Sox and Cubs at the All star break - That's All She Wrote

What a first half it's been. The surging and almost surreal White Sox were 9 ½ game out of first place some 5 weeks ago. Now they own the penthouse in the Central division. Back on June 8th the Cubs were 6 ½ behind co-leaders St. Louis and Cincinnati. Now they're 9 ½ back. So, in the spirit of the All-star game, it's time to grade both our Chicago teams. Some of those grades are very good; some not. The Cubs individually graded better than I thought. Tell me what you think?

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A+--- What year, what a guy. He’s the real King, not LeBron. He’s a free agent after season and Sox might think twice about letting him go.
A---What a difference a season makes. He’s doing everything right and looks good doing it. Getting lots of big time hits
A---Can you name a better set-up guy from the left side?
A---His whip is a paltry .74 and he hasn’t given up an earned run since early May.
A---Oft maligned but the real numbers speak for themselves…19 for 20 in save chances.
A---pitching more like a number 2 than a number 5. Maybe it has something to do with being Ozzie’s relative.
A---I said he was a great pick up and he is. And with Viciedo up, he’ll get a little more rest. Remember, he’s 43!
B---The record belies his season though he still has to be a bit leery of pitch count. One of these years, he’ll win at least 16 and it could be this one.
C+---And rising. The guy has 11 homers and 25 RBI in his last 16 games. And he has 61 RBI despite a .244 average.
C+---Has won 5 of last 6 starts, an encouraging sign after looking like meat since last year’s perfect game.
C+---Offensive numbers not there but he’s thrown out 33% of base stealers and is a pitchers best and most trusted friend.
C+---with a bullet. He’s really come around. Era in 9 of his last 10 starts is a miniscule 1.49!
C+---Not having a year with the bat but stolen bases and defense have been good enough.
C+---The missle has taken off after yet another poor start. He’ll never be an A player but B would suffice.
C---He had a nice run before the season ending injury but otherwise underwhelming.
C---Ozzie likes him and he is flexible. Otherwise, you could do better
D---What happened? Greg Walker claims he saw this coming in spring training. But Sox won’t trade him because of upside. He needs a string of good games for his ailing confidence.
B---and this despite the presence of Linebrink and Williams who recently was finally let go.
C+---Andruw Jones is sputtering but others have been capable.
A---And a well deserved A. He’s among the league leaders in hitting and played solid centerfield. One of Jim Hendry’s best free-agent acquisitions.
A- --Bad ending to a surprisingly superb first half. Has allowed 2 or fewer runs in 11 starts. Could be dealt by trading deadline.
A- --has 77 strikeouts in 40 innings. Sick! Still a high wire act but has converted 16 of 19 save chances. That’s 84%. Very good.
A- --Where would the bullpen be without him. And where will the starting roation be without him next season?
B---His OBP has been in the .400s and he’s one of the few who have benefited from Rudy Jaramillo. Cubs need more of him and less of Koyie Hill in 2nd half.
B---Pushed out of the rotation By Crazy Carlos, TG has had a very strong season and if he’s not dealt by deadline, should be re-signed for next year. He has value
B---Has 12 quality stats and has pitched into the 7th in 14 of 18 starts. Late game homers have hurt him but his 3.61 ERA says allot about his efforts.
B- ---It was a B until last two starts. But in May and June he registered a 2.64 ERA in 11 starts. The Cubs scored only 20 runs. As a result, he went 2 and 5. Figure him gone.
B- ---Putting up best numbers as a Cub despite April defensive lapses that had fans screaming for his benching. He also spoke out against Carlos Zambrano. That gets him some points.
C+ ---He’s slipping lately. Power numbers sharp but doesn’t hit well with men in scoring position. What Cub does? Has played all three outfield positions well.
C+ --- He could easily wind up a B at the end of the season. He’s made his share of mistakes at age 20 but you can see the talent and maturity. The kid’s a winner.
C- ---Up from D after solid numbers in 4 of last 5 starts. Still too inconsistent. Is he really a part animal?
C- ---This is a generous grade. While he has 91 hits, only 9 are for extra bases. He has only 18 walks and while he has stolen 16 of 20 bases, his base running leaves allot to be desired.
D+ ---Let’s face it; He’s been a bust and the Cubs are desperately trying to get rid of him. Good luck.
D---It’s been an awful first half for a guy coming off a huge year. If he’s not traded by the 31st, he’ll be done after the season. He and the next guy have killed the Cubs offense.
D- ---Despite a revival on the road trip, Ram is having worse season than Lee. Too many strikeouts, too many defensive lapses and too much money. He has an opt-out clause in his deal, one he likely will not use. Would you if you had 14.6 million coming next year?
F--- Need I say more?
C- ---It’s been better of late but the Cub still owe John Grabow a ton next year. Ouch!
C- ---It had Colvin early on but it could be allot better