MLB: Five Former Cellar Dwellers With Winning Records Early In 2009

(Going into Sunday afternoon's games)

As with the case of the former contenders, pitching is usually the key, although a good offense doesn't hurt either.

1. Toronto Blue Jays. They actually had a "better than .500" record last year, on the strength of their pitching but were in the bottom two in the very strong American League East.

This year, their pitching is at least as good, and they've beefed up a formerly lackluster offense. Notable stars include "foundlings" Jose Bautista, Kevin Millar, and Marco Scutaro, who were abandoned by the Pittsburgh Pirates, Baltimore Orioles, and Oakland As, which is to the the Blue Jays' credit, and the other teams' shame.

If they can sign (Canadian) Jason Bay when he goes free agent later in 2009, they're golden for 2010.

2. Kansas City Royals. Zack Greinke is AWESOME and the rest of the rotation isn't too shabby either. But they need to improve their offense if they plan to stay on top.

3. Seattle Mariners. Starters Jarrod Washburn, Erik Bedard, and Felix Hernandez are all living up to their potential in the same year. But like the Royals, they would benefit from better offense.

4. Pittsburgh Pirates. One of two 10-7 teams going into Sunday's game. The rotation has shown unexpected strength (although raw statistics suggest "league average"), as is true of the offense.

But this was the team that dumped Jose Bautista (see above) and traded Jason Bay for "a mess of pottage." With Bay and Bautista on the team, this turnaround might be for real, without them, probably a mirage.

5. San Diego Padres. The other 10-7 team, and the Pirates' Sunday opponent. Basically "league average" stats on offense and defense, but like the Pirates, an improvement from 2008. The secret of early (and probably not lasting) success? A 6-2 record in close (one or two run) games.