NEW YORK — If the Chicago White Sox meet the Chicago Cubs in the World Series, it should air on The History Channel. In black and white. With Wilford Brimley working as an analyst.
The idea, so silly for so long, is starting to gain legs as baseball returns from its intermission. The last time the White Sox and Cubs made the playoffs in the same season was 1906. Babe Ruth was baby Ruth. And Cy Young was still pitching.
“It would definitely be awesome,” White Sox third baseman Joe Crede said. “It would be great for the city and great for baseball in general. You can see the passion during the season when we play. I think it would be the neatest thing you could have in baseball.”
The Cubs, because of their 100-year title drought, draw attention like Giselle does gawkers. The White Sox, who won the World Series in 2005, are arguably better because of the catalytic performances of outfielder Carlos Quentin and starter John Danks. Neither, though, is as good as the Los Angeles Angels, whose pitching staff has no shallow end. A look at the junior circuit, which spent its break beating the NL in the All-Star Game, an annual occurrence.
WEST
SURPRISE
Oakland A’s
General manager Billy Beane has no aversion to risk. He traded ace Dan Haren in the offseason and landed three impact players. Pitchers Dana Eveland and Greg Smith have stabilized a rotation that has received an unimaginable lift from Justin Duchscherer, who owns a big-league best 1.82 ERA. They just don’t have enough offense to catch the Angels.
DISAPPOINTMENT
Seattle Mariners
The acquisition of pitcher Erik Bedard has been a total bust. Bedard is not an ace, red-lining at 100 pitches while angering management with his prickly personality. It’s time for the Mariners to blow this team up and start over.
BEST HITTER
Josh Hamilton
The Rangers have exceeded expectations, remaining in the playoff chase with a ridiculous offense. Hamilton, who became a cult hero during the Home Run Derby, will finish with 35 home runs and 150 RBIs if he stays healthy.
BEST PITCHER
Joe Saunders
The Angels left-hander leads the American League with 12 wins and is holding opponents to a .238 average. Saunders and Ervin Santana are the Angels’ version of Milwaukee’s CC Sabathia and Ben Sheets.
TRADE FRONT
A’s on the move
Oakland made its second bold stroke in two weeks Thursday, trading pitcher Joe Blanton to Philadelphia for three minor leaguers. Seattle is trying to move starter Jarrod Washburn and third baseman Adrian Beltre — the Twins have inquired. The Angels have discussed Matt Holliday internally, but the Angels want to pawn off Gary Matthews Jr., while not giving up any of their top young starters.
CENTRAL
SURPRISE
Minnesota Twins
This doesn’t make any sense. The Twins trade Johan Santana, lose Torii Hunter to free agency — and get better. This team is a joy to watch. The Twins routinely come up with big hits and the pitching staff is unbelievably stingy with walks.
DISAPPOINTMENT
Cleveland Indians
The Indians have gone from one win away from the World Series to afterthoughts. They already traded their best pitcher, CC Sabathia, and will listen to offers for infielder Casey Blake.
BEST HITTER
Justin Morneau
Joe Mauer is a better pure hitter, but he can’t match Morneau’s power. Even before Morneau won the Home Run Derby, he was having a fabulous season for the Twins. He is batting .323 with 14 home runs and 68 RBIs. He’s got an outside shot at a second MVP trophy.
BEST PITCHER
Cliff Lee
Hard to believe that Lee is heading toward the Cy Young and the Indians have been Sigh Yuck. Lee started the All-Star Game and dominated. He’s 5-0 with a 2.28 home ERA.
TRADE FRONT
Taveras to Sox?
The White Sox could poke around about Colorado’s Willy Taveras as they look to boost their offense. The Twins might shove Livan Hernandez out of the rotation to promote Francisco Liriano. Minnesota is scouring for a third baseman — see Garrett Atkins and Adrian Beltre — and might be willing to part with outfielder Michael Cuddyer.
EAST
BIGGEST SURPRISE
Tampa Bay Rays
This team has never won more than 70 games but reached the break with 55 victories. The reason to like this club is two-fold: the Rays can pitch and manager Joe Maddon has changed the culture, providing a long-necessary attitude adjustment.
DISAPPOINTMENT
New York Yankees
This tag is a reflection of their payroll. They aren’t bad, but are in real danger of missing the playoffs for the first time since 1993. Ian Kennedy, whom the Rockies have asked for in trade talks involving Brian Fuentes, and Philip Hughes failed to stick in the rotation because of ineffectiveness and injury. If the Yankees don’t make the postseason, they will be ripped for not acquiring Johan Santana from the Twins in the offseason.
BEST HITTER
Manny Ramirez
With apologies to Alex Rodriguez, Brian Roberts and Evan Longoria, Boston’s Ramirez is Cooperstown-worthy. He’s the best right-handed hitter of this generation, and is poised for a huge second half if David Ortiz returns to the lineup.
BEST PITCHER
Scott Kazmir
What’s striking about Kazmir is his size. He’s tiny. A left-handed Tim Lincecum. He creates an edge for the Rays with his ability to produce strikeouts. If he stays off the disabled list, the Rays will stay in the race.
TRADE FRONT
Pitching prospects
The Rays have been the most aggressive suitor for the Rockies’ Brian Fuentes, wanting insurance for the aging Troy Percival. The Yankees and Red Sox also like Fuentes. The big question is Big Papi’s health. If his wrist doesn’t heal, Boston could make a play for Atlanta’s Mark Teixeira.
