The World is another highly competitive division, with 3 of the 4 teams over .500 (and within 2.5 games of each other). Caracas, who under-performed in 2010, has put it together so far this year, but are tied with Quebec. Fremantle is right on their tails, with last place Brisbane just 2 under .500 (and 6.5 back). It's truly anyone's division.
Caracas Bolivares
Caracas was all about hitting in 2010, but couldn't overcome major pitching issues. Some savvy off-season moves by GM Tom Hey have bolstered the rotation and put Caracas in a good position heading down the stretch.
The offense is still a huge strength for the Bolivares. Not only do they hit for power, but they hit for average as well (five regulars are hitting over .300). Chris Coghlan is the total package, batting a whopping .360/.393/.717, making him a viable MVP candidate. Last year's MVP, Alex Rodriguez, continues to produce, while veterans like Bobby Abreu and Jermaine Dye defy their age. Outside of light hitting Brian McCann behind the dish, there are no holes in this lineup.
What a difference in the rotation this year! Johan Santana is no longer going it alone, as the team added Cole Hamels (7-1, 2.93), Jake Westbrook (6-4, 2.91) and Justin Verlander (12-2, 3.16). The fifth starter is a problem, but come playoff team, won't matter. Nothing great in the pen (and some disasters), but it's been good enough.
Quebec Horned Frogs
The Horned Frogs have gone about things very similarly to the Bolivares, with a core of power hitters complimented by good enough pitching. The team has catching up to do in the divisional record category, with Caracas' 14-6 mark besting (at present) Quebec's 9-10, which would be a tie-breaker for playoff seedings.
A very strong lineup has lead Quebec to a tie for best record in SLB. Adam Dunn is an RBI machine, while Drew, McCutchen and Reyes help set the table and score runs. Soriano has been solid (when healthy), and the unknown Willie Bloomquist has been a nice surprise. Dustin Pedroia can't stay on the field, suffering another long term injury in the first half. The first round pick has combined for under 350 AB's in his first two seasons in Quebec.
Though not as good as Caracas, the Quebec rotation is solid. Roy Oswalt has stepped up as the ace with his 2.27 ERA, and he's backed by solid years from Perkins, Duke and Slowey. Aaron Cook has been knocked around, but he's the fifth starter.
Hawkins and Farnsworth are a dynamite duo at the end of games, but it's sometimes tough getting them the lead. Middle and long relief has been really rough, and it will be interesting to see if there is a shake up in July or August.
Fremantle Cormorants
Unlike the two teams they're chasing, Fremantle's team is built primarily around pitching, not hitting. The starters are good, and the bullpen is arguably the best in the division. Are there any moves to be made to bolster the offense down the stretch?
While there are some good batting averages in this lineup, it's still what you'd call "light hitting". Mark Teixeira is the only Cormorant to have over 20 HR, and his 59 RBI lead the team. An unsung hero on this team is Tug Hullet (who?), the second baseman who leads the team in OBP and SLG. Alex Rios is also having a good year but has remained under the radar.
This rotation is very good 1-5, keeping losing streaks to a minimum. Four of the five starters have ERA's under 4.00, though the W-L records aren't very impressive. Carlos Zambrano has been the best starter, but has been hampered by injuries, limiting him to 10 starts. Great comeback year for Chris Carpenter, who has allowed just 5 HR in 118 IP.
Outside of Soriano, the pen just isn't good (and even HIS ERA is unsustainable with his peripherals). Anyone in the minors to bring up?
Brisbane Koalas
The defending SLB champs have gone through front office changes, and as such, have fallen back a bit in the standings. Still, at just 6.5 games back, they're still in it, and with more active attention, could make a move.
The Koalas are dead last in team home runs (just 81 in 90 games), and they are by far the lowest scoring team in the division. Just three players on the entire roster have over 10 HR (Zimmerman leads with 17), and the team batting average is close to last as well. Plenty of places to upgrade on the trade market, but what is management willing to part with?
Felix Hernandez looked unhittable in the first month of the season, winning Pitcher of the Month with a 4-0, 0.00 ERA April record. He's still good, but his numbers are now a more human 9-6, 3.62. The rest of the rotation is quite good, with excellent first-halves from Francis, Kershaw and Piniero.
A couple of former starters are really excelling in the pen this year. Aaron Laffey (1.85) and Jeff Weaver (1.61) have been lights out, and closer Carlos Marmol (2.00) has taken care of business in the ninth. With even average run support, this team is right in the race.
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