2010 Baseball: Post All-Star Game Debriefing

Before the beginning of the season I had a few comments about the upcoming baseball season.  Let's see how I did.

Good Seasons
Atlanta - 5 game lead in the NL East, check
Chi Sox - 1.5 game lead in the AL Central, check (so far)
Nationals - 14 games out of 1st in the NL East, is that good or bad for them?  Who knows.

Underperformers
LA Angels - 4.5 games out of 1st in the AL West
Red Sox - 6.5 games out of 1st in the AL East, 3rd place
Astros - 14 games out of 1st in the NL Central, only better than Pittsburgh

I'd say that's pretty decent thus far.  Let's hope it sticks so I can reference how awesome I am and was.

BuDa's Biggest Surprise
The Poppa's!  The San Diego Father's are my biggest surprise thus far.  This team has been "young talent" for a few years, and their pitching staff is impressive as shit.  Beyond Adrian Gonzalez they have Chase Headley, not exactly a show stopping lineup but they're getting it done in a somewhat "weaker" division.  Kudos.  The runner up for Biggest Surprise are the Texas Rangers.  The Rangers SHOULD be playing towards the top of their division, so it's not a huge surprise, but with all the financial troubles, it couldn't be assumed.  Third place are the Cincinnati Reds.  They finally seem to be putting something together, and with Edinson Volquez back and (seemingly) in shape, they could make moves - I'd still pick the Cards in the Central if I had to choose only one.

Interesting Factoid
Best run differential in the league?  Top three?  The Poppa's are up there.
Yankees - +115
Rays - +105
Padres - +88
Texas - +84
Cardinals - +72

Expectations
AL East
Smart money is on the Yankees, and Rays taking the Wild Card.  I'll take the easy way out.
AL Central
I picked Chicago early this year, and I'm sticking with them.  Twins have the best shot at it, but no Nathan, they'll crumble later in the season.
AL West
I think it's all Texas.  The addition of Lee is truly terrifying.  I was dead wrong about the Mariners having any sort of significance.
NL East
I don't know, maybe I'm a bit of a homer, I think the Mets are going to make a comeback to drop Atlanta.
NL Central
Cardinals.  One word - Pujols.  Maybe Cincy can take the Wild Card.
NL West
The Poppa's should win this, but I think they'll make it interesting.  They're young and aren't used to winning.  If someone takes this I would say it's Joe Torre and the Dodgers, but don't rule out the Giants.  Without Tulo, the Rockies won't do much, so they'll need him back and healthy.