The first month of MLB’s 2021 regular season has come to an end and it’s time for Baseball Roundtable’s traditional monthly wrap up:

• A look at the April stories and stats that caught BBRT’s eye;
• April won-lost records (future Wrap Ups will include the most recent month and year-to-date stats and standings);
• BBRT’s Players and Pitchers of the Month; and
• BBRT’s “Trot Index.”

Note: If you are more into stories than stats, you can scroll down to the “Highlights” section. 

Just Try to Sneak One past Nicky “Two-Strikes”

Two strikes?  No problem. This April, White Sox’ 2B Nick Madrigal hit hit .355 in at bats where he had two strikes on him – and, within that set of at bats, hit .364 on 0-2 counts.  Small sample size?  Yes, but consider that, in his two MLB seasons, Madrigal has hit .333 in 87 at bats which stretched to a two-strike count, has hit .529 (9-for-17) on 0-2 pitches and has hit .405 after falling behind 0-2 in an at bat (15-for-37). 

Before we get into the details, here are a few events that helped shape April 2021 in MLB (more on these and other April “happenings” in the “Highlights” section).  In April, we saw:

• Two no-hitters (Carlos Rodon & Joe Musgrove);
• A triple play (Reds);
• Three three-homer games (J.D. Martinez, Ryan McMahon, Vlad Guerrero, Jr.);
• A player (White Sox’ rookie Yermin Mercedes) start a season with a record eight straight hits;
• A starting pitcher (Corbin Burnes) strikeout 49 batters without giving up even one walk; 
• Angels’ two-way player Shohei Ohtani do something that hasn’t been done in 100 seasons – start a game on the mound when he was also leading MLB in home runs on the season.  (Last done by, of course, Babe Ruth – back in 1921.);
• Two qualifying batters hit .400 for the month (Mike Trout and Yermin Mercedes) and a third (Byron Buxton) outhitting them both, but one plate appearance short of qualifying for the leader board;
• Two qualifying pitchers (Jacob deGrom and Carlos Rodon) turning in April ERA’s under 1.00 and a third (Danny Duffy) turning in an even lower ERA than deGrom and Rodon, but falling one inning short of qualifying for the leader board;
• One player (Joey Votto) notching his 300th career home run; 
• One team (Tigers) averaging below .200 for the month;
• One division, the NL East with no team over .500 – and the only team in the Division (Marlins) with a positive run differential was in last place at the end of April;
• The Padres swiping 33 bases; the Mets just three;
• Despite the DH taking pitchers’ whiffs out of the mix, we saw that the top three teams in batters’ strikeouts in April were all from the AL (Rangers, Tigers, Rays). 

Hmm.  How About Those Record Books?

There were 14 complete games recorded in April 2021 – six of them in seven-inning doubleheader contests.  Of the ten complete-game shutouts that went into the record books, four were part of seven-inning doubleheaders. 

Again, more on these and other April “stories” in the Highlights section.  Before we get deeper into April 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 – Ronald Acuna Jr., OF, Braves

Ronald Acuna, Jr. – just 23-years-old – continues to make his presence known on the field.  His .341 April average was second among NL (qualifying) players, his eight home runs tied for tops in the NL (one behind the Red Sox’ J.D. Martinez overall), his 25 runs scored were the most in MLB and  his 18 RBI were seventh in the NL.  Add in his 15 walks and two HBP and his .443 on-base percentage was third among NL qualifying hitters. .  During the month, Acuna scored two or more runs in eight games. Acuna also stole three bases in April.

Honorable Mention(s): Jesse Winker of the Reds provided average and power with a .370-6-16 line, with his average leading NL qualifiers and his 30 hits tied for third in the NL.  BBRT also looked at the Dodgers’ Justin Turner, who put up a .330-6-20 stat line in April. 

Pitcher of the Month –Jacob deGrom,  LHP, Mets

 Jacob deGrom, started five games in April, putting up (among qualifiers) an MLB-best 0.51 ERA,   and second-lowest WHIP (0.57), while fanning an NL-tops 59 batters in 35 innings (tying Nolan   Ryan’s record for the most whiffs in the first five starts of a season (1978).   In his five starts,   deGrom gave up   just 16 hits and only two earned runs (one earned run in each of his two   losses  – over 14 innings).  On April 23, he tossed a two-hit, 15-strikeout, complete-game shutout against the Nationals. 

Honorable Mention(s): Joe Musgrove of the Padres pitched to a 2-2 record, with a 1.24 ERA (second only to deGrom among NL qualifiers).  He also tossed the first no-hitter in Padres’ history and fanned 41 batters (five walks) in 29 innings.  The Brewers’ Corbin Burnes also deserves mention, after going 2-2 with a 1.53 ERA during the month, striking out 49 batters (without a single walk) in 29 1/3 innings.  Unfortunately, Burnes was on the Injured list when April closed, so we’ll have to wait to see how much farther he can take the streak. 

Life Just Isn’t Always Fair

While Jacob deGrom’s 0.51 April ERA resulted in a 2-2 record for the month, Steven Matz (Blue Jays) translated a 4.00 ERA into a 4-1 April record. 

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Player of the Month – Byron Buxton, OF, Twins

This was a tough decision, with an eight-time All Star and three-time MVP (Mike Trout), a rookie (Yermin Mercedes) and a often-injured, seven-season MLB veteran (Byron Buxton) having his best start ever all in the running.  All three offered one of those “bright and shiny things” that grab BBRT’s attention – a .400+ average (although Buxton fell one plate appearance short of qualifying for the leader board).  BBRT’s is going with Buxton, who put it all together in April with a .426 average, eight home runs (second in MLB only to J.D. Martinez’ nine), 14 RBI, 15 runs scored, three stolen bases, an .897 slugging percentage and Gold Glove caliber defense. Buxton was held hitless only twice in 18 games. He did it all. 

Honorable Mention(s): In April, Mike Trout played like – Well, like Mike Trout. In fact, he may be having the best April start in his already storied career. His .425 average was tops among MLB qualifiers and he added six home runs, 14 RBI and 18 runs scored (in 21 games). White Sox’ rookie Yermin Mercedes (.415-5-16) pretty much kept pace with Buxton and Trout at the plate, but serves primarily as a DH (which costs him a “point” or two).  You’ll find more on Mercedes in the Surprise Player of the Month recognition.  I also considered the Red Sox’ primary DH  J.D. Martinez, who hit .333-9-25.  Martinez’ nine April homers and 25 RBI each led all of MLB, his 33 hits were third and he had a three-homer game and ten multi-hit games.

Pitcher of the Month – Carlos Rodon, LHP, White Sox

 Going with White Sox’ starter Carlos Rodon, whose April was nothing short of remarkable. His   four victories (no losses) tied for the most in MLB.  His 0.72 ERA was  the lowest among Al   qualifiers and second only the Mets’ Jacob deGrom  He also fanned 36 batters in 25 innings and,   of course (another bright and shinny thing), threw a no-hitter. In addition, Rodon gave up a total   of seven hits in four starts and held hitters to a MLB-low (among qualifiers) .085 batting average.   His WHIP of 0.64 was the lowest among AL qualifiers. 

Honorable Mention(s); The Yankees’ Gerrit Cole was  4-1 in six starts, with a  1.43 ERA (second among AL qualifiers). In addition, Cole’s had 0.72 WHIP in April and his 62 strikeouts (in 37 2/3 innings) were (second only to Shane Bieber’s 68.  The Indians’ Shane Bieber finished the month with an MLB-leading 68 whiffs in 42 1/3 frames.  Still, he had two fewer wins (3-2) than Rodon; a higher ERA (2.76); and a higher WHIP (0.99).  Similarly, while the Royals’ Danny Duffy’s ERA was a minuscule 0.39, his WHIP of 1.04 was higher than Rodon’s, he pitched fewer innings (23 – one short of qualifying for the leader board ) and recorded only about half as many strikeouts (27).  Overall, Rodon – in BBRT’s view – had a slight edge over these three Honorable Mentions (and then, there’s that no-hitter).  

Surprise Player of the Month – Yermin Mercedes, DH, White Sox 

 A rookie as Player of the Month, in his first full month in the major leagues?  That would   be White Sox’ DH Yermin Mercedes, who came out of the gate smokin’ – becoming the   first MLB player in the modern era to collect a hit in each of his first eight plate   appearances of a season.  The 27-year-old Mercedes didn’t drop below .500 until his tenth   game of the season and finished the month at .415. His 34 hits tied for the most in MLB   this April and he also popped five home runs and drove in 16 tallies.  His month included   seven multi-hit games and he was held hitless in only three of 22 games played. 

Honorable Mention(s): Coming into the 2021 season, Orioles’ OF Cedric Mullins‘ career MLB average was .225 (115 MLB games over three seasons).  He ended this April tying for the MLB lead in base hits (34 in 26 games), with a .337 average. BBRT also wants to recognize Brewers’ catcher Omar Narvaez. The 29-year-old came into this season with a career .267 average and had hit just .176 in 40 games for the Brewers in 2020. This April, he put up a .368-3-11 line in 22 games.

How About a Surprise At Bat of the Month

On April 27, Brewers’ right-handed pitcher Adrian Houser started for the Brewers (against the Marlins in Milwaukee. He went 5 1/3 innings (three runs on five hits and one walk,with seven strikeouts) for the win.  But the surprise of the game came not when Houser was on the mound, but when he was at the plate.  He came into the game just 2-for-28 in his career with 21 strikeouts. In his first at bat of the game, on the first pitch he saw from Daniel Castano, Houser smacked his first MLB home run – a 418-foot blast to center.

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TROT INDEX … A REGULAR BBRT FEATURE

In April 2021, 37.7 percent of the MLB season’s 28,326 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 (24.4%); walks (8.8%); home runs (3.1%); HBP (1.3%); catcher’s interference (less than 1%). Personally, I’d like more action in the field of play.

The 37.7 percent figure is up slightly from 2020’s (full season) 37.3 percent;  2019’s (full season) 36.2 percent and 2018’s 34.8 percent Trot Index. See a trend there? 

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There were some surprises in April.  How about the Royals sitting atop the Al Central Division? How they got there adds to the surprise.  Consider that the Royals were outscored by opponents in April, while the second place White Sox has a plus-29 run differential. The Royals did it partly by going 6-1 in one-run games.  The team was led on offense by 2B Whit Merrifield (.274-3-15), 1B Carlos Santana (.247-6-20) and C Salvador Perez (.268-5-13). That trio was responsible for 14 of the team’s 22 home runs and 45 or the squad’s 99 RBI. Danny Duffy led the starting rotation (3-1, 0.39, 27 strikeouts in 23 innings).  Those one-run wins really reflect the handling of the bullpen – six different pitchers recorded saves during month.  At the other end of the AL Central Division, The Tigers were the only MLB team with a winning percentage under .300 (.296), as well as the only squad with a batting average under .200 (.199). 

Other AL surprises saw the Red Sox in first place in the NL East.  The Red Sox relied heavily on their offense – which recorded April’s third-highest team average, and scored the second-most runs  in the AL (trailing only the Astros). The BoSox’ offense was led by DH J.D. Martinez (.351-9-25) and 3B Rafael Devers (.293-7-21).  The BoSox were the only MLB team with two 20-RBI players in April. Among the table setters was OF Alex Verdugo (.300 with 19 runs scored). 

On the Road Again

The AL East-leading Red Sox were 8-8 at home and 9-2 on the road. 

Oakland stood atop the AL West, despite a negative-four run differential.  Houston, with the AL’s largest positive run differential (+31), ended April in third place – but trailed the A’;s by just 1 1/2 games.  Power played a role the A’s April success.  While Oakland had the AL’s fourth-worst April team batting average, they had the league’s third-most home runs and seventh-most runs scored.   Matt Olson led the team with seven April homers (.296-6-17) and the A’s had six additional hitters with at least three April  long balls.  

Talk About a Turn Around

The Oakland A’s lost seven of their first eight games this season – being outscored 59-19.  Then they turned it around, running up a 13-game winning streak in which they outscored the opposition 81-36 – while outhitting opponents .259 to .233, out-homering them 24 to 8 and putting up a 2.69 ERA to their opponents 6.31. 

Over in the National League, the West was “The Division of the Pitcher.” The Giants, Dodgers and Padres were in a tight race and those three were among only four MLB team’s with April earned run averages under 3.00.  The surprising Giants were in first place, and they have benefited from outstanding performance by their rotation.   Five of the six starters they have used have ERA’s under 2.50: Alex Wood – 1.50; Anthony DeSclafani – 1.50; Johnny Cueto (1.80); Kevin Gausman – 2.14; and Aaron Sanchez – 2.22. A revitalized Buster Posey (.361 with six homers in 17 games) has helped the attack – which features seven players with three or more April home runs. 

Over in the Central, the Brewers at 16-10 held sway through April – despite an injury-ravaged first month of the season. They entered May with a MLB-leading 14 players on the Injured List – not a category you really want to lead in. Like the West’s leaders, pitching is taking a key role. (The Brew Crew had NL’s lowest team batting average in April and scored the leagues’s fifth-fewest runs, but also gave up the third-fewest tallies.) Key contributors have been Corbin Burnes (2-2, 1.53); Brandon Woodruff (2-0, 1.55); Freddy Peralta (3-0-2.45) and, out of the bullpen, Josh Hader has notched five saves, sports a 0.93 ERA and has fanned 19 pf the 36 batter he has faced.

Run That By Me Again

No team in the National League played better than .500 ball in April – and the only NL East team with a positive run differential (the Marlins at +11) ended the month in last place. 

What can you say about the NL East?  It had no team over .500, was home to three of the of NL’s four lowest scoring teams and housed two of the NL’s most scored upon teams.  The Phillies, who sit atop the Division as of May 1, had a .500 record, were outscored through April by 15 runs, scored the NL’s third-fewest April runs and were in the middle of the pack (seventh) in April ERA. One bright spot,  It is MLB’s tightest division race, with just 1 1/2 games separating the five teams.  

————-April 2021  Team Statistical Leaders August——————-

RUNS SCORED. … MLB Average 108

National League – Diamondbacks (136); Reds (136); Dodgers (127)

American League –  Astros (131); Red Sox (129); White Sox (127)

The Mets scored the fewest runs in April (58); while the Tigers were at the bottom of the American league at 75.  The only other team to score fewer than 90 April runs was the Nationals (77). When you look at Runs Per Game in April, the Reds led at 5.44, while the Tigers were at the bottom at 2.78 (the only team under 3.00). Joining the Reds in scoring 5+ runs per game in April were the Diamondbacks (5.23); White Sox (5.08); and Astros (5.04).

BATTING AVERAGE … MLB Average .232

National League – Reds (.249);  Nationals (248); Diamondbacks (.237)

American League – White Sox (.265);  Angels (.262); Red Sox (.258)

The Tigers averaged an MLB-low .199 for the month.  The Brewers had the lowest average in the AL at .215. 

ON-BASE PERCENTAGE … MLB Average .309

National League – Dodgers (.340); Diamondbacks (.324); Braves (324)

American League – White Sox (.343); Red Sox (.325); Astros (.322)

Dodgers’ batters suffered through more HBP’s than any other team (23), followed by the Brewers (21). Rockies’ batters were plunked just three times  in April. 

HOME RUNS … MLB Average 29

National League –  Braves (38); Reds (38); Diamondbacks (36)

American League – Yankees (37); Blue Jays (35); A’s (33); Angels (33)

Despite the presence of the DH in the AL, NL teams held the top two spots in April home runs.  For those who like less “punch,” the Mets were at the bottom of the April HR list with just 15 homers.

WALKS DRAWN … MLB Average 84

National League – Dodgers (126); Padres (110);  Diamondbacks (106)

American League – Yankees (113); Rays (93); A’s (92)

The Padres hit into an MLB-high 29 double plays in April, the Royals into just ten 

STOLEN BASES …. MLB Average 12

National League – Padres (33); Marlins (18); Cubs (16); Phillies (16)

American League – Royals (22); Rangers (19); A’s (19)

I thought the pace was faster in the Big Apple.  The Mets stole the fewest stolen bases in April – just three in seven attempts.  The Yankees were next lowest – four steals in five April attempts.  

BATTER’S STRIKEOUTS … MLB Average 222

National League – Brewers (262); Cubs (260); Dodgers (259)

American League –  Rangers (285); Tigers (280); Rays (273)

Mets’ batter fanned the least often in April – 172 times.  

EARNED RUN AVERAGE … MLB Average 3.98

National League – Padres (2.87); Mets (2.90); Giants (2.95); Dodgers (2.98)

American League – Yankees (3.09); Blue Jays (3.42); Red Sox (3.55)

The highest ERA for April belonged to the Angels at 5.13. In the National League that “high” (low?) mark for April went to the Braves at 4.97. 

STRIKEOUTS … MLB Average 231

National League – Padres (304); Dodgers (270); Brewers (268)

American League – Yankees (276); Red Sox (257); White Sox (251)

Whiff-Masters

Seven teams fanned at least ten batters per nine frames in April, led by the Padres at 11.2. 

WALKS (fewest) …. MLB Average 84

National League – Mets (54); Dodgers (70); Phillies (72)

American League – Twins (64);  Blue Jays (66); Yankees (67)

The Dodgers and Yankees walked the fewest batters per nine innings (2.6).

SAVES … MLB Average 6

National League – Giants (11); Padres (11); Dodgers (9)

American League – Rays (9); Royals (9); Mariners (8); Indians (8)

The Mets had just two saves in April. 

——-Individual Statistical Leaders for April ———-

Note:  In stats for which MLB has set qualifying standards, a must have accummulated at least 3.1 plate appearances for each game his team has played and a pitcher’s innings pitched must be at least equal fo one inning for each game his team has played.

AVERAGE (qualifying hitters)

National League – Jessie Winker, Reds (.370); Ronald Acuna, Jr.,Braves (.341): Brandon Nimmo, Mets (.339)

American League –  Mike Trout, Angels (.425); Yermin Mercedes (.415); J.D. Martinez, Red Sox (.351)

The lowest August average (among qualifiers) belonged to the Reds’ Eugenio Suarez at .130 (12-for-92). Twenty-two qualifying hitters hit under .200 for the month. 

HOME RUNS

National League – Ronald Acuna, Jr., Braves (8); Rhys Hoskins, Phillies (8); Ryan McMahon, Rockies (8)

American League –  J.D. Martinez (9); Byron Buxton, Twins (8); Shohei Ohtani, Angels (8)

No player had more at bats without a long ball in April than Angels’ 2B David Fletcher (106). Fletcher, in fact, had only two extra-base hits in the month (out of 27 hits) – both doubles.

RUNS BATTED IN

National League – Jesus Aguilar, Marlins (22); David Peralta, Diamondbacks (22); Justin Turner, Dodgers (20); Javier Baez Dodgers (20) 

American League – J.D. Martinez, Red Sox (25);  Nate Lowe, Rangers (22); Rafael Devers, Red Sox (21): Javier Baez, Cubs (20)

HITS

National League – Eric Hosmer, Padres (31); Justin Turner, Dodgers (31); Ronald Acuna, Jr. Braves (30)

American League – Yermin Mercedes, White Sox (34); Cedric Mullins, Orioles (340; J.D. Martinez, Red Sox (33)

DOUBLES

National League –  Ozzie Albies, Braves (9); Kris Bryant,Cubs (9); Nolan Arenado, Cardinals (8)

American League – Michael Brantley, Astros (10); J.D. Martinez, Reds Sox (10); Xander Bogaerts, Red Sox (9); Cedric Mullins, Orioles (9); Luis Robert, White Sox (9); Kyle Seager, Mariners (9) 

TRIPLES

National League – David Peralta, Diamondbacks (4); Chris Owings, Rockies (3);  many with 2

American League – Akil Baddoo, Tigers (3); many with two

Mike Trout of the Angels led qualifying players in slugging percentage at .781, Ronald Acuna led NL qualifiers at .705.

STOLEN BASES

National League –  Jazz Chisholm, Jr., Marlins (7); seven with five.

American League – Ramon Laureano, A’s (8);  Whit Merrifield, Royals (8); Marcus Semien, Blue Jays (6)

Jazz Chisholm, Jr. of the Marlins had the most stolen bases without being caught in April (7).. 

WALKS

National League – Max Muncy, Dodgers (27); Freddie Freeman, Braves (19); Bryce Harper, Phillies (16); Asdrubal Cabrera (16); Anthony Rizzo,Cubs (16)

American League – Joey Gallo, Rangers (24); Vlad Guerrero, Jr., Blue Jays (20); Robbie Grossman, Tigers (18)

Mike Trout had the highest on-base percentage among qualifying hitters at  .523.  

BATTER’S STRIKEOUTS

National League – Eugenio Suarez, Reds (40); Rhys Hoskins, Phillies (37); Javier Baez, Cubs (36); 

American League – Joey Gallo, Rangers (40); Matt Chapman, A’s (37); Randy Arozarena, Rays (35); 

PITCHING VICTORIES

National League – Jack Flaherty, Cardinals (4-0); Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers (4-2)

American League – Aaron Civale, Indians (4-0); Carlos Rondon, White Sox (4-0); Eduardo Rodriguez, Red Sox (4-0); Gerrit Cole Yankees (4-1): Steven Matz, Blue Jays (4-1); Nathan Eovaldi, Red Sox (4-2)

The Cardinals’ Carlos Martinez, Indians’ Logan Allen  and Tigers’ Tarik Skubal led MLB in April  losses. Martinez went 1-4, 4.76; Skubal was 0-4, 6.14) and Allen was 1-4, 9.19. 

EARNED RUN AVERAGE (qualifiers, one inning pitched for each team game played)

National League – Jacob deGrom, Mets (0.51); Joe Musgrove, Padres (1.24); Trevor Rogers, Marlins (1.29)

American League – Carlos Rodon, White Sox (0.72); Gerrit Cole, Yankees (1.43); Tyler Glasnow, Rays (1.67)

STRIKEOUTS

National League – Jacob deGrom, Mets (59 / 35 IP); Trevor Bauer, Dodgers (52 / 40 IP); Colin Burnes (49 / 29 1/3 IP)

American League – Shane Bieber, Indians (68 / 41 1/3 IP); Gerrit Cole, Yankees (62 / 37 2/3 IP); Tyler Glasnow, Rays (56 / 37 2/3 IP)

SAVES

National League – Mark Melancon, Padres (9); Josh Hader, Brewers (7); Jake McGee, Giants (7)

American League – Matt Barnes, Red Sox (6); Diego Castillo, Rays (6); Cesar Valdez, Orioles (6)

Tyler Rogers (Giants), Tim Hill (Padres) and J.P. Feyereilsen (Brewers) made the moar mound appearances in April at 15. 

—–APRIL 2021 HIGHLIGHTS —-

Just a Walk in the Park

On Opening Day (April 1), The Mariners went into the bottom of the tenth inning tied at seven with the Giants.  The Mariners had scored six in the bottom of the eighth to come back from a 6-1 deficit – and the Giants tied it in the top of the ninth.  As per the goofy (that’s an editorial comment) MLB rule, the Mariners’ 1B Evan White started the bottom of the tenth inning at second base. Reliever Jose Alvarez walked CF Taylor Trammel and 2B Dylan Moore to load the bases with no outs. He then walked LF Jake Fraley – to give Fraley and the Mariners a true walk-off win – with the wining run scored by the only player who not only didn’t draw a walk that inning, but never saw a pitch.. Fraley, by the way had five plate appearances that day, drawing three walks, being hit by a pitch and lining out.  End of day, batting average .000, on-base percentage .800 and a game-winning RBI.

Not A Bad Way to Start the Season

On April 4, Tigers’ 22-year-old rookie outfielder Akil Baddoo (a Rule Five pickup form the Twins) made his major league debut – and became just the 31^st player in MLB history to hit a home run on the very first MLB pitch he ever saw (off Indians’ starter Aaron Civale) For more on that homer, click here.  Baddoo went one-for-three in the game, which the Tigers lost 9-3.  The very next day (April 5), Baddoo had a two-for-four game and hit his first MLB Grand Slam (as the Tigers lost to the Twins 15-6). The, on the very next day (April 6), Baddoo came on as a pinch runner in the eighth, stayed in the game and got a single at bat – producing his first-ever walk-off hit (an RBI single). as the Tigers topped the Twins 4-3 in ten frames.   Baddoo ended the month at .222-4-13.

The White Sox Yermin Mercedes had just one at bat (2020) coming into the 2021 season (a pinch hit round out.).  The 28-year-old, with an eight-season minor league average of .302, got his first MLB start on April 2 (at DH) and made the most of it.  His day?  It went like this: single; two-run single; single; single; two-run double.  A nice five-for-five on the day and season.  But he wasn’t done yet, he started at DH again on April 3 and went: solo home run; single, RBI double – before making his first out of the season on a fly ball to deep center.  Mercedes, according the the Elias Sports Bureau, is the first player in the modern era (post-1900) to being a season with base hits in his first eight at bats.  Mercedes finished April at ..415-5-16.

Kent Emanuel made his major-league debut for the Astro on April 25. The 28-year-old southpaw had toiled in the minor league since 2013 (after being drafted out of the University of North Carolina).  In seven minor-league campaigns he had gone 35-25, 4.77.  On April 25, he took a spot in the Astros’ bullpen hoping to make his MLB debut (he had been called up to the big club the day before).  He didn’t have to wait long.  Astros’ starter Jake Ordorizzi left after just one out and five pitches (forearm tightness) and Emanuel was heading to the mound. He acquitted himself well. Emanuel finished the game – tossing 8 2/3 innings of two-hit, two-run ball (no walks and five strikeouts) for the win.  In the process, he became just the fourth pitcher (according to STATS) in MLB history to pitch at least 8 2/3 innings of relief in their first MLB appearance.  (More proof of that “In baseball, we count everything.”)

Let Me Take Care of This

On April 6. 27-year-old right-hander Matt Peacock made his MLB debut for the Diamondbacks, coming on the eleventh inning of the Rockies/D-backs contest in Colorado. Peacock gave up two runs in his three innings of work – both unearned due to the rule starting each extra inning with a runner on second.  Still, he got the win in that first appearance – also contributing to the victory with his bat, singling and scoring as the Diamondbacks pushed across three runs in the top of the thirteenth (to earn a 10-8 win).

Three-for-Fourteen … In a Good Way

  On April 6, Rockies’ 3B Ryan McMahon collected three homers and a double (for 14 total   bases), scored three times and drove in four. The 14 total bases tied the Rockies’ single-game     record. Despite McMahon’s heroics, the Rockies lost 10-8 to the Diamondbacks in 13 innings.   McMahon hit a solo home run when given the green light on a 3-0 pitch from Luke Weaver in   the bottom of the second;  launched another solo shot (on a 1-1 pitch) off Weaver in the fourth   inning; and poked solo homer (on a 1-2 pitch) off reliever Alex Young in the seventh. He got   three more at bats in the game and produced a line out to second base, a ground out to   shortstop and an RBI double.

No Foolin’ … Two April No Hitters

April 2021 saw two MLB no-hitters – there has never been more than two no-hitters in April in any MLB season.  (There have been two April no-hitters in eight different seasons.)

On April 9, right-hander Joe Musgrove tossed the first no-hitter in San Diego Padres’ history (at the time, the Padres were the only MLB team to never have a pitcher toss a no-hit game). The only runner to reach base in the Padres’ 3-0 victory over the Rangers was Texas’ RF Joey Gallo, who was hit by a pitch in the fourth inning. Musgrove fanned ten batters in the 112-pitch outing. Musgrove was traded by the Pirates to the Padres this past January.

The second 2021 no-hitter was fashioned on April 14 by White Sox’ southpaw Carlos Rodon – who came within two outs of a perfect game as his White Sox topped the Indians 8-0 in Chicago.  Rodon – who fanned seven in the 114-pitch outing – hit Indians’ C Roberto Perez with a pitch (on a one ball-two strike count) with one out in the ninth inning.  It was the White Sox’ 20th no-hitter, the most by any American League team (three short of the Dodgers’ overall MLB mark).

Long and Short Tales

The San Diego Padres played their first official MLB game on April 8, 1969.  The team didn’t have a pitcher toss a no-hitter until Joe Musgrove’s April 9, 2021 gem – 52 seasons and 20,506 games (including that Opening Day contest) later.  The Montreal Expos, on the other hand, played their first official MLB game on the same day as the Padres (April 8, 1969) and waited only nine games (ten days – including Opening Day) until their first no-hitter (tossed by Bill Stoneman on April 17).

Two – N0 three – For the Road

  On April 11 – as the Red Sox topped the Orioles 14-9 in Baltimore – Red Sox’ DH J.D. Martinez         notched 2021’s second three-homer game – with solo shots in the third, sixth and eighth innings.  It   was Martinez’ third three-homer contest – the previous two were for the Tigers and Diamondbacks.   In the process Martinez became one of just five players with three-homer games for three different   teams (Johnny Mize, Dave Kingman, Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez).

Baseball Roundtable (No) Hit Parade Extra

On April 11, fast-pitch hurler Hope Trautwein tossed a “perfect” perfect game – striking out all 21 batters she faced in The University of North Texas’ 3-0 win over The University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff. 

On the Move

On April 14, as the Twins topped Boston 4-3 in Minnesota, Luis Arreaz collected four hits (in five at bats) out of the leadoff spot.  In the game, Arreaz was consistently “on the move” – taking the field in left field and at both third base and second base.

A Long Time A’Coming

On April 17, 36-year-old middle infielder Sean Kazmar, Jr. appeared as a pinch-hitter for the Atlanta Braves in a 13-4 loss to the Cubs in Chicago.  It was a big moment for Kazmar – his last at bat in the major leagues had come on September 23, 2008 – 12-years, six-months and 25 days (and 1,106 minor-league games) ago.  Kazmar – signed by the Padres in 2004 MLB draft (out of the College of Southern Nevada) – appeared in 19 games for San Diego as a 23-year-old in the 2008 season (hitting .205-0-2). As of April 17, his pro career consisted of 20 MLB games and 1,670 minor league contests.  Kazmar was called up after an injury (HBP) to the Braves’ 2B Ozzie Albies.

The all-time record (post-1900), according to the Elias Sport Bureau, for time between MLB appearances belongs to pitcher Paul Schreiber, who went 22 years and two days between appearances for the 1923 Dodgers (September 2) and 1945 Yankees September 8).  Schreiber’s career included 301 minor-league pitching appearances and 12 in the majors.  He pitched a total of 20 1/3 MLB innings to a 0-0 record and a 3.98 ERA. Schreiber had retired as a player in 1932, and had gone on to a coaching (and batting practice pitching) role for the Yankees.  He was activated (as a player) by the Yankees in 1945 when the World War II depleted the Yankee pitching staff.

Just Try to Hit My Change

On April 16, Twins’ utility man Willians “la Tortuga” Astudillo (primarily a catcher, but who has played every position except SS in his four-season MLB career) took the mound for the Minnesota Twins (down to the Angels 10-3) in the bottom of the eighth inning.  He pitched a clean (1-2-3) inning, retiring the Angles on just seven pitches. His fastball topped out at an unimpressive 72.5 mph, but the difference in speeds he delivered was solid.  His change up (we assume it was an intentional change up) was clocked at 46 mph – a true change from  his “heater.” Side note:  46 mph was the slowest Astudillo pitch measured. Reportedly, he tossed a couple of pitches too slow for Statcast to track.

Burnes Brings the Heat – and Applies It Right on the Spot

 Brewers’ righty Corbin Burnes opened the 2021 season on a roll. Not only did he     fan 49 batters in his five April starts (29 1/3 innings).  He accomplished all those   whiffs without issuing a single base on balls. Burnes faced a total of 106 batters   without issuing a free pass – striking out 46.2 percent of those batsmen. According   to the Elias Sport Bureau, the previous record (for a starter) for strikeouts before       issuing a first walk of the season was 35 (Adam Wainwright, 2013).  Burnes finished   April with an 2-2  record, a 1.53 ERA and a microscopic  0.55 WHIP. He now holds   the record for strikeouts before the first walk of the season for a starting pitcher   and is within one whiff of reliever Kenley Jansen’s season-opening record for a   pitcher in any role.  Unfortunately, Burnes begins May on the IL. 

Three-for-One!

In the eighth inning of the Reds’ April 17 win against the Indians (in Cincinnati), Reds’ first baseman Joey Votto started the first triple play of the 2021 season – and it came at a most opportune time. The Reds were trailing 2-1 and the Indians were looking to extend the margin (runners on first and third and no outs).  Indians’ 1B Josh Naylor nailed (pun intended) a liner that Votto snatched on the fly. Votto then dove to the bag to double off Indians’ RF Franmil Reyes, who had been on first. Indians’ LF Eddie Rosario (on third), who mistakenly thought Votto made the catch after the ball hit the ground, had crossed the plate during the play at first and was on his way to the Indians’ dugout. Votto tossed to Reds’ 3B Max Schrock to complete the triple killing. The play held the score at 2-1 and the Reds went on to win 3-2 in ten innings.

Put Me in Coach

Between April 11 and April 22, the Giants started Curt Casali (signed as a free-agent this January) behind the plate five times – and all five contests resulted in zero tallies for the opponents.  According to the Elias Sports Bureau, that made Casali just one of five catchers to backstop shutouts in at least five consecutive starts.   Curt Casali started nine games behind the plate for the Giants this April.  In those contests, San Francisco is 8-1, with a 1.37 earned run average.  In games not started by Casali at catcher, the Giants are 8-8, with an ERA of 3.76.  For more on Casali’s streak, click here.

Whiff ‘N Poof

 On April 18, the Indians’ Shane Bieber fanned 13 batters in eight innings as the Indians topped   the Reds 6-3 in Cincinnati, (Bieber gave up three runs on six hits and two walks.) In the process,   he tied the record for strikeouts in the first four starts of a season (Yes, as I’ve said before … In   baseball, we count everything)  fanning 48 batters in 29 1/3 innings. (Nolan Ryan fanned 48 in   his first four 1978 starts.)  Well, on April 23, the Mets’ Jacob deGrom pushed Ryan and Bieber off   the top of the record books. In a complete-game, two-hit shutout (over the Nationals) deGrom   fanned 15 batters – giving him 50 whiffs in his first four 2012 starts (29 innings).

It’s in The Genes

On April 23, 1999, Cardinals’ 3B Fernando Tatis set an MLB record by hitting two Grand Slams in one inning (the third) – as the Cardinals topped the Dodgers 12-5 in Los Angeles. (Most surprising to BBRT is that Chan Ho Park was in the game long enough to give up both blasts.) On April 23 of this season, Fernando Tatis, Jr. – SS for the Padres – hit a pair of homers (off Dodgers’ ace Clayton Kershaw). Although they were solo shots and not in the same inning, they did seem to reflect a family tradition.

A Four-by-Four

On April 23, the Rays’ Tyler Glasgow became the 88^th pitcher to notch four strikeouts in an inning.  It’s been done 92 times – with the only Chuck Finley (three times), A.J. Burnett (twice) and Zack Greinke (twice) “accomplishing” the feat more than once. (There was one additional four-strikeout inning, but it involved two pitchers.  The Mets’ Jerry Blevins and Addison Reed combined for four whiffs in the ninth inning of a Mets game on April 17, 2016,.) Glasnow accomplished the feat in the top of the first inning of the Jays/Rays game. His victims were Cavan Biggio, Bo Bichette, Lourdes Gurriel, Jr. (who reached first after swinging at a wild pitch) and Danny Jansen. Despite the four whiffs, Glasnow had a tough inning – giving up four runs on four hits and a walk.  According to STATS, that tied the MLB record for most runs surrendered in a four-whiff frame (joining Doc White, Phillies, July 21, 1902). Glasnow settled down after the first inning, going six innings (five hits, two walks, five runs and ten strikeouts) – but taking the loss as the Blue Jays prevailed 5-3.

That’s a No-NO …. No, No, It Isn’t

On April 25, Madison Bumgarner (now of the Diamondbacks, that doesn’t seem right) tossed a complete game, no-hit shutout against the potent Braves’ lineup.  But wait, it was the second game of one of those seven-innings each doubleheaders – which meant is didn’t qualify under MLB rules as a no-hitter (has to be nine innings). So, despite facing the minimum number of hitters (in this case 21, one batter reached on an error but was erased on a double play), Bumgarner’s gem will not be listed among MLB no-no’s.  

Move Over Babe

On April 26, the Angels Shohie Ohtani started on the mound for the Angels (against the Rangers) – and batted second in the lineup.  On that day he also happened to be the MLB 2021 co-leader in home runs with seven.  The last time a pitcher started a game while leading MLB in long balls?  Babe Ruth on June 13, 1921 (according to the Elias Sports Bureau).  Ohtani, by the way, went two-for-three, with three runs scored and two RBI – and got the pitching victory, giving up four runs in five innings (three hits, two walks and nine strikeouts). 

Three-for-Three

On April 27, Blue Jays ‘ 1B Vlad Guerrero, Jr. personally demolished the Washington Nationals – as the Blue Jays topped the Nats 9-5 in Toronto.  Guerrero enjoyed a three-homer, seven-RBI day – becoming the third player to have a three-homer day this April. Notably, the 22-year-old Guerrero did not “prey on the weak.”  After grounding into a double play to end the first inning, he hit a Grand Slam (on a 2-1 pitch) off Washington ace Max Scherzer in the bottom of the third; took Scherzer deep again (on a 3-2 pitch) leading off the fifth; and hit a two-run shot off Kyle Finnegan (on a 1-1 offering) in the seventh. 

The Three-Homer Tidbits

The youngest player ever to hit three homers in a game was the Tigers’ Al Kaline, who accomplished the feat on April 17, 1955 at the age of 20 years-119 days.  The oldest was Stan Musial (on July 8, 1962) at 41 years-229 days. 

Nice Round Numbers

On April 30,  as the Reds topped the Cubs 8-6 in Cincinnati, Reds’ 1B Joey Votto hit his fifth home run of the season and 300th of his career – a two-run shot in the bottom of the third inning  that gave the Reds their first lead.  Votto finished the game three-for-four, with one run scored and three RBI.  

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

Baseball Roundtable Disclaimer:  The MLB records referenced in this (and previous) posts have the potential to change as Major League Baseball recognizes and incorporates Negro League records from 1920-46 into the MLB record book.

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In 2014, Baseball Roundtable launched the John Paciorek Award (JPA). The JPA recognizes players who have had short, sometimes very short, major-league careers, but whose accomplishments, nonetheless, deserve recognition.  Past winners have included a player whose every MLB hit (three in nine career at bats) was a home run;  a player who had only one MLB at bat, but earned  a World Series ring and a Purple Heart; a player who had just two home runs in 61 MLB at bats (for the vaunted Yankees and Dodgers), but whose “body of work” made him one of just two players in MLB history to homer in their first and final official appearances in a major league batter’s box; a war hero who pitched in the majors on one leg; and more.  (Note: Information on John Paciorek’s career – the inspiration for the JPA – can be found at the end of this post. Paciorek’s day in the sun constitutes arguably the best one-game MLB career ever.)

For 2021, BBRT’s Paciorek Award goes to the only pitcher ever to win twenty or more games in his only major-league season.

—-BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE 2021 JOHN PACIOREK AWARD HONOREE —-

HENRY SCHMIDT

Henry Martin Schmidt didn’t make it to the big leagues until eight seasons after his professional (minor-league) debut.  In fact, he was just two months shy of his 30^th birthday, when he first took the major-league mound.   Why did it take so long?  Simple answer – location.  He had considerable difficulty “locating” his pitches (more on that in a bit).  While it took a long time for Schmidt to make it to the major leagues, it didn’t take him long to leave MLB. He lasted just one season.  Why was his MLB career so short? Simple answer – location.  He did not care for the geographic “location” of major league baseball.

So why is Henry Schmidt joining the Baseball Roundtable list of John Paciorek Award honorees?  Because, like many of  those recognized before him, Schmidt’s brief MLB career had some long-ranging statistical significance.

Henry Schmidt is the only pitcher in MLB history

who was a 20-game winner in his only major league season.

In Schmidt’s only MLB season, for the 1903 Brooklyn Superbas (Dodgers), Schmidt went 22-13, 3.83.  That season, Schmidt was fifth in the National League in wins, sixth in innings pitched (301), fourth in starts (36), tenth in complete games (29) and second in shutouts (five). Remember what I noted earlier about location?  While minor-league stats for the era are sometimes a bit sketchy, by all accounts Schmidt had considerable difficulty with pitch location – walking more batters than he struck out in every minor-league season leading up to his signing with Brooklyn.  And, that didn’t change at the MLB level, In his sole MLB season, Schmidt walked 120 and fanned 96. For the season, Schmidt was second in the NL in walks (120), first in hit batsmen (21) and sixth in wild pitches (8). (Side note: Schmidt’s 3.83 eared run average was slightly above the National League overall mark of 3.26.)   Schmidt, however, earned considerable respect as a gritty performer, known for pitching into – and out of – trouble.

Let’s take a look at how Schmidt got to the majors, as well as how he fared after he chose to leave.

Schmidt began his professional career, as a 20-year-old, in the independent Blue Grass League.  He bounced around the minors (Southern Association, Atlantic League, Western League) showing potential – 20-13. 1.32 at Class B Richmond in 1897), but also consistently walking more batters than he struck out.   Even in that 20-win Class B season, Schmidt walked 133 and hit 36 batters, while striking out 108.

Then, in 1902 came the season that paved the way for Schmidt’s move to the majors – as well as for his quick exit from that lofty status.  In 1901, after a not particularly satisfying minor-league stints with Kansas City and Denver, Schmidt headed west to join Oakland in the long-season California League – where he showed late-season promise.  That move to the West Coast seemed to spark Schmidt’s career. He re-signed with Oakland for 1902 and went 35-20 (Oakland played a 182-game schedule, winning 108 and capturing the league title).  At season’s end, Schmidt was much in demand, ultimately signing with the National League’s Brooklyn Superbas (Dodgers).

Schmidt got off to a blazing start in his rookie (and final) major league season. In his first five starts, he went 4-1 and threw three consecutive complete-game shutouts.  Typical of Schmidt, even in those three shutouts, he gave a total of 18 hits and 11 walks, hit two batters and fanned just four. His only loss in his first five decisions came in his second start, when he faced off against the Giants’ Christy Mathewson. Schmidt and Mathewson both went the distance, with Matty emerging on the positive end of a 2-1 score (it was tied 1-1 after eight frames). Schmidt suffered a bit of a mid-season slide and was 13-13 by mid-August, but then won his last nine decisions to finish as 22-13.  Schmidt pitched ten complete games in those final ten starts (one ended in a tie), including two shutouts.  (On the season, he had nine starts in which he walked five or more batters. and 17 starts in which he walked two of fewer batsmen. )

So, why wasn’t Schmidt, Brooklyn’s winningest pitcher in 1903, back with the club in 1904.  It was Schmidt’s choice. Brooklyn did offer Schmidt a contract for 1904, but he returned it unsigned, with a note stating “I do no like living in the East and will not report.”  Schmidt then signed multi-year contract with the Oakland Oaks of the Pacific Coast League.

Back on the West Coast, Schmidt failed to recapture his past glory. He went 26-28 in 1904 and, as he pitching went south, so reportedly did his temper.  He began to build a reputation for fiery combativeness both on and off the fields. According to a Society of American Baseball Research article by Bill Lamb, Schmidt’s dust-ups included a battle in which he nearly bit off two of his opponent’s fingers, disputes with team executives, legal action and an altercation over an unpaid bar bill, as well as an off-the-field scrape that ended in gun play.  By 1909, Schmidt had slipped from the A-level Pacific Coast League to the D-Level Carolina Association (that’s where the shooting incident occurred).  In 1909, he pitched for the Hutchinson Salt Packers in the Class D Kansas State League – and that’s the last playing season noted for Schmidt in baseball-reference.com. Schmidt passed away (complications from chronic myocarditis) in 1926 at age 52.

Despite his issues with “location,” Henry Schmidt is firmly located in the MLB record book as the only pitcher whose only MLB campaign resulted in a twenty-win season.

Primary Resources:  Baseball-Reference.com; “Henry Schmidt,” by Bill Lamb, Society for American Baseball Research; “The Ballplayers,” edited by Mark Shatzkin, Arbor-House, William Morrow, 1990.

—- PAST JOHN PACIOREK AWARD HONOREES (with links) —-

2014 – Brian Scott Dallimore

In his first start (not his first game) for the 2004 Giants, Dallimore had two singles, a Grand Slam (his first MLB hit and only MLB home run), a walk and a hit by pitch.  For the full JPA take on Dallimore’s 27- game MLB career, click here.

2015 – Roy Gleason

Gleason played in just eight MLB games, had a double in his only MLB at bat – but also earned a World Series ring (1963) and a Purple Heart. Ultimately, he was the only ballplayer with MLB experience to serve on the front lines in Vietnam. For the full JPA take on Gleason, click here. Note: Gleason’s life is detailed in the book “Lost in the Sun – Roy Gleason’s Odyssey from the Outfield to the Battlefield.”

2016 – John Allen Miller

Miller played just 32 MLB games (during the 1966 and 1969), taking the field (at 1B/LF/3B/2B) for the Yankees and Dodgers. Miller collected ten hits in 61 MLB at bats (.164 average) and hit just two home runs – but he made those long balls count.  Miller made his MLB debut with the Yankees on September 11, 1966 and hit a two-run homer in his first big league at bat – making him (surprisingly) the first Yankee ever to homer in his first MLB at bat. (Little did Miller know he would not get another home run or RBI until the final at bat of his MLB career.)  Miller’s final at bat came as a Dodger (September 23, 1969) and he stroked a solo home run.  That narrow “body of work” made Miller one of just two players in MLB history to homer in their first and final official appearances in a major league batter’s box. For more on Miller, click here.

2017 – Chris Saenz

RHP Chris Saenz’ big day came on April 24, 2004 – when he was called up from Double A Huntsville (where he was 1-1, 3.86) to make a spot start against the Saint Louis Cardinals, whose powerful lineup included the likes of Albert Pujols, Scott Rolen, Jim Edmonds and Reggie Sanders.   The rookie went six innings, giving up just two hits, three walks and no runs, while fanning seven. There was some speculation (primarily among sportswriters and fans) that Saenz’ performance might earn him another start or two, but two days after his debut, he was on his way back to Huntsville.  Unfortunately, his minor league season included a September elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery and he never returned to the majors. Statistics before 1900 can be sketchy, but baseball-reference.com shows that Saenz is the only pitcher to complete a one-game MLB career of at least five innings pitched, without giving up a single run (earned or unearned). For more details on this JPA honoree, click here.

2018 – Keith McDonald

Keith McDonald’s MLB career (Cardinals 2000-2001) covered just eight games and 11 plate appearances (nine at bats) and three hits – but he made them count.  All of McDonald’s safeties were home runs – making him the only MLB player with more than one career hit who can look back on major league career in which his every hit was a home run.  McDonald is also one of only two players – and the only National Leaguer – to homer in his first two major league plate appearances.  For the full story, click here.

2019 – Harley Hisner

Harley Hisner’s MLB tenure encompassed the day of September 30, 1951. That’s when the 24-year-old righty faced the New York Yankees – and a lineup that included five future Hall of Famers: Mickey Mantle in RF; Joe DiMaggio in CF; Phil Rizzuto at SS; Johnny Mize at 1B; and Yogi Berra behind the plate. In is very first MLB inning, Hisner faced five batters, four of them future Hall of Famers, and gave up two singles and no runs.  His place in history? One of those singles was Joe DiMaggio’s last MLB safety. He faced Mickey Mantle four times in the game – walking him once, fanning him twice and getting him to hit into a double play.  Hisner’s final career stat was 0-1, 4.50, with six innings pitched, seven hits, three earned runs, four walks and three strikeouts. For more on Harley Hisner and his ongoing involvement in and love of the game (he went on to earn the Northeast Indiana Baseball Association Colin Lister Award for “dedication to the game of baseball and its historic legacy,” click here.

2020 – Bert Shepard

Bert Shepard set aside his baseball mound dreams in 1943 – after four minor-league seasons – to enlist in the U.S. Army, where he became a P-38 Lightning fighter pilot. Shepard was shot down on his 34th combat mission and, while a prisoner of war, his wounds resulted in the amputation of his right leg below the knee.  Upon his release (a prisoner exchange), Shepard did not surrender his dreams and fought his way back to the major leagues. He made one major-league appearance (for the Washington Senators), pitching 5 1/3 innings of three-hit, one-run ball.  While Shepard’s MLB career consisted of that sole appearance, he did continue to pitch, coach and manage in minor leagues – and his story proved an inspiration for disabled veterans.  For the full Bert Shepard story, click here.

–—-INSPIRATION FOR THE JPA—–

John Paciorek – signed out of Saint Ladislaus High School in Hamtramck, Michigan (where he had starred in football, basketball and baseball) – appeared in his first major league game on the final day of the 1963 season (September 29) at the age of 18.  The 6’ 1”, 200-pound outfielder had spent the 1963 season with Class A Modesto Colts. The Colts’ parent club, the Houston Colt .45s (that was the current Astros’ franchise name back then), was suffering through a difficult season. The team was 65-96 going into that final game.  Looking to the future, Houston had, in fact, fielded an all-rookie lineup (average age 19) on September 27. Youth was still being served two days later when John Paciorek started his first MLB game. The results were surprising – and worthy of recognition.

Playing right field and batting seventh in a 13-4 win over the NY Mets, Paciorek ended up with three hits and two walks in five plate appearances, with four runs scored and three runs batted in.  Perhaps equally surprising is that it was not only Paciorek’s first major-league appearance, it was to be his only MLB appearance.  Back pain the following spring, followed by surgery (he played 49 minor league games in 1964 and missed all of the 1965 season), put an end to his MLB playing days. (Paciorek did play in four more minor-league seasons.)  Still, you will find John Paciorek in the Baseball Encyclopedia and his is arguably the greatest one-game MLB career ever.  Among one-gamers, he holds the record for times on base and runs scored, and shares the record for batting average, on base percentage and RBIs.

Paciorek, by the way, went on to become a high school teacher and multi-sport coach and is the author of the books (Plato and Socrates – “Baseball’s Wisest Fans;”  “The Principles of Baseball: And All There Is To Know About Hitting;” and “If I Knew Then What I Know Now.” You also can enjoy Paciorek’s prose (and expertise) directly at his blog “Paciorek’s Principles of Perfect Practice” by clicking here. You can find out even more about Paciorek in Steven Wagner’s 2015 book “Perfect: The Rise and Fall of John Paciorek, Baseball’s Greatest One-Game Wonder.”  (See the review of “Perfect” by clicking here.)

A final note. John Paciorek’s insight into the national pastime should come as no surprise. Paciorek comes from a true “baseball family.”  He was the first born of eight siblings and was followed to the big leagues by younger brothers Jim and Tom Paciorek.  (Like John, Jim’s MLB career was short – 48 games for the Brewers in 1987. Brother Tom, however, achieved a .282 average over an 18-season MLB career.

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Yesterday (April 4, 2021), Akil Baddoo, made his major league debut – playing  left field and batting in the nine-hole for the Tigers.  The 22-year-old rookie (a Rule Five draft pick taken from the Twins) came to the plate for the first time leading off in the bottom of the third inning – and he made the most of it.  On the very first MLB pitch he ever saw (out of the hand of Indians ‘starter Aaron Civale), Baddoo homered to left to give the Tigers a 3-1 lead. (Detroit would go on to lose the game 9-3 and Baddoo’s dinger would be one of only two Tigers’ hits.) Baddo0’s long ball made him just the 31st major leaguer to go deep on his very first pitch.  In this post, I’d like to take a deeper look at those first-pitch home runs.  (A little teaser to begin with … eight of those 31 first-pitch ever homers (26 percent) were hit by pitchers.) So, let’s get on with it.

• Homering on the first-ever MLB pitch has been accomplished 16 times in the American League and 15 times in the National League, with the feat accomplished by players from 18 of the 30 MLB franchises.
• The Cardinals have the most first-ever-pitch home run hitters with four. The AL leader is the Blue Jays with three.
• Of the 31 first-pitch-ever HRs, 20 were solo shots, six were two-run homers, three were three-run home runs and two were grand slams.
• The two MLB players who have launched a Grand Slam on the first major league pitch they ever saw are Kevin Kouzmanoff for the Indians on September 2, 2006 and Daniel Nava for the Red Sox on June 12, 2010.
• The first-ever first-pitch home run was hit on May 7, 1922, by Pirates’ RF Walter Mueller (a three-run shot). Mueller went two-for-five that day, with two runs and five RBI. He hit only two home runs in a four-year MLB career (121 games).
• The first American Leaguer to homer on the first pitch he ever saw was Red Sox’ LHP Bill LeFevbre (June 10, 1938). While it was LeFebvre’s only MLB home run, he was a respectable hitter over his four-season MLB career (.276 average in 87 at bats). Unfortunately, on the mound, he posted a 5.03 ERA.

Gene Stechschulte – a 6’ 5”, 210-pound right-handed pitcher –  is the only MLB pitcher to homer on the first pitch he ever saw, while being used as a pinch-hitter.  Stechschulte’s homer (a two-run shot) came in the sixth inning of a Cardinals’ 17-4 loss to the Diamondbacks (April 17, 2001). It was only Stechschulte’s second professional at bat – and his second extra base hit.  He had one minor league at bat (in 204 games) collecting a double. In his MLB career, three seasons, 116 games (all in relief), Stechschulte came to bat just five times – collecting two hits (the initial home run and a single).

• The most home runs hit the season the player hit his first-pitch HR is 14 by outfielder Chris Richard (first-pitch homer for the Cardinals on July 17, 2000). Richard hit 34 home runs in five MLB seasons,with a high of 15 for the Orioles in 2001.)
• Eight of the 31 players to hit first-pitch-ever dingers were pitchers (that’s counting pitcher Gene Stechschulte, who was being used as a pinch hitter when he accomplished the feat for the Cardinals on April 17, 2001). The other hurlers: Bill LeFebvre (Red Sox); Don Rose (Angels); Esteban Yan (Rays); Clise Dudley (Brooklyn Robins); Jim Bullinger (Cubs); Adam Wainwright (Cardinals); Tommy Milone (Nationals).
• By the position they were playing at the time, here is the first-pitch home run hitter count: pinch hitters (8); pitchers (7); left fielders (5); right fielders (3); first baseman (2); shortstops (2); designated hitters (2); second baseman (1); catchers (1).
• Only two players hit a second round tripper in the same game in which they achieved their first-pitch HR. On July 23, 1964, A’s shortstop Bert Campaneris went three-for-four, with two homers, two runs and three RBI as his Kansas City Athletics topped the Twins 4-3 in eleven innings. On August 2, 2010, Blue Jays’ catcher J.P. Arencibia went four-for-five with two homers, a double, three runs and three RBI as the Blue Jays beat Tampa Bay 17-11. Arencibia is the only member of the first-pitch-ever HR club to also collect four hits in the same game.
• Rays RHP Esteban Yan hit a long ball on the first pitch he ever saw in the big leagues (June 4, 2000). He went on to hit for a  1.000 average for his career – although he had only two at bats in 11 seasons (a single and that initial HR).
• Just for run, Baddoo is my second-favorite name from among players with a first-pitch-ever home run.  Number one?  (Mark) Saccomanno.

Finally, the list:

Walter Mueller, RF, Pirates … May 7, 1922

Clise Dudley, P, Robins (Dodgers) … April 27, 1929

Eddie Morgan, PH, Cardinals … April 14, 1936

Bill LeFevbre, P, Red Sox … June 10, 1938

Clyde Vollmer, LF, Reds … May 31, 1942

George (Sam) Vico, 1B, Tigers … April 20, 1948

Chuck Tanner, PH, Braves … April 12, 1955

Bert Campaneris, SS, Athletics (KC) … July 23, 1964

Brant Alyea, PH, Senators … September 12, 1965

Don Rose, P, Angels … May 24, 1972

Al Woods, PH, Blue Jays … April 7, 1977

Jay Bell, 2B, Indians … September 29, 1986

Junior Felix, DH, Blue Jays … May 4, 1989

Jim Bullinger, P, Cubs … June 8 1992

Jay Gainer, 1B, Rockies … May 14, 1993

Esteban Yan, P, Rays … June 4, 2000

Chris Richard, LF, Cardinals … July 17, 2000

Gene Stechschulte, PH, Cardinals … April 17, 2001

Marcus Thames, RF, Yankees … June 10, 2002

Kaz Matsui, SS, Mets … April 6, 2004

Andy Phillips, PH, Yankees … September 26, 2004

Adam Wainwright, P, Cardinals … May 24, 2006

Kevin Kouzmanoff, DH, Indians …September 2, 2006

Mark Saccomanno, PH, Astros … September 8, 2008

Daniel Nava, LF, Red Sox … June 12, 2010

J.P. Arencibia, C, Blue Jays … August 7, 2010

Tommy Milone, P, Nationals … September 3, 2011

Starling Marte, LF, Pirates … July 26, 2012

Eddie Rosario, RF, Twins … May 6, 2015

Wilson Contreras, PH, Cubs … June 19, 2016

Akil Baddoo, Tigers ,,, April 4, 2021

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

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We continue to close in on Opening Day – of a full major-league season.  With that in mind, Baseball Roundtable is presenting its 2020 “Watch List” – players from each team I am particularly interested in keeping an eye on in the coming season. In addition, I’m sharing my pennant race predictions, as well as a list of players I think will be among the finalists for key MLB awards.  This post focuses on the National League.  For the American League version, click here.

Let’s start with the pennant race predictions.

NL EAST

Braves   … 91-71

Mets …  88-76 Wild Card)

Nationals … 85-77

Phillies … 80-82

Marlins … 68-94

Everyone talks about the Dodgers’ potent lineup. In 2020, The Dodgers did lead the major leagues in runs scored at 349 – but the Braves were just one run (yes, one) behind. The Braves also led MLB in hits (556), were second in home runs (103 to the Dodgers’ 118) and second in average (.268 to the Mets’ .272).  And, they’ve brought the offense back, led by: NL MVP Freddie Freeman (1B); the power and speed of Ronald Acuna, Jr. (RF); Marcell Ozuna (LF); Ozzie Albies (2B); and I could go on. The re-signing of Ozuna (.338-18-56 last season) was key – providing protection for Freeman in the middle of the lineup. The Braves’ rotation will be headed by Max Fried (24-6 over the past two seasons) and 23-year-old Ian Anderson , who looked very good in his 2020 rookie campaign (3-2, 1.95 with 41 whiffs in 32 1/3 innings).  The Braves also brought in veterans Charlie Morton and Drew Smiley to bolster the rotation (and Mike Soroka should be back sooner rather than later).  There’s work to do in the bullpen, but the Braves should have enough to top the East.

The Mets made some serious moves in the off-season, adding power-hitting, Gold Glove SS Francisco Lindor, starter Carlos Carrasco, hard-throwing reliever Trevor May, C James McCann, starter Taijuan Walker and more). They are much improved – with a lineup that also features Pete Alonso (who hit 53 home runs as a rookie in 2019) at 1B, rising star Dominic Smith in LF and the solid bat of Michael Conforto in RF.  Carrasco (who will start the season on the IL) will join a rotation that brings back two-time Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom and veteran Marcus Stroman.  The Mets should make the post-season, but do not quite have the depth of the Braves.  For the Nationals, a rotation headed by Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg and Patrick Corbin is a good start (no pun intended) – and newcomer Brad hand should handle the closer’s role after leading the AL with 16 saves (for the Indians) in 2020.  The lineup also has some pop with RF Juan Soto (perhaps the most exciting young hitter in MLB), SS Trea Turner, new 1B Josh Bell and Kyle Schwarber (expected to rebound from 2020). Unfortunately, the Nationals are playing in a tough and competitive division. They could make the playoffs if all falls into place, but I don’t see them catching the Braves.  The Phillies have a potentially strong rotation (Aaron Nola, Zack Wheeler and Zach Elfin at the top, but need a big turnaround from their bullpen (tagged at a .315 pace by opponents a year ago).  Like the Phillies, the Marlins have some interesting pieces in the rotation – Sandy Alcantara, Elieser Hernandez and Sixto Sanchez should make some noise. I’m just not sure there enough offense to compete in this division.

NL CENTRAL

Brewers …  87-75

Cardinals … 85-77

Cubs … 83-81

Reds … 77-85

Pirates … 62-100

This was a tough call, depending on how things break out (including injuries and “rebounds.’ I could see the Cardinals or Brewers topping the Central.  I’m going with the Brewers based on a better combination of offense and pitching (although that assumes a bit of a rebound from Brewers’ batters (who hit only .223 a year ago).  The Brewers’ rotation will be headed by Brandon Woodruff, who went 3-5 a year ago, but deserved better (3.05 ERA and 11.1 whiffs versus just 2.2 walks per nine). In the two slot will be Corbin Burns – who went 4-1, 2.11 a year ago, with 13.3 strikeouts per nine. The rotation thins out after the top two, but newcomer Brett Anderson (free agent), a 12-year MLB veteran, should help. In 2021, with starters coming off a short season, the bullpen should expect to be busy – and the Brewers have one of the best relief staffs, headed by closer Josh Hader and set up man Devin Williams – who both fan about 15 batters per nine innings. On offense, the Brewers will be looking for LF Christian Yelich to return to MVP form, They’ve also added Kolten Wong (free agent), whose Gold Glove skills at 2B will improve the Brewers’ defense – and also allow Keston Hiura to shift over to first base, where his bat may come back to life (Huira hit .303-19-49 in 84 games in 2019, but .212-13-32, with a league-topping 85 whiffs in 2020). The Brew Crew offense should also be boosted by the return of CF Lorenzo Cain (who opted out early in 2020).  Newcomer (free agent) Travis Shaw at 3B can also plug in at 1B and 2B). Overall, the Brewers seem to have enough to win the Central – but it will take rebounds form the likes of Yelich, Cain and Huira, as well as continued solid performance out of the pen, to hold off the always tough Cardinals.

The Cardinals, who parlayed defense and pitching into a second-place finish a year ago (St. Louis scored the third-fewest runs in all of MLB last season and still managed to finish above 500).  In the off-season, they went out and traded for a 3B Nolan Arenado – improving both offense (Arenado is a three-time NL home run leader and two-time RBI leader) and defense (he’s won eight Gold Gloves in his eight MLB seasons). There is some concern with the starting rotation, with number-two starter Kwang Hyun Kim (back) and number-three Miles Mikolas (shoulder) not guaranteed for the opening of the season. Still, there’s Jack Flaherty, Adam Wainwright and Carlos Martinez – as well as a bullpen bolstered by the return of fireballer Jordan Hicks.  One thing the Cardinals could use is more offense from their defensively gifted outfield. Last season, the three outfielders expected to get most of the 2020 garden work (Tyler O’Neill, Harrison Bader and Dylan Carson) hit a combined .197). If they’re in a tight race, we may see the Cardinals make a move there. The Cubs won the Central Division in 2020 and still have some championship-caliber pieces in place (we’ll get to that in a minute). What’s missing for a repeat? How about Yu Darvish (trade), who was their best starter one year ago, as well as SP’s Jon Lester, Tyler Chatwood and Jose Quintana (all free agency). Also missing (free agency) will be closer Jeremy Jeffress and OF Kyle Schwarber.  Still, the rotation will be headed by veterans Kyle Hendricks, Jake Arrieta and Zach Davies – and SS Javier Baez, 1B Anthony Rizzo, 3B Kris Bryant, CF Ian Happ and C Wilson Contreras  will be in the lineup. Some players to watch, but I don’t think enough to get the Cubs to the post season. The Reds are going to miss Cy Young Award Winner Trevor Bauer, starter Anthony DeSclafani and reliever Archie Bradley. They now have Sonny Gray and Luis Castillo – both capable starters (3,70 and 3,21 ERAs in 2020, respectively) – at the top of the rotation, after that the rotation has some question marks.  The Reds also traded away closer Raisel Iglesias (72 saves over the past three seasons), but southpaw Amir Garrett has shown steady improvement and appears ready to move into the role (2.45 ERA and 26 whiffs in 18 1/3 inning last season).  The Reds’ lineup has some bright spots in the power bats of 1B Joey Votto, SS Eugenia Suarez, 3B Mike Moustakas, RF Nick Castellanos and OF Jesse Winker. Still, last season, the Reds produced the National League’s third-fewest runs and that does not look to improve.  As you might expect, there are few bright spots on a Pirates’ squad that scored the fewest runs in MLB in 2020 and gave up the NL’s sixth-most tallies – and was pretty quiet in the off-season. The offense, in fact, may have regressed with the trade of Josh Bell and the pitching took a step back with the trades of starters Jameson Taillon and Joe Musgrove. The Pirates will be looking for some offense from 2B Adam Frazier and young 3B Ke’Bryan Hayes.  An inexperienced Pirates’ pitching staff looks to be led by Mitch Keller (1-1, 2.91 last season, but with only 16 MLB starts under his belt, and “veteran” 28-year-old Steve Brault (12-15, 4.68 over five MLB seasons … 45 career starts).

NL WEST

Dodgers … 103-59

Padres … 96-66 (Wild Card)

Diamondbacks …  77-85

Giants … 74-88

Rockies … 63-99

The Dodgers, in 2020, won the most games in MLB (43-17), scored the most runs (349) hit the most home runs (118), gave up the second-fewest runs (213) and had the lowest earned run average (3.02).   And, they pretty much brought the whole squad back for 2021.  Then, to top if off, they added 2020 National League Cy Young Award Winner Trevor Bauer to the rotation.  The 2021 Dodgers sport a rotation with three former Cy Young Award winners (Trevor Bauer, Clayton Kershaw and David Price), a solid bullpen and a lineup featuring lots of star power (RF Mookie Betts, CF Cody Bellinger, 1B Max Muncy, SS Corey Seager) and no real “holes.”  The Dodgers have finished first in the NL West for eight consecutive seasons. The streak should continue.

Who can challenge the Dodgers in the West?  If anybody, it’s the much-improved San Diego Padres. The Padres had the third-best record in MLB in 2020, have solid lineup (including what many say is MLB’s best infield – emerging star Fernando Tatis, Jr. at SS, four-time All Star Manny Machado at 3B, four-time Gold Glover Eric Hosmer at first base, and switch-hitting Jake Cronenworth, who hit .285 as a 2020 rookie, at second.  Saving the best for last, the Padres added a pair of Cy Young Award candidates– Blake Snell and Yu Darvish – to the rotation (through trades).  They should challenge the Dodgers and capture a Wild Card spot. The Diamondbacks, Giants and Rockies are in – or should be in – rebuilding mode.  I give the Diamondbacks an edge in the race for third place.  Not a lot of star power there, but they have more balance than Colorado or San Francisco.  If Madison Bumgarner bounces back from a dismal 2020, they could have a solid top of the rotation with Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly.  RF Kole Calhoun provides 30-homer power (but not much average), while LF David Peralta, CF Ketel Marte and 1B Christian Walker are steady performers at the plate.  Then there is SS Nick Ahmed ‘s Gold Glove skills at SS. Questions remain in the bullpen.  The Giants, Although they are aging a bit, have solid hitters in their lineup, led by rising star Mike Yastrzemski and a couple of “Brandons” with power (1B Belt/SS Crawford). The question is the pitching.  There’s not enough there to catch the pitching-rich Dodgers and Padres. With Kevin Gausman at the top of the rotation and some rebound by the likes of Johnny Cueto and Anthony DeSclafani, there might be enough for the Giants to catch the Diamondbacks, but I’m betting against it.  The Rockies without Nolan Arenado – just doesn’t seem right, does it? They do have some interesting pieces; German Marquez and Antonio Senzatela at the top of the rotation and the reborn Daniel Bard at closer – as well as Trevor Story at SS, Charlie Blackmon in RF and newcomer C.J. Cron at 1B.  Still, the pitching and power pools in Colorado seem a bit shallow to compete in the NL West – particularly the bullpen, which put up a 6.77 earned run average.

Now, let’s move on to  BBRT’s Team-by-Team National League Watch List.

——Baseball Roundtable 2021 National League Watch List ——

Arizona Diamondbacks – Nick Ahmed, Zac Gallen

It will be nice to see a full-campaign of Nick Ahmed at shortstop.  Ahmed was a Gold Glover in 2018 and 2019. Although he doesn’t deliver average, his bat should be good for 15 home runs; AND he will certainly flash plenty of leather.  Another bright spot worth watching in Arizona is 25-year-old right-handed starter Zac Gallen – who seems poised for a breakout season. He has a moving fastball, as well as a change, curveball and cutter. In two MLB seasons (2019-20), he is 6-8 in 27 starts … but has a nifty 2.78 earned run average and 178 strikeouts in 152 innings. In 2020, Gallen was 3-2, 2.75, which included six “no decisions” in which he went at least six innings and gave up two or fewer runs.

How About a Little Help from My Friends?

After eight starts in 2020, Zac Gallen had just one win (1-0), despite a 1.80 ERA, a .182 batting average against and 54 strikeouts in 50 innings.

Atlanta Braves – Max Fried, Ronald Acuna, Jr.

There are a couple of players, BBRT will watch here. The first is right-handed starter Max Fried – to see if he can continue to translate his curveball into top of the rotation results.  In 2010, Fried went 7-0, 2.25 in eleven starts and gave up just two home runs in 56 innings.  This follows up a 2019 season in which he went 17-6, 4.02 (but did give up 21 long balls in 165 2/3 innings).  BBRT will be watching to see if Fried continues to rack up wins – and, whether he continues to keep the ball in the park like he did in 2020.  Just 27-years-old, he may be entering his prime.  BBRT will also be watching one of MLB’s true rising stars – 23-year-old Ronald Acuna, Jr. – who came just three stolen bases shy of a 40-40 season in 2019 (.280-41-101, with a NL-topping 37 steals).  In 2020’s short campaign, his average dropped to .250, but he did put up 14 home runs and eight steals in 45 games. He’s got the potential to be the major league’s next 40-40 player.

A Nice Walk in the Park

The Braves tied the Reds for the most walks (received) in the National League (239) in 2020. Three Braves were among the league’s top six in walks – Freddie Freeman (third with 45); Marcell Osuna and Ronald Acuna, Jr. (tied for sixth with 38). Bryce Harper of the Phillies led the league with 49 free passes.

Chicago Cubs … Javier Baez, Kyle Hendricks

Javier Baez is the player to watch on this Cubs’ squad. The Cubs shortstop slumped at the plate last year, but still came home with a God Glove. Keep in mind that he was an All Star in 2018 and 2019, when he hit a combined .286-63-196.  (He hit just .203-8-24 in 2020). Baez should bounce back and be the most exciting player in the Cubbies’ lineup. Kyle Hendricks  doesn’t throw hard, but he pitches smart.  Last season he was 6-5, but put up a nifty 2.81 ERA in 12 starts. He struck out  7.1 batters per nine innings, but walked less than one (0.9 per nine frames). If you like to watch a pitcher “pitch,” Hendricks could be your guy. His four-seamer tops out at about 88 mph, but he has good command of that middle-of-the-road fastball, as well as of a sinker, change and curve.

Gone, but Not Forgotten

Yu Darvish, Tyler Chatwood, Jon Lester, Jeremy Jeffress – all Cubs a year ago, all with other teams in 2021 – recorded 17 of the Cubs 34 wins in 2020 and eight of the teams 16 saves.

Cincinnati Reds – Tyler Mahle, Nick Lodolo

Twenty-six-year-old righty starter Tyler Mahle added a slider to his repertoire last season (to go with a mid-90s fastball, splitter and change).  The addition seemed to work.  He went from 3-12, 5.14 in 2019 to 2-2, 3.59 in 2020 (with 60 strikeouts in 47 2/3 innings). BBRT will be interested in: 1) Seeing if hitters catch up to the new pitch mix; and 2) If Mahle can improve his command (he walked four batters per nine innings a year ago).    I’ll also be watching to see if the Reds’ 2019 top draft pick, southpaw pitcher Nick Lodolo is called up – or if he ever walks anyone.  In his lone minor-league season (2019), Lodolo pitched 18 1/3 innings, fanning 30 and walking none. Who knows, if the Reds fade early, the 23-year-old could see some major-league action.  Besides, a pitcher with three “O’s” in his name is a find.

 

One For “Ever”

In 2020, Trevor Bauer became the first member of the Reds to win the National League Cy Young Award.

Colorado Rockies – Daniel Bard, Trevor Story

The Colorado Rockies without the leather and lumber of Nolan Arenado to watch.  It just doesn’t seem right. When I watch the Rockies, I’ll have to get one of those “Old Guys Rule” hats.  Number-one on my Rox watch list is  35-year-old closer Daniel Bard.  Why my interest?  Bard first made it the majors in 2009 and was a serviceable reliever over his first three seasons (5-13, but with a 2.88 earned average and 213 whiffs in 197 innings).  Then, in 2012, the Red Sox decided to make him a starter – and the wheels came off. In his first 11 appearances of the season, he pitched 55 innings (5.24 ERA), walking 37, hitting eight batters and striking out 34. He was sent down to the minors in June, where he continued to struggle.  Bard came back up, in a relief role, in August and still could not find the plate (six more appearances, 4 1/3 innings, 18.69 ERA, six walks and four whiffs). To make a long story short, Bard pitched only one MLB inning in 2013 – and pitched in the minors until he retired as a player after the 2017 season.  Then came the short 2020 season – and opportunity.  He threw for Rockies’ scouts, was signed for 2020 and, after a seven-year absence, was back on a major-league mound picking up a win (1 1/3 scoreless innings in relief) on July 25. He went on to win the closer’s job, going 4-2, 3.65, with six saves in six opportunities – using a mid-90s fastball, a wicked slider and a change.  BBRT will be watching to see if this comeback tale continues.

I’ll also keep an eye on Trevor Story, the Rox power hitting shortstop – a threat to put up a 30 (HR)/ 30 (SB) season. In 2020, Story went .289-11-28 and led the NL in triples (4) and steals (15), I’ll be watching both Story’s storied performance, and whether the trade rumor that continue to swirl around him become reality.

High Mountain Irony

In 2020, the Rockies had the National League’s highest earned run average (5.59), Yet the Rox starters recorded 28 quality starts, second in the NL only to the Cubs 30.

Los Angeles Dodgers – The Dodgers’ Rotation, Mookie Betts

The Dodger rotation had the NL’s lowest starters’ ERA in 2020 (3.29). Not only did the principals return, the Dodgers added the 2020 NL Cy Young Award winner to boot. So, who do you watch?  How about the entire starting rotation – which should include three former Cy Young Award winners: Clayton Kershaw, newcomer Trevor Bauer and David Price, as well as Walker Buehler (14-4, 3.26 in 2019) and probably Dustin May (3-1, 2.57) or Julio Arias (3-0, 3.27 a year ago). The most interesting to watch may be 2012 CYA winner Price, who opted out of the 2020 season. In his most recent season (2019), Price missed time with elbow tendinitis and wrist issues.   If you prefer to watch a position player, I’d go with RF Mookie Betts – who does it all – a .301 average over seven seasons, a good bet(ts) for 30 home runs, 80+ RBI and 20 stolen bases. (He’s also a five-time Gold Glover.)  Prefer to watch prospects? you may get a chance to see Baseball America’s 2019 Minor League Player of the Year Gavin Lux (.347-26-76 in 113 games at Double A and Triple A).  Note: Lux has been over-matched in two call ups to the Dodgers, but he’s just 23 – and we’ll be seeing him again.

Lots of No-Doubters

The Dodgers had MLB’s largest positive run differential in 2020 – outscoring opponents by 171 runs. The next best? The Padres and Braves at a plus 73.

Miami Marlins – Jon Berti, Sixto Sanchez

Jon Berti tops BBRT’s Marlins’ watch list.  Berti started 35 games last season: 17 at second base; seven in centerfield, seven in right field; two at third base and two at shortstop. I’ll be anxious to see what the Marlins have in mind for this speedster (he’s stolen 27 bases in 116 MLB games over three seasons). Young (22-years-old) right-hander Sixto Sanchez has drawn comparisons to a young Pedro Martinez. He brings a fastball that can reach triple digits, a hard (and moving) change and a plus breaking ball. In his 2019 rookie season, he went 3-2, 3.46 and fanned 33 in 39 innings. (Look for that whiff rate to go up as he develops).

Start ‘Em Young

In five minor league seasons, Sixto Sanchez has gone 23-18, 2.58 with 294 strikeouts in 335 1/3 innings. The amazing thing is, he had five minor-league seasons under hit belt by age 21. 

Milwaukee Brewers– Josh Hader & Devon Williams, Christian Yelich

If you like to see fireballers come out of the pen and dampen rallies, join BBRT in watching Brewers’ front line relievers – closer Josh Hader and 2020 NL Rookie of the Year Devon Williams.  In 2020, Hader led the NL in saves with 13 – going 1-2, 3.79 and fanning 31 batters in 19 innings. In four MLB seasons, he has a 2.54 ERA and has fanned 15.3 batter per nine frames.  That’s “lights out.” Rookie of the Year William worked in 22 games this past year – going 4-1, with a minuscule 0.33 (yes, that’s a zero in front of the decimal point) earned run average. Not only that, he fanned 53 batter in 27 innings – 14.8 per nine. I’ll also be watching Christian Yelich, who came to the Brewers from the Marlins (trade) in 2017 and immensely was the 2018 NL Most Valuable Player (.326-36-110) and then followed by finishing second in the 2019 MVP voting (.329-44-97), wining the batting title both years. Yelich slumped to .205 in 2020’s short and strange season, but I expect he’ll return to something closer to .300-30-100, with 15 steals in 2021 – giving the Brewers quite a boost.

Backing In

In 2020, the Brewers and the Astros (both at 29-31) became the first two MLB teams ever to make the playoffs with losing records.

New York Mets – Jacob deGrom, Francisco Lindor, Dominic Smith, Pete Alonso

Lots of new faces (via trade and free agency) to watch in New York (SS Francisco Lindor, RHP Carlos Carrasco, C James McCann, RHP Trevor May – to name a few), BBRT starts its watch list with holdover Jacob deGrom – a two-time Cy Young Award winner and arguably the best pitcher in the National League. I’d like to see what he could do with a little better run support. (Over the past three seasons, deGrom has a 2.10 ERA and has fanned 628 batters in 489 innings. Yet, he’s only six games above. 500, at 25-19.) BBRT wants to watch him work and win. I’ll also be watching to see what newcomer Francisco Lindor means to the Mets’ lineup (and, of course, deGrom’s W-L line). The 27-year-old, four-time All Star brings a powerful bat and a pair of Gold Gloves to the Mets. And, he stays in the lineup – missing only 31 games in the past five seasons. Look for .280-30-100. BBRT is also interested in the continued development of outfielder Dominic Smith.  Smith (26-years-old) was .316-10-42 in 50 games a year ago. Then there’s 1B Pete Alonso, who hit 53 home runs as a 24-year-old rookie in 2019 and 16 in 2019’s short season (which translated to 43 in a 162-game slate). Lots t see in The Big Apple.

Why Stop at First?

Of Dominic Smith’s 56 hits in 2020, 32 were for extra bases (21 doubles, one triple, ten home runs). His .616 slugging percentage was tops on the Mets and fourth in the National League.

Philadelphia Phillies – Spencer Howard, Bryce Harper

BBRT’s Philadelphia watch list is topped by 24-year-old prospect Spencer Howard. Just 1-2, 5.92 (with shoulder issues) a year ago, he’s shown swing-and-miss stuff in the minors. In three minor-league seasons, he’s gone 13-10, 2.23 – but, more important, has averaged 12 strikeouts per nine innings (281 whiffs in 211 1/3 frames). I might also keep an eye on Bryce Harper, who is capable of an MVP-worthy season when he puts it all together. (In 2015, he was .330-42-99).)  We haven’t heard a lot about Harper recently, but it’s clear he gets plenty of respect at the plate.  He led the NL in walks last season (49) and has three times topped 100 free passes in a campaign. Hard to believe Harper – just 28-years-old, is entering his tenth MLB seasons.

Should I Make that Call?

The Phillies bullpen ERA of 7.06 was the highest in the majors.

 

Pittsburgh Pirates – Ke’Bryan Hayes

BBRT will be watching Pirates’ 23-year-old third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes – a leading NL Rookie of the Year candidate (who hit .376-5-11 in 25 games in 2020). In five minor-league seasons, Hayes has hit .279-25-202, with 66 steals in 461 games.  The Pirates expect good things from Hayes – also a potential Gold Glover – who is having a great spring.

Nice Numbers, Kid

In 2020, Ke’Bryan Hayes hit .314 with two strikes, .308 with two outs, and .364 with runners in scoring position.

Saint Luis Cardinals – Nolan Arenado, Dylan Carson

Newcomer Nolan Arenado’s combination of leather and lumber is well worth a watch in St.Louis.  In eight seasons with the Rockies’, Arenado has won eight Gold Gloves and hit 235 home runs (five seasons of at least 37 round rippers and five seasons of 110 or more RBI.). It will be interesting to see what the move from Colorado will mean at the plate.  (Arenado was .322-136-461 at home and .263-99-299 away). Last season, the three outfielders expected to patrol the green in Saint Louis hit a combined .197-14-53 (playing in a combined 135 – of a potential 180 – games).  The Redbirds need more offense from the outfield and the best bet is number-one prospect 22-year-old Dylan Carson. In 2019, splitting time between Double-A and Triple-A, Carson hit .292, with 26 home runs and 68 RBI, 95 runs scored and 20 steals in 126 games.  Last season, Carson started slow (.162-1-5 in is first 23 games), was sent down to the alternative site for some work and came back to go .278-12-11 in his last dozen games. BBRT will be looking to see which Carson shows up in 2021.

Oops! Two that Got Away

It’s a bit ironic that the Cardinals are in need of some outfield offense, In January of 2020, they traded OF Randy Arozarena and OF/1B Jose Martinez to the Tampa Bay Rays for minor-league pitching prospects Matthew Liberatore and Edgardo Rodriguez and a supplemental second round draft choice. Arozarena went on to a .281-7-11 in 23 games for the Rays and then burned up the post season with a .377-10-14 line in 20 games (setting a record for the most home runs in a single post season.) Arozarena would look pretty good in a Redbirds’ uniform right now.

The Cardinals also let Of Marcell Ozuna slip away (via free agency) after the 2019 season.  All he did in 2020 was lead the National League in home runs (18) and RBI (56), while hitting .338.

San Diego Padres – Blake Snell, Yu Darvish, Fernando Tatis, Jr.

Now, here’s a TEAM to watch in 2021.  The Padres made it clear they are focused on the post season – and a couple of off-season trades brought in a pair of very “watchable” starters – both potential Cy Young Award candidates.  BBRT will be watching to see the impact of Blake Snell and Yu Darvish on the balance in the West.  Snell won the AL CYA in 2018, with a 21-5, 1.89 record. Darvish has twice finished second in Cy Young voting (2013 and 2020).   Last season, Darvish went 8-3, 2.01 and fanned 93 hitters in 76 innings.  BBRT will also – along with most fans – be watching the development of SS Fernando Tatis, Jr.  The 22-year-old seems like more than a rising star – perhaps a comet. In his first 143 MLB games, he’s hit .301, with 39 home runs, 98 RBI and 27 steals.  Can’t wait to see what he can do in a full season.

 

Slamming “Around the Horn”

The Padres set an MLB record in 2020 by hitting Grand Slams in four straight games (and five in a streak of six games). On August 17, it was SS Fernando Tatis, Jr.; on August 18, RF Wil Myers; on August 19, 3B Manny Machado; on August 20, 1B Eric Hosmer. After the Padres went without a Grand Slam on August 21, 2B Jake Cronenworth hit a four-run dinger on August 22.  So, the infield went around the horn in Grand Slams in six days.  Tatis’ Slam seems like a “chip off the old block.” His dad, Fernando Tatis, Sr., is the only MLB player to ever hit two Grand Slams in one inning (April 23, 199).

San Francisco Giants – Mike Yastrzemski, Alex Dickerson

Lots of familiar names to watch in MLB this year (Biggio, Guerrero, Tatis, Bichette), you get the idea.  In San Francisco, it’s Yastrzemski.  RF Mike Yastrzemski was arguably the Giants’ best player on 2020, when he hit .297, with 14 doubles, four triples, 10 home runs and 35 RBI. He should be fun to watch in 2021. (In his first 161 MLB games – 2019-20 – the new “Yaz” has gone .297-31-90.)  I also may check in on OF Alex Dickerson, who came over from the Padres in a 2019 trade. He may be finding his stride. While he has a .273 career MLB average (four seasons), in 108 games since joining the Giants, he has hit .294, with 16 home runs and 53 RBI.

Is Thirty the new 25? Maybe in San Francisco

When you look at the Giants’ projected Opening Day lineup (assuming Kevin Gausman gets the start on the mound), only CF Mauricio Dubon is under 30 (the lineup averages just shy of 32 years of age).

Washington Nationals – Juan Soto, Stephen Strasburg

Juan Soto. Juan Soto. Juan Soto.  The top three players on BBRT’s Nationals’ watch list. Just 22-years-old, Soto already has a NL batting championship on his resume (.351 in 2020), as well as a 30+ homer, 100+ runs scored and 100+ RBI season (.282-34-110, with 110 runs scored as a 20-year-old in 2019). Just have to watch this rising/shooting star scorch across the National League. BBRT will also be monitoring Stephen Strasburg recovering from carpel tunnel issues – double-digit winner in seven of the past nine seasons, he was 0-1, 10.80 in 2020.

Say Goodbye to that One

In 2020, Nationals’ pitchers gave up 94 home runs – the most in the National League. Nationals’ hitters poked 66 long balls – tenth-highest in the league.

 

—–2021 POTENTIAL NL AWARD WINNERS —–

Here are BBRT’s favorites for key NL Player Awards.

Most Valuable Player

• 1) Ronald Acuna, Jr.; 2) Mookie Betts; 3) Fernando Tatis, Jr.; 4) Juan Soto.

Cy Young Award

• 1) Jacob deGrom; 2) Max Scherzer; 3) Blake Snell

Rookie of the Year

• 1) Ian Anderson; 2) Ke’Bryan Hayes; 3) Sixto Sanchez

Again, for BBRT’s 2021 American League predictions and watch list, click here.

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

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Member: Society for American Baseball Research (SABR); Negro Leagues Baseball Museum; The Baseball Reliquary.