Right now there are a few teams who don't really have a great record, but are only a few games out of first place.

Astros: Few times this year have the Astros been more than five games above .500, but as the division is weak, they still have a shot.  Miguel Tajada, who I almost forgot about, has been hitting .350, this veteran is carrying his whole team of veterans!  Do the Astros have what it takes to take over the division?

The whole AL Central! The Tigers have an average record and lead the division by a game, how someone with a .533 win percentage leads a division is beyond me, but they may still make the post season.  The White Sox are now heating up, a game back of the Tigers, and with no shot at the wild card, between the Red Sox and Yankees, the White Sox NEED to win this division....

Who would have thought these records will be playing in October?

Contained here is a list of the top performers of each AL position, other than the DH, they may be included in their natural fielding position.  In order, top three.

Starting Pitchers:

1. Zack Greinke, who in my mind deserved to start in the All-Star Game, Greinke leads the AL in ERA, is 10-5, and may have more wins if the Royals gave him some more run support.  To top it all off, batters are having a horrific time against the peerless Greinke, who has struck out 129 batters.

2. Roy Halladay, the All-Star starter, has retired 106 batters, and only walked 17. Although he may not be on the Blue Jays much longer, they would certaintly miss his 10-3 record, he also has three complete games.

3. Justin Verlander, another ten win pitcher, he has an ERA that does more than get by at 3.38, but the main thing about this guy is that he leads the AL in K's, and as he gets run support is ERA could sink down to 3.00 soon!

Relief Pitchers:

1. Joe Nathan, he's amongst the top of the saves list, and has a lower ERA and more strikeouts than most of the leading relievers.  Nathan may soon become the leader in saves.

2. Mariano Rivera, the man, who has 23 saves, needs to be reminded he isn't even in his prime right now, as a veteran, he has a 43-3 K to BB ratio, and only a 2.43 ERA, he got the save in the All Star Game, and as a Yankee, he'll get plenty of save opportunities!

3. Brian Fuentes, he's the closer for the Angels, after losing last year's record setting closer, this guy has steped up, leading the league in saves, at 27, but his ERA is nothing to brag about.

Catchers:

1. Joe Mauer, he leads the league in batting average, which is the most important hitting stat, he's probably the best fielding catcher in the AL, and he has power, with 15 homers, he competed in the home run derby!

2. Victor Martinez, like Mauer above, he has loads of power, going long 15 times, and has nearly 60 RBI's, but is not as well in the field.  Victor Martinez has a smoaking bat!
3. A.J. Pierzynski, with ten home runs, he can go long, and can knock guys in.  Another guy who fields well, but bats even better, with a .300 average, this guy is the most under rated catcher in the league.

First Basemen:

1. Justin Morneau, focusing on his batting, he's batting above .310, and has 21 home runs.  And is third in RBI's, no slouch in the field, Monreau was robbed by the fans, not starting in the Mid Summer Classic.

2. Mark Teixeira, twenty one homers, close to no errors, this alone should make him an all-star.  And I haven't added that he's batting .275, and is amongst the leading RBI getters.

3. Miguel Cabrera, he still has a slim chance at getting that triple-crown, he's been good in the field, 18 home runs, .320 average, and 50 RBI's, Cabrera has a chance to shine once again, or has he already shined?  I'll go with option number two.

Second Basemen:

1. Aaron Hill, by far the best hitting second basemen, with 20 home runs, 60 RBI's, and a .292 batting average, its no wonder why Hill started in the All Star Game.

2. Ian Kinsler, he has speed and power, not to mention skills in the field, with only six errors, he's stolen 18 bases, and has 18 home runs!  He could have started in the All Star Game as well.

3. Robinson Cano, another guy with a .300 average, gone yard 13 times, and has scored 61 runs.  With 50+ RBI's, Cano should have been named to the ASG.

Short Stops:

1. Derek Jeter, the veteran is one of the league leaders in batting average, and has stolen nearly 20 bags, Jeter is the most consistent short stop, but his RBI's and home runs, aren't very high, albeit, he is a lead-off hitter.

2. Jason Bartlett, he's batting .347, what more can I say?  He's got 19 stolen bases, and can field well.  So he's giving Jeter a run for his money at the one spot.

3. Alexei Ramirez, this guy is very under rated, his bat is great, with 11 long balls, and 50 RBI's, he needs to pick up his speed a bit, with only 12 swiped bags, his average is above decent at .281.

Third Basemen:

1. Evan Longoria, he leads AL third basemen in many categories, 17 home runs, and 61 RBI's, Longoria only has eight errors!

2. Alex Rodriguez, he missed six whole weeks, and incredeoulsy has 17 home runs, and 50 RBI's, his average needs to pick itself up a bit, at .250.  A-Rod only has six errors!

3. Scott Rolen, the oldest of the bunch, Rolen is hitting for average at .320, his power has slumped, only hitting the ball over the fence six times, but speed does not slump and the veteran has four stolen bases!

Center Fielders:

1. Torii Hunter, the best fielding out fielder, and he is also amongst the top hitting out fielders, batting .305, with 16 home runs and 65 RBI's, he also has 13 stolen bases!

2. Curtis Granderson, a speed threat, with 15 swiped bases, his average is not the best for a lead-off man, but his 18 home runs and 43 RBI's make up for it!

3. Adam Jones, in a few years this guy will be atop the list he is very young, and is already hitting for a .300 average, nearly 15 home runs, and 50 RBI's!

Left Fielders:

1.Jason Bay,  an All Star Game starter, he has a great average, great fielding, and is amongst lead leaders in both home runs and RBI's!

2. Carl Crawford, the best fielding left fielder, he proved that in the All Star game, and that silver bat may lead to jumps in his stats!  Did I mention he has 44 stolen bases!

3. Johnny Damon, he's a hitter, with fielding skills he has 16 home runs and 50 RBI's, but what I think matters most is that he's crossed the plate 62 times!

Right Fielders:

1. Jermaine Dye, with 20 home runs and 55 RBI's, I don't see why he was not on the All Star team, but hey, he doesn't let that distract him, and he's just going to keep on improving!

2. Ichiro Suzuki, with a crazy high batting average, he also racks up a lot of steals, he's been consistent year after year, and is only getting better!

3. Bobby Abreu, this veteran has nearly 20 steals!  Who would have thought he'd be the speed threat and not the power guy?  With six home runs, you may be shocked seeing him on this list, but he is very agressive, and does not make many mistakes!

Contained here is a list of the top performers of each AL position, other than the DH, they may be included in their natural fielding position.  In order, top three.

Starting Pitchers:

1. Zack Greinke, who in my mind deserved to start in the All-Star Game, Greinke leads the AL in ERA, is 10-5, and may have more wins if the Royals gave him some more run support.  To top it all off, batters are having a horrific time against the peerless Greinke, who has struck out 129 batters.

2. Roy Halladay, the All-Star starter, has retired 106 batters, and only walked 17. Although he may not be on the Blue Jays much longer, they would certaintly miss his 10-3 record, he also has three complete games.

3. Justin Verlander, another ten win pitcher, he has an ERA that does more than get by at 3.38, but the main thing about this guy is that he leads the AL in K's, and as he gets run support is ERA could sink down to 3.00 soon!

Relief Pitchers:

1. Joe Nathan, he's amongst the top of the saves list, and has a lower ERA and more strikeouts than most of the leading relievers.  Nathan may soon become the leader in saves.

2. Mariano Rivera, the man, who has 23 saves, needs to be reminded he isn't even in his prime right now, as a veteran, he has a 43-3 K to BB ratio, and only a 2.43 ERA, he got the save in the All Star Game, and as a Yankee, he'll get plenty of save opportunities!

3. Brian Fuentes, he's the closer for the Angels, after losing last year's record setting closer, this guy has steped up, leading the league in saves, at 27, but his ERA is nothing to brag about.

Catchers:

1. Joe Mauer, he leads the league in batting average, which is the most important hitting stat, he's probably the best fielding catcher in the AL, and he has power, with 15 homers, he competed in the home run derby!

2. Victor Martinez, like Mauer above, he has loads of power, going long 15 times, and has nearly 60 RBI's, but is not as well in the field.  Victor Martinez has a smoaking bat!
3. A.J. Pierzynski, with ten home runs, he can go long, and can knock guys in.  Another guy who fields well, but bats even better, with a .300 average, this guy is the most under rated catcher in the league.

First Basemen:

1. Justin Morneau, focusing on his batting, he's batting above .310, and has 21 home runs.  And is third in RBI's, no slouch in the field, Monreau was robbed by the fans, not starting in the Mid Summer Classic.

2. Mark Teixeira, twenty one homers, close to no errors, this alone should make him an all-star.  And I haven't added that he's batting .275, and is amongst the leading RBI getters.

3. Miguel Cabrera, he still has a slim chance at getting that triple-crown, he's been good in the field, 18 home runs, .320 average, and 50 RBI's, Cabrera has a chance to shine once again, or has he already shined?  I'll go with option number two.

Second Basemen:

1. Aaron Hill, by far the best hitting second basemen, with 20 home runs, 60 RBI's, and a .292 batting average, its no wonder why Hill started in the All Star Game.

2. Ian Kinsler, he has speed and power, not to mention skills in the field, with only six errors, he's stolen 18 bases, and has 18 home runs!  He could have started in the All Star Game as well.

3. Robinson Cano, another guy with a .300 average, gone yard 13 times, and has scored 61 runs.  With 50+ RBI's, Cano should have been named to the ASG.

Short Stops:

1. Derek Jeter, the veteran is one of the league leaders in batting average, and has stolen nearly 20 bags, Jeter is the most consistent short stop, but his RBI's and home runs, aren't very high, albeit, he is a lead-off hitter.

2. Jason Bartlett, he's batting .347, what more can I say?  He's got 19 stolen bases, and can field well.  So he's giving Jeter a run for his money at the one spot.

3. Alexei Ramirez, this guy is very under rated, his bat is great, with 11 long balls, and 50 RBI's, he needs to pick up his speed a bit, with only 12 swiped bags, his average is above decent at .281.

Third Basemen:

1. Evan Longoria, he leads AL third basemen in many categories, 17 home runs, and 61 RBI's, Longoria only has eight errors!

2. Alex Rodriguez, he missed six whole weeks, and incredeoulsy has 17 home runs, and 50 RBI's, his average needs to pick itself up a bit, at .250.  A-Rod only has six errors!

3. Scott Rolen, the oldest of the bunch, Rolen is hitting for average at .320, his power has slumped, only hitting the ball over the fence six times, but speed does not slump and the veteran has four stolen bases!

Center Fielders:

1. Torii Hunter, the best fielding out fielder, and he is also amongst the top hitting out fielders, batting .305, with 16 home runs and 65 RBI's, he also has 13 stolen bases!

2. Curtis Granderson, a speed threat, with 15 swiped bases, his average is not the best for a lead-off man, but his 18 home runs and 43 RBI's make up for it!

3. Adam Jones, in a few years this guy will be atop the list he is very young, and is already hitting for a .300 average, nearly 15 home runs, and 50 RBI's!

Left Fielders:

1.Jason Bay,  an All Star Game starter, he has a great average, great fielding, and is amongst lead leaders in both home runs and RBI's!

2. Carl Crawford, the best fielding left fielder, he proved that in the All Star game, and that silver bat may lead to jumps in his stats!  Did I mention he has 44 stolen bases!

3. Johnny Damon, he's a hitter, with fielding skills he has 16 home runs and 50 RBI's, but what I think matters most is that he's crossed the plate 62 times!

Right Fielders:

1. Jermaine Dye, with 20 home runs and 55 RBI's, I don't see why he was not on the All Star team, but hey, he doesn't let that distract him, and he's just going to keep on improving!

2. Ichiro Suzuki, with a crazy high batting average, he also racks up a lot of steals, he's been consistent year after year, and is only getting better!

3. Bobby Abreu, this veteran has nearly 20 steals!  Who would have thought he'd be the speed threat and not the power guy?  With six home runs, you may be shocked seeing him on this list, but he is very agressive, and does not make many mistakes!

As I have been breaking down the race for the AL pennant I will continue to do so.

The Yankees who were just four games back from Boston have hit a spark, winning nine of their last ten, the pitching has been terrific, the bull pen a bit above average.  Milestones have been achieved already, Mariano Rivera himself got his 500th career save, and his first career RBI.  And as we get closer and closer to the All Star Break, the Yankees are only one game back of the Red Sox, not to mention they have the second best record in the American League!

The White Sox, hitting, fielding, and pitching, all of these have been amazing recently, with the White Sox, its always a nine inning game!  Winning seven consecutive, the White Sox are only two and a half games back from the Tigers, and with a stretch of games against divisional opponents, the White Sox could take over the AL Central by the All Star break!

The race for the AL Pennant is heating up, and I have a feeling we will have to deal with some suprises before the playoffs.  So here are my predictions.

NOTE: I am not yet predicting the NL or the World Series, just the AL Pennant chase.

AL Central Winner:
Chicago White Sox (36-38) - The White Sox are a few games back of the Tigers right now, and they are just on fire, there is no weak spot in the order and the rotation is doing great as well.  The White Sox have recently beaten the Tigers, and at the pace the White Sox are playing at I wouldn't be suprised if they lead the division at the All Star Break, with slugger Carlos Quentin coming back this team will keep on rolling.

AL East Winner:
Boston Red Sox (46-28) No suprise here, they have two pitchers who could reach twenty wins this season, and the rest of the rotation hasn't been bad either, we all know that their bats are great, but their pitching is key this year, and if David Ortiz gets on track, there's no telling how far they'll go.

AL West Winner:

Los Angeles Angels of Aneheim (40-32) Another team currently leading their division, the Angels are doing it all right, hitting, fielding, and most importantly, pitching.  No team in their division looks like they will stop them, and the Angels look like the best team in the AL West, watch for them in October.

AL Wild Card Winner:
New York Yankees (42-32) I don't think they'll catch the Red Sox, but I do think they'll make it to October, their bull pen seems to be the problem right now, with great hitting, and an above average rotation, the Yankees should get the AL Wild Card spot with ease, but in their tough division, you never know.

My Predicted AL Pennant Winner:
Boston Red Sox (46-28) No suprise here, they have two pitchers who could reach twenty wins this season, and the rest of the rotation hasn't been bad either, we all know that their bats are great, but their pitching is key this year, and if David Ortiz gets on track, there's no telling how far they'll go.

That's my explanation from earlier, but for this part, its quick and easy to understand, they are simply the best team in the AL, maybe in all of baseball.

So what's stronger the AL or the NL?  Well I guess we can see at the all star game, because everyone has a different opinion on this, I personally think that the AL is much tougher than the NL, but only time will tell.

The White Sox are currently 13-15, with a few emerging stars so far, and some players that are doing god awful.  Only 28 games into the season, a lot has been said and done by this Chicago team.  They have not really been struck by injuries, but the fashion in which they have is deadly.  Both the White Sox top center fielders are out, on the DL!  Scott Podsednik himself has been purchased from the minors, if another CF gets struck down, the White Sox will be in deep trouble.  Now with out further ado, lets continue on.

Last night was something I called consistent.  It was consistent as Jose Contreas once again got blasted, and the White Sox lost 6-0.  In fact, that loss deescalades Contreas to 0-5 on the year.  A little production was received from the centerfield position as forth, they still lost. Chicago White Sox center fielder Brent Lillibridge (18) catches a fly ball from Texas Rangers' Michael Young during the first inning of a baseball game, Friday, May 8, 2009, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

Does one loss make a difference?  No, it doesn't, most of the time.  Although, this loss is different, this is a type of loss that can take energy away from a team, when your pitcher gets blown out of porportion, and the oposing pitcher throws a complete shutout game.

The White Sox right now, need to re-cooperate, a few players have indeed hit stride, such as Carlos Quentin, currently with eight home runs.  But, the base stealing woes continue, as Ozzie just can't find an answer.  Opposing players are always stealing on the White Sox pitchers, it might be their delivery, but who knows?

All in all this team needs to step it up in the coming games, and the pitchers need to get back on track.  Ozzie Guillen has done a good job replacing the injured center fielders, just the Sox have not hit stride yet.  Season Grade (Team): C  Manager Grade (So far this season): B-

Keep in mind all grades are based on the Chicago White Sox first 28 games.

 There have been a few transactions made this off-season and I believe that the Yankees lineup has the most depth in the American League.  For the people who know a few things about the Yankees please comment (if you dont please post what you think of the blog entry anyhow, I LOVE opinions) and post what you think the batting order should be so heres what I think.  Oh yeah, for Red Sox fans and other anti-Yankees humans, please comment anyhow even if you are going to be bashful.

1. Derek Jeter; I believe Derek Jeter should be the lead off man, he is very reliable for hits and he can be clutch, he also has tremendous base running skills and can advance bases easily.

2. Johnny Damon; Damon is another player who could be the lead off man, however I think he (who is also reliable for hits in the clutch) hasn't the same base running skills to match that of Jeters so he should be the two hitter.

3. Alex Rodriguez; Many people assume that he will be the cleanup man, albeit, I watched nearly every single Yankee games last year, and realized something, A-Rod is not the biggest power hitter but he does have an eye for getting on base.  A-Rod will start the season on the DL , most of his at bats he will be pitched around and not given anything special to swing at and should draw walks.

4. Mark Teixeira; The newly acquired first basemen got me so excited when he was granted his pin stripes, I love the style this guy plays the game with and he has a lot of power.  I would not be suprised if he leads the Yankees in home runs and runs batted in with A-Rod's injury and all.

5. Xavier Nady; Nady was granted his pin stripes last year in a trade from the Pirates, he ended the season with a bang last year, I was not sure about him when he came to us, but now he has proven to me that he amongst our elite players and that he can light up the scoreboard in a hurry.

6. Hideki Matsui; Wow, our lineup keeps surpassing as deeper and deeper at every glance.  I was so shocked with Matsui last year, he was the hottest player in the world of baseball, and then he got hurt.  If he can stay injury free and do his stuff he will be a player that comes up on the gameplan of the oppisitions of divisional opponents such as the hated Red Sox.

7. Robinson Cano; The speedy second baseman is someone who does not have a lot of power but is speedy and can steal some bases.  However, most of his skill is in the field and is not one of the more powerful of our batters.

8. Jorge Posada; The catcher is actually somewhat powerful and can get us a lot of hits and post some runs on the board.  The reason for him being this far down in the batting order is because he is a catcher, by that I mean he will be exausted from playing in the field so that could affect his batting average, he also could be plagued by injury.

9. Nick Swisher; I think that many people have Brett Gardner as the center fielder, however I watched many of White Sox games last year and learned one thing, that Nick Swisher is not someone to be messed with.  His batting average could be in the upper two hundreds or the lower three hundreds, he could get on base for someone at the top of the order to knock home.