Wild Card Wacky

VirtualGammons

There is still resentment towards the wild card. Why? At this point in the season, there are only two good reasons to watch: the home run chase and the National League wild card chase. Without the wild card, the only playoff race would be Anaheim and Texas. No one seems to care. Juan Gonzalez may drive in runs but he's never driven fans or ratings. And Garret Anderson may be an unknown star in a lineup of unknown stars but no one notices.

By contrast the National League wld card is exciting. The Mets have given up their best prospects for a shot at the backdoor entrance to the playoffs. Mike Piazza may be unhappy. Al Leiter leads a pitching staff of proven veterans. Now that Todd Hundley is no longer in left field, the Mets also have good defensive play from all their regulars. Armed with speed, defense, and a deep bench, the Mets may be better in the playoffs than in the regular season.

Chicago is right behind the Mets, though. Retooling in the offseason and replacing weak positions with proven veteran players like Jeff Blauser. Sammy Sosa's amazing power surge has helped keep his team in contention. Game-winning RBI may not be an official stat anymore, but Sosa rules. Don't overlook Jose Hernandez, who has 18 home runs and 68 RBI after taking over at third. But outside of Kerry Wood the Cubs depend on an aging staff that doesn't take them deep enough into games. This wears out a bullpen. Look for the Cubs to not catch the Mets.

Currently third in the NL Wild Card chase is the Giants. It seems unlikely that they can catch either the Mets or Cubs. They haven't hit well in the clutch and their pitchers seem unable to get out of jams. Barry Bonds can only do so much for a team. Without protection or support Bonds can't be expected to do as well as players surrounded by good-hitting teammates like Sosa. The late-season trades don't seem to have improved the team appreciably. But the trades may not be done. Look for the Giants to add one or two more aging veteran pitchers in waiver deals. Minnesota has been mentioned.

In the AL, don't overlook the West race. It still promises to be exciting and will produce a legitimate contender. The Angels are a team of hard-playing players no one knows and could easily put it together and pull away from the Rangers. The Rangers seem to be unable to win games lately. Juan Gonzalez is still one of the best RBI men in the league, and you win games by scoring runs, but he can't do everything by himself. Look for the Rangers to falter as their pitching continues to put games out of reach of Juan's bat.

Boston is playing good baseball and appears a lock on the AL wild card. Baltimore is also poised to make a drive for the wild card. With fewer players on the disabled list they are a better team than earlier. Their veteran team seems to have weathered the storm and is finally coming around. Their quiet dedicated approach could pay dividends. If Boston falters look for the Orioles to come on strong.

Many criticize Mark McGwire for using androstenedione. But I can buy it at any drug store with a supplement section. How bad can it be? If he breaks the home run record as appears certain his record will be no more tainted than Maris', who was known to take a sip of absinthe from time to time. McGwire deserves better treatment. It is fortunate he doesn't play in New York where he might suffer like Mike Piazza. Piazza looks strange and lost. He seems as if he is surprised to discover he is playing Japanese ball or something similar. Piazza is a big time talent and will find a supporting environment next year. Los Angeles management should be roasted for dumping a player of his caliber. Don't give up on him yet.

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