First Month Recap

I know, I have taken an extensive break from writing this blog, but today I feel like writing about some baseball! Let's see, what has happened in the first month? Well, Bonifaciomania hit the streets after the Marlins' new speedy third basemen, Emilio Bonifacio, burst onto the scene by hitting the first inside-the-park homerun on opening day in 41 years (the last one was by Carl Yastrzemski in 1968) He had 14 hits in the first five games with 4 stolen bases and sporting and average of .500 after one week. He caught my attetion so much that I had to add him to my baseball fantasy team. He has cooled off since but he seems to be on the way to having a great season.

Also, three players hit for the cycle in the first month, all within a week. Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler went berserk on Jackie Robinson day against the Orioles with a perfect 6 for 6 night while hitting the cycle in front of a home crowd. Orlando Hudson of the Dodgers did the same a couple of days before Kinsler and he did it on the Dodgers' home opener going 4 for 5 and hitting mostly against the Giants future Hall-of-Famer Randy Johnson. And finally, Twins outfielder Jason Kubel did it against the Angels at the Metrodome. He completed the cycle by hitting a thrilling grand slam in the bottom of the eight inning with 2 outs and his team down two runs. Two other players were a triple shy of the cycle, Kevin Youkilis of the Red Sox and the other player, believe or not, is pitcher Carlos Zambrano of the Cubs.

The Kansas City Royals in the AL Central, with ace Zack Grienke leading the way; the Toronto Blue Jays in the east, with Adam Lind , Travis Snyder and Marco Scutaro overpowering everybody they play; and the Seattle Mariners out west with Brandon Morrow closing out games (who are all this players anyway?), these teams are now in first place in their respective divisions. In the National League, the Pirates, the Reds, the Marlins, the Padres, and the Giants are defeating odds and playing great baseball and most importantly of all, winning games. Ah, the beauty of baseball.

About the only thing that is missing for this first month is a no-hitter. A couple of pitchers came close, pitching into the seventh inning before the bid being broken. April is usually the month where most no-hitters happens, partly because batters are still getting their swings warmed-up.