Well, it’s October first and yesterday, I attended the final Twins’ game of 2018. Now it’s time to get down to the business of the September (and season’s-end) BBRT wrap up – Baseball Roundtable’s regular look at the stories, statistics and parrticularly outstanding or unique performances that defined baseball over the previous month.
And, what a magical month/finish it was! MLB gave us:
- Two game 163’s for the first time ever.
- A run at the Triple Crown by Christian Yelich.
- Three teams reaching 100 wins on the season – Red Sox, Astro and Yankees.
- Forty-six Yankee September home runs – running the team’s season total to a new MLB single-season record of 267.
Bronx Bomber Balance
The Yankees had a balanced attack in 2018, becoming the first team to get 20 home runs from all nine spots in the batting order. The 1997 Seattle Mariners, whose record of 264 home runs the Yankees (267) broke, got fewer than 20 home runs from two of the nine spots in the order (lead off and ninth).
- 292 September strikeouts by White Sox batters – including 15 in their final game (aginst my Twins) – to bring their season total a new MLB-record 1,594. The 2017 Brewers held the record at 1,571.
- The 2018 season saw a record total of 41,207 strikeouts – up from last season’s 40,104 and the 13th consecutive year of increased strikeout totals.
- A .132 September average (7-for-53) for the Orioles’ Chris Davis, giving him a season average of .168 (79-for-470), the lowest average ever for a player with enough plate appearances to qualify for the batting title. The previous low was .179 (Tigers’ Rob Deer in 1991 and Braves Dan Uggla in 2013). Davis did have 16 home runs and 49 RBI.
- Nationals’ 19-year-old rookie Juan Soto became just the third player to reach 20 home runs as a teenager.
- The was not a single complete-game pitched in the American League over the final month of the season.
- For the first time in history, MLB finished a season with more strikeouts (41,207) than base hits (41,019).
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TROT INDEX … A REGULAR BBRT FEATURE
For the 2018 season, more than one-third (34.8 percent) of all MLB 185,139 plate appearances ended in a trot (back to the dugout, around the bases, to first base). We are talking about strikeouts, home runs, walks, hit by pitch and catcher’s interference – all outcomes that are, basically, devoid of action on the base paths or in the field. Here’s the breakout: strikeouts (22.3%); Walks (8.5%); home runs (3.0%); HBP (1.0%); Catcher’s Interference (less than .001%). Personally, I’d like more action in the field of play.
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How dear to my heart was the old-fashioned hurler
Who labored all day on the old village green.
He did not resemble the up-to-date twirler
Who pitches four innings and ducks from the scene.
He has a queer habit of pulling up lame
And that is the reason I hanker and long for
The pitcher who started and finished the game.
The old-fashioned pitcher,
The iron-armed pitcher,
The stout-hearted pitcher
Who finished the game.
UNTITLED POEM
BY GEORGE E. PHAIR
You may be wondering why I chose to share this poem near the top of this post. Well, I came across the untitled verse in Lawrence S. Ritter’s book The Glory of Their Times – published more than fifty years ago (1966). I’m not sure when George Phair (a journalist and columnist) penned the poem (in trying to track it down, I did find Phair poetry from as early as 1918), but I found it interesting that – even decades ago – observers were lamenting the passing of the complete game. Consider this, in 1966 (the year The Gory of Their Times carried this poem) it took 27 complete games to lead MLB and a dozen just to make the top ten. That season saw 736 complete games in MLB. We saw only 42 complete games this season – and nine of the 30 MLB teams recorded zero complete outings all season.
James Shields is the only pitcher since 2000 to reach double-digits in complete games in a season – with 11 in 2011. Photo by Keith Allison 
In 2018, it took just two complete games to lead MLB in “finishing what you started” – a feat accomplished by eight players. It’s the first season ever that no major leaguer completed at least four contests (although, in 2017, the Indians’ Corey Kluber and Twins’ Erwin Santana ties for the AL lead in CG with two.) Now, this is neither a note of complaint or support, but rather just an observation on how the game has changed – and, with the new “opener” strategy, it is changing even more. Like Phair, I do kind of miss the old-fashioned, iron-armed pitcher, but those days are truly past.
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Next up, before getting into the standings, a look at the …
BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE PLAYERS AND PITCHERS OF THE MONTH (SEPTEMBER)
American League Player of the Month – Tie … Luke Voit, 1B, Yankees & Steve Piscotty, RF, A’s
This was too close call between some a couple of names that haven’t been mentioned here that often: the A’s Steve Piscotty and the Yankees’ Luke Voit. Voit put together a solid month across the board for the post-season bound New York squad – a .333 average, an AL-best ten home runs, second-best 22 RBI and 19 runs scored. Piscotty’s number were equally compelling: a .310 September average; AL fourth-best eight home runs, an AL-topping 25 RBI and 21 runs scored. And, both of these players delivered in the heat of a pennant race.
Other Contenders: 1B Yuli Gurriel of the Astros also had a solid month – a .356 average, with five home runs, 21 RBI and 14 runs scored. And, of course, Red Sox’ RF Mookie Betts led the AL with a .377 average, with three home runs, ten RBI and 20 runs scored.
National League Player of the Month – Christian Yelich, CF, Brewers
Photo by hueytaxi
Christian Yelich had an MVP-worthy month of September – .352 average (tied for the tops in the NL); a league-topping ten home runs (also tied); an NL-best 33 RBI; and 24 runs scored – and he even threw in six stolen bases (which further separated Yelich from the pack). He fueled the Brewers’ run to the post-season – and notched his second cycle of the season along the way. A memorable month for this 26-year-old rising star.
Other Contenders: The Nationals’ 3B Anthony Rendon also deserves recognition for a month in which he hit .352, with six home runs, 26 RBI and 24 runs scored. Rendon also gets some points for ending the month with more walks (14) than strikeouts (12). Mets’ 25-year-old LF Michael Conforto was also in the mix, after a .286-9-29 month (with 17 runs scored).
American League Pitcher of the Month – Blake Snell, Rays
Rays’ 25-year-old southpaw Blake Snell had a dynamite September – not only did he become MLB’s first 2018 20-game winner (he ended the season 21-5), he also led the AL in September wins – going 5-0 in six starts. (The only AL pitcher to chalk up five September wins.) Among pitchers with at least 20 innings pitched in the month, his 1.26 earned run average was fifth-best overall and second in the AL. He fanned 53 batters in September (tied with the Indians’ Carlos Carrasco for the most in MLB) and gave up just 21 hits and eleven walks in 35 2/3 innings.
Other Contenders: Veteran power-righty Justin Verlander always seems to be a contender. In September, he went 3-0, fanned 50 batters (third-best in the AL) in 33 innings and put up a nifty 1.09 ERA (tied with the White Sox’ Reynaldo Lopez and Reds’ Luis Castillo for the MLB’slowest September ERA). 24-year-old righty Reynaldo Lopez of the White Sox started five games (two wins and one loss) in September and gave up just four runs in 33 innings – delivering a 1.09 earned run average. He also fanned 35 batters (nine walks).
National League Pitcher of the Month – Jose Urena, Marlins
Lots of good candidates (four NL pitchers logged five wins in September), but still not a tough choice. Right-hander Jose Urena went 5-0 in five September starts (for the last-place Marlins, mind you). He fanned just 20 batters in 30 innings, while putting up a 1.20 earned run average (second only to the Reds’ Luis Castillo – 1.09 – among NL pitchers with at least 20 September innings).
Other Contenders: There were a handful of other contenders. The Rockies’ Kyle Freeland went 5-0 in six starts, with a 2.61 earned run average and 31 strikeouts in 38 innings. The Mets’ Jacob deGrom went 2-1, 1.80 (eighth in the NL) in five September starts. He pitched 35 innings, fanning 45 batters (fourth in the NL). In his 35 innings, deGrom gave up just five walks and 15 hits for an MLB September-best WHIP (walks plus hits per innings pitched) of 0.57. I also liked what the Rockies’ young (23-year-old) right-hander German Marquez did in the heat of a close West Division race. Marquez started five September contests – going 3-1, with a 2.14 earned run average. He also fanned 48 batters in 33 2/3 innings pitched.
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SEPTEMBER’S BEST AND WORST
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Photo by urban.houstonian
No team won more games than the Astros, who went 21-6 in September – and they did it on the shoulders (and arms) of the pitching staff. The Astro scored 131 runs in September – tying the Royals (who went 15-13) for the seventh-most in the AL. Their 2.99 earned run average, however, was the league’s lowest. They rode the arms of starters Justin Verlander (4-0, 1.09); Gerrit Cole (3-0, 3.03); Charlie Morton (2-0, 3.00) – not to mention reliever Ryan Pressly, who made 12 appearances and did not allow an earned run (15 whiffs in 9 2/3 innings) and Roberto Osuna (ten saves in ten opportunities.) The offense went through 1B Yuli Gurriel (.356-5-21) and OF George Springer (.330 with 24 runs scored). In the post season, they’ll need more from 2B and hit-machine Jose Altuve, who hit just .256 in September.
Other teams putting up strong September performances were the Rays at 19-9 and A’s (16-10). Tampa scored the second most September runs at 152 and bucked the trend by doing it more with average (.273, the AL’s top September figure) than power (32 home runs, eighth in the league). Key September contributors were CF Tommy Pham (.368-5-16), SS Willy Adames (.341-2-11); 2B Joey Wendle (.319); and CF Kevin Kiermaier. It didn’t hurt to be able send Blake Snell to the mound (5-0, 1,26) The A’s were first in the AL in runs scored and second in home runs behind the bats of Steve Piscotty (.310-8-25), Khris Davis (.237-9-19) and Matt Olson (.282-5-19).
The Oakland A’s – with 2018 lowest payroll at the start of the season – were a surprise entrant in the 2018 post season.
At the other end of the September performance spectrum were the Orioles (7-20); White Sox (8-19); and Rangers (9-18). Notably, they also made up the bottom three in the AL in runs scored – the only junior circuit teams with less than 100 September tallies. Making it worse for Baltimore and Chicago, they were the only AL teams with September ERA’s over 5.00 (5.33 and 5.02, respectively).
NATIONAL LEAGUE (not including October’s Game 163)
Photo by bryce_edwards
The top September winners in the NL were the Brewers (19-7); Rockies (19-9); Dodgers (18-9); and Mets (18-10). Notably those teams took the top four league spots in both earned run average and home runs. The Brewers had the best September earned run average (2.77), were third in home runs (39) and fourth in runs scored (144). Outfielders Christian Yelich, (.352-10-33), Lorenzo Cain (.310 with 23 runs); and Ryan Braun (.266-6-14) were solid contributors. Starters Gio Gonzalez and Wade Miley each went 3-0, with ERA’s of 2.13 and 3.52, respectively. And the bullpen was lights out, led by Cory Knebel and Jeremy Jeffress, who made a combined 25 appearance, went nine-for-ninepin save opportunities and fanned 47 in 26innings.
The Dodgers combined offense and pitching. They were first in the league in September home runs (44) and runs scored (161) and third in ERA (3.18). On offense, OF Yasiel Puig (.295-8-16), SS Manny Machado (.276-4-19) and OF Matt Kemp (.339-3-16) stood out. Twenty-one of the teams 27 starts were handled by Clayton Kershaw (3-0, 3.89); Rich Hill (5-0, 3.90), Hyun-Jin Ryu (3-2, 1.50) and Walker Buehler (1-1, 1.95). With Kenley Jansen (five-for-five in September save opporunities) in the pen, they should set up well for the post season. The Rockies were second in home runs (43) and runs scored (154) and fourth in ERA 3.26. They got big Septembers from CF Charlie Blackmon (.349-6-15-14); LF David Dahl (.298-9-27); SS Trevor Story (.298-9-22); starter Kyle Freeland (5-0, 2.61); and closer Wade Davis (seven-for-seven in save opportunities, with a 0.82 ERA). Finally, the Mets kicked it up a notch to go 18-10 – with the league’s second-best September ERA (3.14) and fourth-most round trippers (31). They finished seventh in runs scored. A couple of surprising offensive forces emerged: 2B Jeff McNeil (.340 average – 18 runs scored) and OF Michael Conforto (.286-9-29). The pitching names are familiar: Noah Syndegaard (4-1, 1.73 for the month); Jacob deGrom (2-1, 1.80); and Zach Wheeler (3-0, 2.8)
At the other end of the September NL won-lost markers were the Giants (5-21), Diamondbacks (8-19) and Phillies (9-20) – three of the six NL teams that scored less than 100 runs in September. The Giants scored the fewest runs in all of baseball (69) and hit the second-fewest September home runs (17), while the Diamondbacks were tenth in the NL in runs (98) and the Phillies were eleventh (97). The mound work wasn’t any more promising. The Phillies were last in the league in September ERA (5.49), while the D-backs were 13th (4.75) and the Giants were 12th (4.72).
Wild Card Predictions – More post-season predictions to come (but, with my record, you can’t take these to the bank.)
Cubs over Rockies: Two loaded line-ups, but I give the Cubs a slight edge. I like the veteran Jon Lester starting a key game – and am a little concerned about Kyle Freeland’s recent workload (six starts since September 2) and start on short rest. That, coupled with the fact that the Rox have to travel to the friendly (for the Cubs) confines gives Chicago an edge. Should be a close game, however.
Yankees over A’s: The balanced Yankees’ lineup should be enough to end the low-budget A’s remarkable run to the post season. Still the A’s have enough power and bullpen strength to make it interesting. However, in today’s game of home runs and strikeouts, Yankees get the edge.
–—-LEAGUE LEADERS – TEAMS – SEPTEMBER—–
RUNS SCORED … MLB Team Average – 120
AL: A’s (167); Rays (152); Yankees (150)
NL: Dodgers (161); Rockies (154); Nationals (149)
The Giants scored the fewest September runs – just 69. They also finished last in batting average (.211) and 29th in home runs (17, just one ahead of the Marlins) for the month. In the AL, the weakest September offense went to the White Sox, with just 89 runs plated.
BATTING AVERAGE … MLB Team Average – .243
AL: Rays (.273); Twins (.272); Red Sox (.264)
NL: Dodgers (.274); Rockies (.273); Nationals (.267)
No team grounded into more double plays in September than the A’s with 25. Then again that may be a product of all those base runners, they also scored the most runs in MLB at 167. In the NL, the Nationals matched the A’s 25 GIDP – and scored the third most runs (149).
HOME RUNS … MLB Team Average – 30
AL: Yankees (46); A’s (41); Angels (38)
NL: Dodgers (44); Rockies (43); Brewers (39)
San Francisco (17) and Miami (16) were the only teams with fewer than 20 September home runs. The Twins, Tigers and Orioles tied for the bottom of the AL with 23 round trippers.
STOLEN BASES … MLB Team Average – 15
AL: Royals (39); Rays (30); Indians (26)
NL: Nationals (24); Brewers (21); Braves (19); Rockies (19)
People tend to think of the National League as the “running” league. However, the top five teams in September steals were from the AL: Royals, Rays, Indians, Orioles and Red Sox.
BATTERS’ STRIKEOUTS … MLB Team Average – 236
AL: White Sox (292); Blue Jays (263); Royals (249)
NL: Giants (270); Phillies (261); Cardinals (257)
The Astros put the ball in play – fanning an MLB-low 174 times in September.
EARNED RUN AVERAGE … MLB Average – 4.15
AL: Astros (2.99); Mariners (3.67); Indians (3.69)
NL: Brewers (2.77); Mets (3.14); Dodgers (3.18); Rockies (3.26)
Three teams carried ERA’s over 5.00 for September – the Phillies (5.99); Orioles (5.33); and White Sox (5.02). No Surprise, they went a combined 23-59 for the month.
PITCHERS’ STRIKEOUTS … MLB Average – 236
AL: Indians (300); Astros (276); Yankees (267)
NL: METS (269); Dodgers (264); Phillies (256); Rockies (254)
The Dodgers’ staff had September’s best strikeout-to-walk ratio at 4.55. In the AL, the leader was the Indians at 3.75.
SAVES … MLB Average – 7
AL: Astros (14); Rays (12); Angels (9)
NL: Brewers (10); Mets (9); Braves (8); Pirates (8); Rockies (5)
Wild Things
In September, Red Sox’ pitchers hit an MLB-high 23 batters; the Braves walked an MLB-high 141; and the White Sox led all of baseball with 24 wild pitches. The MLB team September averages in those categories. Hit By Pitch – 11; Walks 90; Wild Pitches – 11.
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HOW ABOUT SOME SEPTEMBER HIGHLIGHTS?
30-30 Vision
On September 9, Indians’ 3B Jose Ramirez became the 39th member of MLB’s 30-30 (HR’s & SB’s) club – stealing his 30th base of 2018 in the first-inning of a 6-2 Cleveland loss to Toronto. The theft gave the 26-yeqar-old switch-hitter 37 homeruns and 30 stolen bases on the season. He finished the campaign at .272-39-106, with 34 steals.
MLB has seen only four 40-40 (HRs/SBs) Seasons
Jose Canseco, A’s … 1988 (42 HR/40 SB)
Barry Bonds, Giants … 1996 (42 HR/40 SB)
Alex Rodriguez, Mariners … 1998 (42 HR/46 SB)
Alfonso Soriano … Nationals 2006 (46 HR/41 SB)
No Running in the Halls, Young Man
Nineteen-year old Nationals’ rookie outfielder Juan Soto has been doing all sorts of wild things on the diamond this season – and on September 15, he ran wild on the base paths. In the Nationals’ 7-1 win over the Braves, Soto stole three bases, becoming the youngest (19 years, 325 days) player ever to steal three bags in an MLB game. (Rickey Henderson had held the record at 20 year, 241 days.)
Soto stole second in the first inning and second and third in the fourth. For the game, Soto had one hit and three walks in five plate appearance, with two runs scored and one RBI.
A Real Teeny-Bopper
No one has hit more home runs as a teenager than the Red Sox’ Tony Conigliaro – who had 24 round trippers before his 20th birthday. This season Nationals’ 19-year-old rookie Juan Soto made a run at the record – hitting six September long balls (a .283-6-20 month) to finish the season with 22 – tied for second all-time.
Most MLB Home Runs by a Teenage
24 … Ton Conigliaro, Red Sox
22 … Bryce Harper, Nationals
22 … Juan Soto, Nationals
19 …. Mel Ott, Giants
16 … Ken Griffey, Jr. Mariners
Red(s) Hot Yelich
On September 17, the Brewers’ Christian Yelich continued to be Red(s) hot – hitting for his second cycle (single, double, triple, homer in same game) of the 2018 season – becoming just the fifth MLB player with two cycles in a season. Both of Yelich cycles have come against the Reds. For the full story and more about MLB cycles, click here. Yelich also made a September run at the Triple Crown, ending the season at .326-36-110. He won the batting crown, fell just one shy of a tie for the RBI title and two shy of the home run crown.
Tea for Two a Good Way to Celebrate?
On September 18, Rays’ southpaw Blake Snell became MLB’s first 2018 20-game winner – and, in the process, the 25-year-old picked up his 200th strikeout of the season and dropped his 2018 earned run average to under 2.00 (1.97). He also became just the 2nd Ray to reach 20 wins in a campaign.
Snell reached these milestones in the Rays 4-0 win over the Rangers in Texas – a game in which Snell pitched five scoreless innings, giving up one hit and two walks, while fanning five. Snell finished the season, his third in the majors, at 21-5, 1.89. Going into the season, his career record was 11-15, 3.82.
Braille on Jersey an MLB First
On September 18, the Orioles hosted the Blue Jays at Camden Yards and Baltimore’s home jerseys had the team and player names spelled out in Braille – an MLB first. The O’s were recognizing the 40th anniversary of the National Federation of the Blind moving its home office to Baltimore. And, here I thought it had something to do with the umpires.
20-20 Vision
In 2017, MLB had no 20-game winners. In fact, no hurlers even reached 19 victories. (Carlos Carrasco and Corey Kluber, Indians; Jason Vargas, Royals; and Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers, tied for the MLB lead with 18 wins.) Things were a little different this season.
- On September 18, the Rays’ Blake Snell became 2018’s first twenty-game winner – as Tampa topped Texas 4-0. See the Tea for Two description above.
- On September 24th, the Indians’ Corey Kluber became 2018’s second twenty-game winner (like Snell by a 4-0 score), as Cleveland prevailed over the White Sox. Kluber went seven innings, giving up four hits and one walk, while fanning eleven. It was Kluber’s first 20-win season in eight MLB campaigns – although he had won 18 games three times and is a two-time Cy Young Award winner. He finished the season at 20-7, 2.89.
In the Moment
On September 19, Indians’ veteran 2B Jason Kipnis came to the plate with 999 career hits. More important, the bases were loaded, there was one out and his Cleveland squad was trailing 1-0. Kipnis made the most of his milestone moment. His 1000th hit was a game-winning, walk-off Grand Slam.
Boom – Just Boom, That’s All
Photo by Keith Allison
On September 20, Yankee 1B Luke Voit popped his 10th home run for the Yankees (since being acquired from the Cardinals on July 29). Despite the Yankee’ 11-6 loss to the Red Sox, the long ball carried some significance. It gave New York an MLB record twelve players with double-digit home runs in the same season. Here’s the final 2018 count for that dirty dozen:
Giancarlo Stanton … 38
Aaron Judge … 27
Didi Gregorius … 27
Miguel Andujar … 27
Aaron Hicks … 27
Gleyber Torres … 24
Gary Sanchez … 18
Luke Voigt … 14
Brett Gardner … 12
Greg Bird … 11
Neil Walker … 11
Austine Romine … 10
Stick Around, You May See Something New
On September 20, there was plenty of action for the home crowd in Oakland, as the A’s pounded the Angels 21-3. Still, even if you were an Angels’ fan, staying to the bitter end may have paid off. You would have seen the Angels’ 29-year-old rookie catcher Francisco Arcia go from one end of the battery to the other – taking the mound in the seventh inning with the Angels trailing 18-2. Arcia pitched two innings, giving up three runs on four hits. In the top of ninth, he got one of those runs back by launching a solo homer off reliever Chris Hatcher. It made Arcia the first player ever to catch, pitch and homer in the same MLB game. (More of “In baseball, we track everything.”)
Arcia, who made his MLB debut this year (in his 12th professional season), made another MLB “splash” earlier this season. On July 26, he played his first MLB game – going two-for-five, with a home run and four RBI as the Angels beat the White Sox 12-8. On July 28, he saw his second MLB action, this time going three-for-four with two doubles, a home run, two runs scored and six RBI in an 11-5 win over the Mariners. Those performances made Arcia the first player to reach double-digit RBI in his first two MLB games.
Band of Brothers
On September 21, major league brothers Yuli Gurriel and Lourdes Gurriel, Jr. weren’t on the same teams, weren’t on the same field and weren’t even in the same country. Yet, they managed to make MLB history together. In another example of “In baseball, we track everything,” the two became the first brothers to have multi-homer games on the same day.
Lourdes, playing shortstop for the Blue Jays in Toronto, rapped a pair of homers (his tenth and eleventh of the season) as the Blue Jays topped the Rays 11-3.
Yuli, playing first base for the Astros at home, hit a Grand Slam and a two-run shot as Houston beat the Angels 11-3. They were his eleventh and twelfth dingers of the season.
Clearing the Bases … Sandlot Style
On September 23, the Brewers plated five runs in the top of the sixth inning of their crucial 13-6 win over the Pirates – and three of them scored on a single wild pitch. Here’s how it went.
Reliever Steve Brault started the frame by fanning Brewers’ LF Christian Yelich. The Pirates’ southpaw then loaded the bases on a single by CF Lorenzo Cain and walks to 2B Travis Shaw (with a wild pitch in the mix) and 1B Jesus Aguilar. After a mound visit, Brault struck out 3B Mike Moustakas – and the Pirates were one out away from a clean get-away. (That was not to be.)
Michael Feliz was brought in to face Brewers’ C Erik Kratz – and the Brew Crew countered with pinch hitter Ryan Braun. Feliz walked Braun and SS Orlando Arcia to force in a pair of runs, leaving the bases full – and bringing up Eric Thames (pinch hitting for pitcher Corey Knebel). A wild pitch to Thames ricocheted off the wall and down the first base line – scoring Aguilar. Pittsburgh 1B Josh Bell retrieved the ball and threw to the plate (Braun was attempting to score from second).Feliz missed the throw, allowing both Braun and Arcia (who had been on first to score) – clearing the bases. Hard to imagine? See the video below.
Movin’ On Up
The Rangers Adrian Beltre belted 24 hits in September – giving him 3,166 for his career and moving him past Tony Gwynn, Robin Yount and George Brett to number fifteen all-time.
Just Getting a Little Air
Photo by Keith Allison
On September 22, RHP Justin Verlander helped the Astros make a notable contribution to the current trend toward more and more strikeouts (and home runs). Verlander went six shutout innings as the Astros topped the Angels 10-5. In the process, he gave up just one hit and no walks, while fanning 11 (to reach a career-high 280 for the season) – bringing the total strikeouts recorded by the Astros’ staff this season to a new record of 1,069. (The record of 1,066 – set by the Indians last season – was actually topped with Verlander’s ninth whiff of the game, which came in the fifth inning.) Notably, just four innings later – as reliever Roberto Osuna fanned 2B Sherman Johnson for the first out in the ninth – the Astros also set a new record for total staff strikeouts in a season at 1,615. Houston ended the season with 1,101 strikeouts by the starters and a total of 1,687. Verlander finished at 16-9, 2.52, with a league-leading 290 strikeouts in 214 innings.
Photo by Keith Allison
In a somewhat related event, that same evening (September 22). Mike Clevinger of the Indians reached 200 strikeouts in a season (202 to be exact) – fanning six batters in five innings as Cleveland bested Boston 5-4. (Clevinger got a no-decision and gave up three hits, five walks and two earned runs. Appropriately, for the times, both runs came on solo homers. One by 3B Rafael Devers and one by C Blake Swihart.) Of more interest is the fact that Clevinger became the fourth Indians’ starter to reach 200 strikeouts this season – making Cleveland the first MLB team ever with four pitchers notching 200 or more K’s. Here they are with their season totals.
231 … Carlos Carrasco
221 … Trevor Bauer
222 … Corey Kluber
207 … Mike Clevinger
It’s Been a Long (Ball) Season – More of the Walks and Whiffs Trend
Wacks and whiffs (HR’s & K’s) seem to be the order of the day in MLB lately. So, it was no surprise that, on September 29, the Yankees set a new record for team home runs in a season – topping the 264 of the 1997 Mariners.
The landmark blast came off the bat of 2B Gleyber Torres in the top of the fourth inning (his 24th of the season) – and just to prove it was no fluke DH Giancarlo Stanton added another round tripper to the record in the seventh inning. The two solo shots were even more meaningful, as they helped the Bronx Bombers to a 3-2 win (over the Orioles) that clinched an AL Wild Card spot.
Most Home Runs in A Season … Team
267 … 2018 New York Yankees
264 … 1997 Seattle Mariners
260 … 2005 Texas Rangers
257 … 1996 Baltimore Orioles
257 … 2010 Blue Jays
253 … 2006 Baltimore Orioles
Rolling the Perfect 300 (Season)
On September 25 , three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer of the Nationals became just the 40th pitcher all-time and 17th since 1900 to notch 300 strikeouts in a season – reaching 300 in a seven-inning outing versus the Marlins. Full story here. Scherzer finished the season at 18-7, 2.53, with 300 strikeouts in 220 2/3 innings.
Who Says Pitchers Can’t Hit?
On September 25, Giants pitcher Madison Bumgarner hit a pinch-hit, walk-off. RBI single in the bottom of the 12th inning to give the Giants a 5-4 win over the Padres. It was Madbum’s fourth RBI of the season and 58th career run plated (in 529 at bats). The Giants’ hurler also has 17 career home runs. More #WhyIHateTheDH
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––INDIVIDUAL LEADERS FOR SEPTEMBER —
BATTING AVERAGE (minimum 75 September plate appearances)
AL: Mookie Betts, Red Sox (.377); Tommy Pham, Rays (.368); Yuli Gurriel, Astros (.356)
NL: Anthony Rendon, Nationals (.352); Christian Yelich, Brewers (.352); Charlie Blackmon, Rockies (.349)
The lowest September average among players with at least 75 plate appearances during the month belonged to the Angels’ Kole Calhoun at .125 (11-for-88). Austin Jackson of the Mets held the bottom spot in the NL at .141 (11-for-78).
HOME RUNS
AL: Luke Voit, Yankees (10); Khris Davis, A’s (9); Francisco Lindor, Indians (9)
NL: Christian Yelich, Brewers (10); Trevor Story, Rockies (10); Michael Conforto, Mets (9); David Dahl, Rockies (9)
Nobody went more at bats without a home run in September than the Rays’ Mallex Smith, who had 27 hits in 106 at bats (22 singles and four doubles and a triple).
RUNS BATTED IN
AL: Stephen Piscotty, A’s (25); Luke Voit, Yankees (22); Marcus Semien, A’s (21); Yuli Gurriel, Astros (21)
NL: Christian Yelich, Brewers (33); Michael Conforto, Mets (29); David Dahl, Rockies (27)
RUNS SCORED
AL: Tommy Pham, Rays (26); George Springer, Astros (24); three with 21
NL: Christian Yelich, Brewers (24); Anthony Rendon, Nationals (24); Charlie Blackmon, Rockies (23)
HITS
AL: Robinson Cano, Mariners (35); Nick Castellanos, Tigers (35); Tommy Pham, Rays (35); Jorge Polanco, Twins (35)
NL: Charlie Blackmon, Rockies (38); Anthony Rendon, Nationals (37); Jeff McNeil, Mets (36)
Among players with at least 75 September plate appearances, the Brewers’ Christian Yelich had the highest slugging percentage at .807. The Yankees’ Luke Voit led the AL at .736.
STOLEN BASES
AL: Whit Merrifield, Orioles (16); Aldaberto Mondesi, Royals (14); two at 13
NL: Trea Turner, Nationals (9); Amed Rosario, Mets (8); two at 6
BATTER’S STRIKEOUTS
AL: Jack Cave, Twins (38); Randal Grichuk, Blue Jays (34); two at 33
NL: Javier Baez, Cubs (36); Austin Jackson, Mets (35); Matt Carpenter, Cardinals (33)
WALKS DRAWN
AL: Robbie Grossman, Twins (22); Tommy Pham, Rays (19); three at 18
NL: Bryce Harper, Nationals (34); Brandon Nimmo, Mets (29); Christian Yelich, Brewers (24)
Mike Trout of the Angels drew the most intentional walks in September with five.
PITCHING VICTORIES
AL: Blake Snell, Rays (5-0); Taylor Cole, Angels (4-0); Brandon Workman, Red Sox (4-1); Ryan Yarbrough, Rays (4-1)
NL: Rich Hill, Dodgers (4-0); Mike Mikolas, Cardinals (5-0); Jose Urena, Marlins (5-0); Kyle Freeland, Rockies (5-0)
Just two pitcher picked up five losses in September: Carlos Rodon, White Sox (0-5, 9.22) and Yovani Gallardo, Rangers (1-5, 7.33).
EARNED RUN AVERAGE (at least 25 September innings)
AL: Justin Verlander, Astros (1.09); Reynaldo Lopez, White Sox (1.09); Blake Snell, Rays (1.26);
NL: Luis Castillo, Reds (1.09); Jose Urena, Marlins (1.20); Hyun-Jin Ryu, Dodgers (1.50
In September, thirteen pitchers with at least 25 September innings pitched logged earned run averages under 2.00.
STRIKEOUTS
AL: Carlos Carrasco, Indians (53 – 37 1/3 IP); Blake Snell, Rays (53 – 35 2/3 IP); Justin Verlander, Astros (50 – 33 IP)
NL: Max Scherzer, Nationals (51 – 34 IP); German Marquez, Rockies (48 – 33 2/3 IP); Aaron Nola, Phillies (47 – 36 1/3 IP)
The Mariners’ James Paxton led all pitchers (with at least 20 September innings) in strikeouts per nine innings at 13.71.
SAVES
AL: Roberto Osuna, Astros (10); Sergio Romo, Rays (7); Ken Giles, Blue Jays (7); Edwin Diaz, Mariners (7)
NL: Felipe Vazquez, Pirates (8); Wade Davis, Rockies (7); Jeremy Jeffress, Brewers (7)
WHIP-ping into Shape
Among pitchers with at least 25 September innings, the Mets’ Jacob deGrom was the stingiest – giving up just 0.57 walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP). deGrom allowed just 15 hits and five walks in 35 innings. Fourteen pitches with at least 25 September innings posted WHIPs under 1.00. This is from among 80 hurlers who made the 25-inning mark.
________________________________________
HOW ABOUT SOME SEASON-ENDING TOTAL/
—INDIVIDUAL LEADERS FINAL —
BATTING AVERAGE (Qualifying)
AL: Mookie Betts, Red Sox (.346); J.D. Martinez, Red Sox (.330); Jose Altuve, Astros (.317)
NL: Christian Yelich, Brewers (.326); Scooter Gennett, Reds (310); Freddie Freeman, Braves (.309)
The lowest batting average among qualifying players went to the Orioles’ Chris Davis at .168 (79-for-470). Davis, the only qualifier to hit under .200) had 16 home runs and 49 RBI.
Side note: Sixteen qualifying batters hit .300 or higher – eight in each league
HOME RUNS
AL: Khris Davis, A’s (48); J.D. Martinez, Red Sox (43); Joey Gallo, Rangers (40)
NL: Nolan Arenado, Rockies (38); Trevor Story, Rockies (37); Matt Carpenter, Cardinals (36); Christian Yelich (36)
Honorable Mention to Manny Machado, who totaled 37 home runs for the Orioles and Dodgers combined.
RUNS BATTED IN
AL: J.D. Martinez, Red Sox (130); Khris Davis, A’s (123); Edwin Encarnacion, Indians (107); Jose Ramirez, Indians (107)
NL: Javier Baez, Cubs (111); Nolan Arenado, Rockies (110); Christian Yelich, Brewers (110);
Among qualifying batters Khris Davis of the A’s had the best home runs per at bat ratio at one home run for every 12.0 at bats. The Brewers’ Jesus Aguilar was best in the NL, with a 14.1 ratio.
RUNS SCORED
AL: Francisco Lindor, Indians (129); Mookie Betts, Red Sox (129); J.D. Martinez, Red Sox (111)
NL: Charlie Blackmon, Rockies (119); Christian Yelich, Brewers (118); Matt Carpenter, Cardinals (111)
No one with at least 100 at bats against southpaws hit lefties better than this pair of right-handed hitters: The Tigers’ Nick Castellanos (56-for-147) – at a .381 pace and the Brewers’ Lorenzo Cain (53-for-142) at .373. The leading hitter versus righties (again, at least 100 at bats versus righthanders) might be a surprise. It was the Mets’ left-handed swinging Jeff McNeil at .345 (58-for-168). In the AL, it was righty Mookie Betts of the Red Sox at .339 (134 for 395).
HITS
AL: Whit Merrifield, Royals (192); J.D. Martinez, Red Sox (188); Nick Castellanos, Tigers (185)
NL: Freddie Freweman, Braves (191); Christian Yelich, Brewers (187); Nick Markakis, Braves (185)
Honorable Mentions goes to Manny Machado, who collected 188 safeties – playing for the Orioles and the Dodgers.
STOLEN BASES
AL: Whit Merrifield, Royals (45); Mallex Smith, Rays (40); Jose Ramirez, Indians (34)
NL: Trea Turner, Nationals (43) Billy Hamilton, Reds (34); Starling Marte, Pirates (33)
Honorable Mention to Jonathan Villar with 35 combined steals for the Orioles and Brewers.
BATTER’S STRIKEOUTS
AL: Yoan Moncada, White Sox (217); Giancarlo Stanton, Yankees (211); Joey Gallo, Rangers (207)
NL: Chris Taylor, Dodgers (178); Paul Goldschmidt, D-backs (173); Bryce Harper, Nationals (169)
A Hit Parade Extra (You had to be old enough to see the show.)
Nobody was hit by pitches more often than the Mets’ Brandon Nimmo,who was plunked 22 times. Others who were hit at least 20 times were: the Rays’ Carlos Gomez (21); Marlins’ Derek Dietrick (21); and Cubs’ Anthony Rizzo (20). On the flip side, the Cubs’ Starlin Castro had the most plate appearances without a single HBP at 647.
WALKS DRAWN
AL: Mike Trout, Angels (122); Jose Ramirez, Indians (106); Alex Bregman, Astros (96)
NL: Bryce Harper, Nationals (130); Carlos Santana, Phillies (110); Joey Votto, Reds (108)
Among qualifying batters only five players drew more walks than strikeouts: the Indians’ Jose Ramirez; Phillies’ Carlos Santana; Astros’ Alex Bregman; and Reds’ Joey Votto.
PITCHING VICTORIES
AL: Blake Snell, Rays (21-5); Corey Kluber, Indians (20-7); Luis Severino, Yankees (19-8)
NL: Jon Lester, Cubs (18-6); Max Scherzer, Nationals (18-7); Mike Mikolas, Cardinals (17-4)
EARNED RUN AVERAGE (qualifying – at least one inning pitched for each game his team played)
AL: Blake Snell, Rays (1.89); Trevor Bauer, Indians (2.21); JustinVerlander, Astros (2.52)
NL: Jacob deGrom (1.70); Aaron Nola, Phillies (2.37); Max Scherzer, Nationals (2.53)
Eleven qualifying pitchers finished 2018 with ERA’s under 3.00.
STRIKEOUTS
AL: JustinVerlander, Astros (290 – 214 IP); Gerrit Cole (276 – 200 1/3 IP); Chris Sale, Red Sox (237 – 158)
NL: Max Scherzer, Nationals (300 – 220 2/3 IP); Jacob deGrom, Mets (269 – 217 IP); Patrick Corbin, D-backs (246 – 200 IP)
The Astros’ Gerrit Cole led all qualifying pitchers in strikeouts per nine innings at 12.40. The Nationals’ Max Scherzer led the NL (and was second overall) at 12.24. The only other pitcher to top 12 whiffs per nine frames was Justin Verlander at 12.20.
Twenty-three qualifying pitchers fanned at least one batter per inning for the season.
SAVES
AL: Edwin Diaz, Mariners (57); Craig Kimbrel, Red Sox (42); Blake Treinen, A’s (38)
NL: Wade Davis, Rockies (43); Kenley Jansen, Dodgers (38); Felipe Vazquez, Pirates (37)
Behind the Eight Ball
Your leaders in blown saves (at eight) were the Rays’ Sergio Romo, D-backs’ Brad Boxberger and Archie Bradley; and the Blue Jays Ryan Tepera. Boxberger had 32 saves; Romo had 24; Tepera just seven saves and Bradley just three.
WAR – GOOD GOD, WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR?
Not a big fan of Wins Above Replacement (WAR) … but for that that are, here are your leaders (among qualifiers).
Non-Pitchers: Mookie Betts, Red Sox (10.9); Mike Trout, Angels (10.2); Matt Chapman, A’s (8.2). NL leader: Christian Yelich, Brewers (7.4).
Pitchers: Aaron Nola; Phillies (10.5); Jacob deGrom, Mets (9.6); Max Scherzer, Nationals (8.8). AL Leader, Blake Snell, Rays (7.4)
—–LEAGUE LEADERS – TEAMS – Final —–
RUNS SCORED … MLB Team Average – 721
AL: Red Sox (876); Yankees (851); Indians (818)
NL: Dodgers (804); Rockies (780); Nationals (771)
The Miami Marlins were the lowest-scoring team in MLB this season with just 589 runs – the only team under 600. The Marlins also hit the fewest home runs (128)
BATTING AVERAGE … MLB Team Average – .248
AL: Red Sox (.268); Indians (.259); Rays (.258)
NL: Cubs (.258); Braves (.257); Rockies (.256)
HOME RUNS … MLB Team Average – 186
AL: Yankees (267); A’s (227); Blue Jays (217)
NL: Dodgers (235); Brewers (218); Rockies (210)
No body pounded the opposition like the Astros – who had a positive run differential of 263. The only other team over 200 was the Red Sox at +229. On the negative side, the Orioles were outscored by an MLB-high 270 runs. The only other team to reach a -200 was the Marlines at a negative 220.
A couple of surprises. Seattle finished 16 games over .500, despite being outscored by 34 runs on the season, while Arizona finished only two games over .500 while outscoring their opponents 49 runs.
STOLEN BASES … MLB Team Average – 82
AL: Indians (135); Rays (128); Red Sox (125)
NL: Brewers (124); Nationals (119); Padres (95); Rockies (94)
The A’s had the major leagues fewest steals – 35 bags swiped in 56 attempts. The Marlins had the lowest success rate at 59.2 percent (45 steals in 76 attempts.)
BATTERS’ STRIKEOUTS … MLB Team Average – 1,373
AL: White Sox (1,594); Rangers (1,484); Yankees (1,421)
NL: Padres (1,523); Phillies (1,520); Giants (1,467)
EARNED RUN AVERAGE … MLB Average – 4.14
AL: Astros (3.11); Indians (3.58); Mariners (3.89)
NL: Dodgers (3.38); Cubs (3.65); D-backs (3.72)
The only team with an earned run average over 5.00 for the season was the 115-loss Orioles – at 5.18 (5.48 ERA for starters/4.78 for relievers.
Houston had the best starters’ ERA at 3.16 and the best bullpen ERA at 3.03.
The Marlins and Royals bullpens added the most fuel to the fire – with bullpen ERAs of 5.34 and 5.04, respectively.
PITCHERS’ STRIKEOUTS … MLB Average – 1,374
AL: Astros (1,687); Yankees (1,634); Red Sox (1,558)
NL: Dodgers (1,565); Phillies (1,465); D-backs (1,448)
The Astros and Yankees were the only two teams to fan at least ten batters per nine innings: Astros – 10.44; Yankees 10.10.
SAVES … MLB Average – 41
AL: Mariners (60); Rays (52); Yankees (49)
NL: Rockies (51); Brewers (48); Dodgers (48)
Giants’ relievers blew the most saves on the season (30), while the Twins led the AL in blown saves (28)
Primary Reources: Baseball-Reference.com; Baseball-Almanac.com; MLB.com
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Member: Society for American Baseball Research; The Baseball Reliquary; TheNegro Leagues Baseball Museum.
