The Blue Jays entered the season with low expectations and have promptly played its best baseball in 10 years.
Now 14 games does not a season make, but with the lower than usual expectation surrounding the Blue Jays coming out of training camp, the team currently finds itself atop the American League overall standings.
Only two other clubs (1999 & 2001) won 10 of its first 14, while the 1992 World Series top the list of quick starters when that team blasted from the gate 11-3.
Since the current front-office regime took over prior to the 2002 season, the Blue Jays have been painfully slow starters, combining to go 74-101 in the first month of the season, and subsequently digging themselves a hole that they couldn't get out of.
There are many things to like about the fast start. The offence, now fully embracing the teachings of Cito Gaston and Gene Tenace, has been on full throttle since it scored four runs in the bottom of the first inning on Opening Night. Aaron Hill has returned from his concussion that ended 2008 after just two months to lead the team with 23 hits and 14 RBI. And despite limited production from the No. 3 and No. 4 hitters - Alex Rios and Vernon Wells combined to drive in just 11 of the club's 81 runs to date (13.6 per cent) - the rest of the lineup has chipped in ... and then some.
Marco Scutaro, who spent more than half of his career batting either eighth or ninth, has embraced the leadoff role, leading the team with 15 runs scored thanks to a .418 on-base percentage. The kids - Adam Lind and Travis Snider - have combined for 14 extra-base hits and 21 RBI. Lyle Overbay and Scott Rolen, question marks heading into training camp, have provided production from the corners. Kevin Millar, one of the last characters of the game on these conservative times, has been in the middle of rallies when he's in the lineup.
This is a nice, balanced attack, that could become even more ferocious if/when Rios and Wells decide to show up for the party.
Equally impressive has been the Blue Jays defence, under the tutelage of bench coach Brian Butterfield. They have turned a major league leading 18 double plays while making just six errors, which translates to just four unearned runs allowed.
And the pitching, especially the rotation, has also held up their part of the bargain. Roy Halladay rolling off three wins in three starts thanks to his acting like an ace while receiving just under ten runs of support, something he's not used to. Ricky Romero has been outstanding in all three of his first career starts. David Purcey had a solid start to open the season and then his control has flown the coup - 10 walks over his last 8.1 innings of work - leading to two of the team's four losses. Scott Richmond is still a work in progress but looks like he'll give the team a chance to win on most nights that he takes the ball. And Brian Tallet has replaced the injured Jesse Litsch in the rotation, pitching into the sixth against Oakland on the weekend.
The bullpen took a little bit to settle in this season, as closer B.J. Ryan stumbled in his first two appearances which sent a ripple through the rest of the relievers. And since Ryan righted himself in Minnesota, the 'pen has been airtight, posting a 2.30 ERA while holding the opposition to a .156 average. Three relievers have been especially frugal - Scott Downs, Jason Frasor and Shawn Camp - allowing just 15 base runners in over 20 combined innings. Outside of Ryan's rough start, the only other negative continues to be Brandon League, whose change in delivery and arm slot has led to 13 base runners in just six innings while striking out only two.
Nothing but positive vibes this week from the old statsman. Having sat in the booth for as long as I have, and 16 years removed from their last playoff appearance, I'm just going to enjoy this while it lasts.
RUMBLE FROM THE BRONX
I'm starting to wonder if the new Yankee Stadium was built on an old burial ground or something. What else could explain the record 20 home runs hit out over the first four games, the 22-run pasting they took at the hands of the Indians on Saturday, and the 34.50 ERA hanging around the neck of Chien-Ming Wang after three just starts. That might also explain why A.J. Burnett is unbeaten in his three starts with a neat-and-tidy 3.20 ERA.
RED HOT ROOKIES
Blue Jays' left-hander Ricky Romero, with two wins in his first three starts, isn't the only rookie pitcher worth keeping an eye on. Oakland's Trevor Cahill, who held the Jays high octane offense to a pair of runs on Saturday has impressed as has teammate Andrew Bailey (one hit allowed in 8.1 innings). Detroit right-hander Rick Porcello, just 20-years-old, has not looked out of place, while the Nationals debut of Jordan Zimmerman on Monday night, who out-duelled veteran Derek Lowe for his first major league win. Solid starts to the season from some pitchers who could change the fortunes of teams not expecting to challenge for playoff spots this season.
