Stretch Run: National League West

After a long weekend trip that took me to my first MLB game this summer, I’m back home ready to hit the [writing] board.

Last week I started a stretch run preview with the National League East and spent a good amount of time talking about a non-contender more than the contenders, mainly because I feel the two beasts of the east are shoe-ins for the playoffs.

That said, the western division of the National League is going to be very, very appealing. As of today, (Tuesday, July 22) you’ve got the Dodgers and Giants tied for the NL West, and not a soul within sight after that. At 56-45, and 55-44 respectively, I think only one of the Dodgers and Giants can make the playoffs because of the four-team race in the NL Central and the top to bottom strong Nats and Braves in the East.

Stretch Run: National League East

With the All-Star break in the rearview mirror now, the second half of the MLB season will take center stage as we go full steam ahead to the trade deadline and then hit the dog days of summer in August. It seems like every year we say “this is going to be one of the most active trade deadlines we’ve seen in recent memory”, in fact I think I said that in a few trade deadline previews I’ve put together already.

As it stand, and if you watched the All-Star game, you probably saw this stat, there are more teams within a game and a half of their respective divisions at the all-star break than at any point in MLB history, as you’ve got five teams that fit that criteria right now.

MLB Trade Deadline Focus: Philadelphia Phillies

As I sit down on a Tuesday afternoon to type this edition of our trade deadline focus, the Philadelphia Phillies remain one of the leagues most intriguing storylines, not because of their play on the field, though that is part of the intrigue. It is in large part is because of the line they flirt with on a daily basis between being contenders and not sellers, and being out of any race and looking to shed a ton of payroll.