Now that we’ve passed Sparky Anderson’s suggested 40 game mark, it’s time to take a look at what we have seen so far, and what we can believe:

New York Yankees
Grade: A-

Surprises: Let me see, everything. Not even Kreskin could have predicted that a Jeter-less, Granderson-less, and Teixeira-less Yankee squad would be playing .600 ball. The JV squad led by Vernon Wells, Travis Hafner, and Lyle Overbay have both held down the fort while exceeding the very low expectations.

Disappointments: The continuing chain of Yankee players headed to the DL. Seriously, how many Yankee haters have voodoo dolls? Additionally, Eduardo Nunez has faltered in this opportunity to show why he should be the Yankee shortstop of the future, injuries aside.

Key to Success: Major league teams continuing to pitch to Robinson Cano. Much like Reggie in the 70’s, it all flows from him.

Prediction: Continued injuries, not to mention a lack of cohesion from returning players means the Yankees are likely to play .500 from here on out.

Boston Red Sox
Grade: B+

Surprises: Another one Kreskin slept on. The subtraction of Bobby V. has led to an addition of good baseball in Boston. Healthy Dustin Pedroia and David Ortiz are back to form, and Jon Lester and Clay Bucholz are making a case for being the best 1-2 punch in all of baseball.

Disappointments: Jacoby Ellsbury continues to struggle, not only when his team needs him during such a tight division race, but during his own contract year. The Sawx are also struggling to survive closer-wise in the post-Papelbon era, with both Joel Hanrahan and Andrew Bailey out indefinitely.

Key to Success: The trio of Daniel Nava, Will Middlebrooks, and Jarrod Saltalamacchia must continue to progress, aiding the veteran leadership. Will Middlebrooks, in particular, needs to show he is more the second coming of Mike Lowell, and less another Shea Hillenbrand.

Prediction: The Sawx are in a better position than the Yanks, not by much, but they have the grit and determination led by John Farrell to complete for the AL East title this year.

Baltimore Orioles
Grade: B

Surprises: Chris Davis is doing a spot-on impersonation of Brady Anderson circa 1996 and Manny Machado has rightfully jumped into the Trout-Harper conversation of the best young talent/future superstars of the game. Buck Showalter hasn’t allowed his team to be satisfied with last year’s Cinderella-esque run.

Disappointments: Jim Johnson is human after all, but I think three blown saves is too soon to hit the panic button. And while J.J. Hardy and Matt Wieters have gotten off to slow starts, they should both be slugging at least .450 each.

Key to Success: Starting pitching, or at least a starting pitcher besides Freddy Garcia. The Orioles’ failure to secure a proven free agent arm in the off season may cost them all year. This need must be addressed by the All-Star break.

Prediction: Last year the O’s were the big surprise team. This year’s squad has already shown cracks but I think Buck Showalter has enough experience and tricks up his sleeve to be in it till the end.

Tampa Bay Rays
Grade: B-

Surprises: Matt Moore emerging as the new “David Price.” Oh, and a guy I keep tauting by the name of Loney, James Loney. I don’t know if he can keep up his stat line pace of .350/.405/.497, but at least Joe Maddon has the ability and willingness to platoon him Sean Rodriguez against tough lefties.

Disappointments: Even before his injury, David Price was looking like a shell of himself. For the Rays sake, a healthy David Price will return to Cy Young winning form. The same could be said for Fernando Rodney, who may be a flash in the pan, but for this season at least needs to return to All-Star form.

Key to Success: Major league teams continuing to pitch to Evan Longoria. As he goes, so do the Rays. Plain and simple.

Prediction: After a slow start, the Rays are starting to find their rhythm and will be part of a three way race for first along side the Red Sox and Orioles.

Toronto Blue Jays
Grade: D+

Surprises: That every analyst had a hard-on for this team is stupefying. Were an injury prone Jose Reyes and un-roided Melky Cabrera really going to lead this team to the title? On the bright side, a healthy Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion are providing quite a wallop, which will be needed considering the pathetic starting pitching, currently second to last in the majors in ERA.

Disappointments: None of the aforementioned analysts have taken to harakiri.

Key to Success: Lowered expectations would be a good start. Also, any one of the starting pitchers stepping up and finding a way to give this team a legitimate chance to win every fifth day. My money would be on Mark Buehrle. And yes, that would be Canadian money.

Prediction: The Jays play a little better, but this team might as well camp out since the cellar will be their home all season long.

That’s what I see for now. Will have more at the All-Star break.