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee would be better than Beckett and Lester, but not by much. Beckett and Lester could potentially win out in pitchers duals versus Halladay and Lee because the offensive bats backing them up are outstanding.

The Phillies bats are good, but I just don’t think they are anywhere near what the Red Sox Bats are.

All in all I think the series goes to seven games. If it does in fact go to a game seven the Phillies have the advantage. If there is a game seven I believe the Phillies will win.

To have a game seven and be able to throw out either Halladay or Lee on the mound is a huge advantage. Additionally, for any game seven, especially the World Series, all hand are on deck in terms of pitching; meaning, If Lee didn’t start a game seven he would surely come out of the bullpen for the Phillies. The same would go for Halladay if he didn’t start; he would come out of the bullpen and pitch.

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The Philadelphia Phillies hold the best record in the major leagues, have the best pitching staff in the league, and have a lineup that takes complete advantage of the small walls in Citizens Bank Park. They have proved throughout the last few years that they are the favorites in the National League, and have improved significantly in 2011. The question is, can any other team do anything to stop them from reaching the World Series?

Let’s put this into perspective. Sure, they only have a small lead over the Atlanta Braves, who as of now are looking like a solid choice for the wild-card spot. That being said, the Mets are over ten games back of the Phillies for first, a number that looks too big to catch up from even after only half of the season. That being said, put the Mets in the NL West and they’re in a full-blown pennant race sitting only three games back.

The Phillies are dominating, and leaving everyone else in the dust.

Their starting rotation is clearly the cornerstone of the team. As of now they hold three aces in Halladay, Lee, and Hamels, all of which will be representing Philadelphia in the All-Star game in Arizona. Every one of these guys could challenge the prestigious 20 win mark not only this year, but for many years to come. Throw in a healthy Roy Oswalt and opposing teams in a seven game series might as well just give up now.

That brings us to their injuries. The Phillies have seen Oswalt, Chase Utley and Shane Victorino miss significant time already, and still have dominated. Their entire bullpen has been decimated. Brad Lidge, the assumed closer going into the year, hasn’t even sniffed the field. The next in line, Jose Contreras, has seen two long DL stints in 2011. Let’s try Ryan Madson? Same result.

They’re getting by with Antonio Bastardo closing games. That should say it all.

Oh right, we haven’t even discussed their lineup yet…

With Jimmy Rollins, Placido Polanco and Shane Victorino setting the table, any real combination will work out. No complaints there.

Chase Utley and Ryan Howard have proved year in and year out that they are the bread and butter of this Philadelphia lineup, and refuse to disappoint. Expect monstrous home runs from Howard, and some of the most solid consistent hitting in the game from the veteran second baseman. But it doesn’t end there.

Towards the bottom of the lineup we still see Raul Ibanez, who although is not the slugger he once was, isn’t exactly a number seven hitter than opposing pitchers are delighted to see. Domonic Brown, one of their biggest prospects is finally up and playing full-time. He’s not quite where they want him to be just yet, but the flashes of brilliance have come through and proved that the Phillies are okay in the long-term too.

Even Carlos Ruins and Wilson Valdez are decent at handling at bat in the eight hole.

Philly is incredibly balanced. There really aren’t many holes across their roster. If I had to be picky, and I will, their bullpen is shaky at best. Although for the most part they don’t need it to do much now, the playoffs are a different story. Again, it must be noted that all of their starters routinely throw eight innings a game without breaking a sweat, don’t be surprised if they try to make a move before the deadline to pick up another late-inning arm.

Who can stop them? Atlanta? St. Louis? San Francisco? I’ll save some words and just give an overall no.

Book your October tickets now Philly fans, you’re going back to the big game.

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Josh Hamilton, Nelson Cruz and Chase Utley are three big names that came off the Disabled List this week. But the story this week though has been who is going on the DL. Star and Ace of the Florida Marlins, Josh Johnson was placed on the DL, and could be a big loss for the Marlins as they try to keep pace with the reinvigorated lineup of the Phillies. The young slugger for the Braves, Jason Heyward has now also been placed on the DL. The biggest injury story though has been that of Buster Posey, the young catcher for the San Francisco Giants. Last year’s National League Rookie of the Year helped lead the Giants to a world championship but is most likely done for the entire 2011 campaign.

The play that injured Posey took place in the 12^th inning of a game against the Florida Marlins. Scott Cousins was racing home trying to score the go-ahead run as Posey received the ball on a throw from the outfield. Posey was in front of the plate, and Cousins collided with him, trying to dislodge the ball that Posey could never get a handle on. The Marlins scored the run and won the game 7-6. Posey’s legs got caught underneath him and an MRI confirmed Posey had a fractured left fibula and three torn ligaments in his left ankle and is likely done for the season.

Posey’s agent, Jeff Berry was extremely upset after the game, believing the play warranted a change in the rules because it leaves catchers too exposed at the plate.

But this is really a no issue. Berry is upset because Posey is done for the year, and he is a great part of baseball but this is part of the game. Remember when Tom Brady was gone for an entire season? The game played on.

The simplest solution to the problem is for the catcher not to block the plate. No players can block the plate at any of the other bases, so if the catcher just straddles home or stands in front or behind the base, the collision will only take place with the catcher’s glove. Posey was doing what he has been taught to do but he wasn’t protecting himself at all. He could have easily caught the ball in front of the plate and reached back to swipe Cousins before he scored.

Baseball won’t overreact. Berry was just looking out for his own guy like any other agent would do, but there is no systemic problem with plays at the plate and collisions in baseball. Too often emotions get the best of people, and if we were to react in every situation all the sports we love could potentially be ruined.

Berry compared the play to helmet to helmet collisions in the NFL, but this is a rather unfair comparison. Catchers are wearing some protective gear but the runner has nothing but a helmet on. The runner may be the one creating the contact by barreling down on the catcher, but the catcher does not have to be in front of the plate, in fact he can’t be unless he has the ball or is in the process of receiving it. Helmet to helmet hits in the NFL are often instinctual, and they are an attempt to tackle the ball carrier. They happen on every play at the line of scrimmage, but nobody talks about that.

The other issue that has arisen from this situation is whether young stars in baseball should change positions if they are a catcher. Being a catcher wears down players, and it often takes away from the offensive numbers of players. But playing catcher is no more or less dangerous than any other position on the field. Pitchers can have a line drive come right back at them from just 60 feet away. First and third basemen could have the same thing, or even broken bats headed their way. Middle infielders constantly have to deal with players charging at them trying to break up a double play, and in the outfield there is always a chance at a collision with either the wall or another player.

Posey has been great offensively and in taking command of the pitching staff. To have one of your best players behind the dish is just an added extra. Changing his position might help his offensive numbers some, but it isn’t increasing his chances of staying healthy by too much, and it is taking away his leadership role of commanding the Giant’s defensive unit. Posey will heal eventually, and maybe next time a runner bears down on him he’ll put his body in a better position, and put an end to this rule-change discussion.

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