First order of business: Kevin DiCostanzo was named AL Rookie of the Month for the second straight month despite a rough 3-game stretch in which he allowed six runs.
Finally a bit of separation thanks to the sweep of Boston as the Sox have been worthy opponents this year. Expansion San Antonio (OK, it's been 8 years), is having its best season so far.
This is the most by which the actual record has exceeded the Pythagorean record (6 games) that I can remember in this save with out 15-6 record in one-run games the largest contributor. The bullpen has been very good this year and our run prevention is excellent. The offense is decent but a bit spotty, especially as we have two lineup spots (Gutierrez in CF and Seise at 3B with sub-.600 OPSes) that are black holes.
Wander continues to do Wander things, Ed Howard has had a brilliant comeback season, and JT Realmuto has been productive despite missing 30+ games. But after breakout seasons last year, Joshua Baez and Kelly Crumpton have been a bit disappointing and Dong-hwan Kim has been a bit down as well. I'm hoping for some second-half positive regression but I may seek a bat late in the month if things don't pick up.
Few complaints about the pitching as Joe Marlette has given us a 1B starter to go with Hays (who albeit has been a bit homer-prone) and Shane Panzini has taken a step forward this year. Robinson Ortiz has been kind of lousy this year although he did come through with a fine start against Boston. I have veteran Seth Elledge at Durham and if Ortiz continues to struggle I could make a switch.
Still we're on a 112/113-win pace here so it's been a great first half and if not for those pesky Red Sox we'd be running away with the division.