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ROB SANFORD

The first half of the season is done...but can the Tigers go all the way to win the division?? I would like to say I have confidence that they will..but I don't. The starting pitching has 2 solid starters...Jeremy Bonderman is a big if...and the rest who knows? The White Sox has the best pitching in the division...even with Jake Peavy on the shelf. But still, when it's all said and done...it's a 3 horse race and will probably remain that way for the rest of the season.

It's a foregone conclusion, but the biggest surprise of the first half has to be Brennan Boesch. He has shown power in the minors, but who knew he was ready to take the best step? He still needs to develop better judgement while playing the outfield..but that will come. It's not a question of talent...its a matter of experience. The biggest disappointment for me is catcher Gerald Laird. Last season he was deadly throwing out would-be base stealers, but it's a different story this year. He's never been much of a hitter, but he's really helpless now.

From the sound of Jim Leyland...the next start for Rick Porcello with the Tigers will be huge. I have a feeling he's being showcased for a possible trade. I could be wrong....and probably am...but it's just a thought.

It's been a tough week for the New York Yankees. First longtime P.A. announcer Bob Shepard died at age 99. He was the personification of professionalism....and not one of the new breed of "trendy" announcers that try to be a major factor in a game. And then of course...the death of George Stienbrenner. While "The Boss" was controversial, and impossible to work for...there was never a doubt that he wanted his club to win. He brought the Yankees back to their glory of past seasons, but always with a sense of tradition. On the one hand, he made it easy to hate the Yankees, but on the other, he will go down as one of baseballs greatest owners.