Bodog Beat

The Texas Rangers will need Josh Hamilton to hang with the Los Angeles Angels in the second half. (AP Images)

Grade A-: The Los Angeles Angels reached the break in first place for the fourth time in the past five seasons after completing a sweep of the Yankees. L.A. is listed at +1300 to win the World Series.

Grade B+: The Texas Rangers finished the first half nine games above .500 at 48-39 and are in second place in the American League West, 1½ games behind the Los Angeles Angels. It will be a three-team battle among the playoff-savvy Angels, the pitching-rich Mariners and the self-confident Rangers.

Grade C: Seattle won three of four against the Texas Rangers to improve to 46-42 heading into the All-Star break. They were 37-58 at the break last season.

Grade D: The Oakland A’s last went into the All-Star break with a sub .500 record during the 1999 season. They're also in the AL West cellar for the first time since '97.

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