In most cases, panicking this early is premature. But a few teams that are projected to be playing in October have exposed some gaping holes early. Let's take a look.
Atlanta Braves: 0-4 start
The days of Smoltz, Glavine, and Maddux are long gone. If Braves fans should be worried about anything, it should not be the 0-4 start, but rather the roster holes in the starting pitching. That being said, this is a ballclub I didn't see doing much more than contending for one of the wild cards.
Their start doesn't reflect that projection. The opening should be viewed no differently than a four-game losing streak in the middle of the season. The class of their division, the Phillies, are only one game better, sitting at 1-3. And guess what NL East foe is 4-0? The Mets, who we all know will likely be mathematically eliminated from contention next week.
Atlanta possesses essentially the same offense that was in playoff position heading into the final day of last season, and then of course the collapse happened.... Maybe they headed into 2012 reminiscing about that fateful night, maybe not. But with the extra wild card a season ago, they would have been in the postseason anyway.
If Jason Heyward continues his struggles at the plate, however, the playoffs could elude this team...
Philadelphia Philles: 1-3 start
Philly has what Atlanta doesn't: a surefire ace. Three of them, in fact.
But through these first four games, and much of last season, no offense to help carry them. And that is worrisome.
These first four games should be a sign of things to come in Philadelphia, particularly until Chase Utley and Ryan Howard return: 3-2 and 2-1 games.
Thanks to the spectacular pitching, many of these close, low-scoring affairs will be won by the Phils. Duplicating last season's 102-win regular season? Not likely. But winning the NL East for a sixth straight season? You can still count on it.
San Francisco Giants: 1-3 start
Barry Zito just pulled them out of a ditch. Wow.
I won't even get into their past few games. Just a fluke is all. San Fran's starting pitching will be in tact for the season, despite being shelled to start. As has been the case the past few seasons, the offense will suffer. Melky Cabrera's acquisition will help....
But honestly, the optimism surrounding a fresh slated baseball season should end quickly for the Giants. Not because of the 1-3 start, but because this isn't a playoff team. And because the Diamondbacks show all the signs of a repeat. And because the Dodgers appear rejuvenated. I hope San Fran enjoyed that World Series run while it lasted.
New York Yankees: 1-3 start
No. No. No. Whatever the New York papers are saying, it is by no means time for panic, or even concern, in the Bronx.
Boston Red Sox: 1-3 start
Just like last year, on paper their star-studded roster looks fantastic. Their closer situation doesn't, but that's fixable...
No, it isn't the skill of the players that should be a cause for alarm.
It's the mindset.
Word on the street is the players are having a rough time adjusting to Bobby Valentine, and they haven't appeared to come out with any sense of urgency. If the first week of the season mattered most to one team, it's Boston. Because of how they finished. Because of Tito's departure. Because of the beer and wings in the clubhouse. Because of players throwing each other under the bus, questioning leadership, and generally feuding in the clubhouse.
They may say it's all behind them, but a nice start would certainly have been reassuring.
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