MLB outlook, week of 5/16/10

Ichiro Suzuki, OF, Seattle Mariners
He’s one of the game’s hottest hitters — unfortunately he’s on an under-performing team. Sporting a .348 average entering Friday’s game, he’s been on fire over the previous seven days hitting .480 with two doubles, a triple and a homer while swiping four bases. He also walked three times and struck out just twice in 25 at bats. His 49 hits in 2010 are only surpassed by Detroit’s Austin Jackson (51 — great trade, Yanks) and Miguel Cabrera (50). The Japanese hit machine has been tearing up the majors since his arrival in 2001 and his numbers so far are close to his average season. Pitching injuries have derailed Seattle’s expected rise to the top of the AL West. We should see that change now that Cliff Lee is healthy and Ichiro is producing at his usual high level.

STORYLINES

 1. New sheriff in town? » Explain this one: The Yankees have sunk a shade more than $64 million into veterans CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, Andy Pettitte and Javier Vazquez this season. Meanwhile, they have a whopping $447,000 invested in 23-year-old Phil Hughes. Ironically enough, Hughes is the one putting up All-Star numbers, going from No. 5 starter in spring training to the AL’s best starting pitcher in mid-May. He leads the junior circuit in ERA (1.38) and batting-average-against (.165) entering the weekend, providing stability to a rotation that has been dealing with Pettitte’s tender elbow, Vazquez’s general struggles and Burnett’s phobia of Fenway Park. Hughes has been nothing short of spectacular — a huge reason the Bombers haven’t disappeared into Tampa Bay’s rearview mirror.

2. A Triple Crown threat not named Pujols? » Entering the weekend, Andre Ethier led the National League in batting average, home runs and RBI. The 28-year-old right fielder is building on his breakout season in 2009. He had a career-high 31 homers and 106 RBIs for the Dodgers last year. But he only batted .272 and his career-best batting average is .308 — during his rookie season in 2006. So winning a batting title may be a little far fetched for Ethier. But L.A. is one of the highest scoring offenses in the NL and may get even more prolific with Manny Ramirez back in the lineup. And with Matt Kemp — among the league leaders in runs — hitting in the No. 2 hole, Ethier has a lot of RBI opportunities.

3. How are the Padres good? » San Diego has a no-name pitching staff with one power bat in their lineup and a payroll about half the size of division foes San Francisco, L.A. and Colorado. But the Padres swept the Giants last week and own the best record in the NL West. San Diego’s starting pitching — led by veteran Jon Garland — and its ability to manufacture runs has led to the quick start. Entering the weekend, the Padres led the majors in ERA and stolen bases. Closer Heath Bell — an All-Star last season — and the back end of their bullpen has helped San Diego win a lot of close games. To stay atop the division though, someone other than Adrian Gonzalez is going to have to start producing offensively.

SERIES TO WATCH
Royals at Orioles, Mon.-Tues., 7:05 p.m., MASN2
OK, on the surface this looks like possibly the worst matchup of the week. Entering the weekend, these teams ranked No. 1 and 2 in the worst winning percentage category. The significance comes from whose job might be on the line. The Royals just pulled Ned Yost off the scrap heap to replace skipper Trey Hillman — and Kansas City had more wins than the Orioles did when that ax dropped. There has been a lot of chatter in the media and by the fans over the past month about Dave Trembley’s job security. The Royals send two of their best to the mound for this two-game set at Camden Yards — Kyle Davies and 2009 AL Cy Young winner Zack Greinke. The O’s bats have been hot as of late, but after the lowly Royals, Baltimore heads to Texas and then D.C. to take on teams much hotter than they are. Will Trembley even make the trip to Nationals Park? It’s a fair guess that he might not.