Unanimous MVPs – Voters Dig the Long Ball

November 20, 2015 by
Bryce Harper - powering his way to a unanimous MVP selection.

Bryce Harper – powering his way to a unanimous MVP selection.

In recently capturing all thirty first-place NL MVP votes, Nationals’ right fielder Bryce Harper became the fourth youngest MVP in MLB history, the youngest-ever unanimous MVP choice – and just the 18th unanimous MVP selection.

Despite the fact that the Nationals did not make the playoffs (all three NL MVP finalists came from teams that did not make the post season), Harper delivered the kind of season that has been expected from him since he won the NL Rookie of the Year Award (as teenager)  back in 2012. Harper led the league in such traditional categories as runs scored, home runs, on base percentage and slugging percentage – as well as in such new metrics as Wins Above Replacement, Offensive Win Percentage and Runs Created. He was also in the NL’s top five in batting average, total bases, doubles, runs batted in and walks.

There are solid indications that, if you want to earn a unanimous MVP selection, the power game is a good place to start. The 18 unanimous MVP selections include the most league leaders in home runs, RBI and slugging percentage (ten each); followed by runs scored and total bases (eight league leaders each) – as opposed to four leaders in on base percentage and three batting champions.

In this post, BBRT will provide a brief snapshot of MLB’s 18 unanimous MVP’s – but first a few facts about those who have earned that honor:

  • There have been ten unanimous MVP choices in the AL; eight in the NL.
  • First base is the most popular position with five unanimous MVPs; followed by right field (four); center field and third base (three each); pitcher (two); left field (one).
  • 14 unanimous MVPs came from first-place teams, the other four from second-place finishers.  (The Nationals .512 winning percentage was the lowest ever for a team boasting a unanimous MVP.)
  • While Bryce Harper was the youngest-ever unanimous MVP, the Giants’ Barry Bonds was the oldest ever – at age 37 (at the start of the 2002 season).
  • The average age of unanimous MVP winners (at start of their MVP seasons) is 29. The most popular age is 24, with five of the eighteen unanimous MVP winners starting their award-winning season at age 24.
  • The fourth MLB season seems to be the charm. It is the earliest point in a career that any player has earned a unanimous MVP selection – and more players have achieved unanimous MVP status in their fourth season (six of the eighteen) than any other career point. BBRT note: Hank Greenberg – counted among these six, essentially earned his unanimous MVP in three seasons. His first season included just one September plate appearance.
  • Only four players have earned unanimous MVP status in their tenth season or later – Orlando Cepeda (10th); Ken Caminti (10th); Frank Robinson (11th); Barry Bonds (17th).
  • Eight of the 18 unanimous MVP winners have won multiple MVP awards: Barry Bonds (seven); Albert Pujols, Mickey Mantle, Mike Schmidt (three each); Hank Greenberg, Carl Hubbell, Frank Robinson; Frank Thomas (two each).
  • Only two position players have earned 100 percent of the first place MVP votes without leading their league in any traditional offensive categories: Frank Thomas (AL, 1993) and Ken Caminiti (NL, 1996).
  • The two pitchers to earn unanimous MVP selection both led their league in wins and winning percentage – Carl Hubbell, 1936 and Denny McLain, 1938.
  • Three teams have had multiple unanimous MVP winners: The Tigers (Hank Greenberg, 1935 and Denny McLain, 1968); Giants (Carl Hubbell, 1936 and Barry Bonds, 2002); and the Cardinals (Orlando Cepeda, 1967 and Albert Pujols, 2009).

 

Now, here’s a “snap shot” of each of the eighteen unanimously selected MVPs. *=Hall of Famer

Hank Greenberg*, 1B, Tigers – 1935

Age (at start of MVP season): 24

MLB Season (in which the unanimous MVP was won): Fourth

Team Finish: First Place (93-58, .616)

MVP Awards: 1935, 1940

States … Games: 152    Avg.: .328    Hits: 203    Doubles: 46    Triples: 16    HRs: 36    Runs: 120    RBI: 168   Steals: 4

Led league in Home Runs (36); RBI (168); Total Bases (389)

_____

Carl Hubbell*, SP, Giants – 1936

Age: 32

MLB Season: Ninth

Team Finish: First Place (92-62, .597)

MVP Awards: 1933, 1936

Stat … W-L: 26-6 .813    ERA: 2:31    Innings Pitched: 304    Strikeouts: 123

Led League in: Wins (26); Winning Percentage. (813); ERA (2.31)

_____

Al Rosen, 3B, Indians – 1953

Age: 24

MLB Season: Seventh

Team Finish: Second Place (92-62, .597)

MVP Awards: 1953

Stats … Games: 155    Avg.:  .336    Hits: 201    Doubles: 27    Triples: 5    HRs: 43    Runs: 115    RBI: 145   Steals: 8

Led league in: Home Runs (43); Runs (115); RBI (145); Total Bases (367); Slugging Percentage (.613)

_____

Mickey Mantle*, Center Field, Yankees – 1956

Age: 24

MLB Season: Sixth

Team Finish: First Place (97-57, .630)

MVP Awards: 1956, 1957, 1962

Stats … Games: 150     Avg.: .353    Hits: 188    Doubles: 22    Triples: 5   HRs: 52    Runs: 132    RBI: 130   Steals: 10

Led league in: Average (.353); Home Runs (52); Runs (132); RBI (130); Total Bases (376); Slugging Percentage (.705)

_____

Frank Robinson*, Orioles – 1966

Age: 30

MLB Season: Eleventh

Team Finish: First Place (97-63, .606)

MVP Awards:  1961, 1966

Stats … Games: 155    Avg.:  .316    Hits: 182    Doubles: 34    Triples: 2    HRs: 49    Runs: 122    RBI: 122   Steals: 8

Led league in: Average (.316); Home Runs (49); Runs (122); RBI (122); Total Bases (367); On Base Percentage (.410); Slugging Percentage (.637)

______

Orlando Cepeda*, First Base, Cardinals – 1967

Age: 29

MLB Season: Tenth

Team Finish: First Place (101-60, .627)

MVP Awards: 1967

Stats … Games: 151    Avg.: .325    Hits: 183    Doubles: 37    Triples: 0    HRs: 525    Runs: 91    RBI: 111   Steals: 11

Led league in: RBI (111); HBP (12)

______

Denny McLain, SP, Tigers – 1968

Age: 24

MLB Season: Sixth

Team Finish: First Place (103-59, .636)

MVP Awards: 1968

Stats … W-L: 31-6, .838    ERA: 1.96    Innings Pitched: 336    Strikeouts:  280

Led league in: Wins (31); Winning Percentage. (.838); Innings Pitched (336); Starts (41); CG (28)

_____

Reggie Jackson*, RF, A’s – 1973

Age: 26

MLB Season: Seventh

Team Finish: First Place (94-68, .580)

MVP Awards: 1973

Stats … Games: 151    Avg.:  .293    Hits: 158    Doubles: 28    Triples: 2    HRs: 32    Runs: 99    RBI: 117   Steals: 22

Led league in: Home Runs (32); Runs (99); RBI (117); Slugging Percentage (.531)

_____

Mike Schmidt*, 3B. Phillies – 1980

Age: 30

MLB Season: Ninth

Team Finish: First Place (91-71, .562)

MVP Awards: 1980, 1981, 1986

Stats .. Games: 150   Avg.: .286    Hits: 157    Doubles: 25    Triples: 8    HRs: 48    Runs: 104    RBI: 21   Steals: 12

Led league in: Home Runs (48); RBI (121); Total Bases (342); Slugging Percentage (.624); Gold Glove

______

Jose Canseco, Right Field, A’s  1988

Age: 23

MLB Season: Fourth

Team Finish: First Place (104-58, .642)

MVP Awards: 1988

Stats … Games: 158   Avg.:  .307    Hits: 187    Doubles: 34    Triples: 0    HRs: 42    Runs: 120    RBI: 124   Steals: 40

Led league in: Home Runs (42); RBI (124); Slugging. Percentage (.569)

______

Frank Thomas*, First Base, White Sox – 1993

Age: 24

Major League Season: Fourth

Team Finish: First Place (94-68, .580)

MVP Awards: 1993, 1994

Stats … Games: 153    Avg.:  .317    Hits: 174    Doubles: 36    Triples: 0  HRs: 41    Runs: 106    RBI: 128   Steals: 4

Led league in: No  traditional offensive categories.

______

Jeff Bagwell, First Base, Astros – 1994

Age: 26

MLB Season: Fourth

Team Finish: Second Place (66-49, .574)

MVP Awards: 1994

Stats … Games: 110    Avg.: .368    Hits: 147    Doubles: 32    Triples: 2    HRs: 39    Runs: 104    RBI: 116   Steals: 15

Led league in: Runs (104); RBI (116); Total Bases (300); Slugging Percentage (.750); Gold Glove

______

Ken Caminiti, Third Base, Padres – 1996

Age: 32

MLB Season: Tenth

Team Finish: First Place (91-71, .562)

MVP Awards: 1996

Stats … Games: 146    Avg.:  .326   Hits: 178   Doubles: 37    Triples: 2    HRs: 40    Runs: 109    RBI: 130  Steals: 11

Led league in: No traditional  offensive categories; Gold Glove

______

Ken Griffey, Jr., Center Field, Mariners – 1997

Age: 27

MLB Season: Ninth

Team Finish: First Place (90-72, .556)

MVP Awards: 1997

Stats … Games: 157    Avg.:  .304    Hits: 185    Doubles: 34    Triples: 3    HRs: 56    Runs: 99    RBI: 147   Steals: 15

Led league in: Home Runs (56); Runs (125); RBI (147); Total Bases (393); Slugging Percentage (.646); Gold Glove

______

Barry Bonds, Left Field, Giants – 2002

Age: 37

MLB Season: Seventeenth

Team Finish: Second Place (95-66, .590)

MVP Awards: 1990, 1992, 1993, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004

Stats … Games: 143    Avg.: .370    Hits: 149    Doubles: 31    Triples: 2    HRs: 46    Runs: 117  RBI: 110   Steals: 9

Led league in: Average (.370); On Base Percentage (.582); Slugging Percentage (.799)

______

Albert Pujols, First Base, Cardinals – 2009

Age: 29

MLB Season: Ninth

Team Finish: First Place (91-71, .562)

MVP Awards: 2005, 2008, 2009

Stats … Games: 160    Avg.:  .327    Hits: 186    Doubles: 45    Triples: 1    HRs: 47    Runs: 124    RBI: 135   Steals: 16

Led league in: Home Runs (47); Runs (124); On Base Percentage (.443); Slugging Percentage (.658); Total Bases (374)

______

Mike Trout, Center Field, Angels – 2014

Age: 22

MLB Season: Fourth

Team Finish: First Place (98-64, .605)

MVP Awards:  2014

Stats … Games: 157    Avg.:  .287    Hits: 173    Doubles: 39    Triples: 9    HRs: 36    Runs: 115     RBI: 111   Steals: 33

Led league in: Runs (115); RBI (111); Total Bases (338)

______

Bryce Harper, Right Field, Nationals – 2015

Age: 22

MLB Season (in which MVP earned): Fourth

Team Finish: Second Place (83-79, .512)

MVP Awards: 2015

Stats … Games: 153   Avg.: .330   Hits: 172   Doubles: 38    Triples: 1    HRs: 42   Runs: 118    RBI: 99   Steals: 6

Led league in: Home runs (42); Runs (118); On Base Percentage (.460); Slugging Percentage (.649)

I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT

Member: Society for American Baseball Research (SABR); The Baseball Reliquary; Baseball Bloggers Alliance

Filed Under: News, Uncategorized

MLB Awards Season – BBRT Choices and Predictions

November 16, 2015 by

TrophiesIt’s MLB’s award season and – in the near future  – we’ll find out the winners of major awards like Rookie of the Year, Cy Young Award, Most Valuable Player and Manager of the Year.  And, there are some interesting races.  In this post, I’ll share BBRT’s picks for those awards, as well as my predictions as to how those who actually have a vote will see them.

First, however, a few observations on this year’s “fields of finalists.”

MVP

In the AL MVP field, two of the three finalists come from Division-winning teams and all three came from teams that played at least .525 ball (and finished a combined 60 games over .500). Over in the NL, the three MVP finalists include ZERO players from teams that made the post season. In fact, the teams featuring NL MVP finalists finished a combined 34 games under .500.

Rookie of the Year

The three finalists for AL Rookie of the Year all made their major league debuts after June 1 and none played in as many as 100 MLB games during the 2015 season. The NL ROY field features one finalist who played his first MLB game in 2014, and two others who debuted this April.  The three NL ROY finalists averaged 142 games played in 2015.

Cy Young Award

The AL Cy Young finalists have won one CYA in the past and have a combined total of 178 MLB wins, while the NL group of finalists can boast four past CYAs and 312 MLB wins.

Manager of the Year

The Manager of the Year races feature three American League managers with a total of two seasons of major league managing experience (and 89 victories) among them – opposed to an NL MOY race in which the three finalists have a combined  27 seasons of major league managing experience (and 2,067 victories).

Now, let’s look at the finalists and the BBRT choices and predictions.

________________________________________________________

AL MVP

Finalists

Josh Donaldson - BBRT pick for AL MVP

Josh Donaldson – BBRT pick for AL MVP

Lorenzo Cain, Outfield, Royals

Cain was a real catalyst for the World Champion Royals  – hitting .307, scoring 101 runs and swiping 28 bags.  His full line, in 140 games:  .307; 169 hits; 101 runs; 16 HRs; 72 RBI; 28 steals.

Josh Donaldon, Third Base, Blue Jays

Donaldson  not only led the Blue Jays to the post season – he led the AL in runs scored and runs driven in.  He final stat line (in 158 games played): .297; 184 hits; 122 runs; 41 HRs; 123 RBI; six steals.

Mike Trout, Centerfield, Angels

Trout, 2014’s AL MVP, continues to put himself in the MVP picture with five-tool performance. In 2015, he played in 159 games, hitting .299 with a career-high 41 home runs. Trout lead the AL in both Slugging Percentage and On Base Percentage. His line (in 159 games): .299; 172 hits; 104 runs; 41 HRs; 90 RBI; 11 steals.

BBRT Choice: Josh Donaldson

Donaldson and Trout put up the most impressive numbers and, ultimately, BBRT feels were more essential to their teams’ success than Cain (World Championship not withstanding). For me, Donaldson put up the best overall numbers – and (matched against Trout) took his team the farthest.

BBRT Prediction: Josh Donaldson

__________

NL MVP

Finalists

Bryce Harper, Rightfield, Nationals

This is the Bryce Harper the Nationals have been waiting for (Hey, he’s only 23-years-old.) since his 2012 Rookie of the Year campaign. Harper carried the Nationals’ offense and led the league in home runs and runs scored – as well as both Slugging Percentage and On Base Percentage.  His 2015 line (in 153 games): .330; 172 hits; 118 runs scored; 42 HRs; 99 RBI; six steals.

Paul Goldschmidt, First Base, Diamondbacks

Goldschmidt had arguably his best season ever for the D-backs (and that says a lot), setting or tying his career highs in games played, average, hits, runs and stolen bases. His line in 159 games: .321; 182 hits; 103 runs; 32 HRs; 110 RBI; 21 stolen  bases – and a Gold Glove.

Joey Votto, First Base, Reds

Votto, the 2010 MVP, was one of the few bright spots for the Reds this season. The lack of support he had in the rest of the lineup is reflected in his league-leading 143 walks. (Votto has led the NL in walks in four of the past five seasons.) In 158 games, Votto delivered: .314 average; 171 hits, 95 runs; 29 HRs; 80 RBI; and 11 stolen bases.

BBRT Choice: Paul Goldschnidt

Power, speed, average – and Glold Glove  defense – Goldschmidt should be solid gold in this year’s NL MVP race.

BBRT Prediction: Bryce Harper. 

The Harper hype may sway voters and put Goldschmidt in second place.

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AL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

Finalists:

Carlos Correa, Shortstop, Astros

The 21-year-old Correa made his MLB debut on June 8 and, in 99 games, delivered: .279 average; 108 hits; 52 runs; 22 HRs; 68 RBI; 14 steals.

Francisco Lindor, Shortstop, Indians

Lindor, who turned 22 in November, made his MLB debut on June 14. He played 99 games for the season, with a line of: .313; 122 hits; 50 runs; 12 HRs; 51 RBI; 12 steals.

Miguel Sano, Third Base/DH, Twins

The 22-year-old Sano made his debut on July 2. He played in 80 games, putting up the following stat line: .269 average; 75 hits; 46 runs; 18 home runs; 52 RBI; one stolen base.

For BBRT, this one comes down to Correa versus Lindor – and, ultimately, Correa’s power (22 home runs in just 99 games) versus Lindor’s glove (his ten defensive runs saved – in just 99 games – led all AL shortstops).

BBRT Choice: Francisco Lindor

I always like players who combine “leather and lumber” and Lindor is a future Gold Glover (with more games played he might have won one this year), with offensive numbers that match up well with Correa.

BBRT Prediction: Carlos Correa

I think voters will be swayed by Correa’s power and the fact that his Astros made the post season.

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NL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

Finalists

Kris Bryant - BBRT choice for NL Rookie of the Year

Kris Bryant – BBRT choice for NL Rookie of the Year

Kris Bryant, Third Base, Cubs

The 23-year-old Bryant made his MLB debut on April 17 and put up some powerful rookie numbers (in 151 games played): .275 average; 154 hits; 87 runs; 26 HRs; 99 RBI; 13 stolen bases.

Matt Duffy, Infield, Giants

The versatile 24-year-old Duffy actually made his MLB debut in August of 2014, but did not play enough that season to lose his rookie status for 2015. In 149 games this past season, Duffy’s numbers were: .295; 169 hits; 77 runs; 12 HRs; 77 RBI; 12 steals.

Jung Ho Kang, Third Base/Shortstop, Pirates

The oldest of the ROY candidates, the 28-year-old Kang made his MLB debut on April 8 (after several seasons in the KBO – Korean Baseball Organization – where he was a five-time all star.). In 126 games, Kang’s stat line was: .287 average; 121 hits; 60 runs; 15 home runs; 58 RBI; 5 stolen bases’

BBRT Choice:  Kris Bryant

Bryant’s offensive numbers are too strong for voters to ignore – or for Duffy and Kang to overcome.  Bryant, notably, broke Hall of Famer Billy Williams’ Cubs’ rookie record for both home runs and RBI. Further, he proved a true “team” player – taking a turn at all three outfield position, as well as first base. Only caution – his 199 strikeouts led the NL.

BBRT Prediction: Kris Bryant

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AL MANAGER OF THE YEAR

Finalists

Jeff Banister, Rangers

2015 Rangers’ season: 88-74 – First Place, AL West

2014 Rangers’ season: 67-95 – Fifth Place, AL West

A.J. Hinch, Astros

2015 Astros’ season: 86-76 – Second Place, AL West (Wild Card)

2014 Astros’ season: 70-92 – Fourth Place, AL West

Paul Molitor, Twins

2015 Twins’ season: 83-79 – Second Place, AL Central

2014 Twins’ season: 70-92 – Fifth Place, AL Central

BBRT Choice: Jeff Bannister

Any of these three would be deserving candidates, as they all outperformed pre-season predictions. Bannister gets the edge for two reasons: 1) He brought home a Division title; 2) He had the largest improvement in games won.

BBRT Prediction: Jeff Banister

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NL MANAGER OF THE YEAR

Finalists

Terry Collins, Mets

2015 Mets’ season: 90-72 – First Place, NL East

2014 Mets’ season: 79-83 – Second Place, NL East

Joe Maddon, Cubs

2015 Cubs’ Season: 97-65 – Third Place, NL Central (Wild Card)

2014 Cubs’ Season: 73-89 – Fifth Place, NL Central

Mike Matheny, Cardinals

2015 Cardinals’ season: 100-62 – First Place, NL Central

2014 Cardinals; season: 90-72 – First Place, NL Central

BBRT Choice: Joe Maddon

Maddon came to the Cubs with 11-years managerial experience and a proven record of leadership and results.  He continued to deliver those qualities, leading a young Cubs’ squad to a 24-game improvement and a post-season (Wild Card) berth.

BBRT Prediction: Joe Maddon

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AL CY YOUNG AWARD

Finalists

Dallas Keuchel BBRT choice for AL Cy Young Award

Dallas Keuchel BBRT choice for AL Cy Young Award

Sonny Gray, A’s

Gray went 14-7 in 31 starts for a struggling A’s team. His line: 14-7, .667; 2.73 ERA; three complete games; two shutouts (tied for AL lead); 208 innings pitched; 169 strikeouts.

Dallas Keuchel, Astros

Keuchel started 33 games for the Astros in 2015 and led the AL in wins, shutouts and innings pitched. His stats: 20-8, .714; 2.48 ERA; three complete games (33 starts); two shutouts; 232 innings pitched; 216 strikeouts.

David Price, Tigers/Blue Jays

Price won 18 this season (nine each for the Tigers and Blue Jays) against five losses, while also winning the AL ERA title at 2.45. His line: 18-5; .783; 2.45 ERA; three complete games; one shutout; 220 1/3 innings pitched; 225 strikeouts.

BBRT Choice: Dallas Keuchel

Keuchel’s 20 wins give him the edge over Price. Looking at overall stats: Keuchel was in the AL’s top three in wins (first); ERA (second); WHIP (first); innings (first); starts (second); complete games (third) – and he won a Gold Glove.  He gets my vote.

BBRT Prediction: Dallas Keuchel

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NL CY YOUNG AWARD

Jake Arrieta, Cubs

Arrieta came into the 2015 season with a  five-season MLB record of 34-32, just one complete game (25 starts) and a 4.48 ERA. He proceeded to turn heads across the MLB – leading the league in wins, starts, complete games, and shutouts.  His line for the season: 22-6, .786; 1.77 ERA; 33 starts; four complete games; three shutouts; 229 innings pitched; 236 strikeouts.

Zack Greinke, Dodgers

Nobody was stingier on the mound in 2015 than Zack Grienke, who logged an MLB-lowest 1.66 ERA. Greink’se 2015 stats: 19-3, 1.66 ERA; 32 starts; one complete game; 222 2/3 innings pitched; 200 strikeouts.

Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers

Kershaw,  already a three-time CYA winner, is in the running again, after winning 16 games and leading all of MLB with 301 strikeouts. He also tied for the league lead in starts, complete games, shutouts and innings pitched. His stats: 16-7, .696; 2.13 ERA; 232 2/3 innings pitched, 301 strikeouts.

BBRT Choice: Jake Arrieta

Arrieta simply put it ALL together in 2015 and that should be enough to hold off Grienke’s MLB-best 1.66 ERA and Kershaw’s MLB-best 301 whiffs.

BBRT Prediction:  Jake Arrieta

I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT

Member: Society for American Baseball Research (SABR); The Baseball Reliquary; Baseball Bloggers Alliance

 

Filed Under: News

Baseball’s “Heavy Metal” Double Play – a Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger in the Same Season

November 13, 2015 by

Baseball’s “heavy metal” double play – The 2015 Rawlings Gold Glove and Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Awards – honoring the best defensive and offensive  players in each league at each position are on the books – and a handful (four fingers and a thumb) of players were honored for their excellence both at the plate and in the field.  The five players who captured both a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger for the 2015 season were: Astros’ second baseman Jose Altuve; Diamondbacks’ first baseman Paul Goldschmidt; Marlins’ second baseman Dee Gordon; Giants’ shortstop Brandon Crawford; and Rockies’ third baseman Nolan Arenado.  This year’s Sliver Slugger and Gold Glove winners’ lists each included nine first-time honorees. So, it’s no surprise that all five double-winners captured a Gold Glove and a Sliver Slugger in the same year for the first time.

Paul Goldschmidt – heavy metal hero – a 2015 Gold Glove and Silver Slugger; and he even threw in 21 stolen bases.

 

 

Since 1980, the combination of a Gold Glove/Silver Slugger has been achieved 174 times by 95 different players.  You’ll find a complete list of the players who have earned recognition as the offensive and defensive leader in their respective leagues at the end of this post. (I’m also including lists of 2015’s individual Silver Slugger and Gold Glove winners). Since the Silver Slugger is awarded to three outfielders annually regardless of their position (LF, CF, RF), the Sliver Slugger and GG/SS combo lists in this post do not break outfielders out by position.  Before, we take a look at the full lists, here are few bits of SS/GG combination trivia.

  • The fewest GG/SS combo winners in a single season is one – Dodgers’ 1B Adrian Gonzalez in 2014.
  • The most players to achieve the GG/SS combo in a season is nine – back in 1984: Lance Parrish, C, Tigers; Keith Hernandez, 1B, Mets; Eddie Murray, 1B, Orioles; Ryne Sandberg, 2B, Cubs; Lou Whitaker, 2B, Tigers; Mike Schmidt, 3B, Phillies; Buddy Bell, 3B, Rangers; Dave Winfield, OF, Yankees; Dale Murphy, OF, Braves.
  • Ivan Rodriguez (C), Ken Griffey, Jr. (OF) and Barry Bonds (OF) have each won the double (Silver Slugger/Gold Glove) crown in a season an MLB-record seven times.
  • Ivan Rodriguez won the SS/GG combo for his position a record six consecutive seasons (1995-1999).
  • Roberto Alomar (2B) is the only player to win the single-season Gold Glove/Silver Slugger combo with three different teams (Blue Jays-1992; Orioles-1996; Indians-1999, 2000)
  • Ivan Rodriguez has the longest time period between his first and last SS/GG double crown (11 seasons – 1994-2004).
  • Mike Hampton is the only pitcher to win the Silver Slugger and Gold Glove in the same season (Braves – 2003).
  • Scott Rolen (3B) is the only player to win the SS/GG combo in a season in which he played for two different teams (2002, Phillies/Cardinals). Rolen was traded from the Phillies to the Cardinals on July 29. He played 100 games for the Phillies and 55 for the Cardinals in his only SS/GG combo season.
  • Adrian Gonzalez (1B) and Matt Williams (3B) are the only players to capture a SS/GG single-season combination in both the AL and NL. Gonzalez – Dodgers-2014; Red Sox-2011. Williams – Indians-1997; Giants-1993-1994.
  • The only team to have three SS/GG winners in the same season is the 1993 Giants (Robby Thompson (2B), Matt Williams (3B), Barry Bonds (OF).
  • Eighteen players have captured a total of 22 MVP Awards in the same season they also won Silver Sluggers, led by Giants’ outfielder Barry Bonds, who achieved the MVP/SS/GG three times (1990, 1992, 1993). Two-time winners of the MVP/SS/GG include: Mike Schmidt (Phillies, 1981, 1986); Dale Murphy (Braves, 1982, 1983); Those accomplishing the MVP/SS/GG once are: Robin Yount (Brewers-1982); Ryne Sandberg (Cubs-1984); Willie McGee (Cardinals-1985); Cal Ripken, Jr. (Orioles-1991);  Jeff Bagwell (Astros-1994); Barry Larkin (Reds-1995); Ken Caminiti (Padres-1996); Ken Griffey, Jr. (Mariners-1997); Larry Walker (Rockies-1997); Ivan Rodriguez (Rangers-1999); Ichiro Suzuki (Mariners-2001); Alex Rodriguez (Rangers-2003); Jimmy Rollins (Phillies-2007); Dustin Pedroia (Red Sox-2008); Joe Mauer (Twins-2009)
  • Outfielders have achieved the SS/GG combo most often (65 times), but if you factor in the potential to outfielders to achieve three combos each season, second baseman have been most successful, putting up 29 SS/GG seasons.
  • The top team in terms of SS/GG seasons is the Yankees (13)
  • The White Sox are the only teams to never have a player win a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger in the same season.

2015 Silver Slugger Award Winners

Catcher

Brian McCann, Yankees

Buster Posey, Giants

First Base

Miguel Cabrera, Tigers

Paul Goldschmidt, Diamondbacks

Second Base

Jose Altuve, Astros

Dee Gordon, Marlins

Third Base

Josh Donaldson, Blue Jays

Nolan Arenado, Rockies

Shortstop

Xander Bogaerts, Red Sox

Brandon Crawford, Giants

Outfield

Mike Trout, Angels

Nelson Cruz, Mariners

J.D. Martinez, Tigers

Andrew McCutchen, Pirates

Bryce Harper, Nationals

Carlos Gomez, Rockies

Pitcher

Madison Bumgarner, Giants

DH

Kendrys Morales, Royals

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2015 Awards Recognizing Fielding Excellence

The three most significant defensive recognitions are:

Rawlings Gold Glove … This is the most senior (and most recognized and publicized) defensive award, established in 1957. It is also considered the most subjective, with 75 percent of the results dependent on a vote of MLB managers and coaches and 25 percent on statistical defensive metrics (provided by MLB and the Society for American Baseball Research – SABR).

The Fielding Bible Award … Established in 2006, the Fielding Bible Awards are considered to be less subjective than the Gold Gloves. These awards are voted on by a panel of twelve sabermetrically-inclined and experienced journalists (and bloggers).

Wilson Defensive Player(s) of the Year … Established in 2012, this recognition is based on scouting reports, traditional defensive statistics and sabermetric measures like Defensive Runs Saved (DRS), Defensive Wins Above Replacement (dWAR) and other less self-explanatory statistics.

2015FieldingChart

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Full List of Same Year Gold Glove/Silver Slugger Winners by Season

 

2015

Jose Altuve, 2B, Astros

Paul Goldschmidt, 1B, Diamondbacks

Dee Gordon, 2B, Marlins

Nolan Arenado, 3B, Rockies

Brandon Crawford, SS, Giants.

2014

Adrian Gonzalez, 1B, Dodgers

2013

Yadier Molina, C, Cardinals

Paul Goldschmidt, 1B, Diamondbacks

J.J. Hardy, SS, Orioles

Adam Jones, OF, Orioles

2012

Adam LaRoche, 1B, Nationals

Robinson Cano, 2B, Yankees

Chase Headley, 3B, Padres

Andrew McCutchen, OF, Pirates

2011

Adrian Gonzalez, 1B, Red Sox

Brandon Phillips, 2B, Reds

Adrian Beltre, 3B, Rangers

Troy Tulowitzki, SS, Rockies

Jacob Ellsbury, OF, Red Sox

Matt Kemp, OF, Dodgers

2010

Joe Mauer, C, Twins

Albert Pujols, 1B, Cardinals

Robinson Cano, 2B, Yankees

Troy Tulowitzki, SS, Rockies

Carl Crawford, OF, Rays

Carlos Gonzalez, OF, Rockies

2009

Joe Mauer, C, Twins

Mark Tiexeira, 1B, Yankees

Ryan Zimmerman, 3B, Nationals

Deterk Jeter, SS, Yankees

Matt Kemp, OF, Dodgers

Ichiro Suzuki, OF, Mariners

Torii Hunter, OF, Angels

2008

Joe Mauer, C, Twins

Dustin Pedroia, 2B, Red Sox

David Wright, 3B, Mets

Grady Sizemore, OF, Indians

2007

Russell Martin, C, Dodgers

Placido Polanco, 2B, Tigers

David Wright, 3B, Mets

Jimmy Rollins, SS, Phillies

Carlos Beltran, OF, Mets

Ichiro Suzuki, OF, Mariners

2006

Derek Jeter, SS, Yankees

Carlos Beltran, OF, Mets

2005

Jason Veritek, C, Red Sox

Mark Tiexierea, 1B, Rangers

Derrek Lee, 1B, Cubs

Andruw Jones, OF, Braves

2004

Ivan Rodriguez, C, Tigers

Jim Edmonds, OF, Cardinals

2003

Brett Boone, 2B, Mariners

Edgar Renteria, SS, Cardinals

Alex Rodriguez, SS, Rangers

Mike Hampton, P, Braves

2002

Todd Helton, 1B, Rockies

Scott Rolen, 3B, Cardinals/Phillies

Eric Chavez, 3B, A’s

Edgar Renteria, SS, Cardinals

Alex Rodriguez, SS, Rangers

2001

Todd Helton, 1B, Rockies

Ichiro Suzuki, OF, Mariners

2000

Roberto Alomar, 2B, Indians

Darin Erstad, OF, Angels

1999

Ivan Rodriguez, C, Rangers

Robert Alomar, 2B, Indians

Larry Walker, OF, Rockies

Ken Griffey, Jr., OF, Mariners

Shawn Green, OF, Blue Jays

1998

Ivan Rodriguez, C, Rangers

Rafael Palmeiro, 1B, Rangers

Ken Griffey, Jr. OF, Mariners

1997

Ivan Rodriguez, C, Rangers

Craig Biggio, 2B, Astros

Chuck Knoblauch, 2B, Twins

Matt Williams, 3B, Indians

Larry Walker, OF, Rockies

Barry Bonds, OF, Giants

Ken Griffey, Jr, OF, Mariners

1996

Ivan Rodriguez, C, Rangers

Roberto Alomar, 2B, Orioles

Ken Caminiti, 3B, Padres

Barry Larkin, SS, Reds

Barry Bonds, OF, Giants

Ken Griffey, Jr. OF, Mariners

1995

Ivan Rodriguez, C, Rangers

Craig, Biggio, 2B, Astros

Barry Larkin, SS, Reds

1994

Ivan Rodriguez, C, Rangers

Jeff Bagwell, 1B, Astros

Craig Biggio, 2B, Astros

Matt Williams, 3B, Giants

Wade Boggs, 3B, Yankees

Barry Bonds, OF, Giants

Ken Griffey, Jr., OF, Mariners

1993

Robby Thompson, 2B, Giants

Matt Williams, 3B, Giants

Jay Bell, SS, Pirates

Barry Bonds, OF, Giants

Ken Griffey, Jr, OF, Mariners

1992

Roberto Alomar, 2B, Blue Jays

Larry Walker, OF, Expos

Andy Van Slyke, OF, Pirates

Barry Bonds, OF, Pirates

Kirby Puckett, OF, Twins

1991

Will Clark, 1B, Giants

Ryne Sandberg, 2B, Cubs

Cal Ripken, Jr., SS, Orioles

Barry Bonds, OF, Pirates

Ken Griffey, Jr., OF, Mariners

1990

Benito Santiago, C, Padres

Ryne Sandberg, 2B, Cubs

Kelly Gruber, 3B, Blue Jays

Barry Bonds, OF, Pirates

Ellis Burks, OF, Red Sox

1989

Ryne Sandberg, 2B, Cubs

Eric Davis, OF, Reds

Kirby Puckett, OF, Twins

Tony Gwynn, OF, Padres

1988

Benito Santiago, C, Padres

Ryne Sandberg, 2B, Cubs

Andy Van Slyke, OF, Pirates

Kirby Puckett, OF, Twins

1987

Don Mattingly, 1B, Yankees

Ozzie Smith, SS, Cardinals

Tony Gwynn, OF, Padres

Eric Davis, OF, Reds

Kirby Puckett, OF, Twins

Andre Dawson, OF, Cubs

1986

Don Mattingly, 1B, Yankees

Frank White, 2B, Royals

Mike Schmidt, 3B, Phillies

Tony Gwynn, OF, Padres

Kirby Puckett, OF, Twins

1985

Don Mattingly, 1B, Yankees

Ryne Sandberg, 2B, Cubs

Lou Whitaker, 2B, Tigers

Tim Wallach, 3B, Expos

George Brett, 3B, Royals

Willie McGee, OF, Cardinals

Dale Murphy, OF, Braves

Dave Winfield, OF, Yankees

1984

Lance Parrish, C, Tigers

Keith Hernandez, 1B, Mets

Eddie Murray, 1B, Orioles

Ryne Sandberg, 2B, Cubs

Lou Whitaker, 2B, Tigers

Mike Schmidt, 3B, Phillies

Buddy Bell, 3B, Rangers

Dave Winfield, OF, Yankees

Dale Murphy, OF, Braves

1983

Lance Parrish, C, Tigers

Eddie Murray, 1B, Orioles

Lou Whitaker, 2B, Tigers

Mike Schmidt, 3B, Phillies

Dale Murphy, OF, Braves

Dave Winfield, OF, Yankees

Andre Dawson, OF, Expos

1982

Gary Carter, C, Expos

Mike Schmidt, 3B, Phillies

Robin Yount, SS, Brewers

Dale Murphy, OF, Braves

Dave Winfield, OF, Yankees

1981

Gary Carter, C, Expos

Manny Trillo, 2B, Phillies

Mike Schmidt, 3B, Phillies

Andre Dawson, OF, Expos

Rickey Henderson, OF, A’s

Dwight Evans, OF, Red Sox

Dusty Baker, OF, Dodgers

1980

Keith Hernandez, 1B, Cardinals

Cecil Cooper, 1B, Brewers

Andre Dawson, OF, Expos

Willie Wilson, OF, Royals

Your  Gold Glove/Silver Slugger combo winners listed alphabetically:

Alomar, Roberto … 1992; 1996; 1999; 2000

Altuve, Jose … 2015

Arenado, Nolan … 2015

Baker, Dusty … 1981

Bagwell, Jeff … 1994

Bell, Buddy … 1984

Bell, Jay … 1993

Beltre, Adrian … 2011

Beltran, Carlos … 2006; 2007

Biggio, Craig … 1994; 1995; 1997

Boggs, Wade … 1994

Bonds, Barry … 1990; 1991; 1992; 1993; 1994; 1996; 1997

Boone, Brett … 2003

Brett, George … 1985

Burks, Ellis … 1990

Caminiti, Ken … 1996

Cano, Robinson … 2010; 2012

Carter, Gary … 1981; 1982

Chavez, Eric … 2002

Clark, Will … 1991

Cooper, Cecil …1980

Crawford, Brandon … 2015

Crawford, Carl … 2010

Dawson, Andre … 1980; 1981; 1983; 1987

Davis, Eric … 1987; 1989

Edmonds, Jim … 2004

Ellsbury, Jacob … 2011

Erstad, Darin … 2000

Evans, Dwight … 1981

Goldschmidt, Paul … 2015

Gonzalez, Adrian … 2011; 2014

Gonzalez, Carlos … 2010

Gordon, Dee … 2015

Green, Shawn … 1999

Griffey, Ken Jr. … 1991; 1993; 1994; 1996; 1997; 1998; 1999

Gruber, Kelly … 1990

Gwynn, Tony … 1986; 1987; 1989

Hampton, Mike … 2003

Hardy, J.J. … 2013

Headley, Chase … 2012

Helton, Todd … 2002

Henderson, Rickey … 1981

Hernandez, Keith … 1980; 1984

Hunter, Torii … 2009

Jeter, Derek … 2006; 2009

Jones, Adam … 2013

Jones, Andruw … 2005

Kemp, Matt … 2009; 2011

Knoblauch, Chuck … 1997

Larkin, Barry … 1995; 1996

LaRoche, Adam  … 2012

Lee, Derrek … 2005

Martin, Russell … 2008

Mattingly, Don … 1985; 1986; 1987

Mauer, Joe … 2008; 2009; 2010

McCutchen, Andrew … 2012

McGee, Willie … 1985

Molina, Yadier … 2013

Murphy, Dale … 1982; 1083; 1984; 1985

Murray, Eddie … 1983; 1984

Palanco, Placido … 2007

Palmeiro, Rafael … 1998

Parrish, Lance … 1983; 1984

Pedroia, Dustin … 2008

Phillips, Brandon … 2011

Puckett, Kirby … 1986; 1987; 1988; 1989; 1992

Pujols, Albert … 2010

Renteria, Edgar … 2002

Ripken, Cal, Jr. … 1991

Rodriguez, Alex … 2002; 2003

Rodriguez, Ivan … 1994; 1995; 1996; 1997; 1998; 1999; 2004

Rolen, Scott … 2002

Rollins, Jimmy … 2007

Sandberg, Ryne … 1984; 1985; 1988; 1989; 1990; 1991

Santiago, Benito … 1988; 1990

Schmidt, Mike … 1981; 1982; 1983; 1984; 1986

Sizemore, Grady … 2008

Smith, Ozzie … 1987

Suzuki, Ichiro … 2001; 2007; 2009

Thompson, Robby … 1993

Tiexeira, Mark … 2005, 2009

Trillo, Manny … 1981

Tulowitzki, Troy … 2010; 2011

Van Slyke, Andy … 1988; 1992

Varitek, Jason … 2005

Walker, Larry … 1992; 1997; 1999

Wallach, Tim … 1985

White, Frank … 1986

Whitaker, Lou … 1983; 1984; 1985

Williams, Matt … 1993; 1994; 1997

Wilson, Willie … 1980

Winfield, Dave … 1982; 1983; 1984; 1985

Wright, David … 2007; 2008

Yount, Robin … 1982

Ryan Zimmerman … 2009

I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT

Member: Society for American Baseball Research (SABR); The Baseball Reliquary; Baseball Bloggers Alliance.

Filed Under: BB Fun Facts, News

Some 2015 Post-Season Observations

November 3, 2015 by
Alcides Escobar - Spark plug helped lead Royals to Championship with record setting 15-game post-season hitting streak.

Alcides Escobar – Spark plug helped lead Royals to Championship with record setting 15-game post-season hitting streak.

The 2015 MLB post season is behind us (sad face here) and the Kansas City Royals are the World Series Champions – thanks primarily to a strong bullpen and an offense that put the ball in play and kept the pressure on the opposition.   The Royals not only scored often, they scored often LATE.  That made for some pretty exciting baseball.  Here are just a few things about the 2015 post-season that caught BBRT’s eye:

  • The Royals’ Alcides Escobar started the 2015 post-season with a zero-for-four day in the Royals’ 5-2 loss to the Astros (October 8). That was the last time he would be held without a hit in 2015, as the KC spark plug ran off a single-post-season record 15-game hitting streak. Escobar hit .329 for the 2015 post-season and led all players with 23 base hits.
  • The Royals’ Ben Zobrist rapped eight doubles in the 2015 post season, tying the Cardinals’ Albert Pujols and David Freese for the most doubles in a single post season. (Pujols and Freese both hit eight doubles in the 2011 post season.) Zobrist also led the 2015 post season with 15 runs scored.
  • The Mets’ Daniel Murphy set an MLB record by hitting a home run in six consecutive post-season games. As the World Series began, Murphy had seven home runs in the 2015 post season, one shy of the single post-season record. Murphy, however, had only three singles in 20 World Series at bats. For more on Murphy, click here.
  • The Royals’ Raul A. Mondesi became the first player ever to make his major league debut in the World Series. His father, Raul R. Mondesi played in more than 1,500 major league games and never made it to the World Series. For more on the Mondesi’s, click here.
  • The World Champion Royals picked up eight come from behind post-season wins in 2015 – seven after trailing by two or more runs.

Don’t Look Back …

As Satchel Paige once said, “Don’t look back, something might be gaining on you.”  In the 2015 post season, it was probably the Royals. 

  • The Royals were late-inning monsters – scoring 40 of their 90 post-season runs from the eighth inning on (and giving up only six runs over those same innings). The remaining nine post-season teams scored a combined 26 runs (out of 314) after the seventh inning. Little wonder KC had a single-post-season record eight bullpen victories. Note: In the World Series, the Royals outscored the Mets 15-1 from the eighth inning on. 

Now, here’s a look at the individual 2015 World Series and overall post-season leaders.

2015 World Series Batting Leaders

Batting Average (minimum 10 at bats) – .364 … Salvador Perez, Royals (Record for a five-game World Series – .529, Sean Casey, Tigers, 2006.)

Home Runs – 3 … Curtis Granderson, Mets (Ties record for five-game WS with Don Clendenon, Mets, 1969.  Note: The Yankees Lou Gehrig hit four home runs in a four-game WS, 1928.)

RBI – 6 … Eric Hosmer, Royals (Record for a five-game WS – 9 … Danny Murphy, Athletics, 1910.)

Run Scored – 6 … Curtis Granderson, Mets (Ties record for five-game WS … eight other players.)

Base Hits – 8 … Sean Perez, Royals (Record for a five-game WS – 9 … by 11 players.)

Doubles – 4 … Ben Zobrist, Royals (Ties record for a five-game WS … Eddie Collins, Athletics, 1910 and Rick Dempsey, Orioles, 1983.)

Triples – 1 …. Alcides Escobar, Royals (Record for a five-game WS – 2 … Eddie Collins, Athletics, 1913; Bobby Brown, Yankees, 1949;  Paul O’Neill, Yankees, 2000. )

World Series’ Pitching Records – Look to Christy Mathewson

Looking to the record book, you won’t find a better World Series’ pitching performance than Christy Mathewson’s mound heroics for the 1905 New York Giants.  In that five-game World Series, Mathewson started three games in six days (October 9, 12, 14).  Mathewson won all three games – giving him a share of the record – not just for a five-game series, but for a series of any length.  He also threw three complete games – and all three were shutouts – as he beat the Philadelphia Athletics 3-0, 9-0 and 2-0. Overall, Mathewson pitched 27 innings – giving up just 13 hits and one walk, while fanning 18. Of course, it should have been no surprise. During the season, Matty had led the NL in wins (31 versus 9 losses), ERA (1.28) and shutouts (8).

2015 World Series Pitching Leaders

ERA (minimum 5 innings) – 0.00 … Kelvin Herrera, Royals (5 IP), Luke Hochevar, Royals (5 IP) (Ties Record for five-game World Series … held by many.)

Wins – 1 … Five players (Record for a five-game World Series – 3 … Christy Mathewson, Giants, 1905; Jack Coombs, Athletics, 1910.)

Strikeouts – 11 … Matt Harvey, Mets (Record for a five-game WS – 18 Christy Mathewson, Giants, 1905.  Note: Sandy Koufax struck out 23 in a four-game World Series, Dodgers, 1963.)

Innings Pitched – 14 … Matt Harvey, Mets (Record for a five-game WS – 27 … Christy Mathewson, Giants, 1905; Jack Coombs, Athletics, 1910.)

Complete Games – 1 … Johnny Cueto, Royals (Record for a five-game World Series – 3 … Christy Mathewson, Giants, 1905; Jack Coombs, Athletics, 1910.)

Saves -1 … Wade Davis, Royals (Record for a five-game WS – 2 … by five players.  Note: Three relievers have notched three saves in a four-game WS … Mariano Rivera, Yankees, 1998; Jonathan Papelbon, Red Sox, 2004; Sergio Romo, Giants, 2012. 

 For more on World Series all-time leaders, click here.

 

2015 Overall Post Season Leaders

Batting Average – .527 … Justin Turner, Dodgers

Home Runs – 7 …Daniel Murphy, Mets

RBI – 14 … Eric Hosmer, Royals

Runs Scored – 15 … Ben Zobrist, Royals

Base Hits – 23 … Alcides Escobar, Royals

Stolen Bases – 6 … Lorenzo Cain, Royals

Doubles – 8 … Ben Zobrist, Royals

Triples – 3 … Alcides Escobar, Royals

 

ERA (minimum 10 innings pitched) – 0.00…. Wade Davis, Royals (10 2/3 innings)

Wins – 3 … Jason deGrom, Mets

Strikeouts – 29 … Jason deGrom, Mets (25 IP)

Saves – 5 … Jeurys Familia, Mets

CG – 1 …Jake Arrieta, Cubs; Johnny Cueto, Royals

 

I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT

 

Member Society for American Baseball Research; The Baseball  Reliquary; Baseball Bloggers Alliance.

Filed Under: News

An Inauspicious, Yet Auspicious, Beginning … Royals’ Rookie Makes History

October 31, 2015 by

NCA_2921The Kansas City Royals called on rookie Raul Adalberto Mondesi to pinch hit for reliever Danny Duffy in the fifth inning of last night’s 9-3 loss to the Mets. The 20-year-old Mondesi went down swinging and, in the process, became a trivia star.  It was not only Mondesi’s first World Series’ appearance, it was his first major league appearance – making him the first player ever to make his major league debut in the modern version of the World Series.  Mondesi was added to the Royals’ World Series roster on the basis of his versatility (a middle infielder who can also play outfield) and speed (19 stolen bases in 81 games at Double A in 2015) – attributes that could be assets, particularly when playing under NL rules (no-DH) in New York.

For “deep trivia” buffs, Mondesi replaced outfielder Terrance Gore on the post-season roster and pitcher Joba Chamberlain was designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster.  

While Mondesi has never played above Double A, he was rated the Royals’ number-one prospect and MLB’s 33rd-best prospect by MLBPipleine.com.  In 2015, he hit .243 with six home runs and 33 RBI at Northwest Arkansas. He also had 11 doubles, five triples and 19 stolen bases. In four minor league seasons (366 games), Mondesi has hit .246, with 24 home runs and 143 RBI. He’s also collected 26 triples and 71 stolen bases (in 93 attempts).  Mondesi was signed by the Royals, at the age of 16 (for $2 million) and made his minor league debut (as a 16-year-old) with Rookie League  Idaho Falls – where he hit .290, with three home runs, 30 RBI and 11 steals (in 13 attempts) in 50 games.

Mondesi comes by his prospect status naturally.  He is the son of former MLB outfielder Raul Roman Mondesi, who played 13 MLB seasons for the Dodgers, Blue Jays, Yankees, Diamondbacks, Pirates, Angels and Braves. The elder Mondesi was the 1994 NL Rookie of the Year, an All Star in 1995 and a Gold Glover in 1995 and 1997. Mondesi’s best year was 1997, when he had a 30-30 season – hitting .310 with 30 home runs, 32 stolen bases and 87 RBI for the Dodgers. He retired in 2005 with a .273 average, 271 home runs, 960 RBI and 229 stolen bases. The elder Mondesi, however, never played in a World Series. Another of Mondesi’s sons – Raul Ramon Mondesi, Jr. –  (Raul Adalberto’s older brother) played minor league ball in the Rays and Brewers systems.

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Member Society for American Baseball research (SABR); The Baseball Reliquary; Baseball Bloggers Alliance.

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A Look at the World Series’ Longest Games

October 28, 2015 by
Alcides Escobar - Toured the bases for an inside-the-park home run in the first (of 14) inning(s).

Alcides Escobar – Toured the bases for an inside-the-park home run in the first (of 14) inning(s).

Last night, the Mets and Royals gave baseball fans a real treat – a 14-inning Game One of the World Series (won by the Royals 5-4). A lot has been written about that contest:

  • Tied for the most innings in World Series history.
  • Second-longest WS game by time at five hours and nine minutes.
  • Longest Game One in terms of innings and time.
  • Alcides Escobar hitting just the 12th inside-the-park homer in World Series history.
  • The Mets’ Bartolo Colon becoming the oldest pitcher to lose a WS game (42 years and 157 days)
  • Two critical errors (Royals’ 1B Eric Hosmer and Mets’ 3B David Wright), both made by players with multiple Gold Gloves on their MLB resumes.
  • Mets’ OF Mike Conforto becoming just the third player to play in the Little League, College and MLB World Series – and the first to drive in a run in all three.

I could go on, but I will leave that to other observers.  In this post, BBRT would like to focus on the three 14-inning games in World Series history – and how different they were.

Those three contests were:

  • Game Two of the 1916 World Series (Dodgers/Red Sox) on October 9, 1916.
  • Game Three of the 2005 World Series (White Sox/Astros) on October 25, 2005.
  • Game One of the 2015 World Series (Mets/Royals) on October 28, 2015.

Here’s a teaser to entice you to read on:  The number of pitchers used in each game ranged from just two to 17; the time of each game ranged 5:41 to 2:32; two of the games featured first-inning, inside-the-park home runs; and the winning team in each game went on to win the Series. Interested?  If so, read on.

Pitchers Used … 2-17-13

Babe Ruth went the distance in 14-inning, 2-1 Series win. 

In the Red Sox’ 1916 win, the teams used a combined TWO pitchers.  Boston ace Babe Ruth (who had been 23-12 for the Red Sox with a league-low 1.75 ERA in the regular season) went the distance in a 2-1 victory, setting the record for most innings pitched in a single World Series game (14). Ruth gave up just six hits and one run, walking three and fanning four. The Dodgers’ Sherry Smith (14-10, 2.34 in the regular season) also went the distance (13 1/3 innings completed when the winning tally scored), giving up two runs on seven hits and six walks, while fanning two.

In the 2005 White Sox’ win (by a score of 7-5), 17 pitchers were used – nine by the White Sox and eight by the Astros. Last night, the Mets and Royals combined to use 13 hurlers – seven by the Royals, six by the Mets.

Players Used … 43-22-21

In the White Sox/Astros’ contest, a WS single-game record 43 players were used – including five pinch hitters and two pinch runners. In the Mets/Royals’ game, 22 players took the field (just one pinch hitter and one pinch runner).  The Dodgers and Red Sox used only 21 players (the Dodgers the minimum nine), with two pinch hitters and one pinch runner.

Time of Game

The White Sox/Astros’ tilt was the longest game in World Series’ history in terms of time at 5 hours and 41 minutes.  Last night’s Mets/Royals’ game was the second-longest at five hours and nine minutes.  The Dodgers and Red Sox took only two hours and 32 minutes to complete their 14-inning matchup. (My how the game has changed.)

Inside-the-Park Home Runs

The Dodger/Red Sox’ and Mets/Royals’ contests each featured an inside-the-park home run – and both came in the first inning (Dodger’ CF Hi Meyers and Royals’ SS Alcides Escobar). Total long balls: The Mets/Royals and White/Sox Astros each featured three home runs; the Dodger/Red Sox just one.

Walks and Whiffs

The Mets/Royals featured nine walks and 22 strikeouts; with the Royals being most efficient at three free passes and 15 strikeouts.  The White Sox/Astros’ game saw a whopping 21 walks in 14 innings, with 25 strikeouts. The Astros’ staff walked nine and whiffed 11, while the Sox walked 12 and struck out 14. The Dodgers/Red Sox put the ball in play – a total of only nine walks and six strikeouts combined.

Attendance – Pretty Darn Close

Mets/Royals … 40,320

White Sox/Astros … 42,848

Dodgers/Red Sox … 47,373

Total Hits, Runs and Errors

Last night’s Mets/Royals’ contest featured 22 hits, nine runs and two errors. The White Sox/Astros combined for 22 hits, 12 runs and four errors.  The Dodgers/Red Sox were stingier at 13 hits, three runs and three errors.

Who Won the Series?

Omen? Who knows. In the 1916 and 2005 World Series, the teams that won the 14-inning contests went on to win the Series.

How the Games Ended

Mets/Royals … With the Mets’ Bartolo Colon on the mound in the bottom of the 14th, Royals’ SS Alcides Escobar led off by reaching third base on an error by NY third baseman David Wright. 2B Ben Zobrist singled to put runners on first and third.  CF Lorenzo Cain was walked to load the bases and 1B Eric Hosmer hit a “walk-0ff” sacrifice fly to right to end the game – on an unearned run. Colon, the Mets’ sixth pitcher got the loss. Chris Young, the Astros’ seventh pitcher got the win (three innings of hitless, scoreless relief – one walk, four strikeouts).

Dodgers/Red Sox … With starter Sherry Smith still on the mound for the Dodgers, Red Sox’ 1B Dick Hoblitzell led off the bottom of the fourteenth with a walk. LF Duffy Lewis bunted him to second. At this point, the Red Sox brought in Mike McNally to run for Hoblitzell and Del Gainer to pinch hit for 3B Larry Gardner (zero-for-five at that point). The moves worked, Gainer singled to left, bringing home McNally with the winning run – in what we would now term “walk-off” fashion.

White Sox/Astros … Unlike the Dodgers/Red Sox and Mets/Royals, this game did not end in a walk-off.  The White Sox scored the winning run(s) in the TOP of the fourteenth.

The two teams went into the fourteenth tied at 5. The Astros pulled a double switch – bringing Ezequiel Astacio in to pitch (and bat sixth), pulling 2B Craig Biggio and putting Jose Vizcaino (who had pinch hit in the bottom of the 13th) in at 2B.  White Sox RF Jermaine Dye led off with a single to right field, but 1B Paul Konerko hit into a 5-4-3 double play.  So, two outs and no one on base. That’s when things got ugly.  ChiSox 2B Geoff Blum (the sixth player to hold the number-five spot in the batting order), who had come into the game defensively in the 13th, homered to give the Sox the lead.  BBRT note:  It would be Blum’s only at bat in the Series.

Next came a single by CF Aaron Rowand, a single by 3B Joe Crede and a walk to SS Juan Uribe to load the bases. Astacio then walked C Chris Widger to force in an insurance run – and was replaced on the mound by Wandy Rodriguez, who fanned LF Scott Podsednik to end the inning.  In the bottom of the inning, Damasco Marte and Mark Buehrle combined to hold the Astros scoreless – although, thanks to a walk and an error, the tying runs were  on  base when Buehrle got Houston SS Adam Everett to pop out to end the game. Marte, the Sox’ eighth pitcher got the win, Buehrle the save. Astacio, the Astros’ seventh hurler, took the loss.

 

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Member:  Society for American Baseball Research (SABR); The Baseball Reliquary; Baseball Bloggers Alliance.

Filed Under: BB Fun Facts, News

A Tale of Two Murphys – A Hero and A Goat

October 22, 2015 by

MURPHY – THE HERO

Daniel Murphy - THE HERO.

Daniel Murphy – THE HERO.

Yesterday, the Mets ended the Cubs 2015 post-season run in a four-game sweep, winning the NLCS and punching their ticket to the World series behind some powerful arms and the bat of a hero named Murphy. Mets’ second baseman Daniel Murphy went 4-for-5 (two runs and two RBI) in the New Yorkers’ 8-3 Game Four victory. Murphy went 9-for-17 (.529) with four home runs, six RBI and six runs scored in the NL Championship Series. He homered in all four games, in the process setting a new MLB record by going yard in six consecutive post-season contests.  His performance earned Murphy the NLCS 2015 Most Valuable Player Award.

Through yesterday’s game, Murphy’s 2015 post-season stat line reads, .421-7-11 (with 11 runs scored). He stands just one home run shy of the HR record for a single post season.  For a look at the single and career post-season records, click here.

The 30-year-old Murphy’s power surge is a bit of surprise. In his seven MLB seasons, he has accumulated a regular-season batting average of .288 and hit just 62 home runs (about one HR every 14.5 games) and collected 402 RBI (one every 2.1 games). Still in 2015, he did enjoy perhaps his best season at the plate, going .281-14-73.

That a player named Murphy should doom the Cubs, however, is no surprise. Read on.

MURPHY-THE GOAT

Chicago Cubs on way to reversing the curse - behind the arm of Jake Arrieta.

Chicago Cubs on way to reversing the curse – behind the arm of Jake Arrieta.

On October 6th,1945, with the Cubs up two games to one in the World Series (having beaten the Tigers two out of three at Detroit’s Briggs Stadium), happy Cubbies’ fans were lined up to get into Wrigley Field. One of those fans was Greek William “Billy Goat” Sianis, owner of the Billy Goat Tavern. Sianis purchased two tickets to the game – one for him and one for his “lucky” pet goat – named Murphy. As he moved to enter Wrigley – this well-documented legend has it – Murphy was turned away and Sianis was informed that animals were not allowed in the ball park.

Sianis reportedly appealed the usher’s ruling all the way up to Cubs’ owner P.K. Wrigley, who reportedly told the tavern owner the goat could not be let in because of its less than appealing odor (only in stronger terms). As the popular and oft-told story goes, Sianis put a curse on the Cubs – vowing they would not win another World Series until Murphy was allowed in the ballpark. The Cubs, without Murphy in the stands, lost game four (4-1) and the Series (four games to three). After the Series, Sianis sent Wrigley a telegram reading “Who stinks now?”  Sianis’ curse appears to have worked long and well – as, over the years, the Cubs have become affectionately known as the “Loveable Losers” – and have not captured another World Series title.

A side note:  How seriously is the curse taken in some quarters? On the Fourth of July, 1973 – with the Cubs in first place (six games up on second-place Saint Louis) –  William Sianis’ nephew (and new Billy Goat Tavern owner) Sam Sianis and Chicago Tribune columnist Dave Condon arranged to bring one of Murphy’s descendants (a goat name Socrates)  to Wrigley in an attempt to lift the curse. The goat arrived at Wrigley Field in a limousine accompanied by Sianis and a sign that read “All is forgiven. Let me lead you to the pennant. Your Friend, Billy Goat.”  Well, not all lessons are easily leaned.  Like Murphy before him, Socrates was denied entrance to the Wrigley.  The Cubs?  They faded to fifth place- five games out.  Over the years, Murphy’s descendant has been allowed on the Wrigley Field more than once and even made a pennant race road trip (to Houston) in attempts to break the curse.

Second side note; The Billy Goat Tavern reportedly was the inspiration for the Saturday Night Live’s Olympia Cafe – “Cheezeborger – No fries. Cheeps – No Coke. Pepsi.” 

 

I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT

 

Member: Society for American Baseball Research; The Baseball Reliquary; Baseball Bloggers Alliance.

Filed Under: BB Fun Facts, News

Murphy’s Law – Post-Season Records Are Made To Be Broken (or at least challenged)

October 21, 2015 by
Daniel Murphy - "In the zone" in the post season.

Daniel Murphy – “In the zone” in the post season.

Last night (October 20), as the Met’s topped the Cubs 5-2 to take a 3-0 lead in the NLCS,  Mets’ second baseman Daniel Murphy batted his way into the record books. Murphy homered into the center field bleachers at Wrigley Field – marking the record-tying fifth straight post-season game in which he has gone yard.  Murphy joins Carlos Beltran (Astros, 2004) as the only two players to homer in five straight post-season contests. It was also Murphy’s sixth home run of the 2015 post-season, leaving him just two shy of the MLB single-post-season record – with plenty of games to go.  Murphy has touched up such some pretty good pitching in his run – including Zack Greinke, Clayton Kershaw, Jake Arrieta, Jon Lester and Kyle Hendricks..  Through his first eight games of the 2015 post season, Murphy is hitting .364, with six home runs, nine runs scored and nine RBI. How surprising are those numbers?  In his seven regular seasons at the major league level, Murphy has hit a total of 62 home runs in 903 games, or about one every 14.5 games.  (He did, however, hit a career high 14 in 130 games this past season.)  If Murphy continues to rake, he has a good chance of reaching the all-time record for home runs in a single post-season of eight – held by Carlos Beltran (Astros, 2004). Barry Bonds (Giants, 2002) and Nelson Cruz (Rangers, 2001).

Special note: The pet goat, denied entrance to Wrigley Field in 1945, and alleged to have been the force behind the “Cubs’ Curse” was named “Murphy.”

Beltran’s eight-homer post-season, at least for BBRT, is the most impressive of the three eight-homer post-seasons. Bonds and Cruz both benefited from post-season runs that went all the way to the World Series, with both Cruz’ and Bonds’ eight long balls coming in 17 games (70 plate appearances for Cruz and 74 for Bonds).  Beltran’s Astros made it only as far as the NL Championship Series and he hit his eight homers in 12 games (56 plate appearances, 46 at bats). In those 12 post-season contests, Beltran hit .435, collecting 20 hits, 14 RBI, 21 runs scored (also the record for a single post-season), while tossing in nine walks and six stolen bases.  In the 2004 post season, Beltran homered in seven of the 12 games he played (including the previously noted five in a row). In the Astros’ six wins, Beltran went 14-for-23 (.609) with six home runs, 11 RBI and 14 runs scored. In the team’s six losses, Beltran’s line was .261 (6-for-23), with two homers, three RBI and seven runs scored – including an 0-for-5 with three strikeouts in a 4-2 loss to Atlanta in Game Two of the NLDS.

Schwarber also Shoots for the Record Books

While Daniel Murphy was garnering yesterday’s headlines, Cubs’ rookie C/OF Kyle Schwarber homered his way into the post-season record books as well. Schwarber hit his fifth home run of the 2015 post-season – becoming the youngest player (at 22) to homer five times in a single post-season. Schwarber is just one short of the all-time rookie record of six HRs in a single post season (Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay, 2008), but time is running out on the Cubbies.

With Murphy having already earned a spot in the post-season record bools, it seems like a good time to take a look at some of the single post-season marks this year’s crop of playoff participants will be shooting for. As you might expect, most of the records were set after the play offs were expanded to multiple rounds.  Current 2015 post-season leaders listed are as of the close of play on October 20.

For BBRT’s past look at World Series’ single-game records, click here.  For even more on the World Series’ record book, click here. 

 SINGLE POST SEASON RECORDS

 Batting Average

.727 … Lloyd McClendon (Pirates, 1992); 8-for-11 over five games. The current 2015 post-season leader: the Dodgers’ Justin Turner at .526.

Home Runs

8 … Barry Bonds (Giants, 2002), Carlos Beltran (Astros, 2004), Nelson Cruz (Rangers, 2011) – Bonds and Cruz each hit their eight home runs in 17 games played, while Beltran launched his in 12 games. Current 2015 leader: the Mets’ Daniel Murphy at 6.

RBI

21 … David Freese (Cardinals, 2011) – in 18 games. Current 2015 post-season leaders: Royals’ Kendrys Morales and Eric Hosmer at 10.

Runs Scored

21 … Carlos Beltran (Astros, 2004) – in 12 games. Current 2015 post-season leaders: Royals’ Ben Zobrist, Mets’ Daniel Murphy and Royals’ Alcides Escobar at 9.

Base Hits

26 … Pablo Sandoval (Giants, 2014) – in 17 games. Current 2015 post-season leader: Royals’ Alcides Escobar at 15.

Total Bases

50 … David Freese (Cardinals, 2011) – in 18 games. Current 2015 post-season leader: Mets’ Daniel Murphy at 31.  Note: Freese was the MVP of both the NL Championship Series and the World Series in 2011. In his 18 post season games, he hit .397 (25-for-63) with five home runs, eight doubles and one triple – driving in 21 runs and scoring 12.

Doubles

8 … Albert Pujols and David Freese (both Cardinals, 2011) – in 18 games. Current 2015 post-season leader: Dodgers’ Justin Turner at six.

Triples

4 … Tommy Leach (Pirates, 1903) – in eight  games. Note: In an eight-game World Series, Leach went 9-for-33, hitting two triples in game one, one in game four and one in game five. Current 2015 post-season leader: Royals’ Alicides Escobar at two.

Walks

27 … Barry Bonds (Giants, 2002) – in 17 games. Current 2015 post-season leaders: Blue Jays’ Jose Bautista, Astros’ Colby Rasmus and Mets’ David Wright at 7.  Note: Bonds was walked in 35 percent of his 2002 post-season plate appearances – and 13 of his 27 free passes were intentional. In his 45 at bats, Bonds hit .356 (16-for-45) with eight home runs and 16 RBI.

Stolen Bases

11 … Rickey Henderson (A’s, 1989) and Kenny Lofton (Indians, 1995). Henderson swiped 11 bags in 9 games, Lofton in 15 contests. Current 2015 post-season leader: Mets’ Curtis Granderson at three.

Strikeouts

26 … Alfonso Soriano (Yankees, 2003) – in 17 games. Current 2015 post season leader: Mets’ Lucas Duda at 13.

Slugging Percentage

1.727 … Lou Gehrig (Yankees, 1928) – in 11 at bats over four games. Note: Gehrig went 6-for-11 with a double and four home runs. Current 2015 post-season leader: Astros’ Colby Rasmus at 1.176.

 

Derek Jeter – King of the Post-Season Record Book

Derek Jeter - had to inclede a picture of the captain.

Derek Jeter – king of the post season.

Derek Jeter (Yankees) sits atop the post-season career record book in nine categories.  In fact, with a record 158 post-season games, he has played the equivalent of a regular full season – in the playoffs. Jeter-held career post-season records:

Games Played … 158

At bats … 650

Plate Appearances …. 734

Runs Scored … 111

Hits …. 200

Total Bases … 302

Doubles … 32

                                                                        Triples … 5 (tie with Rafael Furcal & George Brett

                                                                        Strikeouts … 135

More post-season career marks are listed after the single post-season pitching records.

Wins

5 … Randy Johnson (2001, Diamondbacks) and Francisco Rodriguez (Angels, 2002). Note:  Johnson went 5-1 in five starts and one relief appearance; Rodriguez went 5-1 in 11 relief appearances.  Current 2015 post-season leader:  Jacob deGrom (Mets) at three.

A Rookie Makes His Mark in the Record Books

Francisco Rodriguez - five post-season wins (tying the single post-season record) before his first regular season decision.

Francisco Rodriguez – five post-season wins (tying the single post-season record) before his first regular-season decision.

When twenty-year-old right-hander Franscisco Rodriguez made his major league debut on September 18, 2002, little did he know that he would notch five post-season wins before he garnered his first-ever regular-season win (in fact, before his first regular-season decision of any kind  – win, loss or save). Rodriguez pitched in just five regular season games, totaling 5 2/3 innings of work.  In that brief stint, he gave up just three hits and two walks, while fanning 13.  It was enough to earn him spot on the post-season roster – and he responded with five wins (tying the record for a single post season) against one loss in 11 appearances.  He tossed 18 2/3 innings, giving up 10 hits, five walks, and five earned runs, while striking out 28. It was a portent of things to come. Between 2005 and 2008,  Rodriguez  saved 193 games, leading the AL in saves three of those four seasons and notching an MLB–record 62 saves in 2008. He closed out the 2015 season with 386 saves.

 

Saves

7 … Six pitchers have notched seven saves in a single post-season – and, no, Mariano Rivera is not one of them.  Here they are: John Wetteland (Yankees, 1996); Troy Percival (Angels, 2002); Robb Nen (Giants, 2002); Brad Lidge (Phillies, 2008); Koji Uehara (Red Sox, 2013); Greg Holland (Royals, 2014). Current 2015 post-season leader: Jeurys Familia (Mets) at five.

Winning Percentage

1.000 … Many players have notched a 1.000 winning percentage for a single post season – but only ten achieved at least four victories without a loss: Dave Stewart (A’s, 1989); Jack Morris (Twins, 1991); Livan Hernandez (Marlins, 1997); David Wells (Yankees, 1998); Curt Schilling (D-backs, 2001); Josh Beckett (Red Sox, 2007); Cole Hamels (Phillies, 2008); Cliff Lee (Phillies, 2009); Andy Pettitte (Yankees, 2009); Chris Carpenter (Cardinals, 2011). Current 2015 leader: Jacob deGrom at 3-0; at 2-0 are Matt Harvey (Mets) and Dallas Keuchel (Astros). There are six players at 1-0.

Earned Run Average

0.00 … Christy Mathewson (Giants, 2005) and Waite Hoyt (Yankees, 1921).  While there are several pitchers with 20 or more innings pitched and an ERA of zero, Mathewson and Hoyt had the most innings pitched in a single post-season without an earned run at 27. Current 2015 post-season leader (at least ten innings pitched): Jacob deGrom (Mets) at 1.80.  Mets’ reliever Jeurys Familia has pitched the most innings without giving up a run this post-season (8 2/3).

Strikeouts

56 … Curt Schilling (D-backs, 2001) – in six starts, 48 1/3 innings pitched. Current 2015 post-season leader: Jake Arrieta at 28, in 19 2.3 innings pitched.

Games Pitched

14 … Paul Assenmacher (Indians, 1997). Current 2015 post-season leaders: Aaron Sanchez (Blue Jays) and Jeurys Familia (Mets) at seven games.

Innings Pitched

52 2/3 … Madison Bumgarner (Giants, 2014) – in six starts and one relief appearance.  Current 2015 post-season leader: Jacob deGrom (Met) at 20 IP.

Games Started

6  … Curt Schilling (D-backs, 2001); Chris Carpenter (Cardinals, 2011); Madison Bumgarner (Giants, 2014).  Current 2015 post-season leaders, all at three starts: Johnny Cueto (Royals): Jake Arrieta (Cubs); Yordano Ventura (Royals): Marcus Stroman (Blue Jays); and Jacob deGrom (Mets).

Complete Games

5 … Deacon Phillippe (Pirates, 1903) – in five starts (World Series was five-out-of-nine) over eight days. Note: Phillippe went 3-2, 3.07 in the Series.  Current 2015 post-season leader: Jake Arrieta (Cubs) at one.

Complete Game Shutouts

3 … Christy Mathewson (Giants, 1905). Current 2015 post-season leader: Jake Arrieta (Cubs) at one.

Those are your single post-season record holders. Now, lets take a look at a few career post-season marks that aren’t held by Derek Jeter.

CAREER POST-SEASON RECORDS

Batting Average

.439 … Bobby Brown (Yankees) – over 17 games in four post seasons.

Home Runs

29 … Manny Ramirez (Indians, Red Sox, Dodgers) – over 111 games in 11 post seasons.

RBI

80 … Bernie Williams (Yankees) – over 121 games in 12 post seasons.

Walks

72 … Manny Ramirez (Indians, Red Sox, Dodgers) and Chipper Jones (Braves) – Ramirez over 121 games in 12 post seasons; Jones over 93 games in 12 post seasons.

Stolen Bases

34 … Kenny Lofton (Indians, Braves, Giants, Cubs, Yankees, Dodgers) – over 95 games in 11 post seasons.

On the mound, the career post-season record holders are:

Wins

Andy Pettitte - 19 career post-season wins.

Andy Pettitte – a record 19 career post-season wins, a record 44 post-season starts and a record 276 2/3 post-season innings.

19 … Andy Petitte (Yankees, Astros) – over 44 appearances in 14 post seasons.  Note: All but one of those victories came with the Yankees.

Losses

16 … Tom Glavine (Braves, Mets) – over 35 appearances in 12 post seasons (versus 14 wins). Note: All but one of the losses came with the Braves. .

 

 

 

Saves

42 … Mariano Rivera (Yankees) – over 96 appearances in 14 post seasons.

Winning Percentage (minimum six decisions)

1.000 (6-0) – Left Gomez (Yankees) – over seven appearances in five post seasons.

Earned Run Average (minimum 30 IP)

0.70  … Mariano Rivera (Yankees) – over 96 appearances (142 innings) in 16 post seasons. Note: The fourth-lowest post-season ERA (0.87 in 31 IP) belongs to Babe Ruth.

Strikeouts

199 … John Smoltz (Braves, Cardinals) – over 41 appearances and 209 innings pitched in 14 post seasons. Note:  All but one appearance and five strikeouts for the Braves.

Games Pitched

96 … Mariano Rivera (Yankees) – over 16 post seasons.

Games Started

44 … Andy Pettitte (Yankees, Astros) – over 14 post seasons. Note: 40 of those starts were as a Yankee.

Innings pitched

276 2/3 … Andy Pettitte (Yankees, Astros) – over 14 post seasons.

Complete Games

10 … Christy Mathewson (Giants) – over 11 starts in four post seasons. Note: Mathewson also holds the post-season record for CG shutouts at four.

 

I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT

Member: Society for American Baseball Research (SABR); The Baseball Reliquary; Baseball Bloggers Alliance.

Filed Under: BB Fun Facts, News

Post Season Predictions – Blue Jays/Dodgers World Series

October 8, 2015 by
Once again from my empty - often opaque - crystal ball.

Once again from my empty – often opaque – crystal ball.

Okay, the Wild Card Elimination (or Play-In) games are behind us.  Thank goodness.  I may be old school (well, there’s really no doubt about that), but I’m not a big Wild Card fan.  I’d prefer two leagues of two divisions (eight and seven teams), with the four first-place teams making the post-season.  But enough of my ranting, it’s time for BBRT’s second round of post-season predictions.  To look back at my Wild Card game predictions, click here.  By the way, I missed on the Yankees/Astros contest, but was on target on the Cubs/Pirates.  In this post, I’ll provide some detail on the teams within the Division Series predictions, but to avoid being repetitive, will be brief in my League Championship and World Series prognostications.

 

 

 

 

AL DIVISION SERIES

Rangers versus Blue Jays

BBRT Prediction: Blue Jays

Josh Donaldson leads MLB's most potent offense into the post-season.

Josh Donaldson leads MLB’s most potent offense into the post-season.

BBRT usually goes for pitching and defense, but it’s hard to pick against a Toronto offense that led all of MLB with 891 runs (127 runs ahead of the second-best Yankees and 140 runs ahead of the Rangers) and outscored their opponents by 221 runs. The Blue Jays – led by the trio of 3B Josh Donaldson (.297-41-123), RF Jose Bautista (.250-40-114) and DH Edwin Encarnacion (.277-39-111) – topped the AL in runs, homers, doubles, walks, on-base percentage and slugging. Further, even with all this power, they finished second in batting average (just .001 behind the Tigers) and had the league’s fifth-fewest strikeouts.  You just can’t pitch around this attack. Still, the Rangers offense appears to have gotten “hot” at the right time.  Shin-Shoo Choo was the AL Player of the Month for September (.387-6-23 for Sept./Oct.) and 3B Adrian Beltre hit .344, with five home runs and 38 RBI for Sept./Oct.  DH/1B Prince Fielder was also a vital piece of the Rangers’ attack, with a steady .305-23-98 comeback season. All that said, Toronto still has a major offensive edge.

Both teams boast deep starting pitching staffs.  The Jays likely have the advantage with 1-3 starters David Price (9-1, 2.30 in 11 starts after joining the Blue Jays); Marcus Stroman (4-0, 1.67 since returning from a torn ACL in mid-September); and Marco Estrada (13-8. 3.13). The Rangers can counter with Cole Hamels (7-1, 4.66 with Texas),  Yovani Gallardo (13-11, 3.42) and either Derek Holland (4-3, 4.91) or Colby Lewis (17-9, 4.66). On paper, the Jays also look to have a stronger bull pen, but their rookie closer Roberto Osuna had some problems late in the season.

Ultimately, the Blue Jays just have too much for the Rangers – particularly on offense.

Side note: The Blue Jays are looking to mid-season acquisition David Price (1-5, .4.50 in ten post-season appearances) to step up his post-season game. The Rangers’ mid-season pick-up, Cole Hamels, on the other hand, has a more positive  7-4, 3.09 record in 13 post-season appearances.  It will be interesting to see which team gets the biggest post-season dividend on their mid-season investment.

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Royals versus Astros

BBRT Prediction:  Royals 

Mke Moustakas - a big part of a Royals offense that puts the ball in play.

Mke Moustakas – a big part of a Royals offense that puts the ball in play.

These teams look evenly matched.  The Astros scored the fifth-most runs in the AL at 729, the Royals were one spot and just five runs behind. The Astros led the AL in stolen bases with 121; the Royals were second at 104. The Astros had the AL’s lowest ERA at 3.57; the Royals were third at 3.73. Both teams showed sure-handed athleticism on defense – with the Astros fielding at a .986 clip and the Royals at .985.

Dig just a little deeper, however, and the differences are significant.  The Astros are a free-swinging, power-hitting ball club. They finished second in the AL to Toronto in home runs with 230 and first in batters’ strikeouts at 1,392.  The Astros, in fact, boast five 20+ HR hitters in their lineup: SS Carlos Correa, C/DH Evan Gattis, LF Colby Rasmus, 3B Luis Valbuena and 1B Chris Carter – along with hit machine 2B Jose Altuve (200 hits, .313 average) to set the table.  Just how much the Houston club counts on the long ball is reflected in the fact that Chris Carter got into 129 games – 24 HRs and 64 RBI – despite a .199 average and 151 strikeouts in 391 at bats.  The Royals are more of a “put-the-ball-in play” team – tying for second in batting average at .269 (the Astros hit .250 as a team), finishing second to last in home runs (139) and striking out the fewest times in all of MLB (with 973 strikeouts, the Royals were the only team to whiff less than 1,100 times). DH Kendrys Morales provides the offensive power (.290-22-106), but there is plenty of balance (five players with 70 or more RBI and five with 70 or more runs scored).  The averages may help tell the Royals’ story: DH Morales – .290; CF Lorenzo Cain – .307; 1B Eric Hosmer – .297; 3B Mike Moustakas – .284.  You get the idea.

The pitching match up seems to favor Houston slightly. The Royals lack a true “Ace” – relying on Yordano Ventura (13-8, 4.08), Johnny Cueto (whom the Royals hope can return to his past Cincinnati form) and Edinson Volquez (13-9. 3.55) to carry the load.  Fortunately for Kansas City, the Astros had to use 20-game winner Dallas Keuchel on short rest in the Wild Card game, which means the Royals should only have to face the Houston ace once in the series. Houston still has Collin McHugh (19-7. 3.89) for Game One. In the bull pen, Wade Davis’ hot hand and some late-season struggles for the Astros’ pen give the Royals the edge.

BBRT has to go with the Royals in a closely contested series for several reasons  1) The Royals have home field advantage and Kauffman Stadium will negate some of that Houston power (the Astros were 53-28 at home … 33-48 on the road); 2) the Royals’ 2014 post-season experience should leave them better prepared for the pressure of this series; 3) The Royals put-the-ball-in-play offense will create more opportunities, and more pressure, than the Astros’ free-swinging style.

Side Notes: For the Royals, DH Kendrys Morales has to hit in the clutch and SP Johnny Cueto needs to step up his game.  For the Astros, despite all their power, Jose Altuve must be a thorn in KC’s side at the plate and on the base paths if they are going to win this Series.

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NL DIVISION SERIES

Mets versus Dodgers

BBRT Prediction: Dodgers in a series of close, low-scoring games.

Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw logged 301 strikeouts, with a 2.13 ERA. Kershaw and MLB ERA leader Zack Greinke (1.66) make up the post-season's most potent 1-2 mound punch.

Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw logged 301 strikeouts, with a 2.13 ERA. Kershaw and MLB ERA leader Zack Greinke (1.66) make up the post-season’s most potent 1-2 mound punch.

If I could pick one Division Series match up to attend, this is it.  Clayton Kershaw,  Zack Greinke and Brett Anderson versus Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard and Matt Harvey.  With Kershaw and Greinke the new Koufax and Drysdale, the smart money appears to be on the Dodgers. Still, there is Kershaw’s troublesome 1-5, 5.12 post-season record. On the other side of the coin, there is Harvey’s post-injury workload to consider.  Still, you have to give the Dodgers the edge in starting pitching.  The LA squad also has a slight edge in the bullpen.  Both teams have strong closers. The Mets, in fact, may have the better of it with Jeurys Familia (43 saves, 1.84 ERA) over the Dodgers’ Kenley Jansen (36 saves and a 2.41 ERA).  The Mets, however, lack a reliable left-hander out of the pen, and that works to LA’s advantage. Still, when you look at the staffs as a whole, you can expect a low-scoring series.  The Mets’ staff finished with a 3.43 ERA and 1,337 strikeouts – the Dodgers with a nearly identical 3.44 ERA and 1,396 strikeouts. Ultimately, BBRT thinks the pitchers will dominate this series – and the offense that finds a way to scratch out that extra run will carry the day.

Overall, the offenses match up evenly.  The Mets finished seventh in the NL in runs scored at 683, the Dodgers just one spot and 16 runs behind. The Dodgers may be  more able to generate instant offense – they led the NL in home runs at 187, but only ten more than the Mets. LA will rely heavily on 1B Adrian Gonzalez, who led the team in average (.275), home runs (28) and RBI (90). However, a key may be whether rookie SS Corey Seager (.337-4-17 in just 27 games) is ready for post-season pressure. The Mets have a more balanced attack, but their success may depend on mid-season acquisition Yoenis Cespedes, who hit .287 with 17 home runs in just 57 games for the Mets.

BBRT believes the Dodgers 1-2 punch of Kershaw and Greinke will prevail in a tight series of low-scoring games.

Side Note: This battle could come down to how the Dodgers handle Yeonis Cespedes and David Wright versus how the Mets handle Adrian Gonzalez and Corey Seager.

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Cardinals versus Cubs

BBRT Prediction: Cubs

Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw logged 301 strikeouts, with a 2.13 ERA. Kershaw and MLB ERA leader Zack Greinke (1.66) make up the post-season's most potent 1-2 mound punch.

Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw logged 301 strikeouts, with a 2.13 ERA. Kershaw and MLB ERA leader Zack Greinke (1.66) make up the post-season’s most potent 1-2 mound punch.

The Cardinals had the best record in baseball (100-62) and the Cubs had to use their “Ace” Jake Arrieta in the Wild Card game – however, I am still going to go with the Cubs in this series.   The fact is, when you look a little deeper, the gap between the Cardinals and Cubs is pretty narrow.  The Cardinals did give up the fewest runs in MLB, but they also scored the fewest runs of any playoff team.  And, yes, the Cardinals were the only MLB team with 100 wins – but the Cubbies were third with 97.  The Cubs hold the edge over the Cardinals in runs scored 689-647, while the Cardinal have the advantage in runs allowed, giving up just 525 to the Cubbies’ 608.

Looking at the starting rotations (although the managers are being pretty tight on this so far), we know Game One will feature John Lackey (13-10, .277) on the mound for the Cardinals.  In addition to solid numbers for the 2015 regular season, Lackey brings a 7-5, 3.08 record in 21 post-season appearances – experience that should serve him well. The Redbirds can draw from some strong arms to fill out their NLDS rotation: Lance Lynn (12-11, 1.75), Jaime Garcia (10-6, 2.43), Michael Wacha (17-7, 3.38).  They also have a strong bull pen, led by closer Trevor Rosenthal (48 saves, 2.10).  Overall, in fact, the Redbirds were the only team with an ERA under 3.00 for the season, at 2.94.  The Cubs, however, were no slouches – third-best at 3.36.  And, the Cubs led all of MLB in pitcher strikeouts (1,431) and batting average against (.233). The Cards finished 11th and 8th in those two categories.  Still, the Cub’s rotation – particularly after Arrieta’s 113-pitch outing against the Pirates – is not as deep as the Cardinals. Game One will go to veteran  Jon Lester (11-12, 3.34) and Kyle Hendricks (8-7, 3.95) is likely to get a start. In addition to Arrieta (22-6, 1.77), the Cubs can look to veterans Jason Hammel and Dan Haren if needed.  Like the Cards, the Cubs have a strong bull pen, and both tams have lights out, experienced closers (the Cardinals’ already noted Trevor Rosenthal with 48 saves and a 2.10 ERA and the Cubs’ Hector Rondon with 30 saves and a 1.67 ERA.).

In the lineup, youth needs to be served if the Cubs are going to win. Consider the leaders of the 25-and-under cadre  in their lineup:  1B Anthony Rizzo (.278-31-101, 17 steals); 3B Kris Bryant (.275-26-99, 13 steals); C/OF Kyle Schwarber (.246-16-43 in 69 games). The Cardinals’ attack will be led by a more experienced group of hitters including: 3B Matt Carpenter (.272-28-84); SS Jhonny Peralta (.275-17-71); and CF Jayson Heyward (.293-13-60).

A good indicator of how this veterans versus youth match up is going might be to watch the performance of Cardinals’ veteran Matt Carpenter (.272-28-84 on the season)  versus Cubs’ rookie Kris Bryant (.275-26-99).

BBRT is picking the Cubs for a number of reasons: 1) The Cubs appear hungrier and healthier; 2) I like Lester over Lackey in Game One; 3) The Cubs appear to have the momentum, finishing the regular season 22-10 (Sept./Oct.) to the Cardinals 15-17.

Side note: A big question for the Cardinal is how much Yadier Molina (arguably the heart of this team) will play – and how well will he play while nursing a torn ligament in his left thumb. 

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AL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

Blue Jays versus Royals

Prediction: Blue Jays

The Blue Jays offense – led by Josh Donaldson, Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion and boosted by the return of Troy Tulowitski – coupled with David Price and Marcus Stroman at the top of the rotation – will just be too much for the Royals.

NL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

Dodgers Versus Cubs

Prediction: Dodgers

Veterans Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke end the Cubs’ 2015 run – but the youthful Cubbies will be back for another post-season shot in 2016.

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WORLD SERIES

Dodgers versus Blue Jays

Prediction: Jays

Home field advantage may decide this seven-game series, as the Jays vaunted offense comes up against the the best 1-2 pitching punch in baseball.  This could be a classic battle.  BBRT feels that the challenge the Dodger Duo will face up and down the Blue Jays lineup (after a season’s worth of wear and tear) will take its toll.  Casey Stengel once said, “Good pitching will always stop good hitting and vice-versa.” That quote is likely to come to life over the 2015 World Series.

I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT

Member: Society for American Baseball Research (SABR); The Baseball Reliquary; Baseball Bloggers Alliance.

Filed Under: News

Wild Card Elimination Game Predictions

October 6, 2015 by
BBRT Crystal Ball for 2015 season appeared either empty or opaque.

BBRT Crystal Ball for 2015 season appeared either empty or opaque.

With the post-season about to start, it’s time for BBRT to get in my predictions.  These are not “take it to the bank” prognostications – as indicated by my lack of success in pre-season pennant race projections.

In March, I did accurately project the Saint Louis Cardinals and LA Dodgers as Division winners, and even got the Pirates’ Wild Card slot correct.  I wasn’t too far off in the AL East – I had the Nationals finishing first and (what some people have called “The Surprising”) Mets, second.  The two finished 1-2 in the Division, but in reverse order.  I really missed the boat on the Padres, predicting that their off-season moves would earn them A Wild Card spot.  Ooops – Padres finished fourth! Still, three-for-five in predicting post-season berths – and two of three for Division titles (with my only miss finishing second) was not too bad.

Aah, but then came the AL, home to my Minnesota Twins. Apparently, familiarity is not a good thing.  I got only one AL one post-season team correct in my March projections.  I had the Blue Jays finishing second and capturing a Wild Card slot – and, of course, they won the AL East.  The second-place and Wild Card Yankees?  I had them fourth, with the Red Sox (last in the East) taking the Division. Again, I was fooled by aggressive off-season activity. In the AL Central, I don’t know what I was thinking, picking the White Sox for the top spot and the Division-winning Royals in third.  I was even worse when it came to pegging the AL West – predicting the third-place Angels to lead the Division and the fourth-place Mariners to grab a Wild Card spot. Congrats to the Division Champion Rangers and the Wild Card Astros for proving me oh, so wrong.

So, with that less-than-sterling record, I am fully prepared to make my predictions for the upcoming post-season.  I’ll start with the two Wild Card elimination games in this post – and, once the field is reduced to eight teams, make my predictions for the rest of the playoffs.

AL Wild Card – Astros at Yankees

Carlos Beltran - BBRT "pick to click" in AL Wild Card Elimination game.

Carlos Beltran – BBRT “pick to click” in AL Wild Card Elimination game.

The youthful Astros take on the veteran Yankees – with the Astros’ Dallas Keuchel (20-8, 2.48 on the season, but 5-8, 3.77 on the road) starting opposite Masahiro Tanaka (12-7, 3.51).  If this were a three- five, or seven-game series, I’d have to go with the Astros. They just seem to have the better overall squad.  But for this one game – with Keuchel going on short rest (and on the road) and the Yankees able to look to Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller for the last two innings – I expect Tanaka to go a strong six (or, ideally, seven) innings and the Yankees to win a close one. Out-of-left field prediction: The Yankees’ Carlos Beltran will provide key offensive fire power as the Bronx Bombers prevail 5-3.

 

NL Wild Card – Chicago Cubs at Pirates

Jake Arrieta should lead Cubs to victory.

Wow! Here we have a match up of two exciting teams, with well-rested “Aces” on the mound.  For the Pirates, it’s Gerrit Cole (19-8, 2.45), while the Cubs send Jake Arrieta (22-6, 1.77) to the mound.  BBRT is going to go with the hot hand (and attached arm) in this one – and that  is Arrieta, who has gone 11-0, with a 0.41 ERA in 12 starts since August 1.  The fact is, with Cole and Arrieta on the mound, a lot of pretty good hitters could be made to look pretty bad.  BBRT looks for the Cubs and Arrieta to emerge with a 3-1 victory. Out-of-left-field predictions: Arrieta gives up just three hits during his time on the hill, and Kyle Schwarber strikes the key offensive blow for the Cubbies.

 

I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT

Member: Society for American Baseball Research (SABR); The Baseball Reliquary; Baseball Bloggers Alliance.

Filed Under: News
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