The Dodger's first half in one image. AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian.

The Dodgers start the second half of their season at division leading Arizona tonight. Every team in the NL West is under .500, and it's not inconceivable to see the NL West Champion to be under .500. The second half of the baseball season is not going to be pretty for the Dodgers. With closer Takashi Saito out for what the team says is six to eight weeks (but realistically Saito will never pitch for the Dodgers again), Andruw Jones and Mark Sweeney on track to have the worst offensive seasons ever and the offense running on fumes, it would seem the Dodgers have no chance of making it to the playoffs. But pathetically enough the Dodgers have a real shot of winning the division then being swept in the first round of the playoffs. I would say the Dodgers need to make a deal by the trading deadline but given GM Ned Colletti's track record it's just as well they stand pat. Immodium AD anyone?

The Angels meanwhile are also in a horrible division, but at least they're good. They go into the second half of the season tied for the best record in baseball despite an offense that really isn't any better than the Dodgers. The key for them has been pitching. Their starting pitching has been lights out, their middle relief has been good and to close things out Francisco Rodriguez is on track to shatter the single season record for saves. While it's likely their pitching will tire out, the Angels need to get their hitters on track. That means Vladimir Guerrero, Torii Hunter and Garrett Anderson need to start swinging more consistently. If that happens, it'll be hard not to picture them in the Fall Classic.

Meanwhile Chivas USA beat Santos Laguna 1-0 Wednesday night in Superliga action making their record 1-1 in the first round. It also makes Sunday's match against the New England Revolution at Titan Stadium in Cal State Fullerton a must win to advance to the next round of action. The winner of this second annual Superliga tournament will take home $1 million, the largest purse in North American soccer history.

Tonight's Action

Boston Red Sox at LA Angels. The Angels start the second half of the season with a showdown between teams with arguably the most annoying fans. Clay Buchholz takes the hill for the Sox against John Lackey. 7:05 pm FSN West, AM 830 KLAA.

LA Dodgers at Arizona Diamondbacks. Hiroki Kuroda will take the hill hoping to maintain his dominance against Doug Davis. 6:40 pm KCAL9, AM 790 KABC.