When a MLB team loses five of six games in July it is seen as a slump, and nothing more. But when it occurs at the start of the season, fans overreact like there’s no tomorrow.
The reality is what happens in April is just a microcosm of what may take place from now until October. Let’s take a look at five overreactions that will likely be reduced to afterthoughts once summer rolls around.
5. The Angels’ offense will continue to struggle
Mike Trout isn’t the source of the problem. He leads the club with three home runs, nine RBIs and a .364 batting average. That’s a slow start by his standards, but certainly not anything to be concerned about. It’s the group surrounding the defending AL MVP that has been the issue during a 5-7 start.
Collectively, the Halos are hitting a meager .217 with just 10 homers and 40 runs driven in, which is surprising, given how productive the team was last season. The loss of Josh Hamilton is certainly unsettling, but Albert Pujols is certainly capable of raising his .255 on-base percentage and creating the one-two lineup punch that Los Angeles needs in order to give opposing pitchers nightmares. And the rest of the lineup should follow suit.
4. Jon Lester is the biggest free-agent bust
The Chicago Cubs made the most significant pitching signing in the offseason when they landed the former Red Sox and A’s left-hander– hoping he’d bring needed leadership to a young team.
So far, he’s only leading in losses. It’s gotten to the point that Lester will do anything to get an out.
Jon Lester out there throwing gloves now… https://t.co/nEWYcS9rSf
— Sports Comedy (@SportsComedy_) April 19, 2015
While that moment on Sunday was amusing, a 6.89 earned run average along with 24 hits allowed in three sub-par starts is no laughing matter. Neither is the unfortunate discovery regarding his throwing ability to first base. But he did just fine in Boston and Oakland without using a pick-off move.
Lester’s past history dictates that he’ll most likely return to dominant form once he gets acclimated to the National League environment.
3. Detroit can absorb the losses of Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer
It was expected that the Tigers would be anchored by their powerful middle of the order. Miguel Cabrera, J.D. Martinez and Yoenis Cespedes have lived up to those expectations. And they’re a big reason why Detroit’s record is the best in baseball (10-2).
This bodes well for regular season success. Pitching depth, on the other hand, is crucial for September and beyond. And the Tigers are lacking in that area. Not only did Max Scherzer depart to Washington D.C. over the winter, but Justin Verlander is out indefinitely with arm soreness. The bullpen, meanwhile, hasn’t changed much since its recent postseason meltdown.
David Price won’t be able to carry Detroit’s rotation by himself. And Shane Greene is off to a hot start, but how long will that last? Verlander may not be the dominant, Cy Young Award winner he was in 2011, but his presence in the rotation is something they can’t afford to be without in the long run.
2. No chance for a Giants repeat
An odd-numbered year means the San Francisco Giants won’t be celebrating as champions at the end of the season. After all, their run of three World Series titles over a five-year span saw trophies hoisted in the Bay Area in 2010, 2012 and 2014. But if you believe in actual skill and effort (instead of numerology), you know that it’s mere coincidence that they only won during odd-numbered years.
Even though the 2015 Giants have already endured an eight-game losing streak and possess a record of 4-10 (six games back of the Dodgers), it would be unwise to think this team can’t respond and recover.
Buster Posey has yet to find his groove, and we all know what Madison Bumgarner is capable of doing on the mound.
1. Ian Desmond’s defense will prevent the Nationals from playing up to their full potential
It would be wise for Washington Nationals fans to take a cue from Aaron Rodgers: “R-E-L-A-X.” This calming method could easily be applied to the early struggles of both the team and its All-Star shortstop.
And even though there are signs that Washington’s wobbly beginning and offensive struggles could be ending after a confidence-building series win against the lowly Phillies, concerns are still abound for Desmond.
Desmond has committed a staggering eight errors in the first 12 games, ranging from bad throws to misplayed pop-ups. He could be suffering from a mental block that likely affected former third baseman (now first baseman) Ryan Zimmerman. Whatever the issue, it can’t possibly continue to be this bad for the duration of the season–especially since it’s a contract year for Desmond.
And while he’s struggled defensively, Desmond currently leads the team in hits (16) and batting average (.314), so he’s still been a positive contributor in the lineup.