NL South at the All-Star Break

Halfway through Season 57 the NL South has proven to be the most competitive Division in the League. Three teams are over the 50 Win mark and all three could see the playoffs. Apologies to Kansas City, your time is coming, but for now let's take a look at the top 3 teams.

Santa Fe Surf Riders (54-31)

Runs: 10th | OPS: 7th | ERA: 9th | WHIP: 18th | Fielding %: Tied 5th | Plus Plays - Poor Plays: 25

This is a classic Santa Fe team, lots of power in the lineup and a staff that's good enough to give them a chance in any game. The home ballpark factors have been reigned in a bit the last few seasons but 8 players still have an OPS > .800, including Edgardo Pena's 1.000+ OPS. The pitching staff is always a bit of a question mark, but this group is solid and backed by a good defense. 

Division Champs 8 of the last 10 seasons, including 2 Championships, Santa Fe moved into 1st Place just before the All-Star break.  The core of this team are all over 30 and making big money, but are still in their primes. Look for this team to make a move before the deadline to add to its pitching staff.

Texas McGowan's (53-38)

Runs: 9th | OPS: 10th | ERA: 15th | WHIP: 9th | Fielding %: Tied 5th | Plus Plays - Poor Plays: 53

Texas made huge strides last season, going from 48 Wins to 68 Wins. The team looks to be making the same kind of leap this season, with a Winning Percentage that would have them around 94 Wins. That number was much higher before a dismal 20 game stretch before the All-Star break saw the McGowan's go 8-12 and drop from 1st place in the Division Standings. 

The biggest reason for the turn around are the rookies Stevie Hogan and Dan Lekanic. Hogan specifically looks like a player that will be on MVP ballots in future seasons. I loved the trade for Kazuhiro Yamaguch! Starting pitching was a clear need for this team and Yamaguch will do more than just eat innings.

Two stats really stand out with this team at the break. First, the 53 "Plus Plays - Poor Plays", which highlights how good of a defensive team this is. The second is the 75 times caught stealing to only 95 stolen bases. Please stop running!

Houston Gunfighter’s (50-41)

Runs: 17th | OPS: 13th | ERA: 3rd | WHIP: 12th | Fielding %: 21st | Plus Plays - Poor Plays: -10

Coming off a disappointing 85 Win season, Houston has rebounded but still find themselves in 3rd place in a very tough division. This team is loaded with star talent including rookie Alexander Hodges and Vincente Santana, but depth is a big issue.

A quick glance at the stats above and it's easy to think this team has been luckier than good this season. The fielding numbers are particularly troubling when you consider the staff isn't exactly loaded with talent behind Santana. Still, I think this team will hit much better in the second half of the season and should keep them in contention for a playoff spot.

Final Thoughts

I'm really looking forward to seeing this play out! If I was betting I would take Santa Fe, if only because we've seen the core of this team win so much recently. I do think Texas has a real shot if they can fix some of the careless base running, while Houston needs to add a quality player of two at the deadline to make a push.