MLB: 5 Ways the Midway Standings Are Lying to Us

The MLB standings are always fun to look at midway through the season.

There are always surprise teams, and there are always teams that are a disappointment.

This year is no exception, with several teams in unfamiliar spots in the standings.  However, not all of these teams will remain there the rest of the year.

Some of these teams will change their fortunes between now and October.

Here are five ways the midway MLB standings are lying to us.

5. New York Mets over .500

The New York Mets are currently over the .500 mark and playing well.  However, the Mets are primed for a fall.

The pitching staff has largely overachieved this season, and with the Mets rumored to be shopping some assets such as Carlos Beltran, they won’t be as competitive in August and September and will finish the season below .500.

4. Cincinnati Reds and Colorado Rockies Under .500

The Reds were a playoff team last year, dramatically winning the NL Central over the Cardinals.  This year has been a different story, though.

The Reds won’t stay below .500 all season, however.  They seem primed to make a move before the deadline, and new arrival Zack Cozart will bring a spark to the offense.

3. Cleveland Indians in First Place

The Cleveland Indians have been the feel-good story of the first half, leading the AL Central for most of the season.

Their reign will end in the second half, though.  The Detroit Tigers and possibly even the Minnesota Twins will overtake them and win the Central.

2. Florida Marlins in Last Place

The Marlins were Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in the first half.  In April and May they were one of the NL’s best.  However, a June swoon saw them in the NL East cellar without a manager.

Behind new manager Jack McKeon and a newly motivated Hanley Ramirez, the Marlins will overtake the Mets and Nationals and finish third in the East.

1. Pittsburgh Pirates in First Place

After almost two decades of being irrelevant, the Pittsburgh Pirates are in the middle of a pennant race.

The Pirates will go after Carlos Beltran and other pieces before the deadline, but their pitching isn’t strong enough to stay in first place.

Even though they won’t make the playoffs, the Pirates have a great foundation to build on for years to come.