The Angels followed a 16-12 June with a 19-7 July mainly on the backs of the strong pitching and solid hitting. The team has extended their lead to over 4 games in the AL West, and into the first week of August, the Angels are tied with Boston for the 2nd best record in the American League. The team has allowed the fewest runs in the AL, and the starting rotation boasts the best ERA, although the bullpen has been letting the team down of late. The offense places between 3rd and 6th in most categories.

2012 ASBA Draft Log

First and Supplemental Rounds now complete

Round One
1. Cleveland - RF Jim Morrison
2. San Diego - 2B Michael Gardner
3. Seattle - SP Willard Lawson
4. Arizona - SP Justin Key
5. Arizona - SS Earl Armstrong
6. Tampa Bay - CF Gilberto Rios
7. Seattle - C Pat Wilson
8. Washington - SP Jose Vanega
9. Chicago Cubs - MR Jesus Gonzalez
10. Houston - SP Eddie Vedder
11. Chicago Cubs - MR Alonso Guzman
12. St. Louis - SP Richard Elster
13. Pittsburgh - CF Woody Cox
14. Kansas City - SP Trevor Bauer
15. Los Angeles Angels - SP Jesus Chavez
16. Cincinnati - SP Tyler Beede
17. Chicago White Sox - RF Trey Anastasio
18. Philadelphia - SS Chris Cornell
19. Miami - C Tolentino Paramos
20. New York Yankees - SS Steve Powell
21. Chicago White Sox - CF Jamie Genge
22. New York Yankees - SP Ted Nugent
23. Boston - 3B Tyler Goeddel
24. Minnesota - CF Roger Daltrey
25. Toronto - MR Francisco Cabrera
26. Cincinnati - 1B Dave Bolden
27. Detroit - MR Bob Rogers
28. Oakland - SS Elwood Blues
29. New York Mets - RF Roger Waters
30. Texas - CF Ramon Rangel
31. Los Angeles Dodgers - SP Robert Stephenson
32. Baltimore - RF Jesus Bustamante
33. Boston - 1B Shawn Elliot
34. Milwaukee - RF Steve Perry
35. San Francisco - 3B Keith Martin
36. Boston - SS Bruno Fontaine
37. Colorado - SP Richard Stevens

Supplemental Round

1. San Diego - CF Josh E. Bell
2. Arizona - C Julio Duenas
2. Tampa Bay - SP Pepe Ortiz
3. Washington - C David Gilmore
4. Houston - 3B Royce Mack
5. Philadelphia - RF Norm Voigt
6. Minnesota - MR Eduardo Herrera
7. Oakland - SP Jacques Mathieu
8. Texas - SS William Arnaud
9. Baltimore - SS Alejandro Sanchez
10. Boston - 1B John Pate
11. San Diego - CF Justin Bianco
12. Baltimore - MR Bill Hoskins

After month one of the Major League season, the Pirates are already a non-factor, fodder for the National League juggernauts (see Atlanta Braves) to steam roll. If you ignore the big league club's performance, though, and focus on the minor leagues, you find that there are many things to be giddy for. Level by level, here is my breakdown of what might make the Pirates a threat in the National League in the coming years:

The Brewers have made several changes in the last few weeks. Signed FA Kelly Johnson and Acquired Justin Upton from the Dbacks for Mat Gamel. This is what the Brewers will look like once Upton gets into town.

SS - Macier Izturis or Wilson Betimet (Until Brignac gets off of DL).
2B - Kelly Johnson
LF - Ryan Braun
1B - Prince Fielder
RF - Justin Upton
C - Jarrod Salty
CF - Adam Jones
3B - Ryan Roberts or Wilson Betimet