Starting this season, there was an idea of how each division would play. In the National League, it would be a tough fight between the Mets and the Braves in the East, in the Central a fight was expected between everyone (with Cardinals and Brewers with a slight advantage), and in the West is the game between the Dodgers and the Fathers. In the American League, the Yankees were the clear favorites for the East, the White Sox and the Twins would play Central, and in the West there would be an exchange of blows between Astros and Athletics.
Here we are, more than two weeks from the beginning of the season and we already have four surprise leaders. And they are not only unlikely: they are captivating – four rising teams, which are fun to support. Sorry Mets and Dodgers, no one is surprised they are in first place.
Can I stay on top? What’s wrong with them? How surprising are they? Let’s evaluate these teams:
Record: 9-6. Half a game against the Brewers.
Last post-season win: October 7, 2021, SDLN Game 2 – Reds 9, Giants 0.
What are they doing right ?: Remember when the Reds were ruled out of two Wild Card games by the Braves last year? They hit like a team that wants to erase that memory from their memory. The Reds are second in the National League in the marked races and have a collective slugging of .470.
What can go wrong: The defense has been shaken so far, unsurprisingly. The bullpen wasn’t that good either. Oh, and Tyler Naquin isn’t Barry Bonds.
Can I win the division ?: What they have most for them is division. Brewers are in the game, but they don’t hit, the Cardinals are inconsistent, the Chicks are a mess and the Pirates are Pirates. Can I win the title with 86 victories? Because it definitely looks like a team that can reach that total.
2. Boston Red Sox
Record: 11-6, two games ahead of Rays.
Last post-season win: October 28, 2018, World Series Game 5 – Red Sox 5, Dodgers 1.
What are they doing well ?: J.D. Martinez thundered again, while Xander Bogaerts of Aruba and Rafael Devers of the Dominican Republic looked like the pillars of a franchise. But the Red Sox’s biggest surprise was their pitching, which was a nightmare for them last year. In 2021, from Nathan Eovaldi to Nick Pivetta, including Venezuelan Eduardo Rodríguez, weapons were a power. And the bullpen, including the unbeatable Matt Barnes, dominates everyone.
What can go wrong: The launch seems to throw a little over expectations, although it would be very helpful if Eovaldi continued to look like a Cy Young. But the biggest problem for Boston is that he can’t expect his division rivals not to rise. It would be better to win the hand before the Rays, Blue Jays and yes, the Yankees wake up.
Can I win the division ?: Projection systems have never ruled out the Red Sox and now look smarter than ever. It’s certainly not the same team that finished a year ago. But you can’t expect a clear race for the rest of the year.
Record: 9-6, a game before Cleveland.
Last post-season game: November 1, 2015, World Series Game 5 – Royals 7, Mets 2.
What are they doing well?: The Royals have told everyone they will compete in 2021 and have kept their word so far. They added important pieces – Andrew Benintendi, Michael A. Taylor and the Dominican Carlos Santana – but the stars were the players who were already there, mainly Venezuelans Salvador Pérez and Whit Merrifield. It looks like 2015 with a solid bullpen, in which Greg Holland and Wade Davis show their old form.
What can go wrong: White Sox and Gemini have their ups and downs, but they remain full of talent. And it’s still unclear where the Royals will get so many innings from their rotation. But they will continue to strike.
Do youCan I win the division ?: There are many reasons to be skeptical, but it is easy to support this team. If the Twins, Indians and White Sox leave the door open, Kansas City will come out completely.
Record: 11-6, 1½ game against Angels.
Last post-season win: October 20, 2001, SCLA Game 3 – Mariners 14, Yankees 3.
What are they doing right ?: You can think of him as a mirage. They have a negative running differential so far this season and their team has only three players who reach above average. But what kind of players! Welcome Mitch Haniger and Ty France. Add to this the correct strokes and you will get the Mariners arguments. **
What can go wrong?: ** Very much. Let’s not fool ourselves. The sailors are not able to win the division this year and it is probably a mistake to try so hard. But it is the optimism that this franchise needed after a tough off-season. It is something that can infect the new generation led by Kyle Lewis, Jarred Kelenic, Taylor Trammell and the Dominican Julio Rodríguez.
Can I win the division ?: No, not really. But the time will come and it could be soon.