Five most surprising teams
Posted: Friday, June 29, 2007 4:00 PM
Approaching the halfway mark of the season, here are the five most surprising teams in baseball:
ARIZONA
The young talent has been building over the last two years, but the Diamondbacks ability to sustain winning through the first half is impressive and a positive statement on manager Bob Melvin. Early in the season some coaches of an NL West rival of Arizona's told me they feared the Diamondbacks' roster, but were unsure that the youth could hold up through a baseball summer.
Eric Byrnes has been a catalyst, and it's amazing that Arizona was unwilling to sign him to a multi-year deal. But the veteran is leading the way for the kids.
What they need most: Health for Randy Johnson, consistency for Livan Hernandez, and continued stealth closing from Jose Valverde.
MILWAUKEE
Like with Arizona this isn't a shock as much as a pleasant surprise. The pieces were in place, but the degree to which the Brewers are maturing and meshing has given them a comfortable edge in a weak division.
Milwaukee had to suffer through a lot of losing, but the Brewers finally are reaping the benefits of strong drafting and player development. Their future looks strong, but for this year the only potential hurdle they seem to face is injury, particularly in the bullpen. The Cubs are starting to move, but the Crew should have enough to withstand.
What they need most: The Turnbow-Cordero closing combo to stay healthy and wise.
COLORADO
A rare bullpen collapse has cost the Rockies the momentum created by their recent sweep of the Yankees. But there is still room for hope after a .500 mark through the first 76 games. The same theme as above: young players have emerged (Troy Tulowitski) or solidified (Matt Holliday, the NL's best outfielder in the first half).
What they need most: A good second half from their unheralded bullpen and more pop from Todd Helton.
CLEVELAND
The Indians have responded to the pressure. Last year's disappointment is behind them. A remade bullpen has succeeded, particularly after an ugly April meltdown at Yankee Stadium. C.C. Sabathia is having a breakout year to reach the top echelon of starters, but no hitter is having a career year. If Travis Hafner (the game's purest DH) and/or Grady Sizemore have a ripping second half, it should allow the Indians to separate from Detroit and claim the division title.
What they need most: One monster second half from a hitter.
L.A. ANGELS
Most thought they would be good, but .636 ball? No way. Reggie Willits has been a find, compensating for a no-show in Garrett Anderson. Gary Matthews has soared past his nightmare spring (HGH allegations), and been solid. Vlad Guerrero is simply astounding, and Orlando Cabrera has recaptured his Montreal prime form that lifted him, briefly, to the top of the NL shortstop heap. The pitching is exemplary, deep starters and a lights-out bullpen.
What they need most: To play well in head-to-head games with Oakland, lessening the chances of a patented second-half A's surge.
