Yeah, it’s the Expos and they can’t score runs. Yeah, he’s doing it with smoke and mirrors. But Ismael Valdez threw eight scoreless last night and is now 3-0 on the year.

The 2.42 ERA is great, but don’t expect it to last. Of the 90 batters he’s faced so far, all but seven have put the ball in play. His 1.61 K/9 makes Nate Cornejo look like Kerry Wood. Well, not really, but that’s still an alarmingly low number. I’m thrilled that Valdez is having some early success, and I’m enjoying it while I can, but his stuff and stats suggest that there are darker times to come.

For now, however, call him a pleasant surprise. Call him 3-0. Call him Ismael Valdez.

Quasi-Random Observations

• I am really liking the Pads’ infield defense. Sean Burroughs sometimes has trouble with the off-balance throw, and Khalil Greene committed a costly error the other night in Phoenix. But for the most part, those two have been rock solid. They make the routine plays and they are more aware of situations than a lot of guys their age. Very polished defenders. Greene and Mark Loretta look good turning the double play. Quick. And Phil Nevin is a huge improvement over Ryan Klesko at first base. Every now and then Nevin gets caught in no-man’s land but not as often as Klesko did.
• Loretta leads the club with four homers. His slugging percentage is .576. I really thought Rick Sutcliffe was out of his mind for suggesting that Loretta had 20-homer power, and I’m still not convinced it will happen, but I’m beginning at least to warm to the possibility.
• Two hits and a walk from Brian Giles. He’s still feeling his way around out there, but it’s starting to come.
• What’s with Jay Payton swinging at all those fastballs up out of the zone? He’s off to an enigmatic start this year. I expected more offense and less defense. He’s been better than advertised in center but he isn’t contributing much at the plate.
• Miguel Ojeda has improved over last year. He had a key hit in the home opener. Then he won Monday night’s game with a ninth-inning single. Last night he drove home an insurance run in the fourth to conclude an eight-pitch at-bat. Dude battles up there. And he looks more comfortable behind the plate.

What’s scary is that this team is 12-9 and not even playing up to its ability. Very little out of key guys like David Wells, Brian Lawrence, and Giles. Heck, Klesko has only one homer.

Imagining what this team could do. Reminding myself that it is April. Trying not to get too carried away. Yet.

Adam Eaton vs Claudio Vargas tonight. Usual time, usual channel…