We finally made it to the Dog Days of August where the pitchers now move to the head of the class.

If a team has five good starters watch out, four plus a decent bull pen and it’s OK, three starters and some question marks, and I’ll see you later.

The August schedule shows stretches of six to twenty games without a day off for most teams. Couple the schedule with some hot weather back East and you can see why a deep staff is a necessity for success.

With that in mind let’s see who will benefit from the first tough fortnight (two weeks) in what is the stepping stone to September baseball.

In the AL West, the contenders are evenly matched both on the field and on the mound.

Seattle believe it or not, might have the most trouble with their starting rotation.

After six games at Toronto and Chicago the M’s have an off day and then play 13 straight against Boston, New York, Detroit and Cleveland. Since the Tigers and Indians face Seattle at home, Seattle will have a challenge keeping their pitchers rested. Even the lousy teams play better at home. Garcia, Moyer, Pineiro, Baldwin and Halama, pitching without rest for three turns, will be interesting especially if Halama and Baldwin don’t go deep in the game.

The A’s are facing Boston, New York and Toronto (9 games) without a day off. After one off day, they face Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit and Kansas City (13 games), the last nine on the road.

At this point after watching the A’s play all season it is my opinion that they should forget about trying to add any offense and try to pick up another starting pitcher.

Ted Lilly would have fit the bill perfectly if healthy, he’s not and they now have a major hole in the rotation. Aaron Harang has suffered from lack of work and now may not be ready to stand in during the heat of the pennant race. The A’s should make a waiver deal right now for a starter (how about Ismael Valdes) since none of the other contenders can block its claims as the A’s trail all the leaders in the standings, they pick first. If they wait and should happen to pass Boston, then the Red sox can block the A’s attempted deals.

Don’t wait Billy, get another rent a starter now and play Ray Durham every day somewhere in the lineup. His speed might ignite some rallies. I know his defense is questionable, so DH may be his best spot. The A’s need him on offense.

Cory Lidle looks like he may be a big plus for the rotation and don’t forget he has gone down the stretch with the A’s before.

One more solid pitcher could be the difference. You’ll see how important a solid fourth and fifth starter is once the days off are scarce.

The Angels are still in good shape. Appier, Sele, Ortiz, Washburn and Lackey are capable of going six or more innings. The Angels play ten straight, have an off day, then after another three game set, have an off day before closing the month with thirteen straight against Boston, New York, Baltimore, and Tampa Bay. The Angels should still be there when August turns to September.

Anaheim may actually be in better shape than Seattle once these teams start playing everyday.

Boston is intriguing. Pedro Martinez needs to win his games. He is the best pitcher in the league and will claim the Cy Young if he continues throwing the way he has been. Derek Lowe looks like he is getting a second wind. The Boston trouble begins with John Burkett, Tony Fossum, and Tim Wakefield. The Sox bull pen will be tested and it is not that good.

Rolando Arrojo in middle relief will be a key this month.

Starting August 20th Boston plays 29 games with one day off right through September 18th. That stretch of the schedule will test the pitching and determine whether the Sox play in October.

Boston better hit like crazy because their pitching staff is very questionable other than with Pedro and Lowe. Now you can see why they hold their breath every time Pedro pitches.

Remember baseball is a game of bull pens and Boston’s is just so so.

The Yankees play 20 straight from August 20th thru Sept 8th. The Bombers are hitting very well and have six starters, no surprise they are in good shape. The bull pen is not the as strong as it usually is, but the overall team is solid and they have been there before. So, it’s a done deal.

With four MVP candidates I wouldn’t worry. Just getting Rivera healthy should be the goal.

The Dodgers are fortunate that they only have nine consecutive games without a day off over the next nine series and can try to get by with Nomo, Perez, Ashby, Daal and Ishii. If Kevin Brown comes back and they need him, he could keep them in the race. Otherwise, I don’t see the Dodgers leading the pack much longer.

The Giants can rely on five healthy starters. They play 13 straight sandwiched around two six game runs, not bad for a deep staff. The only thing the Giants have to worry about is injuries. Bonds is superman and if he stays in the lineup I’ll stay with my pick that the Giants can get in the playoffs. Without Bonds, which is unlikely, the Giants will struggle.

The Cardinals are heading for their Waterloo. Their starting pitching is in shambles. Andy Benes has thrown two great games, but how far can he go? The Cardinals play 20 games without a day off starting Tuesday. The saving grace is that they play Montreal, the Mets, Phillies and Pirates.

My feeling is that the Cards are going to be replaced as division leaders by Labor Day.

Houston plays 20 games without an off day, also. The Astros rotation is coming together and rookie Kirk Saarloos has helped. They are in better shape than St. Louis, but play Florida, Atlanta, the Reds, and the Cubs who all have decent pitching.

This division will be very good to watch for the month of August.

Cincinnati with Moehler, Haynes, an injured Dessens, Dempster, Fernandez, and Hamilton in the rotation makes me very nervous. The Reds bull pen is probably close to being worn out, also.

The Dog Days are here. Watch the middle relievers if they work more than two days in a row. Watch the weather in the East and Mid West, it can make a difference. Watch the scores in Texas, I don’t care who pitches, teams wilt in that Texas heat every year.

Remember this is only August, the contenders have to do it again in September.

That is why who ever wins truly is the marathon winner.

Most of all, let’s hope we will be watching the games after August 16th.