The 2011 Major League Baseball season is a mere three weeks old, consequently it is a long way from establishing the haves and the have nots; however, there are more than a few teams not playing according to expectation, be that expectation good or bad. Among the surprises are the Cleveland Indians, Kansas City Royals, Boston Red Sox, Tampa Bay Rays, and Minnesota Twins. The Phillies, the preseason and current World Series Odds favorite at +250, have lived up to their offseason billing, though, posting an NL East best 10-5 record through 15 games.
Philadelphia looks like it may have plenty of competition in the American League, but the only real threat, at least at this 
early point, in the National League appears to be the surging Colorado Rockies. The Phillies have outscored their opposition by 25 runs, despite a few rocky showings from the team's vaunted rotation.
Philadelphia's offensive lineup, which had a few question marks heading into Spring Training, ranks in the top 10 in almost every major category, including batting average, on-base percentage, hits, and runs scored. A resurgent Ryan Howard has lead the charge with four doubles, three home runs, and 15 RBI through the first three weeks of play.
Howard has received plenty of help, though, with the likes of Placido Planco, Shane Victorino, and Carlos Ruiz all looking comfortable at the plate.
Roy Halladay, like last year, has been the rotation's anchor, but Roy Oswalt is not far behind in terms of effectiveness, posting a 2.50 ERA and 1.00 WHIP to Halladay's 1.23 ERA and 0.91 WHIP.
Cliff Lee, the team's big offseason acquisition, currently owns an uncharacteristic 4.19 ERA, but his 2-1 record and 0.98 WHIP are more accurate indicators of his true performance. Outside of a 10 hit, six earned run outing against the Braves, Lee has been masterful. The same can be said of Cole Hamels, who had a rough first outing but has since rebounded with two quality starts, giving up two earned runs in his last 14 innings of work.
The Phillies may not win it all, but their current pace certainly points to them being a major factor come October.
Philadelphia Phillies +250
Boston Red Sox +550
New York Yankees +600
Texas Rangers +800
Colorado Rockies +1200
San Francisco Giants +1200
Atlanta Braves +2000
Milwaukee Brewers +2000
Chicago White Sox +2500
Cincinnati Reds +2500
Los Angeles Angels +2500
Detroit Tigers +2500
St. Louis Cardinals +3000
Chicago Cubs +3000
Oakland Athletics +3000
Florida Marlins +4000
Minnesota Twins +4000
Los Angeles Dodgers +4000
Cleveland Indians +5000
Tampa Bay Rays +6000
Kansas City Royals +7500
Arizona Diamondbacks +10000
New York Mets +10000
Baltimore Orioles +10000
Pittsburgh Pirates +10000
San Diego Padres +10000
Washington Nationals +10000
Houston Astros +10000
