MLB Top 10: Yanks Making a Push

We're entering the final week before the All-Star break, but most teams have already passed the official midway point of their seasons. So now that we're half way there in crowning the 2009 world champions, who are the hottest teams in baseball entering this week? 1. New York Yankees (48-33)The Yanks continue to inch their way towards division-leading Boston, trailing in the AL East by a single win. It's sure to be one hell of a race down the stretch, even if some meaning is lessened by the fact that both teams are likely assured of reaching the playoffs. For now, I'm sure Yankee fans will take the moral victory of Mark Teixeira beating out Kevin Youkilis for the starting 1B spot on the All-Star team.2. Texas Rangers (45-35)It looks like the AL West is going to have a very competitive division race down the stretch, which is something that few people were expecting at the start of the year. The Rangers have climbed back into a first place tie to start this week, thanks in part to taking two of three from the Angels last week. They have another series against the Halos this week -- this time at Angel Stadium -- before closing out the first half in Seattle.3. Los Angeles Angels (45-35)Despite losing last week's series against the Rangers, they'll have a chance to get even this week. They rebounded nicely from that series loss, taking 3 of 4 from the Orioles, pushing their record in the past 10 games to 7-3. The pitching, which has been inconsistent at best this year, seems to have settled down recently. Considering what this team has been through off the field, heading into the All-Star break with a division lead would do wonders for morale.4. Minnesota Twins (43-40)After winning 7 of 10, the Twins now find themselves just two games out of first in the AL Central. That's due in large part to the Twins taking two of three from the division-leading Tigers over the weekend. Now the Twins will face a bit of a test as the host the wildcard-leading Yankees starting Tuesday night. If the Twins can find a way to take a series from the Yanks, it would go a long way in solidifying their status as a potential playoff team.5. Florida Marlins (43-40)With the Phillies and Mets both struggling immensely, the Marlins have slowly crept up the division standings and enter this week only one game behind Philly for the NL East lead. They're also only two games behind the Giants for the wildcard spot, and considering they kick off a West Coast road trip tonight in San Francisco, they have an excellent opportunity to make up some ground in that race as well. 6. Chicago Cubs (40-39)Despite many being ready to bury the Cubs as recently as last week, but after taking three of four from Milwaukee over the weekend, Chicago's only 2.5 games behind division-leading St. Louis in the NL Central. With Aramis Ramirez set to return to the lineup this week, the Cubs are likely getting the equivalent of a big mid-season trade. Will it be enough for the Cubs to finally start playing up to their ability and become serious division contenders? We'll have to wait and see.7. Philadelphia Phillies (42-37)The Phils have been treading water for awhile now, and even fell in danger of drowning a few days ago. Luckily, they were able to sweep the Mets over the weekend to hang onto their division lead. How long will they be able to hold off the likes of the Marlins? That depends on how far their pitching can take them. It looked to be improved over the weekend, but everyone has managed to look good against the joke that's become the Mets' lineup in the past few weeks.8. Chicago White Sox (42-40)Prior to splitting a weekend series in Kansas City, the White Sox had won five games in a row, and seven of nine. Despite only being two games over .500, the White Sox have worked their way into the AL Central discussion, and could make a charge to the front if they're able to put together a deadline deal. The problem, of course, is that no one seems to be selling. The White Sox could use another productive bat, but do they have the pieces to put a deal together?9. Seattle Mariners (42-39)The Mariners sure seem determined to let everyone know that the AL West isn't just a two-team race. Despite losing two of three to the Yankees last week, they responded by walking into Boston and nearly sweeping the Red Sox, only losing the series finale on Sunday. Felix Hernandez making the All-Star team is well-deserved. Russell Branyan being left out altogether -- not even making the final vote ballot -- is an injustice, if not only because we'll miss out on seeing him in a home run derby. I'm convinced he could hit one off the famous Arch. I don't care if it's more than 1,000 feet from home plate.10. Los Angeles Dodgers (52-30)Manny Mania is back, but the Dodgers were doing well for themselves in his absence. While his bat will surely help the lineup, the question now is if the team will be able to deal with the constant media attention, which will be magnified whenever the team goes on the road. They'll still win the division easily, but their chances in October will depend on how well Manny's teammates will respond to the distractions he's brought upon the entire organization.