As we approach the All-Star game and the mid-point of the season I thought we would look at how the year has progressed for the Cards & Royals.

 Back in April I said that I thought both teams would be a surprise to many and that is just the way it is shaping up. The Cardinals are 52-42 just 4 1/2 games behind the Cubs. Although it looks like they are on track to go 92-70 as I said earlier that may not be enough to win the divisionas the Cubs and Brewers join the Cardinals with the 3 best records in the National League! It is shaping up to be a very tight and interesting race!

 If the Cardinals offense would step up a notch while the pitching staff stays consistant they will be hard to beat down the stretch!

 The Royals are staying tough although they have struggled at times. They are 42-52 and 12 games out but have shown signs of putting it all together. I still think they are going to finish somewhere around third in the American League Central. I think that will say a lot! I also believe that they can get hot and make it a race yet!

 If they could play more games in the NL they could really rise in the standings!