ESPN Search

Matt Kemp was to the National League what Jose Bautista was to the American League -- a dominant offensive force who played exactly no games when his team was regarded as a legitimate playoff contender. Bautista became the most dangerous hitter in th...

Blog | November 22, 2011

Buster Olney writes that the AL MVP vote proved voters consider playing for a winning team to be a big part of the "most valuable" argument. Matt Kemp may not be able to overcome this in the NL MVP voting. Plus, the latest MLB hot stove news.

Blog | Conversation | November 22, 2011

He's not a lock to perform coming off an injury, but Justin Duchscherer could be a cheap alternative to Roy Halladay for a stretch-drive contender. Plus the usual notes, news and analysis from around the league, including a pile of trade notes.

Blog | Conversation | July 21, 2009

John Kruk remembers what it was like to be headed into the final month of the season on a team with no hope of making the postseason. He also remembers how much fun it was to make life miserable for those teams still in contention.

Factoring in depth, health, balance, experience and workload, Starting 9 ranks the bullpens of contending clubs.

The Red Sox may make a trade before the deadline, but their biggest July move likely will be activating David Ortiz from the disabled list.

Red Sox-Angels Preview

Despite playing for a non-contender in the Indians, Grady Sizemore was perhaps the AL's best player in 2006.

Story | Conversation | September 30, 2006

The Indians are among five teams that were expected to be contenders, but instead have disappointed.

The Red Sox have a whole lot of work to do just to become a legitimate contender next season.

Story | Conversation | September 15, 2006

A wrap-up of Wednesday's action in Major League Baseball.

Vladimir Guerrero, David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez are the leading contenders for American League Most Valuable Player honors.

The Red Sox haven't wowed anyone with their play, but somehow they remain a definite contender.