This is the first edition of a new feature for the 2011 season.  Every Friday lunchtime, I’ll be throwing out my pick as the most notable performance of the previous week in MLB.

Normally it will be an individual, although sometimes a team performance will merit the award. 

Contenders

From a team perspective the starts by the Texas Rangers and Cincinnati Reds obviously deserve a mention, while Baltimore’s encouraging start to the year has been a welcome surprise for their fans.

The Rangers’ Nelson Cruz homered in his first four games, while Mark Teixeira has started the season in fine form, particularly impressive as he started out so slowly last year.

Fausto Carmona showed tremendous character in his second start.  Shelled for ten runs in three laborious innings against the White Sox on Opening Day, he pitched seven shut-out innings against the Red Sox yesterday, helping his team to a series sweep over their illustrious rivals.  The Tribe also turned a triple play against the White Sox, which is always a great sight to see.  Continue reading →