For me (as far as the Yankees go anyway) It's Bernie, Posada, and Farnsworth.

I thougth Bernie would hit around .270 as a back up but if you told me he was going to be a regular for the first half I would have guessed he'd break down quick and hit no higher than .250

Posadas defense. I've always seen Jorge as a bit of a liability on defense but the guy is among the best in the Majors this season throwing out baserunners.

Farnsworth. The guy looks unhittable at times and a little too hittable at others. I really expected more from him but hopefully he picks it up in the second half.

i would add melky to the discussion as well. i think he has exceeded expectations, especially for a 21 year old. i don't think the yankees had any plans of even calling him up at all this season.

For the Sox, Mike Lowell was given up on by everyone in the universe.

The emergence of the young arms is a pleasant surprise.

Biggest surprises this season so far

1) Detroit
2) Reds

Papelbon.
Nomar's return to form.
Magglio's return to form.
How quickly Beltran shut-up the "he's a bust" posters.
How good Wang is in what is really his first full season.
Indians down year.

Tigers
Pappelbon
Yankees right in the hunt without Matsuei and Sheffield

Freddy Sanchez winning the NL batting title. (yes its going to happen)

Tigers,
Mets (running away with the division),
Indians (going down the tubes),
Reds,
Astros (I thought they would be much better then this),
Marlins (I thought they would have 65 Ls by the All Star break),
Loriano,Papelbon, Melky, Wang, BJ Ryan (did not think he would be this dominant with the big contract).

1. Detroit Tigers. The general consensus is they were building the team the right way. There 33-15 road record might be an abberation, but they are going to be a contender for the AL Central for a few years.

2. Young AL pitching studs. Liriano. Papelborn. Verlander. Kazmir. Santana. Halladay. Bonderman. Is there a wonder the AL dominated Inter-League play?

3. Boston League Leading Defense. *knocking on wood* When was the last time Boston led the league in defense? Has it ever happened?

4. Rockies a Top 10 ERA. Yes, them Rockies. The ones that play in Colorado.

5. Nomar. Good to see Nomar have a very good season again.

1) Beckett not knowing how to actually pitch. All heat. Now, is this HIS fault or Veritek's fault? I'm not sure. I did hear that during practice he wears bandages of sorts on his fingers to prevent possible blister problems. Could this effect his ability to throw a change-up? Hmmm.....

Disclaimer: Yes, his win/loss record is great and he picthed a gem today.....but still.

2) The Yankees overcoming their injury woes.

3) The Tigers.

I've changed my mind. The biggest surprise this season is that we found a bigger Yankee homer than Barton.

MadMike, come on down!

I've changed my mind. The biggest surprise this season is that we found a bigger Yankee homer than Barton.

MadMike, come on down!I've been bashing the yankees in almost every thread i've posted in but apparently i'm a yankee homer because i dare to prove these delusional boston idiots wrong.

I've been bashing the yankees in almost every thread i've posted in but apparently i'm a yankee homer because i dare to prove these delusional boston idiots wrong.

That is a load of ****e my friend. Thor hit the nail on the head. You are the biggest Yankee homer I have ever seen.

That is a load of ****e my friend. Thor hit the nail on the head. You are the biggest Yankee homer I have ever seen.
ok thats fine. if i'm pissing boston idiots off that means i'm making good points.

ok thats fine. if i'm pissing boston idiots off that means i'm making good points.

Whatever mate :rolleyes:

ok thats fine. if i'm pissing boston idiots off that means i'm making good points.

You preach the gospel about the OPS.

Someone shows a valid counter point, but then it is not valid for that one time.

Then you said this:

The stats speak for themselves Nomar is a better hitter then Jeter is. That dosn't mean he's a better overall hitter but he's a better hitter.

A bit of double speak no?

When anyone makes an argument, you bring out some stat to make your point and preachg it as gospel. People make a counter point and you bring out another one. You would think you wrote the book on baseball Abner.

1) The METS (Taking the NL by Storm)

2) The Tigers (Playing very good ball)

Surprises:

1.Tigers. Going from 71-91 Last season to 63-31 so far is nothing short of spectacular.

2. Mets. Thought they would be competive in NL East, but I don't think anyone thought they would be this good. Health of pitching in 2nd half (Pedro) will be a huge factor in playoffs though)

3. AL Rookie Pitching (Justin Verlander, Francisco Lirano,Jonathan Papelbon,Joel Zumaya: Papelbon has been lights out since taking over for Keith Foulke. Most rookies don't make as big an impact in their first season as these guys have. Verlander, Zumaya, and Liriano each have had a major hand in turning their teams around. And all pitch like seasoned vets. Zumaya aside, this will be the closest AL ROY race in recent memory.

4. Yankees. Yes, you heard me say that right. Yanks lost Sheffield, Matsui, and have had Johnson and A-Rod have serious struggles in their respective crafts, and yet are still playing great ball and are what, a game out of 1st? Kudos.

You preach the gospel about the OPS.

Someone shows a valid counter point, but then it is not valid for that one time.

Then you said this:



A bit of double speak no?

When anyone makes an argument, you bring out some stat to make your point and preachg it as gospel. People make a counter point and you bring out another one. You would think you wrote the book on baseball Abner.I ment overall player.