Baseball’s Top Plays From The First Half

There were many dazzling plays in Major League Baseball during the first half of the season as we sit here at the All-Star break.  But I have narrowed it down to a Top 3 highlight list and here it is.  

Number one:  Manny Machado robbing Luis Cruiz of a base hit.  This is the greatest play I have ever seen a third baseman make.

Number two:  Aaron Hicks, on a wet field with a wet ball from the warning track nailing Vernon Wells from probably 325 feet at Yankee Stadium.  The Minnesota center fielder had no business making that play in those conditions.  Incredible.

Number three:  Embattled Giants starter Tim Lincecum, one of baseball's best a few years ago who has two CY Young awards and two rings but was near a bullpen return, tossed a no-hitter against the Padres on July 13 with 148 pitches.  He edges out Homer Bailey of the Reds, who threw a no-no earlier in the year, for the simple fact that Lincecum is still fighting for a rotation spot long-term again.

By:  Mike Lindsley, "Mid-Day with Mike," M-F 1-4, Yankees pre/post game host on 104.5 The Team ESPN Radio.  Follow him on Twitter at Twitter.com/MikeLSports.