Ben Ingram

And it's a really tough stretch, but I think that's fun, especially for this time of year where we're about a quarter of the way into the season and trying to figure out exactly who everybody is and what they are.

And it's always good to see one of the other really good teams in the league.

A few things come to mind.

I mean, I really thought this team would hit.

I mean, just watching them at spring training, the offensive numbers don't surprise me.

I thought they were due for a bounce-back season.

The pitching is what has surprised me.

The pitching has not only been good, it's been significantly better than I ever imagined.

I thought it was a team that was pretty thin in the rotation, and they still kind of are.

I mean, you have one injury to this rotation, you got some big-time questions to answer.

I thought the bullpen would be solid, but my biggest question mark was with the rotation.

Those guys have been terrific.

Chris Sale has been Chris Sale.

Bryce Elder's made some great adjustments with a slider and changeup, and that's been enormous for him.

And then the rest of the guys that we've seen, rookies like J.R.

Ritchie, have stepped in and done a really nice job.

So I think you have to credit the catchers for that.

I think you have to credit Jeremy Hefner, the new pitching coach.

And those guys have been terrific.

You're right, it's been a great formula, and I think their ability to do all those things is big, but I think their ability to come back late in games.