A Song That Represents the Season So Far for Every MLB Team
It's been an eventful start to the 2015 MLB campaign. Early fireworks out of Kansas City and Oakland, surprises out of teams in Houston and Chicago, and the return of a once-nearly disgraced player in Alex Rodriguez to tie Willie Mays' career home run record.
None of these things could have been known to anyone prior to the season starting, but these elements have made for an exciting start.
Sure, the Cardinals have the best record in baseball and the Yankees are sitting atop the AL East, but the traditional villains of baseball have a long way to go before they can claim any kind of supremacy.
But as for now, we'll just do a little dance and sing a little song; after all, being in first place in mid-May might bring out the naysayers, but it won't contain emotion that can only be expressed by proper song.
So here it is: a song that represents the season so far for each MLB team.
Baltimore Orioles
1 of 30
The Orioles have had an up-and-down start to the season, but they have been on an upswing and look to get both J.J. Hardy and Ryan Flaherty into rehab assignments.
As long as they can avoid the Blue Jays, they should be able to find a solid groove. Toronto simply has their number right now.
But with a record around .500 and things looking good, it's almost like a Cool Runnings exercise montage song is an order.
SONG: "Rise Above It" - Lock Stock and Barrel
Boston Red Sox
2 of 30
Boston finds itself in a tough division this year as expected. Its placement in the standings isn't a worry, as it's certainly within striking distance. The Red Sox do possess the talent to make the playoffs.
The loss of Hanley Ramirez is costly without a question, but players like Mike Napoli and Allen Craig now have a chance to shine, so it certainly doesn't look like the Ramirez injury is leaving the Red Sox "high and dry."
They're set up with the playoffs in mind, there's no question about it. They might have a losing record right now, but they're ready to go the distance.
SONG: "Going the Distance" - Cake
Chicago White Sox
3 of 30
The White Sox have struggled, with their biggest foe being road games where they've pulled off an MLB-low of two wins this season.
But don't let that discourage those who like their baseball with a little bit of scrap. I'm going to be a betting man and say that Jeff Samardzija and the Royals' Lorenzo Cain haven't exchanged their last words. Or fists.
With that in mind, something with a little bit of fighting spirit is a must.
SONG: "Never Scared" - Bone Crusher
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Cleveland Indians
4 of 30
It's been a dismal start for Terry Francona and his Cleveland Indians. They're at the bottom of a tough AL Central, and their pitching hasn't been very hot.
Not a lot you can say here, but a lot you can express in song.
SONG: "Total Eclipse of the Heart" - Bonnie Tyler
Detroit Tigers
5 of 30
Currently in a battle with the Kansas City Royals, as they may well be all season, the Detroit Tigers have played gutsy and winning baseball so far in 2015.
The Midwest villain, the Tigers have dominated the division traditionally and look to play with that kind of intensity.
The good news is that their weapon in pitcher Justin Verlander is ready to resume throwing again.
It's only fitting then that they should have something that represents rigid progress and the idea that they're not backing down.
SONG: "The Imperial March" - John Williams
Houston Astros
6 of 30
In probably the biggest surprise so far of the season, Houston has played well beyond expectation and are looking like winners in the process.
Whereas the AL East is surging, the AL West is struggling. But the Astros have been plenty willing to take command of this division in the face of these struggles.
With its biggest winning streak since 2004 under its belts recently, this team is jazzed and confident that it can compete.
SONG: "#1" - Nelly
Kansas City Royals
7 of 30
The Royals picked up right where they left off last season emotionally. Unfortunately, the rest of the league isn't taking too kindly to this high level of energy.
Royals pitching has been lights-out, and as long as they can avoid getting caught up in trying to even the score with Oakland, or any other team they get into it with, for that matter, they should be fine.
Going against Detroit is going to be tough, but Kansas City has been in the Tigers' shadow for a minute now and looks to separate itself.
SONG: "A Warrior's Call" - Volbeat
Los Angeles Angels
8 of 30
Every time it seems like the Angels have a foot on winning some games, they find a way to turn back over. Starting out the season was rough, and the team has never really found a consistent brand of winning.
But being No. 27 in the league in batting average and No. 26 in the league in on-base percentage will do that.
Their big players need to get hot fast if they expect to make up ground in this slumping division.
SONG: "Put On a Happy Face" - Tony Bennett
Minnesota Twins
9 of 30
The Minnesota Twins weren't on many radars to start the season, and they sure haven't done anything statistically that will blow you away. They just keep winning games is all.
After a rough start, the Twins are playing winning baseball at the moment, a surprise for a team that didn't have a lot of expectation in its corner to start out the season.
The injury bug is light, but present, but as of now they'll take where they are, especially if they can stay in form.
SONG: "Making Our Dreams Come True" — Laverne & Shirley theme song
New York Yankees
10 of 30
Maybe it's the whole mystique of being at 660 home runs. Maybe it's battling back to earn the respect of your peers, as well as the fans.
In New York, it's all about A-Rod right now, and rightfully so.
Yankees fans might be quick to point out that Jacoby Ellsbury has really been a firestarter for this team this season, but the emotional impact that A-Rod has brought to the plate is helping, without question.
First place, your disgraced star is back, pitching is holding up...it's just Yankees baseball in mid-May, baby.
SONG: "Redemption Song" - Bob Marley
Oakland Athletics
11 of 30
The Oakland Athletics went out of the 2014 playoffs when Kansas City decided they were going to come back and go on an emotional run to Game 7 of the World Series. That emotion has spilled over to 2015.
Brett Lawrie has gotten away with one of the poorest examples of sportsmanship with no action by the league or real scrutiny from the media for recklessly taking out Alcides Escobar in the fashion he did. His arrogant attitude in the process is the reason the Royals weren't happy with him.
Lawrie's false accusations that pitchers are going to aim for his head are not only incorrect, but they just function to stir up trouble. It was also eaten up by the media, who are all about painting the Royals-A's situation as crazy as they can.
To this, there's a song for Lawrie and the struggling A's. Focus on winning and not taking knees out.
SONG: "Big Girls Don't Cry" - Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons
Seattle Mariners
12 of 30
The Mariners have been very streaky so far this season, and with not enough wins for that to be a good thing.
It's anyone's guess who will win the slumping AL West, and Seattle would love to have a streak set it right into first place.
The one major bright spot so far has been the play of Felix Hernandez. His 4-0 record with a 1.82 ERA is one of the reasons that Seattle is still within a reasonable striking distance. Bats will have to wake up and support pitching, but the Mariners season is far from over.
SONG: "If I Can't" - 50 Cent
Tampa Bay Rays
13 of 30
It's either been feast or famine so far for the Rays. Winning and losing streaks decorate their schedule, but they do find themselves in a quality position in mid-May.
The Rays were dealt a tough hand with the loss of Alex Cobb to an elbow injury, but they look to endure. Indeed, the Rays are right here and not going anywhere.
SONG: "We Right Here" - DMX
Texas Rangers
14 of 30
The most struggling team in the most struggling division. It's not pretty in Arlington right now, and not just in the standings. The Rangers are batting .220 right now, good for last place in all of baseball.
Plagued by injuries, the outlook long-term doesn't look good for the team. Of course, this is why we play the game. But don't expect to see this team in the postseason unless some massive changes happen.
SONG: "Desperado" - The Eagles
Toronto Blue Jays
15 of 30
The Blue Jays are in last place, but they're the best last-place team in all of baseball...if that's something to be proud of.
The highlight of the season so far was the sweep over the Orioles. But before that sweep and since then, they haven't found a way to materialize wins.
Oddly enough, the Blue Jays lead the league in runs and are batting very well. They are certainly in this division race and can turn it up with a good streak, they just need to keep their heads up.
SONG: "Keep Your Head Up" - Tupac Shakur
Arizona Diamondbacks
16 of 30
As expected, Paul Goldschmidt is carrying the Diamondbacks. As feared, the rest of the team really is not. Getting swept by both the Pirates and the Dodgers so far really hasn't helped matters.
Pitching in Phoenix hasn't been terrible, but it hasn't been great, either. The Diamondbacks are known for getting into slugfests, so if pitching can just step up a little more, you could see this team climbing the standings.
It's all got them feeling a little...bittersweet.
SONG: "Bittersweet" - Big Head Todd and the Monsters
Atlanta Braves
17 of 30
After a red-hot start to the season, the Braves have not done well against the Mets in head-to-head competition and have failed to get any kind of hot streak going otherwise.
The good news for the Braves has been the bad news for the Nationals—the uncertainty of star pitcher Stephen Strasburg. With a logjam with regard to the middle of the pack, the Braves will certainly take any kind of advantage they can from their perceived opposition.
Their schedule softens up a little as they'll face Miami and Milwaukee in the series before May ends. But as of now there needs to be something to motivate the Braves to take control and challenge the Mets.
SONG: "Danger Zone" - Kenny Loggins
Chicago Cubs
18 of 30
What's this? No. 5 in baseball in on-base percentage? So you're saying there's a chance?
The Cubs have shown that they are going to have some presence in the NL Central this year, something that any fan in Chicago will take. They're feeling like they can do anything well enough to win.
Anthony Rizzo is also batting an impressive .333, showing some power in the Cubs lineup.
SONG: "Anything You Can Do" - Irving Berlin
Cincinnati Reds
19 of 30
An average team playing average baseball, the Reds picked a bad year to not come out of the gate strong. Being in the same division as St. Louis has always proven problematic.
Cincinnati has been anchored by its pitching, though, led by Johnny Cueto with 40 strikeouts so far on the year. As a whole, the Reds are No. 4 in baseball with opponents' batting average and No. 7 in WHIP. Solid pitching could help to close that gap with St. Louis if the Cardinals start slipping soon.
But the Reds are surviving, finding themselves in a position that's full of opportunity.
SONG: "Survivor" - Destiny's Child
Colorado Rockies
20 of 30
It's a good news-bad news scenario in Denver. The bad news is obvious: The team isn't playing winning baseball. It also has easily the worst pitching in the majors.
Dead last in ERA and opponents' batting average, the Rockies are also second-to-last in WHIP.
But the good? The bats are there. D.J. LeMahieu is batting a crazy .376 to lead the team right now, but four other players are batting .333 or above. If starting pitching can rally, the Rockies can still climb, but they need to act sooner than later.
SONG: "The Red" - Chevelle
Los Angeles Dodgers
21 of 30
The Dodgers are simply on fire. Even with superstar Yasiel Puig out of the lineup, bats are hot and wins can't be recorded fast enough.
Los Angeles is probably the most well-rounded team there is. They have the total package going right now, being near the top of nearly all important batting and pitching categories.
The Giants have again proven that they will be the Dodgers' primary opposition (as if they needed further motivation) and have competed well against them so far. Success in this series this season will be pivotal.
SONG: "Good Times Roll" - The Cars
Miami Marlins
22 of 30
The Marlins are missing the "pow" effect they were hoping to get from Giancarlo Stanton so far. He does have seven home runs so far to lead the team, but his batting average has been moderate at best. The Marlins as a team though are hitting .267, good for No. 7 in MLB.
Miami has done a great job in pulling off a turnaround from its tough start. Winning is becoming a part of the formula.
Mat Latos from Cincinnati has been a disappointment so far, however. He brings a questionable element to the clubhouse with his attitude to begin with, and now he's got an ERA over 5.50. Getting a good rotation going will be the key to success if Miami is going to have any this season.
SONG: "One of These Things (is Not Like the Others)" - Joe Raposo
Milwaukee Brewers
23 of 30
No one wants to see this team win more than Ryan Braun. Unfortunately, aside from Adam Lind batting .315, there is absolutely nothing anyone is doing to really help in that cause.
This team is stagnant, and probably the worst in baseball right now.
You never want to say that it's time to start thinking about next year this early, but with the Cardinals and others playing as well as they are in the NL Central, it's hard to see the Brewers doing a lot in 2015.
SONG: "Wake Me Up When September Ends" - Green Day
New York Mets
24 of 30
The Mets are living and dying by their success on the mound, and right now they're living. The team has come down a little from the massive winning streak that got it all the attention, but performances on the mound have shown it's likely to be on top of the division after the All-Star break.
Without question, the comeback player of the year so far is Bartolo Colon. Colon has essentially resurrected his career with five wins and an impressive 2.90 ERA. And he's getting into games with his bat as well? What can't this guy do right now?
The only thing that stinks out of Flushing is that fans haven't been there to see the Mets, but that will start to change as the weather in New York warms up and play from the team continues to be hot.
SONG: "Return of the Mack" - Mark Morrison
Philadelphia Phillies
25 of 30
It's not going well in Philadelphia. The bats aren't there, pitching is less than acceptable, and Ryan Howard only has four home runs at this point to lead the team.
The one bright spot that the team can try to hang its hat on is the pitching of Aaron Harang. Harang has a modest 3-2 record and 2.35 ERA to lead the team. He will need more help if the Phillies are to find winning ways in 2015.
SONG: "Bad Day" - Daniel Powter
Pittsburgh Pirates
26 of 30
To sum up the obvious problem that Pirates fans are already well aware of, the bats are simply dead. The team is No. 26 or worse in all major batting categories: runs, batting average, on-base percentage and slugging.
Even worse is the poor performance from star Andrew McCutchen so far. As of Wednesday, McCutchen has just seven hits in his last 50 at-bats.
Despite being caught in the middle of one of the toughest divisions in baseball, the Pirates have stayed relatively healthy and look to use this to their advantage. With a good run, they could separate themselves from the rest of the pack and hopefully keep themselves within striking distance of St. Louis.
SONG: Hard Knock Life - Jay-Z
San Diego Padres
27 of 30
Both the pitching and batting have been deceptively good for the Padres. Justin Upton has taken the offensive reigns of the team, which is No. 5 in the league in runs.
The Padres have also done extremely well against teams within the division, something that could be key later in the season. If this division isn't won by the Dodgers or Giants, look for the Padres to be the dark horse of this division.
Wait, did I just name a song in describing their position?
SONG: "Dark Horse" - Katy Perry
San Francisco Giants
28 of 30
After starting off terribly, the Giants have put together a run of wins and are arguably the hottest team as of late.
The Giants certainly miss the bat of Pablo Sandoval, but Angel Pagan has made up nicely, batting a cool .340 so far. Team batting is okay at .253, but the team only has 87 runs. Truthfully, it's amazing they're finding ways to win while scoring so little.
Hunter Pence has also begun his rehab assignment, welcome news for a team that just seems like it needs a slight advantage to tip it over the hump.
SONG: "Centerfield" - John Fogerty
St. Louis Cardinals
29 of 30
Move over, Yadier Molina. You're being challenged as one of the best players in the league by a guy on your own team.
Matt Carpenter is having an amazing start to this season. He has quickly become one of the top talents in the game and a sure-fire consistent All-Star.
We're all aware of the success that St. Louis is having. It just has to keep on rolling.
SONG: "Rollin' " - Limp Bizkit
Washington Nationals
30 of 30
The Nationals are a tough team to put your finger on with regard to what they'll do the rest of the season.
The team will have to overcome the uncertainty of Stephen Strasburg, but team pitching has done respectable so far with a moderate 3.36 ERA.
Bryce Harper is adding some emotion to the team after his three-home run performance against the Marlins on Wednesday. If his team can rally behind his emotion, look for Harper's squad to make a run at the Mets.
SONG: "Best of You" - Foo Fighters
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