CLICK ABOVE FOR TEAMS 11-20.
| MLB Power Rankings |
| 21 |
26 |
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Just when you're ready to bury this team, the Pirates have a nice little 9-4 run. And the second half is Bucco time, you know? Baby steps. They're making baby steps.
First-half MVP: That sub-3.00 ERA says it all about Ian Snell. |
| 22 |
21 |
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Wow, if that embarrassing 32-14 doubleheader wipeout to the Twins Friday didn't cry "clean house," nothing will. "Everyone should be a rumor," manager Ozzie Guillen said.
First-half MVP: Give Mark Buehrle (6-4, 3.03) a badge just for staying put. |
| 23 |
23 |
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A disappointing first half, from the defection of Roger Clemens to two painfully long losing streaks (seven in April, 10 in May). At least Craig Biggio got his 3,000th.
First-half MVP: Rookie Hunter Pence (.342 with six triples) has been a find. |
| 24 |
22 |
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This team is just as rickety as everybody thought it'd be. Omar Vizquel is playing down to his age (a sub-.600 OPS). Barry Zito isn't helping. And the second half won't be better.
First-half MVP: It'd have to be Barry Bonds (17 HRs, .512 OBP). |
| 25 |
24 |
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The O's are so desperate that Jim Palmer, now a broadcaster, is helping pitcher Dan Cabrera. Lock the clubhouse door in Milwaukee: Bob Uecker's coming down from the booth.
First-half MVP: Second baseman Brian Roberts (.320). |
| 26 |
28 |
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The Royals are definitely improving -- they're 38-50. They were 31-56 at the break in '06. Alex Gordon is hitting. Billy Butler, too. Smile, K.C.
First-half MVP: Catcher John Buck (15 HRs) could have been this team's All-Star rep. |
| 27 |
27 |
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Talk about leaps forward. Texas is 15-8 since mid-June and 6-0-1 in their last seven series.
First-half MVP: He hasn't had many chances for saves -- and may not get many more with this team -- but Eric Gagne (1.37 ERA) is back. |
| 28 |
30 |
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New manager Pete Mackanin already has broken new ground. With a weekend sweep of Arizona, the Reds have won four straight for the first time this year.
First-half MVP: Ken Griffey Jr.'s comeback (23 homers) has been inspirational. |
| 29 |
29 |
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Since an eight-game losing streak at the start of May, the Nats are 27-27. Only the Phils are better in the N.L. East in that time.
First-half MVP: Who can't cheer for the reborn Dmitri Young (.339)? |
| 30 |
25 |
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One for their last 13? Not a way to rebuild. Not a way to go into the second half of the season. Not a way to sell tickets.
First-half MVP: Quietly, first baseman Carlos Pena (1.000+ OPS) has come into his own. |
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