The All-Star break is here, so it's time to take a look at how the boys in blue have performed during the first half of the season.
A
Andre Ethier - 'Dre has made the most out of some quirky lineups, as he has 55 RBIs. For much of the season, he led the NL in that category, only to let the lead slip away at the end.
Jerry Hairston, Jr. - Mr. Versatility has played all four infield position and left field, and is hitting .297. He's made some great plays at the hot corner as well.
A.J. Ellis - Who would've thought he would be even somewhat of a threat at the plate? His .404 OBP ranks him fifth in the NL, and his 22 men caught stealing puts him fourth in all of baseball.
Clayton Kershaw - While the numbers aren't quite as eye-popping as last year's Cy Young campaign at 6-5, a 2.91 ERA and 119 K's is still awesome.
Chris Capuano - Signed to anchor the bottom of the rotation, he's pitched like an ace by going 9-4 with a 2.91 ERA and 100 K's.
Kenley Jansen - Took over the closer's role from Javy Guerra and has looked better and better with each appearance. Has 15 saves, including 9 straight, and hasn't blown once since the end of May.
Ronald Belisario - Went from the forgotten man to a filthy setup man. In 29 1/3 innings, has 10 holds and 24 strikeouts to go along with a 1.53 ERA.
Scott Elbert - Just slips into this column thanks to numbers that have consistently improved as the season has worn on. Plus, has the tough job of being the only lefty in the 'pen, which adds to the pressure a little more.
B
Matt Kemp - It's almost unfair to say that anything he does isn't "A" worthy, but he's only appeared in 36 of the 87 games thanks to hamstring issues. But with numbers like a .355 AVG, 12 homers and 28 RBIs, it's easy to see why he'll be back on top in no time.
Bobby Abreu - The old man deserves lots of credit. Signed after being castoff by the Angels, he's already played in 55 games and is hitting .272 with a .371 OBP. With all of the outfield injuries, he's been huge, really.
Mark Ellis - Another one who would've been an "A," but a leg injury has limited him to 41 games. He has Abreu-like numbers at .271 and .371, and is invaluable in the #2 spot in the order.
Elian Herrera - His numbers have really taken a hit lately, but he's come out of nowhere to be practically be an everyday player. Has already played every outfield position, and second, third, and short.
Josh Lindblom - Went from being nearly sent back down after Spring Training, to being the top setup man, to slipping a little lately. Still, a 3.07 ERA and 13 holds is great for a guy who wasn't considered even an option in the bullpen to start the season.
Ted Lilly - A shoulder injury has limited him to eight starts, but is 5-1 with a 3.14 ERA. Hopefully will be back in action soon now that he's throwing again.
Aaron Harang - His numbers might not be worth this spot, but as someone who was looked upon to be the #5 starter, is 6-5 with a 3.51 ERA. Not too shabby.
Nathan Eovaldi - Was practically robbed of a win, any win, through his first five starts. Got rocked in two starts after that, but rebounded for his first win against the Diamondbacks on July 5. Has filled in quite well for the injured Lilly after starting the season at Triple-A.
C
Juan Rivera - Is close to an "A" since he can play both outfield and first base, but in 179 at-bats, only has 11 extra-base hits (3 homers, 8 doubles). Plus a .257 average isn't that great.
Dee Gordon - Take away his speed, and he's pretty bad. Has a .229 AVG, .280 OBP, and 17 errors. But those 30 stolen bases lead the majors, and those can't be ignored.
Javy Guerra - Came into the season as the closer, but lost that spot thanks to a rough end of April and beginning of May. Missed most of June with a knee injury, but has since returned and will look to be a top setup man.
Jamey Wright - Has toggled between long reliever and regular reliever with mixed results. Hasn't been terrible, but not exactly good either with a 3.79 ERA and 1.54 WHIP in 29 games.
D
Adam Kennedy - Plays many different positions, which is always good. But, with a .228 average at the plate, hasn't given much of any help on that side of the field.
Matt Treanor - Granted, has only played in 19 games since A.J. Ellis appears in so many, but is still only hitting .224.
Scott Van Slyke - Another one with a small sample size. Did have an awesome go-ahead, three-run shot to defeat the Cardinals back in May. Other than that... not much. .167 with 2 home runs and 7 RBIs for a big guy like him needs to improve.
Tony Gwynn - For a guy with good speed, only has a .240 AVG and .288 OBP. He's also 10-16 in stolen bases, which isn't awful, but not very good either.
Chad Billingsley - Gets an "F" for the way he constantly blows leads in the middle innings. His 100 strikeouts in 104 2/3 innings shows he can get it done, but at 4-9 with a 4.30 ERA, reminds us all how he can't be relied upon.
F
Juan Uribe - I'm a firm believer that he's the worst starter in all of baseball. True, he does play good defense at third, which nobody is taking away from him. But with a .194 AVG, 1 homer, and 13 RBIs in 45 games, has to be in serious danger of being DFA'd. And that wouldn't be a bad thing at all.
Todd Coffey - Gave the Dodgers practically nothing out of the 'pen, other than watching small deficits turn into big ones with a 4.66 ERA. Is now lost for the season and then some with Tommy John surgery.
Mike MacDougal - Remember him? Had great numbers last year, signed a one-year deal, and proceeded to absolutely suck with a 7.94 ERA and 2.65 WHIP in seven games. I think it's safe to say the Dodgers made the right call in releasing him and bringing Belisario back.
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