It has been a long summer when it comes to sports. It  all started off with the World Baseball Classic. We saw the best of each country compete for the title of best team in the world; America did not take top prize. In fact, the US was knocked out in the semi-final round and Japan ended up winning the event. On the other hand, the 2009 major league baseball season has been filled with up and downs. Many teams have started off strong but have struggled lately, while other teams have done the opposite.

Starting in the American League East, the New York Yankees started off the season at a slow peace, but now have started playing well. The Red Sox started the season with a good problem (too many pitchers) but not enough spots.The team has also hit a rough patch in the last few weeks, leaving them to fight for a wildcard spot. The Rays have been left in the dust of the Red Sox and Yankee’s and have a small chance to make the play offs. Next, the Central division, which has two teams to watch out for. The Tigers and the White Sox both have a good starting rotation, line up and filled with guys that can win games. Last but not least in the Western division, the main team to watch out for is the Angels. They have one of the best rotations in the league and a lot of power in the starting lineup.

The National league has seen its fair share of tough teams. Starting in the East, the Phillies have signed two new pitchers that could bring them back to the World Series, Cliff Lee and Pedro Martinez. Biting at the Phillies’s heals are the Cubs who are only six games back. In the Central division, the Cardinals seem like the team to beat. Last, but not least, in the Western division, we have the Dodgers, Rockies, and the Giants. The Giants have the best starting rotation in the National League and the best revilers; however the starting lineup cannot produce offensively. The Rockies are a young team with a solid line up and rotation. This team is most likely the underdog team for the NL wild card spot.