We’re back with another edition of Around the Horn. This week’s lineup of stories is all about starts both good and bad for teams and players. With April in the books it feels appropriate to take stock of where everyone is right now. We’ll also be introducing a new segment, The Walk Off, where we’ll get a few quick headlines that missed the cut in. Let’s dig in!

First Base

Shota Shows Off: While lots of attention was rightfully paid to Yoshinobu Yamamoto this past winter, Shota Imanaga is stealing his thunder. The lefty import from Japan has been brilliant so far, helping to carry a Cubs rotation beset with injury. His 5-0 record and 1.08 ERA are the best start to a career since Fernando Valenzuela in 1981. Pretty elite company to keep as a rookie.

Second Base

Miami Vice: We’ve talked a lot in this series about the White Sox and Rockies being terrible. But the Marlins have escaped our attention to this point. Not this week though, as the 10-29 fish are a disaster that already has an eye on next season. 2024 has been an utter disappointment, one which started with the absurd firing of GM Kim Ng from the front office this winter. After making the playoffs last year, another fire sale and rebuild seemingly lies ahead.

Third Base

Sophomore Slump: Corbin Carroll, one of last year’s breakout rookies is off to a brutal start in 2024. So far the D-Backs star is hitting .204 with two home runs and 12 RBI’s. The struggles have gotten bad enough that there is even talk of sending Carroll down to triple-A. With the ball club at 17-20 so far this year, the defending NL Champs need their star player to get himself going ASAP.

Home Plate

Major League: You may not know who they are, but they don’t stink anymore…that’s the good news in Oakland. The Athletics have managed to hang around the .500 mark so far, and it’s really entertaining to watch. This group is trying to make the best of a miserable situation and I hope they win out of spite for owner John Fisher. They have a few players that are very fun to watch, especially electrifying closer Mason Miller. Now there is only one thing left for this group to do…

The Walk Off

– The Padres acquired former Marlins star Luis Arraez in a trade last week that sent four prospects to Miami. The lefty second baseman adds to the glut of “friars” of infielders as San Diego looks to get above .500 and climb into the NL playoff race.

– The Dodgers have won 14 of their last 16 and are starting to look more and more like the team we expected preseason. Most teams would drop off at some point but they may just have too much talent to do that.

– The Phillies have taken control of the NL East at 26-12. They have been firing on all cylinders and are 8-2 in their last ten.

– The Orioles look pretty complete, except in their bullpen. Closer Craig Kimbrel has blown four of his last five save chances, so expect them to be in the relief market this summer.

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