April Surprises in Major League Baseball
Every season it seems like a team that was not expected to do much comes out of no where to show that they are a legitimate contender to make the playoffs. Who can forget the run that the Toronto Blue Jays made to start the season last year before falling back during the dog days of summer. This year, there are several candidates to follow in their footsteps; San Francisco, Oakland, Atlanta, Tampa Bay, Minnesota, San Diego and believe it or not Washington.
It is definitely the Nationals which would provide the biggest shock if they are playing baseball games that have real significance in September. Washington lost over 100 games last year and wasn’t given any chance of contending this year in the National League East. This year in April though the Nationals have won more games than they have lost and are only one game behind first place Philadelphia. The team is getting excellent starting pitching and still has number one draft pick Stephen Strasberg refining his skills in the minors just waiting to be called up.
San Diego is another team off to a fast start which was not counted on to do much. The Padres are in first place in the National League West even though like the Nationals they were a 200-1 long shot in Vegas to win the World Series. The Padres have been lead so far this season by their bullpen. Closer Heath Bell is finishing games strong and the set up men have been doing a good job as well of protecting the lead. Luke Gregerson and Edward Mujica have been getting the bulk of the work in the 7th and 8th innings and both have earned run averages under 3.
The Padres top competition in the West right now is coming from the San Francisco Giants who are riding strong pitching as well to a fast start. It is the Giants starting staff that has been the difference there. Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain make a powerful one two combo and veteran Barry Zito looks to be back in the form that made him one of the games best when he was with Oakland. The concern in San Francisco is if the team can score enough runs but so far that has not been a problem.
Across the bay, Oakland is turning some heads as well. The A’s are in first in the American League West even though the experts say they don’t have the ability to score enough runs to win consistently. Like the Giants, it is Oakland’s starting pitching that has been the difference. What a luxury to be able to send, Ben Sheets, Justin Duchsherer and Brett Anderson to the mound on back to back to back days.
In the American League Central, Minnesota is in first place and doesn’t show any signs of giving up that position. The Twins are playing before huge crowds in a new ballpark and this could be the year that they finally break through. Joe Mauer was signed to a long term contract before the year started and is on his way to another MVP year.
Tampa Bay is in first in the A.L East, leaving the Yankees and Red Sox in the dust. The Rays have had an incredible start in April with more wins than any other team in baseball. The team has a mix of young and veteran players who are lead by Carl Crawford and Evan Longoria who finish the month hitting well over .300. The pitching rotation features Matt Garza and James Shields, both three game winners to start the season.
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