The MLB Postseason Slant for 2014 - No, Your Eyes Aren't Mess Up

October baseball. I already have Andy Williams cued up in my head, in case you were wondering. Here's to another awesome postseason, my friends.

If you follow me on Twitter, I've said it a million times that this year has gone by so fast and I feel like it should still be May. But no, the bus won't stop. Because once you hit your 20's, you're 35 by next Tuesday. Because of that, we're already hitting the strides of the NFL season, and now this:

2014 MLB Postseason

Well, now that we've got all of the #RE2PECT stuff out of the way (which, all in all, was a great gesture) in regard to the now-retired Derek Jeter (don't forget that Paul Konerno retired too, you guys), we've made it to the 2014 MLB Postseason. Last year's World Series champs, the Boston Red Sox, are nowhere to be seen. In fact, they actually finished dead last in the AL East. My, how the times have changed.

Admittedly, this was my face while reading last year's Postseason Slant.

So basically, we're in for a boatload of surprises. Remember, when you read this, you might come to expect a lot of things. There may be others in which you do this. You have been warned. Let's get started.

National League Contenders

Washington Nationals (96-66) - These guys are a high-octane, momentum-driven team with a strong pitching rotation and some fireworks in the heart of the lineup. Okay, I'll be honest...they seriously ran away with this one this year because they had no competition in the NL East whatsoever. I digress. They've earned their record, and their star power can get them places.
(I'm still waiting for Jayson Werth to cut his hair. I seriously don't think he's touched it since he left the Phillies. True story.)

St. Louis Cardinals (90-72) - After an expected slugfest in the NL Central, they're back for more. The pitching is as tough as ever, and their collective experience in the postseason is really going to come in handy as far as their next opponents in the team mentioned below here. Patience and taking things one game at a time is important here. Wanting their second ring in four seasons is their destination, and they're the team to push to that limit. Yadier Molina has to set the tone for this team like he usually does.

Los Angeles Dodgers (94-68) - With a rather-stacked lineup in tow, it comes as no big shock that they've made it back here for the second straight season. With a fearsome rotation holding guys like Kershaw, Ryu, and Greinke, you're bound to see some low-scoring games. With absolute strength in a hard-hitting offense with some speedy assets, we're bound to hear a bunch of Randy Newman this October. I actually went to a game of theirs this year too, so pfft.
[Note: Once I get issues with the SNB e-mail straightened out, I'll be able to access Flickr and get those photos up from that game. It was good times.]

[Wild Card] Pittsburgh Pirates (88-74) - They fought hard for this spot this year, and since they were here last year as well, they're not going to settle for anything less. Led by 2013 MVP Andrew McCutchen and an always scary-looking pitching staff, it looks like Pittsburgh fans will have something to cheer for when the Steelers don't show up to their games.
[Wild Card 2] San Francisco Giants (88-74) - Despite some frail players on the team (here's looking at you, Buster), their pep talks from Hunter Pence have certainly been the fuel for late-game heroics and effective pitching not only from the rotation, but from the bullpen as well. To make it far, they need to remain focused and keep their patience in check. It could get ugly otherwise.

American League Contenders

Baltimore Orioles (96-66) - Get all of your PED jokes out of the way now regarding Chris Davis. Done? Good. A young and hungry team, these guys have come a long way since being the laughingstock of the AL East for the past decade. Their pitching is crisp, and their clutch hitting can often lead to problems for the opposition. With their matchup against the team below here, their durability and their nerves will be tested for sure.

Detroit Tigers (90-72) - Ah, a fourpeat in AL Central pennants. And for good reason too. You can probably name a good amount of this lineup because they can absolutely kill you at the plate. Then you've got pitchers like Scherzer and Verlander that are killing to go past the ALCS this time around and get the job done. If they thought the AL Central was a tough customer this time around, it's only going to get rowdier from this point forward. This is also going to be a great time to follow Detroit sports fan and soccer commentator Ray Hudson. You will read gold.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (98-64) - Not to sound like "that person," but there was never any doubt that these guys wouldn't make it just by looking at their team on paper. While there were some health scares in the beginning of the season, we have a stellar list of power despite the youth and the old age on the team. In fact, it's a pretty healthy marriage when it comes to that (see the Pujols/Trout dynamic). But marriages also have their struggles. We don't want to see an Angelic divorce this October, now do we?

[Wild Card] Kansas City Royals (89-73) - WHOAAAAAAAA. One more time: WHOOAAAAAAAOOOAOAOAOO. Welcome back, Royals! After 29 years--with a good amount of them in the basement--we have the most stable squad that is capable of shutting down offenses with a single throw. My assumptions on lack of experience have come back to bite me, and these guys look like viable candidates to make a fantastic run throughout the month. It's totally possible, you guys. Could you imagine?
[Wild Card 2] Oakland Athletics (88-74) - I said it in July, and I'll say it again: WELCOME TO THE LAND OF BEARDS AND GANGS. Let's add saxophones to that too. That's hilariously great. After edging out the Mariners by a game in the Wild Card race, it's up to the offense to back up the pitching and vice versa. They were here last year, and there's no excuse to get kicked out early just yet.
(Side note: Tuesday night is going to be so difficult to watch. I want both of them to win so badly.)
________________________________________________

Individual Winners

NL MVP - Andrew McCutchen (Pittsburgh Pirates) - A repeat can definitely be a possibility if the stars are aligned correctly. Having almost a carbon-copy season except for a few cleanups, The Cutch has been a huge anchor on this squad, and more fireworks in the postseason can help his cause.
Next Best Choice: Giancarlo Stanton (Miami Marlins)/Jonathon Lucroy (Milwaukee Brewers) -- I couldn't decide here. This one's fuzzy.

NL Cy Young - Clayton Kershaw (Los Angeles Dodgers) - He is having the season of his life. If you don't think he's deserving of this award, you might want to check your vital signs or something, because I'm slightly worried about you. He really needs no description, only that you should check his stats and wear a bib, because you'll most likely drool over them.
[NOTE: I hate putting a pitcher as an MVP Candidate when he could just as easily be one for the CY. If he gets both, then good for him.]
Next Best Choice: Adam Wainwright (St. Louis Cardinals) [...But really. This is doubtful.]

NL Rookie of the Year - Jacob deGrom (New York Mets) - For starters (no pun intended), I really like his hair. Secondly, he's been a fantastic asset to an already consistent (and effective) rotation in Queens. Low ERA = high amounts of swagger that'll hopefully carry over for the next couple of seasons.
Next Best Choice: Billy Hamilton (Cincinnati Reds)

AL MVP - Robinson Cano (Seattle Mariners) - He's a dark horse that came from absolutely nowhere. Arguably one of the biggest highlights of this team, his appearance on each lineup has made all the difference, whether it's on the field or at the plate. That definitely accounts for something.
Next Best Choice: Felix Hernandez (Seattle Mariners)

AL Cy Young - Corey Kluber (Cleveland Indians) - Strikeout pitchers are a bit of a dying art in today's game, but this guy hasn't faltered at all this year. Great stats across the board means that he's a pure frontrunner in what is always a very hard-fought race to the end.
Next Best Choice: Felix Hernandez (Seattle Mariners)

AL Rookie of the Year - Jose Abreu (Chicago White Sox) - I seriously don't care that he plays for a sub-.500 team, you silly critics. (See Scott Rolen's 1997 season, fools.) His breakout first few months were a spectacle, and despite an injury not too long into the season, his batting average is over .300 and has high numbers in all other stats. I'd say that's pretty convincing.
Next Best Choice: Uhhhh.... There really isn't anyone else that could touch this. I'm dead serious. The rookies upset me in this category this year.
_________________________________________-

I am often sad when the MLB season starts coming to a close, but to be frank, this is my favorite month of the year for multiple reasons, this being one of them.

Oh...and PS....

HAPPY TRAAAAAAAILS TO YOOOOOOOOOU

I couldn't bear to forget this guy. After all, this is his last MLB Postseason as the Commissioner. Thanks for the Wild Card and the instant replay stuff, y'old whippersnapper.

Until we meet the next MLB season, kiddies!

--AZ

AZ's Slant on Sunday - The Estrogen Revolution: Four Years Later

I like to think I know a lot about this topic. I am a woman, you know. Plus, there's a massive paradigm shift in the world of women's sports, and it has nothing to do with feminism. Crazy, right?

Many eons Four years ago, when I first started this blog, I wrote about the female side of sports, and how there were very few women's leagues that were stable enough to survive at that time. I had written about women's soccer leagues, women's softball, and how they've had a history of floundering. However, when I write about women in sports this time, it has nothing to do about leagues as a whole, but with individual women making strides where the boys and the men currently walk. If it's right for me to say, since they're not being taken seriously as a whole, women are beginning to invade. Is it a warm welcome? That remains to be seen, but it has been quite interesting over the past few months.

Within the past three months alone, we have seen three big national sports stories involving women young and old.

This summer, the NBA Champion San Antonio Spurs announced that their new full-time assistant head coach would be WNBA player Becky Hammon. Before her election, she had already been respected by numerous officials, staff, and players of the NBA, who had claimed that she had a great knowledge of the sport, and that was the big key in wanting her for the position. She was also held in that regard as well among her peers in the WNBA. Believe it or not, this is kind of a big deal. Not only does this make Hammon the first woman to be any sort of full-time coach in the Big Four, it's also a testament to how far women have come as far as being respected by knowledge and mastery of the sport. She was given a chance, and she blew her naysayers out of the water, so to speak. Women can coach men. Heck, we can change their diapers and teach them manners, so why not aid them in sports too? It's just another example of stereotype and mental blockage and choosing to see the inferiority complex. However, Becky just nailed a jump shot over that wall now, didn't she?

Photo via Bleacher Report

In perhaps what was the biggest story of the summer, or what I like to call "the biggest sports story that the media could possibly shove down our throats," we were introduced to Philadelphia Little League pitcher Mo'ne Davis. Without doubt, it's always a treat to see a girl on a boy's team, because you automatically think that they had some kind of "it" factor to play with the boys instead of trying to go somewhere else for a Little League Softball team, but this... I can't describe this one. This 13-year-old pitcher dominated with different kinds of pitches, and became the first female to record a win in the Little League World Series. Right after that, she landed the cover of Sports Illustrated, becoming the youngest athlete to do so. She became a household name in my area, and she also made national headlines for her style, and because she was striking boys out. With some of the questions she was being asked during the LLWS, I felt extremely embarrassed for her, but she handled it like a champ, and I give her props for that. [Note: If you really want to know, that FN guy was the reason why I wanted to write this post. Thanks, Scrub.]

Back in August, Paul Farhi of The Washington Post wrote about how women have little-to-no visible opinion when it comes to the world of sports, and that is evident by their absence in sports debate programming. After reading this article, I pretty much exploded with the amount of truth in the article. While journalism as a whole is still dominated by men, tempers flare if (Heaven forbid) a woman makes an opinion or is involved in an athlete's controversy. Sure, there are women like Jemele Hill on ESPN who may make appearances on ESPN's First Take and Around The Horn, but she's one of like, two women out of how many guys that argue with each other on that station? Grant it, there's the philosophy that men are more likely to hire men, but what, is it out of fear? Is it out of the superiority complex? I could totally get myself in a bit of trouble for saying this, but the "TV look" really knocks down the credibility factor a couple of pegs, especially when it comes to women. This is why outsiders don't take women like Erin Andrews seriously. This is why when you see a woman take the upper hand in an argument, they're automatically assumed butch or lesbian. There, I said it. Get over yourselves and accept a different perspective instead of belittling a woman who might just know a little bit more than you. While it has gotten better as of late, the scales are still a little unbalanced. This will take some time.
Oh, and shall we talk about what Stephen A. Smith said about women "provoking" their husbands into domestic violence? That's another day and another time where I need to take my fists and feet to a sandbag.
You can read the article for yourself here.

When a woman makes an impact in the sports world somehow, it might seem like there is too much exposure on it, or that it might be overblown. However, let's put things into perspective for a second--we hear news stories about men all the time. When we hear a story about a woman in sports, whether it's about a young woman like Mo'ne Davis or a domestic assault involving US goalkeeper Hope Solo, it's like we're going: "Oh no, not this again." It's because we're not used to hearing it that it drives us nuts. If different things about women in sports were more mainstream, it wouldn't seem like it's being constantly sensationalized for our eyes and ears. The news stories this summer may have been stretched a bit too much for comfort, but we have seen a great improvement on the female's place in what looks like a faltering male domination in sports.

Can you say "Girl Power?"

--AZ

THIS Sword Is Mightier Than The Pen

For a tomboy like me, this is the kind of stuff that dreams are made of. When you're messing around on YouTube and find something that you never thought could come true, it does, and this whole other world opens up. Go. Read on. You'll understand why. I dare you to not flip out and automatically want to try this to some degree.

Imagine your local Renaissance Faire.

Photo from chicagotheaterbeat.com

Then add some hardcore, modern day spice a la UFC and ECW to it.

Photo from NY Times

And ladies and gentlemen, you have what may be the most insane[ly awesome] sport to ever be contrived in the history of the universe. Medieval Combat. Yes. Blunt swords, shields, armor, and chain mail. It makes Medieval Jousting look like a peewee football game.

When I had first discovered this sport the other day, my inner adolescent wanted to grab old boxes and make armor and buy a pool noodle from Rite Aid so I can have a sword fight with my younger brother. He didn't know about this tidbit, but trust me, I would think he'd be all for that. Once I snapped back into adulthood, I started thinking: "Holy cow, this actually exists? In 2014? And it isn't scripted?" Lo and behold, there are Medieval Combat teams that exist around the world that involve armored men (women too) attacking one another with blunted weapons and defending with shields. Most teams are found in Europe, like Poland, Russia, Ukraine, and Bulgaria, but don't fret, the United States has a league for this as well. Please, ladies and gentlemen, try to contain your excitement.

Based on all of the research I've done, this sport has been traced all the way back to the year 2009. No, really, this sport is literally in its infancy. While this style of combat was born centuries upon centuries ago, this hasn't been seen as a competitive type of sport until recently. In fact, it started as a social thing in the regions within Kharkiv, Ukraine, and a league was formed soon after. Two world championship leagues [currently at odds, ironically enough] currently exist: the HMBIA (Historical Medieval Battle, known best for the "Battle of the Nations") and the IMCF (International Medieval Combat Federation). Allegedly, there was a split due to corruption occurring between nations in each league and a large amount of rule-breaking that was never reported. It really is as close to how most wars started in medieval times, if you can believe that. You can't script stuff like this--it still happens today.

For each tournament/league, there are rules. No, you can't do everything like you would in an actual war setting. If I could make any sort of parallels, there are similarities between fencing and judo with Medieval Combat. One set of rules permits tripping and strikes with the head and knees, while another does not. However, both will agree on no striking during weapon loss or when the opponent is on the ground, and where on the body one can and cannot strike. Both sets of rules can be read here (HMBIA) and here (IMCF).

Now that we've gotten the premise and the rules out of the way, you're probably thinking of one thing: This has to be the most dangerous sport that exists today. Believe it or not, it really isn't that bad. In fact, it can be considered safer than American football and even competitive cheerleading. There are the issues in which a knight can suffer a concussion from a poorly blocked blow that went to the helmet, but that's about the worst you can get. Some suffer arm and shoulder injuries (mostly from excessive swinging and blocking) and that can be expected from a type of sport like this.

The most interesting part of all of this is that each respective league keeps the history of Medieval Combat sacred and as historically accurate as possible. While there may be a points system and nobody is expected to die, most fights take place in well-fenced fields and proper padding and armor and weaponry that are used remain faithful to original counterparts. Plus (this is my favorite part), the next IMCF World Championships in Poland will take place at a castle. Holy flipping flip, how cool is that? While YouTube videos exist of fights where they have extreme metal music in the background showing the most painful-looking of hits, that can be rather deceptive of each fight. Sure, there is background music at the venue during each round, but the fights are at the same crowd and excitement level as a boxing match or an MMA bout, just with old school weapons and armor thrown in the mix. There are no reenactments; everything is true-to-form and no-bull.

Because it's a more history-based sport along the lines of martial arts, it has a slim chance to make it to the mainstream in media-booming regions outside of Eastern Europe. However, it has a pretty faithful following and is a pretty great spectacle to tak ea look at. You get history, entertainment, and a rush of excitement all in one. It's like Braveheart meets Highlander meets A Knight's Tale meets every single childhood swordfight you have ever had. And personally, I hope this catches on even more. If you want to see some fights and highlights for yourself, check these two videos out. (1 - 2)

--AZ

[Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go watch some more videos and buy myself a foam sword to train.]

Welcome to Fantasy Land!

I can't believe it's taken me almost four and a half years to write about this topic. Excuse me while I give the "oh my God, you might be stupid" face to myself.

It's time to set the mood for this post. How about some Earth, Wind, & Fire? Don't like them? That's okay. Groovy things just might not be for you.

Have you ever wished to be a part of a sports organization? Did you ever want your dreams in Madden or in NBA 2K to become a reality? Has your tendency of being an armchair coach or analyst gotten to a point where any of your friends or family members have to leave the room or throw something at you to shut up? If that last part is true, I'm laughing at you in my corner. But I digress.

Have you ever thought of joining a fantasy league?

...No, not that kind of fantasy, you silly goose.

Fantasy leagues are extremely popular among sports fans in the realms of American football, baseball, soccer, and even basketball and hockey. [Fun fact: Through asking my friends on Facebook, I've found out that there is fantasy NASCAR. Yes. You can wrinkle that eyebrow.] The most common fantasy leagues take part in the workplace, as many offices and groups have their respective leagues for their employees to participate. Others can include groups of friends, or even church groups. You can either do these leagues for no charge, or you can participate in a league where there is money involved and the top teams get cash prizes. It may be risky, but people do like that rush sometimes.

Originally, they weren't referred to as "fantasy leagues," but back in the 1950's and 1960's, groups of men would keep track on stats on particular players in sports like baseball and golf and do the math. The trend on keeping baseball stats originated in the 1960's at Harvard University--are you really that shocked--and slowly but surely spread from professors and students, to people around the whole region. By the 1980's, the phenomenon caught the eye of USA Today. The science of keeping stats and checking them by newspaper or magazines became a religion to hundreds of thousands of baseball fans.

Once the Internet took off the water wings, fantasy sports took flight and sites like commissioner.com (now belonging to CBS Sports) and rotonews.com became a mainstay for fantasy sports. The kind of sports covered now blanketed the NFL, NHL, and other major sports in the US and across the pond. In fact, social media is also being afflicted with the fantasy bug, as you can access stats and gameplay through apps and even while watching another program on television.

Draft days for these leagues are usually preceded by a boatload of research and planning for drafting particular players. Even today, magazines are still a necessity, and others check online resources for what the "fantasy experts" say on websites like ESPN, FOX Sports, and CBS Sports. Then on draft day, "commissioners" will park themselves on their computer chairs or couches or whatever they sit on and begin warfare. If they don't do that, they all attend a full-out party at a friend or co-worker's house and do a draft with laptops, white boards, and copious amounts of alcohol and snacks. It's as big as the Super Bowl, when you really think about it--I mean by the snacks and booze and stuff. I don't know how seriously everyone else takes their drafts, but I've seen the big parties before, and they're quite intimidating.

To get some input on what kind of people do fantasy leagues and why, I "took it to the streets," as it were, and asked the question on my personal Facebook page. Interestingly enough, I got all of my answers from males, even when I know that there are a number of girls that do fantasy leagues as well, myself included in that fold. Anyway, based on what I got, the answers on which leagues they played ranged from a number of sports, including Arena Football, NASCAR (as I had mentioned above), soccer, and the most common were baseball and football. It seems like the way they all began was that they were talked into it and found it to be more fun than they had originally thought. Some who had answered had only begun fantasy leagues recently, while others have been doing them for well over a decade. It gave the participants a reason to watch the sport and in watching, they either learned something about the game, or they had more of a drive to work on their team. As one mentioned, "It's a lot of luck" when it comes to taking part in these leagues, as sometimes your research may not always bring you the best results. It also brought a sense of community and understanding among the participants of the league, and it also shakes off poor habits that one may have, especially in the world of gambling.

Admittedly, I got roped into doing fantasy football myself, and to tell the truth, it has really helped me write recaps on the NFL season. Since I have to pay attention to what is going on and how certain players and teams are faring out, it's as if I'm doing homework on these posts weeks in advance. It's like I'm cheating, but I'm totally not. Am I good at fantasy football? I think the best I ever did was a 7-7 season, and that was because I had the common sense to draft halfway decent wide receivers. Anyway, it works a part of your brain when it comes to common sense, strategy, and the part to love every athlete and give them a chance. It sounds really cheesy, but it's totally true. There are some players that others want nothing to do with, but they'll get points where it counts most. Tough love, I suppose.

Fantasy leagues are a fun way to compete with others, money or not, and it also helps people learn more about the sport. While you may not like the idea strictly for the fact that you're afraid you won't stick with it, you may be wrong. I have gotten competitive on numerous occasions with people I have never met before. It really is a different experience that I would recommend. If you want to learn more about a sport and want to develop a different bond with friends, a fantasy may be a good idea for you. Ha ha ha.

--AZ

(Many thanks to Billy DeRosier, Alex Hamell, Andrew McErlean Jr, and Brian Barrish for their input on this post. Invisible fruit baskets will be delivered to your door soon.)

The MLB Midseason Slant for 2014 - Checkpoint

Three posts in less than a week? Yes. I make that happen. I'm a writer, and I'm happy to do this as much as I can. Plus, I also enjoy baseball.

To say the least, this baseball season started off with a bang. Sure, it always seems to do that, but it had some different colors and offseason stories that kept people that were involved with other sports talking about baseball. Regardless of whether it was good or bad press, it was still talk that stayed fresh in the minds of others. Now, we're halfway through the season, and things should start heating up.

We've seen another Japanese pitching powerhouse in Masahiro Tanaka, an ARod-less Yankees, the expansion of the Instant Replay rule, and numerous shocks and misses. We've seen many more baseball beards, and we're thick in the Derek Jeter farewell tour. If this was a soap opera, we'd be waiting for the gauntlet to be thrown and for things to start getting messy. Well, it very well could be. However, let's rest at this checkpoint and get some health items before we face the boss of this level.

2014 MIDSEASON SLANT

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Eastern Division

Overview: Admittedly, I find this to be a quiet division so far this year. While there are some hard-hitters and big names here, there hasn't been much contention as of yet. Then again, things could change come September.

Washington Nationals (51-42) - In a division where hitting isn't necessarily king, the team with the stronger overall pitching reigns supreme. This is where the Nationals thrive, and there are some diamonds in the rough, especially coming out of the bullpen and their back-end of the dugout. Crazy, I know, but this is the kind of stuff that lets you know that there's a good team on your hands--everyone steps up when called. I look forward to seeing these guys making a possible October run. It's totally possible.

Atlanta Braves (52-43) - If you're looking for a well-rounded team that has had bumps and bruises, you've got it here. They've had rough games and such, but we've got a team that's just starting in it's stride. Freddie Freeman is having the season of his life, and Julio Teheran is making a great showing so far in the starting rotation. Another upside is that they have utmost faith in their reserves, and if they're going to win out the East, that faith has to continue.

New York Mets (45-50) - You tend to ask yourself how a team could be so streaky, but then you look at the Mets and realize that it does happen, and you wonder when things will stabilize with the team. It didn't help matters that they lost some strong pitchers to the evil Tommy John in the beginning of the season, and it also doesn't help that there's inconsistent hitting all throughout the team. Things could get ugly if the team doesn't get reinforcements by the end of the month.

Miami Marlins (44-50) - For what it's worth, these guys make good showings in different categories. It seems like every time I turn around, this team gets younger and younger, eventually becoming sellers to better teams. So far, the rotation has been effective, and hitters like the mighty Giancarlo Stanton have looked mighty fine in their roles. Are they contenders? Not yet. They can threaten races, but there will be nothing to really get excited about in Floridaland--especially in St. Pete as well. [You'll see below in the AL.]

Philadelphia Phillies (42-53) - From a fan's perspective, this team took another nosedive this year. With numerous injuries and lack of depth in what seems like a veteran lineup, there's about as much inconsistency here than ever before. There really isn't a single player that stands out as being a hard-hitter, except maybe for Chase Utley, who has been the most consistent driving force on this team for a long while. This hurts my soul. Really. (And I can't wait to see more Cliff Lee.)

Central Division

Overview: This is always the most hard-hitting division in the National League. The top three spots are always extremely close, and save for the last place team, this is as close as anything. I love it.

Milwaukee Brewers (53-43) - These guys are a whole package and do not mess around. Although they had a weird losing streak at the beginning of the month, the monstrous start they had hasn't affected their standings for the most part. Jonathan Lucroy is being a total beast behind the plate, and pitching monsters Kyle Lohse and Yovani Gallardo are leading the charge into what will seemingly be a fight to the finish.

St. Louis Cardinals (52-44) - Despite a few pitching hiccups to guys that led them to the World Series last year (WachaWachaWacha!!), the lineup has remained relatively healthy, and have relied on low-scoring games and strong defense to win as much as they have. Guys like Yadier Molina and Matt Carpenter have been busting through as usual, and pitching forces Adam Wainwright and Lance Lynn are using their pitching prowess to keep their team in the game. Shocker, right? We've seen this before, let's see some more.

Cincinnati Reds (51-44) - The Reds have had some issues lately in the injury sector, but seeing how many of these guys should be coming back soon, now's a good a time as any to make a strong run in the second half. The pitching staff has been a gem, having the lowest AVG against in the National League (though they haven't been able to avoid throwing that one pitch over the plate). Despite an injury to Votto and Brandon Phillips, guys like Todd Frazier have stepped up in their absence, keeping the team in the heart of the fight.

Pittsburgh Pirates (49-46) - PNC Park has been a godsend for these guys so far this year; then again, when is it not? The Pirates are a patient hitting staff, seeing the ball rather well and nearing the top of the NL in BB as a unit, as well as OBP (on-base percentage), and of course...getting on base is going to totally kill the other team. While we've seen a lot of uncertainty with the starting rotation, run support has generated a lot of momentum. Behind Andrew McCutchen, how can that go wrong? Honestly.

Chicago Cubs (40-54) - Year in and year out, I feel for these guys. While they don't have the strongest staff on paper, there is a lot of potential. Issue is, they're practically out of the frying pan and into the fire. Based on what I've read/hearing, the Cubs are allegedly a sleeping giant, with a strong farm system. Why they haven't used it yet, I'll never know. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

Western Division

Overview: Ugh. This division looked way more exciting before last month, but this looks like a two-team show from here on out. I can't really go that much farther into it. Then again, it's been like this for the past couple of seasons. Shame, too. I like showdowns in the west. The other west. On TV. ...Nevermind.

Los Angeles Dodgers (54-43) - In the realm of tinseltown, you have a crazy mix of pitching, clutch hitting, and a lot of speed. Not only has this been exciting to watch, it has also been effective on the road, where they have totally dominated for the most part. Guys that have come into their own this year include a speedy Dee Gordon (aka "Flash Jr."), a sophomoric Yasiel Puig, and the whole of the starting rotation consisting of Kershaw, Greinke, Ryu, Haren, and Beckett. Sounds like an all-star cast, doesn't it?

San Francisco Giants (52-43) - For a long time, pitching has been the big draw in the city by the bay. Then again, when you've got a five-star force from Hudson, Vogelsong, Lincecum, Bumgarner, and Cain, of course you'll be a strong force. For the most part, slumps and injury bugs have hit the Giants' offense, and if that keeps up, the pitching (and the bullpen, no less) will have a hard time keeping strong in the second half.

San Diego Padres (41-54) - This team is a total broken record when it comes to team batting average. They haven't had very many bright spots at all in this season, but when it comes to their pitching staff, you've got hot-shots in Ian Kennedy, Tyson Ross, and Huston Street. Too bad they can't be out there all the time. It's all about synchronicity, guys. Work together.

Colorado Rockies (40-55) - Fact: The Rockies have the best team average in the NL. Fact: The Rockies have the worst team ERA in the NL. Well, crap. It looks like there's no middle ground, and the things that matter most aren't showing for much. The DL is jam-packed with pitchers, and while Tulo and company are keeping it real in the batter's box, it takes an old-school second half surge to make magic happen. Whether they can do that remains to be seen.

Arizona Diamondbacks (40-56) - As expected, these guys can hit and show a bit of patience at the plate, but they're sloppy and don't have the strongest of pitching staffs. The pitching staff suffered a massive outbreak of the Tommy John and the fielding has suffered numerous shoulder issues. Awkward trend, I must admit. Guys like Goldschmidt and Prado, for the most part, have remained consistent and strong amid a frail period in the team.


AMERICAN LEAGUE

Eastern Division

Overview: "You are traveling in another dimension; a dimension not only of sight and sound, but of mind..." Yes, this division looks flipped compared to years past, but I am so not complaining about the differences among it all. It keeps things interesting, y'know? Not gonna lie though...this division looks like a hospital.

Baltimore Orioles (52-42) - While this team doesn't have the strongest and most well-known of starting rotations, this team is in sync and very scrappy. However, I couldn't help but notice that Chris "Crush" Davis has already struck out over 100 teams this season. While discipline is the least of their worries, it's pitching consistency and constant clutch hitting that'll get them to October. It's nice to not see these guys floundering in the basement like I did when I first started these.

Toronto Blue Jays (49-47) - I saw the DL for this team and almost said "wtf" in front of my own mother. Statwise, they don't have the steadiest of squads, but don't let that fool you. They know when to scratch each others' backs when absolutely possible, especially via the long ball. This sort of teamwork will be noticed, and it could take a team really far, especially when you've got a good mix of veterans and rookies making their way up the ranks. Are they a Wild Card team? That remains to be seen. The Division pennant is still a ways away. (#batflip)

New York Yankees (47-47) - Thanks to the media, we've been immersed in the phenomenon that is Derek Jeter's final season. For the most part, this has disguised that this team is getting older and this team is getting hurt way more often than most. Interestingly enough, there was a statistic showing Tanaka and Sabathia's DL stint, and that this is more DL payroll than what most teams have on their active roster. Anyway, there are some hard-hitters, but there are also some that haven't had the chance to shine. Go figure.

Tampa Bay Rays (44-53) - While these guys do have their good days, they haven't had a consistent enough lineup to really get a good run started. A rough month of June really staggered any glimmer of hope for the Rays in the first half, and the wavering faith of the fans doesn't help the hometown momentum any. However, it's good to see that David Price and Chris Archer are doing extremely well so far this season.

Boston Red Sox (43-52) - At the All-Star Break, we have the reigning World Series Champions scratching their heads in the basement of the AL East. While they boast a scary-looking pitching staff (Peavy's 1-8 record is rather sad-looking), they're toward the bottom in hitting, as injuries and inconsistent at-bats are really causing the team to suffer and not give the pitching any run support despite making a good showing.

Central Division

Overview: Ah, the division that I always touch last. Why? I have absolutely no idea. That always seems to happen. But you know what? Just for good measure, I made sure I finished this division first. Take that, history of poor love between me and AL Central.

Detroit Tigers (53-38) - Grant it, you might think that Miggy Cabrera might be the highlight of this team here, but you're sorely mistaken. Other offensive powerhouses like Ian Kinsler and Victor Martinez have aided this offense-heavy squad along in the Central in these past few months. While the pitching staff is shakier than average, there is a veteran starting rotation that has been to the depths and back. The bullpen...I'm not so sure. That's obviously their weakest link right now.

Kansas City Royals (48-46) - As far as stats look, they seem to be the middle of the pack, but don't let that fool you. They've been steady as far as health goes, and they're keeping this race close for the most part. The hitting staff, most notably Alcides Escobar, has been very consistent, and have come up really big against stronger pitching staffs, which is great. My main concern is the next few months and the lack of experience moving forward. Let's see what happens.

Cleveland Indians (47-47) - We've seen a lot of injury as far as the outfielders go in a city that might just care more about the Cavs now. In any case, we don't have a steady starting rotation, and the fact that the team isn't the cleanest one fielding-wise in the AL (bottom in fielding PCT and tops in Errors) are just some of the problems that the team has to fix if they want to get a Wild Card spot. However, I will admit: Michael Brantley is fun to watch. Check out some tape of him and you shouldn't be disappointed.

Chicago White Sox (45-51) - Hiccup after rough hiccup, this team trudges on. With a lot of injury woes in the pitching sector, as well as a lot of fielding skips, things don't look all that great right now. For the casual outsider, the big story out of this team is rookie Jose Abreu. Despite an injury earlier this season, he's been the big guy among this team, putting on spectacles for numerous baseball fans around the country. Sometimes you don't have to be on the best team in order to make a splash.

Minnesota Twins (44-50) - Lack of consistent players, injuries, and uncertainty in management is currently the bane of this team's existence. Lack of run support and capitalizing on opportunities can be a real killer for these guys too. Oh, and when Joe Mauer isn't hurt, he's a gem. The team has a lot of potential, it's just that luck refuses to be on the side of these guys.

Western Division

Overview: Here we see the dreaded "NBA effect," where you see some really amazing teams, and then the "50 feet of crap then this team" deal. But you know what? This is where the spoilers are born.

Oakland Athletics (59-36) - WELCOME TO THE LAND OF BEARDS AND GANGS. The best strengths are from the bearded wonders on the rubber; the addition of Samardzija before the break really pumps things up too. Their incorporation of small ball and smart plate appearances really boost their odds of making it past the first round this October; however, this time, they really have to want it. Everyone's getting a piece of the pie so far this year, so things look pretty good.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (57-37) - We've got a team of a bunch of legends and stars, and so far, they've made a great showing. In a tight division such as this, keeping that fire in the belly is key. Health will be a big part of this, considering you have an aging Pujols, and youth with an exceptional amount of speed and talent in Erick Aybar and Mike Trout. You wouldn't want to lose that. Plus, the pitching staff has remained steady. That has to stick around too. Don't burn out by September, y'know?
(Quick question: How is it mathematically possible to have a pitcher with a *.** ERA? I'm being 100% serious right now.)

Seattle Mariners (51-44) - As far as plate discipline goes, you're not going to get the strongest and most patient hitters from Seattle, except if you're Robinson Cano and Kyle Seager. In the pitching areas, you have a strong leader in King Felix Hernandez (11-2? Yes please.) and a very tricky bullpen. While they aren't in a tight race right now, they're keeping things interesting. The one thing that needs to be learned is patience, patience, and more patience. Things will come in time, and that time could give them the momentum for a fiery final month.

Houston Astros (40-56) - I sincerely hate saying this, but you almost come to expect this every season from Houston. Like, they have momentum in the beginning, and then it dies a slow and painful death. It also doesn't help that they barely have a payroll and their management is practically at vegetable status. However, if there is one thing that is going totally right with this team, it's Jose Altuve, and he is definitely proving his worth. Too bad he'll most likely be traded in turn for prospects.

Texas Rangers (38-57) - Whaaaaaa....?! While in the midst of an eight-game losing streak, everything seems to be going wrong with them. A streaky squad, they still own star power in Yu Darvish and Adrian Beltre, but there's no sense of teamwork and any kind of sync in the team. They've been at the top for a long time, and this is a wake-up call to do some maintenance. Their pitching has been figured out, as they've given up the most ER in the AL, and it looks like the average hitting staff isn't enough to stop the bleeding. Fight for dignity now, boys.

_______________________

Needless to say, we've seen a lot of freak injuries and a lot of unsung heroes in these 40-man rosters so far. Hopefully we still get to see a lot more new stars, as well as some of these accidents curbed. It's a strange request, but I couldn't begin to tell you how many guys I saw that I barely recognized on each squad, and I've been covering this stuff for over four years now.

In any case, here's to hoping that MLB's finest got a good amount of rest during this All-Star Break. Checkpoint: over.

Let's begin the second half.
See y'all (rather, ten of you) in October.

--AZ

AZ's Slant on Sunday - 2014 FIFA World Cup: A Retrospective

Oh, great. Now I'm not going to have anything to watch on TV before nightly baseball. I guess I can't always have nice things.

As eventful as this past month has been, it has gone by so quickly. Then again, that always seems to happen when you're having fun and enjoying the moment. While I'm sad that the World Cup is now over, a new chapter in football is starting to unfold, and we have seen the dawn of new stars,  the birth of legends, and the last stands of veterans throughout this tournament. Outside controversies aside, we have seen an incredible display of skill, playmaking, and excessive nail-biting. We've had more excitement than you can shake a yellow card at, and after this World Cup, there is no possible way for you to tell me that soccer is boring. No sir.

Even if you don't follow the sport, I've laid out a couple of the highlights from this Cup. A lot of them bear repeating, and there may be a few things you hadn't thought about during the tournament. Shall we?

One last time... OHHH-AAAYYY-AHHHHHH

There were more fireworks during this World Cup than in the previous Cup.
Throughout the 2010 World Cup, 145 goals were scored. That amount was reached during the knockout rounds in this World Cup. In this tournament alone, 171 goals were scored. Ten of those goals were hammered against host country Brazil in their final two matches. There were a lot of tears as well.

Goal-line technology wasn't a terrible idea.
This World Cup introduced a slice of the 21st Century in the implementation of goal-line technology. Because this is such a huge event, and every call needs to count, numerous cameras were set up around each net to monitor close calls to see whether close shots should be counted as goals or not. These analyses were also shown to the crowds in each stadium, much like the instant replays you'll see in MLB, the NHL, and the NFL. There were times in which is did come in handy, so the first time doing this wasn't a total bust.

Spain, England, and Italy looked bad, and they should feel bad.
We're looking at three countries from UEFA (Union of European Football Associations), which is arguably the powerhouse conference compared to the rest of the world. Neither of these three teams made it out of the Group Stages, and especially in the case of 2010 Champion Spain, this really opened up a can of worms in the football world. Now grant it, Germany won the whole thing, but you know a change is coming when CONCACAF--represented this year by the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Honduras--had a better showing as a whole than three teams that have the finances in their respective countries for leagues that also enhance talent. Sure, a lot of CONCACAF players play for UEFA clubs, but still. Winds of change, ladies and gentlemen.

This is has been unofficially named the "Pope Cup."
Pope Francis is from Argentina. Pope Benedict XVI is from Germany.
May I begin the hilarious mental imagery for you?

An American referee did Major League Soccer proud.
Here's looking at you, Mark Geiger.

Despite the U.S. Men's National Team going out in the Round of 16 (again), we have much more to be proud of this time around.
Don't get me wrong, I would have loved to see the US take on Argentina in the quarterfinal, even though they'd have probably succumbed to Lionel Messi somehow. But after the build of soccer support here at home, this is only the beginning. They've gotten attention from the mainstream media--although most of it was satire--but hey, any exposure is good, right? Brian Barrish of The Soccer Desk sums up this journey quite well here.

Ann Coulter earned her full-time status as an idiot in the Football Universe.
And I responded in my own, special way.

The Brazuca ball used in Brazil was infinitely better than the Jabulani ball used in South Africa.
You're probably wondering what language I'm speaking right now. These names are the different balls used for the previous two World Cups. Because of the aerodynamic design of the Jabulani, players often had difficulty curving the ball on free kicks, and the overall design was rather unique in the sense that it was hard to use. How, I'm not exactly sure, but I've never played a pickup game with one. But from first-hand experience, the Brazuca ball was a huge step in the right direction as far as the ball design for this World Cup. You don't notice it on television of course, but the design is rather innovative. Similar to a basketball, there are very small dimples on the ball, and considering that there were a handful of matches played on nearly-flooded pitches, this really made a difference in traction and overall movement on different grounds. Take it from me, a slippery ball is a massive pain in the behind, and with the Brazuca, things seemed a little less hairy in the elements for the men out there.

There was another biting incident. Plus, diving was curbed.
Luis Suarez, really? Oh, and diving is the Son of Soccer Satan. Oddly enough, I cover both of these subjects in a previous post. You should check that out right now.

This was a very eventful World Cup, that's for certain.

For my piece on the 2010 World Cup from South Africa, you can check it out here. Yes, my blog existed during the last World Cup, and it's one of the few posts from my first year of blogging that I can willingly stomach. It's a cute little time machine. This World Cup made me forget how that US loss to Ghana in stoppage in the Round of 16 killed my spirits. Well, I relived that in two sentences, and I realized that the loss to Belgium could have been as deadly to my sanity as that.

I'm certainly looking forward to the 2018 World Cup in Russia, and I am definitely excited for next year's Women's World Cup in Canada. Yes, that's what got me started in '99, after all. Let's not fool around here.

Long live this sport. Except for the diving. That can die a fiery death.

--AZ

Red Whines: Fit for a King

I don't know... Maybe I have been getting more easily irritated as of late. Maybe I'm making a big deal out of the media overload involving LeBron James. Or maybe I'm not as crazy as I think. We'll find out.

First, I see the #beforeLeBrondecides on Twitter.

(ex. "I am going to win an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay #beforeLeBrondecides")

Then, I see "I'm coming home."

Finally, I can't get away from it all. 

Who, in this technological age, really can, anyway?

If you have watched any sort of news coverage over the past 48 hours, whether it's been broadcast TV or cable, you have probably heard the name "LeBron James" thrown in there once or twice. Even if you weren't paying attention, you had to have heard a name drop on television. And if you've been on Facebook, Twitter, or Reddit, heaven help you. You might have gotten flooded with the news that NBA superstar LeBron James has left the Miami Heat and has a feature in the latest issue of Sports Illustrated that he is returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers, most likely to finish his career there. After playing in South Beach for four years and winning two NBA Championships there, he is being called the "prodigal son" in many cases.

In response, the NBA fandom (as well as many of its players) was thrown into a gargantuan frenzy. Yes, the word "gargantuan" was absolutely necessary, specifically for the point that it was something that you didn't exactly expect unless if someone was attempting to pen a happy ending somewhere on this earth. While many NBA fans had hoped and dreamed that LeBron would be going to their home team, everyone pretty much knew that the inevitable decision to leave Miami was going to be one for the ages. And it certainly was. If you follow sports at all, the words "I'm coming home" was all you needed to hear in order to know how this all ended. As it stands, LeBron James will be playing in a Cavaliers jersey once again.

Remember when all of those sad Cleveland fans were burning their James jerseys in the streets and stuff? How stupid do you think they feel right now? They've admitted their excitements and their apologies to the man who was raised in nearby Akron, Ohio. Some might not be as forgiving, such as the ones saying: "you still left us behind." However, his skipping out of Miami has left the Heat franchise with an awfully uncertain-looking group of players in their hands. On top of the major story, sports outlets like ESPN made sure to note that James' move to the Cavs has greatly increased the team's chances of making the playoffs and winning the NBA Championship next season and the lack of team power on the Heat has decreased those chances to 100-1 for them. In my mind, I'm like:

"OH MY GOD, WHO CARES?"

It was honestly like ESPN was going out of their way to make sure that this news story was the biggest thing to ever happen in the history of sports. While it is in its own right, c'mon, people. Horrible stuff is happening in Israel right now. I'm pretty sure that is more important that the Cavaliers' chances and the Heat's chances of winning the NBA Championship next June. It's not sports, but really. We're making this whole "return home" a bigger filmmaking magnet than it should. I'm pretty sure there are other human beings that agree on this and just don't talk about it because that involves people having to talk about it and later roll their eyes, groan, and question why they even wanted to bring up this whole story in the first place. It truly is a vicious cycle, isn't it?

For the longest time, LeBron James has not only been a "king" of the court, but he's also been the media "king" in regards to the basketball world. His skill that has often been compared to (and often argued to surpass) the accomplishments of Michael Jordan. Not only that, he has also been given an image of being a bit too big for his britches, regardless of what kind of person he is on and off the court. Nevertheless, he is the center of attention as being one of the biggest, most marketable athletes in the entire world. Plus, since he is at the status, he is also at the helm of being wrecked and being the center of public scrutiny. Why? Is it jealousy from the general public? Is it irritation from his face and name being plastered everywhere not just in the sports world, but also in mainstream media? There really is no clear-cut answer to this.

The main question that remains is this: Does he really deserve all of this fanfare?

Let's put things into perspective here... When Michael Jordan "semi-retired" and came back to play for the Washington Wizards, it wasn't made into this humongous deal. Then again, he didn't have this big deal of an interview saying that he was going to go to another team because he wanted to move on to bigger and better things. While Jordan still played for the Wizards, he will always be known for rocking with the Chicago Bulls in the 1990's. In LeBron's case, he was the standout star for Cleveland before leaving for Miami four seasons ago. He was going to another team that had other basketball titans that could roll with his style, and it was practically written in the stars that a team like that could win gold. This is the big thing that Cavs fans and supporters knew and refused to stomach. He is arguably the best player to wear a Cavs jersey, and now he is coming back to the team he once started with.

Here's a big kicker though... have we seen what kind of players the Cavs have now? It's almost like the shoe that Miami wore is on the other foot. Cleveland (even before LeBron made his announcement) looked like a contender, and now those odds have skyrocketed. LBJ is a playmaker, and his experience in the playoffs and his ability to make magic can make a difference. Ego aside, King James is the real deal. It's just annoying that the media is gushing over him as much as they are. We know he's good, and he might be a King Midas of sorts, but good gravy, he's not a demigod or whatever you want to call it.

The attention he is getting is fit for a king. One thing is for certain, he is handling it well. However, can the media handle their own self-imposed frenzy and come down from it soon enough? Probably not. Heck, I still don't think they've gotten over Donald Sterling yet. Oh well. One can always hope.

Now that I've gotten this out of the way, can we talk about other sports now? I know he's with Cleveland. I am content with this. Let us move on, ladies and gentlemen.

--AZ