Around The Majors- Saturday's Bigger Picture

Instead of going through games and what not, let's look at the stats and standings before the news and notes today.

Standings
-How about the Jays and Rays stickin it to the Red Sox and Yankees thus far this weekend. Baltimore looked good against Seattle yesterday, and they're off to a decent early start.
-Raise your hand if you predicted the Tigers would start the year 0-5. Now put your hand down, because you're lying. The lineup hasn't quite gotten up to speed, and the pitching of Robertson and Dontrelle Willis isn't gonna cut it in the AL. Sure he went hitless for a while but what's the point if you walk 7? If there's an overrated pitcher in baseball right now (not counting Barry Zito) it's the D-Train (wreck). The Royals have fallen back to earth a bit after sweeping said Tigers. Minnesota and Cleveland are middling a bit at the start.
-Nobody really standing out in the AL West with perhaps the exception of Texas, who had a solid week.
-The Mets have looked fantastic at times, but not today against Atlanta who will go nowhere with their bullpen play. The Phillies have also showed their weaknesses and deficencies, and the Nats and Fish are what they are.
-The Cardinals had a fantastic week pitching and are 4-1 to start. Milwaukee is off to a nice start while the Cubs and Astros not so hot thus far. The Reds have shown flashes of a surprise team under Dusty Baker.
-Jake Peavy had a fantastic week that has led the Padres to a 4-2 start. Hiroki Kuroda was phenomenal on Friday and if he can continue this, the Dodgers can be a threat in the west. The Giants and Rockies have started out slow.

This Week's Hot Starts
-Catchers lead both leagues in hitting. No April Fools, Ryan Doumit and AJ Pierzynski set the standards at .533 and .529 respectively. Fukudome and Kendall aren't too far behind. Chase Utley and Justin Upton both have 3 homers. Who knew that Livan Hernandez would have 2 wins so far? Jake Peavy has been wonderful thus far as well.

News & Rumors
-Miguel Olivo and Hideo Nomo (that's right) were brought up by the Royals. Scott Shields is off the DL, while Dioner Navarro, Chad Cordero, and Russ Springer were shelved. Brad Lidge and Jim Edmonds were also activated. Michael Cuddyer was placed on the DL and speedy prospect Denard Span will get his shot in the OF, he should get a chance way more than Craig Monroe.
-After Wes Helms was designated for assignment, the Dodgers and Giants are reportedly not interested. The Astros are guaging interest for C Humberto Quintero. (LA Times, San Jose Mercury News, Houston Chronicle)