MMO Roundtable: Biggest Surprise of the 2020 Season So Far

Somehow, we are already almost four weeks into the 2020 season — a third of the way through. Seems like a perfect time to ask ourselves, what has surprised us the most, right? Whether it be the from the Mets, from another team, or from MLB in general, this season has already had its fair share of surprises.

Matt

I’m pretty surprised that the Mets have only had a couple of soul-crushing losses. Usually by the 15 game mark, they’ve decimated their fans’ hearts at least five times

Marissa

I feel like there are a lot to choose from, but I’m going to go with Andres Gimenez bursting on the scene. I know most people were quite shocked that he made the Opening Day roster for the Mets and even then, I don’t think many of us thought he’d get the opportunity to start multiple games for the team. On top of that, he’s performed very well in all aspects of the game and has made an early case for him to be in the running for NL Rookie of the Year.

Jack

I feel like the biggest surprise from the Mets this year has been J.D. Davis figuring out how to play third base. Obviously Gimenez arriving has been a gift for us in terms of infield defense, but I for one had pegged J.D. as a left fielder for good at the beginning of the summer last year. The slow reactions, that glove tap, and the regular throwing errors convinced me he would be an obstacle wherever we put him in the field, but Davis has arguably improved more at his position than Alonso did when he first came up through the minor leagues. Having a competent left side of the infield, especially with Porcello and Peterson specializing in ground balls, will go a long way for this team.

Dilip

The biggest surprise for the Mets is probably Gimenez and Peterson. Neither has played above AA, yet Peterson might be their 2nd best starter (which might say more about their rotation) and Gimenez has done everything. The biggest surprises in baseball are the fact Milwaukee is contending once again despite losing Yasmani Grandal, Drew Pomeranz, and Mike Moustakas in the off-season. David Stearns continues to cement his place as one of the best GMs in baseball. Also the A’s are up 4.5 games on the Astros and have essentially clinched a playoff spot. Their farm system keeps producing quality players and they will be a very fun team in October.

Rich

The biggest surprise in the 2020 season to me is the Chicago Cubs. They had a total collapse late last season, and when Joe Maddon left to manage the Angels, many figured the Cubs were set for a rebuild. Who would be traded? Bryant? Schwarber? Darvish? Well, they’re back, and the Cubs, at 13-7, have the second best winning percentage in the National League. New manager David Ross has the Cubbies playing solid baseball, led by Ian Happ (OPS 1.006) and Jason Kipnis (OPS 1.154 through 11 games) and Anthony Rizzo (OPS .902). For a team that most had written off before the season, keep an eye on the Cubs. They may just be able to steal a championship four years after their last one, 104 years fewer than the drought between their last two titles.

Emmanuel

When most were making preseason predictions, the Baltimore Orioles were an afterthought. Now they’ve caught some attention after their start to the season. The Orioles are 12-9 through their first 21 games. While their pitching WAR has been slightly above average (0.6), their offense has created problems. The O’s are top ten in the league in several basic and advanced offensive categories including on-base percentage, OPS+, runs per game, doubles, and home runs. Second year manager, Brandon Hyde has this team playing at a high level, especially at the plate. Anthony Santander has helped lead the charge with 22 RBI entering the week for a team most had bringing up the rear in the AL East.