Your calendar and the MLB standings are both correct. It is July 1st and the Pittsburgh Pirates are in first place. They were the first team to 50 wins this season and they are currently red hot on a nine-game winning streak. Who can stop them now? Here's a look at the standings as we enter the mid-way point of the season as the All-Star game is approaching and the Pirates look to close out the first half of baseball in fashion.
N.L. Central Pittsburgh Pirates (51-30), St. Louis Cardinals (49-32), Cincinnati Reds (46-36)
The Pirates are taking us back to the early 90's when Barry Bonds was making a name for himself in the league, way before the steroid allegations. Pittsburgh is winning and they are doing it, unexpectedly, via pitching. They have the lowest ERA in baseball at 3.11; allow the fourth fewest home runs in baseball (64); own a 1.19 WHIP, which is the second lowest in baseball; and they lead the game in saves as their closer Jason Grilli has been lights out in the ninth.
The Cardinals are just two games back of first place, but right now, the Pirates are playing better ball. The Reds have taken a seat in third place as they are now 5.5 games from first place.
A.L. East Boston Red Sox (50-34), Baltimore Orioles (47-36)
As the season progresses, this division is now taking it's true form. The Red Sox are somehow winning, but the Yankees have stumbled to fourth place. Don't look now, but with the Toronto Blue Jays gaining momentum, the Yankees might find themselves at the pit of the East. The Orioles have won four in a row after sweeping the Yankees over the weekend. Meanwhile, the Red Sox are doing just enough to remain on top having won 6 of 10. The Red Sox also have the best record in the American League. Not too bad for a team who finished with over 90 losses last year.
N.L. East Atlanta Braves (48-34)
Just when it looks like the Braves might give somebody in the east a chance, they go on a run. They are fresh off a sweep against the Arizona Diamondbacks and now have a 6.5-game lead in the division over the inconsistent Washington Nationals. They will get Bryce Harper back and many are predicting a run from the team after his return. The Braves have the best home record in baseball at 28-11.
A.L. West Texas Rangers (48-34), Oakland A's (48-35)
It might only be a .5-game lead, but the Rangers are back on top. They are one of the hottest teams in baseball, going 8-2 in their last 10 games. The A's are scuffling going 5-5 in their last 10. Don't look now, but the Los Angeles Angels are winners of six straight. It's only July and they are 8.5-games behind the A's and nine behind the Rangers. There's still a lot of baseball left to be played.
A.L. Central Detroit Tigers (43-37), Cleveland Indians (44-38)
The Tigers have been plagued by inconsistencies all year long. They were 10-games over .500 just a week ago, with a 3.5-game lead over the Indians. Seven days later, the lead is gone and both teams are tied for first place. Justin Verlander claims to have found issues in his mechanics and for the Tigers' sake, they hope he can get those corrected.
N.L. West Arizona Diamondbacks (42-39), Colorado Rockies (41-42), San Diego Padres (40-42), San Francisco Giants (39-42), Los Angeles Dodgers (38-43)
This is easily the most unpredictable division in baseball. All five teams could be busy before the deadline as only four games separate the first and last-place team. The Dodgers are the worst team record wise, but they are playing the best baseball in the division. Having won 8 of 10, the Dodgers are looking to make their 2013 offseason investments worth something. They were the only team to fully take advantage of the Diamondbacks' slip this week as they were swept over the weekend and begin a pivotal three-game series at Colorado.
