Apr 1113 min read

Off They Go

As advertised, the 2024 campaign on the diamond is off to a remarkable start. The noise meter is on overflow mode as we have gotten a little, and a lot, of everything. No-hitter? Check. Benches clearing? Check. Unreal comeback with an earth-shattering bat flip? Check. You name the scenario; and the diamond has delivered it in some form or another in just the near two weeks since the season's open.

Through all the thrill and buzz, we are experiencing a great deal of surprises across the standings as the clubs have now all reached 10+ games played. Many predicted the NL West to be in a tier of their own. That hasn't been the case. Angels are above .500 and are currently leading the AL West. No one saw that coming. Marlins start 1-11 after making the playoffs last season. Just a ton of surprises, but none weigh greater than the early surprise we are seeing with the Central divisions.

Both the AL and NL Central divisions are off to great starts. The AL may not be playing as deep as the NL, but they have three teams making major early moves in the Guardians, Tigers, and Royals. It's hard not to be impressed with their early starts.

Guardians +34 points differential leads the big leagues (ATL second with +26) as they are ridin' stellar pitching in the bullpen and an awesome 1-2-3 punch of Steven Kwan, Andrés Giménez, and J-Ram in the lineup. Starting pitching has been rocky outside of Shane Beiber and Tanner Bibee. The news of Beiber needing Tommy John is brutal for that rotation. After his first two outings, it felt Beiber was destined for a remarkable season, posting consecutive wins with a combined 20 strikeouts and zero earned runs (12 IP).

I am sure Cleveland will look into making a move at starting pitcher, especially if the lineup and bullpen can keep up their early play. Winning six in a row and eight of their first ten games is exactly what the Guardians needed to do to start off hot. Steven Kwan has started his campaign at the plate lookin' like a top bat in baseball. He currently leads the senior circuit in Hits (22). Kwan's play in the leadoff spot is setting up quite the 1-2-3 combo. One that gives the Guardians' lineup major potential when you consider in the brother power-duo of the Naylors. Lets see how serious this team is when they play the Yanks and Red Sox in seven consecutive games coming up.

Tigers and Royals playing sharp early on out of the AL Central is a bit more surprising than the Guardians doing so. In my opinion. Both teams outta be excited about how they have started their respected seasons. Tigers were the last remaining undefeated squad at 5-0; while the Royals' current 6-game winning streak leads the league (at the moment). Both teams are ridin' different waves. Detroit has been powered by their pitching (bullpen mostly) early on; which is a big deal for the Tigers. Tarik Skubal has been great and solid in his two starts, but the rest of the starters have been cranked. Bullpen different story as Jason Foley (2-0, 3 Saves, 0 earned runs) and Shelby Miller (3-0, 0 Hits, 0 ER in 9 IP) have been SUPERB. The offense? Rough outside of 3B Gio Urshela.

Offense may be below average, as expected frankly, but the good notes with the Tigers is their 6-2 record on the road, 3-0 record in extra frames, and 7-1 record in games decided by two runs or less. Different story for the Royals, who have been excellent in their home-park, and are led by their starting staff, rather the bullpen. KC also has had much better production on the offensive. KC can rock the bats in spurts. Four games with double digit runs to go with two nice shutouts... including an 11-0 shutout of the Twins. All five starters have been beyond rock solid on the hill, with Brady Singer and Michael Wacha leading the way in strikeouts and Hits allowed (least). Looks like a whole new rotation compared to last year. Beware of this Royals team. They are building off their season ending wave last year. Fun. Gritty. Exciting. This KC team has potential; and is off to a great start to the new campaign.

On the flip side, how about those Pirates. Not many people predicted the Pirates to sit at the top of the NL Central with a 9-3 start. Here they are two years in a row makin' a major splash to start the campaign. Just like the Tigers, the Pirates have been excellent on the road (6-1). The offense has started the season far better then many people had expected they would. Including myself. Ke'Bryan Hayes is off to a real good start at the plate, and the Pirates are getting strong offensive play from non-household names in Michael A. Taylor and Connor Joe. With Oneil Cruz poised to have a breakout year, I am excited about how Pittsburgh will build off this good start to the campaign.

Pirates have a heavy slate of comp' on the April schedj; starting in Philadelphia next. They have a big time chance here to make the strongest opening month statement. Pitt started the season winning their first five games, all on the road, then six of their first seven. They have six straight road games coming up on the East Coast, and will finish the month with a three-game road set against the Giants in the Bay. Big time chance to make a statement indeed. The same is said for the Brew-Crew; who are right there with the Pirates early on.

Brewers have started the season 8-3 for consecutive seasons riding their bats and solid pitching from the starting rotation early on. Milwaukee ranks 4th in the league in team batting average (.272) and the top three starters remain undefeated on the hill. Willy Contreras and Christian Yelich are off to rapid starts at the plate, just the right recipe needed for success in Milwaukee. Young stud Jackson Chourio is lookin' quite sharp at the plate throughout his first 40 big league ABs. Puttin' a big smile on those across Brewers Nation. Brice Turang and Sal Frelick are startin' to adjust... things are going good in 'Waukee. Real good. Another reason to smile? Brewers are off to a better start than their rival Cubs down the coast.

Chicago hasn't been playing too bad to start the campaign. Pretty solid to be fair. They got punched in the face by the defending champions, but took the final game of the set and brought the opener to extras. They lost the series and ace Justin Steele to the IL (15 Day). Bad news; no bad vibes- Cubs then go and win five straight. The only hiccup thus far has been the Padres series that just wrapped up. Chicago blew an 8-nil lead in the sixth by giving up a seven spot in one inning to set up a Tatis go-ahead BLAST to give us our first great bat flip of the new season:

Need the full justice? We think the same. Checkout the blast in full sequence that completed the comeback:

video via Padres//X

Chicago lost that game and just got pieced up 10-2 by the Padres last night. Nothing alarming enough to take away the positives they have had thus far. Bullpen just needs to figure things out before things go haywire. Same goes to the rotation; Hottovoy must be excited about Shota Imanaga's first two big league starts. Only real positive coming out of the rotation through the first two cycles. Obviously Cody Bellinger and Nico Hoerner need to heat up and quick. They are slackin' big time. Outside of that, I like how the Cubs have been rockin' thus far. Lets see how they fare on this upcoming 6-game road trip out west.

Many are surprised with how good the two Central divisions have been out the gates, but keep in mind; they tend to be the two most inconsistent divisions across a season each year. Maybe this year is different. Maybe, these good starts or just a teaser for better things to happen. We have a whole lotta baseball left to find out. I like what I am seeing. The Pirates? The Pirates!?

Yup, that didn't take long. Mike Elias and the Orioles organization weren't going to waste any time hearing an outpour of anger from Os Nation regarding Tony Kemp keeping a roster spot over the game's top ranked prospect. It's officially a new era in Baltimore... well kinda, the era already began, but it just got more brighter, and more sweeter. For my seasoned baseball fans- yes, it's a new era. There is a new Holliday ready to rip up big league dirt.

Baltimore has called up MLB's number one ranked prospect, 20-year-old stud infielder Jackson Holliday, the son of longtime MLB great Matt Holliday. Jax just logged in his MLB debut last night at Fenway. A rocky debut, but one to expect from a young cat with as much attention as he is getting. Mike Trout went 0-for-3 in his big league debut in comparison. This kid Jackson seems to have that it-factor. Now we get to watch his potential unfold on the grandest stage, marking fun and exciting times ahead this campaign; as it was this year on the ice with Connor Bedard.

Jackson made his debut as the second-youngest active hitter behind Milwaukee's Jackson... Jackson Chourio. Ironic, huh. Jacksons ready to takeover. Baby Holliday will be an immediate impact bat for an Orioles squad already enriched in young talent. It may take time for him to adjust to big-league pitching, but I really don't think that time will run long. This cat can rake; just like his daddy. I am pumped to see that first big-league homer off his bat. Good times in Baltimore. We can't forget that Holliday has even more reinforcements coming. His Triple-A team just put up 26 runs! The pipeline isn't done producing in Baltimore. You can believe that.

Tyler Glasnow off to good start with Dodgers

Through his first four outings, Tyler Glasnow is telling the Dodgers' faithful that he was worth the investment. A good telling when the other major pitching investment in Yamamoto; is off to a slow start (give it time!). Allow T-Nasty to reintroduce himself to the West Coast! He has been red hot and plain NASTY on the hill to start the campaign for LA.

Glasnow starts the season 3-0 (should be 4-0), with a league leading 29 strikeouts, and a solid 2.25 ERA. He currently leads the league in innings pitched (24.0) as well. Glasnow is living up to his expectations, and to his contract expectations early on. His last outing against the Twins was one of his better starts of his career. He matched a career-high in strikeouts with 14; accomplishing the feat in rare fashion becoming the first pitcher in the pitch-tracking era (since 1988) to strike out 14 batters on fewer than 90 pitches. The definition of being locked in. Glasnow's next scheduled start is Monday against the Nationals in LA. I expect the current ace to keep on dishin' and dealin'. If he stays healthy; he could have a special season on the mound. A season with a reel of having guys look silly at the plate, like the frozone actions of the Giants hitters against T-Nasty:

video via Dodgers//X

I will wrap this piece on up with my trademark "3 Strikes" tidbit of headlines. Impressive. That's the theme on this one. I took a quick gander around on the happenings and stats that have made up the first two weeks on the diamond to roll out my most impressive batters, pitchers, and overall club(s). Nothing to long. Just a quick review of guys and moments that have grabbed my attention as the new campaign is off to the races. Ah and yes, I have a favorite web-gem to show as well.

Most Impressive Players (through 4/11):

LF Spencer Steer - CIN

The stud-sophomore left fielder for the Reds is proving he has even more steps to climb as a big leaguer. I mean that in regards to him showing he has even more potential in his tank. No sophomore slump here, at least not off the tip. Spencer Steer is off to a helluva start at the plate to start the new campaign. He is batting .372 in 42 ABs, which ranks him in the top-5 of current batting averages alongside Anthony Volpe. His 31 total-bases ranks him with the 5th best total among eight players. That's not all the stats.

Steer's 15 ribbies knocked in currently place him in a three-way tie atop the league (Teoscar Hernandez & Jake Burger). Steer ranks 4th in OPS, 3rd in OBP, and 5th in slugging %. No doubt he is on pace to break his totals from his impressive rookie campaign, last year. Barring any bad health, of course. Reds found a good one here. Lets see if he can build off this electric start at the plate. Cincy is sure to need him in what looks to be a deep and competitive NL Central moving into the depth of April.

Dodgers Pay-Days: Will Smith & Shohei Ohtani

Giving a large bag and payday is arguably the scariest occurrence in sports. Especially from a franchise and business standpoint. Sweaty palms as you watch that player sign ink. It's the very worst in Baseball. For whatever reason, Baseball is the streakiest and most inconsistent sport in the land. That has become more apparent post-steroid era. A guy could have one stellar season and then never be seen again. Having that happen after a payday is demoralizing. Dodgers are pleased to see their investments ball out to start the year: Will Smith and Shohei Ohtani, especially.

Will Smith read all your tweets (I may have had one too). He is YACKIN. Batting .412 with 21 Hits on 51 ABs. We see you. Everyone talks Mookie and Shohei, but I recognize you, mister Smith. He is killing it at the plate; and then there is Ohtani. This guy Shohei is playin' angry... we know why. He is roping the ball, leading the league in Doubles (8), Total Bases (40), and is third in Exit Velocity off barrel (106.4 MPH). It's the last one for me. Ohtani is destroying the ball early on. Timing is on even more point. The sound. The speed. He looks robotic; engineered and designed to SMASH baseballs. We know he isn't slowing down at the plate. That's a given. Making his contract feel like a light breeze. Just listen to the sound of his first blast as a member of the Dodgers:

video via mikeroccovioli//X

LF Steven Kwan - CLE

The leadoff man for the Guardians may be the most valuable bat going right now! Steven Kwan is locked in at the plate to start the campaign. He is stepping up in the big moments when the lineup needs a spark the most. Kwan leads the league in Hits with 22, tied-2nd in Runs (13), and is second in batting average (.386). They couldn't ask for a better leadoff hitter in Cleveland.

I am interested to see if Kwan can keep this pace. Same goes for the rest of the lineup in Cleveland. Off the first pitch, this 1-2-3 lineup punch for the Guardians is quite nice. We shall hold off and wait on using the word "scary". Lets give them some time to build consistency. It's been a great start for Kwan and co.

Most Impressive Pitchers (through 4/11):

Tigers Bullpen Combo: Jason Foley & Shelby Miller

I really will use this spot to shoutout the entire bullpen for the Tigers. It's been a great start; up and down everyone has been solid with Jason Foley, Shelby Miller, and Joey Wentz grabbing most of my attention. Big Country Andrew Chafin has been solid. Tyler Holton. Will Vest. All those relievers have been real-real solid to open up the new campaign.

Shelby Miller and Jason Foley have been ballin' the most for the English D. Collectively, the two arms are 5-0, with three Saves, a Hold, and 13 Ks. Neither one has given up an earned run in 12 combined innings pitched. Miller hasn't even given up a Hit in his seven innings pitched. Five of the Tigers seven wins are in due thanks to Foley and Miller. That's what you call a good start out of the 'pen.

Zach Wheeler - PHI

Wheeler received quite the extension in the off-season, which put a new chip on his shoulder- at least from my perspective. His 0-2 record on the books isn't from bad pitching on his end. Wheeler has been real solid. The Phillies are 0-3 in his three starts, but Wheeler has only allowed 4 runs in 19 innings pitched (1.89 ERA). He has a 10K game against the Reds, and is currently 6th in strikeouts with 20.

Phillies lackluster offense and avalanche of a bullpen is why Wheeler isn't sitting 3-0 and sitting in the same tier as Glasnow to the casuals. He might have to pitch his arm out in order to get in the win column for this Philly team. Hopefully the bats can kick it to a new gear in his next start. He is owed a dub, and I am willing to bet that he will do his part in getting it.

Most Impressive Teams (through 4/11):

Gotta be the Yankees and Royals! Right? KC is rocking! Six in a row, scoring at high octane, and now look to be headed to seven in a row as I wrap up this piece. All facets are doing solid to good work, with the offense being the most impressive. Towards the top of the league in slugging %, batting average, and stolen bases- this team is going to be fun to watch this season. I don't think it will be like last season in KC. It's a new era.

Yankees are off to a great start; best record in the league after the first dozen games being led by lights out pitching and an anchor of a bullpen on the back-end. Yanks are 1st in total saves, 2nd in team ERA, and 5th in Earned Runs (least). The offense hasn't been too shabby either, placing middle of the pact in most categories. Judge and Stanton are still waiting to get in a groove at the plate, but newbie Juan Soto has been stellar off the opening pitch; reaching base in all but two games, and having a hit in all but three. Lets see if they can keep up this play across April against the likes of Toronto, Milwaukee, Cleveland, and Tampa Bay.

Favorite Web Gem:

Byron Buxton lays out to keep the game tied

video via Minnesota Twins//X

Byron Buxton, sir, it's good to have you back! A healthy Buxton is good for baseball and that Web Gem gives a reason why! What a diving grab to keep the game tied. Unfortunately, that was the close game the Twins lost in the set against the Dodgers. They got some revenge in the third game. Nonetheless, what a grab by Buxton. That gem stood out the most to me.

We are off to the races! What a start to the season it has been on the diamond and we only have about 13 games marked off the board. A long road ahead. The road is beginning to pave itself nicely. We have some solid baseball this weekend to mix in nicely with UFC 300. Spotlighted by inner-state rivalries; the Orioles/Brewers, and Tiger/Twins matchups should bring some solid noise as well. We are so back! Let the battles begin.