Mound Talk

With one week in the books, MoundTalk.com is proud to introduce Three-Up, Three-Down, a weekly series where we will detail three players who have performed particularly well during the past week and three who have had regretable weeks. In conjunction with this, we will be launching Studs and Duds featuring a MoundTalk.com forecast for the coming week.

During the first week of the season there are always plenty of players who struggle but quickly find their form. There are also plenty of players who outperform themselves. The first week of the 2007 season saw plenty of both.

Eric Byrnes has hit two home runs, sored five runs and driven in seven in 31 at bats this season. His .355 batting average is complimented by his four stolen bases, the most in baseball. Though it’s doubtful the once and future Fox commentator will continue this pace, he’s certainly been a nice surprise for people to took a chance on him.

B.J. Upton, in limited action, has gone 6-for-15 with three runs scored, three driven in and has homered and stole a base. Presently playing second base, Upton has been a big help for the D-Rays.

Zach Grienke is back. 7 inning pitched. 7 strikeouts. 1.29 ERA. 1.29 WHIP. He’s up.

Not everyone is red hot this year.

Chris Carpenter gave up five runs in six innings against the Mets on Opening Night and has found himself on the DL with inflamation of his right elbow.

Alfonso Soriano got paid. Following his 40/40 season he netting a massive contract. After one week, the Cubs might be asking for that check back. 6-for-28 with two runs scored is the sum of his resume. No home runs. No rbi. No stolen bases. Ice cold isn’t cold enough to describe Soriano.

Manny Ramirez has started the season slowly. 5-for-23 with two runs and two rbi. That’s it. No home runs.