It’s that time of year again – post-season baseball is behind us; a bleak double-play barren winter ahead.  Still, there is plenty of time for “Hot Stove League” speculation and (for the next few days) “Awards Season” – headlined by the Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player, Cy Young and Manager of the Year Recognitions. There are also the heavy metal honors – Silver Sluggers and Gold Gloves. As usual, Baseball Roundtable will preview and predict the major awards.

A few days ago, this page featured BBRT’s picks for Rookie(s) of the Year, as well as a 2018 All-Rookie Team and an All-Time Rookie Squad. You can read that post by clicking here.  In this post, I’ll share BBRT’s views on each league’s likely Most Valuable Player; Cy Young; and Manager of the Year candidates.

Now, in recent season, there has been potential debate on many of these awards. This year, however, BBRT see only one of the four player recognitions as a likely source of debate.  That’s the NL Cy Young Award – and, so, that’s where we’ll start this post.

—–CY YOUNG AWARD—–

National League – Max Scherzer Nationals … 18-7, 2.53, 300 strikeouts in 220 2/3 innings.

Photo by apardavila

There might be some dispute here, as there has been plenty of support voiced for the Mets’ Jacob deGrom – based on his MLB-low 1.70 earned run average and 269 strikeouts in 217 innings.  Supporters argue, with good reason, that his 10-9 won-lost record does not reflect his effectiveness on the mound.

From BBRT’s perspective, however, there is more than enough reason(s) to award the Cy Young to Scherzer. His 18 wins tied for the AL lead; his 300 strikeouts led all of MLB; his 220 2/3 innings pitched led the NL (deGrom was second); his 0.91 WHIP tied (with deGrom) for the NL’s best; his two complete games tied for the NL lead (deGrom had one). In addition, Scherzer tied (with deGrom) for the NL lead in quality starts (28); led the NL in strikeouts per nine innings (12.24), with deGrom second (11.16); led in strikeouts-to-walks (5.88), again with deGrom second (5.85). Scherzer’s 2.53 earned run average was third in the league.

In 33 starts, Max Scherzer reached double-digits in strikeouts 18 times.

Other Contenders: Jacob deGrom, Mets (10-9, 1.70, 269 strikeouts in 217 innings) and Aaron Nola, Phillies (17-6, 2.37, 224 strikeouts in 212 1/3 innings).

American League – Blake Snell, Rays … 21-5, 1.89, 221 strikeouts in 180 2/3 innings.

Photo by petestokke

A bit of an easier choice for CYA in the AL, as the Rays’ Blake Snell led all of MLB in wins with 21 (just five losses) and led the AL (and was second in MLB) in earned run average at 1.89. His 221 strikeouts were sixth in the league and his 180 2/3 innings pitched were 14^th; while his 0.97 WHIP was second only to Justin Verlander (0.90) in the junior circuit.

Blake Snell was particularly after the All Star break, going 9-0, 1.17 – putting up a WHIP of 0.80 and fanning 12.7 batters per nine innings.

Other Contenders: Justin Verlander, Astros (16-9, 2.52, 290 strikeouts in 214 innings) and Corey Kluber, Indians (20-7, 2.89, 222 strikeouts in 215 innings).

—-MOST VALUABLE PLAYER—-

National League – Christian Yelich, OF, Brewers …  .326-36-110, 22 steals in 26 attempts.

Photo by DandreaPhotography

The Brewers’ Christian Yelich put up true MVP numbers, winning the NL batting title (.326), finishing third in the league in home runs (36) and second in RBI (110).   He also scored 118 runs (second in the league) and swiped 22 bases. In addition, he gave the Brew Crew some outfield/lineup versatility starting 68 games in RF, 63 in LF and 12 in CF.

As the Brewers fought for the NL Central crown, Yelich was at his best.  In September, he hit .370, bashed 10 home runs, drove in 34 (n 27 games), scored 24 times and swiped seven bases.  The Brewers also were 29-6 in games in which Yelich homered. In a season in which seven NL players topped 30 home runs and 100 RBI, Yelich was the leader of the pack.

Christian Yelich was just two home runs and one RBY shy of a Triple Crown.

Other Contenders: Nolan Arenado, 3B, Rockies (.297-38-110, with 104 runs scored); Javier Baez, 2B/SS/3B, Cubs (.290-34-111, 21 steals and 101 runs); and Trevor Story, SS, Rockies (.291-37, 108, 27 steals).

American League – Mookie Betts, RF, Red Sox … .346-32-80, with 30 steals in 36 attempts.

Photo by Dennis Heller

Mookie Betts’ AL batting title (.346), 30/30 (32 home runs/30 stolen bases) season, league-leading 129 runs scored (tied with the Indians’ Francisco Lindor) and Gold Glove-worthy defense earns him this spot in BBRT’s view.  Notably, his closest competition comes from a teammate, Red Sox’ DH J.D.  Martinez, who bashed 43 home runs and led all of MLB with 130 RBI.  Betts also led the AL in Slugging Percentage  at .640,

Mookie Betts hit .330 or better and scored at least 20 runs in every month but June, when an abdominal strain limited him to 16 games, a .290 average and 12 runs scored. He hit .344 in April; .372 in May; .330 in July; .353 in August; and .377 in September.

Other Contenders:  J.D. Martinez, DH, Red Sox (.330-43-130, with 111 runs scored); Khris Davis, DH, A’s (.247-48-123); Mike Trout, CF, Angels (.312-39-79, 24 stolen bases on 101 runs scored).

—–MANAGER OF THE YEAR—–

National League- Craig Counsell, Brewers – 96-67, Central Division title

The Brewers added some solid talent for the 2018 season – like Christian Yelich, Lorenzo Cain, Mike Moustakas and Gio Gonzalez.  Manager Craig Counsell effectively mixed those players with established Brewers’ veterans.  That effort, coupled with his effective management of his bullpen resources, brought the Central Division crown to a surprising Brewers’ squad and earned Counsell, BBRT’s vote for NL Manager of the Year.

Other Contenders: Bud Black – Rockies (91-72) …  Black took the Rockies, picked for a third-place finish by most analysts, all the way to a Game 163 and a NL Wild Card spot.  Brian Snitker, Braves (90-72) … Snitker led the surprising, and very young, Braves to a Division title that few expected,

American League – Bob Melvin, A’s – 97-65, AL Wild Card

Bob Melvin started the season with MLB’s lowest player payroll –and ended it with 97 wins and a spot in the post season (Game. Set. Match.)  He did it with a young team and a pitching staff in flux.  (The A’s used 15 starters and 0nly one A’s starter had more than seven wins.)  BBRT would give Counsell its vote.

Other Contenders: Alex Cora, Red Sox (108-54) … Cora led the Red Sox to an MLB-best 108 wins (54 losses). Hard to argue with that kind of success.  Kevin Cash, Rays (90-72) … Cash delivered 90 wins in the tough AL East – and pioneered a “bullpen game” pitching strategy that helped the Rays deliver the AL’s second-best earned run average.

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

BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE MAKES TOP 100 BASEBALL BLOG LIST

Baseball Roundtable has made the Feedspot list of the Top 1oo Baseball Blogs.  To see the full list, click here.

I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT

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

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Tonight (September 18), Indians’ starter Corey Kluber fanned 11 batters in eight innings, as Cleveland topped the White Sox 5-3 in Cleveland.  Kluber’s performance enabled the Indians to tie a MLB record  – and put them on the cusp of breaking that record.

Kluber ran his season strikeout total to 205 (in 203 innings) – joining two other Cleveland starters with 200+ strikeouts this season – Carlos Carrasco (206 strikeouts/176 innings) and Trevor Bauer (214 strikeouts/166 innings).  This makes the Indians just the fourth team in MLB history with three pitchers notching 200 or more whiffs in the same season.

The others are:

• 1967 Minnesota Twins: Dean Chance (220 Ks), Jim Kaat (211), Dave Boswell (204);
• 1969 Astros: Don Wilson (235), Larry Dierker (222), Tom Griffin (200);
• 2013 Tigers: Max Scherzer (240), Justin Verlander (217), Anibel Sanchez (202).

Now, perhaps, the even bigger news. A fourth Indians’ starter – Mike Clevinger – currently stands at 196 strikeouts in 188 1/3 innings – which means MLB will likely soon see the first team ever with four pitchers notching 200 or  more strikeouts in the same season.

Special thanks to Baseball Roundtable reader Benjamin Thobe for alerting BBRT to the Indians’ march toward the new record.

Side note: The Houston Astros should  end the season with three 200+ strikeout pitchers. Currently, Justin Verlander stands at 269 strikeouts, Gerrit Cole at 260 and Charlie Morton at 195.

For an earlier post with more detail on the first three teams to have three 200K starters in the same season, click here.

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Follow/Like the Baseball Roundtable Facebook page here.

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

Well, it’s September 1, which means – among many other things – that it’s time for Baseball Roundtable’s August Wrap Up.  So, let’s take a look at the stories, statistics and stars that caught BBRT’s attention over the past month.

Photo by hueytaxi

Six-for-Six … And The Cycle

There is no way you can leadoff the August lineup with anything  other than the remarkable offensive display put on by Brewers’ outfielder  Christian Yelich on August 29. In an wild, ten-inning, 13-12 Brewers’ win over the Reds at Great American Ballpark, Yelich not only hit for the cycle (single, double, triple and home run), he also collected six hits in six at bats – becoming, according to ESPN, just the fourth player since 1920 to combine a cycle with a six-hit game.  Yelich scored twice and drove in three in the contest.

Move Over Suitcase Simpson, “Backpack Drake” is On The Way

Photo by wwarby

On August 4, right-hander Oliver Drake took the mound for the Minnesota Twins in the top of the ninth – with the Twins  leading the Royals (at Target Field) 8-2.  Drake pitched a 1-2-3 ninth, but that was not the big news. 

In that appearance, Drake toed the rubber for his fifth major league team – DURING THE 2018 SEASON.  That is the MLB record for the number of teams played for in a single campaign. Blake started the season with the Brewers (appearing in 11 games); was purchased from the Brewers by the Indians on May 5 (four games); selected off waivers by the Angels May 31 (eight games); selected off waivers by the Blue Jays July 26 (two games); and, finally, selected off waivers by the Twins August 3 (ten August games). 

Overall, August was a pretty unique month.  We saw:

• A nun with a curveball and a Little Leaguer who”hits dingers” steal baseball’s thunder;
• Women take center stage in the Women’s Baseball World Cup;
•  Both the Ultimate (Grand Slam) and the Immaculate (Inning); and
• Some noteworthy accomplishments by players both young (Ronald Acuna, Jr. and Juan Soto) and old (Bartolo Colon and Albert Pujols).

We’ll get into all this (and more), but first a look at BBRT Players and Pitchers of the Month.

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NATIONAL LEAGUE

Player of the Month … Ronald Acuna, Jr., OF, Braves

The Braves’ 20-year-old rookie outfielder – Ronald Acuna, Jr. – scorched NL pitching in August. He hit .336, smashed an MLB-high (tied with the Brewers’ Christian Yelich) eleven round trippers, drove in 19 runs (eighth in the NL) and scored an MLB-high (tied with the Red Sox’ Mookie Betts) 25 times.  Later, in the individual  highlights, you can learn more about this rookie’s historic August power output.  Oh yes, and he swiped six bases in nine tries.

Other Contenders: The Dodgers’ 3B Justin  Turner turned it on in August, hitting an NL-best  .402 for the month, tied Acuna for the NL lead in hits with 39, popped  six home runs, drove in 20 (fifth in the NL) and scored 22 (second in the NL).  David Peralta of the Diamondbacks (.361-10-21) and the Padres’ Hunter Renfroe, with a .302 average, nine homers and a league-best 27 August RBI also deserve mention.

Pitcher of the Month – Cole Hamels, Cubs

There were lots of contenders for this recognition, as 13 National pitchers who logged at least 25 innings put up August earned run averages under 2.00.  BBRT will go with the lowest of the low.  It is, in fact, looking like the Cubs may have made the best July trading deadline move when they acquired Cole Hamels from the Rangers. Hamels, who was 5-9, 4.72 with Texas, put up a 4-0 record with a microscopic and MLB-lowest (among pitchers with at least 25 innings pitched in August) 0.69 earned run average in his first month with Chicago. Hamels went 39 innings in six starts, walking eleven and fanning 38.

Other Contenders: The Mets’ Jacob deGrom went 3-2 in six starts, but deserved better. The Mets scored just one run in each of his losses.  For the month, deGrom led MLB with 60 strikeouts and 43 2/3 inning pitched and put up the NL’s sixth-best August ERA at 1.24.  BBRT also looked at the Cardinals’ Jack Flaherty, who went 4-0, 1.13 in five starts. Another Cardinals’ rookie – Austin Gomber – deserves recognition as MLB’s only five-game  winner in August. Gomber  went 5-0, 2.38 in seven August appearances (six starts).  The Phillies’ Aaron Nola pitched some big  games (against some big names – outdueling Max Scherzer and Noah Syndergaard) on his way to a 3-0, 1.06 August (with 35 strikeouts in 34 innings).

AMERICAN  LEAGUE

Player of the Month –  Tie: J.D. Martinez, RF, Red Sox & Miguel Andujar, 3B, Yankees

BBRT is celebrating a veteran and rookie in the AL this month.  Boston’s veteran DH J.D. Martinez not only hit .373 for the month, he smacked seven home runs and drove in 25 (third in the AL). He also scored 24 times (second in the AL) and had the league’s highest on base + slugging percentage among qualifiers at 1.139.

Yankees’ rookie 3B Miguel Andujar tore it up in August – to the tune of .320-10-29; finsihing with the AL’s highest August home run total (tied with the A’s Khris Davis) and MLB’s highest RBI total (tied with the Rangers’ Rougned Odor). Andujar also scored 21 runs (seventh in the AL).

Other Contenders: Texas’ 2B Rougned Odor tied Andujar for the MLB lead in August RBI with 29, and scored 23 times, while hitting .269 with seven long balls. The Astros’ Marwin Gonzalez was also a contender, with an August stat line of .303-8-20 – along with 19 runs scored. And, the Astros’ Tyler White made a splash, with a .325-8-23 August.

Pitcher of the Month – Blake Snell, Rays

Blake Snell went 4-0, with an AL-lowest (among pitchers with 25 August innings) 1.04 earned  run average. He also fanned 34 batters in 26 innings – giving up 11 hits and three walks (a league-low 0.65 WHIP). He was the class of the AL field in August.

Other Contenders:  Mariners’ closer Edwin Diaz (who already has 50 saves on the season) racked up an MLB-best ten August saves (in 11 opportunities) fanning 21 hitters (no walks) in 11 innings and putting up a 1.64 ERA.  The Indians’ Carlos Carrasco went 4-2, 1.85 in six starts and fanned an AL-high 50 batters (tied with Justin Verlander) in 39 innings.

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Now, how about those standings … and August team performance?

IF THE SEASON ENDED ON AUGUST 31, YOUR PLAYOFF TEAMS WOULD BE …

American League: Red Sox, Indians, Astros.   Wild Cards: Yankees, A’s

The most interesting AL race appears to be in the AL West, where the A’s trail the Astros by just 1 ½ games. Side Note: Baltimore is a whopping 52 ½ out in the tough AL East.

National League: Braves, Cubs, Diamondbacks.  Wild Cards: Brewers, Cardinals

Things are tighter in the NL, with the Diamondbacks, Rockies and Dodgers separated by just 1 1/2 games in the West; the Phillies just two back of Atlanta in the East; and the Cardinals having  surged to just 3 1/2 behind the Cubs in the Central.  

Here’s a few observations on August’s best and worst teams.

NATIONAL LEAGUE – AUGUST’S BEST (Cardinals) & THE REST

The Cardinals were baseball’s hottest team in August –  going 22-6. They were, in fact, the only team to reach 20 wins for the month. They did it primarily on the strength of their pitching staff – which put up an MLB-lowest 2.75 earned run average for the month. The club gave up just 82 runs (76 earned) in 28 games.  (They were actually no slouches on offense, leading the NL with 148 August runs scored.) On the mound, the Cardinals’ surge was led by 22-year-old righty Jack Flaherty and 24-year-old southpaw Austin Gomber. Gomber went 5-0, 2.38 (the majors only five-game winner in August). while Flaherty went 4-0, 1.13. Good news for Cards’ fans – both are rookies.  The Redbirds also got eight saves and a 1.86 ERA out of reliever Bud Norris.  On offense, RF Jose Martinez continued to put up MVP-consideration numbers – going .376-3-18 for the month. 1B Matt Carpenter hit only .255 in August, but chipped in some big hits (including  eight home runs). Carpenter scored 21 times in August, second in the NL.

Other NL teams having strong Augusts included:  The Cubs at 18-10 and the Braves at 17-13.  The Cubs finished the month 18-10  despite outscoring their opposition by only 13 runs (the Braves outscored their  foes by 26 tallies, the Cardinal had a plus-66 run differential).  The Cubs may have made the deadline pickup of the season – getting a 4-0, 0.69 month out of Cole Hamels. The offense was driven by 1B Anthony Rizzo (.340-7-17) and 2B Javier Baez (.288-7-16).

Like the Cardinals, the Braves relied on pitching – with a 3.03 ERA for the month, third-best in the NL.  Key contributors were newcomer Kevin Gausman (4-1, 1.69) and Mike Foltynewicz (3-2, 2.09). The Braves also got solid offense from a core group of young players like LF Ronald Acuna, Jr. (.336-11-21 in August) and 3B Johan Carmargo (.327-3-18), as well as steady production from  veterans like Ender Inciarte (.286-3-15) and Freddie Freeman (.283-2-13). The team is showing solid balance for the stretch run.

Bringing up the rear  of the National League (in August) were two teams that failed to win ten games – Marlins (7-19) and Reds (9-19).

AMERICAN LEAGUE – Rotation – Rotation – Rotation

The Indians led the AL in August wins at 19-9; relying largely on their starting rotation. (Close behind the Indians  were the Red Sox and A’s – both at 18-9.) The Tribe’s 3.10 staff ERA for August was the third-best in the AL, while there 132 runs scored was fifth. The Indians’ had a balanced offense in August with three players contributing five home runs and 16 RBI each. CF Melky Cabrera (.293-5-16), DH Edwin Encarnacion (.241-5-16) and 3B Jose Ramirez (.245-5-16). Also important were LF Michael  Brantley (.333 – with 16 runs scored and 13 RBI) and SS Francisco Lindor (who hit just .263, but crossed the plated 18 times).  It was, however, the rotation of Carlos Carrasco (4-2, 1.85); Corey Kluber (4-1, 2.81); Mike Clevinger (3-0, 2.21); and Shane Bieber (3-0, 3.81) that kept the Indians rolling toward the Central Division Crown.

Boston picked up 18 August victories more with a hammer than a scalpel. The team gave up 127 runs – by comparison, the Astros, A’s, Indians and Rays all gave up less than 95 – but the Bosox scored an MLB-high 166 tallies.  Missing “ace” Chris Sale (shoulder) for most of August didn’t help, although veteran David Price picked up the slack with a 3-0, 2.10 month. Still, there was enough offense to support the team’s 4.18 August ERA.  DH J.D. Martinez went .373-7-25 and scored 24 runs; RF Mookie Betts  went .354-4-14 with 25 runs scored; SS Xander Bogaerts drove in 21, to go with three homers and a.303 average; LF Andrew Benintendi hit .270 and scored 20 August runs – and the list of offensive contributors went on.

The A’s got strong performances from a couple of pitchers who did not start the season in Oakland – Mike Fiers (who came over from Detroit in early August) went 3-0, 2.73 in six starts for the A’s, while Edwin Jackson (released by the Nationals and signed by the A’s in June) went 2-1, 2.60 (but the A’s did win four his his five starts). The A’s offense flowed primarily through 3B Matt Chapman (.319-9-18 in August), 2B Jedd Lowrie (.293-4-16) and DH Khris Davis, who hit only .222 for the month, but belted ten home runs (tops in the AL) and drove in 20.

Two teams a failed to win ten games in the AL in August – Orioles (8-20) and Tigers (8-19). 

FULL STANDINGS AND AUGUST WON-LOST RECORDS CAN BE FOUND IN A GRAPHIC  NEAR THE END OF THIS POST. 

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TROT INDEX … A REGULAR BBRT FEATURE

Through August 31, , more than one-third (34.6 percent) of all MLB 2018 plate appearances have ended in a trot (back to the dugout, around the bases, to first base). We are 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 (22.1%); Walks (8.4%); home runs (3.0%); HBP (1.0%); Catcher’s Interference (less than .001%).  

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*HERE’S A LOOK AT THE AUGUST TEAM STATS*

–—-LEAGUE LEADERS – TEAMS – FOR AUGUST—–

RUNS SCORED … MLB Team Average – 123

AL: Red Sox (166); Yankees (155); Rangers (143)

NL: Cardinals (148); Mets (145); Nationals (137)

Three teams tallied fewer than 100 runs in August: Marlins (86); Giants (93); Pirates (94). The Tigers were the lowest-scoring  team in the AL at 101 runs. 

BATTING AVERAGE … MLB Team Average – .253

AL: Red Sox (.275); Blue Jays (.260); Orioles (.260)

NL: Brewers (.273); Cardinals (.273); Reds (.265)

The Giants had the lowest batting average for August at .217, as well as the fewest home runs (15), and second-fewest runs scored.

HOME RUNS … MLB Team Average – 33

AL:  Yankees (53); Blue Jays (41); A’s (39)

NL: Dodgers (45); Brewers (44); Cardinals (40)

The Brewers led MLB in slugging percentage for August at .471. By contrast, the Giants slugging percentage was an MLB-low .319. The MLB team average was .416.

STOLEN BASES … MLB Team Average – 15

AL: Rays (33);  Indians (25); Royals (25)

NL: Dodgers (28); Rockies (22); Nationals (19)

The Twins had their difficulties on the base paths in August – swiping an MLB-low three bases and being tossed out on six-of-nine steal attempts. 

BATTERS’ STRIKEOUTS … MLB Team Average – 227

AL: White Sox (298); Yankees (242); Twins (238)

NL: Mets (260); Dodgers (255); Padres (254)

Ouch!

Cardinals’ batters appeared to be popular targets in August, as the team suffered an MLB-high 21 hit batters – nearly twice the major league average (11) for the month.

EARNED RUN AVERAGE … MLB Average – 4.14

AL:  Rays (2.76); A’s (3.02); Indians (3.10)

NL: Cardinals (2.75); D-backs (2.96); Braves (3.03)

Six teams recorded August earned run averages over 5.00, but only one – the Orioles –  topped 6.00 (6.42). 

PITCHERS’ STRIKEOUTS … MLB Average – 227

AL:  Yankees (317); Indians (280); Astros (260)

NL: Braves (267); Mets (266); Dodgers (256)

In August, the Orioles’ pitching staff gave up an MLB-high 51 home runs in 28 games. The Cardinals, by contrast, gave up just 16 long balls  in 28 games. 

SAVES … MLB Average – 7

AL:  Indians (10); Mariners (10); Twins (10)

NL: Cardinals (12); five with eight

The Royals converted only two of eight save opportunities in August – for an MLB-low 25 percent save rate. The lowest conversion rate in the NL went to the Marlins (four saves in 11 opportunities – 36.4 percent). The Rangers and Mets put up 100 percent save conversion rates in August – with eight and six saves, respectively,

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——————HOW ABOUT A FEW AUGUST HIGHLIGHTS?——————————

A Sister Gets A Bobblehead

The highlight of August may very well have came at the hands (and strong right arm) of Sister Mary Joe Sobiek – who threw out (maybe “fired” is a better word) the cermonial first pitch at a White Sox game on August 18.  Sobiek, who teaches theology at Marian Cath0lic High School in Chicago Heights, IL, opened with a showy bounce of the baseball off her right bicep and  then tossed a curve ball for a strike (from the mound) to the White Sox’ Lucas Giolito. Sister Sobiek (called “Sister Mojo” by her students) was a three-sport athlete in college (College of Saint Scholastica, Duluth, MN) and says her athletic ability and energy help her relate to her students. For Minnesota readers, Sister Sobiek not only went to college in the state, she grew up in Saint Cloud and is a long-time Tweins fan.

In honor of the feat, the National Bobble Head Hall of Fame has created (and is selling) an “inspirationaL” bobble of Sister Sobiek in full windup.

Robbie Grossman on Players Weekend Nicknames

On the weekend of August 24-26, MLB celebrated its second annual Players’ Weekend – sporting colorful uniforms and equipment; sleeve patches honoring those who inspired them on their way to majors; and the MLB “Evolution” logo –showing a progression of five player images reflecting the progress from Little League to youth leagues to the major leagues.  Perhaps of greatest interest, however, were the names on the back of the jerseys, as players were able to choose a nickname for display that reflected their own personalities, passions or sense of humor.  For more on Players Weekend and a look at some of the best nicknames, click here.

There were a number of players who choose not to go with a nickname and BBRT appreciated the explanation offered by the Twins’ Robbie Grossman – “I worked to hard to get my name on the back of a major league jersey … that I don’t want to wear anything else.” Makes sense to me. 

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The Little League Classic …

On Sunday, August 26, Hawaii captured Little League World Series 2018 title with a 3-0 win over South Korea in Williamsport, PA. Hawaii went undefeated in the 16-team tournament, outscoring their opponents by a 26-3 margin.

While Hawaii may have captured the LLWS title, the combination of Little Leaguers and Major Leaguers captured a lot of hearts – as the Phillies and Mets traveled to Williamsport on Sunday, August 19^th, for the Second Annual Little League Classic (a regular-season game played at BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field during the LLWS).  BBRT Note: Bowman Field, just a short distance from the Little League International Complex, is the second oldest minor league  ballpark in the United States (opened in 1926). The Mets won the game 8-2, in  front of a crowd of 2,429.

The real action, however, was the up-close interaction between the Major Leaguers and the Little Leaguers – plenty of smiles, handshakes and high fives, autographs, selfies and the sharing of hitting, fielding and pitching tips.  The Phillies’ Rhys Hoskins and “Big Al” Delia of the Mid-Atlantic Little League squad provided one of the day’s highlights, as they went on social media to share their mutual love of “hitting dingers.”  A number of the big leaguers took time to catch some Little League action in the afternoon – and, of course, the Little Leaguers and their fans and families returned the favor during the evening’s Mets/Phillies  tilt.  Oh, and “Big Al” was center stage again – catching the ceremonial first pitch from Mets’ 3B Todd Frazier, who was a member  of the Toms River East team that won the 1998 LLWS title.

A good time, it was said, was had by all.

Final Note: The Little League dinger machine showed up again oin August 28th, this time at batting practice before a White Sox/Yankees game, apparently exchanging long-ball stories with his Giancarlo Stanton and also admiring Aaron Hicks’ “Big Al Hits Dingers” t-shirt.

ULTIMATE AND IMMACULATE – BOTH IN THE SAME MONTH

In the “What’s in a name?” category.  On August 12^th, Cubs’ rookie infielder David Bote hit was is referred to as an “Ultimate Grand Slam” – a walk-off, Grand Slam home run coming when your team is down by three runs. He came to plate as a pinch-hitter – facing the  Nationals’  Ryan Madson with two outs, the bases loaded and the Cubs down 3-0.  Bote laced a 2-2 offering over the center field fence for an Ultimate Grand Slam.  (Note:  It wasn’t exactly a great inning for Madson, who loaded the bases on an infield single and two hit batters.) MLB.com reports that Bote’s was the 25^th known Ultimate Grand Slam, just the fifteenth with two outs and the sixth by a pinch hitter.

August also saw two MLB pitchers toss “Immaculate Innings” … a 1-2-3 frame, with three strikeouts on nine pitches. On August 8, the Rockies’ German Marquez accomplished it against the Pirates (fourth inning – Corey Dickerson, Starling Marte and Gregory Polanco). On August 19, the Dodgers’  Zac Rosscup threw and Immaculate (ninth) Inning versus the Mariners (Kyle Seager, Ryon Healy, Cameron Maybin). More detail on Rosscup’s inning later in this post.

Colon Puts Exclamation Point on Career

On August 7, Rangers’ 45-year-old righty Bartolo Colon worked seven innings – giving up four runs on eight hits – in picking up an 11-4 win over the Mariners.  It was Colon’s 246^th MLB victory, moving him past Dennis Martinez for the most victories by a Latin American born pitcher.  Colon added another win on August 13 to add to his mark – and finished August 10-15, 5.45 on the season and 247-187, 4.10 on his 21-season MLB career.

Youth Will Be Served

On August 14^th, Braves’ 20-year-old rookie outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. led off the bottom of the first inning against the Marlins with his 18^th home run of the season.  That long ball was significant for a number of reasons:

• It made the youngest MLB player to homer in five straight games.
• It made him the youngest and just the second player (of any age) in MLB history to open three consecutive games with a first-inning leadoff home run. (The other was Brady Anderson in April of 1996).

But Acuna’s August accomplishments go even further. On August 13^th, he hit first-inning leadoff home runs in both games of a doubleheader – becoming just the fourth player to accomplish that feat (Harry Hooper – May 30, 1913; Ricky Henderson – July 6, 1993; and Brady Anderson (August 21, 1999).

Most Home Runs by a Player in Their Age-20 MLB season …

Frank Robinson, Reds … 38 (1956)

Alex Rodriguez, Mariners … 36 (1996)

Tony Conigliaro, Red Sox … 32 (1965)

Ted Williams, Red Sox… 31 (1939)

Mike Trout, Angels … 30 (2012)

Al Kaline, Tigers … 27 (1955)

Ed Mathews, Braves … 25 (1952)

Orlando Cepeda, Giants … 25 (1958)

Note: Conigliaro also had 24 home runs in his 10-year-old season (1964).

Something for the Veterans as Well

Photo by bk1bennett

On August 10^th, as the Angels topped the A’s 4-3, Angels’ DH Albert Pujols stroked a single to left in the sixth inning.  It was Pujols 1,000^th American League safety – making him just the ninth MLB player to collect at least 1,000 hits in each league. (Pujols had 2, 073 hits with the Cardinals.)  Others on the list are: Frank Robinson, Fred McGriff, Dave Winfield, Carlos Lee, Vlad Guerrero, Orlando Cabrera, Alfonso Soriano and Carlos Beltran.

A GIANT BBRT RANT – Oh, The Insanity

On August 6, the Florida State League (Class A) Clearwater Threshers (Phillies’ farm club) faced off against the Tampa Tarpons (Yankees’ affiliate) in a double header. In the second game, Tarpons’ starter Deivi Garcia tossed seven perfect innings, with 12  strikeouts  (minor league doubleheaders are seven-inning games), but the Tarpon had also failed to score.

In the top of the eighth, the first extra inning, the Threshers (via a new minor league rule) started with a runner on second (against Tampa reliever Christian Morris). That runner scored on an error and a fielder’s choice.  Tampa remained scoreless in the bottom of the inning.  The end result – Tampa lost 1-0, despite tossing a no-hit game.  A few other oddities:

• Christian Morris got the loss – despite the fact that he had nothing to do with the runner who crossed the plate.
• The runner was treated as though he reached on an error (in terms of the pitcher’s earned run average) – although there was no error charged to a fielder or the team.
• The base runner was credited with a run scored – despite getting a 180-foot head start.
• Had Morris pitched a 1-2-3 inning, the perfect game would have been intact. (The”placed” runner does not affect a perfect game or a no-hitter.)

From BBRT’s standpoint, this “placed” runner rule should be scrapped.

Not So One-Der-Ful

In a five-game stretch from August 16^th through August 21, the Chicago Cubs scored exactly one run in each game – and, in each contest, that lone run came on a solo homer. Surprisingly, despite the meager offensive output, the Cubbies won two and lost three over that span.

• August 16^th, Cubs top Pirates 1-0 in Pittsburgh. The only run scores on a fourth-inning Ian Happ home run.
• August 17^th, Cubs again best Pirates 1-0. This time on a second-inning solo home run by Kyle Schwarber.
• August 18^th, Cubs lose to Pirates 3-1 and the only Cubs’ tally comes on a third-innings solo shot by Ben Zobrist.
• August 19^th, Cubs lose to Pirates 2-1, the only Cubs’ run a second-inning home run off the bat of Kyle Schwarber.
• August 21, Cubs lose 2-1 to Tigers (in Detroit), with the only Cubs’ run a sixth-inning home run by Anthony Rizzo.

It’s a Teen Kind of Thing

Photo by pdeonarain

On August 29, 19-year-old Nationals’ rookie LF Juan Soto rapped his 16th home run of the season – a two-run shot that came in the third inning of an 8-6 Nationals loss to the Phillies.  The long ball moved Soto into a tied for the fourth-most MLB home runs home runs by a teenager (tie with Ken Griffey, Jr.). Still ahead, Mel Ott (19), Bryce Harper (22) and Tony Conigliaro (24).  In 89 games this season,Soto is hitting .292, with 16 home runs, 50 RBI and 62 runs scored.

Record Number of Twin Killings Secure 1-0 Win

On August 17^th, the Cubs nipped the Pirates 1-0 in Pittsburgh – and, in the process, tied a major league record by turning seven double plays in a nine-inning game.  For the full story, click here.

A Walk-Off and a Balk-Off … Tough on a Pitcher

How about giving up a walk-off walk and a walk-off balk in the span of one week?  That got to be a little disheartening.

Saturday August 18, Dodgers’ reliever Dylan Floro was brought into a 4-4 tie (in Seattle) in the bottom of the tenth inning. At the time, the Mariners had runners on first (Robinson Cano) and second (Cameron Maybin) and one out.  Floro walked the powerful Nelson Cruz to load the bases – and then the fun began. With the sacks full, Dodgers’ 3B Justin Turner faked a move to the third base bag (a faux pick-off), the base runner (Maybin) flinched and Floro (also apparently “deked”) dropped his hands and stepped off the rubber – balking in the  winning run.

The August 18 balk-off came just six days after Flora gave up an August 12 walk-off walk in a 4-3 Dodgers’ loss at Colorado.  In that game, Flora came to open the bottom of the ninth of a 3-3 tie. He gave up a single to Rockies’ 2B DJ LeMahieu, who went to second on an error by right fielder Yasiel Puig.  Flora then fanned SS Trevor Story on four pitches. Next came an intentional walk to David Dahl to set up the double play. However, Ian Desmond was out on a slow  roller to third base – with the runners moving up to second and third. Another intentional walk (to Ryan McMahon) brought up catcher Chris Ianetta, with a force available at any base. A five-pitch walk plated the game-ending, game-winning run.  Side note:  Thinking about that new intentional walk (wave ’em to first) rule – Flora actually gave up three walks on five pitches.

By the way, don’t get the wrong idea about Floro. At the end of August he was 1-1, 1.66 with the Dodgers and 4-3, 2.33 on the season.

A Verlander Milestone

Photo by Keith Allison

On August 19^th, the Astros’ Justin Verlander did not appear to be on the top of his game.  In the first inning of a critical game against the Oakland A’s (challenging Houston for the AL West Crown), Verlander gave up home runs to Oakland 3B Matt Chapman and DH Khris Davis – and after three innings, the two teams were knotted at 4-4. Verlander settled down and held the A’s scoreless into the sixth, with the Astros eventually picking up a much-needed 9-4 win.  The win was Verlander’s twelfth of the season (12-8, 2.65 ERA) and also the 200^th of his 14-season MLB career.

MVP & Cy Young … A Winning Combination

Justin Verlander is one of just ten pitchers to win the Cy Young Award and Most Valuable Player Award in the same season. Note: One-half of the ten were Tigers (3) or Dodgers (2).  Here they are:

Don Newcombe – 1956 Dodgers – 27-7, 3.06 earned run average.

Sandy Koufax – 1963 Dodgers – 25-5, 1.88

Denny McLain – 1968 Tigers – 31-6, 1.96

Bob Gibson – 1968 Cardinals – 22-9, 1.12

Rollie Fingers – 1981 Brewers – 6-3, 28 saves, 1.04

Willie Hernandez – 1984 Tigers – 9-3, 32 saves, 1.92

Roger Clemens – 1986 Red Sox – 24-4, 2.48

Dennis Eckersley – 1992 A’s – 7-1, 51 saves, 1.91

Justin Verlander – 2011 Tigers – 24-5, 2.40

Clayton Kershaw – 2014 Dodgers – 21-3, 1.77

Fifty is Nifty

Photo by THE Laura Smith

On August 25, Seattle closer Edwin Diaz came into a game (against the Diamondbacks) n the bottom of the tenth inning with the Mariners up 4-3. It wasn’t easy, but Diaz did pick up the save – despite giving up two hits and having one runner tossed out at home.  So, what makes this rather rocky save worthy of mention here? It was the 24-year-old right-hander’s 50^th save of the season.  Diaz is the 14^th (and youngest) player ever to record 50 saves. Three pitchers have had two 50-save campaigns: Eric Gagne, Mariano Rivera and Jim Johnson. Diaz, who had 34 saves in 2017, ended August with a 0-3, 1.97 record, with 50 saves and 108 strikeouts in 64 innings.

Top Five Most Saves in a Season

62 … Francisco Rodriguez, Angels (2008)

57 … Bobby Thigpen, White Sox (1990)

55 … John Smoltz, Braves (2002)

55 … Eric Gagne, Dodgers (2003)

53 … Randy Myers, Cubs (1993)

53 … Trevor Hoffman, Padres (1998)

53 … Mariano Rivera, Yankees (2001)

Zimmerman Hits 11^th Walk Off Long Ball

It took a video review to get the job done, but on August 22, Nationals’ 1B Ryan Zimmerman bashed a two-run home run – with two-outs in the bottom of the ninth – to give the Nationals an 8-7 walk-off win over the Phillies.  It was Zimmerman’s 11^th career walk-off home run, putting him just two behind all-time MLB leader in walk-off homers – Jim Thome. Standing between Zimmerman and Thome at 12 walk-off dingers each are: the still-active Albert Pujols and a group of Hall of Famers (Babe Ruth, Jimmie Foxx; Stan Musial, Mickey Mantle, Frank Robinson).

Guess that Single run Broke the ice.

On August 26^th, the Nationals took on the Mets in New York.  Washington came into the game having failed to score in 27 consecutive innings – losing their previous three games by 2-0; 3-0; and 3-0. On the 25^th, it looked like more of the same, as the Nats and Mets were tied 0-0 at the end of five (running Washington’s scoreless streak to 32 innings). Washington finally eked out a run in the top of the sixth on a double, single and RBI groundout.  That apparently broke the ice.  Over the final three innings of the game, the Nationals scored 14 more times (eight runs in the eighth and six more in the ninth) for a 15-0 win.

Double Your Pleasure … Double Your Fun

Photo by d-deee

On August 26, Cardinals 1B/Leadoff hitter Matt Carpenter broke out of a bit of an August slump – and tied the MLB record for a nine-inning game with four doubles (as St. Louis topped the Rockies 12-3 in Colorado).

Carpenter, who came into the game hitting just .221 for the month, but with eight August round trippers,  got off to a good start, hitting two doubles to right off Tyler Anderson in the very first inning. (The Cardinals batted around and scored six times.)  He doubled to center off Chad Bettis in his next at bat (third inning); grounded out second-to-first to end the fifth; and doubled to center off Bryan Shaw in the seventh. On the day, Carpenter was four-for-five, scoring twice and driving in two.  Carpenter’s four doubles in a nine-inning contest ties him with 47 other players.  Albert Belle is the only player to accomplish the feat twice – on August 29 and September 23, 1999.

Seven Not Always So Lucky

Between August 19 and August 26^th, Blue Jays’ 1B/DH Kendrys Morales went yard in seven straight games – coming within one of the MLB record.  Morales streak ended on August 27^th, when he went zero-for-three with a walk. The Blue Jays won five of seven during Morales streak.  He hit .481 (13-for-27), with eight home runs, 13 RBI and nine runs scored during his run. Oh, and in the category of “In Baseball We Count Everything” – Morales did set the record for consecutive games with a home run by a switch-hitter.

The record of eight straight contests with a home run is shared by The Pirates’ Dale Long (May 19-28, 1956); Yankees’ Don Mattingly (July 8-18, 1987); and Mariners’ Ken Griffey, Jr. (July 20-28, 1993).

Walking ‘Em Off

On August 29^th, Houston’s Tyler White hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth to give the Astros a 5-4 win over the vistiting A’s.  It was the 81^st Walk off home of the season – breaking the single-season record for walk-off dingers (80) set back in 2004 … and we still have a month of baseball left.  Note:  At the end of August, the record was up to 83 walk-off home runs this  season.

Women’s Baseball World Cup …United States Finishes Fourth

The Women’s Baseball World Cup wrapped up on August 31 (in Viero, Florida), with Japan winninng its sixth straight World Cup – topping Chinese Taipei 6-0.  Japan took the Gold, Taipei the Silver and Canada the Bronze (by topping the U.S. team 8-5 in ten innings in the third-place game). Japan went 9-0 in the 12-team tournament, while Taipei, Canada and the U.S. all went 6-3. 

Starring for the U.S. Team was OF/DH Megan Baltzell, who hit .500 for the tournament (third-best); hit a tourney-high two home runs; was second in RBI with 11.  Ayami Sato of Japan was named tournament MVP – going 3-0 in four pitching appearances with a o.37 earned run average and 18 strikeouts in 19 innings.

A tale of two Megans: Two Americans were selected to the All World Team – Megan Baltzell at DH (stats already noted) and relief pitcher Megan Meidlinger, who pitched in five games, picked up one save and allowed no runs on three hits and a walk (with three strikeouts) in five innings.

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You’ve read the highlights,now the stats.

—INDIVIDUAL LEADERS FOR AUGUST —

BATTING AVERAGE (minimum 75 August plate appearances)

AL:  Mallex Smith, Rays (.389); J.D. Martinez, Red Sox (.373); Whit Merrifield, Royals (.358)

NL: Justin Turner, Dodgers (.402); Jose Martinez, Cardinals (.389); David Peralta, D-backs (.361)

The lowest August average among players with at least 75 plate appearances during the month belonged to the Rays’ Jeff Bauers at .105 (8-for-76, with 17 walks). 

HOME RUNS

AL: Khris Davis, A’s (10); Miguel Andujar, Yankees (91); three with nine

NL:  Christian Yelich, Brewers (11); Ronald Acuna, Jr., Braves (11); David Peralta, D-backs (10)

The highest August Slugging Percentage (at least 75 plate appearances) was run up by the D-backs’ David Peralta (.732) in the NL and Astros’ Tony White (.711) in the AL.  The only other player over .700 was the Dodgers’ Justin Turner at .722.

RUNS BATTED IN

AL: Miguel Andujar, Yankees (29); Rougned Odor, Ranger (29); J.D. Martinez, Red Sox (25)

NL: Hunter Renfroe, Padres (27); Paul DeJong, Cardinals (22); David Peralta, D-backs (21); Ronald Acuna, Jr., Braves (21)

RUNS SCORED

AL: Mookie Betts, Red Sox (25); J.D. Martinez, Red Sox (24); Aaron Hicks, Yankees (24)

NL: Ronald Acuna, Jr., Braves (25); Justin Turner, Dodgers (22); Matt Carpenter, Cardinals (22); Christian Yelich, Brewers (22)

HITS

AL: Mitch Haniger, Mariners (41); Whit Merrifield, Royals (39); Miguel Andujar, Yankees (39)

NL: Justin Turner, Dodgers (39); Ronald Acuna, Jr., Braves (39); Lorenzo Cain, Brewers (37); Jose Martinez, Cardinals (37)

Among players with at least 75 August plate appearances, the Dodgers’ Justin Turner had the top on-base percentage at .491; the Rays’ Mallex Smith led the AL at .476.  The only other players over .450 were Boston’s Mookie Betts (.460) and J.D. Martinez (.453).

STOLEN BASES

AL: Aldaberto Mondesi, Royals (10); Mallex Smith, Rays (9); Jonathan Villar, Orioles (8); Greg Allen, Indians (8)

NL: Trevor Story, Rockies (9); Trea Turner, Nationals (8); Billy Hamilton, Reds (7); Amed Rosario, Mets (7)

The Pirates’ Starling Marte led all of MLB in caught-stealing in August – being tossed out in five of ten tries. 

BATTER’S STRIKEOUTS

AL: Yoan Moncada, White Sox (42); Chris Davis, Orioles (41); Giancarlo Stanton (40); Teoscar Hernandez, Blue Jays (40)

NL: Michael Conforto, Mets (42); Austin Jackson, Mets (38); Chris Taylor, Dodgers (33)

WALKS DRAWN

AL:  Aaron Hicks, Yankees (23); Mookie Betts, Red Sox (19); Jose Ramirez, Indians (18)

 NL: Juan Soto, Nationals (24); Matt Carpenter, Cardinals (20);  Andrew McCutchen, Giants (19); Brian Dozier, Dodgers (19)

Kyle Schwarber of the Cubs drew an MLB-high seven intentional walks in August. 

PITCHING VICTORIES

AL:  J.A. Happ, Yankees (4-0): Blake Snell, Rays (4-0); Jalern Beeks, Rays (4-0); Corey Kluber, Indians (4-1); Carlos Carrasco, Indians (4-2)

NL:  Austin Gomber, Cardinals (5-0); Cole Hamels, Cubs (4-0); Jack Flaherty, Cardinals (4-0); Zack Wheeler, Mets (4-1);  Kevin Gausman, Braves (4-1); Jhoulys Chacin, Brewers (4-2)

White Sox Rookie Dylan Covey appeared in eight August contests (four starts) – and went 1-6, 5.11,  leading all of MLB in August losses. On the season, he ended August 5-12. 5.61

EARNED RUN AVERAGE (at least 25 August innings)

AL:  Blake Snell, Rays (1.04); Carlos Rodon, White Sox (1.80); Carlos Carrasco, Indians (1.80)

NL:  Cole Hamels, Cubs (0.69); Aaron Nola, Phillies (1.06); Zack Wheeler, Mets (1.13); Jack Flaherty, Cardinals (1.13)

STRIKEOUTS

AL:  Justin Verlander, Astros (50 – 32 1/3 IP); Carlos Carrasco, Indians (50- 39 IP); Rick Porcello, Red Sox (45 – in 37 IP)

NL:  Jacob deGrom, Mets (60 – 43 2/3 IP); German Marquez, Rockies (53 – 42 IP); Max Scherzer, Nationals (49 – 38 IP)

SAVES

AL:  Edwin Diaz, Mariners (10); Blake Treinen, A’s (7); Ken Giles, Blue Jays (7); Jose LeClerc, Rangers (7)

NL: Bud Norris, Cardinals (8); Pedro Strop, Cubs (6); Brad Boxberger, D-backs (6); Brad Hand, Indians (6)

Being Stingy

Among pitchers with at least 25 August innings, Black Snell was the stingiest – giving up just 0.65 walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP). Snell allowed just 11 hits and six walks in 26 innings.

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—–LEAGUE LEADERS – TEAMS –  YEAR-TO-DATE (through August)—–

RUNS SCORED … MLB Team Average – 600

AL: Red Sox (738); Yankees (701); Indians (679)

NL: Cubs (644); Dodgers (638);  Braves (635)

The Marlins scored the fewest runs through August at 505 – while the Royals were at the bottom of the AL at 507.

BATTING AVERAGE … MLB Team Average – .249

AL: Red Sox (.269); Indians (.258); Astros (.256); Mariners (.256)

NL: Cubs (.263); Braves (.260); Reds (.259)

The Mets had the lowest team batting average through August (.235); while the Orioles were at the bottom of the AL’s (.238). Surprisingly, despite not having the DH, three of the top four MLB team batting averages (through August) belonged to NL teams. 

HOME RUNS … MLB Team Average – 156

AL: Yankees (221); A’s (186); Blue Jays (183)

NL: Dodgers (189);  Brewers (179); Cardinals (175)

The Tigers and Marlins suffered through MLB’s worst power outage through August, with just 112 home runs each. 

STOLEN BASES … MLB Team Average – 67

AL: Indians (109); Red Sox (101); Rays (98)

NL: Brewers (102); Nationals (95); Padres (81)

The A’s swiped the fewest bases through August (31). In fact, only three teams stole ‘fewer than 40 sacks through August – The A’s, Blue Jays (35) ad Twins (39).

BATTERS’ STRIKEOUTS … MLB Team Average – 1,137

AL: White Sox (1,302); Rangers (1,257); Yankees (1,178)

NL: Padres (1,297); Phillies (1,259); Brewers (1,233)

The Indians were the only team to fan less than 1,000 times through August at 976.

EARNED RUN AVERAGE … MLB Average – 4.15

AL:  Astros (3.14); Red Sox (3.61); Rays (3.69)

NL:  Dodgers (3.43); D-backs (3.52); Cardinals (3.66)

Three teams carried ERA’s of 5.00 or higher through July –  the Royals (5.18), Orioles (5.15) and Rangers (5.00)

PITCHERS’ STRIKEOUTS … MLB Average – 1,137

AL:  Astros (1,,411); Yankees (1,367); Red Sox (1,297)

NL: Dodgers (1,295); Phillies (1,209); D-backs (1,200)

Through August, the Astros were averaging MLB-tops 10.46 strikeouts per nine innings. The only other team averaging 10 or more was the Yankees at 10.10.   The Dodgers topped the NL at 9.48 strikeouts per nine innings.  Six MLB teams were averaging at least one whiff per inning. 

SAVES … MLB Average – 35

AL: Mariners (52); Yankees (42); Red Sox (40); Rays (40)

NL: Rockies (43); Dodgers (41); Phillies (39); Cubs (39)

BULLPEN AND STARTING STAFF ERAS

The best bullpen earned run average through August belonged to the Astros at 3.02. The D-backs bullpen ERA was the NL’s best at 3.09. Bullpens putting up ERAs of 5.00 or higher included the:  Marlins (5.31); Royals (5.18); Mets (5.02); Rockies (5.00).

The Dodgers put up the best ERA among starters (through August) at 3.17, while the Astros’ starters were the AL’s best at 3.19. Six starting staffs put up ERAs over 5.00 through August: Rangers (5.50); Orioles (5.41); Blue Jays (5.21); Reds (5.21); Royals (5.19; Padres (5.08).  Those six teams were a combined 180 games undeer .500 at the end of August.

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—INDIVIDUAL LEADERS FOR YEAR TO DATE (through August) —

BATTING AVERAGE (qualifiers)

AL:  Mookie Betts, Red Sox (.341); J.D. Martinez, Red Sox (.333); Jose Altuve, Astros (.326)

NL: Christian Yelich, Brewers (.317); Scooter Gennett, Reds (.317); Jose Martinez, Cardinals (.314)

The lowest average (through August) among qualifying players belonged to the Orioles’ Chris Davis at .173 (72-for-417).   Davis, who also has 16 home runs and 48 RBI, is the only qualifying batter hitting under .200.

HOME RUNS

AL: Khris Davis, A’s (39); J.D. Martinez, Red Sox (39): Jose Ramirez, Indians (37)

NL: Matt Carpenter, Cardinals (35); Nolan Arenado, Rockies (31); Paul Goldschmidt, D-backs (31); Jesus Aguilar, Brewers (31)

Astros’ 1B Yuli Gurriel leads MLB in grounding into double plays through August (22.)

RUNS BATTED IN

AL: J.D. Martinez, Red Sox (114); Khris Davis, A’s (104) Jose Ramirez, Indians (94)

NL: Javier Baez, Cubs (98); Eugenio Suarez, Reds (96); Jesus Aguilar, Brewers (93)

Among players with at least 25 plate appearances with runners in scoring position, the Twins’ Jorge Polanco has the best average with RISP through August at .436 (17-for-39). Another Twin is second on that list – Joe Mauer at .412 (28-for-68). Others at (or above) .400 with RISP are the Red Sox; J.D. Martinez (.403); Astros’ Yuli Gurriel (.402); Orioles’ Craig Gentry (.400). 

RUNS SCORED

AL: Francisco Lindor, Indians (110); Mookie Betts, Red Sox (109); J.D. Martinez, Red Sox (100)

NL: Charlie Blackmon, Rockies (96); Christian Yelich, Brewers (94); Ozzie Albies, Braves (90); Matt Carpenter, Cardinals (90)

The Rays’ Carlos Gomez appears to be MLB’s number-one target;  being hit by an MLB-high 20 pitches through August. 

HITS

AL: J.D. Martinez, Red Sox (164); Jean Segura, Mariners (159); Whit Merrifield, Royals (158)

NL: Nick Markakis, Braves (160); Freddie Freeman, Braves (160); Scooter Gennett, Reds (157)

The Angels’ Mike Trout had an MLB-best .458 on-base percentage (among qualifiers) through August; while the Reds’ Joey Votto topped the NL at .420.  Just five players were at .400 or above. 

STOLEN BASES

AL: Dee Gordon, Mariners (30); Jose Ramirez, Indians (29); Whit Merrifield, Royals (29)

NL: Trea Turner, Nationals (34): Sterling Marte, Pirates (30); Billy Hamilton, Reds (29)

War. Good God. What is it Good For?

Not a big fan of all the new stats, but I know some readers are.  So, your leader in WAR (Wins Above Replacement) through August is the Red Sox’ Mookie Betts at 9.0. The Brewers’ Lorenzo Cain leads the National League at 5.9. 

BATTER’S STRIKEOUTS

 AL:  Yoan Moncada, White Sox (186); Giancarlo Stanton, Yankees, (178); Joey Gallo, Rangers (175)

NL: Chris Taylor, Dodgers (158); Paul Goldschmidt, D-backs (147); two at 143

WALKS DRAWN

 AL:  Mike Trout, Angels (105); Jose Ramirez, Indians (88); Shin-Soo Choo, Rangers (82)

 NL: Bryce Harper, Nationals (96); Joey Votto, Reds (92); Carlos Santana, Phillies (92)

Mike Trout led all MLB players through July in intentional free passes with 20. The Cubs’ Kyle Schwarber led the NL with 19. 

PITCHING VICTORIES

AL:  Luis Severino, Yankees (17-6); Corey Kluber, Indians (17-7); Blake Snell Rays (16-5); Carlos Carrasco, Indians (16-7)

NL:  Max Scherzer, Nationals (16-6); Aaron Nola, Phillies (15-3); three at 14

EARNED RUN AVERAGE (qualifiers)

AL:  Chris Sale, Red Sox (1.97);  Blake Snell, Rays (2.05); Trevor Bauer, Indians (2.22)

NL:  Jacob deGrom, Mets (1.68); Aaron Nola, Phillies (2.10); Max Scherzer, Nationals (2.22)

STRIKEOUTS

AL:  Justin Verlander, Astros (240 – 181 IP); Gerrit Cole, Astros (234 – 170 2/3 IP); Chris Sale, Red Sox (219 – 146 IP)

NL: Max Scherzer, Nationals (249 – 186 2/3 IP); Jacob deGrom, Mets (224 – 182 IP); Patrick Corbin, D-backs (207 – 168 2/3 IP);

Among pitchers with at least 100 innings pitched through August, the Red Sox’ Chris Sale had the highest ratio of strikeouts per nine innings at 13.50. The only other hurlers above 12.00 were Gerrit Cole of the Astros (12.34) and Max Scherzer of the Nationals (12.01).   Forty pitchers with more than 100 innings logged through August struck out at least nine batters per nine innings.

SAVES

AL:  Edwin Diaz, Mariners (50); Craig Kimbrel, Red Sox (37); Blake Treinen, A’s (34)

NL: Wade Davis, Rockies (36); Kenley Jansen, Dodgers (33): Brad Boxberger, D-backs (31)

Pitchers Wins Above Replacement

The Phillies’ Aaron Nola  led all hurlers (through August) in Wins Above Replacement at 9.3, followed by the Nationals’ Max Scherzer at 8.0. Chris Sale was the AL leader at 6.5.

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

I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT.

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Member: Society for American Baseball Research; The Baseball Reliquary; The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

It’s July 1, and – as always – the start of a new month signals Baseball Roundtable’s wrap up of the previous month.  So, here we go with another (perhaps, too) detailed look at the stats and stories that grabbed BBRT’s attention in June, as well as a look at the standings and stars (BBRT’s players/pitchers of the month).  This post does tend to run a bit long, but I’m confident that – along the way – you’ll find a treasure or two that appeals to you.

BBRT TROT INDEX … THROUGH JUNE

Through June 30, 35.0 percent of all MLB 2018 plate appearances had ended in a trot (back to the dugout, around the bases, to first base). We are 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 (unless of course a hit batsman should charge the mound).  Here’s the breakout:

• Strikeouts – 22.4% of all plate appearances;
• Walks – 8.6%;
• Home Runs – 3.0%;
• Hit By Pitch – 1.0%;
• Catcher’s Interference – .0.02%.

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POST-SEASON SQUADS

If the season ended as the month of June came to a close, your post-season teams would be …

American League: Red Sox; Astros; Indians.  Wild Cards: Yankees, Mariners.

National League: Brewers; Braves; Diamondbacks. Wild Cards: Cubs, Phillies.

Full standings as of the end of play June 30 – and each team’s record for June can be found in a chart later in this post. 

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BEFORE WE LOOK AT JUNE PERFORMANCE AND HIGHLIGHTS …

LET’S SEE BBRT’S PLAYERS AND PITCHERS OF THE MONTH

American League

Player of the Month – Alex Bregman, 3B, Astros

Photo by Keith Allison

The 24-year-old Alex Bregman really upped his game in June.  He came into the month hitting .262, with five home runs, 23 RBI and 28 runs scored in 56 games.  In twenty-five June games, he raised his season average 15 points, tripled his home run total, more than doubled his  RBI total and nearly doubled his runs scored.  For the month, Bregman hit .306, rapped 11 home runs (tied for the most in the AL with the Mariners’ Nelson Cruz), drove in 30 runs (tied for first in the AL with the Astros’ Evan Gattis) and scored 24 (tied for the most in the AL with the Twins’ Eddie Rosario).

Other contenders: Nelson Cruz, DH, Mariners – who powered the Seattle offense with a .326-11-24 June line (and scored 20 runs); Jose Altuve, 2B, Astros – who topped the AL in June average (.354) and base hits (34 – a four-player tie), scored 22 runs, drove in 12, hit three home runs and swiped six bags in seven tries; Mike Trout, CF, Angels – who was second in the AL with a June average of .352 and had an eye-popping .496 on-base percentage for the month. Trout also popped six home runs and drove in 13.

Pitcher of the Month – TIE: Luis Severino, Yankees & Tyler Skaggs, Angels

Yankee righty Luis Severino went 4-1 in five June starts (no AL starter picked up five June wins) and put up the AL’s second-best ERA (among pitchers who tossed at least 25 June innings) at 1.60. Severino also fanned 40 batters in 33 2/3 frames, while walking just five.  Now 12-2, 2.10 on the season, he’s putting himself into Cy Young Award contention.

Angels’ southpaw Tyler Skaggs, went 3-1 in five June starts with an MLB-best 0.84 earned run average.His June performance included 36 strikeouts in 32 innings (versus eight walks and 27 hits). On the season, Skaggs is 6-5, 2.64 in 16 starts.

Other contenders: Indians’ right-hander Trevor Bauer has to be right at the top of this list. In fact, with a little better run support, he could have been BBRT’s pitcher of the month. Bauer went 3-3, 2.18 in six June starts (the Indians got him a total of four runs in his three losses). Bauer also led the AL  with 62 strikeouts in June, with just 11 walks in 41 1/3 innings; Tampa Bay lefty Blake Snell also deserves mention  here, after a 3-1, 1.74 June, during which he also fanned  37 batters in 31 innings.

National League

Player of the Month – Paul Goldschmidt, 1B, Diamondbacks

Paul Goldschmidt led all MLB players (with at least 75 plate appearances in June) with a .364 June average –  tied for tops in the NL with ten home runs in the month (the Brewers’ Jesus Aguilar and Dodgers’ Max Muncy also had ten); led the NL with 25 runs scored; and was second in the league with  25 June RBI.   How badly did Goldschmidt need a big June? He came into the month hitting just .209 (Goldschmidt began the season with a .299 career average over seven MLB campaigns), with just seven home runs and 17 RBI.  Clearly, he’s turned his season around.

Other contenders: There were plenty of solid contenders for this recognition in June. BBRT’s leaders are: Cardinals’ OF Marcell Ozuna, with a .333-7-21 month; Brewers’ 1B Jesus Aguilar at .313-10-24; Dodgers’ 1B Max Muncy at .289-10-16; and Phillies’ 3B Rhys Hoskins, who put up a .312-8-22 month.

Pitcher of the Month – Zach Eflin Phillies

Photo by DandreaPhotography

The 24-year-old Phillies’ right-hander tied for the most June wins in MLB at five – going 5-0, with the NL’s third-best earned run average (among pitchers with at least 25 June  innings) at 1.76. He also fanned 28 hitters in 30 2/3 innings, walking just six. On the season, Eflin is 6-2. 3.02.

Other Contenders: Cubs’ southpaw Jon Lester went 5-0, 1.13 in June, giving up just four earned runs in five starts (32 innings) – proving you don’t have to be a power pitcher to succeed (he fanned just 20 hitters in those 32 frames.); If Mets right-hander Jacob deGrom pitched for the other New York squad, he surely would have won more than one game in June – given his 2.36 earned run average and NL-topping 49 June strikeouts (42 innings). However, he went only 1-4 in six starts for the month. In the five starts in which he did no pick up a win, the Met tallied a total of seven runs.

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JUNE’S TOP TEAMS

American League

The Astros and Mariners had June’s top records in the AL, 19-8 and 19-9, respectively.  The Astros tied for the AL lead in June scoring (144 runs in 27 games); while the Mariners plated the fifth-most runs (126). Both squads also were among the league’s top-five in June home runs. Among the key offensive contributors for Houston were: Jose Altuve, who hit .354 for the month; Evan Gattis, who drove in a league-topping 30 runs, despite a .265 average; and Alex Bregman (BBRT Player of the Month), who put up a .306-11-30 line (which tied him for the most June home runs and RBI.)  Seattle got exceptional offensive performances from Nelson Cruz (.326-11-24 for the month) and Mitch Haniger (.284-6-21). Houston also got solid pitching, with the league’s third-best June earned run average (3.17), while Seattle’s ERA (3.99) was middle of the pack.  Also putting up a solid June record: The Yankees (18-9), behind an MLB-best June team earned run average of 2.62, led by Luis Severino (4-1, 1.60), C.C. Sabathia (3-2, 1.93) and a lights out bullpen.  The A’s and Red Sox each went 17-10.

Only two AL teams failed to win ten games in June: The Royals (5-21) and the Orioles (6-20). Their problems were deep, as they  finished thirteenth and fifteenth in the AL in runs scored and earned run average. 

National League

Three teams acheived at least 17 June wins in the NL and they were all in the NL West: Diamondbacks (19-9); Giants (18-10); and Dodgers (17-9).  No surprise, these three finished 1-2-3 in earned run average for June: Giants (2.70); D-backs (3.48); Dodgers (3.70). In addition, they put up respectable offensive numbers, with the D-backs scoring 152 runs (second in the NL); the Dodgers plating 140 (fourth); and the Giants 118 (seventh).  The Diamondbacks got great June results from a couple of key veterans – Zack Greinke (5-1, 2.97 for the month) on the mound and a resurgent Paul Goldschmidt (.364-10-23) at the plate.  The Dodgers got surprising offense (and double-digit June long balls) out of Joc Pederson (.283-10-14) and Max Muncy (.289-10-16). Overall, LA mashed 55 June roundtrippers, eleven more than the nearest runner-up (Yankees) and 18 more than the second-highest NL total for the month (Cardinals – 37). The Giants put up middle-of-the pack offensive numbers, but found quality on the mound. Starters Madison Bumgarner, Andre Suarez  and Derek Holland all put up earned run averages under 3.00.  The Giants also put the bullpen to good use: Tony Watson (a 0.00 ERA in 13 games); Will Smith (0.75 in 12 appearances);  Ty Blach (1.33 in ten games/20 1/3 innings). On offense, Brandon Crawford (.326-4-14) and Andrew McCutchen (.303-6-17) played important roles.

Two teams failed to win ten June contests in the NL and they were both in the NL East:  Mets (5-12); National (9-16). They both finished among the league’s four worst June teams in terms of runs scored and earned run average. 

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 A FEW QUICK OBSERVATIONS BEFORE WE GET INTO DETAIL 

• Twenty-three players with at least 75 June at bats hit under .200 – and 17 of them were in the American League.
• Ten pitchers (who threw at least 25 innings) put up earned run averages under 2.00 – led by the Angels’ Tyler Skaggs at 0.84
• The Reds had two  pitchers hit Grand Slam home runs in June – Anthony DeSclafani and Michael Lorenzen.

You Want a Piece of Me?  The Yes and No of it.

• YES … The Rays’ C.J. Cron led all of MLB in being hit by a pitch through June with 14 plunkings.
• NO …  The Angels’ Mike Trout led MLB in intentional walks through June with 11.

• No one pitched more June innings without giving up a run than Ryne Stanek of the Rays, who appeared in 12 games and tossed 15 2/3 scoreless frames – fanning 19 hitters.

• Thirty-five pitchers with at least 20 June innings pitched averaged at least one strikeout per inning. The Rockies’ Jon Gray led the NL a 14.33, while Trevor Bauer led the AL at 13.50.
• Dodgers’ pitcher Ross Stripling fanned 30 batters in 29 June innings – and walked just one; while going 3-1, 2.48.

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—TEAM STATISTICS (leaders) FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE—

RUNS SCORED … MLB Team Average – 116

AL: Astros & A’s (144); Red Sox (135)

NL: Rockies (153); D-backs (152); Reds (146)

The Royals scored an MLB-fewest 58 runs (26 games) in June and also hit an MLB-low .193 for the month.

BATTING AVERAGE … MLB Team Average – .244

AL: Astros (.275); Red Sox (.267); Mariners (.265)

NL: Reds (.281); Rockies (.272); Cubs (.268)

HOME RUNS … MLB Team Average – 31

AL: Yankees (44); A’s (43); Astros (41)

NL: Dodgers (55); D-backs & Cardinals (37)

STOLEN BASES … MLB Team Average – 13

AL: Indians (29); Red Sox (25); White Sox (17)

NL: Brewers (23); Nationals (21); Cubs (17)

The Blue Jays and Cardinals stayed on the bag(s) in June – each swiping an MLB-low four bases. 

STRIKEOUTS … MLB Team Average – 226

AL: White Sox (285); Rays (252)’ Tigers (249)

NL: Phillies (254); Cubs (253); Marlins (251)

The Pirates topped the major in pinch hits in June with 13 and their .333 pinch-hitting average (13-for-39) for the month trailed only the A’s at .444 (8-for-18) and Mariners at .400 (two-for-five).

EARNED RUN AVERAGE … MLB Average – 4.04

AL:  Yankees (2.62); Rays (2.92); Astros (3.17)

NL:  Giants (2.70); D-backs  (3.48); Dodgers (3.70)

ERA North of Six

The Rockies put up June’s worst team earned run average at 6.20. Only two other teams even reached 5.00 – Royals (5.11) and Phillies (5.26).

STRIKEOUTS … MLB Average – 276

AL:  Astros (290); Yankees (282); Indians (248)

NL: Phillies (257); Rockies (247); D-backs (238)

The Astros had MLB best strikeouts per nine innings ratio at 10.70 – and nine  of MLB’s 30 teams recorded a strikeout or more per inning for the month.

SAVES … MLB Average – 7

AL: Mariners (13); Yankees & A’s (11); Rangers (10)

NL: Dodgers (10); Reds & Phillies (9)

The Yankees (11 saves), Marlins (8 saves) and Indians (7 saves) were the only teams without a blown save in June.

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Now let’s take a look at some plays and achievements that caught BBRT’s eye.

—–A FEW HIGLIGHTS FROM JUNE—-

Diamondbacks Show June Likely to be a “More of the Same” Month

BBRT has written often about the current era of home runs and strikeouts (hard-throwing/free-swinging baseball).  The Diamondbacks started June with a performance that promised a continuation of that trend. Not only did D-backs’ pitchers fan ten Marlins in a 9-1 win, Diamondbacks’ hitters tied a franchise record with six home runs in the game (Ketel Marte –two and one each for Daniel Descalso, Jake Lamb, David Peralta, John Ryan Murphy).

One Snell of a Start

Photo by petestokke

Another harbinger of more of the same – a season of whacks (home runs) and whiffs (strikeouts) came on June 3. Blake Snell started on the mound for the Rays (at the Mariners). Snell fanned the first seven Mariners he faced, tying the American League record for K’s to open a game. Snell got a no-decision in the contest, won by the Mariners 2-1. The Rays’ starter gave up just two hits (no runs) and fanned twelve in six innings.

More #WhyIHateTheDH

Max Scherzer is arguably the currently the best pitcher in baseball – and, apparently, no slouch with the bat. On June 2, the Nationals were locked in a 13-inning two-two tie with the Braves in Atlanta. In the top of the 14^th, with no one on, one out and pitcher Justin Miller due to hit, the Nats went to the bench for a little offense – bringing in Scherzer to pinch hit.  The three-time Cy Young Award winner delivered a pinch-hit single and eventually scored the winning run.

Need more? Read on.

In the bottom of the fifth inning of a June 7 contest against the Rockies, the Reds found themselves trailing 3-1. Starting pitcher Tyler Mahle was the slated batter, so the Reds sent up a pinch-hitter – relief pitcher Michael Lorenzen.  Lorenzen laced a single off Tyler Anderson and (even though I’m not a fan of these new statistics) Statcast TM measured the ball’s exit velocity at 116.5 MPH (the highest of any Reds’ batter on the season and the hardest hit by a pitcher in the Statcast era.).

Just seventeen days later (June 24), Lorenzen was called on to pinch hit again – coming up with two outs in the bottom of the fifth and the Reds trailing the Cubs 5-0. This time, he took Cubs’ starter Mike Montgomery deep, punching a solo home run down the left field line for the Reds’ first tally.  (The Reds eventually prevailed by an 8-6 score.)

And Lorenzen wasn’t done yet.  The Reds’ reliever homered again on June 29.

Wait, there’s more.

On June 30, the Reds called on Lorenzen to pinch hit once again.  This time with the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh of a game in which the Reds led the Brewers 6-3.  Lorenzen delivered a Grand Slam. So, between June 24 and June 30, Lorenzen made four plate appearances and went three-for-three, with three home runs, a walk, three runs scored and six RBI.

Still not convinced?

On June 23, Reds’ starting pitcher Anthony DeSclafani came to the plate with two outs, the bases loaded. Facing Cubs’ reliever Brian Duensing, DeSclafani worked the count to 3-2 and then laced a Grand Slam home run to deep left. Yes, the Reds got Grand Slams from two different pitchers in the same month.

GOTTA WIN THE CLOSE ONES

On June 27-28, the Mariners topped the Orioles 8-7 in eleven innings and 4-2 in ten innings – making them:

• 3-0 in extra inning contests in June;
• 8-0 in extra frames on the season;
• and on a streak of 14 consecutive overtime wins dating back to July 16 of last season. (At the other end of the spectrum, the Angels have the worst 2018 record in extra-inning games – through June – at 1-7.)

The Mariners, who ended June with a 53-31 record, have shown a propensity to win the close ones.  Twenty-five of their 2018 victories have been by a single tally.

Youth Will Be Served – and More of “Yes, we track everything.”

On June 13, the Nationals’ rookie sensation – 19-year-old  Juan Soto – bashed a pair of home runs as the Nats prevailed 5-4 over New York at Yankee Stadium.  The two long balls not only led to a Nationals’ victory, but made Soto just the fourth teenager to record a multi-homer game at Yankee Stadium (old or new). The others were the Mariners’ Ken Griffey, Jr. (May 30,. 1989); The Braves’ Andruw Jones (in Game One of the 1996 World Series); and – the most unlikely of the quartet – the White Sox’ Brian McCall (September 30, 1962).  Why was McCall the most unlikely? His MLB career was comprised of only seven games and his two home runs and three RBI in the Yankee Stadium tilt were his career totals in both categories.

Base Hits Not Foreign to Beltre

On  June 13, in the fourth inning of a Rangers 3-2 loss to the Dodgers in LA, Texas’ 3B Adrian Beltre lined a 2-2 pitch to center, for a double off LA’s Kent Maeda.  The hit, coming in Beltre’s 21st MLB season, was his 3,090^th – pushing him past Ichiro Suzuki for the most base hits by a foreign-born major leaguer. The 39-year-old Beltre is showing little sign of slowing down.  He ended June hitting .311 on the season – and extended his hit total to 3,107 (21st all-time)

Not Too Handy

On June 18, Giants’ closer Hunter Strickland blew more than his fourth save of the campaign – he also blew six-to-eight weeks of his 2018 season.   That day, Strickland came into a contest against the Marlins with his Giants up 4-2 in the top of the ninth. Seeking his 14^th save of 2018, Strickland started by walking Brian Anderson after a tough eight-pitch battle.  J.T. Realmuto then hit a first-pitch double, scoring Anderson – and Strickland’s troubles were just beginning.  He followed with a five-pitch walk to Justin Bour (with Jose Urena coming in to pinch run).  Then Strickland induced a grounder to short out of Cameron Maybin.  The Giants took the force at second, leaving runners on first and third, with one out and San Francisco still up by a run. Line drive singles off Strickland by Lewis Brinson and Miguel Rojas followed – giving the Marlins a 5-4 lead and ending  Strickland’s outing with a blown saves and a loss.

Frustrated, Strickland punched a door after leaving the field, breaking his right index finger.  He went on the Disabled List with 3-3, 2.84 stat line (13 saves).

OUCH!

The June 18, punch-out injury to Hunter Strickland (see above) does not rank very high among unusual relief pitcher mishaps. Let’s not forget these classics from the past: the Tigers’ Joel Zumaya, who strained his wrist playing Guitar Hero; the Brewers’ Steve Sparks, who dislocated his shoulder tearing a phone book in half; or the Rangers’ Greg Harris who strained his elbow flicking sunflower seeds.

A Scorecard Nightmare …. or …We Used to Do This In Little League

On June 13, Cubs’ manager Joe Maddon took a page right out of Little League – using four left fielders in one inning.  It happened in the top of the eighth inning of a Brewers’ 1-0 win over the Cubs.  The inning – a nightmare for those keeping scorecards – went like this:

• Cubs’ Albert Almora, Jr., who had pinch hit for Brewers’ 3B Tommy La Stella in the top of the eighth, stayed in the game in center field.
• Ian Happ, who had started in center for Chicago, moved to third base.
• Right-hander Steve Cishek was brought in to pitch, replacing southpaw Justin Wilson.
• Brewers’ shortstop Orlando Arcia singled off Cishek.
• Brewers’ Eric Thames was announced as the pinch-hitter for Milwaukee reliever Josh Hader, with Cishek on the mound.
• Maddon brought in lefty Brian Duensing to face Thames, sending Cishek from the mound to left field and left fielder Kyle Schwarber to the dugout.
• Duensing did his job, fanning Thames.
• Next up was left fielder Lorenzo Cain.
• Maddon brought Cishek back to the mound and sent Duensing to left field.
• Cishek got Cain on a ground out, second-to-first.
• Next up was right fielder Christian Yelich.
• Maddon then brought Duensing back to the mound and brought Willson Contreras (usually a catcher) from the bench to play left field.
• Yelich flied out to Contreras.

Made for a very messy scorecard.

The Tools of Persistence

On June 17, Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina was behind the plate for the Cardinals 5-0 victory over the Cubs in Saint Louis. Molina not only caught/called a scoreless game, he collected a double, RBI and run scored in four trips to the plate. It was his 1,756 game at backstop for the Cardinals – tying him with the Cubs’ Gabby Hartnett for the most games caught for one team in MLB history. On June 18, he was even better – breaking the tie with Hartnett – and going three-for-four with a double, home run, RBI and two runs scored.  Now every time he puts on the “tools of persistence,” he sets a new record.

Back to the Future

On June 18, Washington Nationals’ rookie outfielder Juan Soto hit a pinch-hit, two-run home run in the bottom of the sixth inning of a Nationals’ 5-3 wins over the Yankees.  The long ball came as the Yankees and Nationals completed a May 15 game – five days before Soto made his MLB debut – that had been suspended due to weather in the sixth inning.  Due to a scoring technicality, the stats from that game (including Soto’s home run) will be officially counted as occurring on May 15; while Soto’s MLB debut datse will remain as May 20. Further, while he will be credited with a May 15 home run, a long ball he hit May 21 will remain as his official first MLB home run.

Colon Add a Couple Exclamation Points

On June 18, the Rangers’ Bartolo Colon won his 244^th MLB game – topping Hall of Famer Juan Marichal for the most victories by a Dominican-born pitcher. The 45-year-old Colon evened his 2018 record at 4-4 – giving up three runs over six frames as Texas topped Kansas City 6-3. Colon picked up his 245th career win on the last day of the month – moving into a tie with Nicaraguan-born Dennis Martinez for the most victories by a Latin American.

Even More “In Baseball We Track Pretty Much Everything”

On June 22, Elias Sports reports, Brewer’s 1B Jesus Aguilar became the first player in the Expansion Era – noted as since 1961 – to break up a no-hit bid of at least five innings with a home run and also hit a walk-off home run to win the game. Aguilar’s home run with one out in the seventh inning was the first hit off Cardinals’ starter Jack Flaherty and his ninth-inning long ball off Redbirds’ reliever Bud Norris gave the Brew Crew a 2-1 win.  They were Aguilar’s 15^th and 16^th round trippers of the season.

Photo by apardavila

Give Me Five, Bro

On June 22, the Phillies’ Odubel Herrera hit his seventh home run of the season – a two-run shot in third inning of a 12-2 Phillies win over the Nationals.  It was part of a four-for-five day for the Philadelphia center fielder – and also his fifth consecutive game with a dinger, tying a Phillies’ franchise record.  Other Phillies to homer in five straight contests include: Dick Allen (1969); Mike Schmidt (1979); Bobby Abreu (2005); Chase Utley (2008 – two times); and Rhys Hoskins (2017). The following day, Hwerrera took an zero-for-four to halt the streak.

Does It Have to be About the Long Ball?

On June 24, as the A’s loss to the White Sox 10-3 in Chicago, Oakland got a solo home run from CF Mark Canha. With that long ball, the A’s set an MLB record – hitting at least one homer in 25 consecutive road games.  (The Orioles had held the record at 24 since 1996).  The A’s added to the record with a two-homer game (LF Chad Pinder & 3B Jed Lowrie) in a 9-7 win at Detroit on June 26. They were finally kept in the park on the road on June 27, in a 3-0 A’s win over the Tigers.

Lucky Number Seven

BBRT is pretty fond of numerical coincidences. You know, like when a batter comes up with his team trailing by two runs, with two on and two out and runs up 2-2 count. Well, on June 24, the Reds earned their seventh consecutive victory, behind a seven-hit, seven-run, seventh inning. The Reds came into the bottom of the seventh, trailing the Cubs by five runs (6-1).  They scored seven times to take an 8-6 lead (the eventual final score).

13 … Not So Unlucky

Photo by Keith Allison

On June 25, 34-year-old right-hander Edwin Jackson started on the mound for the Oakland A’s in Detroit. Jackson pitched well, giving up just six hits and one run over six innings, while fanning seven – and he made a bit of history along the way.   Jackson was playing for his thirteenth team – tying Octavio Dotel for the most franchises played for in an MLB career. Jackson’s collection of uniforms includes: The Dodgers, Rays, Tigers, Diamondbacks, White Sox, Cardinals, Nationals, Cubs, Braves, Marlins, Padres, Orioles and A’s. For the full story, click here.

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—INDIVIDUAL LEADERS FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE—

BATTING AVERAGE (75 or more plate appearances)

AL:  Jose Altuve, Astros (.354); Mike Trout, Angels (.352); Shin-Soo choo, Rangers (.347)

NL: Paul Goldschmidt, D-backs (.364); Alberto Amora, Jr., Cubs (363); Gerardo Parra, Rockies (.354)

The lowest June average among players with at least 75 plate appearances in the month belonged to the Royals’ Alicides Escobar at .115 (10-for-87). In the NL, that (dis)honor gelonged to D-backs’ Jarrod Dyson at .158.

HOME RUNS

AL: Nelson Cruz, Mariners (11); Alex Bregman, Astros (10); five with 8.

NL: Paul Goldschmidt, D-backs (10); Jesus Aguilar, Brewers (10); Max Muncy, Dodgers (10)

RUNS BATTED IN

AL: Evan Gattis, Astros (30); Alex Bregman, Astros (30); Nelson Cruz, Mariners  (24)

NL: Jesus Aguilar, Brewers (24); Paul Goldschmidt, D-backs & Nolan Arenado, Rockies (23)

RUNS SCORED

AL: Eddie Rosario, Twins & Alex Bregman, Astros (24); three with 22

NL: Paul Goldschmidt, D-backs (25); Matt Carpenter, Cardinals  (24); D.J. LeMahieu, Rockies (22)

HITS

AL: J.D. Martinez, Red Sox; Jose Altuve, Astros; Eddie Rosario, Twins; Matt Duffy, Rays – all with 34

NL: Paul Goldschmidt, D-backs (39); Trevor Story, Rockies (37); four with 34

STOLEN BASES

AL: Jose Ramirez, Indians (7); Jose Altuve, Astros, Delino DeShields, Rangers & Andrew Benintendi, Red Sox

NL: Starling Marte, Pirates (8); Billy Hamilton, Reds,  Javier Baez, Cubs & Trea Turner, Nationals (6)

BATTER’S STRIKEOUTS

AL:  Yoan Moncada, White Sox (45); Matt Davidson, White Sox (40); Aaron Judge, Yankees (38)

NL: Brandon Nimmo, Mets (39); Bryce Harper, Nationals (33); Ian Desmond, Rockies (32)

Show me what you got.

The Tigers’ Jeimer Candelario saw an MLB-best (among players with at least 75 plate appearances) 4.68 pitches per plate appearance in June.

WALKS DRAWN

AL:  Mike Trout, Angels (24); Shin-Soo Choo, Rangers & Jose Ramirez, Indians (20)

NL: Joey Votto, Reds & Carlos Santana, Phillies (28); Max Muncy, Dodgers (25)

Among players with at least 75 June plate appearance, the Phillies’ Carlos Santana had the best walks-to-strikeouts ratio at 2.15-to-one (28 walks versus just 13 strikeouts). As a result, despite a .235 June average, his on-base percentage for the month was .417. 

PITCHING VICTORIES

AL:  Luis Severino, Yankees; Gerrit Cole, Astros; David Price, Red Sox; Lou Trivino, A’s – all at  (4-1)

NL:  Jon Lester, Cubs & Zach Eflin, Phillies (5-0); Zack Greinke, D-backs (5-1)

Jakob Junis of the Royals, Jason Hammel of the Royals and Mychal Givens of the Orioles shared  the lead in June losses – going 0-5, with ERA, respectively, of 7.14, 6.43 and 6.46. 

EARNED RUN AVERAGE (minimum 25 June innings)

AL:  Tyler Skaggs, Angels (0.84); Luis Severino, Yankees (1.60); Blake Snell, Rays (1.74)

NL:  Jon Lester, Cubs (1.13); Ivan Nova, Pirates (1.75); Zach Eflin, Phillies (1.76)

The highest ERA among pitchers with at least 25 May innings or four June starts belonged to the Rockies’ Chad Bettis – five June starts and an 8.54 ERA in 26 1/3 innings.

STRIKEOUTS

AL:  Trevor Bauer, Indians (62 in 41 1/3 innings pitched); Chris Sale (60 in 41 IP); Justin Verlander (46 in 37 1/3 IP).

NL: Jacob deGrom (49 – 42 IP); Max Scherzer, Nationals (45 – 35 IP); Jon Gray, Rockies (43 – 27 IP);

Among pitchers with at least 20 inning pitched in May, the Dodgers’ Ross Stripling  had the best strikeouts versus walks ratio at 30-to-one; the AL leader was the Indians’ Corey Kluber at nine-to-one.

SAVES

AL: Edwin Diaz, Mariners (12); Aroldis Chapman, Yankees (11); two with eight

NL: Kenley Jansen, Dodgers (9); Sean Doolittle, Nationals & Kyle Barraclough (7)

Dellin Betances of the Yankees and Alex Colome (Mariners/Rays) topped the Al  in “holds” in June, with nine.  In the NL, Tony Watson of the Giants had nine holds. Betances appeared in 12 games and fanned 22 batters in 12 innings – without giving up a run. Betances and Watson put up 0.00 ERA’s in 12 and 13 appearances, respectively.

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—–LEAGUE LEADERS – TEAMS –  YEAR-TO-DATE (through June 30)—–

RUNS SCORED … MLB Team Average – 361

AL:  Red Sox (438); Astros (431); Yankees (406)

NL: Cubs (409); Braves (407); Rockies (388)

The Royals scored the fewest runs through June at 288.  The only other team to plate fewer than 300 runners was the Orioles (297). The lowest total in the NL went to the Marlins at 309.

BATTING AVERAGE … MLB Team Average – .246

AL: Red Sox (.267); Astros (.263); Mariners (.261)

NL: Cubs (.265); Braves (.262); ; Reds (.257)

The Orioles had the lowest team batting average through June (.226); while the Diamondbacks were at the bottom of the NL (.227).

HOME RUNS … MLB Team Average – 94

AL: Yankees (131); Red Sox (120); Indians (114)

NL: Dodgers (111); Brewers (105); Rockies (104)

Only three teams had fewer than 70 home runs through June: Marlins (66); Royals (66); Tigers (67)

STOLEN BASES … MLB Team Average – 40

AL: White Sox & Red Sox (64); Indians (58)

NL: Nationals (64); Brewers (63); Braves (47)

If you like speed on the base paths avoid Oakland …

The A’s swiped the fewest bases through June (16), and also had the worst success rate at 53.3 percent (tossed out fourteen times in 30 attempts). By contrast, the Red Sox were the most successful sack thieves, stealing 64 bags in 77 attempts (83.1 perent).

BATTERS’ STRIKEOUTS … MLB Team Average – 703

AL: Rangers (790); White Sox (780); Orioles (732)

NL: Padres (796); Phillies (777); D-backs (759)

EARNED RUN AVERAGE … MLB Average – 4.07

AL:  Astros (2.83); Yankees (3.43); Red Sox (3.50)

NL:  D-backs (3.43); Cubs (3.53); Brewers (3.54)

PITCHERS’ STRIKEOUTS … MLB Average – 703

AL:  Astros (888); Yankees (818); Red Sox (810)

NL: Dodgers (782); Nationals (750); Phillies (744)

Through June, the Astros were averaging MLB-tops 10.43 strikeouts per nine innings. The only other team averaging at least 10 K’s per game was the Yankees (10.17). 

SAVES … MLB Average – 22

AL: Mariners (33); Red Sox (27); A’s  (25)

NL: Nationals & Rockies (26); Padres (25)

Complete Game A Rarity

Cleveland led all teams with four complete games through June.  While no team in the NL had more than one. Sixteen of the thirty MLB tams have yet to record a complete game in 2018.

__________________________________________

––INDIVIDUAL LEADERS FOR YEAR TO DATE (through June) —

BATTING AVERAGE (qualifiers)

AL:  Mookie Betts, Red Sox (.341);  Jose Altuve (.338); Jean Segura, Mariners (.336)

NL: Scooter Gennett, Reds & Albert Amora, Jr. , Cubs (.332); Nick Markakis, Braves (.324)

The lowest average (through June) among qualifying players belonged to the Orioles’ Chris Davis at .155 (38-for-245).  The Marlins’ Lewis Brinson had the lowest average in the NL at .186 (52-for-279).  

HOME RUNS

AL: J.D. Martinez, Red Sox (25):  Jose Ramirez, Indians & Mike Trout, Angels (24)

NL: Bryce Harper, Nationals & Nolan Arenado, Rockies (20); Jesus Aguilar, Brewers (19)

RUNS BATTED IN

AL: J.D. Martinez, Red Sox (67); Mitch Haniger, Mariners (62); Manny Machado, Orioles (57)

NL: Eugenio Suarez, Reds (60); Javier Baez, Cubs (59); Trevor Story, Rockies (58);

Among players with at least 25 plate appearances with runners in scoring position, the Pirates’ Josh Harrison has the highest average in those spots at .433 (13-for-30). In the AL, the Astros’ Yuli Gurriel leads thw way at .422 (27-for-64).  At the other end of the spectrum was the Indians’ Greg Allen with no hits (one RBI) in 26 at bats with RISP.

RUNS SCORED

AL: Francisco Lindor, Indians & Mike Trout, Angels (66); Mookie Betts, Red Sox (64)

NL: Ozzie Albies, Braves (64); Charlie Blackmon, Rockies (60); Cesar Hernandez, Phillies (57)

HITS

AL: Jose Altuve, Astros (114); Jean Segura, Mariners (108); Nick Castellanos, Tigers (101)

NL: Nick Markakis, Braves (104); Scooter Gennett, Reds (101); Freddie Freeman, Braves (99)

The Angels’ Mike Trout had an MLB-best .461 on base percentage through June (among qualifiers); while the Reds’ Joey Votto topped the NL at .429.  Just five players were at .400 or above.  In addition to Trout and Vott0, they were: Mookie Betts, Red Sox (.431); Freddie Freeman, Braves (.408); and Jose Altuve, Astros (.407). Barry Bonds holds the single season on base percentage record at .609 (2004). 

STOLEN BASES

AL: Dee Gordon, Mariners (21); Tim Anderson, White Sox (17); three with 16

NL: Michael Taylor, Nationals (23); Trea Turner, Nationals (22); Ender Inciarte, Braves (21);

BATTER’S STRIKEOUTS

AL:  Joey Gallo, Rangers & Yoan Moncada, White Sox (116); Aaron Judge, Yankees (109)

NL: Paul Goldschmidt, D-backs (96); Trevor Story, Rockies & Lewis Brinson, Marlins (91);

Andrelton Simmons of the Angels has drawn an MLB leading 1.86 walks per strikeout through June (26 walks versus 14 K’s in 270 at bats) – second is the Phillies’ Carlos Santana, well behind at 1.34. Only nine qualifying players have drawn as many walks as they have recorded whiffs.

WALKS DRAWN

AL:  Mike Trout, Angels (74); Aaron Judge, Yankees (56); Shin-Soo Choo, Rangers (53)

NL: Bryce Harper, Nationals (65); Joey Votto, Reds (63); ; Carlos Santana, Phillies (62)

PITCHING VICTORIES

AL:  Luis Severino, Yankees (12-2); Corey Kluber, Indians (11-4); three with 10

NL:  Jon Lester, Cubs & Aaron Nola, Phillies (10-2); Max Scherzer, Nationals (10-4)

EARNED RUN AVERAGE (qualifiers)

AL:  Luis Severino, Yankees (2.10); Justin Verlander, Astros (2.12); Blake Snell, Rays (2.31)

NL:  Jacob deGrom, Mets (1.84); Max Scherzer, Nationals (2.04); Mike Foltynewicz, Braves (2.14)

STRIKEOUTS

AL:  Chris Sale, Red Sox (164 – 116 IP); Gerrit Cole, Astros (151 – 111 2/3 IP); Trevor Bauer, Indians (148 – 113 2/3 IP)

NL: Max Scherzer, Nationals (165– 114 2/3 IP); Patrick Corbin, D-backs (134 – 106 IP) & Jacob deGrom, Mets (134 – 107 IP)

Among pitchers with at least 80 inning pitched through June, the Nationals’ Max Scherzer had the highest rate of strikeouts per nine innings at 12.95. The only other hurlers above 12.00 were Chris Sale (12.72) of the Red Sox and Gerrit Cole of the Astros (12.17).

Using the 80-inning qualifier, the Indians’ Corey Kluber had the best strikeouts per walk ratio at 8.85 (just 13 walks versus 115 whiffs in 113 1/3 innings pitched). Kluber far outdistanced the next best ratio – Max Scherzer at 6.11. Among pitchers with ats least 80 2018 innings on the mound, the White Sox Luis Giolito had the worst BB/K ratio at 1.00 (51 walks and 51 whiffs in 84 2/3 innings). 

SAVES

AL:  Edwin Diaz, Mariners (31); Craig Kimbrel, Red Sox (24); Aroldis Chapman, Yankees (23)

NL: Wade Davis, Rockies & Brad Hand, Padres (23); Kenley Jansen, Dodgers & Sean Doolittle, Nationals (21)

Don’t Face These Guys at Contract Time

Only seven qualifying pitchers (one inning pitched for each team game), held batters to an under .200 batting average – and three of that group were in the Astroa’ rotation. Here they are: : Max Scherzer, Nationals (.172); Gerrit Cole, Astros (.173); Chris Sale, Red Sox (.179); Blake Snell, Rays (.182); Justin Verlander, Astros (.183); Mike Foltynewicz, Braves (.191); Charlie Morton, Astros (.195).

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

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