MLB: A Few Things Worth Noting so Far

(Photo by G. Newman Lowrance/Getty Images)

We aren’t even a full month into the 2009 MLB season and we’ve already seen scandals, big innings, great games, and unexpected division leaders. Baseball’s recent purge of steroids has considerably lowered the league’s offensive output, as well as attendance.

However, the sport is still surviving and looks to bring fans yet another great year. Here are a few things worth noting so far this season:

1. Check the Standings

Can somebody tell me what is going on? It seems as if all the teams just decided to switch places during the off-season. Currently Boston, Detroit, Seattle, Florida, St. Louis, and the L.A. Dodgers are all leading their respective divisions.

Both Detroit and Seattle (which had the worst record in the Majors in '08) finished last in their divisions last year. St. Louis and Florida missed the playoffs entirely.

The meteoric rise of Tampa Bay last season offered fans a great feel-good story, while also showing the league that there was a new major playoff threat to worry about.

But now, the Rays currently sit at the cellar of the AL East with an 8-14 record. Their bullpen has proved to be one of the worst in the league, and key hitters such as B.J. Upton and free agent Pat Burrell have done absolutely nothing with their bats.

A few other playoff teams from last season have also hit some hard times. The Angels, with a rotation crippled with injuries, sit at a measly 9-11. The Cubs are at an unimpressive 10-10. The reigning World Series Champions are barely above .500, thanks to Cole Hamel’s slow start and Jimmy Rollins' ineffectiveness so far.

Next thing you know, the Mets will actually start winning in September.

2. Kevin Youkilis

This guy can just flat-out play ball. It was apparent last season when he was in discussion for the MVP award, and he has reinforced all of the buzz about him by getting off to a blazing-hot start.

Youkilis currently leads the league in batting average at a very impressive .405. He’s also got five home runs, 15 RBI, and a .516 OBP to go with it.

As a die-hard Yankee fan, I have done everything to not like this guy, from turning the channel when he bats to benching him on my fantasy team (the Red Sox were playing the Yanks and I just couldn’t in good conscience let myself go through with it).

But it seems every time I find a reason to hate him, he comes up with another clutch hit to change my mind. Youkilis is a combination of hard-fought at-bats, consistent and well-timed hitting, and stellar defense at first and third.

I hate to admit it, but the awkward hitting stance, the intense stare, even the clownish beard are starting to grow on me. Look for this guy to have a monster year, especially if Ortiz starts hitting.

3. The Florida Marlins

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?