Treading on some middle ground
By Nick Cafardo | July 8, 2007
Midseason power rankings. What went right, what went wrong, and what to expect in the second half:
1. Los Angeles Angels
First half: Remember how bad the Angels were at Fenway in April when they were decimated by injuries? Saviors came in the form of young outfielder Reggie Willits and first baseman Casey Kotchman. Gary Matthews Jr. has been worth the investment. Kelvim Escobar has turned into the No. 2 starter behind the unheralded John Lackey.
What's ahead: The return of reliever Justin Speier and outfielder Juan Rivera could solve two issues.
2. Boston Red Sox
First half: High-fives go to a superb back end of the bullpen. Terry Francona's insistence on having Jonathan Papelbon as the closer probably saved the season. Kevin Youkilis and Mike Lowell have given the lineup much-needed consistency. Josh Beckett has been superb and Daisuke Matsuzaka appears to be worth $103 million. Curt Schilling's shoulder tendinitis remains a concern.
What's ahead: Trade rumors involving starters Rich Harden, Mark Buehrle, and Roy Oswalt, as well a top reliever such as Brad Lidge.
3. Cleveland Indians
First half: Great effort from C.C. Sabathia and Fausto Carmona in the rotation, while catcher Victor Martinez had an outstanding offensive half and showed defensive improvement. Grady Sizemore continues to be one of the most exciting players in the game. Joe Borowski ranks among the major league saves leaders despite an ERA way above 5.
What's ahead: Without another quality reliever they won't get far. They've contemplated calling up starting prospect Adam Miller and making him a reliever. They'll also be looking for a corner outfielder with some power. Jermaine Dye would make sense, but it's doubtful the White Sox would trade with a division rival. Bobby Abreu is another option.
4. Detroit Tigers
First half: Gary Sheffield made this already potent lineup even more dangerous. Magglio Ordonez is having an MVP campaign. They have survived major injuries to their bullpen and starter Kenny Rogers is healthy again.
What's ahead: Joel Zumaya is looking at a possible return in late August. Fernando Rodney is back after the All-Star break. But still expect the Tigers to be a major player for Eric Gagne, Lidge, or Dan Wheeler to deepen the bullpen. Left fielder Craig Monroe is considered expendable.
5. New York Mets
First half: Their starting pitching has held up well. John Maine was the best pitcher not to make the All-Star team. Veterans Tom Glavine and Orlando Hernandez have been up and down but good enough. Shawn Green did not decline as a hitter as was feared, and Jose Reyes and Carlos Beltran keep displaying their greatness.
What's ahead: GM Omar Minaya isn't one to stand pat. He was a major player for Buehrle and wants another power arm in the bullpen. The hope is that Pedro Martínez saves the day in August and Moises Alou can return to the lineup.
6. Milwaukee Brewers
First half: A tremendous young lineup led by Prince Fielder and J.J. Hardy has been the difference. They have a potent lineup with a decent bullpen, and veteran Ben Sheets heads a decent rotation.
What's ahead: The only way to hold off the charging Cubs is to keep playing hard. The Brewers would likely need to obtain a veteran outfielder (Kenny Lofton?) if the injured Bill Hall is out for a prolonged period. But don't expect GM Doug Melvin to go crazy. His team isn't far from putting it all together.
7. San Diego Padres
First half: We knew the Padres would have superb pitching. They have 11 shutouts and Jake Peavy and Chris Young are among the major league ERA leaders. The Padres also have the best bullpen. But they also had to address a deficient lineup by taking on castoffs Milton Bradley and Michael Barrett.
What's ahead: It's going to be another fantastic finish with the Dodgers, but to get over the hump they must acquire more offense. They might consider dealing a valued reliever (Cla Meredith or Scott Linebrink) for the right bat.
8. Los Angeles Dodgers
First half: The Dodgers fired hitting coach Eddie Murray, and under replacement Bill Mueller have begun working the count better. Moving Nomar Garciaparra to third showed a commitment to young first baseman James Loney. Takashi Saito keeps the bullpen in line.
What's ahead: The Dodgers would like to add a starting pitcher, a reliever, and perhaps a third baseman. But not at the expense of one of their premier prospects.
9. Seattle Mariners
First half: Manager Mike Hargrove quit during an eight-game winning streak. That's the bad news. The good news has been another tremendous season by Ichiro Suzuki and a 1-2 bullpen punch of George Sherrill and J.J. Putz. The starting pitching has been shaky, though. Jeff Weaver has come on lately, and Felix Hernandez is capable of dominating any start he makes.
What's ahead: They need to obtain a starting pitcher and a reliever. If outfield prospect Adam Jones is promoted soon, Jose Guillen or Jose Vidro could become expendable.
10. Arizona Diamondbacks
First half: The unsettling situation with Randy Johnson's back is a killer for a team that was depending on him for stability. The D-Backs are a big league-best 18-9 in one-run games, a remarkable record for such an inexperienced team. But several youngsters (Stephen Drew, Carlos Quentin, Chris Young) have been slow to develop.
What's ahead: Don't expect much selling or buying here. They want to keep their young players and give them pennant-race experience. Someone could come calling for Tony Clark.
11. Chicago Cubs
First half: The Cubs made good investments in Ted Lilly and Jason Marquis, who have complemented a strong rotation. Alfonso Soriano started slowly at the plate but is now playing up to his salary. Middle relief has been a problem. The Barrett-Carlos Zambrano dugout/clubhouse tussle may turn out to be the Cubs' season-turning impetus.
What's ahead: With new ownership coming in, GM Jim Hendry is going to go all out to make the playoffs. They'd love to get their hands on Torii Hunter, and might consider Dye or Abreu. Bullpen help is a must.
12. Atlanta Braves
First half: They achieved their goal of improving their bullpen (27 blown saves last year, just seven this year) thanks to Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez, who is now out for the year with an elbow injury. Rookies Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Yunel Escobar have been revelations in the field and at the plate. Unfortunately, center fielder Andruw Jones has had a miserable season, and injuries are taking their toll on the pitching staff.
What's ahead: The easiest part of their schedule comes right after the break. Another bat would help, especially if Jones remains in his funk.
13. Philadelphia Phillies
First half: They've used 25 pitchers, but have gotten by thanks to a very potent offense. Ryan Howard is starting to come on after a slow start. Lefty Cole Hamels has quickly emerged into the staff ace. Those positives helped to outweigh the injuries and free agent disappointments.
What's ahead: They'll be tested with three games with the Dodgers and four with the Padres right after the break. That could determine whether the Phillies will be buyers or sellers. What could they get for All-Star outfielder Aaron Rowand, an impending free agent? Would anyone take the benched Pat Burrell and his bloated contract?
14. Oakland Athletics
First half: The A's have been no strangers to the disabled list, with the costly casualties including Harden, Huston Street, Justin Duchscherer, and Mike Piazza. But they've gotten a huge boost from minor league lifer Jack Cust, Chad Gaudin has become a reliable starter, and Dan Haren emerged as a true ace.
What's ahead: Street is expected to return soon and Harden has been building himself up to return to the rotation -- or to increase his trade value. If the season starts to slip away, Dan Johnson, Piazza, and Jason Kendall could be available. The A's feel first base prospect Daric Barton is ready to face big league pitching.
15. Minnesota Twins
First half: Hunter, a free agent to be, is having a career year, while Justin Morneau and Johan Santana are living up to their award-winning reputations. But they have had their share of flops, starting with Sidney Ponson and Ramon Ortiz, who did next to nothing for the rotation.
What's ahead: The Twins are looking for help at third base and DH, with Ty Wigginton and Kevin Mench potential targets.
16. Colorado Rockies
First half: They have regressed since a torrid June, but they sure can hit. Troy Tulowitzki is a top rookie and Matt Holliday is one of the best hitters in baseball. Symbolizing the erratic pitching staff is closer Brian Fuentes, who blew four straight save chances last week and was removed from his role the same day he was named to the All-Star team.
What's ahead: With new ownership coming in, GM Jim Hendry is going to go all out to make the playoffs. They'd love to get their hands on Torii Hunter, and might consider Dye or Abreu. Bullpen help is a must.
12. Atlanta Braves
First half: They achieved their goal of improving their bullpen (27 blown saves last year, just seven this year) thanks to Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez, who is now out for the year with an elbow injury. Rookies Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Yunel Escobar have been revelations in the field and at the plate. Unfortunately, center fielder Andruw Jones has had a miserable season, and injuries are taking their toll on the pitching staff.
What's ahead: The easiest part of their schedule comes right after the break. Another bat would help, especially if Jones remains in his funk.
13. Philadelphia Phillies
First half: They've used 25 pitchers, but have gotten by thanks to a very potent offense. Ryan Howard is starting to come on after a slow start. Lefty Cole Hamels has quickly emerged into the staff ace. Those positives helped to outweigh the injuries and free agent disappointments.
What's ahead: They'll be tested with three games with the Dodgers and four with the Padres right after the break. That could determine whether the Phillies will be buyers or sellers. What could they get for All-Star outfielder Aaron Rowand, an impending free agent? Would anyone take the benched Pat Burrell and his bloated contract?
14. Oakland Athletics
First half: The A's have been no strangers to the disabled list, with the costly casualties including Harden, Huston Street, Justin Duchscherer, and Mike Piazza. But they've gotten a huge boost from minor league lifer Jack Cust, Chad Gaudin has become a reliable starter, and Dan Haren emerged as a true ace.
What's ahead: Street is expected to return soon and Harden has been building himself up to return to the rotation -- or to increase his trade value. If the season starts to slip away, Dan Johnson, Piazza, and Jason Kendall could be available. The A's feel first base prospect Daric Barton is ready to face big league pitching.
15. Minnesota Twins
First half: Hunter, a free agent to be, is having a career year, while Justin Morneau and Johan Santana are living up to their award-winning reputations. But they have had their share of flops, starting with Sidney Ponson and Ramon Ortiz, who did next to nothing for the rotation.
What's ahead: The Twins are looking for help at third base and DH, with Ty Wigginton and Kevin Mench potential targets.
16. Colorado Rockies
First half: They have regressed since a torrid June, but they sure can hit. Troy Tulowitzki is a top rookie and Matt Holliday is one of the best hitters in baseball. Symbolizing the erratic pitching staff is closer Brian Fuentes, who blew four straight save chances last week and was removed from his role the same day he was named to the All-Star team.
What's ahead: It doesn't appear Bonds will go anywhere, but the rest of the Giants' veteran hitters could appeal to contenders.
23. Baltimore Orioles
First half: Injuries to three starting pitchers (Kris Benson, Jaret Wright, and Adam Loewen), free agent busts, and a long-term injury to Miguel Tejada led to manager Sam Perlozzo's dismissal.
What's ahead: New team president Andy MacPhail may stick with interim skipper Dave Trembley. He'll also try to sell off guys like Kevin Millar, Steve Trachsel, and Corey Patterson.
24. Texas Rangers
First half: They went 14-12 in June, when they celebrated Sammy Sosa's 600th home run and the healthy return of Gagne. But the rest of it? Yikes. Injuries have hindered the offense and the pitching has been pathetic.
What's ahead: We expect this team will have a lot to sell. Mark Teixeira or Gagne could fetch a worthwhile prospect or two.
25. Houston Astros
First half: Carlos Lee and rookie center fielder Hunter Pence have certainly been bright spots, while Wandy Rodriguez, under Dave Wallace's tutelage, has come along nicely as a back-end starter. But so many things have gone wrong. The Jason Jennings trade hasn't panned out and Woody Williams is showing his age.
What's ahead: There could be some big changes, perhaps starting with manager Phil Garner and his staff. One would think GM Tim Purpura is in trouble as well. Likely sellers.
26. Pittsburgh Pirates
First half: Lefty Tom Gorzelanny and righty Ian Snell had superb first halves and Matt Capps has become a very good closer. After that it's been a long string of disappointments that has spelled another doomed season in Pittsburgh.
What's ahead: Former first-round picks Sean Burnett and Bryan Bullington may soon get a crack at the rotation. The Pirates' most attractive commodities are Capps and lefty reliever Damaso Marte.
27. Washington Nationals
First half: Management is just biding its time until the new ballpark opens in 2009. The Nats have gotten great production from Dmitri Young, who was the value pickup of the offseason. Rookie lefty Matt Chico has made four quality starts since being recalled from Double A.
What's ahead: Good time to take a look at prospects. Young could be dealt to a contender, while shaky closer Chad Cordero hasn't lost all his trade value yet.
28. Kansas City Royals
First half: Rookie third baseman Alex Gordon is starting to hit like the organization thought he would, rookie starter Brian Bannister looks like the real deal, and free agent Gil Meche has been worth his contract even though his record doesn't show it. The progress has been slow, but it's there.
What's ahead: Gordon and Billy Butler should continue to improve. They can probably trade closer Octavio Dotel and a slew of useful veterans.
29. Cincinnati Reds
First half: When you have only one consistent starting pitcher (Aaron Harang) and one consistent reliever (David Weathers), you are in trouble. Just ask Jerry Narron. The feel-good story of rookie outfielder Josh Hamilton and another renaissance season by Ken Griffey has kept the fans coming to the ballpark.
What's ahead: They'll try and move Adam Dunn or Griffey for younger players. They'll also review interim manager Pete Mackanin to see if he's part of the rebuilding process.
30. Tampa Bay Devil Rays
First half: Same old story. Talented positional players, very little pitching. Brendan Harris, Carlos Pena, and Delmon Young have had good seasons, and Scott Kazmir and James Shields give them hope for the rotation. The Devil Rays should have pulled the trigger on a Rocco Baldelli deal in spring training.
What's ahead: At some point they'll have to entertain offers for the very talented Carl Crawford. Closer Al Reyes would have been prime trade bait but he's hurt.
Nick Cafardo can be reached at
cafardo@globe.com © Copyright 2007 Globe Newspaper Company.
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I'd rather Dye. 
