50 Bold Predictions for the Second Half of the MLB Season

The All-Star break is over, as we are set to begin the second half of the MLB season, with the trade deadline the next date to circle on your calendar.

Once the July 31st deadline passes, we should have a much clearer picture of who will be in contention come October, and with all six divisions still wide open, this could be the best final month a baseball season we have seen in years.

So here are 50 bold predictions for the second half, including one prediction from each team, predictions for the major award winners, and a full playoff prediction.

Arizona Diamondbacks: The Team Will Have Three 20/20 Players

While the 30/30 club is what makes headlines, there are still only a handful of players each season who make the 20/20 club, and this season the Diamondbacks could have three players post those numbers.

One of the surprise teams of the season with a record of 49-43, the Diamondbacks are getting contributions up and down the lineup, and Ryan Roberts (11 HR, 13 SB), Chris Young (16 HR, 12 SB), and All-Star Justin Upton (15 HR, 14 SB) all seem to be on their way to a 20/20 season.

The team is heading in the right direction, and while they may not have what it takes to win the NL West this season, they are on their way thanks in part to multi-talented players like the trio mentioned above.

Atlanta Braves: Julio Teheran Will Make a Second Half Impact

The Braves have enjoyed some terrific pitching performances this season from youngsters Tommy Hanson, Jair Jurrjens, and Brandon Beachy as well as the usual solid contributions from veterans Derek Lowe and Tim Hudson.

Meanwhile, they have one of baseball's top pitching prospects in Julio Teheran, and while he didn't wow in his two early season starts, he has been lights out at Triple-A this season with a 9-1 record and 1.79 ERA in 15 starts.

Once rosters expand this September, he could find himself in a crucial bullpen role, and the combination of Teheran, Jonny Venters, and Craig Kimbrel could as dangerous as it gets in the late innings come playoff time.

Baltimore Orioles: Zach Britton Will Lead the Team in Wins and ERA

While they are not good enough to contend in the American League East right now, the Orioles are laying the foundation for the future right now with their young starting staff, as all of their starters aside from Jeremy Guthrie are 25 years old or younger.

Among that group, rookie Zach Britton may be the most promising, as he entered the All-Star break with a 6-7 record and a team-best 4.05 ERA.

With his continued development, he should be able to drop his ERA to under 4.00 while at least doubling his wins in the second half. Jake Arrieta currently leads the team with nine wins, but with a 4.90 ERA he has been more lucky than good. I expect somewhere in the neighborhood of a 12-11 record with a 3.80 ERA for Britton, both of which will be team bests.

Boston Red Sox: John Lackey Will Be Moved to the Bullpen

For the time being, the Red Sox biggest problem is their depleted starting rotation, but once Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz return from the disabled list, the team could look to move John Lackey out of the starting rotation.

On the season, he has recorded a dismal 6.84 ERA in 14 starts, while putting up the worst strikeout numbers of his career and the highest walk numbers.

A rotation of Lester, Buchholz, Josh Beckett, Tim Wakefield, and Andrew Miller may give the Red Sox the best chance of making the playoffs at this point, and while it would make Lackey among the highest paid relievers in baseball it could be for the best of the team.

Chicago Cubs: Aramis Ramirez Will Win the Team Triple Crown

The 2011 season has not been kind to the Cubs, as they have fallen flat once again as injuries to their pitching staff have left the team well out of contention.

Aside from the promising middle infield duo of Darwin Barney and Starlin Castro, the re-emergence of third baseman Aramis Ramirez has certainly been a bright spot for the Cubs, and he entered the All-Star break on a tear, hitting .382 BA, 10 HR, 17 RBI in the final 18 games leading up the the break.

Currently he is fourth on the team in hitting with a .298 average (Starlin Castro-.307), second in home runs with 15 (Carlos Pena-19), and first in RBI with 51. Castro can certainly hit, and Pena has as much power as anyone when he's hot, but if Ramirez can stay healthy he could lead the Cubs across the board.

Chicago White Sox: Adam Dunn Will Reach 30 Home Runs This Season

The White Sox have been among the biggest disappointments in all of baseball this season, as many picked them to run away with the AL Central and make a serious playoff push.

Heading the list of causes for the slow start is prized free agent acquisition Adam Dunn, who has hit a paltry .160 BA, 9 HR, 34 RBI while striking out a whopping 117 times in 269 at bats.

With those sort of strikeout numbers, he could very well hit below the Mendoza Line all season, but he has way to much power in a hitter friendly park to not at least pick up the home run pace in the second half. Reaching 30 will be a stretch, but he is more than capable if he gets in a groove.

Cincinnati Reds: Dontrelle Willis Will Return to Form in the Second Half

Willis took the baseball world by storm as a 21-year-old rookie with the Marlins back in 2003, winning the NL Rookie of the Year and making the NL All-Star team. He would win 58 games in his first four seasons, and the Marlins looked to have their ace for the next decade.

However, after a poor 2007 season he was included in the Miguel Cabrera deal with the Tigers, and his career took a sharp downturn. In the past three season he has tallied just three wins and a 6.86 ERA in 27 starts, and he signed a minor league deal with the Reds last November.

He has made the most of his fresh start, 5-2 record and a 2.63 ERA in 13 starts at Triple-A, as his walk numbers are down and he looks to have the stuff to make an impact in the second half. In his one big league start before the break he went six innings, giving up two runs on four hits and getting a no decision. Look for him to fill a rotation spot for the Reds the rest of the season.

Cleveland Indians: Indians Land Josh Willingham, Shore Up Their Offense

A simple look at the Indians depth chart on MLB.com speaks volumes to their lack of outfield depth since the injury to Shin-Soo Choo as under performing Austin Kearns is actually listed as the staring left fielder and right fielder.

The Indians have reiterated time and again that they will not part with any of their top prospects at the deadline, and rightfully so as they are heading in a good direction, but Willingham can be had for a couple mid-level prospects, and he could be huge for the Indians down the stretch.

In the first half, Willingham was able to drive in 44 runs despite hitting in the anemic Athletics offense, and while his .241 batting average leaves a lot to be desired, he has hit .324 with runners in scoring position and a trade to a contender could light a fire under the veteran slugger.

Colorado Rockies: Todd Helton Makes a Run at the NL Batting Title

After hitting a combined .288 BA, 30 HR, 152 RBI over the past three seasons, and entering the 2011 season at the age of 37, it looked as though Helton was on the down swing his impressive career.

However, he has returned to the form that made him one of baseball's best hitters throughout the 2000s with a first half line of .321 BA, 10 HR, 41 RBI which currently puts him at fourth in the NL in batting average.

While Jose Reyes is having a fantastic season, he could easily come back to earth as the Mets team experiences some significant changes at the deadline. That may leave Helton, with a .324 career average and a batting title under his belt, in a position to win the NL batting title.

Detroit Tigers: Justin Verlander Throws Another No-Hitter

While 2011 can once again be dubbed a "Year of the Pitcher", with a number of starters posting double digit wins and fantastic ERAs at the All-Star break, Verlander may be the best pitcher in all of baseball right now, and he has electric stuff.

He threw the first no-hitter of the season this year against the Blue Jays, and nearly had another one as he was five outs away but settled for a two-hit shutout.

He has already thrown two in his career, and there is no one in baseball who can maintain the velocity that Verlander displays in the late innings. He is well on his way to his first 20-win season, and is a front-runner for AL Cy Young. Another no-hitter would just be icing on the cake in what has been a terrific season.

Florida Marlins: Gaby Sanchez Will Take the Next Step in the Second Half

With the Marlins set to open a new stadium next season, the team was off to a nice start to open this season, but a lengthy slide has left them out of contention and with little to look forward to the remainder of the season.

One player who has been a bright spot is first baseman Gaby Sanchez, who was the team's lone All-Star representative after a .293 BA, 13 HR, 50 RBI first half.

He has some work to do to reach the 100 RBI plateau, but he played every game in the first half of the season, and he is only getting better at the age of 27, so a .300 BA, 25 HR, 100 RBI season is not out of the question. Look for him to have a big second half and announce himself as one of the NL's top hitters in the second half.

Houston Astros: Jordan Lyles Will Be the Team's Ace by Season's End

The Astros are in a transition period as they continue to make their way towards contention in the NL Central once again. That should result in the team falling in the category of seller once again this season, and they have some pitchers that could be moved.

Brett Myers and Wandy Rodriguez are both available for the right price, and while it is far from a sure thing, I think both hurlers will be moved before the deadline. That would leave the Astros with Bud Norris and J.A. Happ atop their rotation, but top prospect Jordan Lyles could slide into the role of ace.

Lyles soared through the Astros farm system after being taken 38th overall in the 2008 Draft, and he reached the big leagues this season at just 20 years old. He currently has a 4.60 ERA over eight starts, but he has shown flashes of brilliance, including his final outing of the first half when he gave up one run on three hits in five innings against the Boston Red Sox.

Kansas City Royals: At Least Three More Top Prospects Will Join the Club

The Royals have begun their youth movement, as they are utilizing what is the top minor league organization in all of baseball.

Already this season, 1B Eric Hosmer, 3B Mike Moustakas and SP Danny Duffy have made their debuts, and look to be key parts of what should be a bright future for the Royals.

However, the team still has a plethora of talent in the minor leagues, and I would look for OF Wil Myers (Double-A), 2B Johnny Giavotella (Triple-A), and SP Mike Montgomery (Triple-A) to all appear for the Royals in the second half, with a Giavotella call-up in the very near future.

Los Angeles Angels: Jered Weaver and Dan Haren Both Win 20 Games

Generally when a pitcher posts a record of 10-5 with a 2.61 ERA in the first half, he is among the top pitchers in all of baseball, and far and away the best in his respective team.

While the first rings true for Dan Haren, he has to take a back seat on his own team to fellow right-hander Jered Weaver who has been incredible with an 11-4 record and a 1.86 ERA.

Both pitchers have the stuff, and the makeup to continue their dominance in the second half, and with each guy scheduled to get 14 or 15 more starts, having 20-win teammates in Anaheim is not out of the question.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Matt Kemp Joins the 40/40 Club

Coming off of a season in which he hit just .249, this was a make or break season of sorts for Kemp, and he has responded in impressive form with a .313 BA, 22 HR, 67 RBI, 27 SB line at the All-Star break.

That puts him on pace for 38 home runs and 47 stolen bases, so with a bit of an uptick in his power production he could become just the fifth player ever to tally a 40/40 season, joining one of baseball's most exclusive clubs.

A similar second half could land Kemp and NL MVP Award, and make him the centerpiece that the Dodgers build around for next decade.

Milwaukee Brewers: Mat Gamel Will Make a Significant Second Half Impact

Despite key players Zack Greinke (7 wins, 5.45 ERA) and Casey McGehee (.223 BA, 36 RBI) performing well below expectations, the Brewers entered the All-Star break in first place in the NL Central with a 49-43 record.

While most expect Greinke to right the ship in the second half, McGehee could be on his way out as the team's starting third baseman just a year removed from a 104 RBI season, with Mat Gamel recently called up and breathing down his neck.

Gamel has hit .321 BA, 18 HR, 58 RBI so far this season at Triple-A, and if he can take the job away from McGehee he could provide a impact bat behind Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun in the Brewers lineup as they will more than likely have to look within to make their playoff push, rather than making a move at the deadline.

Minnesota Twins: Kyle Gibson Will Win at Least Five Games This Season

The Twins, much like the White Sox, have fallen flat in the AL Central this season despite lofty expectations, and despite a 41-48 record, they are just 6.5 games out of first place.

While superstars Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau have both missed time, the rotation has remained relatively healthy but has greatly underperformed. Aside from Scott Baker (7 Wins, 3.02 ERA) there is no starter with an ERA below 4.10, and staff ace Francisco Liriano has been terrible with a 5.05 ERA and just 7.7 K/9.

Top prospects Kyle Gibson, threw an impressive 1.1 innings in the Futures Game this past weekend, and while his Triple-A stats this season are not dominant, all it will take is a string of two or three good starts in a row for the Twins to pull the trigger and add the 23-year-old to their rotation. Once there, he should be here to stay, and if he gets 10 starts there is no reason he couldn't win five or more games.

New York Mets: David Wright Will Have a Monster Second Half

No team has been involved in as many rumors as the Mets this season, and it seems like everyone on their team has been involved in trade rumors at one point or another as the team prepares for what could be a make-or-break off season.

While Jose Reyes is having a fantastic season, the team's other superstar David Wright has been dogged by injuries and struggled mightily when he was on the field with a .226 BA, 6 HR, 18 RBI first half.

That said, with the Mets still technically in contention, expect Wright to pick things up big time once he returns from his rehab assignment in late-July, and perhaps put up a second half similar to the one he did in 2007 when he went .364 BA, 14 HR, 56 RBI.

New York Yankees: Jesus Montero Will Be Called Up Before July Is over

The Yankees have held off on calling up top prospect Jesus Montero to this point, despite the struggles of DH Jorge Posada, as well as an injury to catcher Russell Martin, but with Alex Rodriguez set to miss a month, the Yankees are in need of an offensive boost.

On the season he has hit .289 BA, 7 HR, 33 RBI at Triple-A, after hitting .289 BA, 21 HR, 75 RBI last season at Triple-A as he has shown why he is one of the top offensive catching prospects in baseball.

The team will no doubt try to ride it out with the players they have to start the second half, but if they struggle at all to score runs, giving Montero the call-up could be the answer.

Oakland Athletics: Chris Carter Will Hit Double Digit Home Runs in 2011

Carter has long tantalized the Athletics with his power potential, as he has hit 123 home runs over the past four seasons in the minors entering 2011.

After earning a 24-game cup of coffee last season and hitting three longballs in 70 at bats, he was back in the majors in the first half, but went homerless in 30 at bats.

With the epic struggles of Daric Barton, the Athletics could make Carter the everyday first baseman if he shows them even a hint of what he was able to do at the minor league level, and given the opportunity, he should have no trouble reaching double digit home runs over 250 or so at bats.

Philadelphia Phillies: Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, and Cole Hamels All Win 20 Games

One of the most talked about aspects of the off season this year was the Phillies signing off Cliff Lee, effectively giving them four aces as he joined Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels, and Roy Oswalt.

While Oswalt has run into injury problems, Halladay (11 Wins, 2.45 ERA), Hamels (11 wins, 2.32 ERA), and Lee (9 Wins, 2.82 ERA) have all more than lived up to the billing.

Considering the fact that Ryan Howard (.257 BA), Chase Utley (41 Games Played), Raul Ibanez (.241 BA), and Jimmy Rollins (.268 BA) have all performed well below expectations, the pitchers could post even better win totals in the second half, and three 20-win pitchers is certainly a possibility.

Pittsburgh Pirates: The Pirates Will Have Five Starters with Double-Digit Wins

The Pirates were the surprise team of the first half, putting together the best first half the team has had since 1992, and it is thanks in large part to an overachieving pitching staff and a good core of young talent.

Looking closer at the pitching staff, Kevin Correia (11 Wins) made the All-Star team, while Jeff Karstens (7 Wins), Charlie Morton (7 Wins), Paul Maholm (6 wins), and James McDonald (5 Wins) have all pitched well.

Figuring each starter should get about 14 more starts, it is certainly a reasonable prediction to say that all five starters will reach the 10-win mark, but they will all need to stay healthy and continue to put up the best numbers of their respective careers. If that happens, look for the Pirates to be right in the thick of things come September.

St. Louis Cardinals: Albert Pujols' .300 BA, 30 HR, 100 RBI Streak Continues

No player in baseball history has enjoyed a first ten seasons as prolific as the decade of greatness that Pujols has put together to open hist career, hitting no lower than .312 BA, 32 HR, 103 RBI in any season and establishing himself as the game's premier hitter.

However, he began this season in a slump like none he has seen in his career, then landed on the disabled list with a broken wrist and he missed the All-Star team for just the second time in his career with a first half line of .280 BA, 18 HR, 50 RBI.

That puts him on pace for a 34 HR and 96 RBI, and that is with his missed time, so despite having the worst first half of his career, he should be able to keep his impressive streak alive if he can stay healthy in the second half and hit the way he did following his early season slump.

San Diego Padres: Mike Adams Will Save 20 Games in Second Half

The Padres have been unable to match the success they experienced last season, and because of that they could be among the most active sellers at the deadline this season, with All-Star closer Heath Bell, a free agent to be, all but guaranteed to be in a different uniform before season's end.

If the team also moves Chad Qualls, which seems likely, Mike Adams would slide into the closer's role, and he could immediately become one of the game's best stoppers.

With a 1.37 ERA in 144.2 innings over the past three seasons, he clearly has dynamite stuff, and the Padres anemic offense means that the majority of wins that they tally will be save situations as Heath Bell saved 26 of the team's 40 first half wins. That could mean a 20 save second half for Adams in his first action as closer.

San Francisco Giants: Hector Sanchez Will Fill the Void at Catcher

The Giants have not found much in the way of offense at the catcher position since Buster Posey went down with a season-ending injury, as Eli Whiteside (.229 BA) and Chris Stewart (.172 BA) have done nothing with the bat.

They have said that top catching prospect Hector Sanchez needs more time in the minors, but they also jumped him from High Single-A to Triple-A earlier this season and the 21-year-old is hitting .307 BA, 8 HR, 58 RBI on the season.

Look for him to get a call-up sooner rather than later, as the trade market is fairly weak for catchers and the internal option could be the best in this case.

Seattle Mariners: Ichiro Will Rally, Keep His .300 BA/200 Hit Streaks Alive

For the first time in his 11-year career, Ichiro failed to make the All-Star Game, as he in fact started nine of the last ten seasons for the American League squad.

With a batting average of just .270, and only 101 hits, it appears as though his streak of 10 straight seasons with 200+ hits and .300+ batting average could be in jeopardy.

However, with 71 games to play, Ichiro is on pace to get 295 more at bats before the season is over. If he can bang out 100 hits over that stretch for a .339 second half average, that would give him 201 hits on the season and a batting average of exactly .300. If anyone is capable of that, it is Ichiro

Tampa Bay Rays: Jake McGee Will Be Closing Before the Season Is over

Entering the season, the biggest area of concern for the Rays, despite the fact that they lost Carl Crawford and Carlos Pena, was their bullpen as they lost everyone besides J.P. Howell from the 2010 season.

However, they have been able to piece together a fairly solid relief corps, led by veteran flame thrower Kyle Farnsworth. Among the hardest throwing, but also most consistently hit relievers throughout his career, Farnsworth has been a revelation with 17 saves and a 2.02 ERA in the first half.

Somehow I don't see him having the same luck in the second half, and that could mean a chance for top relief prospect Jake McGee to get some closing experience in the second half. McGee pitched well in five appearances last season, and was in the running for closer's duties this spring, and he would seemingly be next in line if Farnsworth falters.

Texas Rangers: Josh Hamilton Will Drive in 100 Runs

The Rangers have battled injuries all season, with top hitters Josh Hamilton and Nelson Cruz missing significant time, but with everyone healthy they will be looking for a big second half out of their offense.

That all begins with Hamilton, who played just 54 games in the first half, but still managed a line of .301 BA, 11 HR, 49 RBI. If he plays every game the rest of the season he would appear in 124 games.

Last season, he played 133 games, and won the AL MVP with a line of .359 BA, 32 HR, 100 RBI, and while I do not see him competing for a batting title this season, he has a healthier lineup around him than he did last season, and with a healthy second half, he could easily reach 100 RBI, needing 51 in 70 games the rest of the way.

Toronto Blue Jays: Jose Bautista Will Top His 2010 Home Run Total

Any thoughts that Jose Bautista's breakout 2010 season in which he hit 54 home runs was a fluke have long been put to rest, as he was voted to start the All-Star game this season with a .334 BA, 31 HR, 65 RBI first half.

That puts him on pace for 55 home runs, and I think he is capable of a couple more than that even, as he hit 30 home runs after the break last year, getting better as the season wore on rather than wearing down.

While a 60 home run season may be out of reach, there is no reason to think he won't reach the 50 home run mark once again this season, and I think he will surpass his 54 home run total from last season.

Washington Nationals: Danny Espinosa Will Win the NL 2B Silver Slugger

The Nationals have a bumper crop of young talent right now, as they are heading in the right direction towards contention in the near future. Everyone knows guys like Bryce Harper and Stephen Strasburg, but Danny Espinosa has risen from relative obscurity to be a force at the plate this season.

With Chase Utley missing significant time with an injury, the honor for top offensive second baseman is up for grabs this year in the National League, and while Rickie Weeks (.278 BA, 17 HR, 39 RBI) and Brandon Phillips (.290 BA, 8 HR, 49 RBI) are making their case, Espinosa is one pace for a huge season with 16 HR and 52 RBI at the break, and if he can raise his .242 average there is no reason he can't take home the Silver Slugger this season.

AL Comeback Player of the Year: Jacoby Ellsbury

After playing just 18 games last season, Ellsbury has picked up right where he left off in 2009 when he hit .301 and stole a league-best 70 bases.

This season, he made his first All-Star appearance, hitting .316 BA, 11 HR, 49 RBI with an AL-best 28 stolen bases. The 11 home runs also represent a career-high already as he has added some pop to his game.

The Red Sox offense is simply better with a table setter like Ellsbury getting things going, and he has proven to be just a big a addition to the team this year as Carl Crawford or Adrian Gonzalez.

NL Comeback Player of the Year: Lance Berkman

Generally it is clear who the comeback player of the year is, but in the National League there are a number of worthy choices, and Todd Helton received serious consideration here, but in the end Lance Berkman will take it home.

After hitting just .248 BA, 14 HR, 58 RBI all of last season, Berkman signed a one-year, $8 million deal with the Cardinals to play right field this season. He responded to the Cardinals faith in him with a monster first half line of .290 BA, 24 HR, 63 RBI as he started the All-Star game, and currently leads the NL in home runs.

Many will mention Ryan Vogelsong for this award, but with a 10-22 record over six big league seasons entering 2011, I would say that 2011 is more of a breakout season than a comeback season for Vogelsong.

AL Rookie of the Year: Michael Pineda

When you make 50 predictions, they can't all be incredibly bold, and it is just dumb to pick anyone but Pineda as the AL Rookie of the Year at this point.

The 22-year-old right-hander earned an All-Star nod in his rookie season thanks to a terrific first half in which he went 8-6 with a 3.03 ERA and 113 Ks in 113 IP.

He and Felix Hernandez form the most promising 1-2 punch in all of baseball, and the way Pineda has pitched early on he could battle King Felix for ace status sooner rather than later.

NL Rookie of the Year: Craig Kimbrel

To put it simply, Kimbrel is lights out in the ninth inning and he is pitching for a contender. That combination, much like with Neftali Feliz last season, will result in a Rookie of the Year award for Kimbrel.

Danny Espinosa will make a strong case, as he has set himself up to be the first rookie second baseman ever to hit 30 home runs in a season. While I think that will earn him the Silver Slugger, I don't think it tops Kimbrel.

Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman is also having a nice season, and he has put up better production than the Braves got from the first base position last season, but Kimbrel has already set a record for saves by a rookie at the All-Star break, and he could make a push for the relief strikeout record and 50 saves. More than enough to take home the hardware.

AL Cy Young: James Shields

It is hard to believe after his 2010 season that James Shields is now a legitimate Cy Young candidate, but he has been dominant this season, stepping up as the ace of a young Rays staff.

After a disastrous 2010 saw him post a 5.18 ERA and lead the AL in hits allowed (246), home runs allowed (34), and earned runs (117), and then give up four runs in 4.1 innings in his postseason start, the 2011 Shields looks like a different man.

This season he has an 8-7 record, which should be much better when you look at his 2.33 ERA and 0.981 WHIP. Not only has he been dominant, but he has been a workhorse, throwing a league-high seven complete games including three shutouts. With voters looking more at peripheral stats, he should be the front runner if he keeps it up.

NL Cy Young: Cole Hamels

When it comes to naming the best pitcher in baseball today, the consensus pick is Phillies ace Roy Halladay, and he has certainly earned that right over the years with his dominant play year in and year out, with 2011 being no exception.

However, Hamels has been phenomenal this season, and he has gotten better as the year has gone on. His last start before the All-Star break was a gem, as he gave up one run on three hits over eight innings against division rival Atlanta.

He entered the All-Star break with a 11-4, 2.32 ERA, 121 Ks line compared to Halladay's 11-3, 2.45 ERA, 138 Ks line. The truth is you can't go wrong with either of them, or teammate Cliff Lee for that matter, if they continue to perform like they have. In the end that may hurt them as they split votes, but in the end I think this is Hamels year.

NL MVP: Matt Kemp

The clear choice for first half MVP is Jose Reyes, as he put on an absolute hitting clinic throughout the season's first three an a half months, but I have a feeling both he and the Mets will cool down in the second half of the season.

Prince Fielder is having a great season but he and Ryan Braun could split votes, and you can make a case for Lance Berkman as well, but at season's end I think the numbers that Kemp will put up will be too hard to ignore.

He has a shot at becoming the fifth player to register a 40/40 season, and he could make a serious run at a Triple Crown if he can get hot and raise his batting average a bit. If he puts together something like a .335 BA, 40 HR, 115 RBI, 105 R, 45 SB line that may be too hard for voters to ignore with no clear cut choice from the contenders.

AL MVP: Adrian Gonzalez

Just like with the Pineda selection, it is just silly to pick anyone besides Gonzalez for AL MVP at this point in the season, as he has earned every penny of the mega deal he signed with the Red Sox.

He is currently leading the AL in batting average (.354), RBI (77), Hits (129), Doubles (29), and Total Bases (214). Throw in his Gold Glove caliber defense at first base and you have a potential unanimous choice for AL MVP at this point.

Should he fall off, Jose Bautista is having a great year, and should reach the 50 home run plateau again this year, perhaps with a .300 batting average to go along with it.

Pittsburgh Pirates Final Win Count Prediction

There is no question that the Pirates have been the surprise of the first half, as their young offense and rag tag starting rotation has exceeded even their own expectations, as they sit at 47-43 to start the second half, just one game out of first place.

I don't think they will have what it takes to win the division, but they should stay competitive all season, as their young core continues to get better. All things considered, I think they will end the season at 83-79, falling short of the playoffs but giving them something to build on moving forward in an always interesting NL Central division.

NL East Division Winner: Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies are stacked, and while they hold just a 3.5 game lead over a good Braves team, there is no reason to believe that they will not extend that lead and comfortably win the NL East.

Even with Roy Oswalt on the shelf, they have three of the best pitchers in baseball in Halladay, Hamels, and Lee.

Throw in the fact that their entire offense has under performed, and big things can be expected in the second half as long as they avoid the injury bug.

Predicted Record: 102-60

NL Central Division Winner: Milwaukee Brewers

As with seasons past, the NL Central has been a crap shoot this year with four teams within four games of the division lead, including the upstart Pirates who are just a game out of first.

However, I think the division will go to the team that went all in this off season, as the Brewers will head to the playoffs in what may be their final chance to make a run for the next couple seasons.

While many believed the team would move slugger Prince Fielder this off season, as he is expected to depart after this season in free agency, they instead went on the offensive and acquired starters Zack Greinke and Shaun Marcum. With a strong second half from Greinke (5.45 ERA), and some improved offense at third base, shortstop, or center field the team will emerge as top dogs in the NL Central.

Predicted Record: 92-71

NL West Division Winner: San Francisco Giants

The NL West seems to be a roller coaster ride every season, and who knows if the Rockies have another huge second half push in them, but for now it looks as though the Giants are the class of the division.

Although the Diamondbacks have been a pleasant surprise, sitting just three games back with a 49-43 record, at the end of the day they have been over performing all season, much like the Padres last year, and while I do not see them collapsing in 2012 like the Padres did this year, 2011 is not their year.

Everyone knows the Giants are loaded with pitching, but they will need to make a deadline move to upgrade their offense if they want to win the division. After landing Pat Burrell and Cody Ross last season, look for them to again do just enough to get by and make the playoffs.

Predicted Record: 95-67

NL Wild Card: St. Louis Cardinals

While the Braves currently hold a large lead in the NL Wild Card race, I think they are a team too reliant on young talent, and while there is no question that they are a very good team, I think they over performed a bit in the first half, and we will say they go 90-72 on the season and finish a game out of the Wild Card.

Meanwhile, the Cardinals have had to deal with injuries to Matt Holliday and Albert Pujols, as well as the spring training loss of Adam Wainwright, and yet they still find themselves in a tie for first place in the NL Central. With a healthy lineup, and an inevitably better second half from Chris Carpenter (4 Wins, 3.87 ERA), the Cardinals should only improve.

I predict the NL Central will come down to a tie, and force a Game 163, with the winning Brewers taking the division, and the Cardinals settling for the Wild Card by a game over the Braves.

Predicted Record: 91-72

AL East Division Winner: New York Yankees

The Yankees have a tough time ahead of them to start the second half, as they will be without third baseman Alex Rodriguez, and may have to deal with a "mentally and physically exhausted" team captain as well.

Still, they will no doubt be as active as any team at the deadline, and I expect them to add a pair of starting pitchers as well as a bat off the bench who can serve as a utility player. My predictions for those pickups are Brett Myers, Ted Lilly, and Jeff Baker. That will be enough to over take the Red Sox with their own pitching woes for the division.

Predicted Record: 103-59

AL Central Division Winner: Cleveland Indians

The Indians were the talk of baseball for the first month and a half, as they jumped out to the best record in baseball, and while they have fallen back of late, I think they have what it takes to make another big push and come out on top of a wide open AL Central.

The team has said it will not move and top prospects at the deadline, but they are close enough that they won't need to. If they go out and get Josh Willingham and Jeremy Guthrie, it should only cost them a handful of mid-level guys and would go a long way towards making them a formidable contender.

Predicted Record: 91-71

AL West Division Winner: Los Angeles Angels

The AL West should come down to the wire between the Angels and Rangers, but the fact of the matter is there is no Cliff Lee for the Rangers to pick up at the deadline this year, and beyond Alexi Ogando and CJ Wilson the team just does not have the pitching to reach the postseason.

The Angels, on the other hand, have two of the best starters in baseball and a solid staff overall, including a lights out closer in Jordan Walden. They could use a bat at the deadline perhaps someone like Carlos Pena could make the difference, as that would allow them to move Mark Trumbo to DH, and the under performing trio of Vernon Wells, Torii Hunter, and Bobby Abreu would only take up two lineup spots rather than three.

Predicted Record: 94-68

AL Wild Card: Boston Red Sox

The Red Sox pitching is going to be an issue in the second half, as Clay Buchholz and Jon Lester are both injured, and John Lackey has been arguably the worst starting pitcher in the American League this season.

However, they have the best offense in baseball, and if they upgrade right field it would be absolutely ridiculous. I see them getting a big second half boost from Andrew Miller, and trading for Carlos Beltran to shore up right field. Once their pitching is healthy at the end of July, they should have enough to give the Yankees a run in the division but inevitably settle for the Wild Card.

Predicted Record: 99-63

NLCS Matchup: Philadelphia Phillies vs. Milwaukee Brewers

In one NLDS, I see the Phillies sweeping the Cardinals thanks to a superior pitching staff from top to bottom and an offense that is loaded with guys who have proven capable of coming up with the big hit when it matters most.

Phillies 3, Cardinals, 0

In the other NLDS, I think the Brewers trio of Zack Greinke, Shaun Marcum, and Yovani Gallardo will enter the playoffs hot, and best the formidable trio of Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, and perhaps Ryan Vogelsong. The Brewers offense is clearly head and shoulders better than the Giants, and if their pitching can at least hold its own, they should prevail.

Brewers 3, Giants 2

ALCS Matchup: New York Yankees vs. Los Angeles Angels

In the first ALDS matchup, I think the Yankees will prove to be too much for the upstart Indians, as they simply do not have the experience to pull off the upset here. While guys like Justin Masterson and Josh Tomlin have been great, they are also both in essentially their first full season as starters and could be worn down by October.

Yankees 3, Indians 1

In the other ALDS, I think the Red Sox, who were a trendy pick to win it all, will run into more problems than they anticipated with the Angles, as the duo of Jered Weaver and Dan Haren will be counted on carry the team in the postseason. I think they have what it takes to pull out a series win with both guys pitching on short rest and making two starts.

Angels, 3, Red Sox 2

World Series Matchup: Philadelphia Phillies vs. New York Yankees

In the NLCS, the Phillies and Brewers match up incredibly well on paper, with three top line starters and a deep lineup on each roster. The difference here lies in the postseason experience, as Greinke, Marcum, and Gallardo have a grand total of one playoff start between them, while Halladay, Hamels, Lee have a total of 25 playoff starts. That stat can't be overlooked, and it will be the difference.

Phillies 4, Brewers 1

On the other side, the ALCS will be a matter of whether or not Weaver and Haren can continue pitching on short rest, because the Yankees have a vastly superior offense, and depending on who they acquire at the deadline to compliment C.C. Sabathia in the rotation, they could have a formidable staff as well. In the end, the Angels impressive run will come to an end despite giving the Yankees all they could handle.

Yankees 4, Angels 2

World Series Outcome

As for the World Series winner, I think the Brewers offense will pose a far greater threat to the Phillies than the Yankees lineup will, and again depending on who the Yankees acquire, the Phillies could have an overwhelming pitching advantage that you rarely see in a World Series. I think the Phillies run away with it and the Yankees will be happy to win a game.

Phillies 4, Yankees 1