August 22, 2010
Queens, New York-- Since the 2007 season, the balance in the league became clear. The NL was filled with multiple juggernaut teams, while the AL became mediocre and easy to win in. Countless AL stars made their way into the NL via either trade or free agency. For 3 seasons, the NL was filled with those powerhouses, overshadowing what was a weak American League. But now, despite those powerhouse NL teams, there have been 3 straight AL titles. The NL remains occupied by offensive and pitching monsters such as the Mets, Nationals, Cardinals, Cubs, and Giants. But, it seems as if the Junior Circuit is catching up with its rivals.
In the fall of 2007, the Philadelphia Phillies won an intense bidding war with the division rival Mets for CF Vernon Wells, signing him to a gargantuan 7 yr/$140 mil. contract. Later in the 2008 season, the World Champion Twins, with their new GM, decided to pull off blockbuster trades with the Mets, Braves, and Nationals. More trades brought AL stars such as Albert Pujols and Miguel Cabrera into the NL East. The incumbent Mets, the young and startling Marlins, the up and coming Nationals, the newly powerful Braves, and a Phillies team slowly putting it together made many experts predict that the NL East would become the most powerful, and most competitive division in history. 5 teams, each with a set of stars, many brought over from the AL, all ready to duke it out within a few years. However, that never happened. The Philly project fell apart. The Marlins were unable to resign key players such as Prince Fielder. Atlanta remained victim to a horrifying series of injuries.
Since then, the AL has felt a revival. A new GM in Baltimore has rejuvenated the Orioles, carrying them to what has now blossomed into a 12 game lead, certain to break the Yankees' AL East dynasty. The Seattle Mariners possess the best record in the league. The Detroit Tigers are better than ever, and last year's miracle Twins lead the Wild Card. The Yankees, despite falling behind, remain in the mix. And the valiant Devil Rays only trail the Twins by 4 games. Meanwhile, all but the top teams in the NL are in contention. The bottom teams are mired in defeat. The AL prevailed over the NL in inter-league play this year.
Does this signify an active shift of power? Is the NL slowly losing its power, as only a few powerful teams are winning, while the AL is quickly becoming competitive? Or is this just a minor blip on the radar?
More likely, this is just balancing the power of the leagues. With some stars traveling back to the AL, the Junior Circuit was bound to regain strength. The new look Baltimore team will carry the AL East for years to come. The Mariners, Twins, and Tigers remain powers. The future Santa Ana Devil Rays are certain to challenge the top of the AL after their move, and the Yankees post-rebuilding process are certain to be deadly.
That said, despite an AL resurgence, the NL will continue to remain with power. The Mets continue to build on their success with their combination of youthful strength and veteran power. The Nationals maintain the best farm system in the league, and some of the best pitchers and power players in baseball. St. Louis is a hot spot for pitching and talent, while the Cubs continue to contend for that elusive title which got away from them 2 seasons ago. The Giants, despite an injury strewn season, continue to destroy the pathetic bottom of the NL West. None of these teams look as they shall relent in the upcoming years. However, with the hiring of the former St. Louis GM, who brought the Cardinals 3 straight playoff appearances and an NL Pennant during his tenure there, the once mighty Dodgers whom are now stuck in the cellar are being quickly rebuilt into a future NL power.
So which league is dominant? The AL or NL? Which league shall reign over baseball in the upcoming years? You decide.
--Analysis by current New York Mets GM tunit
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