N.L. Central

CHICAGO CUBS

FIRST HALF SURPRISE: 1B Derrek Lee always has had solid numbers, but he has exceeded expectations this season. A sore left shoulder slowed him before the break, but he's incredibly durable and it shouldn't hinder him in the second half. Opponents used to be able to get Lee out with inside pitches, but he has learned to bring his hands inside more so he's not prone to striking out. Lee spent time during spring training working on maintaining a solid base with his lower body. He still hits to all fields even though he is pulling the ball more this season. SECOND HALF SLEEPER: RHP Jerome Williams easily slipped into the rotation in late June and could pay big dividends in the second half. Williams had reported to spring training with the Giants out of shape because of family issues. Dealt to the Cubs on May 28, he went to Class AAA and got in shape. He's a perfect fit in Wrigley Field because of his sinker.--Carrie Muskat

CINCINNATI REDS

FIRST HALF SURPRISE: The Reds were counting on LHP Eric Milton to be a rock in the front of the rotation, but Milton hit rock bottom instead. His ERA soared to 7.97 in mid-June, and he seemed to lose confidence. Just before the break, though, Milton began using the lower half of his body more to drive harder to the plate. He picked up velocity and put together two good starts. That tweak should help Milton, who has allowed 29 home runs, put together a much better second half. SECOND HALF SLEEPER: RHP Matt Belisle was used in a number of roles-short relief, long relief, starter-in the first half. Now he's expected to take over the closer's job, which sat empty for more than a month after RHP Danny Graves' departure. Beliste, 25, certainly has the intensity and enthusiasm-not to mention the stuff-for the job. He just needs time to get accustomed to closing and to keep his emotions in check on the mound. --Anthony Castrovince

HOUSTON ASTROS

FIRST HALF SURPRISE: CF Willy Taveras has some work to do before he'll be completely comfortable hitting big-league pitching, but in the meantime, his speed masks a lot of his shortcomings. He already has set the club record for infield singles, and he's good at bunting his way on base. Taveras should be even better in the second half, considering his confidence level is growing and he's getting better at recognizing good pitches to hit. His defense also should improve now that he has had time to adjust to how much faster balls are hit to the outfield. SECOND HALF SLEEPER: LHP Wandy Rodriguez already is at an advantage because he recognizes that he gets rattled too easily after he gives up a home run early in an inning. He has made strides with his changeup, and he always has been confident in his curveball. Once he gains better control over his two-seamer, he should hit a stride. He will begin the second half of the season as the No. 5 starter.--Alyson Footer

MILWAUKEE BREWERS

FIRST HALF SURPRISE: Pitching coach Mike Maddux engineered a series of minor mechanical adjustments in spring training that has RHP Derrick Turnbow consistently throwing strikes with his 97- to 99-mph fastball for the first time in his career. The Angels castoff emerged as the closer in late April, recording a 2.41 ERA and saving 17 of his first 19 chances. Even if opponents get a better scouting report on Turnbow in the second half, his power fastball, prototype build and mentality could get him by. So far, he shows no signs of wearing down. SECOND HALF SLEEPER: The only place for SS JJ. Hardy to go is up. After an awful offensive start to his rookie year, he is fully recovered from last season's shoulder surgery and has started taking more aggressive swings. He recently has received more playing time and has increased his on-base percentage in each of the past three months. The team believes Hardy might become an All-Star if he becomes more consistent at the plate.--Adam McCalvy

PITTSBURGH PIRATES

FIRST HALF SURPRISE: After nearly being beaten out for a spot in the rotation during spring training by prospect LHP Zach Duke, LHP Dave Williams has emerged as one of the Pirates' most reliable players in the first half. Williams was impressive as a rookie in 2001 but had his career sidetracked by shoulder surgery the next season. Healthy for the first time in three years, Williams has regained velocity on his fastball, which gets on hitters quickly despite being only 90 mph because he hides the ball well during his delivery. SECOND HALF SLEEPER: Rookie C/OF Ryan Doumit did not get much regular playing time in the first half, but that should change. Doumit, a switch hitter, has the potential to be a run producer for a team in desperate need of pop. The team will use the second half to determine whether Doumit has the defensive ability to be an everyday catcher in the majors, but he'll also get more playing time in the outfield if RF Matt Lawton is traded.--Ed Eagle

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS

FIRST HALF SURPRISE: Considering RF Larry Walker entered the year with a career .314 average, his first half struggles were unexpected. He has had his usual share of injuries, though cortisone treatments near the spine appear to have helped the pain caused by a herniated disk. Manager Tony La Russa will spot Walker in the second half to keep him fresh. As long as he can stay relatively healthy, look for at least a partial rebound by Walker, who entered the week hitting .391 in July. SECOND HALF SLEEPER: RHP Cal Eldred still is working his way back into more important relief work after missing much of the first half with a viral infection in the lining of his heart. When Eldred is right, he can get a strikeout in a key spot; that's a contrast from other Cardinals relievers such as RHPs Julian Tavarez and Brad Thompson, who rely on getting ground balls. Eldred, a longtime starter, has gotten more and more comfortable pitching in relief over the past few years.--Matthew Leach

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