Three Weeks In: The Stories So Far

So three weeks ago, the season opened with the Braves knocking down the Phillies in impressive style, a little against expectations too. Strange word that, expectations. What does it actually mean?

What is the most probable outcome? What we are sure of more than anything else to be the case?

Something like that.

Every year, everyone has baseball expectations. Who'll win, lose, be the best, the worst. And you know the best thing about these expectations? The thing that really makes baseball exciting, interesting and madly intriguing?

When they aren't met.

Let take a look at some of the shock stories that no one was expecting, by leading it off with a classic line. Who'da thought......

That the best pitcher in baseball is Zach Grienke?! I mean this kid is amazing, he has dominated everyone he has seen. He's gone twenty-nine innings and not given up a run! His streak will end some point, but it sure is fun to watch.

That the Seattle Marniers are atop the AL West by 3 1/2 games! at 12-6, 5 1/2 games ahead of the LA Angels! The west coast has gone nuts.

That Tampa Bay would be languishing at the foot of the AL East and at 7-11, look as ferocious as de-clawed kitten.

That Cliff Lee, the reigning Cy Young in the AL, would be 1-3 with an ERA over five, looking as if he should take a sling shot with him to the mound to find some accuracy.

That the Washington Nasty Nats would be 3-13....actually we all expected that one....

That the San Diego Padres would be over .500 and playing decent ball.

That the new Yankees would really not be living up to the however many-hundreds of millions that were spent on them ( Teixeira 3HR, .235 BA.... Sabathia 1-1, 4.81 ERA, 12 SO and 14 BB, A.J Burnett 5.47 ERA).

This game of ours can throw us so many curve balls - its what makes it great. Long may it continue.

Chiefs Trade Tony G

The Kansas City Chiefs traded six-time Pro Bowl tight-end Tony Gonzalez to the Atlanta Falcons Thursday for a second-round pick in the 2010 draft.

Gonzalez has spent his entire 12-year career with the Chiefs, achieving numerous NFL receiving records by a tight-end along the way, including most receptions, touchdowns and yards. He requested a trade last year, but no suitable team could be found for a trade.

"I love Kansas City. I grew up in Kansas City. The city means a lot to me. I got there when I turned 21. It will be sad to leave a city I love. But I'm looking forward to making a Super Bowl run in Atlanta every year for the next three or four years" Gonzalez said on hearing the news today.

Personally, I think its something of an insult to such an outstanding player, a player who has been the face of the Kansas franchise for more than a decade, to ship him out for just a second round pick. I believe they will regret this move - with Matt Cassel now under center, they could have made quite a duo.

Atlanta are the big winners here, they get solid talent for at least four more years, for just an unproven second-round pick.

Jose Looking Like The Contreras Of Old

Live update - 1:57pm ET - Jose Contreras on the mound for the White Sox at Detroit. Top 3rd gives up a single and double to start the inning. With a man on 2nd and 3rd, he works out of the jam with a fan a pop and a grounder. At 30 pounds lighter he looks like a whole new pitcher from the guy that struggled so desperately in 2007 and 08.

His slider and split finger fastball are both on top form, with his velocity back up in the mid-90s. Its great to see a guy facing the end of his career after an awful injury, come back strong and confident. Kudos to you.

Scott Podsednik rejoins the White Sox

Scott Podsednik agreed a minor league contract with the Chicago White Sox Tuesday, insurance for the team who are stretched thin at centre-field after Dewayne Wise was placed on the 15 day DL with a separated right shoulder.

Podsednik played with the White Sox from 2005 to 2007, helping the team to its first World Series since 1917. A former base stealing machine, he hit .290 during that 2005 championship season and hit a memorable walk-off home run in game 2 of the World Series.

His performance wavered through 2007 and was released that off season, going on to find a home with the Colorado Rockies. He was released April 1 this year.

As something of a hometown hero, Scott will be welcomed back with open arms to the South Side as he tries to win back his position in the outfield and the top of the batting order.

Welcome home!

Torry Holt and the Titans?

Rumours have circulated the last month that seven-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Torry Holt could be on his way to Nashville to play out his remaining years.

Its no secret that Holt is one of the leagues greats, but should I really be saying that in the present tense? A charismatic and incredibly talented receiver, but at 32 is he really going to make a huge impact for the Titans, who have been without a big time receiver since Derrick Mason was let go in 2004?

Since 2005, Holt's production has dropped every year in total yards, yards per catch, and last year not reaching the 1000 yard mark for the first time since his rookie year.

With such talent floating around the trade rumour mill asAnquan Boldin, should the Titans really be looking to a short term fix like Holt? Or would it make more sense to go out and get a big-play, young and very talented receiver who isn't happy with his current team - Boldin. The price may be steep for such an investment, perhaps a second-round pick and a player, but he is tried and tested talent. I'll take that over an unproven draft pick any day.