NL Mid-Season Report
The Cubs stumbled into the mid-season mark on a 5-game losing streak which dropped them a half game out of first place. As expected, they have hit the most homers and scored the most runs in the NL. Their pitching rotation has been the 2nd best rotation in the NL, but their bullpen and defense are both ranked dead last. That's a major problem they need to correct going forward.
The Giants currently sit in first place. They are second to Chicago in runs scored, but they are not doing it with the long ball. Instead, they lead the NL in batting average and OBP while ranking second in stolen bases. Their bullpen has been a welcomed surprise with a NL-best 3.36 ERA as a unit. Unfortunately, the team's starting rotation and defense have struggled, ranking 6th in each category.
Christy Mathewson (10-2, 3.29 ERA) is having a great season so far, which is a very good sign.
In Atlanta, their pitching staff continues to surprise as the 2nd best staff in the NL. Their team defense is the best in the league. Surprisingly, their vaunted offense is struggling and is ranked next to last in the NL. They have too much fire power for that to continue, so perhaps they can turn things around in the second half.
Meanwhile, both the Reds and Pirates have struggled. Cincinnati is ranked 3rd in offense and 4th in pitching. Pittsburgh ranks 6th in offense and 7th in both pitching and defense. That leads me to think that the Pirates will likely remain near the bottom of the standings for the rest of the season while the Reds have a shot at contention if they get hot soon.
Standings
Batting Leaders
Pitching Leaders
