MLB early surprises

by Steve

There is absolutely nothing to talk about because I don't watch the NBA until the conference finals and the NHL is boring so we'll discuss early surprises thus far in the 2008 MLB season. Most teams have played 35 games which is about 22% of the season. That is a solid indication of what the season will be for most squads.

The biggest surprise has to be the Florida Marlins. True they have some nasty players and probably the MVP of the league but c'mon, first place in the NL East still?! Josh Johnson and Anibal Sanchez haven't thrown a pitch and Andrew Miller has a 7.96 ERA. Hendrickson has balled, 5-1 3.71 era. Mike Jacobs is raking and Han-Ram is Han-Ram and lately Dan Uggla is scorching the Earth. Doubt they'll be at the top of the division in September but who knows, it is a down year for the division and it is possible the pitching staff could improve as the season wears on.

Next up, the other Florida based baseball team. The Tampa Bay Rays are in second place in the division, 3.5 back of the Sox and have been competing since day one. No one player at this point has eye popping numbers outside of Troy Percival, the closer, who is 7 of 7 in save opportunities and hasn't allowed a run. True some how, Sonnanstine is 5-1 with an ERA above 4.60 but for the most part it is a group effort. If Hinski can stay consistent, Pena can avoid the Mendoza line and young beasts like Scottie Kazimer and Matt Garza pitch like they can look for 'em to stick around.

Can anyone explain to me the AL Central? Does anyone want this division. Really.. the Twinkies are at the top of the Central?! Three games separate all five teams? Detroit in the cellar? The Indians toiling in mediocrity with no pop to their bats and CC struggggling. Delmon Young zero dingers? I have no idea who is going to win the division and I am not counting out Billy Butler and the Royals with cheese either.

I'm not going to say the Rockies are a surprise. The team was due for a slump they won 21 of 22 at the end of the season. There was no way they were going to keep any time of streak like that going into 2008. What would be surprising is if they maintain a tie with a shitty team like the Giants. The hitting is there for the Rockos with 4 regulars hitting above .300, obviously then the problem is pitching. Ubaldo and Jeff Frances haven't don't shit. They have 1 combined win in fourteen starts. That is embarrassing.

Not sure exactly why, but the Oakland A's are getting overlooked. Big time! Billy Beane rationalized the Haren trade saying they were rebuilding. What a brutal rebuild/growing pains this squad is going through. 22-14 tied for first and no one knows anyone outside of maybe Chavez and few others who are on this squad. Who the hell is Emil Brown and how is he leading the team in runs batted in? Rich Harden has only made two starts. I feel like people better soon get to know people like Greg Smith and Dana Eveland cause they and Harden are the next "Big Three"

Quick hits

• Edison or Edinson Volquez is a beast, Johnny Cueto has been o.k. for the Reds who are in the basement in the Central.
• Lance Berkman is hotter than shit and the 'stros are playing decent baseball.
• What the hell is happening in San Diego?
• Toronto needs to do something, and fast.
• Don't look now, but Big Hurt is 7 for his last 21.
• Seattle is pissing me off, and they suck Adrian Beltre and Richie Sexson are neck 'n neck for worst contract in a while. Whoaaaa sorry Barry Zito, actually you own that trophy.
• Who's season is less surprising? Chipper Jones or Brandon Webb. Both have been and are good.
• Angels are good. Lackey and Escobar have been out and they still are just about owning the AL West.