At Mid-Season: Then and Now

I threw together this visual representation of the standing in the AL and NL East divisions at the 2009 and 2008 season mid-points. The x axis represents 2009, while the y axis represents 2008.

Despite all the chatter about the Mets’ misfortune, the standings in their division from 2008 to 2009 have changed remarkably little. The Nationals are still the odd men out, while the other four all remain right in the thick of things. If we put the Toronto Blue Jays in the NL East, they would become a legitimate contender for first place.

On the AL side, the Bombers are performing a few games better, while Boston has roughly the same (perhaps exactly) win total. Last year, the Rays were in first place at this point, but a few lost games count for a lot in this division.

Past Triumphs, Deep Loyalties Determine All-Stars

Since 2002, the MLB All-Star Game has determined home field advantage for the Fall Classic, making logical player selections ever more crucial. Since 1988, the team that played Game 1 at home would go on to win fifteen out of twenty times. Incorporating the fans vote is a tried and true business method on the part of the MLB, giving people a say in the lineups, but with repercussions extending from July into October, it is not necessarily the most accurate way to determine All-Stars. Expectedly, fans most often get caught up in past triumphant years and team loyalties.

Live Blogging: NYY @ LAA 7/11/09

After another frustrating start from Joba Chamberlain, the Yankees hope to grab a part of first place with a win this afternoon. Brett Gardner gets another start, and the recently acquired Eric Hinske takes the place of Nick Swisher in right field. Andy Pettitte (8-4) looks to rebound after struggling once more against the Toronto Blue Jays at home (0-5 through eight starts). The Yankees will try to solve the Angels, with an 18-31 record against the club over the past five years.

1. Jeter, SS
2. Damon, LF
3. Teixeira, 1B
4. Rodriguez, 3B
5. Matsui, DH
6. Posada, C
7. Cano, 2B
8. Hinske, RF
9. Gardner, CF

Mike Scioscia will attempt to piece together another win with key players Vladimir Guerrero and Toii Hunter on the disabled list. After being knocked around of July 1st (5.1 IP, 8 H, 7 ER), Jered Weaver added his ninth win against the Rangers on the 6th, and will look to continue his impressive season today.
1. Figgins, DH
2. Aybar, SS
3. Abreu, RF
4. Napoli, C
5. Morales, 1B
6. Matthews Jr., CF
7. Kendrick, 2B
8. Wood, 3B
9. Quinlan, LF

Roundup

Winning pitcher: Jered Weaver (10-3) / 6 IP, 4 H, 4 R (3 ER), 2 BB, 9 K
Losing pitcher: Andy Pettitte (8-5) / 4.1 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 2 BB, 1 K

The Yankees were hurt by Pettitte’s failure to get deep into games, a recurring theme throughout the rotation recently. New York has numerous chances to get back into the lead, only to see their relievers allow Los Angeles to extend the lead. Eric Hinske and Alex Rodriguez hit two home runs apiece, amounting to three RBIs for both.

Live updates after the jump…

Hello and welcome…

…to the Boroughs Blog, where I will be sounding off to varying levels on the New York Giants, Knicks, Mets, and Yanks, focusing for the most part on the lattermost team.