Josh Hamilton on pace for record breaking second half

Yankee Stadium was in awe watching the homerun display Josh Hamilton put on at the Derby. How many players can boast having 21 homeruns and 95 RBIs at the All-Star break? That's insane for everyone, but even more special for a guy who's been out of baseball for a few years. The sports world will be reminiscing about his mammoth blasts at the Derby for years to come. Plus, don't forget about his effect on the Rangers for rest of the season. Though in a tough AL West the rehabilitated slugger can at least make things interesting in the final month. Texas owns a 50-46 record starting a 3-game series with the Twins today. Critics can't count them out just yet. With Hamilton's hot start to the season he's on pace to set career highs (if not already) and inch close to Hack Wilson's 190 RBI mark established in 1930.

The last player to go close to the record was Juan Gonzales in 1998 when he entered the All-Star game with 101 RBIs. Reaching such a feat involves helps by having a consistently high average and plenty of runners in scoring position. I think if Josh Hamilton stays healthy and doesn't miss a game for the rest of the season he's got a great shot at least tying the record. He's a legitimate candidate for MVP right now. The Rangers were lucky the Reds let him go after 2007 because he can become the cornerstone of their franchise. Hamilton's production last year wasn't too shabby actually last year in 90 games played.

28 homeruns in the Derby made quite the impression, but fans are wondering if he'll suffer any ill-effects for the power-driven marathon at Yankee Stadium. As long as he didn't rip any tendons or strain his muscles too much it probably won't effect his swing and timing at the plate. The Rangers want him healthy to contend with the Angels who share the best record in baseball with the Cubs at 57-38. As far the record goes I think it's easier for a player to break the RBI record than the 56-game hitting streak held by Joe DiMaggio. Still both historic milestones are long standing and require great consistency to match or exceed. Best of luck to Josh Hamilton in his pursuit and successful with the Rangers in the second half!