MLB

As we approach the midway point of the 2013 MLB season, a good deal has already been established as far as which players are in for big seasons and which teams look ready to contend for a postseason spot.

It's likely that at the beginning of the 2013 season, no one would have assumed that starting pitchers Bartolo Colon of the Oakland Athletics and Hisashi Iwakuma of the Seattle Mariners would be anchoring their pitching staffs.

Though he won both of them, Gerrit Cole barely looked like a major league-caliber pitcher in the first two starts of his career.

After a while it must get kind of old hat for Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout.

You know, another great defensive play, he trends on Twitter.

Big deal, right?

The New York Mets pulled a game closer to the rival Philadelphia Phillies with a 4-3 win on Friday night, but umpire Adrian Johnson didn't make it easy for them.

Don't look now, but the Los Angeles Dodgers are starting to get healthy. The latest news, coming courtesy of the team on Twitter, has Matt Kemp getting ready to begin a rehab assignment this weekend. 

MLB umpire Angel Hernandez has committed several notorious errors this season. On Friday night, Buck Showalter became the latest manager to express his displeasure with him.

The 57-year-old skipper yelled and gestured his way to an ejection in the top of the second inning.

When New York Yankees star Robinson Cano ditched agent Scott Boras for Jay-Z several months ago, there was understandable optimism that he would consent to a long-term contract extension.

If you had to sum up the 2013 Seattle Mariners in one word as we approach the end of June, which one would you choose?

Disappointing?

Underwhelming?

Predictable?

For a team still searching for answers, it's hard to stay positive these days.  

The Texas Rangers (42-32) defeated the St. Louis Cardinals (47-37) 6-4 at Busch Stadium on Friday night.

Neal Cotts (4-1) earned the win in relief, Trevor Rosenthal (1-1) suffered his first loss and Joe Nathan tallied his 23rd save of the season.

Nelson Cruz led the way with three RBI and Derek Holland recovered from a rough start to throw seven innings and receive a no-decision.