Time to Panic?

We're only four games into this season. A four game stretch in a 162-game MLB marathon seems like nothing during the middle of the year. But this is Opening Week. So when a fan's team starts slowly, s/he usually does what is only natural: panic.

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.

Down to the Wire

Story of Red Sox' September: Here, Jacoby Ellsbury can't make catch, resulting in Robert Andino inside-the-park HR

The Red Sox and Braves have folded when it matters most. But they're not out. Once far and away the two wild card leaders, these two ballclubs have fallen apart down the stretch and have put themselves in must-win situations against teams that aren't playing for anything. With only two games left for all four teams, the Red Sox, Braves, Rays and Cardinals will duke it out for the right to play on into October.

On the first day of September, the Boston Red Sox led the Tampa Bay Rays by nine games, and were actually a half game up on the Yankees for the AL East lead. It was almost a given Boston was in and would be a major threat to take the title to Beantown. While it is still a possibility, a 6-18 month is not a way to get that going. On the other hand, the Rays have played steadily, going 15-9 in September en route to tying the Sox. Now, Boston plays their final two games against the basement dwelling Orioles, who have had a knack for beating contending teams recently. The Rays finish against the AL's top seed, the Yankees, who don't have anything to play for and are starting relief pitchers. If the Sox and Rays finish with the same record, get ready for another Game 163.

The Cardinals have played themselves back into contention but will need some help from the 100-win Phillies to play on. Still a game back on the Braves with two left, the Cards need to take care of the Astros and hope the Phils beat the Braves at least once to stay alive. Going 8-16 this September, like the Red Sox the Braves are also on the verge of a historic collapse.

About five weeks ago I wrote a blog post stating if baseball wanted September races, second place team would have to have extraordinary Septembers. That didn't necessarily happen; while the Rays and Cards have certainly played well, much of the end-of-season urgency can be largely attributed to the slides by the Sox and Braves.