Spring Break
The Pro Side: Contenders and pretenders in MLB
Mike Mauro
Issue date: 4/16/09 Section: Sports
Early in the baseball season there are always a few teams that jump off to surprising starts, some of which fizzle while others, like last year's Rays keep it up during 162 games.
So far, two teams that have been big surprises are out west with the Seattle Mariners in the American League and San Diego Padres in the National League.
Last season, the Mariners had World Series aspirations entering the season with the addition of Erik Bedard to the rotation. However, injuries and poor play held the Mariners back as they were utterly putrid on a night-in-night-out basis.
This year they brought back the revered Ken Griffey Jr. to the place where he began his career and performed at legendary levels. He isn't even close to being that same player but has been a key component to the club's 6-2 start entering Wednesday.
Bedard had put last season's issues past him and has gotten off on a solid foot. With him and ace Felix Hernandez at the front end of the rotation, they should have solid pitching going forward. The question will be whether their lineup can produce enough runs and if Griffey can stay healthy for an extended period of time.
As for the Padres, they have been slashing payroll since last season and have had to patch together a starting rotation to go along with their mediocre lineup. Forecasted to lose around 100 games, San Diego has jumped out to a 6-2 start as well and still has Jake Peavy at the head of its rotation despite endless trade rumors throughout the offseason. Peavy may be dealt at some point, but its lineup, centered around first baseman Adrian Gonzalez is nothing for opposing pitchers to worry about.
Despite their fast start, the Padres will have a hard time sustaining any prolonged success and will most likely find their way to the cellar of the NL West.
So far, two teams that have been big surprises are out west with the Seattle Mariners in the American League and San Diego Padres in the National League.
Last season, the Mariners had World Series aspirations entering the season with the addition of Erik Bedard to the rotation. However, injuries and poor play held the Mariners back as they were utterly putrid on a night-in-night-out basis.
This year they brought back the revered Ken Griffey Jr. to the place where he began his career and performed at legendary levels. He isn't even close to being that same player but has been a key component to the club's 6-2 start entering Wednesday.
Bedard had put last season's issues past him and has gotten off on a solid foot. With him and ace Felix Hernandez at the front end of the rotation, they should have solid pitching going forward. The question will be whether their lineup can produce enough runs and if Griffey can stay healthy for an extended period of time.
As for the Padres, they have been slashing payroll since last season and have had to patch together a starting rotation to go along with their mediocre lineup. Forecasted to lose around 100 games, San Diego has jumped out to a 6-2 start as well and still has Jake Peavy at the head of its rotation despite endless trade rumors throughout the offseason. Peavy may be dealt at some point, but its lineup, centered around first baseman Adrian Gonzalez is nothing for opposing pitchers to worry about.
Despite their fast start, the Padres will have a hard time sustaining any prolonged success and will most likely find their way to the cellar of the NL West.
Be the first to comment on this story