MLB: From Hero To Zero

Here are five All-Star players that are underperforming, hurting their teams' chances at success (and by the way, they're all NL "studs"):

5. Kosuke Fukudome - the never-should've-been-an-All-Star Cubs right fielder is having a terrible July. He's batting .185 with one HR and two RBI. His batting average has dropped .020 and his OPS dropped .052. In July, he has 20 strikeouts compared to eight walks, and a measly .274 July OBP (over .100 less than his June totals).

Result: The Cubs are now tied for first place with the Milwaukee Brewers.

4. Chase Utley - the first half NL MVP Phillies second baseman is also having a terrible July. He's batting .244 with two HR and five RBI. He has 14 strikeouts compared to five walks, a .306 OBP, and .670 OPS in July. His slugging has dropped over .040 since July 1.

Result: The Phillies are no longer in first place and are looking up at the New York Mets.

3. Miguel Tejada - the Houston shortstop is struggling like never before. His July numbers are .183 avg, .433 OPS, .214 slugging, .219 OBP, 0 HR, two RBI, and 9 strikeouts/3 walks. His batting average and OBP have dropped .020 and his OPS has dropped .060 since July 1.

Result: Nothing has changed. Houston still stinks.

2. Edinson Volquez - the way the Cincinnati ace is playing in July is analogous to handing the Cy Young to Tim Lincecum. Volquez's July stats are 5.27 ERA and 24:13 strikeout/walk ratio. Compare that to Volquez's May numbers where he had a 1.63 ERA and 50:20 strikeout/walk ration. Volquez does have two wins, but that's due to high run support from his Reds.

Result: Nothing has changed. Cincinnati still stinks.

1. Dan Uggla - out of all the All-star slumpers, Uggla is playing by far the ugliest. His July stats are .103 avg, .444 OPS, .205 slugging, .239 OBP, one HR, three RBI, and 14 strikeouts/6 walks. His batting average has decreased by .022, OPS by .066, and slugging by .050.

Result: The Marlins are being carried by Cantu, Hermida, and Ramirez. Uggla will need to step up if the Marlins are to compete with the Mets and Phillies, instead of looking up at them.