What were the "experts" thinking?

[dieselboy]

Why were so many people so low on teams like Detroit and Cincinnati? And why were they so high on teams like Los Angeles Angels? Yes, I know its only the middle of May, but it just goes to show you that there is still some parity in MLB. I'm not suprised by any of these three teams.

I'm not trying to say that I expected these teams to do what they are doing, but I did pick LA to finish 3rd, Cinci to finish 4th, and Detroit to finish 3rd. Nothing too special, but I saw rankings having the Angels as a top five team in baseball, the Tigers being in the bottom half, and I saw rankings with the Reds being the 3rd worst team behind KC and Florida.

Yes, they all could turn 180s, but I was just looking at some spring rankings and just laughed.

[rubisco43]

Re: What were the "experts" thinking?

The key here is that "it's only May". May last year, the O's were in 1st place. And we all know how well that ended.

[Blzer]

Re: What were the "experts" thinking?

I've been saying the same thing for years now, that teams like Cincinnati will eventually be at the top and running the league. They've finally gotten their chance to be up there.

I was wondering the same thing for the beginning of last year with the AL Central. I mean... the Indians and Twins? Let's talk about them White Sox already! Low and behold, they were World Series Champions.



And I still think that, somehow, the Braves will win the NL East. Now I don't know how just yet, but somehow...

[mjb2124]

Re: What were the "experts" thinking?

It wouldn't be the first time I was wrong, but I still don't see Cincy being able to sustain this throughout the course of the season. Their pitching staff just isn't strong enough IMO. They've given up 185 runs over the season and scored 196.

I guess we'll see if their offense (which is obviously very good) can outslug enough teams to continue this over the long haul. My guess is they'll finish 3rd.

[Misfit]

Re: What were the "experts" thinking?

I don't see the Reds keeping this up either, their pitching just isn't good enough. I'm not surprised at all by LA and I picked Oakland to win that division (though currently they can't hit). Detroit is a legitimate surprise and they could compete in that division all year.

[skitch]

Re: What were the "experts" thinking?

It's only May.

In baseball, things turn around very quickly. The more talented teams, more often than not, will eventually resurface atop (or near the top) of their divisions. Sure, a lot of surprise teams have had good starts, but I see a few of those, (most notably the Reds), as just that.. a good start.

[ehh]

Re: What were the "experts" thinking?

Certainly it's only May, but at the same time - how many experts picked the White Sox to win it all last year?

[nyyanksfan20]

Re: What were the "experts" thinking?

The Reds are just like the O's last year. Unless they trade for pitching they really don't have much chance.

The Tiger have better pitching, plus the bigger ballpark to help their pitchers out but nobody picked them because of the White Sox and the Indians in thier division.

The other thing going against them is both teams are in real tough divisions which is going to be tough to stay up there over the whole season again much like the O's last year. Every year surprise teams do good early but mostly all of them fade because they just don't have the pitching. Put the Reds in the NL West and they just might win the division or even the NL East they could give the Mets and Phils a run for thier money.

[SPTO]

Re: What were the "experts" thinking?

I think the Reds will be in it still by the AS break. They'll need to make some trades for pitching if they hope to contend. I've heard the new owners of the Reds want to WIN so I can see them adding payroll for a playoff run.

The Tigers will come back to earth but I like what they're doing as an organization. They'll be a team to look out for in the next couple years. The same can be said for the Milwaukee Brewers who should be contenders by next year or the year after.

[Scottdau]

Re: What were the "experts" thinking?

Pitching! Is key for any good team. And Detroit and Reds have sub par pitching. Right now they are pitching very good, so you never know!

[Sully]

Re: What were the "experts" thinking?

I'm not sold on Detroit having "sub-par" pitching. Their staff has always had potential, and so far this season, they're living up to it. Rogers was a great addition, and Maroth, Bonderman, and Robertson have been solid.

[Scottdau]

Re: What were the "experts" thinking?

I'm not sold on Detroit having "sub-par" pitching. Their staff has always had potential, and so far this season, they're living up to it. Rogers was a great addition, and Maroth, Bonderman, and Robertson have been solid.

I hear what you are saying but potential don't add up to wins. Especially the experts that are trying to figure out who is going to be the teams to beat. I think the Detroit has a good young rotation, but being young they will take their lumps. Just like the Giants young guns!

[dieselboy]

Re: What were the "experts" thinking?

I'm not sold on Detroit having "sub-par" pitching. Their staff has always had potential, and so far this season, they're living up to it. Rogers was a great addition, and Maroth, Bonderman, and Robertson have been solid.

And don't forget about Justin Verlander, a first round pick in 2004. Maroth, Bondermen, and Robertson are all pitching at a level that was expected of them, these are no suprises.

Plus they have a solid pen. Percival went down, so they brought in Todd Jones, who doesn't have great stuff, but has been great in the closer role, and is very experienced. They also have a good mix of righthanders/lefthanders in middle relief in Zumaya, Walker and Seay. And lastly, Fernanda Rodney is the future closer. Guy was great out of the bullpen last year for them, and has been solid this year.

Far from "sub-par" pitching. With the Twin's starting pitching struggling, you could even make the argument that they have the 2nd best pitching in the division.

[dieselboy]

Re: What were the "experts" thinking?

I hear what you are saying but potential don't add up to wins. Especially the experts that are trying to figure out who is going to be the teams to beat. I think the Detroit has a good young rotation, but being young they will take their lumps. Just like the Giants young guns!

I don't see the Tigers pitching falling off. Maroth and Bonderman have each taken their lumps. Remember, in 2003, the combined for 40 losses. Thats a lump. But now, Maroth has four full seasons, Bonderman three, and Robertson two, under their belts.

And since when can't young pitching win? Look at the A's. They have been doing it for years. Hudson, Zito, Mulder, Harden, Haren, Harang, etc.

[Scottdau]

Re: What were the "experts" thinking?

And don't forget about Justin Verlander, a first round pick in 2004. Maroth, Bondermen, and Robertson are all pitching at a level that was expected of them, these are no suprises.

Plus they have a solid pen. Percival went down, so they brought in Todd Jones, who doesn't have great stuff, but has been great in the closer role, and is very experienced. They also have a good mix of righthanders/lefthanders in middle relief in Zumaya, Walker and Seay. And lastly, Fernanda Rodney is the future closer. Guy was great out of the bullpen last year for them, and has been solid this year.

Far from "sub-par" pitching. With the Twin's starting pitching struggling, you could even make the argument that they have the 2nd best pitching in the division.

A good pen is very good to have. We have lost so many freaking games becasue of our pen!