ORLANDO: As Major League Baseball begins the second half of its 2008 season, and if these next few months are anything like the first three, baseball fans will be lucky.

They were treated to a 15-inning All-Star Game on Tuesday night that truly was a ''Midsummer Classic,'' and there are more surprises to come. Small-market teams Tampa Bay, Minnesota, Oakland, Florida and Milwaukee are contending for playoff spots. Meanwhile, two of the sport's biggest glamour teams — Boston and the Chicago Cubs — could meet in the World Series.

Here is a quick-hit look at what's to come and leaders for postseason awards:

Story lines to watch

1. Will the Tampa Bay Rays make the playoffs?

The looking-good team of the first half suddenly has blemishes. The Rays took a seven-game losing streak into the break and surrendered their American League East lead to Boston. Look for General Manager Andrew Friedman to add a right-handed bat to the lineup. But if closer Troy Percival can't get healthy, the New York Yankees will overtake the Rays.

2. Will Josh Hamilton win the AL MVP?

No one in baseball has written a better comeback story than the Texas Rangers center fielder. Hamilton has overcome drug addiction to hit .310 with 21 home runs and 95 RBI. He's the modern-day Natural — Roy Hobbs incarnate — and he will win the MVP if the Rangers sneak in as the AL's wild card.

3. C.C. Sabathia or Rich Harden: Who was the better pickup?

The Milwaukee Brewers added Sabathia via trade, and the Cubs immediately countered by acquiring Harden. Chicago enters the second half with a 41/2-game lead over St. Louis and a 5-game lead over Milwaukee. On a given day, Harden is more dominant than Sabathia, but arm trouble marred Harden's 2007. Sabathia is more likely to hold up down the stretch.

AL Rookie of the Year

Evan Longoria, Rays:

He'll be an all-star for years to come. His early season call-up sparked the Rays, and he's hitting .275 with 16 homers and 53 RBI.

Honorable mention: Joba Chamberlain, Yankees; Jacoby Ellsbury, Red Sox; David Murphy, Rangers.

AL MVP

Josh Hamilton, Rangers:

Everyone, MVP voters included, loves a great comeback story. And who can argue with his 95 RBI in the Rangers' 96 games so far?

Honorable mention: J.D. Drew, Red Sox; Jermaine Dye, White Sox; Ian Kinsler, Rangers.

AL Cy Young

Justin Duchscherer, A's: This guy has come out of nowhere to lead the AL in ERA (1.82), and he's holding batters to a .186 average. It also helps that the A's are winning.

Honorable mention: Roy Halladay, Blue Jays; Cliff Lee, Indians; Francisco Rodriguez, Angels.

AL Manager of the Year

Joe Maddon, Rays:

With the help of veteran additions Cliff Floyd and Troy Percival, Maddon has eradicated the Rays' losing culture.

Honorable mention: Ron Gardenhire, Twins; Bob Geren, Athletics; Mike Scioscia, Angels.

NL Rookie of the Year

Edinson Volquez, Reds:

People will argue that a position player, not a pitcher, should win the Rookie of the Year. But Volquez has been good enough to win it.

Honorable mention: Kosuke Fukudome, Cubs; Jair Jurrjens, Braves; Geovany Soto, Cubs.

NL MVP

Chase Utley, Phillies:

Ryan Howard is great, but Utley is the player who makes the Phillies go. He's hitting .291 with 25 homers and 69 RBI. He also plays a strong second base.

Honorable mention: Lance Berkman, Astros; Chipper Jones, Braves; Hanley Ramirez, Marlins.

NL Cy Young

Edinson Volquez, Reds:

He's 12-3 with a 2.29 ERA for a mediocre Cincinnati team. How dominant has he been? He's struck out 126 batters in just less than 118 innings.

Honorable mention: Dan Haren, Diamondbacks; Tim Lincecum, Giants; Brandon Webb, Diamondbacks.

NL Manager of the Year

Fredi Gonzalez, Marlins:

Only in his second year as a big-league manager, Gonzalez has Florida at 50-45 and within striking distance of the NL East lead.