There’s always plenty going on in baseball and that’s no different after the first week of the season. We have plenty to talk about thanks to these 10 storylines that have emerged in MLB already.
10. Twins Take A Step Back From 2015
Kim Klement, USA Today SportsThe Twins are off to one of the slowest starts in baseball after being a surprise team for most of last year. Their young players are going to take their lumps and eventually have the chance to be stars, but for now they're going through growing pains. In the end, it's a lack of pitching depth that will keep them from contending in 2016.
9. White Sox Responding Well To LaRoche Incident
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When the Adam LaRoche incident blew up during spring training, most thought it would send the White Sox in one of two directions: right into the ground or squarely into contention. Through a week of the season, Chicago looks like the real deal and could be a serious contender with the addition of one more starting pitcher.
8. Braves Could Be Really, Really Bad
Charles LeClaire, USA Today SportsWe all knew this was going to be a bad year in Atlanta, but not THIS bad. The team didn't win a game in its first week and it's not likely to win many games all year long. Behind Julio Teheran, there's almost no starting pitching to speak of. In the lineup, there are a few nice pieces, including rookie Mallex Smith, but this could be a brutal year in Atlanta.
7. Robinson Cano Set For A Bounce-Back Season
Jake Roth, USA Today SportsCano didn't have a great year by his standards last year, but that seems like it's bound to change this season. He's already off to a blazing start, even as his Mariners have struggled. Seattle figures to be more competitive as the season goes on and Cano is going to be at the heart of the lineup as that happens.
6. Mets In Trouble If deGrom Misses Time
Jerry Lai, USA Today SportsJacob deGrom is dealing with a lat injury and could reportedly face a DL stint. Even if he doesn't, this has to concern the Mets. Of course, they have plenty of pitching depth, but losing deGrom will really hurt. Especially since the team's offense is very average, they're going to need deGrom to recover quickly to hold off the Nationals in the division.
5. Cubs Are Still World Series Favorites
Getty ImagesThe Cubs entered 2016 with gigantic expectations and they haven't disappointed thus far, starting the season 6-1. Despite the season-ending ACL/LCL tear Kyle Schwarber suffered, this team is still primed to win it all. Where they can't afford an injury, though, is the starting rotation, especially Jake Arrieta and Jon Lester.
4. 2016 Could Be Scioscia's Final Year In L.A.
Getty ImagesThe Angels have almost no pitching, especially after Andrew Heaney landed on the DL following his first start. Despite having Mike Trout in their lineup, their offense isn't all that great either. In a tough division, they're unlikely to reach the postseason. If they do, in fact, miss the playoffs, they will likely fire the longest tenured manager in baseball, Mike Scioscia.
3. Royals Already Prepared To "Defend The Crown"
Getty ImagesAs if anyone had any doubt the Royals were going to defend their World Series title with their lives, they shouldn't have doubts now. Kansas City is off to a fast start and already looks like the favorite to win the AL Central again. There's plenty of baseball left to be played, but the Royals are already in midseason form.
2. Big Papi's Final Season Set To Be A Great One
David Richard, USA Today SportsIn David Ortiz's final season, he evidently plans on going out with a bang. He's on pace for a big year, which could include a playoff berth for his Red Sox. If it does include some October baseball, everyone better be watching, because he's one of the best playoff performers in league history.
1. Trevor Story Is Becoming A Phenom
Getty ImagesSix games ... seven home runs. The Rockies' rookie crushed more home runs in his first six career contests than anyone else in baseball history. Obviously, he will slow down eventually, but the Rockies sure seem to have their everyday shortstop. Right out of the gate, though, he has been the top story in baseball.
