5. San Diego Padres: 24-46 (18.5GB)
The Padres have struggled tremendously this season with one of the worst records in baseball. This is largely due to their lack of offensive production, as Chase Headley leads every hitting category for them and is hitting a dismal .267 with 7 home runs. Hopefully, the Padres can bounce back after the All-Star break or they could start flirting with a 100-loss season.
4. Colorado Rocky Mountains: 25-42 (16 GB)
The Rockies are seriously underperforming this 2012 MLB season. It’s pretty bewildering how they fall out of the top ten in the MLB in every major batting category, including 3rd in both runs scored and slugging percentage; however, they are 17 games under 500. Losing star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki hasn’t helped their cause, as he’s the anchor of Colorado’s infield. With outstanding play from the division-leading Dodgers and second-place Giants, it’s going to be an uphill battle for the Rockies for the duration of this season.
3. Arizona Diamonds: 34-35 (8GB)
The Diamondbacks are a team that is still very much alive in the race for the NL West, trailing only the Giants by 3.5 games. His mediocre record is due in large part to the absence of shortstop Stephen Drew, who should soon be activated from the disabled list. One bright spot has been the play of pitcher Wade Miley, who currently posts a phenomenal 2.30 ERA. Also, second baseman Aaron Hill is off to a great start, hitting .291 and leading the team with 10 home runs and an .868 OPS. If the Giants or Dodgers start losing games, look to Arizona to capitalize and make a run for it in a playoff appearance.
2. San Francisco Giants: 38-32 (4.5GB)
Just one season shy of being World Series champions, the Giants have performed better of late, cutting their deficit in the NL West to 4.5 games. The Giant’s success is the product of great play by catcher Buster Posey who leads the team in home runs (8) and RBIs (36) as well as left fielder Melky Cabrera who is currently hitting .363. Cabrera has one of the highest batting averages in the National League, and if he can continue this play, he could even be in the running for National League MVP. However, Matt Kemp will have something to say about it.
1. Los Angeles Dodgers: 42-27
Amazing to much of the baseball world this season, the Dodgers currently have the best record in the MLB. In their first year under new ownership, the Dodgers have played outstanding defense and have allowed just 243 runs thus far. 2011 National League MVP runner-up Matt Kemp played outstandingly this season, and despite missing significant time due to injury, still leads the team with 12 home runs. Defending NL Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw is following up his award-winning season with a 2.75 ERA and 95 strikeouts. If his game continues, the Dodgers should make a deep run through October.