Archives for October 2018

Baseball Roundtable 2018 All-Rookie Team – and All-Time, All-Rookie Squad

October 31, 2018 by David

New, young talent adds excitement to the natonal pastime and recent years have seen plenty of players making an impact on the diamond. In this post, Baseball Roundtable will present its:

2018 Rookie of the Year choices;
13-member 2018 All-Rookie Team; and
All-Time, All-Rookie squad.

For those who like to count such things, the 2018 BBRT All Rookie Team includes eight American Leaguers and five National Leaguers. It also shows considerable diversity with: five players born in the Dominican Republic; four in the United States; two in Venezuala; one in Colombia; and one in Japan.

Let’s start with BBRT’s selections for top rookie in each league.

—–BBRT ROOKIE OF THE YEAR SELECTIONS—–

American League – Shohei Ohtani, Angels (P-DH)

Photo by shinya

The 24-year-old Shohei Ohtani came to the major leagues – from Japan – with a reputation for having a power arm and a power bat. The 6’4”, 200-pound right-hander pitcher/left-handed batter was a veteran of five seasons in Japan where hit .286-48-166 in 403 games and produced a 42-15, 2.52 record on the mound (624 strikeouts in 543 innings pitched).

Ohtani made his MLB debut on March 29 (Opening Day) as the Angels’ Designated Hitter – collecting a single in his first MLB at bat. (Ultimately, going one-for-five in the Angels’ 6-5 loss to the A’s.) On April 1, he made his MLB pitching debut, going six innings, giving up three runs on three hits, with one walk and six strikeouts – picking up his first major league victory as the Angels topped Oakland 7-4.

In early-June, Ohtani was placed on the Disabled List (elbow) and he returned in early July primarily as a DH. Ohtani pitched just one game after June 6 – taking the in a 2 1/3-inning start (two runs on two hits, with two walks and two whiffs) in a September 2 loss to the Astros. On October 1, Ohtani had Tommy John surgery.

Ohtani finished his rookie campaign hitting .285, with 22 home runs, 61 RBI and ten stolen bases in 104 games. On the mound, he went 4-2, 3.31 in ten starts – fanning 63 batters in 51 2/3 innings. He earns BBRT’s nod as the AL’s top rookie for that versatility and the fact that he did no let pitching-related arm troubles carry over to his performance at the plate.

Coming in a close second – in BBRT’s ranking, was Yankees’ 23-year-old 3B Miguel Andujar, who went .297-25-97 in 149 games and played an integral role in the Yankees’ drive to the post-season.

National League – Ronald Acuna Jr., Braves (OF)

Photo by DandreaPhotography

The Braves’ have a ton of exciting, young talent – perhaps none more exciting than 20-year-old Venezuelan outfielder Ronald Acuna, Jr. Acuna made his debut on April 25 and took the field in 111 games for Atlanta. The six-foot, 180-pound right-handed hitter put up a stat line of .293-26-64, with 78 runs scored and 16 stolen bases in 21 attempts. In producing those numbers, Acuna notched a number of highlights including becoming just the fourth player to homer to lead off both games of doubleheader and the youngest MLB player to homer in five consecutive games. In the post-season (NLDS), Acuna also became the youngest major leaguer to hit a post-season Grand Slam.

In 259 minor league games (four seasons), Acuna hit .301, with 30 home runs and 122 RBI. In 2017, he played at High A, Double A and Triple A – going a combined .325-21-82 with 44 stolen bases.

Finishing second to Acuna on the BBRT NL Rookie list was the Nationals’ 19-year-old outfielder Juan Soto – who made his MLB debut May 20 and put up a stat line of .292-22-70, with 77 runs scored and five stolen bases in 116 games. The margin of difference was minimal, with BBRT giving Acuna the edge based on his 16 steals.

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BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE’S 2018 ALL-ROOKIE TEAM

Catcher – Jorge Alfaro, Phillies (Born: Sincelejo, Colombia)

Originally signed by the Rangers, Jorge Alfaro was traded to the Phillies in late July of 2015. In 2016-17, he played in 35 games for the Phillies (retaining his rookie status for 2018) – showing considerable promise (.293-5-14). The 25-year-old opened the 2018 season with the Phillies and put up a solid .262-10-37 stat line in 108 games. In eight minor league seasons, Alfaro hit .270-15-51 in 634 games.

Shades of the Molinas? Jorge Alfaro’s brother – 20-year-old Jhoandro Alfaro – is in his fourth pro season as a catcher in the White Sox’ system.

First Base – Ronald Guzman, Rangers (Born: La Vega, Dominican Republic)

The 23-year-old left-handed hitting Ronald Guzman – at 6′ 5″, 225-pounds – showed good power with 16 home runs and 58 RBI in 123 games (.235 average). Guzman was signed by the Ranger in 2011 and made his pro debut (age 17) in 2012 – hitting .321-1-33 in 52 games at the Rookie-League level. In seven minor league seasons, he hit .275-51—339 in 607 games.

Ronald Guzman’s father Manuel saw Guzman play professional baseball for the first time on August 10, 2018 – as the Rangers took on the Yankees in New York. Guzman rewarded his dad with a three-for-five, three-home run day.

Second Base – Gleyber Torres, Yankees (Born: Caracas, Venezuela)

Tough choice here between the Rays’ Joey Wendle (.300-7-61, 16 steals in 139 games) and Yankees’ Gleyber Torres (.271-24-77, with six steals, in 123 games). BBRT is going with Torres for a handful of reasons: 1) I like his advantage in power; 2) At 21, he is seven years younger than Wendle; and 3) Wendle had already seen MLB action in 2016 and 2017 (a total of 36 games with the A’s).

Torres was originally signed by the Cubs in 2013 and made his pro debut in 2014 at the age of 17 – hitting .297-2-33 at the Rookie- and A-Levels. He was traded to the Yankees in July of 2016 (in the trade that took Aroldis Chapman to the Cubs). In 2018, Torres started 104 games at 2B and 15 at SS.

On September 2, batting ninth, Gleyber Torres hit his 20^th home run of the season. That blast was the 265^th for the Yankees, breaking the All Time MLB single-season team record. In addition, it was the 20^th home run hit from the ninth spot in the New York order – making the Bronx Bombers the first team with at least 20 home runs from each of the nine spots in the batting order. Note: The Yankees ended the season with an MLB-record 267 home runs.

Third Base, Miguel Andujar, Yankees (Born: San Cristobal, Dominican Republic)

Another young Yankee, the 23-year-old Miguel Andujar hit .297-27-92 in 149 games after opening the season with the Yankees on April 1. (He did play five games with New York in 2017.) Andujar was signed by the Yankees in 2011 and made his professional debut (at age 17) at the Rookie-League level in 2012 – going .232-1-19 in 50 games. Again at the Rookie-League level the following season, Andujar showed his promise – going .323-4-25 in 34 games. Over six minor league seasons, he hit .274-51-336 in 596 games.

Miguel Andujar hit 47 doubles in 2018 – the most two-baggers ever by a Yankee rookie. The record (44) had been held by Joe DiMaggio – pretty good company.

SS – Willy Adames, Rays (Born: Santiago, Dominican Republic)

The 23-year-old Willy Adames made his MLB debut on May 22 and went .278-10-34, with six steals, in 85 games for the Rays. He finished the season strong, hitting .329-7-25 in 51 August-September games. Signed by the Tigers in 2012, Adames was traded to the Rays in 2014. In six minor league seasons, Adames hit .270, with 38 home runs, 281 RBI and 52 steals in 617 games.

Willy Adames’ first MLB hit – in his debut game – was a home run off Chris Sale.

OF – Ronald Acuna, Jr. Braves (Born: LaGuaira, Venezuela)

Ronald Acuna, Jr. put up a .293-26-64 line, with 16 steals. (See details in the BBRT Rookie of the Year selections at the top of the post.)

OF – Juan Soto, Nationals (Born: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic)

Making his MLB debut as a teenager (May 2), the left-handed hitting Juan Soto hit .292, with 22 home runs and 70 RBI in 116 games. The 6’1”, 185-pound outfielder has hit everywhere he’s played. As a 17-year-old (at the Rookie- and Low-A levels), he hit a combined .368-5-32 in 51 games. Over three minor league seasons, Soto raked at a .362 pace, with 22 homers and 102 RBI in 122 games.

In his first MLB start – second MLB game – Juan Soto became the youngest player in the Expos/Nationals franchise history to hit a home run (19 years and 208 days).

OF – Daniel Palka, White Sox (Born: Greenville, South Carolina)

The 26-year-old Daniel Palka appeared in 124 games for the White Sox in 2018 and powered 27 home runs (.240 averages and 67 RBI). Drafted in the third round of the 2013 MLB draft by the Diamondbacks, he was traded to the Twins in 2015 and then selected off waivers by the White Sox in 2017. The 6’2”, 220-pound left-handed hitter showed good power in the minors, topping 20 home runs in 2014-15-16. In six minor league seasons, he hit .270, with 109 home runs, 368 RBI and 48 steals.

Daniel Palka had a powerful final month in 2018 – hitting .250, with eight home runs and 14 RBI in 25 September games.

DH – Shohei Ohtan, Angels (Born: Oshu, Japan)

Shohei Ohtani, the two-way Japanese star, hit .285-22-61 in 104 games – and went 4-2, 3.31 on the mound. (See details in the BBRT Rookie of the Year selections at the top of this post.)

Shohei Ohtani is credited with the fastest pitch ever thrown in Nippon Professional Baseball history – as 102.5 mph.

Utility – Niko Goodrum, Tigers (Born: Fayetteville, Georgia)

Niko Goodrum was signed as a free agent by the Tigers in November 2017. The 26-year-old, 6’3” 198-pound switch hitter made his Tigers’ debut April 1 (but had played 11 games with the Twins in 2017). His line for the season, .245-16-53, with 12 steals.

A true utility player, in 2018, Niko Goodrum started 59 games at 2B, 22 games at 1B, 10 at SS, 10 in LF, 9 at 3B, and 7 in RF.

SP – Walker Buehler, Dodgers (Born: Lexington, Kentucky)

Walker Buehler – a Dodgers’ first-round draft choice in 2015 – made his MLB debut on September 17, 2017. He pitched in eight games for the Dodgers that season and went 1-0, with a 7.71 ERA in 9 1/3 innings. In 2018, still considered a rookie, Buehler lived up to his first-rounder status. The 6’2”, 175-pound right-hander went 8-5, with a tidy 2.62 earned run average and 151 strikeouts (versus just 37 walks) in 137 1/3 innings (23 starts in 24 appearances). The rookie played a key role in the Dodgers’ NL West title drive. In three minor league campaigns, Buehler went 5-3, 3.04 – fanning 152 batters in 109 2/3 inning.

Walker Buehler signed with the Dodgers, as a first-rounder, in July of 2017 – and had Tommy John surgery before making his professional debut just over a year later.

RP – Seranthony Dominguez, Phillies (Born: Esperanza, Dominican Republic)

Seranthony Dominguez appeared in 53 games for the Phillies in his rookie season – picking up 16 saves in 20 opportunities, posting a 2-5 won-lost record and a 2.95 earned run average. On the season, he fanned 74 batters (22 walks) in 58 innings. Signed in 2011, he began his pro career at 17 in the Dominican Summer League (Rookie League) – going 4-4, 3.48.

Dominguez opened the 2018 season with the Double-A Reading Fightin’ Phils (1-2, 2.08), was soon promoted to the Triple-A Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs (1-0, 0.00) and, by May 7, was called up to the Phillies. In seven minor league seasons, Dominguez went 23-22, 3.03 with 299 whiffs in 326 2.3 innings.

In his first six MLB appearances, Seranthony Dominguez did not allow a hit or a walk (6 2/3 innings), while fanning seven. In his first 12 MLB appearances, he allowed just two hits and no walks, while fanning 16 in 14 2/3 innings – maintaining a 0.00 ERA until his 13^th MLB game.

“Utility” Pitcher – Ryan Yarborough Rays (Born: Lakeland, Florida)

Okay, the Rays have really pushed the envelope with the “bullpen game” formula for getting outs – which makes the role of Rays’ southpaw rookie Ryan Yarbrough hard to classify. Still, you cannot leave this 23-year-old off the All Rookie squad after a 16-6, 3.91 record in 2018. The 6’5”, 205-pounder stood tall on the mound – tossing 147 1/3 innings in 38 appearances (six starts). BBRT just cannot ignore those 16 wins.

In four minor league seasons, Yarbrough went 29-19, 3.22 – primarily as a starter (87 appearances, 83 starts, one complete game).

Ryan Yarbrough led all rookie pitchers in wins in 2018 – with 16 victories.

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BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE’S ALL-TIME ROOKIE TEAM

C – Mike Piazza, Dodgers, 1993 … .318-37-130

Mike Piazza may be the most unlikely member of this All-Time, All-Rookie squad. Piazza was chosen by the Dodgers in 62^nd Round of the 1988 MLB draft – meaning that more than 1,300 played were selected before him. Five years later – as a 24-year-old rookie, Piazza was an All Star and the NL Rookie of the Year – hitting .318-35-112. In a total of 16 seasons, Piazza earned his way into the Baseball Hall of Fame – hitting .308, with 427 home runs and 1,335 RBI. He was a 12-time All Star, topped .300 10 times. Hit 30 or more home runs nine times (a high of 40 in 1997 and 1999) and drove in 100 or more runs in six seasons.

Albert Pujols, Cardinals, 2001 … .329-37-130

Photo by shgmom56, Barbara Moore

At the ripe young age of 21, Albert Pujols put up the first in a string of remarkable seasons – earning the 2001 Rookie of the Year Award and a fourth-place finish in the MVP balloting. Pujols hit .329, with 37 home runs, 130 RBI and 112 runs scored. Over the first ten seasons of his career, he topped a .300 average, 30 home runs and 100 RBI every season. At the close of the 2018 season, Pujols was a ten-time All Star, three-time league MVP and two-time Gold Glove winner – boasting a career average of .302, 3,082 base hits, 633 home runs and 1,982 RBI.

Albert Puhjols gets extra credit for versatility. In his rookie season, Pujols started 53 games at 3B; 38 in LF; 33 in RF; 31 at 1B; and 2 at DH.

2B – Harvey Kuenn, Tigers, 1953 …. .308-2-48, with 94 runs scored.

Tough choice here. I really wanted to put in Jackie Robinson (the first-ever Rookie of Rookie of the Year winner – in 1947). Robinson, however, started exclusively at 1B that season. BBRT’s top rookie second-sacker is Harvey Kuenn. As a 22-year-old rookie in 1953, Kuenn was the AL Rookie of the Year – leading the league in plate appearances (731), at bats (679) and, more important for this ranking, base hits (209). Kuenn went on to lead his league in hits four times, won the 1959 batting title (.353) and was an All Star in eight consecutive seasons. He finished his 15-season playing career with a .303 average (nine season at .300 or better) and 2,092 hits, 87 home runs, 671 RBI, 950 runs scored.

3B – Dick Allen, Phillies, 1964 … .318-29-91, with 125 runs scored.

As a 22-year-old rookie, Dick Allen started 162 games at third base for the Phillies – hitting .318-29-91. He also led the NL in runs scored with 125 total bases with 352 and legged out a league-topping 13 triples. That performance earned him Rookie of the Year honors. Allen went on to become a seven-time All Star, delivering a .292 average, 351 home runs and 1,119 RBI over 15 seasons. He led his league in home runs Twice and RBI once, and was the 1972 AL MVP with the White Sox.

SS – Nomar Garciaparra, Red Sox, 1977 … .306-30-98

Nomar Garciaparra’s 1997 rookie campaign was a sign of things to come. The 23-year-old made the All Star and hit .306, with 30 long balls, 98 RBI, 122 runs scored and 22 stolen bases (in 153 games). He led the AL in at bats (684), hits (209), triples (11) and tossed in 44 doubles. Garciaparra went on to play 14 MLB seasons, was a six\-time All Star and was two-time batting champion. He finished with a .313 average, 229 home runs, and 936 RBI.

Shoeless Joe Jackson, Indians, 1911 … .408-7-83

Photo by The Library of Congress

The 23-year-old Indians’ outfielder had been called up for the proverbial MLB “cup of coffee” in 1908, 1909 and 1910, but had seen action in only 30 games – retaining his rookie status. After a 1910 season that saw Jackson hit .354 in 136 games for the Class A New Orleans Pelicans and then .387 in 20 contests for the Indians, Jackson had cemented a spot with the 1911 AL Indians’ squad.

What did he do to earn the top spot on this BBRT list? In 147 games, he hit .408, with 233 hits, 126 runs scored, 45 doubles, 19 triples, seven home runs, 83 RBI and 41 stolen bases. Jackson’s .408 remains the 15th-highest average in any MLB season ever and the sixth-highest since 1900. In 1911, Jackson was second in MLB in batting average (to Ty Cobb’s .420) and one of only two players to hit .400; first in on base percentage (.468); second (to Cobb) in slugging percentage at .590; second in runs scored (again to Cobb); second in hits (Cobb); second in doubles (Cobb); and second in total bases with 337 (Cobb, 367). He finished fourth in the MVP voting.

If it took Ty Cobb in his prime to outhit you in your rookie season, you’ve earned the top spot on this list.

Jackson – caught up in the Black Sox scandal of 1919 – went on to a 13-year career in which he averaged .356, three times led the AL in triples, twice led the AL in hits, twice topped the league in total bases and racked up single seasons leading the AL in doubles, on-base percentage and slugging percentage. By the way, Jackson hit .375 in that infamous 1919 World Series.

Fred Lynn, Red Sox, 1975 … .331-21-105

How can you not have Red Sox flycatcher Fred Lynn near the top of this list? He was the first player to win Rookie of the Year and a Most Valuable Player Award in the same season. It was 1975, but Lynn had shown his promise the season before. Called up from the Triple A Pawtucket Red Sox (where he hit .282-21-68 in 124 games), Lynn closed out the 1974 season hitting .419 in 15 games for Boston. In 1975, he hit .331 (second in the AL), with 21 home runs, 105 RBI and an AL-leading 103 runs scored. – and he won a Gold Glove for his defensive play in center field.

Lynn went on to a 17-season career with a stat line of .283-306-1,111 and four Gold Gloves.

Ted Williams, Red Sox, 1939 … .327-31-145

Photo by Wicker Paradise

Teddy Ball game broke into the big leagues in 1939 – a 20-year-old rookie. It was his fourth professional season and, in three minor league campaigns, his average had gone from .271 to .291 to .366. In 1939, Williams hit .327, banged out 31 home runs, led all of MLB with 145 RBI and scored 131 times. He finished seventh in the AL in batting average; fifth in hits (185); first in total bases (344); second in doubles (44); fifth in triples (11); and third in home runs (31). The Splendid Splinter finished fourth in the MVP voting in his rookie campaign.

Williams went on to a Hall of Fame career that included: six batting titles; four home run crowns; six seasons leading the league in runs scored; and four seasons at the top of the RBI list. In 19 MLB seasons, Williams also put up an MLB career-best .482 on-base percentage – leading the AL in that category 12 times.

DH – Aaron Judge, 2017 Yankees … .284-52-114

The 25-year-old Aaron Judge blasted an MLB rookie-record 52 home runs in 2017 Despite 208 strikeouts (another rookie record), Judge hit .284, with league-leading 52 home runs, 114 RBI’s and an AL-leading 128 runs. He also topped the league with 127 free passes. Judge, a first–round selection in the 2013 MLB draft (number 32 overall), was selected AL Rookie of the month in April, May, June and September of 2017. In 2018, Judge hit .278-27-67 in 112 games and made his second consecutive All Star squad.

SP – Russ Ford, Yankees, 1910 … 26-6, 1.65

Unlike many of the players on this list, after a spectacular rookie season, right-handed hurler Russ Ford did not go on to a long and illustrious MLB career. Before making the New York Highlanders (Yankees) roster in 1910, Ford did get a somewhat disastrous “cup of major league coffee” in 1909 – one game, three innings pitched, four hits, four walks, three hit batsmen, three earned runs, two strikeouts.

Still a rookie in 1910, the 27-year-old righty went 26-6 with a 1.65 ERA. The 26 wins remains the American League rookie-season record. In his initial full campaign, Ford was second in the AL in wins (26); second in winning percentage (.813); seventh in ERA (1.65); fourth in strikeouts (209); fifth in games started (33); fourth in complete games (29); and second in shutouts (8). On a Highlanders’ team that finished second with an 88-63 record, Ford led the team in virtually every positive pitching category.

Ford followed that rookie season with a 22-11, 2.27 record in 1911, but then led the AL in losses (13-21, 3.55) in 1912 and lost 18 games (versus 12 wins) in 1913. He jumped to Buffalo of the Federal League in 1914, going 21-6, 1.82 … and 5-9, 4.52 in 1915. Historians report that Ford’s career was cut short (he did not pitch in the majors after 1915) with the banning of his signature pitch – the well-scuffed “emery ball.” His final MLB line, over seven seasons, was 99-71, 2.59.

RP – Craig Kimbrel, 2011, Braves … 4-3, 2.10, 46 saves

The 23-year-old Craig Kimbrel was the NL Rookie of the Year in 2011 – after leading the NL in saves (46) and putting up a 4-3, 2.10 record with 127 strikeouts in 77 innings pitched. Now in his ninth season, the elite closer has been all All Star seven times, led his league in saves four times, put up a 1.91 earned run average and fanned 868 batters in 532 2/3 innings.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Here a few additinal rookie seasons that BBRT finds either remarkable, interesting … or both.

Grover Cleveland Alexander, Phillies, 1911 … 28-13, 2.57

After going a combined 44-19, with a 1.66 ERA in two minor league seasons – D-Level Galesburg Boosters in 1909 and B-Level Syracuse Stars in 1910 (where he went 29-11) – Grover Cleveland “Pete” Alexander made the Phillies’ major league squad in 1911. In his rookie season, Alexander went 28-11, with a 2.57 ERA and finished third in the National League MVP race. (The 28 wins are still the post-1900 record for a rookie.) Here’s what the 24-year-old rookie right-hander accomplished: 28 wins (led NL, tied for MLB lead); 31 complete games (led NL, third in MLB); seven shutouts (led MLB); 227 strikeouts (second in NL, fourth in MLB); 37 games started (second in NL, third in MLB). 6.99 hits per nine innings (lowest in NL, second-lowest in MLB).

Alexander went on to a 20-season Hall of Fame career – 373 wins (208 losses); a 2.56 career ERA; 2,198 strikeouts. He led the NL in wins six times; ERA five times; complete games six times; shutouts 7 times; and strikeouts six times.

Fernando Valenzuela, Dodgers, 1981 … 13-7, 2.48

Fernando Valenzuela went just 13-7 in 1981 – but, remember that was a strike season and no pitcher won more than 14 games. In fact, Valenzuela’s 13-7, 2.48 ERA record earned him Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Award honors, as well as a top-five finish in the MVP voting. The 20-year-old rookie also led the league in starts (25), complete games (11), shutouts (8) innings pitched (192 1/3) and strikeouts (180). Valenzuela went on to a 17-season career (173-153, 3.54).

Mark McGwire, A’s 1987 … .289-49-118

Mark McGwire’s original call up was not an eye-opener (18 games in 1986, with a .189-3-9 stat line.) But he made good on his promise in his first full season – going .289-49-118 for the A’s as a 23-year-old in 1987; and setting a rookie HR record that stood for three decades. McGwire went on to a 16-season MLB career in which he hit .263, with 583 long balls and 1,414 RBI. McGwire led his league in home runs four times (a high of 70 in 1998) and in RBI once (147 in 1999).

Dale Alexander, 1929, Tigers … .343-25-137

Dale Alexander is an “Oh my, what could have been!” story. Alexander broke in at first base with the Tigers in 1929 – after six minor league seasons in which he hit .333 (in 2,924 at bats). The year before he made the Tigers’ squad, Alexander hit .380-31-144 with 15 stolen bases at Toronto of the Double-A International League. As an MLB rookie, Alexander played in all 155 Tigers’ games, hitting .343 (tenth in the league), leading the league with 215 base hits, blasting 25 home runs (fifth in the AL) and driving in 137 runs (third).

A durable player, Alexander again played in every Tigers’ game in 1930, this time hitting .326-20-135. He went on to a .325 average (just three home runs) in 1931 and .367-8-60 (and an AL batting title) in 1932 (a season which included a trade to the Red Sox). Over his first four full seasons, Alexander averaged .338.

In a five-season MLB career – cut short by a truly unexpected injury/health catastrophe – Alexander hit .331, with 61 home runs, 459 RBI and 20 stolen bases.

In May of 1933, Alexander suffered a knee injury and was subjected to a new deep-heat treatment. Unfortunately, Alexander was left in the “diathermy” machine too long and suffered third-degree burns to his leg. Initially, there was concern that he might actually lose the leg, but amputation was avoided. However, the burned and scarred leg did not fully recover, limiting Alexander’s mobility and marking 1933 as his final MLB season. (He did continue to play in the minor until 1942).

Mike Trout, Angels, 2012 … .326-30-83

Mike Trout joined the 30-30 club in his first full MLB season (at the age of 20) – going .326-30-83, with a league-leading 49 stolen bases. He also led the league in runs scored with 149. That performance earned him Rookie of the Year honors and a second-place finish in the AL MVP voting. (Note: Trout hit .220 in a 40-game call up in 2011.)

In his first seven full MLB seasons, Trout has made the All Star team seven times, won two MVPAwards and finished second in MVP voting three times (could be a fourth this year.)

Tony Oliva, Twins 1964 … .323-32-94

25-year-old Tony Oliva won the AL batting crown in his rookie season with .323 average. He also led the AL in hits (217), runs scored (109), doubles (43) and total bases (374). Despite being hampered by knee injuries in the latter part of his career, Tony-O went on to 15 MLB seasons that included three batting crowns, five seasons leading the league in hits and four seasons topping the AL in doubles. Oliva’s career stat line: .304-220-947.

Extra credit to Tony Oliva for following up his rookie batting title by becoming the only player to win a batting title in his first two full seasons (.323 in 1963, .321 in 1964). He also led the league in base hits his first three full seasons

Mark Fidrych, Tigers, 1976 … 1909, 2.34

At 21, Mark “The Bird” Fidrych took baseball – and, in particular, Detroit baseball – by storm. Statically, he went 19-9, with a league-low 2.34 ERA and a league-high 24 complete games. His performance won him Rookie of the Year honors and second place in the Cy Young Award balloting. His 19 wins were third in the AL – keeping in mind that he opened the year in the bullpen and didn’t get his first start until May 15. He went on to throw complete games in his 11 of his first 12 starts.

Fidrych makes this list as much for his antics on the mound – and popularity with the fans – as for his stellar rookie numbers. How can you not recognize a season in which a team draws more than twice as many fans at home for a specific pitcher’s starts? In 1976, the Tigers’ average home attendance on a non-Fidrych start days was 13,843; while the team averaged 33,649 when The Bird started on the Detroit home mound.

In Spring Training 1977, Fidrych injured his knee, but recovered and got off to a good start that season. Going into July, Fidrych was 6-2, with a 1.83 ERA and seven complete games in eight starts. Then, in a July 4 start against the Orioles, he felt something wrong in that valuable right wing (giving up six runs in 5 2/3 innings). He tried a couple more outings (a total of seven runs in 6 1/3 innings) before shutting down. He really never was the same again – eventually having shoulder surgery – and won only four more MLB games after July 1977. Some think the knee injury may have led him to alter his delivery, while others point to the workload of all those complete games. Either way, like Dale Alexander’s, this is an “Oh my, what might have been!” kind of story. The Bird’s final stat line: 29-19, 3.10.

Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners, 2001 … .350-8-69

Okay, I know Ichiro Suzuki should probably be in the All-time, Rookie Lineup – probably right up there around Ted Williams and Fred Lynn. After all, as a 27-year-old MLB rookie, he led the AL with a .350 average and 242 hits – and added a league-leading 56 stolen bases and a Gold Glove. It’s just that those nine seasons in Japan (.353 average and seven batting championships) make it hard from me to figure out where to place him with more traditional rookies.

Still, like Elvis, Cher and Madonna, Ichiro is a star that needs only one name. After a spectacular rookie season in MLB, Ichiro just kept on hitting. He amassed 200+ hits in each of his first ten MLB seasons, leading the league in safeties seven times – and picked up a pair of batting titles along the way. He was also a Gold Glover in each of his first ten seasons. After 18 MLB seasons, Ichiro has a .311 MLB average, 3,089 hits, 117 home runs, 780 RBI, 1,420 runs scored. And let’s not forget those 1,278 hits in Japan. The man has been a hitting machine – and earns special recognition for a spectacular MLB rookie season.

BEST FOR LAST – MLB’s FIRST AND MOST IMPACTFUL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

Photo by InSapphoWeTrust

In 1947, Major League Baseball honored it first-ever Rookie of the Year – Dodgers’ first baseman Jackie Robinson. (There was initially just on ROY each season.) Robinson’s season may not have been the most spectacular in terms of numbers – .297 average, 12 home runs, 48 RBI, 125 runs (second in the league) and a league-leading 29 stolen bases – but it was extremely significant in terms of the Brooklyn rookie’s impact on the national pastime. In breaking baseball’s “color line,” the 28-year-old Robinson ushered in a new era and, as noted, turned in solid rookie-season performance, despite the many race-related challenges he faced.

Robinson faced those challenges with dignity and a balance of fire and restraint. He went on to a ten-year career MLB that included six All Star selections, a batting title (.342 in 1949) and two stolen base crowns. His career average was .311 (1,518 hits, with 137 home runs, 734 RBI, 947 runs scored and 197 steals. He hit .300 or better six times, topped twenty steals five times, scored 100 or more runs six times and reached double-digits in home runs in all but one season. In 1949, he was NL MVP with a .342 average, 16 home runs, 124 RBI, 122 runs scored and a league-topping 37 stolen bases. The season he had 203 base hits, 38 doubles, 12 triples, 86 walks and just 27 strikeouts.

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Primary sources: Society for American Baseball Research (SABR); Baseball-reference.com; MLB.com; Baseball-Almanac.com

I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT

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Why I Love Baseball – A Gridiron Coach Brings His Passion for Baseball into “Focus”

October 29, 2018 by David

As regular Baseball Roundtable readers know, BBRT invites and encourages guest contributions to its “Why I Love Baseball” page. Today, BBRT is pleased to present a post from Alex Smith – who has a strong affinity for competitive sports. Smith played baseball, football, hockey and golf in his formative years; was the starting quarterback for four seasons at SUNY Cortland; has coached football for more than a decade; and currently serves as the Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks coach for the Williams College football squad.

Smith says he honed his competitive nature (and baseball skills) competing against his younger brother Jon, who played seven seasons of professional baseball as a 1B/OF in the independent Frontier, Canadian-American Association and American Association leagues. In his final season, with the 2017 Rockland Boulders of the Canadian-American Association, Jon Smith hit .327, with 12 home runs and 35 RBI in 51 games.

Alex Smith – our guest poster – points to his experiences on the baseball diamond as playing an integral role in the development of his approach to coaching. In fact, he tells BBRT that he still uses baseball terminology in teaching football strategy to his quarterbacks. “Turn Two” is used to calal for a quick screen past and “Slide” informs playcallers to avoid a bit hit when scrambling.

Over the years, Smith has kept a special place for baseball in his heart as a fan; a fantasy baseball player; and through his website “Mind Fuse Baseball,” dedicated to providing insight to help ballplayers at all levels improve their performance. You can visit Smith’s site by clicking here or going to mindfusebaseball.com

So, let’s hear from Alex Smith (and maybe from you, reader, in the future).

Why I Love Baseball

By Alex Smith

Growing up in Western New York, where the winters are long and the summers are short, baseball was always something I looked forward to. It was a special time of the year because I loved everything about it. I’m in my early 30’s as I write this, but it’s amazing the memories that still flash across the screen of my mind when the baseball season rolls around each spring.

I can still remember my mom buying my first pair of baseball pants when I was six- years-old. I was the happiest kid in the world. Then, of course, my first bat, baseball glove and a ball cap! I was ready to take the field, just like my baseball heroes.

Being from New York, I have to admit that I’m a Yankees fan. I loved Derek Jeter, Bernie Williams, and Jorge Posada. These guys were clutch players in key moments and it was really fun to watch. They were winners and great role models, who seemed to be at their best when the challenges were at their greatest. .

Photo by T.H.Li

But I really had a host of baseball heroes. I used to practice swinging the bat like I was Paul O’Neil or Ken Griffey Jr. I loved Derel Jeter, Alex Rodriguez (when he was with Seattle) and Jimmy Rollins. The list of players who filled my summers goes on. Better yet, I loved emulating some of the best players in the world. I could see myself getting the big hit or making the game-saving catch, just like they did. Really, isn’t it cool that baseball is the one sport where you can copy a swing, or the way someone throws, or even the way an umpire calls strike three, and it’s fun doing it?

And, there is also the joy of playing the game itself. I remember fondly the exhilarating feeling of making a diving play, turning two and hitting a knocker the opposite way to drive in the tying run. I also remember important early ball field lessons learned about how individual performance can be integrated with the concept of team.

Baseball has been something very special to me. It has helped mold me into the man I am today. It instilled friendship and teamwork into my life at a very young age. One of the only reasons why I wanted to keep playing every year was because it was flat out fun.

Photo by JeepersMedia

Today, I coach football for a living at the college level. My brother just retired from professional baseball. Yet, every time we get together at family functions, we always talk about who won in Wiffle (c) Ball in the back yard – and, believe me, those contests were serious. Even though it was Wiffle Ball, we juiced up the balls and the bats to simulate real baseball pitching. We’d call our own balls and strikes and have the time of our lives!

The competitive spirit that I developed early in my baseball (and Wiffle Ball) experience remains a huge part of my life. I deal with wins and losses every year. Ebby said it best in Bull Durham, “Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes it rains.” It’s important to experience both sides of the spectrum. I mean, we all want to win, but I truly believe there are also important life lessons to be learned when you lose. It builds character, humility, patience, grit, toughness, perseverance, persistence and faith.

Baseball has provided me that opportunity for learning and personal development since first picked up a bat, ball and glove. If it weren’t for the game of baseball, I wouldn’t be where or who I am today. My relationship with my brother wouldn’t be as strong, and all the amazing memories and experiences would be dust in the wind.

Alex Smith and a Memorable Moment on the Diamond

One of the most memorable moments of my own baseball career took place in high school, when my team was facing off against a rival for the league championship.

My primary position was shortstop, although I also went to the mound occasionally as the closer. In this matchup, our starting pitcher simply couldn’t find the strike zone. He started the game by walking the first three batters. Our coach pulled him and threw me in there, where I was up against the cleanup hitter, with the bases loaded and no outs.

To this day, I still think about what went through my mind at that moment. I’m not sure if I even thought about the circumstances. They kind of just got lost, and all I saw was the batter, my catcher and the umpire. I guess that intense focus is what you now hear of as “being in the zone.” I knew right away I had good stuff that day. It was the hardest I ever threw, and I know that because there was a professional scout there evaluating our starter and the opposing team’s starting pitcher, who both threw in the 90-MPH range.

Anyway, with a combination of low-and-away fastballs, a 12-to-six curveball and a favorable umpire, I just couldn’t miss. I struck out the four-five-six hitters in order, stranding all three runners. And, the radar gun was registering my fast ball at 88 MPH. I rarely threw harder than 82-85 MPH. My curve ball was never that good. Yet, it all came together that day. I threw a complete game, minus the first three batters. I gave up zero runs and one hit. It was the most unbelievable feeling of being in the zone I have ever felt – to this day.

That on-the-diamond experience taught me to go in and fight no matter what the circumstances; to help your teammates out when things aren’t going well; to provide inspiration by performing at your very best; and to focus on the task at hand one step – in this case, one batter – at a time.

Alex Smith in his college days – focused on the task at hand.

I went on to play college football at SUNY Cortland, where I started at quarterback four straight years. There were many games and moments where I recognized the need to bring back that focus and to “find the zone.” Being ready for those situations on the college football field was made possible by the experiences I had in baseball. I learned the important of translating pressure into focus. I learned you can create success by focusing on the task at hand with full confidence and faith.

I continue to love baseball today because of what it provided me in terms of personal and professional development – as well as the memories that go along with the game. Watching baseball takes me back to my younger days – fond memories of teams I played with, competition with my brother and emulating my boyhood heroes. When I was younger, I didn’t really understand the true meaning of “America’s Pastime.” Well, this is it. For me, the excitement of watching baseball today is enhanced by the ability of today’s game to spur memories of past seasons, games and players.

Alex Smith’s View on Coaching … Opportunity and Responsibility

As a college football coach, I enjoy great opportunity and great responsibility both on and off the field. Every day, the young men I coach look to me for answers as to how to succeed against certain defenses – how we can accomplish our goals for the week, picking up first downs and scoring points. It’s not easy managing and entire offense, but it’s a great opportunity and it’s fun. However, there is more to it. Behind the scenes, I have a responsibility to help mold my players to become better people, men, teammates and citizens.

The most important price of advice I work to impart is “Love what you do and do what you love.” I always ask, “Why are you here? Why do you play football? Why do you play baseball?” That may seem like pretty simple advice and pretty simply questions, but you’d be surprised how many kids don’t know how to answer those questions.

There’s usually only a handful of players that know why they are playing the sport they have chosen. This exercise starts the thinking process. They really examine the “whys” and “why nots” of their decisions. This bit of soul searching raises the thoughtful and creative sides of their personalities. It’s when kids find answers deep within themselves and young men emerge. They make an informed decision, which provides direction and purpose.

Baseball has helped set the foundation for all the successes I have achieved in sports and in life. I can’t wait to teach my two-year-old son how to throw and catch, what a hit-and- run is, and what it means to be a part of something bigger than yourself – a team.

As we grow older and really start to appreciate what baseball has done for us, it becomes clear that it’s time to give back. That’s why I created Mind Fuse Baseball (click here to visit). The main focus is to help current players improve their physical and mental performance by providing information on the best products and services that will help them succeed.

These are the reasons why I love baseball! I can’t wait to help the next generation experience all the wonderful things that come from being involved with baseball.

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Filed Under: Why I Love Baseball (YILBB)

When it Comes to the Fall Classic, 13 is Definitely NOT a Lucky Number

October 23, 2018 by David

As the Dodgers and Red Sox prepare to face off in tonight’s 2018 World Series Game One (read BBRT’s World Series Preview here), Baseball Roundtable would like to take a look at some Fall Classic targets – most particularly total hits by a player in a single World Series.

Three players – Bobby Richardson, Lou Brock and Marty Barrett – share the record for base hits in a single World Series (13) – and all three collected their Baker’s Dozen safeties in losing causes.

Bobby Richardson, 2B, Yankees … 1964 World Series

Bobby Richardson went 13-for-32 (.406) in the 1964 World Series – as the Yankees lost to the Cardinals in seven games. Richardson collected two doubles and eleven singles, drove in three runs and scored three in a Series that saw the Cardinals top the Yankees in seven games. The MVP of the Series was the Redbird Bob Gibson, who went 2-2, 3.00 with 31 strikeouts in 27 innings. Gibson allowed 23 hits in his 27 innings, with Richardson collecting seven safeties in 15 at bats versus the Cardinals ace.

Richardson, by the way, was a “Big Game” hitter. The defensive whiz (a seven-time All Star and five-time Gold Glover) had a .266 career average over 12 MLB seasons. In seven World Series (36 games), he hit .305.

Yankees’ 2B Bobby Richardson is the only player to win the World Series MVP Award for a losing team. In 1960, as the Yankees lost to the Pirates in seven games – despite outscoring Pittsburgh 55-27, out-homering the Pirates 10-4 and outhitting them .338 to .256 – Richardson earned the MVP Award by hitting .367 (11-for-30), with two doubles, two triples, one home run, 12 run batted in (still the single World Series record) and eight runs scored.

Lou Brock, LF, Cardinals …. 1968 World Series

Hall of Famer Lou Brock went 13-for-28 (.464) in the 1968 World Series as his Cardinals lost to the Tigers in seven contests. Brock had three doubles, one triple, two home runs and five RBI in the losing cause. Notably, Brock was coming off a 1967 World Series when he came within one hit of the 13-hit record – going 12-for-29, with three homers and seven RBI as the Cardinals topped the Red Sox.

Brock, like Yankee Bobby Richardson – whose 13-hit World Series record he tied – was at his best in big games. In three World Series (21 games), Brock hit .391-4-13. In a 19-season MLB career, Brock was a six-time All Star. A .293 career hitter, Brock’s 3,023 hits are 27^th all-time and his 938 stolen bases are second only to Rickey Henderson. (Brock led the NL in steals eight times.)

The MVP of that 1968 World Series was Tigers’ starter Mickey Lolich, who gave up just five runs in three complete-game victories.

In the 1967 World Series, Lou Brock set a Fall Classic record by stealing seven bases (in seven attempts). Proving it wasn’t a fluke, he tied the record with seven steals (in nine attempts) in the 1968 World Series. Brock is still the only player to swipe seven bags in a single World Series.

Marty Barrett, 2B, Red Sox … 1986 World Series

Marty Barrett was never selected to an All Star team in his ten-season MLB career – but, in 1986, he was clearly a post-season All Star. First, as his Red Sox topped the Angels in the American League Championship Series, Barrett won ALCS MVP honors by going 11-for-30 (.367) with two doubles, five RBI and four runs scored. But his post-season run of excellence was far from over.

In the World Series, Barrett collected a record-tying 13 safeties (as the Red Sox lost to the Mets in seven games). He went 13-for-30 (.433) with two doubles and five walks (versus just two strikeouts) – scoring one run and driving in five. The MVP of the Series was the Mets’ 3B Ray Knight, who went 9-for-23 (.391), with one home run and five RBI.

Barrett played 941 games in ten MLB seasons, hitting .278, with 18 home runs and 314 RBI.

Mary Barrett – a skilled bunter – led the league in sacrifice bunts three consecutive seasons (1986-88), with 18, 22 and 20 sacrifices, respectively.

So, there’s a look at the three players who share the record for base hits in a single World Series. As the Dodgers and Red Sox face off, here are a few other single World Series targets:

HITTING

Batting Average – .750

Billy Hatcher, Reds, 1990 (12-for-15).

Home Runs – 5

Reggie Jackson, Yankees, 1977

Chase Utley, Phillies, 2009

George Springer, Astros, 2017

Runs Batted In – 12

Bobby Richardson, Yankees, 1960

Runs Scored – 10

Reggie Jackson, Yankees, 1977

Paul Molitor, Blue Jays, 1990

Walks – 13

Barry Bonds, Giants, 2002

PITCHING

Earned Run Average – 0.00

There are more than a dozen players with at least ten innings pitched in a World Series with a 0.00 ERA. Only two have put up perfect ERA while tossing 27 innings in a single Fall Classic.

Christy Mathewson, Giants, 1905

Waite Hoyte, Yankees, 1921 World Series.

Wins – 3

Plenty of three-game winners, the most recent being:

Randy Johnson, Diamondbacks, 2001

Strikeouts – 35

Bob Gibson, Cardinals, 1968

Shutouts – 3

Christy Mathewson, Giants, 1905

Game Appearances – Seven

Darold Knowles, A’s, 1973

Brandon Morrow, Dodgers, 2017

Innings Pitched – 44

Deacon Phillippe, Pirates, 1903

Saves – 4

John Wetteland, Yankees, 1996

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

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BBRT Looks Ahead to the 2018 Fall Classic

October 22, 2018 by David

Okay, it’s on to the Fall Classic – and it should be a good matchup, with two storied franchises that both boast deep and versatile lineups and solid pitching staffs. It’s going to be a tough call. However, before I get into Baseball Roundtable’s predictions – and I haven’t been all that accurate this post season, I had the Astros/Dodgers pegged for the matchup – and also swung and missed on the Cbus/Rockies Wild Card game – I’d like to share a brief “old school” rant.

Subterfuge or Strategy? An “Old-School” Rant.

Photo by Michael & Sherry Martin

Despite being Milwaukee-born, I was rooting for the Dodgers to take the NL Championship Series. My allegiance swung over to the West Coast in Game Five. Now, while I’m a bit old school, I still have no major problem with the recent development of the “bullpen game” – when you have an “opener” from the bullpen start the contest and then go to either a “primary pitcher” or a “committee” approach. That is, I have no problem with it when used as a strategy for “getting outs.” I do, however, take issue with the Brewers’ announcing southpaw Wade Miley as the starter in Game Five, then pulling him after one batter and going to right-hander Brandon Woodruff (with Miley planned as the Game Six starter). That seemed more like subterfuge than strategy to me.

Enough of my rant. Here’s BBRT’s prediction for (and a few comments on) the upcoming World Series. In addition, some thoughts on a handful of “things to watch for” – like the implications of the Dodgers drawing the most walks in the post-season thus far and the Red Sox giving up the most free passes. I’d really like to take the coward’s way out and just say whichever team wins Game One (particularly if it’s a Chris Sale/Clayton Kershaw matchup) will win the title in seven games. It really looks that close to me. However, that would, indeed, be the coward’s path to prediction. So, I am going to pick the Red Sox to win Game One – and the World Series in seven games. BBRT gives the edge to the Red Sox due to home field advantage, the more likelihood of putting up crooked numbers and the fact that the Red Sox (particularly the rotation and bullpen) should be better rested – particularly given the fact that, as this is written, the Dodgers still haven’t announced their Game One starter.

Let’s look a little deeper.

THE LINE UPS

Mookie Betts brings speech and power.
Photo by Keith Allison

These are two pretty evenly matched teams – which both generate a lot of offense and show enough depth for considerable lineup versatility. The Dodgers launched an NL-best 235 home runs (while hitting .250 at a team). The Red Sox show slightly less power (despite the DH) with 208 long balls, but did put up a .268 regular-season average and an MLB-tops 876 runs scored. (The Dodgers led the NL with 804 tallies). In the post season, that relationship of power and average has held. The Dodgers have 13 home runs and 43 runs scored in 11 games; while the Red Sox have scored 56 runs (in just nine games). The BoSox have hit .253 to the Dodgers .218, but trail in long balls 13-9. The Red Sox’ ability to put runners on the base paths (an MLB-best .339 on base percentage in the regular season and a .341 OBP in the post season – secondly only to the Astros’ .369 – may make them more likely to put up a big inning. The Dodgers are not far behind, with a regular-season OBP of .333 and a post-season mark of .324. Thus far in the post-season, the Red Sox have put up seven innings of three or more runs (in nine games) and the Dodgers have put up five such frames in eleven games. So, the Red Sox appear a bit more likely to put up a “big inning.”

A HANDFUL OF THINGS TO WATCH FOR – NUMBER ONE

Who will run the bases? During the regular season, the Red Sox showed more of a propensity to create a little disruption on the base paths – stealing 125 bags to the Dodgers 75. In the post-season, however, the Dodgers have swiped 13 bases (11 games) to the Red Sox’ five (nine games). Will the Red Sox turn Mookie Betts (30 steals in 36 attempts), Andrew Benintendi (21 for 24 in steal attempts) and Jackie Bradley, Jr. (17 for 18) loose? (In addition, Ian Kinsler – picked up by the Sox at the trade deadline – had 16 steals on the season, including seven in ten attempts for the BoSox.) And will the Dodgers, who were led in the regular season by Yasiel Puig’s 15 steals in 20 attempts, continue their aggressive post-season base running? (Cody Bellinger, who swiped 14 bags in the regular season, has four stolen bases in this post-season). Another thing to keep an eye on is the Red Sox’ propensity for taking the extra base and testing opposing outfielders.

Yasiel Puig brings excitement to the Dodgers’ lineup.
Photo by apardavila

The Dodgers have eight players who hit at least 20 regular-season home runs – 1B Matt Muncy (.263-35-79), who spent notable time at 1B, 2B and 3B); 1B/CF Cody Bellinger (.260-25-76); OF Joc Pederson (.248-25-56); C Yasmani Grandal (.241-24-68); OF Yasiel Puig (.267-23-63); 2B/SS/OF Enrique Hernandez (.256-21-52); OF Matt Kemp (.290-21-85) – and mid-season pickups SS Manny Machado (who hit .297-37-104 for the Orioles and Dodgers combined) and versatile corner infielder David Freese (.296-11-51 for the Pirates and the Dodgers), who could be an important asset against the Red Sox southpaws. The presence of Freese, Brian Dozier and Chris Taylor gives the LA squad some options both in terms of the lineup and bench moves.

You could say almost the same things about the Red Sox. While they have only four players with 20+ home runs, they have legitimate MVP candidates in RF Mookie Betts (.346-32-80, with 30 steals) and DH J.D. Martinez (.330-43-130). In addition, SS Xander Bogaerts gave the BoSox 23 home runs and drove in 103 (with a .288 average). There is also LF Andrew Benintendi (.290-16-87, 21 steals) and CF Jackie Bradley Jr., who drove in nine runs in the five-game AL Championship Series. Like the Dodgers, the Red Sox have depth and versatility with 1B Mitch Moreland (.245-15-68); 3B Rafael Devers (.240-21-66); utility man Brock Holt (.277-7-46, with seven steals in 109 games); and trade deadline pickups 2B Ian Kinsler (.240-14-48, with 16 steals) and 1B/OF Steve Pearce (.384-11-42 in 76 games).

Overall, I see a slight edge in the lineup for Boston.

A HANDFUL OF THINGS TO WATCH FOR – NUMBER TWO

Think about this – the Dodgers have drawn more free passes this post season than any other team (50 in eleven games), while the Red Sox’ staff has given up more walks than any other team (40). Note; The Dodgers also drew more regular season walks (647) than any other team in MLB; while the 512 walks given up by Boston pitchers was in the middle of the pack (number 17).

The Dodgers go deep in counts and are more than willing to take a walk – running up pitch counts early and putting additional stress on starters and the bullpen. Over a seven-game series, that stress could add up – and create some problems for Boston.

THE ROTATIONS

When it comes to starting pitching it looks like:

The Red Sox’ Chris Sale (12-4, 2.11); David Price (16-7, 3.58). Rick Porcello (17-7, 4.28); and Nathan Eovaldi (6-7, 3.81).
The Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw (9-5, 2.73); Walker Buehler (8-5, 2.62); Hyun-Jin Ryu (7-3, 1.97); and Rich Hill (11-5, 3.66).

Over the course of the season, Dodgers’ starters put up a 3.19 earned run average (second only to the Astros’ 3.16), while Boston’s starters’ ERA was eighth in MLB at 3.77. A couple of factors to consider here. How much will the extra rest mean for Boston and will Chris Sale bounce back from his stomach problems? From a starting rotation standpoint, it looks pretty even. BBRT, on first glance, would give a slight edge to Sale and Price over Kershaw and whomever emerges at the number-two spot for LA (likely Ryu) – based primarily on the number of high-stress pitches tossed in this post season. On the other side fo the coin, there are Sale’s recent health problems and Price’s less than stellar post-season record. You might keep an eye on Dodgers’ rookie Walker Buehler, wisely being held for a “home start,” who was akey member of the rortation after being called up from Triple A. Ultimately, a toss-up.

A HANDFULL OF THINGS TO WATCH FOR – NUMBER THREE

Who will start Game One for the Dodgers, who used ace Clayton Kershaw to close out Game Seven against the Brewers? It has not been announced as I put this post together. BBRT is rooting for a Sale/Kershaw battle, but no matter who takes the mound for the Dodgers, Game One will be critical for both sides. Update: Since this was first posted, LA has announced Kershaw as the Game One starter – that add to the importance of this game and makes it a must-watch.

THE BULLPENS

The regular-season bullpen earned run averages for the Dodgers and Red Sox were identical (3.72) and the innings pitched by the relief staff were very close (587 1/3 for the Red Sox and 581 1/3 for the Dodgers). In fact, almost all the bullpen stats were parallel. The Red Sox’ pen fanned 628 batters, just three more than the Dodgers – and batters hit .235 against the Red Sox’ pen and .231 against the Dodgers’ relievers. If there is a potential issue, it is walks (remember, we’ve already seen how patient the Dodgers’ hitters can be), where the Red Sox’ relievers gave up 245 walks to 199 for the LA pen.

I see an edge for the Dodgers’ pen, despite their extra post-season workload.

A HANDFUL OF THINGS TO WATCH FOR – NUMBER FOUR

Which starters will end up taking the mound in relief? Already this post season, the Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw and Rich Hill and the Red Sox’ Chris Sale, David Price and Rick Porcello have all been called on for relief duty. How many times members of the rotation are called in from the pen may say a lot about how this World Series is going.

The Dodgers’ are led by closer Kenley Jansen (1-5, 3.01,38 saves, 3.01), who has been a bit homer-prone (13 in 71 2/3 innings this season); Pedro Baez (4-3, 2.88); Scott Alexander (2-1, 3.69) and (probably for middle innings) transitioned starter Kenta Maeda. The Red Sox look to Craig Kimbrel (5-1, 2.74, 42 saves) to close out and expect to see innings from Matt Barnes (6-4, 3.65) and Ryan Brasier (3-0, 1.60); among others.

These two bullpens look pretty even, but you can give an edge to LA based on a post-season bullpen ERA of 1.30 to the Red Sox’ 3.62.

A HANDFUL OF THINGS TO WATCH FOR – NUMBER FIVE

Could we see Red Sox’ RF Mookie Betts at the two-bag? The Red Sox lose the DH spot when they play in LA and there is talk that RF Mookie Betts could move into 2B in order to put J.D. Martinez’ glove in the outfield – and, of more impotance, his very potent bat in the lineup. Not such a far-fetched idea.

Betts, a Gold Glove outfielder, is a superb athlete, who started more than 200 games at 2B in the minor leagues (and started 14 games at 2B in his rookie MLB season). Watch for that development. Should the Red Sox make the move, it will be interesting to see the impact defensively – and how it balances against Martinez’ impact offensively. If it were me – and this is why I am writing a blog and not managing a team – I would use Betts at 2B, unless I had left Boston with a two-games to none lead. Then I’d keep him in RF until LA pulled within one game.

So, there you have BBRT’s observations on the upcoming series. It will be close – perhaps determined by whether Boston defends home field advantage in Game One. It may also come down to star power. Who will lead their team to a championship – Manny Machado or Mookie Betts. Or who will prove to be the ace that shuts down one of these two offenses – Clayton Kershaw or Chris Sale? Or maybe someone come out of the blue to surprise us all and prove to be the Series MVP? (After all, the World Series MVP list includes such names as Pat Borders, Scott Brosius, Rick Dempsey and Ray Knight. ) If I had to predict a surprise World Series MVP for this year, I’d go with Dodgers’ 1B David Freese to win his second career WS MVP (he won it with the Cardinals in 2011) or Red Sox’ 3B Eduardo Nunez to power some key hits and make a couple of notable defensive “saves.” Ultimately, though, BBRT sees the Red Sox in seven, solid pitching from both Sale and Price (who turns around his post-season reputation) and an WS MVP Award for either Mookie Betts or Andrew Benintendi. However, I would not place any kind of bet on any of those predictions.

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Primary Resources; Baseball Reference.com; ESPN.com

I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT.

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Trivia Teaser … Name the only player to reach both three home runs and seven RBI in a post-season game.

October 19, 2018 by David

TRIVIA TEASER

Only ten players have hit an MLB-record three home runs in a single post-season game, and only five players have driven in an MLB-record seven runs in a post-season contest. Name the only MLB player to accomplish both – and, here’s the kicker, he did it in the same game.

Before we get to the answer, how about a few facts about three-homer and seven-RBI post-season games:

The Yankees’ Babe Ruth, appropriately, was the first player to achieve a three-homer post-season contest (1926 World Series) – and the only player to reach three homers in a post-season game twice.
The A’s Reggie Jackson hit three home runs in a post-season game (1977 World Series) – on three consecutive pitches from three different pitchers.
Of the five players to reach seven RBI in a post-season game, three were wearing a Red Sox’ uniform.
The Red Sox’ Troy O’Leary collected his record-tying seven RBI (in a single post-season game) on a Grand Slam and three-run homer. Both blasts came after the hitter directly before O’Leary (Nomar Garciaparra) was intentionally walked.
Adam Kennedy (who hit three home runs in an 2002 ALDS) game, hit only seven home runs in 144 games that season. He hit 80 roundt trippers in 14 MLB seasons – and had only four multi-homer games (including the post-season record-tying contest).
Two of the five seven-RBI post-season games came on consecutive days.

Photo by DandreaPhotography

Now our Trivia Teaser Answer: One year ago today (October 19), Dodgers’ outfielder Enrique “Kike” Hernadez tied the record for home runs in a post-season game AND the record for RBI in a post-season game, delivering one the best – if not the best ever – post-season offensive performances.

As his Dodgers topped the Cubs 11-1 in Chicago – to win the National League Championship Series four games to one – LF Hernandez went three-for-four with a walk – homering in the second (solo shot, leading off); the third (Grand Slam with one out); and the ninth (two-run shot with one out). The three home runs and seven RBI both tied single-game, post-season records. On the season, Hernandez hit just .215, with 11 home runs and 37 RBI in 140 games.

MLB Players with Seven RBI in a Post-Season Game

Edgar Martinez, Mariners, October 7, 1995

Martinez was the focal point of the Mariners’ offense as they topped the Yankees 11-8 (in Seattle) in Game Four of the 1995 American League Division Series. Martinez was appropriately playing Designated Hitter and batting cleanup. Martinez walked in the first; hit a three-run home run in the third; singled in the fourth; grounded out in the sixth; launched a Grand Slam to break a 6-6 tie in the eighth. On the season, Martinez hit a league-leading .356, with 29 home runs and 113 RBI.

Mo Vaughn Red Sox … September 29, 1998

Vaughn came to the plate five times as the Red Sox topped the Indians (in Cleveland) 11-3 in the first game of the 1998 AL Division Series. He belted a three-run home run in the first inning; flied out to left in the third; struck out in the fifth; hit a two-run homer in the sixth; and rapped a two-run double in the eighth. (On the season, Vaughn had been .337-40-115.)

John Valentin, Red Sox … October 10, 1999

Valentin’s big day came in Game Four of the 1999 AL Division Series – as the Red Sox trounced the Indians 23-7 at Fenway. Valentin, playing third base and batting second, went four-for-five: a two-run homer in the first inning; a single in the second; a two-run long ball in the third; a three-run double in the fourth; and a strikeout in the sixth – all before being lifted for pinch-hitter Donnie Sadler in the seventh. On the season, Valentin put up a stat line of .253-12-70.

Troy O’Leary, Red Sox, October 11, 1999

Just one day after BoSox’ 3B John Valentin plated seven runs against the Indians in the 1999 AL Division Series, LF Troy O’Leary matched Valentin’s RBI output as the Red Sox again bested the Indians (this time by a 12-8 score). Talk about a lack of respect – all of O’Leary’s runs batted in came immediately after intentional walks to Nomar Garciaparra (full story at the end of this post).

Enrique “Kike” Hernandez, Dodgers … October 19, 2017

See the story in the Trivia answer above.

———————————————————————-

MLB Players with Three Home runs in a Post-Season Game

Babe Ruth, Yankees … October 6, 1926

Ruth, who started in left field and batted third, hit three long balls as the Yankees topped the Cardinals 10-5 (in Saint Louis) in Game Six of the 1926 World Series. Ruth went three-for-three with two walks – scoring four and driving in four in the game.

Babe Ruth, Yankees … October 9, 1928

The first player to hit three homers in a post season game, Ruth, was also the second. It was again versus the Cardinals in St. Louis – this time as the Yankees won Game Four (of a four-game sweep) 7-3. Ruth went three-for-five, scoring three and driving in three.

Bob Robertson, Pirates … October 3, 1971

The Pirates’ first baseman had a big day against the Giants (in San Francisco) in Game Two of the 1971 NL Championship Series, going four-for-five with four runs scored and five RBI, as the Pirate triumphed 9-5. Robertson, batting in the five-hole, doubled in the first (scoring one batter later on a single by C Manny Sanguillen); led off the fourth with a solo homer; struck out in the fifth; hit a three-run shot in the seventh; added another solo home run in the ninth. On the season, Robertson hit .271-26-72.

Reggie Jackson, Yankees … October 18, 1977

Reggie Jackson put an exclamation point (or two) behind his three-homer post-season game. First, he was only the second player ever to post a three-dinger contest in the World Series. Second, he hit his three home runs on three consecutive pitches off three different pitchers. Playing right field and batting cleanup for the Yankees – against the Dodgers in Game Six of the 1977 World Series – Jackson drew a four-pitch walk from Dodgers’ starter Burt Hooten leading off the second inning. Turned out that not pitching to Jackson may have been the best possible Dodgers’ strategy.

In the fourth inning, with the Dodgers up 3-2, Thurmon Munson on first and no one out, Jackson hit the first pitch from Hooten for a two-run home run to right field (giving the Yankees a 4-3 lead). By the time Jackson batted again (bottom of the fifth), the Yankees were up 5-3 and Elias Sosa was on the mound for LA. Jackson swung at Elias’ first offering and produced another two-run home run to right. Jackson’s next at bat came leading off the eighth, this time with knuckleballer Charlie Hough on the bump. Once again, Jackson swung at the first pitch – and this time he sent a home run to deep center; finishing the day three-for-three with four runs scored and five RBI. On the season, Jackson hit .286-32-110 (and stole 17 bases in 20 attempts). In the World Series, he hit .450 (9-for-20) with five home runs and eight RBI.

George Brett, Royals … October 6, 1978

Brett hit his three home runs in a losing cause, as his Royals dropped Game Three of the 1978 AL Championship Series to the Yankees 6-5 (in New York). Brett, playing third base and leading off, went three-for-five in the game, hitting solo shots in the first, third and fifth innings – all off starter Catfish Hunter. They were the only runs Hunter gave up in his seven innings of work. Brett seemed an unlikely three-homer hero. He had sent only nine balls out of the park during the season (.294-9-62).

Adam Kennedy, Angels … October 13, 2002

Second baseman Kennedy did a lot of damage from the number-nine slot in the batting order as his Angels bested the Twins 13-5 in the deciding game of the 2002 AL Championship Series. He went four-for-four in the game – with a leadoff solo home run in the bottom of the third inning; another solo shot in the fifth; and a three-run blast in the seventh. Kennedy came up for s second at bat in the seventh (a ten-run frame for the Angels) with a chance for the first post-season, four-dinger game, but settled for a second hit in the inning – a single to left. For the game, Kennedy had three runs scored and five driven in. On the 2002 season, Kennedy hit .312, with seven home runs and 52 RBI in 144 games.

Adrian Beltre, Rangers … October 4, 2011

Beltre started at third base, batting fifth, as the Rangers took on the Rays in Game Four of the 2011 American League Division Series. The game was won by the Rangers 4-3, with all the Texas runs coming on solo home runs. Rangers’ 2B Ian Kinsler opened the game with a leadoff homer in the top of the first. Beltre went three-for-four with solo shots in the second, fourth, and seventh innings – before a fly out in the eighth. On the season, Beltre went .296-32-105.

Albert Pujols, Cardinals … October 22, 2011

Cardinals’ 1B Albert Pujols collected five hits in six at bats as the Redbirds topped the Rangers 16-7 in Game Three of the 2011 World Series – scoring four runs and plating six. Sir Albert’s day went: groundout to third in the top of first inning; single in the fourth; single in the fifth; three-run homer in the sixth; two-run homer in the seventh; solo shot in the ninth. Pujols had gone .299-37-99 on the season – the first time in eleven seasons in which he did not reach at least .300-30-100.

Pablo Sandoval, Giants … October 24, 2012

Three was a lucky number for Pablo Sandoval, who started at 3B, batted third and hit three long balls –as the Giants topped the Tigers 8-3 (in SF) in Game One of the 2012 World Series. Sandoval hit a solo shot in the first inning; a two-run homer in the third; a solo shot in the fifth; and a single in the seventh. On the season, Sandoval hit .283, with 12 home runs and 63 RBI. He hit an even .500 in the 2012 World Series, capturing the MVP Award.

Jose Altuve Astros … October 5, 2017

In Game One of the 2017 American League Division Series, the Red Sox faced the Astros in Houston – and you can bet the eyes of Texas were on Astros’ diminutive 2B Jose Altuve, who had won the AL batting title (his third crown), led the league in hits with 204 (his fourth straight 200+ hit season) and had thrown in 24 home runs, 81 RBI, 112 runs scored and 32 stolen bases. He did not disappoint. In that Game One, Altuve went three-for-four with three solo home runs – in an 8-2 Astros’ win. Altuve hit a solo home run in the first inning; grounded into a double play in the third; homered again in the fifth; and added the third round tripper in the seventh. He ended up hitting .553 in the ALDS (8-for-15), with three homers and four RBI. He followed that up by going .320, with two more homers in the AL Championship Series and .194 with a pair of dingers in the World Series.

Enrique “Kike” Hernandez, Dodgers 2017

Story in the Trivia Teaser answer above.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T …. How About a Little Respect for O’Leary

On October 11 1999, the Red Sox and Indians faced off (in Cleveland) in the final game of the five-game American League Division Series. It had been quite the matchup. After a close Game One – taken by the Indians 3-2, the Indians seemed to take charge with an 11-1 trouncing of the BoSox in Game Two. But the Red Sox – back in Boston – roared back with a 9-3 win in Game Three and a 23-7 victory in Game Four. The stage was set for a deciding Game Five in Cleveland.

Playing left field and batting fifth for Boston was left-handed swinging Troy O’Leary. The 29-year-old (in his seventh MLB season) had put up some career-best numbers in 1999 – hitting .280 and reaching what would prove to be career (11 seasons) highs in home runs (28) and RBI (103). Batting right in front of O’Leary was Red Sox’ 25-year-old SS Nomar Garciaparra, an All Star who had won the AL batting crown that season at .357, poking 27 home runs and driving in 104. Over his first three full MLB seasons, Garciaparra had hit .326, with 92 home runs and 324 RBI. Those numbers would come into play on that October evening.

The starting pitchers were Bret Saberhagen for the Red Sox 10-6, 2.95 during the season) and Indians’ Charles Nagy (17-11, 4.95). The Red Sox (who made the post-season as the Wild Card) took a 2-0 lead over the AL Central Champion Indians in the top of the first on a Nomar Garciaparra two-run home run. By the time the Red Sox batted in the top of the third, Cleveland led 5-2. When Garciaparra came to the plate that inning, it was five to three, with one out and runners on second and third. The Indians elected to intentionally walk Garciaparra and pitch to O’Leary (who, at the time, had two singles in 14 at bats in the Series). The result? An O’Leary Grand Slam and a 7-5 Red Sox lead. The Indians came back immediately, scoring three in the bottom of the inning (a Manny Ramirez RBI double and a two-run Jim Thome home run) to retake the lead.

By the top of the seventh, it was 8-8 and Garciaparra found himself at the plate with a runner in scoring position (3B John Valentin on second) and one out. the Indians again elected to intentionally pass Garciaparra and pitch to O’Leary. The result? Another home run – a three-run shot that put Boston up 11-7. (They eventually won 12-8).

Note: O’Leary would retire with a .274 average, 127 home runs and 591 RBI. He would top .300 in two seasons, reach 20 home runs twice in his career and 100 or more RBI just in that 1999 season).

BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE MAKES TOP 100 BASEBALL BLOG LIST

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Trivia Teaser … Name the only team to win the World Series after being outscored in the regular season.

October 16, 2018 by David

Trivia Teaser

Can you name the only MLB team to win the World Series after being outscored by the opposition in the regular season?

Photo by Shemp65

The only team to be outscored during the regular season and go on to win the World Series was the 1987 Twins – one of MLB’s unlikeliest World Series Champions. Consider just a few of the circumstances:

The Twins had finished in sixth place, 20-games under .500 the previous season – when they were outscored by 98 runs (741-839).
In 1987, they were outscored by 20 tallies (786-806), but produced an 85-77 record, good enough to top the American League West.
The Twins has ended the 1987 season on a five-game losing streak.
In the American League Championship Series they faced the 98-64 Detroit Tigers – who had outscored their opponents by 161 runs; had beaten the Twins eight times (versus four losses) during the regular season; had outscored the Twins 83-58 in head-to head matchups; and had ended the regular season a four-game winning streak.
The Twins opponent in the World Series was the 95-67 St. Louis Cardinals, who had outscored their opponents by 105 runs (798-693).

The 1987 World Series saw the first-ever indoor Fall Classic contests – at Minnesota’s Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome.

At the time, the Twins 85-77 record represented the worst regular-season record ever by a World Series Champion. In the 2006 season, the 83-78 St. Louis Cardinals eclipsed that mark topping the 95-67 Tigers in the World Series.

There’s no place like dome.

The 1987 Twins had a 29-52 road record, the fifth-worst in MLB that season – but they offset that with a 56-25 home record (the best in baseball) at the Metrodome. Then, in the World Series, the home team won every game – and the Twins had four home games.

It’s a Smalley World After all

Game Seven of the 1987 World Series was played on October 25 – the 35^th birthday of Twins SS/3B Roy Smalley III. It was also the final game of Smalley’s 13-season MLB career. He retired as part of a World Series winning squad – not a bad way to celebrate your birthday.

HOW THE GAME HAS CHANGED

The very first World Series night game as played on Wednesday, October 13, 1971, in Pittsburgh – with the Pirates topping the Orioles 4-3. That’s right, prior to 1971, every World Series game was lit by the sun.

The 1987 World Series’ Game Six, played in the Metrodome, is the last scheduled World Series Day game – although, being indoors, the fans did not enjoy blue skies and sunshine. The game, however, did enjoy prime-time TV exposure.

GOOD DAY SUNSHINE

World Series Baseball, old schoolers say,

Was made to be played under blue skies and autumn sun.

In fact, the Fall Classic didn’t see a night-time start

Until October of 1971.

It was a prime-time slide from there, two night matches in ’72;

Three in ’73 and then a total of four in ’74.

And World Series baseball continued to get darker,

Five night games in ’75 – and the future held even more.

Now the count for World Series day games

Has dropped to the lowly sum of none.

1987 was, sadly, the last October Classic

When we could watch even one.

Even that single day game in 1987

Was not exactly a sunlit ride.

It was played in Minnesota’s Metrodome,

Where the day could not get inside.

Now, 31 years of Series games

Have been played without blue skies and bright sun.

It’s been all moonlight heavens and halogen

Lighting the fields where championships are won.

Of course, TV advertising

Has proven to be a boon.

But I’d still like to see some Series baseball

Under the sun and not the moon.

For an old school fan like me,

if wishes could come true,

A few weekend Series games

Would feature skies, not black, but blue.

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MLB’s Only All-Hispanic All Star Game … and a look at Latino MLB greats.

October 12, 2018 by David

On this date (October 12) 55 years ago (1963), MLB hosted it first (and only) Hispanic All-Star Game – which, coincidentally, was also the last major league contest ever played at New York’s Polo Grounds (the Mets moved to Shea the next season). In this post, Baseball Roundtable will:

Reflect on the 1963 Hispanic All Star Game;
Review the All-Time Latino All-Star Team named by MLB in 2012 (based on a survey of baseball experts), as well as the Latino Legends team selected by the fans in 2005.
Share a few of BBRT’s All-Time Latino MLB selections (and comment on potential future additions to that roll).

Side note: Throughout the reporting related to these “All Time” squads, the terms Hispanic and Latino are used relativley interchangeably. So, BBRT will follow suit.

THE 1963 MLB HISPANIC ALL STAR GAME

Vic Power was selected as the top Hispanic MLB Playeer in 1963.

Vic Power was selected as the top Latino MLB Playeer in 1963.

The 1963 MLB Hispanic All Star Game drew a rather meager crowd of 14,235 to see such stars as Juan Marichal, Roberto Clemente, Luis Aparicio, Tony Oliva, Minnie Minoso, Felipe Alou, Orlando Cepeda and Vic Power. In pre-game ceremonies, Vic Power was honored as the number-one Latino player; Juan Marichal as the top Latino pitcher; and Orlando Cepeda as the most popular Latino player. Here’s the box score for the contest, won the by National Leaguers by a 5-2 score.

AL 000 000 0002 2 7 2

NL 100 301 00x 5 9 2

AL AB H R RBI

L. Aparicio SS 4 0 0 0

V. Power 1B 3 0 0 0

J. Becquer 1B 1 0 0 0

T. Oliva RF 5 0 2 1

H. Lopez LF 2 0 1 0

M. Minoso LF 2 0 0 0

J. Azcue C 4 0 0 0

R. Majias CF 3 0 1 0

F. Mantilla 3B 4 0 0 0

Z. Versalles 2B 4 1 1 0

P. Ramos P 2 0 1 0

D. Segui P 2 1 1 0

L. Cardenas SS-2B 4 0 0 0

F. Alou LF 4 0 1 1

O. Cepeda 1B 3 1 1 0

R. Amaro 1B 1 0 0 0

T. Gonzalez CF 3 2 2 0

R. Clemente RF 2 0 0 0

A. McBean P 1 0 1 1

J. Pignatano C 1 0 0 0

E. Bauta P 0 0 0 0

J. Javier 2B 2 1 2 1

C. Fernandez 3B 2 0 0 0

C. Baragan C 3 0 0 0

J. Marichal P 1 0 0 0

M. Mota RF 2 0 2 2

2B – Oliva; 3B – McBean; SB – Taylor, Javiar, Aparicio

Pitching

AL IP H R ER BB SO

P. Ramos (L) 5 6 4 4 1 4

D. Segui 3 3 1 1 1 1

J. Marichal 4 2 0 0 0 6

A. McBean (W) 4 3 0 0 2 4

E. Bauta 1 2 2 2 1 0

—–ALL TIME LATINO ALL STARS (2012) AND LATINO LEGENDS (2005)—–

Now, let’s look at the All-Time Latino All-Star team of 2012, with the 2005 Latino Legends team selected by the fans.

2012 2005

Catcher Ivan Rodriguez Ivan Rodriguez

First Base Albert Pujols Albert Pujols

Second Base Roberto Alomar Rod Carew

Third Base Alex Rodriguez Edgar Martinez

Shortstop Louis Aparicio Alex Rodriguez

Outfield Roberto Clemente Roberto Clemente

Outfield Ted Williams Manny Ramirez

Outfield Reggie Jackson Vlad Guerrero

Designated Hitter Edgar Martinez

RH Pitcher Juan Marichal Juan Marichal/Pedro Martinez

LH Pitcher Fernando Valenzuela Pedro Martinez

Closer Mariano Rivera Mariano Rivera

Manager Felipe Alou

You can form your own opinions – and even put together your own all-Latino team. Here, for what they are worth, are BBRT’s comments on the 2005 and 2012 selections, as well as on current players who may very well prove to be future “Latino Legends.”

Catcher – Hall of Famer Ivan Rodriguez is a clear choice and was the backstop on both the 2005 and 2012 teams. Hard to argue with 13 Gold Gloves, 14 All-Star selections, a league MVP Award, 2,844 hits, a .296 career average, 311 home runs and more than 1,300 runs scored and RBI.

In today’s game, the Cardinals’ Yadier Molino deserves mention – 15 MLB seasons, eight Gold Gloves, nine All Star Selections and a .282 average, with 146 home runs and 859 RBI.

First Base – Albert Pujols made both the 2005 and 2012 lists and the stats tell the story. Having just completed his 18^th MLB season, Pujols has 3,082 hits, a career .302 average, 633 home runs, 1,982 RBI, a Rookie of the Year Award, three MVP Awards and ten All-Star Selections. Orlando Cepeda and Rafael Palmeiro are the closest competitors, but Pujols belongs on top.

Second Base – Wow, two Hall of Famers here – Roberto Alomar (2012 list) and Rod Carew (2005). A tough one. Carew clearly leads the “Awards Race” – Rookie of the Year, an MVP Award, seven batting titles, 18 All-Star selections in 19 seasons. Still, BBRT would go with Alomar. While Carew leads Alomar in hits (3,053 to 2,724) and career average (.328 to .300), Alomar (a 12-time All Star) leads Rapid Rodney in runs scored (1,508 to 1,424), RBI (1,134 to 1,015), home runs (210 to 92) and stolen bases (474 to 353). The clincher, however, comes not at the plate or on the base paths – Alomar leads in Gold Gloves 10 to 0.

If you were selecting an All Time Latino/Hispanic team today, the Astros’ Jose Altuve would be right up there at 2B with Roberto Alomar and Rod Carew. After eight MLB seasons, the 28-year-old Altuve already has an MVP Award and three batting titles – as well as six All Star selections, two stolen base titles, a .316 career average, four 200+ hit seasons and a Gold Glove.

Third Base – Interesting results here. The 2012 team has Alex Rodriguez (who made one of the Latino All Star lists as a shortstop and one as a third baseman) and the 2005 team has Edgar Martinez (who made one list as a DH and one as a third baseman). BBRT is taking the easy way out and going with A-Rod at the hot corner (and, as you will see later, Martinez at DH). Rodriguez was a 14-time All Star, three-time MVP, five-time league home run leader and one-time batting champion. If that’s not enough, he tallied 3,115 hits, 696 home runs, 2,086 RBI, 2,021 runs, 329 stolen bases and a .295 career average.

The Rangers’ Adrian Beltre should draw support for future All-Latino teams – thanks to his superior combination of leather and lumber. Beltre ended his 2018 season with five Gold Gloves, 3,166 hits, 477 home runs, 1,707 RBI, 1.,524 runs scored 121 steals and a .286 average.

Also on the horizon is Rockies’ 3B Nolan Arenado (born in California, but of Cuban/Puerto Rican descent). In six MLB seasons, the 27-year-old has won five gold gloves, is a four-time All Star, led the NL in home runs three times and in RBI twice. His current career average is .291, with 186 home runs and 616 RBI.

The Yankees’ 23-year-old Miguel Adujar still has a lot to prove – but a rookie season line of .297-27-92 show the potential to join the ranks of all-time Hispanic players.

Shortstop – Placing A-Rod at third base on BBRT’s All-Latino team paves the way for BBRT’s shortstop pick – Louis Aparicio (from the 2012 list). Although not blessed with a powerful bat (.262 career average with 83 home runs), Aparicio led the AL in stolen basis nine times (and totaled 506 stolen bases), scored 1,335 runs, earned 10 All-Star selections and captured nine Gold Gloves. Fortunately, I could place A-Rod at third and give this slick-fielding speedster his due.

Most likely to give Luis Aparicio competition (for All-Time Latino shortstop) on future lists is the Indians’ Francisco Lindor. The 24-year-old, a four-season MLB “veteran,” already has three All Star selections and a Gold Glove. Over those four seasons, he has hit .288, with 98 home runs (71 in the past two campaigns), 310 RBI and 71 steals.

Outfield – I have to start with Roberto Clemente (on both the 2005 and 2012 lists): 12-time All Star; 12-time Gold Glover; four-time batting champ and one-time NL MVP; who collected 3,000 hits, 240 home runs, 1,416 runs scored and 1,305 RBI.

Next is the less obvious pick – Ted Williams (2012 list). How does Ted make the all-Latino list? Very simply, his mother was Mexican. Williams needs no justification, but here a partial list: 17 All-Star selections; six batting titles; two MVP Awards; four home run titles; two Triple Crowns; a .344 career average; 521 home runs; 1,798 runs scored; and 1,839 RBI. No doubt, Teddy Ballgame is in.

BBRT’s final choice in the outfield reflects a combination of logic and sentiment. First, BBRT eliminated controversial choices, particularly any possible PED issues. BBRT also considered attitude and how the player contributed to the reputation of the game. That led to agreement with the fans’ 2005 choice Vlad Guerrero – nine-time All Star, League MVP, 449 home runs, 1,496 RBI, 1,328 runs scored, 181 stolen bases. There were plenty of choices here, all falling behind for one reason or another – Manny Ramirez, Juan Gonzalez, Reggie Jackson, Sammy Sosa and Minnie Minoso – to name just a few. BBRT also had a soft spot for Tony Oliva – an eight-time All-Star and three-time batting champ (his home run, runs scored and RBI totals just didn’t match up with Vlad).

Among today’s outfield “stars,” the Yankees’ Giancarlo Stanton is gaining ground. In nine seasons, the 28-year-old has been an All Star four times, won the 2017 NL MVP Award, captured a pair of home run titles and one RBI crown. He already has 305 home runs and 772 RBI on his resume – but the .268 career average may keep him on the bench with the All-Time Latino team.

Looking to the longer-term future, the Braves’ 20-year-old rookie Ronald Acuna, Jr. (.293-26-64, 16 steals in 111 games) and Nationals’ 19-year-old freshman Juan Soto (.292-22-70 in 116 games) are off to good starts.

DH – I needed a spot for Edgar Martinez. He’s a seven-time All-Star, two-time batting champ, who retired with 2,247 hits, a .312 average, 309 home runs, 1,219 runs scored and 1,261 RBI – most accumulated at DH.

If BBRT was filling out a new All-Latino list (rather than reflecting on the 2005 and 2012 selections), I’d go with David Ortiz who, in 20 seaons, made ten All Star teams, hitting .286, with 541 home runs and 1,768 RBI – and became a true Boston hero.

Right-Handed Starter – Tough contest, and while the 2012 experts went for Juan Marichal, BBRT is selecting Pedro Martinez (who made it on the 2005 squad along with Marichal). Here’s the case: While Marichal leads Martinez in wins 243 to 219, Martinez holds the edge in winning percentage .687 to .631. Then there is earned run average – Marichal holds a slight edge 2.89 to 2.93, but measured against their peers, Martinez led his league in ERA five times to just once for Marichal. Marichal did have six twenty-win seasons to just two for Martinez, but Pedro captured three Cy Young Awards to one for Juan. Marichal also hold a big lead in complete games 244 to 46, but led the league in complete games twice to Martinez’ once. Martinez enjoys a big league in strikeouts 3,154 to 2,303, leading his league three times to none for Marichal. Tough to compare pitchers from different eras, but for BBRT – when compared to his peers – Martinez was more dominant than Marichal. So, Pedro gets a VERY SLIGHT edge.

In addition to Pedro Martinez and Juan Marichal, BBRT would give consideration to: Bartolo Colon (247-188, 4.12) – how can you ignore a player known as “Big Sexy”, who also has four All Star selections, two twenty-win seasons and a Cy Young Award; Dennis Martinez (245-193, 3.70 in 22 MLB seasons), a four-time All Star; and Luis Tiant (229-172, 3.30), a four-time twenty-game winner.

Among the current crop of hurlers who could work their way up the rankings are the Indians’ Carlos Carrasco (17-10, 3.38 last season), who has three 200+ strikeout seasons in the past four campaigns; 23-year-old German Marquez of the Rockies, who went 14-11, 3.77 with 230 whiffs in 196 innings in 2018; and two-time All Star, 26-year-old, Cardinal Carlos Martinez (54-38, 3.37).

Finally, you have to recognize the Marlins’ Jose Fernandez, who was well on his way to a spot near the top of this list before his untimely death in 2016 (at age 23). In his final season, Fernandez went 16-8, 2.86, with 253 strikeouts in 182 1/3 innings.

Left-Handed Starter – For lefties, Fernando-mania (Fernando Valenzuela) reigns on both lists … although the statistics are far less gaudy than a handful of other Latino lefties. This six-time All Star rang up a 173-153 career record with one Cy Young Award; a 3.54 ERA; one-time league leadership in wins; three-time leadership in complete games; one-time leadership in shutouts; and 2,074 strikeouts (one strikeout crown) – to go along with a personality that brought new life to and spurred greater Latino interest in West Coast baseball.

If BBRT was making the selection from a blank slate, I’d have gone with Hall of Famer Lefty Gomez (189-102, 3.34 over 14 seasons), a seven-time All Star, four-time twenty-game winner (led the AL in wins twice), two-time AL ERA leader, three-time league leader in shutouts and three-time league leader in strikeouts.

Closer – All you need to say is Mariano Rivera and “case closed.” Rivera racked up a major league record 652 saves to go with an 82-60 record and 2.21 ERA, leading the AL in saves three times and earning 13 All-Star selections. As a closer, he was as close to a sure thing as you can get.

There are a couple of “up-and-comers: in the All-Latino closer category; 23-year-old Roberto Osuna of the Astros, who already has 116 saves (10-15, 2.78 with 272 strikeouts in 245 2/3 innings) and Yankees’ flamethrower Aroldis Chapman (30-24, 2.24, 236 saves in nine seasons), with 798 punch outs in 478 2/3 innings. However, it’s a long way to 600 saves, so Rivera’s spot looks pretty darn secure.

BBRT welcomes your comments on these choices, or other nominees to rank among the greatest Latino players of all time.

I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT

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Member: Society for America Baseball Research; The Baseball Reliquary; The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.

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Casey Makes His Case … and BBRT’s League Championship Series Predictions

October 10, 2018 by David

Okay, we are on to the League Championship Series. Thus far, BBRT has only missed on one Wild Card game (I picked the Rockies over the Brewers), although the favorite have pretty much come through. I must add that while I got the prediction right on the Red Sox/Yankees, it didn’t exactly go as I expected. (I anticipated that David Price would finally find his post-season mojo and help lead the BoSox to a series win. Instead, it was Nathan Eovaldi who won a pivotal game.)

So, here are BBRT’s calls for the League Championship Series … but first, a little post-season tidbit for fans of “The Old Professor.”

Casey Makes His Case

On this date (October 10) in 1923, Yankee Stadium hosted its first-ever post-season game. Appropriately, the first World Series in “The House that Ruth Built” featured a six-game Yankees’ victory and three round trippers by the Babe himself. However, it was another New York outfielder – and eventual Yankee icon – who nearly stole the show.

In Game One, the New York Giants’ center fielder and number-six hitter Casey Stengel (one-for-two with a walk at the time) came up with the score knotted at four apiece, two out and no one on. Stengel hit a drive to deep left-center and dashed around the bases – losing a shoe along the way – to score the winning run (and record the first post-season home run in Yankee Stadium history).

The Series then went to the Polo Grounds for Game Two (the home sites would alternate game-by-game for this all-NY World Series), where Ruth would poke a pair of home runs as the Yankees prevailed 4-2. Then back to Yankee Stadium, where Stengel hit the second-ever post-season home run in that ballpark – a seventh-inning shot that gave the Giants a 1-0 victory. The Yankees went on to win the Series four games to two. Stengel, who played on one World Series winner with the Giants, would go on to win ten pennants and seven World Series Championships as the Yankees’ manager.

By the way, Stengel, who hit .339 in 75 regular-season games for the Giants that season, hit .417, with two homers and four RBI in the 1923 World Series.

—–NOW FOR BBRT’S PREDICTIONS—–

NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

Dodgers over Brewers

The Dodgers topped the Brewers four games to three in the regular-season series and I’m betting on a similar result (not really betting, I prefer to just enjoy the games) – with LA topping Milwaukee in six games. (Apologies to all my Milwaukee-resident relatives.) For me, it’s mostly about: 1) an old-school attitude toward pitching; 2) the Dodgers’ depth and; 3) a touch of star power.

Manny Machado brought some star power over to the Dodgers. Photo by Keith Allison

First, these are two potent offenses. In the regular season, the Dodgers stroked an NL-best 235 home runs (while hitting .250 as a team). The Brewers were not far behind at 218 round trippers and a slightly better (.252) average. However, the LA squad put up 50 more runs (804) than the Brew Crew (754). The reason, at least in BBRT’s view, is that the Dodgers’ lineup goes a little deeper and is a bit more versatile – with eight players launching 20+home runs each: Matt Muncy (.263-35-79), who spent notable time at 1B, 2B and 3B); 1B/CF Cody Bellinger (.260-25-76); OF Joc Pederson (.248-25-56); C Yasmani Grandal (.241-24-68); OF Yasiel Puig (.267-23-63); 2B-SS-OF Enrique Hernandez (.256-21-52); OF Matt Kemp (.290-21-85); and, of course, mid-season pickups SS Manny Machado (who hit .297-37-104 for the Orioles and Dodgers combined) and versatile corner infielder David Freese (.296-11-51 for the Pirates and the Dodgers). The Dodgers can hurt you up and down the line-up and have the flexibility to tailor right/left matchup (which also leaves them with a strong bench).

Likely Difference Maker …

Here’s where a touch of star power may come in. BBRT looks for Manny Machado to have a breakout series. He just seems poised to make a statement.

The Brewers need CXhristian Yelich to lead the offense like he did in September.
Photo by DandreaPhotography

The Brewers are no slouches offensively, led by likely MVP RF Christian Yelich (.326-36-110, with 22 steals); 1B Jesus Aguilar (.274-35-108); 2B/3B/SS Travis Shaw (.241-32-86); and CF Lorenzo Cain (.308, with ten home runs, 90 runs scored and 22 steals). They also got 20 home runs (.254 average, with 64 RBI) from Ryan Braun and some good port-side at bats from veteran 3B Mike Moustakas. Ultimately, however, the Dodgers’ offense shows a bit more depth.

The Brewers’ have the advantage in the bullpen with Corey Knebel (4-3, 3.58. 16 saves and a strong finish); Josh Hader (6-1, 2.43, 12 saves and 143 punch outs in 81 1/3 innings); Jeremy Jeffress (8-1, 1.29. 15 saves) and veteran Joakim Soria (3-1, 4.09) ready to take on crucial innings. The Dodgers’ counter with entrenched closer Kenley Jansen (1-5, 3.01, 38 saves) who has been a bit homer-prone (13 in 71 2/3 innings this season); Pedro Baez (4-3, 2.88); Scott Alexander (2-1, 3.69); and (probably for middle innings) transitioned starter Kenta Maeda. With both pens coming into the series well rested, the Brewers have the edge. However, in a seven-game Series, a bullpen advantage can fade if the you are forced to overwork the relief staff – and that is a real possibility for Milwaukee.

Keep An Eye On …

The Dodgers drew more regular season walks (647) than any other team in MLB. Then they drew another 27 in four 2018 post-season games. That spells trouble for the Brewers – putting additional stress on their starters (in terms of pitch count) and, in turn, the bullpen. Over a seven-game series, that stress will add up.

The Brewers had two starters who opened at least 30 games this season: Jhoulys Chacin (15-8, 3.50), the likely Game One starter, and Chase Anderson (9-8, 3.93). Also likely to draw a start is Wade Miley (5-2, 2.57 in 16 starts). They also have Gio Gonzalez, Freddy Peralta, Zach Davies and Junior Guerra as potential starerts – but we may very well see another “bullpen game” from the Milwaukee staff. What does seem certain is that the pen could get plenty of work in this series. The Dodgers, on the other hand, have a solidly set rotation – Clayton Kershaw (9-5, 2.73); Walker Buehler (8-5, 2.62); Hyun-Jin Ryu (7-3, 1.97); and Rich Hill (11-5, 3.66) – that delivered strong second-half performance. That, BBRT believes, will be the difference in the Championship Series.

A Player Worth Watching ….

Brewers’ 23-year-old rookie Corbin Burnes. The Brewers’ pen looks to get plenty of work this series – and Burnes could be a factor. He went 7-0, 2.61 in 30 rookie-season appearances. Then pitched four scoreless (one hits, no walks, five whiffs) innings in the NLDS. His arm could play an important role for the Brew Crew. Regardless of the NLCS outcome, BBRT is looking forward to watching this rookie.

______________________________________________________

AMERICAN LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

Astros over Red Sox

This Series will be the real test of “Can good pitching stop good hitting?” The Red Sox scored the most runs in MLB (876), had the most hits (1,509), the highest team batting average (.268), the most extra base hits (594) and the highest slugging percentage (.453). The Astros had MLB’s lowest regular-season earned run average (3.11), lowest starters’ ERA (3.16), lowest bullpen ERA (3.03) and most strikeouts (1,687). From BBRT’s perspective the Astros’ pitching will bring the World Series back to Houston. (It doesn’t hurt that the Astros have plenty of offensive weapons as well. They appear to be the best “team” in either league.)

Justin Verlander leads the Astros’ rotation.
Photo by Keith Allison

Let’s start with the starters (that makes sense, doesn’t it). The Astros offer up Justin Verlander (16-9, 3.07, 290K); Gerrit Cole (15-5, 2.88, 276K); Dallas Keuchel (12-11, 3.74); and Charles Morton (15-3, 3.13, 201K). It doesn’t get any better. That quartet helped Houston notch MLB’s lowest starting staff ERA (3.16) and highest starters’ strikeouts per nine innings (10.37). Houston starters also threw the second-most innings of any starting staff (955 1/3, second only to the Indians’ 993 2/3) – taking pressure off the bullpen. (By contrast, Red Sox’ starters threw the 17^th most innings (871 1/3). The Boston starting staff is led by veterans Chris Sale (12-4, 2.11) and David Price (16-7, 3.58). Additional starts likely will come from Rick Porcello (17-7, 4.28) and Nathan Eovaldi (6-7, 3.81).

Keep An Eye On …

Boston number-two starter David Price (the 2012 AL Cy Young Award winner) has a career regular-season record of 143-75, 3.25 – and, over the past three seasons, has gone 57-24, 3.34 for the Tigers, Blue Jays and Red Sox. His post-season record, however, is 2-9, 5.28 in 18 games (10 starts) and he didn’t get out of the second inning in his ALDS start against the Yankees. The Red Sox need Price to “find himself” in this series if they are going to upset the Astros. The good news is that, against the rival Yankees, Rick Porcello and Nathan Eovaldi stepped up and gave up just two runs ina combined 12 innings. Keep an eye on how those two fare against the Astros, as well.

In the bullpen, that Astros appear to have an edge – with a 3.03 bullpen ERA to Boston’s 3.72. Key players will be the Astros’ Roberto Osuna (2-2, 1.99, 12 saves); Hector Rondon (2-5, 3.20, 15 saves); Ryan Pressly (1-0, 0.77, two saves); and Colin McHugh (6-2, 1.99 in 58 appearances0. The Red Sox look to Craig Kimbrel (5-1, 2.74, 42 saves) to close out and expect to see innings from Matt Barnes (6-4, 3.65) and Ryan Brasier (3-0, 1.60); among others.

A Player Who Could Make a Difference …

Ryan Pressley came over from the Twins in a late July trade. As an Astro, he appeared in 26 games, giving up just two earned runs in 23 1/3 innings – while walking just 3 and fanning 32. He could throw some important innings in a seven-game series.

Potential AL MVP Mookie Betts, whose chief competition for that recognition may come from teammate J.D. Martinez. They will power the BoSox’ lineup.
Photo by Keith Allison

Offensively, it’s a good match up. The Red Sox are led by DH J.D. Martinez (.330-43-139). RF Mookie Betts (.346-32-80, 30 steals); SS Xander Bogaerts (.288-23-103); LF Andrew Benintendi (.290-16-87, 21 steals). But they also have some depth with 1B Mitch Moreland (.245-15-68); 3B Rafael Devers (.240-21-66); and uber-utility man Brock Holt (.277-7-46, with seven steals in 109 games). Key Houston contributors should be 2B Jose Altuve (.316-13-61, 17 steals); 3B Alex Bergman (.281-31-103, 10 steals); 1B Yuli Gurriel (.282-13-85); OF George Springer (.265-22-71); and Tyler White (.276-12-42 in just 66 games).

Keep An Eye On …

One – The Red Sox need to slow down George Springer – a post-season
force to be reckomned with” – who has hit .566 with eight home runs in his last ten post-season games and .294-10-15 in 27 career post-season contests.

Two – The Red Sox’ Brock Holt, who achieved the post season first cycle in the Red Sox 16-1 win over the Yankees on October 8 give the Red Sox some lineup and bench options. In 16 post-season games, Holt is 8-for-16 with one home run and five RBI.

Ultimately, BBRT thinks the Astros edge in pitching will carry the day.

_____________________________________________

Spoiler Alert for next round of BBRT predictions.

World Series – Astros over Dodgers II.

Wow! A great one. I see the Astros pitching shutting down for the Dodgers and World Series MVP is likely to be Verlander.

I tweet Baseball @DavidBBRT.

Follow/Like the Baseball Roundtable Facebook page here.

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

Filed Under: BB Fun Facts, News

1968 MLB Season – Magical or Miserable? Depends on Your Point of View.

October 6, 2018 by David

Only two post seas0n games today. So here’s a little light reading, while you wait for the Indian\Astros.

On this date (October 6), fifty years ago (1969) Cardinals’ staff ace was going about the business of making World Series history – again! Gibson was about to toss a five-hit, one-run, ten-strikeout complete game 10-1 victory against the Detroit Tigers – in the process pitching an MLB (still) record seventh consecutive, complete-game Fall Classic victory. Notably, Gibson had already made history in the 1968 series, striking out a World Series, single-game record 17 batters in a 4-0 Game One win. And, although he would lose Game Seven (versus Mickey Lolich) 4-1, he would fan another eight batters in that game for a World Series (single-year) record 35 whiffs.

Where is Baseball Roundtable going with this? On the fiftieth anniversary of what has become known as The Year of the Pitcher (1968), I’d like to touch on a few highlights from a magnificent or miserable seasons (depending on whether you found yourself walking up to the plate or onto the mound).

Pitchers were so dominant in 1968 that MLB lowered the mound and reduced the size of the strike zone before the 1969 season. (The mound was dropped from 15 inches to ten inches, the upper edge of the strike zone from the top of the shoulder to the armpits.)

So let’s look, in no particular order, at some of the stats and stories that make 1968 so memorable.

CY Young and MVP

Sticking to the end game(s), consider the first matchup of that 1968 World Series. It featured the Tigers’ Denny McLain (31-6, 1.96) versus the Cardinals’ Bob Gibson (22-9, 1.12). They were the “Pitcher(s) of the Year” in the “Year of the Pitcher.”

McLain was the first MLB 30-game winner since Dizzy Dean in 1934.
Gibson’s MLB-lowest earned run average of 1.12 was the lowest since 1914 (Red Sox’ Dutch Leonard’s lowest-ever at 0.96) and was (still is) the fourth-lowest all-time.
McLain and Gibson would capture both the Cy Young and Most Valuable Player Awards in their respective leagues – the first (and still only) season in which a pitcher has won the Cy Young and MVP in both leagues.
Of course, it wasn’t all Gibson and McLain. The Tigers’ Mickey Lolich notched three complete games in the 1968 World Series – and is the last pitcher to go the distance in winning three starts in a single Fall Classic.

Bob Gibson, who finished the 1968 season 22-9, 1.12, probably deserved even better. At the end of May, his record was 3-5, with a 1.52 ERA (the Cardinals got him just four runs in those first five losses). Gibson then went on a June/July tear. In those two months, he started (and completed) 12 games, won them all, tossed eight shutouts and put up a 0.50 earned run average.

There is plenty of other evidence to support 1968 as The Year of the Pitcher.

MLB’s overall earned run average was a miserly 2.98 – the first season with a sub-3.00 MLB overall ERA since 1918 (2.77) and the only below-3.00 ERA between 1918 and 2018. (I guess that makes the odds 100-to-one.)
Between May 14 and June 4, the Dodgers; Don Drysdale threw a record (still) six consecutive complete game shutouts – allowing just 27 hits over those 54 innings.

Dodger Don Drysdale tossed six consecutive shutouts in a season in which he lost three of his first four decisions (1-3, 2.52) and ended up 14-12, 2.15 – runs were hard to come by in 1968.

There were five no hitters (one a perfect game), tied for the eighth-most in any MLB season. The hurlers were the: Orioles’ Tom Phoebus (April 27); A’s Catfish Hunter (May 8); Reds’ George Culver (July 29). Giants’ Gaylord Perry (September 17); and Cardinals’ Ray Washburn (September 18).

When Gaylord Perry no-hit the Cardinals on September 17, 1968 (two walks, nine whiffs in a 1-0 win) – beating Bob Gibson, by the way – he had no idea he was starting a mini-trend. The very next day the Cardinals’ Ray Washburn no-hit the Giants (five walks, eight whiffs in a 2-0 victory). It marks the only time two teams have thrown consecutive no-hitters in the same ballpark. In the two games, the two squads totaled 11 hits in 110 at bats – for a nice even .100 average.

The A’s Catfish Hunter tossed a perfect game against the Twins (4-0 score) on May 8 in Oakland. He struck out 11. Bucking the batting futility-trend, Hunter showed the hitters “how it’s done” in The Year of the Pitcher. Hunter went three-for-four (two singles and a double) and drove in three runs – the best hitting performance ever by a pitcher tossing a perfecto.

Bob Gibson tossed 13 shutouts in 1968 (tied for third-most in MLB history – and the most since 1916). George Bradley had 16 shutouts for the Saint Louis Brown Stockings (NL) in 1876 and Grove Clevelamd Alexander had 16 for the Phillies in 1916.

On April 15, the New York Mets were shutout by the Houston Astros for 24 innings – in a game the Astros won 1-0 … marking the longest scoreless game in MLB history. It was, in many ways, an exercise in futility. Consider:

Each team collected eleven hits in 79 at bats during the game (won by the Astros with one out in the ninth) – a combined batting average for the game of .139.

Each team had ten singles and one double and each left 16 men on base.

Each team made one error.

The starters, the Mets’ Tom Seaver and Astros’ Don Wilson threw ten and nine scoreless frames, respectively. A total of 13 pitchers were used (eight by the Mets).

A total of 39 players appeared.

27 of the 48 half inning were 1-2-3 frames.

The Mets’ CF Tommie Agee and RF Ron Swoboda each went zero-for-ten in the game.

The game took six hours and six minutes.

The winning run scored on a grounball error.

Seven qualifying pitchers recorded earned an average under 2.00 in 1968: Bob Gibson, Cardinals (1.12); Luis Tiant, Indians (1.60); Sam McDowell, Indians (1.81); Dave McNally, Orioles (1.95); Denny McLain, Tigers (1.98); Tommy John, White Sox (1.98); Bob Bolin, Giants (1.99).

Four pitchers topped 300 innings pitched: Denny McLain, Tigers (336); Juan Marichal, Giants (325 2/3), Fergie Jenkins, Cubs (308); Bob Gibson, Cardinals (304 2/3).

There were seven 20-game winners: Denny McLain, Tigers (31-6); Juan Marichal, Giants 26-9); Bob Gibson, Cardinals (22-9); Dave McNally, Orioles (22-10); Luis Tiant, Indians (21-9); Mel Stottlemyre, Yankees (21-12); Fergie Jenkins, Cubs (20-15).

Juan Marichal tossed a 1968 MLB-highest 30 complete games in 38 starts.

So, what about the batter’s box?

There were only five qualifying .300 hitters in all of baseball.
Carl Yastrzemski won the AL batting crown with a .301 average – the lowest ever for a batting champion. Yaz was, in fact, the only AL player to hit above .290.
No player, in either league, scored 100 runs.
The National League won the All Star game, appropriately, by a 1-0 score. There was no game-winning RBI, the winning tally (Willie Mays) scored as Willie McCovey hit into a double play.

The dominance of pitching in 1968 makes Pete Rose’s MLB-best.335 average and 210 hits even more impressive. Side note: Two of the three top MLB averages belonged to members of the Alou family: the Pirates’ Matty Alou (.332) and Braves’ Felipe Alou (.317). The third Alou brother (Jesus) hit .263 – still 26 points above the MLB average for that season.

_________________________________________________________________

A COUPLE OF ODDITIES FROM 1968

Hey, this pitching ain’t that hard.

Long-time slugger Rocky Colavito, in his final MLB season (with the Yankees), took the mound on August 25 – in the top of the fourth with New York trailing 5-1, one on and one out. Colavito pitched 2 2/3 scoreless innings; the Yankees rallied to win 6-5; and Rocky got the victory. In his career, Colavito pitched in one other game (1958) going three scoreless innings in that one. So, lifetime ERA for this slugging outfielder? Easy to figure – 0.00 in 5 2/3 innings.

Hondo Defies the Odds

From May 12 to May 18, 1968 big Frank “Hondo” Howard defied the odds in The Year of the Pitcher – setting an MLB record by launching ten home runs in a single week. In six games, he hit .542 (13-for-24), with ten homes runs (four multi-homer games) and 17 RBI. Two surprises. In the hot streak, he drew only one walk; and the Senators won only three of the six contests. Hondo finished the season at .274-44-106 … and that .274 average was tenth-best in the American League.

Final thought: I love a tense low-scoring contests (3-2, with three or four timely double plays is ideal for me), but 1968 might have been just a bit too low scoring.

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

I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT

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

Filed Under: BB Fun Facts

Baseball Roundtable 2018 Division Series Predictions

October 4, 2018 by David

Well, the Wild Card round is over, and Baseball Roundtable was one-for-two on two on prediction – whiffed on the Rockies, got the fat part of the bat on the Yankees. Time now to look at the Division Series. Again, you really can’t take these to the bank, but you may at least find these observation interesting.

NATIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION SERIES

Brewers over the Rockies

Christian Yelich … driving the Brewers’ success.
Photo by hueytaxi

These are two potent offenses – playing in a couple of hitters’ parks. The Brewers come in led by RF Christian Yelich (.326-36-110 and 22 steals); 1B Jesus Aguilar (.274-35-108); and CF Lorenzo Cain (.308, with ten home runs, 90 runs scored and 22 steals). The Rockies counter with 3B Nolan Arenado (.297-38-100, with 104 runs); SS Trevor Story (.291-37-108, with 22 steals); and Charlie Blackmon (.291-29-70 and 119 runs).

The Rockies may be a bit road-weary, having played three of the past four day in three different time zones – including 13 grueling innings versus the Cubs on Tuesday. The Brewers last played in Monday’s Tiebreaker against the Cub.

Pitching-wise, the Rox’ top two starters are Kyle Freeland 17-7, 2.85 and German Marquez (14-11, 3.77) – and each will get just one start in the NLDS. Young (23-year-old) righty Antonio Senzatela (6-6, 4.38) will get the first-game start for Colorado; likely to be followed by southpaw Tyler Anderson (7-9, 4.55) – with Freeland and Marquez slated for Games Four and Five in Colorado. The Brewers are slated to go with an “opener” for the Division Series opener – and, for this old schooler, that a little scary. Jhoulys Chacin (15-8, 3.50), Wade Miley (5-2, 2.57) and Gio Gonzalez (7-11, 4.57) are likely starters going forward. Starting pitching looks to be pretty much a “wash.”

Gio Gonzalez could be a difference maker. He was 7-11, 4.57 with the Nationals, but 3-0, 2.13 in five starts after coming over to the Brew Crew.

On the Rockies’ side of the ledger, you can’t overlook 24-year-old, left-handed swinging outfielder David Dahl, who went .287-9-27 in 24 September contests and .273-16-48 in 77 games on the season.

I’d give the Brewers’ bullpen an edge in depth (Corey Knebel, Josh Hader, Jeremy Jeffress and Joakim Soria versus Wade Davis, Adam Ottavino, Seunghwan Oh and Scott Oberg) – although both pens bring some quality arms.

Ultimately, BBRT see the Brewers a little deeper on offense (Ryan Braun/Travis Shaw) and in the pen. Couple that with the fact that the Rockies had the roughest path (travel and competition-wise) to this round and BBRT gives the edge to the Brewers. Plus, I just don’t think the red-hot Christian Yelich will let them lose this series. Lots of scoring, but the Brewers prevail.

Dodgers over Braves

Hyun-Jin RyuPhoto by Keith Allison

The Dodgers out-homered the Braves by 60 and outscored them by 45 – and still the difference-maker in this matchup is likely to be pitching. The Dodgers’ rotation of Clayton Kershaw (9-5, 2.73); Rich Hill (11-5, 3.66); Walker Buehler (8-5, 2.62); and Hyun-Jin Ryu (7-3, 1.97) was part of the reason LA had the NL’s lowest team ERA. The Braves counter with Mike Foltynewicz (13-10, 2.85); Julio Teheran (9-9, 3.94); Sean Newcomb (12-9, 3.90); and Anibel Sanchez (7-6, 2.83) – but it’s clearly edge Dodgers. For the Braves to have a chance, Foltynewicz has to be on top of his game (and win a pair of starts). Note: Hyun-Jin Ryu will start Game One for LA.

Both bullpens can be effective, but Dodger’ closer Kenley Jansen (38 saves, 3.01 earned run average) has been a bit homer-prone (13 in 71 2/3 innings this season). Other key bullpen arms for LA include: transitioned starter Kenta Maeda, Alex Wood and Pedro Baez. The Braves look to Arodys Vizcaino to close out games – with a supporting cast that includes A.J. Minter, Jonny Vebters and Brad Bach.

Dodgers’ reliever Pedro Baez is one to watch in this series. From August 13 to the season’s end, he gave up just one earned run in 19 appearances (19 1/3 IP) for a 0.47 ERA

The line-up sees the Braves with a nice mix of veterans (1B Freddie Freeman at .309-23-98 and OF Nick Markakis at .297-14-93) and talented youngsters (20-year-old 2B Ozzie Albies at .261-24-72, 14 steals; 20-year-old Ronald Acuna Jr. at .293-26-64; and 24-year-old 3B Johan Camargo at .272-19-76).

A key to this series may be how the Braves’ youngsters – Ronald Acuna, Jr., Ozzie Albies and Johan Camargo handle the post-season pressure.

The Dodgers bring a more veteran crew with eight players launching 20+home runs each and such “names” as SS Manny Machado (.297-37-107 for the Orioles and Dodgers), Matt Kemp (.291-21-85), CF Cody Bellinger (.260-25-76) and the mercurial RF Yasiel Puig (.267-23-63, with 15 steals.

Keep an eye on the Dodgers’ 1B Matt Muncy, who had a career year at .263-35-79.

The Braves made the post-season perhaps a year earlier than expected and – coming up against the Dodgers – BBRT see it as a “wait until next year” finish.

AMERICAN LEAGUE DIVISION SERIES

Astros over Indians

Justin Verlander … 290K. Photo by Keith Allison

Probably the toughest division Series to call. Who would have thought that the first team in MLB history to have four 200-strikeout pitchers in the same season (Indians’ Corey Kluber … 20-7, 2.89, 222K; Mike Clevinger … 13-8. 3.02, 207K; Carlos Cararasco … 17-10, 3.38, 231K; and Trevor Bauer … 12-6, 2.21, 22K ) could be at a disadvantage in starting pitching? But the Astros offer up Justin Verlander (16-9, 3.07, 290K); Gerrit Cole (15-5, 2.88, 276K); Dallas Keuchel, 12-11, 3.74); and Charles Morton (15-3, 3.13, 201K). That Astros’ quartet helped Houston notch MLB’s lowest starting staff ERA (3.16) and highest strikeouts per nine innings (10.37).

In the bullpen, both teams throw out some quality arms. Andrew Miller, Cody Allen, Brad Hand and Oliver Perez for Cleveland and Roberto Osuna Hector Rondon, and Ryan Pressly for the Astros. On the season, the Astros had a 3.03 bullpen ERA, the Indians’ 4.60. Trevor Bauer (12-6, 2.21 with 221 strikeouts in 175 1/3 innings will be in the bullpen for (at least the start of) this Series. He could prove an interesting weapon.

The Indians went 91-71 and ran away with the AL Central. However, they ran up a 49-27 record against the weak Central – and were two games under .500 (42-44) against everyone else.

Offensively, it’s a good match up. The Indians, led by SS Francisco Lindor (.277-38-92, with 25 steals) and 3B Jose Ramirez (.270-39-195, 34 steals) put up 818 runs and hit 216 round trippers. The Astros had a more balanced offense and finished with 797 runs and 227 homers. Among the key Houston contributors were 2B Jose Altuve (.316-13-61, 17 steals); 3B Alex Bergman (.281-31-103, 10 steals); and 1B Yuli Gurriel (.282-13-85).

Game One Will Set the Tone

The first game of this Series will feature two former Cy Young Award winners (and 2018 CYA candidates) facing off. For the Indians, it will be Corey Kluber and for the Astros it will be Justin Verlander. Given the matchups we are likely to see, getting that first-game win may be critical.

Ultimately, BBRT thinks the Astros’ edge in pitching – and more balanced offense – will carry the day.

Red Sox over Yankees

Chris Sale … BoSox key. Photo by Keith Allison

Will good pitchings top good hitting? BBRT is betting on it. The Yankees blasted an MLB-record 267 home run this year – and I’m still betting Boston veterans Chris Sale (12-4, 2.11) and David Price (16-7, 3.58) can lead Boston to a win in this Series. Additional starts will come from among Rick Porcello (17-7, 4.28); Nathan Eovaldi (6-7, 3.81); and Eduardo Rodriguez (13-5, 3.82). The Yankees counter with Luis Severino (19-8, 3.39); Masahiro Tanaka (12-6, 3.75); J.A. Happ (7-0, 2.69 with the Bombers); and possibly C.C. Sabathia (9-7, 3.64).

A Couple of Potential Difference Makers

Two trade-deadline pickups could be difference makers for the Yankees. Starter J.A. Happ, who came over from Toronto, was 17-6, 3.65 on the season – but 7-0, 2.69 for the Yankees. (He will likely get two starts if needed.) 1B Luke Voit, acquired from the Cardinals (he played just eight 2018 games for the Redbirds), was .333-14-33 in 39 games for the Yankees.

The Yankees have an edge in the pen (a 3.38 bullpen ERA to the Red Sox’ 3.72 and 11.4 strikeouts per nine relief innings to the Red Sox’ 9.62). Among the keys to the Yanks’ pen are Aroldis Chapman, Dellin Betances and Zach Britton, while the Red Sox look to Craig Kimbrel, Matt Barnes and Joe Kelly.

The Yankees had one the most powerful and most balanced attacks in baseball, getting at least 20 home runs from each of the slots (1-9) in the lineup.

On offense, the Yankees have a lot of balance with some key contributors being DH Giancarlo Stanton (.266-38-100); 1B Luke Voit (.33-14-33 in 39 games with New York); and RF Aaron Judge (.278-27-67 in 112 games). The Red Sox counter with the likes of DH J.D. Martinez (.330-43-139); RF Mookie Betts (.346-32-80); and SS Xander Bogaerts (.288-23-103).

Red Sox Difference Makers

A couple of veteran names that don’t get called out often enough (they are competing with Mookie Betts and J.D.martinez for the Red Sox spotlight) could make a difference in this Series. If either 1B Mitch Moreland (.245-15-68) or 2B Ian Kinsler (.240-14-48, with 16 steals) gets hot, they could really lengthen the Red Sox’ offense.

In reality, despite all those Yankee homers, there two offenses are pretty even. The Red Sox put up an MLB-best 876 runs in 2018; the Yankees were second at 851. Ultimately, I am going with pitching and betting that Sale and Price and carry the day. Still, given the long-standing rivalry and the make-up of these two squads, this should be an explosive and competitive series.

The Story Will be…

The story of this series will be written by Chris Sale in Game One. He has to shut down the Yankees’ offense in Fenway. If not, it could prove a long and disappointing Series for Boston fans – and a bad prediction by BBRT.

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I’ll have more on the NLCS as the next post-season round approaches, but here’s BBRT’s look forward.

NLCS

Dodgers over Brewers … The Dodgers just have too much offense and pitching for the Brewers to handle.

ALCS

Astros over Red Sox … The Astros may be the best – and most balanced – team (offensively and on the mound) in baseball.

World Series – Astros over Dodgers.

Wow! A great one. However, BBRT see the Astros pitching shutting down the Dodgers and World Series MVP is likely to be Verlander or Altuve.

I tweet Baseball @DavidBBRT.

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

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