2011 MLB Midseason Recap
OK, so we're about midway through the major league baseball season, and instead of the Pirates, Orioles, Indians, Mariners, and Nationals being the teams you don't want to be a part of, it's the Cubs, Twins, and Astros struggling, Cleveland atop the AL Central, and the Nats following an eight-game win streak.
Sure. The Red Sox, Yankees, and Phillies are the three top teams in the majors. True, but that doesn't mean no surprises have been taken on this year. Michael Morse's 13 homers, 43 RBI's, and .309 batting average, plus a huge streak where he has dominated, have been instrumental for the Nationals.
What about Josh Tomlin's eight wins for Cleveland and Jake Arrieta's eight for Baltimore? Brandon League tied for the MLB lead in saves? Is that what you expected out of last years bottom five? How about Seattle being only a half game back in the AL West, where the Rangers are?
This year has been full of surprises, from Francisco Liriano and Justin Verlander taking two no-no's into the eighth inning (both finished one) to the Diamondbacks getting amazing production from Justin Upton to lead their second place charge. And the fun has just begun.
Oakland had high expectations for their pitching, and the team in general, but Bob Geren's team struggled, and Geren was fired. Cal grad Bob Melvin replaced him, and the A's are 6-4 since Melvin took over, as they swept the bay area rival Giants.
Jayson Werth was expected to lead the charge for the Nationals, and although he has been clutch when the Nats needed it (his first homer as a National was against the Phillies, his old team), he only has 10 homers and 27 RBI's. However, two youngsters have led the National charge.
Danny Espinosa and Michael Morse each have 13 homers and 43 RBI's, and they have both been coming on as of late. Washington was 27-36 earlier this month, but Morse and Espinosa have stepped up, as Espinosa's 3-run blast in the tenth inning defeated the Cardinals, and Morse's two-run shot against the Padres provided the teams only runs in a 2-1 W.
Adsurbal Cabrera has led the charge for the Indians, who are atop the AL Central. Cabrera has 12 homers, 43 RBI's, 45 runs, and a .296 batting average, all of which lead the team. However, Cleveland has gotten help from many guys, such as Cord Phelps, who hit a walk-off homer against the Pirates two days ago.
The Indians aren't the only team that's exciting to watch in the AL Central. Justin Verlander and Max Schrezer are tied for the league lead with nine wins in Detroit, while Verlander pitched a no-hitter in May and pitched a no-no through 7.1 innings earlier this month. Detroit has been the second-hottest team this month, and they are back in the thick of the AL Central race.
Minnesota had the worst record in baseball 54 games into the season, at 17-37, but now, Minnesota is on fire. They have won 14 of their last 16, and seven in a row, including a walk-off win against San Diego on Drew Butera's single. Next, Minnesota plays the Giants, who are on a four-game losing streak.
Many more surprises, fun, and action await us in major league baseball, so keep watching the MLB! Whether it's a walk-off, a no-hitter, or a simple win, the 2011 MLB season has lived up to the expectations placed.
Sure. The Red Sox, Yankees, and Phillies are the three top teams in the majors. True, but that doesn't mean no surprises have been taken on this year. Michael Morse's 13 homers, 43 RBI's, and .309 batting average, plus a huge streak where he has dominated, have been instrumental for the Nationals.
What about Josh Tomlin's eight wins for Cleveland and Jake Arrieta's eight for Baltimore? Brandon League tied for the MLB lead in saves? Is that what you expected out of last years bottom five? How about Seattle being only a half game back in the AL West, where the Rangers are?
This year has been full of surprises, from Francisco Liriano and Justin Verlander taking two no-no's into the eighth inning (both finished one) to the Diamondbacks getting amazing production from Justin Upton to lead their second place charge. And the fun has just begun.
Oakland had high expectations for their pitching, and the team in general, but Bob Geren's team struggled, and Geren was fired. Cal grad Bob Melvin replaced him, and the A's are 6-4 since Melvin took over, as they swept the bay area rival Giants.
Jayson Werth was expected to lead the charge for the Nationals, and although he has been clutch when the Nats needed it (his first homer as a National was against the Phillies, his old team), he only has 10 homers and 27 RBI's. However, two youngsters have led the National charge.
Danny Espinosa and Michael Morse each have 13 homers and 43 RBI's, and they have both been coming on as of late. Washington was 27-36 earlier this month, but Morse and Espinosa have stepped up, as Espinosa's 3-run blast in the tenth inning defeated the Cardinals, and Morse's two-run shot against the Padres provided the teams only runs in a 2-1 W.
Adsurbal Cabrera has led the charge for the Indians, who are atop the AL Central. Cabrera has 12 homers, 43 RBI's, 45 runs, and a .296 batting average, all of which lead the team. However, Cleveland has gotten help from many guys, such as Cord Phelps, who hit a walk-off homer against the Pirates two days ago.
The Indians aren't the only team that's exciting to watch in the AL Central. Justin Verlander and Max Schrezer are tied for the league lead with nine wins in Detroit, while Verlander pitched a no-hitter in May and pitched a no-no through 7.1 innings earlier this month. Detroit has been the second-hottest team this month, and they are back in the thick of the AL Central race.
Minnesota had the worst record in baseball 54 games into the season, at 17-37, but now, Minnesota is on fire. They have won 14 of their last 16, and seven in a row, including a walk-off win against San Diego on Drew Butera's single. Next, Minnesota plays the Giants, who are on a four-game losing streak.
Many more surprises, fun, and action await us in major league baseball, so keep watching the MLB! Whether it's a walk-off, a no-hitter, or a simple win, the 2011 MLB season has lived up to the expectations placed.
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