Optimism abounds for these 10 surprise teams

Optimism abounds for these 10 surprise teams

April 21st, 2018

Are we enjoying watching the Braves and Phillies and Pirates play baseball? All that youth and energy and winning is wildly entertaining. Suddenly, possibilities abound.
That's what happens with teams that aren't quite sure how good they are. As they begin to win, confidence grows, and suddenly these teams are capable of upending postseason races.
Will it last? Who cares? Instead of pondering that one, why not sit back and enjoy the show? Yes, it's a long season. Strengths are revealed, weaknesses exposed and that's the genius of a six-month schedule.
Ten teams considered borderline contenders enter the weekend on an early roll, so let's offer fans reason for optimism.
1. Mets
OK, Mets fans, take a big deep therapeutic breath. Did you expect your guys to play .917 baseball all season? So far, the Mets have checked three important boxes: rotation, bullpen and offense. While Matt Harvey is Topic A, it's the poor defense that should worry fans. Bottom line: The strengths outweigh the weaknesses.
2. D-backs
Regression? What regression? The D-backs will have plenty of offense once third baseman and outfielder Steven Souza Jr. return from the disabled list. But the reason for optimism is a pitching staff that has been the National League's best this season. The front four of Zack Greinke, Robbie Ray, and was terrific last season and probably is the NL's best in 2018.
3. Angels
They are the real deal. First, they mash. Only the Red Sox have scored more runs. As long as the rotation stays intact, the Angels are going to be in it until the end. The Red Sox beat up on the Angels' starting pitching this week. Not to worry, as long as Shohei Ohtani, Garrett Richards and the others stay healthy and can continue to take the ball, the Angels will contend.

4. Blue Jays
Right-hander has had three straight solid starts and continues to offer every indication that he's going to be as dominant as he was two seasons ago when he led the American League with a 3.00 ERA. The Blue Jays have won five of seven while their best player, third baseman Josh Donaldson, is on the DL with a sore shoulder. He probably will return next week.
5. Pirates
The Pirates have enough pitching to stay in contention. Right-handers and have done a nice job anchoring the rotation, and is coming off his best start of the season. Meanwhile, two of the organization's top prospects, Mitch Keller and Taylor Hearn, are off to great starts at Double-A.

6. Twins
Only the Astros, Red Sox and Indians have a lower staff ERA in the American League. has been the best starter in a rotation that also has , Jake Odorizzi and (who is on the DL). and have been tremendous additions to a solid bullpen.
7. Braves
The NL's best offense is a good place to start. Only the D-backs and Phillies have lower ERAs among all NL teams. Mike Foltynewicz and have been dominant at the front of the rotation, and the first month of the season has amounted to a coming-out party for shortstop Dansby Swanson. Top prospect Ronald Acuna Jr. could make his Major League debut any time.

8. Phillies
Is there a weakness? First, the Phillies have one of the NL's best rotations, led by right-hander , who has been a perfect addition. Offensively, only the Braves and Pirates have scored more runs in the NL, and is playing his way into the NL MVP Award conversation.
9. Cardinals
The Cardinals got things rolling during a 5-1 road trip to Cincinnati and Chicago. , who could be the key to the rotation, had his best start of the season Tuesday at Wrigley Field. Once gets hot -- and he will -- the offense will be fine.

10. Rockies
The Rockies have recovered from a slow start with a nice run by the rotation. Right-handers and are pitching the best baseball of their careers, and the three new relievers -- , Jake McGee and -- entered Friday having allowed two earned runs in their last 10 2/3 innings.