For fans, the first two weeks of the season can bring a wide variety of emotions.
For those who have had little to cheer about in recent years, the first two weeks can be the most important of the season. It is a chance for a clean slate and an opportunity to say farewell to disappointment — at least for a short while.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, for fans of perennial postseason contenders, the first two weeks seem like an extended part of spring training, during which players can shake of any rust.
This season, some interesting names are atop the leaderboards early. The fact that the Washington Nationals currently own the second-best record in the majors proves that beyond a doubt.
After missing the postseason for the past seven years, the Nationals will try to impersonate the 2008 Tampa Bay Rays, who after finishing the 2007 season at the bottom of the standings came out red hot the next year and earned their first postseason birth in franchise history.
The Nationals aren't the only surprise in the early stages of the new season, though, as the Baltimore Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays are battling atop the American League East standings.
We want to see who you think has the best chance to be the breakout team of 2012. Cast your vote below.
