Quick MLB Tidbits

Just a few observations about the 2009 MLB season which is nearly a third over.

The Florida Marlins jumped out of the gate with an 11-1 record. But since April 19th, the team has gone 11-25.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are 13-7 since Manny Ramirez's suspension on May 7th and have a 9 game lead over the San Diego Padres in the NL West. They have won 12 out of their last 15 games. I guess it's just the Dodgers being the Dodgers.

The New York Yankees are 14-5 since Alex Rodriguez returned to the lineup on May 8th. Since A-Rod's return, first baseman Mark Teixeira has hit .373 with 10 home runs and 24 RBIs. Look for Teixeira to be named AL Player of the Month for May. The $180 million the Yankees spent to sign Teixeira is starting to paying dividends.

The same might not be said for Yankees pitcher A.J. Burnett who signed with the team for $82.5 million over five seasons. Brad Penny, Burnett's former teammate from the 2003 World Series Champion Florida Marlins, signed a one year $5 million contract with the Boston Red Sox. As of this writing Burnett has 3 wins while Penny has 5. I wrote about this scenario coming to pass last December and so far the Red Sox are a penny wise.