Hmm, I read his column and it sounds like he just like Mueller and since people have been mentioning her as a lock for a nomination, he just used that to spin other names being toss around. He doesn't say these are his thoughts.
As for the criticism he is doing this before seeing all the performances, that is addressed: "It's going to be a few months before we get a clear idea of who the combatants will be at the Tony Awards, but there’s one category that’s quickly coming into focus — Best Actress in a Musical."
And then he immediately indicates that these aren't only his thoughts: "Broadway insiders already are gaming the five divas’ prospects, even before they’ve seen them all perform." Adding once again that this is all happening before people have had the chance to see them all perform.
Just seems like a lot of the criticism of this column was made based on not having read it? "Here are five actresses people are talking about" seems pretty benign and fair game.
Now t/d/b/a haterobics on here.