When the Atlanta Braves announced during the last week of spring training that Jason Heyward had made the big league roster, it made headlines in part because both Stephen Strasburg and Aroldis Chapman were being assigned to the minors. However, after winning the starting right fielder’s job in Atlanta, the 20-year-old phenom wasted no time before impressing the baseball world by launching a three-run home run in his very first major league at-bat. Batting seventh in the lineup behind Chipper Jones, Brian McCann, and others has limited the pressure on the 14th overall pick in the 2007 draft, but before long, you can expect to see Heyward taking his hacks in the cleanup spot.
How ‘bout that?
How about Albert Pujols? Picking up where he left off at the end of the 2009 season, Pujols collected four hits – including two home runs – on Opening Day. The Cardinals slugger has been nothing but superhuman in the batter’s box; unless he suffers an injury, he will likely win his third straight (and fourth overall) Most Valuable Player Award.
How about Vernon Wells? Looking to bounce back from a disappointing season (.260/.311/.400), Wells has already hit four home runs and boasts a .600 batting average. The centerfielder became the first Blue Jay in history to homer in the team’s first three games of the year and played a major role in Toronto winning its first series of 2010 over Texas.
How about the Giants? Led by shortstop Edgar Renteria’s .727 batting average (eight hits in 11 at-bats), San Francisco has continued to play well, sweeping a three-game series in Houston following a 23-12 record in spring training. Not only are the Giants the only team yet to lose a regular season game, they have not even trailed at any point. Though it is far too early to call a winner, the Giants will hope their fast start is a sign of things to come as they eye their first division title since 2003.
Mud Hens to host Chapman’s pro debut
It won’t draw nearly as much attention as Jason Heyward’s debut in Atlanta, but Aroldis Chapman will be the starting pitcher for the Louisville Bats, the Triple-A affiliate of the Reds, on Sunday in Toledo. Expectations will be high for the flame-throwing southpaw, and yours truly will be on hand to witness the beginning of Chapman’s professional career.
A day to remember
April 9th may not be a day that stands out in your mind, but today is the anniversary of the tragic death of Nick Adenhart. It’s easy to get caught up in the game of baseball, but if you can, take a minute to think about the Angels, the Adenhart family, and the young man who was living his dream just one year ago.
Keywords: Albert Pujols, Aroldis Chapman, Atlanta Braves, Brian McCann, Chipper Jones, Cincinnati Reds, Edgar Renteria, Houston Astros, Jason Heyward, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Louisville Bats, Most Valuable Player, Nick Adenhart, San Francisco Giants, St. Louis Cardinals, Stephen Strasburg, Toledo Mud Hens, Toronto Blue Jays, Vernon Wells
