By Darryl Reina
The opening week of MLB has certainly had an offensive feel, as Albert Pujols leaps over A-Rod to our #1 player ranking. Teams are hitting a combined .270, the highest first week average since 1961. HR's are up 10.6% from last year, scoring is up 5.3%. During the first week pitchers have been collectively wild, giving up 634 walks, up from last season's 573.
This Week (Last Week)
1.(2.) Albert Pujols: The Cards moved into the new Busch this week and Pujols responded big time. He already has 4 HR's and 9 RBI's and is our new #1 player.
2.(1.) Alex Rodriquez: The Yankees got off to a rough start on the road despite decent numbers from A-Rod, including a first game grandslam.
3.(3.) David Ortiz: Not only does Boston return home to Fenway 5-1, but Ortiz agrees to a 4-year contract extension.
4.(4.) Mark Teixeira: The Rangers slugger is off to a .379 start. He is primed for another successful season at the plate.
5.(5.) Vladimir Guerrero: The Angels OF has a big first week and is off to a .400 start.
6.(6.) Derrek Lee: $65M over the next 5 years for the consistent Cubs 1B.
7.(7.) Johan Santana: A quality MLB pitcher will wear down hitters as the season progresses.
8.(10.) Miquel Tejada: The Orioles SS is hitting .407 after week #1.
9.(8.) Manny Ramirez: A modest start for the Red Sox OF. The numbers will rise this week at home.
10.(13.) Derek Jeter: Jeter will take full advantage of hitting second in the Yankee lineup this year.
11.(15.) David Wright: The Mets 3B is off to a hot start, hitting .474 over the first week.
12.(16.) Bobby Abreu: The Phillies are off to a slow start, but Abreu is hitting .346.
13.(19.) Andruw Jones: A. Jones already has 3 HR's and 13 RBI's for the Braves.
14.(20.) Chris Carpenter: A quality starter who could be a repeat Cy Young winner in 2006.
15.(18.) Gary Sheffield: Sheffield and the Yankees return home hoping for improved results.
16.(9.) Carlos Beltran: The Mets are winning games despite Beltan's cool start.
17.(11.) Ichiro Suzuki: A modest start for both Ichiro and the punchless Mariners.
18.(12.) Michael Young: The Rangers need their batting champion to lead the way.
19.(21.) Carlos Zambrano: The Cubs swept the Cards last week, but there is no plans for a parade as of yet.
20.(22.) Carlos Lee: C. Lee is off to a .348 start and could put up come D-Lee numbers in 2006.
21.(23.) Jake Peavy: The Padres will need Peavy in the worst way this season, to stop those long losing streaks.
22.(24.) Jimmy Rollins: The Yankee Clipper can rest easy, but this Phillies SS is hitting .393.
23.(17.) Miquel Cabrera: A slow start out of the gate for this Marlin.
24.(14.) Carl Crawford: Will this Devil Ray get his due?
25.(HM) Travis Hafner: A nice first week for Hafner at .391.
Honorable Mention: Jason Bay, Barry Bonds, Pedro Martinez, Chase Utley, Todd Helton, Aramis Ramirez, Roy Oswalt, Adam Dunn, Paul Konerko, Randy Johnson, and Chris Shelton (MLB "Player of the Week")






