Baseball Roundtable

As the MLB season prepares to truly get underway, here are the Roundtable’s predictions for 2025. So, I can be on record if I do pretty well (or can ignore them if I don’t). A cautionary word, while these predictions are statical-driven, some bias comes into the picture.  Being a Minnesotan, I tend to be overly optimistic about my Twins; I’m probably a touch harder on the Yankee (old-school bias); and I lean toward pitching over offense (I’m the kind of fan who prefers a 3-2 game to a 13-12 contest or even a 7-6 score.). Side note:  I am not the fan of overseas “openers” during Spring Training, I consider Opening Day to be when we have a full (or nearly full) slate of games.  

AL EAST

Orioles          90-72

Blue Jays      88-74

Yankees       85-77

Red Sox       83-79

Rays             79-83

To be honest, when I started this part of this post, I had the Yankees and Orioles fighting it out (once again) for the Division title – with Yankee pitching depth giving them a slight edge.  Then, Luis Gil, Gerrit Cole, Giancarlo Stanton and potentially Clarke Schmidt went down with injury concerns. Now, it looks like the Division title will go to the Orioles, but the Blue Jays and Red Sox will be in the fight.

The Orioles boast lots of talented youngsters led by 23-year-old MVP candidate SS Gunnar Henderson (.281-37-92, with 21 steals a year ago). Henderson (intercostal strain) may miss some time early.  There is also the potential power of newcomer Tyler O’Neill, who hit 31 homers in 113 games in 2024. (Not to mention – Oh, I guess I will – the likes of C Andy Rutschman (19HR/79RBI), 3B Jordan Westburg(18HR/63RBI) and CF Cedric Mullins (18HR/54RBI/32SB).  The O’s will miss the mound work of Corbin Burnes (lost to free agency), last year’s “ace” and a 15-game winner, as well as Grayson Rodriguez, a 13-game winner a year ago, who will start the season on the IL.  Still, there appears to be enough pitching to claim the title, with Zach Elfin (10-9, 3.59); newcomer, 35-year-old Tomoyuki Sugano (136-75, 2.45 in 12 seasons in Japan); Charlie Morton; highly touted Carl Povich; and Dean Kremer in the rotation. One reason for concern is the status of elite closer Felix Bautista (Tommy John surgery), who missed the 2024 season after 33 saves and a 1.48 ERA in 2023. Bautista’s status may determine the Orioles’ ability to lead the Division.

The Blue Jays added the power bat of RF Anthony Santander (44 homer/102 RBI for the Orioles in 2024) to a lineup that includes 1B Vlad Guerrero Jr. (.323-30-103) and SS Bo Bichette (whom I expect to rebound from an off year in 2024).  They also signed Max Scherzer, who has looked sharp this spring (although he did experience some thumb soreness).  Scherzer joins a rotation that includes 16-game winner Jose Berrios and 14-game winner Kevin Gausman.  Closing duties appear to belong to Jeff Hoffman (10 saves a yar ago), although Chad Green should see plenty of late-inning action.

Even with their injury issues, the Yankees still have plenty of talent.  Aaron Judge (.322-58-104) is a game changer, 2B Jazz Chisholm, Jr. (.256-24-73, 40 steals) brings power and speed and prospect Jasson Dominguez appears ready to take over LF.  Carlos Rodon (16-9, 3.96) will lead the rotation and newcomer Max Fried (11-10, 3.25 for the Braves) will help compensate for some of the pitching losses. Newcomers CF Cody Bellinger (.266-18-78) and 1B Paul Goldschmidt, (.245-22-65), are veteran hitters, but may not be enough to overcome the loss of Juan Soto (free agent) and Giancarlo Stanton (injury). Add the loss of Gerrit Cole, expected long absence of Luis Gil and recent health concerns regarding Clarke Schmidt and it seems like too much to overcome.

The Red Sox added southpaw Gary Crochet, the “ace” they needed at the top of the rotation and Alex Bregman (.260-26-75 for the Astros in 2024) to add power (to an already solid lineup) and infield defense. Tanner Houck (9-10, 3.12) should slot into the number-two rotation spot and the Red Sox are hoping for a rebound from newcomer Walker Buehler.  Health concerns regarding starters Brayan Bello, Lucas Giolito and Kutter Crawford present an early season challenge (which is why I put them behind the Yankees.) The bullpen is headed by veterans Liam Hendriks (coming off health concerns, including 2023 Tommy John surgery, but with 37 saves for the White Sox in 2022) and Aroldis Chapman (3.79 in 68 games for the Pirates). There is ample offense with Bregman, 1B Triston Casas (12 homers in 63 games and 21 homers 2023), LF Jarren Duran (21 homers/34 steals) and DH Rafael Devers (.272-28-83).

Finally, the Rays will continue get more out of their squad then most observers expect, but I don’t see them moving up. Key contributors should include 1B Yandy Diaz (.281-14-65); 2B Brandon Lowe (21HR/58RBI); 21-year-old prospect 3B Junior Caminero. The Rays could use a rebound from LF Christopher Morel (.196-21-60 in 152 games for the Cubs and Rays a year ago, but .247-26-70 in 107 games for the Cubs in 2023). If healthy, the Rays’ rotation will be led by Shane McLanahan (returning from Tommy John surgery after an 11-2, 3.29 season in 2023).  In the mix are: Zach Littell, Taj Bradley, Shane Baz (2022 Tommy John Surgery) and Drew Rasmussen (recovering from elbow surgery, but who had a 2.83 ERA in 28 2/3 innings last year). There is potential in the rotation, but health and workload concerns hover over the staff.   Closing duties look to go to Pete Fairbanks (23 saves in 2024) and/or Edwin Uceta (1.53 ERA in 30 appearances). Ultimately, only the White Sox scored fewer runs than the Rays last season and things don’t look a lot different going into 2025. Still, the Rays tend to surprise and if the pitching holds up could move as high as third, but I place them here.

AL CENTRAL

Twins            87-75

Royals          85-77

Tigers           83-79

Guardians     80-82

White Sox     60-102

Actually, this is kind of ABCD (Anybody But Chicago Division). I’m going to be a “homer” (I’m from the Twin Cities) and go with the Twins. I’m betting (perhaps too optimistically, especially given Royce Lewis’ recent hamstring issues) on improved health from SS Carlos Correa, 3B Lewis and CF Byron Buxton. (Last season those three hit 50 home runs and drove in 157 runs – 27% of the Twins’ homers and 22% of the team’s RBI – despite missing a combined 214 games.)  Critical to the offense will be super-utility man Willi Castro (.247-12-69, with 14 steals), who plays all over the field and gives the Twins the flexibility to rest players as needed (to keep the likes of Correa, Lewis and Buxton on the field). Last season, Castro led the Twins in games played at 158. The Twins have a solid rotation led by Pablo Lopez (15 wins in an off year); Joe Ryan (7-7. 3.50); and Bailey Ober (12-9, 3.98). They have arguably the best bullpen in the Division (perhaps in the AL), with flamethrower Jhoan Duran (23 saves and 10.9 whiffs per nine innings a year ago); Griffin Jax (2.03 ERA in 72 appearances); Cole Sands; Brock Stewart and Danny Coulombe.

If the Twins falter, I look for the Royals to step up. They’ve got a strong and improving lineup, led by MVP candidate Bobby Witt, Jr. (.333-32-109, 31 steals). The Royals added 2B/DH Jonathan India (.248-15-58, 13 steals) to lead off and can also expect offense from underrated 1B Vinnie Pasquantino (87 RBI) and) veteran C Salvador Perez (.271-27-104). They have a solid rotation (second-lowest starters’ ERA in MLB last season) that leads off with Cole Ragans (11-9, 3.14), Seth Lugo (16-9, 3.00) and Michael Wacha (13-8, 3.35).  They also strengthened the bullpen with the addition of Carlos Estevez (26 saves for the Angels and Phillies a year ago). Geez, my pick of the Twins isn’t look as bright, but I’ll stick with it.

The Tigers are not far behind, with reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal (18-4, 2.39) heading a strong rotation that includes, Jack Flaherty (13-7, 3.17), Reese Olson, Casey Mize and top prospect Jackson Jobe. Jason Foley (28 saves, 3.15, 69 appearances) will lead a bullpen that includes Tyler Holton (2.19 in 66 appearances), Beau Brieske (3.59 in 46 appearances) and Will Vest (2.82 in 69 appearances). The offense, led by emerging star LF Riley Greene (.262-24-74), RF Kerry Carpenter (.284-18-57); and Parker Meadows (who came on strong in the second half of 2024, but may start the season on the IL) may fall a little short of the Royals and Twins. However, I’m actually picking Detroit as low as third (in this tight division) because I’m not sure their successful brand of “pitching “chaos” will turn the trick again. (Last season, the Tigers got the fewest innings out of their starting pitchers of any MLB team, relief appearances made up 48% of their Tigers’ total innings, starters averaged an MLB-low 4.65 innings per outing and relievers recorded 46 of the teams 86 victories.) If “chaos” works again the Tigers could stay atop the Division, but I don’t see it.

The Guardians are a bit longer shot than the Twins, Royals and Tigers to make the post-season – it all depends on pitching.  I think the rotation falls a little short of the teams I’m picking ahead of the Guardians: Tanner Bibee (12-8, 3.47) and Luis Ortiz (7-6, 3.32) are likely to lead the way, with Gavin Williams, Ben Lively and Triston McKenzie (looking to bounce back from a 3-5, 5.11 2024) filling out the five spots. The Guardians boast a premier bullpen:  Emmanuel Clase (47 saves, 0.61 ERA); Hunter Gaddis (1.57 ERA); Tim Herrin (1.92); Cade Smith (1.91). I worry a bit that the pen may have been overworked in 2024.  (Those four top arms each made at least 74 appearances a year ago.) 3B Jose Ramirez (.279-39-118, 41 steals) remains an MVP candidate on offense and LF Steven Kwan is a solid in the leadoff spot (.292-14-44, 12 steals); but they need some help.  One likely source is newcomer 1B Carlos Santana (23 homers with the Twins last year). Still, ff the bullpen holds up and if Shane Bieber returns strong (probably in June) after Tommy John surgery, the Guardians could get in the hunt.

The White Sox, well after 121 losses a year ago, they are not in the mix. Consider, with Garret Crochet gone, the ChiSox are expected to name rookie Sean Burke – with just 19 MLB innings, but a 1.42 ERA on his resume – as the Opening Day starter. (Burke was 2-6, 4.62 at Triple-A a year ago). Andrew Benintendi, who led the team with 20 homers in 2024 – will miss Opening Day (fractured hand); and the likely closer will be Justin Anderson (1-2, 4.39 in 56 outings a year ago).

 AL WEST

Astros           90-72

Mariners       88-74

Rangers         86-76

Angels          73-89

A’s                70-92

The Astros have a strong rotation, led by Framber Valdez (15-7, 2.91), Hunter Brown (11-9, 3.49) and Ronel Blanco (13-6, 2.80) – and Josh Hader (34 saves) and Bryan Abreu should shorten the game. The offense features dynamic 2B (now LF). Jose Altuve (.295-20-65), with 22 steals), SS Jeremy Pena (.286-15-70, with 20 steals), C Yainer Diaz (.299-18-84) and Uber DH Yordan Alvarez (.308-35-86). This is a well-balanced team that knows how to win.

The Mariners may have the deepest rotation in the Division:  Logan Gilbert (9-12, 3.23), Bryce Miller (12-8, 2.94), Bryan Woo (9-3, 2.89) and Luis Castillo (11-12, 3.64) – although they will miss George Kirby (right shoulder) early.  The bullpen is solid, led by closer Andres Munoz (2.12 ERA/22 saves). The offense is built around MVP candidate Julio Rodriguez (.273-20- 68, with 24 steals in an off year – he was a 30/30 player in 2023) and catcher Cal Raleigh (.220-34-100). It falls off from there. Rodriguez was the only Mariner with 100+ games and an average above .243 and his 68 RBI were second (to Raleigh’s 100) on the Mariners. There doesn’t seem to be enough offense to support that solid pitching. Keep an eye on RF Victor Robles. Released by the Nationals in June (after hitting .120 in just 14 games), he raked at a .328 pace in 77 games after signing with the Mariners. He’s just 27 and could have some solid upside – particularly on the basepaths (30 steals in 31 attempts with Seattle last season.)

The Rangers (a popular pick to win the division) have a deep offense led SS Corey Seager (30 HR/74RBI), 2B Marcus Semien (23HR/74 RBI), newcomer 1B Jake Burger (29HR/76 RBI), LF Wyatt Langford (16HR/74 RBI), RF Adolis Garcia (25HR/85 RBI) and newcomer DH Joc Pederson (23HR/64RBI). You get the idea.  The loss of Jon Gray (wrist) exposed a bit of a thin rotation for the Rangers – they can still count on Nathan Eovaldi (12-8, 3.80), but they really need comeback seasons from Jacob DeGrom (just 47 starts in the last five seasons) and Tyler Mahle (eight starts in the last two seasons). I also have some concerns regarding the bullpen after the departure (free agency) of closer Kirby Yates (33 saves a year ago) and key setup men David Robertson and Jose LeClerc.  Chris Martin (3.45, with two saves in 45 appearances for Boston) looks to be the closer, with Robert Garcia and Mike Church getting plenty of late-inning work. Ultimately, the Ranger have the AL West’s powerful lineup, but I’m just not sure there is enough pitching to enable that potent offense to bash up in the standings.

The Angels added Yusei Kikuchi (9-10. 4.05 for the Blue Jays and Astros) to lead the rotation that includes Tyler Anderson, Jose Soriano and Kyle Hendriks.  Kikuchi seemed to find himself after a trade to the Astros – going 5-1, 2.70 in 10 August/September starts. Anderson was 10-15, 3.81 for the Angels. Soriano converted form a reliever to a starter was and was 6-7, 3.42 and seems to have some potential. Hendriks adds a veteran presence (11 seasons with the Cubs), but is coming off difficult year (4-12, 5.92).  On offense there are health concerns with Mike Trout (averaging 64 games played over the past five seasons) and Anthony Rendon (52 games per season over the last five). If they can each put in a full season, the Angels’ prospects improve.  Newcomer DH Jorge Soler (.251-21-64) should help the offense – as would further development of young, high potential players SS Zach Neto (starting the season on the IL), C Logan O’Hoppe and 1B Nolan Schanuel. Still, this is a team that scored the third-fewest runs in MLB a year ago and allowed the fourth most, they still have a way to go.

The A’s improved from 50 wins in 2023 to 69 in 2024, but that still left them 24 games under .500. They have some exciting young talent in DH Brent Rooker (.293-39-112 a year ago), C Shea Langeliers (29 HR/80RBI), RF Lawrence Butler and lights-out closer Mason Miller (28 saves, 2.49 ERA, 104 K in 65 innings), but I don’t see them moving too far (other than to Sacramento, of course – and who knows what that will mean in terms of the intangibles).

NL EAST

Braves          92-70

Phillies          90-72

Mets             88-74

Nationals      74-88

Marlins         63-99

It should be a tight three-team race in the NL East, with the Braves Phillies and the Mets all in the hunt.  It may depend on injuries or which team can put together a nice winning streak at some point in the season.,

Despite a rather slow off-season in the player market – there is plenty of talent on the Braves – even with Ronald Acuna, Jr. and Spencer Strider likely to miss some time early. 3B Austin Riley (19 HR/56RBI in 110 games) and 1B Matt Olson (.247-29-98) provide solid power at the comers (and both are capable of more). DH Marcell Ozuna (.302-39-104) will bring runs home; 2B Ozzie Albies is due for a bounce-back; and newcomer LF Jurickson Profar (.280-24-85) should also boost the offense. They will miss Max Fried in the rotation, but 2024 Cy Young Award winner Chris Sale, Spencer Schwellenbach (8-7, 3.35) and Reynaldo Lopez are (8-5, 1.99 are capable of holding down the fort until Strider returns. Raisel Iglesias (38 saves, 1.95 ERA) is a premier closer, but the bullpen does thin a bit after that.  A lot depends on how soon Acuna and Strider return (and how they perform), but the Brave appear well-positioned to lead the East.

The Phillies’ lineup is stacked with the likes of Kyle Schwarber (.248-38-104); potential MVP candidates at 1B (Bryce Harper – .285-30-87) and SS (Trea Turner – .295-21-62, with 19 steals); 2B Bryson Stott; and 3B Alex Bohm (.280-15-97).  Zack Wheeler (16-7, 2.57) is an ace atop a reliable rotation: (Aaron Nolo (14-8, 3.57); Christopher Sanchez (11-9, 3.32); Ranger Suarez (12-8, 3.46). Suarez does have some back issues, but they do not appear to be serious. (He could miss a start or two early.) It remains to be seen what they will get out of newcomer Jesus Luzardo, coming off a tough 2024.   The bullen could use a little help after the departure of Carlos Estevez and Jeff Hoffman, we’ll wait to see how well Jordan Romano bounces back from elbow surgery. He’s looked good in Spring Training, just four hits (eight K’s) 6 2/3 innings of relief as I key this) and he did save 36 games in a season as recently as 2023.  The Phillies could sneak past the Braves, but I like the Atlanta pitching staff a little better.

The Mets added the big bat of Juan Soto (.288-41-109) – an acquisition made that much sweeter, since he is coming over from the Yankees. Soto makes the lineup even deeper and his presence should make SS Francisco Lindor (.273-33-91, 29 steals), 1B Pete Alonso (.240-34-88) and 3B Mark Vientos (.261-27-71) even better.  Vientos, just 25-years-old, has plenty of upside and is a player to watch. The Mets are hoping 32-year year-old Kodai Senga, their default “ace,” will come back from a 2024 season lost to injuries. They have also been some health hiccups for Sean Manaea and newcomer Frank Montas this spring, both of whom it appears will start the season on the IL.  Keep an eye on David Peterson (10-3, 2.90 in in 21 starts a year ago), Griffin Canning (6-13, 5.19) and Paul Blackburn (5-4, 4.66) to see now well they fill the rotation gap. The Roundtable is especially interested in newcomer Clay Holmes (closer for the Yankees a year ago), who is expected to start the Opener. In seven MLB seasons, Holmes has made 341 appearances and just four starts – but did record 74 saves over the past three seasons). Should be an interesting transition.  On the brighter side, starter Tyler McGill has looked solid this spring and Edwin Diaz (who had 20 saves in 2024, even in an off year for him) can be an elite closer. The rest of the pen can generate swings and misses – and walks.  Questions about the health of the rotation lead me to put the Mets behind the Braves and Phillies.

The Nationals appear to be moving in the right direction, but not into contention (yet) in the tough NL East.  SS CJ Abrams (.246-20-65, 31 steals) looks poised to develop into an offensive force at the leadoff spot, prospects RF prospect LF Dylan Crews may be ready to breakout and the Nationals are hoping newcomers 1B Nathaniel Lowe (.265-16-69) and DH Josh Bell (.249-19-71) can add to a lineup that delivered the NL’s second-fewest runs and fewest homers a year ago. MacKenzie Gore (10-12. 3.90) will lead the rotation and has All Star potential, but the remainder needs to step up. Righty Trevor Williams surprised with a 6-1, 2.03 record in 13 starts a year ago. We’ll see if the 32-year-old, in his tenth MLB season) can build on that. We could see tall righty Travis Sykora called up at some point. The bullpen got a boost when Kyle Finnegan (38 saves) re-signed, but could use some help

The Marlins were 62-100 in 2024 and it looks like their young prospects are going to get a lot of playing time. Watch 1B Jonah Bride (.276 with 11 home runs in 71 games a year ago); SS Xavier Edwards (.328 in 70 games); and 3B Connor Norby (.263-9-20 in 45 games for the Orioles and Marlins). Also, keep an eye LF Jesus Sanchez, who will start the season on the IL, but has a good upside if he can master the strike zone. It will be interesting to see what 2022 Cy Young Award winner Sandy Alcantara has as he comes back from Tommy John surgery.  As I write this Alcantara has yet to give up a run in 12 1/3 spring innings. The closer role looks to go to either Jesus Tinoco or Calvin Faucher. The Marlins appear to be building for the future, not for 2025.

NL CENTRAL

Cubs            92-70

Brewers        81-81

Cardinals      79-83

Pirates          77-85

Reds            75-87

The Cubs have an interesting offense, with a host of professional hitters that may not knock your socks off individually, but who show offensive potential up and down the lineup. The Cubbies could have five 20+ home run hitters – most of whom also offer a little quickness on the basepaths: newcomer Kyle Tucker (.283-23-49, 11 steals); SS Dansby Swanson (.242-16-66, with 19 steals and three 20+ HR seasons in his last four); DH Seiya Suzuki (.283-21-73, with 16 steals); LF Ian Happ (.243-25-86, with 13 steals) and high-potential CF Pete Crow-Armstrong in CF. They also went out in the off-season and (you’ve head of Build-A-Bear) literally built a bullpen – adding Ryan Pressley (30+ saves in three of the past four seasons), Ryan Brasier and Caleb Thielbar.  The rotation also looks to be a plus with Shota Imanaga (15-3, 2.91), Justin Steele (5-5, 3.07), Jameson Taillon (12-8, 3.27) and newcomers Matthew Boyd (2-2, 2.72) and Colin Rea (12-6, 4.29). Couple all this with the Cubs’ solid defense and you have a well- balanced team that should be able to overtake the Brewers in the NL Central).

The Brewers have led the NL Central in three of the last four years and figure to give the Cubs a run for their money. The Brew Crew will do it with a focus on starting pitching and defense. (In the NL, only the Braves gave up fewer runs then the Brewers last season.)  The rotation is led by Freddy Peralta (11-9, 3.68) and has some quality arms in Nestor Cortes (9-10, 3.77), Aaron Civale (8-9, 4.36). They will miss a couple of pieces at early the season: particularly starters Tobias Myers (spring injury) and Brandon Woodruff. Woodruff appears to be progressing well this spring and was 13-4 3.05. in 2023.The bullpen, led by Trevor McGill, 21 saves a year ago, doesn’t boast a lot of well-known names, but proved its capabilities last season (with a 3.11 ERA).  On offense, 2B Jackson Chourio was a 20-20 player last season (.275-21-79, with 22 steals), Christian Yelich remains an offensive force, William Contreras (,281-23-92) provides power from the catcher’s spot, 1B Rhys Hoskins had 26 long balls last season (but could improve on his .214 average) and CF Garrett Mitchels, a switch hitter, showed some pop (.255-8-21, with 11 steals in 69 games) before suffering a broken hand. The Brewers have a solid club, but heath concerns surrounding the rotation (Gee, how many teams are looking at that issue?) may be just enough to give the Cubs the edge.

The Cardinals seem to be in a process of retooling or resetting and it will probably show in the standings. An area of strength may be in the bullpen, led by shutdown closer Ryan Helsley (49 saves, 2.04 ERA) and effective relievers Ryan Fernandez, John King and Matthew Liberator.  The rotation will be led by Sonny Gray (13-9, 3.84) and Erick Fedde (9-9, 3.30). Andre Pallante (8-8, 3.78) has a solid upside potential. Mike Mikolas and Steve Matz need to bounce back if the Cardinals are going to be in the chase.  The offense will be led by 3B Nolan Arenado (272-16-71, but who has shown more power in the past) and 1B Willson Contreras (.262-15-36 in 84 games), who should be even better now that he has shed the catcher’s gear.   Keep an eye on SS Masyn Winn, who has 20/20 potential. The Cardinals scored the fourth-fewest run in the NL last season – and they no longer have Paul Goldschmidt in the lineup. They may struggle to each .500.

The reason to watch the Pirates starts with 2024 All Star and phenom Paul Skenes (11-3, 1.96), who could come away with the 2025 NL Cy Young Award. There’s also reason to be excited about young RHP Jared Jones (6-8, 4.14), another potential All Star. He had some elbow issue late in Spring Training, so keep an eye on that.  It will be interesting to see how he develops. Mitch Keller (11-12, 4.25) brings a veteran presence to the rotation. The Pirates also have a couple of additional young starters who may be ready to make a splash: Thomas Harrington and Bubba Chandler. The bullpen, well suffice to say, the Pirates’ bullpen ERA (at 4.49) was the fourth-worst in MLB last season. Any improvement needs to start with closer David Bednar – an All Star in 2022 and 2023 – who suffered through an off season in 2024. He will set the tone for the pen. On offense CF Oneill Cruz is coming off a .259-21-76, 22-steal season; LF Bryan Reynolds can be counted on for 25 long balls; and DH Andrew McCutchen (.232-20-50), at 38-years-old, still can provide a steady veteran bat. I’m anxious to see a full season of Joey Bart at catcher (.265-13-45 in 80 games). Ultimately, with the Pirates, there does not seem to be enough “there” to move up in the standings, but they are definitely moving in the right direction.  If the bullpen rights itself, they could move up a notch.

The Reds can boast one of the most exciting players in MLB – SS Elly De La Cruz (.259-25-76, with 67 steals) and an ace in waiting Hunter Greene (9-5, 2.75).  Young RHP Rhett Lowder is on the rise (but will open the season on the IL); Nick Lodolo looks solid (when healthy) and Brady Singer, Nick Martinez and Carson Spiers could all contribute to the rotation.  The bullpen will be led by closer Alexis Diaz (28 saves) and Emilio Pagan, Tony Santillan, Sam Moll and Brent Suter can capably fil bullpen roles. On offense, after De La Cruz, there are health concerns:  LF Spencer Steer (.225-20-92, with 25 steals – shoulder), DH Christian Encarnacion-Strand (coming off a fractured wrist); 2B Matt McLain (torn Labrum); CF TJ Friedl (wrist, thumb, hamstring); and C Tyler Stephenson (oblique strain).  It appears Stephenson may not be ready for the Opener. If McLain (.290-16-50, with 14 steals in 2023, but out last season), Encarnacion-Strand (just 29 games last season, but .270-13-37 in 63 2023 games) and Friedl (.226-13-55 in 85 games a year ago, but .279-18-66, with 27 steals in 203) are (and stay) healthy, the Red could challenge for third place.

NL WEST

Dodgers                  106-56

Diamondbacks     91-71

Padres                    88-64

Giants                    79-83

Rockies                  60-102

The Dodgers look like a lock to win the NL West. The offense starts with three former MVPs: DH Shohei Ohtani (.310, with 50 homers and 59 steals in 2024), SS Mookie Betts (.289-19-75, with 16 steals) and 1B Freddie Freeman (.282-22-89) But it doesn’t stop there. RF Teoscar Hernandez had 33 homers a year ago, 2B Gavin Lux hit .304-7-26 in the second half), and Will Smith showed pop at C (.248-20-75). The Dodgers will score plenty of runs.   The rotation will be headed by newcomer and two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell (5-3, 3.12, in 20 starts for Giants). But there is plenty of talent: Yoshinobu Yamamoto (7-2, 3.00), newcomer Roki Sasaki, Tyler Glasnow (9-6, 3.49) and Ohtani should join in May or June.  An already strong bullpen Michael Kopech (15 saves, 3.46); Blake Treinen and Evan Phillips (18 saves), was made even stronger with the addition of Tanner Scott (22 saves, 1.75 ERA for the Padres and Marlins) and Kirby Yates (33 saves 1.77 /ERA for the Rangers.)  Note: Kopech is starting the season on the IL (shoulder).   100+ wins seem a cinch for this squad.

The Padres and Diamondback should fight it out for the number-two spot.  I give the Diamondbacks a slight edge due to their rotation: Newcomer and Cy Young candidate Corbin Burnes (15-9, 2.92 with the Orioles last season), Zac Gallen (14-6, 3.65), Merrill Kelly and Brandon Pfaadt.   We’ll watch to see if Jordan Montgomery or Eduardo Rodriguez steps up.  The offense, which topped MLB in runs scored a year ago, will be led by MVP candidate 2B Ketel Marte (.292-36-95), Corbin Carroll (47 homers and 89 steals over the past two seasons), 3B Eugenio Suarez (.256-30-101) and newcomer Josh Naylor (.320-31-108 for Cleveland). Key bullpen arms include closer Justin Martinez (2.48 with eight saves), A.J. Puk and Kevin Ginkel. Thanks to the Dodgers, it looks like a Wild Card sport for the Diamondbacks.

The Padres had a less than inspiring off-season (particularly in relation to the Dodgers and Diamondbacks). They lost some key players like He-Seoing Kim, Tanner Scott and Jurickson Profar and didn’t make any notable additions.  With Joe Musgrove out, the rotation should be led by Yu Darvish (7-3, 3.31), Michael King (13-9, 2.95) and Dylan Cease (14-11, 3.47).  Only, oops, late in Spring Training, Darvish went down with elbow inflammation.  The Padres have to hope for a quick return.  Even if Darvish comes back early on, I don’t think the rotation goes as deep as LA and Arizona.  Robert Suarez (36 saves a year ago) leads the bullpen and Jason Adams (1.95 ERA in 74 games) and Jeremiah Estrada (2.95 in 62 games) have the stuff to fill in the late innings.  On offense three-time batting champion 1B Luis Arreaz will be a table setter, while the likes of 3B Manny Machado (.275-29-105) and RF Fernando Tatis, Jr. (.276-21-49) provide power. Keep an eye on CF Jackson Merrill – .292-24-90, with 16 steals and an All Star in his 2024 rookie season.

The Giants should be right around .500. They lost Blake Snell (fee agency), but still have Logan Webb (13-10, 3.47), Robbie Ray (3-2, 4.70, after returning from Tommy John surgery) and Jordan Hicks (4-7, 4.10, but with notable upside).  It remains to be seen what 42-year-old Justin Verlander has left in the tank and how 23-year-old southpaw Kyle Harrison (7-7, 4.56) develops.  Ryan Walker has taken over and is solid at closer (10-4, 1.91, 10 saves). Tyler Rogers (2.82 in 77 appearances) and Erik Miller (3.88 in 73 appearances) should set him up. The offense should be led by newcomer SS Willy Adames (26 homers/88 RBI), OF Heliot Ramos (.269-22-72) and 3B Matt Chapman (a veteran power bat and five-time Gold Glover).  Keep an eye on CF 26-year-old Jung Hoo Lee – a .340 hitter in seven seasons in Korea – who is coming off shoulder surgery, and had a strong spring.  Hard to see San Francisco rising above fourth place. 2B Tyler Fitzgerald (.280-15-34, with 17 steals in in 96 games) could surprise – especially if he improves his strike zone discipline (22 walks, 108 strikeouts in 2024).

The Rockies lost 101 game a year ago and I don’t see a lot of upward potential. There are few players to watch though. CF Brenton Doyle provides Gold Glove defense, power and speed (.260-23-72, with 30 steals a year ago). 3B Ryan McMahon, 1B Michael Toglia and SS Ezequiel Tovar all hit at least 20 long balls in 2004. The rotation will be led by Kyle Freeland (5-8, 5.24); Ryan Feltner (3-10, 4.49); Austin Gomber (5-12, 4.75). German Marquez and Antonio Senzatela are both coming back from injury. As far as the state of the bullpen, Tyler Kinley led the team in saves last year with 12 (with a 6.79 ERA.) He was better in the second half (2-0, 3.75 with seven saves). In the pen, keep an eye on Seth Halvorsen (1.46 in 12 appearances with the Rox last season) and Luis Peralta (0.73 in 15 appearances – both could make some noise this season,

Ultimately, in 2024, the Rockies allowed the most runs in MLB and, despite Coors Field, finished 11th in the National League in scoring.  (They were outscored by 247 runs.) They have a way to go to be competitive in the NL West.

Some of my sources for this post.

Baseball Roundtable – Blogging Baseball Since 2012.

Baseball Roundtable is on the Feedspot list of the Top 100 Baseball Blogs. For the full list click here. 

I tweet (on X) baseball @DavidBaseballRT

Follow Baseball Roundtable’s Facebook Page here.  More baseball commentary; blog post notifications; PRIZES.

Member: Society for American Baseball Research (SABR); Negro Leagues Baseball Museum; The Baseball Reliquary.

P 1101

Once again, it’s time for Trivia(l) Tidbit Tuesday. I hope you are enjoying this weekly presentation of baseball occurrences that for some reason caught The Roundtable’s eye.  (I’m particularly fond of unexpected performances and statistical coincidences.) These won’t necessarily be momentous occurrences, just events, statistics or coincidences that grabbed my attention. I’m also drawn to baseball “unicorns,” those one-of-a-kind accomplishment or statistics. Today, we are looking not at a unicorn, but at an achievement that (for The Roundtable) qualified as a unicycle.

On September 18, 1980, Twins’ rookie Gary Ward – in his fourteenth MLB game, hit his first MLB home run. Ward, playing LF and leading off for the Twins in an eventual, nine-inning 9-8 win over the Brewers in Milwaukee:

• Doubled to lead off the first inning (off Mike Caldwell);
• Singled to lead off the third inning (off Caldwell);
• Hit a solo home run with two out in the fifth (off Caldwell);
• Hit an RBI triple in the seventh (off Reggie Cleveland);
• Lined out to SS in the eighth (off John Flinn).

Ward’s cycle was unique in the number of boxes it checked.

• It made Ward just the fifth player whose first MLB home run was part of a cycle. (It’s happened three more times since.)
• It gave him the earliest career cycle (14^th career game) in a nine-inning game. (The Cardinals’ Cliff Heathcote hit for a cycle in his sixth career MLB game – June 13, 1918 – but that was a 19-inning contest. He finished his cycle in the 11^th)
• Twenty-four seasons later (May 26, 2004), Ward’s son Daryle Ward – starting at 1B and hitting third for the Pirates – hit for the cycle in a 11-8 Pirates’ win over the Cardinals. This made Gary Ward part of the first father-son duo to both hit for an MLB cycle. (Craig and Cavan Biggio have since joined that list.)

Gary Ward was signed, at the age of 19, as an amateur free-agent (Twins) on August 29, 1972, and got his first call up to the major leagues in 1979 (hitting .286-0-1 for the Twins in ten September games after .263-13-67, with 17 steals in 139 games at Triple- A Toledo). It was back to Triple-A in 1980, where a .282-13-66, 26-steal season got him another September call up.  This time, he went .463-1-10 (including his cycle) and was in the major leagues to stay.

Ward played 12 MLB seasons (1979-90 … Twins, Rangers, Yankees, Tigers). He was a two-time All Star. His best season was 1982 (Twins), when he went .289-28-91, with 13 steals.  His career MLB stat line was .276-130-597, with 83 steals and 594 runs scored. For those who like to know such things, his son Daryle played in 11 MLB campaigns (1998-2008 … Astros, Pirates, Nationals, Braves, Cubs), going .263-90-379.

For inquiring minds:

• The oldest player to hit for an MLB cycle is Dave Winfield, who did it at 39 years – 264 days of age. (June 24, 1991 for the Angels);
• The youngest player to hit for an MLB cycle was Mel Ott (20 years – 75 days), for the Giants on May 16, 1920;
• The most cycles in an MLB career is three –  Bob Meusel, Babe Herman, Adrian Beltre, Trea Turner and Christian Yelich;
• The most cycles in a season is two – Babe Heerman (1931 Dodgers); Aaron Hill (2912 Diamondbacks) and Christian Yelich (2018 Brewers).

As Always, One Things Leads to Another – or The Yellow Jersey of Cycles

On June 18, 2000, Colorado Rockies’ 2B Mike Lansing completed the quickest MLB cycle ever – accomplishing the feat in just four innings. Lansing, hitting second in the order, hit an RBI triple to right in the first inning (getting the most difficult leg of the cycle out of the way ) on a 1-2 pitch, added a two-run home run (0-1 pitch) in the bottom of the second, hit a two-run double (2-2 pitch) in the bottom of the third (as the Rockies scored nine times to take a 14-1 lead), and then completed the cycle with a single (another 1-2 offering) to right in the fourth. Lansing then struck out in the sixth, before being lifted for a pinch-hitter in the eighth. Lansing ended the day four-for-five, with three runs scored and five RBI, as the Rockies torched the Diamondbacks 19-2 in Denver.  Lansing played nine mLB seasons (1993-2001 … Expos, Rockies, Red Sox), going .271-84-440, with 119 steals and 554 runs scored (in 1,110 games). 

More one thing lead to another.  On June 27, 2003 Red Sox’ CF (and leadoff hitter) Johnny Damon nearly completed a cycle in the first inning of a game against the Marlins (in Boston). He led off the bottom of the first with a double to right (on a 2-2 pitch from Carl Pavano). Eight batters, seven hits, one walk and seven runs later, Damon hit a two-run triple to right (on a 2-2 pitch Michael Tejera). Eight batters, three hits, three walks, two outs and four runs after that, Damon hit a single to left on a 1-2 pitch from Allen Levrault), The bases were loaded at the time and the runner from second was thrown out trying to score (ending the inning, with the score Red Sox 14 – Marlins 1). Damon came to the plate four more times in the game and collected a pair of singles (but no cycle). Boston’s 14 first-inning runs tied AL the record for runs scored in the first inning of a game. The BoSox eventually won 25-8. Damon, a two-time All Star, played 18 MLB seasons (1995-2012 … Royals, A’s, Red Sox, Yankees, Rays, Indians), going .284-235-1,139, with 408 steals and 1,668 runs scored in 2,490 games. He scored 100 or more runs in ten seasons (nine consecutively … 1998-2006); hit .300+ in five seasons and stole 25 or more bases ten times. 

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

Baseball Roundtable – Blogging Baseball Since 2012.

Baseball Roundtable is on the Feedspot list of the Top 100 Baseball Blogs. For the full list click here. 

I tweet (on X) baseball @DavidBaseballRT

Follow Baseball Roundtable’s Facebook Page here.  More baseball commentary; blog post notifications; PRIZES.

Member: Society for American Baseball Research (SABR); Negro Leagues Baseball Museum; The Baseball Reliquary.

P 1098

Once again, it’s time for Trivia(l) Tidbit Tuesday. I hope you are enjoying this weekly presentation of baseball occurrences that for some reason caught The Roundtable’s eye.  (I’m particularly fond of unexpected performances and statistical coincidences.) These won’t necessarily be momentous occurrences. At times they may even be inconsequential. They’ll just be  events, statistics or coincidences that grabbed my attention. I’m also drawn to baseball “unicorns,” those one-of-a-kind accomplishments or statistics.

Now, most readers will know that: Tony Conigliaro is MLB’s youngest-ever home run leader (32 dingers for the 1965 Red Sox at 20 years-269 days of age); Al Kaline is MLB’s youngest-ever batting champion (.340 for the Tigers in 1955 at 20 years-280 days of age); and Dwight Gooden is the youngest MLB 20-game winner (1985 Mets (20 years-282 days of age). Twenty seems like a magic number there.  Well, that led me (with The Roundtable doesn’t one thing always lead to another) to think about teenage major-leaguers – those who accrued the most MLB playing time before their twentieth birthday. I found four players who appeared in 200 or more major-league games before turning twenty:

• Robin Yount: – 243 games;
• Mel Ott – 241;
• Phil Cavarretta – 220; and
• Ed Kranepool – 208.

Here are their stats and stories.- plus a (more than) Honorable Mention – Bob Feller.

Robin Yount – 243 MLB Games Before His Twentieth Birthday

Date of Birth: September 16, 1955

MLB Debut: April 5, 1974 (18 years-201 days of age)

Photo: Hostess via tradingcarddb.com, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Yount may be a significantly underrated player – which is a lot to say when you consider he was a first-ballot Hall of Fame Electee (1999) and is Number 66 all time in Joe Posnanski’s “Baseball 100.”  I just don’t hear him talked about with the same level of frequency or reverence as a lot of other first-ballot HOFers (or other members of the 3,000-hit club).  Side note: Yount’s three All Star sections are the fewest among any MLB hitter with 3,000 hits whose MLB career occurred primarily after the first All Star Game (in 1933).

Yount was a First-Round (third overall) pick (Brewers) in the 1973 MLB draft – after hitting .455 and being name the Los Angeles City Player of the year in his senior (high school) season. He was assigned to the Class-A Newark Co-Pilots, where he hit .285-3-25 in 64 games.  It would be his only taste of the minor leagues, as he made the Brewers out of Spring Training in 1974 and embarked on a 20-season MLB career (1974-1993 … all with the Brewers) primarily at shortstop through 1984 and then in CF.

As a Brewer, Yount appeared in 243 MLB games before his twentieth birthday.

Over his 20 MLB seasons, Yount appeared in 2,856 games, going .285-252-1,406, with 1,632 runs scored and 271 steals. He collected 3,142 career regular-season hits (21^st all-time), was a three-time All Star, one-time Gold Glover and the National League MVP in 1982 and 1989. He was inductee into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999.

Yount hit .300 or better in six seasons, scored 100+ runs five times, topped 100 RBI three times, hit 20+ home runs four times and stole 15 or more bases in nine seasons. He hit .344 in 17 post-season games.

———————————–

Mel Ott – 241 MLB Games Before His Twentieth Birthday

Date of Birth: March 2, 1909

MLB Debut: April 27, 1926 (17 years-56 days of age)

During his high school years, Ott, who started out as a catcher) played for both his high school team and a local semi-pro team. At the age of 16, he was playing for a lumber company’s semi-pro team in Patterson, Louisiana (about 90 miles from his home in suburban New Orleans).  The owner of the lumber company – Harry Palmerston Williams – happened to be of friend of Giants’ Manager John McGraw. Long story short: Williams arranged a tryout with the Giants for the young Ott. A nervous Ott, still in high school at the time, balked.  Williams then personally put Ott on a train to the Big Apple – and the rest, as they say, is history.

After the tryout, McGraw made three decisions: 1) Ott was a keeper; 2) He was not about to send Ott to the minors, where some manager or coach might mess with his swing; 3) Ott was too small to be a catcher and would be converted to an outfield.

Ott made his MLB debut with the Giants at the age of 17 – and stayed with the big club for 22 seasons (1926-47) – and he justified Williams’ recommendations and McGraw’s decision(s) by batting his way into the Hall of Fame.

Mel Ott was the first National League player to reach 500 career home runs.  

Over his career, Ott played in 2,730 games and went .304-511-1,860, with 1,859 runs and 89 steals.  He was an All Star in 11 consecutive seasons (1934-44); led the league in home runs six times; runs scored twice; RBI once; and walks six times.  He topped 100 runs scored in nine seasons; had 100+ RBI in nine campaigns; hit 30 or more home runs eight times; and walked 100 or more times in ten seasons.

___________________________

Honorable Mention – Bob Feller

Most MLB Games MLB Pitched Before Twentieth Birthday (M0dernEra)

Date of Birth: November 3, 1918

MLB Debut:  July 19, 1936 (17-years-259 Days)

Bob Feller was very good – very early.  As a pitcher, particularly a starter, the 200-game qualifying stat for this list was a bit out of reach for a teenager. Still, his MLB record as a teenager demands recognition.  He didn’t just go directly from high school to the major leagues; he went to the major leagues while he was still in high school.  In fact, he earned a share of the major league single-game strikeout record before he earned his high school diploma.

In Feller’s formative years (in a baseball sense), he played for his local American Legion team, the local Farmers Union team, his high school team and the “Oakviews” – a team of semi-pro and high school players that played on a field, complete with scoreboard and bleachers, built on the Feller family farm.

In 1935, Feller, sixteen-years-old and still in high school, was signed by the Cleveland Indians – reportedly for one dollar and an autographed baseball. The next year, Feller made his major league debut as a 17-year-old, pitching one scoreless inning in relief on July 19, 1936. In his first six games, all in relief, Feller totaled eight innings pitched, giving up 11 hits, seven runs, eight walks, and notching nine strikeouts. Despite those stats, the Indians felt the youngster – who had shown a blazing fastball and knee-buckling curve – was ready for his first major-league start.  It came on August 23, 1936, against the St. Louis Browns.  In that initial start, the 17-year-old threw a complete game 4-1 victory, giving up six hits and four walks and striking out 15. The teenager suffered a pair of losses (to the Red Sox and Yankees) before evening his record at 2-2 with another complete game win over the Browns in which he fanned ten.  Then, on September 13, Feller bested the Athletics 5-2, throwing a complete game two-hitter, walking nine, but striking out seventeen – which, at that time, tied the MLB single-game strikeout record.  Feller finished the 1936 season with a 5-3 record, 3.34 ERA and five complete games in eight starts.  He walked 47 and fanned 76 in 62 innings. And, of course, he had yet to complete high school.

In his first start of the 1937 season (April 24 against the Browns), the teenage phenom – who had been featured on the cover of the April 19, 1937 issue of Time magazine – came up with a sore elbow.  Feller ended up pitching six innings, striking out 11, in a 4-3 loss and didn’t appear in another game until mid-May, then was shelved again until June 22.  The break did give Feller time to complete high school (his graduation was broadcast live on NBC Radio).  He finished the year, 9-7, 3.39, with 106 walks and 140 strikeouts in 148 2/3 innings. Not bad for an 18-year-old, but the best was yet to come. In 1938, as a 19-year-old, Feller went 17-11, 4.08 and led the American League in strikeouts with 240.

Feller went on to an 18-season MLB career (1936-41, 1945-56), all with the Indians.  He racked up 266 wins (162 losses), a 3.25 ERA, 3,827 innings pitched, 279 complete games, 44 shutouts and 2,581 strikeouts. He made eight All Star teams, threw three no-hitters (12 one-hitters), led the AL in strikeouts seven times, wins six times, innings pitched five times, shutouts four times, complete games three times and ERA once.

And, had World War II not interrupted those numbers would be even more impressive. Two days after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor brought the U.S. into World War II, Feller became first professional athlete to enlist in the U.S. armed forces; eventually serving as a Gun Captain aboard the USS Alabama. Feller was discharged from the Navy in late August, 1945, having missed 3 ½ MLB seasons. He immediately rejoined the Indians and finished up the season with a 5-3, 2.50 record, completing seven of nine starts and striking out 59 in 72 innings.

In his first full season after his discharge, Feller picked up right where he left off before the war, leading the league in wins (26), complete games (36), shutouts (10), innings pitched (371 1/3) and strikeouts (a then MLB-record 348), while posting a 2.18 ERA.   In the first three full seasons after his post-war return, Feller led the league in wins twice, complete games once, shutouts twice, innings pitched twice, and strikeouts three times.

Side N0te: The record for most games pitched before a twentieth birthday pre-1900 is 1o7,  share by Willie McGill  (49-42, 3.99 from 1890 through 1893) and John Ward  (69-32, 1.92 … 1878-79). McGill went 71-73 in a seven-season MLB career (1890-96); while Hall of Famer Ward, went 164-103, 2.10 in seven pitching seasons (1878-84). Ward, also an outfielder/ infielder, has a 17-season MLB career (1878-1894 – hitting .275-26-869. (Of course, it was a very different game back then. In 1879. Ward’s National League Champion Providence Grays played in 85 games and Ward appeared in 70 of them (starting 60). 

——————————–

Phil Cavarretta – 220 MLB Games Before His Twentieth Birthday.

Date of Birth: July 19, 1916

MLB Debut: September 16, 1934 (18 years-59 days of age)

Photo: Los Angeles Daily News, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

As a teenager, Cavarretta (at the time a pitcher and first baseman) led his high school squad to a city championship and his American Legion team to a national title. Then, at 17 years of age, at the height of the Great Depression, Cavarretta dropped out of high school to help support his family by doing what he did best – playing baseball. Cavaretta tried out with the Cubs, whose Wrigley Field home was less than five miles from Cavarretta’s Chicago home and high school.

Cavarretta signed with the Cubs and began the 1934 season with the Class-B Peoria Tractors. That season, in 108 minor-league games (at Class-B and Class-A, Cavarretta hit .308, with seven home runs – earning a late-season call up to the Cubs, where he went .381-1-6 in seven games. He spent the next 21 seasons in the major leagues in Chicag0 (19 of those seasons with the Cubs, two with the White Sox).

Phil Cavarretta hit for the “cycle” (single, double, triple and home run in the same game) and drove in four runs in his first-ever professional baseball games (for the Peoria Tractors on May 15, 1934).

Cavaretta (1B/OF) played in 22 MLB seasons (1934-55 … Cubs, White Sox), hitting .293-95-920, with 990 runs scored and 65 steals, over 2,030 games. He was the 1945 NL MVP, when he led the league with a.355 average. Cavarretta was a three-time All Star. In addition to his 1945 batting championship, he led the NL in hits in 1944, with 197 safeties. He hit .317 in 17 World Series games.

____________________________________

Ed Kranepool – 208 MLB Games Before His Twentieth Birthday

Date of Birth: November 8, 1944

MLB Debut:  August 22, 1962 (17 years-318 days)

Photo: Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Back in 1962, Kranepool – a 17-year-old “phenom” for James Monroe High School in New York City (where he starred in baseball and basketball) – seemed a good match for the fledgling (and woeful) New York Mets.

Kranepool signed with the Mets in June of 1962, and after about a week on the Mets’ major-league bench was sent to the minor leagues, where a .301 average in 41 games (at three levels) earned the 1B/OF a September call-up to the major-league club (three games, six at bats, one hit).  Kranepool.  was up-and-down between Triple-A Buffalo and the Mets in 1963. In 1964, he started the season with New York, but an early slump sent him back to Buffalo in May, where a solid couple of weeks (.352 in 15 games) got him back with the big club to stay. He finished the season with a .253-10-45 line in 119 games for the Mets.

In a Pinch? Ask Ed!

In 1974, Ed Kranepool had 28 pinch-hitting plate appearances (35 at bats) and collected 17 hits for a .486 pinch-hitting average – the highest “pinch” batting average in a season for a player with at least 30 pinch-hit at bats. In the five seasons from 1974 through 1978, as his career was winding down (Kranepool’s final MLB season was 1979), he thrilled Mets’ fans with a  .396 average as a pinch hitter.

Kranepool enjoyed an 18-season MLB career (1962-79), all with the Mets.  He hit .261-118-614, with 536 runs scored over 1,853 games. He was an All Star in 1965.

Primary Resources: Stathead.com; Baseball-Almanac.com; The Baseball 100, by Joe Posnanski, Avid Reader Press (2021); Phil Cavarretta bio, by Lawrence Baldassaro, Society for American Baseball Research (SABR);Ed Kranepool bio, by Tara Krieger, SABR.

Baseball Roundtable – Blogging Baseball Since 2012.

Baseball Roundtable is on the Feedspot list of the Top 100 Baseball Blogs. For the full list click here. 

I tweet (on X) baseball @DavidBaseballRT

Follow Baseball Roundtable’s Facebook Page here.  More baseball commentary; blog post notifications; PRIZES.

Member: Society for American Baseball Research (SABR); Negro Leagues Baseball Museum; The Baseball Reliquary.

P 1097

Once again, it’s time for Trivia(l) Tidbit Tuesday. I hope you are enjoying this weekly presentation of baseball occurrences that for some reason caught The Roundtable’s eye.  (I’m particularly fond of unexpected performances and statistical coincidences.) These won’t necessarily be momentous occurrences, just events, statistics or coincidences that grabbed my attention. I’m also drawn to baseball “unicorns,” those one-of-a-kind accomplishment or statistics.

Photo: Johnmaxmena2, CC BY 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

This week’s Trivial(l) Tidbit was spurred by the 2024 performance of Pirates “phenom” Paul Skenes.  The 22-year-old righty – the first overall pick (Pirates) in the 2023 MLB draft – made his way to the majors after just 12 minor-league appearances (and no minor-league decisions).  (For those who like to know such things, Skenes was 24-6, 2.18 in three college seasons – Air Force Academy and Louisiana State.)

Skenes made his MLB debut on May 1, 2024, giving up three runs (six hits, two walks, seven strikeouts) in a four-inning outing against the Cubs (in Pittsburgh). In his next appearance, a May 17 start against the Cubs at Wrigley, Skenes got the win with six no-hit, one-walk, 11-whiff shutout innings – and the rest is history.

By the All Star break, Skenes was 6-0, 1.90. He made a bit of history becoming the first player to be named to an MLB All Star Team in the first season after being drafted and just the fifth rookie moundsman to start an All Star Game – joining: Hideo Nomo – 1995; Fernando Valenzuela -1981; Mark Fidrych – 1976; and Dave Stenhouse -1962). Skenes finished the season at 11-3, 1.96. That earned run average would have been enough to win the ERA title, but Skenes’ 133 innings pitched were 29 short of qualifying.

Well, as usual with The Roundtable, one thing led to another and I began to dig into rookie earned run averages. Turns out the lowest earned run average among rookies with at least 100 innings pitched in their season belongs to Hall of Famer Tim “Smiling Tim”  Keefe (6-6, 0.86 in 105 innings for the 1880 National League Troy Trojans). Sign of the Times: Keefe logged his 105 innings in just 12 appearances. If you want to limit yourself to the Modern Era (post-1900), the honor goes to Charles “Babe” Adams of the 1909 Pirates (12-3, 1.11 in 13o innings). Keep in mind that the league average ERA was 2.37 in 1880 and 2.53 in 1909.

Keefe pitched in 14 MLB seasons (1880-93), going 342-225, 2.63 and topping 30 wins in five seasons. Adams pitched in 19 MLB seasons (1906-07, 1909-16, 1918-26), going 194-140, 2.76 and twice topping 20 wins in a campaign.

Photo: MLB / Detroit Tigers, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

As usual, I kept looking, this time focusing on MLB rookie pitchers who won an earned run title. As the chart at the end of this post shows, there have been 25 – the most recent was the Tigers’ very colorful and uber-talented Mark “The Bird” Fidrych in 1976 (19-9, 2.34).  To illustrate how times have changed, the 21-year-old Fidrych threw a league-leading 24 complete games in 29 starts. Well as usual, one thing led to another, and I looked a little deeper. Fidrych recorded those 24 complete games even though he did not make the first start of his rookie season until May 15. In his first 13 MLB starts (May 15-July 20), Fidrych pitched 12 complete games, including two 11-inning outings – and logged 120 1/3 innings.   Despite the truly “phenom-enal” start to his MLB career, after his 19 wins in 1976, Fidrych won only 10 more MLB games. From 1977 through 1980, he went 10-10, 4.28, wth tencompletre games in 27 starts.   It could have been overwork in his rookie campaign or the impact of a 1977 Spring Training knee injury on his pitching motion, but in mid-1977 he began to deal with arm problems. He made his final MLB start October 1, 1980 (and, in 1985, underwent surgery for a torn rotator cuff).    I used the word “colorful” to describe Fidrych. For younger “post-Fidrych “ readers, I suggest you check out YouTube for videos of his eccentric mound presence. He was a treasure.

Photographer and Author Joe McNally in “Goodbye Bird …”, a tribute to Fidrych, who passed away at the age of  54  in 2009 (an accident on his farm), wrote that as a  young star, Fidrych “threw strikes, talked to the ball and skipped around the mound like a three-year-old in an FAO Schwartz.”

Side Note: Of the 25 MLB rookies to win an Era title (as listed in stathead.com), 11 were in the Negro Leagues (1920-48), with its much shorter schedules and qualifying limitations.  For example, Gene Richardson of the Kansas City Monarchs, is credited with the 1947 Negro American League ERA crown with a 3-0, 1.33 record (just three starts). As Negro League stats from 1920 through 1948 are further explored and documented some of these numbers could change. 

Fidrych, by the way is not the youngest rookie to win an ERA title. Henry Krause of the 1909 Athletics (18-8, 1.39) and Chet Nichols of the 1951 Braves (11-8, 2.88) both captured ERA titles in their age-20 seasons.  On the other end of the spectrum, Jim Turner was 33-year-old rookie (Boston Bees) when he went 20-11, with a National League-best 2.38 ERA in 1937. He also led the league in complete games (24) and shutouts (five). Turner was in his fifteenth professional season (with 218 minor-league wins on his resume) when he finally made the big leagues. He went on to pitch in nine MLB seasons (1937-45), going 69-60, 3.22.

Jim Turner (above is one of just four rookie ERA leaders who also won 20 games in that rookie campaign).  Joining Turner are: the 1948 Indians’ Gene Bearden (20-7, 2.43); 1911 Naps’ Vean Gregg (23-7, 1.80); and 1910 Cubs’ Leonard “King” Cole (20-4, 1.80).

For My Minnesota Readers – A Minneapolis Birthday Present

In a 1978 SABR Baseball Research Journal article, Randolph Linthurst noted that the Minneapolis Millers played a role in Jim Turner’s getting to the show.  After years of toiling in the minors, Turner started a game on August 6, 1936 – his 32nd birthday – or the American Association Indianapolis Indians against the Minneapolis Millers. A Boston Bees scout happened to be in the stands as Turner tossed a shutout and earned a shot at the big leagues.

I was a bit surprised to see that, since the MLB Rookie of the Year Award was established in 1947, the AL and NL have seen six rookie pitchers win the ERA title and only two of those won Rookie of the Year Honora: Mark Fidrych in 1976 and Gary Peters in 1973.

Every Post Needs a Unicorn

The unicorn in this post is Hall of Famer Hoyt Wilhelm, when won the NL ERA Crown as a rookie in 1952 (Giants), with a 15-3, 2.43 season, with 11 saves. In the process, Wilhelm became the first – and still only – MLB pitcher to win an ERA title in a season in which he did not make a single start. For more on Wilhelm, click here.

A few other tidbits.

• Hoyt Wilhelm had the longest career of any of the rookie ERA leaders – 21 seasons (1952-72) and 1,070 appearances.
• Wilhelm also had the most career wins of any pitcher on this list – 143 (122 losses). He edged out Mike Garcia at 142-91 over 14 seasons (1948-61).
• The fewest career wins by any rookie ERA leader is five by Jimmy Shields (5-7 over two seasons – 1928-29) and Gene Richardson (5-3 over seasons – 1947-48). Both pitched in the Negro Leagues.
• The only players on the list to make it into the Hall of Fame are Hoyt Wilhelm and Bill Foster.

Primary Resource: stathead.com.

Baseball Roundtable – Blogging Baseball Since 2012.

Baseball Roundtable is on the Feedspot list of the Top 100 Baseball Blogs. For the full list click here. 

I tweet (on X) baseball @DavidBaseballRT

Follow Baseball Roundtable’s Facebook Page here.  More baseball commentary; blog post notifications; PRIZES.

Member: Society for American Baseball Research (SABR); Negro Leagues Baseball Museum; The Baseball Reliquary.

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Once again, it’s time for Trivia(l) Tidbit Tuesday. I hope you are enjoying this weekly presentation of baseball occurrences that for some reason caught The Roundtable’s eye.  (I’m particularly fond of unexpected performances and statistical coincidences.) These won’t necessarily be momentous occurrences, just events, statistics or coincidences that grabbed my attention. I’m also drawn to baseball “unicorns,” those one-of-a-kind accomplishment or statistics.

This week, I am looking at a statistic that came as a little bit of a surprise to me.  It comes in the answer to the question: Which active player, with at least 100 career plate appearances with runners in scoring position (RISP) has the highest career batting average with RISP?

Looking at active players with at least 100 MLB plate appearances with runners in scoring position, the player with the highest batting average in such situation is not an acknowledged run producer like Aaron Judge (.295 in 991 plate appearances with RISP) or even Freddie Freeman (.333 in 2,220 plate appearances with RISP). Nope, it’s three-time batting champion Luis Arraez, who currently sits at .369 in 540 plate appearances with RISP.)  Okay, I admit, those batting crowns make him a potential candidate for this spot, but he is not among the first names that came to mind when I thought about this list.  (I think of Arraez as more of a table-setter than a bases clearer.) Perhaps even more surprising is number-two on the list, A’s speedy centerfielder Esteury Ruiz (a .243 overall average in his 178 games, but .354 in 130 plate appearances with RISP.

Of course, a lot of things come into play here – and there is a need for caution when evaluating the impact of this particular stat.  You need to consider such factors as the player’s overall average (and how his average with RISP compares), how often the player comes to the plate with RISP and how likely a pitcher is to give the particular player “something to hit” with ducks on the pond. (I did have to refer back to the title of the post at some point).

For example, I took at look at Judge (.295 with RISP) versus Arraez (.369 with RISP) and found a few stats that deserve consideration. To date, Judge has walked in 21.3 percent of his plate appearances with RISP, as opposed to 9.8 percent for Arraez.  Judge’s on-base percentage with RISP is slightly higher (.443 to .423) than Arraez’. When it comes to delivering runs, Judge has driven in 0.38 runs per plate appearance with RISP to 0.37 for Arraez (pretty close). Take out those walks, however, and Judge has delivered 0.53 runs per non-walk plate appearance (at bats and sacrifices), versus 41.3 for Arraez.  Dang, I do love statistics.

Ultimately, though, how can you not be impressed by Arraez’ .369 average with RISP or the fact that Ruiz’ average with RISP is 111 points higher than his overall average?

An MLB Unicorn

Luis Arraez is the only MLB player to win three consecutive batting titles with three different teams (Twins – 2022; Marlins – 2023; Padres – 2024) – and the only player to win an AL and NL batting title I consecutive seasons.

As usual with Baseball Roundtable, “one thing led to another,” and I looked at 2024 averages with RISP and career averages with RISP.

When it came to 2024, I set a minimum of 50 at bats with Runners in Scoring Position.  The leader was Reds’ outfielder Stuart Fairchild, a .215 hitter overall in 2024 (with a four-season MLB career average of .224). Fairchild came to the plate with RISP 53 times in 2024 – and delivered a eye-opening .465 average (20 hits in 43 at bats, six walks, one HBP, two bunts and one sacrifice fly).   Fairchild might be considered a bit of a surprise here.  In his first three MLB seasons, (2021-23), he had 98 plate appearances with RISP and hit .200 (17-for-85).  Here are the 2024 top ten.

I then moved on to career average with RISP, upping the minimum number of plate appearances with RISP to 500 (I wanted to keep Arraez in the mix). Another word of caution here.  The chart below is to provide a general point of comparison only.  The fact is, for all but Arreaz on this chart, the numbers are incomplete, due to fact (as stathead.com notes, play-by-play data for some – many, depending on the year – games in those early years is not be available). Still, the chart gives us a look into some of the best hitters with RISP, and indicates, to this point in his career, Arraez still fares pretty darn well.

Note:  Just missing the chart above is Tony Gwynn, with a career average of .349 in 2,547 plate appearances with RISP (and Gwynn’s play-by-play records are complete).

Baseball fans love numbers.  They like to swirl them around in their mouths like Bordeaux wine.

Pat Conroy – Author

Statistics can be an invaluable tool, but they can also deceive.  They can tell one story, while the truth lies in the nuances of the game.

Bill James –  Baseball writer, historan, statistician

 Baseball statistics are like a girl in a bikini. They show a lot, but not everything.

Toby Harrah, – MLB infielder

Primary Resource: Stathead.com

Baseball Roundtable – Blogging Baseball Since 2012.

Baseball Roundtable is on the Feedspot list of the Top 100 Baseball Blogs. For the full list click here. 

I tweet (on X) baseball @DavidBaseballRT

Follow Baseball Roundtable’s Facebook Page here.  More baseball commentary; blog post notifications; PRIZES.

Member: Society for American Baseball Research (SABR); Negro Leagues Baseball Museum; The Baseball Reliquary.

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Once again, it’s time for Trivia(l) Tidbit Tuesday. I hope you are enjoying this weekly presentation of baseball occurrences that for some reason caught The Roundtable’s eye.  (I’m particularly fond of unexpected performances and statistical coincidences.) These won’t necessarily be momentous occurrences, just events, statistics or coincidences that grabbed my attention. I’m also drawn to baseball “unicorns,” those one-of-a-kind accomplishments or statistics.  Today, we are looking at a two-team “unicorn” – on September 24, 2019 the Rockies and Giants combined to use a record 25 pitchers in a single game (13 by the Giants and 12 by the Rockies).  Thanks to rules changes put in place the following season, this is likely to remain an MLB unicorn.

The Kind of Statistical Oddies The Roundtable Likes

Only four teams have used a record 13 pitchers in a single game. Yet:

• While a team has used 13 pitches in a single game just four times in MLB history, the Giants did it twice in eight days: in that September 24, 2019 (25 combined pitchers) contest versus the Rockies and on September 17 in a 7-6., 15-inning win at Boston.
• All three teams that have used 13 pitchers in a game hail from the National League West – Giants twice, Rockies and Diamondbacks.
• On the same day that the Giants used 13 pitchers in their game against the Rockies, the Diamondbacks used a record-tying 13 pitchers in a 19-inning, 3-2 win (at home) against the Cardinals. The Diamondbacks and Cardinals used a combined 24 pitchers in that one.
• The Rockies (against whom the Giants used a record-tying 13 pitchers) were the first team to ever use 13 pitchers in a game (September 15, 2015 – in a 16-inning 5-4 win versus the Dodgers in LA).

—–September 24, 2019 – Giants Versus Rockies – Pitchers Used—–

Not Likely to See A Team Use 13 pitchers in a Game Again

Three of the four 13-pitcher games took place in 2019 – the year before the following rules took effect:

• Relievers required to pitch to at least three batters or the end of an inning;
• A runner placed on second at the start of each regular-season extra inning;
• September active roster size limited to 28 players (from 26 for April through August), as opposed the limit of 40 in effect in September of 2019.

Inquiring Minds Want to Know

The record for pitchers used in a nine-inning game also belongs to the Giants.  On October 4, 2015, in a 7-3, nine-inning loss to the Rockies (in San Francisco), the Giants used 11 hurlers – nine of them for less than one inning.

The procession to the mound went:

Matt Cain                5 innings

Jeremy Affeldt      2/3 inning

Cory Gearin           1/3

Sergio Romo          2/3

Brett Bochy            1/3

Mike Broadway     2/3

Josh Osich              1/3

Javy Lopez              1/3

George Kontos        0 (three batters faced)

Cody Hall                   0 (three batters faced).

Yusmeiro Petit        2/3

For your entertainment 

The most pitchers used in a nine-inning shutout is eight (five teams) and the moss in a nine-inning no-hitter is six (two teams).

Primary Resource: Stathead.com

Baseball Roundtable – Blogging Baseball Since 2012.

Baseball Roundtable is on the Feedspot list of the Top 100 Baseball Blogs. For the full list click here. 

I tweet (on X) baseball @DavidBaseballRT

Follow Baseball Roundtable’s Facebook Page here.  More baseball commentary; blog post notifications; PRIZES.

Member: Society for American Baseball Research (SABR); Negro Leagues Baseball Museum; The Baseball Reliquary.

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Once again, it’s time for Trivia(l) Tidbit Tuesday. I hope you are enjoying this weekly presentation of baseball occurrences that for some reason caught The Roundtable’s eye.  (I’m particularly fond of unexpected performances and statistical coincidences.) These won’t necessarily be momentous occurrences, just events, statistics or coincidences that grabbed my attention. I’m also drawn to baseball “unicorns,” those one-of-a-kind accomplishments or statistics.  Today, we are looking at streaks of multi-hit games … with a few unicorns tossed in.

Everybody (well, everybody likely to read this post) is familiar with Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak – an MLB “unicorn.”  Well, Baseball Roundtable decided to take hitting streaks a step or two further – focusing consecutive game streaks in which a batter collected at least two hits, at least three hits, at least four hits and at least five hits. This, by the way, will bring up names from the past like Rogers Hornsby and names from the present like Julio Rodriguez.  It will also put a focus on familiar names like Roberto Clemente and George Brett, as well as lesser-known major leaguers like Milt Stock and Hi Myers. So, let’s get to it.

The Longest Streak of Consecutive Games with at Least Two Hits … 13 Games

Rogers Hornsby, 2B, Cardinals … July 5 – July 18, 1923

Photo: Charles M. Conlon, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Hall of Famer Hornsby was in his ninth MLB season when he ran off a 13-game streak of games with two or more hits – hitting .589 and driving in 22 runs as his Cardinals went 10-3. The streak included just one extra-inning game – a 10-inning, 2-1 Cardinals’ win at Philadelphia on July 17 (Game 12 of the streak).  Hornsby collected his second hit in the ninth inning of that contest.)

Hornsby’s streak (part of a 20-game overall hitting streak) included four three-hit games and one five-hit contest.

Hornsby won the batting title that season, hitting .384, despite playing part of the season on an ailing knee (he played in just 107 games). It was the fourth of six consecutive (and seven total) batting titles for Hornsby.

.400 Looks Good To Me

In the five seasons from 1921 through 1925, Rogers Hornsby hit a cumulative .402 over 696 games.

In his 23-season MLB career (1915-37 … Cardinals, Giants, Cubs, Browns), Hornsby went .358-301-1,584, with 1,579 runs scored and 135 steals.  He led his league in average seven times, runs scored five times, hits four times, RBI four times, doubles four times, triples twice, home runs twice.  He had six seasons of 200+ hits. Side note: I’m not a big fan of the new analytics (Okay, they’re not that new), but (looking retroactively) Hornsby did lead positions players in Wins Above Replacement – WAR- a record 11 times.  Other at 11 are Honus Wagner, Babe Ruth and Barry Bonds). 

A Roundtable Unicorn

In 1922, Rogers Hornsby became the first – and still only – MLB player to hit at least .400 and launch at least 40 home runs in the same season. He hit .401-42-152. He nearly matched that feat in 1925, with .403-39-143 season.

 The Longest Streak of Consecutive Games with at Least Three Hits … Six Games

George Brett, 1976 Royals and Jimmy Johnston, 1923 Robins

George Brett, 3B, Royals … May 8-May 13, 1976

Photo: SW (via MissouriStateArchives, on Flickrderivative work: Delaywaves talk, No restrictions, via Wikimedia Commons

Hall of Famer Brett hit .692 during his streak, collecting three hits in each of the six games. He walked twice did not strike out even once during the steak. Brett’s Royals won five of the six games, which included one extra-inning contest (a ten-inning 5-4 loss to the Twins in Kansas City on May 10). Brett collected his third safety in the eighth inning of that game.

That season Brett led the AL with a .333 average – the first of three career batting titles. He also led the AL in hits (215) and triples (14).

Another Roundtable Unicorn

George Brett is the only player to win an MLB batting title in three different decades: .333 in 1976; .390 in 1980; and .329 in 1990.

Brett played in 21 MLB seasons (1973-93 … Royals), going .305-317-1,596, with 1,583 runs scored and 201 stolen bases. The 13-time All Star led the league in average three times, hits three times, triples three times, doubles once and total bases once.

A True Winning “Run”

On August 17, 1976, George Brett stole home with two outs in the bottom of the tenth inning to give the Royals a walk-off (run-off) 4-3 win over the Indians. Brett singled to left with one out (off Dave LaRoche). Stole second with John Mayberry at the plate and went to third on a catcher’s throwing error. After Mayberry fanned, Brett stole home on a 1-1 pitch to Dave Nelson.

Jimmy Johnston, SS, Robins … June 25-30, 1923

Johnston hit .821 during his streak, which included one five-hit game and three four-hit contests.  Surprisingly, his Robins won just three of the six games. The streak included a June 30 doubleheader in which Johnston went eight-for-nine, with three doubles and a home run.

Photo: Bain News Service, publisher, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Johnston played 13 MLB seasons (1911, 1914, 1916-26 … White Sox, Cubs, Robins, Braves, Giants), hitting .294-22-410, with 754 runs and 169 steals.  While he played primarily at SS during his streak, Johnston moved around then diamond during his career: 1B (49 games); 2B (24 games); 3B (448 games); SS (179 games); LF (776 games); CF (130 games); RF (165 games).  In his five peak seasons (1920-24 Robins), he averaged 136 games a season, with a .313 batting average, 173 hits, 93 runs scored and 49 RBI per campaign.  In those seasons, he appeared in 344 games at 3B, 172 at SS, 147 at 2B, eight in RF and four at 1B.

The Longest Streak of Consecutive Games with at Least Four Hits – Four Games

Julio Rodriguez, 2023 Mariners & Milt Stock, 1925 Robins

Julio Rodriguez, CF, Mariners … August 16-19, 2023

Rodriguez, the 2022 AL Rookie of the Year (at age 21), ran off a four-game streak of at least four hits per game in just his second MLB season. Rodriguez hit .772  during his streak, as the Mariners won all four games. The streak included one five-hit and three four-hit contests. The highlight was a 6-4 Mariners win over the Royals (in Kansas City), when Rodriguez went five-for-five, with a double and a home run – and drove in five of the Mariners’ six runs.

In just three seasons, Rodriguez has been the 2022 AL Rookie of the Year (.284-28-75, with 25 steals) and a two-time All Star. His career stat line (2022-23 … Mariners) is .277-80-246, with 262 runs scored and 86 stolen bases.

Taking It On Down The (first base) Line

In 2023, Julio Rodriguez led MLB with 29 infield hits.

Milt Stock, 2B, Robins … June 30-July 3, 1925

Photo: Bain News Service, publisher, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Stock was in his thirteenth MLB season when he ran off his four-game streak of games with four or more hits. He had four hits in each of his games and the Robins won three of the four.  The streak included one extra-inning contest (a 10-9 loss to the Phillies (in Philadelphia) on June 30. Stock got his fourth hit in the eleventh inning in that game,

Stock played 13 MLB seasons (1913-26 … Giants, Phillies, Cardinals, Robins), hitting .289-22-696, with 839 runs scored and 155 steals. He hit .300+ in five seasons and, in the four seasons from 1919 through 1922 averaged .310.

The Longest Streak of Consecutive Games with at Least Five Hits … Two Games

Roberto Clémente, 1970 Pirates & Hi Myers 1917 Robins

Roberto Clemente, RF, Pirates … August 22-23, 1970

Photo: Public Domain ia WikiCommons

Hall of Famer Clemente was in his 16^th (and age-35) season when he put together consecutive five-hit games. He went ten for 13 in the two contests, both won by the Pirates (versus the Dodgers in Los Angeles). The first of the two games – a 2-1 Pirates win – went 16 innings and Clemente got his fifth hit in the top of the 16^th.

Clemente played 18 MLB seasons (1955-72) all for the Pirates. He was an All Star in 12 seasons, the 1966 NL MVP, a four-time batting champion and a 12-time Gold Glover.  Clemente hit .300+ in 13 seasons, collected 200+ hits twice (both times leading the league). His career stat line was .317-240-1,305, with 1,416 runs scored and 83 steals.

An Ultimate Unicorn

An Ultimate Grand slam is defined as a walk-off Grand Slam in which all four runs are needed to overcome a three-run deficit.  On July 25, 1956, Roberto Clemente hit the first – and still only – Inside-the-Park Ultimate Grand slam. It came off the Cubs’ Jim Brosnan and erased an 8-5 deficit in the bottom of the ninth.  

Hi Myers, 2B/CF, Robins … August 21-22, 1917

Photo: Bain News Service, publisher, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Both of the contests in which Myers collected five hits went extra innings (a 13-inning 3-3 tie and a 22-inning 6-5 Robins win). The Pirates provided the opposition in each case. In the first game, Myers got his fifth hit (a triple) in the bottom of the tenth. In the second game, hit number-five came in the bottom of the 21^st frame.   Myers started in CF in both games, but moved to 2B in the 13^th inning of the second contest.

Myers played in 14 MLB seasons (1909, 1911, 1914-1925 … Robins, Cardinals, Reds), hitting .281-32-559, with 555 runs scored and 107 stolen bases, In 1919, he hit .307 and led the NL in triples (14), RBI (73) and total bases (223). Myers hit .300 or better in four seasons and twice led the league in triples.  In his five peak seasons (1919-23, he averaged 136 games per campaign, .304, with four home runs, 72 RBI and 61 runs scored per season.

Note: There have been 120 games in which player collected six or more hits, but no player has recorded two such games consecutively.  The only players with at last two games with six or more hits in their careers are: Jim Bottomley (1924 & 1931); Doc Cramer (1932 & 1935); Jimmie Foxx (1930 & 1932); and Kirby Puckett (1987 & 1991). The most recent player with a six-hit game  is Shohei Ohtani (September 19, 2024).

Primary Resource:  Stathead.com

Baseball Roundtable – Blogging Baseball Since 2012.

Baseball Roundtable is on the Feedspot list of the Top 100 Baseball Blogs. For the complete list click here. 

I tweet (on X) baseball @DavidBaseballRT

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Member: Society for American Baseball Research (SABR); Negro Leagues Baseball Museum; The Baseball Reliquary.

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