In our first segment, I reviewed my top five stories thus far during this baseball season. However, there are plenty of others worthy of mentioning. Let’s swing away!

6.Nate McLouth’s meteoric rise to stardom. Now you might ask who the heck is Nate McLouth? Only one of the most productive center fielders this season. The fourth-year Pirate has gone from obscurity to front and center exploding for 13 homers and 41 runs knocked in along with over a .300 average. Before this season, the 26 year-old from Michigan had totaled 25 homers and 66 RBI’s in his first 284 games. He’s already matched the amount of long balls he hit last year and established a new career best in RBI’s, three better than 2007. Not bad for a former 2000 25th round pick. It helps explain why the Pirates are scoring more this season with McLouth headlining a lineup which includes NL All-Star Jason Bay and slugging right fielder/first baseman Xavier Nady.

7.Cliff Lee’s amazing turnaround. A year ago, the Cleveland southpaw struggled so badly with injuries that he was sent down to Triple-A Rochester. In 2008, here he is leading the AL in wins (8) and ERA (1.87) while walking just 10 in 72 innings with opponents batting .225. Just remember. He came over as part of the Bartolo Colon trade to the then Expos orchestrated by current Mets GM Omar Minaya. Also included in it were center fielder Grady Sizemore and current Reds star second baseman Brandon Phillips.

8.If Josh Hamilton’s rise has been fun to watch, what of the pitcher he was dealt for who’s suddenly the best starter this season? Ex-Ranger product Edinson Volquez has been brilliant thus far posting a major league best 1.46 ERA while winning seven of 11 starts and fanning an NL-leading 83 in 68 frames. Opponents hit just .197 against the 24 year-old from Santo Domingo. Awesome trade for both teams.

9.Carlos Quentin went from crowded Arizona to the White Sox and now is performing up to capability leading the charge offensively for Ozzie Guillen’s first place club. Consider that the former Diamondbacks’ 2003 first rounder had 14 combined homers the last two seasons. Yet already in 54 games entering yesterday he had the same amount which up till Hamilton’s solo blast Sunday was tied for the AL lead. He also had 48 RBI’s trailing just the Texas center fielder. So far, that deal has worked out extremely well for Ken Williams, who dealt away first base prospect Christopher Carter.

10.The Marlins have dropped consecutive series losing two of three to both the Mets and Phillies to fall a half game out of first. However, their surprising play which still has them seven over .500 can’t be overstated. Even after unloading Miguel Cabrera and Dontrelle Willis to underachieving Detroit, the majors lowest payroll is playing solid ball. Led by shortstop Hanley Ramirez and certain second base All-Star Dan Uggla whose 16 dingers rank third behind Chase Utley and Houston slugger Lance Berkman, the Marlins are winning their share of games. Ex-Met Mike Jacobs’ improvement (13 HR, 33 RBI’s) has bolstered the lineup as has Cody Ross’ power surge (10 homers). Scott Olsen has bounced back to anchor the staff and Kevin Gregg has done an admirable job closing games. Can they stay up in the mix with the Phils, resurgent Mets and maybe the Braves? We’ll have a better idea come mid-July.