MLB Week 2: Grand Slam Week (Apr 14-20)

One thing is for sure.... This will be an amazing baseball season. A lot of surprises.
Teams that are at the top...... shouldn't be there....
Teams that shouldn't be at the bottom......Are at the bottom.
Or is this a glimpse of the future?
Is this alll hype? Or is it still too early to make sane assumptions?

As we head into week 2. Players and teams woke up.. Grand Slams galore, Cycles, almost no hitters, Stadium debuts, wind tunnels and a heartbreaking 14-run 2nd inning.

Let's kick it off....

My Top 5 Sluggers
1. Ryan Ludwick(STL/RF). So, I'm trying to look this kid up and I have a tough time trying to locate this guy's numbers. So, I'm asking questions looking in magazine's and browsing the internet. And I found out that he has been in the league for 6 years...techinically since 2002 with Texas and Cleveland. And I say, "no way". Because if he was in Cleveland I would have heard about this guy's power. Mr. Ludwick's first full season was 2 years ago. He hit about 14 homers and drove in about 52. He broke out last year with 37 dingers and 113 RBI's. I don't know if it was being in the minors or off season training, maybe the hitting coach...whatever this kid did.... It's working.....because he's triple crownin'. Leading the NL with 5 homers, 15 RBI's, and a .405 BA. He only needs one more run batted in for the overall lead. He's got a lot more work to do, but with his power, his potential is exponetial.

2. Ian Kinsler(TEX/2B). Hey, Meet Mr. Compliment....to who?....Josh Hamilton of course. This is Ian's fourth year in the league. He has been consistent all 3 years ....especially with his batting average. Look for him to post up amazing numbers this year because everyone knows that the fourth season is the breakout season.
This year Ian has 23 hits(hint), 4 homers, 14 RBI's..... with a whopping .460 BA.

3. Miguel Cabrera(2)(DET/1B). The object of the game of baseball is to: Get on base and score. There is no question why he is second on my list. And notice why he has a 2 by his name. This is his second week on the list. Last week he was a #5. The reason why he jumped so high is because he has a .489 BA, also he is tied for first the league with 23 hits. Oooh by the way he has scored 11 times and has 4 home runs and 12 RBI's. The only reason why he is not #2 is because Ian Kinsler has 2 more runs and rbi's

4. Aaron Hill(TBJ/2B). 2nd baseman in the majors had a great week. And one of the reasons why Toronto is in first place in the AL East. This man. Aaron is having one his best starts this season than he has in his 4 year career. He should be heathly and very consistent. This year, he is also tied for the lead in hits in the majors with 23. He 'also" has 4 HR's and 14 RBI's.

5. Carlos Quentin(CWS/LF). Don't question me please! I'll make it up to you. It was tough picking a #5. But I had to choose someone. And it's a honor to put him on my list. This week Carlos has not been playing baseball....He's been golfing. I told you earlier there is something about the fourth year of players. Last year, Carlos had a 36/100 (hr/rbi) year. This year, he's bound to get way better numbers... By having the major league lead with 7 home runs. His production is average and his batting average looks like what everyone else should have. 13 RBI's and .302BA

Honorable Mention:
Evan Longoria(TB/3B) could have easily hit my list again...(5/12/.391) also Carlos Pena (TB/1B) with 6 home runs and 15 RBI's. but his batting average is too low. (.280) and Tampa Bay is not doing so well.
I need more players in the NL to make my list. I have heard some complaints, but you have to understand that you're going to have better numbers in the AL . In general, because of the DH or Does the pitching stink in the AL? We will answer that shortly.

You might have known this by know, but pitching wins championships, but obviously you can't win a championship without a division title or a wild card berth. These 5 pitchers need 20 win seasons to get their team to the promise land 'hopefully'. Or at least.... hope for free agency.

My Top 5 Pitchers
1. Donald "Zack" Greinke(2)(KC). Now last week, I told you something that sure made your head itch. This week is no different. I told you this kid was lights out. But you didn't believe me. Trust me "Jerry Knows Best". I got a lot of crap, putting him at 5. But here is the perfect reason why the Royals are the Truth....at least right now....
Yes, he is the real deal. It was smart that Kansas City kept him....but who would've "thunk' it. Zack's year has consists of 20 perfect innings, 3 wins, 26 strikeouts, 5 walks. No runs or earned runs allowed. 1 complete game shoutout. Ridiculous.

2. Chad Billingsley(LAD). Fourth year big leaguer (again). With time this stud gets better and better. His last 3 seasons, 7-4, 12-5, 16-10. His ERA those past 3 years, 3.8, 3.3, 3.1. So, I can assume he will be a 20 game winner with a 2.7. So far this he is 3-0 with a 2.84 ERA with 21 strikeouts through 19 innings. Pretty Awesome.


3. Heath Bell (SD/CP). I shouldn't throw closers on here, but why not....... right? I can make a case for Heath Bell. It's funny because I watched him on a segment on Baseball Tonight and his proudest accomplishment was being on baseball tonight. Weird. With Heath...He's replacing a legendary closer in San Diego(Trevor Hoffman). He has HUGE shoes to fill. and why not fill them without throwing runs on the board. 7 saves, 8 strikouts and 0.00 ERA. Do we have Hell's Bells v. 2.0

4. Armando Galarraga(DET). I might be the master of hype. But I watch every baseball game...or I try to. I know talent when I see it. Watch out for this kid. he's in his 2nd full year. Last year he finished 13-7 with a 3.7 ERA. He's off to a great start with 2 wins, 13 innings pitched with 13 strikeouts.....just 1 earned run-with an average of .68. Trust me: "Lights out"

5. Johan Santana(NYM). The only reason he dropped 2 spots is because he has one loss, but obviously it wasn't his fault. Through 19-2/3 innings he has thrown 27 strikeouts. INSANE. 1 earned run and 5 walks. ERA of .46.




Honorable Mention:
Roy Halladay(TBJ)- Ok Check this out. Other pitchers on other MLB teams....on their day off.... travel to see him pitch. Need I say anymore. I know he's going to make this list...at least 10 times this year. He has 3 wins .....In 21 innings pitched...he has 17 strikeouts, and 3 waks...What disappoints me about his stats is.... 7 earned runs and a 3.00 ERA


Who's Hot
NL/AL

Florida Marlins: This is really funny, Because I had the Marlins and the Braves on the honorable mention list last week. This is Hands Down one of the most special clubs we have in baseball and maybe, major league baseball history. The Marlins are for real. They have the 2nd best run differential in the league with +32. They are 3rd in the majors with only giving up 45 runs through 12 games. I told you 3 or 4 blogs ago.... Every 6 years the team shows up...just go back 12 years.

Toronto Blue Jays: I really thought this team was going to suck. I might be wrong, but I think their average finsh is 3rd in the division the past 7 seasons. With the loss of A.J. Burnett, I thought their picthing would hurt....instead, pitchers Ricky Romero, Jason Frasor and, of course, Roy Halladay have at least 3 wins. Look out for the Blue Jays.

Honerable Mention:
National League: Los Angeles Dodgers....Obviously... 12-3 record.. Pitching is awesome Clayton Kershaw and Chad Billingsley are on fire.... and Hitters are on a tear. They have the 3rd most runs scored and their in 2nd in the league with the least amount of runs given up. Run differential is ridiculous +42.


American League: Detroit, Chicago, and Kansas City. The American League Central will be fun to watch if the Royals stay in it. Pitching will be a factor...and right now. The Royals are all over that category 38 runs against. Also the Red Sox have won 5 straight


Who's Not
NL/AL
Arizona Diamondbacks: I expect this team to be in the playoffs. No one's clicking. I think once Brandon Webb gets back this team should make a run but it's not looking so good. **By the way...I could put the Nationals up her every week. but it's not going to fly... Blame My Boss. Also, The Braves..What happened.... 5 straight losses.


Tampa Bay Rays: I know....... you're thinking what I'm thinking....Fluke. Maybe.
What they did last year was special...Let's hope they can find that spark again.
But I'm going to keep that word..."Fluke' in the back of my head. Hitters are on fire, Their pitchers on the other hand are struggling


Depressing News






















We lay to rest one of the greatest baseball characters of our time.

Mark "The Bird" Fidrych- His career was short., but it was magical. if it weren't for injuries. He would be a legend.
He used to talk to the ball right before he pitched as if it were alive. .... He will go down as a great in Tigers history....as an amazing human being...who always brought you a laugh and your money's worth.
Mark Fidrych
August 14, 1954- April 13th 2009 (54)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6spUPSxhBqc