AL At The Half

Hard to believe another half season has flown by. Here's how things stand in the AL.

NORTH
Madison's recent hot streak has gotten them back into the race, 3 games back of the Waste Managers, and 6 back in the wildcard. Outstanding Position Player: Jose Polanco, Madison. Outstanding Pitcher: Cesar Velazquez, Cincinnati. Outstanding Rookie: Martin Munro, Cincinnati.

EAST
Cleveland is "only" on a 108-win pace, and so far, D.C. has been able to keep up (2 games back). Rochester's improved pitching has them 1-game out of the wildcard. Pittsburgh's free agent signees have sparked the offense; their young pitchers aren't quite there yet. Outstanding Player: (tie) Victor Morales, D.C., and Jacque Fitzgerald, Cleveland. Outstanding Pitcher: Rob Workman, D.C. Outstanding Rookie: Rob Workman, D.C.

SOUTH
Jackson has the league's best record and a 6-game lead over Little Rock. Outstanding Player: Wilson Costello, Jackson. Outstanding Pitcher: Geoff Sosa, Little Rock. Outstanding Rookie: D'Angelo Cerda, Pittsburgh.

WEST
Portland and Boise are locked in a tight race, with San Diego just 5 back. If Tucson could get their pitching staff up to just mediocre, it's not hard to imagine a 4-team race. Outstanding Player: (tie) Jose Vargas, Tucson and Brant Cooney, Portland. Outstanding Pitcher: P.T. Navarro, Boise. Outstanding Rookie: Groucho Priest, Portland

JBT Official Predictions
North - I liked Cincy last year, they'll win it this year
East - D.C. overhauls Cleveland in my upset special
South - Jackson's too tough
West - Tossup: Coin flip says Boise
1st Wildcard - Cleveland
2nd Wildcard - Little Rock holds off Nashville and Madison

Division Play-In's: 2 wildcard winners: Cleveland tops Boise and Little Rock over Cincinnati

Division Round: D.C. takes out Little Rock; another classic CLE/JAC series, this team CLE wins

ALCS: The Revenge make theri first trip to the WS since the glory days of Season 1