Top 5 MLB Teams Early On

While the 2009 MLB season is still quite young, there have no doubt been a number of surprises. While the standings and teams that lead their divisions are sure to change there are a number of teams in the top 10 in the league that no one would have predicted. This includes the major shocker that the Toronto Blue Jays have been first in the league for the majority of the season so far. While many experts chose the team to be one of the worst this season, they have come charging out of the gate. While many expect a fall from grace, the team does not look to be slowing down anytime soon.

Here for your eyes only is a quick run down of the top 5 teams in terms of overall ranking so far in the 2009 MLB Season;

1- Toronto Blue Jays

The team has been decimated by injuries within the starting rotation since the middle of last year. They lost star pitcher A.J Burnett to free agency and have young studs like Dustin McGowan, Shaun Marcum, Casey Janssen, Ricky Romero and Jesse Litsch all on the DL. That is not even to mention the loss of high priced closer B.J Ryan. However the team has battled through and even with their rotation in shambles, new rookies have emerged in the likes of Scott Richmond and Brett Cecil. Career bullpen pitcher Brian Tallet has also become a reliable anchor in the rotation.

2- Boston Red Sox

The Red Sox have had serious trouble getting their starting pitching in order. Only two starters right now have an ERA under 5.00 yet the team is winning because they are smashing the ball. Kevin Youkilis, Mike Lowell and Jason Bay all have morethan 20 RBI’s in this young season. When the team gets back Daisuke Matsuzaka then their starting rotation should start to come around.

3-St. Louis Cardinals

For years pitching coach Dave Duncan has been regarded as one of the best out there. This year he is proving this more than ever. He has taken starting pitchers Kyle Lohse and Joel Pineiro from mediocrity to all star status in one season. The emergence of these two guys as studs as helped the team deal with the injuries to Chris Carpenter and Troy Glaus.

4- Los Angeles Dodgers

While the team still has a healthy lead in their division their starting rotation is struggling mightily. Jeff Weaver has been called in to right the ship and this has never proven to be the answer in the past. On top of this Manny Ramirez was recently suspended 50 games, this could be a sinking ship

5- New York Yankees

The Yankees have stumbled out of the gate more than any other team early on. However it is starting to look like the money the team spent in the off season is going to start paying dividends. Their MVP so far has been one of the cheapest additions, Nick Swisher who has seven dingers and a .436 OBP. Alex Rodriguez just returned to the line up and balance is appearing to be restored.