The 5 (or 6) Early Winners of the 2013 Baseball Season

Baseball's regular season underway and so far it has not been disappointing at all. Pitchers are pitching with dominance, and hitters are tearing the covers off the ball. While teams have only play 2 or 3 games so far, a clear list of Opening Week winners and losers have emerged. Below are my 5 (or 6 depending on how you count it) winners of the short season so far. 

Texas Rangers- Not only did they have the task of opening the season playing the Houston Astros but they  didn't just beat them down in the final two games of the series, they absolutely manhandled them. Yu Darvish nearly throw a perfect game against the new American League team but today, Alexi Ogando shut out the Astros again. On top of that, the Astros struck out 46 times in the opening series setting a new Major League record. 

Clayton Kershaw- Kershaw is the best pitcher in the National League. He can overpower hitters with his insane array of pitches and can pitch deep into ball games as well. On Opening Day for the Dodgers, the ace took the mound and pitched one of the greatest games in Opening Day history. Kershaw went the full 9 innings, shutting out the defending World Champion Giants and hit the game winning home run in the 8th inning, breaking up a 0-0 tie. Kershaw is probably going to be the richest pitcher in baseball history sometime in the next few months when he sings an extension with the Dodgers and Monday was the perfect example as to why he deserves to be paid like it. 

Bryce Harper and the Washington Nationals- I think this guy is going to be the National League Most Valuable Player. In his first game, in his first full season, Harper hit two mammoth home runs. In regard to the Nationals, they have limited the Miami Marlins to only 7 hits through the first two games of the seasons. The Nationals are the only team in baseball that are actually complete and they have showed it in full force so far. 

Boston Red Sox- I don't expect much from the Red Sox this season. But I want them to succeed under new management, and so far they have been. The Red Sox started the 2013 season playing their crippled foes, the New York Yankees. Breakout Spring Training star Jackie Bradley Jr. is continuing his hot hitting into his first couple big league games. He is making the obvious statement that he is future for the Red Sox. 

Atlanta Braves- There Braves have the best outfield in baseball, and potentially, the most dangerous lineup. The Braves play their division rival Phillies and through the first two games of the season, they have showed what their power potential can do. With Justin Upton hitting a home run in the first two games and Freedie Freeman with 6 runs batted in, the Braves lineup looks ready to take on any pitcher. Although they have struck out many times already, it just goes to show that their balanced lineup can make adjustments and provide efficient at-bats. 

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