The longer days, warmer weather, and the smell of fresh cut grass can only mean one thing: it's spring.
And spring can only mean one thing: it's baseball season. While hockey and basketball fans are preparing for the playoffs, baseball fans a few weekends ago celebrated one of the most sacred American traditions: Opening Day.
Traditional powers and expected contenders have already faltered early on while teams that were written off in spring training have now surprised everyone. Although the first couple of weeks are not the best indicator of how the season will turn out, to help you keep up to date, is a quick recap of the best and worst in both the National and American Leagues.
National League
The Good: LA Dodgers
The Dodgers were barely a .500 team last season, finishing at 82-79 in a seemingly weak NL West. But after their ownership fiasco settled earlier this spring with a Magic Johnson-led group buying the team, the Dodgers have sprinted out of the gate to a 9-1 start. This may not be as surprising as it appears since they have two of the best players in the MLB in outfielder Matt Kemp and pitcher Clayton Kershaw, players that this Dodgers' chances ride on.
Kemp's numbers through 10 games this season are absolutely insane. He seems to be on pace to match his MVP-caliber season from a year ago. He leads the team with a .467 batting average, .523 on base percentage, and a 1.029 slugging percentage so far. Meanwhile, Kershaw has started strong again. Through 15.1 innings in three starts this year, the defending NL Cy Young winner has 13 strikeouts and an ERA of 2.35. Although his WHIP is a bit higher than last year, Kershaw has looked good and is still one of the elite pitchers in the game.
If the two can stay healthy for most of the season the Dodgers could be looking at a perennial contender again.
The Bad: Miami Marlins
The Marlins have a reputation for raising the best talent in the league and selling high for other top prospects. This off-season they changed that perception by signing big name free agents like shortstop Jose Reyes, and pitchers Mark Buehrle and Heath Bell. The Marlins seem poised for a fiesta with the addition of the new talent joining with their returning players and their move to a new stadium in Little Havana. Ten games into the season, however, they are still getting their sea legs. The team's defense has struggled and some of their young stars are nursing injuries that could linger for the entire season.
A team this talented will figure out a way to win games at some point, it's just a matter of time and health. With outspoken manager Ozzie Guillen in the doghouse for his comments about Cuban dictator Fidel Castro, the Marlins may have to wait until next year before they can show Miami a winner.
American League
The Good: Texas Rangers
The Rangers have been the class of the American League for two years now, winning back-to-back pennants. Although they lost pitcher C.J. Wilson to free agency during the off season, the Rangers look ready to at least challenge for a third straight title. The Rangers' offense has not slowed down, returning all of their playmakers from last year and signing Ian Kinsler to an extension.
Surprisingly, the Rangers biggest strength has been their pitching. Although they play in a hitter's field, the Rangers have allowed the least runs of any team in the MLB. Japanese superstar Yu Darvish has struggled with his control in his first two big league starts, but Colby Lewis and bullpen import Neftali Perez have been outstanding.
It's no surprise that a team owned by Nolan Ryan has strong pitching, and after two seasons of nearly winning it all, there is no doubt that this team is hungry to get back to the World Series. It looks like the Rangers are just at the beginning of another strong season.
The Bad: Boston Red Sox
Last time we saw the Red Sox, they were squabbling amongst themselves and accusations of alcohol in the clubhouse were flying around Beantown. The Sox's late-season collapse led to the organization cleaning out the front office and firing two-time World Series Champion manager Terry Francona.
His replacement, Bobby Valentine, hasn't exactly made the best impression. The Red Sox started the season 0-3 for the second consecutive year and currently sit at the bottom of the AL East with a 4-6 record. Valentine has ostracized himself in his own clubhouse by questioning the drive of thirdbaseman Kevin Youkilis, which has brought criticism from Dustin Pedroia and other Red Sox players.
The last thing this franchise needed was a slow start after its historic collapse in September. Its outfield is currently in shambles due to injuries to Carl Crawford and Jacoby Ellsbury, but Valentine expects Crawford to return this week. The Red Sox, like the Marlins, appear too talented to keep losing games.
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