Michael Vick: Is Sky Really the Limit?

In a lot of ways, and for a lot of good reasons, Philadelphia Eagles QB Michael Vick is riding high. He's merely two years removed from being in prison for dog fighting charges. He went from being the free agent that everyone was afraid to take a risk on, to third string QB, to starter and comeback player of the year. There were people that, when Vick was sentenced to prison, thought that he very well may play in the NFL again, but never as a QB (myself among them). He's exceeded every expectation. The Eagles won the NFC East with Vick at the helm in 2010, after filling in and making himself the starter ahead of young QB Kevin Kolb. He was a Pro Bowler that threw for over 3000 yards last season, ran for 600 more, had 30 total TDs and a QB rating of 100.2. Furthermore, Vick has been nothing but a model citizen off the field since paying his debt to society. There have been no more issues, no more run-ins, and he's even admitted to having matured, to wanting to be a better football player and studying harder for his craft.

With all that said, the Eagles' decision to re-up Vick's contract, and give him a 6 year deal that totals $100 million ($40 million guaranteed) is premature. Yes, Vick has done everything stated above, he was indeed an MVP candidate last season. All of his accolades and feats though, have merely occurred in that one singular season. Vick was 30 last year, probably in his prime with fresh legs from not having a full season of NFL impacts for over 3 years. He also was frequently injured and in and out of games. This very well could have been his career year. He is now 31 and not getting any younger. Also, with no film of his revamped style in the Philadelphia system, it was more than likely harder for teams to peg Vick last season. Those advantagess won't last for much longer. I fear too much that last season was the perfect storm for Michael Vick, and although he may still be a quality player in the NFL, he will never repeat the season that he had, and is certainly not worthy of the sizable contract that he just received.

Age is the biggest issue in all of this. Vick will be 36 in the final season of his contract and one of his biggest assets as a player is his incomparable speed at the QB position. Do you really believe he will still move with the same fleet-footedness at the age of 36 that he did at the age of 30 on fresh legs? I don't. Yes his passing has improved, but I do not see him replicating a season of just 6 interceptions, particularly as the aforementioned game film on him continues to grow. Along with Vick's durability issues and the fact he will take a lot of hits due to his scrambling style really one is left with question marks on whether or not such a long term deal was such a good idea. The one silent issue in all of this though is still a very significant one. This contract is the culmination of a PR move and the stunt that everyone that follows the NFL wants to see. That is, Michael Vick's fall and rise back to the top, manufactured for the American public. People will get on this new contract as a great day and a great story for the NFL, and it can be. Its what everyone wants to see, Michael Vick has redeemed himself as a player and a person. That doesn't make the decision to give the contract a good one though, in fact, it could set him up for failure.

Rather, I think another season was a requirement for such a contract. Another season for the Eagles to watch and make sure that Vick could stay healthy, and at least come close to replicating what he did in 2010. If he did, then a big money contract is much more plausible, and a long term one is even more in the cards if there's is a noticeable transition of Vick to being more and more of a pocket passer that can sustain himself at 35 and beyond. In the meantime, a smaller, shorter (although multiyear) deal would have been in the cards for 2011, and then if Vick were to perform at a high level again, the deal could either be extended or restructured.

Putting the pressure of such a contract on him now is irresponsible. For one, as I have stated the Eagles don't know that its truly going to work out, and secondly with the pressure of the NFL fanbase upon him and of all the money Vick is now earning, it could really undermine him, make him press, and cause his future performance to be that much worse. By creating his peak moment, the Eagles may be setting up Vick with all this pressure, to fall right back down again. That is my biggest fear for this deal, and it could be a very real one.

What's the baseline?
By reaching his highest prominence, is Michael Vick being set up for disappointment in his own mind and in the minds of NFL fans everywhere? I fear that very well may be the case, and at the same time, I hope I am wrong.

(photo courtesy of technorati.com)

Little League World Series: Sports Purest Form

With working so many hours this summer it brings me great disappointment to say that I've had a rough time catching up on one of my favorite summer time traditions, that is religiously following the Little League World Series. The Little League World Series seems to be a bit of an acquired taste for some sports fans though, as some find it exceptionally boring. However, there must be a pretty big viewership seeing as ESPN plays is every year, including at prime time slots on their schedule. Its like the World Cup, not everyone gets the allure, but those that do absolutely love it and go out of their way to follow it, just on a smaller scale.

And of all the years to decide to miss so much, I picked a bad one. This was a year of a great story in the Pennsylvania team that came from just 30 miles away to Williamsport (where the games are located) and drew crowds better than if I were to just drive 15 miles to Cleveland and watch my local Major League team on most nights. I'm talking about 40,000+ in the stands to watch these 11, 12, and 13 year olds play, and they deserve it. The entity of Little League Baseball deserves it, and here's why. The Little League World Series is the purest, most fantastic form of sports on a large scale in the world.

Many always remark on how they prefer college sports to pro sports because the players aren't playing for money in college. They are instead playing "because they love the game". That may be very true in a significant number of instances, but you need not look any further than this past summer at all the college football scandals that have arose from college athletes receiving gifts, money, and benefits for their play. There is reason to believe that this type of pay off occurs on a fairly large scale. Needless to say then, college sports, at least at the highest levels are... well... tainted. Its not about love of the game. Its about receiving benefits: cash benefits, material benefits, and so on. If not, then its about working hard so they can one day make money in the NFL, or professionally in general, and its hardly ever about academics or learning. Really, its all about winning and money. And that goes without mentioning the exploitation of the players and extreme greed of the colleges themselves.

On the other hand, Little League Baseball is a non-profit organization. Further, its just kids. Kids from their local towns, the best kids, that do obviously want to win, but its about more than that. Its about a community uniting around a team of youngsters that are playing baseball, and not playing baseball for a multi-year contract, or because some booster is going to drop off a Maybach in their driveway tomorrow morning if the kid homers. They're playing because baseball is fun, and they enjoy the game, and the camaraderie of their teammates. That's what Little League Baseball is all about, and that's what it should be about. Competition of course, but more so, its about the fun (competition, in my opinion, is fun within itself too), bonding, and learning lessons. And that's just another point, these kids learn lessons along the way too, about stamina (it takes a long lasting effort to get all the way to Williamsport), perseverance, winning and losing gracefully, and practice. This is everything sports, especially at an amateur level should be, and everything that sports were before corporations and the American businessman tainted them. I haven't even mentioned the fact that Little League Baseball is a world-wide effort, bringing together nations and cultures. It shows our children that even if were are different, we can at least have this one thing in common that we all enjoy (much like the previously mentioned World Cup does as well). I'm for anything that teaches younger generations to bond and respect other cultures and nations.

I think I'm only scratching the surface, but I paint a pretty good picture of why the Little League World Series should be one of the more respected sporting events on this planet. The game includes the encouragement of hustle and respect for the game, others, and oneself, along with all the other elements I have mentioned. With all that said, if you're one of those that doesn't fall fondly on the Little League World Series, I encourage you to watch one of the remaining championship games (the International championship is on behind me right now), and even if you don't enjoy the style or quality of play, although these young guys still do play pretty well, you can at least enjoy the underlying message that this pure sport provides.

What's the baseline?
The Little League delivers in the way amateur sports really should. Its about the love of the game, and the messages and lessons that sports can teach. The baseball play is quality, but the other elements are really what make it an excellent event.

College Football: PreSeason Top 25

I'll be the first to admit, college sports are not as much of my forte as the pro versions are. With that said, I still follow college football with some regularity and with the start of the season fast approaching I'm throwing my hat into the ring and naming my preseason top 25. There will be brief descriptions to go with each team I mention, and with that said, lets get into it.

1. Alabama
A lot of roster turnover is occurring for the Crimson Tide, especially at the skill positions on offense, but they are still the best team in the best conference in and college football. At least they can always rely on their defense too.

2. Oklahoma
A matchup with Florida St. may tell the tale on whether or not the Sooners can make it to the BCS title game. A road game at a formidable Oklahoma St. team will be big as well. QB Landry Jones is a Heisman candidate among 18 starters returning.

3. Oregon
Oregon's run with USC's fall from grace in the Pac 10 (now PAC 12). The first game of the season may be a landmine as they play LSU, and they have to find a way to outscore Andrew Luck. This is a track team, but a skilled one. I love their chances.

4. LSU
I'm taking Oregon to beat LSU, as you can see, but they're pretty close adversaries. LSU's biggest issue will be not slipping up when they probably play the toughest competition of any team in the country. I don't think this is a team with the mental toughness to make it out unscathed.

5. Boise St.
Another talented team for what has become a consistent powerhouse of a program over recent years. The question remains though, does an undefeated Boise St. command the respect to make the title game? They do play Georgia this year, which adds legitimacy, and undefeated is in the bounds of imagination, but is it enough?

6. Stanford
This team very well may be peaking as Andrew Luck is a senior, but will they be able to replicate last year's fine play without Head Coach Jim Harbaugh? They ease into their schedule nicely which means they can work out the growing pains if needed. They'll give Oregon problems in the PAC 12.

7. Florida St.
Florida St. hasn't been that strong in recent years, but that is looking to change. This is a defense that is looking to step up to the next level. Replacing Christian Ponder may be an issue, but if the Seminoles can score points, they'll be in really good shape.

8. Texas A&M
This is a highly talented team with a very underrated coach in Mike Sherman. I don't know if they can take down Oklahoma, but they're good enough to compete for sure. They return 18 starters and are most definitely poised.

9. Wisconsin
This team is classic Big Ten football as it should be known in the new millenium. They play great defense and are going to run the ball over, through, and around you. The passing attack may be weak, but ball control and defense are going to be not just the name of the game, but the strength.

10. Oklahoma St.
This is a very strong offense but at the same time a defense that could really struggle in return. I think Oklahoma St. is fast enough and skilled enough to outscore at least most of its opponents. Justin Blackmon is a future first round pick.

11. Nebraska
The question is about to be answered potentially about which competition is tougher, the Big Ten or the Big 12. I could see Nebraska coming into the Big Ten with relative ease, at the same time, they may take some lumps with their newfound competition. They're at least built for the Big Ten though, with a fantastic defense.

12. Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech has one of the easiest schedules on the list, including a very easy September. There's not much more to say than that this is just a good, well-rounded football team. Frank Beamer might be one of the more underappreciated coaches in the nation.

13. South Carolina
A lot rides on what Stephen Garcia is able to do given his off-the-field distractions. This is a team with a lot of talent, but having their team leader in such a precarious position, plus playing a tough schedule in the SEC stacks the deck against them. This is a very good team though, they can sort themselves out.

14. TCU
This is a team reloading after a fantastic 2010 season. Reloading doesn't mean a complete drop off the face of the Earth though as TCU is a fantastic team, even for being in the Mountain West. I have questions about the defense though, particularly in facing their tougher opponents (like Boise and Texas Tech).

15. Arkansas
The weight of the season falls in the final 3 games. Arkansas will play Tennessee, Mississippi St, and LSU. If they go above and beyond the call of duty, Arkansas will win all 3 and be a major contender, but I don't see them beating LSU. Head Coach Bobby Petrino has a way with making QBs though, and he's got a new project on his hands with Tyler Wilson.

16. Michigan St.
Michigan St. faces a tough schedule and has to deal with even more now in facing Nebraska. I have no doubt Michigan St. will put up points, but I'm not sure about their toughness or defensive ability against the Big Ten elite. They definitely are a wildcard in the conference though in having a different style.

17. Notre Dame
This could be a big year in the Brian Kelly regime at Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish have a strong defense and an offensive mentor in Kelly to really make some improvements and play some strong games. I fear their schedule gets gradually more difficult though, but they really could peak at the right time to combat that.

18. Mississippi St.
Mississippi St. has a tough battle in the SEC, but its a talented team that could give an Alabama or LSU a handful for 4 quarters. QB Chris Relf could develop into a superb player this season, he is one to watch for and can lead one of the better offenses in the country that you may not notice.

19. Missouri
This team is easily not Oklahoma good, or Texas A&M good either. Their biggest weakness will be stopping the pass with a bunch of new defensive backs in their ranks. Longevity is another issue, last year's team was 7-0 before crashing to Earth. Can Missouri play effectively for a full season?

20. West Virginia
The Mountaineers are the Big East's first appearance in the Top 25, and with a weak conference they don't command much respect. This is easily the best team in the Big East though and I wouldn't be surprised to see them play LSU well in September. DE Bruce Irvin is a fantastic pass rusher that is ready to have a great season.

21. Florida
New Head Coach Will Muschamp is bringing a new style to Florida, and I'm just not sure yet how a more smash-mouth style will work out in the environment that Florida has and will face. This is a young team with better days ahead of it still.

22. USC
USC faces a couple roadblocks in their way. Oregon is a formidable team now on par with the likes of USC due to disciplinary sanctions and a new team in the PAC 12 means even more strong competition. USC's biggest enemy might be themselves though and complacency, seeing as they can't make a bowl, the question of what these guys are really playing for may turn up in the locker room.

23. Texas
Texas will be a much improved team after having an atrocious season by Longhorn standards last year. The offense is still questionable and the QB situation is still unknown, but the Longhorns have an excellent defense that could carry them at times by getting to the QB, and creating turnovers.

24. Arizona St.
This team has the ability to make it big with a fantastic offense led by a big strong-armed QB in Brock Osweiler. Turnovers could be an issue though as it was a major problem for them in 2010, but with new leaders on the field it could be a whole different ballgame.

25. Pittsburgh
Pitt could be a formidable team in the Big East if not for the wear and tear they face with a tough out of conference schedule. They are talented, but not talented enough to overcome the difficulties they will face on a week to week basis. A new coach for the Panthers could work wonders, as Dave Wannstedt couldn't seem to motivate a very talented squad, maybe Todd Graham can.

What's the baseline?
Expect noise from Oregon and LSU. Boise is a wildcard if they can win out and Stanford might have the best player in the nation in Andrew Luck. Florida St. is an up and comer. But ultimately its Oklahoma vs. Alabama in the BCS Title Game with Alabama winning.

MLB Power Rankings: August 22th, 2011

Believe it or not, its been 3 months to the date since I did my last MLB Power Rankings. Clearly, its long overdue for me to come back and resort the field as the home stretch of the season is upon us and the playoff races heat up. So here I am to sort the field of teams again in order of superiority at this moment. Now, this rankings comes in after the games on the 22nd. Along with each team's ranking, record, status, and synopsis will come their ranking three months ago, just for interesting comparison's sake. With that said, let's get into it.

1. Philadelphia Phillies (82-44, 6-4, W1) Rank last time (RLT): 2nd
The Phillies monster of a starting rotation continues to dominate with the best ERA in the Majors. Ryan Madson has been superb in filling the void left by Brad Lidge's injuries. Shane Victorino is quietly having a fantastic season and Hunter Pence's OPS since being traded to Philly is .906.

2. New York Yankees (77-48, 7-3 W1) RLT: 6th
Curtis Granderson is having an MVP-type season any way you want to shape it. Brett Gardner has taken a step forward at the plate this year as well, and the starting rotation hasn't been nearly as atrocious as anticipated.

3. Boston Red Sox (77-50, 4-6 L1) RLT: 9th
Boston has arguably the best offense in the game, at the very least they have the highest OBP as a team, and the only team with an OPS above .800. The league's 17th best ERA though may become an Achilles heal come playoff time though. Boston's only has 2 starters they can really trust, all the other games go to ancient Tim Wakefield or injured/struggling John Lackey.

4.Atlanta Braves (77-52, 7-3, W5) RLT: 8th
Atlanta's saving grace is that they can pitch, but often times, their hitting is suspect. They may not be in such a comfortable lead for the NL Wildcard if not for Dan Uggla's sudden offensive outburst after a terrible first half. Getting Jair Jurrjens healthy again would be huge after the season he was getting off to, and Craig Kimbrel only has 1 blown save in the last 3 months.

5. Milwaukee Brewers (77-53, 8-2, L1) RLT: 11th
The hottest team in the game right now. They had a slow start but hit their stride and now look very formidable. This year Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun have both really put it together and made for a scary tandem in the middle of that order. Having Zack Greinke is really paying off as well now too.

6. Texas Rangers (74-55, 7-3, W1) RLT: 10th
Being healthy for the most part in the second half of the season has really helped the Rangers out as they try to keep the AL West away from the LA Angels. Contributions throughout the lineup have really helped the Rangers get themselves where they are. 4 Rangers have 20 or more homers. Adding Mike Adams made the bullpen all that much more solid as well.

7. Detroit Tigers (69-58, 7-3, W4) RLT: 13th
The Tigers are the leaders of a division that no ones wants to seem to win. They've been playing much better though over the last month or so and have a comfortable lead as of now. The biggest question earlier in the season was their bullpen, but that aspect has really settled down. Joaquin Benoit, Daniel Schlereth, and Al Alburquerque have really come into their own in their roles for the Tigers' pen.

8. Tampa Bay Rays (69-57, 7-3, L1) RLT: 7th
Its a crying shame they play in the AL East. They're 8.5 games out of the division, 7.5 from the Wildcard and are really the 7th best team in the Majors, right now, deserving of a playoff spot in my opinion. The rotation is solid outside of Wade Davis's growing pains, and the Rays find ways to put runs on the board. Another fantastic job by Joe Maddon, too bad this ones's going to go unnoticed in October.

9. Los Angeles Angels (69-59, 5-5 W4) RLT: 18th
Texas better not let their guard down, this Angels team could really make some noise and give some problems. The pitching staff has really solidified itself and they are playing smarter baseball now than when they were squandering games earlier in the season. Hopefully those missed opportunities don't come back to bite them, like Jordan Walden's 9 blown saves.

10. Arizona Diamondbacks (69-59, 4-6 L6) RLT: 16
The Diamondbacks hold the lead in the NL West. What?! No one saw this coming this late in the season. 19th in OBP. 19th in ERA. I think they hold the lead more due to the Giants lack of ability to get their act together than by their own merits, but it all counts the same. They're winning ballgames though, and Justin Upton would be one of the biggest stars in the Majors if he played in New York or Chicago.

11. San Fransisco Giants (68-60, 4-6, W1) RLT: 3rd
That NL West lead isn't safe though. The Giants are just 1 game out. The Giants have the 2nd best team ERA, but the 2nd worst team OBP. Carlos Beltran has done little to help since coming over from the Mets (.616 OPS, 0 HR, 2 RBI in just 11 games). The rotation is going to have to do the heavy lifting, but that's nothing new. A hot finish from Jonathon Sanchez would work wonders.

12. St. Louis Cardinals (67-61, 4-6, L1) RLT: 5th
The Cardinals have arguably the best offense in the National League. Lance Berkman has never cooled off this year and really added punch to a tough middle of the order with Albert Pujols and Matt Holliday. David Freese is a good young ballplayer as well.

13. Toronto Blue Jays (65-62, 6-4, W1) RLT: 15th
Another team that suffers from playing in the AL East. Jose Bautista is still an absolute beast of a hitter and his contact is up this year which is impressive. I'm surprised but happy to see Edwin Encarnacion actually producing a little for the Jays as well.

14. Chicago White Sox (63-63, 6-4, W2) RLT: 20th
Paul Konerko is having a wonderful season and no one is even talking about it, which is good considering Adam Dunn's total lack of production. Phil Humber has made Jake Peavy unnecessary as the Sox have a rotation that has really settled in. This could be a tough team down the stretch as the power arms in the back of the bullpen and the rotation coming into its own could cause problems for opponents.

15. Cleveland Indians (62-62, 4-6, L4) RLT: 1st
The season of dreams way be coming to an end. The pitching has really slacked in the 2nd half as a unit. Ubaldo Jimenez was an all-in move that has yet to show itself to be an aid or a detriment. For them to really compete, Jimenez and supposed ace Fausto Carmona really need to lock things down in the stretch run.

16. Cincinnati Reds (62-65, 6-4, W1) RLT: 12th
Simply put, this is a very streaky team that definitely just hasn't been dependable enough to really compete. Jonny Cueto has been phenomenal beyond belief and Mike Leake has been servicable, but Bronson Arroyo is showing miles and the rest of the rotation has been far from consistent. You just never know what you're going to get with this team.

17. Washington Nationals (62-64, 6-4, W2) RLT: 24th
An improved record, Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper waiting in the wings are cause for hope in the future for the Nationals. They need help hitting the ball though, its been a struggle and the big deal they gave to Jayson Werth has been far from beneficial. That's the kind of deal that cripples a payroll, Washington may be a big enough market to get passed that though.

18. Colorado Rockies (61-68, 6-4, W3) RLT: 14th
Colorado never got off the ground this season. They hit well, but just can't pitch with any consistency outside of Jhoulys Chacin. Trading Ubaldo Jimenez was them mailing it in, but they still definitely have a good core. They just need some dependable starting pitching, which may come in Alex White and Drew Pomeranz.

19. Pittsburgh Pirates (60-67, 4-6, W1) RLT: 23rd
In the last 3 months the Pirates went from losers to contenders and then back to losing again. What a ride, if only short lived. The young core players that were expected to take that next step this year really just have not done it. Andrew McCutchen is one thing, but Pedro Alvarez, Neil Walker, Jose Tabata, and co. have really disappointed.

20. San Diego Padres (59-70, 6-4, W4) RLT: 28th
Nothing new from the Padres. They pitch well, but don't hit well. They currently don't have a hitter with more than 9 homers or 43 RBI on the roster. Trading Ryan Ludwick hurts that, but he was only hitting .238 before they traded him anyway. At least they have a fantastic young staff of guys you've probably never heard of, Dustin Moseley for example, who is 3-10 but has a 3.30 ERA.

21. New York Mets (60-67, 2-8, L4) RLT: 22nd
The Mets continue to hit well, but can't put any pitching together. Not having Johan Santana certainly has not helped the cause. The whole staff and bullpen has been erratic and unable to hold a lead. What scares me the most though is there 2 best offensive performers this season are Carlos Beltran and Jose Reyes. One was traded from them and the other stands to walk away in the offseason.

22. Oakland Athletics (57-70, 4-6, L1) RLT: 25th
The hitting has gotten a little bit better in Oakland as the season progressed but the pitching got a little worse in return. They just don't have the hitters, everything is pitching and defense dependent and they just aren't making it happen. David DeJesus has been a major, unexplainable disappointment.

23. Los Angeles Dodgers (58-69, 5-5, W1) RLT: 27th
This is a team that really should be competing better than they are but they're struggles start at the top with the distractions amongst the organization. A down season from Andre Ethier has left Matt Kemp as the only punch in the lineup and Jamey Carroll is an every day player with his 0 homers and 11 RBI. Rafael Furcal will be missed. Heck, he was missed when technically he was on the team but was always hurt.

24. Chicago Cubs (56-72, 6-4, L2) RLT: 26th
A team that doesn't pitch well. Carlos Zambrano is crazy and Randy Wells has been a disappointment this season. Matt Garza's their own trustworthy starter. The bullpen top to bottom has been suspect as well starting with Carlos Marmol at the back end. Aramis Ramirez got hot for a while to carry the offense, but it really hasn't been enough.

25. Minnesota Twins (55-72, 3-7, L2) RLT: 30th
The Twins showed signs of life briefly this summer but a playoff run seems out of the question now. This is really a bad team. They haven't done much well, but at the same time, its not all their fault. Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer have not been their normal selves and that's a problem for any team to recover from. They're taking the time now to develop some young players (eg: Ben Revere), and I think it could work out better for them in the long run.

26. Florida Marlins (57-70, 2-8, L5) RLT: 4th
Can you believe I rated them 4th in May? They've gone 31-51 since May 22nd. I did mention I was skeptical on them at least. Most of their issues stem from Josh Johnson being their entire starting rotation, and then getting hurt. Javier Vazquez has been a lousy 7-11. Something tells me though this is just a team of individuals as long as Hanley Ramirez is the leader.

27. Kansas City Royals (52-76, 3-7, L1) RLT: 17th
The Royals have actually hit the ball pretty well this season, but Bruce Chen of all people has been their best starter (the only one with a record above .500). Joakim Soria has been surprisingly unstable as well. They have a lot of young guys in the pipeline, I just hope they have some that can pitch the ball to make them a legitimate contender in the future.

28. Seattle Mariners (54-72, 4-6, LW1) RLT: 19th
The worst hitting team in the Majors. The only team OBP under .300. Brendan Ryan might be their most consistent hitter! Ichiro is hitting .269! Chone Figgins was hitting .189 and playing most days before getting hurt! They make the Athletics looks like a powerhouse offense.

29. Baltimore Orioles (48-77, 3-7, W1) RLT: 21st
Easily the worst pitching team in the league. Jeremy Gutrhie is 5-16 and they couldn't even pawn him off at the trade deadline like they wanted to. They don't have a starting pitcher with an ERA under 4.50. Jim Johnson has looked great out of the bullpen, but that's about it. They had a number of young arms they were hoping would take a big step this year, but it just hasn't happened.

30. Houston Astros (42-86, 4-6, L2) RLT: 29th
This is just a bad team that's gotten even worse in the short term by trading Hunter Pence and Michael Bourn. How disappointing has JA Happ been? The Astros brass have to hope that its just growing pains for their promising left hander. Their best remaining hitter, Brett Wallace, has been benched for major struggles in the 2nd half of this season. There's just not much positive on this Major League team to talk about.

What's the baseline?
As we approach the last month of the season, the Phillies are the best, the Astros are the worst. The Tampa Bay Rays appear to be a team that's been shafted by the divisional system while the NL West is very much up for the taking.

Chasing DiMaggio: Can It Happen?

Dan Uggla's 33 game hit streak ended this afternoon with an 0 for 3 against the Cubs. Uggla's streak was the longest so far in the 2011 season and the second streak to reach at least 30 games, as the Dodgers' Andre Ethier did exactly 30 earlier this season. Their streaks alone are fairly miraculous, but at the same time mere shadows of the all-time record for the longest hit streak in MLB history.

Its easy to say that when Joe DiMaggio accumulated his 56 game hit streak in 1941 people immediately recognized the incredible feat the DiMaggio had really accomplished. DiMaggio is the only one, before or since his streak to hit in 50 straight games in a row. Willie Keeler had set the record before him in the dead ball era at 45. The closest to DiMaggio before him in the live ball era was George Sisler at 41 in 1922, an entire 15 hits less. Keeler and Pete Rose (44) have come the closest to reaching DiMaggio, but no one has even come within 10 games of his incredible streak.

Which brings us to the present, and the question at hand due to the ending of Dan Uggla's hit streak at 33 games. Is DiMaggio attainable? For reference, the best streak of the 21st century goes to Philadelphia's Jimmy Rollins who hit in 38 straight to end the 2005 and start the 2006 season, the best for a hitter in a single season is held by Rollins's teammate Chase Utley who shares it at 35 with Luis Castillo. No one has come within 15 of DiMaggio in the last 33 years, and no one has ever come within 10. How can it possibly be done? Well, I'm not sure it can. There are pieces to the puzzle of today that would make you think its possible. Video for hitters to study is one point, smaller strikezones in the new era of baseball forcing more pitches to the sweet part of the zone more so than in DiMaggio's day is another. A final change would be how pitching has become diluted at the major league level due to 5 man rotations, specialized bullpens, and having 30 teams instead of the 16 in DiMaggio's day.

At the same rate things are immensely harder. Ballparks are smaller, which you think would be conducive to hitting but is really the opposite. Smaller ballparks mean less ground for an outfielder to cover, cutting off more bloop hits and balls in the gap more easily. Further, with the national media of today baring down anybody that even sniffs a 35 game streak, the pressure of someone trying to reach DiMaggio would be so ridiculous that it would possibly drive the player insane. That alone makes reaching 56 a whole different issue today than it was in '41 (not to say DiMaggio didn't deal with pressure, because he most certainly did).

I will say one thing in the defense of reaching the streak, all it takes is getting hot at the right time, but for a very extended period. Uggla is a prime example. He's hitting .232, not even a high volume of hits, which means for one, he's been lucky, but also that he's gotten hot because he was hitting .170 on June 10th. If Dan Uggla, and all of his lack of consistent contact and lack of a high batting average is able to pull off a 33 game hitting streak, than how is it entirely impossible for a high contact, high BABIP (batting average on balls in play), high speed, power hitter to flirt with 56. As I'm trying to describe, such a player would have to cover all of the bases of baseball's offensive prowess. He'd have to be able to hit over a defense and be good at hitting the ball through a defense. He would have to be good at beating out balls hit right at a defense, or at least putting the pressure on that defense.

Looking at the current span of baseball's hitters, there are hardly any players that fit that bill truthfully. Perhaps Ichiro could if he drove the ball better, but his best years are past him, it would have happened already, and if Matt Kemp can replicate this season 2011 over and over, he could create the perfect storm and make it happen (his BABIP needs to be consistently higher though). Of course, this is all entirely the speculation of just one man, its just my theory and its far from proven. I just think a player of these given assets would have the best ability of reaching DiMaggio. But even with that said, it would still take the perfect storm of opportunity. That's a lot to ask for. Finding someone with all the criteria alone is hard to come by.

What's the baseline?
Dan Uggla's done, it was a nice run. I think you are safe for a long time, Mr. DiMaggio.
(photo courtesy of joedimaggiobiography.com)