Trying to keep to our more or less monthly updates, I thought I'd file a midseason baseball report for you faithful Preachers followers who are in withdrawal of our weekly show. I would say the two biggest stories of the first half were the emergence of the Tampa Bay Rays (in spite of a pre-break slide) and the huge offensive numbers being put up by a reborn Josh Hamilton (95 RBI at the break and an impressive HR Derby display). The Mets were surrounded by much drama, fired Willie, and now have seemingly found their groove before the Phils, Marlins, et al were able to build any kind of serious lead. The Cubbies have been frontrunning all year and Torre seems to have the Dodgers ready to make a run at the NL West. The BoSox have been pretty matter-of-fact and, with Ortiz in Pawtucket, would seem to be the favorites to win the AL East. The Yanks have hovered around .500 most of the year, but still have a good deal of talent, the biggest question being whether they can overcome the loss of Chien-Ming Wang. The Tigers have been a disappointment, but not as much as the Indians and Mariners. Did I really pick those two to win their respective divisions? Meanwhile, the Angels already seem to be on cruise control while the Twins are once again surprising people. Who needs Johann anyhow?
The All Star Game was fun, so long as you stayed awake! Fear of a tie seemed to dominate the last few innnings. I have to say it was cool seeing the All Star festivities at the Stadium, but can't help but feel that a proper closing can't happen until October. And what's the deal with Fox not showing the Village People doing the YMCA with the Yankee ground crew?
So if you read all that, let us know what you're thinking. The dog days of summer are underway!
