It's glad to be back in the blogosphere, here's something for ya'll to chew on

Well, the baseball season is only three weeks old but we do have a few surprises.  Here's the list of surprises, both negative and positive:

The Detrot Tigers are playing like an A-Ball team.  I know that they got some wins over the weekend against Cleveland, but this team needs to put together some big weeks to get back into the race.  They will be getting Curtis Granderson back soon, but they still have glaring holes in the bullpen with the absence of Fernando Rodney and Closer-In-Training Joel Zumaya.  I think they'll turn it around before Memorial day, which is the first true measuring stick for the season.

Also in the AL Central, the Kansas City Royals have been a pleasant surprise this season so far.  The team is at 9-10 right now after being swept by the A's(more on them later), but I like their starting rotation with Zack Grienke, Brian Bannister, and Gil Meche.  I know the Mets could use Bannister now.  The questions that I have all have to do with their lineup.  This team will only go as far as Alex Gordon and Billy Butler will take it, which I think will be an improved team, but still about a year or 2 away from the playoffs.

The Oakland A's are leading the AL West and I can honestly say that I didn't see this one coming.  I was expecting Joe Blanton and/or Rich Harden to be traded as the team rebuilded again.  Once Harden and Eric Chavez get back from the DL, look for the A's to continue their run at least until Memorial Day.  By then, John Lackey for the Angels and Erik Bedard for the Mariners will be healthy.

Who would have thought that the Florida Marlins would be leading the NL East?  A team of no-names that gets paid less than A-Rod and Manny are leading the division.  This definitely won't last, I'm still going with the Mets over the Phillies and Braves to win the division.

Speaking of headline grabbers, how about the NL Central.  The Cardinals, who many picked to finish in 5th place, were in 1st place until yesterday and now sit a 1/2 game behind the Cubs.  I hear that the "What the Fuk?" shirts are popping at Wrigley, we'll see how the lovable losers fair when they play someone other than the Pirates.  Miguel Tejada got 2 years older overnight, what a shock.  Eric Gagne is pitching horribly for the Brewers and Rickie Weeks and Ryan Braun can't hit right now, but that should change soon.  And look at the job that Dusty Baker is doing in Cincinnati.  Sure, I'm not a Reds fan but it's always good to see the Reds play well.  Ken Griffey will always have a place in the hearts of many people my age and Johnny Cueto?  What a stud!

The NL West hasn't really been too crazy, except for the fact that the Baby 'Backs are doing what they couldn't do last season.  They are crushing the ball behind Justin Upton and Mark Reynolds.  With the staff that they possess, they have to be the favorites to win the division.

Remember though, it's only been 3 weeks so we'll see how it works out.

Two offseasons ago, the A's traded Tim Hudson and Mark Mulder in an attempt to build for the future.  Last season, they reaped the benefits of those trades by winning the AL West and making it to the ALCS with players such as Danny Haren and Kiko Calero pitching their way to the offseason.  This offseason, the A's lost Barry Zito to the Giants in free agency but they should continue to chuck along.

Catcher
Jason Kendall is great catcher, but he still doesn't have the power output some would want from this position.  He's still a leader on the field, which is what his biggest purpose is.  Grade:  B

First Base
Now this is a position that needs some help.  Dan Johnson was supposed to be the saving grace for the offense, but he only batted .234 with 9 HR and 37 RBI.  This production has to come up.  The new phenom that may get his shot is Daric Barton.  Barton, another part in the Mark Mulder trade, is a hitting machine but a defensive liability.  The former catcher is still trying to learn the position.  If all else fails, like last season, the A's can move Nick Swisher to 1B and insert Bobby Kielty into the outfield.  Grade:  C+

Second Base
I like Mark Ellis because he's gritty.  He reminds me a little of David Eckstein and as long as he stays healthy, he's a steadying influence in the middle of the diamond.  Grade:  B-

Shortstop
Talking about staying healty, if Bobby Crosby could we would know how good he truly can be.  Crosby seems to get injured every season and he misses about 2 months.  I got a hunch that he'll stay healthy this season.  Grade:  B

Third Base
It seems like this position is the best it has been in years, depth wise, and Eric Chavez is one of those solid 3B that have all of the tools.  The best part about him is that he is a left handed bat that can hit to all fields and he's great defensively.  Grade:  B+

Outfield
What can I say about this outfield except they can all cover a lot of ground.  The starters will be Nick Swisher, Mark Kotsay, and Milton Bradley with Bobby Kielty coming off the bench.  As long as Bradley keeps his cool and Swisher stays in the outfield, this is a great corp of guys.  Grade:  B

Designated Hitter
The big offseason acquisition for the A's was bringing in Mike Piazza to be their DH.  I like this move because the man can still hit a ton.  However, his defensive skills have dwindled so the move to DH should help him.  Grade:  B-

Starting Rotation
As long as everyone stays healthy, this is a scary rotation.  Rich Harden, Dan Haren, Joe Blanton, Estaban Loaiza, and either Brad Halsey or Joe Kennedy will make up the rotation.  Harden is a bonafide ace and Haren and Blanton aren't too far behind him.  Loaiza is the veteran presence on the staff and I think Halsey will win the #5 job and be the lefty at the end of the rotation.  Grade:  A-

Bullpen
At the University of Texas, Huston Street was a lockdown closer.  In Oakland.....He's a lockdown closer.  Street leads the 'pen with Justin Duchscherer and Calero as his top setup men.  Grade:  B+

Overview
It looks like another AL West title for the A's with that stellar rotation and great bullpen.  I do think they will struggle at times getting runs though but it will work out in the end.  Grade:  B