World Series champ Royals in limbo as second half begins (Yahoo Sports)

The World Series champion Royals are stuck in no-man's land, close enough to contention to keep fighting yet far enough behind the race that going all-in at the trade deadline would be a fool's gambit. The Royals entered the All-Star break at 45-43, seven games out of first place in the AL Central. The Royals' season so far has been one of wild mood swings, soaring through a five-game win streak, then scuffling through eight straight losses, only to reel off five more wins in quick succession.