Updated MLB Power Rankings: Where Does Your Team Stand at the All-Star Break?

The All-Star break is here, and that means that a month of swirling trade rumors is upon us as we push ever closer to the July 31 trade deadline.

However, before we look forward to the second half, let's take this chance to look back at the season thus far.

I've named who I feel is the top hitter and pitcher for each team at the break, handing out my midseason awards much like I did at the season's quarter-pole mark.

So here are this week's MLB power rankings. Be sure to check back here each Monday morning for an updated look at where your favorite team stands.

*Note: Rosters taken from MLBDepthCharts.com

30. Houston Astros (33-53, Previous: 27)

Current Lineup

CF Jordan Schafer
2B Jose Altuve
3B Scott Moore
LF J.D. Martinez
SS Jed Lowrie
1B Chris Johnson
RF Brian Bogusevic
C Jason Castro
Pitcher 

Current Rotation

SP Wandy Rodriguez
SP Lucas Harrell
SP J.A. Happ
SP Jordan Lyles
SP Bud Norris
CL Brett Myers

Last Week's Record: 1-6

Midseason Awards

Top Hitter: 2B Jose Altuve (.303/.344/.438, 5 HR, 27 RBI, 48 R)

After hitting .389 in the minors prior to being called up last season, more than a few people pointed to Altuve as a potential sleeper for 2012. He has proven them right.

He's been a terrific catalyst atop the Astros lineup and, at 22 years old, should be a building block moving forward. Jed Lowrie (14 HR, 36 RBI) deserves mention for his unexpected power surge.

Top Pitcher: SP Wandy Rodriguez (18 GS, 7-6, 3.37 ERA, 75 Ks, 114.2 IP)

Will this be the season that the Astros finally pull the trigger on dealing Rodriguez? He's certainly done nothing to hurt his trade value so far this season, as he is turning in another terrific season despite a less-than-stellar supporting cast.

29. Colorado Rockies (33-52, Previous: 30)

Current Lineup

CF Dexter Fowler
SS Marco Scutaro
LF Carlos Gonzalez
RF Michael Cuddyer
1B Todd Helton
3B Jordan Pacheco
2B Chris Nelson
C Wilin Rosario
Pitcher

Current Rotation 

SP Christian Friedrich
SP Jeff Francis
SP Drew Pomeranz
SP Jeremy Guthrie
CL Rafael Betancourt

Last Week's Record: 3-4

Midseason Awards

Top Hitter: LF Carlos Gonzalez (.330/.389/.578, 17 HR, 58 RBI, 61 R)

"CarGo" has removed any doubt that he is anything but an elite hitter, as he has bounced back from a down 2011 season with another fantastic stat line across the board.

A nod to Tyler Colvin (.305 BA, 13 HR, 40 RBI) who has given the Rockies more than they could have ever hoped for when they dealt Ian Stewart to the Cubs for him in the offseason.

Top Pitcher: RP Matt Belisle (43 G, 3-2, 1.93 ERA, 40 Ks, 46.2 IP)

It's never a good sign when your setup man has been your best pitcher in the first half, but given the Rockies' 5.26 team ERA, it should come as no surprise.

Belisle has been phenomenal dating back to the 2010 season and since the start of that year, he has a 2.79 ERA over 192 appearances. He leads the NL in appearances this season.

28. San Diego Padres (34-53, Previous: 29)

Current Lineup

RF Will Venable
2B Alexi Amarista
3B Chase Headley
LF Carlos Quentin
C Yasmani Grandal
1B Yonder Alonso
CF Cameron Maybin
SS Everth Cabrera
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Edinson Volquez
SP Clayton Richard
SP Jason Marquis
SP Kip Wells
SP Ross Ohlendorf
CL Huston Street

Last Week's Record: 4-3

Midseason Awards

Top Hitter: 3B Chase Headley (.267/.368/.413, 8 HR, 42 RBI, 39 R)

Terrific plate discipline remains Headley's biggest offensive asset, and while he will never have prototypical power for a third baseman, he remains productive nonetheless.

That production has left no less than seven teams reportedly interested in acquiring him, and the Padres will have a big decision to make between now and July 31.

Top Pitcher: RP Huston Street (25 G, 13-of-13 Sv, 1.13 ERA, 32 Ks, 24 IP)

The Padres' lone All-Star representative, Street missed a month early in the season with a lat injury, but he has been terrific since returning.

He could be the top reliever on the market, and the Padres will likely fetch a solid return if they do decide to move him as expected.

27. Chicago Cubs (33-52, Previous: 28)

Current Lineup 

CF David DeJesus
SS Starlin Castro
1B Anthony Rizzo
LF Alfonso Soriano
RF Bryan LaHair
C Geovany Soto
2B Darwin Barney
3B Luis Valbuena
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Ryan Dempster
SP Matt Garza
SP Jeff Samardzija
SP Paul Maholm
SP Travis Wood
CL Carlos Marmol

Last Week's Record: 4-3

Midseason Awards

Top Hitter: 1B Bryan LaHair (.286/.364/.519, 14 HR, 30 RBI, 32 R)

While he has cooled a bit after a ridiculously hot start to the season, LaHair has settled in with an average approaching .300, solid OBP and plus power. It has been nice to see the 29-year-old make the most of his first shot at regular playing time and be rewarded with an All-Star nod.

Top Pitcher: SP Ryan Dempster (13 GS, 4-3, 1.99 ERA, 70 Ks, 86 IP)

Only on the Cubs could the pitcher with the best ERA in the National League have a 4-3 record, but that is where Dempster finds himself. He pitched five scoreless innings on Sunday in his return from the DL, bumping his scoreless innings streak to 27.

He'll be long gone by the time August rolls around, as he should be one of the most coveted players on the market.

26. Seattle Mariners (36-51, Previous: 25)

Current Lineup

RF Ichiro Suzuki
LF Casper Wells
3B Kyle Seager
DH Jesus Montero
CF Michael Saunders
1B Justin Smoak
C Miguel Olivo
2B Dustin Ackley
SS Brendan Ryan

Current Rotation

SP Felix Hernandez
SP Jason Vargas
SP Kevin Millwood
SP Hisashi Iwakuma
SP TBD
CL Tom Wilhelmsen

Last Week's Record: 2-4

Midseason Awards

Top Hitter: 3B Kyle Seager (.243/.306/.420, 10 HR, 52 RBI, 34 R)

Despite a poor lineup around him and a subpar batting average, Seager is No. 14 in the American League in RBI thanks to a .355 average with runners in scoring position. The 24-year-old looks like he has a solid future ahead of him and should be a major part of the Mariners' future plans.

Top Pitcher: SP Felix Hernandez (18 GS, 6-5, 3.13 ERA, 128 Ks, 123.2 IP)

Another year, another standout performance from Hernandez, who is undoubtedly one of the best pitchers in all of baseball. The performance of Kevin Millwood (16 GS, 3.69 ERA), on the other hand, has been a pleasant surprise. He could have some value at the deadline.

25. Philadelphia Phillies (37-50, Previous: 24)

Current Lineup

SS Jimmy Rollins
CF Shane Victorino
2B Chase Utley
1B Ryan Howard
C Carlos Ruiz
RF Hunter Pence
LF Juan Pierre
3B Placido Polanco
Pitcher 

Current Rotation

SP Cliff Lee
SP Cole Hamels
SP Joe Blanton
SP Kyle Kendrick
SP Vance Worley
CL Jonathan Papelbon

Last Week's Record: 1-5

Midseason Awards

Top Hitter: C Carlos Ruiz (.350/.412/.584, 13 HR, 46 RBI, 41 R)

The Phillies have been without superstars Ryan Howard and Chase Utley for much of the season, and in their absence, Ruiz has stepped up in a big way as a run producer. He's on pace to shatter his career highs across the board, and his 13 home runs are already a personal best.

Top Pitcher: SP Cole Hamels (17 GS, 10-4, 3.20 ERA, 118 Ks, 118 IP)

In a season where Roy Halladay has been sidelined and Cliff Lee has struggled, Hamels has remained dominant and looks like a man pitching for his next contract. He has over a quarter of the team's wins, and if the Phillies decide to make him available, the asking price will be absolutely ridiculous.

24. Minnesota Twins (36-49, Previous: 26)

Current Lineup

CF Denard Span
RF Ben Revere
C Joe Mauer
LF Josh Willingham
1B Justin Morneau
3B Trevor Plouffe
DH Ryan Doumit
SS Brian Dozier
2B Jamey Carroll

Current Rotation

SP Scott Diamond
SP Francisco Liriano
SP Brian Duensing
SP Cole De Vries
SP Samuel Deduno 
CL Jared Burton

Last Week's Record: 3-4

Midseason Awards

Top Hitter: LF Josh Willingham (.261/.376/.536, 19 HR, 60 RBI, 47 R)

Signed to a three-year, $21 million contract this offseason, Willingham has built off a solid season last year and been one of the AL's top run producers. Joe Mauer (.326 BA, 5 HR, 41 RBI) is healthy once again and was named to the All-Star team.

Top Pitcher: SP Scott Diamond (12 GS, 7-3, 2.62 ERA, 45 Ks, 79 IP)

After a season last year in which he went 4-14 with a 5.56 ERA in Triple-A, Diamond's first-half performance has been surprising to say the least. He doesn't strike guys out, but he throws strikes and gets ground balls, and it's resulted in tremendous success this season.

23. Kansas City Royals (37-47, Previous: 23)

Current Lineup

LF Alex Gordon
SS Alcides Escobar
1B Eric Hosmer
DH Billy Butler
2B Yuniesky Betancourt
3B Mike Moustakas
RF Jeff Francoeur
C Salvador Perez
CF Jarrod Dyson

Current Rotation

SP Bruce Chen
SP Luke Hochevar
SP Luis Mendoza
SP Jonathan Sanchez
SP Everett Teaford 
CL Jonathan Broxton

Last Week's Record: 2-5

Midseason Awards

Top Hitter: DH Billy Butler (.290/.361/.487, 16 HR, 52 RBI, 31 R)

Butler will be the host Royals' lone representative at the All-Star Game, and he has earned his spot by taking his offensive game to the next level. Never a top-tier slugger, it looks as though Butler will shatter his previous high of 21 home runs this season and could reach 100 RBI for the first time.

Top Pitcher: RP Jonathan Broxton (31 G, 21-of-24 Sv, 1.99 ERA, 23 Ks, 31.2 IP)

Coming off of an injury-shortened and unimpressive season, the Royals took a chance on Broxton on a one-year, $4 million contract to set up Joakim Soria. He was pushed into closing duties when Soria was lost for the season, and he has been one of the league's best closers.

22. Miami Marlins (41-44, Previous: 20)

Current Lineup

SS Jose Reyes
3B Hanley Ramirez
1B Carlos Lee
LF Logan Morrison
CF Justin Ruggiano
2B Omar Infante
RF Scott Cousins
C John Buck
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Josh Johnson
SP Mark Buehrle
SP Ricky Nolasco
SP Carlos Zambrano
SP Anibal Sanchez
CL Heath Bell

Last Week's Record: 3-4

Midseason Awards

Top Hitter: RF Giancarlo Stanton (.284/.364/.554, 19 HR, 50 RBI, 46 R)

It's hard to believe Stanton is still only 22 years old, and he has gotten progressively better since breaking into the league in 2010. It's a shame that a recent knee injury will keep him out of the Home Run Derby, as he was made for that competition.

Top Pitcher: SP Mark Buehrle (17 GS, 8-8, 3.25 ERA, 66 Ks, 113.2 IP)

The Marlins' starting pitching has managed to stay healthy the entire first half, with each of the five starters making 17 starts so far. They all have an ERA of 4.35 or lower, but Buehrle is the only one of the group under 4.00, as he's proven to be worth the four-year, $58 million deal they inked him for this offseason.

21. Milwaukee Brewers (40-45, Previous: 22)

Current Lineup

RF Norichika Aoki
CF Nyjer Morgan
LF Ryan Braun
3B Aramis Ramirez
1B Corey Hart
2B Rickie Weeks
C Martin Maldonado
SS Cesar Izturis 
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Yovani Gallardo
SP Zack Greinke
SP Randy Wolf
SP Michael Fiers
SP Marco Estrada
CL John Axford

Last Week's Record: 4-3

Midseason Awards

Top Hitter: LF Ryan Braun (.306/.391/.599, 24 HR, 61 RBI, 56 R)

Braun is the NL home run leader at the break, as he is in the midst of another fantastic season even without Prince Fielder providing him protection in the lineup. He also has 15 stolen bases and is looking for his second straight 30-30 season.

Top Pitcher: SP Zack Greinke (19 GS, 9-3, 3.32 ERA, 111 Ks, 111 IP)

Greinke had an odd end to the first half, getting ejected from a game after just four pitches on Saturday and then starting on Sunday, but all in all, it was another terrific half of baseball from the right-hander.

It is looking like the Brewers will make him available at the deadline. He'd be a huge addition to any contender.

20. Arizona Diamondbacks (42-43, Previous: 19)

Current Lineup

SS Stephen Drew
2B Aaron Hill
RF Justin Upton
LF Jason Kubel
1B Paul Goldschmidt
C Miguel Montero 
CF Chris Young
3B Ryan Roberts
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Ian Kennedy
SP Trevor Cahill
SP Wade Miley
SP Trevor Bauer
SP Josh Collmenter
CL J.J. Putz

Last Week's Record: 3-4

Midseason Awards

Top Hitter: LF Jason Kubel (.293/.367/.533, 15 HR, 60 RBI, 42 R)

Many questioned the Diamondbacks signing Kubel this offseason, myself included, as it pushed a good, young outfielder in Gerardo Parra to the bench. However, Kubel has been the team's top run producer with the team's stars struggling.

Nods to Paul Goldschmidt (.302, 12, 42) and Aaron Hill (.300, 11, 40) for their high-level production as well.

Top Pitcher: SP Wade Miley (17 G, 14 GS, 9-5, 3.04 ERA, 70 Ks, 100.2 IP)

I don't think anyone would have guessed heading into the season that Miley would be the Diamondbacks' lone All-Star representative; he was not even in the rotation to start the season. Early struggles from Josh Collmenter opened the door for him to start, and he has been terrific.

19. Toronto Blue Jays (43-43, Previous: 17)

Current Lineup

3B Brett Lawrie
CF Colby Rasmus
RF Jose Bautista
1B Edwin Encarnacion
DH Adam Lind
SS Yunel Escobar
LF Rajai Davis 
2B Kelly Johnson
C J.P. Arencibia

Current Rotation

SP Ricky Romero
SP Henderson Alvarez
SP Brett Cecil
SP Carlos Villanueva
SP Aaron Laffey
CL Casey Janssen

Last Week's Record: 3-4

Midseason Awards

Top Hitter: 1B/DH Edwin Encarnacion (.295/.382/.565, 23 HR, 58 RBI, 55 R)

The fact that Encarnacion is not an All-Star this season is an absolute crime, as he has been not only the Blue Jays' best hitter, but one of the best sluggers in all of baseball. Jose Bautista (.244 BA, 27 HR, 65 RBI) has been a victim of bad luck this season, with a .216 BABIP.

Top Pitcher: SP Brandon Morrow (13 GS, 7-4, 3.01 ERA, 67 Ks, 77.2 IP)

One of three Blue Jays starters currently on the shelf, Morrow was enjoying a breakout season before a strained oblique sidelined him. Nonetheless, he has the best numbers of any pitcher on the staff, including an MLB-best three shutouts.

18. Boston Red Sox (43-43. Previous: 13)

Current Lineup

LF Daniel Nava
2B Nick Punto
DH David Ortiz
C Jarrod Saltalamacchia
1B Adrian Gonzalez 
3B Will Middlebrooks
RF Cody Ross
CF Ryan Kalish
SS Mike Aviles  

Current Rotation

SP Josh Beckett
SP Jon Lester
SP Felix Doubront
SP Franklin Morales
SP Aaron Cook
CL Alfredo Aceves

Last Week's Record: 1-6

Midseason Awards

Top Hitter: DH David Ortiz (.312/.406/.607, 22 HR, 57 RBI, 62 R)

Ortiz continues to prove everyone who wrote him off after a down 2009 season wrong, as he's on pace for his best numbers since 2006, a year when he led the AL in home runs and RBI. While his average is low, catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia (.235 BA, 17 HR, 41 RBI) has been a nice surprise offensively.

Top Pitcher: SP Felix Doubront (17 GS, 9-4, 4.41 ERA, 97 Ks, 96 IP)

The Red Sox pitching has been horrible this season, and while many expected a reliever-turned-starter to be a solid addition to the rotation, it was Daniel Bard, not Doubront that those people were likely expecting that from.

Unheralded middle reliever Scott Atchison (36 G, 45.1 IP, 1.79 ERA) also deserves a mention.

17. Oakland Athletics (43-43, Previous: 21)

Current Lineup

CF Coco Crisp
2B Jemile Weeks
RF Josh Reddick
LF Yoenis Cespedes
DH Seth Smith
3B Brandon Inge
1B Brandon Moss
C Kurt Suzuki
SS Cliff Pennington 

Current Rotation

SP Bartolo Colon
SP Tom Milone
SP Jarrod Parker
SP Travis Blackley
SP A.J. Griffin
CL Ryan Cook

Last Week's Record: 5-1

Midseason Awards

Top Hitter: RF Josh Reddick (.268/.348/.532, 20 HR, 43 RBI, 52 R)

The A's acquired Reddick from the Red Sox this offseason in the Andrew Bailey deal, and while they were hopeful that he could hold his own in a run-production role, he has exceeded expectations by leaps and bounds.

With a high of 23 home runs in the minors, his power numbers are shocking to say the least.

Top Pitcher: RP Ryan Cook (38 G, 8-of-11 Sv, 1.41 ERA, 39 Ks, 38.1 IP)

Picked up in the Trevor Cahill-for-Jarrod Parker deal with the Diamondbacks, Cook entered the season as the A's No. 21-ranked prospect. He has managed to work his way into the closer's role and be fantastic, earning himself an All-Star trip in the process.

16. Detroit Tigers (44-42, Previous: 18)

Current Lineup

CF Austin Jackson
LF Quintin Berry
3B Miguel Cabrera
1B Prince Fielder
DH Delmon Young
C Alex Avila
SS Jhonny Peralta
RF Brennan Boesch
2B Ramon Santiago

Current Rotation

SP Justin Verlander
SP Max Scherzer
SP Rick Porcello
SP Doug Fister
SP Drew Smyly
CL Jose Valverde

Last Week's Record: 5-2

Midseason Awards

Top Hitter: 3B Miguel Cabrera (.324/.382/.557, 18 HR, 71 RBI, 52 R)

Cabrera has once again put up peak numbers this season, and he has only benefited from having Prince Fielder (.299 BA, 15 HR, 63 RBI) hitting behind him. Center fielder Austin Jackson (.332 BA, 9 HR, 38 RBI) deserves mention, as he has taken a huge step forward this season and would have terrific numbers if he hadn't gotten hurt.

Top Pitcher: SP Justin Verlander (18 GS, 9-5, 2.58 ERA, 128 Ks, 132.2 IP)

Coming off of an MVP season, Verlander has been fantastic once again, proving to be one of the most durable and consistent starters in all of baseball. Now if only the team could get some sort of consistency from its other four starters.

15. Cleveland Indians (44-41, Previous: 16)

Current Lineup

RF Shin-Soo Choo
SS Asdrubal Cabrera
2B Jason Kipnis
DH Travis Hafner
C Carlos Santana
CF Michael Brantley
1B Casey Kotchman
LF Johnny Damon
3B Jack Hannahan

Current Rotation

SP Justin Masterson
SP Ubaldo Jimenez
SP Derek Lowe
SP Josh Tomlin
SP Zach McAllister
CL Chris Perez

Last Week's Record: 4-3

Midseason Awards

Top Hitter: RF Shin-Soo Choo (.299/.384/.492, 10 HR, 34 RBI, 57 R)

While the middle infield duo of Asdrubal Cabrera (.286 BA, 11 HR, 42 RBI) and Jason Kipnis (.277 BA, 11 HR, 49 RBI) have gotten the attention, Choo has been terrific in transitioning to the leadoff spot in the Indians lineup. His .384 OBP puts him in a tie for sixth with Josh Hamilton in the AL.

Top Pitcher: RP Chris Perez (34 G, 24-of-26 Sv, 3.34 ERA, 35 Ks, 32.1 IP)

In three seasons as the Indians closer, Perez has gone 83-of-93 on save chances and posted a 2.51 ERA, as he has become one of the elite closers in baseball. He's making his second straight All-Star appearance this season. At just 26, he should have plenty more ahead of him.

14. Tampa Bay Rays (45-41, Previous: 14)

Current Lineup

LF Desmond Jennings
1B Carlos Pena
CF B.J. Upton
DH Luke Scott
RF Ben Zobrist
2B Jeff Keppinger
3B Sean Rodriguez
C Jose Molina
SS Elliot Johnson

Current Rotation

SP James Shields
SP David Price
SP Matt Moore
SP Alex Cobb
SP Jeremy Hellickson
CL Fernando Rodney

Last Week's Record: 4-3

Midseason Awards

Top Hitter: RF Matt Joyce (.279/.387/.512, 11 HR, 34 RBI, 36 R)

There may be no injured player whose team misses him more than the Rays do Evan Longoria, as their offense has been terrible with him on the shelf. From a production standpoint, Joyce has been their top hitter, but he is also currently on the DL.

Top Pitcher: SP David Price (17 GS, 11-4, 2.82 ERA, 105 Ks, 111.2 IP)

Price has become one of the game's best pitchers over the past three seasons, and he is well on his way to the best season of his career. Closer Fernando Rodney (25-of-26 Sv, 0.93 ERA) has been phenomenal as well, and he'll be a first-time All-Star at the age of 35.

13. Baltimore Orioles (45-40, Previous: 12)

Current Lineup

LF Xavier Avery
SS J.J. Hardy
RF Chris Davis
CF Adam Jones 
DH Jim Thome
C Matt Wieters
3B Wilson Betemit
1B Mark Reynolds
2B Robert Andino

Current Rotation 

SP Jason Hammel
SP Wei-Yin Chen
SP Miguel Gonzalez
SP TBD (likely Chris Tillman)
SP TBD
CL Jim Johnson 

Last Week's Record: 3-4

Midseason Awards

Top Hitter: CF Adam Jones (.298/.330/.534, 20 HR, 44 RBI, 54 R)

Jones has emerged as a legitimate star this season; he has gotten progressively better in each of his five seasons with the Orioles. He's the face of an up-and-coming franchise, and a seven-year, $91.65 million extension will keep him in Baltimore through 2018.

Top Pitcher: SP Jason Hammel (17 GS, 8-5, 3.47 ERA, 101 Ks, 106.1 IP)

The trade of Jeremy Guthrie to the Rockies for Hammel and reliever Matt Lindstrom (18 G, 2.50 ERA) has proven to be one of the steals of the offseason, as Hammel has stepped up as the ace of the staff.

Closer Jim Johnson (26-of-27 Sv, 1.21 ERA) has been phenomenal as well.

12. Los Angeles Dodgers (47-40, Previous: 10)

Current Lineup

CF Elian Herrera
2B Mark Ellis
LF Bobby Abreu
1B James Loney
RF Juan Rivera
3B Jerry Hairston Jr.
C A.J. Ellis
SS Luis Cruz
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Clayton Kershaw
SP Chad Billingsley
SP Chris Capuano
SP Aaron Harang
SP Nathan Eovaldi
CL Kenley Jansen

Last Week's Record: 3-4

Midseason Awards

Top Hitter: RF Andre Ethier (.291/.357/.491, 10 HR, 55 RBI, 36 R)

With both Ethier and Matt Kemp (.355 BA, 12 HR, 28 RBI) both currently on the DL, the Dodgers lineup does not look like that of a team in the thick of things on the NL West. Ethier had been great in Kemp's absence before going down with a strained oblique at the end of June.

Top Pitcher: SP Chris Capuano (18 GS, 9-4, 2.91 ERA, 100 Ks, 111.1 IP)

One of the best stories of the first half, Capuano enters the break with the same ERA and three more wins than teammate Clayton Kershaw, yet he was not named to the All-Star team. Closer Kenley Jansen (15-of-18 Sv, 14.4 K/9) has also been dominant in his first full season in the ninth-inning role.

11. Atlanta Braves (46-39, Previous: 15)

Current Lineup

CF Michael Bourn
LF Martin Prado
RF Jason Heyward
3B Chipper Jones
1B Freddie Freeman
2B Dan Uggla
C Brian McCann
SS Andrelton Simmons
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Tim Hudson
SP Tommy Hanson
SP Mike Minor
SP Randall Delgado
SP Jair Jurrjens
CL Craig Kimbrel

Last Week's Record: 5-2

Midseason Awards

Top Hitter: 3B Chipper Jones (.318/.396/.480, 6 HR, 33 RBI, 25 R)

The Braves lineup has been a disappointment this season, and Jones is the selection here despite playing in just 49 games to this point. However, he has had a profound effect on the team when healthy, as the Braves are 29-20 with him in the lineup and 17-19 without him.

Top Pitcher: SP Tommy Hanson (18 GS, 10-5, 3.71 ERA, 93 Ks, 106.2 IP)

Hanson continues to quietly rank among the best young pitchers in baseball, and he is having another terrific season. He is just two wins away from a new career high and has proven healthy after making just 22 starts last year.

Closer Craig Kimbrel (25-of-26 Sv, 1.36 ERA, 15.3 K/9) is in just his second season, but he may very well be the best closer in baseball.

10. St. Louis Cardinals (46-40, Previous: 11)

Current Lineup

SS Rafael Furcal
CF John Jay
LF Matt Holliday
RF Carlos Beltran
1B Allen Craig
3B David Freese
2B Daniel Descalso
C Tony Cruz
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Kyle Lohse
SP Adam Wainwright
SP Lance Lynn
SP Jake Westbrook
SP Joe Kelly
CL Jason Motte

Last Week's Record: 5-2

Midseason Awards

Top Hitter: RF Carlos Beltran (.296/.382/.542, 20 HR, 65 RBI, 50 R)

The Cardinals signed Beltran to a two-year, $26 million deal this offseason to help replace some of the production lost by the departure of Albert Pujols. To this point, he has outperformed him across the board and helped carry a Cardinals team that has been hit hard by injuries.

Top Pitcher: SP Lance Lynn (17 GS, 11-4, 3.41 ERA, 105 Ks, 103 IP)

This was a tough call, as Kyle Lohse (9-2, 2.79 ERA) has been fantastic as well, but without the production that Lynn has provided in filling Chris Carpenter's rotation spot, who knows where they'd be right now?

Setup man Mitchell Boggs (39 G, 1.91 ERA) is also enjoying a breakout season.

9. San Francisco Giants (46-40, Previous: 5)

Current Lineup 

RF Gregor Blanco
2B Ryan Theriot
LF Melky Cabrera
C Buster Posey
CF Angel Pagan
3B Pablo Sandoval
1B Brandon Belt
SS Brandon Crawford
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Tim Lincecum
SP Madison Bumgarner
SP Matt Cain
SP Barry Zito
SP Ryan Vogelsong
CL Santiago Casilla

Last Week's Record: 1-5

Midseason Awards

Top Hitter: LF Melky Cabrera (.353/.391/.519, 8 HR, 44 RBI, 55 R)

When the Royals traded Cabrera to the Giants for starter Jonathan Sanchez this offseason, it looked like a deal that would benefit both sides. It was certainly a wise move by the Royals to sell high on Cabrera, who was coming off a career year.

Instead, he has only built off of last year's .307 BA, 18 HR, 87 RBI season, while Sanchez has struggled mightily.

Top Pitcher: SP Matt Cain (17 GS, 9-3, 2.62 ERA, 118 Ks, 120.1 IP)

Cain turned in one of the most dominant pitching performances of all time in throwing a perfect game against the Astros back in June, and he has been a true staff ace all season for the Giants. Last year's breakout star Ryan Vogelsong has been even better this season (7-4, 2.36 ERA) and was a major snub when All-Star rosters were announced.

8. Cincinnati Reds (47-38, Previous: 8)

Current Lineup

SS Zack Cozart
CF Drew Stubbs
1B Joey Votto
2B Brandon Phillips
RF Jay Bruce
LF Ryan Ludwick
3B Scott Rolen
C Ryan Hanigan
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Johnny Cueto
SP Mat Latos
SP Bronson Arroyo
SP Homer Bailey
SP Mike Leake
CL Aroldis Chapman

Last Week's Record: 4-3

Midseason Awards

Top Hitter: 1B Joey Votto (.348/.471/.617, 14 HR, 48 RBI, 50 R)

Ineffectiveness at the top of the lineup has kept Votto's run production numbers down, but his .471 on-base percentage is absolutely ridiculous.

He's unquestionably the top first baseman in the NL now that Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder are in the AL, but you can make a case that he's better than both of those guys right now anyway.

Top Pitcher: SP Johnny Cueto (18 GS, 10-5, 2.39 ERA, 91 Ks, 120.1 IP)

Cueto has been the definition of an ace for the Reds this season, as he ranks among the NL leaders in most categories, including being tied for second in innings pitched.

Flame-thrower Aroldis Chapman has been solid in the closer's role. He has posted a 16.3 K/9 mark so far this season.

7. New York Mets (46-40, Previous: 6)

Current Lineup

SS Ruben Tejada
2B Daniel Murphy
3B David Wright
1B Ike Davis
RF Lucas Duda
LF Scott Hairston
C Josh Thole
CF Kirk Nieuwenhuis
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP R.A. Dickey
SP Johan Santana
SP Dillon Gee
SP Jon Niese
SP Chris Young
CL Bobby Parnell

Last Week's Record: 3-3

Midseason Awards

Top Hitter: 3B David Wright (.351/.441/.563, 11 HR, 59 RBI, 56 R)

Wright has been the best third baseman in the National League this season by a long shot, and in a contract year (option for next season) he is certainly making his case for a big payday. He's hitting nearly 100 points higher than he did last season and is only two RBI away from last season's total.

Top Pitcher: SP R.A. Dickey (17 GS, 12-1, 2.40 ERA, 123 Ks, 120 IP)

Dickey has been dominant this season like no knuckleballer has before, as he is not only fooling hitters with the pitch but he is striking them out at an impressive rate. He's spiked from 5.8 K/9 last season to 9.8 K/9 this season.

He strung together 44.2 innings of scoreless ball earlier this season and has been baseball's best pitcher in the first half. 

6. Chicago White Sox (47-38, Previous: 7)

Current Lineup

CF Alejandro De Aza
3B Kevin Youkilis
DH Adam Dunn
1B Paul Konerko
RF Alex Rios
C A.J. Pierzynski
LF Dayan Viciedo
SS Alexei Ramirez
2B Gordon Beckham 

Current Rotation

SP Jake Peavy
SP Gavin Floyd
SP Chris Sale
SP Dylan Axelrod
SP Jose Quintana
CL Addison Reed

Last Week's Record: 5-1

Midseason Awards

Top Hitter: 1B Paul Konerko (.329/.404/.528, 14 HR, 42 RBI, 40 R)

Konerko continues to put up elite numbers, as he is looking for his third straight .300 BA, 30 HR, 100 RBI season at the age of 36.

Comeback Player of the Year candidate Alex Rios (.318 BA, 12 HR, 49 RBI) has improved drastically over his 2011 stat line (.227 BA, 13 HR, 44 RBI), and he posted that over 537 at-bats.

Top Pitcher: SP Chris Sale (16 G, 15 GS, 10-2, 2.19 ERA, 98 Ks, 102.2 IP)

Sale has made a seamless transition to the rotation this season, as the 23-year-old has dominated AL hitters all year. The team will be careful not to overwork him in the second half as he approaches uncharted territory as far as innings pitched are concerned.

All-Star Jake Peavy (7-5, 2.85 ERA) has enjoyed a nice bounce-back season.

5. Pittsburgh Pirates (48-37, Previous: 9)

Current Lineup

LF Drew Sutton
2B Neil Walker
CF Andrew McCutchen
RF Garrett Jones
1B Casey McGehee
3B Pedro Alvarez
C Rod Barajas
SS Clint Barmes
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Erik Bedard
SP James McDonald
SP A.J. Burnett
SP Kevin Correia
SP Jeff Karstens
CL Joel Hanrahan

Last Week's Record: 6-1

Midseason Awards

Top Hitter: CF Andrew McCutchen (.362/.414/.625, 18 HR, 60 RBI, 58 R)

McCutchen has meant more to his team this season than perhaps any other player in the league, as the Pirates' offense has struggled much of the season but he has put up MVP-caliber numbers. The rest of the offense is slowly coming along, and that should only help a terrific pitching staff.

Top Pitcher: SP James McDonald (17 GS, 9-3, 2.37 ERA, 100 Ks, 110 IP)

The whole Pirates pitching staff has been great, with a 3.47 ERA that ranks fourth in the NL, and that is a big reason why the Pirates have been so good to this point. With that said, McDonald has emerged as a legitimate staff ace as he has finally tapped into his vast potential.

4. Los Angeles Angels (48-38, Previous: 4)

Current Lineup

CF Mike Trout
RF Torii Hunter
1B Albert Pujols
LF Mark Trumbo
DH Kendrys Morales
3B Alberto Callaspo
2B Howie Kendrick
SS Erick Aybar
C Bobby Wilson

Current Rotation

SP Jered Weaver
SP Ervin Santana
SP C.J. Wilson
SP TBD
SP TBD
CL Ernesto Frieri

Last Week's Record: 4-3

Midseason Awards

Top Hitter: CF Mike Trout (.341/.397/.562, 12 HR, 40 RBI, 57 R)

This was as tough a decision as any, as Mark Trumbo (.306 BA, 22 HR, 57 RBI) has been a force in the middle of the Angels lineup, but the team's season really turned around when Trout was called up.

The team has gone 40-24 with him in the lineup, and if the season ended today, he'd be my choice for AL MVP.

Top Pitcher: SP Jered Weaver (15 GS, 10-1, 1.96 ERA, 73 Ks, 96.2 IP)

Weaver has been the most dominant pitcher in the AL this season, as he leads the AL with a 1.96 ERA and a 0.900 WHIP. C.J. Wilson (9-5, 2.43 ERA) and reliever Ernesto Frieri (11-of-11 Sv, 0.00 ERA) certainly deserve mention as well.

3. Washington Nationals (49-34, Previous: 3)

Current Lineup

LF Steve Lombardozzi
CF Bryce Harper
3B Ryan Zimmerman
RF Michael Morse
1B Adam LaRoche
SS Ian Desmond
2B Danny Espinosa
C Jesus Flores
Pitcher

Current Rotation

SP Stephen Strasburg
SP Gio Gonzalez
SP Jordan Zimmermann
SP Edwin Jackson
SP Ross Detwiler
CL Tyler Clippard

Last Week's Record: 4-2

Midseason Awards

Top Hitter: SS Ian Desmond (.285/.316/.515, 17 HR, 51 RBI, 46 R)

After hitting a combined 18 home runs over his first two full seasons in the league, Desmond has found his power stroke in Year 3 and has been the NL's most productive shortstop by a long shot. This may be the last year for a while that Bryce Harper (.282 BA, 8 HR, 25 RBI) doesn't take home this honor.

Top Pitcher: SP Gio Gonzalez (17 GS, 12-3, 2.92 ERA, 118 Ks, 101.2 IP)

You can take your pick between Gonzalez and Stephen Strasburg (9-4, 2.82 ERA, 128 Ks), as they have both been among the best pitchers in all of baseball this season. I'll take Gonzalez's wins over Strasburg's higher strikeout rate.

Closer Tyler Clippard (14-of-15 Sv, 1.93 ERA) is also worthy of mention for the job he's done filling in for the injured Drew Storen.

2. Texas Rangers (52-34, Previous: 1)

Current Lineup

2B Ian Kinsler
SS Elvis Andrus
LF Josh Hamilton
3B Adrian Beltre
1B Michael Young
RF Nelson Cruz
DH David Murphy
C Mike Napoli
CF Leonys Martin

Current Rotation

SP Yu Darvish
SP Matt Harrison
SP Roy Oswalt
SP Scott Feldman
SP Derek Holland
CL Joe Nathan 

Last Week's Record: 2-4

Midseason Awards

Top Hitter: LF Josh Hamilton (.308/.380/.635, 27 HR, 75 RBI, 54 R)

Hamilton has cooled off a bit after a very impressive start, but still ranks among the AL leaders across the board and remains a front runner for AL MVP honors. Third baseman Adrian Beltre (.326 BA, 15 HR, 54 RBI) is having one of the best seasons of his career as well.

Top Pitcher: SP Matt Harrison (17 GS, 11-4, 3.10 ERA, 70 Ks, 113.1 IP)

Entering the season, the Rangers had lost ace C.J. Wilson, signed Yu Darvish and moved Neftali Feliz to the rotation, so Harrison understandably entered the season to little fanfare.

However, he has been the team's most reliable starter this season, and they will need him to keep pitching at a high level in the second half.

1. New York Yankees (52-33, Previous: 2)

Current Lineup

SS Derek Jeter
CF Curtis Granderson
3B Alex Rodriguez
2B Robinson Cano
1B Mark Teixeira
RF Nick Swisher
LF Raul Ibanez
DH Eric Chavez
C Russell Martin

Current Rotation

SP Hiroki Kuroda
SP Phil Hughes
SP Ivan Nova
SP Freddy Garcia
SP TBD
CL Rafael Soriano

Last Week's Record: 4-3

Midseason Awards

Top Hitter: 2B Robinson Cano (.313/.374/.578, 20 HR, 51 RBI, 57 R)

Cano is without question the top offensive second baseman in the game today and one of the premier hitters in all of baseball. He has a team option for next season, but will likely be looking for a massive extension. A solid power display by Curtis Granderson (23 HR, 48 RBI) deserves mention as well.

Top Pitcher: RP Rafael Soriano (36 G, 20-of-21 Sv, 1.60 ERA, 34 Ks, 33.2 IP)

While CC Sabathia (9-3, 3.45 ERA) is having his usual strong season, Soriano has been huge stepping in for the injured Mariano Rivera. After a somewhat disappointing first season in New York, he has solved what could have been a major problem for the Yankees. Now, if only they could get a few reliable starting pitchers.