Eric the Red – The Crime Dog – The Cobra – Smoke

Seventy-one MLB seasons – 13 All Star selections – 6 Gold Gloves – A National League MVP Award – A World Series MVP Award – Two All Star Game MVP Awards – A Pair of Batting Titles – A Pair of Home Run Crowns – Four Twenty- Win seasons.  Those are just a few of the considerable – and well-earned – credentials of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM) 2019 “Hall of Game” class.

The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM) this week (May 7) announced its sixth annual “Hall of Game” induction class.  This year’s class includes multi-year All-Star and Gold Glove and Silver Slugger honoree Eric Davis; five-time All-Star Fred McGriff; 1978 NL MVP Dave Parker; and 1989 World Series MVP Dave Stewart.  The group will be inducted into the NLBM Hall of Game during ceremonies at Kansas City’s Gem Theater on Saturday, June 29, at 8 p.m. Hy-Vee, Inc. will be the presenting sponsor for the sixth consecutive year.

This four 2019 electees will join previous honorees (listed alphabetically): Dick Allen; Lou Brock; Orlando Cepeda; Roberto Clemente; Andre Dawson; Jim “Mudcat” Grant; Ricky Henderson; Fergie Jenkins; Kenny Lofton; Joe Morgan; Eddie Murray; Tony Oliva; Al Oliver; Tony Perez; Tim Raines; J.R. Richard; Lee Smith; Ozzie Smith; Louis Tiant, Jr.; Maury Wills; and Dave Winfield. Ceremonies are scheduled for 8:00 p.m., June 9 at the Gem Theatre, 1615 18th Street, Kansas City, Missouri.

NEGRO LEAGUES BASEBALL MUSEUM HALL OF GAME

The NLBM established its Hall of Game in 2014 to recognize MLB greats “who competed with the same passion, determination, skill and flair exhibited by the heroes of the Negro Leagues.”

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Now, here’s a look at this year’s Hall of Game electees.

Eric Davis (OF, 1984-2001 … Reds, Dodgers, Tigers, Orioles, Cardinals, Giants)

Eric Davis, who combined speed and power, was a two-time All Star, three-Gold Glover and two-time Silver Slugger. He spent nine of his 17 MLB seasons with the Reds; hence, the nickname “Eric the Red.”

At his peak with Cincinnati, Reds’ manager Pete Rose described Davis as the greatest raw talent he had seen since Roberto Clemente.

In 1987, Davis had the best season of his MLB career – hitting .293, with 37 home runs, 100 RBI and 50 steals for the Reds (while also winning a Gold Glove for his outfield play). In the process, he became the first MLB player to hit at least 30 home runs and steal at least 50 bases in the same season.And, he accomplished all despite playing in just 129 games.

Davis all-out style of play resulted in a number of injuries during his career. In 1990, he suffered a lacerated kidney (requiring surgery) diving for a ball in Game Four of the World Series. He also had off-season surgery on a balky knee.  A series of injuries continued to hamper his play and he eventually missed the entire 1995 season. In 1996, he returned (with the Reds) and hit .287, with 26 home runs, 83 RBI and 23 stolen bases – earning NL Comeback Player of the Year recognition.

Then, in 1997 (while with the Orioles), Davis was diagnosed with colon cancer in late May and left the team in for treatment.  He returned, still undergoing treatment, in mid- September – and hit .310 in eight September games. (Davis was .304-8-25, in 42 games for the season).  He also hit a game-winning home run in the ninth inning of Game Five of the American League Championship Series.

In 1998, Davis hit .327, with 28 homers and 89 RBI – also compiling a in 30-game hitting streak,

Upon retirement, after the 2001 season, Davis had .289 career average (1,430 hits), 282 home runs, 934 RBI and 349 steals. He had eight seasons of 20 or more home runs and seven of 20 or more steals (a high of 80 in 1986).  He was a proven five-tool player, with an equally well-proven record of bouncing back from adversity.

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Fred McGriff (1B, 1986-2004 …Blue Jays, Padres, Braves, Rays, Cubs, Dodgers)

If you were looking for a consistent source of power Fred McGriff – the “Crime Dog” (Thank you, Chris Berman) – was your man.  He hit 30 or more home runs every season from 1988 through 1993 – leading the AL and NL once each during that time.  In his 19 MLB seasons, he hit at least 30 home runs ten times, and drove in 100+ runs eight times.

Fred McGriff’s 493 put him 28th all-time, tied with Lou Gehrig.

McGriff was a five-time All Star and a three time Silver Slugger. He retired with a solid .284 average (2,490 hits), 493 home runs, 1,305 RBI and 1,349 runs scored.

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Dave Parker (OF, 1973-1991 … Pirates, Reds, A’s, Brewers, Angels, Blue Jays)

At 6’5”, 230-pounds, Dave “The Cobra” Parker was an imposing figure at the plate. Once he put his bat in motion, he proved even more lethal.

Parker brought power at the plate, speed on the bases (and in the field) and a rifle-like right arm to his game. Anyone who saw him play will attest to that. If you didn’t see him in action, consider: he was a seven-time All Star (the first selection at age 26, the seventh at 39); a two-time batting champion; a three-time Gold Glover; and a three-time Silver Slugger.

Dave Parker (Pirates) was the NL MVP in 1978, when he led the league in batting average (.334), slugged 30 home runs, drove in 117 tallies, swiped 20 bases and earned a Gold Glove in RF. Oh yes, he also led the league with 23 intentional walks.

Over his career, Parker had six full seasons with a batting average of .300 or better; hit 20 or more home runs nine times; and twice stole 20 bases. He led his league in hits once; doubles twice; extra-base hits twice; total bases three times; RBI once; batting average twice; and intentional walks twice. In 1977, he led NL right fielders with 26 assists. He also was the 1979 All Star Game MVP.

Parker’s career stats: .290 average (2,712 hits); 339 home runs; 1,493 RBI; 154 stolen bases.

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Dave Stewart (RHP, 1978-95 … Dodgers, Rangers, Phillies, A’s, Blue Jays)

Nicknamed “Smoke,” Dave Stewart could put the heat on batters when it counted most –clutch  grit that earned him the American League Championship Series MVP recognition in 1990 and 1993 and the World Series MVP Award in 1989.

Stewart, best known for his time with the Oakland A’s (eight of his 16 MLB seasons), did alright in the regular season, too. He won 20 or more games for the A’s in four straight season (1987-1990, leading the AL with 20 wins in 1987. In that span, Stewart was 84-45, with a 3.20 earned run average, 41 complete games and seven shutouts.

Dave Stewart threw a no-hitter against the Toronto Blue Jays on June 29, 1990.

In the 1981 National League Championship Series, as a Dodger, 24-year-old Dave Steward went 0-2, with a 40.50 ERA – lasting just 2/3 of an inning in two games (three earned runs). He toughened up after that, going 10-4, with a 2.58 ERA in 20 more post season appearance – and, of course, winning the 1978 World Series MVP Award, when he went 2-0, 1.69.

Stewart retired with a career record 168-129, 3.95. He led his league in games won once; games started four times; complete games twice; and innings pitched twice.

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In announcing the selections, NLBM President Bob Kendrick said, “We’re thrilled to induct four former Major League Baseball greats into our Hall of Game. These great athletes were thrilling to watch every time they took the field, and they played with the same spirit, passion and style that made the Negro Leagues so exciting.”

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“In addition to the Hall of Game inductions, the NLBM also will be presenting the Jackie Robinson Lifetime Achievement Award for “career excellence in the face of adversity” to the award namesake’s daughter, Sharon Robinson.  Just-7=years old when her father retired from baseball, Robinson grew up watching the iconic barrier-breaker embrace key roles in the Civil Rights Movement. Following in his difference-making footsteps, Robinson now serves as the educational consultant for Major League Baseball and manages Breaking Barriers: In Sports, In Life, a baseball-themed national character education curriculum that helps empower students to face obstacles in their lives.

“With this year being the centennial of Jackie Robinson’s birth, there’s no one we would rather honor during this special anniversary year than his remarkable daughter, Sharon Robinson,” Kendrick said. “She’s been a phenomenal voice and champion for diversity in sports and is carrying on her father’s legacy in a powerful and effective way. She has continued to make a positive difference not only in the sport of baseball but also in American culture as a whole. It’s our honor to present her with this award.”

The establishment of the Hall of Game and its annual celebration event holds two purposes: 1) to provide an avenue for the NLBM to continue garnering attention for one of the greatest stories in American history, and 2) to serve as a significant fundraiser to increase the NLBM’s ability to stay relevant with technology and community programming, and to complete the Buck O’Neil Education Center.

THE NEGRO LEAGUES BASEBALL MUSEUM

The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is the world’s only museum dedicated to preserving and illuminating the rich history of black baseball. The museum, built in conjunction with the adjacent American Jazz Museum at the famous 18th & Vine Jazz District, has become an iconic piece of Kansas City’s social and entertainment culture. The NLBM is a privately funded, 501c3 not-for-profit organization incorporated in 1990. The museum’s inception brought together the vision of a group of Kansas City business leaders, historians and former baseball players, headed by the legendary John “Buck” O‘Neil. For more information, visit www.nlbm.com, and follow the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum on Twitter @nlbmprez.

Primary Resources: The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum; Baseball-Reference.com

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May 5, the Baseball Reliquary announced the 2019 electees to the its Shrine of the Eternals.  This annual announcement is a highlight of Baseball Roundtable’s year.  (This commentary is a couple days late, as the announcement came as I was in transit to California.) Anyway, let’s start with a glimpse into The Baseball Reliquary and its “Shrine” to the game – then go on to this year’s electees, the BBRT ballot, the final 2019 vote totals and a list of all the “Shrine” members.  When you consider the Shrine of the Eternals, it all starts with a question.

What do the following have in common – a pitcher who once threw a no-hitter while high on LSD; a team owner who sent a midget to the plate; a man in a chicken suit; a member of Major League Baseball’s 3,000-hit club; an MLB catcher who one season led the National League in passed balls, despite starting only 59 games behind the plate; another backstop known as much for his malapropisms as his record 71 World Series base hits; an MLB manager who won eight World Championships; a one-armed outfielder; a one-handed  pitcher; a cartoon character who  managed and pitched his team to more than 1,000 losses (and just a handful of wins); a baseball card designer; a surgeon and his pitcher-patient; a labor leader; an organist with a razor-sharp wit; a statistical wizard; and more than one best-selling author?

These diverse individuals are all among the past electees to The Baseball Reliquary’s Shrine of the Eternals – an honor that recognizes individuals who have had impact on our national pastime that goes beyond statistics and touches upon the culture and character of the game.   In essence, the Shrine of the Eternals is our national pastime’s fan-focused Hall of Fame. (This year, you can add the first National League right-hander to record 300 whiffs in a season; a General Manager who was far ahead of the curve in applying advanced analytics to the game; and the greatest female softball pitcher to ever take the mound.

The 2019 inductees – who will be enshrined during ceremonies Sunday, July 14, at the Donald R. Wright Auditorium, Pasadena Central Library, 285 E. Walnut Street, Pasadena, California – include former MLB pitcher, J.R. Richard, “Moneyball” legend Oakland A’s General Manager Billy Beane and four-time All American (fast pitch softball) and three-time Olympic Gold Medalist Lisa Fernandez.

Before taking a closer look at this year’s electees, I’d like to provide a brief overview of both the Baseball Reliquary and its Shrine of the Eternals.

Spoiler Alert: Unabashed membership recommendation to follow.  If you are a baseball fan, I would highly recommend you consider membership in the Baseball Reliquary – a truly free-spirited (if somewhat eccentric) organization dedicated to celebrating the human side of baseball’s history and heritage.  The Baseball Reliquary is an open and fan-focused organization, committed to recognizing baseball’s place in American culture and to honoring the character and characters of the national pastime. It pursues that mission through its collection of artifacts, traveling exhibitions, ties to the Whittier College Institute for Baseball Studies and its own version of the Baseball Hall of Fame – the Baseball Reliquary Shrine of the Eternals.  For more on the Baseball Reliquary, and why you should become a member, click here.

Now, to the Shrine of the Eternals. Here’s what the Reliquary has to say about this honor.

Similar in concept to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, the Shrine of the Eternals differs philosophically in that statistical accomplishment is not the principal criterion for election. The Baseball Reliquary believes that the election of individuals on merits other than statistics and playing ability will offer the opportunity for a deeper understanding and appreciation of baseball than has heretofore been provided by “Halls of Fame” in the more traditional and conservative institutions.

Criteria for election shall be: the distinctiveness of play (good or bad); the uniqueness of character and personality; and the imprint that the individual has made on the baseball landscape. Electees, both on and off the diamond, shall have been responsible for developing baseball in one or more of the following ways: through athletic and/or business achievements; in terms of its larger cultural and sociological impact as a mass entertainment; and as an arena for the human imagination.

Each year, the Baseball Reliquary submits a list of candidates to its members and the top three vote-getters are honored.  Reliquarians can vote for up to nine nominees. 

——-2019 Shrine of the Eternals Electees—–

J.R. Richard (1950 – ) … 27 percent of the vote

At 6’8” and 222-pounds, Astros’ righty J.R. Richard was one of the most intimidating moundsmen ever. He hit his stride, literally, at age 26 in 1976 – when he went 20-15 with a 2.75 earned run average. That campaign, he fanned 214 batters in 291 innings, but the best was yet to come.

Richard won 18 games in each of the next three seasons, becoming (in 1978) the first NL right-hander to fan 300 batters in a season (303 strikeouts in 275 1/3 innings). In that 1978 campaign, Richard was the only MLB pitcher to fan more than 260 batters. He topped his K total the following season, with 313 whiffs in 292 1/3 innings and a league-best 2.71 earned run average. In that 1979 season, the next best MLB whiff total was 223 by Nolan Ryan.  That season, Richard also allowed MLB fewest hits per nine innings (6.77), notched the most strikeouts per nine (9.64); threw the second-most innings (292 1/3) and the second-most complete games (19); and had the second best strikeouts-to-walks ratio (3.19).

Richard started 1980 with ten wins against four losses and a 1.90 ERA, before suffering a mid-season stroke.  Richard had been feeling under-the-weather for some time, but his concerns were not taken seriously. (He was, in fact, at times accused of malingering.)  The stroke not only ended his MLB career, but put him on a downhill slide (two broken marriages and some bad investments) that ultimately saw him living under an overpass near the Astrodome. He has since gotten “back on his feet,” is the subject of the film “Resurrection: The J.R. Richard Story” and spent time counseling at-risk youth, the homeless and others in need.

Richard’s final MLB line was 107-71, 3.15, with 1,493 strikeouts in 1,606 innings pitched.

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Billy Beane (1962-   ) … 26.5 percent of the vote.

Billy Beane was a ballplayer before he was a baseball executive – if he disappointed at the former, he excelled beyond expectations at the latter. Beane was a first-round (23^rd overall) draft choice (Mets) in 1980 – out of Mount Carmel High School (Rancho Bernardo, CA).  In high school, Beane excelled in baseball, football and basketball – and was recruited by Stanford University on a joint baseball-football scholarship.  He chose instead to sign with the Mets and was considered a top prospect. Note: Beane played in 148 MLB games over six seasons – going .219-3-29.  He played for the Mets, Twins, Tigers and A’s. Between 1980 and 1989, he also logged 965 games in the minors – with a .262-91-482 line.

Tiring of the ups-and-down of a career of bouncing between the major and minors, Beane signed on as an advance scout for the A’s in 1990 and stayed the position until 1993, when he was promoted to Assistant General Manager.  At that time, he and GM Sandy Alderson were faced with building a team with a shrinking payroll. That budget pressure continued as Beane succeeded Alderson as GM in 1997. This led Beane to look for new (sabermetric-based) ways to generate the maximum victories for the dollar. Turns out he was pretty good at it.  He looked for pitchers who kept batters off base and hitters who got on base (no matter what the means for either).  He didn’t want stars, he wanted empty bases on defense and base runners on offense.  And, it worked. The budget-restricted, no-name A’s made the playoffs every year from 2000 through 2003, even logging a 20-game winning streak in 2002 (winning 103 games that season). In December 2009, Sports Illustrated named Beane one of the Top Ten GM’s/Executives of the decade across all sports.  And then, of course, there was the 2003 book and 2011 movie ‘Moneyball.”  I mean, here’s a guy who saw the romance in baseball, was played in film by Brad Pitt and who changed the way many front-office executives evaluate “talent.”

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Lisa Fernandez (1971 –)

Sandy Koufax was sometimes referred to as the “left arm of God.”  If that’s the case, Lisa Fernandez was the supreme right arm – the most dominating fast pitch softball hurler of all time.  Fernandez was a four- time All-American for UCLA, where she also won the Honda-Droderick Award as the top female college athlete (In any sport) three times.

How good was she?  In her senior year, she went 33-3, 0.23 on the mound and hit .509, with 11 home runs and 45 RBI.  For her college career, Fernandez went 93-7, from the bump – including a 97-inning scoreless streak and 42 consecutive wins.  With Fernandez leading the charge, UCLA won the NCAA Championship in 1990 and 1992 and finished as runner up in 1991 and 1993. She also led the U.S. women’s softball team to the Gold in the 1996, 2000 and 2004 Olympics – and was a 2012 inductee to the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame.

Fernandez currently coaches softball at UCLA (her 21^st season with the Bruins) and devotes time to conducting softball clinics and encouraging female athletes. Lisa Fernandez – a great athlete, a leades on and off the field and worthy role model.

 

—–BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE’S 2019 SHRINE OF THE ETERNALS BALLOT—

Unfortunately, none of the ten nominees BBRT voted for finished in the top three.  But here’s my ballot, and justifications, alphabetically.

Luke Easter (1915-79)

“Luscious” Luke Easter was one of the most prodigious home run hitters of all time – whose titanic blasts were known as “Easter Eggs.” Among his notables:

• Easter was the first player to a homer into the farthest reaches of center field in the Polo Grounds;
• He hit the longest home run in the history of old Cleveland Municipal Stadium – clearing the distant right field scoreboard; and
• Luscious Luke was the first player to hit a drive over the CF scoreboard in Buffalo’s Offerman Stadium (at age 42) and proved it was no fluke by becoming the second to achieve the feat just a month later.

Easter began his baseball career in 1937, with as an OF/1B and cleanup hitter for the St. Louis Titanium Giants (a company team) – and didn’t play his final game until 27 years later.  Everything about the 6’4”, 240-pound Easter was big – his stature, his bat, his love of the game, his love of life, his relationship with teammates and  the fans and, later, even his Buick.

While he began showing his prowess at the plate in the late 1930’s, he really began making name for himself after getting out of the military in 1943.

In 1945, he starred with the barnstorming Cincinnati Crescents (for whom he hit the Polo Grounds home run noted above).

In 1947, he joined the Homestead Grays, where he hit .311, with 10 home runs in 219 at bats.  Research by Society for American Baseball Research Member Justin Murphy indicates Easter followed that up by hitting .363 for the Grays and tying teammate Buck Leonard for the Negro National League (NNL) lead in home runs (13) – helping the Grays to the NNL World Series Championship.

In 1949, Easter signed with the Cleveland Indians and made his major league debut on August 1 of that season – at age 34 – just the eleventh black player in the major leagues. While he hit only .222 in 54 games for the Indians, due in great part to an injured knee, Easter showed his (already long-proven) power by going .363-25-92 in 80 games at Triple A San Diego.

Then, in 1950, he hit .280-28-107 in 141 games for the Indians – earning recognition from the Sporting News as the AL’s Most Outstanding Player.  In 1951, he went .270-27-103 for the Tribe and, in 1952, .263-31-97. Age and injuries were already taking their toll on Easter, however, and on May 4, 1954, the 38-year-old Easter played his final MLB game – ending his MLB career with a .274-93-340 line in 491 games.

Ah, but Luscious Luke was not done. He played on in the minor leagues until 1964 – putting up four seasons of 30 or more home runs and 100+ RBI – earning his way into the International League Hall of Fame.

Over his career, also played winter ball in Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Mexico and Hawaii. A Winter-League star, Easter hit .402 for Mayaguez in the Puerto Rican League in 1948-49 (winning  league MVP honors); led the Mexican Pacific Coast League (for Hermosillo) in homers in 1954-55; and lead the Puerto Rican Winter League in homers in 1955-56 and 1956-57.

Easter, later serving as a Union Steward for TRW in Ohio, was murdered during a payroll robbery in 1979.

Why did Luke Easter get my vote? Consider that non-other than Bill James rated him the second-best Negro Leagues’ first baseman of all time (behind only Buck Leonard) and Al Rosen (a teammate of Easter on the Indians, as well as a four-time All Star, two-time AL home run leader, 1953 American League MVP and 1989 National Executive of the Year) maintained, “Had Luke come up to the big leagues as a young man, there’s no telling what numbers he would have had.”  Easter comes up big on the BBRT “Shrine” ballot.

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Rube Foster (1879-1930)

Andrew “Rube” Foster was an outstanding hurler, confined – by history – to pitching primarily for Black teams; such squads as the Chicago Union Giants, Cuban X-Giants and Philadelphia Giants. How good was Foster on the mound? Records are sketchy, but the Baseball Hall of Fame reports that, in 1902, Foster  ran off a streak of 44 straight victories and the Negro League Baseball Museum credits Foster with a 54-1 record that season.

Rube Foster’s tireless efforts earned him the unofficial title of “The Father of Black Baseball.”

Foster’s contributions to the national pastime, however, went beyond the mound. In 1911, he partnered with John Schorling (son-in-law of Charles Comiskey) to establish the Chicago American (Black) Giants – who, under Foster’s leadership, became Black baseball’s most dominant team.

But Foster wasn’t done yet.  In 1920, he was a key player (cited by many as THE key player) in the founding of the Negro National League.  As the league flourished, Foster wore many hats. He served not only as the league’s president and treasurer, but also was the owner and manager of the Chicago American Giants – winning the NNL’s first three pennants.  By 1926, his demanding schedule had taken a toll and Foster suffered a nervous breakdown. He never fully recovered and passed away prematurely in 1930. Fans might enjoy Larry Lester’s book “Rube Foster in His Time: On the Field and in the Papers with Black Baseball’s Greatest Visionary.”

Rube Foster was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1981.

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Julio Franco (1958 –     )

If  you believe “Old Guys Rule” – Julio Franco should be your king.

Consider this fact,  Only 25 Major League home runs have been hit by players who had passed their 45th birthday – and Julio Franco hit 20 of them.

Also consider a handful of the “old guys rule” records held by the ageless Franco:

• The oldest player to homer in a MLB game. Franco went deep at age 48 years, 254 days, hitting a two-run shot off Arizona’s Randy Johnson, as Franco’s Mets topped the Diamondbacks 5-3 on April 26, 2006). In that same game, Franco also became the second-oldest MLB player to steal base – and, thus, the oldest player to homer and steal a base in the same game.
• The oldest player to hit a grand slam (46 years, 308 days) – connecting as a pinch hitter for the Atlanta Braves in a 7-2 win over the Marlins on June 27, 2005.
• The oldest player to record a multi-homer game, belting a pair of homers on June 18, 2005 (age 46 years, 299 days), as his Atlanta Braves topped the Reds at Great American Ball Park. Franco started at first base and went two-for-four with two homers and three RBI.
• The oldest player to hit a pinch-hit home run, in the eighth inning of a Mets’ 7-2 win over the Padres at San Diego (April 20, 2006 – 47 years, 240 days).
• The oldest player to steal two bases in a game (and in an inning) – (June 16, 3005 – 46 years, 297 days).
• The oldest player to be put into a game as a pinch runner (July 29, 2006 – 47 years, 340 days). And he delivered, promptly stole second base, going to third on an errant throw.

From 1982 to 1994, Franco played primarily as a middle infielder and DH for the Phillies, Indians, Rangers and White Sox – making three All Star teams (MVP of the 1990 All Star Game), earning five Silver Slugger Awards and leading the American League in hitting at .341 for the Rangers in 1991. In that 1991 campaign, Franco collected 201 hits, 15 homers, 78 RBI, 108 runs scored and 36 steals in 45 attempts. At season’s end, he had hit .300+ in five of the previous six seasons – the lone exception being .296 in 1990.

In 1994, when the remainder of the MLB season was lost to a strike, Franco was in the midst of possibly his best campaign.  After 112 games, he was hitting .319, with 138 hits, 20 home runs, 98 RBI, 72 runs scored, and eight steals.  Franco was determined to keep swinging the bat and signed to play in Japan with the Pacific League Chiba Lotte Marines.  In the 1995 Japanese season, Franco hit .306 and won the league’s equivalent of the Gold Glove at first base.

Franco returned to MLB in 1996, joining the Cleveland Indians, hitting .322-14-76 in 112 games. In August of the following season, the Indians released Franco – who was hitting .284-3-25 at the time. He finished the 1997 campaign with the Brewers, hitting .241 in 14 games with Milwaukee.

In 1998, at age 39, Franco was back in Japan playing for Chiba Lotte; where he hit .290, with 18 home runs and 77 RBI in 131 games. Then in 1999, he celebrated turning 40 (when most ballplayers are retired or coaching) by hitting for a .423 average in the Mexican League and getting one late season MLB at bat with Tampa Bay.

As he moved into his forties, Franco was far from finished as a player. He played in South Korea in 2000 (age 41), hitting .327-22-110.  In 2001, the well-traveled batsman was back in the Mexican League (Mexico City Tigers), where stellar play (a .437 average in 110 games) earned him a spot on the Atlanta Braves’ roster in September. Franco hit .300, with three home runs and 11 RBI over the final 5 ½ weeks of the MLB season.

From 2001 to 2007, the ageless wonder – professional hitter and pretty darn good first sacker – played for the Braves and Mets.  From 2001 through 2006 – ages 42 to 47 – Franco averaged .290 over 581 games.  He hit .222 in 55 games in his final MLB season – 2007 with the Mets and Braves.

Even at 49, Franco was not done battering baseballs. In 2008, he could be found at first base with the Tigres de Quintana Roo of the Mexican League (where he hit .250 in 36 games). That season, Franco – after 23 Major League seasons and 30 years after his first professional baseball game – announced his retirement as a player.

Oops? Not so fast. In 2014, at the age of 55, he appeared in seven games for the Fort Worth Cats of the independent United League – going six for 27.   Then in 2015, Franco was signed as player-manager of the Ishikawa Million Stars of the Japanese independent Baseball Challenge League (identified as a semi-pro league).

In 23 MLB seasons, Franco hit .298, with 2,586 hits, a .298 average, 173 homers, 1,285 runs, 1,194 RBI and 281 stolen bases. He also collected 618 minor league (U.S) hits, 316 in the Mexican League, 286 in Japan, 267 in the Dominican Winter League and 156 in South Korea and six in independent ball (U.S.).

Forever young, Mr. Franco got my vote.

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Mamie “Peanut” Johnson (1935 – 2017)

Mamie Johnson was one of three females to play for the Indianapolis Clowns during the declining days of the Negro Leagues (and the only woman ever to pitch in the Negro Leagues).  Johnson took the mound to the Clowns for three seasons (1953-55), running up a 33-8 record.  Her exploits are chronicled in the children’s book “A Strong Right Arm: The Story of Mamie ‘Peanut’ Johnson,” by Michelle Y. Green.

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Ted Kluszewski (1924-1988)

I love to recognize players who do something we are not likely to see again. Therefore, I again cast a ballot for Ted “Big Klu” Kluszewski – perhaps the last of the true power hitters who also practiced exceptional plate discipline.  In 1954, for example, Big Klu hit .326, with 49 home runs and 141 RBI – a season made even more remarkable by the fact the Kluszewski struck out only 35 times (versus 78 walks). I doubt if we’ll ever see another player top 40 home runs without reaching 40 whiffs.  Kluszewski, in fact, had a streak of four seasons (1953-56) when he hit over .300, drove in 100+ runs, bashed 35+ home runs – and struck out no more than 40 times in any season.  In those four seasons, Kluszewski hit 171 home runs – and fanned 140 times.

It should also be noted that Kluszewski led NL first baseman in fielding percentage every year from 1951 through 1955.  Unfortunately, a back injury in 1956 hampered his performance in the later years of his career (he played until 1961).

Ted Kluszewski is noted for adding a bit of style and flair to the game, making his own intimidating fashion statement. Klu complained that his uniform jersey was too tight for his large and powerful biceps. He went on to have the sleeves cut from his jersey – exposing his bare arms from the shoulder.  (This was considered a bold move at that very conforming time in the game’s history.)

Kluszewski only appeared in one post-season – hitting .391, with three homers and ten RBI in the 1958 World Series (for the White Sox).  True to his form – Big Klu did not strike out even once (25 plate appearance) in the Series.  For trivia buffs, left unprotected in the 1960 expansion draft, Kluszewski hit the first-ever home run for the expansion Angels (a two-run shot in the first inning of the Angels’ first game – April 11 versus the Orioles). He added a punctuation mark, by hitting the Angels’ second–ever home run (a three-run shot) the very next inning. The Angels won 7-2, and (of course) Kluszewski did not strikeout.

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Mike Marshall (1943 –  *)

I should probably say Doctor Mike Marshall, since this former major league reliever (14 seasons … 1967, 1969-81) earned three college degrees, including a Ph.D. in Kinesiology from Michigan State University. Kinesiology is the study of muscle movement and Marshall used his knowledge to develop his own exercise program focused on minimizing stress, reducing injury and accelerating recovery time.  While his unorthodox methods, advanced education and outspoken approach often had him at odds with baseball’s traditionalists (and may be part of the reason he pitched for nine teams in 14 seasons), they did get the job done.

The fact is, we never saw a closer quite like Mike Marshall before he came along – and we’re not likely to see one like him again. In 1974, as a Dodger, he put up the grand-daddy of all relief seasons – setting the single-season MLB records for appearances with 106 and innings pitched in relief at 208 1/3. He finished the campaign 15-12, with a league-topping 21 saves and a 2.42 ERA.  That season, Marshall was called on to go more than one inning in 74 games (68.5 percent of the time); and he toiled three or more innings 22 times. He also relieved in 13 consecutive regular-season games – an MLB record later tied (1986) by the Rangers’ Dale Mohorcic. His efforts won him the 1974 Cy Young Award and Sporting News NL Pitcher of the Year.

Marshall holds the MLB and NL record for games pitched in relief in a season (106 – Dodgers, 1974), as well as the AL record (89 in relief – Twins, 1979 – he also had one start that year).  The Blue Jays’ Mark Eichhorn tied Marshall’s AL record in 1987. Marshall led his league in games pitched four times and saves three times – finishing 97-112, 3.14 with 188 saves.

A true “fireman” from an era when closers came in to put out fires and stayed on the mound to ensure they were no flare ups, Marshall got my vote for the Shrine.

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Pete Reiser (1919-1981)

Combine Willie Mays’ skill set (younger folks, think Mike Trout) with Pete Rose’s hustle and on-field abandon and you have Pete Reiser. In his first full MLB season (CF, Dodgers), a 22-year-old Reiser dazzled defensively and led the NL in runs scored (117), doubles (39), triples (17), batting average (.343), total bases (299) and hit by pitch (11) – tossing in 14 home runs and 76 RBI for good measure. Unfortunately, unpadded outfield walls, helmet-less at bats (the fiery Reiser was a frequent bean ball target) and aggressiveness on the base paths (Reiser twice led the NL in stolen bases and holds the NL record for steals of home in a season at seven) took their toll.

In his ten-season career, the switch-hitting Reiser endured five skull fractures, a brain injury, a dislocated shoulder and a damaged knee.  He was carted off the field 11 times during his career (six times unconscious) and once actually given last rites at the stadium – and he played on. The three-time All Star retired as a player with a .295 career average, playing in 861 games over ten seasons. No telling what he might have done with padded outfield walls and batting helmets.  Pete Reiser was a true – and talented – gamer. For more on Reiser, try “Pete Reiser: The Rough and Tumble Career of the Perfect Ballplayer,” by Sidney Jacobson.

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Bing Russell (1926-2003)

Nate Oliver “Bring Russell” is probably best known to the general populace as Deputy Clem Foster in the TV series Bonanza.  His TV and film credits, in fact, ran long and deep.  He was cast in the film The Magnificent Seven and had guest roles in such television series as Wagon Train, Johnny Ringo, The Rifleman and the Big Valley.  And he was more than just a cowboy, he was also seen in television roles in series ranging from The Rockford Files to The Twilight Zone to The Monkees.

For baseball fans, Russel’s greatest role may have been as owner of the Portland Mavericks – an independent entry into Northwest League.  Shepherding the the only independent team in the league – Russell took  a group of ballplayers described in his Shrine of the Eternals nomination as “misfits, reprobates, hangers-on and washouts” and turned them into winners and the toast of the town – much to the chagrin of baseball’s organized franchises.

It all came about after organized ball moved the struggling Triple A Portland Beavers out of the city after the 1972 season. Russell led a move to establish the Class C Portland Mavericks (as an independent franchise) in the city.  As an owner, Russell focus was fun – and perhaps a bit of rebellio .  He had no ties to any MLB franchise, banned corporate advertising in the ball park and filled his team from open tryouts.  (He also, eventually, hired professional baseball’s first female General Manager, as well as its first Asian-American General Manager.)

How’d all of this work out?  Well, major league baseball did not expect the ragtag Mavericks to do well against their “in-the-system” prospects. They underestimated the impact of ‘Russell’s focus and style – and the determination of his last-change hopefuls.

In 1973, the Mavericks went 45-35 and finished first in the league’s South Division.

In 1974, they went 50-34 and finished second in the West Division – just two games behind the Dodgers’ Bellinger farm club. (See what I did there?  I got Dodgers and Bellinger in the same sentence.  Foreshadowing of things to come?)

In 1975, it was 42-35 and first place in the North Division.

In 1976, it was 40-32 and another North Division first place finish.

In 1977, 44-22  and first place in the South Division. The Mavericks, that season, had the best record in the league, won their division by 22 games and drew 125,000 fans to 33 regular season home games (a minor league short-season record.  (The average attendance was 3,788 fans per game).

Russell and his Mavericks had rekindled Portland passion for baseball with a combination of fun , irreverence and winning. They had proven that an independent franchise could compete and win on the field and at the turnstiles. And,  organized baseball took notice. They wanted the territory back and eventually – after some hard-fought legal battles – got it (although they had to pay Russell what was, at the time, by far the highest ever minor-league territorial rights payment; a victory for Russell and independent baseball).

So, in 1978, the Mavericks were dissolved and replaced by PCL Portland Beavers. By the way, the Beavers drew an average of  just 1,397 per game. Oh, and Russell’s success was ultimately document in the 2014 film “The Battered Bastards of Baseball.”  You should see it.

Three final fun facts about Russell and his life=long love affair with baseball. 1) He grew up near the Yankees Spring Training Camp in St. Petersburg, Florida and – as youngster – became a kind of unofficial mascot for the team – mingling with the likes of Joe DiMaggio, Lefty Gomez and Lou Gehrig.  (Reportedly, Gehrig gave Russell the bat he used to hit his late major league home run); 2) Later, pre-Mavericks, Russell created a number of detailed baseball training/instructional films.  3) Bing Russell’s son, noted actor Kurt Russell, played four seasons of minor league baseball and his grandson Matt Franco played eight MLB seasons (Cubs, Mets, Braves).

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Rube Waddell (1876-1914)

Rube Waddell is almost universally recognized as the zaniest player in MLB history – but he also was one of the best (at least when he was focused on the game).

Waddell was known to: leave a ball game to chase fire engines; miss a game he was scheduled to start because he was fishing or playing marbles with neighborhood kids; bring his outfielders in to sit on the grass and then proceed to fan the side; wrestle alligators in the off-season; and (frequently) do battle with owners and managers.  Waddell simply was more interested in the freedom to enjoy life and do things his way than in money or professional stability.  But, when Waddell was on his game, he was arguably the best pitcher of his time. The 6’1”, 195-lb. lefty led the AL in strikeouts six consecutive seasons (1902-1907) – by a wide margin.

In 1902, Waddell joined the Philadelphia Athletics in June – making his first start on June 26 (with just 86 games left in the season). Waddell proceeded to win 24 games (the league’s second-highest total) against seven losses, with a 2.05 ERA.  Despite his shortened season, he led the AL with 210 strikeouts, fifty more than the runner-up (none other than Cy Young).

In 1904, Waddell set a modern (post-1900) MLB record with 349 strikeouts that stood until 1965.  Waddell, elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1946, finished with a 193-143, 2.16 stat line – leading the AL in strikeouts six times, ERA twice, wins once and complete games once. For more on Waddell, BBRT suggests: “Rube Waddell: The Zany, Brilliant Life of a Strikeout Artist,” by Allan Howard Levy and “Just a Big Kid: The Life and Times of Rube Waddell,” by Paul Proia.

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–—THE SHRINE OF THE ETERNALS:  2019 VOTING PERCENTAGES—–

 

J.R. Richard – 27%

Billy Beane – 26.5%

Lisa Fernandez – 26%

Bob Costas – 25%

Mamie “Peanut” Johnson – 24.5%

Charlie Finley – 24%

Charles M. Conlon – 23%

Rube Waddell – 22.5%

Chet Brewer – 22%

Dr. Mike Marshall – 21.5%

Leo Durocher – 21%

Effa Manley – 21%

Denny McLain – 21%

Julio Franco – 20%

Rocky Colavito – 19%

Bill White – 19%

Annie Savoy – 18.5%

Rube Foster – 18%

Octavius V. Catto – 17%

Luke Easter – 17%

Melissa Ludtke – 17%

Fred Merkle – 17%

Tug McGraw – 16.5%

Bing Russell – 16.5%

Janet Marie Smith – 16.5%

Ralph Branca – 16%

Hideo Nomo – 16%

Vic Power – 16%

Charley Pride – 16%

Masanori Murakami – 15.5%

Tony Conigliaro – 15%

Dave Parker – 15%

Pete Reiser – 15%

Justine Siegal – 14%

John Thorn – 14%

Mike Veeck – 13.5%

John Young – 13.5%

Joe Pepitone – 13%

Jim Thorpe – 13%

Chris Von der Ahe – 13%

Bert Campaneris – 11%

Ernie Harwell – 11%

Ted Kluszewski – 10.5%

Kurt Bevacqua – 10%

Cleon Jones – 10%

Phil Pote – 10%

Shorty Perez – 9%

Dave Raymond – 9%

Boog Powell – 8.5%

Joe Schultz Jr. – 8.5%

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—-FULL ROSTER OF SHRINE OF THE ETERNALS INDUCTEES – INCLUDING 2019—–

Following is an alphabetical list of individuals who have been inducted into the Shrine of the Eternals between 1999 and 2019.  Year of induction in parenthesis.

Jim Abbott (2003)

Dick Allen (2004)

Roger Angell (2010)

Emmett Ashford (2008)

Billy Beane (2019)

Moe Berg (2000)

Sy Berger (2015)

Yogi Berra (2007)

Steve Bilko (2015)

Ila Borders (2003)

Jim Bouton (2001)

Jim Brosnan (2007)

Charlie Brown (2017)

Bill Buckner (2008)

Glenn Burke (2015)

Roberto Clemente (2004)

Steve Dalkowski (2009)

Dizzy Dean (2014)

Rod Dedeaux (2005)

Jim Eisenreich (2009)

Dock Ellis (1999)

Nancy Faust (2018)

Eddie Feigner (2013)

Lisa Fernandez (2019)

Mark Fidrych (2002)

Curt Flood (1999)

Ted Giannoulas (2011)

Josh Gibson (2006)

Jim “Mudcat” Grant (2012)

Pete Gray (2011)

Arnold Hano (2016)

William “Dummy” Hoy (2004)

Bo Jackson (2016)

Shoeless Joe Jackson (2002)

Bill James (2007)

Dr. Frank Jobe (2012)

Tommy John (2018)

Bill “Spaceman” Lee (2000)

Roger Maris (2009)

Marvin Miller (2003)

Minnie Minoso (2002)

Manny Mota (2013)

Don Newcombe (2016)

Lefty O’Doul (2013)

Buck O’Neil (2008)

Satchel Paige (2001)

Jimmy Piersall (2001)

Pam Postema (2000)

J.R. Richard (2019)

Jackie Robinson (2005)

Rachel Robinson (2014)

Lester Rodney (2005)

Pete Rose (2010)

Vin Scully (2017)

Rusty Staub (2018)

Casey Stengel (2010)

Luis Tiant (2012)

Bob Uecker (2017)

Fernando Valenzuela (2006)

Bill Veeck, Jr. (1999)

Maury Wills (2011)

Kenichi Zenimura (2006)

Don Zimmer (2014)

Primary Resources:  The Baseball Reliquary; Baseball-Reference.com; The Society for American Baseball Research.

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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

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

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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

2. 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

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.

2. 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).

3. 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

See the description in the MVP predictions.

2. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE ON THE TOP 100 BASEBALL BLOG LIST

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

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).

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.

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

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).

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.

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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.

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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