(Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
2. Red Sox–Boston holds the best record in the AL by 3.5 games, and is second in run differential at +74. Sox manager Terry Francona made an interesting decision to bat J.D. Drew leadoff, and it’s paying off so far.
3. Angels–After losing a season-high three straight games last week during interleague play, Anaheim has bounced back to win six in a row going into Tuesday night. The latest win came thanks to a 21-year old rookie starter.
4. Yankees–The Yankees have certainly benefited from playing half the games in their new home park, but a large portion of their success comes from having the second best road record in the AL at 22-18. Jayson Stark points out some fun facts about Mariano Rivera’s 500th save and first career RBI, which of course happened in the same game.
5. Tigers–After sweeping the Brewers and Cubs at home, the Tigers had trouble with Houston and now Oakland on the road. John Lowe points out that the Tigers are struggling against lefties.
6. Rays–The Rays lead the league in runs scored with 438, ahead of the second place Yankees by 23. That’s one reason they’ve won their last six, but a big part is their pitching, giving up four runs or less in each game. The Rays beat Roy Halladay on Monday, thanks to a big effort by Jeff Neimann.
7. Brewers–Milwaukee holds a slim lead in the NL Central, and all six teams are within six games of the top. Former Cub Casey McGehee is making the most of his chance with the Brew Crew.
8. Rockies–After losing their first three games in June, the Rockies won 17 of 18 to give them a 20-7 record for the month to date. While that’s all well and good, they need to capitalize on their chances against the first-place Dodgers to have any chance at the division crown.
9. Twins–Minnesota and Chicago are tied for second in the AL Central with .500 records, yet the Twins finish eight spots ahead of the White Sox in the rankings. A big part of that is Joe Mauer, who is batting .386 as the calendar turns into July.
10. Blue Jays–The Jays have been the surprise team of the AL this season, as they sit at four games over .500 and just 3.5 games out of a wild card spot (is it still too early for that?). Although Toronto has lost three in a row and four of five, they got a big boost with Roy Halladay’s return from the DL, even in a losing effort.
11. Rangers
12. Phillies
13. Cardinals
14. Giants
15. Mets
16. Mariners
17. White Sox
18. Cubs
19. Marlins
20. Reds
21. Astros
22. Pirates
23. Braves
24. Orioles
25. Padres
26. D’Backs
27. Royals
28. Indians
29. A’s
30. Nationals
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