The last pre-All Star game MLB Round-up is served today, hot and fresh.
Team of the Week
American League – New York Yankees. No team really stood out in the Junior Circuit over the past seven days, but this award is for the half-season mark. The Yankees have been the most consistent team in baseball. Sure, they trialed the hot-starting Rays early on, but the Yanks remained on their heels the entire time. Their team is still in need of some help before the trade deadline, but right now, New York looks to be the favorite representing the AL in the Fall Classic.
National League – San Diego Padres. 7-3 in their last ten games and a three game win streak have landed the Padres the award. They lead the Atlanta Braves by one game for best record in the NL. But have the Padres been given enough respect? They’ve led the NL West from the beginning. Adrian Gonzalez is a superstar and their pitching staff may not include house-hold names, but it is talented.
Position Player of the Week
American League – Miguel Cabrera (Detroit). The Tigers first baseman rebounded from last season’s late-night-partying debacle to put up one of the best first halves in baseball. This past week he was exceptional with his .467 batting average, five RBIs, and four doubles. In the process, he helped the Tigers reach a tie with the Twins for first place.
National League – Rafael Furcal (Los Angeles). The Dodger short stop was the only player in baseball to post a batting average over .500 in the past week (.538). His two home runs and two doubles boosted his slugging percentage to .923 for the week. If the Dodgers want to catch the Padres, they a healthy Furcal performing his best at the top of the lineup.
Pitcher of the Week
American League – Cliff Lee (Seattle). Seventeen innings, thirteen strikeouts, a complete game, a 2.12 ERA, and two wins spells what exactly? Trade bait. Lee has pitched extremely well since returning from injury. However, with Seattle’s last place residence, Cliff Lee will be bringing in some young prospects for Seattle by July 31.
National League – Adam Wainwright (St. Louis). Wainwright has ascended to one of the game’s best pitchers. His 0.59 ERA in two wins (one complete game) and sixteen strikeouts in fifteen plus innings was outstanding. He’s also 9-0 at home this season.