A.L. vs N.L.: is there a new leader?

   Looking at another batting stat, home runs, the American League has only one batter in the double digits, Carlos Quentin, while the National League has six.  In fact, the second place in the AL, who has 8 home runs, matches the 14th place batter in the NL.  The RBI category has the AL leading, but every other spot in the rankings is dictated by the NL. 

   Now, I know that people might say that pitching is better in the American League and, therefore, more difficult to hit on.  I beg to differ.  Look at the top five Major League ERAs:

1. Cliff Lee (0.67) -- AL
2. Edison Volquez (1.12) -- NL
3. Tim Lincecum (1.61) -- NL
4. Zack Greinke (1.93) -- AL
5. Carlos Zambrano (2.03) -- NL

  If you notice, there are more NL pitchers than AL.  Plus, the winningest pitcher this season, Brandon Webb, is an NLpitcher.  The stats for both pitching and hitting are very strong in the favor of the National League.  Let's look at the team records as well

   The division leaders' records are as follows:

   American League

1. Tampa Bay (24-17)
2. Cleveland (22-19)
3. LA Angels (24-18)

   National League

1. Florida Marlins (23-17)
2. Chicago Cubs (25-16)
3. Arizona Diamondbacks (25-15)

   The National League has more wins accumulated and a higher win percentage.  In all areas, the National League is beating the American League.  Will this translate over to the All-Star game and possibly the World Series?  Who knows?  What's very sad is the unbelievable start that Chipper Jones is having is seemingly going for nothing since the Atlanta Braves cannot seem to win.  The American League seems to be getting older while the National League teams are very full of young talent (look at the Diamondbacks and Marlins).  Let's see how the rest of the season plays out.

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