First-Half Headscratchers

We're just over half way through a fantastic baseball season that has seen its share of shocks and surprises:

• Pablo Sandoval--I certainly didn't think Kung Fu Panda was as good as his 2009 numbers, but this year's pefrormace is criminal. Through Sunday, Sandoval is choking down a .322 onbase percentage and a .382 slugging percentage (not to mention a few too many chili dogs). The Panda has become an out-making machine, which of course makes his awful defense look that much worse.
• The Chicago White Sox--As much as it pains me to say it, Ozzie Guillen is doing a great job this year. He must be! How else could his team be in 1st place with the worthless Juan Pierre in LF (from an offensive standpoint, maybe the worst everyday corner outfielder in the history of baseball), the ancient Omar Vizquel (with his weak bat and weaker arm) at 3B, Gordon "I hit my head and forgot how to play baseball" Beckham at 2B, plus the usual cast of offensive liabilities (A.J. Pierzynski, Mark Kotsay, etc). Yes, the pitching has been good, but not THAT good. Personally, I had the ChiSox penciled in for sub-.500 in 2010. For the record, I also thought Clear Pepsi was a good idea, so what the hell do I know?
• The Promotion of Pedro Alvarez--Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled to see Alvarez in the majors. However, bringing him up to face two LHP in his first two games seemed like the ideal recipe for a slow start. Couldn't the Pirates have pulled the trigger a few days later?
• The Firing of Fredi Gonzalez--Maybe Hanley Ramirez walked in one day and said "him or me." Anything short of that, and the Marlins made a big mistake by chopping Gonzalez. Their loss will likely be the Braves gain in 2011.