MLB Quarter In-Season Review

By Anthony Arellano

We are about a quarter way through the young season and we are starting to see some separation between the top tier and lower tier teams. It is still too early to say who is a lock to be in the playoffs this early as I have learned in my life that anything can happen in baseball. Baseball is after all a marathon not a sprint. A team can start a hot streak and instantly propel themselves into the heart of the playoff hunt. Take the A’s for example, team looked like it was just going to be a mediocre season with Sean Manaea on the shelf for the season and Khris Davis out for an extended time. But yet they managed to be in the midst of a 10-game winning streak and look to be in the middle of the playoff hunt. Here, I will go through each division, go through each team, and give my thoughts on the state of the team at this point in the season.

AL East

Baltimore Orioles:

Let’s state the obvious, this team is obviously rebuilding after shipping out franchise player Manny Machado to the Dodgers last season and letting go of longtime Oriole Adam Jones. They are in the bottom third of the league in most pitching categories and in the bottom half of the league in batting. Not everything is bad is Baltimore however. Try Mancini is having a nice season so far and Dylan Bundy is a good mid rotation starter. Will he get traded sooner or later? I expect that to be the case. The next few years look to be bleak for Orioles fans as they try and rebuild. Hopefully the front office can draft well in the coming years and quickly pull themselves out of the basement.

New York Yankees:

Despite basically their entire team on injured list, they are remarkably in first place at the time of writing this. Gleyber Torres has looked to be a potential all-star and Luke Voit has continued his success in the Bronx. Other players such as free agent acquisition D.J. LeMahieu, Clint Frazier, and Gary Sanchez are holding the fort until key players such as Severino, Stanton, and Judge return. It will be interesting to see how the Yankees adjust to losing Andujar for the year due to a shoulder issue. Will they make a trade or move someone over there? I would guess the latter. This team is touted as a contender and once they are back to full strength, watch for the Yankees to potentially dominate the American League.

Boston Red Sox:

The Red Sox were slow to get out the gate early in the season but have rebounded to be back over .500. Chris Sale is looking like Chris Sale again and David Price is pitching well so far to anchor that rotation. Their bullpen is a little shaky however and we may see them try to upgrade there at the deadline. I expect this team to continue trending upward and possibly return for a shot at back-to-back World Series titles.

Toronto Blue Jays:

After consistent success in the last couple years, the Blue Jays are trending down a bit. I wouldn’t say full rebuild but they won’t be contenders any time in the next few years. There is something to be excited about in Toronto as young Phenom Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was called up finally in addition to another descendent of a baseball great in young Cavan Biggio. Toronto will look to build around those two in the coming years as they make strides to be among the top hitters in the league. But the Blue Jays will have to endure a few tough years in the meantime. Well Toronto has the Raptors right?

Tampa Bay Rays:

This team actually surprises me. I really didn’t see them being among the top teams in the league in terms of record and are actually keeping pace with the Yankees in the East. The Rays are an unconventional team with the use of the opener instead of a traditional starting pitcher which personally I don’t like but it seems to be working here as the Rays currently have the lowest ERA in baseball. This team is made of a bunch of supporting cast guys that really make up a quality team with stars such as Kiermeier, Pham, and reigning cy-young award winner Blake Snell. I expect this team to continue to fight for the division title and at least clinch a wild card spot.

AL Central

Cleveland Indians:

My god what happened to his team? If you told me the Indians would be struggling at this point in the season and Jose Ramirez would be batting under .200 I would’ve called you crazy. But here we are. One reason for this down season could be due to the abysmal offense as the Indians are in the bottom half of the league in most batting categories. It could also be due to Kluber and Clevinger being out for an extended period of time. But so far the pitching has held up so far. I think Cleveland’s window is closing fast and they need to make some moves at the deadline to bolster that outfield. But with the Twins finally emerging as a powerhouse in the AL, they may be looking for a wild card berth.

Dude needs to find his rhythm.

Minnesota Twins:

The Twins have homered their way to the top of the AL central and took advantage of the Indians stumbles so far. The pitching has overachieved so far and are currently sitting at 5th in terms of ERA with Jake Odorizzi, Martin Perez, and Jose Berrios leading the way. Free agent acquisition Nelson Cruz is doing well as is emerging star Jorge Polanco who is currently hitting a .335 batting average. I don’t see this team slowing down especially in this weak division but will they be able to compete with the top teams in the AL? We will have to wait and see.

Chicago White Sox:

Look out for the White Sox in a couple years to be making a playoff run. With guys like Michael Kopech (injured), Eloy Jimenez, and Yoan Moncada already being at the major league level with more prospects on the way. Also with a massive amount of salary room, they could also make a huge free agent signing to bolster their roster. White Sox fans will have to endure a couple more mediocre season but the future looks bright for the White Sox.

Kansas City Royals:

It will be a while for this team to return to the postseason after most of their key players from their World Series winning team have moved on to other ventures. Some bright spots here include Whit Merrifield and young prospect Hunter Dozier. Yet this team is in full rebuild mode and look to draft well to boost their farm system.

Detroit Tigers:

Another team in the AL central that is in full rebuild mode. Look for Nicholas Castellanos took possibly be traded and possibly others. Unfortunately for the Tigers, they are still hindered by the bad Miguel Cabrera contract as he has rapidly declined in recent years. But recent top draft pick Casey Mize is tearing through the minor leagues and looks to be on the fast track towards being on a major league roster. It will be a while Detroit, buckle up.

AL West

Oakland A’s:

So can anyone answer this for me? How do the A’s keep doing it? Every time they are started to be counted out and looked past they out of nowhere go on a huge winning streak. It helps that they are in the top 10 of the league in pitching categories such as ERA, opponent batting average, and quality starts. Their defense is excellent with Laureano and his cannon in CF and Chapman locking down the hot corner. Even with star Khris Davis on the shelf and no sign of returning in June they are still playing well. But Matt Olson has returned to help buff the offense. I look for this team to contend for a wild card berth.

Houston Astros:

Currently the best team in the American League the Astros have continued their dominance. After a relatively slow start they went on winning 11 of 12 and have a sizable gap in the AL west. Even with injuries to stars Jose Altuve, George Springer, and Carlos Correa I don’t see this team slowing down too much but we will have to wait and see. Those are 3 guys that are extremely hard to replace and the Astros may have to get creative in order to keep their pace. They also have top prospect Forrest Whitley in waiting down in AAA in case their pitching needs a boost. The Astros are absolutely stacked but I’m worried that the injuries may slow them down a bit. We will have to wait and see but I expect them to make a deep run in the playoffs.

Los Angeles Angels:

Oh Angels….. Why do you this to Mike Trout? Why do you persist on consistently being good but never good enough to get into the postseason? You have the best player on the planet and you have made one playoff appearance with him??? And got swept? Oh my goodness. It starts with the pitching, the Angels are in dead last in terms of quality starts and bottom of the league in categories like ERA, walks allowed, and home runs allowed. I can’t remember the last time when the pitching was good. It also doesn’t help that Shohei Ohtani isn’t pitching this year. I mean the offense is average but the pitching is the thing that weighs you down so much and has been over the years. I could eat my words and the Angels could go on a run as it is early in the season but at 25-29, it doesn’t seem likely. Mike Trout deserves a ring, he deserves a playoff win. Make it happen Angels.

I know Mike, I would feel the same way.

Seattle Mariners:

Unfortunately the Mariners finally came crashing hard down to Earth and are looking like the team they were supposed to look on paper. After moves such as dealing James Paxton to the Yankees for some nice prospects and the departure of Nelson Cruz to Minnesota, the Mariners may be trying to rebuild here. Yet early in the season they had some fooled with their hot start and owning the best record in baseball for a short time. But it was fluke and are currently in last place in the AL west. Unfortunately for Seattle, the postseason drought looks like it will continue. Poor Felix Hernandez.

Texas Rangers:

Another team in rebuild mode as The Rangers don’t really have a strong squad. Yes Joey Gallo hits home runs but his batting average is abysmal, Odor looks to be declining at this point, and all their chips were spent gunning for a title. The Rangers playoff window has unfortunately slammed shut in their faces and are looking at a long rebuild. To the basement with you Texas Rangers!

NL EAST

Atlanta Braves:

The Braves are a top team in the National League and should continue to contend for repeating as NL East division champions. However, at the time of writing, they currently sit at second place behind the Philadelphia Phillies. But they have a powerful lineup with Freeman with a .311 average and Acuna leading the way in the middle of the order. Also free agent acquisition Josh Donaldson, even though he isn’t what he used to be, is hitting a respectable .266 with 7 home runs thus far into the young season. One spot I believe the Braves need to improve is the starting rotation. Mike Soraka is pitching like a man possessed and Folty is a solid #2 but they still need more to contend with other teams that have deep rotations. We will see if the Braves catch fire and I expect them to once again win the division…… let the jinx commence.

New York Mets:

I honestly feel bad for Mets fans. How could a franchise put their fans through this much hell year in and year out? They have to be numb to the disappointment and pain at this point. To the offense not performing or the bullpen blowing every lead in sight.  And lord do the Mets have the worst luck in baseball, as they lost Yoenis Cespedes for the season after a fall. Robinson Cano is also on the shelf with a quad injury with many other key players. Fortunately Pete Alonso is destroying every ball in his path in his pursuit of the rookie of the year award. Plus they have pitching god Jacob DeGrom and the hammer of Thor leading the rotation (hopefully they stay healthy this time). Unfortunately for the team expectations are World Series or bust and so far it looks like a bust once again.

Image result for degrom and syndergaard

Can these men carry the load?

Miami Marlins:

So I actually recently saw a lineup the Marlins had a few years back that included former MVP Stanton, reigning NL MVP winner Christian Yelich, J.T. Realmuto, Justin Bour, and Marcell Ozuna. All of these players together would equal a stacked lineup right? Oh no they traded all of those players away for basically what hasn’t amounted to half of what their value should be. This team is going to be in the basement for a while and will be looking to win a tank war with the Baltimore Orioles. Hey, at least you got rid of that statue right? I’m just trying to find some bright spots here.

Philadelphia Phillies:

The winners of the Bryce Harper sweepstakes everybody! In all seriousness the Phillies did get a lot better after choking away the last month of last season the Phillies look the return to the playoffs since 2011 with additions like Andrew McCutchen who is showing flashes of the player he was in his prime, and acquiring arguably the best catcher in baseball in J.T. Realmuto from the Marlins to add to the young all-star in Rhys Hoskins who is killing it so far. This is a very good lineup top to bottom but can they keep it up? It’s early but this team has the potential to be one of the top teams in the National League if their pitching staff can pick it up a bit. It’s not bad but Aaron Nola hasn’t replicated the numbers he had in 2018.

Image result for bryce harper

Washington Nationals:

To be honest with you I really thought the Nationals would be fine with Bryce Harper leaving. Juan Soto emerged as a young star, they signed the best free agent pitcher in Patrick Corbin, and still had some key players such as Anthony Rendon, Trea Turner, and of course Max Scherzer. But what has plagued the Nationals for what seems like forever? The bullpen……. They are tied for the most blown saves in the league and are 8 games under .500 at the time of writing. So what do you do? Do you trade Rendon if this keeps up since his contract is expiring at the end of this year? Or try and add to possibly at least make a wild card berth. I’m not counting out the Nationals just yet, but it looks grim in our nation’s capital.

NL Central

Chicago Cubs:

The Cubs are back in first place and look to avenge their heartbreaking loss in last year’s wild card game to the Colorado Rockies. Can they keep this pace up? Their offense is certainly clicking with Wilson Contreras having a solid season so far and guys like Baez, Bryant, and Rizzo doing their usual thing. I am worried about the pitching as whole however. The rotation on paper isn’t bad but Lester isn’t getting any younger. How long can he keep this up until he starts declining? Kyle Hendricks is solid as well but he does have the tendency to blow up. Also Yu Darvish, doesn’t look to be a great contract signing at this point in time does he? To be honest I don’t know if he will ever be the same dominant pitcher. Don’t get me wrong he still may be good, but an ace? I’m not sure. Nonetheless the Cubs are still among the top teams in the National League and have a shot at bringing home another World Series title.

Cincinnati Reds:

Before the season started, I thought the Reds would be better this year. They made good moves in signing a solid pitcher in Tanner Roark, traded that god awful Homer Bailey contract that also brought over former Dodgers Yasiel Puig, Matt Kemp, Kyle Farmer, and Alex Wood. They made some solid moves, contender? No but at least out of the basement. My god was I wrong. The Reds are currently still locked in the basement and to make matters worse Joey Votto’s power looks like its left him. Don’t get me wrong he’s still a fine hitter but he’s only batting a .242 average and has only 4 home runs which is unusual for him. Luckily top prospect Nick Senzel is here and Luis Castillo is striking out everyone in sight with his nasty changeup. Does this team have the potential to be a good team? Yes definitely especially with the young talent they have coming up in the system. The old guard just needs to start producing like they used to.

Image result for puig reds

Milwaukee Brewers:

All hail the reigning NL MVP that is Christian Yelich! My god is he killing it right now. He looks like he hasn’t lost a step and is still the dominant player that he was last season. Unfortunately for his teammate Jesus Aguilar, he is not the same player he was last season. At this point in the season he is only batting a dismal .189 with 3 home runs. Was it just a fluke season last season? Eh, jury is still out but that is certainly a possibility. Nevertheless the Brewers are one of the top teams in the MLB with that dangerous bullpen but I am concerned for their starting rotation. They don’t really have that “guy” in the rotation that you give the ball to in a game 7 elimination game. Compared to other rotations in the NL the Brewers may the weakest overall. A trade for a decent pitcher may be needed here to get over the hump to that illustrious final dance. Remember they were one game away last season. But first win the division. You have a real shot to be repeat division champs.

Pittsburgh Pirates:

I really don’t know what to make of this Pirates team. To begin, their pitching is a little below average with their ERA being 23rd in the league and their opponent batting average at a .257 batting average. It also doesn’t help that their best pitcher Jameson Taillon is out for an extended period of time. But their hitting is average at best with Josh Ball mashing everything in sight and Adam Frazier having a decent season. But Bell is really doing most of the heavy lifting. Also the trade with the Rays isn’t looking good as Chris Archer isn’t having a great season so far and Tyler Glasnow and Austin Meadows having great seasons so far. Also the Rays are in first place, tough break for bucs. Will they make a surge and compete for the division title? It seems unlikely. Not with how good this division is.

St. Louis Cardinals:

The Cardinals made some great moves in the offseason trading for the best first basemen in baseball in Paul Goldschmidt. Paired with Marcell Ozuna, Jose Martinez, and Matt Carpenter this team on paper looked like a force to be reckoned with. The Cardinals are currently one game under .500….. How you may ask? Well looking at their pitching and batting stats, they are in the middle of the league in most categories. But that’s it, they are just average. Also certain guys like Carpenter and Ozuna are underperforming so far this season. The pitching is also meh so far. Mikolas has an ERA over 4.00 so far as does closer Jordan Hicks and free agent signing Andrew Miller. Will they bounce back? I believe so. There are a lot of professional hitters here and I don’t expect them to be underperforming to long. Look for them to compete for the division throughout the season.

Image result for paul goldschmidt cardinals

NL West

Arizona Diamondbacks:

After trading franchise player Paul Goldschmidt in the offseason the Diamondbacks looked to be rebuilding after getting swept in the playoffs two years ago and collapsing at the end of the year a season ago. Currently they are one game under .500 but the team is better than expected. The offense is solid as they are 6th in runs scored and 5th in batting average. I’m actually shocked at the production they are doing with Ketel Marte and Eduardo Escobar leading the offensive charge hitting .279 and .286 respectively. The pitching is average as they are in the middle of the league in most categories. Robbie Ray and Zack Grienke and his awful contract are leading the way there but the same cannot be said for the rest of the rotation which has been disappointing. Will the D-Backs make a move to bolster their team? I don’t think so. If they couldn’t win with Goldy and Pollock how could they win with this team? Smart move here is to rebuild or retool and make another run in a couple years. But I’m usually wrong anyway so do the opposite.

Colorado Rockies:

Here is one team that is struggling out of the gate so far and are barely one game over .500. I still think the Rockies are a solid team especially with that dangerous lineup lead by the best third basemen in baseball, Nolan Arenado. Who rightfully got paid. Let’s address the elephant in the room, the pitching is absolutely god awful. I mean its Coors field but 27th in ERA and 25th in WHIP? My god. The beast that was Kyle Freeland of last year is nowhere to be found and is replaced by this imposter. Jon Gray, the potential ace that Colorado hoped he would be, sports an above 4.00 ERA. German Marquez is the only pitching in this rotation that has an ERA under 4.00. It is dark days for the pitching staff here in the mile high city. The offense has been really good so far but cannot carry the entire load. The pitching needs to show up for this team to get back on track. You can’t expect your offense to carry you to the promise land. It’s early and I wouldn’t panic yet, but I would be worried.

Los Angeles Dodgers:

After back-to-back World Series losses, Los Angeles is beyond frustrated, and rightfully so. Cody Bellinger is so pissed that he’s taking it out it out on every baseball he hits. The leading MVP candidate is currently at an astronomical .377 batting average with 20 home runs and 52 RBIs already! Alex Verdugo is making the fandom who were calling to trade him eat their words and making A.J. Pollock sweat as he may not have a job when he gets back from injury (wow surprising he’s hurt who could’ve seen that). Tormund, I mean Justin Turner, is firing on all cylinders and the Dodgers sport one of the best records in baseball. On top of that Hyun-Jin Ryu has a ridiculous streak of consecutive quality starts. The Dodgers are also top 10 in most batting and pitching categories. They look like they could make another run in the playoffs. But there is one chink in the armor, the bullpen (cue the dramatic music). Every time the bullpen comes out Dodger fans everyone start shaking. They need to make moves here. Badly. Joe Kelly is struggling mightily so far but it is early. Kenley Jansen is not dominant as he was in seasons past but is still getting the job done. The Dodgers just need more reliable arms in the bullpen. That should be the focus at the deadline. Bullpen, bullpen, bullpen. It has plagued the Dodgers for years. Expect them to keep this pace up, Clayton Kershaw requires a ring. Give it to him.

Image result for Cody Bellinger

San Diego Padres:

Congratulations friar faithful! You got Manny Machado and you are out of the basement! This team is getting better. They have the best farm system in the league and are poised to be one of the more dominant teams sooner rather than later. The very, very, Padre fans soon will be rewarded and hopefully see the Padres finish over .500 for the first time since 2010. It’s nice to see them actually competitive for once and not the punching bag of the NL West. Will they keep it up? It remains to be seen. They have a legitimate shot at a wild card berth but I don’t think they are ready. The rotation is nothing special past Joey Lucchesi and Chris Paddack. They have multiple top pitching prospects that are maybe a year away or so. This team will be one to keep an eye to see if they keep trending upwards or stay average.

San Francisco Giants:

After 3 World Series wins, it is nothing but dark times ahead for the Giants. Buster Posey’s legs are gone as the power isn’t there anymore. He still hits well but he needs to move to first base if he wants to play into his late 30s as a fielder and not as a DH. Also what do you do about Madison Bumgarner? You trade him. There is no indication that he is coming back and you can’t let him walk for nothing. Sell high. Just not much is working here. Longoria is batting .217, 2nd half Brandon Crawford showed up early this year, and you still have the Jeff Samardzija and Johnny Cueto contracts to pay. Yikes that Cueto one is a bad one. Its okay Giants fans you got your rings but now its downhill from here. Welcome to the basement of the league.

 

Well that is my as unbiased as possible thoughts on every team in the MLB. Let me know what you think. I will be back at the all-star break to see if any of these teams collapsed or made a run for a chance at the playoffs. Until next time, thank you for reading.

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