First Half Reflections of the MLB 2011 Season

Today was the last games in baseball before the All Star Break. This is the unofficial halfway point of the 2011 MLB season. So how are we doing? In the AL, the Red Sox are a game in front of the Yankees for control of the AL East but this might be due to the fact that the Yanks have played two games less than Boston. The Tigers have a half game lead over the Indians in the Central, and the Rangers have a one game lead over the Angels in the West. In the NL, the East has the biggest divisional gap right now with the Phillies having a 3.5 game lead over the Braves. The Cardinals and Brewers are neck and neck while the Pirates are a game behind them in the Central. Finally, the defending champs, themselves, the Giants have a 3 game lead over the D'Backs in the West.

As for early award contenders, Jair Jurrjens has become the dark horse Cy Young Winner that has taken over that race in the NL. He has the most NL wins with 12 and the best ERA in the league with 1.87. A little more split for pitcher of the year in the AL while CC Sabathia has more wins with 13 but Jared Weaver has a better ERA with 1.86. Last time I checked, that mattered more. As for MVP candidates, Jose Bautista and Adrian Gonzalez seem to be the main contenders as of now in the AL. The NL looks to me to be a bit more split between Prince Fielder, Lance Berkman, and Jose Reyes. Matt Kemp is also a good candidate to consider but is part of the Dodgers who are having a miserable year both on and off the field.

So what seems to be the trends going into the second half of the year? Despite the bad start, the Red Sox are contending with the Yanks for the AL East and the runner up will like be the Wild Card winner. The Cubs and the Twins have made me look like an idiot so far though the Twins could make a comeback. The Pirates have finally made themselves relevant again. And despite being one of the worst offensive teams in baseball and having quite a few injuries, the Giants are in front of the NL West race.

A nice first half with the division races still close and up for grabs.