Archives for March 2012

Jamie Moyer No. 2 Starter for Rockies – BBRT Celebrates

March 31, 2012 by

Jaime Moyer, at age 49, has earned the number-two slot in the Colorado Rockies’ starting   rotation.  BBRT sees this as a cause for celebration for all AARP-sters.  (See BBRT post of March 27 under Rants and Raves or News for more info on Moyer, his stuff and his career.)

Think about it!  On July 16, 1986, Moyer made his debut and earned his first ML victory, as Moyer’s Cubs beat the Steve Carlton and the Phillies 7-5 in Chicago.  Yes, that’s the same Steve Carlton who has been in the Baseball Hall of Fame for 18 years.  Moyer’s line:  6.1 innings pitched, 8 hits, 4 earned runs, 3 walks and 2 Ks.  Oh, and in 1986, gas was 93 cents a gallon and the Mets were baseball’s World Champions.

Moyer, who went 2-0 with a 2.77 era in four spring training appearances, is slated to start April 7 against the Astros (with one more spring tune-up).  If he wins, he’ll become the oldest pitcher to earn a ML victory.  BBRT is hoping he breaks the record many times over in 2012.

Filed Under: News, Rants & Raves

BBRT Rant: 2012 Opener Misses the Mark

March 30, 2012 by

BBRT Rant:  Season opener in Japan – thought good, execution less so.

 

Okay, let me start out by admitting I am “old school” when it comes to the opening of the MLB season.  I recall fondly the days when there were two leagues of 8 teams and, year after year, opening day featured two games – the NL in Cincinnati (honoring the first professional team) and the AL in Washington (honoring the national past time in the nation’s Capitol).   Day two then featured a full slate of games, anticipation was served, and the season was off and running.

 

Baseball Was Beautiful in Black and White

We’ve come a long way since thedays of 16 teams, the black and white “Game of the Week” on our big box, small screen televisions and the radio as our primary source of live major league coverage.  And, I appreciate the progress.   I can now get a baseball “fix,” live and in color, every day of the week – usually with multiple choices.  There is baseball news (and views) year-round and the internet makes the exchange of info and insight on our national past time both immediate and (usually) interesting.   More fans, in more cities, have access to major league baseball.  There are more players from more places – and we know more about them – than ever.

Still, somehow, on opening day, I yearn for tradition.  This year, as baseball continues to become increasingly international, MLB chose to have the Seattle Mariners and Oakland As open the regular season March 28 in Tokyo.  Turns out, there was nothing “regular” about it.

First, it was – at its foundation – a good idea: a tribute to Japan, its zealous fans, love of the game and increasing presence in MLB; a logical connection to the Mariners and their ownership; and a great gesture given the continued aftermath of the tsunami devastation.  By all accounts, in Japan, it was a great success.  Large enthusiastic crowds on arrival and at the games (which sold out in 8 hours); Ichiro jerseys everywhere (and four hits for the Japanese star in the opener); a visit to tsunami-ravaged Ishinomaki;  the honoring of a group of true heroes of that disaster; and even the Mariners’ Brendan Ryan’s successful marriage proposal.

The thought was good and, as an exhibition, the games would have been a great success.  But as the MLB’s season opener, the pitch was high and outside.  From a timing perspective, few American fans were up to watch or listen to game coverage (started at 5 a.m. in my time zone).   The games also interrupted (rather than signaled the end of) the exhibition season  –  spring training games continued and even the Mariners and As came back and played additional games that didn’t count.  So, other than some rather weird AL standings that will remain stagnant for a while, it hardly seems the season is underway.

Ultimately, the 2012 MLB season opener seemed like a non-event and I am anticipating the April 5 slate of games, my true season opener(s).

Filed Under: Rants & Raves

Triple Crown = MVP? Not always.

March 29, 2012 by

The Triple Crown (Batting Avg. – HRs – RBI) … Does it spell “R-E-S-P-E-C-T?”  Not if respect is spelled MVP.

 

Matt Kemp came close in 2011, but MLB has had only 15 Triple Crown winners
– from Paul Hines of Providence in 1878 to Carl Yastrzemski of the Red Sox in 1967.   There have been nine Triple Crown winners since the Baseball Writers Association began voting on the Most Valuable Player award in 1931 and only five of those nine were honored as MVPs.   Let’s take a look at those who didn’t get votes, in order of the “level of injustice.”

 

1.  Lou Gehrig, Yankees, 1934.

Gehrig’s .363 – 49 – 165 not only topped the American league in Average, HRs, and RBI, he finished ahead of the NL leaders in all three categories as well.  (Gehrig is one of only five players to win the “Major League Triple Crown.”)   Gehrig also led both leagues in on base percentage, slugging percentage and total bases.  But that’s not what earns him a five-star injustice rating.  Despite capturing the Triple Crown, Gehrig finished a distant FIFTH in the AL MVP voting; behind three members of the pennant-winning Tigers (the Yankees finished, 94-60, seven games out.)

The MVP winner, Detroit catcher Mickey Cochrane, ran up a .320 – 2 – 76 total and did not lead the league in a single offensive category.   Others finishing ahead of Gehrig were Detroit second basemen Charlie Gehringer (at .356 – 11 – 127 and the AL leader in runs and hits,  also probably more deserving than Cochrane); Yankee hurler  Lefty Gomez (26-5, 2.33 era, who led the league in wins, ERA, complete games, shutouts, and innings pitched); and Detroit pitcher Schoolboy Rowe (24.-8, 345).

2.  Ted Williams’ 1942 season earns him second place on the lack-of-respect list among Triple Crown winners. 

In 1942, the Splendid Splinter led both leagues in all three Triple Crown categories (.356 – 36 -137), as well as in runs scored, on base percentage, slugging percentage, total bases and bases on balls.

This dominance earned him a second place finish in the MVP balloting (Boston also finished second, to the Yankees, at 93-59, nine games behind).  The MVP winner?  Yankee second baseman Joe Gordon (.322 – 18 – 103), who led the league in two offensive categories, strikeouts and grounding into double plays.  Williams, like Gehrig, earns a five-star injustice rating.

3.  Ted Williams gets a three-star injustice rating for his 1947 Triple Crown year.

This is not so much because of a lack of respect for his dominance, but because it was the second time he earned the Triple Crown, but was denied the MVP.  In 1947, Williams led the AL with .343 – 32 -114, and also led in runs scored, bases on balls, on base percentage and total bases.   The MVP winner was Yankees’ centerfielder Joe DiMaggio (the Yankees won the pennant, Boston finished third, fourteen games out.)  DiMaggio’s season totals were .315-20-97 and he finished in MLB’s top five in runs, runs batted in, hits, total bases, doubles and triples – trailing Williams, however, in all but triples.  Still, not a major “disrespect,” unless you pile it on top of the 1942 voting.

4.  Chuck Klien is the fourth Triple Crown winner to be denied an MVP award.

Klien, however, was probably not surprised.  First, Triple Crowns were a bit commonplace that year – 1933 – the only season in which both leagues boasted a Triple Crown winner.  They were even from the same city, Jimmy Foxx of the Philadelphia Athletics and Chuck Klien of the Phillies.  Foxx got his MVP, despite the As third-place finish (79-72, 19.5 games behind), but Klien was hurt by the Phillies 60-92 record and seventh place finish (31 games behind the NY Giants).  Klien finished at .368 – 28 – 120, also leading the league in hits, doubles, on base percentage, slugging percentage and total bases.  The MVP went to Carl Hubbell of the pennant-winning Giants, who pitched his way to a 23-12 record and a 1.66 ERA – leading the NL in wins, ERA, shutouts and innings pitched.

Filed Under: BB Fun Facts

BBRT Review: Fifty-nine in ’84: Old Hoss Radbourn, barehanded baseball & the greatest season a pitcher ever had

March 28, 2012 by

Fifty-nine in ’84, by Edward Achorn,  Smithsonian Books (2010)

“Fifty-nine in 84” is story of grit, passion and accomplishment which – if it wasn’t  really true – would be truly unbelievable.  It’s the story of one of the greatest professional baseball players of the 19th century and a story of the (often sordid) conditions of the times.   It’s a story for baseball fans – for historians – and for those who just appreciate a well-written tale of adversity and achievement.

The centerpiece of Fifty-nine in 84 is the 1884 season of the National League pennant-winning Providence Grays  and star pitcher Charles Old Hoss Radbourn – who that season won a  record 59 games (against 12 losses), tossed 678 2/3 innings, struck out 441 and compiled a 1.38 era.  Need more proof of author Edward Achorn’s assertion that this was the “greatest season a pitcher ever had”?   Radbourn started 73 games and completed 73 games – and, as his plaque in the Baseball Hall of Fame notes, Old Hoss pitched the last 27 games of the season, winning 26.   For his 11-year big league career, Radbourn won 309 games, against 195 losses (with a 2.67 era), amassed more than 4,500 innings pitched, completed 489 of 503 starts, and struck out 1,830 batters.

But this book is not about statistical achievements, it’s about American life in the late 1800s – on and off the field.  It’s about a time when both baseball and life were hard fought, dirty and often dangerous undertakings.  It’s about the pain and pleasure of winning at a game that took a tremendous physical toll on its participants.  It’s also about passion, Radbourn’s passion for the game, for victory (at any cost), for recognition, and for Carrie Stanhorpe (who ran a very suspect “boarding house”).   And, it’s about pride, envy, anger, stubbornness, commitment and all the other emotions that go into an “epic” tale.   Ultimately, it provides a vivid picture of American society and culture – and the national pastime  –  in the 19th century.

Again, all of this centers primarily on the 1884 National League season of the Providence Grays, a season in which the Grays’ rotation was initially made up of the proven veteran Radbourn and a hot-shot, up-and-coming young hurler (Charlie Sweeney) who brought out the worst in Radbourn when they were team mates and the best in Radbourn later in the season (after Sweeney was expelled from the team due to a combination of insubordination, alcohol and womanizing).   In a less than altruistic move, Radbourn offers to essentially become a one-man rotation.  In return, Radbourn wants his and Sweeney’s salary and his unconditional release from his contract if he pitches the then second-place Grays to the pennant.   Motivated by arrogance, ambition and his desire to impress Carrie Stanhorpe, he does just that.

In a late-season run, Radbourn started  40 of the final 43 games (winning 36) – often pitching with such pain (primarily with alcohol as a pain reliever) that he needed help just putting on his shirt in the morning.   He followed that up by pitching Providence to victory in what many consider the first World Series – defeating the American Association’s New York Metropolitans three games to none, with (true to form) Radbourn pitching all three games, winning 6-0, 3-1, and 12-2 on consecutive days.  Ultimately, Radbourn retired at age 36, had an equally tumultuous life outside of baseball (dying in his forties of syphilis) and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1938.

BBRT recommends Fifty-nine in 84 as a compelling true story about baseball, 19th century society and culture, love and life.

Filed Under: Reviews

Thank you, Jamie Moyer – for bringing your heart to the game.

March 27, 2012 by

On March 22, Jamie Moyer, competing for a spot in the Rockies’ rotation, tossed four
perfect innings (with four strikeouts) against the San Francisco Giants.  No biggie, right?  What’s four perfect innings in one meaningless spring game?

Well, this one had considerable significance.  Moyer, 49, pitched his first game in the big leagues on June 16, 1986.  He sat out last season recovering from Tommy John surgery, did some work with ESPN, and then decided he had to give it one more try (at his age, you probably wouldn’t say “good ol’ college try”).

After the March 22 game, he had tossed 9 innings against major league teams this spring, with four hits, one run, no walks and seven strikeouts – using pinpoint control, a fast ball that doesn’t reach 80 mph and an assortment of off speed pitches to baffle hitters.

Will he win a spot in the rotation, competing with 20-somethings who benefit from Moyer’s pitching Ph.D. every time he takes the mound?  The jury’s still out as BBRT posts, but it’s looking good.  No matter what the outcome, the entire Rockies’ staff is learning a lot about changing speeds, changing locations and getting hitters off balance.

They are also learning a lot about heart and the satisfaction of doing something you love.

BBRT thanks Jamie Moyer for that lesson.  Jamie Moyer’s comeback should teach us all about the importance of following our passion, maintaining a positive attitude and never being afraid to try.  Officially, Jamie Moyer has left the mound a winner 267 times.  In reality, he’s a winner everyday – on and off the mound.

And, by the way, should he earn a roster spot and notch a victory, Moyer would become the oldest pitcher to ever win a major league game.  He also will add to a remarkable career. He has 24 major league seasons under his belt, 267 wins, two 20-win seasons,  more than 4,000 innings pitched, has been to the postseason four times (1997, 2001, 2007, 2008) and, heck, he’s even got 49 base hits. Wouldn’t it be great if number 50 was Moyer’s first home run – it is Colorado after all.

All of this from a pitcher who says his fastball was always below average.  Jamie Moyer has always pitched with his head – and his heart.  BBRT salutes his accomplishments, applauds his spirit and anticipates his first official 2012 start.

Filed Under: News, Rants & Raves

Big Spring – What’s it mean?

March 27, 2012 by

Spring training stats are often misleading, but there are a few notables that have caught BBRT’s eye this spring.  Could this be a harbinger of potential realized?  We’ll be watching these spring “stars” with interest once the season opens.  (Spring stats as of March 26)

 

Lorenzo Cain, Royals, OF

This 25-year-old is tearing it up this spring, .447, 4 homers, 8 RBI, 2 SBs in 47 at bats.  After hitting .312 with 16 HRs at AAA last year and .302 in 49 game in two call ups (Milwaukee in 2010 and KC in 2011), Cain looks ready to light a fire in Kansas City.

Brandon Belt, Giants, OF-1B

At 23 going into the season, Belt still needs to show more control at the plate (.225 in his call up to the Giants last year), but he has shown some power (9 homers in 187 ML at bats in 2011).  This spring, .380 with 3 HRs in 50 at bats.  He may be a year or two away from making an impact, but he’s worth a watch.

Zack Cozart, Reds, SS

At 26, he appears to be ready.  Hit .310 at Louisville last year, .324 in an 11-game ML call up.  Hitting .452 in 42 at bats this spring.  Only drawback, not much of a power stroke (although he did hit 17 HRs at Louisville in 2010.  BBRT is looking for a solid BA (.285 range) with a handful of HRs (8-12) and 15 SBs.

Delmon Young, Tigers, OF

People have been waiting for years for Young to tap his potential (and he’s only 26).  He seemed to find himself after his trade to Detroit late last season and the hot streak has carried into spring (.413 – 5 HRs – 19 RBI in 46 at bats.)  If this isn’t the breakout year, it’s time to quit waiting and watching.

Dee Gordon, Dodgers, SS

BBRTs favorite future star.  Not much power, but a nice bat and great speed.  This 23-year-old  hit .333 with 30 SBs in 70 games at AAA last year, then .304 with 24 SBs in 56 games with the Dodgers.  He’s here to stay – and the race is on.   Should be a joy to watch.

Adam Wainwright, Cardinals, SP

Thirty-year-old veteran looks to be back from elbow surgery, didn’t give up an earned run in his first 14 spring innings.  Cardinals are looking for the pitcher who went 39-19 (463 innings pitched) in 2009-10 before sitting out 2011.  May not top 200 innings, but looks to rejoin the NL “aces” club – and with the questions surrounding Carpenter’s health, the Cards need him.

Francisco Liriano, Twins, SP

Up and down – on the corner, off the plate – intense, distracted.  Francisco Liriano is a mystery.  But he is only 28, in a “contract year,” and has shown occasional signs of brilliance.  BBRT is watching – and hoping the mystery is solved this year.  Hope truly “springs” eternal, with Liriano working to a 2-0 record, 2.00 ERA and 23 Ks versus just three walks in his first 18 spring innings.

Vance Worley, Phillies, SP

Lost behind Lee, Halladay and Hamels, a number of observers called the 24-year-old Worley’s 11-3 (3.01) in 2011 less than convincing.  They wanted more proof and indications are they may very well get it.  This spring Worley has rung up 18 Ks and only 2 BBs in just over 16 innings, with a 2.81 ERA.  With the Howard and Utley’s health issues, pitching must carry the Phillies. It looks to BBRT like Worley will more than carry his share of the load.

Filed Under: News

BBFF – Talkin’ Baseball and “Lord Charles”

March 27, 2012 by

BBFF … Yes, baseball will be your friend forever, but in this case the FF is “fun facts.”  This one is about talkin’ baseball.

Here are a few baseball terms for the curve ball.  Toss ’em into your conversation at the old ballyard.

Yakker, Hook, Bender, The Old 12 to 6.  These are the basics, you can’t go wrong with these.

Deuce.  Named for the two fingers catchers have long used to signal the curve.  Takes your baseball personna up just a notch.

Uncle Charlie – a good curve; Lord Charles – a great curve.   Brings a little extra snap to your comment.

BBRT would add two more:  The “Bertie,” the “Holland Hook,” or the “Prince Aalbert” – acknowledging the “Lord Charles” that took Bert Blyleven to the Hall of Fame.

 

Filed Under: BB Fun Facts

Difference makers? It could happen.

March 25, 2012 by

Pujols, Cano, Verlander, Tulo …  Easy to predict all of these will be impact players.  BBRT wants to look a little deeper at players we think may make a bigger difference than you might expect in 2012.

Matt Moore – SP –  Tampa Bay… This Strasberg-like phenom will help keepTampa in striking distance.  Potential Rookie of the Year could rack up 12-15 wins and 200 ks.

Mat Latos – SP – Cinc. … Strong second half of 2011 (after starting season on the DL) showed this potential ace is fully healthy.  Should benefit from the Reds offense after going 9-14 with the anemic Padres.  15-10 not too optimistic.  Key to Red’s ability to chase down Pujol-less Cardinals.

Daniel Hudson – SP – Arizona … Good bet to win 16 games, toss 200 innings and strikeout 200 for the D-backs, and they’ll need it to hold off SF.

Madison Bumgarner – SP – SF … Lincecom and Cain get most of the publicity, but this 22-year-old seems on the verge of a great season.  191 Ks versus 46 BBs last year.

Francisco Liriano – SP –Minn. … Looked strong in spring.  If he goes back to form of 2010, could help the Twins return to respectability.

Matt Garza –  SP –  Chicago (N) … 10-10 record in 2011 may put him under the radar, but Garza still has plenty left.   Keep in mind, he went 6-2 (2.45 ) in the second half of 2011 and, for the season,  he struck out 197 in 198 innings.  If Cubs are going nowhere, Garza may go somewhere (to a contender).

Julio Teheran , Shelby Miller, Drew Pomeranz – SPs – Atlanta, St. Louis, Colorado … Youngsters with great stuff sure to get to the “show” sometime in 2012, if they don’t start the season there.  Once up, they will make a difference.

Glen Perkins – RP –  Minnesota … Hard thrower stabilizes Twins’ end-game, and if Matt Capps falters, Perkins could slide into the closer role (which it is unlikely he will ever relinquish).

Nick Hundley, Jesus Montero – Cs – San Diego, Seattle … Two young “catchers of the future,” unfortunately playing where the opportunity to make a difference will be minimal – but look for strong seasons from both.

Eric Hosmer –1B – KC ….  Will build on his .293-19-78 of 2011.  Important power source for Royals.  And, hes only 22.

Ryan Rayburn – 2B –  Detroit … Showed nice pop for a middle infielder (14 HR in 121 games) last year.  Plus he can play all over the field.  Will find plenty of ABs as the Tigers defend the Central.

Dee Gordon – SS – LA (N) … Spray hitter with little power, but brings great speed.  Hit .304 with 24 stolen bases in 56 games with the Dodgers last year.  Will lead off and have an impact.   Could lead Kemp to the MVP.

Bryce Harper – OF –  Washington … Enough written already, look for him in the Nats’ lineup by June and to lead a surge to a .500 season.

Micheal Cuddyer –OF –  Colorado.  Steady power hitter will benefit from move away for Target Field to Colorado’s power-friendly air.  .280-30-100 a possibility.   Needs to perform and lead in the clubhouse if Colorado is to contend.

As the season unfolds, there will be plenty of surprises and these are just a handful of players BBRT thinks will make a bigger difference than you might expect

Filed Under: News, Rants & Raves

Rave – Goodbye Chipper

March 25, 2012 by
More smilin’ than stylin’

When Braves’ Chipper Jones announced his retirement after the 2012 season, baseball began saying goodbye to a great player – a fan favorite (unless you’re a Mets fan), who truly did “more smilin’ than stylin”.  Eighteen years with one team
 (and counting); 454 home runs; 1,500+ RBIs and runs scored; an MVP award; and the list goes on.  The only switch hitter to achieve a .300 career average and 300 roundtrippers, Chipper should walk into the Hall of Fame on his first ballot.

Humble to the end, even in announcing his retirement he sang the praises of others who played out their careers with one team – specifically Cal Ripken, Jr. and Tony Gwynn.  In Chipper’s words, “While I don’t consider myself in their realm, I’m awfully proud to say I’ve been a part of this organization for so long.”

Well, Chipper, you did things so right for so long, but on this one you’re wrong.  You are in the Ripken/Gwynn realm and BBRT looks forward to your induction into baseball’s ultimate “realm” – Cooperstown.

 

Filed Under: News, Rants & Raves

NL 2012 Predictions

March 25, 2012 by

Here are BBRT National League Predictions

NL East Winner

Braves

Tough to pick against the Phillies – with a starting rotation of that features Halladay, Lee, Hamels and the rapidly emerging Worley (11-3, 3.01 era in 25 starts last year.)  The offense, however, was pretty much average a year ago and has gotten worse with Ryan Howard out perhaps until May, Chase Utley’s bum knee and uncertainty surrounding Polanco.  Add to that the fact the Jim Thome is 41 and Jim Rollins, at 33 (while he still flashes leather), has been on an offensive decline.

All this opens the door for Atlanta – but they don’t have to back in.  Plenty of power and a nice blend of veterans and youth in what looks to be a solid line-up.  Key concerns also blend veterans (What does Chipper Jones have left at 40?) and youth (Is Pastornicky ready to take over shortstop at 22?).  BBRT sees the Braves passing the Phillies with just enough offense, a strong bullpen (led by 2011 Rookie of the year Craig Kimbrel and Jonny Venters) and a young and improving rotation – plus plenty of motivation after last year’s late season collapse.  Dark Horse – maybe the Phillies rotation can keep them afloat until Howard and Utley return, especially if Jones or Pastornicky falter.

 NL Central Winner

Cardinals

No Pujols, no La Russa, still another Central Division title.  There are some “ifs” – if Wainwright returns to pre-surgery form; if the two Bees (Berkman and Beltran) still have plenty in the tank at 35; if Jason Motte can step up and grab the closer role for a full season; if Mike Matheny is ready to manage.  At BBRT. we think the answer is “yes” to all of the above.  Add the bats of Matt Holliday and David Freese; a full year of Furcal’s stabilizing glove at shortstop; and a solid, if not spectacular, rotation led by Carpenter and Wainwright and the Cardinals will have just enough to hold off the Brewers and the Reds.

NL West Winner

Diamondbacks

Arizona’s offense or San Francisco’s pitching?  Tough choice, but BBRT goes with the Diamondbacks.  The main reason?  Justin Upton, just 24 years old and an MVP (and 30-30) candidate.  Look for offensive contributions behind Upton from Jason Kubel, Miguel Montero, Ryan Roberts and up-and-coming power hitter Paul Goldschmidt.  Ian Kennedy and Daniel Hudson – who won 37 games and pitched 444 inning between them last year – will head a rotation that gets a little shaky at the backend (especially given some questions at middle relief).  The end game looks to be in good hands with J.J. Putz and David Hernandez and BBRT has always like Brad Ziegler’s sinker and versatility.  Dark horse here:  The Giants with Lincecum, Cain and Bumgarner have the arms to stay in the race (We’ll also be watching to see if Vogelsong is “for real”.  The bet is Volgelsong will slide a bit and the Giants’ offense will leave them a little short.

 

 Wild Card

Philadelphia (led by their pitching) and Milwaukee (Braun beats the suspension and newcomers Aramis Ramirez and Alex Gonzalez, plus Cory Hart provide all the offense starters Zack Grienke, Shaun Marcum, Yovani Gallardo, Randy Wolf and Chris Narveson (who won a combined 70 games in 2011) need.  Dark Horse:  Washington could sneak in if Bryce Harper and Strasberg shine.

 

Rookie of the Year

Bryce Harper … The Nationals will not be able to keep this hot-hitting prospect down on the farm.  He’ll be called up by June and do enough to earn ROY.  Other contenders: Julio Teheran (Braves will need him to hold off the Phillies, just needs a little seasoning); Drew Pomeranz (left hander has the stuff to help the Rockies now); Alfredo Silverio (this Dodger is more of a long shot, but has extra base power and speed – at the right price for a troubled franchise).

 

Cy Young

Cliff Lee will edge out fellow Phillies Roy Halladay and Cole Hamels – with 19 wins, a sub 2.60 era and 225 whiffs.  In the mix:  Stephen Strasburg, Matt Cain and Clayton Kershaw.

 

 MVP

Justin Upton will lead Arizona with a 30-30 season and edges out a motivated Matt Kemp.  Others in the Mix: the Reds’ Joey Votto and the Rockies’ Troy Tulowitski.

Big Surprise in 2012 … Pirates and Nationals both with a chance to finish over .500.

Filed Under: News
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