With just two weeks into the season completed, we already have qualifying battles. That’s what happens when a pandemic forces Major League Baseball to run a 60-game campaign. The importance of each series is magnified, not to mention the expanded postseason that gives each team a chance to qualify.
Sure, the Yankees and Dodgers are off to a good start and appear to be on track to play in October. But let’s take a look at five teams that have surprised. The list goes from least surprising to most.
White socks
Well, for some, the quality of the White Sox is not a surprise. But there is a difference between seeing young talent and watching them perform on the field. That is what happened.
The Cuban Yoán Moncada has followed the pace he established last year, while the Dominican Eloy Jiménez continues to give something to talk about. And of course, Cuban Luis Robert is even exceeding great expectations, looking like a potential MVP candidate.
Fathers
It’s not just about the brown uniforms. They look very good, of course, but the positive thing is the players who have them. Specifically, we are talking about Fernando Tatis Jr.
The Dominican shortstop has resumed his great performance from last year, when his season ended after 83 games due to injury. He makes nearly impossible plays look easy and when he hits the ball in the batter’s box, few can match his impact.
With Trent Grisham and Jake Croneworth joining Manny Machado — who’s yet to turn on — the Padres seem to have enough offense.
On pitching, Dinelson Lamet and Garrett Richards have looked solid, while Chris Paddack has showcased his electrical gear.
Rockies
Baseball in Colorado can be defined as chaotic.
The same Rockies-developed pitchers who helped the team reach the 2018 postseason looked bad last season, finishing last in ERA among starters. But this year, that group has performed again.
Venezuelan Germán Márquez and Kyle Freeland look like candidates for the Cy Young Award, while Jon Gray and fellow Venezuelan Antonio Senzatela could give Colorado one of the deepest starting rotations in the majors.
On the offensive end, Trevor Story and Nolan Arenado have thundered… which will be important if Coors Field ultimately ruins that good arms start.
Marlins
The team has played few games due to COVID-19 protocols, but when it has been on the field, it has been practically invincible. The Marlins started Friday night atop the NL East. With his good start, Fangraphs has raised his chances of qualifying from 2% to 21.5%.
Monte Harrison, Jonathan Villar and even a former Olympic skater have contributed. And of course, Brian Anderson has continued to hit his hits.
Orioles
Sure, this would be best earlier this week, before Miami’s sweep of Baltimore. But the Orioles lost 108 games in 2019 and are in contention for qualification right now, thanks in large part to their own sweep of the Rays.
Rio Ruiz begins to make itself felt, while Hanser Alberto has continued his good hitting that began last year.
Alex Cobb is pitching like he did when he was with the Rays, while Wade LeBlanc and Tommy Milone should be able to keep Baltimore close on the scoreboard.
No one knows if the Orioles will continue to fight, but this short season has given them a chance. It is a good reason not to miss their games. (Taken MLB.COM)