A number of factors could impact the outcomes of the American League pennant races. Close races are often decided by specific factors that baseball management teams consider as they prepare for the finish line. Let's take a look at some of those factors.
-Phil Hughes is providing stability in the 7th and 8th innings as a bridge to Mariano Rivera for the New York Yankees. What had been a major problem is likely solved with the emergence of Hughes in the set-up role. It means the Yankees don't have to worry about that role as they plan for the second half.
-Howie Kendrick has returned from his stint in Triple-A a much improved hitter. His snooze behind him, he looks like the potential batting champion many had predicted. In addition, Kendry Morales is gaining power with his quick, level stroke and Juan Rivera is proving the Angels brass correct in their offseason evaluation of the power-hitting outfielder. It will be the bullpen that continues to give the Angels heartburn.
-Magglio Ordonez will be owed an awful lot of money if he meets incentives in his current contract. The Tigers have a major decision to make. Do they retain Ordonez or cut him loose? Do they try to trade him in a financially strapped market? Their season is going well, but Ordonez looms in the shadows.
-Carlos Quentin is returning from a very serious heel injury. Is he coming back too soon? Will he erode his skills by compensating his swing in some way? Will he re-injure the heel or his leg? He will likely have to get more rest in the second half, impacting his overall value to the team.
-Clay Buchholz provided a great start for the Red Sox upon his return to the big leagues. Will he continue to get big league hitters out? If he can, he provides even greater depth to an already very deep pitching staff. That depth is exactly what the Red Sox can use if they wish to make a trade at the deadline.
-How much has Francisco Liriano lost on his fastball? It seems like it's quite a bit of both zip and movement. He isn't the same Liriano that we saw before his surgery. The Twins will need a strong Liriano and the return of Kevin Slowey (wrist strain) if they wish to stay in the race. The Twins have not played well on the road, a factor that has to change if they want to catch Chicago and Detroit.
-Unlike their opponents in the American League East, Tampa Bay doesn't have the resources to go out and either purchase or trade for the final piece to the puzzle. They could use bullpen help and probably an additional big bat. If B.J. Upton doesn't hit, the East could really slip away.
-Seattle is really on the brink of success. What do they do now? Are they in the race or not? If they aren't, then they can try to trade Erik Bedard, Jarrod Washburn and/or Adrian Beltre. The next two weeks are really crucial to the future of the Mariners. They will weigh their options very carefully. Their phenoms at Double-A aren't quite tested enough to declare them a solid contender for the future. But they certainly are much improved.
-Economic constraints on some clubs (Texas comes to mind) will really impact the races. Texas just may not have the financial resources to shore up their team. However, the return to the lineup of a healthy Josh Hamilton has given a tremendous jolt to the offense. This is the time of year to watch those front office moves.
Contender? Pretender? We'll see. That's my opinion. I'm interested in yours. Comment below or email me at thebigstrawhat@aol.com Next: Let's look at the National League