surprise, surprise

Two of the biggest surprises of the first half in MLB are Cleveland and Pittsburgh. And, yes, there are Mississippi connections of note in both clubhouses. Pascagoula native and former Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College star Tony Sipp has posted a 2.72 ERA, 17 holds and a 4-1 record as a lefty relief specialist for the Indians, who are 47-42 and battling for first place in the American League Central. For the Pirates, 47-43 at the break and just a game off the pace in the National League Central, the managerial work of Clint Hurdle has been a key in this moribund club’s sudden ascent. Hurdle, a former Jackson Mets manager, took Colorado to the 2007 World Series. He’s a vocal, take-charge, no-nonsense kind of guy, and his style seems to have perked up the Bucs at long last. Former Mississippi State ace Paul Maholm has won three of his last four starts to help in Pittsburgh’s climb. He has a 2.96 ERA but just a 6-9 record; he hasn’t gotten consistent run support from what is a young lineup. And then there’s Alex Presley, the Ole Miss product who recently got the call from Triple-A and has hit .365 with a homer, six RBIs and nine runs in 13 games. Pittsburgh has a tough decision to make when injured Jose Tabata, the regular left fielder, returns after the break.