2011 MLB Baseball: 6 Teams Whose Early Season Production Isn't What It Seems

Every year the same thing always happens. Mediocre teams start off the season extremely hot and get everyone's hopes up, while on the other hand, big-spending teams seemingly struggle to get their groove after spring training.

The underlying idea of a 162-game season in the MLB is that the long haul creates a clear division between playoff contenders and pretenders, but early season results and records can cloud a fans perspective to just how much of a contender a team really is.

The following is a list of six MLB teams who's production through the first month-and-a-half of the season doesn't match where they will most likely finish their 2011 campaigns off.

Florida Marlins

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CINCINNATI, OH - MAY 1: Hanley Ramirez #2 of the Florida Marlins rounds the bases after hitting a home run in the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on May 1, 2011 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Marlins defeated the Reds 9-5.

Record: 24-16 (Second in the NL East)

Production Prognostication: Decline

The Marlins seem to do this every year. They try and hang around with the giants of the NL East but by midseason, their team seems to have a lot of questions. They currently have a plus-17 run differential but despite having bright young hitting and one of the most dominant pitchers in the NL, the team might be a year too young to contend for a playoff spot.

I expect the offense to become stagnant after the All-Star break, in large part to having 18 games against Atlanta and Philadelphia in August and September.

Chicago White Sox

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CHICAGO, IL - MAY 17: Gordon Beckham #15 of the Chicago White Sox is congratulated by teammate Adam Dunn #32 after scoring the game-winning run in the 8th inning on a wild pitch against the Texas Rangers at U.S. Cellular Field on May 17, 2011 in Chicago,

Record: 18-25 (Fourth in the AL Central)

Production Prognostication: Increase

The White Sox success is predicated on how well they hit the ball. Take that lack of hitting, mix it with not currently having a reliable closer and boasting a 5-12 home record, and you have an extremely underachieving ball club.

I do believe the Chi Sox will turn it around, though. All-Star reliever Matt Thornton should break out of his early season slump and be able to fill in that closer role that he once held down so diligently.

Don't be too worried about the White Sox. They were picked to finish near the top of the Central, and with the Twins playing so poorly, the Sox should find themselves on the upswing and maintaining that throughout the summer. 

Boston Red Sox

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NEW YORK, NY - MAY 15: Jon Lester #31 of the Boston Red Sox pitches against the New York Yankees during their game on May 15, 2011 at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Record: 21-20 (Fourth in the AL East)

Production Prognostication: Increase

I'm gonna say it's a safe statement to say that this isn't where Theo Epstein saw his organization through 41 games after high rolling to get Adrian Gonzalez and then Carl Crawford this offseason. Despite pitching giving up more runs (186) than their offense is producing (181), it'd be foolish to think that the Red Sox won't be there in September.

After starting the season 2-10, the Red Sox have completely turned it around. Fresh off a sweep of the arch rival Yankees, Boston looks like they'll continue it throughout the summer. I'm still picking this team to win it all come October.

Tampa Bay Rays

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ST. PETERSBURG, FL - MAY 16: Infielder Evan Longoria #3 of the Tampa Bay Rays throws over to first for an out against the New York Yankees during the game at Tropicana Field on May 16, 2011 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

Record: 24-18 (First in the AL East)

Production Prognostication: Decrease

This team has surprised most everyone after unloading their best player and best pitchers in the offseason only to have a major resurgence with their poster child third baseman on the disabled list.

The Rays are a real testament to just how good of a manager Joe Maddon is, but unfortunately, playing in the AL East takes its toll come August and September. I want to give this team the benefit of the doubt and in all likelihood, they'll finish around .500, their shot at the AL East title is bleak.

St. Louis Cardinals

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ST. LOUIS, MO - MAY 17: Starter Jaime Garcia #54 of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies at Busch Stadium on May 17, 2011 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

Record: 24-19 (Second in the NL Central)

Production Prognostication: Increase

The Cardinals are an offensive juggernaut, and that's without the league's best player seemingly grounding into a double play once a game. Oh, and they lead the league in just about every offensive category, so it bodes the question: Why are they only five games over .500?

Well, the answer is nine blown saves from their bullpen. That is good for second worst in the majors. The reason why fans shouldn't fret over the Cardinals early struggles is because Tony La Russa seems to have found answers within Fernando Salas and Eduardo Sanchez. The Cardinals will improve tenfold as the summer progresses deep into September.

Kansas City Royals

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KANSAS CITY, MO - MAY 16: Starting pitcher Kyle Davies #34 of the Kansas City Royals prays just prior to the start of the game against the Cleveland Indians on May 16, 2011 at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Davies left the game due to injury

Record: 20-21 (3rd in the AL Central)

Production Prognostication: Decrease

It's rare to consider a team that's one game under .500 to be performing well. But the way the Royals have responded this season after losing their best player has been a pleasant surprise. Unfortunately, the club may have given fans false hope as it seems like they do this most every year.

They start off well, the bats are hot and they find ways to win games. It's only a matter of time until Kansas City is 15 games under and sitting again at the bottom of the AL Central. Monday's 19-1 trouncing may have shed a light inside who the real Royals really are.