Top 5: surprises not named Lee, Garland or Rogers

1 SS Felipe Lopez, Reds. Lopez established himself as the N.L.'s most productive shortstop after injuries hit Cincinnati's middle infield early in the season. A .242 hitter in 2004, Lopez is at .298 this year and has set career highs in home runs and RBIs. He should be the Reds' All-Star representative.

2 RHP Todd Jones, Marlins, Jones, who had three saves from 2002-04, filled in more than capably while Guillermo Mota (elbow) was on the D.L. With 11 saves in his first 13 chances, Jones now is Florida's main ninth-inning option. He isn't overpowering, but he throws strikes and challenges hitters.

3 IF/OF Rob Mackowiak, Pirates. The Bucs' utilityman is hitting .324, 72 points higher than the .252 career average he carried into the season. He also has a .895 on-base/slugging percentage. Improved patience at the plate has helped Mackowiak see better pitches and draw more walks.

4 RHP Jesse Crain, Twins. Crain has made a top-notch bullpen even better by going 6-0 with an 0.61 ERA in 32 games. He throws a mid-90s fastball, a curve and a slider. The two earned runs he has allowed this season came in the same game.

5 RHP Brett Myers, Phillies. Using his old windup, Myers has lowered his ERA from 5.52 last season to 2.19 and nearly has doubled his strikeout rate. He'll take on an even larger role in the Phils' rotation with Randy Wolf (elbow) likely out for the season and Vicente Padilla (elbow) still iffy.

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