Jim Hendry: you are an EPIC FAIL

Detroit Tigers – 49-43, 1st place, AL Central

Hitting: B+
413 Runs (5th AL)
819 Hits (4th AL)
90 HRs (6th AL)
.264 Avg (4th AL)

Pitching: C-
4.27 ERA (11th AL)
621 Ks (9th AL)
.260 Avg. Against (11th AL)
1.37 WHIP (11th AL)

Defense: D
.982 FPCT (11th AL)

Head of the Class: Justin Verlander – 12 Ws, 2.15 ERA, 147 Ks

Overall Grade: B-
The Tigers are certainly happy to take over first place on the last day before the All-Star break (as opposed to losing it a year ago) but there’s clearly a lot of work for Dave Dombrowski to do if they expect to hold off those pesky Indians and the suddenly resurgent Twins. A frontline starting pitcher will be at the top of their wish list as the trade deadline approaches. Houston’s LHP Wandy Rodriguez might fit the bill.

Chicago White Sox – 44-48, 3rd place, AL Central (5 games back)

Hitting: C-
366 Runs (9th AL)
791 Hist (7th AL)
89 HRs (7th AL)
.252 Avg. (9th AL)

Pitching: B-
3.86 ERA (6th AL)
650 Ks (2nd AL)
.256 Avg. Against (8th AL)
1.28 WHIP (6th AL)

Defense: A
.987 FPCt (1st AL)

Head of the Class: Paul Konerko – .319 Avg., 41 Runs, 22 HRs, 67 RBI

Overall Grade: C+
Despite decent numbers across the board, the Sox have lacked the chemistry and timely hitting to win consistently thus far. Kenny Williams cannot be happy entering the All-Star break after losing a home series to his nemesis, the Minnesota Twins, and the trade winds have been swirling.  Expect a big shake up in the next week or so that could involve Carlos Quentin and/or Edwin Jackson.

Chicago Cubs – 37-55, 5th place, NL Central (12 games back)

Hitting: B
375 Runs (8th NL)
836 Hits (3rd NI)
79 HRs (8th NL)
.263 Avg. (2nd NL)

Pitching: F
4.62 ERA (15th NL)
676 Ks (5th NL)
.269 Avg. Against (15th NL)
1.47 WHIP (16th NL)

Defense: F
.977 FPCT (16th NL)

Head of the Class: N/A

Overall Grade: F
What can you say about the Cubs that hasn’t already been said?  MAJOR changes need to happen immediately, but it would take a miracle for Jim Hendry to be able to unload any of the albatrosses that permeate this roster due to bad contracts. The future is as bleak as it ever has been, and that’s saying a lot.