We're well into the dog days of summer - the perfect time to target teams that are either playing for next year already, or wilting under the pressure. Here are a few clubs to keep a close eye on.
*All statistics compiled prior to Tuesday’s games.
On July 1, things were looking up for the L.A. Dodgers.
Having just swept the rival Giants in San Francisco, the Dodgers found themselves tied in the loss column for the NL Wild Card and just 2.5 games out of first place.
Since then, Los Angeles has played .415 baseball (17-24). They trail the Phillies and Giants by seven games in the Wild Card hunt, and are currently in fourth place in the NL West, 11 games behind the division-leading Padres.
After blowing three saves in eight appearances, Jonathon Broxton was recently relieved of his closing duties by manager Joe Torre. The club’s on-field woes have been compounded by injuries to Manny Ramirez, Rafael Furcal, and Russell Martin.
To say the Dodgers are in disarray might be putting it lightly. Owner Frank McCourt’s divorce has been as public as it has been nasty. Despite the Dodgers’ surprising activity around the non-waiver trade deadline, their payroll is down considerably from 2009. From an ownership standpoint, the franchise’s future is up in the air, as is its ability to spend like a large-market team. McCourt’s financial woes have led to widespread speculation that Torre may not return in 2011.
Dave Stewart, former World Series MVP and current agent for star outfielder Matt Kemp, recently broached the subject of the Dodgers and Kemp parting ways, implying that a trade might be best for both parties at this point.
In addition to the all the turmoil, bettors should note that the Dodgers will play 30 of their remaining 43 games against playoff contenders, including 21 games against NL West foes Colorado, San Francisco, and San Diego – all of whom will be eager to drive the final nail into the Dodgers’ coffin.
With the injuries piling up and uncertainty surrounding the team from the ownership down, the Dodgers look like a solid fade the rest of the way.
Other teams worth fading:
The Mets’ 11-19 record since the All-Star break has them 10 games out of first place in the NL East, and looking towards next year. All indications are that manager Jerry Manuel will not be back in 2011, and general manager Omar Minaya may join him on the unemployment line.
Things went from bad to worse on Monday when the team announced that closer Francisco Rodriguez would miss the rest of the season with a torn ligament in his pitching thumb, an injury sustained in a physical altercation with his girlfriend’s father at Citi Field.
The Mets’ 36-22 home record has them sitting at .500, but attendance figures are already low, and New York’s post-break tailspin will make Citi Field a ghost town as the season draws to a merciful end.
Detroit’s fall from contention has been fast and hard. On the morning of July 16, the Tigers found themselves tied in the loss column for first place in the AL Central. They responded by losing four straight to the hapless Indians. That sweep was the beginning of a 10-21 stretch for the Tigers, during which they were outscored by 46 runs.
Detroit now finds itself 10 games out of first place in the division and 14 games out in the Wild Card race.
In the month of August, the Tigers have the worst ERA (4.80) and BAA (.290) in the American League.
MVP candidate Miguel Cabrera continues to rake for the Tigers, but their dramatic descent into irrelevance landed a blow to team morale that bettors would be well served to take notice of.
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