30-year-old, Ronel Blanco, is baseball’s first surprise story/star. The righty starter for the Astros threw a no-hitter yesterday against the Blue Jays. In only his 8th career start, he tossed the 17the no-no in team history. He’s not a highly touted prospect which might be a little disturbing-that the Astros have found another guy.

It’s hard to read too much into the past few days, but a few fanbases know they are in trouble this year. Some teams may have rolled into favorable matchups (Detroit, Pittsburgh), but that doesn’t mean they aren’t trending in the right direction.

As miserable has been through much of the country, several teams have benefited from the pitcher-friendly conditions. Other teams just can’t hit worth a damn-figuring which is which is the task of the media.

While the affected players and Scott Boras proclaim from the highest mountain, nobody has benefited from their late signings. Financially, they didn’t benefit either. Kind of serves them all.

Every season we marvel at the number of key players who are already injured and out for the season despite all the precautions. Call it dumb luck. In the category of not a surprise: Royce Lewis and Nick Senzel are already on the IL and Eloy Jimenez hurt his abductor leaving the batter’s box. Despite already losing Lewis, the Twins have put Byron Buxton in center field in 3 of the first 4 game. Zoiks, take the under Scoob!

News flash: Ozzie Albies of the Braves is an outstanding player, and I’m not just saying this to honk off Mets and Phillies fans. Okay, maybe I am. Enjoy week#2.