Three observations ...

• Texas third baseman Adrian Beltre continues to play outstanding defense at age 36, and with his 404 home runs and 80.9 career WAR he should be a Hall of Famer.

• The Washington Nationals are too talented to fall apart like they have.

• Kyle Schwarber (pictured). Good grief.

... and two predictions

• The NL Central will not get three teams in the playoffs.

• The Twins will go 4-6 on their upcoming road trip to the New York Yankees, Baltimore and Tampa Bay.