MLB Second Half Outlook and Midseason Review

(Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Bullpen studs Roland Belisario, Ramon Troncoso, and Jonathan Broxton have been lights out, but are all on pace to set career highs in innings pitched.

The Dodgers do not have a lot of depth in their bullpen, and there is plenty of evidence to show that Joe Torre tends to wear down his relievers.

Good, But Not Great

Toronto Blue Jays

The Blue Jays have been one of the best stories in baseball during the first half. They have been led by a scrappy offense (third in the AL in BA, and sixth in runs) and a surprisingly good starting rotation anchored by All-World Roy Halladay.

Second Half Evaluation: (Falling) As of this writing, the Jays are seven out of the Wild Card and 4-11 against the Red Sox, Yankees, and Rays.

With 39 games remaining against those three teams, the Blue Jays are a prime candidate to fall back to the middle of the field.

Detroit Tigers

The Tigers have joined the Blue Jays among baseball’s big surprises as they lead the mediocre AL Central at the midway point of the season.

A surprisingly good pitching staff (sixth in the AL in ERA and Batting Average Against) led by fireballer Justin Verlander has been the secret to the team’s success.

Second Half Evaluation: (Rising) The Tigers are 11th in the AL in average and OPS, and Miguel Cabrera has been their lone source of offense.

With guys like Curtis Granderson, Carlos Guillen, Placido Polanco, and Magglio Ordonez the offense should only improve in the second half.

Minnesota Twins

It seems like every single year the Twins are written off in spring training, and every single year they contend for a division title.

The Twins roll into the midway point two games out of the division and six games out of the Wild Card. They have been led by a steady and consistent staff, which leads the American League in quality starts with 45.

Second Half Evaluation: (Staying Put) The Twins do not seem to be overly good or overly bad. They are 11-13 against Detroit, New York, Boston, and Tampa Bay, which suggests that they fit the profile of a good but not great team.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Mike Scioscia’s crew began the season with heartbreak as rising star Nick Adenhart was killed by a drunk driver.

They have since recovered and lead the AL West by half a game. Their hitting has been outstanding (first in the AL in BA, fifth in runs), while their pitching has been mediocre (12th in ERA, BAA, and WHIP).

Second Half Evaluation: (Rising) Their hitting has been as good as expected, but, with guys like John Lackey, Jered Weaver, and Ervin Santana in the rotation, Angels fans expected a better performance.

Look for the Angels to get their pitching back on track and cruise to another division title.

Philadelphia Phillies

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