Failed Attempts: Disappointments for postseason contention

Another long, tiring season is about to come to a close as teams are still in the hunt for October. I realize that the playoffs will be thrilling once again, but it just doesn't feel right that several fan favorites won't make an appearance. Today the Red Sox were knocked out of contention after the Twins triumphed over the Orioles. The White Sox are in jeopardy of clinching a playoff birth for consecutive years. Rumors are floating around that Boston is planning to trade Manny Ramirez again. Critics are criticizing his lack of effort and commitment to the team. Maybe Manny being Manny isn't cutting it anymore.

At mid-season the AL West was wide open. Injuries and lack of good pitching prevented the Mariners, Angels, and Rangers from making a strong second half run for the pennant. The Athletics made a smart decision by keeping Barry Zito before the trade deadline in late July. He provides much depth to a young, talented pitching rotation. Vladmir Guerrero, Mark Teixeira, and Ichiro Suzuki will have to wait until next season for another chance at the postseason. The Angels haven't been pushovers, obtaining an 83-71 record. They know what Toronto must feel like in the East.

In the National League the resounding pity for Reds, Cubs, and Astros cease to matter as none of these teams will make the playoffs. When will Cincy be strong enough to climb atop the Cardinals and have a healthy roster for the whole year? They'll have to acquire extra bonafide pitching in the rotation and bullpen if they are to succeed in the near future. Once again the Chicago Cubs hit rock bottom and became the laughing stock of the NL. Only two other teams in baseball have worse records (Royals (58-96), Devil Rays (59-95). In the earlier months it didn't look like St. Louis was going to run away with division, but they did.

Despite the homerun chase Barry Bonds pursues, the Giants are on the verge of extending a playoff drought since 2002. Even if he hit 40 dingers it wouldn't been enough to propel the Giants. The Braves will most likely be sitting out and watching the action in October on TV for the first time in more than a decade. New York is the hot team in the NL this year, I don't care what anyone says. Atlanta at least won't happen worry about getting knocked out in the first round. This upcoming postseason isn't what I expected or am satisfied with at all. 2007 better not be so disappointing.