Midway through the 2022 baseball season in summary:
5 biggest surprises
†The Yankees: Yes, they are very often good, but this is insane. It’s 36 games over .500. Tampa Bay is 6 games over .500 and still 15 games behind the Yankees. The three teams trailing New York in the American League East (Tampa Bay, Boston and Toronto) are currently all expected to make the playoffs as wildcards.
†Tony Gonsolin: The surprise ace of the Dodger staff with Cy Young numbers – 10-0, 1.54 ERA. The 28-year-old was a 9th round draft pick.
†Luis Arraez: The versatile Minnesota infielder leads the majors with a .348 batting average.
†Sandy Alcantara, Miami: After going 20-34 in 5 Major League-seasons, he now stands at 8-3 with a blistering 1.95 ERA.
†Alejandro Kirk: The Toronto catcher hits .317 with 10 homeruns and headed for the All-Star game.
5 Most Impactful Injuries
†Fernando Tatis, Jr., Padres: Missed all year so far after off-season injuries in a motorcycle accident.
†Bryce Harper, Phillies: Another MVP-type season, when he broke his hand and will miss at least a month.
†Jacob de Grom, Mets: Arm problems have once again sidelined the two-time Cy Young Award winner.
†Walker Buehler, Dodgers: Elbow problems disabled him until September.
†Chris Sale, Red Sox: May return soon after missing all of 2022 so far.
5 free agent shortstops that are disappointed
†Carlos Correa, twins: .291 with 9 home runs, $35.1 million a year.
†Trevor Story, Red Sox: 0.225, $20 million
†Corey Seager, Rangers: .230, $32.5 million.
†Marcus Semien, Rangers: .238, $25 million.
†Javy Baez, Tigers: .209, $20 million.
That’s a total of $132 million for a whole bunch of mediocrity.
5 Dodgers Who Should Make The All-Star Team
*Trae Turner, short stop
*Tony Gonsolin, pitcher
*Will Smith, catcher
*Mookie Betts, outfielder
*Clayton Kershaw, pitcher. Maybe even the National League starter.
5 best power-hitting duos
*Aaron Judge (29 home runs) and Anthony Rizzo (22), Yankees – 51 home runs
*Mike Trout (23) and Shohei Ohtani (18), Angels – 41 home runs.
*Yordan Alvarez (24) and Jose Altuve (16), Astros – 40 home runs.
*Kyle Schwarber (23) and Rhys Hoskins (17), Phillies – 40 home runs.
*Paul Goldschmidt (19) and Nolan Arenado (17), Cardinals – 36 home runs
Pete Donovan is a Palm Desert native and former Los Angeles Times sports reporter. He can be reached at [email protected]
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Yankees, Dodgers Tony Gonsolin headlines first half of MLB season