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HOT: Atlanta Braves

The Braves are winners of seven in a row and have taken the first game against the Diamondbacks, which may be a preview of the NL Championship series. To win the first game, they managed to beat Curt Shilling. This is a great team that has superb pitching and 1-5 in the order can produce runs. Since May 15, they have won more than 75 percent of their games. They look like the clear favorite to win the NL title.

NOT: Los Angeles Dodgers

The world is falling down on the Dodgers and all they have is a beach umbrella to cover themselves. From bad calls by the officials to a starting staff that has lost the magic they had in the first half, they have totally collapsed. Maybe they were overachieving in the first half, but the effort is not there anymore. Everyone is standing around waiting for someone else to do something. The team concept that Jim Tracey strongly emphasized is slipping away in Dodger town.

HOT: Anaheim Angels

The Angels have a 1.5-game lead in the AL Wild Card race. They are also 1.5 games back of the Mariners for the AL West lead. They have a team batting average of .287, which is tied for third in the league. Mike Scioscia has his team pointed in the right direction, and here is to hoping they keep it up.

NOT: Scott Rolen

Blame it on Philly, that was Scott Rolen's motto. Now that he is out of Philly, his numbers have gone from bad to worse. Since joining the Cardinals, he is batting 4-27 (.148). Rolen will probably come around, but so far, it appears the pressure of performing has gotten to the 27-year-old third baseman.

HOT: Minnesota Twins

The Twins have a 16-game lead in the AL Central division, and they have the third best record in the American League. Not bad for a team that has been in talks to be contracted. Management has told Bud Selig they're worried they won't be able to afford their top players next year. It is a shame; a great young team like this can be good for a long time.

NOT: Labor Talks, Possible Strike

If there ever was a time for MLB not to strike, it is now. The game does not need much help to be successful, but fans do not want to hear about labor talks and strikes. Do they really think an average fan can relate to either side of these labor talks? Imagine a gardener, who makes $7 dollars an hour in the Arizona heat -- really, can relate to the millions that are being discussed?

The way an average fan sees it is that both sides are millionaires. How does one even complain about money once they are a millionaire? A strike will put this sport back into the depths of popularity and a lot of the fans will not come back.

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