Where do you see this team today in relation to last years club?

I think the rotation has exceeded our best case scenario as a whole and is better than the 2010 version (pre Cliffly) by a good margin. Hell, we have nothing resembling The Dick Hardin Experience for one.

The lineup has been an issue but we havent been full strength in 6 weeks. Remember that opening weekend vs Boston when we crushed everything? That's not to be expected consistently but the potential to score a lot of runs is certainly there. And I don't think it would be too big a stretch to say when healthy we have one of the very best all around offensive teams in baseball.

The bullpen seemingly has not been as good but again we have been dealing with injuries and guys having to pitch out of there preferred roles.

Team makeup has been a little different and I think they are trying to find a way to recreate the magic they had last year without just doing the same things. I think getting back to health will help morale and fire the guys up again. Very simplistic and hard to quantify, but I think that if you watch this team enough you can see there is a little difference and it was obvious that the way these guys played together with youthful enthusiasm last year really helped.

The point of the story is that I think all things considered, this is actually a better team as we wrap up May than it was at this point last year. We still have question marks and things to improve but I think they are fewer than last year. I guess I'm pleasantly suprised that if we can stay relatively healthy, this summer could be as much fun as last years. I didn't get my hopes too high this year because repeating a year so awesome is hard to do...but I am so encouraged by the way CJ, Colby, Harrison and Ogando have been throwing the ball that I am starting to dream of big things again as we welcome back the middle of our lineup. IF (very big if) those 4 guys pitch the way they have the rest of the way, we have a 4 man rotation that would give us a very good chance in the playoffs even without adding a stud at the deadline. Jeez, if we add a TORP to go with CJ, Colby and Ogando (assuming he ends the season throwing like he is now there's no way he doesn't get a rotation spot), that gives us Hunter, Harrison, and Holland as long men or set up guys. That wouldn't suck.

I know it's early but i was just noticing this morning that our top 4 pitchers all have an ERA under 3.70 and that pleases me. A long way to go but I think we have the buiding blocks for another very fun ride.

Whos with me!? Who's comin with me!? You had me at hello. Show me the money