Baseball fans love to try and predict what will happen in an upcoming season. Often times, fans and analysts alike are spot on when it comes to forecasting the future.
Other times, not so much.
Take the Cleveland Indians for example. No one thought that they would be contending this year, even in an AL Central that was more or less wide open. Yet, entering play on Sunday, the Indians own a 33-23 record, good for the best mark in the majors.
A former Indian, Cliff Lee, was the biggest offseason acquisition, and he shocked the baseball world when he agreed to join an already loaded Philadelphia pitching staff. And while Lee hasn't been horrible, he certainly hasn't lived up to sky-high expectations. Despite 12 starts, he hasn't been over .500 since April 14. His 4-5 record certainly isn't what many thought would be coming after his dominance in previous years.
Jose Bautista was incredible in 2010, but that was the only year he's been incredible in for his career. He crushed 54 home runs seemingly out of nowhere, but many dismissed him as a one-year wonder. So much for that. All he's done this season in slug 20 more home runs to lead baseball.
Then there is the Oakland Athletics pitching staff. Sure, they have some good young arms, but did anyone really expect them to have the best staff in the American League? The A's, behind pitchers like Trevor Cahill, Brett Anderson and Gio Gonzalez, have the AL's best ERA, and their pitching is the main reason they were near the top of the AL West until a recent slide.
What is the biggest surprise stat of the season? Share your thoughts below.
What is the biggest surprise stat of the season?customer surveys
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