Early thoughts on the 2019 MLB season

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The Cubs saw their four game winning streak end Saturday, losing to the Diamondbacks 6-0.  Yu Darvish took the loss, because he’s Yu Darvish and that’s what he does.  That and walking hitters.  Walking hitters, losing games and Yu might add giving up home runs.  Of course those three things go together.  Rather than going into details on the game, I thought I’d touch base on some early season developments in this MLB season.

Tyler Chatwood's song?  Walk this way

Despite the loss, the Cubs now sit at 9-10.  Considering their start, I’m not too dissatisfied.  Assuming Jon Lester comes back pretty soon, the Cubs starting pitching looks to be strength.  Tyler Chatwood gets Sunday’s start instead of Jose Quintana, in part because the Dbacks have had trouble against right-handers.  Apparently Joe Maddon wants to see if he can help the Dbacks get over that.

The jury has reached a verdict

Brandon Morrow suffered a setback in his rehab.  There is no timetable for his return.  I now feel fairly comfortable calling this a bad signing.

When attaining expectations stinks

At 8-11 the White Sox are about what you would expect them to be, which is a shame.  To me, they’re far more talented than the Royals and Tigers, but don’t get the results they should, but enough about that.

Red Sox experiencing Rough Sale-ing

The Rays are sitting atop the AL East, in part because they have a good them, and also because of the problems the Red Sox and Yankees are experiences.  The guys the Yankees have on the IL could contend for a division title.  Aaron Judge was the latest Yankee to suffer an injury, a strained oblique.  Their depth is being tested.  The Red Sox are slow out of the gate.  Chris Sale’s record of 0-4 with an ERA of 8.50.  The Sox will probably be okay, but……

Archer helps may the Rays a contender

The Rays appear to really have made hay on the Chris Archer deal.  They picked up outfielder, Austin Meadows and starting pitcher, Tyler Glasnow.  Meadows is currently hitting .357 with six homers and 17 RBIs.  His OPS is a robust 1.095.  Glasnow’s record is 4-0 and he is sporting an ERA of 1.13.  His peripherals are excellent also.  As for Archer, he’s 1-0 with an ERA of 2.00.

Former White Sox, Avisail Garcia, is also helping the Rays.  He has an OPS of .880 and has even drawn four walks.  Former Cardinal, Tommy Pham, is also contributing to the Rays quick start.  The Rays are an interesting team to watch if you enjoying rooting for an underdog.  I doubt they miss Joe Maddon all that much.

Brewers Christian warrior continues to conquer

After a torrid start, the Brewers have come back to earth a little bit.  Christian Yelich, however, not so much.  Yelich has already pounded 11 home runs.  I didn’t think he could sustain last season’s power output, but thus far he’s actually surpassing it.  If he can maintain that pace, the rest of the NL Central is in trouble.