1 (3)- Baltimore Revolution (84-38)- During the All Star Break, the Revolution made a blockbuster trade to acquire former NL MVP 1B Bruce Donovan from Iowa City. Donovan has been on a tear since the trade, showing no ill effects from an early season ligament tear in his knee. In 31 games in Baltimore, he is hitting .354 with 12 home runs and 20 RBI.
2 (2)- Anaheim Hitmen (82-40)- Overshadowed by prolific Hitmen offense this season has been the continued emergence of workhorse RP Alan Owen. Now in his third big league season Owen was just named to his first All Star team. He is on pace to have his third consecutive season with 69+ appearances, 140+ innings pitched with an ERA of under 3.30.
3 (4)- Scottsdale Camels (79-43)- First year closer RP Stan Clemens continues to have the best season of his career. He seems to have harnessed the chronic control problems that plagued him in the past. He has appeared in 53 games, with an ERA of 3.86 and earned 36 saves in 41 chances.
4 (6)- St. Louis Redbirds (78-44)- For the first time in many seasons, the AL All Star squad featured a pitching staff without a member of the Redbirds. No matter for St. Louis. They are well on their way to an unprecedented 11th straight division title. Young Redbirds' SS Hick Zerbie might be the best young player in the league. While he can sometimes be an adventure with his glove, he was just named to his second straight (of what should be many) All Star team. He might be the best hitting SS in the AL. He is ranked 2nd in AVG and OBP, and 3rd in SLG, OPS, HR and RBI among AL SS.
5 (1)- Milwaukee Titans (78-44)- All Star SP Rodney Lambert, like a great wine, continues to get better with age. At his current pace, he is sure to be among the finalists for the NL Cy Young. He is 13-5 with a 2.51 ERA on the season.
6 (5)- Pittsburgh Polar Bears (78-44)- In their first season in the post Pedro Pascual era, veteran lefty slugger 1B/COF Victor Pineiro has been a pleasent surprise. He's having the best season of his career while splitting time between 1B and the OF. Making starts in about two-thirds of their games, Pineiro has is hitting .305 with 13 home runs and 50 RBI including a 19-game hitting streak earlier this season.
7 (8)- Chicago Gray Stockings (72-50)- Offseason signing 1B Russ Charleston has earned his 5 year, $94M contract. He is leading the NL in runs created. He is hitting .345/.459/.572 with 24 home runs and 79 RBI.
8 (9)- Philadelphia Stomp (71-51)- SP Gary Scott is having a breakout season. He has established himself as the team's ace and might be the front runner for the AL Cy Young Award. On the season, he is 17-2 with 3 compete games and a 2.19 ERA.
9 (10)- Honolulu Rainbow Warriors (67-55)- The Rainbow Warriors have been very disciplined at the plate this season. The team OBP is .352, good for 3rd in the AL. C Samuel Walker has taken the reigns as the face of the franchise and is having an MVP caliber season. His .428 OBP is ranked 3rd in the AL. He is hitting .345 with 23 home runs and 81 RBI.
10 (18)- Richmond Rebellion (66-56)- The Rebellion are building upon last season's success and trying to show it wasn't a fluke. They are currently leading their division, and if they hold on, it will be the first time the franchise has won back-to-back division titles since Season 3. SS Anthony Brooks might be on his way his first Gold Glove. He is leading all NL shortstops in fielding percentage, and only has 6 errors to go with 11 + plays.
11 (11)- Helena Bighorns (66-56)- The Bighorns have had a solid season, and are in position to win one of the NL Wild Card spots. And they've done it with a total team effort. Not one player on the team was named to the All Star team. C Rey Adkinson has been a key cog in the Bighorn's offense. He is hitting .274 with 27 home runs and 73 RBI.
12 (19)- New Orleans Jazz (65-57)- The Jazz are on pace to successfully defend their division title. DH Juan Tarraga is having another solid season. He is hitting .294 with 30 home runs and 94 RBI.
13 (12)- Cleveland Lake Shores (65-57)- The Lake Shores were pleasantly surprised this season by SP Sammy Dali earning his All Star nod at the ripe old age of 35. Its unfortunate that he celebrated his award by being placed on the 15-day DL with shoulder inflammation. He is having a solid season though. He is 8-7 with a 2.99 ERA. He is eligible to come off the DL in just a few days.
14 (7)- Los Angeles Sharks (64-58)- The Sharks are traditionally one of the elite teams in the NL. This season is no exception. The problem this year is that the Sharks had a league worst 16 game losing streak going into the All Star break. They have recovered nicely though and currently have a 4 game lead in their division. If they can hold off the surging Vancouver Tragedy Twins, who have won 7 straight, they'll win their eighth straight division title.
15 (-)- Iowa City Badgers (63-59)- The Badgers were the other half of this season's biggest trade. They sent fan favorite 1B Bruce Donovan to Baltimore in exchange for SP Tony Sosa. Many fans were opposed to the trade, but the team itself has responded. The Badgers are 20-11 since the trade. Sosa made 6 starts for Iowa City before injuring his groin. He pitched very well, going 3-2 with a 2.67 ERA before going on the DL. He is eligible to return to the active roster in nine days.
16 (13)- Memphis Mad Hatters (61-61)
17 (17)- Vancouver Tragedy Twins (60-62)
18 (-)- Cincinnati Red Bolts (58-64)
19 (-)- Houston Buushwackerz (58-64)
20 (-)- Oakland Athletics (57-65)
Bounced Out: Minnesota Storm (20), Jackson Runnin' Rebels (15), Seattle Antons (16), Scranton Wild (14)
