Record unlikely to get better

Major League Baseball is past the All-Star break. And training camp for the National Football League is underway.
So, local fans are looking forward to both the baseball playoffs and the start of football season.
Let’s answer some questions.
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Now that two-thirds of the MLB season has been completed, what teams do you think have overachieved and underachieved at this point, and who do you see in the World Series?
—Ed Wellman, Bryant

Ed actually asked this question at the one-third mark of the season, but my answers haven’t changed.
Pittsburgh has been the biggest overachiever and is still in contention for the National League’s Central Division title. The Los Angeles Angels are the underachievers, with little to show for the money they’ve spent on Albert Pujols, Josh Hamilton and others.
As for the World Series picks, I can make Ed happy by choosing his Detroit Tigers to take on the St. Louis Cardinals in October.
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Cam Newton had a great rookie season then stunk it up in year two. Among last year's scrambler standouts, which one is mostly likely to pull a Cam — RGIII, Colin Kaepernick or Russell Wilson?
—Steve Garbacz,
Greenwood

Newton, in reality, took only a tiny step back statistically in his second year. He threw for slightly fewer yards, but on fewer attempts, and a lower completion percentage. He had two fewer passing touchdowns, but five fewer interceptions. His main deficiency came in rushing touchdowns, in which he dropped from 14 as a rookie to eight last season.
But to answer your question, Colin Kaepernick is most likely to step back. He’s lost his favorite target (Michael Crabtree) to injury and isn’t as strong a natural passer as Griffin or Wilson.
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Will the Cincinnati Reds and the Cleveland Indians make the playoffs this year?
—Jan Simmons, Portland

Even though the Indians are 2.5 games back in their division right now while the Reds are a full five, I’d still say Cincinnati has the better chance to make the playoffs. Cleveland probably won’t get in.
The Indians teased their fans, including myself, last season, only to lose 25 games in August.
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Will the Indianapolis Colts better their 11-5 mark from last year?
—Joseph Vormohr,
Indianapolis

In short, no.
The Colts had a great season last year. But, with the exception of an 80-yard TD catch and run by Cecil Shorts, they also had a lot of things break their way, including a weak schedule.
Indianapolis could be a better team this year and end up with a worse record.
Still, the future is bright.[[In-content Ad]]