With the all-star game fast approaching it's time to take a look at the first half performances and some of the surprises, disappointments and as usual, some of the "I told you so" stories I'm growing famous for.
Fast starts: It begins with Ubaldo Jimenez, who leads the galaxy in ERA and boasts 13 wins with a week left in June while pitching in a ball park that is notoriously beneficial for hitters. Jimenez is on pace for a historical season comparable to the likes of Ron Guidry, who went 25-3 for the Yankees in 1978, or Bob Gibson, who held NL hitters to a 1.12 ERA while hurling 13 shutouts back when I was in Grade 7.
With three of his nine seasons that sported batting averages under .230, the well-travelled Marlon Byrd is ripping it up for the Cubs and clubbing away at a .320 mark while playing sparkling defence. At nearly 34 years old he proves there is still hope for us old guys to find our way.
Crash and burn: My foot is firmly lodged in my mouth regarding the recent demotion of Rockie prospect Dexter Fowler. I had him penciled in as the second coming of Willie Mays. Another bold prediction for instant stardom applied to Marlin outfielder Cameron Maybin and it pains me deeply to admitt hey both need some seasoning.
Slow fade: Three National League first basemen - all of the highest pedigree - have just been spanked by father time with un-offensive stats. Derek Lee of the Cubbies, Lance Berkman of the Astros and Todd Helton were all on the cusp of potential Hall of Fame credentials until they lost their power strokes and their 32? waistlines. I know the feeling. I wear a 33?or so.
Sure bets: Ryan Zimmerman leads a promising Washington National club with power speed and defence.
Troy Tulowitzki, the hulking Colorado shortstop is a team leader with all of the tools and stats.
Young guns: Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutcheon has matured quickly and is hitting with power and stealing bases at will and two other youngsters are living up to the Hamilton hype. Colby Rasmus of the Cardinals is taking the heat off a slow start by King Pujols. Jay Bruce is heating up and helped the Reds to a fantastic start.
Second half predictions: San Diego fades out of the NL West race as the Dodgers get healthy and the Phillies come out of their funk to hold off the rest of the NL East.
The Cardinals will overtake the upstart Reds in the NL Central who will eventually fade out of even wild card contention.
Stephen Strasburg puts together enough wins and Ks to win rookie of the year. Now ain't that going out on a limb?
