MLB

His locks free-flowing, and his quirky, juxtaposing windup spell out sentences in the book that is the 2009 San Francisco Giants.

Tim Lincecum is just the tasty, page-turning first chapter.

Everything else is falling into place. Everything for a team that was picked to finish, by some, fourth in the deplorable National League West.

They knew the pitching would be there, they knew that, but what they didn't know is that a slew of castoffs and no-namers would come to the helm and contribute on a daily basis to wins, spun by some of the best dealers on the mound.

Now that July is upon us, the baseball world will begin focusing on the impending trade deadline at the end of the month. I think it's safe to say that the Texas Rangers can be lumped into the category of "Buyers".

Currently sitting a half game out of first in the West, the rest of the season is sure to be a battle with the Angels. So what pieces will be added—and which will be lost—to give the Rangers that extra advantage?

Ruth and Gehrig have always been the Pippen and Jordan of baseball. They were the best 3-4 hitting punch ever. Most think Ruth is the best player to ever pick up a baseball bat and the Iron Horse is always in the conversation as well.

Nobody in the majors dominates as much a they did in the 20th century, but there are strong duos in both the American and National League.

Another cool thing is that it is the all-star break, so when combining the stats they look like a player's the one season.

It's that time again. After sifting through the dust, that has been the first half of the 2009 Major League Baseball season, we look at who are the leading candidates for baseballs awards.

Although the Los Angeles Dodgers have the best record in the league, do they have any candidates worthy of an award?

Albert Pujols has put up a mezmerizing season. Does he deserve the N.L. MVP?

Has this been a strong rookie class?

Let's take a look.

In the world we live in, we get a lot of choices to make. What do you prefer: Burger King or McDonald's? iPod’s or Zune’s? Xbox 360, Wii or PS3? Two percent or whole milk?

Ok, I’m kidding about the last one.

Last week we checked out the National League closers (click here to view), so this week we turn to the American League (all stats given are through Wednesday):

Baltimore Orioles—George Sherrill

Welcome to Tribe Talk, where Bleacher Report's Tribe fans weigh in on the ups and downs of the Indians each week throughout the season.

This week we debate how to divvy up the blame for the season between Mark Shapiro and Eric Wedge, how Shapiro’s strategy of cobbling together a team from spare parts has backfired, and what players should and shouldn’t say to the media.

I would like to thank this week's participants Dale Thomas, Scott Miles, and Jeff Smirnoff for their contributions.

Don't get me wrong, I like the direction the Giants are taking.

I like the fact that GM Brian Sabean has finally wised up and has stayed away from his usual dumb tactics.

Overspending on players and filling position needs with aging veterans past their prime seems to be a thing of the past.

Now, Sabean is giving shots to the young guys, the up-and-comers who were bred in the Giants farm system. It's a nice thing to see. It's nice to see players succeed for the Giants that come from our own organization, and not from some other team in the league.

Today the Blue Jays will enjoy a much-needed day off before they have to play four straight afternoon games at the Wind Tunnel, officially know as the new Yankee Stadium.