![](\"http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/EVERGREEN/SPAT/SPAT_MidSeasonReport.gif\")
";
spt_midseasonreport.appFooter = "Records through 7/12/09";
spt_midseasonreport.appNavStyle = 4;
spt_midseasonreport.bPrintable = 0;
spt_midseasonreport.bDhtml = 0;
spt_midseasonreport.appLayout = 3;
spt_midseasonreport.copyHeight = 550;
spt_midseasonreport.copyWidth = 450;
spt_midseasonreport.copyMargin = 9;
spt_midseasonreport[i++] = new Array("","AL East","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_midseasonreport[i++] = new Array("","Boston Red Sox","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/MLB/redsox.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "100", "100", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_midseasonreport[i-1].body = "54-34, 1st place, 3 games ahead of New York
Positive developments: All-Star Tim Wakefield just keeps rolling along. The league's best bullpen is seven-deep in quality options for Terry Francona. New American citizen Jason Bay rightfully is an All-Star starter. Fenway Park is the friendly confines for the Sox, who have the league's best home record.
Trouble spots: Mike Lowell is expected back after the All-Star break, but how much will Daisuke Matsuzaka be able to give the Red Sox later this season? Things are better lately for David Ortiz, but still...
Player to watch: Kevin Youkilis' ability to play first and third base has been invaluable, and his eye-opening on-base percentage was .429 through Saturday.
Rumor central: Who's going to play shortstop down the stretch – Nick Green, Julio Lugo, Jed Lowrie, some combination thereof, or Jack Wilson?
Predicted finish: 1st place ";
spt_midseasonreport[i++] = new Array("","New York Yankees","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/MLB/Yankees.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "100", "100", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_midseasonreport[i-1].body = "
51-37, 2nd place, 3 games behind Boston
Positive developments: After a slow start, All-Star starter Mark Teixeira is proving he's quite capable of handling the big stage. Remember all the question marks about Robinson Cano's bat? They're gone now. Melky Cabrera is putting together his best season, too.
Trouble spots: This depends on your point of view, of course, but new Yankee Stadium is proving to be a home-run haven. Alex Rodriguez is more issue than asset lately. You can name a handful of AL third basemen who are having better seasons.
Player to watch: It appears as if Joba Chamberlain is in the rotation to stay. And if the Yankees are going to hold off the Rays and return to the playoffs, they will need a big second half from him.
Rumor central: They already made a bench move for Eric Hinske – and got the Pirates to pay half his remaining salary, too. That leaves another potential move for setup help – if the in-house options struggle in the next couple weeks.
Predicted finish: 2nd place";
spt_midseasonreport[i++] = new Array("","Tampa Bay Rays","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/ArtAndPhoto-Fronts/SPORTS/LOGOS/MLB/Tampa_Rays_Logo.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "100", "100", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_midseasonreport[i-1].body = "
48-41, 3rd place, 6.5 games behind Boston
Positive developments: Jason Bartlett has been the AL's best shortstop to date. All-Star Ben Zobrist can’t hide anymore – he's been at or near the top of the AL in slugging percentage and on-base percentage all season. J.P. Howell has had an All-Star-caliber first half, but just missed a spot on the roster.
Trouble spots: Andy Sonnanstine's ERA remains above 6.00 after 16 starts; ditto Scott Kazmir’s after 11 starts and a DL stay. No established closer equals mix-and-match time in the late innings for Joe Maddon. The loss of Akinori Iwamura hurts. Pat Burrell has been a disappointment.
Player to watch: It's gotten to the point where Evan Longoria's name is on the short list of the best players in the game behind Albert Pujols.
Rumor central: This is too good of a team to try to scrimp by, and not add a quality reliever for the stretch run. The bullpen needs help.
Predicted finish: 3rd place";
spt_midseasonreport[i++] = new Array("","Toronto Blue Jays","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/MLB/Logo_Blue_Jays.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "76", "200", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_midseasonreport[i-1].body = "
44-46, 4th place, 11 games behind Boston
Positive developments: All-Star Aaron Hill leads AL second baseman in homers and RBI. Marco Scutaro has been the Jays first-half MVP – and near the top of the league in runs scored. Ricky Romero's changeup has been compared to Johan Santana's – always a good thing. Adam Lind is in the midst of a breakout season.
Trouble spots: Injury upon injury is beginning to catch up to the pitching staff. Are B.J. Ryan's effective days over? Struggling Vernon Wells isn't living up to the big contract. Alex Rios doesn't look quite the same, either.
Player to watch: Time on the disabled list will cost Roy Halladay in the Cy Young Award race, but he's still a prime candidate to win another one.
Rumor central: The Jays are beginning to fade in a brutal AL East race, and by the end of this month, could be shedding a veteran position player or two.
Predicted finish: 4th place";
spt_midseasonreport[i++] = new Array("","Baltimore Orioles","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/MLB/orioles.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "100", "100", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_midseasonreport[i-1].body = "
40-48, 5th place, 14 games behind Boston
Positive developments: It's breakout time for All-Star Adam Jones, and that Erik Bedard deal is looking better and better. Forget about Felix Pie; Nolan Reimold has grabbed the left-field job. Can Brad Bergesen break the mold and be an Oriole-developed starter who succeeds at the big-league level?
Trouble spots: Melvin Mora's struggles are costing him playing time. At 37, his productive days might be nearing an end. The second half may be a referendum on Dave Trembley's job status, as the O's have struggled fundamentally and on the bases.
Player to watch: It's Matt Weiters time. The early returns are good for the big rookie.
Rumor central: George Sherrill and Danys Baez are logical choices to go to contenders.
Predicted finish: 5th place";
spt_midseasonreport[i++] = new Array("","AL Central","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_midseasonreport[i++] = new Array("","Detroit Tigers","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/MLB/tigers.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "100", "100", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_midseasonreport[i-1].body = "
48-39, 1st place, 3.5 games ahead of Chicago
Positive developments: 20-year-old Rick Porcello is making a run at AL Rookie of the Year, but his innings will be limited by September. How about the new-found home-run power of Brandon Inge and Curtis Granderson? All-Star Edwin Jackson has silenced the notion that the Tigers gave up too much to get him in Matt Joyce.
Trouble spots: What’s happened to Magglio Ordonez’s bat? The late-inning bullpen situation remains a bit precarious. Nate Robertson, Jeremy Bonderman and Dontrelle Willis are non-factors due to injuries and ineffectiveness.
Player to watch: Quality starting pitching is the biggest difference between this year’s first-place team and last year’s underachievers. And that begins with Justin Verlander, who is pitching like a No. 1 starter again.
Rumor central: There are three potential ways to go: Another bat -- presumably a corner outfielder – a back-of-the-rotation starter, or another reliever.
Predicted finish: 2nd place";
spt_midseasonreport[i++] = new Array("","Chicago White Sox","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/MLB/whitesox.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "100", "100", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_midseasonreport[i-1].body = "
45-43, 2nd place, 3.5 games behind Detroit
Positive developments: Scott Podsednik and Gordon Beckham have revitalized two early-season problem areas. Ozzie Guillen has his choice of five quality, late-inning bullpen options. Clayton Richard has stepped up to fill the No. 4 rotation spot.
Trouble spots: Josh Fields and the early-season center-field rotation have been displaced. Chris Getz could lose at-bats to Jayson Nix. Bartolo Colon and Jose Contreras are a combined 6-13.
Player to watch: Carlos Quentin’s season has unraveled due to a deep slump and a foot injury. But he will be back for the second half.
Rumor central: A recent seven-game winning streak shot the Sox into serious division-title contention, so look for them to be buyers, not sellers.
Predicted finish: 3rd place";
spt_midseasonreport[i++] = new Array("","Minnesota Twins","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/MLB/twins.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "100", "100", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_midseasonreport[i-1].body = "
45-44, 3rd place, 4 games behind Detroit
Positive developments: Joe Mauer’s first-half run at .400 – and with power, for a change. Michael Cuddyer is in the midst of a nice bounce-back season. The defense is excellent as usual. Only the Blue Jays have committed fewer errors.
Trouble spots: Delmon Young. Enough said. Kevin Slowey’s wrist injury could be a costly one, as Francisco Liriano and Scott Baker aren’t having good years. Carlos Gomez and Alexi Castilla haven’t progressed as expected.
Player to watch: It helps to have Joe Mauer hitting close to .400 in front of you, but Justin Morneau is on pace for another monster, MVP-caliber season.
Rumor central: You know the Twins – they won’t be taking on any significant salaries before the trade deadline. And that won’t bother them one bit.
Predicted finish: 1st place";
spt_midseasonreport[i++] = new Array("","Kansas City Royals","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/MLB/royals.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "100", "100", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_midseasonreport[i-1].body = "
37-51, 4th place, 11.5 games behind
Positive developments: They’re hard to find once you get past Zack Greinke. Miguel Olivo has taken over the regular catching duties, and leads the team in home runs. Alberto Callaspo has grabbed the second-base job and has been flirting with .300.
Trouble spots: They’re dueling with the Mariners for the least runs scored in the AL. Nobody is having anything close to a career year, and Alex Gordon (now on a rehab assignment) has played only seven big-league games this season. Mike Aviles’ second season has been ended by elbow surgery.
Player to watch: Greinke’s numbers are eye-opening: 10 wins, 2.00 ERA, five complete games, two shutouts, 19 walks and 120 strikeouts with one start left before the break.
Rumor central: No secret here; they’re looking for hitters. Jeff Francoeur is one they’ve scouted recently. But for now, they’ve settled for versatile backup Ryan Freel, acquired from the Cubs.
Predicted finish: 4th place";
spt_midseasonreport[i++] = new Array("","Cleveland Indians","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/MLB/indians.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "100", "100", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_midseasonreport[i-1].body = "
35-54, 5th place, 14 games behind
Positive developments: Shin-Soo Choo has carried his World Baseball Classic success into the regular season, and is the Tribe’s breakout hitter, with Asdrubal Cabrera (just off the disabled list) not far behind. Besides a .300 average, Choo’s on-base percentage is just over .400.
Trouble spots: Cliff Lee: From 22-3 in 2008 to 4-8 – and he’s the least of the problems with the pitching staff. The bullpen is scary-bad. Ten starting pitchers and 25 in all already have been used by Eric Wedge. Of those 25, 16 have ERAs of 5.00 and above.
Player to watch: Victor Martinez has stayed in the lineup all season, and is heading to the All-Star Game. Too bad the same can’t be said for Travis Hafner and Grady Sizemore.
Rumor central: They have already dealt Mark DeRosa; Kerry Wood and others could be next.
Predicted finish: 5th place";
spt_midseasonreport[i++] = new Array("","AL West","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_midseasonreport[i++] = new Array("","Los Angeles Angels","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/MLB/LAAngelsLogo.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "98", "98", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_midseasonreport[i-1].body = "
49-37, 1st place, 1.5 games ahead of Texas
Positive developments: With Vlad Guerrero in decline, Kendry Morales and Juan Rivera are stepping up in the middle of the lineup. All-Star Brian Fuentes isn't K-Rod, but he's close enough. Chone Figgins has had an All-Star-caliber first half. Matt Palmer has gone 7-1 despite a 4.86 ERA.
Trouble spots: It still hasn't kicked in for Howie Kendrick, who is back after a demotion to Triple-A. This just isn't the same Angels pitching staff we've grown used to watching in recent years. Depth definitely is an issue, especially in the bullpen.
Player to watch: Manager Mike Scioscia has called Torii Hunter the MVP in the league over the first half. Hunter should be an All-Star starter instead of Josh Hamilton.
Rumor central: If the Angels expect to do anything in October, they're going to need another bat and a better setup crew.
Predicted finish: 1st place";
spt_midseasonreport[i++] = new Array("","Texas Rangers","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/MLB/Logo_Rangers.htease.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "110", "110", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_midseasonreport[i-1].body = "
48-39, 2nd place, 1.5 games behind Los Angeles
Positive developments: Elvis Andrus is making a strong AL Rookie of the Year bid. Kevin Millwood has stepped up in the wake of Nolan Ryan's call for starting pitchers to go deeper in games. Nelson Cruz is having a nice breakout season. It's hard to beat the C.J. Wilson/Frank Francisco duo in the late innings.
Trouble spots: The offense has taken a surprising and unexpected dip of late. Chris Davis' strikeouts are alarming, so he’ll try to iron out the problem back at Triple-A. No surprise here, but Brandon McCarthy can't stay healthy. It’s a shoulder blade injury this time.
Player to watch: Ian Kinsler might get squeezed off the All-Star roster, thanks to voters wrongly tabbing Dustin Pedroia as the starter.
Rumor central: Financial concerns are so bad that the Rangers had to get a $15-million cash outlay from MLB, so don't expect any major salary additions before the trade deadline.
Predicted finish: 2nd place";
spt_midseasonreport[i++] = new Array("","Seattle Mariners","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/MLB/mariners.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "100", "100", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_midseasonreport[i-1].body = "
46-42, 3rd place, 4 games behind Los Angeles
Positive developments: Led by emerging closer David Aardsma, the bullpen has come together and been a key to the M's league-leading ERA. Jarrod Washburn only has four wins, but has been delivering quality starts. Russell Branyan is rewarding GM Jack Zduriencik's faith in him. Ichiro's numbers speak for themselves.
Trouble spots: Brandon Morrow is in the rotation for now, but still battling command issues. Despite a middle-of-the-pack team batting average, the M's have been at or near the bottom in runs scored all season. No AL team has committed more errors.
Player to watch: It's wise not to miss a ‘King’ Felix Hernandez start these days.
Rumor central: Erik Bedard's injury has interrupted a nice bounce-back season – not to mention wreck his trade value. Ditto Adrian Beltre.
Predicted finish: 3rd place";
spt_midseasonreport[i++] = new Array("","Oakland A's","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/MLB/athletics.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "100", "100", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_midseasonreport[i-1].body = "
37-49, 4th place, 12 games behind Los Angeles
Positive developments: When rookie Andrew Bailey is your lone All-Star Game representative, you know there aren't many highlights. Dallas Braden has been the best of the A's young starting pitchers. Josh Outman was making a favorable impression before his season was cut short due to surgery.
Trouble spots: This won't go down as one of Billy Beane's better efforts – too much young pitching and a bad mix of past-their-prime veteran position players. The offense is brutal – last or next-to-last in the AL in average, runs, homers, slugging and on-base percentage. Sad to say, but Eric Chavez's career is in jeopardy after another surgery.
Player to watch: It's all about the young starting pitchers – Braden, Vin Mazzaro, Brett Anderson, Trevor Cahill and Gio Gonzalez can learn in a non-pressurized second-half atmosphere.
Rumor central: It's They have acquired Scott Hairston from San Diego; is that a precursor to the inevitable end to Matt Holliday's brief stay by the bay?
Predicted finish: 4th place";
spt_midseasonreport[i++] = new Array("","NL East","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_midseasonreport[i++] = new Array("","Philadelphia Phillies","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/MLB/phillies.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "100", "100", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_midseasonreport[i-1].body = "
48-38, 1st place, 4 games ahead of Florida
Positive developments: Raul Ibanez’s big season has been interrupted by a DL stay. He’s iffy for the All-Star Game, and will he be the same when he returns? Young lefty J.A. Happ has been a rotation saver, going 5-0 with a sub-3.00 ERA in place of injured Brett Myers. Chase Utley is having another Chase Utley-like season.
Trouble spots: The starting rotation had the league’s worst ERA through June (with Cole Hamels’ almost at 5.00), and was averaging less than six innings per start. The bullpen ERA was 11th in the league through June, with Brad Lidge above 7.00.
Player to watch: Strange but true – as late as July 5, former NL MVP Jimmy Rollins was hitting .217 with a .266 on-base percentage, and coming off a recent four-game benching.
Rumor central: It’s no secret the Phils are looking to acquire a starter and possibly a reliever. The trick for GM Ruben Amaro Jr., will be finding a match.
Predicted finish: 1st place";
spt_midseasonreport[i++] = new Array("","Florida Marlins","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/MLB/marlins.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "100", "100", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_midseasonreport[i-1].body = "
46-44, 2nd place, 4 games behind Philadelphia
Positive developments: Other than Albert Pujols, is there a better player in the NL than All-Star starter Hanley Ramirez? And if you don’t know about All-Star pick Josh Johnson, you should. Cody Ross is on career-year pace with every-day at-bats. Ricky Nolasco is on a 4-0-0.96 roll in his last four starts.
Trouble spots: It still hasn’t clicked yet for Cameron Maybin, who’s back in the minors. Anibal Sanchez’s injury woes continue. Flame-throwing closer Matt Lindstrom is out for awhile – at least there are a handful of effective late-inning options for Fredi Gonzalez.
Player to watch: A key to a spotty offense could be getting Dan Uggla going. He’s hitting for his usual power, but stuck in the .220s average-wise entering July.
Rumor central: The Fish are too close in the NL East and wildcard races to do any salary dumping. But don’t plan on them adding anything of significance, either.
Predicted finish: 4th place";
spt_midseasonreport[i++] = new Array("","Atlanta Braves","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/MLB/braves.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "100", "100", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_midseasonreport[i-1].body = "
43-45, 3rd place, 6 games behind Philadelphia
Positive developments: Javier Vazquez is only 5-7 despite a 3.05 ERA and an excellent 5.5-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Rookie Tommy Hanson is making an immediate impact, giving the Braves a very solid, four-deep rotation. It’s hard to beat the Mike Gonzalez/Rafael Soriano late-inning duo.
Trouble spots: Yunel Escobar’s spotty, inconsistent defense has been costly at times. Jordan Schafer flunked his first big-league trial due to too many strikeouts, but he’ll be back in September. Casey Kotchman has only three home runs.
Player to watch: How often do you get to add a young, relatively inexpensive All-Star like Nate McLouth? Nice deal for GM Frank Wren.
Rumor central: It’s been more of the same from Jeff Francoeur. Is it time for a change of scene? Kelly Johnson, struggling in the low .200s, also is expendable, but his value has decreased.
Predicted finish: 3rd place";
spt_midseasonreport[i++] = new Array("","New York Mets","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/MLB/mets.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "100", "100", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_midseasonreport[i-1].body = "
42-45, 4th place, 6.5 games behind Philadelphia
Positive developments: Pitchers love Citi Field. David Wright has a batting title in sight. Carlos Beltran was having an All-Star season before going on the DL. He’s iffy for the All-Star Game. Fernando Nieve has come out of nowhere – or more accurately, the Astros organization – to provide a few quality starts.
Trouble spots: Citi Field is getting in hitters’ heads, much like Petco Park and Comerica Park before left field was moved in. David Wright has only four home runs. Injuries to John Maine, Oliver Perez and J.J. Putz have left the staff dangerously thin.
Player to watch: Face it, the Mets aren’t winning anything unless Carlos Beltran, Jose Reyes and Carlos Delgado get healthy and have productive second halves.
Rumor central: The Mets have so many needs right now, but don’t want to give up their top young talent – Bobby Parnell, Fernando Martinez in particular.
Predicted finish: 2nd place";
spt_midseasonreport[i++] = new Array("","Washington Nationals","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/MLB/Logo_Nationals.htease.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "110", "148", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_midseasonreport[i-1].body = "
26-61, 5th place, 22.5 games behind Philadelphia
Positive developments: Ryan Zimmerman’s hitting streak and All-Star-caliber production. They’re getting what they paid for in Adam Dunn. Cristian Guzman is slapping his way to a well-above .300 batting average. John Lannan had 10 quality starts in his first 16, but only a 6-5 record to show for it.
Trouble spots: Where to begin? By far the worst record in the majors, Daniel Cabrera’s flameout, Lastings Milledge’s disappearing act before being traded, Scott Olsen’s 6-plus ERA, Austin Kearns struggling to stay over the Mendoza Line. We could go on.
Player to watch: In this case, it’s off the field, not on. And as yet, there has been no Stephen Strasburg signing.
Rumor central: Take your pick of available veterans/salaries, led by Dunn, Nick Johnson and Josh Willingham. There’s no reason to hang onto any of them.
Predicted finish: 5th place";
spt_midseasonreport[i++] = new Array("","NL Central","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_midseasonreport[i++] = new Array("","St. Louis Cardinals","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/MLB/Logo_Cardinals_01.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "100", "100", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_midseasonreport[i-1].body = "
49-42, 1st place, 2 1/2 games ahead of Milwaukee
Positive developments: Chris Carpenter is healthy, and his stuff is as good as ever. Ryan Franklin has been outstanding in filling the closer void. Scrappy Skip Schumaker has added to his value by making a successful transition to second base. Yadier Molina is a first-time All-Star and defensive force.
Trouble spots: Khalil Greene is battling emotional demons, and Colby Rasmus is playing with a hiatal hernia. Todd Wellemeyer has fallen into a funk. Mark DeRosa is a nice pickup, but they still miss Troy Glaus’ power bat.
Player to watch: And why are teams still pitching to Albert Pujols? Considering his year to date, and what’s behind him in the Cards’ order, he should break Barry Bonds’ intentional-walk record.
Rumor central: They just made their deal for a bat – the versatile and valuable Mark DeRosa, a nice fit on a Tony La Russa team. Will they add another?
Predicted finish: 1st place";
spt_midseasonreport[i++] = new Array("","Milwaukee Brewers","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/MLB/Logo_Brewers.htease.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "89", "148", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_midseasonreport[i-1].body = "
45-43, 2nd place, 2 games behind St. Louis
Positive developments: The Brewers’ stars – Ryan Braun, Prince Fielder, Yovani Gallardo and Trevor Hoffman – are putting up star-like numbers. Mark DeFelice and Mitch Stetter have been indispensable out of the pen. Casey McGehee is making the most of an unexpected opportunity.
Trouble spots: Manny Parra was sent down to Triple-A with a 7-plus ERA, and David Bush went on the DL, opening holes in the rotation. Just when it looked as if Rickie Weeks finally was getting it, he’s out for the year due to wrist surgery. Bill Hall’s decline continues.
Player to watch: All-Star Prince Fielder is in the midst of a monster year.
Rumor central: Owner Mark Attanasio says there is enough payroll flexibility for a deal, but GM Doug Melvin says top prospects most likely won’t be trade. So don’t expect a CC Sabathia-type acquisition this time.
Predicted finish: 3rd place";
spt_midseasonreport[i++] = new Array("","Chicago Cubs","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/MLB/cubs.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "100", "100", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_midseasonreport[i-1].body = "
43-43, 3rd place, 3 1/2 games behind St. Louis
Positive developments: Randy Wells has stepped into a rotation void and delivered eight quality starts – with only a 3-3 record to show for it. Ted Lilly has been the rotation’s most-reliable member. Derrek Lee has gotten hot just when a struggling offense needed him most.
Trouble spots: Where to begin? The GM had a bad off-season. The manager seems lost or unmotivated. Undisciplined players act out and continually make mistakes. The clutch hitting is abysmal. The late-inning bullpen crew and the outfield aren’t performing to expectations. It all equals the game’s biggest underachieving club to date.
Player to watch: Aramis Ramirez is expected back soon, but it’s not fair to put too much on his shoulders – especially the sore one.
Rumor central: The $140-million payroll could limit any potential moves the Cubs might make in the next month.
Predicted finish: 2nd place";
spt_midseasonreport[i++] = new Array("","Houston Astros","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/MLB/Logo_Astros.htease.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "110", "135", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_midseasonreport[i-1].body = "
44-44, 4th place, 3 games behind St. Louis
Positive developments: Miguel Tejada, listed at 35, is playing for a new contract – and producing enough to land on the NL All-Star roster. Carlos Lee and Hunter Pence are one of the league’s most-potent corner outfield duos. Ivan Rodriguez is the new record holder for most games caught, passing his nickname-sake, Carlton Fisk.
Trouble spots: Cecil Cooper is working with very little on his bench, and as a result, three regulars have played in every game, and two others have missed only one or two games. That could catch up to them later on. Closer Jose Valverde has appeared in only 19 games, but LaTroy Hawkins has filled in nicely.
Player to watch: Lance Berkman leads the club in homers and RBI, but is far off his .302 career batting averare. He needs to get hot for the Astros to make a late charge again.
Rumor central: The Astros traditionally hang onto their veteran players and try to make a run – rather than be sellers. But they face decisions on key free-agents-to-be Tejada, Valverde and Hawkins.
Predicted finish: 5th place";
spt_midseasonreport[i++] = new Array("","Cincinnati Reds","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/MLB/Reds.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "100", "100", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_midseasonreport[i-1].body = "
42-45, 5th place, 4.5 games behind St. Louis
Positive developments: The bullpen had no fewer than five relievers with sub-3.00 ERAs heading into July. Johnny Cueto leads the rotation in wins, quality starts and ERA. Only injuries are holding down Joey Votto. When he plays, he’s producing. Francisco Cordero is heading to his third All-Star Game.
Trouble spots: Jay Bruce leads the team with 18 homers, but is struggling to get his average out of the low-.200s. Willy Taveras went through a dreadful stretch offensively, dropping his average to the .230s. Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo need to be better for the Reds to stay in the race.
Player to watch: Votto and Edwin Encarnacion are back from DL stays -- maybe the offense will pick up as a result.
Rumor central: The Reds were one of the finalists for Mark DeRosa, and still are looking for a bat. Cost could be a prohibitive factor, however.
Predicted finish: 4th place";
spt_midseasonreport[i++] = new Array("","Pittsburgh Pirates","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/MLB/pirates.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "100", "100", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_midseasonreport[i-1].body = "
38-50, 6th place, 9 games behind St. Louis
Positive developments: Ho, hum – All-Star rep Freddy Sanchez is hitting better than .300 again. Zach Duke is putting together a nice season, and other than Ian Snell, the rotation has been middle-of-the-pack.
Trouble spots: Ian Snell – enough said. The lack of power is shocking, especially in the outfield, where nobody has more than three homers. The Bucs are last in the NL in homers, ninth in runs scored, third in batting average.
Player to watch: Andrew McCutchen is proving there is more to his game than just speed – but they didn’t need to trade Nate McLouth to make room for him.
Rumor central: You really do need a scorecard to follow the ever-changing Pirates, as a clueless front office continues to shuffle the deck. Nyjer Morgan for Lastings Milledge? They’re kidding, right? Expect more salary dumping, with Snell, Jack Wilson, Freddy Sanchez, Adam LaRoche and John Grabow all possible departures.
Predicted finish: 6th place";
spt_midseasonreport[i++] = new Array("","NL West","","","","", "sub", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_midseasonreport[i++] = new Array("","Los Angeles Dodgers","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/MLB/Dodgers.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "100", "100", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_midseasonreport[i-1].body = "
56-32, 1st place, 7 games ahead of San Francisco
Positive developments: Your first-half Dodgers MVP? None other than Juan Pierre. Jonathan Broxton is putting up Little League numbers. Chad Billingsley has stepped up to ace status. Clayton Kershaw has soon-to-be-star written all over him. Orlando Hudson has had an All-Star-caliber first half.
Trouble spots: What’s happened to Russell Martin’s offense? Still very little power from James Loney – at least he’s driving in runs and putting together quality at-bats. That four-year contract for Rafael Furcal coming off back surgery remains a very questionable investment.
Player to watch: Who else? Manny Ramirez is back – and we’ll just have to wait and see all the ramifications of that.
Rumor central: With bullpen innings mounting, there are two ways to go here: Either another No. 2-3-type starting pitcher, or another setup man to lighten the load on the late-inning relievers.
Predicted finish: 1st place";
spt_midseasonreport[i++] = new Array("","San Francisco Giants","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/MLB/giants.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "100", "100", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_midseasonreport[i-1].body = "
49-39, 2nd place, 7 games behind Los Angeles
Positive developments: Matt Cain (thanks to some long-overdue run support) has joined Tim Lincecum among the handful of elite NL starters. No big surprise there, but the best bullpen ERA in the NL certainly is, led by Jeremy Affeldt’s 1.44 mark through July 5.
Trouble spots: Bruce Bochy has to play mix-and-match at first base, second base and a corner-outfield spot, as nobody has been able to step up and grab regular at-bats. After a 2-8-5.45 struggle, Jonathan Sanchez has lost his rotation spot to rookie Ryan Sadowski, and likely will go in a deal for a hitter.
Player to watch: Fun-to-watch Pablo Sandoval is proving to be the real exception to the rule: A Giants position-player prospect who can play.
Rumor central: They’re not denying interest in Matt Holliday, Freddy Sanchez and/or another hitter, as the need is blatantly obvious.
Predicted finish: 2nd place";
spt_midseasonreport[i++] = new Array("","Colorado Rockies","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/MLB/rockies.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "100", "100", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_midseasonreport[i-1].body = "
47-41, 3rd place, 9 games behind Los Angeles
Positive developments: Dan O’Dowd deserves props for deals that landed All-Star Jason Marquis and near-All-Star Huston Street. Jim Tracy has helped create a calm-after-the-storm clubhouse atmosphere. Clint Barmes has nailed down the second-base job. Ian Stewart is in the midst of a power breakout season.
Trouble spots: They’re beginning to show some positive signs, but Garrett Atkins and Chris Iannetta remain far below their offensive capabilities. Taylor Buchholz’s loss to Tommy John surgery hurts a setup crew that desperately needs another quality arm. Carlos Gonzalez often looks overmatched at the plate.
Player to watch: How was Brad Hawpe not among the top 15 NL outfielders in the All-Star voting? He’s having an All-Star year in an otherwise down season for NL outfielders, and wisely was a players’ choice.
Rumor central: The pitching staff could use another arm or two – maybe one each for the rotation and bullpen? -- There is surplus to trade in Atkins, and in the outfield.
Predicted finish: 3rd place";
spt_midseasonreport[i++] = new Array("","Arizona Diamondbacks","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/i/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/MLB/Logo_Diamondbacks_01.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "100", "100", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_midseasonreport[i-1].body = "
38-51, 4th place, 18.5 games behind Los Angeles
Positive developments: Dan Haren is only 8-5 despite a 2.16 ERA, and easily could be 11-2 with even a bit more run support. Max Scherzer is taking a big step toward becoming a quality big-league starter. Mark Reynolds’ bi-polar season continues: 24 HR, 61 RBI and on pace for 200-plus strikeouts again.
Trouble spots: That core of supposedly good-and-improving young talent has thinned quite a bit, as Chris Young and Chris Snyder have fallen on hard times, and Conor Jackson is ill. No team has more fundamental and defensive lapses. Brandon Webb’s injury has been a killer.
Player to watch: Justin Upton, an All-Star at 21, is turning into a superstar before our eyes.
Rumor central: You hear Doug Davis and other names mentioned in trade talk, but the D-Backs better be careful, and not deal away too many of the few who are producing in this season-gone-wrong.
Predicted finish: 4th place";
spt_midseasonreport[i++] = new Array("","San Diego Padres","","http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Art/SPORTS/LOGOS/MLB/Logo_Padres.htease.gif","","", "", "", "", "", "left", "", "", "110", "142", "", "", "", "", "");
spt_midseasonreport[i-1].body = "
36-52, 5th place, 20 games behind Los Angeles
Positive developments: Heath Bell has become one of the NL’s best closers – not that that’s an excuse for how poorly the Pads handled the Trevor Hoffman situation last winter. Edward Mujica is pitching very well in middle-reliever anonymity.
Trouble spots: No need bringing up the (lack of) offense – everybody knows about that. But this Padres team doesn’t pitch very well, either. Chris Young has a five-plus ERA – so much for him stepping up to ace status in Jake Peavy’s absence.
Player to watch: With no Peavy to watch, there’s always four at-bats from All-Star Adrian Gonzalez every game.
Rumor central: There’s nothing stopping the Pads from unloading a few players, and Scott Hairston – a right-handed hitter with pop – certainly could help a contender (Giants?) who need a bat.
Predicted finish: 5th place"; // END editorial data