MLB Power Rankings: Final Pre-All-Star Break Update

The 2013 MLB All-Star Game is not until July 16, but with roster announcements coming this past Saturday night, attention has already been turned to this year's Midsummer Classic.

The debate on who should make the team leading up to rosters being announced pales in comparison to the outrage over who was snubbed once the rosters had been announced. 

As teams push toward the July trade deadline, there have already been a handful of notable deals, with the Orioles picking up Cubs right-hander Scott Feldman and the Dodgers dealing for Marlins right-hander Ricky Nolasco.

Before we turn our full attention to the trade deadline, though, this week's power rankings give a look at how each team's fanbase looks from an All-Star standpoint, including who was named to the roster and any snubbed players who deserved a spot.

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

30. Houston Astros (32-57, Previous: 30)

Last Week's Results: 2-5

vs. Tampa Bay Rays (1-3)
at Texas Rangers (1-2)

Team All-Star Game Preview: C Jason Castro

It was clear going into the selection show that the Astros would likely have only one All-Star, and while there were a few viable candidates, Castro was the most deserving of the group.

Last year's representative, Jose Altuve (.283/.321/.360), and Opening Day starter Bud Norris (18 GS, 6-7, 3.22 ERA) have both been solid but inevitably lost out to more deserving players.

However, with Castro hitting .270/.331/.480 with 12 home runs and 31 RBI, a strong argument can be made for him being the second-best catcher in the AL so far this season. And he was deserving of a spot regardless of where he played. 

This Week's Opponents

at St. Louis Cardinals (2)
at Tampa Bay Rays (3) 

29. Chicago White Sox (34-51, Previous: 29)

Last Week's Results: 2-4

vs. Baltimore Orioles (2-1)
at Tampa Bay Rays (0-3)

Team All-Star Game Preview: SP Chris Sale, RP Jesse Crain

An All-Star last season in his first year as a starter, Chris Sale will be there again this season and likely for a number of seasons to come, as he's one of the top starters in baseball.

The left-hander is 5-8 with a 2.78 ERA and 9.8 K/9 as the ace of the White Sox staff, and he's a deserving member of the AL staff.

Joining him is setup man Jesse Crain (38 G, 0.74 ERA, 11.3 K/9), though the 32-year-old is currently on the disabled list and was replaced on the AL roster by Twins closer Glen Perkins.

This Week's Opponents

vs. Chicago Cubs (1)
at Detroit Tigers (3)
at Philadelphia Phillies (3)

28. Miami Marlins (32-55, Previous: 28)

Last Week's Results: 3-4

vs. San Diego Padres (1-0)
at Atlanta Braves (2-1)
at St. Louis Cardinals (0-3)

Team All-Star Game Preview: SP Jose Fernandez

With Giancarlo Stanton missing significant time early on, the Marlins have been thin on All-Star-caliber performances this season.

The clear-cut star has been 20-year-old starter Jose Fernandez, who only cracked the Opening Day roster thanks to a pair of injuries but has shown he belongs.

In 16 starts, the right-hander has gone 5-5 with a 2.83 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 9.0 K/9. It remains to be seen if and when the Marlins will shut him down, as he's already at 98.2 innings on the season.

This Week's Opponents

vs. Atlanta Braves (3)
vs. Washington Nationals (3)

27. Minnesota Twins (37-48, Previous: 23)

Last Week's Results: 1-6

vs. New York Yankees (0-4)
at Toronto Blue Jays (1-2)

Team All-Star Game Preview: C Joe Mauer, RP Glen Perkins

The Twins had a sure-fire All-Star in Mauer, as he ran away with the starting catcher voting in the AL, but it was a bit of a surprise to see them get two honorees.

Mauer (.312/.391/.465) led the AL in on-base percentage last season and has put up fantastic all-around numbers once again this season. He's never going to put up eye-popping power numbers, but he's an elite offensive backstop nonetheless.

Closer Glen Perkins (20-of-22 SV, 1.93 ERA, 12.4 K/9) has been terrific in his first full season in the ninth-inning role, but A's closer Grant Balfour may have been the better choice.

This Week's Opponents

at Tampa Bay Rays (4)
at New York Yankees (3) 

26. Milwaukee Brewers (35-52, Previous: 27)

Last Week's Results: 3-4

at Washington Nationals (2-2)
vs. New York Mets (1-2)

Team All-Star Game Preview: SS Jean Segura, CF Carlos Gomez

It's been a rough first half for the Brewers, and while they are all but out of the running for a playoff spot, there have been some positives to take away from their first half.

The biggest takeaway has been the emergence of 27-year-old Carlos Gomez and 23-year-old Jean Segura as legitimate stars.

Segura (.317/.351/.484, 11 HR, 26 SB) has a good chance to start at shortstop if Troy Tulowitzki is unable to go, while Gomez (.312/.353/.559, 13 HR, 20 SB) was deserving of a starting spot but will settle for being a reserve.

This Week's Opponents

vs. Cincinnati Reds (3)
at Arizona Diamondbacks (4)

25. New York Mets (37-48, Previous: 26)

Last Week's Results: 4-3

vs. Arizona Diamondbacks (2-2)
at Milwaukee Brewers (2-1)

Team All-Star Game Preview: 3B David Wright, SP Matt Harvey

Though the Mets will only have two representatives at the game to play in front of the home fans at Citi Field, they may both wind up starting for the National League squad.

Wright will be making his fifth start at third base for the NL team, and he's been far and away the best third baseman in the NL this season, hitting .306/.394/.519 with 13 home runs and 43 RBI.

The 24-year-old Harvey looks like the front-runner to be the starting pitcher for the NL side, and he's deserving of the honor regardless of where the game is being played, as he's gone 7-2 with a 2.27 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 10.3 K/9.

This Week's Opponents

at San Francisco Giants (3)
at Pittsburgh Pirates (3) 

24. San Diego Padres (40-49, Previous: 20)

Last Week's Results: 0-7

at Miami Marlins (0-1)
at Boston Red Sox (0-3)
at Washington Nationals (0-3)

Team All-Star Game Preview: SS Everth Cabrera

With Chase Headley failing to match his second-half production from last year, the Padres are without a legitimate superstar this season, though they did have a few viable options.

Cabrera (.370 OBP, 31 SB) got the nod, as he currently leads the National League in stolen bases and has been among the quieter surprises of the first half.

Rookie second baseman Jedd Gyorko (.802 OPS, 8 HR) and setup man Luke Gregerson (40 G, 2.68 ERA, 1.03 WHIP) were both decent candidates as well, but Cabrera was the right choice.

This Week's Opponents

vs. Colorado Rockies (3)
vs. San Francisco Giants (4) 

23. Chicago Cubs (38-48, Previous: 24)

Last Week's Results: 3-3

at Oakland Athletics (1-2)
vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (2-1)

Team All-Star Game Preview: SP Travis Wood

With two-time All-Star Starlin Castro struggling this season, the Cubs All-Star spot came down to a choice between a pair of starting pitchers in Travis Wood and Jeff Samardzija.

Wood (5-6, 2.69 ERA) has turned in a quality start in all but one of his outings this season, while Samardzija (5-8, 3.54 ERA, 9.3 K/9) has continued to put up solid strikeout numbers.

Wood has been the beneficiary of a good deal of luck this season with a .216 BABIP, but that takes nothing away from what he's achieved here in the first half. And he was a deserving representative for the North Siders.

This Week's Opponents

at Chicago White Sox (1)
vs. Los Angeles Angels (2)
vs. St. Louis Cardinals (4) 

22. San Francisco Giants (40-47, Previous: 21)

Last Week's Results: 1-5

at Cincinnati Reds (0-3)
vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (1-2)

Team All-Star Game Preview: C Buster Posey, 2B Marco Scutaro, SP Madison Bumgarner

Despite the NL All-Star team being managed by Giants skipper Bruce Bochy, the team only has three representatives on the squad—all of whom are deserving, as Bochy didn't show any favoritism.

Reigning NL MVP Posey (.906 OPS, 12 HR, 48 RBI) just narrowly missed out to Yadier Molina for the starting catcher spot, though he was still among the highest vote-getters in the NL.

Scutaro (.310 BA, 35 R) has followed up his postseason heroics with a strong first full season in San Francisco, while Bumgarner (18 GS, 9-5, 3.05 ERA) has been the lone reliable starter on the Giants staff.

This Week's Opponents

vs. New York Mets (3)
at San Diego Padres (4) 

21. Colorado Rockies (42-47, Previous: 19)

Last Week's Results: 1-5

vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (1-2)
at Arizona Diamondbacks (0-3)

Team All-Star Game Preview: SS Troy Tulowitzki, LF Carlos Gonzalez, RF Michael Cuddyer

The Rockies offense has been among the most potent in baseball this season, so it's only fitting that they have three representatives on the NL team from their lineup.

Tulowitzki (1.048 OPS, 16 HR, 51 RBI) has been sidelined since June 14 with a broken rib, but he was voted in as a starter by the fans nonetheless, and he's been the best shortstop in baseball even with the time he missed.

Outfielders Carlos Gonzalez (.988 OPS, 24 HR, 63 RBI) and Michael Cuddyer (.975 OPS, 15 HR, 52 RBI) have both been great and were more than deserving of the honor. Setup man Rex Brothers (39 G, 0.99 ERA, 9.4 K/9) was deserving of a spot as well, but middle relievers always have the odds stacked against them.

This Week's Opponents

at San Diego Padres (3)
at Los Angeles Dodgers (4) 

20. Seattle Mariners (39-49, Previous: 25)

Last Week's Results: 4-2

at Texas Rangers (2-1)
at Cincinnati Reds (2-1)

Team All-Star Game Preview: SP Felix Hernandez, SP Hisashi Iwakuma

Though the Mariners offense has once again been among the worst in baseball, they do boast one of the best one-two punches in baseball atop their rotation.

Both Hernandez (8-4, 2.69 ERA, 1.11 WHIP) and Iwakuma (7-4, 2.60 ERA, 0.88 WHIP) are more than deserving of their All-Star status, and they've at least made the team watchable this season when they take the mound.

Third baseman Kyle Seager (.826 OPS, 13 HR, 41 RBI) is having a nice season as well, but third base is stacked in the AL, and he really didn't have a chance of making it.

This Week's Opponents

vs. Boston Red Sox (4)
vs. Los Angeles Angels (3) 

19. Kansas City Royals (41-44, Previous: 18)

Last Week's Results: 3-3

vs. Cleveland Indians (2-1)
vs. Oakland Athletics (1-2)

Team All-Star Game Preview: C Salvador Perez, LF Alex Gordon

The fact that the Royals have two representatives was a surprise, but the fact that a pitcher was not among them was even more surprising.

The offense has been the team's weakness so far this season, and while Perez (.302 BA, 36 RBI) and Gordon (.794 OPS, 9 HR, 47 RBI) are both having good seasons, there were more deserving players.

Instead, starters Ervin Santana (5-5, 2.90 ERA) and James Shields (3-6, 3.23 ERA) and closer Greg Holland (20-of-22 SV, 1.91 ERA, 15.3 K/9) may have been the more deserving candidates. The pitching staff has been a strength and should have been represented.

This Week's Opponents

at New York Yankees (4)
at Cleveland Indians (3) 

18. Philadelphia Phillies (43-46, Previous: 22)

Last Week's Results: 4-2

at Pittsburgh Pirates (2-1)
vs. Atlanta Braves (2-1)

Team All-Star Game Preview: OF Domonic Brown, SP Cliff Lee

It's been a tough season in Philadelphia, as the Phillies are caught in the limbo that is no longer contending but not yet rebuilding. There have been some bright spots, though, most of which have come from the team's two All-Star representatives.

After an odd season last year that saw him go 6-9 in 30 starts despite a 3.16 ERA, Cliff Lee has been great this season, going 10-2 with a 2.73 ERA in 131.2 innings of work.

The big surprise has been the play of the 25-year-old Brown, who has finally lived up to the potential that made him a top prospect, as he's hitting .281/.326/.560 with 23 home runs and 62 RBI.

This Week's Opponents

vs. Washington Nationals (4)
vs. Chicago White Sox (3) 

17. Toronto Blue Jays (43-45, Previous: 13)

Last Week's Results: 3-4

vs. Detroit Tigers (1-3)
vs. Minnesota Twins (2-1)

Team All-Star Game Preview: 1B Edwin Encarnacion, RF Jose Bautista, RP Brett Cecil

The Blue Jays stumbled out of the gates after entering the year with lofty expectations, but they've gone 33-24 after a 10-21 start. And they walked away with three All-Stars as a result.

Sluggers Encarnacion (.889 OPS, 23 HR, 68 RBI) and Bautista (.877 OPS, 20 HR, 52 RBI) have been terrific playing alongside each other this year, with Encarnacion being named to his first All-Star team after being snubbed last year.

Cecil (39 G, 1.81 ERA, 10.5 K/9) may be the biggest surprise of any All-Star, as he went from the roster bubble this spring to one of the top setup men in the league. Closer Casey Janssen (17-of-18 SV, 2.57 ERA) deserved consideration as well, while Steve Delabar (35 G, 1.58 ERA, 12.8 K/9) has a chance on the Final Vote ballot.

This Week's Opponents

at Cleveland Indians (3)
at Baltimore Orioles (3) 

16. Los Angeles Dodgers (42-45, Previous: 16)

Last Week's Results: 4-2

at Colorado Rockies (2-1)
at San Francisco Giants (2-1)

Team All-Star Game Preview: SP Clayton Kershaw

Much like the Angels, the Dodgers were expected to gain at least a handful of All-Star bids when the season began, but a combination of injuries and underperformance left them with only one All-Star.

Though the team struggled early, Clayton Kershaw (8-5, 1.89 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, 8.4 K/9) has been a dominant force atop the Dodgers rotation once again this season, as he leads all of baseball with a 1.89 ERA.

Rookie phenom Yasiel Puig (1.114 OPS, 8 HR, 5 SB) and first baseman Adrian Gonzalez (.830 OPS, 13 HR, 53 RBI) are both on the Final Vote ballot, so they could still earn a spot, while rookie starter Hyun-Jin Ryu (7-3, 2.82 ERA) was worthy of consideration as well.

This Week's Opponents

at Arizona Diamondbacks (3)
vs. Colorado Rockies (4) 

15. Cleveland Indians (46-42, Previous: 9)

Last Week's Results: 2-4

at Kansas City Royals (1-2)
vs. Detroit Tigers (1-2)

Team All-Star Game Preview: 2B Jason Kipnis, SP Justin Masterson

The Indians added a number of pieces in the offseason, and they've been one of the more pleasant surprises as far as contenders go, but it's a pair of incumbent players who earned All-Star nods this year.

Kipnis (.903 OPS, 13 HR, 20 SB) played his way onto the team with a strong month of June when he hit .419/.517/.699 and drove in 25 runs. He had a big first half last year as well and will need to avoid another second-half slump this time around.

Opening Day starter Masterson (10-7, 3.78 ERA) has thrown three shutouts this season and has really stepped into the role of ace this year. An argument could also be made for catcher Carlos Santana (.827 OPS, 11 HR, 40 RBI) being on the roster, though he wound up snubbed.

This Week's Opponents

vs. Detroit Tigers (1)
vs. Toronto Blue Jays (3)
vs. Kansas City Royals (3) 

14. Los Angeles Angels (43-45, Previous: 17)

Last Week's Results: 4-2

vs. St. Louis Cardinals (2-1)
vs. Boston Red Sox (2-1)

Team All-Star Game Preview: CF Mike Trout

Few would have guessed that the stocked Angels roster would have just one representative when All-Star roster announcements came around, yet that's the position they're in.

Trout (.939 OPS, 14 HR, 20 SB) was voted in as a starter in the AL outfield, and while he is slightly off the pace he put up during his record rookie season, he remains one of the most dynamic players in the game and an elite power/speed threat.

Second baseman Howie Kendrick (.835 OPS, 11 HR, 40 RBI) was worthy of a spot as well, but with Jason Kipnis, Dustin Pedroia and Robinson Cano on the roster, second base in the AL was a deep position.

This Week's Opponents

at Chicago Cubs (2)
at Seattle Mariners (3) 

13. Arizona Diamondbacks (47-41, Previous: 15)

Last Week's Results: 5-2

at New York Mets (2-2)
vs. Colorado Rockies (3-0)

Team All-Star Game Preview: 1B Paul Goldschmidt, SP Patrick Corbin

While an argument can be made for both of the Diamondbacks' selections for the All-Star Game being worthy of starting, they may wind up both coming off the bench.

Goldschmidt (.952 OPS, 21 HR, 74 RBI) lost out to Joey Votto for starting first base honors in the NL, but he's been a legitimate MVP candidate so far this season. There's a chance he could still start as the designated hitter in the NL, as he looks like the best candidate.

Corbin (10-1, 2.40 ERA, 0.98 WHIP) entered spring training battling for a roster spot, but he has emerged not only as the ace of the Diamondbacks staff but as one of the best pitchers in all of baseball, and he's still only 23.

This Week's Opponents

vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (3)
vs. Milwaukee Brewers (4) 

12. Washington Nationals (46-42, Previous: 12)

Last Week's Results: 5-2

vs. Milwaukee Brewers (2-2)
vs. San Diego Padres (3-0)

Team All-Star Game Preview: RF Bryce Harper, SP Jordan Zimmermann

The Nationals have had a disappointing first half, but they've played better of late and are in a good position to make a run at the NL East title in the second half at just four games behind the Braves.

A late voting push earned the 20-year-old Harper a starting spot, and while he's played in just 51 games while battling a knee injury, he's managed to post a .924 OPS with 13 home runs in 175 at-bats.

On the mound, Zimmermann (12-3, 2.57 ERA, 0.95 WHIP) has emerged from the shadow of teammates Stephen Strasburg and Gio Gonzalez and has been one of the best in the league this season. That said, Strasburg (5-6, 2.45 ERA, 9.1 K/9) has been terrific this year once again.

This Week's Opponents

at Philadelphia Phillies (4)
at Miami Marlins (3) 

11. Baltimore Orioles (49-40, Previous: 6)

Last Week's Results: 2-4

at Chicago White Sox (1-2)
at New York Yankees (1-2)

Team All-Star Game Preview: 1B Chris Davis, 3B Manny Machado, SS J.J. Hardy, CF Adam Jones

With a stacked offense, it's no surprise the Orioles have four representatives on the position-player side of things in the All-Star Game, including three starters.

Davis (1.106 OPS, 33 HR, 85 RBI) has been an absolute beast, and he deservedly led all players in voting. He joins Hardy (.722 OPS, 15 HR, 46 RBI) and Jones (.791 OPS, 16 HR, 61 RBI) in the starting lineup for the AL.

For as much attention as young phenoms Mike Trout and Bryce Harper get, the 21-year-old Machado has been just as good this season with an .812 OPS and 39 doubles, as he earned the backup third base spot and edged out guys like Josh Donaldson, Evan Longoria and Adrian Beltre.

This Week's Opponents

vs. Texas Rangers (4)
vs. Toronto Blue Jays (3) 

10. Atlanta Braves (50-38, Previous: 7)

Last Week's Results: 2-4

vs. Miami Marlins (1-2)
at Philadelphia Phillies (1-2)

Team All-Star Game Preview: RP Craig Kimbrel

For as well as the Braves have played this season from a win-loss standpoint, they only wound up with one All-Star when the dust settled on roster selections.

Kimbrel (23-of-26 SV, 1.72 ERA, 13.2 K/9) remains one of the most overpowering arms in all of baseball, and while he's blown a few saves in the first half, it may well be he who the NL squad turns to in the ninth inning.

First baseman Freddie Freeman (.843 OPS, 9 HR, 56 RBI) could still earn a spot via the Final Vote, while Mike Minor (8-4, 3.15 ERA) ranks among the notable starting pitching snubs.

This Week's Opponents

at Miami Marlins (3)
vs. Cincinnati Reds (4) 

9. New York Yankees (48-40, Previous: 14)

Last Week's Results: 6-1

at Minnesota Twins (4-0)
vs. Baltimore Orioles (2-1)

Team All-Star Game Preview: 2B Robinson Cano, RP Mariano Rivera

The Yankees have just two All-Stars this season—the fewest they've had since Wade Boggs and Jimmy Key represented the team back in 1993. And that's a good reflection of the injuries that have been dealt to their stars.

Cano (.899 OPS, 20 HR, 58 RBI) was voted as the starting second baseman in the AL for the fourth straight season, as he remains the premier power source at the second base position.

One of the biggest storylines of the game will be Rivera (29-of-31 SV, 1.89 ERA), who is playing in his 13th and final All-Star Game, as he's set to retire at the end of the season.

This Week's Opponents

vs. Kansas City Royals (4)
vs. Minnesota Twins (3) 

8. Cincinnati Reds (50-38, Previous: 8)

Last Week's Results: 4-2

vs. San Francisco Giants (3-0)
vs. Seattle Mariners (1-2)

Team All-Star Game Preview: 1B Joey Votto, 2B Brandon Phillips, RP Aroldis Chapman

The Reds earned a trio of All-Star nods, including the starting right side of the infield for the NL squad, but a case can be made for them having at least a few more representatives.

Votto (.943 OPS, 15 HR, 40 RBI) makes his fourth straight All-Star appearance and second straight start at first base, while Phillips (.735 OPS, 12 HR, 64 RBI) makes his third appearance in four years and first career start.

Chapman (20-of-23 SV, 2.50 ERA, 15.3 K/9) has been overpowering once again this season and gets the nod. Meanwhile, starters Mat Latos (8-2, 3.18 ERA) and Mike Leake (7-4, 2.73 ERA) both had a strong case to be on the team, as did outfielders Jay Bruce (.821 OPS, 18 HR, 59 RBI) and Shin-Soo Choo (.872 OPS, 12 HR, 57 R).

This Week's Opponents

at Milwaukee Brewers (3)
at Atlanta Braves (4) 

7. Detroit Tigers (48-39, Previous: 11)

Last Week's Results: 5-2

at Toronto Blue Jays (3-1)
at Cleveland Indians (2-1)

Team All-Star Game Preview: 1B Prince Fielder, 3B Miguel Cabrera, SS Jhonny Peralta, RF Torii Hunter, SP Max Scherzer, SP Justin Verlander

The Tigers will bring the most representatives to Citi Field with six, and while many are quick to point to AL manager Jim Leyland as the reason why, it's worth nothing that he was only responsible for one of those selections, according to Danny Knobler of CBS Sports.

Cabrera (1.137 OPS, 28 HR, 90 RBI) earns the start at third base, as he's continued to hit at another level, while Fielder (.823 OPS, 15 HR, 66 RBI), Peralta (.808 OPS, 7 HR, 41 RBI) and Hunter (.792 OPS, 6 HR, 42 RBI) were all chosen as reserves on the player ballot.

Scherzer (13-0, 3.09 ERA, 10.7 K/9) looks like the front-runner to start for the AL, while Verlander (9-5, 3.54 ERA) was the lone Leyland pick and probably doesn't belong there over guys like Hiroki Kuroda, Ervin Santana and others.

This Week's Opponents

at Cleveland Indians (1)
vs. Chicago White Sox (3)
vs. Texas Rangers (3) 

6. Tampa Bay Rays (49-40, Previous: 10)

Last Week's Results: 6-1

at Houston Astros (3-1)
vs. Chicago White Sox (3-0)

Team All-Star Game Preview: 2B Ben Zobrist

It wasn't all that surprising to see the Rays get just one All-Star selection, but who that one player wound up being was perhaps the biggest surprise on the AL rosters.

Nothing against Zobrist (.724 OPS, 5 HR, 45 RBI), who has been a solid player and is incredibly versatile, but for him to make it over teammate Evan Longoria (.891 OPS, 17 HR, 49 RBI) is a bit ridiculous.

In fact, you could make a case for first baseman James Loney (.843 OPS, 9 HR, 43 RBI) and starter Matt Moore (12-3, 3.42 ERA) over Zobrist as well.

This Week's Opponents

vs. Minnesota Twins (4)
vs. Houston Astros (3) 

5. Pittsburgh Pirates (53-34, Previous: 1)

Last Week's Results: 2-4

vs. Philadelphia Phillies (1-2)
at Chicago Cubs (1-2)

Team All-Star Game Preview: 3B Pedro Alvarez, CF Andrew McCutchen, SP Jeff Locke, RP Jason Grilli

They may not enter the All-Star break with the best record in baseball after a hiccup last week against a pair of teams they should have beaten, but the Pirates have been one of the best teams in baseball regardless, and it's nice to see them well-represented at the All-Star Game.

McCutchen (.845 OPS, 9 HR, 46 RBI) remains the offensive leader of the club and one of the most exciting young players in the game, while Alvarez (.820 OPS, 22 HR, 57 RBI) has finally found some consistency at the plate.

On the mound, Locke (8-1, 2.12 ERA) has been a revelation in his first full season in the rotation, while closer Jason Grilli (28-of-29 SV, 2.15 ERA, 14.3 K/9) has been great as well. Setup man Mark Melancon (43 G, 0.85 ERA, 9.4 K/9) ranks as one of the bigger snubs on the NL side of things.

This Week's Opponents

vs. Oakland Athletics (3)
vs. New York Mets (3) 

4. Texas Rangers (51-37, Previous: 2)

Last Week's Results: 3-3

vs. Seattle Mariners (1-2)
vs. Houston Astros (2-1)

Team All-Star Game Preview: RF Nelson Cruz, SP Yu Darvish, RP Joe Nathan

After sending six players to the All-Star Game in 2011 and eight last season, the Rangers have not had the same star power this season, but they have continued to win games nonetheless.

Darvish (8-4, 3.02 ERA, 157 K) has emerged as a legitimate staff ace, while Nathan (29-of-30 SV, 1.40 ERA) remains one of the best closers in the game, even at 38 years old.

Cruz (.865 OPS, 22 HR, 67 RBI) earns a reserve spot in the AL outfield, while setup man Tanner Scheppers (42 G, 1.88 ERA) still has a chance to be named to the AL bullpen on the Final Vote ballot.

This Week's Opponents

at Baltimore Orioles (4)
at Detroit Tigers (3) 

3. Oakland Athletics (52-37, Previous: 4)

Last Week's Results: 4-2

vs. Chicago Cubs (2-1)
at Kansas City Royals (2-1)

Team All-Star Game Preview: SP Bartolo Colon

The fact that the A's only have one All-Star representative speaks to how much of their success comes as a result of solid team play top-to-bottom. That being said, there were at least a few others who were deserving of a spot on the AL team.

Colon (11-3, 2.78 ERA) gets the nod and rightfully so, as the 40-year-old has stepped up big this season and anchored the staff while some of the young starters have battled through some ups and downs.

Beyond him, third baseman Josh Donaldson (.924 OPS, 15 HR, 57 RBI) and closer Grant Balfour (22-of-22 SV, 1.82 ERA) both absolutely belong on the roster, and there's really no argument for them not making it over a handful of guys.

This Week's Opponents

at Pittsburgh Pirates (3)
vs. Boston Red Sox (3) 

2. Boston Red Sox (54-36, Previous: 3)

Last Week's Results: 4-2

vs. San Diego Padres (3-0)
at Los Angeles Angels (1-2)

Team All-Star Game Preview: 2B Dustin Pedroia, DH David Ortiz, SP Clay Buchholz

The Red Sox have turned things around dramatically after a 93-loss campaign last season, and they look like the team to beat in the American League heading into the All-Star break.

Pedroia (.840 OPS, 5 HR, 50 RBI) has been the heart and soul of the team once again, while Ortiz (.994 OPS, 17 HR, 61 RBI) has put up fantastic numbers despite playing in just 70 games.

The injured Buchholz (9-0, 1.71 ERA) earns a spot on the roster, though he won't pitch in the game, while setup man turned closer Koji Uehara (40 G, 1.93 ERA, 12.8 K/9) is on the Final Vote ballot. An argument can be made for starter John Lackey (6-6, 2.80 ERA) and outfielder Daniel Nava (.828 OPS, 10 HR, 50 RBI) both belonging on the team as well.

This Week's Opponents

at Seattle Mariners (4)
at Oakland Athletics (3) 

1. St. Louis Cardinals (53-34, Previous: 5)

Last Week's Results: 4-2

at Los Angeles Angels (1-2)
vs. Miami Marlins (3-0)

Team All-Star Game Preview: C Yadier Molina, 1B Allen Craig, 2B Matt Carpenter, RF Carlos Beltran, SP Adam Wainwright

With none of the top teams stepping forward with a big week this past week, the Cardinals reclaim the top spot entering the All-Star break. And right now, they're the team to beat heading into the second half of the season.

Molina (.878 OPS, 6 HR, 45 RBI) and Beltran (.879 OPS, 19 HR, 51 RBI) were both voted in as starters and among the leading vote-getters overall, while Craig (.861 OPS, 10 HR, 69 RBI) and Carpenter (.876 OPS, 8 HR, 66 R) are more than deserving of their bench spots.

Wainwright (11-5, 2.36 ERA) is the only pitcher on the roster, as Shelby Miller (9-6, 2.80 ERA), Trevor Rosenthal (40 G, 1.93 ERA, 13.3 K/9) and Edward Mujica (23-of-24 SV, 2.41 ERA, 7.7 K/9) were all deserving snubs.

This Week's Opponents

vs. Houston Astros (2)
at Chicago Cubs (4)