Major League Baseball Second-Half Predictions

As we get ready for the Midsummer Classic in Anaheim, here are my division-by-division predictions for the second half of the baseball season:

NL WEST: Look for the GIANTS to win this division. Yes, this is a completely biased pick from this lifelong, diehard Giants fan, but I am genuinely optimistic and confident about my team's chances. Tim Lincecum pitched very well in the first-half, but he is capable of pitching much, much better. He will do just that in the second-half of the season. In addition to Lincecum, the Giants have Barry Zito, Matt Cain, and Madison Bumgarner, all terrific starters. Jonathan Sanchez is the only potential concern in the starting rotation, but if he can improve on his control, he too can be a major asset in the San Francisco rotation during the stretch run. The bullpen was once a weakness for Bruce Bochy's team, but in recent weeks, the likes of Sergio Romo, Chris Ray, Santiago Casilla, Guillermo Mota, Jeremy Affeldt, Denny Bautista, and All-Star closer Brian Wilson have pitched beautifully. And the once-stagnant offense has experienced a significant resurgence in recent weeks, thanks to the remarkable play of young catcher Buster Posey, Aubrey Huff (should be an All-Star), Andres Torres, Juan Uribe, Travis Ishikawa, and Freddy Sanchez. If Pablo Sandoval can get his act together at the plate, the Giants will be in business. As you can tell, I am ecstatic about the second-half for my beloved Orange and Black. Let's go Giants!!!!!

NL CENTRAL: This race, between the Reds and Cardinals, could very well go down to the final weekend of play. It is imperative that Cincinnati get off to a fast start after the All-Star break in order to restore their confidence, which has to be wavering after four gut-wrenching losses in Philadelphia to end the first-half of the season. Still, I like Dusty Baker's REDS to win the division, especially if Joey Votto continues to put up monstrous numbers. Also, there is the sentimental factor for Giants fans: Dusty Baker will always retain a fond place in the hearts of Giants fans everywhere. St. Louis has all the big names (Pujols, Carpenter, Molina), but they have performed with an evident lack of chemistry all season. It will take a far more consistent day-to-day effort if Tony LaRussa's team is to find their way back into the postseason.

NL EAST: After sweeping a hotly competitive four-game series against the Reds, the two-time reigning National League-champion Philadelphia Phillies are starting to show signs that they can claw themselves back into postseason contention. With the likes of Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, and Roy Halladay, Philly is going to be in this race the rest of the way. And eventually, I expect them to surpass the overachieving Mets. But when all is said and done, the Atlanta BRAVES will win the division. Bobby Cox' team has been a joy to watch all season long, and if Jason Heyward can stay healthy the rest of the way, they will be playing October baseball.

NL WILD CARD: The PHILLIES are too good to not make the postseason.

AL WEST: I'm sticking with my prediction that the RANGERS will win this division. New acquisitions Bengie Molina and Cliff Lee will, I believe, bolster them into the postseason. But I must admit, getting swept in four games by the god-awful Orioles is an embarrassing way to limp into the All-Star break. Texas is going to have to avoid such lapses in the second-half if they are to hold off the dangerous Angels. Mike Scoissia is one of the best managers in baseball, and his team will be a formidable threat in the second half. One team that will not be a threat is the Seattle Mariners. It is astounding how the Mariners get worse every season, even though they have a seemingly improved roster year-in and year-out. With the extraordinarily talent of Ichiro, Felix Hernandez, and Chone Figgins, there is no excuse for Seattle's ineptitude.

AL CENTRAL: This is going to be one hell of a race the rest of the way. The Tigers and Twins will put up a game effort, but in the end, the division crown will go to the hottest team in baseball right now, the Chicago WHITE SOX. By his standards, Ozzie Guillen has been relatively shy on outbursts this season. Perhaps that's because his team has been playing so incredibly well. Led by All-Star Paul Konerko, the Sox are responsible for the baseball excitement in Chicago this season, as the Cubs are having a down year. The White Sox will have to deal with the absence of Jake Peavy, who is out for the season due to injury. But they have more than enough talent on the pitching side, led by Mark Buerhle, to suffice.

AL EAST: Another magnificent three-team race. Those who expect the Rays to fade just haven't been paying attention. Evan Longoria, B.J. Upton, David Price, and company are a legitimate American League contender. The Red Sox enter the All-Star break in remarkably good position for a team that has had to persevere through some truly unfortunate injuries (Dustin Pedroia, Victor Martinez, Josh Beckett). However, the YANKEES are just too good. Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixeira, and company will be familiar faces in October.

AL WILD CARD: You expect Tampa to fade? No way. The RAYS will be back in the postseason.

So there you have it. I like the Giants, Reds, Braves, and Phillies to make the postseason in the National League. In the A.L., I like the Rangers, White Sox, Yankees, and Rays. And remember......................GO GIANTS!!!!!!!