NoJR 2014 All-Star Break Musings

It feels like the first half of the season has really flown by this year as the Nephews of Jody Reed have reached a brief respite in competition with the mid-summer classic. There have already been some game-changing injuries, trades, and free agent grabs in the early months that have helped separate teams from the pack, but there is plenty of time to make up ground and capture a playoff spot. Same for the real life teams!

Finally, the Jody Reed highlight reel I've always wanted! I'd make a Red Sox version if I had the footage to make it.

Without further ado, TDZ updates its power rankings and takes a look at the keys to success in the remaining months.

All-Star Break Power Rankings:

1. Rip City Reavers
• Key to success: solidifying the starting rotation. Gerrit Cole and young arms (Andrew Heaney, Jimmy Nelson) need to provide stability, otherwise the team could fall apart in the playoffs with one bad offensive week.
2. Non-Stop
• Key to success: rookie consistency. The offense is built upon a core set of rooks (Jose Abreu, George Springer, Gregory Polanco) to support Miguel Cabrera, and they'll need to be consistent down the stretch to avoid getting upset in playoffs.
3. Hughes Drubbers
• Key to success: 1B production. Joey Votto and/or Mike Napoli need to return to form and generate more runs and RBI, two stats where the Drubbers have a losing record.
4. Nuckin' Futz
• Key to success: Nats power hitting. The Futz has had middling power production to-date and needs Ryan Zimmerman, Wilson Ramos, and especially Bryce Harper to hit for power to close the gap and usurp the top teams in the league. This could be on horizon as all are finally healthy.
5. Lavallee Team
• Key to success: power pitching SPs. Despite some under performers in the OF, Lavallee's offense is strong and can contend with anyone's, but the club lacks the starting rotation to compete on Ws and Ks. Will be interesting to see if he partners with anyone on a trade.
6. Gmonie16
• Key to success: RP depth. Gmonie has benefitted from two strong closers, but could benefit from ERA and WHIP-suppressing elite relievers to challenge on other pitching categories besides Ws, SVs, and Ks.
7. Saratoga Oldtimers
• Key to success: a #1 starter. SO has a deep rotation that's benefitted from the additions of Jesse Hahn and Jason Hammel, but overall lacks a true #1 that contributes an elite K-rate and consistent Ws. It will be difficult to find this late in the season, but this GM is always active and could find a trade partner.
8. Teltecies
• Key to success: power hitting. Losing Edwin Encarnacion to injury was a tough blow, and the Teltecies need to find as good of a replacement as they can in the interim to stay in the playoff hunt. With Clayton Kershaw back and in unbelievable form, the offense needs to do its part.
9. The Highlander
• Key to success: SP consistency. On the surface, the rotation looks pretty solid, including a variety of veterans and fresh breakout performers, but overall the consistency has been lacking, as evidenced by underperforming ERA and WHIP records. There may need to be some turnover if guys like Justin Verlander, Mike Minor and Wily Peralta can't be reliable.
10. Lloyd's Christmas
• Key to success: new RPs. Despite strong K/9 rates for his relievers, LC has really struggled in both ERA and WHIP with his relievers - two categories that relievers are supposed to help. Outside of established closers like Addison Reed and Sergio Romo, no jobs should be considered safe in the LC 'pen - an overhaul is likely in the works.
11. SHAQGASM
• Key to success: increased activity. For a team that's so inactive, it has performed quite well, thanks to a solid offense. With increased activity, the GM should focus on upgrading the pitching to match the offense.
12. Nickel Blitz 
• Key to success: RPs and fewer busts. This team needs a lot of help in relief to improve on its record in SVs and HLDs. Picking up Darren O'Day was a great start. Furthermore, a number of underperforming offensive players (Chris Davis, Dustin Pedroia, Ryan Braun, Jay Bruce, others) need to rebound mightily to make up for a lackluster first half.

Some random bold MLB predictions:

• KC and Pittsburgh get the second wild card spots in their respective leagues.
• Washington has a tremendous second half as the club maintains health over the remaining months to pull away in the NL East. The Orioles also win the AL East, but only by a narrow margin.
• Clayton Kershaw has another DL stint but still pitches enough innings to win the NL Cy Young. King Felix wins in the AL.
• Jose Abreu doesn't slow down and mashes his way to 57 homers, leading the AL. Giancarlo Stanton leads the NL with 44 homers.
• Billy Hamilton rests his sore hammies over the All-Star break and proceeds to steal 50 bases in the second half.
• The Rays trade David Price in the biggest deal of the summer and replenish their farm system. The Phillies also hold a fire sale.