One-third of the baseball season is complete, so we look back at Major League Baseball's best and worst. Don't be surprised how things turned around following our March previews. The playoff race is too early, so no talk about playoff possibilities at this moment.
Most Surprising Teams: AL
The Tampa Bay Rays made the playoffs last year on the last day. Now they are chasing the Baltimore Orioles for AL East supremacy, at least for the first two months. The Orioles' rise was a surprise, as many predicted the Orioles will wallow through the division cellar, if not the entire American League. However, their offense and pitching has carried them through, with Adam Jones, Nick Markakis, J.J. Hardy and Matt Wieters providing the hot bats, and Jason Hammel, Wei-Yin Chen and Jim Johnson providing the strong arms. Meanwhile, the loss of Evan Longoria didn't hurt the Rays, as the pitching of David Price, James Shields, Jeremy Hellickson and unlikely closer Fernando Rodney carrying them.
Most Surprising Teams: NL
A few minutes' drive from the Orioles park were another surprise team. The Washington Nationals have finally realized the potential of their two young stars in Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper. Throw in newly-acquired pitchers Edwin Jackson and Gio Gonzalez, then the Nats have one of the strongest staffs in the National League. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Dodgers were playing like it was 1988, as Matt Kemp was supplying the power and Clayton Kershaw the pitching. Even though both teams slowed down a bit due to key injuries (Kemp and Wilson Ramos), they are still holding the fort in the NL East and West, respectively.
Most Disappointing Teams: AL
The LA Angels of Anaheim are supposed to get stronger with Albert Pujols, but it took 110 at-bats before hitting his first homer. Pujols' struggles also underscores the fact that the Angels were inconsistent from both pitching and offense, despite trailing Texas in the AL West race. The Boston Red Sox failed to find a groove under new manager Bobby Valentine, as injuries, poor defense and pitching, unconventional lineup changes and cold offense dragged them to the AL East cellar, though they soon rebounded at the end of May.
Most Disappointing Teams: NL
They faced off in the postseason a year ago, yet the Milwaukee Brewers and Arizona Diamondbacks were back into their doghouse ways. The loss of Prince Fielder and the offseason distractions on NL MVP Ryan Braun affected the offensive production of the Brewers, and even their pitching was suspect. The Diamondbacks staff were likewise a far cry from last year, despite adding Trevor Cahill to the staff. Any hope of a turnaround will need a tweak or two to change their fortunes.
Most Valuable Player: AL
After suffering from an alcohol relapse in the offseason, Josh Hamilton started out with a blaze of glory. Through the end of May, Hamilton had smacked 21 homers, the most impressive run coming in a game at the Baltimore Orioles on May 8, where he became only the 16th player to drive four home runs. Hamilton's hitting was one of the reasons why the Texas Rangers are leading the American League at this first third of the season.
Most Valuable Player: NL
Picking up from his best season in Kansas City, Melky Cabrera continued his hot-hitting ways in San Francisco. Through the end of May Cabrera hit .373 with 78 hits, capping off the month by tying Randy Winn's franchise record of 51 hits in a single month. Cabrera has proven to be a good pickup for the Giants, who badly needed offense after missing the playoffs the year after winning the World Series.
Best Rookie: AL
As much as the offense was carrying the Texas Rangers, it was the pitching that is helping them win. They have a plethora of great arms like Colby Lewis, Derek Holland and closer-turned-starter Neftali Feliz, but Yu Darvish has proven to be an excellent pickup by the defending AL champions, winning seven decisions through nine games. And while he is still finding his way in the United States, Darvish's future appears to be in good hands.
Oh, and he also won the AL Best Pitcher too.
Best Rookie: NL
Even though he debuted in the majors late in April, Bryce Harper broke out in a big way, impressing fans and other players alike with his speed and hitting prowess. One play against the Phillies showed how fast Harper can be, stealing home plate past Carlos Ruiz for a run. Then during the month of May Harper hit his first four Major League homers, while averaging .274 for the season. Along with Stephen Strasburg, Harper is now a major cornerstone the suddenly contending Nationals can build on.
Best Pitcher: AL
(see AL Best Rookie Yu Darvish)
Best Pitcher: NL
Lance Lynn was a reliever last year, helping the St. Louis Cardinals win through his strong arms and keen sense of the strike zone. This season, Lynn became a starter after losing ace Chris Carpenter to injury, and he did not disappoint. Through nine games, Lynn led the National League with eight wins, helping the Cardinals continue their winning ways despite losing franchise leader Albert Pujols to the Angels.
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