Opinion

When potential players for Charlie Manuel's National League club get thrown out into conversation, you will hear the typical Phillies' candidates, Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Shane Victorino, Jayson Werth and Roy Halladay.

But, one name should be mentioned in the conversation this year and it should be that of Jamie Moyer.

In a year where the Phillies have been mired in a slump, are dealing with injuries and are not hitting well, it is the perfect opportunity for the 47-year old to make his second All-Star Game appearance (he made one with the Mariners in 2003).

It wasn’t B.J. Upton’s fault.

That’s because the young center fielder wasn’t in the starting lineup.

The grades are in as we approach the halfway mark of the 2010 season.

What teams have lived up to the hype in the American League West, and which have laid an egg and why?

Here is a team-by-team breakdown recapping the first 81 games (almost), and what to watch for in the second half.

Who will be the movers and shakers in the second half?

Its almost July and the heat stove is certainly heating up, but some answers still remain un-answered. The main question that need to be addressed is where do the Yankees need to improve. The bullpen has be inconsistent to get to Mariano.  While the rumors are spreading that they will make a move to acquire another bat or a starter, the bullpen is where the work is needed.

Nobody can accuse me of being hypercritical of the San Francisco Giants' management, including the Bay Area's two most bullet-ridden targets.

For all his warts, I've always believed general manager Brian Sabean's gotten more heat than is justifiable. Meanwhile, Bruce Bochy got the 2009 team to overachieve, which is usually evidence of a good manager.

Consequently, somewhere in Bleacher Report's vast archives, I'm on record as supporting the two-year extensions both men received.

Who dey think gonna beat dem...Reds? In the past, no matter how much it pained me to say it, I would have to say most teams. Luckily, this year Cincinnati is running their way towards a winning season, playoff berth contention, and possible division title.

And when I say "running," I mean it literally.

No more interim label. No more sentimental stories about becoming the first Puerto Rican to manage in the Major Leagues.

From now on, Edwin Rodriguez is the man.

No doubt, Florida Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria hit the equivalent of a home run.

It really is crazy.

In a division that features a 20 game winner (CC Sabathia), a Cy Young winner (Josh Beckett), and the 2008 ALCS MVP (Matt Garza), it's the kids who have been making the most noise.

Where would the New York Yankees be this year without Phil Hughes?

Where would the Boston Red Sox be without Clay Buchholz?

Where would the Tampa Bay Rays be without David Price?

These three pitchers have stepped up when their teams needed them the most—and not just that.

They've also been really, really, really good.

Their success is not surprising.

As usual, there have been a lot of rumors that continue to swirl around the Yankees as the trade deadline approaches in July.

However, the Yankees might not have to trade anything to add depth to their bench because there are some very talented free agents available that could get the job done just as easily as somebody the Yankees could trade for.

This is also a better option, due to the fact that the Yankees wouldn't have to give up any prospects, and some of the players out there might be cheaper than picking up the contract of a traded player.