They always say, "It's still early in the season." But one can't be impressed by some of the surprises in the standings this baseball season. There's a full surprise per division.
NL West- San Diego Padres: 10-17, last place
The Padres considered by many to be a favorite to win the West, were expected to be a big pitching, small hitting team. So far, the pitching has been alright, but the offense has actually been even worse than expected. This offense, filled with over the hill stars, still developing youth, and flat out nobodies, is actually making the San Francisco Giants look decent. They won't stay in last all season, but they've got no chance of catching up with the Arizona juggernaut, and little chance of even passing Colorado.
NL Central- St. Louis Cardinals: 18-11, 1st place
I admit, I left them for dead at the start of the season. They've shown surprising heart so far. But in the long run, I just don't think they have the talent to make the playoffs. The only established hitter they have (other than the over the hill Troy Glaus) is Pujols, and the only great pitcher they have is Adam Wainwright. They definitely won't finish last like I predicted earlier, but they won't finish higher than 3rd in the central.
NL East- Florida Marlins: 15-11, 1st place
Simple poetic justice. The Marlins are making less money as an entire team than some guys on the Mets, and they're on top. Their offense has been superb. The cornerstone of their offense, Hanley Ramirez, has been spectacular. And young sluggers Josh Willingham and Mike Jacobs have made strides offensively. And Jorge Cantu, who had a huge year for Tampa Bay in 2005 before being decimated by injuries and poor performance, is having a strong revival. In all honesty, this team actually might have a chance to pull off a spectacular upset by winning the east. Their offense is not fueled by nobodies playing out of their minds; they've got legitimate hitters who can put up one of the better offenses in baseball. And the pitching has actually been bad, and they're still winning, so they've got nowhere to go but up, especially with the potential returns of Anibal Sanchez and Josh Johnson.