AL East

Baltimore – The Orioles find themselves at .500 at the break. They slumped badly at the end of the first have, winning just 2 of their last 10 games. I think that they will use the break to refresh themselves and come out strong in the second half. Preseason Prediction: 1st place Current Prediction: 1st place

New York – The Yankees had a good first half and find themselves leading the AL East. Their team has come together and have played well, but I do not think that they will be able to hold off the Orioles. Preseason Prediction: 4th place Current Prediction: 2nd place

Toronto – The Blue Jays also limped into the All Star break, losing 7 of their last 10 games. They too will bounce back, but I don’t think that they will finish as well as I originally predicted. Preseason Prediction: 2nd place Current Prediction: 3rd place

Tampa Bay – The Rays have played very well this season, finishing the first half in 2nd place. This is a tight division, though, and I think they will be overtaken by both the Orioles and the Blue Jays. Preseason Prediction: 5th place Current Prediction: 4th place

Boston – The Red Sox have been a disappointment this season, ending the first half in last place. They are only 6.5 games out of first, but it is hard to see them climbing back into the race. The young players have been producing, but as a team they have not played as well as I thought they would. Preseason Prediction: 3rd place Current Prediction: 5th place

AL Central

Kansas City – The Royals are proving that their World Series run was not a fluke. They currently hold the best record in the American League and they do not look to be slowing down. They won 8 of their last 10 games before the break. Preseason Prediction: 3rd place Current Prediction: 1st place

Minnesota – The Twins have flourished under rookie manager Paul Molitor. They have the 2nd best record in the American League, behind only the Royals. They are a strong contender for a Wild Card spot this season. Preseason Prediction: 5th place Current Prediction: 2nd place

Detroit – The Tigers have been floundering this year. They haven’t been great, but they haven’t been bad. They have been right around .500 most of the season and it doesn’t look like they will be much better in the second half. Preseason Prediction: 1st place Current Prediction: 3rd place

Chicago – The White Sox have not improved as much as they had hoped. They are currently in last place and they will probably be sellers at the trade deadline. Preseason Prediction: 2nd place Current Prediction: 4th place

Cleveland – The Indians have taken a step backwards this season. They are 11.5 games out of first and they don’t look like they will make a run in the second half. Preseason Prediction: 4th place Current Prediction: 5th place

AL West

Los Angeles – The Angels are playing well and are getting contributions from their stars. They went in to the All Star break in first place and will be a tough team to beat in the second half. Preseason Prediction: 1st place Current Prediction: 1st place

Houston – The Astros have shocked the world. They are only a half game out of first and they are strong contenders for both the AL West and the Wild Card spot if they do not win the division. They will have a hard time passing the Angels, but at this point anything is possible. Preseason Prediction: 4th place Current Prediction: 2nd place

Texas – The Rangers have made great strides this season. They have a shot at reaching .500, but they will probably not be a factor in the playoff race. They should stay out of the cellar this season, though. Preseason Prediction: 5th place Current Prediction: 3rd place

Oakland – The A’s had a terrible first half. There has been some improvement over the last month, but it does not look like they will be in the playoff picture this season. Preseason Prediction: 3rd place Current Prediction: 4th place

Seattle – The Mariners have scuffled this season. If they do not pick it up to start the second half, they may be sellers at the trade deadline. It is now or never for the M’s. Preseason Prediction: 2nd place Current Prediction: 5th place