First Half Surprises

C- Ryan Doumit

11 homeruns in the first half, Doumit has never hit 10 in one season. Doumit is batting .324 this season, best among NL catchers.

1B- Jorge Cantu

With the Devil Rays in ’05, Cantu hit .286 with 28 homeruns and 117 RBI’s. After two injury plagued seasons, Cantu has re-emerged in Florida. 18 homers and 54 RBI’s and a crucial part of the Marlins success this season.

2B- Ian Kinsler

Arguably the best second basemen in the majors behind Chase Utley this season. Kinsler hit 20 homers last year, but only batted .263. This year the Rangers second basemen is hitting .333 with 14 homeruns and 23 stolen bases and has only been caught once.

3B- Evan Longoria

Scouts knew he would be good, coaches knew he would be good. But an all-star? Who knew? He is having a great season on a first place team and is receiving all the recognition he deserves. I considered Aubrey Huff as a bigger surprise, but Huff has had similar numbers in years past.

SS- Michael Young

The AL’s best shortstop is on pace for another solid season. While statistically he deserves to start over Jeter on Tuesday, the captain will make his last all-star start on his home turf. I digress, Young is slowly putting together a solid career, he is on pace for another 90-100 RBI season and will end up batting north of .300. I suppose the only real surprise is that he is outperforming Jeter.

OF- Nate Mclouth

A superb first half for Mclouth. He batted .284 with 19 long balls and 65 RBIs. Mclouth has already set career highs in homeruns and RBIs. Don’t look now but the Pittsburgh Pirates may have the best outfield in the NL.

OF- Ryan Ludwick

Ludwick has been the glue for the Cardinals offense this year. He stepped up when Pujols landed on the DL, and has stayed consistent thus far. Ludwick earned himself a spot on the all-star team. He is batting .287 with 20 homeruns and 64 RBIs. I could have just as easily gone with teammate, Rick Ankiel, but after an impressive end to last season, I was not shocked by his output this season.

OF- J.D. Drew

The most pleasant of all the surprises. After a dreadful ’07, Drew has rebounded gracefully in ’08. The 32 year old Drew is on pace to have one of the best seasons of his career. A switch was flipped as soon as the Sox lost Big Papi to injury. Drew was the AL player of the month in June. The most important stats for Drew this season, .411 OBP (.370 last year) and .575 SLG% (.423 last year). We all knew he had it in him and now that he is free of distraction JD will continue to be a main power source for the Sox.

SP- Edinson Volquez

Volquez has some of the best strikeout pitches I have seen since Pedro. The Red’s ace is 12-3 with a 2.29 ERA. His 126 K’s tie him for first in the Majors. You can pencil him in for the start on Tuesday.

SP- Justin Duchscherer

Duchscherer has a 10-5 record with the A’s this season. He has recorded a decision in each of his 15 starts. Although he does not strike out many batters (63 K’s), he doesn’t walk many either, just 21 walks in 101 innings. His 1.78 ERA is the best in the AL.

SP- Ryan Dempster

Dempster is undefeated at Wrigley this season. He is 10-3 overall with a 3.13 ERA. The Cubbies have relied heavily on Dempster due to injuries to the big Z and Ted Lilly. With the addition of Rich Harden, the Cubs have made themselves a very tough opponent in a playoff series.

CP- Jon Rauch

Rauch has filled in for injured closer, Chad Cordero, this season. Rauch has 17 saves and 42 K’s in 46 innings.