With all due respect to veteran all-stars [Lance Berkman and Chipper Jones] who are enjoying scorching beginnings, here are the top 10 surprises for 2008 [so far]

1.) The Tampa Bay Devil Rays [starting pitcher James Shields]- building up their team for the last several years; can anyone think they can keep up once the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox get their seasons in order? They possess a nucleus of pitching talent to go with a core of future stars.

2.) The Detroit Tigers [manager Jim Leyland] - Miguel Cabrera hasn't been doing so bad, but he hasn't been playing with fire, so he gets his share of the blame. A closer look reveals the pitching isn't as good as hoped, either starting or relievers.

3.)Nate McLouth [Pittsburgh Pirates' centerfielder] - runty guy whose time in the gym [along with a quick bat] is paying off with a powerful start [11 home runs in 161 at-bats].

4.)Carlos Quentin [Chicago White Sox's left fielder] - he's always been a talent, but one frequently injured. He's leading the American League in home runs and if he stays healthy, he'll be a beast.

5.) Cliff Lee [Cleveland Indians' starting pitcher] - from pretty good to pretty sucky then to pretty dominant in 2008.

6.)Blake DeWitt [Los Angeles Dodgers' third baseman] - it has only been over 100 at-bats, but despite a brief demotion, really is making Nomar Garciaparra a relic and Andy LaRoche, Dioner Navarro II.

7.) The Florida Marlins [second baseman Dan Uggla] - its not just the $70 million face of the franchise in Hanley Ramirez, but Dan Uggla who has been carrying the load and powering the team to a surprise beginning.

8.) St. Louis Cardinals [outfielder Skip Shumaker] - Tony LaRussa and Dave Duncan absolutely great turning veteran pitchers around [Joel Pineiro, Kyle Lohse, Braden Looper, Todd Wellemeyer, et al but in addition, they've allowed some fringe talent [Ryan Ludwick, Skip Shumaker, Brian Barton] to succeed and contribute along with the 'constant' in Albert Pujols. Centerfielder Rick Ankiel continues to impress with the bat and with his once promising pitching arm.

9.) Ervin Santana [Los Angeles Angels' starting pitcher] - has the 'want it' instead of showing no confidence in his body language.

10.) Edinson Volquez [Cincinnati Reds' starting pitcher] - was traded for Josh Hamilton, who is doing well, but Volquez has turned a corner and has been dominant for the Cincinnati Reds so far.

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