Getting off The Mark

Jeff Pearlman

April 12, 1999

Over the last five years the Braves have a March-April record of 72-35, the best in the majors. The success is attributable mostly to Atlanta's three aces, Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux (right) and John Smoltz, all of whom have March-April ERAs among the top 10 during that span. But beware in Boston: Though Pedro Martinez is among the best first-month pitchers, two other members of the Red Sox rotation, Tim Wakefield and newcomer Mark Portugal, have struggled out of the gate. Here are members of current rotations who have had the best and worst ERAs for the first month of the season over the last five years (minimum 80 March-April innings pitched).