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In the immortal words of Buddy Bell, "Don't ever say it can't get worse.''

That was among the pearls of wisdom tossed around in dugouts in the first half of a 2006 season that was full of highs and lows. Other memorable lines included the classic, "Can anyone make a play out there?'' uttered by Minnesota's Kyle Lohse shortly before he was shipped to Triple-A, and Michael Barrett's confession, "I do feel sorry for the kids that were watching.''

In fairness, Barrett was referring to the right jab he landed on A.J. Pierzynski's chin on May 20, but it works well as a blanket description for the Cubs' overall play.

Here's hoping fans in places like Kansas City, Pittsburgh and on the north side of Chicago will enjoy the second half of '06 better than the first. You know it's going to be a blast for fans in places like Boston, New York, Detroit and -- now we're grasping at straws -- San Diego?

Your 30-team glance ahead to the second half:

RECORD: 53-36 | NL RUNS SCORED: 1st | NL ERA: 2nd | REMAINING SKED

New York Mets On pace to win the division by 21 games with 96 wins, the Mets are the one New York team that can cruise. But look for GM Omar Minaya to make at least one or two deals as he tries to improve his pitching staff. Livan Hernandez is a possibility to join his half brother, Orlando, in a rotation that has seen constant change behind Tom Glavine, Pedro Martinez and Steve Trachsel. FORECAST:

RECORD: 40-47 | NL RUNS SCORED: 7th | NL ERA: 12th | REMAINING SKED

Philadelphia Phillies GM Pat Gillick insists that he's not about to pull the plug on Charlie Manuel, but the manager's status figures to be an ongoing story line. The Phillies must resolve the ugly Brett Myers situation and could finally trade Bobby Abreu or Pat Burrell as they start their 2007 planning. FORECAST:

RECORD: 40-49 | NL RUNS SCORED: t-4th | NL ERA: 9th | REMAINING SKED

Atlanta Braves While the Braves know the odds are stacked against continuing their run of 14 consecutive division titles, they point out they're only 6½ out in the wild-card standings. If manager Bobby Cox gets his team off to a good start after the break, GM John Schuerholz might add -- not subtract -- parts at the trade deadline. Either way, John Smoltz isn't going anywhere and Schuerholz would have to be blown away with an offer to deal Andruw Jones. FORECAST:

RECORD: 38-48 | NL RUNS SCORED: 12th | NL ERA: 6th | REMAINING SKED

Florida Marlins Manager Joe Girardi and his coaches continue to conduct daily classes of Big League 101 for a team devoid of veterans. With Yusmeiro Petit replacing Brian Moehler in the rotation, Florida's starting pitchers have an average age of 22.4. They'll continue auditioning impressive arms as circumstances allow, with Renyel Pinto next in line. FORECAST:

RECORD: 38-52 | NL RUNS SCORED: 14th | NL ERA: 14th | REMAINING SKED

Washington Nationals GM Jim Bowden has the cell phone every contending GM needs on his speed dial. Frank Robinson's team is predictably going nowhere and has some intriguing veterans available for trades, including Alfonso Soriano -- now a consideration as an outfielder and a second baseman -- Livan Hernandez and Jose Guillen. Bullpen arms Mike Stanton, Gary Majewski and Jon Rauch could also create interest. FORECAST:

RECORD: 48-39 | NL RUNS SCORED: t-4th | NL ERA: 8th | REMAINING SKED

St. Louis Cardinals So much for coasting through the regular season. A 6-13 stretch to finish the first half exposed the need for GM Walt Jocketty to improve -- if not overhaul -- the starting rotation, as Chris Carpenter is the only Cardinal to make more than six starts and keep his ERA below 5.00. Last week's move to put Jeff Weaver in Sidney Ponson's place is a cosmetic change. Serious work lies ahead if the Cards are to get deep into the playoffs. FORECAST:

RECORD: 45-44 | NL RUNS SCORED: 3rd | NL ERA: 11th | REMAINING SKED

Cincinnati Reds The break arrived at the right time for Jerry Narron's team, which slid four games behind St. Louis because of an overmatched bullpen. First-year GM Wayne Krivsky has ownership's backing to add parts, and relief pitching is a huge need. FORECAST:

RECORD: 44-46 | NL RUNS SCORED: t-9th | NL ERA: 16th | REMAINING SKED

Milwaukee Brewers Like Cincinnati, Milwaukee finds itself unexpectedly in the mix of National League contenders. The Brewers hope to get a lift by the return of Ben Sheets, Tomo Ohka and, at some point, shortstop J.J. Hardy. But owner Mark Attanasio is looking for a splash, which could mean a trade for Greg Maddux. FORECAST:

RECORD: 43-46 | NL RUNS SCORED: 13th | NL ERA: 7th | REMAINING SKED

Houston Astros These guys hope history can repeat itself, as they salvaged wild-card spots with a 48-26 second half in 2004 and 45-30 second half in '05. It's not going to happen unless they can figure out why Andy Pettitte and Brad Lidge are getting beaten around like piñatas. GM Tim Purpura is looking for a hitter who can protect Lance Berkman. FORECAST:

RECORD: 34-54 | NL RUNS SCORED: 16th | NL ERA: 13th | REMAINING SKED

Chicago Cubs A managerial change appears inevitable, but GM Jim Hendry didn't have a successor in place so Dusty Baker has had to keep showing up. An overhaul of the coaching staff, or an outright revolt, could follow Baker's dismissal, complicating the situation for Hendry. Once the manager's situation has been addressed -- Lou Piniella is the automatic rumor -- Hendry can get on to moving veterans like Greg Maddux, Scott Williamson and Todd Walker to contenders. FORECAST:

RECORD: 30-60 | NL RUNS SCORED: t-9th | NL ERA: 15th | REMAINING SKED

Pittsburgh Pirates The one sure thing is a 14th consecutive losing season, only two shy of the all-time mark set by the Philadelphia Phillies (1933-48). This is also likely to be Pittsburgh's first 100-loss season under GM Dave Littlefield, who took over after former GM Cam Bonifay's team lost 100 in 2001. Kip Wells should help matters some in the second half, but Littlefield must consider offers for a corps of bullpen veterans, including Damaso Marte, Salomon Torres and Roberto Hernandez. FORECAST:

RECORD: 48-40 | NL RUNS SCORED: 15th | NL ERA: 1st | REMAINING SKED

San Diego Padres A 5-1 trip to Philadelphia and Washington lifted spirits and created a two-game cushion at the break, but hatches are battened for the second half. The best sign of all is that they took the division lead with Jake Peavy going 4-8. A turnaround by Peavy is crucial as executives with other team wonder whether GM Kevin Towers has the commitment from ownership to add reinforcements. FORECAST:

RECORD: 46-42 | NL RUNS SCORED: 2nd | NL ERA: 5th | REMAINING SKED

Los Angeles Dodgers Rafael Furcal, considered by many a free-agent bust, is on pace to score 116 runs. That speaks volumes about a team that has a lot of upward mobility. If Jeff Kent comes close to form and Nomar Garciaparra stays healthy, they'll be tough to keep out of the playoffs even without Eric Gagne and a thin starting rotation. GM Ned Colletti has a stable of coveted prospects to help him fill needs through trades. FORECAST:

RECORD: 45-44 | NL RUNS SCORED: 8th | NL ERA: 4th | REMAINING SKED

San Francisco Giants For all the talk about Barry Bonds' health and legal problems, this team's biggest problem is its pitching (Francisco Liriano, Joe Nathan and Boof Bonser) that GM Brian Sabean traded for catcher A.J. Pierzynski three years ago. The Giants are old and probably going nowhere. But they're also alive in the playoff picture, which will make it tough for Sabean to know whether to trade Jason Schmidt, who could be next winter's top free agent pitcher. FORECAST:

RECORD: 44-43 | NL RUNS SCORED: t-9th | NL ERA: 3rd | REMAINING SKED

Colorado Rockies Like the Brewers and Reds, they offer a nice story line. A serious playoff run isn't out of the question given how they're finally winning on the road and pitching better at home. Don't expect major help, as GM Dan O'Dowd isn't going to give up top prospects, but he'd like to find another bargain or two like Josh Fogg and Jose Mesa. FORECAST:

RECORD: 43-45 | NL RUNS SCORED: 6th | NL ERA: 10th | REMAINING SKED

Arizona Diamondbacks A 3-20 stretch set Arizona back, but hasn't wiped the Diamondbacks out of contention in the balanced West. Management is posturing about being buyers at the deadline, but it seems more likely they'll try to make some deals -- maybe even move Luis Gonzalez -- to create big-league at-bats for a talented group at Triple-A, including shortstop Stephen Drew, center fielder Chris Young, outfielder Carlos Quinton and second baseman Alberto Callaspo. FORECAST:

RECORD: 53-33 | AL RUNS SCORED: 3rd | AL ERA: 8th | REMAINING SKED

Boston Red Sox After winning five of six against the White Sox and Mets the last two weeks, the Red Sox are looking like the best team in the majors. David Ortiz is on pace to become the third man since 1938 to drive in 160 runs (Manny Ramirez, 165 in 1999; Sammy Sosa, 160 in 2001) and the pitching staff headed by Curt Schilling, Josh Beckett and Jonathan Papelbon looks plenty strong enough to keep Boston ahead of the Yankees. But don't be surprised if GM Theo Epstein adds pitching anyway at the deadline. FORECAST:

RECORD: 50-36 | AL RUNS SCORED: 4th | AL ERA: 4th | REMAINING SKED

New York Yankees No team is more under the gun than the Yankees, as this appears to be the first year since 2002 that the East won't get two teams in the playoffs. Will GM Brian Cashman be willing to trade right-handed pitching prospect Philip Hughes and other top prospects to give Joe Torre a better roster as he tries to reel in the Red Sox? FORECAST:

RECORD: 49-39 | AL RUNS SCORED: 5th | AL ERA: 10th | REMAINING SKED

Toronto Blue Jays This is a solid team in a great position. There's no heat on anyone in Toronto, but the Jays have the talent to turn the East into a three-team race. They've gone 9-6 against the Red Sox and Yankees thus far. They look forward to getting outfielder Alex Rios back after the break. A healthy Gustavo Chacin could make a difference. FORECAST:

RECORD: 41-49 | AL RUNS SCORED: 8th | AL ERA: 13th | REMAINING SKED

Baltimore Orioles There are executives with other clubs who believe there's going to be a Miguel Tejada auction in late July. Owner Peter Angelos might as well face the fact that it's past time to take a couple steps backward in hope of finally moving forward. FORECAST:

RECORD: 39-50 | AL RUNS SCORED: 13th | AL ERA: 12th | REMAINING SKED

Tampa Bay Devil Rays First-year GM Andrew Friedman is looking to make his own Scott Kazmir trade, offering guys like Julio Lugo and Aubrey Huff for young pitching. Carl Crawford's the guy other teams are asking about, however. A Lugo trade would open up shortstop for B.J. Upton, and Delmon Young should get a look in September. FORECAST:

RECORD: 59-29 | AL RUNS SCORED: 6th | AL ERA: 1st | REMAINING SKED

Detroit Tigers On pace to win 109 games, anything less than a playoff appearance will be a huge disappointment for a team that had averaged 100 losses over the last five seasons. Owner Mike Ilitch has promised to underwrite key additions, with a left-handed hitter about the only need currently on GM Dave Dombrowski's list. FORECAST:

RECORD: 57-31 | AL RUNS SCORED: 1st | AL ERA: 6th | REMAINING SKED

Chicago White Sox Chicago fans aren't going to be satisfied with a wild-card spot, so the remaining 13 games against Detroit are a priority. General manager Ken Williams loves the big trade, so don't rule out anything (including Andruw Jones), but about all these Sox need is continued health, a little bullpen help and some improvement from Mark Buehrle, Jon Garland, Javier Vazquez and Freddy Garcia, who have somehow gone 36-18 despite a 4.82 combined ERA. FORECAST:

RECORD: 47-39 | AL RUNS SCORED: 10th | AL ERA: 5th | REMAINING SKED

Minnesota Twins With the M&M boys, Johan Santana and Francisco Liriano, a run at a wild-card spot is the goal but they'll need a collapse from Detroit or the White Sox. A winning record should be enough to convince management to exercise Torii Hunter's contract option for 2007, setting up Minnesota to compete. FORECAST:

RECORD: 40-47 | AL RUNS SCORED: 2nd | AL ERA: 11th | REMAINING SKED

Cleveland Indians Arguably no team in the majors has been more disappointing than the Indians. At some point they're likely to phase out Aaron Boone and put Andy Marte at third base. They refused to trade talent at midseason last season, then fell short of a playoff spot before losing Kevin Millwood and Bob Howry as free agents. This time they'll look to move Bob Wickman, Ben Broussard and Guillermo Mota, among others. FORECAST:

RECORD: 31-56 | AL RUNS SCORED: 12th | AL ERA: 14th | REMAINING SKED

Kansas City Royals Believe it or not, Buddy Bell has got the Royals on the right track. They've gone 15-9 since June 14, winning series against Houston, Pittsburgh, Milwaukee, St. Louis and Minnesota. Outside of petitioning for a transfer to the National League, their best move will come when they figure out how to fit talented third baseman Alex Gordon into a lineup seemingly set with Mark Teahen at third. FORECAST:

RECORD: 45-43 | AL RUNS SCORED: 14th | AL ERA: 3rd | REMAINING SKED

Oakland Athletics With the A's and Rangers tied for first place, you can forget that Barry Zito trade that's been rumored since last winter. The A's historically rule the West in the second half, averaging almost 20 games over .500 after the break since 1999. They're the team to beat. FORECAST:

RECORD: 45-43 | AL RUNS SCORED: 7th | AL ERA: 9th | REMAINING SKED

Texas Rangers First-year GM Jon Daniels has done a terrific job to help get Texas into contention, stealing contributors like Vicente Padilla, John Koronka, John Rheinecker and Jerry Hairston Jr. A healthy Kevin Millwood and Adam Eaton's return could help the Rangers contend into September, with manager Buck Showalter under the gun to deliver. FORECAST:

RECORD: 43-45 | AL RUNS SCORED: 11th | AL ERA: 2nd | REMAINING SKED

Los Angeles Angels This Angels team didn't look like a Mike Scioscia club for much of the first half, but a 7-1 finish to the break has given it new life. Jered Weaver looks to give Francisco Liriano a challenge for the Rookie of the Year award. Can catcher Mike Napoli, a huge surprise, keep hitting? FORECAST:

RECORD: 43-46 | AL RUNS SCORED: 9th | AL ERA: 7th | REMAINING SKED

Seattle Mariners They are close enough to be one of the biggest surprises in baseball, but it's hard to see them contending. If Joel Pineiro doesn't pick it up, GM Bill Bavasi may have to make a trade to improve his rotation. FORECAST:

Phil Rogers is the national baseball writer for the Chicago Tribune, which has a Web site at www.chicagosports.com. His book, "Say It's So," a story about the 2005 White Sox, is available at bookstores, through amazon.com or direct order from Triumph Publishing (800-222-4657).