He may have started off slow, with the longest homer-less streak of his career, but David Ortiz seems to be back to his old self, and not a moment too soon! 

A three-run shot in Washington, a huge bomb off a Bronx arm, and five other home runs have all come quite recently.

While the critics were all over Ortiz to start the season, they haven't been able to say much as of late.

Ever since July 31, 2004, the Boston Red Sox have had issues with at least one position on their roster<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExp

With the All-Star game less than one month away, I wanted to break down each team in the National League and list the possible All-Star selections.

We all know that every team has to have at least one representative. This rule may not be the most popular, but at least it gives the game some diversity—a dozen Yankees and Red Sox players doesn't appeal to everyone.

The National League looks to break the stranglehold that the American League has had on it for the last decade or so. 

At the onset of this season I thought the Mariners would perform within a range: either they would lose as many or more games than they did last year, or they would finish at about .500.

Halfway in the Mariners are meeting my higher expectations, standing at exactly 35 wins and 35 losses, and looking as if they could make a push at the Rangers and Angels. Sitting 2 and a half games back of first place is a good place for a team that hasn't really found its stride or suffered major setbacks.

BY MICHAEL GANCI

EDITOR

The Mets were beaten by Joel Pineiro and the Cardinals tonight by the score of 3-0. Livan Hernandez pitched well once again, allowing just three runs in seven innings, but Pineiro was just better. He pitched to contact, and his sinker was working with perfection. The Mets just simply had nothing to answer him with.

Oh boy, the always panicked fan base of the Texas Rangers are all out of whack again...shocking I know.

One of the best quotes in the history of cinema was delivered by Tom Hanks in A League of Their Own, and I think it fits perfectly with the life of a Rangers fan.

"Of course it's hard, if it wasn't everyone would do it...the hard is what makes it great."

Is it hard to be a Rangers fan?

Anyone that isn't has no idea how hard it is. Even Cubs fans have experienced some success in the playoffs.

With the All-Star game quickly approaching, the Detroit Tigers have to feel confident with their lead in the American League Central. The key for the Tigers this year has been their pitching and defense. Beyond the resurgence of Justin Verlander, Detroit has had all-star caliber contributions from Edwin Jackson and Rick Porcello in the starting rotation.

Overall the Tigers are second in hits allowed, third in runs allowed, third in fielding percentage, and third in double plays turned. Clearly pitching and defense is the backbone.