MLB First Half Recap

The marathon that is the MLB regular season is approaching its halfway point and the playoff picture, while still undecided, is starting to take shape. While a handful of perennial contenders are in their usual position atop their respective divisions, several high payroll teams are struggling to survive. Meanwhile, analysts are scratching their heads at the success of a few young low budget teams.

Here's a look back at the busts and surprises of the first half of the 2013 MLB regular season...

MLB 2013 Half Way Point Busts

Josh Hamilton and the LA Angels: 

The Halos hooked the "big fish" on the free agent market this offseason, but have little to show for it as their 35-43 record is currently 10 games behind the A's and Rangers, who sit atop the division. While he is not the only player to blame, Hamilton has severely underperformed, batting just .215 in 74 games while slugging a measly .380.

Matt Kemp and the LA Dodgers: 

Southern California is full of disappointed fans this spring as the boys in blue just up the freeway from the Angels dwell in the cellar of the NL West. The offseason signing of Zack Greinke has done little to boost morale, or the club's record, as even the emergence of rookie sensation Yasiel Puig has done little to improve their ranking. Matt Kemp has been perhaps the most disappointing of the highly paid players, batting a mere .251 with two home runs in 53 games.

R.A. Dickey and the Toronto Blue Jays: 

The Jays followed a busy and successful offseason with a slow start that has landed them in the cellar of the AL East, 6.5 games behind the first place Red Sox. Last year's Cy Young Award winner R.A. Dickey has a sub .500 record and an ERA approaching the 5.00 mark, adding to the woes of this underachieving club that many thought would be a contender for the AL East crown.

MLB 2013 Half Way Point Surprises

Bartolo Colon and the Oakland Athletics: 

The A's should no longer be a surprise to baseball fans as they have continually competed despite a small payroll and a motley crew of ball players. Currently tied with the Rangers for the top spot in the AL West, Bob Melvin's club has received excellent pitching from former Cy Young winner Bartolo Colon. The 40 year old has been one of the biggest surprises of the season, boasting a 10-2 record and an ERA below 3.00.

Clay Bucholz and the Boston Red Sox: 

The boys from Beantown emerged from a tumultuous 2012 season with a new skipper and the best record in the league. The remarkable turnaround of John Farrell's club can be attributed in part to the much improved pitching, including an incredible first half from Clay Bucholz, who maintains a perfect 9-0 record and a miniscule 1.71 ERA.

Clint Hurdle and the Pittsburgh Pirates: 

Having already taken one struggling franchise to the World Series, Hurdle is hoping his previous success with the Rockies will carry over to his new club - and so far it has. After finishing the 2012 season in fourth place, the Pirates have emerged as the best team in the NL Central, currently tied with the Cardinals for the best record in all of baseball. Timely hitting and a stellar bullpen have been the key to the Pirates' success as the club does not have a hitter batting over .300 or a pitcher with more than seven wins.