It’s the middle of June and by now we know who are the contenders and pretenders in Major League Baseball. Teams have had time to work out any preseason kinks or postseason hangovers. This is the time of year we can begin to make some solid predictions on who will make the playoffs. Let’s start with the American League.

The American League East is arguably the most competitive of the divisions. As of June 15 each team has a record above .500 and each has a reasonable shot at making a run for first place. Toronto sits in last place one 7.5 games back, and with Ortiz on the DL for the Red Sox the division is wide open. As of now though Boston, and the surprise of the year Tampa Bay, sit atop the division. With the Yankees having a down year the Red Sox should eventually run away with the division, with or without Ortiz.

In the Central, Chicago’s “other team” sits 4.5 games up on the second place Twins. The White sox, behind hostile manager Ozzie Guillen, lead the division mainly by default however. They are the only team with a winning record and have had a mediocre season at best. However, unless Cleveland can turn things around, the White Sox should have no problem being knocked out in the first round of the playoffs.

As for the smallest division in baseball, the Angels lead the four team race in the West. They have done so with consistent pitching from Joe Saunders and Ervin Santana. Oakland is the only other team in the division with a shot at the playoffs and can do so with increased performances by slugger Jack Cust and pitcher Rich Harden. Oakland is a team that can catch fire quickly and could very easily take over the division.

As for the National League, the Phillies reign over the East. With the surprise struggles of both the Braves and the Mets, Philly looks to be in total control of the division. Despite Chipper Jones’ .400 batting average, the Braves just can’t seem to get anyone to produce around him. And with the Mets’ continuing off the field problems as well as their on field blunders, it looks as though they will have to make some serious midseason trades or they’ll be watching from home come October.

The Chicago Cubs lead the National League Central, as well as the entire Major League. They have impressed everyone with their strong line-up and consistent pitching staff. The Cardinals are the only other competitive team in the division, however just recently lost All-Star Albert Pujols to injury. With Pujols out, the Cubs could be the favorite to win it all with the pick-up of a solid starter before the trade deadline. Just don’t tell anyone in Chicago. They won’t believe you.

The National League West is the worst division in baseball with the leading Diamondbacks having merely a .536 winning percentage. Last year’s Cinderella, the Colorado Rockies, are in last place with only a .397 record. This division should be easily won by the D-backs, mainly because they look like the only ones trying.

With the All Star break nearing, the league has a good idea of who is competitive and who is dropping out of the race. However, teams like the Yankees, Mets, and Dodgers could all make runs depending on what they are willing to spend by the trade deadline. The only problem is finding something available. The Indians have hinted that C.C. Sabathia could be on the trading block if the offer was good. The Mets could make a serious run win him in their rotation. Lucky for us, there is a lot more baseball left, so we’ll just have to sit back and watch.