Opening day has arrived, and the MLB season is now in full swing. Long gone is the year of the pitcher, and although the season is just in the early stages, story lines are already forming.
It seems like the year of the pitcher is trying to make a comeback. Just a week into the season, two pitchers came up just short of no-hit bids, and Cardinals pitcher Jamie Garcia threw a complete game four hit shutout against the Padres.
Speaking of the Cardinals, Albert Pujols has been struggling. After failing to land a new deal before spring training, it seems as though he may be trying too hard to live up to his value as he is batting only .154 on the season.
It will be interesting to see if he can rebound and put up another all-star season. Many players try to make their contract year their breakout season, to ensure they’ll be back.
Another point of interest this season involves the Chicago Cubs. After being tormented by failure since their last World Series victory in 1908, fans are trying to reverse the curse of the goat by donating goats to families in need. The team is 1-1 to start the season, but it is only April.
The “June swoon” may still be around the corner, and Cubs fans may be left with another year of misery.
Nobody knows how this season will unfold, but one thing is for sure: there will never be a dull moment.
Baseball has been around for over a century and never fails to capture the minds of fans and the youth alike. 2011 should be a great season.
