2 years ago
via mlbquestions.com
What team was the most positive surprise of the first month of the season?
The New York Yankees and the St. Louis Cardinals getting off to good starts to the season aren’t really surprises but there a couple teams that had very good Aprils that are pretty surprising. The San Diego Padres finished April in first place in the National League West and the Tampa Bay Rays have also gotten out of the gates winning at a prolific pace.
The Minnesota Twins are also off to a really hot start and they are being chased closely by the Detroit Tigers. Even the New York Mets are off to a better start than some people might have expected. So of all those teams, or other ones that you can come up with, who has had the most surprisingly positive start to the year, and will they be able to keep it up?
The Minnesota Twins are also off to a really hot start and they are being chased closely by the Detroit Tigers. Even the New York Mets are off to a better start than some people might have expected. So of all those teams, or other ones that you can come up with, who has had the most surprisingly positive start to the year, and will they be able to keep it up?
videos:
Separate topics with commas, or by pressing return. Use the delete or backspace key to edit or remove existing topics.
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$3 Answers
The team that has surprised me the most has been the Tampa Bay Rays. They have the best record in Baseball as of May 07, 2010, and lead the New York Yankees by a game and a half in the American League Eastern division. It seems they are getting good pitching and contributions up and down the lineup. Clean-up hitter Carlos Pena although not hitting for average has managed to drive in 22 runs while hitting 5 home runs. Carl Crawford and Evan Longoria are off to great starts; both hitting above .340 and Longoria has also driven in 23 runs. The real surprise has been the pitching staff that is sporting an overall 2.84 ERA. Jamie Shields has a 3.15 ERA which is the highest of the Ray's starters, but would make him the ace of many staffs. Closer Rafael Soriano has been perfect with 7 saves in as many opportunities. Right behind the Rays, I look at the Detroit Tigers who at times bat as many as 4 rookies in their starting lineup. They currently sit 3 games behind the Minnesota Twins after being swept on their first visit into the Twins new stadium, but the fact that they are that close can be pinpointed to the bullpen, to date being the best in the American League and the knack to come from behind. Unlike the Ray's starters, the Tigers have Dontrelle Willis posing their best ERA among starters at 3.99. Their other starters are sitting on ERAs of 4.50, 6.47, 7.50 and 5.74. When you realize how bad Verlander, Porcello, Bonderman and Scherzer have fared, it is surprising to see them above .500 and in second place in the American League Central division.
videos:
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$Report Abuse
Well...not to twist this around at all, but I'm going to say the Dodgers! After finishing 95-67 last year and winning the West division, it's nice to see some turnover in the division as the Giants and Padres are coming on strong. Although it's nice to see the Padres lead the division, I don't think they have the talent to keep this going consistently throughout the year, and they'll probably finish at or just under .500. The Giants on the other hand, I was surprised to see them fall short of the playoffs last year and they're probably the odds on favorite to win the division. It's hard to beat good pitching, and right now I'd say their staff is about on par with the Braves of the 90's.
In second I'd say the Twins. The Twins are probably the "sweethearts" of the AL, while the Giants are the equivalent of the NL. Everybody is a big Joe Mauer fan now, and I'm no exception. Anyone who is willing to give up $150+ million just to play at home is alright in my book.
In second I'd say the Twins. The Twins are probably the "sweethearts" of the AL, while the Giants are the equivalent of the NL. Everybody is a big Joe Mauer fan now, and I'm no exception. Anyone who is willing to give up $150+ million just to play at home is alright in my book.
videos:
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
I think the Washington Nationals have been the biggest surprise team so far. They are 15-14 and 3 games back in the National League East. What's so great one game over .500? Well, considering they didn't win their 15th game until June last season, that's very impressive!! Ryan Zimmerman has missed 8 games yet is still hitting.343 with 5 home runs. Adam Dunn leads the team with 6 home runs. Nyjer Morgan is becoming a legitimate leadoff hitting with a .277 average, .347 on base percentage and 6 stolen bases, not to mention solid defense in centerfield. Veteran catcher Ivan Rodriguez is hitting .383 and does an excellent job handling a young pitching staff. Livan Hernandez is off to an excellent start with 4 wins and just 1 loss with a very low 0.99 era. Left hander Steve Olsen has pitched to a respectable 3.54 era. Out of the bullpen, Tyler Clippard has given up just 10 hits in 21 1/3 innings, a 0.42 era and 4 wins without a loss. Close Matt Capps has 11 saves and a 1.10 era.
http://www3.pictures.gi.zimbio.com/Milwaukee+Brewers+v+Washington+Nationals+JOpi4d9snrAl.jpg
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
