Texas continues to hang strong with a powerful offense and a pitching staff that is performing above expectations. Sluggers Hank Blalock, Mark Texiera, and Michael Young insure that the Rangers will score a lot of runs. Young, who won the All-Star MVP a few weeks ago, is providing plenty of pop at the plate while playing a solid shortstop. Texiera has had a slow first half, but figures to get untracked as the weather in Dallas heats up.

The Angels’ pitching, led by staff ace John Lackey, has been solid since early June and seems to be getting better. Rookie Jared Weaver, brother of veteran hurler Jeff Weaver, has been phenomenal. Weaver has come out of obscurity to win his first seven starts, the first rookie pitcher to do that since Fernando Valenzuela way back in 1981. If Weaver can hold up in the heat of August, not to mention a tight pennant chase, the Angels could surprise everyone by winning the division again.

Seattle is not that far back and, with the addition of one more big bat, could catapult into the thick of the race as well.

In the National League West things are equally competitive. San Diego is up by a half game over the Giants and Arizona is only a game back. All five teams in the division are within five games of first place.

Most folks predicted San Diego to win this division, which many consider to be the weakest in baseball. Last season, the Padres finished first, although the team finished the regular season only two games over .500. San Diego is not much improved and the Padres figure to be challenged strongly by either San Francisco or Arizona. The Dodgers are also in the mix.

The Giants started slow with Barry Bonds suffering through one injury after another. San Francisco weathered all this and is now playing better. Bonds is still a major offensive threat and the Giants just added the bat of Sean Hillenbrand. Hillenbrand is a veteran who still has a .300 bat and can play first or third.

Arizona is a team that mystifies most experts. The Diamondbacks have talent at the top of the pitching rotation but not much beyond that. The bullpen is weak, especially in middle relief. Arizona’s offense, other than Luis Gonzalez, is also inconsistent. Still, the Diamondbacks have managed to stay close to the top of the division and, with a savvy trade before the deadline, could manage to challenge for the title.

The Dodgers took over first place briefly in early July, then went into a tailspin right after the All-Star break. Los Angeles is a hard team to figure out. The Dodgers probably have the most talent in the division, but seem unable to put together a strong drive toward the top of the division.

Colorado is much improved but still has a long ways to go.

Topping the list of players likely to be traded is Alfonso Soriano of the Nationals. Soriano is a power hitter with speed and figures to be traded to a contender before the end of July. He could certainly help anyone, especially on offense. The Yankees, Angels, and Red Sox are all active in the chase for Soriano.

Philadelphia’s Bobby Abreu is also a hot prospect on the trading block. The Cardinals have expressed strong interest in landing Abreu and are in need of a strong left handed bat.

How will these tight races play out in September? Where will Soriano and Abreu end up? Stay tuned.