Rob Neyer

  (12:01 PM)

Technology. Watch, and wonder ...

Garrett (CT)

The starting center fielder for the Yankees in 2009 is_____?

Rob Neyer

  (12:02 PM)

Melky Cabrera?

Jim Hamilton NJ

Seems like everyone was correct and the Rays appear to be crumbling under pressure. Are the Red Sox primed for an October Run as they are the healthiest most playoff experienced team in baseball right now?

Rob Neyer

  (12:02 PM)

The Red Sox are primed for an October Run because they have the best team.

guinness

I know you get asked this every week but it seems like with every week, Delgado does something to further solidify an MVP consideration. So what are your thoughts this week?

Rob Neyer

  (12:03 PM)

My thoughts this week are still that the games in April and May really do count in the standings.

Rob Neyer

  (12:04 PM)

Hard to believe he's still only 23, huh? Wood may still wind up being a strikeout machine, but that doesn't mean he can't enjoy a long and happy career in the majors.

lou(phily)

rob, how can tim lincecum not win the cy young award, he is filthy!

Rob Neyer

  (12:06 PM)

It's become sort of a two-man battle, and the voters might not be able to ignore the huge difference in Lincecum's and Webb's ERAs.

Matias (Buenos Aires)

So now the Red Sox have the best team when two weeks ago it was all about the Angels?

Rob Neyer

  (12:06 PM)

Not in this space it wasn't. I can't speak for anyone else.

Craig (NY)

For weeks columnists have discounted A-Rod as an MVP candidate because of his RISP averages. Those are now up to .270 with a .415 OBP. Considering his overall numbers, is he at or near the top of the list now?

Rob Neyer

  (12:09 PM)

I like him more now than I did two weeks ago, but the voters just aren't going for a guy whose 9th in the league in RBI, with a 4th-place team. Right now it's between Morneau and Pedroia, with Pedroia having the big edge because the Red Sox are in the playoffs for sure.

Jeff (LA)

Why is Brandon Webb even being considered over Lincecum for Cy Young? Lincecum is better in ERA, W-L%, SO, WHIP, Opp AVG. They have the same GS and IP. What am I missing? Webb might have 3 more wins, but he also has 4 more losses.

Rob Neyer

  (12:10 PM)

You must have noticed, over the years, that voters like wins. They really, really like them.

Stack (Princeton, NJ)

Admit it, it's a more boring world without the Yankees in the playoff hunt.

Rob Neyer

  (12:10 PM)

I think I admitted it back in June.

Kevin (Boston, MA)

If Beckett continues the dominance he showed in his comeback the other night, and Lester pitches the way he's pitched all season, who is going to beat that duo in the playoffs? And then add in Daisuke as a number 3. Impressive, huh?

Rob Neyer

  (12:12 PM)

Mighty. As I said earlier, and also in today's Pennant Pulse (posted soon), the Red Sox are now obviously the best team in the majors.

Tyler (Calgary)

Put yourself in Pujols' shoes; would you go for elbow surgery now knowing that this season is a write-off, or would you avoid the surgery until you have no choice (possibly meaning you will miss more games because the timing doesn't work as well)...bonus question: how amazing is he that he should win MVP this year even with the elbow problem...

Rob Neyer

  (12:14 PM)

He probably should be the MVP, but if he stops playing now he almost certainly won't win. Also, it's too early for the Cardinals to give up. I say he plays until they're officially eliminated.

Steve (NYC)

What do the metrics say about Pedroia's defense? It seems fantastic from watching...

Rob Neyer

  (12:14 PM)

Different metrics will tell you different things, but what I've looked at suggests he's either good or great.

Bryan (Tampa)

Rob: Dont count the Rays out yet. Longoria is back off the DL and as soon as the AAA Playoffs are over we will get players like Price and a few RH hitting players to come up and add a spark.

Rob Neyer

  (12:15 PM)

I haven't counted them out. They're as good as in the playoffs. But even with all you say, they're still not as good as the Red Sox. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

Steve (Lowell, MA)

I have lots of Pujols questions! Pujols! Is he already a Hall of Famer? Is this his best season yet? Does his lack of decline lend credence to his age claims?

Rob Neyer

  (12:18 PM)

Technically, he needs two more seasons for Coop eligibility. No, he was better in 2003. And yes.

Matt TX

Another Houston miracle run?

Rob Neyer

  (12:19 PM)

Nah, it's just too late. But talk about finishing strong; there's going to be a LOT of pennant talk in Houston next spring.

Dave (Tampa)

I agree that the Sox are the better team, but I do look forward to the first October without the Bosox or the Yankees. I'm sure the networks will hate it, but the rest of the country will love it.

Rob Neyer

  (12:20 PM)

You mean the BoSox *and* the Yankees, right? Because the BoSox are mortal locks for the playoffs. And they're going to be big favorites once they're in.

Jon (Mass)

All these Red Sox fans talk about what a great season Pedroia is having, but he plays a position that is actually quite easy on the body in terms of wear and tear. Can you talk about what Joe Mauer is doing as a catcher at the plate?

Rob Neyer

  (12:21 PM)

I love Mauer as an MVP candidate, but the voters didn't like him in 2006 and they won't like him in 2008. Because he's a catcher, he just doesn't pile up enough counting stats.

Ben (Omaha, NE)

WARNING: Non AL East question incoming....White Sox or Twins, who do you like to win the Central?

Rob Neyer

  (12:23 PM)

The White Sox, but purely because a 2.5-game lead is significant with 2.8 weeks to play.

Ryan (Boston)

Is it possible that the Royals are somehow even worse off now than they were a few years ago? Hillman (and his coaches and by extension the batters) seems to have no offensive plan at all. Bannister has regressed. Grienke will get real expensive soon. Alex Gordan appears to be more Joe Randa than George Brett. That Billy Butler sure can mash lefties though.

Rob Neyer

  (12:24 PM)

You forgot to mention Jose Guillen.

Doug (DC)

Thoughts on Haftner being demoted from AAA to AA to help Akron beat Bowie in the playoffs this past weekend.

Rob Neyer

  (12:25 PM)

Doesn't seem real sporting, does it?

Jake(NY)

So I'm guessing you like the Red Sox to make the WS. Correct? If so who do they play?

Rob Neyer

  (12:25 PM)

Pending further reports on Zambrano and Harden, of course, but the Cubs are easily the best team in the NL, theoretically speaking.

Baynzo(Philly)

Have you read Joe Sheehan's article about the difference in level of competition faced between Cliff Lee and Roy Halladay this year? If so, does this change your personal estimation of the best pitching performance this year? Obviously, it won't wash with Cy voters.

Rob Neyer

  (12:27 PM)

I haven't read it yet, but 1) I usually trust Joe with my life, and 2) you're right: not a single Cy Young voter is going to care. Lee will win unanimously unless K-Rod picks up a few first-place votes.

Kevin (STL)

15MM per year is a lot to spend on a closer, right? I think there are better options out there for the Mets than Francisco Rodriguez.

Rob Neyer

  (12:28 PM)

I happen to agree with you, but the Mets have a pile of money and have to spend it somewhere. If they don't sign an outfielder or CC Sabathia, I can imagine them going after K-Rod.

Rick (Phoenix)

Are people not missing the point on the Astros? Sure, they've played well. But they're playing themselves all the way to third place. I'm sure it's nice to enjoy good baseball down the stretch, but is this not a prime example of short-term thinking (and job and ego saving) displacing a true attempt at long term success?

Rob Neyer

  (12:29 PM)

Nah, I don't think so. They haven't really cost themselves anything in the future, and if I'm a fan I'm really enjoying this run.

Birdman (Boston)

Rob, glad to see you endorsing Pedroia after leaving him out of the discussion a couple weeks back!

Rob Neyer

  (12:29 PM)

He's had a good couple of weeks!

Jim(RI)

Second best team in the majors-Tampa Bay?

Rob Neyer

  (12:30 PM)

Cubs, maybe. If not them, the Rays are in the mix with the Angels and maybe the White Sox (who I still don't quite trust, but that's probably just me).

JR (Vegas)

Rob, consider this your mandatory weekly who will win the NL east question. Also, what are your expectations for OFFICE season 5.

Rob Neyer

  (12:31 PM)

Mets. And of course I'm excited about The Office; my one concern, however thin, is that some of their writing talent is being stripped off to support the new spinoff.

Joel (NYC)

I understand Pujols is having a great year and is the best playing the the NL, but his team isn't making the playoffs. Why the strong push for him being MVP?

Rob Neyer

  (12:34 PM)

I think because all the best hitters are playing for non-contenders (including the Cardinals, I mean). Best hitter on a contender might be Chase Utley, but for some reason nobody seems to be talking about him.

Matias (Buenos Aires)

Wakefield or Byrd for the #4 spot in playoffs?

Rob Neyer

  (12:37 PM)

If Byrd keeps pitching as he has since joining the Sox, I don't see how they keep him out of the postseason rotation. Tough darts for Wakefield, but his ERA since the All-Star break is 5.79.

Bill (JC NJ)

Rob - I guess the Yankees proved they had a rotation full of er, um, sigh . . . young pitchers, eh?

Rob Neyer

  (12:38 PM)

Sure, but one might say the same about the Twins, yeah?

Anthony (Old Bridge NJ)

You can't really count out Santana for the Cy Young can you? It's not his fault the bullpen blew 6 of his wins!

Rob Neyer

  (12:40 PM)

Well, if he threw more complete games that wouldn't happen ... No, he's having a great season, but it's really, really, really hard to win the Cy Young with fewer than 18 wins. And he's got 13 right now.

Alex(Philly)

Hey Rob. I'm a first timer. Go easy on me. Just wondering if you have a favorite team?

Rob Neyer

  (12:41 PM)

I used to. Before they stopped following my advice.

Charlie (Bethesda, MD)

What's your take on Elijah Dukes' ability to be a real star, assuming he behaves himself? Since starting out 1 for 32 this year, he's hit .300/.400/.540 in 200 ABs.

Rob Neyer

  (12:42 PM)

He's the new Kevin Mitchell. Someday he'll be all cute and cuddly, and appearing on postgame shows like nothing ever happened.

Scot (LA, CA)

Is there still a groundswell of support for bringing a Major League team to Portland, or has the enthusiasm up there worn off?

Rob Neyer

  (12:44 PM)

There was never a true groundswell, and even if there was, which team would we bring? As long as MLB's stuck on 30 teams -- i.e. as long as Commissioner Bud's running the show -- it's a non-issue.

jon

Wasn't your favorite team the Royals and wasn't your advice for them to contract?

Rob Neyer

  (12:45 PM)

No. I wanted them to move to Portland. Long-term that would have made the utmost sense (and not just for me, personally).

Brian (Milwaukee, WI)

Hi Rob, great chat. Ease my fears (or confirm) Do the Brewers end up making it or do they give away the wild card?

Rob Neyer

  (12:46 PM)

They'll make it. Thanks for all the questions, but I have to take off a bit early today, as I've got a train to catch. Off to see some pennant-race baseball in Seattle!