FIGHTING CHANCE
Mariners, Cardinals, Phillies, Rockies, Diamondbacks, Pirates, Mets, Giants, Rays, Twins.
The Mariners have gone an AL- best 11- 3 since Robinson Cano was sidelined by an injury, which was followed by a suspension for PED use. The emergence of James Paxton as a staff ace has proved a boon, but Felix Hernandez continues to struggle and it’s fair to question whether Seattle has the talent to end the longest playoff drought in major American sports.
Improved starting pitching— a 3.02 ERA compared to 4.13 last season— has kept the Cardinals afloat during Yadier Molina’s absence, but they’ll need a strong return by their star catcher and for Matt Carpenter to continue his recent surge to make a move.
Under the guidance of rookie manager Gabe Kapler, the Phillies are authoring one of the best stories of the early part of the season with a 29- 22 record. At this point last year they were 17- 34. Can the prosperity last?
The Rockies, Diamondbacks and Giants failed to exploit the Dodgers’ multiple injuries and consequent stumbles. Now all four teams are bunched up together, a mere four games separating the first from the fourth, and Los Angeles is coming on hard.
The Twins, sorely lacking in offensive punch, remain alive because the Indians haven’t run away with the dreadful AL Central. The Pirates, Mets and Rays, on the other hand, are finding out hovering around .500 doesn’t do them much good in their respective divisions.