[simple simon]

This just in: April's over. Don't ask us what to make of it.


Al Reyes saved eight more games than Mariano Rivera. Kip Wells made as many home run trots as Mike Piazza. John Buck outhit Sean Casey by .128 points.


The Devil Rays had a better record than the Yankees. The Pirates had a better record than the Cardinals. No first-place team in either league had a bigger lead than the Brewers.


So does anything that happened in April mean anything? Your brain might tell you no. But history tells us yes.

April matters.


It might not matter as much in the wild-card age as it used to matter. So teams such as the Yankees, Cardinals, Cubs and Astros may not have buried themselves yet. But it does matter. And because it does, the odds that those teams are going to right the ship and play in October are longer than they think.


So howwwwww long are they?


We looked at every full season since 1982. Here's what we found:

Of the 144 teams that made it to the postseason in that span, only eight (or 5.6 percent) came out of April more than three games under .500. Clubs that need to worry most about that history lesson: the Yankees (9-14), Astros (10-14), Cardinals (10-14), Cubs (10-14) and Rangers (10-15).

Just six of those 144 playoff teams (or 4.2 percent) found themselves more than 4½ games out of a playoff spot after April. Clubs that ought to get nervous about that trend: the Cubs, Cardinals and Astros (all five games out).

No Yankees team has finished April this many games under .500 since 1984. That '84 team had an 8-13 April, which meant that even a 79-62 finish didn't help it climb higher than third place, 17 games behind the Tigers.

ESPN.com - MLB - Stark: Just remember ... April definitely matters

[simple simon]

still think April doesnt matter ?

[MJHMarc]

Originally Posted by simple simon

This just in: April's over. Don't ask us what to make of it.


Al Reyes saved eight more games than Mariano Rivera. Rivera will catch up.Kip Wells made as many home run trots as Mike PiazzaPiazza's power is in the gutters. John Buck outhit Sean Casey by .128 pointsI've seen minor leaguers swing better than Casey. He should just retire than embarrass himself.


The Devil Rays had a better record than the Yankees. Wait for October, my friendThe Pirates had a better record than the Cardinals. Pirates are good. It's just that their roster stinks!No first-place team in either league had a bigger lead than the Brewers. The Brew Crew is doing well, but as a ticking bomb, their time is limited


So does anything that happened in April mean anything? Not really. How could you forget to mention A-Rod, though? Your brain might tell you no. But history tells us yes.

April matters. Oh, yeah?


It might not matter as much in the wild-card age as it used to matter. Good point. There is no way to tell the final standings from 30 days So teams such as the Yankees, Cardinals, Cubs and Astros may not have buried themselves yet. But the Cubs and the Astros have their funerals scheduledBut it does matter. I've been waiting for an answerAnd because it does, the odds that those teams are going to right the ship and play in October are longer than they think.


So howwwwww long are they?


We looked at every full season since 1982. Here's what we found:

Of the 144 teams that made it to the postseason in that span, only eight (or 5.6 percent) came out of April more than three games under .500. Clubs that need to worry most about that history lesson: the Yankees (9-14), Astros (10-14), Cardinals (10-14), Cubs (10-14) and Rangers (10-15).

Just six of those 144 playoff teams (or 4.2 percent) found themselves more than 4½ games out of a playoff spot after April. Clubs that ought to get nervous about that trend: the Cubs, Cardinals and Astros (all five games out).

No Yankees team has finished April this many games under .500 since 1984. That '84 team had an 8-13 April, which meant that even a 79-62 finish didn't help it climb higher than third place, 17 games behind the Tigers.

ESPN.com - MLB - Stark: Just remember ... April definitely matters

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Once you bring history in, it just disintegrates the true meaning of April.

April is the opening season, where players earn themselves early reputations amongst the players and their fans.