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4 Biggest Pretenders From First Week of MLB Spring Training

By Evan Wolff

The Miami Marlins have had an electric start to begin Spring Training.
The Miami Marlins have had an electric start to begin Spring Training. / Joel Auerbach/Getty Images

Spring Training is a time to build excitement for all the teams in the MLB. From teams stuck in a rebuild to those expected to compete for a World Series, everyone heads in to the spring season full of hope and a chance to exceed expectations.

As a result of the exhibitions, teams that are expected to live in the basement of their respective division can appear to be juggernauts in contrast. Here are the four of the biggest pretenders from the first week of games for Spring Training.

4. Detroit Tigers

Ron Gardenhire has his team humming to start the Spring season.
Ron Gardenhire has his team humming to start the Spring season. / Mark Cunningham/Getty Images

It's no secret the level of expectations put on the Tigers this season, and that would be zero. The organizational overhaul currently going on means it would be generous to expect the Tigers to make the playoffs over the next two years. That isn't stopping second-year manager Ron Gardenhire from making his team as competitive as possible. It's clear that the young guys he has surrounded himself with have bought in to his message, starting the Spring season 3-2.

3. Colorado Rockies

Bud Black's Rockies have had a less-than-ideal off-season before 2020 Spring Training.
Bud Black's Rockies have had a less-than-ideal off-season before 2020 Spring Training. / John McCoy/Getty Images

To put it lightly, 2020 has been a complete disaster already for the Colorado Rockies. After a disappointing 2019 season, the Rockies front office was tasked with providing a supporting cast around superstar Nolan Arenado, and get him back to the playoffs. Well Daniel Murphy and a wild Ubaldo Jimenez signing wasn't going to cut it, and Nolan wanted out in the offseason. Wild trade speculation emerged, and while it seems Nolan has been temporarily appeased by the ownership, the Rockies were still in disarray heading in to Spring Training. Despite all of this, the Rockies have looked competitive and hold steady at 3-2 to start the spring. Don't expect it to last though, as clear holes in the bullpen and starting pitching are sure to show soon.

2. Blue Jays

2020 will be about growth for the Toronto Blue Jays, and the continued hype around Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
2020 will be about growth for the Toronto Blue Jays, and the continued hype around Vladimir Guerrero Jr. / Mark Brown/Getty Images

The American League East division has proven itself to be one of the toughest divisions in baseball. In the last two years, three different AL East teams have appeared at the divisional stage or later of the MLB playoffs, and one of those teams was not the Toronto Blue Jays. Despite the talent of names like Guerrero Jr., Biggio, and others, this team is not as talented as their 3-1 start to Spring Training would suggest. With still too many issues with the pitching, the Jays are still a year away from being labeled contenders.

1. Marlins

Don Mattingly has his young guns playing extremely well at the start of the exhibition season.
Don Mattingly has his young guns playing extremely well at the start of the exhibition season. / Mark Brown/Getty Images

The Marlins are on fire to start Spring Training. They dispatched of the reigning World Series runners-up, and have opened out to a 5-0 start. With Jonathan Villar arguably the biggest name on the roster, it would be natural to balk at the surprising start to the Spring. You should, because despite the excellent job that Derek Jeter and his front office have done to repair a broken franchise, the team will face a harsh reality check when the games count. That shouldn't discourage Marlins fans, however, because for the first time in quite awhile, there is clear progress in the rebuild attempt.