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.

Phillies Report

There has never been so much concern over a first-place team. The Phillies don't just own first place in the NL East, but they have the best record in baseball as well, at 37-25. But the offense has people worrying.

The Phillies have the second-best team ERA in the league at 3.17; only division rival Atlanta's is better. Roy Halladay has been his usual self and Cole Hamels has been spectacular. Roy Oswalt hasn't been dominant but solid enough, and Cliff Lee has been inconsistent even though he leads baseball with 100 strikeouts. All four have ERAs under four, with Lee's being the highest at 3.63.

The bullpen, particularly the back end, has been stellar. Ryan Madson is 14/14 on save opportunities and looks like he has the tools to be the closer for the years to come. Jose Contreras has picked up where he left off last season, and while he's been injured a good part of the year, his ERA is at a sparkling 0.77. 25-year-old Antonio Bastardo has really come into his own this year, and has allowed just three runs and eleven hits in 23 innings on the year. Charlie Manuel has shown faith in the young southpaw, inserting him in late-game pressure situations, and Bastardo has come through for him repeatedly.

But the pitching isn't the problem. Not at all. The offense is 17th in baseball in runs scored. The Houston Astros have put up more runs so far than the once potent Phillies offense. Fans and manager alike are becoming antsy over the lack of run production.

I attended last night's game against the Dodgers when the Phillies offense was bailed out by Cole Hamels in a 2-0 win. The stud lefty threw eight scoreless. That has been Phils baseball this season. It is not nearly as flashy as the high scoring games of a few years ago, but I see no problem with it. If the Fightins remain atop the standings winning 3-2 games, what does it matter? It is still possible to win a World Series that way.

The injuries have plagued the offense to a large extent. It seems like every one of the starters has had a DL stint already. Jimmy Rollins was gone awhile, Chase Utley just came back, and Dom Brown as well.

Injuries are by no means an excuse, however. The guys in the lineup simply are not hitting like they should be. Yes, opposing teams have finally discovered throwing more breaking balls against the Phils is the correct approach, but a team average of .247 is just not acceptable for a team of this caliber. Placido Polanco has been the only consistent bat throughout the season. Ryan Howard and Raul Ibanez have been hovering in the .240 range. While Howard is third in the NL with 48 RBIs already, he is on pace to strike out over 200 times for the first time in his career (though he has struck out 199 times twice).

While the offensive stats do not look pretty on paper, the worry seems a bit exaggerated. When everyone comes back to protect each other in the order is when this offense should start to be evaluated. In the meantime, I am perfectly happy with letting the pitching carry the Phillies.