In the awards watch this week, let’s focus on the NL Cy Young, which, in my roundabout way of viewing the world, takes us right to the standings.
Only one team (Atlanta) that won a division title last year was in first place. Only five of the 12 playoff clubs from last season were in postseason position.
There also were six 2023 playoff teams at .500 or worse: The 13-13 Dodgers and Phillies, the 13-14 Padres, the 12-13 Guardians and the 11-14 Mariners, whose playoff chances were further harmed this week when they lost Robbie Ray (elbow) for the season.
The other under-.500 2022 playoff team was the 10-16 Cardinals, the only one of the group in last place. It is St. Louis’ worst start since the 1973 club — which had a first baseman named Joe Torre — began the season 5-19. That club rallied to finish 81-81.
