Tuesday 7/14/15 service plays chatter/comps/requests & other stuff...

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Mohawk: Tuesday 7/14 Analysis
By Garnet Barnsdale

DRF HARNESS

Race 4 - $50,000 Guaranteed Pick Four Pool

EARLY PICK 4:

1,3,7/8/4,5,7/1,2,5 = $27


LATE PICK 4: 2,4,8,9/2,4,6,9/2,4/6,9 = $64

MEET STATS: 165 - 538 / $963.00 BEST BETS: 20 - 48 / $71.10 SPOT PLAYS: 6 - 48 / $53.20

Best Bet: ROCK ME AMASTREOS (5th)

Spot Play: SEAWIND KERRY (4th)


Race 1

(5) MAGIC BABE has already won in a higher class at Balmoral - his 2nd win in as many tries - now moves into Menary's barn for his WEG debut and picks up the stable's main driver. This daughter of Muscle Mass looks solid here but will likely be bet off the board. (4) AUGUSTUS MCCREA closed fastest to nab the place spot behind a big winner. This one's good late speed should come into play again here. (8) A SHOCKER showed improved late speed last time but was way too far back to contend. He could be along late to grab a slice here.

Race 2

(1) PEG is related to nine winners from nine that have raced including two full brothers that won 34 races between them and earned in excess of $800K. This daughter of Dragon Again motored home in her lone qualifier and is sure to take lots of action at the windows here. (2) ROCKNROLL VISION is also well-related being a 1/2 sister to Armbro Animate ($1.3 million, 1:50 1/5) and Artistic Vision ($644K, 1:50 2/5). The filly that she finished third to in her second qualifier was a winner in quick time in her debut and this one should be ready to do some damage. (8) VINTAGE BABE, a $25K yearling purchase, is from the first crop of Vintage Master who has had a few impressive winners at this meet already; beware.

Race 3

(7) CHIVAREE HANOVER won at this level three back then stepped out of a class range where she could be competitive. She stands a much better chance here; top call. (10) GWALLY floated out last time looking for a spot in the top 5 but all the holes closed quickly and he was hung the mile. He can go better here if he can find a spot early. (3) KEYSTONE TREVOR closed well last week for third and may be getting closer to that elusive first win of the season now.

Race 4

(3) SEAWIND KERRY was sold to new interests on June 17 and showed little in two subsequent starts over Grand River. In her July 4 qualifier, however, she went much faster than ever before; call to upset. Both (7) BLACK WIDOW BABY and (1) BLACK QUEEN figure highly on paper as they always seem to, but both are quickly turning into money burners. It's tough to accept a low price on either.

Race 5

(8) ROCK ME AMASTREOS twice won easily at the class level above this one in his 6th and 8th starts back then was forced to race over his head. With the class plunge, Drury is sure to have this one rattling off the gate on a speed mission; top call and pick 4 single. (3) JOSHUA MY BOY took big support at the windows but couldn't threaten a speedy winner. He can be closer here in his third start back from a break. (4) SANTANNA BLUE CHIP has been racing much better at 10 years old than he did last year and is a threat from close range.

Race 6

(7) GAME ON HANOVER got in all kinds of traffic problems last week and as a result couldn't get close enough to threaten late. She should be out in the flow tonight and vaulting up off cover late, as has been typical with her. (5) BIG RICH stole an easy 1/2 last week and took his second win in his past three starts. He is the obvious one to knock off here. (4) INNER PEACE has also taken two of his last three and set or stalked solid splits while doing so; another contender.

Race 7

(1) CROWN ISLE engaged in a crazy game of give-and-go early last time which resulted in him setting fractions that were way too fast. He did beat the one he dueled with early by 16 lengths in the end and he only tired late. One would expect a more patient drive and better result here; top call. (2) LITTLE QUICK is one of few in here that can fire off a rapid final 1/4. If there is any mid-race battling he will be the beneficiary. (5) BOLERO TRISCO won in very good time over Clinton's half-miler in only his second start for trainer Shepherd. Keep him on your early pick 4 tickets.

Race 8

(8) VELOCITY DRIVEN is a bit of a risky play here coming off a vet scratch - sick, but he has faced much better recently and wasn't embarrassed. He will be very tough in here if he can produce something close to his best. (9) FRIDAYNIGHTFLIGHT returns from an excursion to Grand River with a win and a placing. He has been competitive in these classes here before and rates highly in this group. (4) MACHS BOY has raced solidly on the B tracks all season and his sharpness should be respected.

Race 9

(9) WESTERN CAPTIVE took a new life's mark at Sarnia in June then was a vet scratch and returned with a good tightener in the top class at Grand River. He may try to go right down the road here and is worth a stab at a price. (4) HOPIESDRGNINTHEDO chased some wicked fractions out of town in his return to Ontario and stands a better chance here. (2) SUNNY BEACH DAY gets class relief here and is likely to share but is hard to love on the win end with his record.

Race 10

(2) VEGAS ROCKS has found a home in conditioned claimers and was haltered from his third straight win by a trainer that is deadly with new acquisitions; slight nod. (4) INTENDED STYLE motored away to a new life's mark in his first start off the claim for Auciello. He is the obvious one to upend but is likely to be over bet off that blowout win. (1) KEYSTONE DALTON drops and is an exacta factor here likely from a following trip.

Race 11

(6) NEW YORK NIGHTMARE was an impressive winner in this class in his first start over Mohawk, setting solid splits and finishing fast. He is the one to beat here. (9) WILD BILL M showed little interest until late in the same dash but did pace a quick final 1/4. He should improve off that effort. (2) ELECTRIC WESTERN closed from far back for third and is a sharp contender but may find the first two a bit tough. (7) R U MACHIN was a big winner two back then showed little from the 9-hole last time. He can share here if he leaves a bit better for position. (4) MITCHELL BLUE CHIP was a following second to the choice last time and could better this placing.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Yonkers: Tuesday 7/14 Analysis
By Matt Rose

DRF HARNESS

MEET STATS: 201 - 620 / $1113.30 BEST BETS: 27 - 49 / $95.00

Best Bet: WISHING YOU WELL (1st)

Spot Play: FIRE IN THE CELL (10th)


Race 1

(4) WISHING YOU WELL returns locally off some decent tries at The Meadowlands and and jogged when last seen here; logical. (5) REGGIANO hails from live connections (Burke/Brennan) and will be forwardly placed. (3) POWER BALL ships north from Harrington and he should fit okay here.

Race 2

(6) GIANNI looked smooth as silk in his blowout win last out; if he stays trotting, he wins. (3) MASTEROFTHEWIND AS was second best to the top choice and could be second best again. (4) MUGSHOTS BRO qualified evenly for connections who have had local success wth trotters for some time now.

Race 3

(4) ROCKNTOUCH has been facing some decent stock out of town and he lands a decent post with the best driver in this tough-to-figure event. (2) UPPERCUTZ isn't a prolific winner but he is looking for two straight. (3) GOOD LUCK stopped badly last out at Philly but his prior efforts were decent.

Race 4

(8) RAISE THE CURTAIN was stuck facing more seasoned foes in his last two but prior to that he had taken two straight facing his own kind; only problem here is the eight hole but with an alert getaway he'll be tough. (6) MOJITO AS couldn't last the duration in her last race but do note she took three straight upon arriving locally and the mare is a big player here. (7) DONNIE DARKO has had some success recently over at The Meadowlands.

Race 5

(2) CELEBRITY FANTASY has some speed, a good draw, and was Sears' choice. (3) CREDIT CREATION has had issues facing NYSS foes but he jogged in his last two versus overnight foes. (8) CUTUP HANOVER was a big earner last season but has had issues this season; needs to stay trotting.

Race 6

(6) TONY CHEESECAKE faltered on the front end in his debut off the Banca claim; he's worth another try today, perhaps from off the pace. (3) AMERICAN TOWER needed last week's start and he should have more to offer, especially from this improved post. (4) HANDS OFF FRANK was no match for some tough ones last out upon arrival from Pennsylvania but this should be a better spot.

Race 7

(6) BOUND FOR FAME was nipped last week by a classy rival in a definite no-shame effort; veteran is certainly capable of rebounding. (8) ON THE PODIUM drops in class off a series of dull efforts but he's beaten better than these in the past and he should offer some value from this spot. (3) BIG BILL BREEZE is a steady check-earner for Lachance despite being winless on the season; MacDonald drives today.

Race 8

(10) HOORAYFORVACATION had no real chance last week but did finish belatedly; this one has back class and today's added-distance event should benefit his racing style. (1) DREAMSTEELER has been very consistent, with three near-misses in her last three tries; Bartlett could be looking to take these down the road. (6) LUKAS HALL has been lacking major punch recently but he could be a closing threat. (2) JACKIE GOLDSTEIN has been racing well if you throw out last week's break.

Race 9

(1) BRANDOS MUSCLE MAN finally put it together last weekand; he's classy enough to go back-to-back. (8) AS Y'ALL LIKE IT steps way up in class but was an impressive blowout winner in her debut for the Steffan Lind barn. (9) STITCH IN TIME kicked in sharply last out to just miss, also versus lesser but he's done well with this type in the past. This looks like a very competitive event.

Race 10

(10) FIRE IN THE CELL is another classy Garcia-Herrera trotter who I've been keeping my eye on. She gets a needed drop in class today and can be a smooth trip away from the winner's circle. (5) ALMAFI COAST went a big effort in his debut for Banca and is the one to beat. (7) MOVEMENT broke last out, made up good ground but it was too late; mare drops back to the level of her last win.

Race 11

(10) FLASHBACK has done lilttle all season but at least he had a bit of finishing trot last out. There is nothing to endorse here with any confidence and I can see some crazy stuff happening. Why not play some prices? (7) APRILSHOWERS has seemingly had some issues for years now but she can trot well when in the mood; qualifier was decent. (1) DIAMONDS R US clearly needs to stay trotting and if so she has a chance.

Race 12

(6) ALLBEEF N NOBULL enters the Burke barn off a solid effort in the Hempt consolation last out; this is a competitive event but he may be a touch faster than these. (2) CAVIART LUCA should be forwardly placed and close-up throughout. (7) MAXI BON closed nicely upon arrival and could kick home again at a price.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

SPOT PLAYS

For Tuesday


TRACK (RACE) HORSE, MORNING LINE


Delaware Park (2nd) Star of Sarava, 6-1
(4th) King Gatto, 4-1


Finger Lakes (5th) Paris Sunshine, 6-1
(6th) Roode Dude, 6-1


Fort Erie (1st) No Finesse, 4-1
(3rd) Mail Order Groom, 3-1


Indiana Grand (3rd) Wind Rider, 8-1
(9th) Posture, 10-1


Mountaineer (1st) Chicks and a Pig, 5-1
(9th) Battle Facts, 3-1


Parx Racing (1st) Buck Benny, 10-1
(2nd) Bella Lou, 9-2


Presque Isle Downs (2nd) Shush Up, 3-1
(7th) Miss Tapit, 5-1

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

'At the break'

St Louis is not only the best in the majors with its 56-33 record, the Cardinals also hit the mid-point the best bets stuffing +$1840 into betting accounts split between 31-11 (+$1636) at Busch Stadium, 25-22 (+$204) in hostile territory. Cardinals don't cross many over home plate averaging 3.9 runs/game but make it up with the league's top rated pitching staff allowing a shade over 2.5 runs/contest. Backing Cardinals following a one run exact loss has been money in the bank as they're 12-2 in the situation (+$1004). Also keeping bettors happy are the Minnesota Twins pocketing +$1760 overall. Twins have been underdogs 29 times at home winning 21 of those contest picking up a whopping +$1676 at the betting window. At the lower end of the scale, Philadelphia (29-62) has been the worst bet dropping -$2360 to this point. No surprise, Phillies don't put up much of a fight when they are big underdogs, going just 4-19 when listed at +$1.70 or higher. The next biggest money burner, Oakland draining account to the tune of -$1713. Home Cookin' has not been good for Oakland. The A's have cost backers -$1653 at O.co Coliseum including -$1573 when chalk.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Pitchers to Watch - NL
By Joe Nelson

NL Starting Pitcher Rankings – through 7.12.15

Starting pitching is critical to the result of any baseball game and there are many ways to evaluate the numbers. Here are my current rankings through the first half of the season in the National League. This is an objective list based on a combination of 2015 statistics and does not factor in any of the strengths and weaknesses of the respective teams these players pitch for, nor any previous season results.

1. Max Scherzer – Washington Nationals: Scherzer beats out Greinke by a slim margin at the break as he has the highest average Game Score in baseball at nearly 69. His 2.11 ERA is the NL’s fourth best mark and along with a great strikeout rate and the highest WAR of any starting pitcher he has been the NL’s best at the break.

2. Zack Greinke – Los Angeles Dodgers: With an incredible 1.39 ERA on the season it has been a magical run for Greinke. A lower strikeout rate and some good fortune on balls in play keeps Greinke out of the top spot but he has enjoyed a remarkable season so far and it is hard to argue with him getting the starting nod in the All Star game.

3. Clayton Kershaw – Los Angeles Dodgers: Kershaw didn’t even make the NL All Star team and his ERA of 2.85 checks in at 22nd in MLB at the break among qualified starters. His xFIP is the lowest in the NL and while his 6-6 record makes it feel like he is not having a great season he is striking out 11.7 batters per nine innings by far the best in the NL and only barely behind Chris Sale overall.

4. Jake Arrieta – Chicago Cubs: Arrieta owns a 0.99 WHIP with a 2.66 ERA and only Scherzer and Kershaw are higher ranked in WAR among NL starters. Arrieta has struck out over a batter per inning and he has been very consistent this season with very few marginal outings. In four of his last eight starts the Cubs have been dogged or a favorite of less -110 as he isn’t getting overvalued like many of the others on this list.

5. Jacob deGrom – New York Mets: One poor early July start knocked deGrom from a great run of outings heading into the break to lead an impressive Mets rotation. He ranks fourth in the NL in ERA while featuring a very low walk rate as a 0.92 WHIP indicates. Most players on the Mets have marginal numbers on the road but deGrom owns a 2.65 ERA and a 0.90 WHIP away from Citi Field.

6. Noah Syndergaard – New York Mets: While he is not quite a qualified starter yet he will be soon and Syndergaard has lived up to his highly regarded prospect promise through 11 starts. His home road splits contrast dramatically but he would have the fifth lowest xFIP in the NL an a .304 BABIP indicates he could deliver an even stronger second half with some better bounces.

7. Johnny Cueto – Cincinnati Reds: Cueto may have a new uniform in the coming weeks and while he has always pitched well at home moving to a more pitching friendly home park could help his cause further. Cueto had one of his worst starts of the season just before the break but he owns the third lowest WHIP in the NL, and at home his WHIP is just 0.75.

8. Francisco Liriano – Pittsburgh Pirates: The Pirated have closed to within 2.5 games of the Cardinals in the NL Central and Liriano is often overlooked as one of the league’s top pitchers as he can be erratic. He has had some good fortune in the first half and he has a much higher walk rate than the other top starters but the strikeouts still come at a very high rate and Liriano is a far better pitcher than his 5-6 record indicates.

9. Carlos Martinez – St. Louis Cardinals: Martinez deservedly won the NL’s final vote to head to the All Star game and he has struck out 25 more batters than he has allowed hits this season. Walks are occasionally an issue but it is clear that Martinez has arrived as the ace of the St. Louis staff with Adam Wainwright injured.

10. Matt Harvey – New York Mets: Harvey has perhaps been overshadowed by some of the other young starters on the staff for the Mets but he has enjoyed a great comeback season with strong numbers across the board. Perhaps he won’t ever match his initial hype but he continues to deliver strong starts though it generally costs a premium to back him.

11. Gerrit Cole – Pittsburgh Pirates: Cole owns a 2.30 ERA that is the fifth best in the NL but the advanced numbers don’t support Cole as much as his glowing 13-3 record would suggest. There is no question that Cole is one of the top young pitchers in the game but he has had few truly dominant outings and it will be interesting to see if he can maintain this high level as the innings add up.

12. Jason Hammel – Chicago Cubs: A recent injury sours what has been a great season for Hammel with the Cubs despite only five wins. His WHIP of 0.95 is the fifth best in the NL along with a very low walk rate and a higher strikeout rate that most might realize. His ability to be healthy to have a strong second half will be a key for Chicago’s postseason hopes.

13. Madison Bumgarner – San Francisco Giants: It was a bit of a slow start for the 2014 World Series MVP but Bumgarner has rounded into a form for a solid first half with a very strong month of June before two lesser outings before the break. The World Series dominance will keep him overvalued on many nights but he remains one of the best southpaws in the league.

14. Jon Lester – Chicago Cubs: Lester owns an ERA substantially higher than his FIP or xFIP as a .316 BABIP has led to some tough outings with a disappointing 4-8 record for the big addition to the Cubs staff. Lester has had a handful of bad starts this season but he could be due for a stronger second half though Arrieta and Hammel may provide better returns on the Cubs staff.

15. Lance Lynn – St. Louis Cardinals: Lynn has always produced strikeouts at a high rate and he has also been burned by a very high BABIP at this point in the season even with a strong 2.90 ERA that is 12th best in the NL. Lynn seems to have about one rough start each month but he has been a key part of leading the Cardinals to the best record at the break.

16. Cole Hamels – Philadelphia Phillies: In what could possibly be his last start with the Phillies Hamels had his worst start of the season before the break that dropped him several spots on this list. Hamels ranks just 27th in ERA in the NL but he is still one of the better strikeout pitchers in the league and joining a contender might sharpen his focus for a strong second half.

17. Tyson Ross – San Diego Padres: Not much has gone well for the Padres this season but after a slow start Ross is starting to pitch like the ace the team expected him to be after promising results last season. Over his last five starts Ross owns an average Game Score of nearly 65 and he could be a pitcher on the rise in the second half while still catching underdog pricing for the Padres at times.

18. A. J. Burnett – Pittsburgh Pirates: Making his first All Star team Burnett is having a career year, currently 2nd in the NL in ERA at 2.11. He still walks batters somewhat frequently and doesn’t have the strikeout counts of the other elite pitchers. It seems unlikely he can maintain his current clip but it has been a great story and he will have the opportunity to pitch some big games for the Pirates in the second half.

19. Chris Heston – San Francisco Giants: Throwing a no-hitter certainly provides a big boost to the numbers across the board and while Heston has pitched well he has not been consistent enough to be considered one of the elite starters in the NL. He has produced ground balls well and pitching at AT&T Park means he should be able to string together more solid outings while not being priced too high.

20. Michael Wacha – St. Louis Cardinals: Wacha has 10 wins and he has good numbers this season but he has rarely been dominant and he lacks a great strikeout rate while also catching some good fortune on balls in play. An average Game Score of just over 57 is much lower than you might expect given how successful St. Louis has been when he pitches.

Notable Absences:

Shelby Miller – Atlanta Braves (#23): With a 2.38 ERA and a handful of gems under his belt Miller made the All Star team and has been a big reason why the Braves have stayed relevant even if he has just five wins. Miller’s xFIP is more than a run higher than his ERA however and his numbers have slipped in the last several weeks.

Gio Gonzalez – Washington Nationals (#29): Gonzalez has pretty average numbers at this point in the season but he could be a climber in the second half with several strong recent outings and numbers that suggest better results than he has delivered at this point. Washington can be highly priced at home but Gonzalez has been very impressive in his home starts while struggling a bit on the road.

Mike Leake – Cincinnati Reds (#34): Leake seems like a strong candidate to be moved after the break and his brilliant road numbers suggest that leaving a hitter’s park in Cincinnati could really boost his chances for success. Leake has not been consistent but he has several high end outings under his belt in recent weeks as he has shaken off a tough month of May.

Newcomers to Watch:

Jose Fernandez – Miami Marlins: The Marlins have been a big disappointment but Fernandez can provide a boost and in two starts the Marlins are 2-0 with Fernandez looking capable of re-gaining his past form. Fernandez is certainly going to command a premium pitching for a bad team however.

Taylor Jungmann – Milwaukee Brewers: The starting rotation for the Brewers has really struggled this season but Jungmann has an average Game Score of nearly 62 with a 2.15 ERA through seven starts. The numbers suggest some regression ahead is likely but Milwaukee has received boost from their 2011 1st rounder.

Robbie Ray – Arizona Diamondbacks: Ray has pitched well in eight starts for Arizona despite lacking an overpowering strikeout rate. A low home run rate and a fortunate BABIP leaves one suspicious especially with a tough home park to pitch in but Ray has been an underdog in every outing.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Last Year's Cy Young winners costing bettors big in 2015
By ANDREW CALEY

It has been anything but smooth sailing for bettors who have backed last year's Cy Young winners this season.

Cleveland Indians right-hander Corey Kluber and Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Clayton Kershaw are the two worst bets in terms of starter money in 2015, at -$1,421 and -$889 respectively.

That is based on $100 betting units, risking enough to win $100 as a favorite or risking $100 as an underdog.

One problem for Kershaw, who was last season's top money starter at $1,582, is that he sees so much chalk when he pitches, a loss is very costly.

He has been an average favorite of -217.17 through his 18 starts this season, with the heaviest juice coming in his last start against the Phillies at -335. The Dodgers are 9-9 in those starts.

Despite the "struggles", Kershaw is pitching to a 2.85 ERA and has 160 strikeouts to just 27 walks.

For Kluber it is a little more perplexing.

His numbers aren't terrible, posting a 3.38 ERA with 154 strikeouts to 28 walks, but he started the season slow giving up 25 earned runs in his first six starts, while seeing moderate chalk. He has only giving up 25 in the 12 starts since.

The big problem for Kluber is that he is getting the major's worst run support, with the Indians scoring just 2.32 runs per game when he starts. That is dead last among qualified pitchers.

So while both have been anything but money for their backers, there is some hope these trends can change.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Injury-riddled Cardinals can use All-Star break
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

The All-Star break arrived at the right time for St. Louis.

Prior to their June 30 home date with the Chicago White Sox, the Cardinals owned baseball's best record at 51-24 and possessed a nine-game lead over Pittsburgh in the National League Central.

After ending the season's unofficial first half with a 6-5 loss in 10 innings Sunday night to the red-hot Pirates at PNC Park, St. Louis' once-mammoth advantage is down to 2 1/2 games. That means it took just 13 days for the team to lose almost 75 percent of its lead.

But the four-day respite for most of the team -- shortstop Jhonny Peralta, catcher Yadier Molina and three pitchers (Michael Wacha, Trevor Rosenthal and Carlos Martinez) are heading to the All-Star Game -- should allow it to press the reset button on the year's final 73 games.

So should the return of a handful of key players. Left fielder Matt Holliday (right quad) could be back as early as Friday night, when the Cardinals host the New York Mets, giving a struggling lineup its No. 3 hitter back.

Setup man Jordan Walden might be back before July's end, affording the bullpen its eighth-inning man and enabling other relievers to slide back into the roles they filled so well as the team got off the mark well in April.

Starting pitcher Jaime Garcia, who was better than anyone had a right to expect with a 1.69 earned-run average in seven outings before a groin injury June 24 in Miami shelved him, figures to be back before the calendar flips to Aug. 1.

While those additions will help, this injury-riddled team -- its Opening Day roster has missed a whopping 217 man-games as of Sunday night, including the loss of ace starter Adam Wainwright for the season in late April -- will probably still need a bat if it is to field its best roster for October.

First base has been a black hole. Matt Adams, out for the year with a torn right quad, wasn't hitting well before his injury on May 26. Mark Reynolds hasn't hit with as much power as hoped, meaning elite pitchers -- about the only kind you face in October -- can breeze through this group at times.

General manager John Mozeliak knows this, but for the second straight year, the market for power bats looks thin. What's more, the organization's minor league depth has been taxed to an extent with trades the last 12 months, perhaps reducing the chances to find help.

The first 22 games after the All-Star break appear very accommodating. Only four take place against winning teams (three against the Mets, a makeup date with Kansas City) and 14 of the first 16 are in Busch Stadium, where St. Louis is an absurd 31-11.

Even with a bumpy stretch in the two weeks before the All-Star break, the Cardinals should play postseason games for the fifth straight year. How they finish the final 73 games will determine if they win their third consecutive division title or have to do it the wild-card way.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Rockies need pitching upgrade to turn around season
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

DENVER -- The Colorado Rockies began the season with four consecutive wins, and they reached the All-Star break with a four-game sweep of the Atlanta Braves.

Those four-game winning streaks are the high-water mark for the Rockies, who also won four in a row from May 27-31.

Meanwhile, the Rockies lost five straight games from April 17-21. They lost 11 straight from April 28-May 13. And they had another five-game skid while dropping nine of 10 games from June 10-19 before losing seven of eight from June 27-July 4.

They reached the All-Star break 39-49 and in last place, 11 games behind in the National League West.

"Up and down," was how manager Walt Weiss summarized the first half before adding, "Our record would indicate more down than up. Finishing up strong before the break certainly helps, but we need to be able to sustain something. We haven't been able to sustain the winning.

"Right about the time it looks like we're going to gain some traction, we have a tough road trip or a tough couple series. We got to be able to sustain it. I think it typically starts on the mound. We've had flashes of stretches where we've pitched well, but I think we need to be able to sustain that, and I think that will directly be related to winning more games."

The Rockies' starters are 25-36 with a 5.00 ERA, which ranks next to last in the majors, ahead of only the woeful Philadelphia Phillies (5.44). Jorge De La Rosa has been Colorado's only reliable starter, although promising Chad Bettis, who spent the first five weeks of the season at Triple-A, largely has been good.

Kyle Kendrick, signed as a free agent for $5.5 million, has, as advertised, given the team innings, leading the team with 103. However, he is 3-10 with a 5.94 ERA. He has allowed a major-league-leading 23 homers, and the Rockies are 5-13 when he pitches.

Kendrick was the Rockies' Opening Day starter, when their rotation also included Jordan Lyles, Eddie Butler and Tyler Matzek.

Lyles sustained a season-ending toe injury on May 31.

Butler was 3-6 with a 4.80 ERA in 11 starts when he was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque on June 9. He is working in the minors to get better separation or speed variance on his pitches and making progress.

Matzek, who had control issues in the low minors, experienced severe control problems that caused him to be sent to Albuquerque and then extended spring training to get away from competition before he went to short-season Class A Boise. In his third game there, Matzek's control problems again surfaced in the worst way. The Rockies sent Matzek home to California, and it seems unlikely he will pitch in the majors again this season.

Meanwhile, left-hander Chris Rusin and David Hale became placeholders in the rotation. Rusin did reasonably well, better than Hale, who went on the disabled list July 11 with a left groin strain. The Rockies will have to replace him in the rotation after the All-Star break. Veteran left-hander John Lannan, who is pitching at Albuquerque, gives the Rockies an option if they decide neither top prospect Jon Gray, also at Albuquerque, nor Butler is ready.

Even with their four-game sweep of the Braves, the Rockies are just 21-24 at Coors Field, where they must win 50 and probably closer to 55 games to have a chance to contend, given their historic problems on the road.

The Rockies will play 38 road games in the second half, two more than at home, but they won't be burdened with any three-city trips. They were only scheduled for one this season, and it was a 3-7 debacle to San Francisco, Oakland and Arizona from June 26-July 5.

The offense sputtered at times -- scoring three or fewer runs in 32 games -- but it is the least of the team's problems. The Rockies rank 13th in the National League with a .236 road batting average and a .667 on-base-plus-slugging percentage compared with their league-leading .305 home average and .805 OPS. Those figures are in line with historic trends for the club.

Third baseman Nolan Arenado is enjoying a breakthrough season, having already reached career highs with 24 homers and 70 RBIs. Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki has been healthy and productive. Second baseman DJ LeMahieu is having his best offensive season. Center fielder Charlie Blackmon went into the All-Star break with multiple hits in six of his past seven games and with his average (.291) at its highest point since May 12. And right fielder Carlos Gonzalez, who started slowly, has three homers and seven RBIs in seven games this month now that his surgically repaired left knee allows him to bear full weight on that leg.

"Our offense has been up and down, too," Weiss said. "But I feel like when you look at it overall, it's a pretty strong offensive club. We could be better in some areas, but we're pretty strong. I think if we pitch better and we're able to sustain that, we'll be a lot better for it."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Pirates on roll heading into second half
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

PITTSBURGH -- The Pirates’ 53-35 record is the second-best record in the National League at the All-Star break.

Unfortunately for the Pirates, they also have the second-best record in their own division.

The Pirates trail the Cardinals (56-33) by 2 1/2 games in the National League Central after finishing second to St. Louis in the division race each of the last two seasons.

However, the Pirates will have plenty of momentum going into the second half of the season. They won 13 of their last 16 going into the All-Star break, including two thrilling come-from-behind extra-inning victories over the Cardinals on Saturday and Sunday.

The Pirates’ goal since the first day of spring training has been to the win the division. After playing in the winner-take-all wild-card games each of the last two seasons -- beating the Cincinnati Reds in 2013 and losing to the San Francisco Giants in 2014 -- the Pirates appreciate the margin of error that comes with winning the division and moving directly into a five-game League Division Series.

The Pirates have a strong rotation and a big three of right-handers Gerrit Cole and A.J. Burnett and left-hander Francisco Liriano that would give them a chance in any postseason series. Right-hander Charlie Morton and left-hander Jeff Locke are also solid as the No. 4 and 5 starters.

However, the Pirates would like to add an extra starter for depth because season-ending injuries to top prospects Jameson Taillon and Nick Kingham have left the Triple-A Indianapolis rotation thin.

The Pirates also have a deep lineup capable of producing runs, led by center fielder Andrew McCutchen and left fielder Starling Marte, and also including shortstop Jordy Mercer and the catching tandem of Francisco Cervelli and Chris Stewart. The Pirates also believe second baseman Neil Walker and right fielder Gregory Polanco are primed for better second halves.

However, the Pirates need more production from the infield corners. First baseman Pedro Alvarez continues to disappointing since tying for the NL lead with 36 home runs in 2013. Third baseman and leadoff hitter Josh Harrison is out through the end of August with a torn ligament in his left thumb, though the Pirates are high on South Korean rookie Jung Ho Kang as his replacement.

While the Pirates have one of their deeper benches in recent years, they would like to add a right-handed-hitting outfielder to keep the 23-year-old Polanco away from some of the league’s tougher lefty pitchers.

Closer Mark Melancon leads the NL in saves and left-hander Tony Watson has again been superb pitching the eighth inning. However, the rest of the bullpen has been inconsistent at times and the Pirates are open to adding a couple of relievers.

In all, the Pirates are certainly good enough to get to the NL wild-card game for a third straight season. If general manager Neal Huntington can bolster the bullpen, they not only have a chance of running down the Cardinals in the division race but reaching the World Series for the first time since 1979 when they rallied to beat the Baltimore Orioles.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Orioles need to improve consistency in second half
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

Injuries and inconsistency are the two biggest reasons the Baltimore Orioles boast a 44-44 record heading into this year's All-Star break. The Orioles now have just about everyone back for the first time this season, and if consistency can be found, Baltimore should be a force in the American League East in the second half.

The Orioles missed players like shortstop J.J. Hardy, second baseman Jonathan Schoop, catcher Matt Wieters and pitcher Kevin Gausman for long periods of time. Center fielder Adam Jones even missed time. But the team is healthy again, and the Orioles have got the tools to do good things in the second half despite ending the first half on a 3-10 slide.

"I think our best baseball is ahead of us," Orioles manager Buck Showalter said after Sunday's 3-2 loss to the Nationals. "(There's) a lot of baseball left, and we're engaged in the competition and will continue to be."

The American League East has been so close that one good run could make the difference, and the Orioles are well aware of that.

"No matter what, we're still going to be (in it) -- our division is so tight -- it's still up for grabs," Jones said. "The second half is going to be real important because whoever gets hot is probably going to win the division."

The Orioles remain solid with power, defense and their bullpen. They need their starting pitching to improve in the second half -- like it did last year -- to have another shot at postseason play.

Right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez has turned things around and is 7-4 with a strong 2.81 ERA. Left-hander Wei-Yin Chen, despite a 4-5 record and giving up 17 homers, has been solid overall with a 2.82 ERA. But the problem has been the rest of the rotation and their inconsistency.

Right-handers Chris Tillman, Bud Norris and Miguel Gonzalez all have struggled at times. Norris appears to be out of the rotation for now and working out of the bullpen while young right-hander Kevin Gausman is stepping in. If Gausman can put it all together -- he's got great control and skills -- that would give the Orioles a big lift. Tillman just has not showed the command and control he displayed the last two seasons.

The bullpen and defense continue their solid performances, the two key reasons the Orioles are in almost every game. They should be the anchors again in the second half.

But even though the offense is strong and loves the long ball, it has been having problems lately with finding timely hits. The Orioles limped into the break going just 1-for-36 with runners in scoring position in the last six games. They've actually been good in that area all season but the recent problems there are concerning although Showalter said his team knows what's needed.

They simply must be more consistent at the plate.

"We're trying to win," Showalter said. "We know we have to score more runs than they do. It's the major leagues. Pitchers are good, too. You're not just going to have it click every night, but it doesn't keep you from trying to. It's hard."

If the Orioles can begin clicking in this area as well as with their starting pitching, then getting victories won't be as hard. Their record should be better than the 44-44 mark they've got at the break, but they're still certainly in the fight for the division title. Simply put, they just need to get it all together, something that has not yet happened.

"You've got to score more runs, give up less runs and play better defense," Wieters said. "It's a joint thing. We haven't really felt like we've been able to hit on all cylinders where offense and pitching has kind of clicked together. That's the key."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Rangers still thinking playoffs
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

Despite getting off to a dreadful start to the season and playing poorly at home and in the American League West, the Texas Rangers are in contention for a playoff spot.

The Rangers should be better after the All-Star break with left-handers Martin Perez and Derek Holland expected to join what was a surprising rotation to this point. If the Rangers can find a way to hit more consistently and strengthen their bullpen, they could stay in the AL West race for a while.

That is their plan at least, as they hit the break 42-46 and six games behind the first-place Los Angeles Angels in the American League West.

"I expected to be here," Texas manager Jeff Banister said.

If the Rangers are to stay in contention, they must get Perez and Holland back and find some consistency on offense. The left-handed-heavy Rangers are just 14-19 against left-handed starters. They also are just 11-23 against AL West opposition. They know that those two numbers have to improve if they're going to make up ground on both Los Angeles and the second-place Houston Astros.

"Offensively, we have to get better in our run-scoring opportunities," said Banister, whose team is hitting just .159 with runners in scoring position over the past 21 games. "We need to be better. Our execution rate needs to be higher. We need to have more quality at-bats in those opportunities."

While the Rangers have several question marks, they also showed they can put together good stretches of baseball. They won 19 games in May, and their record since the end of April is 35-32. They accomplished that despite being 10 games under .500 at home.

They also have a core of players who have been in contention in the second half before: third baseman Adrian Beltre, shortstop Elvis Andrus, outfielder Josh Hamilton and starter Yovani Gallardo.

That experience can help down the stretch.

"This is the competition we want," said Andrus, a veteran of three postseason teams. "There's a lot of excitement in the second half, and as a player, those are the kinds of games you always want to play in. We have to get back into the mentality of winning series. That's what we did when we were at our best this year."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Disappointing Padres figure to be active in trade market
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

SAN DIEGO -- Clearly, the San Diego Padres were one of the most disappointing teams of 2015.

After new general manager A.J. Preller rebuilt the Padres last offseason through trades for outfielders Matt Kemp, Justin Upton, Wil Myers and Melvin Upton Jr.; catcher Derek Norris; third baseman Will Middlebrooks and relief pitchers Craig Kimbrel and Brandon Maurer and signed top-of-the-rotation starter James Shields, expectations were high.

The Padres were projected to contend for a playoff berth and possibly challenge the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants for the National League West title.

The first half went dreadfully wrong.

Just before the break, the Padres experienced their longest losing streak of the season -- six games, plunging them 10 games below .500. San Diego rallied to end the half with two consecutive wins, improving to 41-49.

Almost everything about the Padres was inconsistent, except for the defense, which was bad throughout the season. The offense was improved but was up and down, getting shut out a dozen times before the break. The starting pitching also was better but blew hot and cold, particularly the back of the rotation.

So what does the second half hold?

Change.

One way or another, the Padres are going to be different moving forward. Preller says he wouldn't label the Padres as sellers at the trading deadline, but they certainly will be players. For one thing, outfielders Justin Upton and Will Venable, starting pitcher Ian Kennedy and setup reliever Joaquin Benoit are all free agents at the end of the season and are moveable for the right price.

The Padres might also be marketing Kimbrel and Shields -- if the offer is good enough.

Still, Preller and the Padres ownership believe their club made a major step forward in the big picture. They have parts to build around and aren't looking to participate in a fire sale.

The Padres would like to finish strong .. and they still hold out long-shot hopes of playing their way back into the playoff picture, although the numbers of reality are stacked against them.

"The goal is to win games now and in the future," club president and CEO Mike Dee said. "We made that commitment last winter."

Surely, the Padres are not the boring team of 2014 that finished near the bottom of the major leagues in every important offensive category. However, they are not the winning team they expected to be. Don't look for Preller to make wholesale moves, as he says he is playing for this year, not employing a five-year plan.

If not 2015, the Padres want to make a run in 2016. If not 2016 ...

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Dodgers' front office should remain aggressive
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

LOS ANGELES -- Last winter, the Los Angeles Dodgers revamped their front office and turned over half their roster. Even so, they find themselves in a familiar position heading into the second half of the season -- in first place with high expectations.

"I know where we're at. I plan on staying there," Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said.

Given the state of mediocrity of the rest of the National League West, that shouldn't be very difficult. Since the start of June, the Dodgers are the only team in the division to win more often than it lost -- and that is just barely (21-19).

However, the Dodgers' $270 million payroll wasn't spent to win a third consecutive division title. The expectations are higher than that. Toward that end, the changes in Los Angeles could continue in the second half.

Cuban infielder Hector Olivera was signed to a six-year, $62.5 million contract, and he is working his way toward a second-half big-league arrival by playing in the minor leagues.

"Everything we hear is good," Mattingly said of Olivera. "We didn't sign him to be a Triple-A guy. We signed him to be a big-league guy. We just need to get him ready to play. He has a chance to be part of what we're doing, for sure."

So does top shortstop prospect Corey Seager, particularly if Jimmy Rollins starts playing his age again.

The Dodgers' front office showed no reluctance to make trades in the offseason. That isn't likely to change now.

The losses of Hyun-Jin Ryu and Brandon McCarthy to season-ending surgeries left the rotation thin behind All-Stars Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke and oft-injured Brett Anderson. A move to address that deficiency is almost certain before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.

It might not be necessary in order to secure the division, but it could be the difference in how the Dodgers set up for a deep run in October.

"When you lose Hyun-Jin and Brandon, I just think it's hard to replace that," Mattingly said. "From the pitching standpoint, we're not quite the club we thought we would be at this point."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Astros exceeding expectations despite recent slide
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

HOUSTON -- The Houston Astros have performed markedly above preseason expectations, and while their prolonged run atop the American League West has been one of the biggest surprises of the first half, it always seemed inevitable that the good times would not last the entire summer.

The Astros secured first place in the AL West on April 19 with a 4-3 victory over the Los Angeles Angles and led the division by as many as seven games as late as May 4. But roster attrition via injuries and suspect depth within their starting rotation yielded a late six-game losing skid, dropping the Astros in position to scrap for a postseason berth once the second half commences on Friday night against Texas.

"Successful first half," Astros manager A.J. Hinch said. "We can't let a miserable trip overshadow a successful first half for us. There's no doubt this trip was miserable results-wise but the effort is there, the intent is there. We're doing everything we can to scratch and claw out of this. Luckily for us we have four days off to recollect ourselves.

"It's a sour taste going into the All-Star break, but there's no doubt we're making progress."

As with any team, optimal health would stabilize the Astros' postseason aspirations. They will soon welcome back right-hander Scott Feldman (right knee) and shortstop Jed Lowrie (right thumb), both of whom have been sidelined for an extended period following surgery.

However, the Astros will soldier on without outfielder George Springer, their most dynamic player, for at least another month after Springer suffered a fractured right wrist on July 1. Given his combination of exceptional defense and baserunning plus a 129 OPS+ that paces the club, the Astros will continue to juggle their ample outfield depth in search of a sufficient combination of players capable of filling the void.

Feldman should provide a reasonable complement behind ace left-hander Dallas Keuchel and right-hander Collin McHugh, who appears to have rebounded from a shaky start to the season. However the Astros likely need one additional arm to lengthen their rotation.

They have leaned on rookie right-handers Lance McCullers and Vince Velasquez, and while their performances have been godsends, the Astros are taking risks requesting that both serve as anchors down the stretch. Acquiring a veteran with some measure of pedigree -- Cole Hamels or Johnny Cueto or Scott Kazmir or Jeff Samardzija -- might serve the Astros quite well.

"At some point we're going to need a full rotation," Hinch said. "I think Velasquez will be in consideration. (Right-hander Dan) Straily, Obie (left-hander Brett Oberholtzer) are always in consideration. So, we have a lot of options."

What remains obvious is the Astros have the pieces in place to contend. Maintaining a hold on first place for nearly three months confirms that the foundation is solid. The Astros' power (with a major-league-leading 124 home runs) is unquestioned, and their defense up the middle with catcher Jason Castro, All-Star second baseman Jose Altuve, shortstop (and Rookie of the Year candidate) Carlos Correa, and any number of strong defensive options in center field (Springer, Jake Marisnick and Colby Rasmus).

General manager Jeff Luhnow has liberally utilized the shuttle from Triple-A Fresno and Double-A Corpus Christi to patch holes as they appear, a practice that has enabled to Astros to tread water despite their injuries and their rotation concerns.

If the Astros are to reach the postseason two years before most considered that goal feasible, they'll need Springer and Lowrie back in place to undergird the offense and another arm to fortify the pitching staff. Both goals are rational, so expect the Astros to react accordingly.

"Our guys really do it the right way and we're putting together some successful runs, too," Hinch said. "Our players are into it, we've got a long way to go (71 games). I'll take this team and the effort and what we represent down the stretch."

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Injuries expedite Reds rebuild
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

CINCINNATI -- The Cincinnati Reds entered this season expecting to contend in a wide open National League Central. But injuries derailed those hopes and expedited a rebuilding process.

After starting the season relatively healthy, things unraveled for manager Bryan Price's club when right-hander Homer Bailey suffered a setback in his return from Tommy John surgery, catcher Devin Mesoraco couldn't recover from a nagging hip impingement, and shortstop Zack Cozart blew out his knee beating out an infield grounder in June. All are lost for the season.

Entering the All-Star break, the Reds had 10 players make 11 appearances on the disabled list since Opening Day.

Approaching the July trade deadline, Cincinnati is expected to shop coveted free-agent Johnny Cueto, closer Aroldis Chapman and possibly others in an effort to fill holes and restock the minor league system.

Looking ahead, things seem encouraging for the Reds even if Cueto is dealt.

Five rookie pitchers made starts for the Reds in the first half including signed and developed right-handers Raisel Iglesias, Michael Lorenzen and Jon Moscot. Right-hander Anthony DeSclafani, who was acquired from Miami in the Mat Latos trade, also is in the rotation. All have shown signs of being quality major league pitchers.

There have been some bright spots for Cincinnati (39-47) which lost 3 of 4 at Miami heading into the break.

Third baseman Todd Frazier ended the first half with 25 homers and 56 RBIs, putting on club-record pace in several offensive categories to earn him a starting nod for the NL All-Star team.

Center fielder Billy Hamilton, his overall struggles at the plate aside, leads the major leagues with 44 stolen bases.

And, first baseman Joey Votto has returned from a couple injury-riddle campaigns to reach base in 74 of 84 appearances.

Failed experiments with veteran starter Jason Marquis and reliever Kevin Gregg ended badly and constant bullpen shuffling, particularly with the setup role behind Chapman, set the Reds back.

Reds fans eagerly are waiting to see what kind of return the club gets for Cueto. They also are asking the front office for more transparency on the plan moving forward. After reaching the playoffs in three of six seasons including a pair of division titles, the second half of the 2015 season marks the beginning of a transitional period for this organization.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Offensive woes hurt Indians in first half
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

CLEVELAND -- The Cleveland Indians' outlook for the second half of the season is, at best, murky. On paper it should be better than murky because the Indians are well fortified in the most important area of all: starting pitching. In the first half of the season the Indians had four quality starting pitchers, but still had a losing record.

Those two statements don't seem to go together, but they have for the Indians, which is why the second half seems so uncertain. They clearly have enough starting pitching to reach the playoffs, but even with that starting pitching the Indians had a winning record for just one day in the first half: April 9, when their record was 2-1.

This, despite the fact that the Indians became the first team in major league history to have four pitchers with 100 strikeouts before the All-Star break: Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco, Danny Salazar and Trevor Bauer. For most of the season Kluber, Carrasco and Salazar have ranked in the top five in the American League in total strikeouts and strikeouts per nine innings, and the Indians' staff is on a pace to break their own major league record for most strikeouts in a season, which they set last year.

The bullpen has been very good as well. The Indians are fourth in the league in bullpen ERA, and closer Cody Allen is 19-for-20 in save opportunities and has been almost untouchable since late April. In 31 games since April 29 Allen is 16-for-16 in save chances, with a 1.15 ERA while holding opposing batters to a .157 batting average.

So the Indians appear to have enough pitching to make a run at a postseason berth, but all that pitching is being sabotaged by a stagnant offense and shaky defense, although the latter has improved lately. The Indians rank 12th in the league in total runs scored and runs per game. Part of the issue is the Indians are trying to win with an all-rookie left side of the infield.

Shortstop Francisco Lindor, the Indians' top prospect, and third baseman Giovanny Urshela were both promoted to the big league club in June. Both have significantly upgraded their positions defensively.

"Defensively I think we're going in the right direction," said manager Terry Francona. "Lindor and Urshela have sparked us, not just with their skills, but with their enthusiasm. They seem to want the ball hit to them and I think that has kind of helped everybody."

However, offensively the two rookie infielders have struggled. Those struggles wouldn't be as troubling if the veterans on the team were all hitting, but they are not.

With the exception of All-Star second baseman Jason Kipnis and outfielder David Murphy, virtually all of the Indians' other position players are having sub-par offensive years, to such a degree that it has been difficult for the Indians to sustain any winning momentum.

If Kipnis and Murphy don't start to get some help offensively in the second half, it's difficult to see the Indians mounting a serious bid for a playoff berth.

Specifically, the improvement is going to have to come from Michael Bourn, who hit .222 in the first half, Yan Gomes (.218), Brandon Moss (.220), Carlos Santana (.221), and even Michael Brantley, who is playing with a balky back, and is hitting .292 with five homers and 46 RBIs at the break, compared to .322-15-63 last year.

The most dramatic reflection of why the Indians' offense needs to improve in the second half is Kluber's record in the first half. The reigning American League Cy Young Award winner is 4-10, despite a fine 3.38 ERA. Kluber has had the worst run support in the American League: 2.4 runs per start. In his 10 losses the Indians have scored a total of 16 runs. They have scored two or fewer runs in eight of his 10 losses, and they have scored three or fewer runs in 17 of his 19 starts overall.

For the Indians to gain the ground they need to gain to be a playoff contender in the second half, the pitching is going to have to duplicate its first half, and the offense is going to have to get significantly better.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Grading all 30 teams: Royals, Astros ace first half
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

Shrewd offseason shopping set expectations higher for the San Diego Padres and Chicago White Sox, two teams picked by some pundits to be among the biggest winners this season.

At the break, neither team is out of it, but the White Sox are in wildcard talk and the chatter in San Diego isn't much more optimistic after disappointing starts.

The defending champion Giants are ahead of the Padres at 46-43 but consistency kept Bruce Bochy's boys well back of the Dodgers.

The Kansas City Royals are in the running for another pennant based on their first half play.

TSX correspondents in every MLB market grade the league's 30 teams at the break.

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

C-plus -- The Diamondbacks lead the National League in runs and have one of the most potent top-four punches in LF Ender Inciarte, CF A.J. Pollock, 1B Paul Goldschmidt and RF Yasmany Tomas. Pollock, an All-Star, already has career highs in homers, RBIs and stolen bases. After a so-so spring while trying third base and adapting to a new culture, Tomas blossomed in right field. RHP Brad Ziegler shined after taking over the closer's role, but the rotation needs more consistency.

COLORADO ROCKIES

C-minus -- While the Rockies' results this season aren't great, they essentially match the expectations. Few picked Colorado to compete with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Francisco Giants -- and even the revamped San Diego Padres -- in the National League West, and indeed, the Rockies hit the break in last place in the division. While the offense is passable, led by strong work from 3B Nolan Arenado, SS Troy Tulowitzki, CF Charlie Blackmon and (when they were healthy) 1B Justin Morneau and LF Corey Dickerson, the pitching is woeful. The Rockies' 4.82 ERA is better only than the Phillies' 4.83 mark.

LOS ANGELES DODGERS

B-minus -- After starting the season with 20 wins in their first 30 games, the Dodgers largely were a .500 team. They built their record by dominating the lower-level teams in the National League while going just 8-18 against teams with winning records. That should be good enough to win a weak NL West, where only the San Francisco Giants seem capable of mounting any kind of a threat. However, it is not what a $270 million payroll is supposed to produce.

SAN DIEGO PADRES

D-minus -- Nothing went as planned, leading to the firing of Bud Black as manager after eight-plus seasons. However, the Padres' tailspin only worsened (9-16) after Pat Murphy was appointed the interim manager. The team that led the National League in runs scored throughout most of the first month of the season has been shut out 12 times at the break. The offensive upgrades were only on display at times, making the Padres something of an enigma. The defense also performed poorly, which combined with inconsistent pitching dug a hole for the Padres.

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

C-plus -- The Giants learned five years ago that they don't have to start studying for final exams until September, so it is no surprise that they are barely better than average at the midterm break. Their 46-43 record at the All-Star break is just 3 1/2 games off last year's championship pace (53-43), and even closer to the marks that produced titles in 2010 (47-41) and 2012 (46-40). With RF Hunter Pence back in action, LF Nori Aoki progressing nicely toward an Aug. 1 return and two key pitchers -- RHP Tim Hudson and LHP Jeremy Affeldt -- scheduled back before the next homestand, San Francisco could have all hands on deck well before the stretch run. The Giants, who own the seventh-best record in the National League at the break, would not make the playoffs if the regular season ended Sunday.

CHICAGO CUBS

B-plus -- The Cubs and manager Joe Maddon earned an elevated grade for executing a turnaround from the team's historic misfortunes. They've combined exceptional young talent like third baseman and All-Star Kris Bryant, second baseman Addison Russell, outfielder Jorge Soler -- either drafted or otherwise acquired during lean years -- with veteran infielders Anthony Rizzo and Starlin Castro and starting pitchers like Jake Arrieta to create not just a contender today but perhaps an NL Central Division power tomorrow.

CINCINNATI REDS

C -- The rash of injuries aren't an excuse, but rather a reason why the Reds entered the All-Star break 7 1/2 games behind the first-place St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Central. Despite losing some key components due to injury, manager Bryan Price managed to keep the club afloat. The arrival of several rookie pitchers was necessitated by the injuries but also provided a glimpse into the club's future.

MILWAUKEE BREWERS

F -- No doubt about it, this Brewers team is a colossal failure. Whether the blame lies on the players for not executing, management for not blowing up the 2014 squad that collapsed over the final month or ownership that didn't make changes at the top, absolutely nothing has gone right for the Brewers in 2015

PITTSBURGH PIRATES

A -- The Pirates were expected to contend but it would have been a stretch at the beginning of the season to predict they would have the third-best record in the major leagues after losing C Russell Martin to the Toronto Blue Jays in free agency during the offseason and missing RHP Charlie Morton for the six weeks of the season while he recovered from offseason hip surgery.

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS

A -- This team deserves an A, given its ability to win games despite losing its No. 1 starter (Adam Wainwright) for the season in April and its cleanup hitter (Matt Adams) for the season in May. It's also dealt with absences for its No. 3 hitter (Matt Holliday), its No. 2 starter (Lance Lynn) and its setup man (Jordan Walden), as well as the yearly Jaime Garcia DL stays. This is without question the best job that manager Mike Matheny has done in his four years.

ATLANTA BRAVES

C-plus -- It is hard to give the Braves more than a C-minus grade because of their sub-.500 record, but they overachieved most of the first half. The young rotation was good and the offense not as bad as expected thanks to clutch hitting and a lack of strikeouts. A shortage of power and bullpen breakdowns hurt, but this team was really never geared for 2015. Director of Baseball Operations John Hart is building toward 2017, and manager Fredi Gonzalez did what he could to keep the team moving forward and positive.

MIAMI MARLINS

F -- The Marlins spent a ton of money in the offseason and came in with high hopes, which was unusual for a fan base that has a hate-hate relationship with owner Jeffrey Loria. The $325 million contract given to Stanton was the first big shocker of the offseason, and suddenly the Marlins were buyers and not sellers. But their high hopes quickly faded, and manager Mike Redmond was fired after a 16-22 start. Redmond joined the other competent managers fired by Loria, a list that includes Joe Girardi and Fredi Gonzalez. The Marlins brought in rookie manager Dan Jennings, who has never coached above high school, serving instead as a scout and GM for over 30 years. Jennings struggled at first, but by the time he got settled in, the Marlins had already dug too deep a hole for themselves due to injuries and under-performing veterans. So far, at least, this has been a lost season.

NEW YORK METS

B-minus -- A loud segment of Mets fans want Terry Collins fired on a daily basis, but he should be up for Manager of the Year and a contract extension for coaxing a winning record out of a squad that has been outscored 312-310. Pitching-wise, Collins has been aggressive in pushing the starters -- who have pitched into the seventh inning 43 times in 89 starts -- in order to shorten the bridge to Familia. Offensively, he has been dealt a terrible hand by general manager Sandy Alderson, who either can't (thanks to broke ownership) or won't (thanks to a desire to dominate every trade) upgrade a lineup that has been missing third baseman David Wright and catcher Travis d'Arnaud for most of the first half and has been hampered by the extended struggles of first baseman Lucas Duda and LF Michael Cuddyer. But Collins' mixing and matching and constant cajoling of players has generated just enough offense for the Mets, who ended the first half by scoring at least four runs in four straight games for the first time since April. Now it's time for Alderson to go get some offensive firepower to support Collins and a championship-level starting rotation.

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES

D-plus -- You would expect a harsh grade for a team on the verge of franchise infamy, but the Phillies conceded a rebuild last offseason. Gillick said the team wouldn't contend in 2015 or 2016. Vegas projected Philadelphia to have the lowest win total at 68.5. So losing was expected, but this bad? The Phillies have endured embarrassing defeat after embarrassing defeat. But again, this shouldn't come as a surprise. Although it's tough to see amid the rubble, the Phillies are headed in the right direction and their performance at the July 31 trade deadline will go a long way in the move forward.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS

B -- The Nationals may be in first place, but they haven't been the runaway favorite that many pundits thought would cruise to a division crown. Harper and Scherzer have lived up to expectations, and the Nationals made a great pickup in third baseman Yunel Escobar, but injuries have left Washington without several of its biggest offensive weapons and relying on unheralded players like Clint Robinson and Michael A. Taylor. Still, it would be shocking not to see the Nats in the postseason when all is said and done.

HOUSTON ASTROS

A -- Most preseason projections had the Astros flirting with a .500 record this season, therefore their 87-win pace represents significant overachievement and warrants an A. Many expected the bullpen to showcase improvement and the 2.67 ERA of the Astros' relief corps validates the offseason investment made by general manager Jeff Luhnow. The same could be said of the offseason acquisitions of third baseman Luis Valbuena and designated hitter Evan Gattis, whose 34 combined home runs have lifted the Astros to the top of the power heap.

LOS ANGELES ANGELS

B -- Contradicting the Angels' strengths are weaknesses in the same departments. Despite excellence from CF Mike Trout and 1B Albert Pujols, the Angels offense ranks in the bottom half of the major leagues in seven categories. OF Matt Joyce's season-long funk is a major drag on the lineup. Despite solid pitching from LHP Hector Santiago and RHP Garrett Richards, the Angels' starters have fought inconsistency all season. 2B Johnny Giavotella has been a pleasant surprise at the plate. The 28-year-old, who never played in more than 53 major league games in any one season, became the starter in spring training and ended April batting .317. But Giavotella shares the American League lead in errors at his position and has the second-lowest fielding percentage among the league's second basemen. Giavotella and Joyce have played the most among the Angels' offseason acquisitions. LHP Andrew Heaney, acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers for 2B Howie Kendrick, could make the difference in the second half.

OAKLAND ATHLETICS

F -- The A's have overachieved for so long, the bar no longer is set at low-hurdles height. Arguably the best team in baseball at one point last season is all of a sudden just another club bound to be playing out the string in August and September in half-filled stadiums. Every encouraging stretch in the season's first 91 games was more than offset by two back-to-Earth doses of reality. Bottom line: A team that was 59-36 at the break a year ago is 16 games worse (41-50) this season. That's an utter failure.

SEATTLE MARINERS

D -- This was supposed to be the year that the Mariners broke their 14-year playoff draught and actually competed for a World Series. Very rarely did Seattle look like a legitimate contender over the first 89 games. The problem seemed to turn over on a weekly basis, from 2B Robinson Cano's prolonged slump to closer Fernando Rodney's disastrous ninth innings to a bench full of underachieving veterans and overworked relievers. The only constant seemed to be Seattle's inability to hit with runners in scoring position. While the Mariners are not entirely out of the race, they'll have to make a pretty miraculous run -- perhaps as improbably as they did 20 years ago, during the historic 1995 season -- to live up to expectations.

TEXAS RANGERS

C -- If you were in school and doing average, you would earn a C, and a Texas team that hovered around .500 for the last month is about as average as it comes. The rotation carried the team during May and June when it was at its best, but the starting pitching came back some. The team struggles to hit left-handed pitching, and its bullpen is one of the worst in baseball, with the highest ERA in the AL. The Rangers made mistakes on departed bullpen arms such as LHP Ross Detwiler, RHP Kyuji Fujikawa and RHP Neftali Feliz to put themselves in this spot.

CHICAGO WHITE SOX

D-plus -- A recent hot run and improved play lifts the White Sox toward a barely passing grade, with the opportunity to either rise or crash over the next two-plus months. They dug a deep hole early with 14 losses in their first 22 games and often feeble offense that managed two or fewer runs in 32 of 86 games.

CLEVELAND INDIANS

C -- Expectations were high coming into the season. Many felt the Indians would reach the playoffs; some even predicted a World Series appearance. Instead, the team has languished below .500 for virtually the entire first half. The only time the Indians were over .500 was after three games when their record was 2-1. The front office deserves credit for assembling an excellent starting rotation, but the offense has been a major disappointment.

DETROIT TIGERS

C-minus -- Detroit entered the season expecting to contend for a fifth straight American League Central Division crown but entered the All-Star break far closer to last than first. After winning its first six games and 11 of 13, the club has the worst record in the division. Injuries to 1B Miguel Cabrera, RHP Justin Verlander, DH Victor Martinez and C Alex Avila have been a factor but pitching has played the bigger part. RHPs Alfredo Simon and Shane Greene imploded after good beginnings and Verlander failed to record a win in five starts following his return. Manager Brad Ausmus deserves credit for deft handling of a bad bullpen but took too long to make corrections to the batting order. GM Dave Dombrowski has a tradition of making superb mid-term acquisitions but will have to exceed that to get his team back on track.

KANSAS CITY ROYALS

A -- The Royals went 34-21 the final two months of the regular season last year and carried that right into Game 7 of the World Series. With the core group returning, the Royals are braced to return to postseason and win their first division crown since 1985. The rotation is not that strong, lacking a proven No. 1, and it has been riddled by injuries with Yordano Ventura, Danny Duffy and Jason Vargas all having stints on the disabled list, but the bullpen is so strong that if the Royals have a lead after six innings, it is apt to go in the 'w' column.

MINNESOTA TWINS

A-minus -- Coming off a fourth consecutive 90-plus loss season, the Twins were expected to finish last in a competitive American League Central race. Thanks to an improved rotation and better outfield defense, the Twins are in the thick of the division race and have been in the driver's seat for one of the two wild-card spots almost all season. GM Terry Ryan's signature offseason move was signing RHP Ervin Santana. An 80-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs has limited Santana to just two starts before the break, but his fresh arm could prove beneficial down the stretch. The signing of Torii Hunter has also been savvy; with a young clubhouse, Hunter's veteran presence -- and surprising first-half power -- have been welcome additions. First-year manager Paul Molitor has helped change a losing culture into one that believes it can win and win now.

BALTIMORE ORIOLES

C-plus -- This team could and should be doing better. Injuries definitely have hurt, but GM Dan Duquette and manager Buck Showalter rolled the dice on a number of role players repeating their 2014 seasons and that has not happened (see Alejandro De Aza, Steve Pearce, Delmon Young). But they've brought in enough talent over the past few years at the major and minor league levels that Showalter has been able to shift around to keep the Orioles close.

BOSTON RED SOX

D -- If not for the last few weeks, the Sox would get a failing grade. Despite a club-record payroll, they are in last place and, incredibly, haven't been above .500 since May 1. Manager John Farrell has been criticized for being too passive in dealing with underachieving players, while GM Ben Cherington has struggled to find the right mix.

NEW YORK YANKEES

B-plus -- The expectations had the Yankees pegged for a team with a grade of C but the reality is they've exceeded that and played more like a team that gets a grade of B bordering on B-plus. While they have been streaky at times, the Yankees have played well enough to be in first place. Joe Girardi has managed 46 players so far this season and has handled them well from the biggest names to the countless amount of relievers that have been promoted. General manager Brian Cashman made a smart move in getting Andrew Miller and his spending spree of the 2013 offseason seems to paying off now with how Brian McCann has performed and Jacoby Ellsbury's showing when healthy. Additionally, Cashman and the front office have done nicely in drafting or signing enough arms to field the roster of Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and provide the Yankees with depth in the bullpen when reinforcements have been necessary. If there is a move to knock, it might be re-signing Stephen Drew but despite his low batting average, he has played a solid second base and hit his share of home runs. Another move that the jury is out on is RHP Nathan Eovaldi, who throws hard but can't seem to get pitches by people but he's young enough that he might be able to become more consistent.

TAMPA BAY RAYS

B -- With a rookie manager and general manager and more injuries than any team in baseball has had to overcome, it's hard to give the Rays anything less than a B for collecting a 46-45 record going into the All-Star break. Kevin Cash has shown a penchant for tweaking lineups, shifting defenses, overcoming a constant slew of injuries and getting the most out of a bullpen that's been among baseball's busiest.

TORONTO BLUE JAYS

C-minus -- The Blue Jays enter the All-Star break 45-46 despite outscoring the opposing teams 486-404. The wins are not out of line with expectations, but the potent offense might be surprising. The run differential should translate into a better record, but a lack of consistent pitching, other than LHP Mark Buehrle in the rotation and RHP Roberto Osuna in the bullpen, has the team near the break-even point. Although the offense means the Blue Jays are seldom out of a game, it has come with a cost to the defense, particularly at left field and shortstop. INF/OF Chris Colabello has been a pleasant surprise with the bat, but he is miscast as a left fielder and costs the team runs there. He also plays first base, where he is adequate. SS Jose Reyes has been substandard defensively for years.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

MVPs for all 30 teams: Harper leads first half
By THE SPORTS XCHANGE

No one has been more important to the Washington Nationals this season than All-Star outfielder Bryce Harper.

Harper is among the league leaders in average, hits, RBIs, runs, walks, slugging percentage and just about any other category you can measure.

"We're proud of him. He's zoned into the strike zone and done well for us and hit in the middle of our lineup. He's been our leader," Washington manager Matt Williams said.

The 22-year-old Harper ends the first half with a .339 average, 26 home runs and 61 RBIs, putting him in contention for the National League Triple Crown.

"I mean, beyond all the numbers or anything like that, this team is so good," said Harper, who shattered the National League record with nearly 14 million votes in All-Star Game fan balloting. "We've been good for four years now. If we can just keep going, keep doing the things we're doing and get the guys back we need ... we can get going and have some fun."

TSX correspondents in every MLB market named the MVPs for the 30 teams at the break.

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

FIRST-HALF MVP: 1B Paul Goldschmidt was among the two of three most productive players in the National League at the break, and one of the most feared. Goldschmidt produced a .340/.465/.610 slash line with 21 homers, 70 RBIs and 16 stolen bases ... and he also had a major-league-high 68 walks. Teams pitched around him whenever possible, and his major-league-high 19 intentional walks are more than 18 teams received. Despite relative anonymity in Arizona, he is firmly in the MVP race.

COLORADO ROCKIES

FIRST-HALF MVP: 3B Nolan Arenado, who is in his third season, is well on his way to winning his third consecutive Gold Glove. Additionally, Arenado has become much more polished, consistent offensive player who is blossoming as a power hitter. Arenado is hitting .293 with a .927 OPS and already has reached career highs in home runs (24) and RBIs (70). He is tied in the latter category with Arizona's Paul Goldschmidt for the major league lead.

LOS ANGELES DODGERS

FIRST-HALF MVP: The Dodgers will send five players to the All-Star Game -- RHP Zack Greinke, 1B Adrian Gonzalez, C Yasmani Grandal, OF Joc Pederson and LHP Clayton Kershaw. Each was essential in his own way. However, Justin Turner might have been the most unexpected valuable player in the first half. Turner emerged as the primary third baseman and a key offensive piece, providing consistent production while Yasiel Puig missed 38 games with a hamstring injury and others ran hot and cold.

SAN DIEGO PADRES

FIRST-HALF MVP: Wil Myers was on the disabled list all but three games since May 10, and he won't return for at least another month following surgery on his left wrist. However, when the first baseman/center fielder was in the lineup, the Padres were 19-15. When he was first injured, he led the major leagues in runs scored. Without Myers, the Padres are a very different team. Through 159 plate appearances, Myers is hitting .277 with 10 doubles, a triple, five homers, 19 RBIs and 30 runs.

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

FIRST-HALF MVP: The season began with the Giants believing they could replace their $95 million third baseman, Pablo Sandoval, with a $24 million import, Casey McGehee. Turns out they were wrong. They didn't need to spend nearly that much. For $509,000, the Giants received a .293 average, eight home runs and 41 RBIs out of 3B Matt Duffy, who grabbed the baton from McGehee in April and ran with it. A utility infielder last season, Duffy rapidly developed into one of the more productive No. 3 hitters in the National League, as his .313 average with seven home runs in May and June would attest.

CHICAGO CUBS

FIRST-HALF MVP: 2015 All-Star 1B Anthony Rizzo entered Sunday ranked third in the NL with a .956 OPS, third with a .412 on-base percentage and sixth with a .544 slugging percentage. He's tied for second in the league with 24 doubles and is batting .298 entering the All-Star Break. Rizzo also leads the majors after being hit by a pitch 19 times, including one on Sunday.

CINCINNATI REDS

FIRST-HALF MVP: Although it took a spirited social-media campaign to help 3B Todd Frazier to overcome a 2 million-vote deficit to start for the National League All-Star team, he clearly deserved it. Frazier hit 25 homers with 56 RBIs. Frazier had 50 extra-base hits at the break, second-most in club history behind Hall of Famer Johnny Bench who had 54 in 1970. He also is the first Reds player to have consecutive 25-homer seasons since Chris Sabo in 1990-91.

MILWAUKEE BREWERS

FIRST-HALF MVP: RHP Francisco Rodriguez. Victories have been scarce this season for the Brewers, so having a closer to protect late leads is more important than ever. So you have to tip your cap to Rodriguez, who converted all 19 of his save opportunities this season while posting a sparkling 1.41 ERA.

PITTSBURGH PIRATES

FIRST-HALF MVP: RHP A.J. Burnett, at 7-3, doesn't have a gaudy record but his ERA is a sparkling 2.11 through 18 starts. More than anything, though, Burnett has given the Pirates a second top-of-the-rotation starter to go with Gerrit Cole at a low cost. Burnett is making just $8.5 million this season after turning down his $12.75-million player option with the Philadelphia Phillies and rejoining the Pirates as a free agent after pitching for them in 2013 and 2014.

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS

FIRST-HALF MVP: SS Jhonny Peralta represents some of the best $53 million GM John Mozeliak has ever spent. After hitting .267 with 21 homers and 75 RBIS last year, Peralta has been even better this year, belting 13 homers and 46 RBIs prior to the All-Star break with a .292 average. What's more, Peralta has made just three errors, playing arguably the best all-around shortstop this team has had since Ozzie Smith.

ATLANTA BRAVES

FIRST-HALF MVP: C A.J. Pierzynski's signing was questioned by many. After all, he was going to be 38-years-old, was coming off a bad season and was known as a polarizing figure. Would he be happy as a backup to rookie Christian Bethancourt? Well, Pierzynski didn't turn out to be the backup. He won the regular job with a hot April and Bethancourt was sent to the minors. Pierzynski has been productive at the plate and handled the young starting rotation well. CF Cameron Maybin also far exceeded expectations, but Pierzynski has been an even more valuable.

MIAMI MARLINS

FIRST-HALF MVP: RF Giancarlo Stanton is the team MVP even though he made his last appearance of the first half on June 26. He is on the disabled list due to a broken left wrist. The injury was a tough break for Stanton, who led the majors in homers (27) and RBIs (67) at the time he got hurt. In recognition of his monster numbers, Stanton was named an NL All-Star starter, and the team is anxiously awaiting his return, which should come in mid-August.

NEW YORK METS

FIRST-HALF MVP: RHP Jeurys Familia. RHP Jacob deGrom is the Mets' All-Star Game representative and a legitimate Cy Young Award candidate. But Familia's ability to handle the closer's role into which he was suddenly thrust during the opening week -- when incumbent right-hander Jenrry Mejia first suffered an elbow injury and then received an 80-game suspension for failing a PED test -- is the reason the Mets are in the playoff race. Familia has converted 27 of 29 save chances, recorded a 1.25 ERA and single-handedly lengthened an otherwise piecemeal bullpen. The Mets are 7-0 in games in which he has gotten more than three outs.

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES

FIRST-HALF MVP: 3B Maikel Franco provided the Phillies a glimmer of hope since being called up on May 15. In his first full month as an everyday player in the major leagues, Franco was named National League Rookie of the Month for June in which he hit .352 with eight home runs, 24 RBIs and a 1.039 OPS. On June 23, at Yankee Stadium, he became the first Phillie since 1920 (when RBIs became an official stat) to post five RBIs in back-to-back games. The 22-year-old is already Philadelphia's franchise third baseman.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS

FIRST-HALF MVP: OF Bryce Harper. Without the 22-year-old outfielder, the Nationals would be in serious trouble. Harper's .339 average, 26 homers and 61 RBIs have him in contention for the National League Triple Crown, and if you took his numbers out of the mix, Washington's leaders in home runs (10) and RBIs (38) don't even come close. Harper's performance has been what everyone in baseball has been waiting for since he arrived in the majors. "I just try to stay in my own lane and do my own thing and help us win games," Harper said.

HOUSTON ASTROS

FIRST-HALF MVP: 2B Jose Altuve is an All-Star and is the face of the organization, but OF George Springer is the Astros' linchpin. Despite being sidelined since July 1 with a right wrist fracture, Springer ranks third in the American League in baserunning runs added (4.6) and his 133 wRC+ is 17th in the AL. He provided several highlight-reel catches in right and center field, and his performance as the Astros' leadoff hitter (.321/.400/.504 in 35 games) provided a welcome boost.

LOS ANGELES ANGELS

FIRST-HALF MVP: 1B Albert Pujols is experiencing the kind of season the Angels expected when they signed him in December 2011. Pujols not only hit 26 homers to share first place in the American League with CF Mike Trout. The National League's three-time Most Valuable Player also leads the Angels with 56 RBIs and ranks second with 52 runs and a .532 slugging percentage. Pujols' .323 on-base percentage ties him for second on the club with SS Erick Aybar. More importantly, Pujols provides quiet, yet powerful, clubhouse leadership while serving as a mentor to Trout. Pujols demonstrated his influence when he criticized GM Jerry Dipoto during a team meeting June 28 for composing a weaker roster than last year's team had. Dipoto resigned 72 hours later.

OAKLAND ATHLETICS

FIRST-HALF MVP: RHP Sonny Gray. One of the most encouraging things to say about the A's at the All-Star break is they are unlikely to trade Gray. Maybe next year. The 23-year-old has quickly developed into one of the top pitchers in the American League and potential ace of most staffs. For now, that staff resides in Oakland, where Gray heads an up-and-coming group that includes RHPs Jesse Hahn and Kendall Graveman. And let's not forget veteran LHP Scott Kazmir ... for now.

SEATTLE MARINERS

FIRST-HALF MVP: While RF Nelson Cruz carried the offense almost single-handedly through the first month of the season, and young starters like Taijuan Walker and Mike Montgomery have fortified the rotation, the Mariners still hang their hats on RHP Felix Hernandez. The 29-year-old ace has had another All-Star season and has been at his best when the Mariners have needed him most. Hernandez has had a couple of rough outings, but he's still one of the best pitchers in the American League.

TEXAS RANGERS

FIRST-HALF MVP: A neck injury cost the Rangers the chance of seeing the kind of play they were expecting from DH Prince Fielder last season, but he hasn't disappointed this year. The club's lone All-Star leads the Rangers in batting average and RBIs and trails 1B Mitch Moreland by two for the club lead in homers. Fielder leads the majors with 37 multi-hit games and has played in all but two games this season.

CHICAGO WHITE SOX

FIRST-HALF MVP: LHP Chris Sale heads to his fourth straight All-Star Game this week as the lone White Sox representative. But he's worthy based on his record (8-4), ERA (2.72) and league-leading 157 strikeouts. Sale has recorded 10 strikeouts in his last 12 outings and seven straight on the road.

CLEVELAND INDIANS

FIRST-HALF MVP: 2B Jason Kipnis, the Indians' only All-Star representative, has not only been the Indians' most valuable player in the first half, he would have to be in the discussion for the MVP of the American League. In addition to leading, or nearly leading, the league in hitting for much of the first half, he has ranked at or near the top of the league in several other offensive categories. "He's a force. He's become one of the better players in our league," said manager Terry Francona.

DETROIT TIGERS

FIRST-HALF MVP: LHP David Price, without whom the Tigers would probably be well under .500. Detroit entered the All-Star break with a 15-3 record when Price was the starting pitcher. Breakdowns or inconsistencies by the other four rotation members have been largely covered over by Price's consistently strong starts. Price was acquired at the trade deadline last July to cover for the possible free-agent loss of RHP Max Scherzer. He has done that and maybe more as he concludes his last season prior to becoming a free agent.

KANSAS CITY ROYALS

FIRST-HALF MVP: CF Lorenzo Cain was one of baseball's best-kept secrets until last October. After hitting .333 with five doubles and eight RBIs in 15 postseason games, including being named the ALCS MVP after hitting .533 in the four-game sweep of the Orioles, the rest of America discovered what Kansas City fans already knew: He is a premier player. Fans voted Cain a starter in the All-Star Game. He is hitting .316, already has set a career high with eight home runs, is second in the league with 17 stolen bases and makes a defensive gem nearly every night.

MINNESOTA TWINS

FIRST-HALF MVP: Not only is he the Twins' Most Valuable Player at the halfway point, but one could argue that 2B Brian Dozier should be in the MVP conversation in all of baseball. Dozier will make his first All-Star appearance, and ranks third in the majors with 48 extra-base hits and first in runs scored with 67. His 48 extra-base hits before the break are the most for any player in franchise history and are the eighth most by any second baseman pre-break since 1933. Dozier ranks first among all second basemen in baseball in home runs (19) and RBIs (50) and is second in doubles (26) and walks (34). He's also been slick with the glove, leading all second basemen in baseball with a .993 fielding percentage.

BALTIMORE ORIOLES

FIRST-HALF MVP: 3B Manny Machado had a spectacular first half. Manager Buck Showalter raised some eyebrows by moving him to the leadoff spot early on but as the skipper has explained several times, it gives Machado more chances to hit. And that will only help the Orioles. Machado bounced back from season-ending surgery to post a spectacular first half at the plate, earning an All-Star invitation with a .298 average plus 19 homers (already a career high) and 48 RBIs. He also rebounded from a slow start in the field to play outstanding there over the last several weeks.

BOSTON RED SOX

FIRST-HALF MVP: Although there's little doubt shortstop Xander Bogaerts is the Red Sox's most improved player, super-utilityman Brock Holt is clearly their most valuable. Holt started at seven positions before settling into second base as the fill-in for injured Dustin Pedroia. And once Pedroia returns, he might be the answer at first base, where Mike Napoli has struggled. All the while, Holt is batting .292 and riding an 11-game hitting streak. No wonder he's the Sox's lone All-Star.

NEW YORK YANKEES

FIRST-HALF MVP: Co-MVPs have occurred notably in 1979, when Keith Hernandez and Willie Stargell split the NL voting and the case can be made that 1B Mark Teixeira and DH Alex Rodriguez can be co-MVPs for the Yankees given how productive they have been. A case can also be made for LF Brett Gardner, especially for how well he played in Jacoby Ellsbury's absence. Managers often say they don't know where their teams would be without certain players and, with the Yankees, it's hard to imagine them being in first place without Teixeira and Rodriguez and to an extent Gardner.

TAMPA BAY RAYS

FIRST-HALF MVP: With so many Rays starters out with injuries, RHP Chris Archer has stepped up as a team ace and pitched as one of the AL's most dominant starters. He ranks among the AL's best in wins (nine), strikeouts (147) and ERA (2.74) and has emerged as a young leader on this staff in the post-David Price era. He was honored as an All-Star and can make a case to start the game for the AL.

TORONTO BLUE JAYS

FIRST-HALF MVP: 3B Josh Donaldson is everything the Blue Jays hoped he would be when he was acquired in an offseason trade with the Oakland Athletics. He has done it with the bat and the glove. "Josh has probably been our MVP in here, if you ask around our clubhouse," INF/OF Danny Valencia said. Donaldson has 21 home runs, two of them walk-off shots. Ten of his home came with the game tied, three tied the game and one of the walk-off drives brought the Blue Jays from behind. He has been spectacular in the field, including a catch on a foul ball while diving into the seats at Tropicana Field.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

All-Star Game starting pitchers announced
Andrew Avery

Los Angeles Dodgers righty Zack Greinke and Houston Astros southpaw Dallas Keuchel have been named starting pitchers for the National League and American League respectively.

Greinke has put up ridiculous numbers in his first 18 starts of the season, posting a personal record of 8-2, 1.39 ERA and microscopic 0.84 WHIP. Perhaps more impressive is the fact that he heads into the game riding a 35 2/3-inning scoreless streak.

Keuchel is 11-4 and sports a 2.23 ERA and 1.00 WHIP through 19 starts for the Astros. Keuchel does rank 13th in our MLB starting pitcher money standings, earning bettors $505 if wagering $100 in each of his starts this season.

The National League is a slight fave at -115 and oddsmakers have sent out a total of 7 for the Mid-Summer Classic.

 

[Can'tPickaWinner2]

Will Greinke or Keuchel record a first inning K?
Andrew Avery

Now that the All-Star Game starters have been announced, books have begun adding more props to spice up your Mid-Summer Classic betting.

Online shops have opened a prop on whether or not National League starter Zack Greinke and American League starter Dallas Keuchel will record a strikeout in the first inning. Greinke fanning a hitter in the first is offered at -125, while Keuchel is priced at -130.

Elsewhere, the American League, who hits first in Cincinnati's Great American Ball Park, is -160 to get the first hit, with the NL team +130.