MLB Feature: Major League Baseball Opening Day Aesthetics - MLB 2011 Season Review
Although it is still too early to pass any judgments or any predictions about the teams competing for the World Series, we have been given a sample sized taste of what to expect.
The way that the Texas Rangers defeated the Boston Red Sox, has definitely left an impression on everyone. Their statistics of the three games stand at 26 runs, 11 home-runs and 21 extra bases are impressive to say the least and since they managed to score
all that against the mighty Boston is even more appraisable.
The Rangers main problem is staying healthy. Ian Kinsler and Nelson Cruz do not exactly have a reputation of being the healthiest of players. Their deterioration in health can cause their durability to slump as well. Still, the addition of Mike Napoli and
Michael Young, who has blossomed into a super-utility player, has made the Rangers more versatile and secure.
Clay Buchholz of the Red Sox gave up four home-runs to the Rangers on Sunday, April 3. This comes as quite shocking since only last year he gave up only nine home-runs in the entire season.
New York Yankees impressed against the Detroit Tigers as well. Their opening showed everyone that although their rotation is not their forte; their bullpen and offense can clearly mask it well and cover up for it. A. J. Burnett’s performance was pretty average,
he allowed three runs within five innings but the Yankees still won 10-6.
Phil Hughes apparent reduction in velocity was a cause of concern on Sunday, as the Yankees lost 10-7. The team already has nine homers under their belt, three of which were by Mark Teixeira which is more than what he scored last April.
Even though the Philadelphia Phillies swept away the Houston Astros just like the Rangers did to Boston, their victory hasn’t impressed a lot of people. In Boston’s case, they put up a good fight. In the Astros case, they had poor command throughout, their
defense wasn’t up to the mark and Michael Bourn and Hunter Pence were the only fielders who showed some decent performances.
The Chicago White Sox lost to the Cleveland Indians 7-1 on Sunday after scoring 23 runs in their previous two games. In the first two matches the Indians just couldn’t handle Carlos Quentin, Gordon Beckham and Brent Morel; three pivotal White Sox hitters.
The Milwaukee Brewers faced pitching issues throughout the weekend. Shaun Marcum and Randy Wolf had terrible starts whereas Drew Stubbs, the centre-fielder for the Cincinnati Reds had an impressive start against the Brewers. Stubbs has the potential of being
an explosive leadoff hitter, if only he can improve his .329 on-base percentage. The Reds were leading the National League in runs last season, so let’s hope that the team is able to bounce back and put in a better effort.
Credit should be given to the Tampa Blue Jays who came out to battle the Minnesota Twins even though they were without their first baseman Lyle Overbay, centre-fielder Vernon Wells and catcher John Buck. Jose Bautista had a tremendous day as he managed to
score two devastating homers.
Opening Day was exciting as it had some surprises for the fans. It looks like it will be an exciting season as all the teams will battle it out for the top honours.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and in no way represent Bettor.com's official editorial policy.
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