Top 10 MLB Disappointments in 2013 Season
Top 10 Biggest MLB Disappointments
MLB has had its fair share of surprises and disappointments in 2013. Whether it has been the surprising surge of the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox or the disappointing starts from the Los Angeles Angels and Los Angeles Dodgers, this season has been full of excitement.
Baseball is one of the most unpredictable sports, especially when you see teams that are fantastic on paper just struggle when it matters. Teams like this can be compared to the Miami Marlins of last season, who added Jose Reyes and many other stars, but couldn't put it all together.
The Marlins are no longer relevant in the National League, but the teams and players on this list have some time to make up for their disappointing starts.
Many stars have made a new home with a different team. Guys like Reyes, Josh Hamilton and B.J. Upton are all on new teams and looking to make a good impression with their new fans.
Disappointments could be anything from not performing up to the expectations bestowed upon them or just not performing at all. Some guys have yet to show up for their ball clubs and their weak play has put a damper on their 2013 season thus far.
Just a third of the way through the 2013 season, things are just heating up with division races and award races. Some players who should be up for MVPs are not and others who weren't even mentioned last season are surging to the top.
The 2013 season has been a blast so far, but who are the league's top 10 biggest disappointments so far?
Connor Muldowney is a columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connormuldowney, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
10. Derek Jeter, New York Yankees
Derek Jeter returned from injury just to suffer yet another season-ending injury. While he's not the disappointment, his absence from the Yankee lineup sure is.
9. R.A. Dickey, Toronto Blue Jays
R.A. Dickey was brought to the Toronto Blue Jays to be an ace after his career-best 2012 season. His 4-7 record and 5.18 ERA have been far from ideal.
8. David Price, Tampa Bay Rays
The reigning AL Cy Young winner has had a rough go so far in 2013. David Price is just 1-4 with a 5.24 ERA in nine starts this season and to top it all off, he has been placed on the disabled list recently. High expectations have turned out to wear down the young pitcher.
7. Roy Halladay, Philadelphia Phillies
Roy Halladay was once considered one of the best pitchers in all of baseball. Now, the veteran former ace has seen his career slip away and his 8.65 ERA would be enough to scare any pitcher to the disabled list.
6. Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired Adrian Gonzalez, Hanley Ramirez and Carl Crawford to make a deep run. However, they have yet to gel together and are in last place in the NL West.
5. Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays may be this season's most disappointing failed project. They added Melky Cabrera and Jose Reyes to an already-solid lineup and have yet to produce. They are in last place in the AL East and could not be more of a disappointment through 50 games.
4. Josh Hamilton, Los Angeles Angels
Josh Hamilton was considered a favorite to win the AL MVP at this point last season. However, the newly-acquired Los Angeles Angels OF has been mediocre this season. His .219 average with eight homers and 18 RBIs are almost laughable for a guy with his potential.
3. B.J. Upton, Atlanta Braves
After a decent start to the 2013 season with his home run-bashing brother, B.J. Upton is having an awful stretch for the Atlanta Braves. Upton is hitting a measly .146 average with four homers and eight RBIs -- quite concerning.
2. Matt Cain, San Francisco Giants
Matt Cain was a key piece to the San Francisco Giants' championship puzzle from a season ago. He had a sub-three ERA and looked to be a bright star of the future in the MLB. This season? Oh, just a 5.00 ERA and just 62 strikeouts -- a bit of a World Series hangover.
1. Los Angeles Angels
The Angels were predicted to run away with the AL West and be the league's best team this season after adding Josh Hamilton and some pitching pieces. They are always one of the top teams at this point, but not this year. They are a very disappointing 25-29 and 8.5 games out of first place. Hey, it could be worse; they were 15-27 just a couple weeks ago.
