Less than two weeks into the baseball season, it’s still too early to draw too many conclusions about how the season will pan out. Unfortunately, there are a few teams that can already count themselves out when it comes to competing for a playoff spot. For most of these teams, the early part of the season only confirms what we thought heading into the year, but there are always some surprises. Here are five teams whose 2016 season is already doomed in the middle of April.
5. Tampa Bay Rays
Kim Klement - USATODAY SportsAdmittedly, this is a bit unfair, but early in the season the Rays have struggled offensively and their pitching staff has not looked good enough to carry the team. In a competitive division like the AL East, a slow start can be tough to overcome, especially considering how hot the Orioles have been early and what the Blue Jays and Yankees are capable of doing offensively.
4. Milwaukee Brewers
Jeff Hanisch - USATODAY SportsThe Brewers haven't gotten off to a horrible start, but they are not set up to compete this season and haven't proven any differently to start the year. Milwaukee's pitching staff is young and not ready to carry the team, and there simply isn't enough offense on the roster to give the Brewers hope of competing in a tough NL Central.
3. San Diego Padres
Jake Roth - USATODAY SportsThe Padres have started slow and given no reason to believe they're capable of overcoming the far more talented teams in the NL West. The team traded away much of their talent during the offseason to help their farm system and start the rebuilding process. The Padres will be fighting a losing battle all season.
2. Minnesota Twins
Brad Mills - USATODAY SportsThe Twins can't possibly be as bad as they've been early in the season, but overcoming an 0-9 start feels next to impossible. Minnesota's pitching has been fine, but so many of their young players are not producing offensively. That's an issue that may not be so quick to go away, which could make it a long season for the Twins.
1. Atlanta Braves
Getty ImagesThe Braves knew heading into the season that 2016 would not be their year, as the team is set up to start competing in 2017 or 2018. Obviously, Atlanta's 0-9 start has done nothing to change those expectations, only confirming that the Braves have a long season ahead of them.
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