Baseball Roundtable

2021 Baseball Roundtable John Paciorek Award … Henry Schmidt

April 17, 2021 by David

In 2014, Baseball Roundtable launched the John Paciorek Award (JPA). The JPA recognizes players who have had short, sometimes very short, major-league careers, but whose accomplishments, nonetheless, deserve recognition. Past winners have included a player whose every MLB hit (three in nine career at bats) was a home run; a player who had only one MLB at bat, but earned a World Series ring and a Purple Heart; a player who had just two home runs in 61 MLB at bats (for the vaunted Yankees and Dodgers), but whose “body of work” made him one of just two players in MLB history to homer in their first and final official appearances in a major league batter’s box; a war hero who pitched in the majors on one leg; and more. (Note: Information on John Paciorek’s career – the inspiration for the JPA – can be found at the end of this post. Paciorek’s day in the sun constitutes arguably the best one-game MLB career ever.)

For 2021, BBRT’s Paciorek Award goes to the only pitcher ever to win twenty or more games in his only major-league season.

—-BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE 2021 JOHN PACIOREK AWARD HONOREE —-

HENRY SCHMIDT

Henry Martin Schmidt didn’t make it to the big leagues until eight seasons after his professional (minor-league) debut. In fact, he was just two months shy of his 30^th birthday, when he first took the major-league mound. Why did it take so long? Simple answer – location. He had considerable difficulty “locating” his pitches (more on that in a bit). While it took a long time for Schmidt to make it to the major leagues, it didn’t take him long to leave MLB. He lasted just one season. Why was his MLB career so short? Simple answer – location. He did not care for the geographic “location” of major league baseball.

So why is Henry Schmidt joining the Baseball Roundtable list of John Paciorek Award honorees? Because, like many of those recognized before him, Schmidt’s brief MLB career had some long-ranging statistical significance.

Henry Schmidt is the only pitcher in MLB history

who was a 20-game winner in his only major league season.

In Schmidt’s only MLB season, for the 1903 Brooklyn Superbas (Dodgers), Schmidt went 22-13, 3.83. That season, Schmidt was fifth in the National League in wins, sixth in innings pitched (301), fourth in starts (36), tenth in complete games (29) and second in shutouts (five). Remember what I noted earlier about location? While minor-league stats for the era are sometimes a bit sketchy, by all accounts Schmidt had considerable difficulty with pitch location – walking more batters than he struck out in every minor-league season leading up to his signing with Brooklyn. And, that didn’t change at the MLB level, In his sole MLB season, Schmidt walked 120 and fanned 96. For the season, Schmidt was second in the NL in walks (120), first in hit batsmen (21) and sixth in wild pitches (8). (Side note: Schmidt’s 3.83 eared run average was slightly above the National League overall mark of 3.26.) Schmidt, however, earned considerable respect as a gritty performer, known for pitching into – and out of – trouble.

Let’s take a look at how Schmidt got to the majors, as well as how he fared after he chose to leave.

Schmidt began his professional career, as a 20-year-old, in the independent Blue Grass League. He bounced around the minors (Southern Association, Atlantic League, Western League) showing potential – 20-13. 1.32 at Class B Richmond in 1897), but also consistently walking more batters than he struck out. Even in that 20-win Class B season, Schmidt walked 133 and hit 36 batters, while striking out 108.

Then, in 1902 came the season that paved the way for Schmidt’s move to the majors – as well as for his quick exit from that lofty status. In 1901, after a not particularly satisfying minor-league stints with Kansas City and Denver, Schmidt headed west to join Oakland in the long-season California League – where he showed late-season promise. That move to the West Coast seemed to spark Schmidt’s career. He re-signed with Oakland for 1902 and went 35-20 (Oakland played a 182-game schedule, winning 108 and capturing the league title). At season’s end, Schmidt was much in demand, ultimately signing with the National League’s Brooklyn Superbas (Dodgers).

Schmidt got off to a blazing start in his rookie (and final) major league season. In his first five starts, he went 4-1 and threw three consecutive complete-game shutouts. Typical of Schmidt, even in those three shutouts, he gave a total of 18 hits and 11 walks, hit two batters and fanned just four. His only loss in his first five decisions came in his second start, when he faced off against the Giants’ Christy Mathewson. Schmidt and Mathewson both went the distance, with Matty emerging on the positive end of a 2-1 score (it was tied 1-1 after eight frames). Schmidt suffered a bit of a mid-season slide and was 13-13 by mid-August, but then won his last nine decisions to finish as 22-13. Schmidt pitched ten complete games in those final ten starts (one ended in a tie), including two shutouts. (On the season, he had nine starts in which he walked five or more batters. and 17 starts in which he walked two of fewer batsmen. )

So, why wasn’t Schmidt, Brooklyn’s winningest pitcher in 1903, back with the club in 1904. It was Schmidt’s choice. Brooklyn did offer Schmidt a contract for 1904, but he returned it unsigned, with a note stating “I do no like living in the East and will not report.” Schmidt then signed multi-year contract with the Oakland Oaks of the Pacific Coast League.

Back on the West Coast, Schmidt failed to recapture his past glory. He went 26-28 in 1904 and, as he pitching went south, so reportedly did his temper. He began to build a reputation for fiery combativeness both on and off the fields. According to a Society of American Baseball Research article by Bill Lamb, Schmidt’s dust-ups included a battle in which he nearly bit off two of his opponent’s fingers, disputes with team executives, legal action and an altercation over an unpaid bar bill, as well as an off-the-field scrape that ended in gun play. By 1909, Schmidt had slipped from the A-level Pacific Coast League to the D-Level Carolina Association (that’s where the shooting incident occurred). In 1909, he pitched for the Hutchinson Salt Packers in the Class D Kansas State League – and that’s the last playing season noted for Schmidt in baseball-reference.com. Schmidt passed away (complications from chronic myocarditis) in 1926 at age 52.

Despite his issues with “location,” Henry Schmidt is firmly located in the MLB record book as the only pitcher whose only MLB campaign resulted in a twenty-win season.

Primary Resources: Baseball-Reference.com; “Henry Schmidt,” by Bill Lamb, Society for American Baseball Research; “The Ballplayers,” edited by Mark Shatzkin, Arbor-House, William Morrow, 1990.

—- PAST JOHN PACIOREK AWARD HONOREES (with links) —-

2014 – Brian Scott Dallimore

In his first start (not his first game) for the 2004 Giants, Dallimore had two singles, a Grand Slam (his first MLB hit and only MLB home run), a walk and a hit by pitch. For the full JPA take on Dallimore’s 27- game MLB career, click here.

2015 – Roy Gleason

Gleason played in just eight MLB games, had a double in his only MLB at bat – but also earned a World Series ring (1963) and a Purple Heart. Ultimately, he was the only ballplayer with MLB experience to serve on the front lines in Vietnam. For the full JPA take on Gleason, click here. Note: Gleason’s life is detailed in the book “Lost in the Sun – Roy Gleason’s Odyssey from the Outfield to the Battlefield.”

2016 – John Allen Miller

Miller played just 32 MLB games (during the 1966 and 1969), taking the field (at 1B/LF/3B/2B) for the Yankees and Dodgers. Miller collected ten hits in 61 MLB at bats (.164 average) and hit just two home runs – but he made those long balls count. Miller made his MLB debut with the Yankees on September 11, 1966 and hit a two-run homer in his first big league at bat – making him (surprisingly) the first Yankee ever to homer in his first MLB at bat. (Little did Miller know he would not get another home run or RBI until the final at bat of his MLB career.) Miller’s final at bat came as a Dodger (September 23, 1969) and he stroked a solo home run. That narrow “body of work” made Miller one of just two players in MLB history to homer in their first and final official appearances in a major league batter’s box. For more on Miller, click here.

2017 – Chris Saenz

RHP Chris Saenz’ big day came on April 24, 2004 – when he was called up from Double A Huntsville (where he was 1-1, 3.86) to make a spot start against the Saint Louis Cardinals, whose powerful lineup included the likes of Albert Pujols, Scott Rolen, Jim Edmonds and Reggie Sanders. The rookie went six innings, giving up just two hits, three walks and no runs, while fanning seven. There was some speculation (primarily among sportswriters and fans) that Saenz’ performance might earn him another start or two, but two days after his debut, he was on his way back to Huntsville. Unfortunately, his minor league season included a September elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery and he never returned to the majors. Statistics before 1900 can be sketchy, but baseball-reference.com shows that Saenz is the only pitcher to complete a one-game MLB career of at least five innings pitched, without giving up a single run (earned or unearned). For more details on this JPA honoree, click here.

2018 – Keith McDonald

Keith McDonald’s MLB career (Cardinals 2000-2001) covered just eight games and 11 plate appearances (nine at bats) and three hits – but he made them count. All of McDonald’s safeties were home runs – making him the only MLB player with more than one career hit who can look back on major league career in which his every hit was a home run. McDonald is also one of only two players – and the only National Leaguer – to homer in his first two major league plate appearances. For the full story, click here.

2019 – Harley Hisner

Harley Hisner’s MLB tenure encompassed the day of September 30, 1951. That’s when the 24-year-old righty faced the New York Yankees – and a lineup that included five future Hall of Famers: Mickey Mantle in RF; Joe DiMaggio in CF; Phil Rizzuto at SS; Johnny Mize at 1B; and Yogi Berra behind the plate. In is very first MLB inning, Hisner faced five batters, four of them future Hall of Famers, and gave up two singles and no runs. His place in history? One of those singles was Joe DiMaggio’s last MLB safety. He faced Mickey Mantle four times in the game – walking him once, fanning him twice and getting him to hit into a double play. Hisner’s final career stat was 0-1, 4.50, with six innings pitched, seven hits, three earned runs, four walks and three strikeouts. For more on Harley Hisner and his ongoing involvement in and love of the game (he went on to earn the Northeast Indiana Baseball Association Colin Lister Award for “dedication to the game of baseball and its historic legacy,” click here.

2020 – Bert Shepard

Bert Shepard set aside his baseball mound dreams in 1943 – after four minor-league seasons – to enlist in the U.S. Army, where he became a P-38 Lightning fighter pilot. Shepard was shot down on his 34th combat mission and, while a prisoner of war, his wounds resulted in the amputation of his right leg below the knee. Upon his release (a prisoner exchange), Shepard did not surrender his dreams and fought his way back to the major leagues. He made one major-league appearance (for the Washington Senators), pitching 5 1/3 innings of three-hit, one-run ball. While Shepard’s MLB career consisted of that sole appearance, he did continue to pitch, coach and manage in minor leagues – and his story proved an inspiration for disabled veterans. For the full Bert Shepard story, click here.

–—-INSPIRATION FOR THE JPA—–

John Paciorek – signed out of Saint Ladislaus High School in Hamtramck, Michigan (where he had starred in football, basketball and baseball) – appeared in his first major league game on the final day of the 1963 season (September 29) at the age of 18. The 6’ 1”, 200-pound outfielder had spent the 1963 season with Class A Modesto Colts. The Colts’ parent club, the Houston Colt .45s (that was the current Astros’ franchise name back then), was suffering through a difficult season. The team was 65-96 going into that final game. Looking to the future, Houston had, in fact, fielded an all-rookie lineup (average age 19) on September 27. Youth was still being served two days later when John Paciorek started his first MLB game. The results were surprising – and worthy of recognition.

Playing right field and batting seventh in a 13-4 win over the NY Mets, Paciorek ended up with three hits and two walks in five plate appearances, with four runs scored and three runs batted in. Perhaps equally surprising is that it was not only Paciorek’s first major-league appearance, it was to be his only MLB appearance. Back pain the following spring, followed by surgery (he played 49 minor league games in 1964 and missed all of the 1965 season), put an end to his MLB playing days. (Paciorek did play in four more minor-league seasons.) Still, you will find John Paciorek in the Baseball Encyclopedia and his is arguably the greatest one-game MLB career ever. Among one-gamers, he holds the record for times on base and runs scored, and shares the record for batting average, on base percentage and RBIs.

Paciorek, by the way, went on to become a high school teacher and multi-sport coach and is the author of the books (Plato and Socrates – “Baseball’s Wisest Fans;” “The Principles of Baseball: And All There Is To Know About Hitting;” and “If I Knew Then What I Know Now.” You also can enjoy Paciorek’s prose (and expertise) directly at his blog “Paciorek’s Principles of Perfect Practice” by clicking here. You can find out even more about Paciorek in Steven Wagner’s 2015 book “Perfect: The Rise and Fall of John Paciorek, Baseball’s Greatest One-Game Wonder.” (See the review of “Perfect” by clicking here.)

A final note. John Paciorek’s insight into the national pastime should come as no surprise. Paciorek comes from a true “baseball family.” He was the first born of eight siblings and was followed to the big leagues by younger brothers Jim and Tom Paciorek. (Like John, Jim’s MLB career was short – 48 games for the Brewers in 1987. Brother Tom, however, achieved a .282 average over an 18-season MLB career.

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Rodon Throws a No-Hitter… and Baseball Roundtable’s Mind Wanders

April 15, 2021 by David

Baseball Roundtable Disclaimer: The MLB records referenced in this (and previous) posts have the potential to change as Major League Baseball recognizes and incorporates Negro League records from 1920-46 into the MLB record book.

Carlos Rodon – Photo by rchdj10

I began the day seeking inspiration for a topic for this post – and was immediately drawn to yesterday’s (April 14, 2021) no-hitter by White Sox’ southpaw Carlos Rodon. As readers know, when I begin digging into a baseball topic, my mind can wander and “one thing often leads to another.” Rodon’s no-no took me on a journey of inspiration that did not lead in the direction I expected.

Here’s kind of how my though process went.

First, there was the fact that this was the second no-hitter this April. Turns out that ties the record for April no-hitters, but it’s been done eight times. Maybe a topic if the record is broken over the next couple of weeks.

Philip Humber – Photo by Keith Allison

Then, I latched on to the fact that the no-hitter came in what was just Carlos Rodon’s second MLB complete game. Then again, in April of 2012 (April 9), the White Sox’ Philip Humber threw not just a no-hitter, but a perfect game, in the first-and-only complete-game in his eight-season MLB career. Time to keep looking.

Next , I noted that Rodon lost a perfect game – on a hit batsman with one out in the ninth and final inning. (Rodon completed the no-hitter for an 8-0 win.) Plunking an opposing hitter – a tough way to lose a perfecto, even if you save the no-hitter. Well, the Nationals’ Max Scherzer (on June 20, 2015) had a perfect game with two outs and two strikes on the batter in the ninth, when he plunked Pirates’ pinch-hitter Jose Tabata on a 2-2 pitch (in a tough eight-pitch at bat). Like Rodon, he completed the no-hitter (for a 6-0 win). I’d already written about that one, so I kept looking.

Plunking the Pitcher – Ouch.

On July 4, 1980, The Giants’ George “Hooks” Wiltse (Guess what his signature pitch was?) had a perfect game going with two outs in the top of the ninth and two strikes (a 2-2 count) on the batter – Phillies’ starting pitcher George McQuillan. On that 2-2 pitch, Wiltse hit McQuillan – ending the perfecto. (Umpire Cy Rigler later said he missed the call on a 1-2 pitch to McQuillan and should have rung him up). Wiltse retired the next batter, but his day was not done – since the score was 0-0. The Giants (and Wiltse) eventually won in ten frames and Wiltse recorded a ten-inning no-hitter. Nickname note: Hooks Wiltse’s brother – Lewis “Snake” Wiltse – also pitched in the major leagues.

At this point, my mind wondered to hit batsmen and to a game earlier in the week (April 13), when the Pirates topped the Padres in Pittsburgh by an 8-4 score. The game featured 20 hits, 17 walks, three wild pitches and seven hit batsmen. Maybe there was inspiration there? Those seven hit batters sent Baseball Roundtable to the record books, where I learned that the record for hit batsmen (both teams) in a single game is nine (Washington Senators versus Pittsburgh Pirates on May 9, 1896) – and the post-1900 record is eight (Cubs versus Reds on July 27, 2020). In that game, the victims were: Cubs – Anthony Rizzo (twice), Kris Bryant, Willson Contreras, and Albert Amora; Reds – Curt Casili, Jesse Winker and Freddy Galvis. Still not quite the inspiration I needed. So, my mind (and research) wandered further.

I discovered that while 56 players have hit two home runs in an inning (five of them twice), only eight players have been hit by a pitch twice in one frame. That was it! In this post, I’d like to look at those who share that painful record – as well as a few other HBP tidbits.

—–Players Hit by A Pitch Twice in One Inning—–

Willard Schmidt, Reds … April 26, 1959

Ironically, the first MLB player to be hit by a pitch twice in one inning was a pitcher – and one who was on the mound for just two-thirds of an inning in that game and in the batter’s box in only one inning. Willard Schmidt replaced Reds’ starter Joe Nuxhall with two on, one out and the Braves ahead 3-0 in the top of the second. (Nuxhall had just walked two batters in a row.) Schmidt got Braves’ C Del Crandall to hit into a double play to end the inning.

After Reds’ SS Roy McMillan led off the bottom of the third with a single off Lew Burdette, Schmidt was hit by a Burdette offering. Two pitchers and six runs later, Schmidt found himself facing reliever Bob Rush with two on and two out. Rush hit Schmidt with a pitch, loading the bases and then retired 2B Johnny Temple to end the inning. After Braves’ SS Johnny Logan singled to open the top of the fourth, Schmidt was replaced by Orlando Pena. Schmidt the way, was one of eight Reds’ pitchers used in the 11-10 Reds’ win. (The Braves used six, including Warren Spahn, who took the loss in relief.) Schmidt went 31-29, 3.93 in seven MLB seasons. As a batter he was .163-0-7 and was hit by a pitch just four times – three in 1959.

Frank Thomas, Mets … April 29, 1962

Frank Thomas (not the “Big Hurt” Thomas) suffered a hurtful afternoon as his Mets topped the Phillies 8-0 in New York. Thomas was in LF batting cleanup. In the seven-run fourth inning, Thomas first faced Phillies’ starter Art Mahaffey with one on and no out. To this point, Mahaffey had been cruising, with the only damage one by Thomas. In the first two frames, Mahaffey had given up just one hit and fanned four. The only hit was a home run by Thomas. In his second plate appearance versus Mahaffey, Thomas was hit by a pitch. By the time the lineup made a full turn, Mahaffey was gone, the Mets were up 8-0 and Frank Sullivan was on the mound for Philadelphia. To make a long story short, Thomas was plunked again. Thomas ended the day one-for-two with two runs scored and one RBI. He ended the season .266-34-94, with eight HBP’s. Over his career (16 MLB seasons), Thomas was .266-286-962, with 51 HBPs, leading the league with ten HBP in 1954. In his record-tying HBP game, no other batter was hit.

Andres Galarraga, Rockies … July 12, 1996

The Rockies topped the Padres 13-12 (in Colorado) in the game in which Andres Galarraga was plunked twice in one inning. Galarraga was playing 1B and batting sixth. He came up with one out and no one on in the bottom of the seventh, with the Rockies trailing 9-2. Reliever Bryce Florie hit him with an 0-2 pitch, which would prove to be the start of an 11-run rally. By the time, Galarraga came to the plate again, there was still only one out, the Padres were on their third pitcher of the frame and nine runs had crossed the plate. This time, Galarraga was hit on a 0-0 pitch from Willie Blair. The Rockies would go on to send five more batters to the plate before the half inning ended. Galarraga finished the game one-for-two, with two runs scored and one RBI. He finished the season with a .304 average, a league-leading 47 home runs and a league-topping 150 RBI. He was hit by a pitch 17 times. For his 19-season MLB career, Galarraga was .288-399-1,424 – and was hit by a pitch 179 times (leading the league twice). In his record-tying game, Rockies’ pitchers also notched two HBPs.

Brady Anderson, Orioles … May 23, 1999

Anderson’s punishing afternoon began as he led off the very first inning of an Orioles’ 15-6 victory over the Rangers (in Baltimore). The Orioles’ CF was plunked by Rangers’ started Mike Morgan to open the bottom of a ten-run first frame. Three singles, two doubles, a walk, a sacrifice fly and a fly out later (not necessarily in that order), Anderson faced Morgan for a second time and was plunked a second time, ending Morgan’s day. There was, by the way, no retaliation. Anderson was the only batter hit in the contest. Anderson ended the day one-for-three, with two runs scored and one RBI. He finished the season with a .263-13-66 stat line and was hit by a pitch ten times. In his 15-season MLB career, Anderson would be plunked 154 times, leading the league in that category three times.

Mike Hessman, Tigers …. September 8, 2008

Hessman was playing third and batting eighth in the Tigers’ 14-8 win over the A’s in Detroit. He led off the bottom of what would be a six-run second inning and was hit by a 1-2 pitch from A’s starter Gio Gonzalez. He came up later in the inning with Josh Outman on the mound and was plunked again, this time on an 0-2 pitch. There were four HBPs in the game – three by the A’s and one by the Tigers. Hessman was one-for-three in the contest, with a home run, two runs scored and one RBI. He finished the season hitting .296-5-7 in just 12 games. The two September 8 HBP that gave him a share of the record were his only plunkings of the season. Hessman played 109 MLB games over five seasons – going .188-14-33, with a total of five HBPs.

Jose Guillen, Giants … September 23, 2010

Guillen started in RF, batting sixth, as the Giants defeated the Cubs 13-0 in Chicago. It was pretty much total domination behind seven shutout innings from Madison Bumgarner (seven hits, one walk, nine strikeouts). Overall, Giants’ pitchers fanned 12 and walked one, while Cub’s hurlers walked three, three fanned five and gave up four home runs (among the Giants 19 hits) to the Cubs’ seven safeties. Guillen was the only batter hit in the game. Guillen’s plunkings came in the nine-run second. He led off the inning by getting hit on a 1-1 pitch from starter Ryan Dempster, whose inning then went home run, strikeout, single, double, RBI single, strikeout, RBI single, run-scoring wild pitch, walk – and then the second plunking of Guillen (on the first pitch of this plate appearance). That ended Dempster’s day. Thomas Diamond (good baseball name) came on and immediately gave up a Grand Slam to SS Juan Uribe. Guillen finished the game one-for-one with two runs scored. He finished the season (the last of his 14 MLB campaigns) at .258-19-77, with 14 HBPs. For his career, Guillen was .270-214-887 and was hit 145 times, leading the league once.

David DeJesus, Cubs, … June 18, 2012

David DeJesus led ff and played CF when the Cubs topped the Dodgers 12-3 on June 12, 2012. He led off the Cubs’ six-run seventh inning by getting hit on a 2-1 pitch from reliever Will Ohman. When DeJesus’ turn at the plate came around again, the Cubs had scored six times and Hector Santiago was on the mound. He hit DeJesus with a 2-2 offering. Those were the only two HBPs in the game. For the contest, DeJesus was zero-for-three with a run scored. He finished the season, .263-9-50, with nine HBP. For his 13-season MLB career, DeJesus was .275-99-573, with 103 HBP, leading the AL with 23 in 2007.

Brandon Moss, A’s … April 25, 2014

Moss was playing LF and batting in the five-hole as the A’s topped the Astros 12-5 in Houston – and he almost escaped that evening’s game unscathed. His two-HBP inning started as he led off the top of the ninth (against reliever Josh Fields, who had just entered the game) with the game knotted at 5-5. In that first ninth-inning plate appearance, Fields hit Moss on a 1-2 pitch. By the time, Moss came up again in the inning, seven runs were in and Anthony Bass was on the mound. Bass hit Moss on an 0-2 pitch. (It’s surprising how many of the plunkings among these record sharers came with two strikes on the batter.) Moss finished the game two-for-four with one run scored. He finished the season at .234-25-81, with ten HBP’s. In an 11-season MLB career, Moss hit .237, with 160 home runs, 473 RBI and 36 HBP. One other batter was hit in Moss’ record-tying game (Jason Castro of the Astros).

A few other HBP Tidbits:

The MLB career record for hit-by-pitch goes to Hughie Jennings (who played 17 seasons between 1891 and 1918 – and was plunked 287 times). He led the league in HBP five times and was hit an MLB-record 51 times in 1896.
The post-1900 record for HBP belongs to Craig Biggio – hit 285 times in a 20-season career (1988-2007). Like Jennings, he led his league in HBP five times.
No MLB player led the league in HBP in more seasons than Minnie Minoso, who topped the AL in plunkings ten times in a 17-season MLB career.
Ron Hunt holds the MLB record for consecutive seasons leading the league in HBP at seven (1968-74).
Ron Hunt was hit fifty times in 1971, the only player post-1900 to be hit more than 37 times in a season – and the only MLB player other than Hughie Jennings to be plunked 50 or more times in a campaign (Jennings – 51 in 1896).
Twenty-six players have been hit by a pitch three times in a game – three of those have suffered this punishment more than once. A few notable names that have been plunked three times in a game include: Bill Freehan, Nomar Garciaparra, Nap Lajoie, Sherm Lollar, Mel Ott, Manny Ramirez. (For Minnesota readers, Corey Koskie and Craig Kuscik make this list.)

Coming in the future, a look at HBP stats from the pitchers’ point of view.

Primary Resources: Baseball-Almanac.com; Baseball-Reference.com; MLB.com

Baseball Roundtable is on the Feedspot list of the Top 100 Baseball Blogs. To see the full list, click here.

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When Wally Moon Bested Hank Aaron and Ernie Banks

April 13, 2021 by David

On this date (April 13) in 1954, a 24-year-old outfielder named Wally Moon made his debut for the St.Louis Cardinals – playing CF and batting second against the Cubs on Opening Day in St. Louis. Moon got his MLB career off to a good start, hitting a solo home run (off Paul Minner) in his first MLB plate appearance. He book-ended a solid rookie campaign by also going yard in his final plate appearance of the season – a two-run shot off the Braves’ Ernie Johnson (a game-winner) in the top of the eleventh inning in Milwaukee. His did pretty well in between those two dingers, finishing his rookie season with a .304 average, 12 home runs, 76 RBI, 106 runs scored and 18 stolen bases.

So, how did Moon “best” Hank Aaron and Ernie Banks? In the NL Rookie of the Year balloting, Moon emerged the winner with 71 percent of the vote – followed by Ernie Banks (17 percent), Gene Conley (8 percent) and Hank Aaron (4 percent).

Later in his career, Moon would gain (positive) notoriety for his “Moon Shots”- home runs launched (for the Dodgers) into the left field seats at the LA Coliseum (were the transplanted Dodgers played from 1958-61). The Coliseum clearly was not an ideal location for baseball – with its 440-foot distance to right-center and 250-foot distance (with a 40-foot high screen) down the left field line. It was 300-feet down the right-field line, but the fence angled out quickly to 400-foot-plus distances. A left-handed hitter, Moon adjusted his swing to hit looping fly balls off of or over that left field screen – popularly termed “Moon Shots” by fans and media.

Moon enjoyed a 12-season MLB career (Cardinals – 1954-58/Dodgers – 1959-65). He ended with a stat line of .289-142- 661, was a two-time All Star (1957 & 1950), won a Gold Glove in 1960 and, of course, was the NL Rookie of the Year in 1954. He led the National League in triples and on-base percentage once each; hit .295 or better in seven seasons (a high of .328 in 1961) and hit a career high 24 home runs in 1957.

Closing It Out in Minnesota

For BBRT’s Minnesota readers, Wally Moon’s final major-leaguer plate appearance came against the Twins’ Mudcat Grant at Metropolitan Stadium on October 13, 1965 (Game Six of the 1965 World Series). Moon pinch hit and grounded out second-to-first.) That, of course, is the game in which Grant pitched a complete-game six-hitter (one run surrendered) and also knocked a three-run home run. (More #WhyIHateTheDH).

Primary Resources: Baseball-Reference.com; “Coliseum’s dimensions affected the play on the field,” Rob Neyer, ESPN, March 29, 2008.

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April Fool(ishness) … The Zany Start to Cleveland’s 1992 Home Season

April 12, 2021 by David

A 24-Hour Turn Around … 20 hits for a Loss – No Hits for a Win

On this date (April 12) in 1992, the Cleveland failed to get a single hit against the Reed Sox in the opening game of a Sunday doubleheader (remember those?) – and yet came away with the win. What makes this just a little zany is that the day before – the Indians’ 1992 home opener – the Indians collected 20 hits off the Red Sox’ pitching staff and lost.

Matt Young … Eight no-hit innings for the loss.

Here’s how it all went down. Let’s start with the April 12 victory. Matt Young started for the Red Sox, while Charles Nagy took the mound for the Indians. Young pitched an eight-inning complete game – holding the Indians without a hit and fanning seven.

Unfortunately, Young walked seven – which led to two earned runs and a 2-1 Red Sox loss. In fact, the very first batter Young faced scored. Cleveland CF Kenny Loft0n led off the bottom of the first with a four-pitch walk (a portent of things to come). While DH Glenallen Hill was at the plate (ultimately striking out), Lofton stole second and third. He then scored as Carlos Baerga was safe at first on an error by Red Sox SS Luis Rivera. In the third inning, the Indians pushed across a second run as Young walked Mark Lewis and Lofton (again) on a total of nine pitches. The Lofton was forced at second on a Hill ground out – sending Lewis to third. Lewis then scored on a grounder to short by Baerga. Lofton, by the way, was a thorn in Young’s side all afternoon. He walked again in the fifth inning – and, just like in the first frame, stole second and third – giving him three walks and four steals in the game.

The Red Sox only run came in the top of the fourth inning on a single by CF Ellis Burks, a walk to 1B Mo Vaughn and an RBI single by SS Luis Rivera. Winning pitcher Nagy went seven innings, gave up eight hits and one run, while walking four and fanning ten. Brad Arnsberg and Derek Lilliquist each tossed an inning of scoreless relief.

So, the Indians collected no hits, but still got a win. This just a day after the Indians’ home opener, when they collected 20 hits (to the Red Sox’ 14) and suffered a 7-5 loss. That one went 19 innings with the Red Sox winning on a two-run home run by SS Tim Naehring (one of only three homers he would hit that year). A few side notes, in this game: 14 pitchers were used; Carlos Baerga had six hits, but no RBI an just one run scored; Mo Vaughn, Jody Reed and Naehring homered for Boston; there were a total of 16 walks and 29 strikeouts.

Okay, so the Cleveland hoe season starts with a game in which the Indians smack 20 hits and take a loss, followed by a game in which no Cleveland batter this safety and they get a win. What more could happen? Well, in game two of that April 12 doubleheader, Roger Clemens held the Indians to just two singles s in a 3-0 Boston win. That gave the Indians the MLB record for the fewest hits ever in a doubleheader – yet they still got a split. Side note: The Red Sox had nine hits in this game and, as with the Indians, they were all singles.

For a look at the last single-admission double header I ever was privileged to attend, as well as stories on MLB’s 32-inning doubleheader, the only pitcher to throw complete-game shutouts in both ends of the same twin bill, the team that played nine consecutive doubleheaders and more … click here.

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Baseball Roundtable – So Great to be Back in the Ballpark

April 11, 2021 by David

Ah, back in the ballpark. I attended my first MLB game since the October 7, 2019 Twins/Yankees Playoff Game – a contest I had to leave in the second inning due to an Atrial Fibrillation incident that sent me to a five-hour Emergency Room visit. But, that’s a story for another day. Today it’s the joy of being back in the ballpark.

A few observations about the day and season and then, in honor of the return of fans to MLB parks, a look back at one of my earliest Baseball Roundtable posts – “Why I Love Baseball.”

So, how about a look at yesterday’s game? First, given COVID attendance limits (with seasons ticket holders getting preference) and the timing of my second Pfizer vaccine, I was not able to get to Opening Day this season. It’s long been my strategy to make sure I get to Opening Day and the final day of the season (and others along the way, of course) – a strategy designed to guarantee me the fewest possible days without baseball in the off season. I did miss the Opening Day “hoopla” – team intros, fireworks, celebrity National Anthem performance, flyovers and the like. However, thanks to a good friend and fellow fan (Connie), I was able to score good seats for yesterday’s second Twins home game of the season.

Now, we (I went with another good friend, Scott), arrived at the ballpark about an hour before game time. My bad. I gauged my expected drive time and parking search by past experience (crowds of 35,000-40,000). With COVID-era attendance of just under 10,000, getting to the park was a lot less time-consuming. Getting through the gate with e-tickets on my phone was also a snap; just scan them and walk on in. It was convenient, but I have to admit, I miss the old stiff paper tickets – with their graphics and “memory value.”

Once in the park, I picked up the Twins free scorecard (Note: If you keep score and prefer to use you own scorebook, pick up a scorecard anyway. It’s is a great way to have players’ names and numbers at your fingertips – and it’s FREE.)

Nothing like a dog and a beer at the ballpark. Photo by permanently scatterbrained

On the way to my seat, I stopped for my first ball park sausage (a Polish), I like to get my snacking in before the game (and my score-keeping) starts. Okay, it wasn’t a gourmet treat (and there are some of those at Target Field), but as Humphrey Bogart was once quoted “A hot dog at the ballpark beats roast beer at the Ritz.” Side note: 1) Some sources quote Bogart as comparing “steak” at the Ritz to a dog at the game, but I found many more citing “roast beef.” 2) This quote may be expiring, you can get roast beef and/or steak at MLB parks these days. 3) I know I should have started the season with a hot dog, but when you name is Karpinski, you have to upgrade to a Polish.

It was a chilly day at Target Field although: 1) Mid- to high-40’s is not that chilly for Minnesotans. 2) The green grass, sound of the crowd and the game, smiling children (and adults) and live interactions were heartwarming enough to counteract the weather.

As for the game, my Twins lost 4-3 in ten innings. I did, however, get to see a tight and exciting game; a two-run home run from the apparently ageless Nelson Cruz; my first 6-4-3 double play (the 6-4-3 and 4-6-3 twin killings are my favorite baseball plays); the speed of Byron Buxton turn what looked like a fairly routine ground out into an infield single, with an advance to second on a misguided, rushed throw to first; and three stolen bases. On the other side of the coin, I also saw two of my least favorite current baseball rules come into play – the wave -‘em-to-first intentional walk and the opening of extra innings with a runner on second.

–———————-Let’s Get This Party Started————————

Clearly, the baseball spirits are committed to making up for 2020’s short, strange and (for many fans) somewhat lost season. Here were are just ten days into the new season and not only have we seen fans back in the ball park. We’ve seen:

The season’ first no-hitter of the season (April 9 by the Padres’ Joe Musgrove) – which was also just one hit batsman away from a perfect game and the very first no-hitter in Padres’ history.
A rookie, Rule-Five Draft pick – Detroit ‘s Akil Baddoo – hit a home run on the very first MLB pitch he ever saw, smack his first Grand Slam and collect his first, walk-off game winning hit – all in his first three MLB games.
Another rookie, the White Sox Yermin Mercedes – collect eight hits (five singles, two doubles and a home runs) in his first eight at bats of the season. (He had one previous MLB at bat, a ground out, in 2020.) Just a few days later, in just his sixth game of the season and seventh MLB game, Mercedes thrilled fans with a 485-foot home run – the longest HR of the MLB season thus far.
Reds’ outfielder Tim Locastro stealing two bases in two tries – giving him 28 stolen bases in 28 career (2017-2012, 154 games) attempts; setting the record for the most consecutive stolen base attempts to start an MLB career.
Trey Mancini’s 427-foot home run (April 10) – not just his first long ball of the season, but his first since returning to the Orioles after a bout with Stage Three colon cancer. (Mancini missed the 2020 season.)
The Angels’ pitcher/DH Shohei Ohtani starting on the mound on April 4 against the White Sox, throwing nine pitches of 100+ mph and fanning seven in 4 2/3 innings and popping a 451-foot home run ( his second dinger of the season) – to give himself a lead in the bottom of the first.

I could go on, but you get the idea. Once again, baseball is giving fans the opportunity to see something special during every game. So, Let’s enjoy.

And, with that, I’d like to open my season by revisiting the ten reasons I love the national pastime.

———TEN REASONS I LOVE BASEBALL———

1. Baseball comes along every spring – a new beginning – accompanied by sunshine and optimism.

Opening Day … A Gift Waiting to be Opened!

Baseball is the harbinger of better times. It signifies the end of winter (not a small thing if you’re from Minnesota) and the coming of spring – a season of rebirth, new life and abundant optimism. Each season, you start with a clean slate. Last year’s successes can still be savored, but last year’s failures can be set aside (although rival fans may try to refresh your memory), replaced by hope and anticipation. On Opening Day, in our hearts, we can all be in contention.

People ask me what I do in winter, when there’s no baseball.

I’ll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring.

Honus Wagner, Hall of Famer

2. The pace of the game invites contemplation.

Between innings, between batters or pitchers, and even between pitches, baseball leaves us time to contemplate what just occurred, speculate on what might happen next and even share those thoughts with nearby spectators. Baseball is indeed a thinking person’s game.

3. Baseball is timeless and, ultimately, fair in the offering of opportunity.

The clock doesn’t run out. There is no coin flip to determine who gets the ball first in sudden death overtime. No matter what the score, your team gets its 27 outs and an equal opportunity to secure victory. What could be more fair? And then there is the prospect of endless “extra” innings, bonus baseball for FREE.

When I was young my heroes didn’t wear capes or cowboy hat. They wore stirrups and baseball caps. Many still do.

4. Plays and players are distinct (in space and time).

Baseball, while a game of inches, is also a game of considerable space. The players are not gathered along an offensive line or elbow-to-elbow under a basket. They are widely spaced, each with his own area of responsibility and each acting (as part of a continuing play) in their own time frame. (The first baseman can’t catch the ball, for example, until after the shortstop throws it.) This enable fans to follow, understand and analyze each play (maybe not always accurately) in detail. And, baseball’s distinct spacing and timing makes it possible to see the game even when you are not there. A lot of people grinned at President Gerald Ford’s comment that he “watched a lot of baseball on the radio.” In my view, he was spot on. You can see baseball on the radio – you can create a “visual” of the game in your mind with minimal description. That’s why on summer nights, in parks, backyards and garages across the country, you’ll find radios tuned to the national pastime.

5. The scorecard.

Can there be anything more satisfying than keeping an accurate scorecard at the ball park? It serves so many purposes. The keeping of a scorecard ensures your attention to the happenings on the field.

Photo by mwlguide

Maintaining the score card also makes you, in a way understandable only to fellow fans, more a part of the game. That magical combination of names, numbers and symbols also enables you to go back and check the progress of the game at any time. “Oh, Johnson’s up next. He’s walked and grounded out twice.” It’s also a conversation starter, when the fan in the row behind you asks, “How many strikeouts does Ryan have today?” And, it leaves you (if you choose to keep it) with a permanent record of the game, allowing you to replay it in your mind (or share it with others) at will. Ultimately, a well-kept score card enhances the game experience and offers a true post-game sense of accomplishment.

6. The long season.

Baseball, so many have pointed out, is a marathon rather than a sprint. It’s a long season with ample opportunity to prove yourself and lots of chances to redeem yourself. For fans, the long season also represents a test of your passion for the game. Endurance is part of the nature of the true baseball fan. And, and in the end, the rigors of a 162-game season prove your mettle and that of your team. Not only that, but like a true friend … baseball is there for you every day.

7. Baseball invites, encourages, even demands , conversation.

Reason number two hinted at the importance of conversation, noting that the pace of the game offers time to contemplate the action (past and future) and share those thoughts with others. I love that about the game, but I also love the fact that whenever baseball fans gather, their passion comes out in conversation – and they find plenty to talk about:

Statistics, statistics, statistics. Baseball and its fans will count anything. Did you know that Yankee Jim Bouton’s hat flew off 37 times in his 2-1, complete-game victory over the Cardinals in game three of the 1964 World Series? More seriously, statistics are part of a common language and shared passion that bring baseball fans together in spirited conversation. As best-selling author Pat Conroy observed “Baseball fans love numbers. They love to swirl them around in their mouths like Bordeaux wine.” I agree, to the fan, statistics are intoxicating.

Stories, stories, stories. Baseball and its fans celebrate the game’s history. And, I’m not talking just about statistics. I’m talking about the stories that give this great game color, character and characters. Ty Cobb sharpening his spikes on the dugout steps, Babe Ruth’s called shot, Louis Tiant’s wind-up, Willie Mays’ basket catch, Dock Ellis’s LSD-fueled no-hitter.

Trivia, trivia, trivia. This may fall close to the “stories, stories , stories” category, but fans cherish the trivia that surrounds our national pastime – whether that trivia is iconic or ironic. For example, it’s ironic that the iconic Babe Ruth holds the best winning percentage against the Yankees of any pitcher with 15 or more decision against them (17-5, .773). And, it’s ironic that the more recent player to steal home twice in one game (Vic Power, August 14, 1958) did it in a season when he only stole a total of three bases). Then there is the iconic performance of Ralph Kiner, who led the NL in home runs as a rookie in 1948 – and successfully defended that title in each of the next six seasons – the most consecutive home runs titles by any major leaguer ever.

Basically, I took a long time to say I love the fact that baseball fans will talk with passion about something that happened in today’s game, yesterday’s game, over time or even in a game that took place on May 30, 1894 (Bobby Lowe of the Boston Beaneaters records MLB’s first four-homer game). And, as a bonus, all this conversation – all the statistics, stories and trivia – make the games, moments within the games and the characters of the game (heroes, goats and mere participants) as timeless as baseball itself.

I am looking forward to the time when fans will be again be able to again meet and trade baseball facts and opinions in close quarters.

8. The box score.

Today’s box score – a thing of beauty.

BBRT editor’s mother used to refer to an accordion as “an orchestra in a box.” That’s how I view the daily box score – the symphony of a game recorded in a space one-column wide by four inches deep. Some would say the box score reduces the game to statistics, I would say it elevates the game to history. What do you want to know about the contest? Who played where, when? At bats, hits, stolen bases, strikeouts, errors, caught stealing, time, attendance, even the umpires’ names? It’s all there and more – so much information, captured for baseball fans in a compact and orderly space. I am, of course, dating myself here, but during baseball season, the morning newspaper, through its box scores, is a treasure trove of information for baseball fans. (In today’s game, baseball-reference.com provides all that information and more.)

9. The irony of a team game made up of individual performances.

While baseball and baseball fans live for individual statistics and, while the spacing of the players drives individual accountability, the game is, ironically, deeply dependent on the concept of “team.”

Consider the offense. Unlike other sports , where you can deliver victory by giving the ball or puck – time and time again (particularly as the clock runs down) – to your best runner, skater, receiver or shooter, in baseball, your line-up determines who will be “on the spot” and at the plate when the game is on the line. It may be your .230-hitting second basemen, rather than your .320-hitting outfielder. Yet, even as the team depends on the hitter, he is totally alone in his individual battle with the pitcher. And, achieving individual statistics that signify exceptional performance also demands a sense of team. You don’t score 100 runs without a team mate to drive you in (although the statistic remains your measure of performance) … and, you don’t drive in 100 runs if no one gets on base in front of you. And, can you think of any other sport that keeps track of – and honors – the team-oriented “sacrifice.”

On defense, the story is the same. A ground ball pitcher, for example, needs a good infield behind him to optimize his statistical presence in the “win” column. And the six-four-three double play requires masterful teamwork as well as individual performance – duly recorded in the record books as an assist for the shortstop, a putout and an assist for the second baseman and a put out for the first baseman. Then there is the outfield assist – a perfect throw from a right fielder to nail a runner at third earns an assist – even if the third baseman drops the ball and earns an error. Two individual results (one good / one bad) highlighted, but without the necessary team work – a good play on both ends – a negative outcome in terms of the game.

Ultimately, baseball is a game of individual accomplishments that must be connected by the thread of “team” to produce a positive outcome.

10. Baseball’s assault on the senses. (Indoor ballparks fall a bit short here).

The sight of a blue sky and bright sun above the ballpark or a full moon over a black sky above a well-lit stadium. The feel of the warm sun or a crisp evening breeze. The scent of freshly mowed grass or steaming hot dogs. The taste of cold beer and peanuts. The sound of the crack of the bat, the cheers (or moans) of the crowd, the musical pitch of the vendors. Even the taste of today’s ballpark gourmet offerings.

Baseball assaults all the senses ― in a good way.

Now, I could go on and on, there are lots more reasons to love this game: its combination of conformity (all infields are laid out the same) and individualism (outfield configurations not so much); its contributions to culture (literature and movies); its strategy (hit-and-run, run-and-hit, sacrifice bunts, infield / outfield positioning, pitching changes, etc.); triples; the 6-4-3 double play; knuckleballs; and more. But to protect myself – and BBRT’s readers – I’ve limited myself to ten. I probably could have saved a lot of time and words had I just started with this so-perfect comment from sportscaster Bryant Gumbel, “The other sports are just sports. Baseball is love.” That says it all.

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Baddoo off to a “Bad” Start – in a good way. Baseball Round Table Looks at First-Pitch-Ever Home Runs

April 5, 2021 by David

Photo by andrewmalone

Yesterday (April 4, 2021), Akil Baddoo, made his major league debut – playing left field and batting in the nine-hole for the Tigers. The 22-year-old rookie (a Rule Five draft pick taken from the Twins) came to the plate for the first time leading off in the bottom of the third inning – and he made the most of it. On the very first MLB pitch he ever saw (out of the hand of Indians ‘starter Aaron Civale), Baddoo homered to left to give the Tigers a 3-1 lead. (Detroit would go on to lose the game 9-3 and Baddoo’s dinger would be one of only two Tigers’ hits.) Baddo0’s long ball made him just the 31st major leaguer to go deep on his very first pitch. In this post, I’d like to take a deeper look at those first-pitch home runs. (A little teaser to begin with … eight of those 31 first-pitch ever homers (26 percent) were hit by pitchers.) So, let’s get on with it.

Homering on the first-ever MLB pitch has been accomplished 16 times in the American League and 15 times in the National League, with the feat accomplished by players from 18 of the 30 MLB franchises.
The Cardinals have the most first-ever-pitch home run hitters with four. The AL leader is the Blue Jays with three.
Of the 31 first-pitch-ever HRs, 20 were solo shots, six were two-run homers, three were three-run home runs and two were grand slams.
The two MLB players who have launched a Grand Slam on the first major league pitch they ever saw are Kevin Kouzmanoff for the Indians on September 2, 2006 and Daniel Nava for the Red Sox on June 12, 2010.
The first-ever first-pitch home run was hit on May 7, 1922, by Pirates’ RF Walter Mueller (a three-run shot). Mueller went two-for-five that day, with two runs and five RBI. He hit only two home runs in a four-year MLB career (121 games).
The first American Leaguer to homer on the first pitch he ever saw was Red Sox’ LHP Bill LeFevbre (June 10, 1938). While it was LeFebvre’s only MLB home run, he was a respectable hitter over his four-season MLB career (.276 average in 87 at bats). Unfortunately, on the mound, he posted a 5.03 ERA.

Gene Stechschulte – a 6’ 5”, 210-pound right-handed pitcher – is the only MLB pitcher to homer on the first pitch he ever saw, while being used as a pinch-hitter. Stechschulte’s homer (a two-run shot) came in the sixth inning of a Cardinals’ 17-4 loss to the Diamondbacks (April 17, 2001). It was only Stechschulte’s second professional at bat – and his second extra base hit. He had one minor league at bat (in 204 games) collecting a double. In his MLB career, three seasons, 116 games (all in relief), Stechschulte came to bat just five times – collecting two hits (the initial home run and a single).

The most home runs hit the season the player hit his first-pitch HR is 14 by outfielder Chris Richard (first-pitch homer for the Cardinals on July 17, 2000). Richard hit 34 home runs in five MLB seasons,with a high of 15 for the Orioles in 2001.)
Eight of the 31 players to hit first-pitch-ever dingers were pitchers (that’s counting pitcher Gene Stechschulte, who was being used as a pinch hitter when he accomplished the feat for the Cardinals on April 17, 2001). The other hurlers: Bill LeFebvre (Red Sox); Don Rose (Angels); Esteban Yan (Rays); Clise Dudley (Brooklyn Robins); Jim Bullinger (Cubs); Adam Wainwright (Cardinals); Tommy Milone (Nationals).
By the position they were playing at the time, here is the first-pitch home run hitter count: pinch hitters (8); pitchers (7); left fielders (5); right fielders (3); first baseman (2); shortstops (2); designated hitters (2); second baseman (1); catchers (1).
Only two players hit a second round tripper in the same game in which they achieved their first-pitch HR. On July 23, 1964, A’s shortstop Bert Campaneris went three-for-four, with two homers, two runs and three RBI as his Kansas City Athletics topped the Twins 4-3 in eleven innings. On August 2, 2010, Blue Jays’ catcher J.P. Arencibia went four-for-five with two homers, a double, three runs and three RBI as the Blue Jays beat Tampa Bay 17-11. Arencibia is the only member of the first-pitch-ever HR club to also collect four hits in the same game.
Rays RHP Esteban Yan hit a long ball on the first pitch he ever saw in the big leagues (June 4, 2000). He went on to hit for a 1.000 average for his career – although he had only two at bats in 11 seasons (a single and that initial HR).
Just for run, Baddoo is my second-favorite name from among players with a first-pitch-ever home run. Number one? (Mark) Saccomanno.

Finally, the list:

Walter Mueller, RF, Pirates … May 7, 1922

Clise Dudley, P, Robins (Dodgers) … April 27, 1929

Eddie Morgan, PH, Cardinals … April 14, 1936

Bill LeFevbre, P, Red Sox … June 10, 1938

Clyde Vollmer, LF, Reds … May 31, 1942

George (Sam) Vico, 1B, Tigers … April 20, 1948

Chuck Tanner, PH, Braves … April 12, 1955

Bert Campaneris, SS, Athletics (KC) … July 23, 1964

Brant Alyea, PH, Senators … September 12, 1965

Don Rose, P, Angels … May 24, 1972

Al Woods, PH, Blue Jays … April 7, 1977

Jay Bell, 2B, Indians … September 29, 1986

Junior Felix, DH, Blue Jays … May 4, 1989

Jim Bullinger, P, Cubs … June 8 1992

Jay Gainer, 1B, Rockies … May 14, 1993

Esteban Yan, P, Rays … June 4, 2000

Chris Richard, LF, Cardinals … July 17, 2000

Gene Stechschulte, PH, Cardinals … April 17, 2001

Marcus Thames, RF, Yankees … June 10, 2002

Kaz Matsui, SS, Mets … April 6, 2004

Andy Phillips, PH, Yankees … September 26, 2004

Adam Wainwright, P, Cardinals … May 24, 2006

Kevin Kouzmanoff, DH, Indians …September 2, 2006

Mark Saccomanno, PH, Astros … September 8, 2008

Daniel Nava, LF, Red Sox … June 12, 2010

J.P. Arencibia, C, Blue Jays … August 7, 2010

Tommy Milone, P, Nationals … September 3, 2011

Starling Marte, LF, Pirates … July 26, 2012

Eddie Rosario, RF, Twins … May 6, 2015

Wilson Contreras, PH, Cubs … June 19, 2016

Akil Baddoo, Tigers ,,, April 4, 2021

Primary Resources: Baseball-Reference.com; Baseball-Almanac.com

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Baseball Roundtable Looks at MLB’s Nine-Game Opening Day Win Streaks

April 4, 2021 by David

Baseball offers so many chances for trivia questions – and Opening Day 2021 was no exception. The question would be: What American League Team has never lost an Opening Day game? The answer would be the Houston Astros, who have not lost an Opening Day Game since moving from the National League Central to the American League West in 2013. They did lose their last NL opener 5-3 (to the Rockies) on April 6, 2012.

The Astros’ April 1, 2021 win tied them for the most consecutive MLB (modern era) Opening Day wins (nine) – with the St, Louis Browns (1937-45); New York Mets (1975-83); Cincinnati Reds (1983-91); and Seattle Mariners (2007-15).

A few tidbits. In their streak, the Astros:

Have won five openers at home, four on the road.
Have had the starting pitcher record each of the nine wins (Dallas Keuchel and Justin Verlander three each, Zack Greinke, Scott Feldman, Bud Norris.)
Have outscored their opponents 41-12, have hit .239 to the opponents’ .157.
Put up a 1.67 earned run average to the opponents’ 5.21
Scored five or more runs six times, while giving up as many as three runs just once.

A few other Opening Game win streak tidbits before we look at the highlights of each streak.

The St. Louis Browns outscored their opponents by the most runs during their nine-game streak, wining by a cumulative 35 tallies.
The Mets outscored their opponents by just 21 runs during their streak (the fewest of any of the streaks).
In the seasons comprising their nine-game Opening Day winning streak, the Mets finished under .500 seven times and in last place five times.
Pitching seems to key these opening Day win streaks, with none of the streaking teams recording an ERA over 2.20 over their nine wins.

The Reds had the best batting average over their streak at .303 and scored the most runs (60).
The Mariners had the lowest average during their streak at .223, the Mets scored the fewest runs (38).
No team finished over .500 more than five times in their nine-year streaks (although the Astros could make it six this season).

Now, here’s a year-by-year look at the highlights of those nine Opening Day winning streaks – from the most recent back.

_________________________________________________________

—–Astros (2013-21)—-

April 1, 2021 … Astros 8 – A’s 1 at Oakland

Zack Greinke pitched six scoreless frames for the Astros (for the win), and LF Michael Brantley has three hits – including a double and a home run. DH Yordan Alvarez drove in three runs, as the Astros coasted to an 8-1 win.

July 24, 2020 … Astro 8 – Mariners 2 in Houston

Justin Verlander started (and won) this one for the Astros, giving up three hits, a walk and two earned runs, with seven whiffs in six innings – leaving with an 8-2 lead. LF Michael Brantley was the hitting star with two hits, a walk and three RBI in four plate appearances. His output included a three-run homer in the Astros’ five-run fifth inning.

March 28, 2019 … Astros 5 – Rays 1 at Tampa Bay

Justin Verlander got the start and the win – pitching seven innings and giving up three hits and one walk, while fanning nine. The Astros, who led five-to-one after five frames, got home runs from LF Michael Brantley (solo), CF George Springer (three-run) and 2B Jose Altuve (solo).

March 29, 2018 … Astros 4 – Rangers 1 at Texas

Justin Verlander started and got the win, tossing six scoreless innings (four hits, two walks, five strikeouts). The offense included solo home runs by RF George Springer and CF Jake Marisnick. Each team had just six hits.

April 3, 2017 … Astros 3 – Mariners 0 in Houston

Starter Dallas Keuchel got the win, throwing seven scoreless innings (two hits, two walks and four strikeouts), Relievers Luke Gregerson and Ken Giles each pitched a scoreless frame to close the Mariners out. CF George Springer and SS Carlos Correa each hit solo home runs and Correa drove in the Astros’ third run with a sacrifice fly. The Astros led 1-0 after the first – and that was enough.

April 5, 2016 … Astros 5 – Yankees 3 at New York

This was a squeaker by comparison to most games in the streak. The Yankees led 2-0 after two innings and the game was tied 2-2 after seven. The Astros put up a three-spot in the eighth to pull away. SS Carlos Correa had two RBI, including a homer to tie the game at 2-2 in the sixth. 3B Luis Valbuena contributed a two-run single in the three-run eighth. Starter Dallas Keuchel got the win after pitching seven innings of two-run ball (three hits, four walks, five whiffs).

April 6, 2015 … Astros 2 – Indians 0 in Houston

Dallas Keuchel started and got the victory, with seven scoreless innings (three hits, three walks, four whiffs). Tony Sipp pitched the eighth and Luke Gregerson the ninth (for the save). The Astros got only three hits (all off Indians’ starter Corey Kluber, who went 7 1/3 innings). The Houston safeties included a sixth-inning RBI single by RF George Springer. CF Jake Marisnick drove in the second run with a sacrifice fly in the eighth.

April 1, 2014 … Astros 6 – Yankees 2 in Houston

Scott Feldman started for the Astros and picked up the victory with 6 2/3 scoreless innings (two hits, two walks, three strikeouts). The Astros jumped out to a 6-0 lead after two frames – touching Yankee starter C.C. Sabathia for all six tallies, including a first-inning two-run homer by 1B Juan Guzman and a second-inning solo shot by RF L.J. Hoes.

March 31, 2013 … Astros 8 – Rangers 2 in Houston

Bud Norris started for the Astros in their first game after moving from the National League to the American League. He picked up the win after giving up five hits and two earned runs (three walks, five whiffs) in 5 2/3 innings. Erik Bedard threw 3 1/3, one-hit, scoreless innings for a save. (A 3 1/3-inning save, a rarity these days.) The big hit was a three-run home run by pinch-hitter Rick Ankiel (in the sixth) that gave the Astros a 7-2 lead..

The Astros streak remains alive.

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—–Seattle Mariners (2007-15)—–

Felix Hernandez – Six wins in the Mariners’ streak. Photo by Chase N.

In their nine-game Opening Day win streak, the Mariners outscored their opponents 43-13, outhit them .223 to .162 and out-homered them eight to four. The Mariners put up an earned run average of 1.30 to their opponents 3.60. In the nine wins, the Mariners never gave up more than three runs.

April 2, 2007 … Mariners 4 – A’s 0 in Seattle

Each team collected four hits in this one, but the A’s made two errors to the Mariners’ one, which proved costly – as all four Mariners’ runs (scored in the sixth inning) were unearned. The big blow in the game was a three-run home run by 1B Richie Sexson. Felix Hernandez pitched a gem for the win – eight scoreless innings, with three this, two walks and 12 strikeouts.

March 31, 2008 – … Mariners 5 – Rangers 2 in Seattle

The Rangers led 1-0 through five innings in this one, but the Mariners scored two in the sixth and three in the seventh. The big hit was a two-run double by 2B Jose Lopez in the seventh. Erik Bedard started for Seattle and gave up just one run in five frames. Reliever Sean Green came on in the sixth and threw 1 2/3 scoreless innings for the win, while J.J. Putz got the save.

April 6, 2009 … Mariners 6 – Twins 1 at Minnesota

Felix Hernandez recorded another Opening Day win – going eight innings and giving up five hits, one run and three walks – with six strikeouts. 2B Jose Lopez, just as in 2008, had a big hit, a two-run single in the ninth (he had three RBI in the game). The Mariners got home runs from RF Ken Griffey, Jr. (solo) and CF Franklin Gutierrez (two-run).

April 5, 2010 …. Mariners 5 – A’s 3 at Oakland

The Mariners scored in each of the first three frames and held the A’s scoreless until the sixth. The A’s tied the game with one run in the sixth and two in the seventh, but the Mariners won it with two in the top of the ninth. 1B Casey Kotchman, who drove in four of the Mariners’ five runs, hit a two-run single in the top of the ninth for the winning edge. Felix Hernandez started for the Mariners and gave up three runs in 6 2/3 innings. Brandon League got the win with one inning of scoreless relief, with David Aardsma picking up the save.

April 1, 2011 …. Mariners 6 – A’s 2 at Oakland

The Mariners trailed 2-1 after five innings in this one, but scored two in the sixth and three in the seventh for the win. RF Ichiro Suzuki, 3B Chone Figgins and C Miguel Olivo each had two hits (six of the Mariner eight safeties) a run scored and an RBI in the game. Felix Hernandez threw a complete-game, five-hitter for the victory.

March 28, 2012 … Mariners 3 – A’s 1 (11 innings) at Tokyo (A’s home team)

This Tokyo Opener was a pitchers’ duel, tied at one-run apiece after 10 frames. Then, the Mariners played a little NL-style ball to score in the eleventh. The inning opened with a double by SS Brendan Ryan, followed by a sacrifice (Ryan to third) by 3B Chone Figgins, an RBI single by 2B Dustin Ackley (who then stole second base) and an RBI single by RF Ichiro Suzuki (who was thrown out trying to stretch it into a double). Justin Smoak then popped out to end the inning. Brandon League then tossed a scoreless ninth to save the win for fellow reliever Tom Wilhelmsen. (Felix Hernandez started and threw eight innings of one-run ball). Suzuki had four singles in five at bats and Ackley had a solo home run in addition to his eleventh-inning RBI single.

April 1, 2013 … Mariners 2 – A’s 0 at Oakland

Mariners’ starter Felix Hernandez went 7 2/3 scoreless innings in this one (three hits, one walk, eight strikeouts) for the win – with a save going to Tom Wilhelmsen. The only runs were scored in top of the fifth on a two-run single by CF and leadoff hitter Franklin Gutierrez. The A’s had just five singles in the contest.

March 31, 2014 …. Mariners 10 – Angels 3 at Los Angeles

It might seem like this was finally an Opening Day with a little breathing room for the Mariners, but they actually trailed 3-2 after six innings – and were ahead by just 4-3 before plating six runs in the top of the ninth. The Mariners took the lead in the seventh inning on an RBI triple by C Mike Zunino, followed by CF Abraham Almonte’s RBI double. Justin Smoak added a three-run homer in the top of the ninth and Dusting Ackley hit a three-run triple in the same inning. Felix Hernandez got the win, giving up three runs (two earned) on four this and a walk in six frames. He fanned 11 hitters.

April 6, 2015 … Marines 4 – Angels 1 in Seattle

Felix Hernandez picked up the win, tossing seven innings of one-run ball (two hits, one walk, ten strikeouts. Four Mariners’ hurlers took the last two innings, with Fernando Rodney getting the save. RF Seth Smith was the big gun on offense, with three hits (two doubles) and two RBI in three plate appearances. LF Dustin Ackley had a solo home run.

The Mariners lost their 2016 opener 3-2 at Texas.

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Cincinnati Reds (1983-91)

Dave Parker – Provided plenty of offense in the Reds’ streak.

In their nine-game Opening Day win streak, the Reds outscored their opponents 60-29, outhit them .303 to .206 and out-homered them 13 to 7. The Reds staff recorded a 2.20 earned run average to their opponents’ 6.52.

April 4, 1983 … Reds 5 – Braves 4 in Cincinnati

The Reds scored the winning run in this one in the bottom of the eighth on an RBI single by SS Dave Concepcion, plating CF Eddie Milner who had singled with two outs and stolen second. 2B Ron Oester had a two-run homer for the Reds. LF Gary Redus had a solo homer. Mario Soto got the win, giving up four runs (two earned) on five hits and four walks, with five strikeouts over eight innings. Tom Hume pitched a scoreless ninth for the save.

April 2. 1984 … Reds 8 – Mets 1 in Cincinnati

The Reds jumped on the Mets early, leading 7-1 after two innings – thanks, in great part, to a second-inning, three-run home run by CF Eddie Milner. The Reds also got a solo homer from SS Dave Concepcion in the seventh, as well as two RBI from RF Dave Parker. Mario Soto started and went the distance for the Reds, giving up one run on seven hits, while walking one and fanning eight.

April 8, 1985 … Reds 4 – Expos 1 in Cincinnati

The Reds broke a scoreless tie with three runs in the fifth to salt this one away. 1B Pete rose contributed a two-run double and then was driven in by a Dave Parker (RF) single. Rose picked up a third RBI on a single in the seventh inning. Mario Soto picked up his third straight Opening Day win, pitching seven innings of one-run ball (four hits, two walks, five strikeouts). Carl Willis earned a two-inning save.

April 7, 1986 … Reds 7 – Phillies 4 in Cincinnati

Lots of scoring early in this one, with the Reds up 5-4 after just three innings. The Reds picked up 13 hits with three apiece from RF Dave Parker (one homer, two doubles, one RBI on the day) and C Bo Diaz (three singles, one RBI). CF Eric Davis had a three-run homer in the four-run second inning. Mario Soto picked up his fourth consecutive opening Day win, despite giving up four runs (one earned) in 5 2/3 innings, Ron Robinson picked up a 3 1/3-inning save (giving up just one hit).

April 6, 1987 … Reds 11 – Expos 5 in Cincinnati

The Expos jumped out to a 5-2 lead after three innings, but the Reds put up a nine-spot in the fourth to put this win in the books. The fourth inning featured seven hits (two home runs), two walks, three stolen bases and a wild pitch. It went like this: a lead-0ff walk to CF Eric Davis (who stole second); a one-out RBI single by C Bo Diaz; a two-run homer by 1B Terry Francona; a walk to 2B Ron Oester; an RBI double by PH Paul O’Neill; an RBI single by LF Kal Daniels (followed by a steal of second); a two-run home run by SS Barry Larkin; a double by RF Dave Parker; an RBI single by Davis (followed by a steal of second); a ground out; a wild pitch scoring Davis; and, finally, an inning-ending strikeout (Diaz). Bill Landrum got the win, tossing one inning in relief of starter Tom Browning, who gave up five tallies in three frames. The Reds got home runs from Davis, Francona and Larkin.

April 4, 1988 …. Reds 5 – Cardinals 4 in Cincinnati (12 innings)

A Kal Daniels (LF) walk-off RBI single in the twelfth inning won this one for the Reds, It was preceded by a walk, a sacrifice, a strikeout and a wild pitch. The win went to Pat Perry, who pitched the top of the twelfth inning. Mario Soto started for the Reds and gave up four runs (three earned) in five innings, before a series of four relievers shut down the Redbirds for seven frames. Daniels, who also had a home run, had the only two RBI in the game for the Reds, as they also scored on a double play (with Daniels hitting) and twice on errors.

April 3, 1989 … Reds 6 – Dodgers 4 in Cincinnati

Starter Danny Jackson got the win, giving up four runs in five innings and leaving with a 6-4 lead. Rob Dibble and John Franco held the Dodgers to one hit and no runs over the final four frames. RF Paul O’Neill went four-for-four, with a double, a home run (three-run) and four RBI.

April 9, 1990 … Reds 8 – Astros 4 at Houston (11 innings)

The Astros took a 4-2 lead after two innings in this game, but the Red scored one in the fifth and one in the sixth to tie it. There was no additional scoring until the top of the eleventh, when the Reds pushed across four runs on: a leadoff walk to C Joe Oliver; a single by 1B Hal Morris; a bunt (moving the runners to second and third) by 2B Ron Oester; an intentional walk (loading the bases) to 3B Chris Sabo; a Billy Hatcher (LF) strikeout; a three-run triple by SS Barry Larkin; a run-scoring single by CF Eric Davis; and, finally, a foul pop out by RF Paul O’Neill. Mariano Duncan (2B) had a good day for the Reds, with a homer, single and three RBI in four at bats. Tom Browning started for the Reds, but lasted just four innings (four runs on five hits and a walk). Reliever Randy Myers, who tossed the final 1 2/3 innings got the win.

April 8, 1991 … Reds 6 – Astros 2 in Cincinnati

The Reds scored five in the bottom of the fourth (taking a 5-1 lead) to put this one out of reach. Tom Browning went 8 1/3 innings for the win (five hits, one walk, two strikeouts, two earned runs), while Rob Dibble got the save. Browning was also the offensive her0, driving in three of the Reds’ six runs with a bases-clearing double with two outs in the bottom of the fourth inning. (More #WhyIHateTheDH.) The Reds also got a solo home run from SS Barry Larkin.

The Reds lost their 1992 opener to the Padres (in Cincinnati) by a 4-3 score.

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New York Mets (1975-83)

The Mets outhit their opponents in only three of their nine consecutive Opening Day wins – and were outhit 70 to 64 over the nine games (.235 to .234). Thanks to solid pitching (the Mets put up a 1.78 ERA to their opponents’ 4.21), the Mets outscored their opponents 38-17.

April 8, 1975 …. Mets 2 – Phillies 1 in New York

The Mets started their streak with a true pitcher’s duel – involving a pair of future Hall of Famers – as Tom Seaver topped the Phillies’ Steve Carlton 2-1. Both pitchers tossed complete games. Seaver gave up six hits and one run (two walks and nine strikeouts), while Carlton gave up two runs on just four hits (two walks, six strikeouts). The Mets got a solo home run from RF Dave Kingman – and won the game (walk-off fashion) on an RBI single by 3B Joe Torre in the bottom of the ninth.

April 9, 1976 …. Mets 3 – Expos 2 in New York

The Mets were outhit 8-4 in their 1976 opener, but emerged with a 3-2 win behind seven innings of one-run ball from starter Tom Seaver (five hits, one walk, eight whiffs). The big hit came off the bats of SS Bud Harrelson (hitting eighth) – a two-run double in the fourth inning. Skip Lockwood pitched two innings (three hits, one run, three strikeouts) for the save.

April 7, 1977 … Mets 5 – Cubs 3 at Chicago

The Mets trailed in this one – 2-0 after five innings, but launched a four-run rally in the sixth. The rally started with a walk to Mets’ starting pitcher Tom Seaver and included a single by CF Lee Mazzilli, an RBI double by LF John Milner, an intentional walk to RF Dave Kingman, a run-scoring ground out by 1B Ed Kranepool and a two-run single by C John Stearns. Seaver got the win, giving up three runs (nine hits, one walk, seven strikeouts) in seven innings. Skip Lockwood picked up a two-inning save.

April 7, 1978 … Mets 3 – Expos 1 in New York

Jerry Koosman drew the Opening Day assignment and tossed a one-run, complete game (eight hits, no walks, seven strikeouts). The RBI went to RF Ken Henderson, CF Lee Mazzilli and 2B Doug Flynn. This was the fourth straight Opening Day win in which the Mets were outhit by their opponent.

April 5, 1979 …. Mets 10 – Cubs 6 at Chicago

No pitchers’ duel this year, as the Mets scored ten runs on 13 hits (five runs in the seventh). Mets’ starter Craig Swan got the win – giving up three runs on nine hits over eight frames (no walks, three strikeouts). Richie Hebner (3B) had a home run, two doubles, a single and four RBI in five at bats to lead the offense.

April 10, 1980 … Met 5 – Cubs 2 in New York

This was a tight game (Mets up 1-0 through five innings) until New York busted loose for four runs in the bottom of the sixth (the Cubs had tied it at 1-1 in the top of the inning). Craig Swan started the opener for the second straight season and again picked up the win, going seven innings and giving up two runs on seven hits (one walk, three strikeouts). Neil Allen got a two-inning save, retiring six in a row. Swan was also on of the hitting “stars” – driving in two runs and collecting two singles and a walk in three plate appearances. CF Jerry Morales also had two hits and two RBI.

April 9, 1981 …. Mets 2 – Cubs 0 in Chicago

Pat Zachry started and got the win (5 2/3 innings, six hits, no walks, four strikeouts), with help from relievers Tom Hausman and Neil Allen (who got a three-inning save). The Cubs outhit the Mets seven-to-five, but the Mets got solo home runs from 1B Rusty Staub and CF Lee Mazzilli in the fourth inning.

April 8, 1981 … Mets 7 – Phillies 2

Randy Jones started and got the win – giving up just one run (unearned) over six innings (four hits, three walks and two strikeouts). The offensive star was 2B Bob Bailor, who had two doubles, a single and a walk in five plate appearances – driving in three runs and scoring two.

April 5, 1983 … Mets 2 – Phillies 0 in New York

Tom Seaver threw six, three-hit, scoreless innings (one walk, five strikeouts) for the win – and Doug Sisk earned a save with three scoreless frames (two hits, two walks, three strikeouts), There were a total of 11 hits in the game (six for the Mets) – all singles. The RBI went to Mets’ RF Mike Howard and 2B Brian Giles.

The Mets lost their 1984 opener to the Reds by an 8-1 score.

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St. Louis Browns (1937-45)

In their Opening Day win streak, the Browns outscored their opponents 52-17, outhit them .291 to .220 and out-homered them 5-3. The Brown staff put up a 1.89 earned run average to the opponents’ 6.08. In the nine games, the Browns tossed two shutouts, gave up just one run five times, two runs once and 10 runs once (in the very first win in the streak).

April 21, 1937 … Browns 15 – White Sox 10 in St. Louis

Harlond Clift – A still-record( tied) five hits in an Opening Day game,.

The Browns led this one 15-4 after six innings and held on for the win. Starter Orel Hildebrand went the distance, giving up 17 hits and ten earned runs. (How the game has changed). The Browns got solo home runs from 2B Rogers Hornsby (who had three hits and two RBI) and 3B Harlond Clift (who had five hits – still tied for the most ever in an Opening Day game.). Lead-off hitter, SS Bill Knickerbocker had four hits and four RBI and even pitcher Hildebrand go into the act with a fifth-inning, two run double.

April 19, 1938 … Browns 6 – Indians 2 at Cleveland

The Browns led 5-1 after five innings, with Bobo Newsom going the distance in a gritty performance (just two runs on 11 hits and five walks, with five strikeouts). 3B George McQuinn had three hits (single, double, triple) and the RBI went to LF Mel Mazzera, CF Sam West, RF Beau Bell and 2B Don Heffner.

April 22, 1939 … Browns 5 – White Sox 1 at Chicago

Bobo Newsom went the distance for the Browns (seven hits, one walk, ten strikeouts) for the win. Browns’ 3B Harlan Clift had a solo home run and Clift and 2B Johnny Berardino had two RBI each.

April 16, 1940 … Browns 5 – Tigers 1 at Detroit

“Slick” Coffman pitched a complete-game, seven-hitter for the win (one run, three walks, five strikeouts). The game featured a home run by CF Wally Judnich, and two RBI each for RF Rip Radcliff and C Bob Swift. The losing pitcher in this one was Bobo Newsom, who had been the Opening Day winner for the Browns the year before. Newsom was traded from the Browns to the Tigers in May of 1939.

April 16, 1941 … Browns 8 – Tigers 1 in St. Louis

This was a close contest – tied at 1-1 after 7 ½ innings – until the Browns erupted for seven runs in the bottom of the eighth. Elden Auker pitched a complete-game, four-hitter for the Browns. LF Rip Radcliff and 1B George McQuinn had two RBI each. Browns’ 2B Johnny Lucadello punched out four hits in five at bats, but had just one run and no RBI.

April 14, 1942 … Browns 3 – White Sox 0 at Chicago.

This was a pitchers’ battle with just eight hits in the game and both starters going the distance. It was, in fact, a 1-0 game until the top of the ninth when the Browns pushed across a pair of insurance runs. Bill Muncrief got the win, giving up just three hits, walking none and fanning four. The first run scored on a ground out by CF Chet Laabs in the top of the fourth. Then, in the top of the ninth, Laabs added an RBI double and scored on a single by RF Glenn McQuillen.

April 21, 1943 … Browns 3 – White Sox 0 in St. Louis

Al Hollingsworth went the distance (three hits, one walk, two strikeouts) for the Browns, who got three hits, one run and one RBI from SS Vern Stephens and two walks, a triple, a run scored and an RBI from LF Chet Laabs.

April 18, 1944 … Browns 2 – Tigers 1 at Detroit

The Browns scored in the first inning on two singles and a fielder’s choice – and the score stayed at 1-0 until the top of the ninth, when SS Vern Stephens led off with a solo home run. It turns out the run was needed, as Pinky Higgins homered for the Tigers in the bottom of the final frame. Starter Jack Kramer went 8 2/3 innings (giving up one run) for the Browns. The Higgins’ homer, which came with two outs in the ninth was followed by a single, bringing in George Caster to pitch (and earn the save – awarded retroactively, of course).

April 17, 1945 … Browns 7 – Tigers 1 at Detroit

Sid Jakucki went the distance for St. Louis (six hits, one run, no walks, four whiffs), while SS Vern Stephens, RF Milt Byrnes and 1B George McQuinn – batting in the 4-5-6 holes – combined for seven of the Browns’ 11 hits and drove in five of the six tallies.

In 1946, the Browns lost their Opening Day game to the Tigers (in Detroit) by a 2-1 score.

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Baseball Roundtable Presents A Baker’s Dozen Favorite Opening Day Moments

March 25, 2021 by David

As Opening Day approaches, Baseball Roundtable traditionally looks at some highlights from past MLB season-opening contests. This season, BBRT would like to present its Baker’s Dozen Opening Day Moments – a purely subjective exercise which does, however, consider the performance, personalities involved and historic significance. I’ve also included a additional first-day-of-the-season tidbits at the end.

Number-one … A “One and Only” … Bob Feller’s Opening Day No-Hitter

On April 16, 1940, 21-year-old Bob Feller (already in his fifth MLB season) threw the first – and still only – Opening Day no-hitter in MLB history – topping the White Sox 1-0 in Chicago. It was the first no-hitter (of an eventual three) for Feller, who walked five and struck out eight. The “No-No” becomes even more significant, when you consider that Feller needed to shutout the opposition to get the win. During the season, Feller would go on to lead the AL in wins (27), ERA (2.61), strikeouts (261), games pitched (43), games started (37), complete games (31), innings pitched (320 1/3) and shutouts (4).

Feller’s “One and Only” Almost Wasn’t

This would make a good trivia question: Who was the first starting pitcher to toss nine no-hit innings on Opening Day? Nope, not Bob Feller. On April 15, 1909 – as the Giants opened against the Superbas (Dodgers) in Brooklyn – Giants’ righty Red Ames started and, with ANY offensive support at all, could have made history. Ames held Brooklyn hitless for nine innings, but got nary a run of support from his batsmen. Ames finally gave up a hit with one out in the tenth and, while he kept the shutout going through the 12th inning, eventually lost 3-0 in 13 innings. Both Ames and Brooklyn starter Irvin “Kaiser” Wilhelm went the distance. Ames had a 17-season MLB career (1903-10), going 183-167, 2.63. His best season was 1905 (Giants), when he went 22-8, 2.74.

Number-Two … Moments Stacked on Top of Moments… Frank Robinson’s 1975 Opening Day Home Run

On April 8, 1975, Frank Robinson and the Cleveland Indians opened the season (at home) against the Yankees. In the bottom of the first, Robinson (DH-ing and batting second) took Yankee starter Doc Medich deep to left for a home run. Why does this solo shot rate so high on the BBRT list? Consider:

The 39-year-old Robinson was not only playing, but also managing his first game as MLB’s first-ever Black manager … and his homer helped his Indians to a 5-3 win.
It was the eighth Opening Day homer of Robinson’s career – making him the first player to hit eight Opening Day dingers. (The record still stands, but has since been tied by Adam Dunn and Ken Griffey, Jr.)
The long ball made him the first – and still only – MLB player to homer on eight different Opening Days. (Dunn and Griffey have eight Opening Day homers, but each also includes at least one multiple-homer Opening Day.
The homer made Robinson the first – and still only – MLB player to homer on Opening Day for four different teams (Reds, Orioles, Angels, Indians).

Side Note: Robinson won pretty much every MLB accolade available: NL Rookie of the Year (1956); NL Most Valuable Player (1961): AL Most Valuable Player (1966); AL Triple Crown (1966); World Series MVP (1966); All Star Game MVP (1971); Gold Glove (1958); American League Manager of the Year (1989).

Number Three … The Longest Day … Walter Johnson’s 15 Shutout Innings

Photo by pingnews.com

On April 13, 1926, the Senators’ Walter Johnson pitched a 15-inning, complete-game shutout (six hits, three walks, nine strikeouts) as Washington topped the Philadelphia Athletics 1-0 in Washington. It’s the longest Opening Day outing by a starting pitcher ever. The opposing starter, Eddie Rommel. tossed the second-most innings in an Opening Day appearance – going 14 1/3, as Washington scored the winning run with one out in the 15th. Johnson, by the way, was 38-years-old at the time. This one was particularly momentous:

It was the last of Johnson’s’ MLB (still) record nine Opening Day wins.
It was Johnson’s (still) record seventh Opening Day shutout.
It marked sixteen seasons between Johnson’s first and final Opening Day shutouts.

Number Four … Move Over Babe … Aaron’s 714th Home Run

On April 4, 1974, Hank Aaron and the Braves opened the season at Cincinnatti, with Aaron sitting on 713 career home runs – one short of then record holder Babe Ruth. In the top of first inning, Aaron hit a three-run home run on his first swing of the season season (3-1 count) – tying the immortal Bambino. Aaron finished he career with a .305 average, 755 home runs and 2,297 RBI. He was an All Star in 21 f his 23 seasons – missing only in his rookie and final season.

Number Five … Knock Three Times … Most Home Runs in an Opening Day Game

BBRT is giving a four-way tie for number-five on this list. The Blue Jays’ George Bell, Cubs’ Tuffy Rhodes, Tigers’ Dmitri Young and White Sox’ Matt Davidson all hit an MLB-record three home runs in a single Opening Day game.

On April 4, 1988, George Bell – batting clean-up and serving as the DH – became the first major leaguer to hit three home runs in an Opening Day game, as his Blue Jays topped the Royals 5-3 in Kansas City. Bell’s power outburst was no surprise. He was coming off a 1987 season in which he hit 47 homers, drove in 134 runs and was the AL MVP. Bell went three-for-four with three runs scored and four RBI, hitting all three home runs off Royals’ starter Brett Saberhagen.

On a windy April 4, 1994, Karl “Tuffy” Rhodes (leading off and playing CF for the Cubs in Chicago) hit three solo shots off Mets’ starter Dwight Gooden. Rhodes also had a single and a walk in five plate appearances. Despite Rhodes’ record-tying performance, the Cubs lost to the visiting Mets 12-8. At the time, Rhodes had played 107 MLB games in four seasons – hitting a total of five home runs. His MLB career consisted of 225 games in six seasons, with a .224 average and just 13 round trippers (with a high of eight in 1994).

On April 4, 2005 the Tigers’ Dmitri Young joined Bell and Rhodes on the list of batters with three home runs in an Opening Day game – as the Tigers topped the Royals 11-2 in Detroit. Young started at DH and went four-for-four with four runs scored and five RBI. Young, an All Star in 2003 and 2007, hit a total of 21 home runs in 2005 – and 171 in 13 MLB seasons.

On March 29, 2018, as the White Sox topped the Royals 14-7 in Kansas City, DH and cleanup hitter Matt Davidson opened the season with a three-homer, five-RBI game. He went three-for-four with a walk, four runs scored and five RBI. Davidson went deep off three different pitchers: solo shots in the fourth and fifth off Danny Duffy and Blaine Boyer and a three-run blast in the eighth off Brian Flynn. Davidson, in his fourth MLB season, went on to a .228-20-62 campaign. In his 293 MLB games (2013, 2015-18, 2020), Davidson has just three multi-homer contests and a total of 52 round trippers.

Number Nine (remember that four-way tied for Number Five) … Whiff ‘N Poof … 15 Strikeouts on Opening Day.

On April 18, 1960, Camilo Pascual (known for his sweeping curve ball) took the mound to open the season for the Washington Senators (against the Boston Red Sox). In 1959, the Senators had finished in last place in the AL, but Pascual had gone 17-10, 2.64, leading the league with 17 complete games and six shutouts. As the Senators’ Opening Day starter in 1960, Pascual picked up right where he left off – tossing a complete-game three-hitter, walking three and striking out a still Opening Day record 15 batters in a 10-1 win.

Pascual pitched 18 MLB seasons (1954-71), winning 174 and losing 170, with a 3.63 earned run average. He was a five-time All Star, two-time twenty-game winner and led the league in complete games, shutouts and strikeouts three times each.

Leave Me in Coach

On Opening Day 2020 (thanks to COVID, it took place July 24), Cleveland’s Shane Bieber almost made Opening Day history. Starting at home for the Indians (against the Royals) Bieber pitched six shutout innings (four hits and one walk). He also fanned 14 batters – just one shy of the MLB Opening Day record (see Number-Nine above). The Indians won 2-0 and Bieber got the victory. In line with BBRT’s contention that “in baseball we count everything,” it was reported that Bieber’s 14 whiffs were the record for an Opening Day for a starter who didn’t surrender any runs. Small consolation there.

Number Ten … They Call Him the Streak … A 14-game Opening Day Hitting Steak.

Ted Williams collected nicknames like he collected base hits – The Kid, Splendid Splinter, The Thumper, Teddy Ballgame.

On April 18, 1960, Ted Williams started in LF (batting fifth) for the Red Sox as they opened the season against the Senators in Washington. In his first at bat (second inning) against Washington ace Camilo Pascual, Williams smacked a home run to deep CF. Heck of a way for the 41-year-old Williams to start his final major-league campaign. But there are other reasons the Splendid Splinter is on this list.

It was Teddy Ballgame’s 14th Opening Day start – and his home run enabled him to retire with a 14-game Opening Day hitting streak. (Yep, he never wore the collar on Opening Day.) A career .344 hitter, Williams was even better on Opening Day. He compiled a .449 Opening Day average (22 hits in 49 at bats), with three home runs, eight doubles, one triple, nine runs scored, 14 RBI and eleven walks. His Opening Day on-base percentage was .550 and his season-opener slugging percentage was .837.

Number Eleven ,,, Bringing the Boys on Home … Seven RBI on Opening Day

A two-way tied for Number Ten. The Opening Day single-game record for RBI (seven) is shared by the Twins’ Brant Alyea and the Cubs’ Corey Patterson.

On April 7, 1970, Twins’ LF Brant Alyea drove in an Opening Day record seven runs as Minnesota topped the White Sox 12-0 in Chicago. Batting fifth, Alyea went four-for-four, with two home runs, two singles and two runs scored. The game, it turned out, would foreshadow a strong April for Alyea. In 17 April games that season (his first as a Twin), he hit .415, with seven runs, 23 RBI, four doubles and five home runs.

On March 31, 2003, the Cubs’ CF Corey Patterson tied Alyea’s record. In a 15-2 win over the Mets in New York, Patterson, batting seventh, drove in seven runs, going four-for-six with two home runs and two runs scored.

Nothing Like Opening Day to Bring out the Best

Corey Patterson, a career .252 hitter (12 seasons), was a true Opening Day All Star. In seven Opening Day appearances, Patterson hit .440, with seven runs, 12 RBI and three home runs.

Number Thirteen (remember, the tie at eleven) … On the Side of the Angels … Franchise’s First-ever Long Ball

On April 11, 1961, the expansion Los Angeles Angels played the first-ever game in franchise history (at Baltimore). Batting in the clean-up spot and playing first base was 36-year-old , four-time All Star, Ted Kluszewski (in what would be his final MLB season). “Big Klu” got the franchise off on the right foot, rapping a two-run home run to RF with two out in the top of the first. Then, in the top of the second, he struck again – belting a three-run shot to right. Two innings into the season and he had two home runs and five RBI – helping the Angels to a 7-2 win in their inaugural game. A good way to bring a new franchise into the league.

Kep Ties the Klu

Ted Kluszewski remained the only player with two home runs in the first two innings of a season until July 24, 2020 (Opening Day of that short season), when the Twins’ RF Max Kepler tied that mark. Kepler, leading off the top of the first against the White Sox’ Lucas Giolito, homered on the first pitch of the season. He came to the plate again in the second fame, with the Twins up 4-1 and popped a second solo shot.

So, there’s BBRT’s top Baker’s Dozen Opening Day moments. Now for a few additional Opening Day tidbits.

–————————————————————————————–

How Did That Get By Me?

On March 31, 1996, White Sox’ catcher Ron Karkovice set an MLB Opening Day record by striking out five times as Chicago lost 3-2 in Seattle. Karkovice, however, may have been a victim of circumstance. First, future Hall of Famer (and flame thrower) Randy Johnson started on the mound for the Mariners – striking out 14 in seven innings (including Karkovice three times).

Second, the White Sox could muster only two runs on four hits over the first nine innings – taking a slim 2-1 lead into the bottom of the ninth (at that point, Karkovice had fanned just three times).

Third, the Mariners tied the contest in the ninth, and the game went to 12 innings before the Mariners prevailed 3-2. In those three extra innings, Karkovice struck out against Norm Charlton (tenth inning) and Edwin Hurtado (twelfth inning) to set the Opening Day record.

Walk Don’t Run

On April 16, 1957, Cleveland southpaw Herb Score set the Opening Day record for pitcher’s walks, delivering eleven free passes to the visiting White Sox. Despite Score’s wildness, the white Sox didn’t score a lot. (Pun intended). Score went the distance in a 3-2, 11-inning loss. He struck out ten and gave up just seven hits and two earned runs – stranding 14 Chicago base runners.

Ouch, that’s Just Not Nice

On April 9, 1990, Astros’ first baseman and cleanup hitter Glenn Davis was hit by a pitch an Opening Day record three times. Davis came to the plate six times and never put the ball in play – but still made only one out. Davis (who led the league in HBP that season with eight) was hit by a pitch three times, walked twice and struck out once as the Astros lost to the visiting Reds 8-4. Davis finished Opening Day with a batting average of .000, but an on-base percentage of .833.

Tough Loss Tigers

On March 30, 2018, the Detroit Tigers lost their season opener 13-10 to the Pittsburgh Pirates (in Detroit) – in a five-hour and 27 minute, 13-inning marathon. Not a major surprise, as the Tigers went 64-98 that campaign. Why is this loss significant? It was the first Opening Day loss for the Tigers’ squad since 2008 – breaking a string of nine straight Opening Day wins. The loss left the Tigers tied with the Reds for the most consecutive Opening Day wins. . (The Reds’ streak stretched from 1983-1991).

Let’s get this Party Started

No pitcher started more Opening Day games than Hall of Famer Tom Seaver (16). Seaver opened for Mets eleven times, the Reds three times and the White Sox twice. Seaver recorded seven wins, two losses and seven no decisions on Opening Day,

Opening Day Starts – Gimme Five!

Gaylord Perry was honored by the most teams with Opening Day starts. He started on Opening Day for an MLB-record five different teams (Giants, Indians, Rangers, Padres and Mariners).

U Can’t Touch This – 7-0 on Opening Day

Jimmy Key holds the record for Opening Day wins without a loss at seven – and he did in the minimum seven starts (Blue Jays, Yankees and Orioles). In those seven wins, he threw 44 1/3 innings, with a 3.05 ERA.

Eight is Enough

On Opening Day 2019 (March 28), as the Dodgers topped the Diamondbacks 12-5 in Los Angeles, the Californians launched an Opening Day record eight home runs (two by LF Joc Pederson, two by 2B Enrique Hernandez and one each by C Austin Barnes, SS Corey Seager, 1B Max Muncy and RF Cody Bellinger). Before the Dodgers’ outburst, the Opening Day record for team long balls was six (1988 Mets and 2018 White Sox.)

Primary Resources: Baseball-Reference.com, Stathead.com; Baseball-Almanac.com; MLB.com

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Baseball Roundtable 2021 National League Predictions and Watch List

March 23, 2021 by David

We continue to close in on Opening Day – of a full major-league season. With that in mind, Baseball Roundtable is presenting its 2020 “Watch List” – players from each team I am particularly interested in keeping an eye on in the coming season. In addition, I’m sharing my pennant race predictions, as well as a list of players I think will be among the finalists for key MLB awards. This post focuses on the National League. For the American League version, click here.

Let’s start with the pennant race predictions.

NL EAST

Braves … 91-71

Mets … 88-76 Wild Card)

Nationals … 85-77

Phillies … 80-82

Marlins … 68-94

Everyone talks about the Dodgers’ potent lineup. In 2020, The Dodgers did lead the major leagues in runs scored at 349 – but the Braves were just one run (yes, one) behind. The Braves also led MLB in hits (556), were second in home runs (103 to the Dodgers’ 118) and second in average (.268 to the Mets’ .272). And, they’ve brought the offense back, led by: NL MVP Freddie Freeman (1B); the power and speed of Ronald Acuna, Jr. (RF); Marcell Ozuna (LF); Ozzie Albies (2B); and I could go on. The re-signing of Ozuna (.338-18-56 last season) was key – providing protection for Freeman in the middle of the lineup. The Braves’ rotation will be headed by Max Fried (24-6 over the past two seasons) and 23-year-old Ian Anderson , who looked very good in his 2020 rookie campaign (3-2, 1.95 with 41 whiffs in 32 1/3 innings). The Braves also brought in veterans Charlie Morton and Drew Smiley to bolster the rotation (and Mike Soroka should be back sooner rather than later). There’s work to do in the bullpen, but the Braves should have enough to top the East.

The Mets made some serious moves in the off-season, adding power-hitting, Gold Glove SS Francisco Lindor, starter Carlos Carrasco, hard-throwing reliever Trevor May, C James McCann, starter Taijuan Walker and more). They are much improved – with a lineup that also features Pete Alonso (who hit 53 home runs as a rookie in 2019) at 1B, rising star Dominic Smith in LF and the solid bat of Michael Conforto in RF. Carrasco (who will start the season on the IL) will join a rotation that brings back two-time Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom and veteran Marcus Stroman. The Mets should make the post-season, but do not quite have the depth of the Braves. For the Nationals, a rotation headed by Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg and Patrick Corbin is a good start (no pun intended) – and newcomer Brad hand should handle the closer’s role after leading the AL with 16 saves (for the Indians) in 2020. The lineup also has some pop with RF Juan Soto (perhaps the most exciting young hitter in MLB), SS Trea Turner, new 1B Josh Bell and Kyle Schwarber (expected to rebound from 2020). Unfortunately, the Nationals are playing in a tough and competitive division. They could make the playoffs if all falls into place, but I don’t see them catching the Braves. The Phillies have a potentially strong rotation (Aaron Nola, Zack Wheeler and Zach Elfin at the top, but need a big turnaround from their bullpen (tagged at a .315 pace by opponents a year ago). Like the Phillies, the Marlins have some interesting pieces in the rotation – Sandy Alcantara, Elieser Hernandez and Sixto Sanchez should make some noise. I’m just not sure there enough offense to compete in this division.

NL CENTRAL

Brewers … 87-75

Cardinals … 85-77

Cubs … 83-81

Reds … 77-85

Pirates … 62-100

This was a tough call, depending on how things break out (including injuries and “rebounds.’ I could see the Cardinals or Brewers topping the Central. I’m going with the Brewers based on a better combination of offense and pitching (although that assumes a bit of a rebound from Brewers’ batters (who hit only .223 a year ago). The Brewers’ rotation will be headed by Brandon Woodruff, who went 3-5 a year ago, but deserved better (3.05 ERA and 11.1 whiffs versus just 2.2 walks per nine). In the two slot will be Corbin Burns – who went 4-1, 2.11 a year ago, with 13.3 strikeouts per nine. The rotation thins out after the top two, but newcomer Brett Anderson (free agent), a 12-year MLB veteran, should help. In 2021, with starters coming off a short season, the bullpen should expect to be busy – and the Brewers have one of the best relief staffs, headed by closer Josh Hader and set up man Devin Williams – who both fan about 15 batters per nine innings. On offense, the Brewers will be looking for LF Christian Yelich to return to MVP form, They’ve also added Kolten Wong (free agent), whose Gold Glove skills at 2B will improve the Brewers’ defense – and also allow Keston Hiura to shift over to first base, where his bat may come back to life (Huira hit .303-19-49 in 84 games in 2019, but .212-13-32, with a league-topping 85 whiffs in 2020). The Brew Crew offense should also be boosted by the return of CF Lorenzo Cain (who opted out early in 2020). Newcomer (free agent) Travis Shaw at 3B can also plug in at 1B and 2B). Overall, the Brewers seem to have enough to win the Central – but it will take rebounds form the likes of Yelich, Cain and Huira, as well as continued solid performance out of the pen, to hold off the always tough Cardinals.

The Cardinals, who parlayed defense and pitching into a second-place finish a year ago (St. Louis scored the third-fewest runs in all of MLB last season and still managed to finish above 500). In the off-season, they went out and traded for a 3B Nolan Arenado – improving both offense (Arenado is a three-time NL home run leader and two-time RBI leader) and defense (he’s won eight Gold Gloves in his eight MLB seasons). There is some concern with the starting rotation, with number-two starter Kwang Hyun Kim (back) and number-three Miles Mikolas (shoulder) not guaranteed for the opening of the season. Still, there’s Jack Flaherty, Adam Wainwright and Carlos Martinez – as well as a bullpen bolstered by the return of fireballer Jordan Hicks. One thing the Cardinals could use is more offense from their defensively gifted outfield. Last season, the three outfielders expected to get most of the 2020 garden work (Tyler O’Neill, Harrison Bader and Dylan Carson) hit a combined .197). If they’re in a tight race, we may see the Cardinals make a move there. The Cubs won the Central Division in 2020 and still have some championship-caliber pieces in place (we’ll get to that in a minute). What’s missing for a repeat? How about Yu Darvish (trade), who was their best starter one year ago, as well as SP’s Jon Lester, Tyler Chatwood and Jose Quintana (all free agency). Also missing (free agency) will be closer Jeremy Jeffress and OF Kyle Schwarber. Still, the rotation will be headed by veterans Kyle Hendricks, Jake Arrieta and Zach Davies – and SS Javier Baez, 1B Anthony Rizzo, 3B Kris Bryant, CF Ian Happ and C Wilson Contreras will be in the lineup. Some players to watch, but I don’t think enough to get the Cubs to the post season. The Reds are going to miss Cy Young Award Winner Trevor Bauer, starter Anthony DeSclafani and reliever Archie Bradley. They now have Sonny Gray and Luis Castillo – both capable starters (3,70 and 3,21 ERAs in 2020, respectively) – at the top of the rotation, after that the rotation has some question marks. The Reds also traded away closer Raisel Iglesias (72 saves over the past three seasons), but southpaw Amir Garrett has shown steady improvement and appears ready to move into the role (2.45 ERA and 26 whiffs in 18 1/3 inning last season). The Reds’ lineup has some bright spots in the power bats of 1B Joey Votto, SS Eugenia Suarez, 3B Mike Moustakas, RF Nick Castellanos and OF Jesse Winker. Still, last season, the Reds produced the National League’s third-fewest runs and that does not look to improve. As you might expect, there are few bright spots on a Pirates’ squad that scored the fewest runs in MLB in 2020 and gave up the NL’s sixth-most tallies – and was pretty quiet in the off-season. The offense, in fact, may have regressed with the trade of Josh Bell and the pitching took a step back with the trades of starters Jameson Taillon and Joe Musgrove. The Pirates will be looking for some offense from 2B Adam Frazier and young 3B Ke’Bryan Hayes. An inexperienced Pirates’ pitching staff looks to be led by Mitch Keller (1-1, 2.91 last season, but with only 16 MLB starts under his belt, and “veteran” 28-year-old Steve Brault (12-15, 4.68 over five MLB seasons … 45 career starts).

NL WEST

Dodgers … 103-59

Padres … 96-66 (Wild Card)

Diamondbacks … 77-85

Giants … 74-88

Rockies … 63-99

The Dodgers, in 2020, won the most games in MLB (43-17), scored the most runs (349) hit the most home runs (118), gave up the second-fewest runs (213) and had the lowest earned run average (3.02). And, they pretty much brought the whole squad back for 2021. Then, to top if off, they added 2020 National League Cy Young Award Winner Trevor Bauer to the rotation. The 2021 Dodgers sport a rotation with three former Cy Young Award winners (Trevor Bauer, Clayton Kershaw and David Price), a solid bullpen and a lineup featuring lots of star power (RF Mookie Betts, CF Cody Bellinger, 1B Max Muncy, SS Corey Seager) and no real “holes.” The Dodgers have finished first in the NL West for eight consecutive seasons. The streak should continue.

Who can challenge the Dodgers in the West? If anybody, it’s the much-improved San Diego Padres. The Padres had the third-best record in MLB in 2020, have solid lineup (including what many say is MLB’s best infield – emerging star Fernando Tatis, Jr. at SS, four-time All Star Manny Machado at 3B, four-time Gold Glover Eric Hosmer at first base, and switch-hitting Jake Cronenworth, who hit .285 as a 2020 rookie, at second. Saving the best for last, the Padres added a pair of Cy Young Award candidates– Blake Snell and Yu Darvish – to the rotation (through trades). They should challenge the Dodgers and capture a Wild Card spot. The Diamondbacks, Giants and Rockies are in – or should be in – rebuilding mode. I give the Diamondbacks an edge in the race for third place. Not a lot of star power there, but they have more balance than Colorado or San Francisco. If Madison Bumgarner bounces back from a dismal 2020, they could have a solid top of the rotation with Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly. RF Kole Calhoun provides 30-homer power (but not much average), while LF David Peralta, CF Ketel Marte and 1B Christian Walker are steady performers at the plate. Then there is SS Nick Ahmed ‘s Gold Glove skills at SS. Questions remain in the bullpen. The Giants, Although they are aging a bit, have solid hitters in their lineup, led by rising star Mike Yastrzemski and a couple of “Brandons” with power (1B Belt/SS Crawford). The question is the pitching. There’s not enough there to catch the pitching-rich Dodgers and Padres. With Kevin Gausman at the top of the rotation and some rebound by the likes of Johnny Cueto and Anthony DeSclafani, there might be enough for the Giants to catch the Diamondbacks, but I’m betting against it. The Rockies without Nolan Arenado – just doesn’t seem right, does it? They do have some interesting pieces; German Marquez and Antonio Senzatela at the top of the rotation and the reborn Daniel Bard at closer – as well as Trevor Story at SS, Charlie Blackmon in RF and newcomer C.J. Cron at 1B. Still, the pitching and power pools in Colorado seem a bit shallow to compete in the NL West – particularly the bullpen, which put up a 6.77 earned run average.

Now, let’s move on to BBRT’s Team-by-Team National League Watch List.

——Baseball Roundtable 2021 National League Watch List ——

Arizona Diamondbacks – Nick Ahmed, Zac Gallen

Zac Gallen – Poised for a breakout season.

It will be nice to see a full-campaign of Nick Ahmed at shortstop. Ahmed was a Gold Glover in 2018 and 2019. Although he doesn’t deliver average, his bat should be good for 15 home runs; AND he will certainly flash plenty of leather. Another bright spot worth watching in Arizona is 25-year-old right-handed starter Zac Gallen – who seems poised for a breakout season. He has a moving fastball, as well as a change, curveball and cutter. In two MLB seasons (2019-20), he is 6-8 in 27 starts … but has a nifty 2.78 earned run average and 178 strikeouts in 152 innings. In 2020, Gallen was 3-2, 2.75, which included six “no decisions” in which he went at least six innings and gave up two or fewer runs.

How About a Little Help from My Friends?

After eight starts in 2020, Zac Gallen had just one win (1-0), despite a 1.80 ERA, a .182 batting average against and 54 strikeouts in 50 innings.

Atlanta Braves – Max Fried, Ronald Acuna, Jr.

Ronald Acuna, Jr. - Fueling the Braves''offense.

Ronald Acuna, Jr. – Next 40-40 player?

There are a couple of players, BBRT will watch here. The first is right-handed starter Max Fried – to see if he can continue to translate his curveball into top of the rotation results. In 2010, Fried went 7-0, 2.25 in eleven starts and gave up just two home runs in 56 innings. This follows up a 2019 season in which he went 17-6, 4.02 (but did give up 21 long balls in 165 2/3 innings). BBRT will be watching to see if Fried continues to rack up wins – and, whether he continues to keep the ball in the park like he did in 2020. Just 27-years-old, he may be entering his prime. BBRT will also be watching one of MLB’s true rising stars – 23-year-old Ronald Acuna, Jr. – who came just three stolen bases shy of a 40-40 season in 2019 (.280-41-101, with a NL-topping 37 steals). In 2020’s short campaign, his average dropped to .250, but he did put up 14 home runs and eight steals in 45 games. He’s got the potential to be the major league’s next 40-40 player.

A Nice Walk in the Park

The Braves tied the Reds for the most walks (received) in the National League (239) in 2020. Three Braves were among the league’s top six in walks – Freddie Freeman (third with 45); Marcell Osuna and Ronald Acuna, Jr. (tied for sixth with 38). Bryce Harper of the Phillies led the league with 49 free passes.

Chicago Cubs … Javier Baez, Kyle Hendricks

Javier Baez – Could be best of the Cubs. Photo by Minda Haas Kuhlmann

Javier Baez is the player to watch on this Cubs’ squad. The Cubs shortstop slumped at the plate last year, but still came home with a God Glove. Keep in mind that he was an All Star in 2018 and 2019, when he hit a combined .286-63-196. (He hit just .203-8-24 in 2020). Baez should bounce back and be the most exciting player in the Cubbies’ lineup. Kyle Hendricks doesn’t throw hard, but he pitches smart. Last season he was 6-5, but put up a nifty 2.81 ERA in 12 starts. He struck out 7.1 batters per nine innings, but walked less than one (0.9 per nine frames). If you like to watch a pitcher “pitch,” Hendricks could be your guy. His four-seamer tops out at about 88 mph, but he has good command of that middle-of-the-road fastball, as well as of a sinker, change and curve.

Gone, but Not Forgotten

Yu Darvish, Tyler Chatwood, Jon Lester, Jeremy Jeffress – all Cubs a year ago, all with other teams in 2021 – recorded 17 of the Cubs 34 wins in 2020 and eight of the teams 16 saves.

Cincinnati Reds – Tyler Mahle, Nick Lodolo

Tyler Mahle – Slider made a difference.

Twenty-six-year-old righty starter Tyler Mahle added a slider to his repertoire last season (to go with a mid-90s fastball, splitter and change). The addition seemed to work. He went from 3-12, 5.14 in 2019 to 2-2, 3.59 in 2020 (with 60 strikeouts in 47 2/3 innings). BBRT will be interested in: 1) Seeing if hitters catch up to the new pitch mix; and 2) If Mahle can improve his command (he walked four batters per nine innings a year ago). I’ll also be watching to see if the Reds’ 2019 top draft pick, southpaw pitcher Nick Lodolo is called up – or if he ever walks anyone. In his lone minor-league season (2019), Lodolo pitched 18 1/3 innings, fanning 30 and walking none. Who knows, if the Reds fade early, the 23-year-old could see some major-league action. Besides, a pitcher with three “O’s” in his name is a find.

One For “Ever”

In 2020, Trevor Bauer became the first member of the Reds to win the National League Cy Young Award.

Colorado Rockies – Daniel Bard, Trevor Story

Daniel Bard – Great comeback story.

The Colorado Rockies without the leather and lumber of Nolan Arenado to watch. It just doesn’t seem right. When I watch the Rockies, I’ll have to get one of those “Old Guys Rule” hats. Number-one on my Rox watch list is 35-year-old closer Daniel Bard. Why my interest? Bard first made it the majors in 2009 and was a serviceable reliever over his first three seasons (5-13, but with a 2.88 earned average and 213 whiffs in 197 innings). Then, in 2012, the Red Sox decided to make him a starter – and the wheels came off. In his first 11 appearances of the season, he pitched 55 innings (5.24 ERA), walking 37, hitting eight batters and striking out 34. He was sent down to the minors in June, where he continued to struggle. Bard came back up, in a relief role, in August and still could not find the plate (six more appearances, 4 1/3 innings, 18.69 ERA, six walks and four whiffs). To make a long story short, Bard pitched only one MLB inning in 2013 – and pitched in the minors until he retired as a player after the 2017 season. Then came the short 2020 season – and opportunity. He threw for Rockies’ scouts, was signed for 2020 and, after a seven-year absence, was back on a major-league mound picking up a win (1 1/3 scoreless innings in relief) on July 25. He went on to win the closer’s job, going 4-2, 3.65, with six saves in six opportunities – using a mid-90s fastball, a wicked slider and a change. BBRT will be watching to see if this comeback tale continues.

I’ll also keep an eye on Trevor Story, the Rox power hitting shortstop – a threat to put up a 30 (HR)/ 30 (SB) season. In 2020, Story went .289-11-28 and led the NL in triples (4) and steals (15), I’ll be watching both Story’s storied performance, and whether the trade rumor that continue to swirl around him become reality.

High Mountain Irony

In 2020, the Rockies had the National League’s highest earned run average (5.59), Yet the Rox starters recorded 28 quality starts, second in the NL only to the Cubs 30.

Los Angeles Dodgers – The Dodgers’ Rotation, Mookie Betts

Clayton Kershaw – Three-time CYA winner part of Dodgers’ vaunted rotation. Photo by SD Dirk

The Dodger rotation had the NL’s lowest starters’ ERA in 2020 (3.29). Not only did the principals return, the Dodgers added the 2020 NL Cy Young Award winner to boot. So, who do you watch? How about the entire starting rotation – which should include three former Cy Young Award winners: Clayton Kershaw, newcomer Trevor Bauer and David Price, as well as Walker Buehler (14-4, 3.26 in 2019) and probably Dustin May (3-1, 2.57) or Julio Arias (3-0, 3.27 a year ago). The most interesting to watch may be 2012 CYA winner Price, who opted out of the 2020 season. In his most recent season (2019), Price missed time with elbow tendinitis and wrist issues. If you prefer to watch a position player, I’d go with RF Mookie Betts – who does it all – a .301 average over seven seasons, a good bet(ts) for 30 home runs, 80+ RBI and 20 stolen bases. (He’s also a five-time Gold Glover.) Prefer to watch prospects? you may get a chance to see Baseball America’s 2019 Minor League Player of the Year Gavin Lux (.347-26-76 in 113 games at Double A and Triple A). Note: Lux has been over-matched in two call ups to the Dodgers, but he’s just 23 – and we’ll be seeing him again.

Lots of No-Doubters

The Dodgers had MLB’s largest positive run differential in 2020 – outscoring opponents by 171 runs. The next best? The Padres and Braves at a plus 73.

Miami Marlins – Jon Berti, Sixto Sanchez

Sixto Sanchez – Young Pedro Martinez?

Jon Berti tops BBRT’s Marlins’ watch list. Berti started 35 games last season: 17 at second base; seven in centerfield, seven in right field; two at third base and two at shortstop. I’ll be anxious to see what the Marlins have in mind for this speedster (he’s stolen 27 bases in 116 MLB games over three seasons). Young (22-years-old) right-hander Sixto Sanchez has drawn comparisons to a young Pedro Martinez. He brings a fastball that can reach triple digits, a hard (and moving) change and a plus breaking ball. In his 2019 rookie season, he went 3-2, 3.46 and fanned 33 in 39 innings. (Look for that whiff rate to go up as he develops).

Start ‘Em Young

In five minor league seasons, Sixto Sanchez has gone 23-18, 2.58 with 294 strikeouts in 335 1/3 innings. The amazing thing is, he had five minor-league seasons under hit belt by age 21.

Milwaukee Brewers– Josh Hader & Devon Williams, Christian Yelich

Christian Yelich – Brewers need a rebound from 2018 MVP. Photo by IDSportsPhoto

If you like to see fireballers come out of the pen and dampen rallies, join BBRT in watching Brewers’ front line relievers – closer Josh Hader and 2020 NL Rookie of the Year Devon Williams. In 2020, Hader led the NL in saves with 13 – going 1-2, 3.79 and fanning 31 batters in 19 innings. In four MLB seasons, he has a 2.54 ERA and has fanned 15.3 batter per nine frames. That’s “lights out.” Rookie of the Year William worked in 22 games this past year – going 4-1, with a minuscule 0.33 (yes, that’s a zero in front of the decimal point) earned run average. Not only that, he fanned 53 batter in 27 innings – 14.8 per nine. I’ll also be watching Christian Yelich, who came to the Brewers from the Marlins (trade) in 2017 and immensely was the 2018 NL Most Valuable Player (.326-36-110) and then followed by finishing second in the 2019 MVP voting (.329-44-97), wining the batting title both years. Yelich slumped to .205 in 2020’s short and strange season, but I expect he’ll return to something closer to .300-30-100, with 15 steals in 2021 – giving the Brewers quite a boost.

Backing In

In 2020, the Brewers and the Astros (both at 29-31) became the first two MLB teams ever to make the playoffs with losing records.

New York Mets – Jacob deGrom, Francisco Lindor, Dominic Smith, Pete Alonso

Francisco Lindor – New force in Mets’ lineup.Photo by Keith Allison

Lots of new faces (via trade and free agency) to watch in New York (SS Francisco Lindor, RHP Carlos Carrasco, C James McCann, RHP Trevor May – to name a few), BBRT starts its watch list with holdover Jacob deGrom – a two-time Cy Young Award winner and arguably the best pitcher in the National League. I’d like to see what he could do with a little better run support. (Over the past three seasons, deGrom has a 2.10 ERA and has fanned 628 batters in 489 innings. Yet, he’s only six games above. 500, at 25-19.) BBRT wants to watch him work and win. I’ll also be watching to see what newcomer Francisco Lindor means to the Mets’ lineup (and, of course, deGrom’s W-L line). The 27-year-old, four-time All Star brings a powerful bat and a pair of Gold Gloves to the Mets. And, he stays in the lineup – missing only 31 games in the past five seasons. Look for .280-30-100. BBRT is also interested in the continued development of outfielder Dominic Smith. Smith (26-years-old) was .316-10-42 in 50 games a year ago. Then there’s 1B Pete Alonso, who hit 53 home runs as a 24-year-old rookie in 2019 and 16 in 2019’s short season (which translated to 43 in a 162-game slate). Lots t see in The Big Apple.

Why Stop at First?

Of Dominic Smith’s 56 hits in 2020, 32 were for extra bases (21 doubles, one triple, ten home runs). His .616 slugging percentage was tops on the Mets and fourth in the National League.

Philadelphia Phillies – Spencer Howard, Bryce Harper

Spencer Howard - Phillies' top prospect.

Spencer Howard – Phillies’ mound prospect.

BBRT’s Philadelphia watch list is topped by 24-year-old prospect Spencer Howard. Just 1-2, 5.92 (with shoulder issues) a year ago, he’s shown swing-and-miss stuff in the minors. In three minor-league seasons, he’s gone 13-10, 2.23 – but, more important, has averaged 12 strikeouts per nine innings (281 whiffs in 211 1/3 frames). I might also keep an eye on Bryce Harper, who is capable of an MVP-worthy season when he puts it all together. (In 2015, he was .330-42-99).) We haven’t heard a lot about Harper recently, but it’s clear he gets plenty of respect at the plate. He led the NL in walks last season (49) and has three times topped 100 free passes in a campaign. Hard to believe Harper – just 28-years-old, is entering his tenth MLB seasons.

Should I Make that Call?

The Phillies bullpen ERA of 7.06 was the highest in the majors.

Pittsburgh Pirates – Ke’Bryan Hayes

BBRT will be watching Pirates’ 23-year-old third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes – a leading NL Rookie of the Year candidate (who hit .376-5-11 in 25 games in 2020). In five minor-league seasons, Hayes has hit .279-25-202, with 66 steals in 461 games. The Pirates expect good things from Hayes – also a potential Gold Glover – who is having a great spring.

Nice Numbers, Kid

In 2020, Ke’Bryan Hayes hit .314 with two strikes, .308 with two outs, and .364 with runners in scoring position.

Saint Luis Cardinals – Nolan Arenado, Dylan Carson

Nolan Arenado – Bringing lumber AND leather to St. Louis. Photo by jenniferlinneaphotography

Newcomer Nolan Arenado’s combination of leather and lumber is well worth a watch in St.Louis. In eight seasons with the Rockies’, Arenado has won eight Gold Gloves and hit 235 home runs (five seasons of at least 37 round rippers and five seasons of 110 or more RBI.). It will be interesting to see what the move from Colorado will mean at the plate. (Arenado was .322-136-461 at home and .263-99-299 away). Last season, the three outfielders expected to patrol the green in Saint Louis hit a combined .197-14-53 (playing in a combined 135 – of a potential 180 – games). The Redbirds need more offense from the outfield and the best bet is number-one prospect 22-year-old Dylan Carson. In 2019, splitting time between Double-A and Triple-A, Carson hit .292, with 26 home runs and 68 RBI, 95 runs scored and 20 steals in 126 games. Last season, Carson started slow (.162-1-5 in is first 23 games), was sent down to the alternative site for some work and came back to go .278-12-11 in his last dozen games. BBRT will be looking to see which Carson shows up in 2021.

Oops! Two that Got Away

It’s a bit ironic that the Cardinals are in need of some outfield offense, In January of 2020, they traded OF Randy Arozarena and OF/1B Jose Martinez to the Tampa Bay Rays for minor-league pitching prospects Matthew Liberatore and Edgardo Rodriguez and a supplemental second round draft choice. Arozarena went on to a .281-7-11 in 23 games for the Rays and then burned up the post season with a .377-10-14 line in 20 games (setting a record for the most home runs in a single post season.) Arozarena would look pretty good in a Redbirds’ uniform right now.

The Cardinals also let Of Marcell Ozuna slip away (via free agency) after the 2019 season. All he did in 2020 was lead the National League in home runs (18) and RBI (56), while hitting .338.

San Diego Padres – Blake Snell, Yu Darvish, Fernando Tatis, Jr.

Fernando Tatis, Jr. – On everybody’s watch list. Photo by KA Sports Photos

Now, here’s a TEAM to watch in 2021. The Padres made it clear they are focused on the post season – and a couple of off-season trades brought in a pair of very “watchable” starters – both potential Cy Young Award candidates. BBRT will be watching to see the impact of Blake Snell and Yu Darvish on the balance in the West. Snell won the AL CYA in 2018, with a 21-5, 1.89 record. Darvish has twice finished second in Cy Young voting (2013 and 2020). Last season, Darvish went 8-3, 2.01 and fanned 93 hitters in 76 innings. BBRT will also – along with most fans – be watching the development of SS Fernando Tatis, Jr. The 22-year-old seems like more than a rising star – perhaps a comet. In his first 143 MLB games, he’s hit .301, with 39 home runs, 98 RBI and 27 steals. Can’t wait to see what he can do in a full season.

Slamming “Around the Horn”

The Padres set an MLB record in 2020 by hitting Grand Slams in four straight games (and five in a streak of six games). On August 17, it was SS Fernando Tatis, Jr.; on August 18, RF Wil Myers; on August 19, 3B Manny Machado; on August 20, 1B Eric Hosmer. After the Padres went without a Grand Slam on August 21, 2B Jake Cronenworth hit a four-run dinger on August 22. So, the infield went around the horn in Grand Slams in six days. Tatis’ Slam seems like a “chip off the old block.” His dad, Fernando Tatis, Sr., is the only MLB player to ever hit two Grand Slams in one inning (April 23, 199).

San Francisco Giants – Mike Yastrzemski, Alex Dickerson

Mike Yastrtzemski - Pretty good genes. Photo by IDSportsPhoto

Mike Yastrzemski – Pretty good genes.
Photo by IDSportsPhoto

Lots of familiar names to watch in MLB this year (Biggio, Guerrero, Tatis, Bichette), you get the idea. In San Francisco, it’s Yastrzemski. RF Mike Yastrzemski was arguably the Giants’ best player on 2020, when he hit .297, with 14 doubles, four triples, 10 home runs and 35 RBI. He should be fun to watch in 2021. (In his first 161 MLB games – 2019-20 – the new “Yaz” has gone .297-31-90.) I also may check in on OF Alex Dickerson, who came over from the Padres in a 2019 trade. He may be finding his stride. While he has a .273 career MLB average (four seasons), in 108 games since joining the Giants, he has hit .294, with 16 home runs and 53 RBI.

Is Thirty the new 25? Maybe in San Francisco

When you look at the Giants’ projected Opening Day lineup (assuming Kevin Gausman gets the start on the mound), only CF Mauricio Dubon is under 30 (the lineup averages just shy of 32 years of age).

Washington Nationals – Juan Soto, Stephen Strasburg

Juan Soto – Best of the Nationals.
SotoPhoto by pdeonarain

Juan Soto. Juan Soto. Juan Soto. The top three players on BBRT’s Nationals’ watch list. Just 22-years-old, Soto already has a NL batting championship on his resume (.351 in 2020), as well as a 30+ homer, 100+ runs scored and 100+ RBI season (.282-34-110, with 110 runs scored as a 20-year-old in 2019). Just have to watch this rising/shooting star scorch across the National League. BBRT will also be monitoring Stephen Strasburg recovering from carpel tunnel issues – double-digit winner in seven of the past nine seasons, he was 0-1, 10.80 in 2020.

Say Goodbye to that One

In 2020, Nationals’ pitchers gave up 94 home runs – the most in the National League. Nationals’ hitters poked 66 long balls – tenth-highest in the league.

—–2021 POTENTIAL NL AWARD WINNERS —–

Here are BBRT’s favorites for key NL Player Awards.

Most Valuable Player

1) Ronald Acuna, Jr.; 2) Mookie Betts; 3) Fernando Tatis, Jr.; 4) Juan Soto.

Cy Young Award

1) Jacob deGrom; 2) Max Scherzer; 3) Blake Snell

Rookie of the Year

1) Ian Anderson; 2) Ke’Bryan Hayes; 3) Sixto Sanchez

Again, for BBRT’s 2021 American League predictions and watch list, click here.

Primary Resources: Baseball-Reference.com; MLB.com

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Filed Under: BB Fun Facts, News

Baseball Roundtable 2012 AL Predictions … and Players to Watch

March 18, 2021 by David

Okay, so Opening Day won’t be quite the same. At least, it’s on the way.

It’s getting close to Opening Day and it’s time for Baseball Roundtable to look ahead (and make predictions) for the 2021 season. We’ll start with American League won-loss predictions, move on to a look at some of the players (on each AL team) that BBRT will be watching in the coming months, and wrap up with BBRT favorites for some key junior circuit awards. So, let’s get started.

Note: For the National League predictions and Watch List, click here.

AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST

Yankees … 98-61

Blue Jays … 87-75 (Wild Card)

Rays … 85-77

Red Sox … 81-81

Orioles … 64-98

The Yankees have a deep and powerful lineup (they could have seven players with 25+ home runs), with plenty of quality replacements when needed. Plus, they have a solid rotation (particularly after adding Corey Kluber and Jameson Taillon) and a plus bullpen. The Bronx Bombers may get a stretch-run boost with the return of Luis Severino and Zack Britton. They should top the AL East.

Now, smart money would put the Rays (last year’s AL World Series’ representative) in – at least – the second place/wild card spot. But I’m going out on a limb and picking the Blue Jays for second – based on an exciting young lineup, augmented by veteran acquisitions George Springer and Marcus Semien. How their pitching holds up will tell the tale. It is hard to go against the Rays who, year-after-year, seem to be able to translate defense, a solid (if, at times, unconventional) pitching strategy and equally strategic lineups into a wining record. Still, I think the loss of Blake Snell and Charlie Morton at the top of the rotation may cost the Rays a spot in the standings. The Red Sox should be more competitive than a year ago – particularly if Chris Sale is back in form – but I don’t see them passing any of the top three. The Orioles seem to be in the early innings of a rebuilding project.

AMERICAN LEAGUE CENTRAL

Twins … 91-72

White Sox … 87-75 (Wild Card)

Indians … 84-78

Royals … 70-92

Tigers … 67-95

Maybe it’s because they are my “home team,” but I’m expecting the Twins to repeat as AL Central champs. However, it won’t be easy as the White Sox are coming on strong. The Twins still have one of the AL’s most powerful lineups and should be improved on defense with newcomer (four-time Gold Glover) Andrelton Simmons now at shortstop, Josh Donaldson back at third base and Jorge Polanco moving to second (and let’s not forget Gold Glover Byron Buxton in center). The rotation will be again headed by Kenta Maeda and Jose Berrios – and looks to include Michael Pineda, J.A. Happ and Randy Dobnak. (or Matt Shoemaker). A revamped bullpen looks solid.

Coming on fast are the White Sox with a deep batting order; a rotation headed by Lucas Giolito, Lance Lynn and Dallas Keuchel; and a bullpen featuring new (and elite) closer Liam Hendriks. It’s going to be a dogfight at the top of the Central Division, but I expect the Twins experience to give them a slight edge. Carlos Carrasco, Francisco Lindor and Carlos Santana are gone from the Indians and, despite a solid bullpen and a rotation headed by Shane Bieber, Zach Plesac and the emerging Triston McKenzie and the addition of slugger Eddie Rosario, the Indians are likely to finish behind both the Twins and White Sox. The Royals look to be improved with a lineup that includes professorial hitter Whitt Merrifield, slugger Jorge Soler and newcomer Carlos Santana. They are also looking for a rebound from OF Andrew Benintendi (acquired via an off-season trade). The Tigers will have to wait from some of their young pitching prospects – Casey Mize, Tarik Skubal, Matt Manning and Franklin Perez to develop before moving up in the standings. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Mize and Skubal break camp with the Tigres.

AMERICAN LEAGUE WEST

Astros … 91-71

A’s … 86-76

Angels … 84-78

Mariners … 69-83

Rangers … 65-97

The Astros will miss George Springer (now with the Blue Jays) and Justin Verlander (Tommy John surgery), but still seem to have enough to win the West. The lineup has some star power with Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman and Carlos Correa – not to mention Kyle Tucker and Yordan Alvarez. Jake Odorizzi is a nice addition to a rotation that also offers Zack Greinke, Cristian Javier, Framber Valdez, Lance McCullers and Jose Urquidy. Ryan Pressley heads a bullpen that will need to prove itself over the long season. It looks like another division title for Houston, but they’ll have to hold off the pesky A’s.

Losing closer Liam Hendriks and shortstop Marcus Semien put a dent in the A’s playoff hopes, but there is still reason to expect them to be in contention. There is potential in the rotation (Mike Fiers, Scott Manaea, Frankie Montas, Jesus Luzardo, Chris Bassitt, A.J. Puk), as well as some power in the lineup (led by the double Matts – Olson and Chapman – who are also both superior defenders. Still, there are questions in the bullpen and the lineup could use a bit more punch. The Angels should be improved, but there are still too many question in the starting rotation (which has had the second worse ERA in MLB in each of the past two seasons). The Mariners are on the cusp of making some noise, and are anxiously awaiting the arrive of such prospects as OFs Jarred Kelenic and Taylor Trammel, RHP Logan Gilbert and RHP Emerson Hancock. In the meantime, enjoy the performance of southpaw Marco Gonzalez, 3B Kyle Seager and CF Kyle Lewis. Finally, the Rangers appear to be in rebuilding mode, so we’re likely to see a handful of young players getting a chance to develop on the big league diamonds.

— BBRT 2021 AL Watch List —

Now, some players BBRT will be watching on each team.

Baltimore Orioles – Trey Mancini, Ryan Mountcastle

Trey Mancini – Ready to lead Orioles’ offense. Photo by docjeffhyde

Trey Mancini missed the 2020 season missed the 2020 season due to a bout with colon cancer. His 2021 comeback is one of those “feel good” stories you just have to watch play out. In 2019, Mancini (DH/1B/OF) went .291-35-97. BBRT will also follow the development of 24-year-old 1B/OF Ryan Mountcastle. As a rookie in 2020, Mountcastle went .333-5-23 in 35 games. This followed a .312-25-83 2019 season at Triple A. He looks ready to contributed to an Orioles’ offense and (since he only appeared in 35 games last season) should be in the running for Rookie of the Year.

Why You Need to Stay and Watch the Whole Game

On August 1, 2020 – thanks to MLB’s short-season, extra-inning rules – the Rays opened the top of the tenth inning of a 4-4 game against the Orioles with Ji-Man Choi on second base. The first batter, Yoshi Tsutsugo flied out to Cedric Mullins in LF. Choi tried to advance to third, but was thrown out. It was the first time in MLB history that the leadoff hitter in an inning hit into a double play.

Boston Red Sox – Eduardo Rodriguez, Chris Sale

Bobby Dalbec – Adding power in Boston.

Southpaw starter Eduardo Rodriguez went 19-6, 3.81 in 2019 and then lost the 2020 season to COVID-related heart issues (myocarditis). The Red Sox absolutely need Rodriguez to bounce back if they are to finish above .500. BBRT will also be watching to see when Chris Sale (Tommy John surgery) returns to the mound (expected in late June or July). BBRT is also interested in the development of Red Sox’ 25-tear-old 1B Bobby Dalbec, who hit eight home runs in just 23 games a year ago – and is having a strong spring (to date). In 2019, Dalbec his 27 round trippers in 135 games at Double-A and Triple-A. If he can cut down on whiffs, he can add notable power to the BoSox lineup.

The Red Sox gave up 351 runs in 2020, the most in the American League.

Chicago White Sox – Nick Madrigal, Tim Anderson

Nick Madrigal – Young table setter in Chicago.

Lots of big boppers to watch in the White Sox lineup (Jose Abreu, Eloy Jimenez, Luis Robert), but BBRT is going to be watching a couple of players more suited to be table setters. 2B Nick Madrigal (just 24-years-old this season), hit .340 as a rookie in 2020 – after hitting .311, with 35 steals in three minor-league stops (120 games) in 2019. He had shoulder surgery in the off season (October), and BBRT will be looking to see how he bounces back. I’ll Also be watching SS Tim Anderson, the 2019 AL batting champ (.335, with 18 long balls and 17 steals), who hit .322-10-21, with five steals in 49 games a year ago. One thing of interest with Anderson will be to monitor his splits against lefties and righties. Over his five MLB seasons, he has hit .323 against lefties and .265 against right-handers – and, last season, that was even more pronounced (.449 against lefties and .283 versus righties). No matter, these two middle infielders should spend a lot of time creating problems for opponents.

In 2020. the White Sox led the American League in home runs with 96. American League MVP Jose Abreu led the way on the ChiSox with 19, followed by Eloy Jimenez with 14. Abreu also led the league in hits (76), RBI (60) and total bases (148).

Cleveland Indians – Shane Bieber, Eddie Rosario

Shane Bieber – On everyone’s CYA watch.

How can you not get excited about watching Shane Bieber, last year’s AL Cy Young Award winner, who led all of MLB in wins (8), strikeouts (122 in 77 1/3 innings) and ERA (1.63)? In his three MLB seasons, Bieber. Just 25-year-old, is 34-14, 3.32 with 499 whiffs in 406 1/3 innings pitched – and he seem to be getting better. He’s on everyone ‘s Cy Young watch list. With Francisco Lindor (trade) and Carlos Santana (free agency) gone, the Indians will be looking for some new sources of offense. Being a Twins fan, I’ll be watching former Twin Eddie Rosario, who has shown 30-home run/100-RBI power in the past.

The Indians recorded the American League’s lowest team ERA in 2020 at 3.29.

Detroit Tigers – Miguel Cabrera, Casey Mize

Miguel Cabrera – Adding to HOF credentials. Photo by Kevin.Ward

Number one on my Tigers’ watch list is DH Miguel Cabrera – entering his 19^th season just 134 hits shy of 3,000, 13 home runs short of 500. It will fun to watch the four-time batting champion, two-time Most Valuable Player and 11-time All Star add these landmarks to his Hall of Fame credentials. On the other end of the spectrum, I’ll be watching the 2018 MLB Draft first overall pick – RHP Casey Mize. A star at Auburn, Mize put up a 2.74 ERA with 120 strikeouts (and just 26 walks) in two minor-league seasons (2018-19). He got a brief, not so impressive, look-see in 2020 – going 0-3, 6.99 for the Tigers. Still, Mize has a devastating splitter, mid-90s fastball, slider and curve. If he can bring the command he exhibited in college and the minor leagues to the Detroit mound, he should be a mainstay in the Tigers’ rotation. He may not start the season in Detroit, but they need pitching, so you can expect to see him in the Motor City sooner rather than later.

From 2009-2016, Miguel Cabrera averaged .330, never hitting under .313 in a season.

Houston Astros – Kyle Tucker, Jake Odorizzi, Jose Altuve

Kyle Tucker – Adding to the Astros’ offense. Photo by Ken Lund

The Astros will open the season without ace starter Justin Verlander (Tommy John surgery), a well as without a big run-producing bat (George Springer, free agency). BBRT will be watching a couple of players the Astros hope will take up some of the slack. OF Kyle Tucker (24-years-old) may be ready to blossom. In 58 2020 games for Houston, Tucker hit .268, with nine home runs and 42 RBI, while also stealing eight bases and leading MLB with six triples. Oh, and he was also a Gold Glove finalist. It would be no surprise to see Tucker turn in a 25-homer, 80-RBI, 25-steal campaign. Free-agent Jake Odorizzi was signed to bolster the rotation. A 15-game winner with Twins in 2019, Odorizzi needs to bounce back from an injury-interrupted 2020 season, when he pitched only 13 2/2 innings. For a little extra (watching credit), take a look at three-time batting champion Jose Altuve, who hit just .219-5-18 in 48 games last season. Those are not Altuve-like numbers (.311 career average), and the Astros are looking for a rebound from the 31-year-old in both the average and power departments. Can’t wait to see what the mighty-mite has in the tank.

Ten pitchers made their major-league debuts with the Astros in 2020.

Kansas City Royals – Whit Merrifield

Whit Merrifield – Professional baseman. Photo by Minda Haas Kuhlmann

Whit Merrifield is a professional hitter, an accomplished base runner and a versatile defender – as well as player who stays on the field. He is, for BBRT, an “0ld-school” kind of guy, well worth watching day-in and day-out. Consider, over the past three seasons, Merrifield has played in 380 of the Royals 384 gamers. Over that time, he has averaged .300 (486 hits) and stolen 77 bases – while leading the AL in hits twice and triples and steals once each. He’s also taken the field at second base, first base and all three outfield positions.

The Royals turned 62 double plays in 2020, tops in the American League.

Los Angeles Angels – Mike Trout, Shohei Ohtani

Shohei – Something to watch on the mound and at the plate. Photo by shinya

How can you not watch three-time AL MVP Mike Trout, who’s never finished lower than fifth in the MVP voting in his ten MLB seasons? Don’t expect any surprises – just a solid .300, 30-home run, 90 RBI campaign (or even a little better). BBRT also will be watching 2018 AL Rookie of the Year Shohie Ohtani, who looks to be both in the starting rotation and seeing regular duty at DH. You may recall, in his rookie season, Ohtani hit .285 with 22 home runs in 104 games AND went 4-2, 3.31 in ten starts on the mound. Ohtani is more than one year removed from Tommy John surgery and seems fully recovered from last year’s elbow/forearm strain. I’ll be watching to see how far he can take this two-way approach (20 homer runs/10 mound victories?).

Angels’ Pitching Woes

You might want to monitor the entire Angels’ rotation, which turned din MLB’s second-worst earned run average in 2020 (5.52) – and that wasn’t a short-season fluke. They also put up MLB’s second-worst ERA in 2019 (5.64, only the Rockies starters were worse). They are hoping for a boost from Shohei Ohtani’s return to the mound, as well as from newcomer (free-agent) Jose Quintana (3.73 career ERA, over 254 appearances).

Minnesota Twins – Nelson Cruz, Byron Buxton, Alex Kiriloff

Nelson Cruz – Betting his age-41 seasons will be a thing of beauty. Photo by andywitchger

In 2019, Twins’ DH Nelson Cruz (who turned forty on July 1) went .303-16-33 in 53 games. He recorded the American League’s seventh-highest average, fifth-most home runs, third-highest on-base percentage and fifth-highest slugging percentage. BBRT will be watching to see what he can do in his age 41 season,

Others to watch in Minnesota include center fielder Byron Buxton – a multi-tool player whose all-out style of play has made him injury prone (he has played in at least 100 games in only one of six MLB seasons). Last season, Buxton hit 13 home runs in just 39 games. Buxton is a Gold Glove outfielder, who – if he stays in the lineup – could easily put up 25 home runs and 25 steals. The fact is, when he is on the field, he changes the game. Let’s see if he can stay off the IL. I’ll also be watching 23-year-old rookie OF Alex Kiriloff. Kiriloff has a .317 average, with 36 home runs over three minor-league seasons (279 games) and the Twins would like him to replace departed outfielder Eddie Rosario (.257-13-42 in 2020 and .276-32-109 in 2019). A .280-25-75 campaign from Kiriloff would do the trick.

The Twins have lost a record 18 consecutive post-season games.

New York Yankees – Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Luis Severino

Giancarlo Stant0n – big bat (when he’s) in the Yankee lineup. Photo by IDSportsPhoto

Plenty to watch in the Yankee lineup (they could run seven 25+ home run hitters out there). So, BBRT will be watching to see who is NOT in the lineup. That includes: RF slugger Aaron Judge – who has played in just 63 percent of the Yankees’ games over the past three years – and DH Giancarlo Stanton, who has appeared in just 52 percent of the Bomber’s games over that time. (Consider, Judge – as a rookie – hit 52 home runs in 2017. He hasn’t hit more than 27 in a season since. And Stanton, who hit 59 home runs as a Marlin in 2017 and 38 as a Yankee in 2018, has hit seven homers, while playing in just 41 games, over the past two seasons.) BBRT will also be watching to see when potential staff ace Luis Severino (a 19-game winner in 2019) returns from Tommy John surgery.

In 2020, the Yankees led the American League in run scored (315), walks (251) and on-base percentage (.342)

Oakland A’s – Trevor Rosenthal, Jake Diekman, Matt Olson, Matt Chapman

Matt Olson – Bringing leather and lumber to the A’s. Photo by mwlguide

Over the past two seasons, Liam Hendriks has owned the ninth inning for the Oakland A’s. He appeared in 99 games, won seven (five losses), saved 39, put up a minuscule 1.79 ERA and fanned 161 batters in 110 1/3 innings. Hendriks is now going to come in from the pen for the White Sox (free agency) and the scramble is on to replace him at closer. BBRT will be watching to see who moves into the spot. Candidates seem to be free-agent signee Trevor Rosenthal (132 career saves/11 saves and a 1.90 ERA in 2020’s short season) and Jake Diekman (a 0.42 ERA in 21 appearances last season). Always worth watching are the A’s two Matts – Olson and Chapman – a pair of Gold Glover corner infielders (Olson 1B, Chapman 3B), both proven capable of 30+ homer power (and keys to the A’s offense and defense).

Over the past three seasons Matt Olson and Matt Chapman have won four Gold Gloves and hit 149 home runs.

Seattle Mariners – Marco Gonzales, Rafael Montero

Marco Gonzales – Mariners’; ace. Photo by Minda Haas Kuhlmann

Marco Gonzales will again be the ace of the Mariners’ staff. (He was 7-2, 3.10 in 2020). Gonzales is not overpowering (64 strikeouts in 69 2/3 innings), but he gets the job done (59 hits and just seven walks). He’s the guy you want on the mound if you’re headed to a Mariners’ game. BBRT will also be watching new closer Rafael Montero (trade with Rangers) to see if he’s the real deal. The 30-year-old Montero is a converted starter, who didn’t have a save in his first five MLB seasons and then saved eight games in eight opportunities in 2020. He’s got a high-90s fastball, a sinker and a change up (his 4.08 Era in 2020 is a bit concerning). The closer role was a bit of a revolving door for the Mariners last season. If Montero grabs the role full-time it will help stabilize the Mariners’ bullpen.

The Mariners led the American League in stolen bases last season with 50 and had five players with five or more steals.

Tampa Bay Rays – Randy Arozarena, Rays’ Free-Agent Starters

Randy Arozarena – Post-seasons hero.

Rays’ rookie OF Randy Arozarena set the post-season on fire – hitting .376, with ten home runs and 14 RBI in 29 games, setting a record for the most home runs in a single year’s post season. This performance, contrary to some observers, did not come out of nowhere. Arozarena hit .281-7-11 in 23 games for the Diamondbacks in the regular season and .300 (6-for-20) in 19 games for the Cardinals in 2019. (He was traded from the Cardinals to the Rays in January of 2020.) The 2020 post-season, in fact, was not even Arozarena’s first post-season experience. He got in five post-season games for the Cardinals. Further, Arozarena posted a .292 average in three minor-league seasons, including a .344-15-53 line in 92 (AA-AAA) games in 2019. He looks like the real deal – and well worth watching.

BBRT will also be keeping an eye on Tampa Bay free-agent signees Rich Hill, Chris Archer, Collin McHugh and Michael Wacha. The Rays, who lost their two top starting pitchers (Blake Snell by trade, Charlie Morton to free agency) are once again rebuilding their pitching staff and it will be interesting to see how the rotation fleshes out (which may determine if the Rays or Blue Jays make it to the playoffs).

On September 11, 2020, the Rays starting lineup against the Red Sox was: Austin Meadows, LF; Joey Wendle, SS; Brandon Lowe, 2B; Ji-Man Choi, 1B; Kevin Kiermaier, CF; Yoshi Tsutsugo, 3B; Nate Lowe, DH; Brett Phillips, RF; Michael Perez, C. Uniquely, they were all left-handed hitters. Oh, and the Rays’ starting pitcher was southpaw Blake Snell. Righty Andrew Triggs started for the BoSox and gave way (after one scoreless inning) to left-hander Matt Hall. Hall surrendered four runs in 2 1/3 innings and took the loss.

Texas Rangers – Joey Gallo

Joey Gallo – Texas-sized power. Photo by mikelachance816

Will Joey Gallo lead the league in home runs, strikeouts or both? The a question is worth considering – and watching for the answer to. In the two full seasons, Gallo has played for the Rangers (at least 140 games), he hit .208, with 81 home runs AND 403 strikeouts. I’d love to see Gallo make more contact (that could lead to a 50-HR season). Notably, the free-swinging Gallo has added another reason to put him on you watch list. In 2020 the Ranger RF was a Gold Glover.

The Rangers’ 224 runs scored in 2020 were the fewest in the American League. They also had the leagues’s fewest hits (420), lowest batting average (.217) and fewest total bases (704).

Toronto Blue Jays – George Springer, Kirby Yates

Geroge Springer – Big Bat/Veteran presence. Photo by Stabbur’s Master

The Blue Jay have lots of emerging young players who deserve a look, many with familiar last names – SS Bo Bichette, 1B Vlad Guerrero, Jr., 3B Cavan Biggio. BBRT, however, will be keeping an eye on a couple of newcomers. The Jays made a big splash in the free-agent pool, led by the six-year, $150 million contract they gave to former Astro George Springer. Springer brings a proven bat to the middle of the Blue Jays’ lineup. He averaged .270-35-93 for each 162 games over a seven season MLB career – and, in 2019, went .293-39-96. He also brings a veteran presence to this young squad – and the Blue Jays hope he can lead them to the post-season. The Blue Jays also brought in closer Kirby Yates (free agency). In 2019, Yates led the NL in saves (as a Padre) with 41, along with a 1,19 ERA and 101 strikeouts in 60 2/3 innings. Bone chips in his elbow (requiring surgery) limited Yates to six appearance in 2020. The Blue Jays expect him to come back with a vengeance in 2012 – and so does BBRT.

Other Blue jays to put on your “bird watching” list include outfielder Teoscar Hernandez, who surprised in 2019 with a .289-16-34 season (50 games). Going into the season, Hernandez has a .237 average in 327 MLB games over four seasons. The Blue Jays would like to see the 2019 version. Also, keep an eye on top pitching prospect Nate Pearson with his triple-digit fastball and wicked 90-mph+ slider. His emergence could bolster the Jay’s rotation.

In 2020, the Blue Jays had MLB youngest roster or position players and fifth-oldest roster of pitchers.

— MAJOR AWARDS —

Finally, predictions on BBRT favorites for American League Awards.

Al MVP: 1. D.J. LeMahieu; 2) Matt Chapman, A’s; 3) Aaron Judge, Yankees; 4) Alex Bregman, Astros; 4) George Springer, Blue Jays

AL Cy Young: 1) Gerrit Cole, Yankees; 2) Shane Bieber, Indians; 3) Lucas Giolito, White Sox; 4) Tyler Glasnow, Rays

AL Rookie of the Year; Randy Arozarena, Rays; Casey Mize, Tigers; Alex Kiriloff, Twins; 4) Wander Franco, Rays

Primary Resources: Baseball-Reference.com; MLB.com.

Coming Soon; BBRT’s National League Predictions/Watch List.

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