COLUMN: Mid-summer baseball report

   Well here is my annual mid-season baseball report that to those that know me will be mostly Chicago Cubs-related. Sorry, I am not going to apologize to you Yankee and Cardinal sympathizers!

     Now that we are a few games past the All-Star break, I think it is safe to say there are a few surprises so far atop the NL and AL standings. For me, of course, the fact that the defending World Champions were below .500 at the break has to be the biggest story.

     Cub fans were expecting another season like last year. Or at least a similar season. The Cubs are not showing their true talent in both clutch hitting situations and starting pitching. If that doesn’t change they will be watching the playoffs.

     So the Cubs struck first with the first major trade of the season by acquiring Jose Quintana from the White Sox for prospects. Washington followed that up by bolstering their bullpen with a trade to Oakland.

     With the trade deadline just a couple weeks away it will be interesting to see what other teams do to make their run to the playoffs.

     Other teams that have surprised me so far would be the Astros, Red Sox and Brewers. All three teams lead their divisions. Houston looks like they could be the team to beat. The Mets, Cardinals and Pirates are three teams I thought would be better.

     The Twins and Brewers are both having good seasons so far. Arizona has a great record at 53-39 but find themselves 10 games back of the Dodgers. You can add the Yankees as another team that is playing outstanding baseball with an exciting group of young players.

     So here is how I see the season playing out. In the NL the Nationals, Cubs and Dodgers will win their divisions. The two wildcard teams will be the Brewers and Diamondbacks. When it’s all said and done, the NL will be represented by the Dodgers in the World Series.

     The AL may be harder to figure out. The Astros are in for sure. I still think the Royals can put on a run but in the end Cleveland wins their division. Can the Yankees catch the Red Sox? The Rays may factor into that scenario as well. I’m going to stick with Boston.

     The two AL wildcard teams will be Yankees and Rays. I think the Twins will falter. Don’t be surprised though if the Mariners make a move. I’d like to see Houston be the team to face the Dodgers in the World Series. The only problem there is no one from the AL is going to beat LA.