ESPN

Steve Phillips

  (2:30 PM)

We've got less than a quarter of the season left to play, and some of the races are haeating up. Others are becoming clear in regards to who will prevail. What's on everyone's mind today?

Scott (Elk Grove)

Do you think Sabathia should get the Cy Young or MVP. I mean as great as he has been the Brewers have lost 2 games on the Cubs in the standings and when they needed a big performance against the Cubs, he couldn't get the job done. I think personally he gives up a lot of hits and has gone against weaker competition. Your thoughts.

Steve Phillips

  (2:33 PM)

You're a tough critic! I think it'll be tough for him to get the NL Cy, since pitchers like Webb and Lincecum have logged more innings and have pitched very well. In a year without an obvious MVP, Sabathia should be considered for that award. I understand your view in regards to the standings, but you take Sabathia away from the Brewers, and where would they be in relation to the Cardinals in the WC race? My guess is that they would be trailing it, and possibly in a significant manner. Sabathia has given up a lot of hits, but that's in a lot of innings since he's arrived. It's hard to be criticial of a guy who's 8-0 with five complete games and a 1.50 ERA. He's in the conversation for the Cy and MVP, but it's too early to hand him the award.

Patrick, Allentown Pa.

Are the Yankees dead or can they come back and win the wild card?

Steve Phillips

  (2:35 PM)

I wouldn't say they're dead just yet, but they are on life support. They'd need to go something like 27-10 to force a 1-game playoff, and that seems unlikely. Plus, whoever doesn't win the Central will be in that race as well. But the Rockies did the unbelievable last year to make the playoffs, so maybe the Yankees could do it this year.

Eric MN

Steve,Which is the hardest division race for you to call at this point?

Steve Phillips

  (2:36 PM)

I think the NL West is the toughest to call. Arizona and the Dodgers both have flaws that they've addressed but they still are not dynamic teams. I think the Dodgers will end up winning that division in a close race at the end. I think the White Sox will pull away from the Twins in September with better pitching and power, but that is also a tough division to predict.

Scott (NC)

What team do you see that would pay the most for Manny's services/headaches?

Steve Phillips

  (2:37 PM)

I think the Dodgers are the odds-on favorite. They're getting to know him, and vice versa, and his production has been off the charts. I'll be surprised if he doesn't stay in LA.

Stan Port Colborne, Ontario

Do you think that Armando Galarraga's 12-4 record has pushed him into consideration for AL rookie of the year ?

Steve Phillips

  (2:39 PM)

I do think he should get some consideration. He's been the Tigers' most consistent starter. I find it hard to believe that the Rangers didn't find a way to keep him considering how good he's looked. He throws strikes and has great stuff, a pretty good combination.

Ben (Omaha, NE)

With Evan Longoria hurt, and Alexei Ramirez batting .310 with 14 HR and 52 RBI's and heating up down the stretch, what are the chances Alexei takes home the rookie of the year in the AL?

Steve Phillips

  (2:41 PM)

The longer Longoria is oout, the more of a chance other guys will have to get into a consideration. Ramirez is heating up. If he learned to take a walk as well, imagine how good he could be. I think he'll be the starting SS next year over Cabrera. He could play himself into contention if his numbers keep going up.

Evan Czarnomski (Bay Shore, New York)

Do you think the Yankees will throw the big bucks at Sabathia?

Steve Phillips

  (2:42 PM)

They will be major players, and Hank Steinbrenner already hinted at that. The Dodgers will be big players on Sabathia as well. It sounds like he prefers the West Coast, but the Yankees' money could change his opinion.

Dan (Miami, FL)

When do you think the Rays call up Price and if so, does he go the bullpen or in the rotation?

Steve Phillips

  (2:45 PM)

I think that Price likely gets called up when rosters expand on Sept. 1, but I think it's more likely that he goes in the bullpen. They could give him a start or two at the end of the year once they clinch a playoff spot. I don't think he'll displace guys who have been there all year, but he could have a Francisco Rodriguez-like impact back in the Angels' WS season.

Michael (Evansville, IN)

Hey Steve. Always glad to hear your views. What is the Cubs major INTERNAL obstacle to reaching the World Series (or do they have any glaring flaw)? Are the Brewers their major EXTERNAL obstacle?

Steve Phillips

  (2:49 PM)

I don't think the Cubs have any major flaws. They're one of the more balanced teams in the game. Arizona could be tough in a short series because of starting pitching, as could the Mets, but both of those teams are flawed in other areas. I'd say the Cubs are the NL favorite to make it to the World Series.

mike - ca

what do you make of Jeff Kent calling out Vin scully, saying he does not know what he is talking about?? Dude been calling dodger game for 50+ years!!

Steve Phillips

  (2:52 PM)

I think Kent's comments are ridiculous. He showed us the chip on his shoulder that he often plays with. Most everyone in the game acknowledges the fact that who hits behind you can have an impact on your batting, but this goes back to Kent feeling that Bonds didn't have an impact on him when he was in San Francisco, and he felt like he's never gotten the credit he's deserved. That may be true, but Manny Ramirez' presence has helped the Dodgers and directly impacted Kent as well. Plus, why would you ever insult Vin Scully. It's Un-American.

Alex (providence)

Do you think Mike Mussina gets to 20 wins this season? and if so does he get into the HOF?

Steve Phillips

  (2:53 PM)

I don't think he gets 20 wins this season, and I don't think he gets into the Hall of Fame. He's had a good career, but he's not the best of the best. He certainly deserves recognition for a very good career, but he falls short of guys who aren't in either, like Tommy John or Bert Blyleven. The lack of Cy Young awards certainly factors in to this.

Jacob (Amherst)

How do the Rockies look going into the future? Was 2007 the fluke or was 2008 the fluke or are they somewhere in between?

Steve Phillips

  (2:55 PM)

I think the Rockies are somewhere in between. They're probably two good pitchers away from being a legit contender. Last year, the impossible happened, but this year, their starters have let them down. I really like their core position players, and think they are a legit playoff team in that regard. But pitching is the key to winning and sustaining success, so they have some room to grow in that area.

Steven (Toronto)

How much money is Burnett going to get this winter? He can easily get to 20 wins while leading the league in K's along with 200+IP.

Steve Phillips

  (2:56 PM)

I don't think he'll get the kind of money you're anticipating, because of his health history. Teams will be scared down in their offers. I think he'll probably get in the $12-15 million range for three or four years, but I don't expect him to get beyond that.

Steve Phillips

  (2:56 PM)

He's always had the stuff to be a No.1, but his results are more like a No. 3 or 4. Don't look to teams to fully commit to this year's performance.

Guy (Chicago)

We have seen many teams dominate at home this year (Red Sox, Rays, Cubs, White Sox come to mind. With that said, which team do you believe will have the strongest home field advantage come playoff time?

Steve Phillips

  (2:58 PM)

The Cubs and Red Sox will have the most significant home field advantage. Cubs fans are hungry and desperate for a championship, and don't want to be denied, so I expect Wrigley Field to be crazy. Fenway Park has always seemed to play to the Red Sox' favor, and I don't expect that to change.

Rob (DC)

How much of a factor do you think Wagner potentially being out the rest of the year will have on the NL East race?

Steve Phillips

  (2:59 PM)

It can ultimately be the demise of the Mets, although I still believe they can win without him. Their bullpen has had big-time issues, and now they're being asked to pitch more important innings than before the injury. I still think the Mets will hold on, but if they don't win it, it will be because Wagner is not there.

Nick (Deerfield, IL)

Hey...Griffey just went yard, it's about time. Will the Sox get anything out of him?

Steve Phillips

  (3:01 PM)

I think that Griffey is kind of getting to what he's going to be--not a great hitter anymore, but he can run into a longball now and again, and he's not a great defender anymore, but he can make a great play once in a while. He's a proud veteran on the downswing of his career, and he has a certain presence. I expect him to still be worth having on the team down the stretch.

Connor (St. James, Minnesota)

What do you think of Fransisco Liriano since he returned from AAA-ball last month?

Steve Phillips

  (3:02 PM)

I think he's getting close to what he was before, though his fastball is not as electric. His slider has shown great effectiveness, and he's been a shot in the arm for the Twins just when they needed it--Livan Hernandez was not going to get them into the playoffs. Liriano just might do it.

aj (miami)

steve any chance the marlins sneak into the playoffs?there pitching has been great but the offense has slumped.

Steve Phillips

  (3:03 PM)

I think it's going to be tough for the Marlins to get in because of all the young pitchers, and the fact that the offense can come and go at times. It may be that they get hot at the right time down the stretch, but I think they will come up a bit short this year. They have nothing to be ashamed of, as they're one of the game's best stories in 2008.

Steve Phillips

  (3:04 PM)

Good questions this week, and every week can make a major difference in these races. It'll be interesting to see where we stand. Talk to you then.