David, Author at Baseball Roundtable

BBRT’s 2014 Hall of Fame Selections/Predictions

December 6, 2013 by David

Baseball Hall of Fame Ballots are now in the hands of more than 600 voting members of the Baseball Writers Association of America. (The results will be announced January 8, 2014.) Let’s hope the writers are less stingy with their support than one year ago, when none of the players on the ballot received the necessary 75 percent support. That seems unlikely this year, with two 300-game-winning hurlers, a member of the 500-homer/.300 average club and the all-time leading home run hitter among second baseman appearing on the ballot for the first time.

Looking at this year’s ballot – 36 players, 19 first-timers – the choices may be difficult, with each voter allowed to vote for a maximum of ten players. We can expect some writers to hold back votes from players suspected of PED use (seems like a legitimate reason), others will hold back votes to make a statement on “what it takes to be a first-ballot” inductee (less legitimate, but understandable) and still others may send in blank ballots (for no apparent reason). In this column, I will focus on how BBRT would cast its ten votes (if BBRT had a ballot) and BBRT’s predictions for the actual outcome. I’ll start with a “short” version of BBRT’s selections and predictions – and then go on to a more detailed explanation of the reasons for BBRT’s choices.

**BBRT’s Hall of Fame Selections – if I had a vote – In Priority Order**

Group One – Should Be No Doubt

1. Greg Maddux – 355 wins, four consecutive Cy Youngs, 18 Gold Gloves

2. Tom Glavine – 304 wins, two Cy Youngs, four Silver Sluggers

3. Frank Thomas – One of only eight members of 500-HR/.300 average club, two-time MVP

4. Craig Biggio – 3,060 hits, 1,884 runs scored, 291 HRs, 414 steals

Group Two – Debatable, But Clearly Deserve Support

5. Lee Smith – 478 saves, third all time

6. Jeff Kent – Most home runs by any second baseman, nine more RBI than Mickey Mantle, 2000 NL MVP

More Debatable, But Would Get BBRT’s Vote

7. Mike Piazza – .308 career average, most home runs by a catcher, 12-time All Star, benefit of the doubt on PEDs.

8. Jeff Bagwell – 449 HRs, 202 steals, 1,529 RBI, 1991 NL Rookie of the Year, 1994 NL MVP, twice recorded seasons of 40 or more HRs and 30 or more steals

9. Tim Raines – 808 stolen bases (fifth all time), 2,605 hits (.294 career average), 1,571 runs scored.

10. Jack Morris* – 254 wins, most wins in 1980s, “big game grit” LAST YEAR ON THE BALLOT (and I was at his 1991 World Series Game 7 10-inning shutut).

*If it wasn’t Morris’ last year on the ballot, Mike Mussina and his 270 wins would get this vote.

BBRT Predictions as to Whom the Baseball Writers Vote In

BBRT projects that the BBWAA, being notoriously stingy with their votes, will elect Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, Frank Thomas and Craig Biggio from this “crowded with talent and newcomers” ballot. Jack Morris has an outside chance of getting a “last year on the ballot” bump, but there continues to be enough debate on his “Hall-worthiness” to keep him on the outside.

Big names strongly connected with the PED issue, like Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa are likely to remain on the sidelines, as emotions related to PED-use run high. Even hints of PED suspicion could cut into vote totals for other BBRT-supported candidates like Mike Piazza. Some analysts even speculate that Frank Thomas is in danger of falling short just because he is big and hit a lot of home runs (there isn’t even a hint of PEDs), couple that with first-ballot prejudice and he does face a challenge (BBRT thinks he will squeak in).

Mike Mussina is likely to denied because of Maddux’ and Glavine’s presence, and the view among some voters that first-ballot selection is reserved for the very few. Jeff Kent is another likely first-ballot prejudice victim.

A few players who seem to be heading in the right direction in terms of support include Mike Piazza, Jeff Bagwell and Tim Raines. Among the bigger names who may see support waning – Lee Smith, Alan Trammel, Fred McGriff, Edgar Martinez.

A More Detailed Look at BBRT’s Selections from This Year’s HOF Ballot

Should Be Undebatable Shoo-Ins

BBRT believe this first group of players all have a combination of milestone achievements and character that should make their 2014 Hall of Fame induction undebatable. (We know that won’t happen.)

Greg Maddux (RHP, 1986-2008 – first time on ballot)

Nicknamed “The Professor” for his studious demeanor and ability to take hitters “to school,” Greg Maddux brings to the ballot a 23-year career, 355 wins (#8 all-time) versus 228 losses, a 3.16 lifetime ERA, 3,371 strikeouts, four consecutive NL Cy Young Awards (1992-95) and an MLB-record 18 Gold Gloves. During his four-year run as NL Cy Young Award winner, Maddux went 75-29, with a 1.98 ERA. Twice a 20-game winner, Maddux was an eight-time All Star, led the NL in wins three times, winning percentage twice, ERA four times (with a career best of 1.56 in 1994), complete games three times, shutouts five times and innings pitched five times. He also notched a record 17 consecutive seasons of 15 or more victories. Maddux made 35 post-season appearances (30 starts), going 11-14, with a 3.27 ERA.

Clearly, on statistics alone, Maddux crosses every “t” and dots every “i” in milestone achievements for Hall of Fame selection. Maddux also played with game with a quiet, but confident, dignity – which, when coupled with his performance, makes him a deserving player not only for first-ballot selection, but to break the unanimous selection barrier. (Although you can bet there will be some unexplainable holdouts.) Maddux pitched for the Chicago Cubs (1986-92; 2004-06), Atlanta Braves (1993-2003); Los Angeles Dodgers (2006, 2008); and San Diego Padres (2007-08.)

Greg Maddux’ best season: 1995 Atlanta Braves … 19-2 (league-leading wins), 1.63 ERA (league low), league-leading ten complete games, league-leading three shutouts, league-leading 209 2/3 innings pitched, and 23 walks versus 181 strikeouts. Cy Young Award.

Tom Glavine (LHP, 1987-2008 – first time on ballot)

Like Maddux, Glavine topped the milestone 300-win mark, going 305-203 (#21 all time in wins), with a 3.54 ERA in a 22-year MLB career. Glavine was a ten-time All Star, two-time Cy Young Award winner (1991 and 1998). He won twenty or more games five times, led the NL in victories five times, complete games once, shutouts once and games started six times. He also captured four Silver Slugger Awards as the NL’s top hitting pitcher. Glavine made 35 post-season appearances, all starts, going 14-16, with a 3.30 ERA.

It would be fitting for Glavine and Maddux to go into the Hall together, not only did their careers overlap, but from 1993-2002 they were teammates and number-one and number-two starters for the Atlanta Braves. During that time, Maddux went 178-77, while Glavine was 169-83. Glavine pitched for the Atlanta Braves (1987-2002, 2008) and New York Mets (2003-07).

Tom Glavine’s best season: 1998 Atlanta Braves …. League-leading 20 wins (versus 6 losses), 2.47 ERA. Cy Young Award.

Frank Thomas (1B/DH, 1990-2008 – first time on the ballot)

Nicknamed “The Big Hurt” because of the damage the 6’ 5”, 240-pound slugger could do to a baseball, Frank Thomas (like Maddux and Glavine at the top of this list) put up some milestone numbers. Most important, at least to BBRT, is his status as one of only eight players to date to amass 500 home runs with a .300+ career batting average. That list is pretty elite – Thomas, Babe Ruth, Jimmie Foxx, Mel Ott, Ted Williams, Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, and Manny Ramirez. BBRT note: Albert Pujols is sure to join this fraternity, now standing at 492 HRs and a .321 average; and Alex Rodriguez is on the cusp with a .299 average and 654 homers. Thomas’ Hall of Fame resume includes 521 homers (#18 all time), a .301 career average, 2,468 hits, 1,704 RBI (#22 all time), 1,494 runs and 1,667 walks (#10 all time). Thomas was a two-time AL MVP (1993 & 1994), five-time All Star and captured one HR and one batting title in his 19-year career. He hit .224, with three homers and five RBI in 16 post-season games. Thomas played for the Chicago White Sox (1990-2002), Oakland Athletics (2006, 2008) and Toronto Blue Jays (2007-09).

Thomas may lose a few votes among “alleged purists” for his time at DH – but BBRT believes the company he keeps as a member of the 500 HR, .300+ average club makes him a worthy first-ballot Hall of Fame electee.

Frank Thomas’ best season: 1996 Chicago White Sox… 141 games, 184 hits, .349 average, 40 home runs, 134 RBI, 110 runs, 109 walks, league-leading 26 intentional walks.

Craig Biggio (2B/C/OF, 1988-2007 – second time on the ballot)

Craig Biggio – with his 3,060 career base hits (#21 all time) should have been elected last year. In his 20 MLB seasons, Biggio scored 1,884 runs (15^th all time), hit 291 home runs and stole 414 bases. He was a seven-time All Star and a four-time Gold Glove winner, who spent notable time at second base, catcher and in the outfield. He led the NL in runs twice, doubles three times, stolen bases once and hit-by-pitch five times. His 668 doubles are the most ever by a right-handed hitter (and fifth all time) and he is one of only two players to collect 50 doubles and 50 stolen bases in the same season. He holds the NL record for home runs to lead off a game (53) and for hit-by-pitch (285). Biggio played his entire 18-year MLB career with the Houston Astros.

It’s a year late, but Biggio should win election this time around.

Craig Biggio’s best year: 1998 Houston Astros – 160 games, .325 average , 210 hits, 123 runs, 20 HRs, 88 RBI, league-leading 51 doubles, 50 stolen bases.

Deserving Candidate Who Also Would Get BBRT’s Vote (If I had one)

This next group of candidates consists of players whose entrance into the Hall of Fame might prompt some discussion and debate – but when the discussion is done, BBRT is confident they should be seen as deserving of election.

Lee Smith (RHP, 1980-97 – 12th time on the ballot)

Lee Smith’s 478 saves put him third on the all-time list (he was number-one when he retired after the 1997 season). He recorded 13 consecutive seasons (in an 18-year career) of 25 or more saves, a 3.03 lifetime ERA and 1,251 strikeouts in 1,289 innings pitched; led his league in saves four times; and made seven All Star teams. Smith pitched for the Chicago Cubs (1980-87); Boston Red Sox (1988-90); St. Louis Cardinals (1990-93); New York Yankees (1993); Baltimore Orioles (1994); California Angels (1995-96); Cincinnati Reds (1996); Montreal Expos (1997).

With the third most saves all time, Smith gets BBRT’s vote.

Lee Smith’s best season: 1991, Cardinals – 6-3, 2.34 ERA, 47 saves, 73 innings pitched, 67 strikeouts.

Jeff Kent (2B/3B/1B, 1992-2008 – first year on the ballot)

Kent will probably be hurt by those writers who maintain you must be “extra” deserving to get a first-ballot vote, but BBRT believes Kent is a deserving candidate. Kent holds the all-time MLB record for home runs by a second baseman (351 of his 377 career round trippers were hit while playing second base). He has a healthy .290 career batting average and his 1,518 RBI are 49^th all time (for perspective, Kent drove in 9 more runs than Mickey Mantle). Kent was a five-time All Star, four-time Silver Slugger winner and 2000 NL MVP. He hit .276, with nine home runs and 23 RBI in 49 post-season games.

Kent has the credentials, but BBRT has a hunch the writers will make him wait a year or two – a couple of Gold Gloves would have really helped his first-ballot case.

Jeff Kent’s best season: SF Giants, 2000: 159 games, 196 hits, .334 average, 33 home runs, 125 RBI, 114 runs, 12 steals. NL MVP.

More Debatable, But Would Still Get BBRT’s Vote

More debate is likely to swirl around this group. They may be on the cusp when it comes to election (some for this year, some overall); but BBRT would use all ten votes.

Mike Piazza (C, 1992-2007 – Second year on the ballot)

Mike Piazza’s stat sheet includes a .308 career average, 427 home runs (a MLB record 396 as a catcher), a Rookie of the Year Award, 12 All Star Selections and ten Silver Slugger selections as the best hitter at his position. Over his career, he collected 2,127 hits, 1,335 RBI and scored 1,048 runs. He hit .242, with six home runs and 15 RBI in 32 post season games.

There are some PED rumblings surrounding Piazza’s candidacy that may cost him some votes, but BBRT gives Piazza the benefit of the doubt (and believes his comments and contrition).

Piazza’s best year: 1997, Dodgers – .362 avg., 201 hits, 104 runs, 40 HR, 124 RBI.

Jeff Bagwell (1B, 1991-2005 – 4th year on the ballot)

Jeff Bagwell earned Hall of Fame consideration with a 15-year career that included 2,314 hits, 449 home runs, 202 stolen bases and a .297 average – along with a Rookie of the Year Award, a Most Valuable Player Award, one gold Glove and four All Star selections. He also twice recorded seasons of 40 or more homers and 30 or more steals. Bagwell chances are hurt a bit by the fact that first base has been manned by so many power hitters over time. Bagwell played his entire career with the Houston Astros.

BBRT would vote for Bagwell, but doubts he will capture 75 percent of the vote in this very competitive year.

Bagwell’s best season: 2000, Astros – .310 average, 183 hits, 152 runs, 132 RBI, 47 home runs.

Tim Raines (OF, 1979-2001 – 7^th time on the ballot.)

Tim Raines hit .294 over his 23-season MLB career, collecting 2,605 hits, 1,571 runs scored, 170 home runs, 980 RBI and 808 stolen bases (#5 all time). Raines was a seven-time All Star, led the NL in stolen bases four consecutive years (1981-84) had a streak of six seasons with at least 70 steals, won the NL batting title in 1986 with a .334 average, led the league in runs scored twice and doubles once. In 34 post-season games, he hit .270 with one home run, six RBI, 18 runs scored and three steals.

More debatable than Piazza or Bagwell, but Raines would get BBRT’s vote.

Raines’ best season: BBRT did not select Raines’ 1986 batting title year, but rather his 1983 season with the Expos … 156 games, 179 hits, .298 average, league-leading 133 runs scored, 11 homers, 71 RBI, league-leading 90 steals.

Jack Morris (RHP, 1977-94 – 15^th and final year on the ballot)

The fact that Morris is in his last year on the ballot (and earned 2/3 of the vote last year) should work in his favor. Morris went 254-189, with a career 3.90 ERA (that may hurt him). He led the AL in wins twice, logged three 20+ win seasons was a five-time All Star. He won more games (162) than any other pitcher in the decade of the 1980s – finishing 22 wins ahead of Dave Steib (who won the second most at 140). In seven World Series starts, Morris went 4-2, 2.96 with three complete games (including a ten-inning shutout in game seven of the 1991 Series). He also went 3-2, 4.87, with two complete games in six ALCS starts). Morris pitched for the Detroit Tigers 1977-90); Minnesota Twins (1991); Toronto Blue Jays (1992-93); and Cleveland Indians (1994).

BBRT sees Morris’ 254 wins as just enough, thinks Morris has waited long enough, and believes his big-game-grit is enough to put him over the top. Plus, I was at Game Seven in 1991 to witness his ten-inning shutout performance, so BBRT’s endorsement comes from the heart as well as the head.

Morris’ best season: 1986, Tigers – 21-8, 3.27 ERA, 15 complete games, six shutouts, 267 innings pitched, 223 strikeouts.

Final Thought On A Player Who Just Missed BBRT’s List

Mike Mussina (RHP, 1991-2008 – first year on the ballot)

It’s a tough year to be Mike Mussina and making your first appearance on the Hall of Fame Ballot. “Pitchers’” votes are likely to go to the two 300+ win hurlers (Maddux and Glavine) who are also on the ballot for the first time, and you can expect Jack Morris to gain some momentum in his last year on the ballot. The writers are likely to ask Mussina to wait, as would BBRT. Mussina brings a 270-153 record and a career 3.68 ERA to the voting. While only a 20-game winner once (in his final season, at age 39), Mussina won 18 or 19 games five times, leading the AL with 19 wins in 1995. He was a five-time All Star and a six-time Gold Glove winner. While the lack of a Cy Young Award on his resume may hurt him, he finished his career 117 games over .500 – and every eligible pitcher who finished their careers 100 or more games over .500 has made it to the Hall. Look for his wait to be short.

BBRT invites your comments on the 2014 Hall of Fame election.

I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT

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Dingers by the Decade

December 4, 2013 by David

In 1920, Yankee slugger Babe Ruth out-homered every other AL team.

Pirate rookie outfielder Ralph Kiner won the NL home run crown as rookie in 1946 – and then went on to hold the crown for a record seven consecutive seasons.

Mark McGwire is the only player ever traded in the midst of a 50+ homer season.

Reggie Jackson is the only member of the 500-HR club to never have back-to-back seasons of at least 30 homers.

Eddie Murray’s career high in home runs was 33, the lowest for any member of the 500+ HR club.

You’ll come across these tidbits and more in this post, as BBRT looks at MLB home runs leaders by numerical decade, in any ten-year span and over the first ten years of an MLB career. In the lists that follow, Hall of Famers are noted in bold face and career homers are noted in parentheses.

Decade-by- Decade Home Leaders

1870-79

Lipman Lip Pike 21 (21)

Outfielder-first baseman Lip Pike is generally acknowledged as the leading major league home run hitter of the 1870s, with 21. Playing for the National Association’s Troy Haymakers, Baltimore Canaries, Hartford Dark Blues, Saint Louis Brown Stockings, Cincinnati Reds and Providence Grays, Pike led the league in home runs in 1871, 1872, 1873 and 1877. Pike is also recognized as one of the game’s first “professional” players – accepting a salary to play baseball as early as 1866 (a reported twenty dollars a week from the Philadelphia Athletics). With the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players (NAPBBP), founded in 1871, considered the first professional baseball league, Pike ico-holds the title of professional baseball’s first-ever home run champion – with four home runs in 1871 (tied with Chicago’s Treacey and Philadelphia’s Levi Meyerle).

1880-89

Harry Stovey 89 (122)

Dan Brouthers 77 (106)

Fred Dandelion Pfeffer 71 (94)

Jerry Denny 70 (74)

Philadelphia Athletics OF-3B Harry Stovey tops the list for the 1880s, leading the NL in homers once and the then major league American Association three times in the decade, with a high of 19 in 1889. Stovey was also considered one of the best defensive outfielders and top base-stealers of his time, and has been credited with popularizing the feet-first slide and inventing protective sliding pads.

Number two on the list, Dan Brouthers, was the first player (along with Jim O’Rourke) to appear in a major league game in four different decades.

Number three, Cubs second baseman Fred Pfeffer was never a league leader in home runs, but did rap a career-high 25 homers in 1884, when teammate third baseman Ned Williamson hit 27 dingers. Only five times did a player reach the twenty-home-run mark in a season during the 1880s – and four of those campaigns were recorded for the 1884 Cubs: Williamson, Pfeffer, first baseman Abner Dalrymple (22) and outfielder Cap Anson (21). The other 20-homer season belonged to Philadelphia’s (NL) Sam Thompson, who hit 20 HRs for the Quakers in 1989.

1890-99

Hugh Duffy 83 (106)

Ed Delahanty 79 (101)

Mike Silent Mike Tiernan 77 (106)

Sam Thompson 75 (126)

Boston outfielder/shortstop Hugh Duffy tops the 1890s list, and led the NL in home runs twice in the decade – including a career-high 18 in 1884, when he also led the NL with a .440 batting average; the highest single season average in MLB history.

Outfielder/first baseman Ed Delahanty comes in a close second – and finished with double-digit HRs seven times in the 1890s, winning the HR title twice.

Both Mike Tiernan and Sam Thompson were two-time HR champions during the decade.

1900-09

Harry Davis 67 (75)

Charles Hickman 58 (59)

Wahoo Sam Crawford 57 (97)

John Buck Freeman 54 (82)

Ralph Socks Seybold 51 (51)

Honus Wagner 51 (101)

Harry Davis, who tops the list, was a true power hitter for his time. The Philadelphia Athletics outfielder led the AL in home runs four consecutive seasons (1904-07) during the decade – with annual HR totals of 12-8-10-8.

Despite being the second most prolific power hitter of the decade, Charles Hickman was a defensive liability and played for six teams in that ten-season span – including playing for two AL teams in each of four seasons – Boston/Cleveland in 1902, Cleveland/Detroit in 1904, Detroit/Washington in 1905, Washington/Chicago in 1907.

Reds’ outfielder Sam Crawford is best known for holding the career record in triples (309) and the single season record for inside-the-park home runs (12).

The other Hall of Famer on this list, Pittsburgh shortstop Honus Wagner never led his league in home runs (over a 21-year career), but between 1900-09 did lead the NL in doubles seven times. Wagner was one of the five members of the Baseball Hall of Fame’s first inducted class.

1910-19

Clifford Gavvy Cravath 116 (119)

Fred Luderus 83 (84)

Frank Home Run Baker 76 (96)

Frank Wildfire Schulte 75 (92)

List leader outfielder Gavvy Cravath was one of only three players to top 20 home runs between 1910-19, rapping 24 for the Phillies in 1915 (Frank Schulte hit 21 for the Cubs in 1911 and Babe Ruth hit 29 homers for the Yankees in 1919). Cravath, who hit his 116 homers in 8 seasons (1912-19), led the NL in round trippers six times in that eight-season stretch.

Phillies’ first-sacker Fred Luderus had the decade’s second-most HRs, despite never leading the league, but he did hit double digits in homers for four consecutive seasons (1911-14).

Philadelphia Athletics’ third baseman Home Run Baker earned his nickname, leading the AL in HRs in four consecutive seasons (1911-14).

Cubs’ outfielder Wildfire Schulte led the NL in HRs twice in the decade, but is best known as one of only seven players (and the first) to have a MLB 20-20-20 season – in 1911 he hit 30 doubles, 21 triples and a league-leading 21 homers.

1920-29

Babe Ruth 467 (714)

Rogers Hornsby 250 (301)

Cy Williams 202 (251)

Babe Ruth

The 1920s were all about Babe Ruth, who out-homered the number-two man on the decade list by more than 200 home runs. In 1920, Ruth broke his own season home run record of 29, crashing an unimagined 54; and he broke that record twice more in the decade. To further illustrate the Bambino’s dominance, there were fourteen 40+ homer seasons in the decade and Ruth had nine of them (as well as 7 of 8 of the 45+ homer seasons). In 1920 and 1927, the Yankee slugger actually out-homered every other AL team.

Cardinals’ second baseman Rogers Hornsby led the NL in homers twice in the decade (42 in 1922 and 39 in 1925), but is better known for his seven batting titles in the 1920s – and for topping .400 three times. Only Ty Cobb, Ed Delahanty and Hornsby can boast three .400+ qualifying seasons.

Phillies’ outfielder Cy Williams led the NL in home runs three times during the decade, with a career-best total of 41 in 1923.

1930-39

Jimmie Double XX Foxx 415 (534)

Lou Iron Horse Gehrig 347 (493)

Mel Ott 308 (511)

Jimmie Foxx manned first base, third base and catcher for the Philadelphia Athletics and Boston Red Sox during the ’30s, and nabbed four HR titles in the decade, topping 50 homers twice. During his career, he hit at least thirty homers in 12 consecutive seasons.

Yankee first baseman Lou Gehrig grabbed three AL home run titles during the same span, and while he never hit 50 HRs in a season, he did reach 49 twice in the decade.

Over in the NL, Giants’ outfielder Mel Ott captured five HR titles in the 1930s, despite never reaching forty homers in a season (he did park a career-high 42 long balls in 1929).

1940-49

Ted Williams 234 (521)

Johnny Mize 217 (359)

Bill Nicholson 211 (235)

No, there wasn’t a power outage in the 1940s, there was World War II and the decade’s HR leader, Ted Williams, lost three years to military service. In the seven seasons he did play, The Red Sox’ Splendid Splinter won four HR titles and averaged just over 33 homers a campaign. His .406 average in 1941 marks the last time an MLB batting champion finished at .400 or better.

Number-two on the decade’s dinger list, Johnny Mize, also lost three years to military service. In the 1940s, he still managed three NL HR titles (for the Cardinals and the Giants) and hit a career-high 51 long balls in 1947.

Cubs’ outfielder Bill Nicholson rounds out the top three. Nicholson played all ten seasons (1940-49) and led the NL in home runs and RBI in 1943 and 1944. Nicholson is officially listed as one of six major league hitter to draw an intentional walk with the bases loaded (1944). The others are Abner Dalyrmple (1881), Napoleon Lajoie (1901), Barry Bonds (1998) and Josh Hamilton (2008).

1950-59

Edwin Duke Snider 326 (407)

Gil Hodges 310 (370)

Eddie Mathews 299 (512)

Mickey Mantle 280 (536)

Duke Snider

A pair of Dodgers topped the decade of the 1950s – centerfielder Duke Snider and first baseman Gil Hodges were number one and two in home runs – despite winning only one HR title between them (Snider with 43 in 1956). Snider did reach 40 homers five straight seasons, collecting 207 of his round trippers from 1953 to 1957.

The Brooklyn/LA pair were followed by a couple of power-hitting future Hall of Famers in Braves’ third baseman Eddie Mathews and Yankees’ centerfielder Mickey Mantle, who came up to the majors in 1952 and 1951, respectively. Mantle won three AL HR crowns in the decade, while Mathews led the NL twice. A couple of notes of interest, Mathews is the only player to play for the same franchise in three cities (Boston, Atlanta, Milwaukee Braves) and was on the cover of the first issue of Sports Illustrated (August 16, 1954); in 1997, the Topps Baseball Card company retired Mantle’s number seven from its base sets. Topps brought number seven out of retirement in 2006, but reserves it for cards featuring Mantle.

1960-69

Harmon Killebrew 393 (573)

Hank Aaron 375 (755)

Willie Mays 350 (660)

Washington Senator/Minnesota Twin Harmon Killebrew led all of MLB with 393 homers in the 1960s, topping 40 six times during the decade – in which he also led the AL in homers six times. In 1965, Killebrew was elected to start at first base for AL All Star team, becoming the first player elected to an All Star Team at three positions (Killebrew had previously been elected to start at 3B and LF).

The number-two home run hitter of the decade was Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves’ outfielder Hank Aaron, whose 375 HRs led the NL. Hank hit 40 or more five times during the decade, capturing three NL HR titles.

Third on the list for the ’60s is Giants’ centerfielder Willie Mays, who also took three HR titles and is the only one of the top three to reach the seats 50 times in a season (52 in 1965).

1970-79

Willie Stargell 296 (475)

Reggie Jackson 292 (563)

Johnny Bench 290 (389)

Pirates’ outfielder Willie Stargell won two league HR titles on his way to an MLB-tops 296 home runs in the 1970s.

Reggie Jackson, who spent time in the 1970s with the Athletics and the Yankees, finished second during the decade with 292 homers – despite never reaching forty in that ten-year span (he did top 40 twice in his career). During the decade, Jackson led the AL with 32 HRs in 1973 and 36 in 1975. On another career note, Jackson is the only member of the 500-HR club to never hit 30 or more homers in consecutive seasons.

Cincinnati catcher Johnny Bench captured two HR titles and two NL MVP awards, while hitting 290 long balls in the decade.

1980-89

Mike Schmidt 313 (548)

Dale Murphy 308 (398)

Eddie Murray 274 (504)

Mike Schmidt was “winding down” his career in the 1980s (1989 was his last season) and would have gone well beyond his 313 HR total for the decade if it hadn’t been for reduced playing time and only 18 home runs his final two seasons. Still, the Phillies’ third baseman did earn five of his eight home run titles and all three of his NL MVP Awards during the decade.

Braves’ centerfielder Dale Murphy finished second to Schmidt in 1980s’ long balls, with two HR titles and a high of 44 in 1987. Murphy also earned consecutive NL MVP Awards in 1982-83.

Eddie Murray won only one HR title in his career, with 22 homers for the Orioles’ in the strike-shortened 1981 season. The switch-hitting Murray’s career high in homers in a season was 33 (in 1983), the lowest career-best for any member of the 500-HR club.

1990-99

Mark McGwire 405 (583)

Ken Griffey, Jr. 382 (630)

Barry Bonds 361 (762)

Albert Belle 351 (381)

The Athletics/Cardinals’ Mark McGwire topped 400 homers for the decade, despite hitting a total of only 18 in the 1993-94 seasons (when he played only 74 games). He led the league in homers three times in the decade; and led all of baseball with 58 homers in 1997, but led neither league (he was traded at the end of July after hitting 34 homers for the AL Athletics, and went on to hit 24 for the NL Cardinals). McGwire is the only player to be traded in the midst of a 50-homer season. McGwire hit 245 homers in the last four seasons of the decade, including a high of 70 for the Cardinals in 1998. During that stretch he homered a remarkable once in every 8.5 at bats.Ken Griffey, Jr. played the entire decade with the Seattle Mariners, leading the AL in homers four times. From July 20 to July 28, 1983 Griffey homered in eight straight games, tying a MLB record (Don Mattingly/1987 and Dale Long/1956).

All-time career and single-season home run leader Barry Bonds (who patrolled the outfield for the Pirates and Giants in the 1990s) surprisingly led the NL in homers only twice in his career and just once in the decade of the ‘90s (46 in 1993). Of course, leading the NL in walks twelve times (five times in the 1990s) may have something to do with that. Notably, Bonds is the career leader in intentional walks (688). As of 2013, Hank Aaron ranked second (293) and still active Albert Pujols third (275).

Albert Belle played outfield/DH for the Indians, White Sox and Orioles during the 1990s. He led the AL in home runs in 1995 – also becoming the only player to hit 50 or more doubles and 50 or more homers in the same season.

2000-09

Alex Rodriguez 435 (654)

Jim Thome 368 (612)

Albert Pujols 366 (492)

The 2000s’ HR leader, Alex Rodriguez, played for three teams over the course of the decade: Seattle Mariners (2000), Texas Rangers (2001-03) and New York Yankees (2004-09). He led the AL in home runs five times in that span, topping 50 three times. In 2001, Rodriguez hit 52 home runs setting a new MLB single-season record for shortstops (the Cubs’ Ernie Banks had the previous high at 47). Rodriguez broke his own record with 57 round trippers in 2002 and remains the only shortstop to hit 50 or more homers in a season. (His third 50-homer season – 54 HRs – came in 2007 as a third baseman.)

First baseman/DH Jim Thome spent time with four teams during the decade: Cleveland Indians (2000-2002); Philadelphia Phillies (2003-05); Chicago White Sox (2006-09); LA Dodgers (late 2009). He won his only home run crown with the Phillies (47 HRs in 2003) and hit 52 dingers for the Indians in 2002.

Then Cardinal, now Angel, Albert Pujols started his MLB career with a bang in 2001 – collecting 37 home runs, 130 RBI and a .329 average as a rookie. For the decade, he never hit fewer than 32 home runs, plated fewer than 116 RBIs or hit under .314 in any season. He won the NL home run crown in 2009. Now primarily a first baseman, Pujols came up as a player without a position (other than a predominant spot in the batter’s box). In 2001, he played 39 games in left field, 39 in right field, 42 at first base and 55 at third base. In 2002, he spent most of his time in left field, but also played first base, third base and even notched a few innings in right field and at shortstop.

Most Home Runs in Any Ten-Season Span

When you look at the most home runs in a decade from another angle (a decade being any ten-season period, regardless of dates), the results are dominated by two players from two different eras – Sammy Sosa and Babe Ruth. The fact is, only three players have average 45 home runs a season over any ten-year span – Sosa, Ruth and Alex Rodriguez.

479 HRs Sammy Sosa 1995-2004

469 Sammy Sosa 1994-2003

467 Babe Ruth 1920-1929

462 Babe Ruth 1921-1930

462 Sammy Sosa 1993-2002

457 Sammy Sosa 1996-2005

455 Babe Ruth 1923-1932

454 Alex Rodriguez 1998-2007

450 Babe Ruth 1919-1928

When you consider eras, Babe Ruth’s appearances on this list reflect a far greater level of dominance than Sosa’s. In the fourteen seasons (1919-32) that make up Ruth’s four appearances on the list, Ruth led his league in home runs eleven times. Sosa’s appearances on the list span thirteen seasons (1993-2005), during which he led his league in home runs only twice. Sosa, in fact, is the only player to notch three seasons of 60 or more home runs – and he did not lead the league in any of those years. Further evidence of Ruth’s dominance is that, again for the period that makes up his appearances on this list, four players racked up a total of 13 seasons of 45 or more homers – and nine of those belong to Ruth. During the years that make up Sosa’s appearances on the list, 29 players achieved a total of 58 45+-HR campaigns – and five of those belonged to Sosa.

Most Home Runs First Ten Seasons

Now let’s look at players who got a fast start on the major league slugging careers – those who averaged at least 35 home runs a year over their FIRST ten seasons.

Albert Pujols 408 2001-10 (492)

Eddie Mathews 370 1952-61 (512)

Ralph Kiner 369 1946-55 (369)

Adam Dunn 354 2001-10 (440)

Ken Griffey, Jr. 350 1989-98 (630)

Albert Pujols

Albert Pujols came up at age 21with the Cardinals and is the only player to achieve at least 30 homers, 100 RBI and a .300+ average in each of his first ten seasons. Pujols won two HR titles in those first ten seasons, and topped 40 home runs five times.

Eddie Mathews joined the Boston Braves at age 21, hitting 25 homers as a rookie and went on to win his first HR title the following year –with 47 for the transplanted Milwaukee Braves. He won one more HR title in is first ten seasons, hit more than 30 for nine of the ten years and topped 40 homers four times.

Ralph Kiner deserves special mention. Kiner won the NL home run crown as a 23 year-old Pirates’ rookie in 1946 – and went on to capture the next six NL home run titles. As the result of a back injury, Kiner retired at the age of 32 – after ten seasons split among the Pirates, Cubs and Indians.

Adam Dunn joined the Cincinnati Reds in 2001, and (at the age of 21) slugged 19 homers in just 66 games. While Dunn has not yet won a home run title, he has been a paragon of power consistency – from 2004-2010, his yearly HR totals were 46-40-40-40-40-38-38. In his first decade, Dunn patrolled the outfield and played some first base for the Reds, Diamondbacks and Nationals.

Ken Griffey, Jr. joined the Mariners at age 19, and didn’t get off to as fast a start as some of the others on this list – averaging just under 22 home runs a season over his first four campaigns. Between 1994 and 1998, however, he turned on the after burners – winning three AL HR titles, and topping 50 home runs twice. In addition, the power hitting centerfielder won nine Gold Gloves in his first ten seasons.

Hope you enjoyed this look at dingers by the decade.

Filed Under: BB Fun Facts

A “Cracker Jack” of a Book for Baseball Fans

November 20, 2013 by David

The Cracker Jack® Collection …

Baseball’s Prized Players

By Tom Zappala and Ellen Zappala

2013, Peter E. Randall Publisher

$30.00

Take me out to the ball game.

Take me out with the crowd.

Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack

I don’t care if I never get back.

If you are a baseball fan, those words – and the melody that accompanies them – are no doubt close to your heart. Cracker Jack® and our national pastime have a close and long-standing relationship. The recently released coffee table book The Cracker Jack Collection … Baseball’s Prized Players illustrates just how deep and enduring that relationship was and continues to be. If you’ve ever enjoyed joining in a seventh-inning rendition of Take Me Out To The Ballgame, Baseball Roundtable is confident you’ll enjoy The Cracker Jack Collection. The book commemorates the 100th Anniversary of the first Cracker Jack baseball card set – in 1914 and 1915, the treasured prize in each box of Cracker Jack was a baseball card. It tells the tale of Cracker Jack’s rise to confectionery prominence and its century of ties to baseball, as well as the presenting the statistics and stories of the players honored on the Cracker Jack cards (144 cards in 1914, 176 in 1915). Those players are Baseball Hall of Famers, Hall of Fame “should-have-beens” and journeymen who took the field in the game’s rough-and-tumble early years.

The Cracker Jack baseball cards are among the most valued and valuable in the card-collecting community, and The Cracker Jack Collection is a must-have for the collectors of vintage sports cards. The book, however, has a much broader appeal. Baseball fans, nostalgia buffs, and those interested the life and times of the early 20th century will all find something to like in this book. Co-authors Tom and Ellen Zappala clearly brought a passion for the history and heritage of the national pastime to their work, and they supplemented their efforts with contributions from Joe Orlando (president of Professional Sports Authenticator and PSA/DNA), John Molori (Boston Baseball Magazine columnist) and Jim Davis (charter member of the Cracker Jack Collectors Association).

First and foremost, the focus of The Cracker Jack Collection is the players selected for the Cracker Jack card sets. The Zappalas bring these players – and the era they played and lived in – to life, not only by documenting their on-field achievements, but with entertaining and informative glimpses into their off-field lives. They not only inform the reader that Ty Cobb batted under .320 only once in his career, but shine a light on his business acumen, which led to his investments in companies like Coca Cola and General Motors. Walter Johnson’s profile includes his remarkable 110 complete-game shutouts, and his unsuccessful run for Congress. Eddie Plank’s 26-6, 2.22 record in 1912 is featured, as his post-baseball service giving guided tours of the battlefield at Gettysburg. BBRT note: The Plank profile also includes his winning assignment as the starting pitcher in the April 12, 1909 first-ever game at Philadelphia’s new Shibe Park; which saw Plank win 8-1, but also saw his catcher Doc Powers collide with the stadium’s cement wall and suffer ultimately fatal internal injuries.)

The Cracker Jack Collection brings these players – and the era they played and lived in – to life, not only by documenting their on-field achievements, but with entertaining and informative glimpses into their off-field lives.

Throughout The Cracker Jack Collection, readers will find the career statistics and life stories of well-known “prized” players like Cobb, Johnson, Plank, Honus Wagner, Tris Speaker, Christy Mathewson, Nap Lajoie, Rube Marquard and Mordecia Brown, as well as front office greats like Charlie Comiskey, Clark Griffith, Connie Mack and Branch Rickey.

While I enjoyed the profiles of the collection’s best-known stars, I found myself drawn to some of the lesser-known players honored in the Crack Jack Collection.

For example, long before baseball statistical guru Bill James, there was “Seattle Bill” James, who ran up a 26-7, 1.90 record for the 1914 “Miracle Braves” of Boston (and won two games without giving up a run in the World Series that year). A star in the making, James developed shoulder problems in the off season – and finished his MLB career with just 37 wins.

Also honored is first baseman Jake Daubert. Daubert led the NL in batting in 1913 and 1914 and, as the Zappalas tell us, was a sparkling fielder, hit over .300 in 10 of his fifteen major league seasons, was Baseball Magazine’s All Star first baseman in 1911 and every year from 1913 to 1919, and captured the Chalmers Award (MVP) in 1913. The authors chose Daubert for their Cracker Jack Collection All Star Team and rightly note that “It is hard to fathom why Jack Daubert has been bypassed by the Hall of Fame.”

There was John “Dots” Miller, considered by many one of the best utility players of the dead ball era. In The Cracker Jack Collection, you’ll not only find his MLB statistics, but the story behind his nickname. Early in his career, Miller was all-time great shortstop Honus Wagner’s double play partner and (due partly to their shared German heritage) close friend. One day a reporter came up to Wagner and asked who the new kid at second base was. With his German accent, Wagner replied “Dot’s Miller” – and a nickname was born.

As I read through The Cracker Jack Collection, I also was entertained and caught up in the biographical sketches of players like Rebel Oakes (a speedy, slap-hitting outfielder); Dick Hoblitzell (a steady-hitting first baseman and Babe Ruth’s Boston roommate from 1914-18); Armando Marsans (one of the first successful players out of Cuba, who ran a Cuban cigar factory in the off season); and Al Wentworth Demaree (who enjoyed an eight-year career as an MLB pitcher and went on to become one of the best known sports cartoonists ever – syndicated in 200+ newspapers and published in the Sporting News for three decades).

I could go on, but the point here is that the stories you’ll find in The Cracker Jack Collection’s player profiles are a good match to the Cracker Jack slogan “The more you eat – the more you’ll want.” In this case, the more you read, the more you’ll want – and the more you’ll find yourself wanting to share these tales with baseball-loving friends. As Boston Herald Editor-in-Chief Joe Sciacca said of The Cracker Jack Collection, “If you’re looking for fresh yarns to tell during the next rain delayed game, you’ve come to the right place.”

While the players dominate the book, it also chronicles the history of the now iconic Cracker Jack – all the way back to 1871 and German immigrant Frederick William Rueckheim. As the story goes, the breakthrough came with the development of a way to prevent the caramel-coated popcorn and peanut confection from sticking together. The Cracker Jack Collection takes us through the development of product, its name and logo, its marketing and the history of Cracker Jack’s prize offerings – the largest of which was a Winnebago Recreational Vehicle (in 1981, one fortunate snacker found a message in his box of Cracker Jack telling him how to claim his Winnebago prize). BBRT note: Cracker Jack prizes – now legislatively limited in scope – have, over time, been made of paper, wood, cast metal, tin, terra cotta, Bakelite, chenille, rubber, felt, straw, cellophane, fiber, papier-mâché, cloth, string, wire, candy, aluminum, celluloid, ceramic, rattan, glass and plastic.

The first Cracker Jack baseball-related prize was a 1907 post card featuring a pair of bears playing baseball. Over the years, Cracker Jack has offered (among others) such items as a Cracker Jack Movies pull-tab toy that changed from a batter to an umpire; A Big League Baseball At Home spin-dial game; baseball player buttons; plastic baseball stand-up figures (two whole teams of blue and gray); plastic miniature baseball caps, bats and gloves; and additional baseball cards.

Whether it’s the player profiles, the history of Cracker Jack or the story of the 1914 and 1915 card sets themselves, the book is well-researched and well-written. Further, it is also beautifully designed and illustrated. The quality of the images of the cards, past Cracker Jack packaging, prizes and advertising, and vintage baseball equipment, all live up to the quality of the prose. The Cracker Jack Collection now rests proudly on BBRT’s coffee table – and Tom and Ellen Zappala’s 2010 book, The T206 Collection: The Players and Their Stories, is at the top of my Christmas list.

The Cracker Jack Collection can be ordered online at http://www.crackerjackplayers.com/order.html

Filed Under: Reviews

BBA 2013 Regular Season Awards

November 8, 2013 by David

The Baseball Bloggers Alliance has announced its 2012 MLB regular season awards winners. The list of winners is provided below.

For more details, visit http://baseballbloggersalliance.wordpress.com/

To see how, and why, BBRT voted, go to https://baseballroundtable.com/bbrt-casts-votes-on-baseball-bloggers-alliance-2013-awards/ Note: BBRT differed from the BBA final results on three of the ten award winners.

BBA Awards

Stan Musial Award – Best Player

AL – Mike Trout, Angels

NL – Andrew McCutchen, Pirates

Walter Johnson Award – Best Pitcher

AL- Max Scherzer, Tigers

NL – Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers

Goose Gossage Award – Best Relief Pitcher

AL – Koji Uehara, Red Sox

NL – Craig Kimbrel, Braves

Willie Mays Award – Top Rookie

AL – Wil Myers, Rays

NL – Jose Fernandez, Marlins

Connie Mack Award – Best Manager

AL-John Farrell,Red Sox

NL-Clint Hurdle, Pirates

BBRT Tweets baseball at @DavidBBRT

Filed Under: News

The Cy Young Award – Facts & Figures

November 2, 2013 by David

On November 13, MLB announced the 2013 Cy Young Award winners – and to no one’s surprise they were the Tigers’ Max Scherzer in the AL and the Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw in the NL. Scherzer finished 21-3, with a 2.90 ERA and 240 strikeouts in 214 1/3 innings. His 21 victories led the AL and he also had the top winning percentage (.875). Kershaw went 16-9, with an NL- and MLB-lowest 1.83 ERA and also led the NL with 230 K’s in 236 innings pitched. (The significance of these stats will become clear in a few paragraphs.) Scherzer became only the third starting pitcher to win the Cy Young Award without a single complete game, joining Roger Clemens (2001 & 2004) and Jake Peavy (2007). BBRT, would like to use this post to take a look at the Cy Young Award; its heritage, historic milestones and unique “factoids.”

[Read more…]

Filed Under: BB Fun Facts, News

Depth, Destiny and Home Field Advantage – Series to Sox

October 22, 2013 by David

Deciding factor in seven-game World Series?

There is jubilation at BBRT. Never a fan of the (expanding) Wild Card format, BBRT is pleased to see the teams with the best record in each league – the Red Sox and Cardinals, both at 97-65 – in the World Series. The last time this happened was not even in the 21^st Century (1999 – Yankees/Braves). So, tomorrow night (Wednesday. 7:30 p.m.), two teams with long and rich baseball heritages – and knowledgeable, loyal and enthusiastic fan bases – will meet in the World Series for the fourth time.

BBRT anticipates a tough and exciting series, with the Red Sox winning in seven games – due to a combination of “Depth, Destiny and Home Field Advantage” (not necessarily in that order).

DEPTH

Both teams boast strong line-ups (the Red Sox with the edge in power and speed, the Cardinals with an advantage in consistency and situational hitting). Boston, however, has a few more weapons to bring in off the bench with Daniel Nava or Jonny Gomes (depending on who starts in left field), the speedy Quintin Berry and backup backstop David Ross. Plus, in Saint Louis, it appears David Ortiz will play first, making Mike Napoli available off the bench. The Cardinal’s key bench players figure to be David Descalso and, in St, Louis, either Mike Adams or Allen Craig.

The Cardinals, boasting MLB’s second-best ERA for their starting rotation (3.42) have a solid one-two punch in Adam Wainwright (19-9, 2.94 in the regular season) and rookie Michael Wacha (4-1, 2.78, nine starts). Those two have combined to go 5-1, 1.03 thus far in the 2013 post season. Still, you can’t forget that Boston won all three Verlander/Scherzer starts in the ALCS. Boston counters with the capable Jon Lester (15-8, 3.75) and Clay Bucholz (12-1, 1.74). It’s when you get to the three/four slots that depth works in favor of the Red Sox, with the experienced John Lackey (who may actually draw the game two start) and Jake Peavy having an edge versus Lance Lynn and Joe Kelly.

DESTINY

The Red Sox made the leap from last to first, with a lot of new faces and (under John Farrell) a whole new culture. They are a team of emotion – driven by clubhouse chemistry, “Boston Strong” and “Boston Beards.” The Red Sox simply believe a World Championship is their destiny – and BBRT thinks that more emotional approach may provide just a bit of an edge over the very professional and consistent confidence and performance of the Cardinals’ squad.

HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE

These two teams are very well matched and the ultimate deciding factor may prove to be home field advantage. Not only do the Red Sox get four games at home – that home field forces the opposition to play not only in front of the “Boston Nation,” but also in the shadow of the “Green Monster.” For the Cardinals’ young pitching staff – particularly the relief cadre – that big green wall may seem to be leaning right over their shoulders when on the mound. Let’s face it, playing in Fenway presents some unique challenges, and that will work in the Red Sox’ favor.

So, again, BBRT sees the Red Sox in seven, with each team grabbing one away game in the process.

KEY MATCH-UPS

Now, here are some key match-ups that BBRT will be watching.

The Red Sox’ veteran hitters against the Cardinals’ young pitching staff.

BBRT will be keeping close tabs on the battle between key Red Sox’ veteran (and very patient) hitters like David Ortiz, Dustin Pedroia, Mike Napoli and Shane Victorino and the Cardinals’ rookie post-season “ace” Michael Wacha, closer Trevor Rosenthal and, perhaps even more important, young relievers Seth Maness, Kevin Siegrist and Carlos Martinez. If the Cardinals are going to have a chance to take the Series, Wacha and the young relievers must continue their strong post season performance; and the entire pitching staff must focus on first-pitch strikes.

Can Yadier and Cardinals’ pitchers slow down Red Sox’ running game?

Yadier Molina versus Boston Base Runners.

With Boston having out-homered Saint Louis 178 to 125 in the regular season, you would expect the speed advantage would go the Cardinals. Not so. The Red Sox stole 123 bases in 2013, and were caught only 19 times. The Cardinals, on the other hand, stole just 45 bags and were nailed on 22 attempts. In the post-season, Boston has stolen 11 bases in 13 attempts, while Saint Louis has just 3 steals. The Cardinals counter the Red Sox’ dangerous running game with five-time Gold Glover Yadier Molina behind the plate. BBRT will be watching the match-up between Yadier’s arm and the speed of Jacob Ellsbury, Shane Victorino, Dustin Pedroia and likely pinch-runner Quintin Berry. Shutting down the Red Sox’ running game is particularly important, as the Cardinals work to keep the disruptive pressure off a young mound staff.

David Ortiz versus Carlos Beltran.

In David Ortiz and Carlos Beltran, the Series features two proven big-game hitters. Which of these two lives up to his billing could have a lot to do with the outcome or the series.

Allen Craig versus His Own Left Foot.

Allen Craig has been out of the lineup since Sept. 4 due to a left foot sprain. Now he’s back and, if he can shake off the rust, his bat in the middle of the Cardinals’ line up can really boost the birds. During the regular season, Craig went .315-13-97 in 134 games.

Matt Carpenter versus Dustin Pedroia.

These two second baseman are both professional hitters and critical parts of their teams’ offenses. Carpenter hit .318, with 11 home runs, 78 RBI, 126 runs and 3 steals during the regular season (leading the NL in runs, hits and doubles). Pedroia hit .301, with nine home runs, 84 RBI, 91 runs and 17 steals. Either of these players is capable of dominating in a short series and, if either does, it could significantly impact the outcome.

Michael Wacha versus the Green Monster.

A twenty-one-year-old rookie, Michael Wacha has proven his courage and composure in the post season – going 3-0, twice beating likely NL Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw and giving up just one run in 21 innings. His first start in the World Series – in the shadow of the Green Monster and in the den (and din) of the Boston faithful – will be another test. If he passes, the Cardinals could be on their way to the championship. It’s that close.

Shane Victorino – World Series MVP? It could happen.

Shane Victorino versus BBRT’s Expectations.

David Ortiz refers to Shane Victorino as “a money player.” BBRT thinks the World Series will be Victorino’s time to shine – and, in fact, recently made him my (surprise?) prediction for World Series MVP.

Be glad to hear your comments and predictions.

I Tweet baseball – @DavidBBRT

Filed Under: News

Paul Strand – 325 Hits in a Single Season

October 18, 2013 by David

Suppose you hit .384 in the Pacific Coast League – with 289 hits, 28 home runs and 138 RBI – and still didn’t get a call up to the major leagues. What would you do? Paul Strand did just that and, when he didn’t get a call up, he just went out and had a better year (in all four categories) the next season. In fact, many feel he went on to turn in one of the best – in not the best – minor league season ever. (BBRT will give a brief nod to a couple of other outstanding minor league stat lines at the end of this post. First, however, Paul Strand’s story.

Paul Strand – 325 hits in a single Pacific Coast League Season. Photo: Library of Congress; George Grantham Bain Collection.

In 1913, 19-year-old southpaw Paul Strand – after two seasons in the Northwestern League – found himself on the mound for the Boston Braves. Strand pitched in just 7 games and put up a 0-0 record and a 2.12 ERA. The following season, pitching for the 1914 “Miracle Braves” surprise NL pennant winners, Strand went 6-2, 2.44. Then in 1913, Strand’s professional baseball career took an unexpected turn. Just 21, Strand was 1-1 with a 2.38 ERA (in 6 games) when a serious arm injury marked the end his major league pitching career. Sold to Toledo of the American Association, Strand converted to the outfield, but hit only .215 in 61 games.

The 6’, 190-pounder didn’t give up, but honed his hitting skills while bouncing around the minor leagues (Toledo, Seattle, Peoria, Joplin, Yakima) before joining the Pacific Coast League’s Salt Lake City Bees early in the 1921 season.

Note: Strand did not immediately abandon the mound. In 1916-17, in addition to taking a spot in the outfield he went 16-12 as a pitcher (Toledo Iron Men and Seattle Giants), including a perfect game for Seattle on May 13, 1917 – a 1-0 win over the Spokane Indians. His advancing offensive skills, however, eventually made him a full-time position player.

It was with Salt Lake City that Strand made professional baseball history, putting together perhaps the best minor league season ever and earning both a spot in the Pacific Coast League Hall of Fame and a return (if brief) to the major leagues. It began somewhat quietly. In 1921, in 157 games (for Seattle and Salt Lake City), Strand hit .314, with nine homers and 95 RBI. But the PCL rocket was just leaving the launching pad.

Playing solely for Salt Lake City in 1922, Strand led the league in hits, home runs and batting average. Strand’s stat line looked like this:

G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI Avg. SB

178* 752 138 289 52 13 28 138 .394 10

*The PCL, at the time, regularly played 200 games or more (a high of 230 for the 1905 San Francisco Seals.)

Surprisingly, those numbers did not earn the 28-year-old Strand a call to the majors. More surprisingly, Strand’s best performance was yet to come. In 1923, still with Salt Lake City, he had what some have called the best minor league season ever – topping his 1922 performance in every offensive category except triples (he hit 13 triples in each season). In fact, that year Strand set (and still holds) the professional baseball record for base hits (325) in a season. He also rapped 43 homers, scored 180 runs, drove in 187 and stole 22 bases. Here’s Strand’s 1923 stat line:

G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI Avg. SB

194 825 180 325 66 13 43 187 .394 22

That second consecutive eye-catching season, actually did “catch the eye” of several major league teams. Ultimately, the Philadelphia Athletics Connie Mack offered Salt Lake City three players and cash that was reported at $100,000 to secure the hot-hitting outfielder. Strand, perhaps as shrewd off the field as he was talented on it, turned down the Athletics initial contract offer and held out for several weeks, finally signing for a reported $5,000.

Securing that contract would turn out to be Strand’s most significant achievement with the Athletics. Whatever the reason – some said he was overwhelmed by the publicity and expectations – the 30-year-old Strand hit only .228, with no homers and 13 RBI in 47 games for Philadelphia. (The Athletics also had Strand change his unorthodox cross-handed grip on the bat.) Mack gave up on Strand quickly, and shipped him off to Toledo of the American Association in late June.

From 1925-28, Stand once again found himself bouncing around the minor leagues, spending time with Toledo, Portland, Columbus, Atlanta and Little Rock. He hit at just about every stop – an overall average of .330 – but his reputation as a major league bust followed him and Strand never got another shot at the big leagues. Strand was out of baseball in 1929, with a lifetime minor league average of .334 and a major league mark of .224 (and a major league pitching record of 7-3, 2.37).

To close, let’s take a brief look at a couple of other outstanding minor league seasons. We’ll start with first baseman Joe Bauman, who had a remarkable season in 1954 (although at a much lower level than Strand’s great year). Playing for the C-level Longhorn League Roswell Rockets that season, the 32-year-old Bauman hit .400, with 72 homers (still the minor league record) and 224 RBI. Bauman, notably, never made it to the major leagues. In fact, only 102 of his 1,019 games were played above B-level (and only one game at AAA). Bauman retired after nine minor league seasons with a .337 career average, 337 home runs and 1,057 RBI. His legend does live on. Each year, the Joe Bauman Award is presented to the the minor leagues’ leading home run hitter.

Of course, not all great minor league seasons belong to players who failed to impress at the major league level. In 1925. Future MLB Hall of Famer Tony Lazzeri put up a .355 average, with 60 home runs and 222 RBI for the Salt Lake City Bees. Like Strand, his season earned him a shot in the majors – only Lazzeri capitalized on it. He went on to a 14-year MLB career as a shortstop/third baseman, primarily with the Yankees (also the Cubs, Dodgers and Giants). Lazzeri played in 6 World Series with the Yankees and one with the Cubs. As an 18-year-old Lazzeri was a teammate of Strand’s at Salt Lake City during the outfielder’s spectacular 1922 and 1923 seasons. For the Bees, Lazzeri hit .192 in 45 games in 1922 and then showed his promise by hitting .354 in 39 games the following season.

Filed Under: BB Fun Facts

BBRT Casts Votes on Baseball Bloggers Alliance 2013 Awards

October 11, 2013 by David

After each season, members of the Baseball Bloggers Alliance (BBA) vote on a series of awards for each league:

Stan Musial Award (top player in each league);

Walter Johnson Award (top starting pitcher);

Willie Mays Award (top rookie)

Goose Gossage Award (top relief pitcher)

Connie Mack Award (top manager)

BBRT will provide a link to the BBA site when the winners are announced (voting ends when the World Series begins). In this post, I’d like to share BBRT’s votes, as well as some background on my selections and those that were “close” to getting BBRT’s vote. Your comments on the BBRT selections are welcomed.

STAN MUSIAL AWARD – Top Player

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Mike Trout

Mike Trout, Center Field, Los Angeles Angels

Remember this award says “best” player”, not “most valuable” player. That said, the 22-year-old Trout wins hands down for his five-tool performance. Trout boasted a .323 average (AL’s third-best); 190 hits (AL’s fourth-best); A league-leading 109 runs; 97 RBI (AL’s ninth-best); 27 home runs (14th in AL); 33 stolen bases (8th in AL); and a league-topping 110 walks. Couple that with his sterling defense, and you have BBRT’s choice for the AL Stan Musial Award. (Note: If I could change on thing about Trout, it would be to see him cut down on his strikeouts – 136 in 2013. Imagine his numbers then.)

Mike Trout – 2013

G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI Avg. SB

157 589 109 190 39 9 27 110 .323 33

A couple of other players merited serious consideration for this recognition. You can’t ignore the Tigers’ third baseman Miguel Cabrera and his .348-44-137 follow-up to his 2012 Triple Crown. Had Miggy not been hampered by a groin injury late in the season, he might have been the first repeat Triple Crown winner. As it is, he won his third straight batting title and earned BBRT’s respect for playing through pain. Also near the top, but short of Trout, were the Orioles’ first sacker Chris Davis who led the league in home runs (53) and RBI (138), while hitting .286; and Yankee second baseman Robinson Cano, who played solid middle-infield defense, while chipping in .314-27-107 at the plate. Cano also was still successful on seven of eight steal attempts.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Paul Goldschmidt, First Base, Arizona Diamondbacks.

The smart money seems to be on Andrew McCutchen here, but BBRT is going with the Diamondbacks’ 26-year-old first baseman Paul Goldschmidt – for his combination of power, speed and defense. Goldschmidt, one of MLB’s top defensive first baseman, came of age in 2013 – leading the NL in home runs (tied at 36) and RBI (125), while finishing eleventh in average at .302 – and he tossed in 15 steals. Goldschmidt’s emergence should come as no surprise. Before a 2011 call up to the Diamondbacks, he hit .316, with 82 homers and 263 RBI in 313 minor league games (2009-11).

Paul Goldschmidt – 2013

G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI Avg. SB

160 602 103 182 36 3 36 125 .302 15

Also in the mix (BBRT was attempted to split this vote), was the Pirates’ center fielder Andrew McCutchen, the likely NL MVP winner, who brought Gold Glove caliber defense, a .317-27-84 line, and 27 steals to the Pittsburgh lineup. Cardinals’ catcher Yadier Molina earns BBRT’s third spot for combining game-calling skills, a likely fifth straight Gold Glove and a .319-12-80 offensive line – despite knee and wrist injuries (catchers do take a beating).

WALTER JOHNSON AWARD – Top Starting Pitcher

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Max Scherzer

Max Scherzer, Detroit Tigers

Being “old school,” BBRT could not ignore MLB’s only twenty-game winner. So, my AL Walter Johnson Award vote goes to 21-3 Max Scherzer – but the 25-year-old Detroit right-hander did plenty more to win my vote. His 2.90 ERA was fifth in the AL; his 240 strikeouts (in 214 1/3 innings – AL’s fifth-highest) were second only to K-machine Yu Darvish; he allowed hitters a league second-lowest .198 batting average against; and he was the only AL pitcher to notch a WHIP (walks and hits per inning pitched) of less than one (0.97).

Max Scherzer – 2013

W-L ERA GS CG ShO IP H ER BB SO

21-3 2.90 32 0 0 214.1 152 69 56 240

Two other hurlers who garnered BBRT consideration were: Rangers’ righty Yu Darvish (13-9, 2.83 and a league-topping 277 strikeouts in 209 2/3 innings pitched); and Scherzer’s teammate, right-hander Anibel Sanchez (14-8 with a league-low 2.57 ERA and 202 whiffs in 182 innings). Three hurlers with sub 3.00 ERA, 200+ strikeouts, so twenty wins make the difference.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Clayton Kershaw

Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers

First choice in the NL, not too difficult. The 25-year-old Kershaw was once again masterful on the mound and appears headed for his second Cy Young Award (he won in 2011, finished second in 2012). Kershaw keeps hitters off balance with a lively mid-90s (four-seam) fastball, a mid-80s slider and a curve in the low 70-mph range. The southpaw’s 16-9 record in 2013 hovers over a MLB-lowest 1.83 ERA (his third straight NL ERA crown). Kershaw also led the NL with 232 strikeouts (in 236 innings – second in the NL). He had the second-lowest batting average against (.195) and his 0.92 WHIP (walks and hits per inning pitched) was MLB’s lowest. BBRT anticipates Kershaw will be in the running for the BBA Walter Johnson Award for many years to come.

Clayton Kershaw – 2013

W-L ERA GS CG ShO IP H ER BB SO

16-9 1.83 33 3 2 236 164 48 52 232

Without a late season shutdown, the Miami Marlins’ rookie right-hander Jose Fernandez might have given Kershaw an even stronger run for the money. As it is, Fernandez finished 12-6 on a Marlins team that lost 100 games. His 2.19 ERA was second only to Kershaw and, at .098, he was one of only four major leaguers with a WHIP under 1.00. Fernandez also struck out 187 hitters in 172 2/3 innings, and his .182 batting average against was the best in MLB. Also in BBRT’s top four for the NL Walter Johnson Award were: Cardinals’ right-hander Adam Wainwright, 19-9 (NL most wins), 2.94, 219 strikeouts (third in the NL), and a league-leading 241 2/3 innings pitched, five complete games and two shutouts; Mets’ righty Matt Harvey, who would have challenged Kershaw for BBRT’s vote (9-5, 2.27, 191 Ks in 178 1/3 innings), but for late-season arm injury; and Phillies’ southpaw Cliff Lee, who quietly put together a 14-8 record, with a 2.87 ERA and 222 strikeouts in 222 2/3 innings for the under-performing Phils.

WILLIE MAYS AWARD– Top Rookie

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Wil Myers

Wil Myers, Outfielder, Tampa Bay

Myers, the 2012 Minor League Player of the year (.314-37-109 in 134 games), was acquired by the Rays in the James Shields trade. The 22-year-old Myers was called up to Tampa in mid-June. At the time, he was hitting .286-14-57 at AAA Durham – and once he joined Tampa, he got even better. Myers played in 88 games for the Rays and put up a .293-13-53 line, with 50 runs, 23 doubles and five steals – despite a bit of a slump in August. A strong September secured BBRT’s vote.

Wil Myers – 2013

G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI Avg. SB

88 373 50 98 23 0 13 53 .293 5

Following Myers in BBRT’s consideration was his teammate, Rays’ right-handed pitcher Chris Archer (9-7, 3.22, 101 strikeouts in 128 2/3 innings pitched – including two complete-game shutouts in 22 starts). Ranking third for BBRT was Detroit shortstop Jose Iglesias (who started the year with Boston). Iglesias played highlight-reel defense and put up a .303-3-29 line in 109 games. Iglesias, however, tailed off in the second half. He hit .330 in 63 games with the Red Sox and .259 in 46 games for the Tigers.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Jose Fernandez, Pitcher, Miami Marlins

My top rookie vote in the NL goes to Miami Marlins’ right-handed pitcher Jose Fernandez. Let me reaffirm (and add to) what I wrote about the 21-year-old rookie in the Walter Johnson Award section. Fernandez finished 12-6 on a Marlins team that lost 100 games. He had the NL’s second-best ERA (2.19 ERA) and MLB’s second-best batting average against (.182). He was also one of only four major leaguers with a WHIP under 1.00 and struck out 187 hitters in 172 2/3 innings. If he hadn’t been shut down after passing the 170-inning mark, Fernandez might have put up even better numbers (perhaps three more starts). In his two September starts (facing the Braves and Nationals), Fernandez went 2-0 – giving up just 6 hits, 5 walks and one run, while striking out 14 in 14 innings. Fernandez produced his 2013 record with a 93/94-mph fastball, a sharp-breaking overhand curve and a change-up that he is still working on (imagine when he masters that pitch).

Jose Fernandez – 2013

W-L ERA GS CG ShO IP H ER BB SO

12-6 2.19 28 0 0 172.2 111 47 58 187

Also in the running for BBRT’s NL rookie vote was Cardinals’ right-hander Shelby Miller, who put up a 15-9 record with a 3.06 ERA and 169 strikeouts in 173 1/3 innings pitched. Dodgers’ outfielder Yasiel Puig also deserves mention. Puig played in only 63 minor league games before his June 3, 2013 call up – hitting .328-13-52 with 21 steals. His 2013 line reads .319-14-42 with 11 steals in 104 games for LA, and he played a key role in the Dodgers comeback to win the division.

GOOSE GOSSAGE AWARD – Top Relief Pitcher

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Greg Holland

Greg Holland, Kansas City

Even though BBRT thinks it may be time to rename this the Mariano Rivera Award, I have to go with Royals right-handed closer Greg Holland as the AL’s premier reliever. The 27-year-old Holland notched 47 saves (with two wins and a loss), with just three blown saves, in 2013. With a 95-mph fastball, a wicked bat-missing slider and an occasional splitter, Holland notched a 1.21 ERA, with 103 strikeouts in only 67 innings. For the season, left-handers hit .172 versus Holland, right-handers .168.

Greg Holland – 2013

W-L SV ERA G IP H ER BB SO

2-1 47 1.21 68 67 40 9 18 103

Close behind Holland is the Rangers’ veteran righty Joe Nathan, who went 6-2, 1.39, with 43 saves and just three blown saves. Nathan doesn’t miss as many bats as Holland, but he still struck out better than one per inning (73 whiffs in 64 2/3 innings). Lefties hit .171 versus Nathan and righties a miniscule .152. Also in the mix, but trailing both Holland and Nathan, were: retiring Yankee legend, right-hander Mariano Rivera, who rode his cutter to a 6-2 record, with 44 saves and a 2.11 ERA; and Orioles’ righty Jim Johnson, who went 3-8, 2.94, with an AL-leading 50 saves. Both Rivera and Johnson dropped down due to the number of blown saves (nine for Johnson, seven for Rivera) and higher ERAs and lower strikeout rates than the top two.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Craig Kimbrel

Craig Kimbrel, Atlanta Braves

When you look at the whole package, the 25-year-old Kimbrel had little competition for the 2013 NL Goose Gossage crown. Kimbrel used a 96-97 mph fastball (that occasionally tops 100 mph) and a power curve to run up a 4-3 record, with an NL-leading 50 saves (only four blown saves) and a 1.21 ERA. Kimbrel has led the NL in saves the past three years (46-42-50). In 2013, He whiffed 98 hitters in 67 innings, with twenty walks. Overall, lefties hit .211 against him, while he dominated right-handers (.116).

Craig Kimbrel – 2013

W-L SV ERA G IP H ER BB SO

4-3 50 1.21 68 67 39 9 20 98

BBRT also considered (but it was really no contest) Reds’ lefty Aroldis Chapman, who went 4-5, 2.54 with 38 saves (versus five blown saves). Chapman throws a fastball consistently in the high 90s (and has reached 105 mph), as well as a devastating slider. In 2013, he struck out 112 hitters in just 63 2/3 innings (29 walks). Lefties hit .137 against him, while right-handers averaged .172.

(BBRT obseervation – Greg and Craig – my two Goose Gossage Award voter getters – had remarkably similar stats. Both pitched in 68 games, threw 67 innings and gave up nine earned runs for a 1.21 ERA. Holland gave up 40 hits, one more than Kimbrel; while Kimbrel gave up 20 walks, two more than Holland. Holland struck out 103 to Kimbrel’s 98.)

CONNIE MACK AWARD – Top Manager

AMERICAN LEAGUE

John Farrell

John Farrell – Boston Red Sox

Farrell leads a strong set of candidates for top AL manager. Farrell took a team that finished last (under Bobby Valentine) in 2012 to the top of the AL East in 2013. This last-to-first surge included a 28-game won-lost improvement (from 69-93 to 97-65).

Farrell also “righted” what seemed to be a sinking club house culture. In doing so, he effectively brought together a lot of new faces (Mike Napoli, Shane Victorino, Kuji Uehara, Stephen Drew, Ryan Dempster) with some long-time Red Sox veterans (David Ortiz, John Lester, Dustin Pedroia).

Very Simply, Farrell led a turnaround on and off the field. That earns him BBRT’s Connie Mack Award vote.

Others in the running: Terry Francona (led the unheralded Indians to a 24-game improvement and an AL Wild Card spot); Bob Melvin (led the A’s, with the AL’s fourth-lowest payroll, to another West Division title); Joe Girardi (led the Yankees to an 85-77 finish, overcoming age, injuries and the A-Rod controversy). BBRT also gives a shout out to Twins’ manager Ron Gardenhire. A manager who can turn a third consecutive 90+ loss season into a two-year contract extension must be doing something right.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Don Mattingly

Don Mattingly, Los Angeles Dodgers

Okay, Mattingly did have the “horses” and the payroll, but he wins for keeping the Dodgers from disintegrating in the first half, and launching a ferocious second-half comeback. The Dodgers were in last place in the West Division on July 1 – and, just 80 days later, were the first MLB team to clinch a 2013 division title. In fact, on June 21, the Dodgers were 12 games under .500 (30-42), in last place and 9 ½ back of the Diamondbacks. Under Mattingly’s leadership, they kept grinding and went 62-28 the rest of the way. A steady hand during a stormy first half, coupled with a dramatic comeback, wins Mattingly BBRT’s NL Connie Mack Award vote.

Also deserving recognition is Pirates’ skipper Clint Hurdle, who ended the Pittsburgh’s streak of 20 consecutive losing seasons and brought post-season baseball to Pittsburgh – and who may very well win MLB’s 2013 Manager of the Year Award.

So there are BBRT’s votes for the Baseball Bloggers Alliance (BBA) 2013 season awards. Watch for a link to the BBA announcement of this year’s winners once voting is complete. And you call follow BBRT on Twitter at @DavidBBRT. For more on the BBA, click the link on the lower right hand side of the BBRT home page.

Filed Under: BB Fun Facts, News

Common and Uncommon Observations on the 2013 MLB Season

October 3, 2013 by David

With the regular season over and playoffs on everyone’s minds, BBRT is taking a break from post-season tension to reflect on just a few regular season occurrences that grabbed my attention.

Payroll Didn’t Drive Placement

Looking at the teams that made it into the post-season three of the top five opening day payrolls were there (#2 Dodgers, #4 Boston and #5 Detroit), but so were three of the bottom five payrolls (#26 Pittsburgh, # 27 Oakland, # 28 Tampa). Of note, the Dodgers’ $220 million payroll exceeded the combined opening day payrolls of playoff bound Oakland ($61 million), Pittsburgh ($80 million) and Tampa Bay ($58 million). (Figures from CBSsports.com.)

Tough to be YU!

Two guys named YU – The Rangers’ Yu Darvish and Giants’ Yusmiel Petit – both came with one batter of perfect games this season.

Yu Darvish – one of two YUs to lose a perfect game after 26 outs.

On April 2, Darvish was on the mound with two-out in the bottom of the ninth inning, holding a 7-0 lead over the Astros, having retired the first 26 hitters he faced (striking out 14). At the plate was Astros’ shortstop Marwin Gonzalez, who had grounded out and struck out in his first two appearances. Darvish started Gonzalez with a fastball – and the result was a low bouncer that skirted between Darvish’s legs and on into center field for a single. After 111 pitches, Darvish’s night was over and Micheal Kirkman came on to get pinch hitter J.D. Martinez to end the game.

On September 6, Yu number-two – Yusmiel Petit of the Giants – went into the top of ninth inning with a 3-0 lead over the Diamondbacks, having retired the first 24 Arizona hitters, striking out six. He got shortstop Chris Owning with his seventh strikeout, then right fielder Gerardo Parra grounded out second-to-first. That left just pinch hitter Eric Chavez between Petit and perfection. Petit got with one strike of a perfect game, only to see Chavez single to right field (just out of the reach of a diving Hunter Pence) on a 3-2 pitch. Chavez and was replaced by pinch runner Tony Campana before Petit induced Diamondback center fielder A.J. Pollock to ground out third-to-first to end the game. The 95-pitch effort was Petit’s first MLB complete game.

Not So Easy To Be An Astro Either

The Houston Astros finished with an MLB-worst record of 51-111 this season, but that’s not what attracted BBRT attention. Over the course of the season, Astro’s hitters struck out an All Time MLB record 1,535 times – breaking the Diamondbacks’ 2010 record of 1,529. Here’s what caught BBRT’s eye. Having moved to the American League, the Astros set the new record without the benefit of their pitchers flailing (and failing) at the plate. In 2010, 119 of the Diamondbacks’ record-setting whiffs were credited to pitchers at the plate.

The NL Batting Race

Michael Cudyer – NL Batting Champ

The National League batting race was decided in the final eight days of the season – with two somewhat unlikely contenders. On September 21, Braves’ third baseman Chris Johnson (who came into 2013 with a four-year career average of .276) was leading the NL at .332. On his heels (at .331) was the Rockies’ Michael Cuddyer (who came into the season with a 12-year career average of .271 and a single-season high of .284). Over the final eight days, Cuddyer went 7-for-21 to finish at a league leading .331, while Johnson faded to .321 (going 2-for-23.) Cuddyer’s final line was .331-20-84, and he even added ten stolen bases.

Lots Of Great Young Stars To Watch

Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, Wil Myers, Manny Machado, Yasiel Puig, Jose Fernandez, Shelby Miller – and the list goes on an on. There were – and still are – simply a lot of great young stars to watch. For more – and a look at BBRT 2013 Young Star Team click https://baseballroundtable.com/bbrts-2013-mlb-young-star-team-born-in-the-90s/

The Pirates are Back! The Pirates are Back!

The Post Season comes to Pittsburgh.

The unfolding story of the Pirates, going 94-68 and making the playoffs after a twenty consecutive losing seasons. By contrast, the Yankees have not had a losing season since 1992 – and have had only 22 losing seasons in the history of the franchise (1901-2013 in Baltimore and NY). The Pirates led by such players as MVP candidate Andrew McCutchen, speedy tablesetter Sterling Marte, NL HR co-leader Pedro Alvarez, starting pitcher and Comeback Player of the Year candidate Francisco Liriano and relievers Jason Grilli and Mark Melancon should remain fun to watch.

The Pirates Are Back! So Is Francisco Liriano!

Speaking of the Pirates, starting pitcher Francisco Liriano (who won the first Wild Card playoff game) was a great story and an unlikely hero in the Bucs return to the post season. The Pirates signed Liriano after a 2012 season when he went 6-12, 5.34 (his second consecutive season with an ERA north of 5.00) for the Twins and White Sox. Then Liriano broke his non-pitching arm in the off-season and didn’t make his first start until May 11. He ended the season as the Pirates’ ace, rediscovering his wicked slider and going 16-8, 3.02, with 163 strikeouts in 161 innings. How important was Liriano the Pirates? No other Pittsburgh starter won more than ten games.

The Dodgers’ Remarkable Comeback

Yasiel Puig helped sparked Dodger comeback.

As of July 1, the underachieving Dodgers were in last place in the NL West (38-43, 3 ½ back). Just 80 days later – on September 19 – with a 7-6 win over the Diamondbacks, LA became the first team to clinch a 2013 playoff berth. It also made the Dodgers just the fourth team (along with the 1914 Boston Braves, 1973 New York Mets and 1995 Seattle Mariners) to finish in first place after holding last place as of July 1 or later. The comeback is even more remarkable when you consider that on June 21, the then last-place Dodgers stood at 30-42, 12 games under .500 and 9 ½ back of Arizona. From that point, they went 62-28 – finishing 22 games over and 11 games ahead of second-place Arizona. Looking for reasons?

Mike Trout Avoids “Sophomore Jinx

Mike Trout’s 2012 Rookie of Year season: .326, 129 runs, 30 homers, 83 RBI, 49 steals.

Mike Trout 2013: .323, 109 runs, 27 homers, 97 RBI, 33 steals. Next Willie Mays? Enough said.

Old Guys Rule!

Mariano Rivera – making his best last.

Took great pleasure in watching a couple of forty-year olds defy father time. Mariano Rivera (age 43) goes 6-2, 2.11 with 44 saves. Bartolo Colon (age 40) goes 18-6, 2.65.

Oh yes, and let’s not forget 41-year-old Raul Ibanez and his 29 home runs, tying Ted Williams for the most ever by a 41-year-old.

Josh Hamilton’s Fall

Josh Hamilton may have been the biggest disappointment on the disappointing Angels. In the three years before signing a five-year/$133 million contract with the Halos, Hamilton hit .313 with 100 home runs and 322 RBI. In his first year with LA, he dropped to .250-21-79. Of course, Albert Pujols has also fallen short of his big contract (10 year/$240 million) expectations. In 11 years with the Cardinals, the average season for the three-time MVP was .327-40-121. In that time, Pujols played in more than 140 games every season, hit under .300 only once (.299 in 2011), never hit less than 32 home runs in a season, and collected less than 100 RBI only once (99 in 2011). His 2013 numbers for LA were 99 games (foot injury), .258-17-64. This follows a first year in LA during which he put up: .285-30-105 in 154 games (decent numbers, but still short of expectations – at the time, they were Pujols’ lowest average, lowest HR total and second-lowest RBI count).

Cabrera Wins Third Batting Title/Davis Tops 50 HR

Chris Davis – newest 50-homer guy.

For much of the season, BBRT was on a Miguel Cabrera Triple Crown repeat watch; with the Oriole’s Chris Davis Cabrera’s main obstacle in two of the three categories. While abdominal issues slowed Miggy late in the season, Cabrera still won his third consecutive batting crown (the first player to win three straight titles since Wade Boggs won four between 1985-88). Meanwhile, Davis gave us the pleasure of watching him chase 50 home runs. At season’s end, Davis led all of MLB with 53 home runs and 138 RBI (Cabrera finished second in both at 44-137). Davis became the 27^th player to reach the 50-homer mark, and his 53 HRs are the 26^th most in an MLB season (for more on the 50 homer club, click https://baseballroundtable.com/chris-davis-newest-member-of-50-homer-club/

The Yankees’ .500+ Record

Joe Girardi for Manager of the Year. It could happen, considering how he managed the Yankees to a third-place finish, eight games over .500 (85-77) despite age, injuries and the A-Rod controversy. Girardi did a great job of guiding the Yankees through troubled waters with lots of fill-ins at the oars.

The Blue Jays Disappointing Performance

With a host of off-season acquisitions – Jose Reyes, R.A. Dickey, Josh Johnson, Mark Buehrle, Melky Cabrera, Emilio Bonifacio – the Blue Jays moved into the top ten in payroll and became a popular pick to win the AL East. They were, however, never a factor – finishing at 74-88, last in the division, 23 games out. Lots of reasons, with 2012 NL CY Young winner R.A. Dickey (20-6, 2.73 for the Mets in 2012) at or near the top of the list. Dickey was a significant disappointment at 14-13, 4.21 for the Jays. (Maybe it shouldn’t have been a surprise, eliminating 2012, Dickey’s MLB record – ten seasons – would be 55-63, 4.31.) Jose Reyes performed well when he was in the lineup (.293-10-37, with 15 steals), but injuries limited him to 93 games. Josh Johnson, who came to the Jays with a career line of 56-37, 3.15 was limited by triceps and forearm issues – and turned in 2-8 record with a 6.20 ERA in just 16 starts. And so it went for the Jays – injuries and underperformance derailing what should have been a promising season.

The First Place Boston Red Sox

Lots of excitement at Fenway this year.

In 2012, the Boston Red Sox finished in last place in the AL East, 69-93 and 26 games out. The Sox dumped first-year manager Bobby Valentine and brought in John Farrell. They also made changes to the team during the off-season – changes that didn’t seem to excite analysts or fans. Joining the Red Sox were not the biggest name free agents, but players like Mike Napoli, Shane Victorino, Koji Uehara, Stephen Drew, and Ryan Dempster. The Sox, in fact, were picked to finish at our near the bottom of the division. Unlike the Blue Jays, the Red Sox strategy paid off in the W-L column, as they won the East with a 97-65 record. Napoli contributed 23 HRs and 92 RBI, Victorino hit .294 with 21 steals, and Uehara notched 21 saves to go with a 1.09 ERA. Red Sox veterans chipped in as well. David Ortiz went .309-30-103; Dustin Pedroia’s line was .301-9-83 (17 steals); John Lester rebounded with a 15-8 record and 3.75 ERA; and, despite injuries that limited him to 16 starts, Clay Bucholz went 12-1, 1.74.

Oakland Athletics Get High(s) – Win The AL West

The A’s must have been rewatching “Moneyball.” Despite MLB’s 27^th highest (or fourth lowest) opening day payroll, Oakland topped the AL West, which is also home to the game’s sixth- (Angels) and eighth-highest (Rangers) payrolls. The A’s went 96-66, driven to success by such “name” players as Brandon Moss, Jed Lowrie, Eric Sogard, Josh Donaldson, Jarrod Parker, A.J. Griffin, and Dan Straily. (There were a lot a “career highs” along the way – like Moss’ career-high 30 HRs, Donaldson’s career-high .301 average, Lowrie’s career-topping 75 RBI, Griffin’s career-best 14 wins; and much more). There also were some better-known names making contributions: Coco Crisp (with a career-high 22 HRs), Yeonis Cespedes (career-high 26 HRs) and 40-year-old starter Bartolo Colon, who went 18-6, 2.65.

Washington Nationals – A Fade, But Not A Collapse

The Washington Nationals were a popular pick to win the AL East in 2013, after 98 wins and an East Division title in 2012. The team has taken a lot of heat for falling behind the Atlanta Braves early and failing to make the playoff. But really, they still finished 10 games over .500 (86-76) and have a solid foundation in place for 2014. BBRT urges Nats’ fans not to overreact.

“Kinda-Unlikely” No hitters

There were three no-hitters thrown in 2013, all by pitchers who started their no-hitters with a losing record on the season – and also would finish their season with a losing record. Let’s look at these “kinda-unlikely” outcomes.

“Homer” Bailey, unlikely name for no-hitter hurler.

On July 2, Reds’ right-hander Homer Bailey threw the first no-hitter of the 2013 season. Given that Bailey also threw the last no-hitter of 2012 (September 28, 2012), the no-no is not entirely unlikely. It just seems to BBRT a bit unexpected that a pitcher with the unfortunate name of “Homer” would toss a no-hitter. This year’s no-no came in Cincinnati’s hitter-friendly Great American Ballpark, with Bailey shutting down the Giants 3-0 on 109 pitches, walking just one, striking out nine. With the final out, Bailey became just the 31st pitcher to throw multiple no-hitters. Bailey, by the way, went into the game with a 4-6 record and a 3.88 ERA. He finished the season 11-12, 3.49.

On July 13, the Giants’ Tim Lincecum no hit the Padres 9-0 in San Diego. Why did this seem so unlikely – after all, Lincecum is a two-time Cy Young Award winner? True, but the Lincecum who took the mound this past July was not the hurler who in 2008-09 went 33-12, with a 2.55 ERA and 526 strikeouts in 452 1/3 innings. This was a Lincecum coming off a 2012 season in which he went 10-15 with a 5.18 ERA. It was a Lincecum with a 2013 record of 4-9, 4.61. (He would end the season at 10-14, 4.37.) Ultimately, Lincecum threw an unlikely (career-high) 148 pitches in his no-hit game, striking out 13 batters (while walking four).

On the final day of the season (September 29), the Marlins’ Henderson Álvarez was matched up against Detroit’s Justin Verlander – a pitcher much more likely than Alvarez to toss a no-hitter – in Miami. Alvarez joined the Marlins after compiling a 9-14 record (4.85 ERA) for the Blue Jays in 2012. He came into the season finale with a 2013 mark of 4-6, 3.94 (and would finish the season 5-6, 3.59). Alvarez and Verlander matched zeros across the board and, as the Marlins batted in the bottom of the ninth, Alvarez had completed nine no-hit innings with one walk and four strikeouts. In the bottom of the ninth, Miami turned two singles and a walk into a bases-loaded/one-out situation. Then, with Alvarez on deck, the winning run scored (in an unlikely manner) on a wild pitch.

So, there are a few things that caught BBRT’s attention in 2013. Got any to add? Feel free to comment.

Filed Under: BB Fun Facts, News

BBRT’s 2013 MLB “Young Star Team” – born in the ’90s

September 30, 2013 by David

BBRT often goes “old school” in this posts, reflecting on past stars and accomplishments – like the recent post (September 25) on Satchel Paige. Today, however, BBRT will look forward and touch on an entire line up of reasons why I have great expectations for the future of the American past time.

In this post, BBRT unveils its 2013 YOUNG STAR (All Star) TEAM. The qualifications are straightforward. Each selectee must already have excelled in the major leagues – and must have been born in the 1990s. (Basically, it’s a team of “Young Stars,” 23-years-old and younger.) This youthful squad, I believe, would be a contender – and, together, these players will give fans plenty to watch, and get excited about, in the years ahead.

So, here is your 2013 Baseball Roundtable Young Star Team (birth dates in parenthesis).

Catcher

Salvador Perez, Royals – age 23 – 6’3”, 245 (May 10, 1990)

Kansas City catcher Salvador Perez is already being touted as one of the best defensive catchers (throwing out approximately 35% of attempting base stealers and showing a quick pick off move) in baseball, and he also looks to be maturing (very quickly) as a hitter. Perez started his minor league career in 2007 at age 17 – and (from 2007-2012) hit .287 with 20 home runs in 343 minor league games. He was first called up to the Royals in August of 2011 – and hit .331-2-21 in 39 games. In 2012, he again topped .300 for the Royals, with a .301-11-39 line in 76 games. It appears KC has handled Perez, a 2013 AL All Star, exactly right – this season he has played in 138 games, hitting .292 with 13 home runs and 79 RBI. He now has a career (3-year) average of .301 in 253 games.

Another position move for former catcher Wil Meyers

Another position move for former catcher Wil Myers

First Base

Wil Myers, Rays – age 22 – 6’3”, 205 (Dec. 10, 1990)

Okay, I cheated a hit here to get a strong bat in this slot – moving Myers in from the outfield. However, Myers has already proven his ability to switch positions (he made the 2010 Midwest League All Star team as a catcher), so BBRT is confident the 22-year-old can make the transfer to first base. (Unfortunately, rising star first sackers Freddie Freeman of the Braves and Anthony Rizzo of the Cubs were born just a little early to qualify for the ‘90s squad. Freeman was born September 12, 1989 and Rizzo August 8, 1989.)

Myers, acquired by the Rays in the James Shields trade, was called up to Tampa in mid-June of this season. At the time, he was hitting .286-14-57 at AAA Durham. He was in his fifth minor league season (a total of 445 games, .300 average, 78 HRs, 316 RBI). In 2012, at AA/AAA, Myers hit .314-37-109. In 2013, Myers (an AL Rookie of the Year candidate) played in 88 games for the Rays and put up a .293-13-53 line, adding 50 runs, 23 doubles and five steals. He gives the Young Stars a solid, power bat at first.

Second Base

Jose Altuve, Astros – age 23 – 5’5”, 175 (May 6, 1990)

Just 23, Altuve already has more than 350 ML games and one All Star selection under his belt. The shortest current major leaguer, Altuve launched his professional career at age 17 (hitting .343 in 64 Rookie League games). Since day one, Altuve has shown speed and bat control at every level. (He is also considered a “plus” defender with soft hands, a good arm and solid baseball instincts.) In 382 minor league games, Altuve hit .327, with 24 home runs and 119 steals. He played his first game for the Astros on July 20, 2011 and has never looked back. In 2011, he hit .276, with 7 steals and 26 runs scored in 57 games. In 2012, he upped his average to .290, with 33 steals and 80 runs scored. In 2013, he continued to hit and run, with a .283 average, 64 runs and 35 steals. He also notched 31 doubles, five home runs and 52 RBI. Altuve is a good table setter to put at the top of the “Born in the ‘90s” line up.

Third Base

Manny Machado, Orioles – age 21 – 6’2”, 180 (July 5, 1992)

Manny Machado (what a great baseball name), was being groomed as the O’s shortstop of the future before his call up August 9, 2012 (at the age of 19). The Orioles needed help at the hot corner and Machado was assigned the third base job (a position he had not played professionally). He adjusted well, proving a defensive asset. The teenager also held his own at the plate, hitting .262, with seven home runs and 26 RBIs. There was, however, plenty more to come. This season, Machado has become an offensive force – .282-14-71, while leading the AL in doubles (51), scoring 88 runs and tossing in six steals for good measure. Once he learns a bit more patience at the plate (113 strikeouts versus 29 walks this season), he is likely to move up among the game’s elite hitters.

Shortstop

Jean Segura, Brewers – age 23 – 5’ 10”, 200 (March 17, 1990)

There were several choices available for the Young Star team at this critical position. BBRT is going with the Brewers’ Jean Segura (acquired by Milwaukee from the Angels in the 2012 Zack Greinke trade). Signed at 17, Segura’s six-season minor league stats include 399 games, a .312 average and 139 stolen bases. In 2012, he got in one game with the Angels and 44 with the Brewers, hitting .264 with 13 steals, showing flashes of stellar defense, as well as some defensive lapses. In 2013, Segura lived up to his promise – making the NL All Star team, while stabilizing his defense, and hitting .294, with 74 runs, 12 home runs, and 49 RBI. He was second in the league with 44 steals (trailing Eric Young by two), and likely would have led the league in that category except for a late season hamstring injury.

Other contenders for this spot were the Cubs’ Starlin Castro (May 24, 1990), the first player born in the 1990s to play in the major leagues. Just 23, Castro is in his fourth ML season, carrying a .283 average in 606 games, two All Star selections and the 2011 NL hits leaderships. Segura passed Castro on the basis of the latter’s declining batting average over the past two seasons (.307 in 2011/.283 in 2012/.245 in 2013) and defensive lapses. Also in the mix were Detroit’s Jose Iglesias (January 5, 1990), who this year could become the first player to win Rookie of the Year in a season in which he was traded (from Boston to Detroit). Iglesias put up a .303-3-29 line in 109 2013 games, but has tailed off a bit in the second half (he hit .330 in 63 games with the Red Sox and .259 in 46 games for the Tigers).

Outfield

Mike Trout, Angels – age 21 – 6’2”, 230 (Aug. 7, 1991)

Just 21, Trout has spent all or part of the past three seasons with the Angels and is already a two-time All Star. Called up in July 2011, he hit .220 with five homers, 20 runs scored, 16 RBI and four steals in 40 games. Trout then started 2012 in the minors, but after hitting .403 in 20 games at AAA Salt Lake, it was clear he had nothing more to prove. Trout was back with the Angels by late April. A .342 hitter, with 23 home runs and 108 steals in 286 minor league games, Trout has proven to be a true five-tool MLB star; adding power and patience as he matured.

In 2012, Trout appeared in 139 games, winning AL Rookie of the Year honors, while hitting .326 with 30 home runs and 83 RBIs, leading the AL in runs scored (129) and stolen bases (49) and playing sterling defense. In 2013, he has avoided the “sophomore jinx,” going .323, with 27 home runs, 97 RBI and 33 steals (caught only seven times), while also leading the AL in runs (109) and walks (110). From BBRT’s perspective, he can be the new generation’s Willie Mays – and the leader of the BBRT Young Star team. He’ll bat in the three-hold for the Young Stars.

Bryce Harper, Nationals – age 20 – 6’2”, 230 (Oct. 16, 1992)

Harper, the 2012 NL Rookie of the Year, has been recognized not just for his talent, but also for his hustle and work ethic. A major-league regular by age 19, Harper played only 134 minor league games – hitting .292, with 19 homers, 64 RBI and 27 steals. He earned his first MLB All Star berth in his rookie season (the youngest position player ever selected to an All Star squad) as a replacement for the injured Ian Desmond. He ended his rookie campaign at .270-22-59, with 18 steals and 90 runs. Harper, who goes “all out, all the time,” suffered hip, knee and rib cage injuries in 2013, but still made his second All Star squad and hit .274, with 20 home runs, 58 RBI, 71 runs and 11 steals in 118 games.

Harper earned additional BBRT respect on May 6, 2012, when, after being welcomed to the big leagues with a Cole Hamels’ pitch in the back (which Hamels later admitted was intentional), Harper extracted “old school” retribution – going to third on a single and then stealing home.

If Harper avoids serious injury, BBRT expects he will add power as he matures, significantly upping his HR and RBI totals.

Yasiel Puig, Dodgers – Age 22 – 6’3”, 245 (Dec. 7, 1990)

For BBRT, Cuban defector Yasiel Puig is Mike Trout with “attitude” – and regardless of how you feel about that attitude, he is (and will continue to be) an exciting player to watch. Puig played in only 63 minor league games before his June 3, 2013 call up – hitting .328-13-52 with 21 steals. His 2013 line reads .319-14-42 with 11 steals in 104 games for LA, playing a key role in the Dodgers comeback to win the division. (He does need to hone his base running skills – caught eight times in 19 attempts- but Puig clearly has five-tool potential.) He also plays with emotion and confidence that can often rub the opposition the wrong way. He backs up that attitude with talent and a commitment to winning that holds promise for a long, successful MLB career – and makes him a key part of the 2013 Young Star team’s five-tool outfield.

Starting Pitchers (Tie)

Jose Fernandez, RH, Marlins – Age 21 – 6’2”, 240 (July 31, 1992)

Cuban defector, Jose Fernandez – who boasts a mid-90s fastball and a sharp, overhand curve – made the jump to the Marlins in 2013, after only 55 minor league innings (27 games in 2011/12), with a minor league 14-2 record, 59 strikeouts and a 2.02 ERA. He proved to be all that was advertised, going 12-6, 2.19, with 187 whiffs (vs. 58 walks) in 172 2/3 innings before a late-season shutdown by the Marlins

Shelby Miller, RH, Cardinals – age 22 – 6’ 3”, 215 (Oct. 10, 1990)

Just 21-years-old and with four minor league seasons behind him, Miller received a late 2012 call up to the Cardinals and impressed – 6 games, 13 2/3 inning pitched, 16 strikeouts and a 1.32 ERA. He earned a spot in the 2013 Cardinals’ rotation in spring training and delivered on his promise – 15-9, 3.06, and 169 strikeouts (vs. 57 walks) in 173 1/3 innings.

Lots of quality hurlers came close to making the Young Star team – a few of the 1989 birth class include the Mets’ Matt Harvey, White Sox’ Chris Sale, Giants’ Madison Bumgarner and Rays’ Matt Moore.

Closer (with a back-up plan)

Trevor Rosenthal RH, Cardinals – age 23 – 6’2”, 220 (May 29, 1990)

Pickings were a little slimmer for a 2013 Young Star team closer. MLB teams like hurlers to “mature” before taking on that responsibility. Given that circumstance, BBRT looked to the potential of the Cardinals’ Trevor Rosenthal, whose fastball has topped 100 mph. Primarily a starter in the minors (66 games, 48 starts, 22-14 record, 3.53 ERA, 293 strikeouts in 285 1/3 innings), Rosenthal has pitched solely in relief since his call up in July of 2012. In 74 2013 appearances, he pitched 75 1/3 innings, striking out 108 )vs. 20 walks), with a 2-4 record, three saves and a 2.63 ERA. In his 1 1/2 MLB seasons, he has whiffed 133 hitters (27 walks) in 98 inning, with a 2.66 ERA.

Paco Rodriguez, LH, Dodgers – age 22 – 6′ 3″, 220 (April 16, 1991)

Rosenthal’s preference is to be a starter, so just in case, our 2013 Young Star team has the Dodgers’ Paco Rodriguez in the wings. Rodriguez began his professional career in the LA system in 2012, appearing in 21 games, with a 0.92 ERA and 32 strikeouts in 19 2/3 innings pitched. That performance earned Rodriguez a September call up to (the first 2012 MLB draftee to make the majors). He appeared in 11 games (just 6 2/3 innings), with a 1.35 ERA in the final month. In 2013, Rodriguez appeared in 76 games for the Dodgers, with a 3-4 record, two saves, a stingy 2.32 ERA and 63 strikeouts (vs. 19 walks) in 54 1/3 innings. Paco is the Young Star team’s closer in waiting.

Looking at established closers, both the Braves’ Craig Kimbrel and the Reds Aroldis Chapman were born in 1988 – under 25, promising lots of good years ahead, but too old for the Young Star team.

So, there’s BBRT’s 2013 Young Star Team. BBRT welcomes any comments or additional nominations for the youthful squad.

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So, there’s BBRT’s 2013 Young Star Team. BBRT welcomes any comments or additional nominations for the youthful squad.

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