David, Author at Baseball Roundtable

Ketel Marte Homers from Both Batters’ Boxes … and Some Switch Hitter Trivia

April 6, 2019 by David

Yesterday (April 5, 2019), the Diamondback’s Ketel Marte hit a pair of 400-foot+ home runs, as the Arizona squad belted five round trippers while drubbing the Red Sox 15-8. Marte scored two and drove in five in the game. What BBRT found noteworthy (or post-worthy) was the fact that, for the second time in his five-season career, the switch-hitting infielder hit home runs from both side of the plate in the same game. That prompted BBRT to look into the roster of players who have gone yard from both batters’ boxes in the same game.

It’s really not as rare an occurrence as you might think. It’s been done in the regular season a total of 330 times, and by 112 different players.

A LITTLE MORE OF A UNICORN

Only three players have homered from both sides of the plate in a post-season game.

Bernie Williams, Yankees       ALDS Game Three (October 6, 1995

Bernie Williams, Yankees       ALDS Game Four (October 5, 1996)

Chipper Jones, Braves             NLDS Game Four (October 4, 2003)

Milton Bradley, A’s                ALCS Game Two (October 10, 2006)

The first player to homer from both sides of the plate in the same game was Wally Schange of the Philadelphia Athletics on September 8, 1916.

The career record for homering from both sides of the plate in the same game is 14 – shared by Mark Teixeira and Nick Swisher. Leaders among players homering from both side of the plate in the same game:

Mark Teixeira – 14 times

Nick Swisher – 14

Carlos Beltran – 12

Chili Davis – 11

Eddie Murray – 11

Tony Clark- 10

Ken Caminiti – 10

Mickey Mantle – 10

In 1996, the Padres’ Ken Caminiti hit a home run from both sides of the plate in the same game a record four times in a single season – three times in the month of August alone. Note: Caminiti also achieved the feat three times in a single month in September of 1995.

No team has had more instances of a player hitting long balls from both sides of the plate in a game than the Yankees – 56 times. Here are the perpetrators:

Mickey Mantle (10X)

Mark Teixeira (9X)

Bernie Williams (8X)

Jorge Posada (8X)

Roy White (5X)

Nick Swisher (5X)

Tom Tresh (3X)

Aaron Hicks (2X)

Roy Smalley

Ruben Sierra

Tony Clark

Melky Cabrera

Carlos Beltran

Neil Walker

BIG BOMBS IN THE BIG APPLE

From 1955-1965, a game in which a player homered from both sides of the plate occurred in the AL 14 times, with 13 of those being Yankees (Mickey Mantle 10, Tom Tresh 3).

The only non-Yankee to achieve the feat in the AL during that time span was the Red Sox’ Pumpsie Green (August 15, 1961). Green hit a total of just 13 home runs in his five-season MLB career. BBRT Note: Green achieved historic significance as the first African-American player for the Boston Red Sox – the last MLB team to break the color line (1959). In the 1955-65 time span, there were only three NL games which saw a player homer from both sides of the plate – two by the Cubs’ Ellis Burton, one by the Dodgers’ Maury Wills.

Only three players have hit home runs from both sides of the plate in the same inning:

Carlos Baerga, Indians (April 9, 1993);
Mark Bellhorn, Cubs (August 29, 2002);
Kendrys Morales, Angels (July 30, 2012).

SHARE IT AROUND

Carlos Beltran and Nick Swisher share the record for hitting a home run from both side of the plate in a single game for the most teams at five: Beltran – Mets, Cardinals, Royals, Astros, Yankees; Swisher – A’s, Yankees, White Sox, Indians, Braves.

Bonus chart

SWITCH HITTERS WITH AT LEAST 400 CAREER HOME RUNS

         Mickey Mantle            536

         Eddie Murray              504

         Chipper Jones              468

         Carlos Beltran             435

         Mark Teixeira              409

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A Look at the Six Players to Go Deep in the First Four Games of a Season

April 2, 2019 by David

One for the money … to for the show … three to get ready … four to go!

Photo by DandreaPhotography

The Brewers’ Christian Yelich, the reigning NL MVP, did not hit a home run in yesterday’s 4-3 Brewers win over the Reds (although he did double in the ninth and score the winning run). Now, that normally wouldn’t make news, but in this case, it was the first Brewers’ game of the 2019 season in which Yelich did not go yard – as he tied a major-league record for consecutive games with a home run from the start of a season (four).

In his four-game streak, Yelich hit an even .500 (6-for-12), with a double, four home runs, six runs scored, eight RBI and six walks. He also only struck out once. The Brewers, by the way, won three of the four contests, all against the Cardinals.

Now, let’s take a look at the other five players to homer in the first four games of a season.

Trevor Story, Rockies, 2016

Over the first four games of the 2016 season, Story hit .368 (7-for-19) with six home runs, 11 RBI and six runs scored. Story’s feat was even more memorable since those four contests were also his first four MLB games. Story finished these season at .272-27-72 in 97 games (thumb surgery).The Rockies split those first four games, despite scoring 26 runs (they gave up 32).

Quite a Story

Trevor Story’s blazing start to the 2016 season – and his MLB career – gave him quite a display case of records.

First player to homer in his first four MLB games.

First player to hit two home runs in his first MLB game on Opening Day, and just the fifth to hit two long balls in their MLB debut (no matter what the day).

A MLB all-time record of six home runs in the first four games of a season.

Just a note, three of the four games were on the road.

Chris Davis, Orioles, 2013

Over the first four games of the 2013 campaign, Davis hit a robust .600 (9-for-15), with three doubles, four home runs, 16 RBI, and five runs scored. He also drew one free pass.

Davis stayed hot all season, finishing at .286 (he came into the season with a .258 career average), and topping the league in home runs (53) and RBI (138). The Orioles won three of the four games; with Davis driving 16 of their 29 runs (55 percent).

Nelson Cruz, Rangers, 2011

Cruz’ hit .429 (6-for-14) over 2011’s first four games, with four home runs, five runs scored, four RBI and two walks. He finished the season at .263-29-87. The Rangers won all four games, outscoring the opposition 32-15.

Mark McGwire, Cardinals, 1998

Over the first four games of the Redbirds’ 1998 season, Big Mac hit .438 (7-for-16), with one double and four home runs. He drove in 12 tallies and scored five. That hot start was a sign of things to come. For the season, McGwire hit .299-70-147. He led the league in home runs, walks (162), as well as on-base and slugging percentage. The Cardinals won three of the four games.

Willie Mays, Giants, 1971

In the first four games of the 1971 season, Mays produced a .389 average (7-for-18), with one double, one home run, nine RBI and five runs scored. He also drew a pair of walks. Overall, it was a bit of an off-year for the 40-year-old Mays, who sent .271-18-61 (but still stole 23 bases) in 136 games. Even in his age-40 season, he was a feared hitter, leading the NL with 112 walks. The Giants won three of their first four games, outscoring their opponents 24-14.

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

FOR LINKS TO BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE’S 2019 PENNANT RACE AND MAJOR AWARDS PREDICTIONS, CLICK HERE.

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March Madness of Another Kind … a 50-3 Baseball Score

April 1, 2019 by David

While waiting not only for the Final Four to jump (ball) off here in the Twin Cities, but also (more importantly to me) to see if Christian Yelich can start the 2019 MLB season by homering in the first five games of the campaign (which would be a new record), I passed the time by perusing the NCAA baseball record book. Here’s a bit of what I found.

On March 16, 1999 in front of a Buck Belzer Stadium crowd of 654, the Nebraska University Cornhuskers took two-hours and 34-minutes to dispatch the Chicago State Cougars by a score of 50-3. No, it wasn’t football – and, no, there will not be an “April Fools” at the end of this post. Rather, it was, and remains, the most lopsided baseball game in NCAA history. It was, by the way, also the second game of a doubleheader (Nebraska won the first contest by a 15-3 score). A little background: Chicago State came into the game with a 2-7 record, Nebraska was 10-6. The Cougars (as reported in the Omaha World-Herald) had flown into Omaha that morning and bused to Lincoln – arriving less than an hour before the game (and had lost several players to academic and disciplinary problems before the season opened).

In the contest – stopped in the seventh due to the 12-run “mercy rule” – Nebraska pounded out 35 hits, including nine home runs (by eight different players). Nebraska, in fact, had a 23-0 lead before Chicago state had its first base runner (in the top of the fourth inning). The Cornhuskers not only set the NCAA record for the biggest margin of victory, but also from the most runs scored and the most RBI (48) in an NCAA contest.

You’ll find the box score below and – at the end of the post – a few more NCAA baseball records you may find of interest.

_______________________________________________

Now here are a few NCAA records you may find of interest.

TEAM

Runs Scored

Inning: 21 – Wichita State, March 3, 1984; Penn, May 25, 1983

Game: 50 – Nebraska, March 16, 1999

By Both Teams: 62 – Denver (33) – Air Force (29) on May 13, 1968. Air Force holds the record form most runs in a loss.

Home Runs

Inning: 7 – Southern Utah, April 22, 2001; Belmont, March 29, 2015

Game: 14 – Georgia Southern, March 15, 2008

Season: 188 (70 games) – LSU, 1997

Earned Run Average

Season: 0.65 – Missouri, 1964 (19 earned runs in 264 innings)

Shutouts

Season: 24 (70 games) – Arizona State, 1972

INDIVIDUAL

Batting Average

Season (at least 75 at bats): .551 – Keith Hagman, New Mexico, 1980 (125-for-227)

Career: .465 – Rickie Weeks, Southern University, 2001-03 (254-for-546)

Hitting Streak

58 games – Robin Ventura, Oklahoma State, 1987

Consecutive Base Hits

14 – Larry Patterson, Gonzaga, 1977

Home Runs

Game: 6 – Marshall McDougall, Florida State, May 9, 1999

Season: 48 (75 games) – Pete Incaviglia, Oklahoma State, 1985 For the story, click here.

Career: 100 – Pete Incaviglia, Oklahoma State (1983-85)

Marshall McDougall, Florida State, holds the NCAA single-game records for home runs (6); total bases (25); runs batted in (16). That story here.

Pitching Victories

Season: 20 – Derek Tatsuno, Hawaii, 1979 (20-1); Mike Loynd, Florida State, 1986 (20-3) Tatsuno’s story, click here.

Career: 51 – Don Heinkel. Wichita State, 1979-82 (11 losses)

ERA (lowest)

Season (50+ innings): 0.26 – Sal Campisi, LIU Brooklyn, 1964 (three earned runs in 104 innings)

Career (100+ innings); 0.56 – Keith Weber, Missouri, 1963-64, (nine earned runs in 144 innings)

Strikeouts

Inning: 5 – Mike Wollet, Air Force, March 4, 1990; Will Hunt, UNCW, April 29, 2003

Game: 26 – Buddy Schultz, Miami (OH), April 3, 1971

Season: 234 (174 1/3 innings) – Derek Tatsuno, Hawaii, 1979

Career: 602 (477 innings) – John Powell, Auburn, 1991-94

George Plender, Vermont, 1954-55 holds the NCAA record for consecutive scoreless innings at 60.

FOR LINKS TO BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE’S 2019 PENNANT RACE AND MAJOR AWARDS PREDICTIONS, CLICK HERE.

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Tom Pannone’s Immaculate Inning … and some Immaculate Inning Trivia

March 31, 2019 by David

On April 14, Tom Pannone of the Blue Jays tossed an “immaculate inning” – a frame comprised of three strikeouts on just nine pitches. It was the second such inning this season. Josh Hader of the Brewers three a matching frame on March 30.

Let’s look at the two performances and some immaculate inning tidbits. Pannone threw his immaculate inning against the Rays (in Toronto). It came in the top of the fifth inning, the first frame of a three-inning relief stint by the 6′, 200-lb. southpaw. The lefty’s victims were: RF Avasial Garcia (swinging); 2B Brandon Lowe (looking); and 3B Daniel Robertson (looking). Pannone pitched three hitless, scoreless innings (no walks, four strikeouts) in the game, which the Blue Jays lost 8-4.

Hader threw his (March 30) immaculate inning to close out a Brewers 4-2 win over the Cardinals. The southpaw reliever threw nothing but fastballs and – even though they pretty much knew what was coming – the Cardinals managed to touch just one. The inning consisted of a foul tip by Cardinals’ CF Tyler O’Neill on Hader’s first offering, followed by eight swing-and-misses. Hader’s next two victims were RF Dexter Fowler and PH Yairo Munoz.

Now, in today’s hard-throwing/free-swinging brand of baseball, immaculate innings are no longer an exceptionally rare feat. Since the 1880’s, we’ve seen 94 immaculate frames (tossed by 88 different pitchers). What is telling is that nearly one-third of those immaculate innings (31 out of the 94) have taken place since 2019.

How about just a few more Immaculate Inning factoids?

Immaculate Innings – What’s that?

Only two teams have never recorded an immaculate inning, and both can trace their roots back to Washington D.C. The Washington Senators/Minnesota Twins and the Washington Senators/Texas Rangers. The Dodgers lead MLB in immaculate innings with eight.

The Third Time’s the Charm.

While “Immaculate Innings” are indeed becoming less rare, multiple Immaculate Innings remain pretty unique. Only five MLB pitchers have recorded two (or more) immaculate innings in a career.

Photo by cliff1066™

On April 18, 1964, Sandy Koufax became the first (and still only) MLB pitcher to throw three immaculate innings in his career. Koufax’ third nine-strike, three-strikeout inning came in the third inning of a 3-0 loss to the Reds (April 18, 1964) (in LA) and his victims were the 7-8-9 hitters: SS Leo Cardenas, C Johnny Edwards and P Jim Maloney. Koufax gave up three runs on three hits and three walks (and six strikeouts) in that game.

That third immaculate inning came almost a year-to-date after his second such inning. It happened on April 19, 1963 – when he fanned Houston Colt .45’s 3B Bob Aspromonte, C Jim Campbell and P Turk Farrell (yes, the 7-8-9 hitters again) in the fifth inning of a 2-0 home win over Houston. In that contest, Koufax went the distance in a two-hit, two-walk, 14-strikeout victory. The southpaw’s first immaculate inning came on June 30, 1962. That time, he worked the top, rather than the bottom, of the order. It came in the first inning of a 5-0 no-hit victory over the Mets (in LA) and the victims were LF Richie Ashburn, 3B Rod Kanehl and 2B Felix Mantilla. Koufax walked five and struck out 13 in what was the first of four career no-hitters.

The other four pitchers to have tossed multiple (two each) immaculate innings are: Lefty Grove – who did it for the Athletics; Nolan Ryan – Mets and Angels; Randy Johnson – Astros (NL) and Diamondbacks; and Max Scherzer – Nationals.

Nolan Ryan is the only pitcher to throw an immaculate inning in both the AL and NL.

Immaculate on the Big Stage.

The only pitcher to throw a nine-pitch, three-strikeout inning in the World Series is the Royals’ Danny Jackson. On October 24, 1985, Jackson started Game Five of the Series against the Cardinals. He threw a complete-game, five-hitter in beating the Redbirds 6-1. He walked three and struck out five, including 3B Terry Pendelton, C Tom Nieto and PH Brian Harper on nine pitches in the seventh inning. Jackson had gone 14-12, 3.42 in the regular season He had taken the loss in Game One of the Series, despite giving up only two runs (four hits, two walks, seven strikeouts) in seven innings. His Game-Five win pulled the Royals to 3-2. They eventually won the series four games to three.

Just Give Me a Little More time and I can Do it.

There have been only two immaculate innings tossed in extra inning.

Sloppy Thurston for the White Sox, August 22, 1923 … Thurston, who came on in the 11th inning, threw an immaculate 12th before giving up a run in the 13th and taking the loss in a 3-2 Athletics victory.

Juan Perez, Phillies, July 8, 2011 … Perez came on (against the Braves) in the top of the tenth of a 2-2 game and fanned the side. The Phillies scored on a Raul Ibanez’ HR in the bottom of the inning to give Perez the win.

Nine pitches and Done for the Day.

Here’s a list of pitchers who have thrown an immaculate inning while facing only three batters in a game – in the ninth inning unless otherwise noted:

Jim Bunning, Tigers … August 2, 1959

Doug Jones, Brewers … September 23, 1977

Pedro Borbon, Reds … June 23, 1979

Jeff Montgomery, Royals … April 29, 1990

Stan Belinda, Royals … August 6, 1994

Todd Worrell, Dodgers … August 13, 1995

Ugueth Urbina, Expos … April 4, 2000

Jason Isringhausen, Cardinals …. April 13, 2002

Rafael Soriano, Rays … August 23, 2010

Juan Perez, Phillies, 10th inning … July 8, 2011

Steve Delabar, Blue Jays, 8th inning … July 30, 2013

Rex Brothers, Rockies, 8th inning… June 14, 2014

Sergio Casilla, Giants … May 7, 2015

Drew Storen, Reds … April 18, 2017

Zac Rosscup, Dodgers … August 19, 2018

Josh Hader, Brewers … March 30, 2019

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

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Some Opening Day Musings – 197 Hits, 247 Strikeouts and More

March 29, 2019 by David

Photo by rchdj10

You always get a special kick on Opening Day, no matter how many you go through. You look forward to it like a birthday party when you’re a kid. You think something wonderful is going to happen,

Joe DiMaggio

At yesterday’s Twin Opener (at home, in Minnesota, in March), something wonderful did happen for all of us who had somehow survived the 2019 Polar Vortex. The sun came out, the temperature climbed to a lofty 49 degrees, the Twins played some baseball that counted – and the home squad came away with a victory! In this post, BBRT will take a brief look at the Twins opener, as well as recount some of the highlights from Opening Day around MLB. Note: BBRT will treat all of yesterday’s games as though they occurred on Opening Day – even though the season actually opened on March 20 in Tokyo. For some thoughts on that, click here.

2019 Opening Day in Minnesota.

As the game time approaches, the sun seems a little brighter, the sky a little bluer, the air a little warmer and the grass a shade greener. Once the game begins, the ball hops off the bat with an especially sharp crack, the pitches seem to have more zip and whir-r-r than ever and the fielders move with a unique combination of grace and energy. In the stands, the beer is crisp and cold and the hot dogs steam in the cool of early spring. The fans cheer on their old and new heroes and follow this opening contest with pennant-race intensity – the most intense among them logging each play in the new season’s first scorecard. Baseball Is Back!

Baseball Roundtable … March 26, 2013

The 2019 Twins Home Opener drew an officially counted 39,519 hardy fans. The sky was partly cloudy, with the field occasionally bathed in sunlight and the game time temperature was a brisk (but comfortable) 49 degree. The Twins, appropriately (for this is Minnesota) gave out Twins-logo-ed “puffer” vests to the first 30,000 through the gates. I can testify that the give-aways were put to immediate and good use by at least 80 percent of the crowd.

The day featured all the usual Opening Day hoopla – player introductions, the giant on-the-field flag for the national anthem, an F-16 flyover and a first pitch thrown out by fomer Twin and 2006 American League MVP Justin Morneau.

As it is for nearly all Opening Day games, this contest featured what was expected to be a solid pitching match-up. The visiting Cleveland Indians sent two-time Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber to the mound, while the Twins countered with 2018 All Star Jose Berrios. It was clear from the start that neither would disappoint. Berrios got through the top of the first on just nine pitches (eight strikes), while Kluber was even more efficient – putting down the Twins in order in the bottom of the frame on just seven pitches (six strikes). It was more of the same in the second inning: Berrios – three up-three down on eight pitches (six strikes) and Kluber retiring the Twins in order on six pitches (all strikes). So after two innings, we had seen a total of 27 pitches, with only four outside the strike zone.

Things didn’t change a whole lot over the course of the game – played in two hours and 18 minutes and featuring just two runs (both by the Twins) on a two-team total of six hits, with two walks, two hit batsmen and 19 strikeouts.

It’s always an honor to pitch Opening Day … It’s exciting. It’s the beginning of a new season … That being said, I think we have five guys who could have pitched Opening day,”

Corey Kluber.

I should note that Kluber – after getting through four perfect innings on just 30 pitches (25 strikes) – did come down to earth a bit as the game progressed. While he needed just 11 pitches to get out of the fifth, his strike-to-ball ratio was six-to-five – and in the sixth inning, he needed 15 pitches (eight strikes/seven balls). In the seventh inning, after collecting just one hit and one walk over six frames, the Twins finally mounted some offense – all driven by newcomers to the team. DH Nelson Cruz singled to left. Then, after an Eddie Rosario whiff, 1B C.J. Cron singled to center. Third baseman Marwin Gonzalez doubled them both home. And, that was the offense for the day.

Kluber pitched seven innings, giving up just two earned runs (four hits, one walk, one HBP and five strikeouts). Berrios lasted 7 2/3, giving up no runs on two hits, one walk and ten strikeouts. Tyler Rogers came on to get a four-out save for the Twins – striking out three. And, the fans went home happy in their cozy “puffer” vests.

_____________________________________________

OPENING DAY AROUND BASEBALL

Another Free-swinging Season?

The 2018 season was the first in MLB history in which there were more strikeouts than base hits. If Opening Day is any indication, we are headed there again. Here are a few totals from the day’s 15 games.

Base hits – 197 (13.1 per game)

Strikeouts – 247 (16.5 per game)

Home Runs – 48 (3.7 per game)

Total runs scored – 124 (93 by winning teams, 33 by those on the losing side).

The most popular score of the day was 2-0, with four games ending by that tally (Twins over Indians; Mets over Nationals; Tigers over Blue Jays; Padres over Giants). There was a fifth shutout, as the A’s topped the Angels 4-0.

The most runs scored by any team on the day were 12, by three teams: Cubs over Rangers 12-4; Mariners over Red Sox 12-4; and Dodgers over Diamondbacks 12-5.

AN OPENING DAY RECORD FOR HOME RUNS – DEPENDS ON HOW YOU LOOK AT IT.

It was reported that a record 48 home runs were hit on Opening Day – the old record was 46. For BBRT, it kind of depends on how you look at it. Seven of those round trippers were hit by the Mariners and A’s – who had already opened the season March 30 in Tokyo. Maybe an asterisk is in order? Still, while all 48 homers were not hit by players in their team’s opening game, since neither the Mariners’ nor the A’s pitchers gave up a home run yesterday, all the home runs surrendered were by pitchers pitching in their teams opening game. I guess that clears that up.

Dodgers set Opening Day Dinger Mark

The Dodgers topped the Diamondbacks (in LA) on Opening Day by a 12-5 score. In the process, the Dodgers smacked an Opening Day single-team home run record with eight long balls. Joc Pederson and Enrique Hernandez each went deep twice, while Corey Seager, Max Muncy, Cody Bellinger and Austin Barnes added one apiece.

In Honor of the Final Four – A Baseball Double Double

For just the second time in MLB history, both starting pitchers in an Opening Day game notched double-digit strikeouts. Of course, it should be no surprise, they were the 2018 National League Cy Young Award winner (Jacob deGrom) and a three-time CYA winner and 2018 runner-up (Max Scherzer).

As the Mets topped the Nationals 2-0, deGrom got the win – going six scoreless innings, with five hits, one walk and ten whiffs. Scherzer took the loss, despite giving up just two hits (and two earned runs) in 7 2/3 frames, with three walks and 12 strikeouts.

The other time it two Opening Day starters fanned ten or more in the same game? April 7, 1970, when Orioles bested the Indians 8-2 in Cleveland. Orioles’ starter Dave McNally went the distance, giving up two runs on four hits, with three walks and 13 strikeouts. Cleveland starter Sam McDowell went 6 1/3 innings before walking the bases loaded with one out in the seventh. In his 6 1/3 frames, McDowell (who took the loss) was credited with giving up three earned runs on three hits, with five walks and eleven strikeouts.

Another Reason Why I Don’t Like the DH

When Brewers’ starting pitcher Jhoulys Chacin popped a solo home run off Cardinals’ starter Miles Mikolas with two out in the bottom of the fifth, he joined some good company, He adds his name to a short list of active pitchers with opening Day homers – Madison Bumgarner (two in 2017) and Clayton Kershaw (2013). It proved to be an important homer, as it gave the Brew Crew a 5-3 lead and they held on for a 5-4 win.

Tim Beckham Takes Chris Sale Deep Twice – and That’s a Real Surprise

The Mariners’ Tim Beckham could not have been too happy to see Chris Sale on the mound on Opening Day. Beckham was zero-for-fifteen in his career against Sale, with nine strikeouts (no walks). The nine whiffs were his most against any pitcher (he has also fanned nine times against Mark Estrada). What happened on Opening Day? Beckham took Sale deep twice – going two-for-five and plating three runs. By the way, the two round trippers ties for the most long balls Beckham has hit against any hurler (he has hit a pair of career home runs against seven different pitchers).

Like Father – Like Son

Fernando Tatis, Jr. – starting at shortstop fort the San Diego Padres – singled in his first MLB at bat (off Madison Bumgarner of the Giants). The hit came in the bottom of the seventh and was one of two singles he would get in the game – won by the Padres 2-0.

His father, Fernando Tatis made his debut for the Texas Rangers – starting at 3B (against the White Sox) on July 26, 1997. He also began His MLB career with a single in his first at bat.

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

FOR LINKS TO BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE’S 2019 PENNANT RACE AND MAJOR AWARDS PREDICTIONS, CLICK HERE.

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Filed Under: BB Fun Facts, News

Baseball Roundtable Opening Day Trivia Teaser … and More

March 28, 2019 by David

Baseball Roundtable Opening Day Trivia Teaser

Between 1972 and 1986, Steve Carlton started 14 of the 15 Phillies’ Opening Day games. Your question: Who was the pitcher who interrupted Carlton’s string? Hint: It happened in 1976, the pitcher was another lefty, a three-time 20-game winner, and had been an All Star the year before. Side note: In his 14 Opening Day starts, Steve Carlton won three and lost nine – with a 4.30 earned run average, 29 walks and 66 strikeouts in 92 innings.

Answer: Jim Kaat, who had a 25-season MLB career – with 283 wins (237 losses). Kaat pitched for the Phillies from 1976-79, putting up a 27-30, 4.23 record. He spent 15 of his 20 seasons with the Senators/Twins. For those who may be wondering whether Carlton’s health played an issue in Kaat’s Opening Day start, Carlton started the second game of the season and went on to a 20-7 record in 35 starts. Side note: Jim Kaat was not only a 283-game winner, but also a 16-time Gold Glover.

So, there’s a bit of Opening Day trivia for Opening Day 2019. Well, it’s kind of Opening Day. I, unfortunately, can’t forget that the Mariners and A’s played the first 2019 regular-season game back on March 20^th. (See BBRT’s comments on that turn of events by clicking here.) Still, let’s look at some Opening Day tidbit and targets you may find of interest.

OPENING DAY – THE SUN SHINES ON THE PITCHERS

Come on, Tom Terrific – Let’s get this party started.

Sticking with the theme of our question, no pitcher started more Opening Day games than Hall of Famer Tom Seaver (16). Seaver opened for Mets eleven times, the Reds three times and for the White Sox twice.

Black Jack – Or “They call him the streak.”

Hall of Famer Jack Morris holds the record for the most consecutive Opening Day starts at 14 (eleven for the Tigers, one for the Twins and two for the Blue Jays). Another Hall of Famer, Robin Roberts, holds the record for the most consecutive Opening Day starts for the same team at 12 – for the Phillies from 1950-1961.

In the “back in the day” category, in the 1950’s (1950-59), Robin Roberts won 199 games and threw 3,011 2/3 innings – for an AVERAGE of 20 wins and 301 innings per season.

Opening Day Starts – Gimme five, bro!

Gaylord Perry was honored by the most teams with Opening Day starts. He started on Opening Day for an MLB-record five different teams (Giants, Indians, Rangers, Padres and Mariners).

An Opening Day No-Hitter – A truly ONE-derous feat.

On April 16, 1940, 21-year-old Bob Feller (already in his fifth MLB season) threw the first – and still only – Opening Day no-hitter in MLB history – topping the White Sox 1-0 in Chicago. It was the first no-hitter (of an eventual three) for Feller, who walked five and struck out eight. During the season, Feller would go on to lead the AL in wins (27), ERA (2.61), strikeouts (261), games pitched (43), games started (37), complete games (31), innings pitched (320 1/3) and shutouts (4).

The Longest Day – 15 Shutout Innings.

On April 13, 1926, the Senators’ Walter Johnson pitched a 15-inning, complete game shutout (six hits, three walks, nine strikeouts) as Washington topped the Philadelphia Athletics 1-0 in Washington. The opposing starter, Eddie Rommel tossed the second-most innings in an Opening Day appearance – going 14 1/3, as Washington scored the winning run with one out in the 15th. Johnson, by the way, was 38-years-old at the time.

Fifteen Strikeouts on Opening Day – Tossing the Hitters a Curve.

On April 18, 1960, Camilo Pascual (known for his sweeping curve ball) took the mound at Griffith Stadium for the Washington Senators (against the Boston Red Sox). In 1959, the Senators had finished in last place in the AL, but Pascual had gone 17-10, 2.64, and led the league with 17 complete games and six shutouts. As the Senators’ Opening Day starter in 1960, Pascual picked up right where he left off – tossing a complete game three-hitter, walking three and striking out a still Opening Day record 15 batters in a 10-1 win over the Red Sox.

U Can’t Touch This – 7-0 on Opening Day.

Jimmy Key holds the record for Opening Day wins without a loss at seven – and he did in the minimum seven starts (Blue Jays, Yankees and Orioles). In those seven wins, he threw 44 1/3 innings, with a 3.05 ERA.

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LET’S GIVE THE HITTERS SOME OPENING DAY LOVE.

Knock Three Times – Most Home Runs in an Opening Day Game.

Until last season (March 29, 2018 to be exact) only three players had hit three home runs in an Opening Day Game – all three on April 4. Now the Opening Day record of three home runs is shared by Four players – the Blue Jays’ George Bell, Cubs’ Tuffy Rhodes, Tigers’ Dmitri Young and White Sox’ Matt Davidson.

On April 4, 1988, George Bell – batting clean-up and serving as the DH – became the first major leaguer to hit three home runs in an Opening Day game as his Blue Jays topped the Royals 5-3 in Kansas City. Bell’s power outburst was no surprise. He was coming off a 1987 season in which he hit 47 homers, drove in 134 runs and was the AL MVP. Bell went three-for-four with three runs scored and four RBI, hitting all three home runs off Royals’ starter Brett Saberhagen.

On a windy April 4, 1994, Karl “Tuffy” Rhodes (leading off and playing CF for the Cubs in Chicago) hit three solo shots off Mets’ starter Dwight Gooden. Rhodes also had a single and a walk in five plate appearances. Despite Rhodes’ record-tying performance, the Cubs lost to the visiting Mets 12-8. At the time, Rhodes had played 107 MLB games in four seasons – hitting a total of five home runs. His MLB career consisted of 225 games in six seasons, with a .224 average and just 13 round trippers (with a high of eight in 1994). Rhodes did go on to hit 474 home runs in eleven seasons in Japan.

On April 4, 2005 the Tigers’ Dmitri Young joined Bell and Rhodes on the list of batters with three home runs in an Opening Day game – as the Tigers topped the Royals 11-2 in Detroit. Young started at DH and went four-for-four with four runs and five RBI. Young, an All Star in 2003 and 2007, hit a total of 21 home runs in 2005 – and 171 in 13 MLB seasons. He hit a career-high 29 round trippers in 2003.

On March 29, 2018, as the White Sox topped the Royals 14-7 in Kansas City, DH and (appropriately) clean-up hitter Matt Davidson opened the season with a three-homer, five-RBI game. He went 3-for-four with a walk, four runs scored and five RBI. Davidson went deep off three different pitchers: solo shots in the fourth and fifth off Danny Duffy and Blaine Boyer and a three-run blast in the eighth off Brian Flynn. Davidson, in his fourth MLB season, went on to a .228-20-62 campaign. In his 273 MLB games (as of the opening of the 2019 season), Davidson has just three multi-homer contests. and a total of 49 round trippers.

Seven RBI in an Opener – Bringing the boys home, sweet home.

Being a Twins’ fan, one of my favorite Opening Day records is seven RBI in Game One of the season – shared by the Twins’ Brant Alyea and the Cubs’ Corey Patterson.

On April 7, 1970 – in his very first game as a Twin – LF Brant Alyea drove in an Opening Day record seven runs as Minnesota topped the White Sox 12-0 in Chicago. Batting fifth, Alyea went four-for-four, with two home runs, two singles and two runs scored. The game, it turned out, would foreshadow a strong April for Alyea. In 17 April games, he hit .415, with seven runs, 23 RBI, four doubles and five home runs.

Thirty-three seasons later – on March 31, 2003 – Cubs’ CF Corey Patterson tied Alyea’s record. In a 15-2 win over the Mets in New York, Patterson, batting seventh, drove in seven runs, going four-for-six with two home runs and two runs scored. Patterson, a career .252 hitter (12 seasons), was an Opening Day All Star. In seven Opening Day appearances, Patterson hit .440, with seven runs, 12 RBI and three home runs.

A Long Time Gone – A True Team Effort.

Only two teams have hit six home runs in a season opener:

1988 Mets: On April 4, 1988, the Mets opened the season with a 10-6 win over Les Expos in Montreal – behind home runs by: Darryl Strawberry and Kevin McReynolds (2 homers each); Kevin Elster; and Lenny Dykstra.

2018 White Sox: On March 29, 2018, the White Sox opened the season with a 14-7 win over the Royals in Kansas City. The Sox got three home runs from Mark Davidson two from Tim Anderson; and one from Jose Abreu. Hmmm? As easy as 1-2-3.

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HOW ABOUT SOME PAINFUL OPENING DAY MEMORIES?

Five Whiffs as a hitter – The Sultan of Swing.

On March 31, 1996, White Sox catcher Ron Karkovice set an MLB Opening Day record by striking out five times as Chicago lost 3-2 in Seattle. Karkovice, however, may have been a victim of circumstance.

First, future Hall of Famer Randy Johnson started on the mound for the Mariners – striking out 14 in seven innings (including Karkovice three times).

Second, the White Sox could muster only two runs on four hits over the first nine innings – taking a slim 2-1 lead into the bottom of the ninth (at that point, Karkovice had fanned just three times).

Third, the Mariners tied the contest in the ninth, and the game went to 12 innings before the Mariners prevailed 3-2. In those three extra innings, Karkovice struck out against Norm Charlton (tenth inning) and Edwin Hurtado (twelfth inning) to set the Opening Day record.

Eleven Walks on Opening Day – We’re gonna take a free ride.

On April 16, 1957, Cleveland southpaw Herb Score set the Opening Day record for pitcher’s walks, delivering eleven free passes to the visiting White Sox. Despite Score’s wildness, it was a close contest, with Score going the distance in a 3-2, 11-inning loss. Score struck out ten and gave just seven hits and two earned runs – stranding 14 Chicago base runners.

The Target? – Not to be the target.

On April 9, 1990, the Astros’ first baseman and cleanup hitter Glenn Davis was hit by a pitch an Opening Day record three times. Davis came to the plate six times and never put the ball in play – but still made only one out. Davis (who led the league in HBP that season with eight) was hit by a pitch three times, walked twice and struck out once as the Astros lost to the visiting Reds 8-4.

BBRT Note: Davis finished Opening Day with a batting average of .000, but an on-base percentage of .833.

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THE KINGS OF OPENING DAY – IN THE BATTER’S BOX AND ON THE MOUND

Photo by wild mercury

Perhaps no one looked forward to Opening Day more than Ted Williams – the king of the Opening Day batter’s box. A career .344 hitter, Williams was even better on Opening Day. Teddy Ballgame played in fourteen openers and was never held without a hit. He compiled a .449 Opening Day average (22 hits in 49 at bats), with three home runs, eight doubles, one triple, nine runs scored, 14 RBI and eleven walks. His Opening Day on-base percentage was .550 and his season-opener slugging percentage was .837.

Photo by The Library of Congress
The Washington Senators’ Walter Johnson can be crowned king of the Opening Day hill. On his first-ever Opening Day start (April 14, 1910), the 22-year-old Johnson tossed a 3-0 one-hit shutout against the Philadelphia Athletics. Sixteen years (and 13 Opening Day starts) later, a 38-year-old Johnson fulfilled his last Opening Day assignment with a 15-inning, complete-game, 1-0 win (6 hits, 3 walks, 9 strikeouts) over the A’s. Johnson holds the record for Opening Day pitching victories with nine (against five losses) and also threw a record seven Opening Day shutouts.

AND FOR YOUR OPENING DAY VIEWING PLEASURE.

BECAUSE THIS KIND OF THING NEVER GETS OLD.

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

FOR LINKS TO BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE’S 2019 PENNANT RACE AND MAJOR AWARDS PREDICTIONS, CLICK HERE.

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BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE LOOKS AT NEW TWINS CONCESSIONS – UNIQUE FOOD ITEMS AT OTHER BALL PARKS – AND MORE

March 26, 2019 by David

Photo: Bob King

A frozen treat with Bailey’s, Kahlua and Vodka – served in a cold fudge-coated cup with chocolate shavings. Ballpark food? It is now! It’s the Mud Slide, one of the new food and beverage offerings being served at Target Field during the coming (it’s almost here) season. Served at the Town Ball Tavern and the Delta Sky 360 Club. Price: $17.00

This afternoon (March 24), Baseball Roundtable again took part in what is now a rite of spring for me – the Twins’ Annual Food and Beverage Preview. Sponsored by the Minnesota Twins and Delaware North (the team’s exclusive food and beverage partner), this was the tenth annual showcase and taste-fest of the upcoming season’s new Target Field food and beverage offerings. If I had to describe the event, and Minnesotans will understand this, it’s a bit like the State Fair, only in a ball park. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the new Target Field concessions, as well as a few from other stadiums that BBRT found of interest.

Raising the Bar

When I first began attending MLB games, standard fare consisted of hot dogs, beer and soda. Flavorful condiments could be counted on two fingers – ketchup and mustard (sometimes artfully applied). If you wanted to go a step further, there were peanuts, popcorn, Cracker Jack®, licorice ropes and ice cream (usually frozen malt cups, where you risked splinters working with a very flat wooden spoon). When pizza, bratwurst and burgers arrived on the scene, many of us thought baseball’s culinary landscape was complete.

The 2019 Target Field Food and Beverage Preview again brought home how wrong we were – and how committed the Twins are to continually raising the ballpark food and beverage bar – or as Twins President David St. Peter put is “re-imagining” the food and beverage experience.

Now, I have neither the space, nor the time, to touch on all the new food and beverage items that were unveiled this afternoon. (They ranged from Grown-Up Grilled Cheese to a chance to create your own Soul Food Experience to a Chicken and Bacon Waffle Cone.) I would like to share a comment or two on some of the new food items my photographer (Bob King) and I found especially tasty, interesting or both. Note: Keeping in mind that prices and offerings can change, for a detailed, up-to-date look at Twins concessions (old and new), click here. I would expect it soon. Also, at the end of this post, you will find a description of a handful of top new food items from other ballparks.

The Obligatory Target Field Bloody Mary – Tossed a Curve

Hrbek’s Pub

Target Field has a reputation for signature Bloody Marys – offered at Hrbek’s Pub, near section 114. In the past, we have seen such concoctions as the Brunch Bloody Mary, the Cluck and Moo Bloody Mary and the Bigger Better Burger Bloody Mary.

This year, the Twins threw us a curve, with the “Mimosa Mary.” It’s a tangy and refreshing mixture of fruit and vegetable juices (predominantly orange), mandarin vodka and champagne. Served with skewer of fruit, it seemed a pretty healthy way to enjoy an adult beverage. Price: $16.00

Photo: Bob King.

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Now to the food. Bacon has produced a few hits at the ballpark. Here are two new bacon-centric Target Field options for 2019.

Peanut Butter n’ Jelly Candied Bacon Sandwich – Elvis Would be Proud

Craft Sandwiches – Section 114

Served on grilled sourdough bread, this treat features peanut butter, strawberry jelly and candied bacon.

This simultaneously crunchy, gooey, meaty and sweet sandwich was a favorite of both Bob’s and mine – and of several other “tasters” I talked to. Craft Sandwiches also offers a Philly Cheese Steak and Grown-Up Grilled Cheese. But, why be a grown-up when there’s peanut butter, jelly and bacon on the menu? BBRT Tip: Have a beverage near at hand. Price : $10.00

Photo: Bob King.

Bollywood Smash Salad – A Healthy Delight

Roots for the Home Team – Section 101

A tasty and refreshing offering, with roasted cauliflower and chickpeas, tossed with sorghum, mint, raisins and bok choy slaw – then topped with sunflower seeds and served with mango vinaigrette dressing. It delivers healthy veggies in a combination of sweet (raisins and mango) and nutty (sorghum and sunflower seeds) flavors. Bob noted, “I’m a committed carnivore and I’d order this.” Another new offering from Roots for the Home Team is the Northside Fresh Salad (black-eyed peas, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, Brussel Sprouts, serrano pepper and currants – topped off with crispy wontons and pepitas in avocado-lime dressing.) This one has a little more “zip” and is a little less sweet. Note: Roots for the Home Team partners with youth garden programs in the Twin Cities to give multicultural teens the opportunity to develop business and entrepreneurial skills.

Photo: Bob King

In addition to introducing new foods, the Twins honored Legacy Brands that have been part of the ball park experience for ten years – The Loon Cafe, Murray’s (steak house) and Kramarczuk Sausage Company. We all got to enjoy the Loon Cafe’s chili, a classic Murray’s steak sandwich and a Kramarczuk sausage sampler.

Photo: Bob King

Chicken, Bacon and Waffle Cone – In a cone, but worthy of a stick.

Section 109 & 311 Grills

Put this one on a stick and you are immediately transported to the fried food decadence that is the Minnesota State Fair. It’s a combination of chicken tenders, thick bacon and maple syrup – served in a waffle cone. Rich, but very tasty. The BBRT tip: Make sure each bite you take includes a bit of chicken, a bit of bacon and a bit of waffle. It’s the combination that makes this work – kind of like a smooth 6-4-3 double play. Price: $10.50

Photo: Bob King

The Boomstick – A New Take on a Long-Standing Tradition

Section 127

Photo: Bob King

Nothing says a meal at the ballpark more than a hot dog – and the Twins are offering something that is, indeed, more than a hot dog. It’s the Boomstick – in honor of new power hitter Nelson “Boomstick” Cruz. (Cruz has hit 360 career boomers.)

This is an almost baseball bat-sized hot dog – two-feet long – smothered in chili, nacho cheese, grilled onions and jalapenos. A sunny day, a cold beer, a scorecard and a Boomstick and you are ready for some baseball! You mighty want to add some mustard for old times’ sake. Price: $27.00.

Soul Bowl – Create Your Own Version of Minnesota Soul

Section 120

Photo: Bob King

Chef Gerard Kass is putting a new spin on the soul food of his childhood – presenting it in a flavorful, healthy and eye-catching way. And, he’s even letting you personalize your Soul Food Experience. Create a combination that suits your soul, using such ingredients as: Shaggy Yellow Rice; JR Jong Jerk Chicken; Rick Ross Smoked Mushrooms; Sade Sweet Corn; Biggie BBQ Braised Beef; #MPLS Mac & Cheese; and Jill Scott Greens. Price: $10.00 – $14.00

Shareable Boards

Bat & Barrel

Barrio Taco Board
Photo: Bob King

Target Field’s Bat & Barrel is offering a trio of “shareable boards” to make your group’s ball park experience special. These boards are brought to your table, creating a meal you and your family and friends assemble to your own taste. They include:

Barrio Taco Board: 12 flour tortillas; Barbacoa Adobo Chicken; habanero pickled onions; chopped onions; lime wedges; cilantro; shredded lettuce; sour cream; Ancho salsa; avocado tomatillo salsa; quesa fresco. Price: $45.00

ROWDYDOW BBQ Board: Chopped smoked brisket; pulled smoked pork; 12 King’s Hawaiian rolls; homemade bourbon pickles; fired onions; cole slaw; slow-cooked pinto bean; and homemade BBQ sauce. Price: $42.00

Athena “It’s Greek To Me” Board: chicken souvlaki skewers; Htipita feta spread; Tzatziki yogurt blend; pepperoncini; Kalamata olives; cucumber; a variety of fruits and vegetables; pistachios; herbs; and pita bread. Price: $42.00

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Now, how about a few new items from other ball parks?

TOP NEW ITEM – THE “Fowl Pole” at Globe Life Park in Arlington (Rangers)

Texans take pride in doing things in a “big” way – and the New “Fowl Pole” sandwich is no exception. What we are talking about here is a is a two-pound (yes, I said/wrote two-pound) chicken tender (it take four or five chicken breasts rolled, baked and fried to make this poultry log). The treat is served on a bed of waffle fries, with a choice of sauces (barbecue, honey and ranch) Price $27.50. Photo: Delaware North.

MY FAVORITE NEW HOT DOG … and one honorable mention

Going Yard – Dodger Stadium (Dodgers)

The Dodgers have captured my heart and appetite with their new “Going Yard” offering – previously offered only during the post-season. This beauty has all the tastes I love – a 16 ½-inch jalapeno-cheddar sausage, topped with grilled onions, roasted corn, an avocado relish and sour cream.

Coney Dog Egg Roll – Comerica Park (Tigers), Honorable Mention

A new twist on an old ballpark favorite. The Tigers are offering a hot dog, inside an egg roll, topped with mustard and diced onions. Maybe add a little soy sauce?

Photo: Delaware North

A LITTLE SALAD PERHAPS – PNC Park (Pirates)

Photo: Aramark

A tasty salad – that is as pretty as a picture and combines sweet and tart: Red Quinoa, heart of palm, spinach, blueberries, cucumbers, carrots, sunflower seeds and balsamic dressing. Just $10, by the way.

How ABOUT DESSERT?

Funnel Cake Poutine – Rogers Centre (Blue Jays)

As sweet as it gets. Funnel cake fries, ice cream, chocolate, caramel and marshmallow.

Photo: Aramark

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THE MINNESOTA TWINS GATE 34 EXPERIENCE

This week, the Minnesota Twins are unveiling a new way to get into the ball park – “The Gate 34 Experience.” Focusing on one of Target Field’s busiest entrances (often referred to as the “front door” of the ball park), the improvements are aimed at enhancing accessibility and convenience for fans entering the park (for example, a new dedicated wheel chair lane and a canopy to shelter fans from the elements as security checks and ticket scanning are completed.)

But there is much more to the improvements, including elements designed to create not just an entrance, but an experience. There is a 5,100-square-foot open area that features a variety of outdoor games, as well as ever-changing, pop-up shopping for fans. If the media preview is any indication, on a given day fans in the area could find everything from cotton candy to cookies and blankets to bow ties. The days we visited the Gate 34 Experience, food vendors included Spinning Wild (cotton candy); Dearest Baker Macaroons; Thumbs Cookies; Hip Hop Gourmet Popcorn; Zamboni’s Pizza & Pub; Smack Shack (seafood); and the Breaking Bread Café. Retail vendors on hand included: Through Jimmy Eye’s; Faribault Woolen Mill; and artist Adam Turman.

Gate 34 Curator Mich Berthiaume noted that the vendors will change with each series, keeping the fan experience fresh. “We’re targeting Start Up Brands, Heritage Brands and Give-Back Brands.”

Pete Spike, General Manager of Delaware North Sports Service, Target Field, said the food offerings will also be diverse (and changing) – noting that the Gate 34 Experience will offer new opportunities for local vendors not in a position to commit to an 81-game Twins schedule, while also expanding food and shopping opportunities to fans.

FOR LINKS TO BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE’S 2019 PENNANT RACE AND MAJOR AWARDS PREDICTIONS, CLICK HERE.

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Filed Under: BB Fun Facts, News

Baseball Roundtable 2019 Prediction Week – Day Seven – MVP, CYA, ROY

March 22, 2019 by David

BBRT’s 2019 Preview Week continues with our final Day (Day Seven) and predictions for the major MLB awards. Keep in mind, these are just BBRT’s opinions and conjecture – not the result of any inside insight or info. If you are interested in the standing prediction and a look into each teams lineup, rotation and bullpen, see the links below.

For the NL East Preview, click here.

For the NL Central, click here.

For the NL West, click here.

For the AL East, click here.

For the AL Central, click here.

For the AL West, click here.

Now, for those award predictions.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER – Paul Goldschmidt, 1B, Cardinals

Photo by Keith Allison

Goldschmidt – an All Star in each of the last six seasons – is pretty much a lock for a .290-30-100 season (and could do even better). His bat (a four-time Silver Slugger) changes the whole Cardinal lineup and his glove (a four-time Gold Glover) bolsters the Redbird defense. An extra bonus, Goldschmidt –unlike many corner infielders – can steal you a base (a high of 32 steals in 2016). He leads the Cardinals back to the post-season and wins the MVP Award.

2. Nolan Arenado, 3B, Rockies

Like Goldschmidt, Arenado brings lumber and leather to the ballpark. In six seasons, the four -time All Star has three home run titles, two RBI titles, four Silver Slugger Awards and five Gold Gloves at the hot corner. If the Rockies make a run at the Dodgers, Arenado will be in the middle of the action – and the MVP voting.

3. Anthony Rendon, 3B, Nationals

Some needs to step up with Bryce Harper gone – a .300-30-100 season from Rendon wouldn’t surprise.

CY YOUNG AWARD – Max Scherzer, Nationals

Photo by apardavila

Hard to pick against a guy who has led his league in wins in four of the last six seasons, in strikeouts the last three seasons and has been an All Star every season since 2013. Scherzer was 18-7, 2.53 with 300 whiffs in 2018. He should be in that neighborhood again.

Aaron Nola, Phillies

Nola came into his own in 2018 – going 17-6, 2.37, notching 224 strikeouts in 212 1/3 innings and finishing third in the Cy Young voting. In 2019, he’ll be pitching for a much-improved Phillies’ squad. If they are in the hunt, Nola will be a big part of it.

Noah Syndergaard, Mets

Syndergaard was 13-4, 3.03 in 2018 – a season in which he missed considerable time with a finger injury and “Hand, foot and Mouth Disease.” I think the 26-year-old is ready to break out in 2019. And, how can you pass on a guy who can come down with an old school ailment like HF&M Disease.

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR – Peter Alonso, 1B, Mets

The Mets’ top prospect – 24-year-old Peter Alonso – at 6’3” and 245 pounds – is a big man in the batter’s box. He proved it in 2018, going .285-36-119 in 132 games at Double A and Triple – and then adding six home runs and 27 RBI in 27 Arizona Fall League games. He’s ready.

Victor Robles, OF, Nationals

The 22-year-old Robles had a taste of the big leagues in 2017 and 2018, going .277-3-10 in 34 games. At 22, he already has five minor league seasons under his belt (.300-28-155, with 129 steals in 385 games). If you’ve been watching the news, there is a spot open in the Nationals’ outfield.

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AMERICAN LEAGUE

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER – Mookie Betts, OF, Red Sox

Photo by Keith Allison

Tough to pick a repeat, but Betts is just 26-years-old and does it all. In five seasons, he is a three-time All Star, a three-time Gold Glover, a two-time Silver Slugger and (of course) the 2018 AL batting champion and Most Valuable Player. Last season, he went .346-32- 80, with thirty steals. I could see another 30-30 season and a repeat MVP Award.

Mike Trout, OF, Angels

How can you not put Mike Trout on this list? In seven full MLB seasons, he has been the AL MVP twice, finished second four times and fourth once. Odds are he finishes somewhere in the top three. He’s also a seven-time All Star, has led his league in runs three times, RBI once and stolen bases once. He carries a .307 career average, with 240 homers and 189 steals into the 2019 season. He’ll be in the running again. (If only he had a better supporting case in Los Angeles).

Justin Verlander, SP, Astros

The Astros lost three-fifth of their 2018 dominant starting rotation to free agency or Tommy John surgery. Justin Verlander will be critical to their ability to weather that storm. I think the seven-time All Star has an outside chance to repeat his 2011 accomplishment of winning the Cy Young Award and the MVP Award in the same season. In 2018, he was 16-9, 2.52, with 290 strikeouts in 214 innings.

CY YOUNG AWARD – Justin Verlander

Photo by Keith Allison

See the description in the MVP predictions.

Chris Sale, Red Sox

After winning 17 games in 2016 and 2017, Sale missed more than a month of 2018 (shoulder issues) and still went 12-4, 2.11 with 237 whiffs in 158 innings. A healthy Sales should be right near, if not at, the top of the CYA balloting.

3. Trevor Bauer, Indians

I could easily have put Corey Kluber or Carlos Carrasco in this spot, but I just think it’s Bauer’s year to shine in Cleveland. Last season, he went 12-6, 2.21 with 221 strikeouts in 175 1/3 innings.

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR – Vladimir Guerrero, Jr., 3B, Blue Jays

Okay, I’ll ump on the bandwagon and put Vlad Jr, at the top of this list. Let’s face it, the 20-year-old with great baseball genes has got nothing left to prove in the minors. In three minor-league seasons, Guerrero is .331-41-200 in 276 games – including .336-6-16 in 30 games at Triple A last season. And, of course, the Blue Jays need help.

Elroy Jimenez, OF, White Sox

As the White Sox work to build for the future, Elroy Jimenez looks like a pretty good bet to get ample time with the big club. The 22-year-old is .311-65-281 in five minor league seasons and, in 2018, went .355-12-33 in 55 games at Triple A.

Yusei Kikuchi, SP, Mariners

An unusual rookie, Kikuchi is a 28-year-old southpaw with considerable experience in Japan, where he went 14-4, 3.08 in 2018. His last three seasons in Japan saw him go 12-7, 2.58; 16-6, 1.97; and 14-4, 3.08. Kikuchi is said to have a mid-90’s fastball, as well as a workable slider curve and change. He could make a splash in the Mariners’ rotation.

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Filed Under: News

Baseball Roundtable 2019 Preview – Day 6 – American League West

March 21, 2019 by David

BBRT’s 2019 Preview Week continues with our Day Six look at the final division to be reviewed – the American League East. Again, keep in mind things continue to change – there are still some “difference makers” out there on the free-agent market (like Dallas Keuchel and Craig Kimbrel), some positions are still undetermined (Joey Gallo?), injuries are still forcing moves (Matt Olson’s hand) and more. Now that we’ve gone through all the divisions, BBRT will wrap up (on Day Seven) with predictions for the major awards (ROY, CYA, MVP). Note: After the general comments, each team is reviewed in more detail. Keep in mind, these are just BBRT’s opinions and conjecture – not the result of any inside insight or info.

For the NL East Preview, click here.

For the NL Central, click here.

For the NL West, click here.

For the AL East, click here.

For the AL Central, click here.

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AL WEST

Astros

Athletics

Angels

Mariners

Rangers

The Astros lost three-fifths of their starting rotation to free agency or Tommy John surgery (37 wins, 86 starts, 500 innings) and are still pretty much everyone’s pick to win the West Division. That’s what happens when your rotation starts with Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole, Robert Osuna leads your bullpen and you’ve got a balanced lineup that is dangerous from one-through-nine. Houston – led by the likes of Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman, Carlos Correa and George Spring – tops the division again. The A’s offer a solid lineup with power in the middle (Khris Davis, Matt Chapman and Matt Olson), some tight defense and an uncanny ability to get the most out of a pitching staff. Look for them to be in the Wild Card race once again. There are lots of reasons to watch the Angels: Mike Trout’s all-around excellence; the fielding wizardry of Andrelton Simmons; and the wonder that is Shohei Ohtani. However, a shortage of pitching means you won’t be watching in the post season. Then there are the Mariners (rebuilding and not yet ready to content) and the Rangers (with some nice offensive fire power, but some real questions on the mound.)

ASTROS – First Place

You can’t go wrong picking the Astros, They should again finish atop the West – but it may be a little tougher this time around.

In 2018, the Astros logged MLB’s best team earned run average (3.11), while scoring MLB’s sixth most runs (797).

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

Justin Verlander will lead the Astros’ rotation.
Photo by Keith Allison

The Astros lost starters Dallas Keuchel and Charlie Morton to free agency and Lance McCullers to Tommy John surgery. Together, those three went 37-20, 3.56 and, just as important, took up 86 starts and ate up 500 innings. At this point (remember, Keuchel is still out there), it appears their spots in the rotation will be drawn from among Colin McHugh (6-2, 1.99 in 59 relief appearances); Joshua James (2-0, 2.35 in six appearances); free-agent signee Wade Miley (5-2, 2.57 in 16 starts for the Brewers); and Brad Peacock (3.46 in 61 appearances). McHugh is a former starter (a 19-game winner in 2015), who has added a slider to his repertoire and upped his strikeout rate. It wouldn’t surprise me to see him step up and win 15 games. Peacock also is a former starter, who went 13-2, 3.00 in 2017 (34 appearances/21 starts). James is dealing with a right quad issue and may not be ready on Opening Day. There is potential here, but we’ll have to see how the new rotation plays out. Fortunately, Justin Verlander (16-9, 2.52 and 290 strikeouts in 214 innings) and Gerrit Cole (15-5, 2.88 and 276 strikeouts in 200 1/3 innings) will be back – a solid one-two foundation.

The bullpen will again be led by closer Robert Osuna (2-2, 2.37, with 21 saves). He’ll get plenty of support from Ryan Pressley (2-1, 2.54, with 101 whiffs in 71 innings for the Twins and Astros); Hector Rondon (205, 3.20 in 63 games, with 67 whiffs in 59 innings); and (if he’s not needed in the rotation), Brad Peacock (3-5, 3.46, with 96 strikeouts in 65 innings). Basically, the bullpen will again be in good hands. A word of caution, last season the Astros’ pen pitched the second-fewest innings of any relief staff (only the Indians’ relievers threw fewer). This season, the pen could be under more pressure and face a heavier workload.

In 2018, the Astros’ bullpen put up a 3.03 earned run average – the lowest of any MLB bullpen staff.

When it comes to the lineup, the Astros are about as stable – and qualified – as you can be. Let’s start with the returnees. CF George Springer (.265-22-71 in an off year) is back at lead off. The two-time All Star went .285-34-85 in 2017. In the two-spot, we are likely to see rising star, 25-year-old Alex Bregman (.286-31-103, with ten steals and a league-topping 51 doubles). Then there is three-time batting champion and 2017 AL MVP 2B Jose Altuve (.316-13-61, with 17 steals). He’s capable of improving his 2018 numbers across the board. Oh yes, he also has a Gold Glove on his resume. SS Carlos Correa will also hit in the middle of the order. He’s been dealing with some back issues and went just .239-15-65 a year ago. Like Altuve, he’s a plus-defender and capable of topping his 2018 offensive numbers (.285-20-90 would not surprise me).

There will be a newcomer in power spot. Free-agent (Indians) Michael Brantley should handle LF. He went .309-17-76 with 12 steals and should fit right in with the potent Astros’ offense.

In 2018, Astros batters fanned the second-fewest time of any AL team (1,197). This team puts the ball in play. Newcomer Michael Brantley shares that plate discipline, fanning just 60 times in 631 plate appearances

The remainder of the lineup should be Yuli Gurriel at 1B (.291-13-85); Tyler White at DH (.275-12-42 in 66 games); Josh Reddick in RF (.242-17-47). At catcher, free-agent Rich Chirinos (.222-18-65 in 118 games for the Rangers) and Max Stassi (.226-8-28 in 8 games) replaces departed free-agents Martin Mald0nado and Brian McCann. The change will be felt more on defense than offense.

In 2018, the Astros can no longer count on the dominating starting pitching of the past. However, they have a balanced lineup that puts the ball in play – and enough power and speed to gain their third consecutive division title. It won’t be as easy, though.

KEY OFF-SEASON MOVE

LF Michael Brantley (free-agent, Indians) is just the kind of player the Astros love – a combination of power, speed and the ability to put the ball in play. In 2018, he went .309-17-76, with 12 steals. He could improve on all those numbers hitting in this lineup.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Collin McHugh – who won 19 games and pitched 203 2/3 innings in 2015 – rejoins the starting rotation (after the losses of Dallas Keuchel, Charlie Morton and Lance McCullers). He put up a 1.99 ERA in relief (94 whiffs in 72 1/3 innings). It will be interesting to see how he adjusts to a return to the rotation. He has the stuff. Does he still have the stamina?

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A’s – Second Place

A year ago, the A’s surprised quite a few people by winning 97 games with a team that was not like “Cheers” (everyone didn’t know their names). This year, there won’t be as many surprises, but the A’s should be in the Wild Card hunt again – and they are developing some “name” stars, particularly in the everyday lineup.

Let’s look at some of the names you probably already know – and then some which may soon become more familiar.

Khris Davis … A’s bi gbopper. Photo by Keith Allison

First among the “well-knowns” is DH Khris Davis (the Khris/Chris Davis you want to have if you have a fantasy team), who went .247-48-123 a year ago – leading MLB in home runs. In three seasons with Oakland, Davis has hit 133 home runs and driven in 335 tallies. Pretty much “everyone knows your name,” too – Matt Chapman. The 25-year-old completed his second MLB season by earning his first Gold Glove (and putting up MLB’s best Runs Saved score on defense) at 3B and going .278-24-68 (with 100 runs scored) at the plate. At the other corner, 25-year-old Matt Olson put his name on his first Gold Glove and also hit .247-29-84. (Olson, however, came up with sore hand the day before this was written –and his status his unsure. If he is unable to go on Opening Day Matt Canha, who went .259-17-52, will step in.). Another familiar name, for many, is former Rangers’ high-level prospect Jurickson Profar (.254-20-54, with 10 steals), who was brought in via trade to handle second base.

Now, for some of the players who names you may be less familiar with, but who will contribute to the A’s season. In the outfield, with Nick Martini out until Mid-April, newcomer (free-agent) Robbie Grossman will likely start in left field. Grossman was .273-5-48, with a .367 on–base percentage for the Twins last season. I got to see him play often and he know how to work a count and get on base. Grossman will hold down the LF spot until Martini, who hit .296 for the A’s last season is ready. CF should go to a truly new-name player, Ramon Laureano. He should soon be a well-known name around the league. A plus-defender, Laureano, just 24-years-old, hit .288-5-19, with seven steals in 48 games for the A’s last season – after starting the year .297-14-35, with 11 steals in 64 games at Triple A. Nashville. The final outfield spot goes to Steve Piscotty, a nice power source (.267-27-88).

In the infield, joining Chapman, Olson and Profar will be steady shortstop Marcus Semien (.255-15-70, with 14 steals). Catcher is a bit unsettled, after the loss of Jonathan Lucroy (.241-4-51 in 126 games for the A’s) to free-agency. At this point, it appears Josh Phegley (.204-2-15 in 39 games) is penciled in. In six MLB seasons, the 31-year-old backstop has played in just 270 games. Note: The A’s did sign free-agent (Mariners) Chris Hermann, but will be starting the season on the 60-day IL (knee surgery).

In 2018, the A’s had 13 pitchers start five or more games – and only two start at least 20. The A’s lost a couple of key members of that starting rotation – Trevor Cahill and Edwin Jackson – to free agency. Cahill was one of only two A’s pitchers to get at least 20 starts (7-4, 3.76), while Jackson went 6-3, 3.33 in 17 starting assignments. Still, the A’s have shown the ability to get the most out of a pitching staff (combining a corps of starters and relievers to get important outs) – without a proven ace, or even a traditional 200-inning workhorse. The team’s 3.81 earned run average in 2018 was sixth-best in the AL and second-best in the West Division.

So, who will get the bulk of the starts this coming season? Mike Fiers looks to be number-one. He was 12-8, 3.56 in 31 starts for Detroit and Oakland a year ago. Following Fiers should be: Frank Montas (5-4, 3.88 in 13 games/11 starts); Dave Mengden (7-6, 4.05 in 22 games/17 starts); Chris Bassitt (2-3, 3.02 in 11 games/7 starts) and Marco Estrada (7-14, 5.64 in 28 starts for the Blue Jays, but an All Star in 2016). It wouldn’t be surprising to see the A’s expand their use of the Rays’ relief pitcher as an “Opener” strategy.

Speaking of relief pitchers, the A’s have a strong pen, led by elite closer Blake Treinen (9-2, 0.78, with 38 saves and 100 strikeouts in 80 1/3 innings). While they loss Jeurys Familia to free agency (back to the Mets), they brought in free-agent (Brewers) Joakim Soria (3-4, 3.12, with 16 saves in 2018, and with 220 career saves). Among the others who will be asked to get key outs will be returnees Fernando Rodney (3.36 with 25 saves for the Twins and A’s) and Yusmeiro Petit (3.10 in 74 games).

Overall, a well-balanced lineup, coupled with a deep bullpen and effective management of the pitching staff should be enough to bring the A’s in one spot behind the Astros. They’ll be in the Wild Card race again, but I’m betting on the Twins to edge them out.

KEY OFF-SEASON MOVE

The A’s are a team that depends on the bullpen for important outs. They lost a proven arm with strong late-inning experience in Jeurys Familia (who returned to the Mets via free agency). They replaced Familia, however, with Joakim Soria – an 11-year veteran with a 2.88 career ERA, 220 saves and 688 whiffs in 634 1/3 innings.

PLAYER TO WATCH

The A’s would love to have “ace” to head their rotation – and that pitcher could be Jesus Luzardo (12-6, 2.53, with 177 strikeouts in 152 2/3 innings in two minor league seasons). The 21-year-old has a mid-90’s fastball and a solid curve and is considered a top prospect. This March, the southpaw was shut down for four-to-six weeks due to rotator cuff issue – after giving up just one earned run and fanning 15 in 9 2/3 Spring Training innings. Keep an eye on his progress. He could be a key player in the A’s future.

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ANGELS- Third Place

Mike Trout … face of the Angels.Photo by Keith Allison

When you talk about the Angels, it all starts with CF Mike Trout (.312-30-85, with eight steals). Just 29-years-old, Trout is a seven-time All Star, a Rookie of the Year and a two-time MVP. As usual, the Angels can expect MVP-worthy performance out of their center fielder, but that won’t be enough to catch the Astros (nor, probably, the A’s).

Let’s look at the offensive cast surrounding Trout. Flanking him in the outfield will be Kole Calhoun (.208-19-57), who offers plus-defense, but whose offense has been on the decline – and dependable power source Justin Upton (.257-30-85, with eight steals).

In the infield, we’re likely to see a combination of free-agent Justin Bour at 1B (.227-20-59 for the Marlins and Phillies) and Albert Pujols (.245-19-64) at 1B; 25-year-old David Fletcher (.275-1-25 in 80 games as a rookie) at 2B; and veteran Zack Cozart (.219-5-18 in 58 games) at 3B. Cozart, however, has some health issues (calf) and may not be ready on Opening Day. If he’s not ready, we could see Tommy La Stella (.266-1-19 in 23 games for the Cubs). As you can see, the infield may be a bit unsettled. Except for SS, that is. Andrelton Simmons is both a defensive wiz (four Gold Gloves) and an offensive asset (.292-11-75, with 10 stolen bases).

Catcher belongs to free-agent signee Jonathan Lucroy (.241-4-51), while Shohei Ohtani should provide pop at DH (.285-22-61 in 104 games).

Last season, the Angels fit right into the middle of the American League: eighth in runs scored and eighth in runs surrendered. They, in fact, gave up just one more run (722) than they scored 721). That led to a near -.500 season (80-82). For 2019? More of the same. They should finish in the middle of the West.

Sixteen pitchers started for the Angels in 2018 and I expect the auditions will continue, as the Halos try to develop a more stable rotation. Andrew Heaney (9-10, 4.15, with a team-leading thirty starts) looked to be a lock. Heaney, however, has had elbow problems and may not be ready on Opening Day. It now looks like the Angels will put together a rotation from among: Trevor Cahill (7-4, 3.76 for Oakland); Jaime Barria (10-9, 3.41 in 26 starts for LA); Felix Pena (3-5, 4.18); and Tyler Skaggs (8-10, 4.02). Others getting a look include: free-agent Matt Harvey (7-9, 4.94 for the Mets and Reds); Felix Pena (4-5, 4.18); and, perhaps even, 21-year-old prospect Jose Suarez.

The bullpen looked, for a time, to have as many question marks as the rotation – but then, in late January, proven closer Cody Allen (27 saves for Cleveland last season and 149 over the past five years) signed with the Halos and roles began to fall into place. Getting the ball to Allen will be the likes of Cam Bedroisian (3.80 in 71 appearances); Ty Buttrey (3.31 in 16 appearances; and Justin Anderson (4.07 in 57 appearances).

KEY OFF-SEASON MOVE

Adding proven closer Cody Allen (between 24 and 34 saves in each of the past five seasons) will help stabilize the Angels’ bullpen.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Why not enjoy arguably the best player in the game – Mike Trout. If only he had a stronger supporting cast.

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MARINERS – Fourth Place

Want to know where the Mariner will finish in 2019? Consider their strategy: Gone are their leading home run hitter and RBI man (Nelson Cruz, free agent); saves leader (Edwin Diaz, trade); key setup man (Alex Colome, trade); starting SS and leading batting average (Jean Segura, trade); key member of the rotation (James Paxton, trade). The Mariners are rebuilding for the future, but it doesn’t appear 2019 will be the year of the future.

The new Mariners lineup will include some old faces, like LF Mitch Haniger (.285-26-83); 3B Kyle Seager (.221-22-78), who is likely out until June – leaving the hot corner to another returnee, Ryan Healy (.235-24-73); 2B Dee Gordon (.288-4-36, with 30 steals).

Edwin Encarnacion … one of the new faces in the Mariners’ lineup. Photo by Keith Allison

And, that’s that. Now the new faces. Taking over the middle of the lineup and likely sharing time at 1B and DH will be newcomers (both via trade) Edwin Encarnacion (.246-32-107 for the Indians) and Jay Bruce (,310-9-37 for the Mets). At the top of the order look for CF Mallex Smith (trade), who went .296-2-40, with 40 steals for the Rays. There are also SS J.P. Crawford (trade), who hit just .214 in 49 games for the Phillies; LF Domingo Santana (trade), .265-5-20 in 85 games for the Brewers; and C Omar Narvaez (trade), .275-9-30 in 97 games for the White Sox. Truly, in Seattle, you won’t be able to tell the players without a scorecard.

When you look at the whole of it: Speedy place setters (Smith and Gordon) and a modicum of power (Encarnacion, Healy, Haniger), this lineup should produce some runs.

Then the question become, how many tallies will the pitchers give up? The answer to that question may be what keeps the Mariners down in fourth place. In the off-season, the Mariners gave up their best starting pitcher, arguably MLB’s best closer, their top late –inning setup man and a couple of key middle relievers. Ouch!

Let’s take a look at who they are likely to take north. The rotation looks to include returnees Marco Gonzalez (13-9, 4.00 in 29 starts); Mike Leake (10-10, 4.36 in 31 starts); and Wade Leblanc (9-5, 3.72 in 27 starts). Joining this group will be Yusei Kikuchi (14-4, 3.08 in Japan). The status of former number-one starter Felix Hernandez (8-14, 5.55) remains a question. Also, before the end of the season, may see one or both of the pitchers acquired in the trade of James Paxton to the Yankees: Justice Sheffield and Erik Swanson. I lean toward Swanson, who was 8-2, 2.66 at three levels last season, and just as important, showed swing-and-miss stuff that is not part of the current rotation’s repertoire (139 strikeouts in 121 2/3 innings for Swanson).

Then there is the bullpen, where the Mariners traded away Edwin Diaz and his 57 saves. Not sure who the new closer will be, but it is looking like it could be shared among newcomers Hunter Strickland (3.97 with 14 saves for the Giants) and Cory Gearrin (3.29 in 3.77 in 62 games for the Giants, Rangers and A’s). When healthy Anthony Swarzak (shoulder) and Shawn Armstrong (oblique) could also be in the mix. The Mariners may also look for key outs from among Ruben Alaniz, Roenis Elias and Zac Rosscup. Ultimately, this is a bullpen that is still looking to establish its roles – and that is concern.

KEY OFF-SEASON MOVE

The acquisition of Edwin Encarnacion (trade) gives the Mariners a little star power, as well as a proven cleanup hitter. In the past seven seasons, Encarnacion has topped 30 home runs every season and 100 RBI six times.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Japanese import Yusei Kikuchi (14-4, 3.08 in Japan last season) has four quality pitches: a mid-90’s fastball, along with a workable slider, curve and splitter. In his last three seasons in Japan, the southpaw went: 12-7, 2.58; 16-6, 1.97; and 14-4, 3.08.

_________________________________

RANGERS – Fifth Place

Like many teams it the West, the Rangers look to have offensive potential and mound work question marks. That – and the retirement of future Hall of Famer and long-time fan favorite Adrian Beltre – could make for a long season in Texas.

Adrian Beltre … will be missed in Texas and around baseball. Photo by Keith Allison

Let’s start with the lineup. With the exception (sad face here) of the retired Adrian Beltre, it looks a lot like the 2018 version. RF Nomar Mazara (.258-20-77); LF Joey Gallo (206-40-92, coming off is second straight 40-homer campaign); and SS Elvis Andrus (.256-3-33 in 97 games – but .297-20-88 in 2017), working to bounce back from a broken elbow in 2018. Shin-Soo Choo could lead off (RF/DH) or fit in lower in the lineup (.264-21-62), with 2B Rougned Odor (.253-18-62, with 12 steals) in the two-spot. In the bottom of the order, Ronald Guzman (.235-16-58 in 123 games) should offer some pop at 1B and free-agent signee Asdrubel Cabrera (.262-23-75 for the Mets and Phillies) seems set to slide in at third. Delino DeShields is focused on rebounding from an injury-hampered 2018 (.216-2-22, with 20 steals in 106 games). If healthy, he is a plus defender and an aggressive base runner/stealer, who should be able to top .250 at the plate. Finally, free-agent Jeff Mathis (.200-1-20 in 69 games for the Diamondbacks) – an excellent defensive catcher – was signed to handle backstop duties. Overall, it’s a pretty balanced lineup. Unfortunately, the balance point at each position is lower than that of the Division Champion Astros.

Cautionary Statement: Joey Gallo will be in the lineup – but it could be at 3B, 1B or LF. A final decision on that issue can shift potential starters around.

In 2018, the Texas staff put up a 4.92 earned run average – highest in the Division, third-highest in the AL.

It says a lot about the Rangers that they are looking at a pair of veterans who did not pitch in the major leagues in 2017 (Tommy John surgery) to make their rotation – Drew Smyly and Edison Volquez. It looks about like this: Mike Minor (12-8, 4.18 for the Rangers); Lance Lynn, a seven-year veteran (10-10, 4.77 for the Twins and Yankees); Drew Smyly, a five-year veterans (7-12, 4.88 for the Rays in 2016); Edison Volquez (4-8, 4.19 for the Marlins in 2017); Shelby Miller (0-4, 10.69 for the Diamondbacks). We may see the Rays’ “Opener” and “Bullpen Days” strategies in Texas.

In the bullpen, Jose Leclerc has grabbed the closer role and run with it (1.56, 12 saves, 85 whiffs in 57 2/3 innings). Jesse Chavez (5-2, 2.55 in 52 games) can get the ball to the ninth. Also likely to contribute are: Chris Martin (4.54 in 46 appearances); Connor Sadzek (0.96 in 13 appearances); and Jeffrey Springs (3.38 in 18 appearances).

KEY OFF-SEASON MOVE

Bringing back Jesse Chavez, traded to the Cubs in July and signed as a free-agent in November, returns a reliable setup man to the Rangers’ bullpen. Chavez went 5-2, 2.55, with five saves for the Rangers and Cubs, fanning 92 batters in 95 1/3 innings.

PLAYER TO WATCH

I’’d watch Joey Gallo. If he ever develops any level of plat disciple, he could be a monster. In the past two seasons, he’s hit 81 home runs, but also struck out 403 times (36.3 percent of all his plate appearances). Last season, in fact, his strikeouts (207), exceeded hit batting average (.206)

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NEXT – THE MOST VALUABLE PLAYER, CY YOUNG AND ROOKIE OF THE YEAR AWARDS.

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BBRT RANT: 2019 Season Opener in Japan – It Should Have Been an Exhibition.

March 21, 2019 by David

Okay, let me start out by admitting I am both old and “old school” – particularly it comes to the opening of the MLB season. I fondly recall the days when there were two leagues of eight teams and, year-after-year, Opening Day featured two games – the NL in Cincinnati and the AL in Washington D.C.. Day Two then featured a full slate of games, anticipation was served, and the season was off and running. That’s not how it happened this year, when Seattle and Oakland opened the season March 20 in Tokyo. No surprise, BBRT some opinions on that. But first some background.

Baseball Was Beautiful in Black and White

Baseball Was Beautiful in Black and White

Now, we’ve come a long way since the days of 16 teams, regular one-admission doubleheaders, the black and white “Game of the Week” on our small-screen televisions and the radio as our primary source of live MLB coverage. Sometimes, I miss those days.

Still, I am not a total curmudgeon. I appreciate the progress our national pastime has made. I can now get a baseball “fix,” live and in color, every day of the week – usually with multiple choices. There is baseball news (and views) year-round and the internet makes the exchange of info and insight on our national past time both immediate and (usually) interesting. (How I love MLB At Bat and Baseball-Reference.com.) More fans, in more cities, have access to major league baseball. There are more players from more places – and we know more about them – than ever. I like all of that.

Ball park food and beverage has gotten better – and sometimes it comes in the same glass. Photo: Bob King

I also am okay with defensive shifts (earn to hit to the opposite field); limiting mound visits; and a single trade deadline. I, however, am not fond of the “wave-em-to-first” intentional walk (too much like slow-pitch softball) or a pitch clock (although I would support requiring pitcher to keep one foot on the mound and batters to keep on foot in the batters’ box). I don’t care for the challenge system and oppose robot umpires (discussion and debate are part of the fans’ game and adjusting to the umpire’s strike zone part of the players’ game) and requiring a reliever to face three batters or end a half-inning.

I also like the improved amenities at the ballpark – better food choices (Thankfully, gone are the days when the menu was beer, hot dogs, peanuts and licorice ropes); more informative scoreboards; improved sight lines; and more colorful uniforms (The old “whites and grays” were only good for black-and-white TV.). I could use fewer between innings diversions (that’s the time for the discussion and debate I mentioned earlier).

The March 20 “Opening”

But, I digress – and, perhaps, protest a little too much. Let’s get back to this year’s March 20 Opening Day in Japan.

The fact is, no matter how much the game changes (and it must continue to change), on Opening Day, I traditionally yearn for tradition. This year, MLB chose to have the Seattle Mariners and Oakland A’s open the regular-season play March 20 in the Tokyo Dome. Turns out, there was very little “regular” about it. (Note: It was not the first time MLB choose to open the season early and abroad. In 2012, for example, these same two teams opened the MLB season on March 28 in Japan; while the rest of MLB opened on April 4.)

Don’t get me wrong. The March 20-21 Seattle/Oakland contests were a good idea, driven by good intentions.

First, it was – at its foundation – a good idea:

A tribute to Ichiro Suzuki, owner of more than 3,000 major league hits and nearly 1,300 safeties in his native Japan – a sure (and likely first-ballot) Hall of Famer; and
Recognition of the increasing international flavor of the game, as well of Japan’s particular passion for love the game and increasing presence in and impact on MLB.

Ichiro, a well-deserved tribute. Photo by Matt McGee

The games, by the way, were a great success, drawing large (45,000+) and enthusiastic crowds – and providing an emotional and fitting tribute to Ichiro Suzuki’s accomplishments and contributions to baseball at home and abroad. BBRT’s opinion is that the although games in Japan were a good idea and the tribute to Ichiro well-deserved, the effort would have been equally successful in serving its purpose and less disruptive if the games had been part of the Spring Training season. But as the MLB’s season “opener,” MLB’s pitch was high and outside.

From a timing perspective, few American fans were up to watch or listen to game coverage. The games also interrupted (rather than signaled the end of) the exhibition season – Spring Training games continued and even the Mariners and A’s came back to play additional games that didn’t count. So, other than some rather weird AL standings that will remain stagnant for a while, it hardly seems the season is underway.

Finally, the exhibition nature of the contest was further cemented in my mind by the fact that Ichiro, who hadn’t played a major league regular-season contest since May 2 of last year, officially announced his retirement right after the two-game opening series concluded.

Again, in the don’t get me wrong column. I am fine with international games. I welcomed the expansion into Canada, as well as past and ongoing efforts to recognize (and expand) the more global nature and recognition of today’s game. This season, we’ll see the Red Sox and Yankees in London in late June; Reds and Cardinals in Monterrey, Mexico, in mid-April; and the Angeles and Astros in Monterrey in early May. I just maintain that there is a time and place for those efforts (as preseason exhibitions or during the normal course of the season) – and, for me, that’s not Opening Day.

Ultimately, the 2019 MLB season opener seemed like a non-event and I am anticipating the March 28 slate of games, my true season opener(s). Oh, yes, the Seattle Mariners are currently on top of the American League West with a 2-0 record. Final thoughts: It’s done. It gave me something to write about. Ichiro is a well-deserving recipient of this recognition. And, I can just hope we don’t have another early opener. Now, a few more Spring Training games and on to the season.

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Filed Under: Rants & Raves

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BBRT RANT: 2019 Season Opener in Japan – It Should Have Been an Exhibition.

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