Previous Champs

  (2003)

  (2004)

  (2005)

  (2006)

  (2007)

  (2008)

  (2009)

  (2010)

  (2011)

  (2012)

  (2013)

Random Rumblings, the Article.

(By Kingdom_of_Zito)

Right out of the gate, spring training brought to some the news that some prospects’ potential died, and for some, keys to their success in 2014 disappeared in the dust.  Maybe we really are beginning to mimic the real world.  So who is hurting most in April?

San Diego:

You know you’re in trouble when you have to go out and trade for Kevin Correia.  And that’s all because staff ace Lucas Sarabia is out for the year.  He’s coming off a 2013 season in which he posted a sub 3 ERA, and 230 strikeouts compared to 70 walks.  This will be the time for Robert Roberts to prove his worth.  This loss might have killed their season before it really ever began. 

Anaheim:

They may have decided to rebuild a little, but it doesn’t help either way to lose Ed Hart for the year.  This front line starter has a career ERA of 2.90 and a WHIP of 1.14 and was acquired last year for a top prospect.  Now, it’s up to Loewen and Threets to anchor the rotation until otherwise something else happens.  Also to note, Hart got a fat contract in 2013...

One week into the season doesn’t truly mean a lot.  You can look into the records and stats as much as you want, but it’s only 9-10 games.  But even so, it’s worth noting that a team like Colorado has opened with slow starts the last several seasons.  Right now, they’re over .500 and that’s with a reliever who’s ERA is 67.57.  Yes, that’s no type.  Suppose they’re considering deporting Ben Torre back to Cuba?  Other bytes:

Best record:

Right now you’re looking at the Chicago White Sox and St. Louis Cardinals at 7-2.  And the white sox never even sent a lineup in.  It’s worth noting that the cardinals are the reigning champs, and the Sox won in 2012.  In fact, the last two World Series have been between NL and AL Central teams. 

Worst record:

Did you expect anyone else other than the Dodgers?  I mean, they are on this kick where they don’t bother keeping a 25 man roster, or sending in a lineup, or …where’s Donald Trump to say “you’re fired” ?  Oh, he’d be in his 70’s by 2014 wouldn’t he?  Anyways, not far behind the dodgers is, no not the devil rays, but the padres.  Losing your ace doesn’t help, but they’re also hitting .232 as a team.  Even LA is doing better than that. 

Early season award candidates:

In the AL, MVP-like bashers Robert Riley of Detroit and Ian Stewart of Chicago lead the league in RBIs (17) and homeruns (7).  Closer Hector Valencia of Boston has already pitched 10 innings, thus giving him the ERA, WHIP, and OAVG titles so far.  Dustin McGowan, Toronto, has 20 strikeouts.  For the NL, Josh Hamilton of the cubs is raking competition with 6 homeruns and 17 RBIs, which leads the NL in both categories.  Nathan Poovey hasn’t found the power yet, but his lofty .543 OBP, .447 batting average, and early grasp of the stolen bases leader board put him in the mix.  John Danks and Brad Halsey of the cardinals look to be fighting off each other for the Cy Young.

Other news..

The highest paid player in the league is only hitting .286…   The ten million dollar man, Jason Pridie, is tearing it up with a .429 batting average…in AAA…   Atlanta, as a team, has drawn only 14 walks.  Vlad Ulyanov (Boston) has that many by himself… Every team has at least one stolen base, except Washington…  With their sub .300 on base percentages, figuratively, San Francisco and Cincinnati would make a sabermetrician cry…  One star shortstop, Bryan Bass, is on pace for 342 hits and 0 homeruns…  Robert Bowers, closer of the Kansas City Royals, is on pace for 617 innings pitched.  Right now he has 34 innings pitched out of the pen, but has a 2.88 ERA….

                Strike3Forums.com  is proud to play host to S3SL's League Forums.