Wow!  Baseball Roundtable’s predictions for Round One (Wild Card Series) of this year’s post-season left a bit to be desired.  I got only four of the eight match ups right.  You ought to be able to do that by simply flipping a coin.  Note:  I tried the coin flip before writing this post, giving the higher seed “heads “each flip, and came up with four-for-eight.

I just didn’t see the Astros, with their 29-21 record (and 9-23 road mark) topping the Twins (36-24 overall and 24-7 at home). Maybe, it was my home town “glasses.”  I also thought the Reds’ starting combination of Trevor Bauer, Luis Castillo and Sonny Gray could handle the Braves’ offense. I didn’t foresee the Braves staff totally stifling the Reds’ offense.  Bauer and Castillo (the Reds two starters) did deliver as expected, pitching a combined 13 innings and giving up just one run, while fanning 19.  The Braves’ starers (Max Fried and Ian Anderson) were just a touch better (13 scoreless frames) and the Braves’ bullpen was lights out. I also fanned on the Cubs/Marlins (swayed by the Marlins’ -41 regular-season run differential) and was maybe just a little too impressed by the White Sox’ (versus A’s) offense. The Sox put up 306 regular-season runs to the A’s 274; out hit them .261 to .225 and out-homered them 96-71. In a close series the A’s outscored the Sox 12-11, to take two of three.

What did I get right? The Rays topping the Blue Jays; Dodgers over the Brewers; Padres over the Cardinals; and Yankees over Cleveland.  Not too many fans/readers would have missed those.  I’ve got another round of predictions at the end of this post, as well as a round of coin-flip projections. But first, a look back at the Wild Card Round.

Despite the strange and short season and the crowded post-season “tourney,” the Wild Card Round did give us some post-season highlights and history.

It’s a Brave(s) New World

The Braves swept the Reds 1-0 and 5-0 and, in the process, the Braves and Reds found themselves on opposite sides of the record book.  The Reds’ 20-consecutive scoreless frames represent the most consecutive scoreless innings ever  to start a post season. (Conversely, the Braves pitching staff put up the most consecutive scoreless frames to start a post-season.) The two-game series was easy work for scorekeepers, as the Reds had just 13 hits in 22 innings (.169) – with five walks and 28 whiffs.  The Braves’ didn’t fare much better, with a .195 average with five walks and 35 strikeouts.

The Other Side of the Coin

While the Reds managed zero runs against the Braves, the Yankees managed to hit .409, slug seven home runs and score 22 times  in two games against the Indians (whose staff had the AL’s lowest regular-season earned run average at 3.29). All those Yankee offensive figures are 2020 Wild Card Series MLB highs.  The Yankee offense spread the wealth around: 3B Gio Urshela had five RBI, while CF Brett Gardner, C Gary Sanchez, DH Giancarlo Stanton, and SS Gleyber Torres had three each.

Trot Index Pretty Stable

Baseball Roundtable’s traditional Trot Index – documenting the percentage of plate appearances which end in a trot (back to the dugout, around the bases, to first base) – was fairly stable in the Wild Card Round. We’re talking about strikeouts, home runs, walks, hit by pitch and catcher’s interference – all outcomes that are, basically, devoid of action on the base paths or in the field. Here’s the breakout:

As you can see, the number of plate appearances ending in a trot was up just slightly from the regular season, with the post-season’s improved pitching resulting in strikeouts up a bit and home runs down a bit.

Gotta Like Those Round Numbers

In Game Two of the Cardinals/Padres Series (October 1), Redbirds’ catcher Yadier Molina played in his 100th career post-season game (sixth all-time) and also collected his 100th post-season hit – both all with the Cardinals. Molina, a nine-time All Star, finished the Wild Card Series with a .280 career post-season average, with 101 hits, four home runs and 36 RBI in 101 games.

You’re Up Next … Pass It On

On Friday (October 3), as the Padres won Game Three of their Wild Card Series against the Cardinals by a 4-0 score, they set a modern-era (post-1900) record by using nine pitchers to complete a nine-inning shutout – with no hurler tossing more than 1 2/3 innings.  The lineup of pitchers went: starter RH Craig Stammen (1 2/3 IP); LH Tim Hill (1 IP); RH Pierce Johnson (1/3 IP); LH Adrian Morejon (1 2/3 IP); RH Austin Adams (1/3 IP); RH Luis Patino (1 IP); RH Emilio Pagan (1 IP); LH Drew Pomeranz (1 IP); RH Rosenthal (1 IP).  The nine pitchers gave up a total of four hits and three walks, while fanning eight (three of those by Rosenthal in the final frame).

Of course, it should have been no surprise. That Padres used eight pitchers in Game One (a 7-4 loss) and nine in Game 2 (an 11-9 win).   For those keeping score, that’s 26 pitchers to complete 27 innings (despite the new rules on relievers). Johnson, Pagan, Pomeranz and Rosenthal all appeared in all three games.

Ruth and Gehrig, Make Room for Tatis and Myers

On October 1, as the Padres topped the Cardinals 11-9 in San Diego, Fernando Tatis, Jr. and Wil Myers each bashed a pair of home runs. The only other time teammates have shared multi-homer games in a post-season contest was in 1932 – and the bashers were the Yankees’ Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig, Tatis and Myers matched Ruth and Gehrig exactly 88 years after the Yankee pair accomplished the feat (October 1, 1932 in a 7-5 World Series win over the Cubs).  Not bad company, Tatis ended the game three-for-five with two runs scored and five RBI, while Myers ended two-for-four with two runs scored and four RBI.  Ruth ended his two-homer World Series game two-for-four with two runs and four RBI, while Gehrig was two-for-five with two runs scored and two RBI.

A Kirilloff-ty Start

The Twins’ Alex Kiriloff got his MLB career off to a lofty start.  On September 30, Kiriloff started in right field as the Twins took on the Astros in Game Two of their post-season match up. Kiriloff became just the third player to make his MLB debut in a post-season game and the first to make his MLB debut as a starter in a post-season contest.  Kirilloff notched a single in the fourth inning, becoming the first player whose first MLB hit came in the post-season.  Others to make their MLB debut in the post season were: Adalberto Mondesi (Royals, 2015 World Series) and Mark Kiger (A’s, 2006 AL Championship Series).

Mondesi made his MLB debut as a pinch-hitter in Game Three of the 2015 World Series, striking out against the Mets’ Noah Syndergaard. It was Mondesi’s only appearance in the Series. He made his MLB regular-season debut the following July and is still with the Royals. Mondesi remains the only player to debut in the World Series and, at the time, much was made of the fact that Mondesi’s father, Raul Mondesi, played played 13 MLB seasons and never appeared in a World Series.

Kiger debuted as a defensive replacement in Game Three of the 2006 ALCS (A’s versus Detroit). He also came on late in Game Four. He didn’t come to the plate in either contest – and never appeared in an MLB game again. Overall, he played 1 2/3 MLB innings and recorded one put out. (Between 2002 and 2009, Kiger played in 878 minor-league games, hitting .264, with 47 home runs and 331 RBI.

No pitcher gave up more earned runs in the 2020 Wild Card Round than the American  League’s anticipated Cy Young Award winner, Shane Bieber (Indians) – who gave up seven earned runs on nine hits in 4 2/3 innings versus the Yankees. 

18 and Over (for the season)

The Astros with a 29-31 record and the AL’s second-worst road record (9-23) went into Minnesota to play the Twins (36-24, with an MLB-best 24-7 home record this season). Houston pulled off  the upset – and, in the process, helped the Twins achieve a record 18 consecutive post-season losses. The Twins’ last post-season win came on October 5, 2004 (Game One of the ALDS) – when the Twins topped the Yankees 2-0 (in New York) behind the pitching of Johan Santana and a home run by Jacque Jones.  The next day, the Twins lost to the Bombers 7-6 in 12 innings and the streak began.

It’s been a Hard Day’s Night

Game Two of the Yankees/Indians Wild Card series (September 30) – slated to start at 7 p.m., but delayed by rain – stretched on into Thursday, finishing up at 1:14 a.m. The 10-9 Yankee win involved four-hours and 50 minutes of playing time – making it the longest nine-inning contest in MLB history. The two teams combined for 19 runs, 18 hits, 19 (time-consuming) walks and 24 (also time-consuming) strikeouts,

Cole and Kershaw … Tossing Strikes

The Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw, at times criticized for his post-season performance (he came into the 2020 post-season with a 9-11, 4.48 post-season record), had his best post-season start ever during the recent Wild Card Round.  As the Dodgers stopped the Brewers 3-0 on October 1, Kershaw went eight shutout innings, giving up three hits and one walk, while fanning 13.  He was the only starter to go eight innings during the Wild Card Round and his 13 strikeouts tied the Yankees’ Gerrit Cole who fanned a baker’s dozen in seven frames during his start against the Indians on September 29. Cole gave up two runs on six hits (no walks) in that game.

No one had more base hits during the recent Wild Card Round than the White Sox’ Tim Anderson, who went 9-for-14. The Padres’ Fernando Tatis, Jr. and Yankees’ Gio Urshela notched the most RBI in the round,with five; while six players each had two home runs. On the other side of the coin, no batter fanned more than the Cardinals’ Harrison Bader – with seven whiffs in nine at bats (11 plate appearances). 

Now, for another shot at predictions (better term is guess this post season).

Americana League Division Series

Astros over A’s … Going for the upset here.  Logic says the Athletics’ superior pitching (particularly their bullpen, with its 2.72 ERA) should bring them out on top.  I admit here that the Astros regular-season performance was at best mediocre – giving up 275 runs and scoring 279. The Astros’ plus-four run differential compares to the A’s plus-42. But I underestimated the Astros against the Twins, and learned a lesson.  Houston seems to be jelling at the right time and playing with a bit of swagger and a sense of purpose.  That and the Astros’ considerable post-season experience leads me to take them over the A’s.

Yankees over Rays … Yes, the Rays topped the Yankees eight games-to-two in the regular season, but the Yankees are fully healthy and playing their best baseball of the season.  Despite a rash of injuries, the Yankees still launched 94 home runs (to the Rays’ 80) and scored 315 runs (to the Rays’ 289) during the regular season. The Rays do have the better pitching (3.45 ERA to the Yank’ 4.35), but Gerrit Cole being available for a pair of starts should help even that out. Maybe the Bronx Bombers pounding of the Indians’ well-respected pitching staff during the Wild Card Round is that bright shiny thing that distracted me, but I’m going with New York’s potent lineup – led by DJ LeMahieu, Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton.  Should be a good series.

National League Division Series

Braves over Marlins … The Braves’ offense is pretty well stacked and should be too much for the upstart Marlins. The Braves finished second in average (the Marlins’ 18th); second in home runs (the Marlins 25th); and second in runs scored (Marlins 21st). The Braves are a little weak in the starting rotation after Max Fried and rookie Ian Anderson, which is a disadvantage with the lack of off days.  However, the Marlins bullpen put up a regular-season ERA north of 5.00 (the Braves’ bullpen ERA was 3.40, second-best in the National League).  I look for the Braves, led by Marcell Ozuna, Freddie Freeman and Ronald Acuna, Jr.  to take advantage of the Marlins’ pen and win this one.

Dodger over Padres … The Padres’ offense was solid this season, but the Dodgers were even better. The Dodgers led MLB in runs scored (349, with the Padres third at 325); home runs (118, with the Padres fourth at 95); and, while the Dodgers finished 11^th in average at .256, the Padres just edged them out in that category at .257. Even if we look at the two offenses as a tossup, the Dodgers 3.02 earned run average was the best in baseball.  The Padres can make it interesting, but BBRT expects the Dodgers to prevail. Lots of players to watch in this one. Difference makers could be the Dodgers’ Mookie Betts and Clayton Kershaw or the Padres’ Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado.

Side note: I tried the coin flip approach and got: A’s; Yankees; Braves; Padres.  I think I should be able to beat dumb luck this time. 

Picks for the NL  & Al Championship Series

Dodgers over Braves

Yankees over Astros

World Series Pick

Dodgers over Yankees

Primary Resources:  Baseball-Refeence.com; Stathead.com; MLB.com

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MLB’s 2020 regular-season has come to an end and  it’s time for Baseball Roundtable’s traditional monthly wrap up:

• A look at the previous (in this case, final) month of the season, and the stories and stats that caught BBRT’s eye;
• September and final won-lost records;
• BBRT’s Players and Pitchers of the month; and
• BBRT’s “Trot Index”.

In this post, I’ll also share a few thoughts/predictions on the post-season.  Before we get into the details, here are a few events that helped shape September 2020 (more on these and other September “happenings” in the “Highlights” section).

• Six National Leaguers shared the September lead in triples (2) – two were catchers (D-backs’ Daulton Varsho & Giants’ Joey Bart).
• Everyone speculated the Astros might become HBP targets this season. Twenty-three Astros were plunked – slightly below the MLB average of 27. (The Cubbies “felt” 52 plunkings.)
• Fly Fishing.  Mike Trout topped Tim Salmon‘s Angels’ franchise long-ball record.
• The Rays put the first all-lefty MLB lineup on the field.
• Alex Mills threw 2020’s second no-hitter – in his first MLB complete game.
• Indians’ 3B Jose Ramirez led MLB (qualifiers) in September slugging percentage at .841 – 91 percentage points up on the NL leader and 174 points up on second-best in the NL.
• Billy Hamilton made it home the easy way (home run) and the hard way (steal of home) … in the same game.
• The Brewers turned MLB’s first 2020 triple play … on the final day of the regular season.
• DJ LeMahieu became the first player to win a batting championship in both the NL and AL.
• The top seven pitchers (and 12 of the top 15) in September strikeouts were National Leaguers.
• Three pitchers were trusted with an MLB-high six starts in September … they went a combined 3-7, 4.92.

Again more on these and other September “stories” in the highlights section.  Before we get deeper into September and year-end stats, let’s look at BBRT’s Players and Pitchers of the Month.

—–PLAYERS AND PITCHERS OF THE MONTH (SEPTEMBER)—–

NATIONAL  LEAGUE

Player of the Month – Marcell Ozuna, OF/DH. Braves

Marcell Ozuna was a dominant force for the Braves in September – and still barely edged out teammate Freddie Freeman for this honor. Looking at MLB stats for the month, Ozuna’s .394 average led MLB (Freeman was second at .375); Ozuna’s 33 RBI also led MLB (Freeman was second at 32). Ozuna’s ten home runs were second only to teammate Adam Duvall’s eleven and Ozuna’s 41 hits led MLB (Freeman was third at 36). In addition, Ozuna tied with Freeman for the NL’s top slugging percentage at .750.  For the month, Ozuna had a hit in 23 of 26 games -including ten multi-hit games. He opened the month (September 1) with a three-homer, six-RBI performance against the Red Sox.

Honorable Mentions: As noted above Freddie Freeman was in the running. In fact, he had a couple of things going for him: he spent more time on the field (rather than DH) than Ozuna; he struck out only 14 times to Ozuna’s 25.   Ultimately, the margin was razor thing between Freeman and Ozuna.  Also have to put in a good word for the Phillies’ 24-year-old rookie 3B Alec Bohm, whose 40 September hits were second only to Ozuna’s 41.  Bohm hit .367 for the month, with three home runs,16 RBI and 17 runs scored.

Pitcher of the Month – Corbin Burnes, RHP, Brewers

What can you say about Corbin Burnes?  He was pretty much lights out in September until suffering an oblique strain that knocked him out of his last start.  To that point in the month, he was 3-0, with a tiny 0.38 earned run average in four starts.  Even with that last start hiccup, Burnes finished with a September record of 3-1, with a 1.32 earned run average (second in the NL only to the Reds’ Trevor Bauer’s 1.29) and 42 strikeouts (only seven walks) in 27 1/3 innings. His 13.8 strikeouts per nine frames in September trailed only Jason deGrom and Shane Bieber in MLB – pretty good company.

Corbin Burnes has had an up-and-down MLB run. Called up to the Brewers in July of 2018. He appeared in 30 games for Milwaukee that season (all in relief) and went 7-0, 2.61. Then in 2019, he appeared in 32 games for the Brew Crew (four starts) and went 1-5, 8.82. This season, he appeared in 12 contests (nine starts) and went 4-1, 2.11.

Honorable Mentions: The Reds’ Trevor Bauer also deserves recognition, despite going just 2-2 for the month. Bauer pitched to a 1.29 earned run average and fanned 46 batters (second in MLB), with just six walks in 35 innings. Luis Castillo, also of the Red gets shout out for picking up four wins in five September starts (the only MLB pitcher with four September victories), with a 2.20 earned run average, one complete game and 37 strikeouts in 32 2/3 innings. Like Burnes, Castillo is a surprise in this competition. Going into the month, he was 0-5, with 4.10 earned run average.    Finally, there is hard-luck Padre Dinelson Lamet, who started five times, produced a 1.76 ERA and fanned 42 batters in 27 innings, but got only one win and four no-decisions (despite the fact that San Diego won all five of his September starts.

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Player of the Month – Jose Ramirez, Indians, 3B

Jose Ramirez’ hit a robust .366 in September (second in the AL), with an AL-topping (and MLB’s second-best) ten home runs. Ramirez drove in 24 runs (fourth in the AL) and scored 18.  Ramirez also swiped two bases and had more walks (11) than strikeouts (10). Nineteen of Ramirez’ 30 hits went for extra bases and His .841 slugging percentage far outdistanced the pack (second best in MLB was .750).

Honorable Mentions: Ramirez inched out White Sox ‘1B Jose Abreu, who hit .320, drove in 28 September runs (first in the AL); scored 19 times (fifth in the AL); and popped seven home runs. Abreu’s 29 September hits were third in the AL and seventh in MLB.  Blue Jays’ outfielder Lourdes Gurriel, Jr. was also in the chase, after hitting an AL-best .368 in September, with seven home runs, 16 RBI and 19 runs scored.

 

Pitcher of the Month – Tie: Gerrit Cole, Yankees & Chris Bassitt, A’s

Gerrit Cole came through for the Yankees in the stretch – going 3-1, giving up just three earned runs in 27 innings pitched (1.00 September ERA.) Cole’s 34 strikeouts were fourth-best in the AL – and he walked just five.  His September performance included a 6-0, complete game, two-hit shutout over the Orioles (seven innings). Chris Bassitt of the A’s went 3-0, 0.34 and gave up just one run in 26 2/3 September innings. (four starts). Bassitt fanned 25 batters (five walks) in 26 2/3 innings.  This was really a toss=up for me.

Honorable Mentions:  Can’t leave out the White Sox’ Dallas Keuchel, who may have only gotten one win in four starts, but pitched to a 0.45 earned run average. We should also recognize Indians’ closer Brad Hand, who picked up six September saves (in six opportunities) and two wins in eleven appearances, while putting up a 0.79 ERA and fanning 16 in 11 1/3 innings.

Surprise Player of the Month – Jared Walsh, Angels, 1B

Jared Walsh came into September 41 career MLB games on his resume – with a .173 average, one home run and five RBI. Further, in July and August of this season, he was zero-for-thirteen in ten games.  Then came September. Walsh got in 22 games and went 29-for-86 (.337), with four doubles, two triples, nine home runs and 26 RBI. Drafted in 39^th round of the 2015 MLB draft (out of the Universality of Georgia), Walsh has been a two-way player. In 2019, he pitched in five games for the Halos, putting up a 1.80 earned run average with five strikeouts in five innings.

 

 

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TROT INDEX … A REGULAR BBRT FEATURE

For 2020, 37.3 percent of MLB’s 66,506 2020 plate appearances ended in a trot (back to the dugout, around the bases, to first base). We’re talking about strikeouts, home runs, walks, hit by pitch and catcher’s interference – all outcomes that are, basically, devoid of action on the base paths or in the field. Here’s the breakout: strikeouts (23.4%); walks (9.1%); home runs (3.4%); HBP (1.2%); catcher’s interference (less than 1%). Personally, I’d like more action in the field of play.

The 37.4 percent figure is up from 2019’s (full season) 36.2 percent and 2018’s 34.8 percent Trot Index. 

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You’ll find full standings and stats near the end of this post, but here are your Round One opponents and seeding.  Side note:  I see this as fine for this strange season (it did add interest), but I’m not a fan for the future. This year, for example; the Astros and Brewers made “the tournament” with sub-.500 records.  I prefer fewer teams and recognition (again next season) of the marathon that is an MLB season.

Some minor predictions for Round One.  Predictions on late rounds coming soon.  Wanted to get this out before tomorrow’s games.

• Rays over Blue Jays.  Rays’ pitching slows  Jays’ offense and not vice versa.
• Yankees over Indians.  Yankees offense and Gerrit Cole should edge the Tribe.
• Twins over Astros.  Twins 24-7 at home. Astros 9-23 on the road. Enough said.
• White Sox over A’s.  Pretty even match up, but White Sox offense should prevail.
• Dodgers over  Brewers.  Brewers seem over matched to me.
• Padres over Cardinals.  Really a toss up, but home field helps and it feels like a Padres year to me.
• Cubs over Marlins. Two run-of-the-mill offenses, but Cubs have a pitching edge.
• Reds over Braves.  This is all about Reds pitching versus Braves offense. Betting that Bauer, Castillo and Gray can slow down Acuna, Ozuna and Freeman.  This is my long-shot prediction.

___________________________________________

Among the hottest teams in September were the Dodgers (17-7), Twins (16-8), Padres (15-8) and Reds (16-9) … and they illustrated the value of pitching. All four squads registered among the six lowest September earned run averages. Notably, the 17-7 Dodgers also put up some solid offense. Their 145 September runs were third among the 30 MLB teams.  LA kind of had the best of both worlds. Meanwhile the Padres were 16th in scoring, the Twins 18th and the Reds 25th.  Clearly, pitching was of premium value. On the other end of the mound spectrum, , the Tigers (7-19) and Rockies (9-19) boasting two of the three worst September records, also recorded two of the three worst September ERA’s.

Looking for exceptions to prove the rule? The Blue Jays had September’s second worst ERA at 5.85, but overcame that with solid offense (fourth-most runs scored) to put up a 14-13 record and the Braves led MLB in September runs scored (173), helping overcome a 4.64 ERA (11th worst) to produce a 15-11 record.

————-September 2020 Team Statistical Leaders August——————-

RUNS SCORED

National League – Braves (173); Dodgers (145); Phillies (138)

American League – Yankees (153; Blue Jays (144); Red Sox (130)

The Pirates scored the fewest runs in September (91); while the Tigers were at the bottom of the American league at 97.  The only other team to score fewer than 100 September runs was the Mariners (98). For a bit of comparison, the Braves averaged 6.7 runs per game for the month, the Pirates averaged 3.3.

BATTING AVERAGE

National League – Mets (.284); Giants (.279);Braves (.277)

American League – Red Sox (.277); Angels (.270); Blue Jays (.264)

The Reds averaged an MLB-low .206 for the month.  The Mariners had the lowest average in the AL at .216. 

ON-BASE PERCENTAGE

National League – Braves (.372); Giants (.355); Mets (.349)

American League – Yankees (.348); Red Sox (.345); Angels (.345)

HOME RUNS

National League –  Braves (55); Dodgers (50); Mets (43)

American League – Twins (42); Yankees (41); Red Sox (38)

Doing a bit to factor out the differences in games (and innings) played, the Dodgers had the most powerful “at bats per home run” ratio at 16.44  The fewest at bats per long ball in the American League went to the Twins at 18.43.

WALKS

National League – Braves (126); Phillies (121);  Reds (105)

American League – Yankees (128); A’s (98); Blue Jays (91)

The Braves’ had the highest on-base percentage in August (.372).  The Yankees led the AL at .348.

STOLEN BASES

National League – Padres (24); Nationals (24); Rockies (21)

American League – Rays (31); Royals (25); Red Sox (20); Rangers (20)

The Mets stole the fewest bases during September – just four in nine attempts. (The Rays were also “caught stealing” five times during the month, but were successful 31 times.)

BATTER’S STRIKEOUTS

National League – Cardinals (282); Marlins (257); Phillies (254)

American League –  Rays (275); Rangers (268); Tigers (253)

EARNED RUN AVERAGE

National League – Padres (3.15); Reds (3.37); Cubs (3.38)

American League – Twins (3.28); Rays (3.32); Indians (3.89)

The highest ERA for September belonged to the Rockies at 5.42. In the American League that “high” (low?) mark went to the Blue Jays at 5.85.  Overall, eight of the 30 teams had ERAs north of 5.00. 

STRIKEOUTS

National League – Phillies (268); Cardinals (268); Brewers (261)

American League – Indians (261); Yankees (245); Astros (238)

Whiff-Masters

Six  teams fanned at least ten batters per nine frames in September: Brewers (10.78); Padres (10.64); Indians (10.58); Reds (10.45); Mets (10.29); Phillies (10.01).

WALKS (fewest)

National League – Dodgers (47); Padres (58); Brewers (66)

American League – Rays (60); Twins (61); A’s (63)

The Dodgers’ staff showed the greatest control with 1.96 walks per nine innings in September, while the Rays were best in the AL at 2.58. The Blue Jays’ staff walked an MLB-high 4.67 batters per nine innings over September. The Dodgers, by the way, also led in strikeouts per walk at 4.55. The Indians led the junior circuit at 3.95.  

SAVES

National League – Cardinals (8); Diamondbacks (7); Marlins (7)

American League – Blue Jays (9); Royals (8); Rays (8)

The Pirates had just two save (in nine save opportunities) for September. The only other teams successful in less than half their save opportunities were the Rangers (two-for-six);Tigers (four-for-nine); and Phillies (six-for-thirteen). 

——-Individual Statistical Leaders September ———-

AVERAGE (minimum 75 at bats)

National League – Marcell Ozuna, Braves (.394); Freddie Freeman, Braves (.375); Jeff McNeil, Mets (.356)

American League –  Lourdes Gurriel, Jr., Blue Jays (.368); Jose Ramirez, Indians (.366); Adalberto Mondesi,  Royals (.356)

The lowest August average (minimum 75 at bats) belonged to the Cubs’ Kyle Schwarber at .130 (10-for-77). The AL’s lowest could be found across town – the White Sox’ Luis Robert at .136 (11-for-81). 

HOME RUNS

National League – Adam Duvall, Braves (11); Marcell Ozuna, Braves (10); AJ Pollock, Dodgers (10)

American League – Jose Ramirez, Indians (10); George Springer, Astros (9); Jared Walsh, Angels (9); Luke Voit, Yankees (9)

No player had more at bats without a long ball in September than Rangers’ 2B Nick Solak (93).

RUNS BATTED IN

National League – Marcell Ozuna, Braves (33); Freddie Freeman, Braves (32);  Chris Taylor, Dodgers (23); Trea Turner, Nationals (23)

American League – Jose Abreu, White Sox (28); Jared Walsh, Angels (26); Luke Voit, Yankees (26)

HITS

National League – Marcell Ozuna, Braves (41); Alec Bohm, Phillies (40); Freddie Freeman, Braves (36)

American League – DJ LeMahieu, Yankees (36); Lourdes Gurriel, Jr., Blue Jays (35); Will Castro, Tigers (34)

DOUBLES

National League –  Freddie Freeman, Braves (12); Dominic Smith, Mets (9); Alex Dickerson, Giants (9)

American League – Eloy Jimenez, White Sox (9); Jose Ramirez, Indians (9); DJ LeMahieu, Yankees (9);  Cavan Biggio, Blue Jays (9)

TRIPLES

National League – Daulton Varsho, D-backs (2); Ke’Bryan Hays, Pirates (2); Asdrubal Cabrera, Nationals (2); Trea Turner, Nationals (2); Joey Bart, Giants (2); Trevor Story, Rockies (2)

American League – Cedric Mullins, Orioles (3); Yoan Moncada, White Sox (3); nine with two

The Indians’ Jose Ramirez led MLB in September slugging percentage at a robust .841. Second, and sharing the NL lead were the Braves’ Freddie Freeman and Marcell Ozuna far behind at .750. 

STOLEN BASES

National League –  Trea Turner, Nationals (9); Trevor Story, Rockies (7); three with six

American League – Adalberto Mondesi, Royals (16); Manual Margot, Rays (8); Leody Taveras, Rangers (7); Jonathan Villar, Blue Jays (70)

Trea Turner stole the most September bases without being caught (9). 

WALKS

National League – Juan Soto, Nationals (28); Christian Yelich, Brewers (26); Bryce Harper, Phillies (25)

American League – Aaron Hicks, Yankees(21); Cavan Biggio, Blue Jays (20); Mike Trout, Angels (18)

The Nationals’ Juan Soto had September’s highest on-base percentage (.533). No other player reached the .500 mark.

BATTER’S STRIKEOUTS

National League – Keston  Hiura, Brewers (37); Christian Yelich, Brewers (36); Paul DeJong, Cardinals (36)

American League – Miguel Sano, Twins (39); Evan White, Mariners (37); Matt Olson, A’s (36); Joey Gallo, Rangers (36)

PITCHING VICTORIES

National League – Luis Castillo, Reds (4-1); nine with three

American League – 12 with three

The Nationals’ Patrick Corbin led MLB in September losses, going 0-5, 5.64 in five starts. 

EARNED RUN AVERAGE (minimum 20 IP)

National League – Trevor Bauer, Reds (1.29); Corbin Burnes, Brewers (1.32); Kyle Hendricks, Cubs (1.45)

American League – Chris Bassitt, A’s (0.34); Dallas Keuchel, White Sox (0.45); Gerrit Cole, Yankees (1.00)

Eight pitchers with at least four September starts posted ERAs under 2.00. Of those, three notched just one win each: Dallas Keuchel, White Sox (1-0, 0.45); Dinelson Lamet, Padres (1-0, 1.76); Carlos Carrasco, Indians (1-1, 1.97). 

STRIKEOUTS

National League – Aaron Nola, Phillies (48/35 1/3 IP); Trevor Bauer, Reds (46/35 IP);  Jacob deGrom, Mets (46/27 IP)

American League – Shane Bieber, Indians (38/24 2/3 IP); Carlos Carrasco, Indians (37/32 IP); Framber Valdez, Astros (36/32 1/3 IP)

September’s leader in strikeouts per nine innings was the Mets’ Jacob deGrom at 15.33; followed by the Indians’ Shane Bieber (Indians) at 13,86.

INNINGS PITCHED

National League – Kyle Hendricks, Cubs (37 1/3); Aaron Nola, Phillies (35 1/3); Trevor Bauer, Reds (35)

American League – Zach Plesac, Indians (34 1/3); Jordan Lyles, Rangers (33 1/3); Lance Lynn Rangers (32 2/3)

The Phillies’ Aaron Nola was the only pitcher with two complete games in September. He also led MLB with six starts (tied with Kyle Freeland of the Rockies and Jon Lester of the Cubs).  Nola went 2-3, 3.57. 

SAVES

National League – Stefan Crichton, D-backs (5); Brandon Kintzler, Miami (5); Josh Hader, Brewers (5)

American League – Ryan Pressley, Astros (6); Matt Barnes, Red Sox (6); Brad Hand, Indians (6)

Jimmy Cordero of the White Sox and Mike Mayers of the Angels took the mound in the most September games (11 each). 

—–SEPTEMBER 2020 HIGHLIGHTS —-

Elvis Has Left the Building

On September 2, the Rangers’ Elvis Andrus hit his first home run of the 2020 season – off the Astros’ Ryan Pressley. Nice coincidence there.  Oh, and it was meaningful one, tying the game at four apiece in the top of the ninth. (The Rangers won 6-5 in ten innings.)  Truly, Elvis (off Pressley) left the building.

More COVID Weirdness … Home Away from Home

On September 5, the Angels swept a doubleheader from the Astros by the narrowest of margins … 10-9 and 7-6. While both games were played at Angels Stadium (before a crowd of zero), thanks to COVID scheduling, the Astros were the visiting team in Game One and the home squad quad in Game Two.

Trout Rounds the Bases with Number 300 … Takes Angels’ Franchise Lead (Something fishy there?)

On September 5, during the Angels “Home & Away” doubleheader against the Astros, Mike Trout hit a two-run homer in the third inning of game one (a 10-9 Angels win). Side note: As the two teams players to a 10-9 final, the game time temperature was an Angel Stadium 109 degrees. See what I did there?

Trout‘s long ball was his 300^th career homer – a nice round number that also gave him sole possession of the Angels’ franchise mark.  (He had been tied with Tim Salmon at 299).

No need to Round Up, It’s 1,500

On September 9, as the Braves pummeled the Marlins 29-9 in Atlanta, Freddie Freeman popped a two-run home in the third inning – notching his 1,500^th MLB hit.  The Braves 29-tally outburst set a post-1900 National League record and was one shy of the post-1900 MLB record of thirty runs in a game – set by the Rangers in 2007.  For more on high-scoring games and big innings, click here.

Baseball has its Up and Downs

The Yankees’ Gerrit Cole won his first four decisions in 2020 – giving him a 20-decision winning streak dating back to May of 2019.  Then, on August 28, the Braves broke the streak – topping Cole and the Bronx Bombers 5-1 in Atlanta. (Notably, the pitcher who finally bested Cole, Ian Anderson, was making his first MLB appearance.)

Cole went on to lose his next two starts (to the Rays and Orioles) In those three consecutive losses, he surrendered 14 runs (ten earned) in 16 innings. He righted the ship thereafter, winning his next three decisions to finish the season 7-3, 2.84.

For more on Cole’s streak and other hurlers who won 20 or more consecutive decisions, click here. 

We Do Like Round Numbers

Shane Bieber‘s 2020 season has been special – as he led all of MLB with  122 strikeouts (in 77 1/3 innings).  He added a complementary touch to this performance on September 12, when he fanned eight batters in seven frames – despite taking the loss (3-1 to the Twins). Bieber fanned Twins’ C Ryan Jeffers in the fifth inning for his sixth strikeout of the game. It also was his 100th whiff of the season.  He reached that round number in 62 2/3 innings – the fastest ever in a season by an MLB pitcher.  His pace edged out Max Scherzer, who reached the 100K mark in 63 innings in 2018.

Look at Life from Both Sides Now … Or Not

On September 11, the Rays (often hailed for the innovative pitching strategies) put together a unique offensive lineup. Facing Red Sox righty Andrew Triggs, the Rays started (reportedly for the first time in modern base baseball – since 1900 – history) an all left-handed batting lineup. It went like this: Austin Meadows LF; Joey Wendle SS; Brandon Lowe 2B; Ji-Man Choi 1B; Kevin Kiermaier CF; Yoshi Tsutsugo 3B; Nate Lowe DH; Brett Phillips RF; Michael Perez C.

Despite the fact that no one in the lineup had an average over ,259 (seven of the nine were under .230), the port-sided Rays bashed 12 hits on their way to an 11-1 win. DH Nate Lowe, who came into the game with just one-hit in 14 at bats (.071 on the season) and no RBI, led the way going three-for-four with two home runs and four RBI. The Red Sox kind of played into the Rays’ strategy, they used six pitchers in the contest – five of them right-handed.  Of note, is that fact that starter Triggs had actually looked pretty good against left handers (one-for-fourteen against him to that point in the season). Trigg left the contest after just one inning (neck issues). It should be noted that the Rays did score four of their runs off the only southpaw used by the Red Sox (Matt Hall) and that Hall (again the only southpaw used by the BoSox) took the loss.

No Run of the Mill(s) Start

On September 13, Cubs’ 28-year-old righty Alec Mills picked up his sixth major-league win (15^th career start and 29t^h MLB appearance – in four season). To that point in his career, he was 5-4 with a 4.19 earned run average. So, what did he do on the unlucky 13th?  He threw the second 2020 no-hitter, shutting down the Brewers 12-0 in Milwaukee. In his nine-inning stint, Mills walked three and fanned five – throwing 114 pitches (74 for strikes). It was his first major-league complete game. Mills was a 22nd round draft pick (Royals) in 2012 – traded to the Cubs in 2017. In eight minor league seasons, he went 32-29, 3.69 – with one complete game in 115 starts.

That Yankee Offense Goes Pretty Deep

From September 15 through September 17, the New York Yankees – in sweeping the Toronto Blue Jays – bashed a total of 19 home runs.  That gave them a number of records including most home runs in a three-game series and most consecutive games with six or more home runs. Included in this run of long balls was a record-tying five home run inning (September 17).   For more detail on this power outburst (and other five-homer frames), click here.

Gerrit Cole and a Nice Round Number

On September 16, as the Yankees routed the Blue Jays 13-2 in New York, Gerrit Cole notched his 100^th career victory – Cole went seven innings, giving up one run and three hits, while walking two and fanning eight. The win came in Cole’s 203^rd career start (eighth MLB season) and ran Cole’s career record to 100-55, 3.20, with 1,423 strikeouts in 1,261 innings pitched.

Plesac’s Immaculate Inning

On September 18, Indians’ starter Zach Plesac pitched 7 2/3 innings of scoreless ball (five hits, one walk and eleven strikeouts) as the Tribe defeated the Tigers 1-0 in Detroit.  The highlight of Plesac’s fourth win of the season may have come in the second frame, when Plesac struck out Tigers’ LF Jorge Bonafacio, 2B Niko Goodrum and C Austine Romine on nine pitches – becoming the 93^rd MLB pitcher to log an immaculate inning.

A few other immaculate Inning tidbits.

• The Athletics’ Lefty Grove (1928) and Red Sox’ Chris Sale (2019) the only pitchers to throw two immaculate innings in one season.
• Nolan Ryan (Mets & Angels) is the only pitcher to throw an Immaculate Innings in both the NL and AL.
• The Royals’ Danny Jackson is the only pitcher to throw an Immaculate Inning in the World Series (Game 5, 1985).

Albert Pujols hit three home runs in September, giving him six on the season and 662 for his career – pulling him past William Mays (660) into fifth place all time. Next target for the 40-year-old Pujols? Alex Rodriguez (696).

Pulled While Throwing a No-Hitter … But No Surprise

On September 20, Dylan Cease started for the first-place Chicago White Sox against the Reds in Cincinnati. Cease came into the fourth inning having allowed no hits – and he did not give up a safety to any of the first three batters of the inning. Still, he was pulled, no-hitter intact.  But it was no surprise. Cease had a 1-2-3 first inning., In the second frame, he gave up two walks and hit a batter (but held the Reds scoreless). He gave up two more walks, but no runs, in the third – and then walked the first three hitters in the fourth, before being replaced by Ross Detwiler. Cease’s final line was three innings pitched, no hits, five walks, one hit batsman, five strikeouts and three earned runs.  Cease threw a total of 80 pitches – 43 balls and 37 strikes.  The White Sox lost the game 7-3 and, in the process, walked 11 and hit three Reds’ batters.

Another Round Number

On September 20, Twins’ outfielder Max Kepler popped his eighth home run of the 2020 season – and the 100^th of his MLB career. Kepler, in his sixth MLB season, increased his home run total each season from 2015-2019 … zero in 2015 (just seven at bats); 17 in 2016; 19 in 2017; 20 in 2018; 36 in 2019.

Big Day for a Big Guy

On September 21, as the Blue Jays topped the Yankees 11-5 in Toronto, 21-year-old Blue Jays’ rookie catcher Alejandro Kirk had a big day at the plate. Kirk came into the hitting .200 (two-for-ten in five games).  In the September 21 contest, Kirk went four-for-four (his first MLB multi-hit game), scored three times, collected his first MLB extra base hit (a double) to lead off the fifth and added his first MLB home run and RBI (a solo shot leading off the seventh). Why the “Big Guy” in the headline.  Kirk looks more like and NFL player than an MLB player …  5’8″, 265-pounds.  The big guy has proven he can wield a big  bat.  In three minor league seasons (151 games), Kirk hit .315, with 17 home runs and 101 RBI.

Yadi’s Big Day – A Walk -Off Out of the Park

Yadiel Hernandez, a 32-year-old rookie for the Nationals, hit his first MLB home run on September 22 – and he made it count. It was a walk-off game-winner in the bottom of the eighth inning, in the second game of a double bill against the Phillies (in Washington D.C.). The 5’9′, 185-pound outfielder was signed by the Nationals after defecting from Cuba in 2015.  He was a .324 hitter in six seasons in the Cuban National Series. in 2019, Hernandez hit .323-33-90 in 126 games for the Triple A Fresno Grizzlies.

Another Yadi’s Landmark

In the vein of round numbers, on September 24, Cardinals’ catcher Yadier Molina –  a nine-time All Star, nine-time Gold Glover and .281 career hitter – slapped a single to shallow center in the seventh inning of the Cardinals’ 4-2 win over the Brewers.  It was Molina’s 2,000 MLB hit (in 17 seasons, all for the Cardinals).  The home town crowd would have gone wild.  If there had been one.

Put a Flight Attendants on the One

On September 25, as the Braves topped the Red Sox  8-7 (11 innings) in Atlanta, still rising star Ronald Acuna, Jr,  hit the longest home run (as measured by Statcast) of the 2020 season – a 495-footer off the Red Sox’ Chris Mazza to lead oft the bottom of the first.  It was the 22-year-old’s 14th home run of the short season. In 2019, Acuna went .280-41-101 in 156 games and lead the National League with 37 stolen bases.  Some of Acuna’s long-ball thunder may have been stolen on the 25th, as Braves’ 1B  Freddie Freeman ended the contest with a walk-off home run to open the bottom of the 11th inning. It was Freeman’s 13th of the campaign.

Two Paths to that First MLB Hit

On September 26, two members of the Angels collected their first MLB base hits – both in their first MLB at bats; and in back-to back at bats.  The similarities end there, as the pair took widely different paths to those first MLB safeties.  It happened with one out in the top of the third.  First, rookie second baseman Jahmai Jones single to center on the first MLB pitch he ever saw. Next up was rookie SS Elliot Sot0. Like Jones, it was Soto’s first MLB at bat.  Soto, singled to right on the second MLB pitch he ever saw.

Those different paths to first base? Jones, a second-round pick in the 2015 draft) made the majors at age 23, in his sixth professional season. Soto was a “touch” senior, making his MLB debut at age 31.  He was a 13th-round pick in the 2007 draft and was in his 11th pro season.

Double Your Pleasure, Double Your Fun

When the scorebooks closed on the Yankees’ September 27 5-0 loss to the Marlins, New York’s DJ LeMahieu had logged a pair of singles – to finish the 2020 regular season with a .364 average. That made LeMahieu, who won the National League batting crown (.348) with the Rockies in 2016, the American League’s 2020 batting leader.  It also made him the first player to win undisputed batting titles in both the AL and NL.

Saving the Best for Last

On the final day of the 2020 season (September 27), the Brewers turned 2020’s first triple play. It came in the bottom of the eighth of the Brew Crew’s 5-2 loss to the Cardinals.  It was a “natural” around-the-horn triple-killing.  The Cardinals’ Yadier Molina came up with runners on first and second. Molina grounded to Brewers’ third baseman Jace Peterson (who had made on error on the previous play to set up the triple play possibility). Peterson gloved the grounder and stepped on the bag for out number one and threw to second baseman Keston Huira for out number two. Huira then relayed the ball to first baseman Jedd Gyorko for the final out. One up, three down.

Power and Speed

On September 27,  the Cubs’ Billy Hamilton surprised a lot of people – perhaps even himself.  First, in the second inning of the Cubs’ game against the crosstown White Sox, Hamilton (after a walk and a single by Cameron Maybin) found himself on third base, one out and Maybin on first.  Maybin took a long lead and made a move toward second while pitcher Carlos Rodon still had the ball.  Rodon made a throw to first baseman Jose Abreu who threw to shortstop Tim Anderson covering  – and Hamilton broke for home. Hamilton beat the throw from Anderson to the plate with a head first slide.  Then in the fourth, Hamilton  surprised, perhaps even himself, by popping a home run to left-center – his first round tripper since August 29, 2018.  A steal of home and a home run – a surprising day.

 

——-Individual Statistical Leaders Final ———-

AVERAGE (qualifying, 3.1 plate appearances per team game played)

National League – Juan Soto, Nationals (.351); Freddie Freeman, Braves (.341); Marcell Ozuna, Braves (.338)

American League – DJ LeMahieu, Yankees (.364); Tim Anderson, White Sox (.322); David Fletcher, Angels (.319)

The lowest August average among qualifiers belonged to the Mariners’ Evan White at .176 (32-for-182). In the National League,  it was the Cubs’ Kyle Schwarber at .188 (38-for-191). Others falling below the Mendoza line (under .200) included:  Joey Gallo, Rangers (.181); Matt Olson, A’s (.195); Bryan Reynolds, Pirates (.189); Max Muncy, Dodgers (.192); Carlos Santana, Indians (.199)

HOME RUNS

National League – Marcell Ozuna, Braves (18); Fernando Tatis, Jr., Padres (17); Mookie Betts, Dodgers (16); Adam Duvall, Braves (16); Manny Machado, Padres (16); Kole Calhoun, Diamondbacks (16); Pete Alonso, Mets (16): AJ Pollock, Dodgers (17)

American League – Luke Voit, Yankees (22); Jose Abreu, White Sox (19);  Jose Ramirez, Indians (17); Mike Trout Angels (17)

Reds’ OF Shogo Akiyama had the most 2020 at bats without a home run (155). Akiyama hit .245, scoring 16 runs and driving in nine (in 54 games played). 

RUNS BATTED IN

National League – Marcell Ozuna, Braves (56); Freddie Freeman, Braves (53);  Manny Machado, Padres (47)

American League – Jose Abreu, White Sox (60); Luke Voit, Yankees (52); Mike Trout, Angels (46); Jose Ramirez, Indians (46)

HITS

National League – Trea Turner, Nationals (78); Marcel Ozuna, Braves (77); Freddie Freeman, Braves (73)

American League – Jose Abreu, White Sox (76); DJ LeMahieu, Yankees (71); Whit Merrifield, Royals (70)

DOUBLES

National League – Freddie Freeman, Braves (23); Dominic Smith, Mets (21); Christian Walker, D-backs (18)

American League – Cesar Hernandez, Indians (20): Jose Iglesias, Orioles (17); five with 16

 Freddie Freeman led MLB with 32 extra-base hits.  

TRIPLES

National League – Trevor Story, Rockies (4); Mike Yastrzemski, Giants (4); Trea Turner, Nationals (4)

American League – Kyle Tucker, Astros (6); six with three

Juan Soto of the Nationals led qualifiers in slugging percentage .695. Jose Abreu of the White Sox topped the AL at .617. 

STOLEN BASES

National League –  Trevor Story, Rockies (15); Roman Quinn, Phillies (12);  Trea Turner, Nationals, (12)

American League – Adalberto Mondesi, Royals (24); Manuel Margot, Rays (12); Dylan Moore, Mariners (12); Whit Merrifield, Royals (12)

Jonathan Villar stole the second most bases in MLB (16) – nine for the Marlins and seven for the Blue Jays.  

WALKS

National League – Bryce Harper, Phillies (49 ); Christian Yelich, Brewers (46); Freddie Freeman, Braves (45)

American League – Carlos  Santana, Indians (47); Cavan Biggio, Blue Jays (41); Aaron Hicks, Yankees (41)

The Nationals’ Juan Soto drew the most intentional walks with 12.  

BATTER’S STRIKEOUTS

National League – Keston  Hiura, Brewers (85); Christian Yelich, Brewers (76); Javier Baez, Cubs (75)

American League – Miguel Sano, Twins (90); Evan White, Mariners (84); Joey Gallo, Rangers (79)

A’s /Angels’ 2B Tommy La Stella had the best walks-to-strikeouts ratio at 2.25 (27 walks/12 strikeouts).  By comparison, MLB whiff leader Miguel Sano (Twins) recorded 90 whiffs and just 18 walks (205 plate appearances.)

PITCHING VICTORIES

National League – Yu Darvish, Cubs (8-3); Max Fried, Braves (7-0);  Zach Davies, Padres (7-4)

American League – Shane Bieber, Indians (8-1); Marco Gonzalez, Mariners (7-2); Gerrit Cole, Yankees (7-3)

The Diamondbacks’ Luke Weaver (1-9, 6.58) was the MLB leader in losses.

EARNED RUN AVERAGE (at least one inning pitched for reach team game played)

National League – Trevor Bauer, Reds (1.73); Yu Darvish, Cubs (2.01); Dinelson Lamet (2.09)

American League – Shane Bieber, Indians (1.63); Dallas Keuchel, White Sox (1.99): Chris Bassitt, A.s (2.29)

The Tigers’ Matt Boyd had the highest earned run average among pitchers with enough innings to qualify. He was 3-7, 6.71 in 12 starts. 

STRIKEOUTS

National League – Jacob deGrom, Mets (104/68 IP); Trevor Bauer, Reds (100/73 IP); Aaron Nola, Phillies (96/71 1/3 IP)

American League – Shane Bieber, Indians (122/77 1/3 IP); Lucas Giolito, White Sox (97/72 1/3 IP); Gerrit Cole, Yankees  (94/73 IP)

The leader in strikeouts per nine innings was the Indians’ Shame Bieber at 14.20.  The Mets’ Jacob deGrom topped the NL at 13.76.  

On the control side of the mound, the Cubs’ Kyle Hendricks walked the fewest batter per nine frames (0.89), with eight walks in 81 1/3 innings pitched. The only other qualifier under one walk per nine innings was the Mariners’ Marco Gonzalez at 0.90 (seven free passes n 69 2/3 innings). 

COMPLETE GAMES

National League – Trevor Bauer, Reds (2); Adam Wainwright, Cardinals (2): Aaron Nola, Phillies (2)

American League – Gerrit Cole, Yankees (2); many with one

INNINGS PITCHED

National League – German Marquez, Rockies (81 2/3); Kyle Hendricks, Cubs (81 1/3); Yu Darvish, Cubs (76)

American League – Lance Lynn Rangers (84); Shane Bieber, Indians (77 1/3);  Aaron Civale, Indians (74)

SAVES

National League – Josh Hader, Brewers (13); Brandon Kintzler, Marlins (12 ); Kenley Jansen, Dodgers (11); Mark Melancon, Braves (11)

American League – Brad Hand, Indians (16); Liam Hendriks, A’s (14); Alex Colome, White Sox (12); Ryan Pressley, Astros (12)

The Indians’ Brad Hand was a perfect 16-for-16 in save opportunities for the season.

————-Team Statistical Leaders Through August 31——————-

RUNS SCORED – Team Average … 278

National League – Dodgers (349); Braves (348); Padres (325)

American League – Yankees (315); White Sox (306); Blue Jays (302)

The Pirates and Rangers scored the fewest runs in 2020 – 219 and 224, respectively.  To add some perspective, The Dodgers scored an average of 5.82 runs per game – the Pirates 3.65.  

BATTING AVERAGE – Team Average …  .245

National League – Mets (.272); Braves (.268); Nationals (.263)

American League – Red Sox  (.265); White Sox (.261); Orioles (.258)

The lowest team batting average for the season was .212 for the Reds. The Ranger were at the bottom of the AL at .217.

ON-BASE PERCENTAGE – Team Average … .322

National League – Braves (.349); Mets (.348); Phillies (.342)

American League – Yankees (.342); Angels (.332); Red Sox (.330)

HOME RUNS – Team Average … 77

National League – Dodgers (118); Braves (103; Padres (95)

American League – White Sox (96); Yankees (94); Twins (91)

The Cardinals hit the fewest home runs (51) – averaging 0.87 per game. By comparison, the Dodgers averaged 1.97 per game. 

SLUGGING PERCENTAGE – Team Average … .418

National League – Dodgers (.483); Braves (.483);  Padres (.466)

American League – White Sox (.453); Yankees (.447); Red Sox (.445)

WALKS – Team Average … 203

National League – Braves (239); Reds (239); Phillies (229)

American League – Yankees (251); Rays (243); Angels (239); Indians (239)

Crowding the Plate

No team got plunked (HBP) more than the Cubs, who had 52 batters reach base via the Hit-By-Pitch.   In the America League, the A’s led the way with 39 plunkings. The Rockies had the fewest hit batters (10), while the MLB team average was 27.  

STOLEN BASES – Team Average … 29

National League – Padres (55); Marlins (51); Rockies (42)

American League – Mariners (50); Rangers (49); Royals (49)

The Twins stole the fewest bases (14) and made the fewest attempts (21). The average number of attempted steals was 39. 

BATTER’S STRIKEOUTS – Team Average … 520

National League – Brewers (582); Braves (573); Cubs (568)

American League – Rays (608); White Sox (571); Tigers (567)

EARNED RUN AVERAGE – Team Average … 4.44

National League – Dodgers (3.02); Reds (3.84); Padres (3.86)

American League – Indians (3.29); Rays (3.56); Twins (3.58)

The highest 2020 ERA belonged to the Tigers  at 5.63. The Rockies were the highest in the NL at 5.59.

STRIKEOUTS – Team Average … 520

National League –  Reds (615); Brewers (614); Mets (574)

American League – Indians (621); Rays (552); Red Sox (537)

As noted earlier, Strikeout totals have been affected by games played (particularly with the COVID  and civil protest postponements), as well as by seven-inning doubleheader games.  So, let’s look at strikeouts per nine innings. Only four  teams fanned at least ten batters per nine frames: Reds (11.o); Brewers (10.7); Indians (10.4); Mets (10.1).  The MLB average was 9.1.

WALKS (Fewest) – Team Average … 203

National League – Dodgers (145); Padres (170); Cubs (182)

American League – Indians (157); A’s (165); Rays (168)

No team walked fewer hitters per nine innings than the Dodgers at 2.4.  No team issued more free passes per nine frames than the Pirates at 4.4.   

SAVES – Team Average … 14

National League – Marlins (18); Cubs (16); Rockies (16)

American League – Rays (23); Indians (20); Royals (19)

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

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