Opening Day … A Gift Waiting to be Opened!

It’s getting close to Opening Day and it’s time for Baseball Roundtable to look ahead (and make predictions) for the 2022 season.  We’ll start with American League won-loss predictions,  move on to a look at some of the players (on each AL team) that BBRT will be watching in the coming months and wrap up with BBRT favorites for some key junior circuit awards.  A word of caution, these predictions are coming in late, due to the late movement of so many players (post-lockout). In fact, as I was editing this, I received notification on my smartphone that Sean Manaea had been traded from the A’s to the Padres. I did my best to keep up with all the movement, so here are my AL predictions (really informed guesses given my track record).

AL East

Blue Jays          95-67

Yankees           90-72

Rays                 89-73

Red Sox           86-76

Orioles            59-103

Blue Jays

The Blue Jays  won 91 games a year ago – and played only 36 games truly at home (in Toronto).  “Home Cooking” should help them be even better.

The Jays  lost staff ace (and strikeout artist) Robbie Ray, but free-agent pickups Kevin Gausman (14-6, 2.81 for the Giants in 2021) and Yusei Kikuchi, plus  a full year of Jose Berrios should more than make up for it. Add the emerging arm of Alek Manoah and you’ve got the basis of a solid rotation.

While the Blue Jays will miss Marcus Simeon’s 45 home runs and 102 RBI,  they still have plenty of firepower in  the likes of 1B Vlad Guerrero, Jr. (an MVP candidate); SS Bo Bichette; and outfielders Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Teoscar Hernandez and George Springer. Newcomer Matt Chapman adds plus defense at 3B and proven power (27 home runs last season).

Closer Jordan Romano, Tim Mayza, Adam Cimber. Julian Merryweather and Yimi Garcia lead a bullpen that could see some shifting roles as the season progresses.

Player To Watch

Vlad Guerrero, Jr., just 23, is a “must-watch” most valuable player candidate – .311-48-111 a year ago, he should put up similar numbers in 2022.

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Yankees

The Yankees should be in the fight, but I do have some concerns about the pitching.  You can’t go wrong when you start your rotation  with Gerrit Cole (a perennial Cy Young candidate).  Following Cole are Luis Severino and Jordan Montgomery, who could both present some injury concerns, as could Jameson Taillon. Still, if Severino and Montgomery are back – and they do appear to be  healthy again – the rotation should keep the Yankees in the race.  The Yankees’  bullpen will again be a plus, with the arms of Aroldis Chapman, Jonathan Loaisiga, Chad Green (and I could go on) shutting the door in the late  innings.  The addition of 3B Josh Donaldson and SS Isiah Kiner-Falefa brings solid offense and quality defense to the left side – and the move to 2B should help Gleyber Torres.  Then there are 1B Anthony Rizzo, outfielders Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton to bring plenty of power (not to mention Joey Gallo, who needs to make more contact, but still produced 38 home runs a year ago).  Lots to like here.

Player(s) to Watch

Luis Severino looked solid in his most recent Spring Training outing.  The Yankees need him back in form if they are to challenge the Blue Jays. Nestor Cortes, Jr.  could also be interesting. The 27-year-old altered his pitch mix last season ( replacing his slider with a cutter and developing a softer slider) – and it seemed to work. He put up a 2.29 EERA in 19 2/3 relief innings and, when moved into the rotation, a 3.07 ERA in 14 starts.

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Rays

The Rays always seem to surprise me, but they will  miss staff ace Tyler Glasnow (August Tommy John surgery) and  22-year-old righty Shane Baz (elbow surgery), who may be out for the first few weeks of the season. The Rays did sign free-agent Corey Kluber (5-3, 3.83 in 16 games with the Yankees), but he hasn’t shown the stuff that made him a Cy Young Candidate in the past. Southpaw Shane McClanahan (10-6, 3.43 in 25 starts a year ago) should start the season at the top of the rotation. The Rays will also look to  Drew Rasmussen,  Luis Patino and, very likely, versatile veteran Ryan Yarbrough to start games.

The bullpen  is where the Rays do their magic.  They combine quantity and quality with a plan that focuses not on specific roles, but on specific pitchers delivering outs in game-dictated situations.  Andrew Kittredge may be the closest thing to a closer – he led the team with eight saves a year ago.  There will also be  plenty of work for the likes of Matt Wisler (2-3, 2.15 for the Rays in 27 appearances after coming over from the Giants); Pete Fairbanks (3-6, 3.59, with five saves in 47 appearances); JT Chargois (5-1. 1.90 after coming over from the Mariners last season); J.P. Feyereisen; and free-agent signee Brooks Raley – and the list goes on.  What you can expect is to see plenty of arms getting plenty of work out of the pen. And, if history repeats itself, they will be effective.

On offense,  there is plenty of firepower. Last season OFs Randy Arozarena and Austin Meadows combined for 47 home runs and 175 RBI and 28 Brandon Lowe chipped in 39 dingers and 99 RBI.  SS Wander Franco is a rising star and the supporting cast includes Manuel Margot, super-defender Kevin Kiermaier in the outfield, Ji -Man Choi at 1B and  Mike Zunino behind the plate. The Rays will still have plenty of platoon-style options with Yandy Diaz, Taylor Walls, Vidal Brujan (the latter two still have to prove themselves on offense).

Player(s) to Watch

The entire bullpen. In 2021, the Rays had an MLB-record 14 pitchers record  saves. As whole, they got an MLB-leading 703 innings of work out of the pen and an MLB-high 58 victories from relievers. Will the strategy repeat?  If so, will it be as effective?

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Red Sox

The Red Sox lost starter Eduardo Rodriguez to free agency and Chris Sale (for at least part of the season) to a rib cage stress fracture. They still have Nathan Eovaldi, who had a fine season last year, and Nick Pivetta. Tanner Houck, who went 1-5, but with a 3.52 ERA in 2021, should also be in the mix.  The Sox also  brought in some veterans to shore up the rotation (Rich Hill, Michael Wacha, James Paxton), but the pitching losses may be too much for the Sox to move up in the tough AL East.

Closer Matt Barnes had an up and down year in 2022 – a 2.61 ERA with 19 saves before the All Star break; 6.48 with five saves after the break. Gary Whitlock, 8-4, 1.96 in 46 games as a rookie in 2021 may eventually move into that role. Ryan Brasier and Darwinzon Hernandez should also see important innings.

Expect solid offense from  DH JD Martinez (28 home runs, 99 RBI in 2021), new 2B Trevor Story, 3B Rafael Devers (.279-38-113) and SS Xander Bogaerts.  The Red Sox scored an AL fourth-best 829 runs a year ago. Unfortunately, two of the three teams that outscored them are in the AL East.

A lot depends on when Chris Sale comes back – and how he comes back.

Player to Watch

Closer Matt Barnes.  Will he bounce back from a tough second-half in 2021?  If he does, it sets up the bullpen roles nicely.

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Orioles

The Orioles pushed the AL’s second-fewest runs across the plate a year ago (only the Rangers scored fewer in the AL) and allowed MLB’s most runs.

The Orioles lost 110 games in 2021 and went through a quiet off-season.  It looks like another tough year for Baltimore fans – as rebuilding continues. Plenty of young players should  get a chance to prove themselves. Here’s what they can look forward to in Baltimore.  The rotation will be led by John Means (6-9, 2.62 a year ago) and free-agent signee Jordan Lyles (10-13, 5.15 for the Rangers). In the competition for the rest of the rotation are Bruce Zimmerman, Keegan Akin, Zac Lowther, Dean Kremer and Jorge Lopez.  In the pen, 2021 closer Cole Sulser (5-4, 2.70 with eight saves in 60 appearances should retain that role. Other likely bullpen arms include Tanner Scott, Dillon Tate and Joey Krehbiel. Lots of “tryouts” for the rotation and pen – not a good sign in the tough AL East.

On offense, there are a few players to watch. 25-year-old 1B Ryan Mountcastle popped 33 home runs, the most among MLB rookies a year ago. DH Trey Mancini’s comeback (colon cancer) story included a .255-21-71 season. CF Cedric Mullins joined the 30-30 club in 2021.   Mullins  hit .291, with 30 homers and 30 steals. You can expect to see the Orioles do some mix and match around the infield with Rougned Odor, Ramon Urias, Jorge Mateo, Kelvin Gutierrez and, perhaps, Chris Owings.

Player to Watch

Grayson Rodriguez. Just 22-years-old, the 6’5” righthander may not get to Baltimore this season – but Baseball Roundtable hopes he does. At High-A and Double-A last season, he went 9-1, 2.36 in 23 starts, fanning 161 batters (just 27 walks) in 103 innings.

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AL Central

White Sox        92-70

Twins               85-77

Tigers              82-80

Indians             81-81

Royals              75-87

White Sox

The White Sox lost All-Star free-agent Carlos Rodon (and his 13 wins) to the Giants, but they still have plenty of solid arms in the rotation – with Lucas Giolito (11-9, 3.53 a year ago); Lance Lynn 11-6, 2.69); Dylan Cease (13-7, 3.91).  The back of the rotation likely will be drawn  from Dallas Keuchel, Reynaldo Lopez and Michael Kopech.  Behind the rotation, the bullpen should be a major plus – and improved from a year ago. Liam Hendriks (8-2, 2.54 with 38 saves ) is back to close. One key to the improvement should be free-agent signee Kendall Graveman (5-1, 1.77 with ten saves for the Astros and Mariners).  Returnees Aaron Bummer and Reynaldo Lopez should also get some high-leverage appearances.

The offense, potent last season,  also has the potential to be improved, with full (healthy) seasons from outfielders Eloy Jimenez (.249-10-37 in 55 games) and Luis Robert (.338-13-43 in 68 games). SS Tim Anderson is a quality leadoff hitter and  1B Jose Abreu is also an offensive force. They also added RF AJ Pollock (.297, with 21 home runs in 117 games for the Dodgers) in a late trade. The White Sox  led the AL Central in runs scored last season and gave up the fewest runs in the Division. They could easily repeat that performance.,

Player(s) to Watch

A full season of Luis Robert and Eloy Jimenez would bring joy to the hearts of White Sox fans – think a combined  70 home runs and 200 RBI.

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Twins

Before the lockout ended, I probably would have put my hometown Twins in fourth place. However, some (unexpected) moves improved their prospects. Picking up Sonny Gray to head the rotation and (perhaps the top free agent on the market) Carlos Correa to play SS were major moves.  Still the rotation of Gray, free-agent newcomer Dylan Bundy, Bailey Ober, Joe Ryan and late-signee Chris Archer does not seem ready to challenge the White Sox. They could really used Jose Berrios (traded last season) and Kent Maeda (lost to Tommy John surgery.).

The bullpen should be competitive with a healthy closer Taylor Rogers, along with  Tyler Duffy, Caleb Thielbar and Jorge Alcala, The Twins added some depth with veteran free-agent Joe Smith, who should be a positive influence on the bullpen staff.

A bright spot for that pitching staff will be the defense behind them.  Correa brings Gold Glove defense to shortstop, as does Byron Buxton (when healthy) to CF. Newcomer Geo Urshela has a plus glove at 3B, as does Max Kepler in right field.  Jorge Polanco should benefit full-time work at 2B.  There will be plenty of pop (as usual) in the lineup (even without Josh Donaldson, traded to the Yankees). 1B/DH Miguel Sano hit 30 homers in 135 games a year ago (but does need to cut down on the strikeouts); 2B Polanco hit .269-33-98; Byron Buxton has the potential to be a 30-30 player in a full season; and RF Max Kepler and SS Carlo Correa should each put 25 out of the park.  Overall, the Twin looks to be contenders on offense and defense.  I look for a trade to add another solid middle-of-the-rotation starting pitcher as the season progresses.

Player(s) to Watch

Byron Buxton and Joe Ryan.  A full season of Byron Buxton would be a thing of beauty. He’s capable of .300, with 30 homers, 30 steals and Platinum-Glove defense if he avoids injury (he’s only played 100+ games in one of seven seasons). Keep an eye on Buxton, especially when he closes in on the outfield walls.  I’ll also be watching right-hander Joe Ryan. He was 2-1, 4.05 in five starts for the Twins in 2022 and will get the Opening Day nod. In three minor-league seasons, Ryan was 15-8, 2.67.  A dozen wins from Ryan would give the Twins rotations a boost.

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Detroit Tigers

The Tigers are a team on the rise.  They have added SS Javier Baez (.265-31-87 a year ago) to a lineup that includes LF Akil Baddoo and RF  Robbie Grossman at the top and Baez, 3B Jeimer Candelario (.271-16-67) and veteran DH Miguel Cabrera (.256-15-75) in the middle. 2B  Jonathan Schoop should also continue to provide 20-homer power in the middle infield. The Tigers did take a hit when top-prospect Riley Greene (.301-24-84,with 16 steals at Double- and Triple -A last season)  suffered a fractured foot in Spring Training. Penciled in as Detroit’s CF, Greene is expected to be out for several weeks.

On the mound, The Tigers added  Eduardo Rodriguez (13-8, 4.74 for Boston) and Michael Pineda (9-8, 3.62 for the Twins) to the rotation.  (Although Pineda, a late signee, will get a few starts at Triple-A early in the season.) The presence of these two veterans  should aid in the development of Casey Mize (7-9,  3.71) , Tarik Skubal (who set a Tigers’ rookie record with 164 whiffs lasts year) and Tyler Alexander.  All Star Closer Gregory Soto (18 saves a year ago) is back to anchor a bullpen that still needs some work.

Player to  Watch

1B Spencer Torkelson is a legitimate Rookie of the Year candidate. Torkelson worked his way up from High-A to Triple-A last season – and popped 30 home runs in 121 games.

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Guardians

With the Guardians is starts with the pitching. The Guardians boast a solid rotation headed by Shane Bieber who went 7-4, 3.17 in 16 starts a year ago (shoulder issues).  Bieber looks healthy going into the 2022 season and should give the Guardians an ace (and a Cy Young Award contender).  He could be the last Indians’ and first Guardians’ CYA honoree. Cal Quantrill, who stepped into the breach when Bieber went down, is a number-one in the making.  In 40 appearances (22 starts) a year ago, he went 8-3 2.89. There is quality down the rotation as well in Aaron Civale, Zach Plesac and Triston McKenzie.

In the bullpen Emmanuel Clase (24 saves and a 1.29 ERA) will close and the supporting cast can bring some heat. The issue is on offense, which appears a bit thin after 3B Jose Ramirez (.266-36-103) and DH Franmil Reyes (.254-30-85). Bats to watch are CF Myles Straw (.271, with 86 runs scored and 30 steals) and SS Amed Rosario (.285, with 77 runs scored and 13 steals) at the top of the lineup and 1B Bobby Bradley (16 home runs and 41 RBI in 74 games – but a .208 average).

Player to Watch

Cal Quantrill stepped up for Cleveland in 2022, 8-2, 3. 12 in 22 starts. (He didn’t make his first start util May 31).  He also went 0-1, 1.98 in 18 relief appearances. It will be fun to see what he can do with a full year in the rotation.

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Royals

The Royals may not be quite ready to contend, but they are building for the future and have the resources to cause some consternation among the division leader. RF Whit Merrifield will give you all you want from a leadoff hitter (.277, ten home runs and 40 steals in 2022 – and a career .291 hitter).  In the middle of the lineup, you’ll find C Salvador Perez (.273-48-1211), LF Andrew Benintendi (.296-17-73) and  1B/DH Carlos Santana, who needs to rebound (at age 36) from an off year in 2021. Top prospect Bobby Witt Jr. (the 2021 Minor League Player of the Year) should be ready to contribute. Witt hit .290-33-97, with 29 steals in 124 games at Double- and Triple-A in 2021. The Royals can also expect some punch and speed from SS Aldaberto Mondesi and CF Michael Taylor. The return of veteran Zack Greinke (11-6, 4.16 for the Astros last year) should help in the development of the young arms that will round out the rotation – Brad Keller, Brady Singer, Kris Bubic, Carlos Hernandez. How these arm progress will determine how high the Royals can go and how quickly they can contend. Scott Barlow (16 saves, 2.42 in 2002), Josh Staumont and Domingo Tapia will be key arms in the pen.

Player to Watch

Bobby Witt, Jr. seems ready to join the likes of Vlad Guerrero, Jr. and Bo Bichette as second-generation MLB stars.  Last year’s Minor league Player of the Year (.290-33-97, with 99 runs and 29 SB at Double-A and Triple A), the 22-year-old is a must-watch Rookie of the Year Candidate.

AL West

Astros              94-68

Mariners         91-71

Angels             85-77

Rangers           75-87

A’s                   70-92

Astros

The Astros lost SS Carlos Correa, SP Zack Greinke and reliever Kendall Graveman to free agency.  On the pitching side, Justin Verlander should be back from Tommy John surgery and they picked up free-agent reliever Hector Neris.   They will miss Correa’s glove and bat, but there is still more than enough here to win the AL West.

The middle of the lineup will feature 3B Alex Bregman, DH Yordan Alvarez (.277-33-104 in 2021) and 1B Yuli Gurriel (.319 with 81 RBI) – plenty of punch there. At the top of the order are 2B Jose Altuve (271-31-83 a year ago) and LF Michael Brantley (.311 in 2021).  There’s also under-rated  RF Kyle Tucker, .294-30-92, and still improving.

Verlander is back to  bolster the  rotation, but he is 39, so time will tell. Framer Valdez may be the number-one starter (11-6, 3.14 in 22 starts in 2021).  Jose Urquidy (8-3, 3.62 in 20 starts), Jake Odorizzi and Luis Garcia will round out the rotation. Closer Ryan Pressley converted 26 of 28 save opportunities last season and Ryan Stanek, Hector Neris are reliable setup men.  Astros should finish atop the West.

Player to Watch

SS Jeremy Pena, son of former big leaguer Geronimo Pena, has been a solid hitter and a plus-defender wherever he has played. In 30 games at Triple-A Sugar Land last season, the 24-year-old hit .287-10-19, with five steals. In three minor-league seasons (182 games), he has a  .291-19-85 line, with 29 steals. He has some big shoes (Correa’s) to fill. It’ll be interesting to see how he develops.

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Mariners

The Mariners won 90 games a year ago – and just missed the post-season. This year, 90 wins should get them in – and they appear positioned to deliver those victories.

The Mariners made some moves to strengthen the team for 2022, the most important of which may be the signing of strikeout artist Robbie Ray (13-7, 2.84 with the Blue Jays last season) to head their rotation. Following Ray likely will be Marco Gonzales (10-6, 3.96); Chris Flexen (14-6, 3.61); Logan Gilbert and Matt Brash.

The bullpen proved to be a strength last season.  The question is can they repeat. Saves may again be split  Paul Sewalk (10 wins, 11 saves and a 3.06 ERA last season) and Drew Steckenrider (five wins, 14 saves, 2.00). If one of these emerges as the full-time ninth-inning guy, the other will get plenty of high leverage, late innings. Diego Castillo and veteran (39-year-old)  free-agent signees Sergio Romo are also in the set-up mix. Ken Giles, slated to e an important part of the pen, will start the season on the IL.

The retirement of 3B Kyle Seager triggered some changes on offense, with a couple of new faces (via trade) in the lineup:  power-hitting 3B Eugenio Suarez (31 homers for the Reds, but just a .198 average a year ago) and OF Jesse Winker (.305, with 77 runs scored for the Reds.). At the top of the order are returnees 2B Adam Frazier (.305, with 83 runs) and either Winker or 1B Ty France (.291-18-73). RF Mitch Haniger will be right in the middle of things, after his .253-39-100 season.  The offense could get a boost from prospect Jarred Kelenic. The 22-year-old struggled as a rookie (.181, with 14 home runs and 43 RBI in 93 games), but is 294-38-138 over 203 games in  three minor-league seasons. We can expect more from this 2018 first-round draft pick (Mets).  The Mariners seem well-positioned to  again put 90 wins up on the board.

Player(s) to Watch

Mitch Haniger is at the heart of the Seattle offense – .253-39-100. The Mariners  need him to keep on hitting. They could also use a return to health from 2020 Rookie of the Year Kyle Lewis, probably at DH, who hit .246-5-11 in just 36 games a year ago.  Finally, the energy of Sergio Romo is just fun to watch. 

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Angels

Despite 2021 MVP Shohei Ohtani and perennial MVP candidate Mike Trout, I don’t see the Angels finishing higher than third place. As a hitter, Ohtani brings solid power and speed (46 home runs and 26 steals a year ago) to the lineup and Mike Trout is, well , Mike Trout – having him for a full-season means , .300-30-100. The middle of the lineup looks like 1B Jarred Walsh (,277-29-98), 3B  Anthony Rendon (who got  in only 58 games last season– but has 30-homer power if healthy); and C Max Stassi (.241, with 13 home runs.) The Angels are also hoping to see offensive progress from OFs Brandon Marsh (who can bring plus defense to CF) and Jo Adell.

The Angels lost a couple of veteran arms to Free agency (Alex Cobb and Dylan Bundy) and added free agents Mike Lorenzen (moving back to a starting role) and Noah Syndergaard (coming back from Tommy John Surgery). Shohei Ohtani and Pablo Sandoval (who may be ready for a breakout season)  seemed poised to deliver solid innings, but there are question marks in the rotation.  The bullpen looks set with returning closer Raisel Iglesias (34 saves, 2.57 in 2022), Mike Mayers and a handful of newcomers (free agents Ryan Tepera, Aaron Loop and Archie Bradley).  Just too many questions on offense and in the rotation.

Player to Watch

This is an easy one.  What better to watch then the “Shohei Ohtani Show.”  Triple-digit fastballs, 400-foot home runs and 25+ steals?

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Rangers

Hard to judge the Rangers this year. Consider the new faces in the lineup: 2B Marcus Semien (free agent); SS Corey Seager (FA); C Mitch Garver (trade); RF Kole Calhoun (FA); LF Brad Miller (FA). Notably, you can expect 20+ home runs from each of these newcomers. You can also expect considerable power from incumbent  1B Nathaniel Lowe (.264-18-72) and CF Adolis Garcia (.243-31-90).  The middle of the infield will deliver plenty of punch with 2B Semien (.265-45-115) and SS Seager (.306-16-57 in 95 games).  This team will score a lot of runs.

On the mound, the rotations will be led by free-agent signees Jon Gray (8-12, 4.59 with the Rockies.) and Martin Perez (7-8,  4.74 with the Red Sox). Both have shown better in the past. Gray, in particular, should benefit from getting away from Coors Field. There should be plenty of competitions for the remaining rotations spots, with the leaders appearing to be Dane Dunnings, Taylor Hearn and A.J. Alexy.  Joe Barlow, 11  saves and a 1.55 ERA in 2022,  should be the closer in a bullpen that will get plenty of work. They will miss Jonathan Hernandez and Jose LeClerc, both recovering from Tommy John surgery and not expected before late May or early June. Free agents Garrett Richards and Greg Holland will join Spencer Patton, Brett Martin and Josh Sborz in a busy bullpen.

The Rangers won’t lose 102 games again in 2022.  They may not have improved enough to make the post-season, but they will give their fans more to cheer about.

Player to Watch

Adolis Garcia had a great rookie season in 2021 –  .243, with 31 home runs and 16 steals.  He’s only 29-years-old, so it would be nice to watch him improve on those numbers.

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A’s

The fact that the A’s traded away a pair of Matts (Olson and Chapman)  who  gave the team Gold Glove defense and solid power at the comers for eight prospects (four each from the Blue Jays and Braves) is solid evidence the A’s are in a rebuilding mode. Two of those prospects, Cristian Pache and Kevin Smith seem likely to make the A’s lineup  at CF and 3B, respectively. In mid-March the A’s also traded away Chris Bassitt, the late blooming 32-year-old) righty who went 12-4, 3.15 in 27 starts.  The main piece in return was 27-year-old righty Adam Oller (9-4, 3.45 at double-A and Triple A in 2021.) Oller has yet to throw an inning in the majors, but is likely to start 2022 in the A’s rotation. Side note: As I finished up on this, it was announced that the A’s had traded number-two starter Sean Manaea (11-10, 3.91) to the Padres for a pair of prospects.

Frank Montas will head the rotation  (13-9, 3.37) – if he’s still around.  Among the competitors for other rotation spots are Cole Irvin, Daulton Jefferies  and Paul Blackburn.   The bullpen will be led by closer Lou Trevino, who notched 22 saves with a 3.18 ERA a year ago). A.J. Puk and Domingo Acevedo  should also get key innings.

Looking at the A’s offense, the middle of the lineup should include C Sean Murphy (17 home runs, but a .216 average in 2021);  LF Seth Brown (20 home runs, but a .214 average); and DH Jed Lowrie.245, with 14 home runs). 2B Tony Kemp and SS Elvis Andrus should be at the top of the lineup. The versatile Chad Pinder getting some playing time. It could be a long season, as Oakland rebuilds for the future.

Player to Watch

The trade of Sean Manaea seems to pave the way for Adam Oller to take a rotation spot, although he has been knocked around a bit in Spring Training. Last season, Oller was 9-4, 3.45 at Double-A and Triple-A.   Later in the season, you might also want to watch for another newcomer to the A’s system – J.T. Ginn. The 22-year-old was 5-5, 3.03 at A and High-A in 2021.  He may need a bit more seasoning, but the A’s look to be a team of opportunity for young pitchers.

—-American League Awards Predictions—–

MVP

1. Vlad Guerrero, Jr. Blue Jays
2. Shohei Ohtani, Angels
3. Luis Robert, White Sox
4. Mike Trout, Angels

Cy Young Award

1. Gerrit Cole, Yankees
2. Shane Bieber, Indians
3. Robbie Ray, Mariners

Rookie of the Year

1. Bobby Witt, Jr., Royals
2. Spencer Torkelson, Tigers

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

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When the Cleveland Indians (now Guardians) were considering a new name, the legendary Cleveland Spiders  were on the tip of more than a few tongues.  Best remembered for their 1899 all-time worst 20-134 record, the Spiders of that season were an unusual band of characters forced to play more than 70 percent of their games on the road.  Now, in this post, I will look at how this misfortune  fell upon the Spiders (who, by the way, were Cy Young’s first MLB team), but first a bit of Baseball Roundtable’s “one thing leads to another” musings.

Digging into the plight of the Spiders, reminded me of my favorite work of baseball fiction –  The Great American Novel , by Pulitzer Prize-winner Philip Roth. The book, set in the 1940s, recounts the very-comic  sufferings of the (Port) Ruppert Mundys – a baseball team of limited skill and unlimited neurosis that (due to losing its stadium to the war effort) must play an entire season on the road.

Written from the perspective of retired sport journalist “Word” Smith,” The Great American Novel takes you into the hearts and (often dark) souls of a team made up of  ex-cons, alcoholics,  amputees, veteran players well  beyond their primes, 90-pound adolescents not ready for the big-time, and even extremely vindictive Lilliputians – and into Patriot League (the third major league) ballparks in places like Asylum, Ohio; Terra Incognita, Wyoming; and Kakoola, Wisconsin.  It also takes you from the dugout to an asylum (for an exhibition game) to the House Un-American Activities Committee.   The prologue includes Word Smith’s encounter with Earnest Hemingway and the book wraps up with a letter written by Smith to China’s Chairman Mao.

BBRT considers this a must-read for fans of baseball fiction. Readers should be forewarned, however, that – like the movie “The Loved One,” the Great American Novel can promise something to offend everyone.  Yet, it is this across-the-board irreverence that makes the offense tolerable and even comic.

Oddly enough, in this case, fiction (at least somewhat) follows fact and, as noted earlier,  this post will focus on the 1899 Cleveland Spiders, who played 112 games of its 154-Game National League schedule “on the road” – finishing in last place, 84 games off the pace and earning snickering nicknames around the league like the “Exiles,” “Wanderers,” “Forsakens” and “Misfits.”

The Spiders, however, were not always so woeful. They were, in fact, the first MLB team to put Cy Young on the mound and, in 1898, Young went 23-15, 3.00  in a Spiders’ uniform.  The year before their dismal 1899 season, the Spiders boasted a winning record (81-68-7) and finished fifth in the National League. In ten NL seasons (1889-98), the Spiders had a winning record seven times and finished among the league’s top three four times. In fact, from 1892 through 1898, the Spiders had the third-best winning percentage in the league.  The 1898 team also included three future Hall of Famers – Cy Young, Jesse Burkett and Bobby Wallace (all three of whom ended up in St. Louis in 1899, bit I’m getting ahead of myself).

So, what happened?  As in Roth’s tale of the Mundys, there were some shenanigans involved.  Spiders’ owners Frank and Stanley Robison were  disappointed in the level of fan support (attendance) in Cleveland (despite a respectable won-lost history), as well as with Cleveland’s Sunday Blue (liquor) Laws. At the same time, the Saint Louis Browns were suffering on the field and at the gate – and went bankrupt after the 1898 season. Still, Saint  Louis was the nation’s fourth-largest city and the Robisons saw an opportunity. The Robisons purchased the Saint Louis team, renamed it (optimistically the “Perfectos” and came up with a plan to draw Saint Louis fans into the park with a super team.

You see, the Robisons still owned the Spiders and quickly set about strengthening the Saint Louis squad with the best players from the Spiders (and replacing them on the Spiders with lessor players – a number of whom had been on the last-place Browns –  as well as minor-league and semipro players).   It was indeed the Robison’s’ series of lopsided trades and misguided (perhaps intentionally) signings that opened the door to the basement for the Spiders.

More than a dozen  Spiders from 1898 found themselves in Perfectos’ uniforms in 1899 – and former Spiders made up eight of the most used positions players – including the teams top three in RBI, top two home run hitters and top four in runs scored. In addition, former Spiders started  on the mound in 124 of the Perfecto’s games and got the win in 69 of the team’s 84 victories. (The Perfectos were far from perfect,  they finished 84-67-5, fifth place in the NL).

With their woeful team, 1899 attendance dropped even lower – averaging less than 150 fans per contest. Other teams began to refuse to play in Cleveland (since their share of the gate would not even cover expenses) and that’s how the Spiders came to play 112 games on the road.

The Best of the Spiders

The two best players to open the 1899 season as Spiders were veteran infielders Lafayette Napoleon “Lave” Cross (3B and manager) and Joe Quinn (2B). Cross managed the team to an 8-30 record, while fielding well at third base and hitting at a .286-1-20 clip. The “Perfectos” were having some infield issues, however, and (true to form) Cross found himself at the hot corner in St, Louis by early June (where he hit .303-4-64 in 103 games). When Cross departed, the 36-year-old Quinn became manager and led the team in RBI (.286-0-72 in 147 games) – as well as leading them 12 wins and 104 losses.

A few other tidbits from the Spiders’ 1899 season:

• The team’s longest winning streak was two games – achieved just once.
• The team’s longest losing streak was 24 games, they also had two 11-game losing streaks and individual losing streaks of 13, 14 and 16 games.
• They lost 40 of their last 41 games.
• Eight of the Spiders 20 wins were by one run; as were 18 of their losses.
• They lost 69 games by five or more runs (24 of those by ten or more).

In 1899, the Cleveland Spiders played just 42 home games, averaging 145 fans per game.  They were 9-33 at home and 11-101 on the road. (The Saint Louis Perfectos average 4,298 fans per game, second-highest in the National League.

• The Spiders scored the league’s fewest runs (529) and gave up the most (1,252) – a minus-723 run differential.
• The team finished last in the league in batting average, hits, runs, doubles, triples, home runs, RBI and steals
• The pitching staff had the league’s highest ERA and hits allowed; the fewest strikeouts; and the second-most home runs and walks allowed
• The ‘ace” of the pitching staff, Jim Hughey went 4-30, 5.41. He had the staff’s most wins (tied); most starts (34); most complete games (32); most strikeouts 54); and lowest ERA (among qualifiers).

Jim Hughey might have been the poster-boy for the Spiders’ situation. He was sent from St. Louis (where he had gone 7-24, 3.93 in 1898) to the Spiders for the 1899 season (where, as noted, he went 4-30, 5.41. He had a seven-season MLB career (1891, 1893, 1896-1900) in which he went 29-80 4.87.

• The Spiders hit 12 home runs (no one with more than two). Former Spider Bobby Wallace, who went to the Perfectos in 1899, hit 12 homers on his own. that season.
• Cy Young and Jack Powell (also former Spiders) each won more games for the Perfectos in 1899 than the Spiders won as a team; 26 and 23, respectively.
• The Spiders used 15 pitchers in 1899 and only two had earned run averages south of 5.00 – Jack Harper, who went 1-4, 3.89 in five starts and Harry Lochhead, who went 0-0, 0.00 in one 3 2/3-inning relief appearance. It was the only career mound appearance for Lochhead, who also appeared in 146 games at SS and one at 2B for the 1899 Spiders.
• Against their former teammates (on the Perfectos), the Spiders went 1-13.

A Name to Remember

Harry Colliflower made his MLB debut with the Spiders on July 21, 1899, and picked up a win (by a 5-3 score)  as the Spiders topped the Senators. It would be the 30-year-old rookie’s only win in his only MLB season. He finished the campaign (and his MLB career) with a 1-11, 8.17 record. Notably, Colliflower also appeared in four games at 1B, four in CF and two in RF. In 23 games for the Spiders, he put up a .303 average (23-for-76) and drove in nine runs.

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What a Way to End the Franchise

On the final day of the 1899 season (October 15), the Cleveland Spiders played a doubleheader against the Reds (in Cincinnati, of course) – and were outscored 35-4 in the two games. It turned out to be the final two games for the franchise, which was disbanded after the seasons as the NL contracted from 12 to eight teams.  Also disbanded were the Louisville Colonels, Baltimore Orioles and Washington Senators.

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Primary Resources: Baseball-Reference.com;  Baseball-Almanac.com; It’s Time to Bring Back the Cleveland Spiders (who really weren’t that bad, you know) … By Bradley Doolittle, ESPN.

Baseball Roundtable is on the Feedspot list of the Top 100 Baseball Blogs.  To see the full list, click here.

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Wise Words from a Pair of Bills

It never ceases to amaze me, how many of baseball’s wounds are self-inflicted.

Hall of Famer Bill Veeck

Baseball must be a great game to survive the fools who run it.

Hall of Famer Bill Terry

As Baseball Roundtable waits, less than patiently, for baseball’s owners and players to come to their senses (and thereby to an agreement), I continue to randomly search for baseball stories and stats that pique my interest. For example, looking at Giants’ right-hander Ted Lincecum’s stat line and game logs, I noticed that:

• Lincecum threw only two complete games in the last five seasons of his 10-season (2007-16) MLB career; and
• Both of those complete games were no-hitters.

As always with Baseball Roundtable, one thing led to another and I was reminded of the fact that Phil Humber threw just one complete game in his eight-season MLB career (2006-13) – and that outing was a Perfect Game.  That led to Mike Fiers’ two career complete games – both no-hitters.

These  observations led me to look even more deeply at pitchers who managed to throw MLB no-hitters, despite a minimal number of career complete games.  As I began the search, I set my sights on pitchers with one no-hitter and fewer than three career complete games and those with multiple MLB no-hitters and fewer than ten career complete games.  Since I do like charts, I developed two based on these criteria: one for pitchers no longer active and another for pitchers active in 2021 (who have a chance to pitch their way off the chart).  Side note:  As you might expect, given changes in the game (pitch counts, relief specialists, etc.), most of the pitchers on the charts began their MLB careers in the 2000’s.

In this post, I’ll present those charts, along with some info on each pitcher, as well as a couple of Baseball Round Table No-Hit Parade Extras.

Homer Bailey …. Two No-Hitters, Seven Career Complete Games, 245 Career Starts

Homer Bailey threw the last MLB no-hitter of the 2012 season and the first no-hitter of the 2013 season. The right-hander made 245 MLB appearances – and never pitched in relief in the majors.  Bailey (with the Reds) no-hit the Pirates (in Pittsburgh) on September 28, 2012 (1-0), walking one and fanning ten. On July 2, 2013, he no-hit the Giants (in Cincinnati) by a 3-0 score, walking one and whiffing nine. Bailey pitched in 14 MLB seasons (2007-20 … Reds, Royals, A’s Twins) going  81-86, 4.56, with 1,157 strikeouts in 1,401 innings. Bailey’s  given name, by the way,  was David Dewitt Bailey Jr.  His “Homer” nickname (which seemed unfortunate for a pitcher) honored his great grandfather.

High School High Roller

Homer Bailey was a first-round pick (Reds) in the 2004 MLB Draft – out of La Grange (TX) High School, where he had gone 41-4, 0.90 with 536 strikeouts in 298 innings.

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Bobo Holloman … No-Hitter, One Career Complete Game, 10 Career Starts

Alva Lee “Bobo” Holloman threw a no-hitter in his first MLB start (fifth appearance). On May 6, 1953, righty Holloman and his St. Louis Browns no-hit the Philadelphia Athletics in a 6-0 whitewash. It was the only complete game in Holloman’s one season (1953) career. Holloman walked five and fanned three. Notably, he made the no-no hard work for himself, by walking three batters in the top of the ninth inning. He made nine more starts that season, going 2-5, 5.40 in those appearances.  His season and career stat line was 3-7, 5.23.

Making the Roundtable No-Hit Parade and Hit Parade

In Bobo Holloman’s first MLB start, he not only notched a no-hitter and his only MLB complete game, he also collected two hits and three RBI – his only major league hits and runs driven in.

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Baseball Roundtable No-Hit Parade Extra … Making Those Last Two Complete Games Count

Ted Lincecum had a pair of no-hitters, but his ten career complete games kept him off the chart. Lincecum, who led the National League with four complete games in 2009, had just two complete games over his final five MLB seasons (2012-16)  – both were no-hitters. On July 13, 2013 (Could 13 be Lincecum’s lucky number?), Lincecum no-hit the Padres (in San Diego) as the Giants won 9-0. He walked four and struck out thirteen. On June 25 of the following season, he no-hit the Padres again in San Francisco. The final was 4-0 and Lincecum walked one and fanned six. The four-time All Star went 110-89 in ten MLB seasons (2007-16 … Giants Dodgers). He was also 5-2, 2.50 in the post-season.

Bud smith … No-Hitter, One Career Complete Game, 24 Career Starts

Southpaw Bud Smith threw his no-hitter in his rookie season, in his 11^th MLB start (September 3, 1001). It was the   21-year-old Cardinal rookie’s  fourth win (against two losses) in a season in which he would go a promising  6-3. 3.83.  Smith walked four and whiffed seven in a 4-0 win over the Padres (in San Diego). Smith’s early promise faded.  In 2002, he went 1-5, 6.94 and, in July,  was traded to the Phillies in a multi-player trade. He did not pitch again in the major leagues.,

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Philip Humber … One No-Hitter, One Career Complete Game, 51 Career Starts

Phil Humber’s lone career complete game was not only a no-hitter, it was a PERFECT GAME. On April 21, 2012, Humber set down 27 straight Mariners in Seattle, with his White  Sox winning 4-0. He fanned nine in the effort and threw 67 strikes in 97 pitches (69 percent). In his very next start, Humber lasted just five innings against the Red Sox, giving up nine earned runs on eight hits and three walks. Humber was not exactly a candidate for a “perfecto.”  The righty pitched in eight MLB seasons (2006-13 … Mets, Twins, Royals, White Sox Astro), going  16-23, 5.31.  The year he pitched his perfect game, his final stat line was 5-5, 6.44.

We’ll Take Phil

Philip Humber was a First Round draft pick (Mets – third overall pick) in the 2004 MLB draft – out of Rice University, where he had gone 35-8, 2.80, with 422 strikeouts in 353 2/3 innings over three seasons.

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Hisashi Iwakuma … One No-Hitter, One Career Complete Game, 136 Career Starts

Hisashi Iwakuma pitched 11 seasons in Japan (and had been an All Star in multiple campaigns) before signing with the Mariners (as a 31-year-old) in 2012. He adjusted to MLB quickly.  In his first three seasons with the Mariners, the right-hander went 38-20, 3.07 and was selected to the 2013 AL All Star squad.  On August 12, 2015, he no-hit the Orioles (in Seattle ), as the Mariners triumphed 3-0.  He walked three and fanned seven. In six MLB seasons (2012-17, all with the Mariners, Iwakuma went 63-39, 3.41.

Not First, But Almost

Hisashi Iwakuma was the second Japanese player to pitch an MLB no-hitter (after Hideo Nomo).

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Jonathan Sanchez … One No-Hitter, One Career Complete Game, 137 Career Starts

Giants’ lefty  Jonathan Sanchez threw his no-hitter on July 10, 2009 – shutting  down the Padres 8-0, while walking none and fanning 11. The first (and only baserunner) came with one out in the top of the eighth on an error by Juan Uribe, who had moved from 2B to 3B in the seventh inning. Sanchez came into the game 2-8, 5.30 on the season (16 appearances/13 starts). He  finished the season 8-12, 4.24. Sanchez pitched in eight MLB seasons (2006-13 … Giants, Royals, Rockies, Pirates) and went 39-58, 4.70.

Jonathan Sanchez’ Dad Can Thank Randy Johnson for This One

On the night he threw his no-hitter, Jonathan Sanchez was slated to work out of the bullpen.  Randy Johnson was scheduled to start for the Giants, but was a late (injury) scratch. And the rest is history. Oh, one final note, it was the first time that Sanchez’ father was in the stands to see  him pitch in an MLB game.

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Baseball Roundtable No-Hit Parade Extra … A Good Start for Bumpus

Charles Leander “Bumpus” Jones is the only MLB pitcher to throw a no-hitter in his first-ever MLB appearance.  It happened a bit before my time –  on October 15, 1892. Bumpus earned the (very) late (final-day-of-the-season) start with the Reds after a 24-3, 0.93 record with the Joliet Convicts/Aurora Indians of the Illinois-Iowa League.  He tossed his no-hitter against the Pirates, striking out three and walking four in a 7-1 win.  Of note is the fact that Jones ‘s no-hitter was the last one thrown  with pitchers  throwing from a box with the front line 50-feet from home plate  and the back line 5 ½-feet farther back.  The following season, the distance was stretched to the current 60’6” and Bumpus could not recreate the magic of that first appearance. In 1893, he went 1-4, 10.19 and never pitched in the majors again.

Chris Heston … One No-Hitter, Two Career Complete Games, 33 Career Starts

Right-hander Chris Heston pitched his no-hitter on June 9 , 2015 – as his Giants topped the Mets 5-0 in New York. Heston fanned eleven and walked none.  It was the second – and final – complete game of Heston’s four- season MLB career (2014-17 … Giants, Mariners, Twins).  Earlier that season (May 12), Heston had pitched a two-hit, complete game in an 8-1 win over the Astros.  Heston ended the 2015 season at 12-11, 3.95.  He had only one other victory in his  MLB career. His final  MLB stat line was 13-13, 4.55.

This Will Hurt You More than it Hurts Me

In his no-hitter Chris Heston hit three batters – a record for a no-hit performance.

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Jose Jimenez … One No-Hitter, Two Career Complete Games, 38 Career Starts

On June 25 1999, Cardinals’  right-hander Jose Jimenez (rookie status intact, he pitched in just four games in 1998), found himself facing the Diamondbacks (and the imposing figure of five-time All Star Randy Johnson) in Arizona. Johnson was 12-4, 3.36 at the time (and had 60 MLB career complete games under his belt.). Jimenez came into the game 3-7, 6.69 on the season and had yet to toss an MLB complete game. Sanchez went the distance, giving up no hit and two walks, while fanning eight, as the Cardinals prevailed 1-0.  (Johnson pitched a complete game five-hitter with 14 strikeouts.) Sanchez ended the season 5-14, 5.85. Johnson finished at 17-9, with a league-leading 2.48 ERA and a league -topping 364 strikeouts.

Sorry Randy, But I Got This

Jose Jimenez had only two complete games in his career. They came on June 25 and July 5, 1999. Both times, the opposing team was the Diamondbacks and the opposing starter was Randy Johnson.  Sanchez’ Cardinals won both contests by scores of 1-0. Sanchez gave up a total of two nits and fanned 17  in the 18 innings, Johnson gave up nine hits, two runs and fanned 29.

Jimenez pitched in seven MLB seasons (1998-2004 … Cardinals, Rockies), going 24-44, 4.92.  Notably, after his 1999 no-hitter season, he was traded to the Rockies, where he was converted to a reliever and racked up 102 saves over the next four seasons.  He added eight saves for the Indians in 2004.

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Kent Mercker …  One No-Hitter, Two Career Complete Games, 150  Career Starts

Southpaw Kent Mercker spent most of his 18-season MLB career as a reliever (542 relief appearances/150 starts). In his 150 starts, he pitched just two complete games. Both complete games came in 1994 and one was a no-hitter.  It came on April 8, in Mercker’s first appearance of the season. He faced the Dodgers (in LA) and Mercker picked up a win (6-0), no-hitting the Dodgers  (four walks, ten strikeouts). He threw the second and final complete game of his career on July 18 of that season –  a two-hit,  3-2 win over the Pirates. Mercker finished the season  9-4, 3.45. Mercker pitched for nine teams in 18 MLB seasons (1989-2000, 2002-2006, 2008 … Braves, Orioles, Indians, Reds, Cardinals, Red Sox, Angels, Rockies, Cubs). He was 74-67, 4.16, with 25 saves over that time.

There’s More Than One Way to Get This Done

Kent Mercker is one of only four MLB pitchers to start a complete-game no-hitter and also start a game which ended in a combined (multi-pitcher)  no-hitter.

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Mike Fiers …. Two No Hitters, Two Career Complete Games, 199 Career Starts

Mike Fiers has pitched just two complete games in 199 starts over eleven seasons – and both were no-hitters.  On August 21, 2015, the right-hander notched his first-ever complete game. Pitching for the Astros, he no-hit the Dodgers in a 3-0 win in Houston.  He walked three and fanned ten. Fiers came into the game at 5-9, 3.87 and finished the season at 7-10, 3.69.  His second career complete outing came on May 7, 2019, pitching for the A’s.  In that contest, he no-hit the Reds (a 2-0 win), walking two and fanning six. He came into that game 2-3, 6.81. The no-no seemed to turn his season around.  He won his next  11 decisions and finished the year at 15-4, 3.90.

Ups and Downs

Mike Fiers had his ups and down on May 7, 2015. He started for the Brewers against the Dodgers that day.  With the game tied at 1-1 in the top of the fourth, Fiers had an inning in which he issued  three four-pitch walks (one intentional) and gave up a pair of singles. (Two runs scored in the inning.) In his next frame, he pitched an Immaculate Inning – nine pitches, three outs, three strikeouts.  

Fiers has pitched in 11 MLB seasons (2011-21 … Brewers, Astros, Tigers, A’s), going 75-64, 4.07. He pitched in just two games in 2021 due to elbow issues.

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Jake Arrieta … Two No-Hitters, Six Complete Games, 279 Starts

Cubs’ Righty Jake Arrieta threw his first no-hitter in his sixth MLB season (2015) – a year when he led the National League in wins (22), starts (33), complete games (four) and shutouts (three).  Going into the season, Arrieta had just one complete game in 97 career starts.  He threw the no-hitter on August 30 in his 27th start of the 2015 seasons (his 124th career start), as the Cubs topped the Dodgers 2-0 in Los Angeles. Arrieta, in running his season record to 17-6, walked just one and fanned 12.  Arrieta finished the game with a flourish, leaving no doubt, as he struck out all three hitters he faced i the ninth inning.

Arrieta’s second no-hitter came just ten starts later – on April 21, 2016, as the Cubs clobbered the Reds 16-0 in Cincinnati. In that one, Arietta walked four and fanned six. Since that 2016 no-hitter, Arriet has started 118 games without going the distance. He finished the 2016 season at 18-8, 3.10.  Arrieta’s has pitched in 12 MLB seasons (2010-21 … Orikoles, Cubs, Phillies and Padres), going 115-93, 3.98.   In an injury-interrupted  2021 season, he was 5-14, 7.39 for the Cubs and Padres.

What a Second Half

Jake Arrieta, although he won the NL Cy Young Award in 2015, did not make the All Star team that season.  He was 10-5, 2.66 before the break and a sparkling 12-1, 0.75 after the break. 

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Tyler Gilbert … – One  No Hitter, One  Career Complete Game, Six Career Starts

Diamondbacks’ rookie left-hander Tyler Gilbert threw a no-hitter  on August 14 of last season – in his fourth MLB appearance and his first MLB start. The Diamondbacks topped the Rockies 7-0 in Gilberts no-no.  He walked three and struck out five.  Gilbert finished 2021 at 2-2, 3.15.

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Alec  Mills … One No Hitter, One  Career Complete Game, 37 Career Starts

On September 13, 2020, Cubs’ righty Alex Mills – in his 15^th MLB start – cruised to a 12-0 win over the Brewers in Milwaukee, walking three and fanning five. It was part of the 28-year-old’s  5-5, 4.48 record in his fourth MLB season.  Mills has played in five MLB seasons (2016, 2018-21 … Royals, Cubs), going 12-13, 4.60. In 2021, he was 6-7. 5.07 for the Cubs.

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Spencer Turnbull …  One  No Hitter, One Career Complete Game, 53 Career Starts

Spencer Turnbull no-hit the Mariners (in Seattle), on May 18, 2021, winning by a 5-0 score. The 28-year-old righty (in his fourth MLB season)  walked two and fanned nine in the effort.  It was his first MLB complete game and came in his 51^st MLB start.  Turnbull’s season was cut short in early Junie by arm issues that eventually required Tommy John surgery. He finished the season at 4-2, 2.88 and with a career mark of 11-15, 4.25.  Turnbull was selected by the Tigers in the second round of the 2014 MLB Draft (out of the University of Alabama).

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John Means …. One  No Hitter, One  Career Complete Game, 63 Career Starts

 On May 5 of last season, Orioles’ lefty John Means pitched the first (and still only) complete game of his four-season MLB career in a 6-0 Baltimore victory over the Mariners (in Seattle).  Means faced the minimum 27 batters, gave up no hits, did not walk a batter, did not hit at batter and there were no errors committed in the game.  Yet, he did not record a perfect game. In fact, he lost the perfect outing on a strikeout. At least it came early.  In the bottom of the third inning, Seattle left-fielder Sam Haggerty swung at a 1-2 breaking pitch in the dirt that catcher Pedro Severino couldn’t handle. Haggerty made it to first (advancing on the third-strike rule) on what was rule a wild pitch. (It was one of 12 Means’ strikeouts  in the game). On the very next pitch, Haggerty was caught stealing. And, as it turned out, he would be the only Seattle baserunner of the game. It’s the only MLB game in which a perfect game has been lost on a strikeout (dropped third strike or wild pitch.)

Making That First Pitch Count

In his May 5, 2021, no-hitter, John Means faced the minimum 27 batters and recorded a first-pitch strike on 26 of them.

Means who was 4-0, 1.37 after the no-hitter, ended the season 6-9, 3.62. After four seasons, all with Baltimore,  the 28 year-old’s MLB stat line is 20-24, 3.82.

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Joe Musgrove … One  No Hitter, Two Career Complete Games, 114 Career Starts

On April 9, 2012, the Padres’ Joe Musgrove no-hit the Rangers (by a 3-0 score) in Texas.  He walked none and fanned ten.  The only base runner was Joey Gallo, hit by an 0-0 pitch in the fourth inning. It was Musgrove’s  first MLB complete game and came in his 85^th MLB start. On August 27, the right-hander tossed his second complete game – a 5-0, two-hit (two walks/nine whiffs) road win over the Angels.   Musgrove finished the season 11-9, 3.18, with 203 strikeouts in 181 1/3 innings.  His career MLB record (2016-21 … Astros, Pirates, Padres) is 40-47, 4.02. He was a first round pick (Blue Jays) in the 2011 MLB Draft, right out of Grossmont High School in El Cajon, CA.

Like a Rocket

The season before his 2016 MLB debut, Joe Musgrove made a rapid climb in the Astros’ system.  He was 4-1, 1.88 for the A-Level Quad Cities River Bandits; 4-0, 2.40 for the High-A Lancaster JetHawks; and 4-0, 2.20 for the Double-a Corpus Christi Hooks. In 2016, he was 7-4, 2.74 at Double A and Triple A before his call up.

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Carlos Rodon …. One  No Hitter, Two Career Complete Games, 116 Career Starts

The White Sox‘ Carlos Rodon notched his first complete game early in his MLB career –  in his rookie season and in just his 17^th career start (August 17, 2015). Rodon went the distance in a 2-1 road loss to the Angels.  His next complete game came on August 14, 2021 – a no-hit, 8-0 win over the Tigers. In that one, he walked none and fanned seven. In that game, the lefty  was perfect with one-out in the ninth, when he hit Tigers’ catcher Roberto Perez with an 0-2 pitch. Perez proved to be the only Tigers’ baserunner in the game.  Rodon finished the 2021 season 13-5, 2.37.  His career record (2015-21), all with the White Sox, is 42-38, 3.79.  Rodon was a first round pick, (White Sox) in the 2014 MLB Draft – out of North Carolina State University, where he went 25-10, 2.24 with 436 strikeouts in 345 2/3 innings over three seasons.

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James Paxton … One No Hitter, Two Career Complete Games, 137 Career Starts

Southpaw James Paxton has pitched in nine MLB seasons (2013-21 … Mariners, Yankees). He threw his first MLB complete game in his sixth MLB seasons (82^nd career start) – and it was a no-hitter.  It came on May 8, 2018, in a 5-0 Seattle win over the Blue Jays in Toronto.  Paxton walked tree and fanned seven in that game.

Home Sweet Home

James Paxton is the first Canadian to pitch a no-hitter in Canada. 

Paxton’s second career complete game came just two starts later (May 19), in a 7-2 win over Detroit (in Seattle). Paxton finished the 2018 season at 11-6, 3.76.   His career record is 57-33, 3.59, with 831 strikeouts in 745 2/3 innings. Note: Paxton pitched in just one game in 2021 (Tommy John surgery).

How Rare is a Complete Game These Days?

James Paxton’s two complete games and one complete-game shutout in 2018 were good enough to tie for the MLB lead in those categories.  That points to plenty more pitchers making their way onto these charts in the future.

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

Baseball Roundtable is on the Feedspot list of the Top 100 Baseball Blogs.  To see the full list, click here.

I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT

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

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Okay, we’re past the date when we should have heard or read those most exciting words – Pitchers and Catchers Report – and there’s no relief in sight. So, here’s another installment in Baseball Roundtable’s effort to provide some “relief” from CBA banter, focusing, appropriately, on relief pitchers.  (For Installment One, click here.  For Installment Two click here.)  Side note, the time it takes you just to read this post should be roughly equal to the time owners and players spent in the lat negotiating session. 

This time, I’ll focus on a relief pitcher who showed unexpected and bittersweet power at the plate – and a power hitter who showed unexpected and bittersweet talent on the mound.

The Rick Camp Game … The Perfect Storm

On July 4 (and July 5) , 1985, the Atlanta Braves and New York  Mets took part in one of the wildest games in either franchise’s history.  In Atlanta, it’s known as the “Rick Camp Game”  in honor of the role(s) the Braves’ reliever played in the 19-inning marathon.

That the game happened at all is a bit of a surprise.  The Independence Day contest did not start until 9:04, thanks to a 94-minute rain delay.  Still, attendance was reported at  44,947 (many fans likely attracted  by the planned post-game fireworks).  In addition, the hometown Braves were 34-41, in  fifth place, ten games off the pace.  I should also note here that the inclement weather continued, with another 40-plus minute delay in the third  inning.

The  fans who stayed in the park not only enjoyed the post-game fireworks, but plenty of in-game fireworks as well.  The 19-inning contest featured 29 runs and 46 hits. Mets’ first baseman Keith Hernandez hit for the cycle and Mets’ C Gary Carter collected five hits and a walk in ten plate appearance. Seven Mets had at least three hits in the game – including Howard Johnson, who didn’t come into the game until the ninth inning (and still went three-for-five, with a home run, a walk, four runs scored and two RBI).  Johnson, by the way, entered the game hitting just .194 (in 58 games) on the season. On the Braves’ side, LF Terry Harper went five-for-ten, with a home run, four RBI and three runs scored. Harper was one of four Braves with at least three hits in the game.

It was a back-and-forth battle, with the teams tied at one run apiece after one inning, the Braves up 3-1 after three, the Mets up 5-3 after four, the game tied at eight after nine and tied again at 10-10 after 13 – with more still to come.  You get the idea.

So, why, given all this, did the contest become known at the Rick Camp Game?

Let’s pick up the action in the top of the 17^th, when Camp came on to pitch in a tie game (10-10). He held the Mets scoreless in the inning (one walk, two whiffs and a groundout). The Mets’ Tom Gorman returned the favor in the bottom of the inning and the game went into the 18^th frame still knotted.  That’s when things got a little “Campy.”

Camp gave up a single to Mets’ SS Howard Johnson, LF Danny Heep attempted to sacrifice and was safe on an error by Camp, with Johnson going to third.  Johnson then scored the go-ahead run on a sacrifice fly by CF Lenny Dykstra. Camp retired the next two batters.

In the bottom of the eighteenth, Met’s reliever Tom Gorman retired the first two batters on easy ground outs.  That brought up Camp.  The Braves were out of position players, so Camp came to the plate.  At this point in his career, Camp was batting 0.60 (10-for-162), with no home runs and five RBI.  As you might expect, he quickly fell behind 0-2.  He was now one strike away from being the final out in the marathon (and, of course, taking the loss). Then the unexpected happened. On an 0-2 pitch, at approximately 3:30 a.m. on July 5, Camp hit what was to be the only home run in his MLB career – tying the game and sending it into the 19^th inning. (After Camp’s home run, Gorman gave up a walk before getting the final out of the frame.)

In the July 4, 1984 contest, the Mets used 21 players (including seven pitchers), while the Braves used 22 players (including  seven pitchers).

Unfortunately, Camp did not avoid the “loss” for long. In the top of the nineteenth, Camp gave up five runs on four hits and two walks (both intentional).  But Camp’s Day was not over. In the bottom of the inning, facing Ron Darling, the Braves scored two runs and – with two outs – had two on and the tying run at the plate in the person of (Who else?) Rick Camp. Camp struck out to end the game. The time?  Approximately 3: 55 a.m. News reports indicate that about 8,000 fans stayed for the duration – and for the 4:00 a.m. fireworks.

The Mets’ Gary Carter caught all 19 innings of the game and, consequently, Mets’ backup catcher Ronn Reynolds was the only position player to not take the field that day. 

Rick Camp played in nine MLB seasons (1976-78, 1980-85), all for the Braves. He went 55-49, 3.37, with 57 saves  in 414 appearances (65 starts).  His best seasons were 1980 and 1981, when he went a combined 15-7, 1.86 with 39 saves. As a hitter, he went 13 for 175 (0.74), with one home run and seven RBI. He struck out in 43.1 percent of his plate appearances.

In is first six seasons, Rick Camp hit 0.26, with no home runs and no RBI (two hits in 78 at bats).  In his final three seasons, he “improved” to .113 (11-for-97) and collected his only home run and all seven of his career RBI.

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One of my favorite all-time baseball cards.  For a look at 16 other “cardboard classics”  that brought me smiles, click here.

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A Camp-to-Foxx Segue

Rick Camp’s only MLB home run (see story above) came in his final season.  Jimmie Foxx also delivered some unexpected results in his final season. We all know about Foxx’s power. In 20 MLB seasons (1925-42, 1944-45). Foxx hit .325 and mashed 534 home runs. The three-time AL MVP led the league in home runs four times, hitting fifty or more twice. In 1932, he hit .364 and led the AL in home runs (53), RBI (169) and runs scored (151).

When Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon, he and all the space scientists were puzzled by an unidentifiable white object. I knew immediately what it was. That was a home run ball hit off me in 1933 by Jimmie Foxx.

                                                     Hall of Famer Lefty Gomez

In 1945, at age 37, Foxx delivered some unexpected results. He was playing for the Phillies at the time (he went .268-7-38 in what would be his last season as a player; which is what makes this pitching stat bittersweet). The Phillies were short on pitching (it was wartime, there were plenty of shortages). So, Foxx volunteered to take the mound. He had pitched in high school and in one game for the Red Sox in 1939 (one inning pitched – a 1-2-3 frame with one strikeout).  Foxx’s first two mound appearances for the Phillies were in relief – and he tossed 4 2/3 innings, giving up no runs, walking five and fanning two.  Those relief appearance qualify Foxx for this CBA relief post.  To make a long story short, Foxx finished the season having appeared on the mound in nine games (two starts), going 1-0 and putting up a 1.59 earned run average in 22 2/3 innings. In the process, he gave the Phillies some much needed relief. So, for his MLB career, this well-known power hitter, finished with a 1.52 ERA in ten mound appearances; eight (for the purposes of this post) in relief.

Primary Resources: Baseball-Reference.com; Remembering the Rick Camp Game, Cliff Corcoran, Sports Illustrated, April 26, 2013

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