On November 13, MLB announced the 2013 Cy Young Award winners – and to no one’s surprise they were the Tigers’ Max Scherzer in the AL and the Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw in the NL. Scherzer finished 21-3, with a 2.90 ERA and 240 strikeouts in 214 1/3 innings. His 21 victories led the AL and he also had the top winning percentage (.875). Kershaw went 16-9, with an NL- and MLB-lowest 1.83 ERA and also led the NL with 230 K’s in 236 innings pitched. (The significance of these stats will become clear in a few paragraphs.) Scherzer became only the third starting pitcher to win the Cy Young Award without a single complete game, joining Roger Clemens (2001 & 2004) and Jake Peavy (2007). BBRT, would like to use this post to take a look at the Cy Young Award; its heritage, historic milestones and unique “factoids.”
Depth, Destiny and Home Field Advantage – Series to Sox
Deciding factor in seven-game World Series?
There is jubilation at BBRT. Never a fan of the (expanding) Wild Card format, BBRT is pleased to see the teams with the best record in each league – the Red Sox and Cardinals, both at 97-65 – in the World Series. The last time this happened was not even in the 21st Century (1999 – Yankees/Braves). So, tomorrow night (Wednesday. 7:30 p.m.), two teams with long and rich baseball heritages – and knowledgeable, loyal and enthusiastic fan bases – will meet in the World Series for the fourth time.
BBRT anticipates a tough and exciting series, with the Red Sox winning in seven games – due to a combination of “Depth, Destiny and Home Field Advantage” (not necessarily in that order).
DEPTH
Both teams boast strong line-ups (the Red Sox with the edge in power and speed, the Cardinals with an advantage in consistency and situational hitting). Boston, however, has a few more weapons to bring in off the bench with Daniel Nava or Jonny Gomes (depending on who starts in left field), the speedy Quintin Berry and backup backstop David Ross. Plus, in Saint Louis, it appears David Ortiz will play first, making Mike Napoli available off the bench. The Cardinal’s key bench players figure to be David Descalso and, in St, Louis, either Mike Adams or Allen Craig.
The Cardinals, boasting MLB’s second-best ERA for their starting rotation (3.42) have a solid one-two punch in Adam Wainwright (19-9, 2.94 in the regular season) and rookie Michael Wacha (4-1, 2.78, nine starts). Those two have combined to go 5-1, 1.03 thus far in the 2013 post season. Still, you can’t forget that Boston won all three Verlander/Scherzer starts in the ALCS. Boston counters with the capable Jon Lester (15-8, 3.75) and Clay Bucholz (12-1, 1.74). It’s when you get to the three/four slots that depth works in favor of the Red Sox, with the experienced John Lackey (who may actually draw the game two start) and Jake Peavy having an edge versus Lance Lynn and Joe Kelly.
DESTINY
The Red Sox made the leap from last to first, with a lot of new faces and (under John Farrell) a whole new culture. They are a team of emotion – driven by clubhouse chemistry, “Boston Strong” and “Boston Beards.” The Red Sox simply believe a World Championship is their destiny – and BBRT thinks that more emotional approach may provide just a bit of an edge over the very professional and consistent confidence and performance of the Cardinals’ squad.
HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE
These two teams are very well matched and the ultimate deciding factor may prove to be home field advantage. Not only do the Red Sox get four games at home – that home field forces the opposition to play not only in front of the “Boston Nation,” but also in the shadow of the “Green Monster.” For the Cardinals’ young pitching staff – particularly the relief cadre – that big green wall may seem to be leaning right over their shoulders when on the mound. Let’s face it, playing in Fenway presents some unique challenges, and that will work in the Red Sox’ favor.
So, again, BBRT sees the Red Sox in seven, with each team grabbing one away game in the process.
KEY MATCH-UPS
Now, here are some key match-ups that BBRT will be watching.
The Red Sox’ veteran hitters against the Cardinals’ young pitching staff.
BBRT will be keeping close tabs on the battle between key Red Sox’ veteran (and very patient) hitters like David Ortiz, Dustin Pedroia, Mike Napoli and Shane Victorino and the Cardinals’ rookie post-season “ace” Michael Wacha, closer Trevor Rosenthal and, perhaps even more important, young relievers Seth Maness, Kevin Siegrist and Carlos Martinez. If the Cardinals are going to have a chance to take the Series, Wacha and the young relievers must continue their strong post season performance; and the entire pitching staff must focus on first-pitch strikes.
Can Yadier and Cardinals’ pitchers slow down Red Sox’ running game?
Yadier Molina versus Boston Base Runners.
With Boston having out-homered Saint Louis 178 to 125 in the regular season, you would expect the speed advantage would go the Cardinals. Not so. The Red Sox stole 123 bases in 2013, and were caught only 19 times. The Cardinals, on the other hand, stole just 45 bags and were nailed on 22 attempts. In the post-season, Boston has stolen 11 bases in 13 attempts, while Saint Louis has just 3 steals. The Cardinals counter the Red Sox’ dangerous running game with five-time Gold Glover Yadier Molina behind the plate. BBRT will be watching the match-up between Yadier’s arm and the speed of Jacob Ellsbury, Shane Victorino, Dustin Pedroia and likely pinch-runner Quintin Berry. Shutting down the Red Sox’ running game is particularly important, as the Cardinals work to keep the disruptive pressure off a young mound staff.
David Ortiz versus Carlos Beltran.
In David Ortiz and Carlos Beltran, the Series features two proven big-game hitters. Which of these two lives up to his billing could have a lot to do with the outcome or the series.
Allen Craig versus His Own Left Foot.
Allen Craig has been out of the lineup since Sept. 4 due to a left foot sprain. Now he’s back and, if he can shake off the rust, his bat in the middle of the Cardinals’ line up can really boost the birds. During the regular season, Craig went .315-13-97 in 134 games.
Matt Carpenter versus Dustin Pedroia.
These two second baseman are both professional hitters and critical parts of their teams’ offenses. Carpenter hit .318, with 11 home runs, 78 RBI, 126 runs and 3 steals during the regular season (leading the NL in runs, hits and doubles). Pedroia hit .301, with nine home runs, 84 RBI, 91 runs and 17 steals. Either of these players is capable of dominating in a short series and, if either does, it could significantly impact the outcome.
Michael Wacha versus the Green Monster.
A twenty-one-year-old rookie, Michael Wacha has proven his courage and composure in the post season – going 3-0, twice beating likely NL Cy Young winner Clayton Kershaw and giving up just one run in 21 innings. His first start in the World Series – in the shadow of the Green Monster and in the den (and din) of the Boston faithful – will be another test. If he passes, the Cardinals could be on their way to the championship. It’s that close.
Shane Victorino – World Series MVP? It could happen.
Shane Victorino versus BBRT’s Expectations.
David Ortiz refers to Shane Victorino as “a money player.” BBRT thinks the World Series will be Victorino’s time to shine – and, in fact, recently made him my (surprise?) prediction for World Series MVP.
Be glad to hear your comments and predictions.
I Tweet baseball – @DavidBBRT
BBRT Casts Votes on Baseball Bloggers Alliance 2013 Awards
After each season, members of the Baseball Bloggers Alliance (BBA) vote on a series of awards for each league:
Stan Musial Award (top player in each league);
Walter Johnson Award (top starting pitcher);
Willie Mays Award (top rookie)
Goose Gossage Award (top relief pitcher)
Connie Mack Award (top manager)
BBRT will provide a link to the BBA site when the winners are announced (voting ends when the World Series begins). In this post, I’d like to share BBRT’s votes, as well as some background on my selections and those that were “close” to getting BBRT’s vote. Your comments on the BBRT selections are welcomed.
STAN MUSIAL AWARD – Top Player
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Mike Trout
Mike Trout, Center Field, Los Angeles Angels
Remember this award says “best” player”, not “most valuable” player. That said, the 22-year-old Trout wins hands down for his five-tool performance. Trout boasted a .323 average (AL’s third-best); 190 hits (AL’s fourth-best); A league-leading 109 runs; 97 RBI (AL’s ninth-best); 27 home runs (14th in AL); 33 stolen bases (8th in AL); and a league-topping 110 walks. Couple that with his sterling defense, and you have BBRT’s choice for the AL Stan Musial Award. (Note: If I could change on thing about Trout, it would be to see him cut down on his strikeouts – 136 in 2013. Imagine his numbers then.)
Mike Trout – 2013
G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI Avg. SB
157 589 109 190 39 9 27 110 .323 33
A couple of other players merited serious consideration for this recognition. You can’t ignore the Tigers’ third baseman Miguel Cabrera and his .348-44-137 follow-up to his 2012 Triple Crown. Had Miggy not been hampered by a groin injury late in the season, he might have been the first repeat Triple Crown winner. As it is, he won his third straight batting title and earned BBRT’s respect for playing through pain. Also near the top, but short of Trout, were the Orioles’ first sacker Chris Davis who led the league in home runs (53) and RBI (138), while hitting .286; and Yankee second baseman Robinson Cano, who played solid middle-infield defense, while chipping in .314-27-107 at the plate. Cano also was still successful on seven of eight steal attempts.
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Paul Goldschmidt, First Base, Arizona Diamondbacks.
The smart money seems to be on Andrew McCutchen here, but BBRT is going with the Diamondbacks’ 26-year-old first baseman Paul Goldschmidt – for his combination of power, speed and defense. Goldschmidt, one of MLB’s top defensive first baseman, came of age in 2013 – leading the NL in home runs (tied at 36) and RBI (125), while finishing eleventh in average at .302 – and he tossed in 15 steals. Goldschmidt’s emergence should come as no surprise. Before a 2011 call up to the Diamondbacks, he hit .316, with 82 homers and 263 RBI in 313 minor league games (2009-11).
Paul Goldschmidt – 2013
G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI Avg. SB
160 602 103 182 36 3 36 125 .302 15
Also in the mix (BBRT was attempted to split this vote), was the Pirates’ center fielder Andrew McCutchen, the likely NL MVP winner, who brought Gold Glove caliber defense, a .317-27-84 line, and 27 steals to the Pittsburgh lineup. Cardinals’ catcher Yadier Molina earns BBRT’s third spot for combining game-calling skills, a likely fifth straight Gold Glove and a .319-12-80 offensive line – despite knee and wrist injuries (catchers do take a beating).
WALTER JOHNSON AWARD – Top Starting Pitcher
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Max Scherzer
Max Scherzer, Detroit Tigers
Being “old school,” BBRT could not ignore MLB’s only twenty-game winner. So, my AL Walter Johnson Award vote goes to 21-3 Max Scherzer – but the 25-year-old Detroit right-hander did plenty more to win my vote. His 2.90 ERA was fifth in the AL; his 240 strikeouts (in 214 1/3 innings – AL’s fifth-highest) were second only to K-machine Yu Darvish; he allowed hitters a league second-lowest .198 batting average against; and he was the only AL pitcher to notch a WHIP (walks and hits per inning pitched) of less than one (0.97).
Max Scherzer – 2013
W-L ERA GS CG ShO IP H ER BB SO
21-3 2.90 32 0 0 214.1 152 69 56 240
Two other hurlers who garnered BBRT consideration were: Rangers’ righty Yu Darvish (13-9, 2.83 and a league-topping 277 strikeouts in 209 2/3 innings pitched); and Scherzer’s teammate, right-hander Anibel Sanchez (14-8 with a league-low 2.57 ERA and 202 whiffs in 182 innings). Three hurlers with sub 3.00 ERA, 200+ strikeouts, so twenty wins make the difference.
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Clayton Kershaw
Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers
First choice in the NL, not too difficult. The 25-year-old Kershaw was once again masterful on the mound and appears headed for his second Cy Young Award (he won in 2011, finished second in 2012). Kershaw keeps hitters off balance with a lively mid-90s (four-seam) fastball, a mid-80s slider and a curve in the low 70-mph range. The southpaw’s 16-9 record in 2013 hovers over a MLB-lowest 1.83 ERA (his third straight NL ERA crown). Kershaw also led the NL with 232 strikeouts (in 236 innings – second in the NL). He had the second-lowest batting average against (.195) and his 0.92 WHIP (walks and hits per inning pitched) was MLB’s lowest. BBRT anticipates Kershaw will be in the running for the BBA Walter Johnson Award for many years to come.
Clayton Kershaw – 2013
W-L ERA GS CG ShO IP H ER BB SO
16-9 1.83 33 3 2 236 164 48 52 232
Without a late season shutdown, the Miami Marlins’ rookie right-hander Jose Fernandez might have given Kershaw an even stronger run for the money. As it is, Fernandez finished 12-6 on a Marlins team that lost 100 games. His 2.19 ERA was second only to Kershaw and, at .098, he was one of only four major leaguers with a WHIP under 1.00. Fernandez also struck out 187 hitters in 172 2/3 innings, and his .182 batting average against was the best in MLB. Also in BBRT’s top four for the NL Walter Johnson Award were: Cardinals’ right-hander Adam Wainwright, 19-9 (NL most wins), 2.94, 219 strikeouts (third in the NL), and a league-leading 241 2/3 innings pitched, five complete games and two shutouts; Mets’ righty Matt Harvey, who would have challenged Kershaw for BBRT’s vote (9-5, 2.27, 191 Ks in 178 1/3 innings), but for late-season arm injury; and Phillies’ southpaw Cliff Lee, who quietly put together a 14-8 record, with a 2.87 ERA and 222 strikeouts in 222 2/3 innings for the under-performing Phils.
WILLIE MAYS AWARD– Top Rookie
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Wil Myers
Wil Myers, Outfielder, Tampa Bay
Myers, the 2012 Minor League Player of the year (.314-37-109 in 134 games), was acquired by the Rays in the James Shields trade. The 22-year-old Myers was called up to Tampa in mid-June. At the time, he was hitting .286-14-57 at AAA Durham – and once he joined Tampa, he got even better. Myers played in 88 games for the Rays and put up a .293-13-53 line, with 50 runs, 23 doubles and five steals – despite a bit of a slump in August. A strong September secured BBRT’s vote.
Wil Myers – 2013
G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI Avg. SB
88 373 50 98 23 0 13 53 .293 5
Following Myers in BBRT’s consideration was his teammate, Rays’ right-handed pitcher Chris Archer (9-7, 3.22, 101 strikeouts in 128 2/3 innings pitched – including two complete-game shutouts in 22 starts). Ranking third for BBRT was Detroit shortstop Jose Iglesias (who started the year with Boston). Iglesias played highlight-reel defense and put up a .303-3-29 line in 109 games. Iglesias, however, tailed off in the second half. He hit .330 in 63 games with the Red Sox and .259 in 46 games for the Tigers.
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Jose Fernandez, Pitcher, Miami Marlins
My top rookie vote in the NL goes to Miami Marlins’ right-handed pitcher Jose Fernandez. Let me reaffirm (and add to) what I wrote about the 21-year-old rookie in the Walter Johnson Award section. Fernandez finished 12-6 on a Marlins team that lost 100 games. He had the NL’s second-best ERA (2.19 ERA) and MLB’s second-best batting average against (.182). He was also one of only four major leaguers with a WHIP under 1.00 and struck out 187 hitters in 172 2/3 innings. If he hadn’t been shut down after passing the 170-inning mark, Fernandez might have put up even better numbers (perhaps three more starts). In his two September starts (facing the Braves and Nationals), Fernandez went 2-0 – giving up just 6 hits, 5 walks and one run, while striking out 14 in 14 innings. Fernandez produced his 2013 record with a 93/94-mph fastball, a sharp-breaking overhand curve and a change-up that he is still working on (imagine when he masters that pitch).
Jose Fernandez – 2013
W-L ERA GS CG ShO IP H ER BB SO
12-6 2.19 28 0 0 172.2 111 47 58 187
Also in the running for BBRT’s NL rookie vote was Cardinals’ right-hander Shelby Miller, who put up a 15-9 record with a 3.06 ERA and 169 strikeouts in 173 1/3 innings pitched. Dodgers’ outfielder Yasiel Puig also deserves mention. Puig played in only 63 minor league games before his June 3, 2013 call up – hitting .328-13-52 with 21 steals. His 2013 line reads .319-14-42 with 11 steals in 104 games for LA, and he played a key role in the Dodgers comeback to win the division.
GOOSE GOSSAGE AWARD – Top Relief Pitcher
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Greg Holland
Greg Holland, Kansas City
Even though BBRT thinks it may be time to rename this the Mariano Rivera Award, I have to go with Royals right-handed closer Greg Holland as the AL’s premier reliever. The 27-year-old Holland notched 47 saves (with two wins and a loss), with just three blown saves, in 2013. With a 95-mph fastball, a wicked bat-missing slider and an occasional splitter, Holland notched a 1.21 ERA, with 103 strikeouts in only 67 innings. For the season, left-handers hit .172 versus Holland, right-handers .168.
Greg Holland – 2013
W-L SV ERA G IP H ER BB SO
2-1 47 1.21 68 67 40 9 18 103
Close behind Holland is the Rangers’ veteran righty Joe Nathan, who went 6-2, 1.39, with 43 saves and just three blown saves. Nathan doesn’t miss as many bats as Holland, but he still struck out better than one per inning (73 whiffs in 64 2/3 innings). Lefties hit .171 versus Nathan and righties a miniscule .152. Also in the mix, but trailing both Holland and Nathan, were: retiring Yankee legend, right-hander Mariano Rivera, who rode his cutter to a 6-2 record, with 44 saves and a 2.11 ERA; and Orioles’ righty Jim Johnson, who went 3-8, 2.94, with an AL-leading 50 saves. Both Rivera and Johnson dropped down due to the number of blown saves (nine for Johnson, seven for Rivera) and higher ERAs and lower strikeout rates than the top two.
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Craig Kimbrel
Craig Kimbrel, Atlanta Braves
When you look at the whole package, the 25-year-old Kimbrel had little competition for the 2013 NL Goose Gossage crown. Kimbrel used a 96-97 mph fastball (that occasionally tops 100 mph) and a power curve to run up a 4-3 record, with an NL-leading 50 saves (only four blown saves) and a 1.21 ERA. Kimbrel has led the NL in saves the past three years (46-42-50). In 2013, He whiffed 98 hitters in 67 innings, with twenty walks. Overall, lefties hit .211 against him, while he dominated right-handers (.116).
Craig Kimbrel – 2013
W-L SV ERA G IP H ER BB SO
4-3 50 1.21 68 67 39 9 20 98
BBRT also considered (but it was really no contest) Reds’ lefty Aroldis Chapman, who went 4-5, 2.54 with 38 saves (versus five blown saves). Chapman throws a fastball consistently in the high 90s (and has reached 105 mph), as well as a devastating slider. In 2013, he struck out 112 hitters in just 63 2/3 innings (29 walks). Lefties hit .137 against him, while right-handers averaged .172.
(BBRT obseervation – Greg and Craig – my two Goose Gossage Award voter getters – had remarkably similar stats. Both pitched in 68 games, threw 67 innings and gave up nine earned runs for a 1.21 ERA. Holland gave up 40 hits, one more than Kimbrel; while Kimbrel gave up 20 walks, two more than Holland. Holland struck out 103 to Kimbrel’s 98.)
CONNIE MACK AWARD – Top Manager
AMERICAN LEAGUE
John Farrell
John Farrell – Boston Red Sox
Farrell leads a strong set of candidates for top AL manager. Farrell took a team that finished last (under Bobby Valentine) in 2012 to the top of the AL East in 2013. This last-to-first surge included a 28-game won-lost improvement (from 69-93 to 97-65).
Farrell also “righted” what seemed to be a sinking club house culture. In doing so, he effectively brought together a lot of new faces (Mike Napoli, Shane Victorino, Kuji Uehara, Stephen Drew, Ryan Dempster) with some long-time Red Sox veterans (David Ortiz, John Lester, Dustin Pedroia).
Very Simply, Farrell led a turnaround on and off the field. That earns him BBRT’s Connie Mack Award vote.
Others in the running: Terry Francona (led the unheralded Indians to a 24-game improvement and an AL Wild Card spot); Bob Melvin (led the A’s, with the AL’s fourth-lowest payroll, to another West Division title); Joe Girardi (led the Yankees to an 85-77 finish, overcoming age, injuries and the A-Rod controversy). BBRT also gives a shout out to Twins’ manager Ron Gardenhire. A manager who can turn a third consecutive 90+ loss season into a two-year contract extension must be doing something right.
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Don Mattingly
Don Mattingly, Los Angeles Dodgers
Okay, Mattingly did have the “horses” and the payroll, but he wins for keeping the Dodgers from disintegrating in the first half, and launching a ferocious second-half comeback. The Dodgers were in last place in the West Division on July 1 – and, just 80 days later, were the first MLB team to clinch a 2013 division title. In fact, on June 21, the Dodgers were 12 games under .500 (30-42), in last place and 9 ½ back of the Diamondbacks. Under Mattingly’s leadership, they kept grinding and went 62-28 the rest of the way. A steady hand during a stormy first half, coupled with a dramatic comeback, wins Mattingly BBRT’s NL Connie Mack Award vote.
Also deserving recognition is Pirates’ skipper Clint Hurdle, who ended the Pittsburgh’s streak of 20 consecutive losing seasons and brought post-season baseball to Pittsburgh – and who may very well win MLB’s 2013 Manager of the Year Award.
So there are BBRT’s votes for the Baseball Bloggers Alliance (BBA) 2013 season awards. Watch for a link to the BBA announcement of this year’s winners once voting is complete. And you call follow BBRT on Twitter at @DavidBBRT. For more on the BBA, click the link on the lower right hand side of the BBRT home page.
Common and Uncommon Observations on the 2013 MLB Season
With the regular season over and playoffs on everyone’s minds, BBRT is taking a break from post-season tension to reflect on just a few regular season occurrences that grabbed my attention.
Payroll Didn’t Drive Placement
Looking at the teams that made it into the post-season three of the top five opening day payrolls were there (#2 Dodgers, #4 Boston and #5 Detroit), but so were three of the bottom five payrolls (#26 Pittsburgh, # 27 Oakland, # 28 Tampa). Of note, the Dodgers’ $220 million payroll exceeded the combined opening day payrolls of playoff bound Oakland ($61 million), Pittsburgh ($80 million) and Tampa Bay ($58 million). (Figures from CBSsports.com.)
Tough to be YU!
Two guys named YU – The Rangers’ Yu Darvish and Giants’ Yusmiel Petit – both came with one batter of perfect games this season.
Yu Darvish – one of two YUs to lose a perfect game after 26 outs.
On April 2, Darvish was on the mound with two-out in the bottom of the ninth inning, holding a 7-0 lead over the Astros, having retired the first 26 hitters he faced (striking out 14). At the plate was Astros’ shortstop Marwin Gonzalez, who had grounded out and struck out in his first two appearances. Darvish started Gonzalez with a fastball – and the result was a low bouncer that skirted between Darvish’s legs and on into center field for a single. After 111 pitches, Darvish’s night was over and Micheal Kirkman came on to get pinch hitter J.D. Martinez to end the game.
On September 6, Yu number-two – Yusmiel Petit of the Giants – went into the top of ninth inning with a 3-0 lead over the Diamondbacks, having retired the first 24 Arizona hitters, striking out six. He got shortstop Chris Owning with his seventh strikeout, then right fielder Gerardo Parra grounded out second-to-first. That left just pinch hitter Eric Chavez between Petit and perfection. Petit got with one strike of a perfect game, only to see Chavez single to right field (just out of the reach of a diving Hunter Pence) on a 3-2 pitch. Chavez and was replaced by pinch runner Tony Campana before Petit induced Diamondback center fielder A.J. Pollock to ground out third-to-first to end the game. The 95-pitch effort was Petit’s first MLB complete game.
Not So Easy To Be An Astro Either
The Houston Astros finished with an MLB-worst record of 51-111 this season, but that’s not what attracted BBRT attention. Over the course of the season, Astro’s hitters struck out an All Time MLB record 1,535 times – breaking the Diamondbacks’ 2010 record of 1,529. Here’s what caught BBRT’s eye. Having moved to the American League, the Astros set the new record without the benefit of their pitchers flailing (and failing) at the plate. In 2010, 119 of the Diamondbacks’ record-setting whiffs were credited to pitchers at the plate.
The NL Batting Race
Michael Cudyer – NL Batting Champ
The National League batting race was decided in the final eight days of the season – with two somewhat unlikely contenders. On September 21, Braves’ third baseman Chris Johnson (who came into 2013 with a four-year career average of .276) was leading the NL at .332. On his heels (at .331) was the Rockies’ Michael Cuddyer (who came into the season with a 12-year career average of .271 and a single-season high of .284). Over the final eight days, Cuddyer went 7-for-21 to finish at a league leading .331, while Johnson faded to .321 (going 2-for-23.) Cuddyer’s final line was .331-20-84, and he even added ten stolen bases.
Lots Of Great Young Stars To Watch
Mike Trout, Bryce Harper, Wil Myers, Manny Machado, Yasiel Puig, Jose Fernandez, Shelby Miller – and the list goes on an on. There were – and still are – simply a lot of great young stars to watch. For more – and a look at BBRT 2013 Young Star Team click https://baseballroundtable.com/bbrts-2013-mlb-young-star-team-born-in-the-90s/
The Pirates are Back! The Pirates are Back!
The Post Season comes to Pittsburgh.
The unfolding story of the Pirates, going 94-68 and making the playoffs after a twenty consecutive losing seasons. By contrast, the Yankees have not had a losing season since 1992 – and have had only 22 losing seasons in the history of the franchise (1901-2013 in Baltimore and NY). The Pirates led by such players as MVP candidate Andrew McCutchen, speedy tablesetter Sterling Marte, NL HR co-leader Pedro Alvarez, starting pitcher and Comeback Player of the Year candidate Francisco Liriano and relievers Jason Grilli and Mark Melancon should remain fun to watch.
The Pirates Are Back! So Is Francisco Liriano!
Speaking of the Pirates, starting pitcher Francisco Liriano (who won the first Wild Card playoff game) was a great story and an unlikely hero in the Bucs return to the post season. The Pirates signed Liriano after a 2012 season when he went 6-12, 5.34 (his second consecutive season with an ERA north of 5.00) for the Twins and White Sox. Then Liriano broke his non-pitching arm in the off-season and didn’t make his first start until May 11. He ended the season as the Pirates’ ace, rediscovering his wicked slider and going 16-8, 3.02, with 163 strikeouts in 161 innings. How important was Liriano the Pirates? No other Pittsburgh starter won more than ten games.
The Dodgers’ Remarkable Comeback
Yasiel Puig helped sparked Dodger comeback.
As of July 1, the underachieving Dodgers were in last place in the NL West (38-43, 3 ½ back). Just 80 days later – on September 19 – with a 7-6 win over the Diamondbacks, LA became the first team to clinch a 2013 playoff berth. It also made the Dodgers just the fourth team (along with the 1914 Boston Braves, 1973 New York Mets and 1995 Seattle Mariners) to finish in first place after holding last place as of July 1 or later. The comeback is even more remarkable when you consider that on June 21, the then last-place Dodgers stood at 30-42, 12 games under .500 and 9 ½ back of Arizona. From that point, they went 62-28 – finishing 22 games over and 11 games ahead of second-place Arizona. Looking for reasons?
Mike Trout Avoids “Sophomore Jinx
Mike Trout’s 2012 Rookie of Year season: .326, 129 runs, 30 homers, 83 RBI, 49 steals.
Mike Trout 2013: .323, 109 runs, 27 homers, 97 RBI, 33 steals. Next Willie Mays? Enough said.
Old Guys Rule!
Mariano Rivera – making his best last.
Took great pleasure in watching a couple of forty-year olds defy father time. Mariano Rivera (age 43) goes 6-2, 2.11 with 44 saves. Bartolo Colon (age 40) goes 18-6, 2.65.
Oh yes, and let’s not forget 41-year-old Raul Ibanez and his 29 home runs, tying Ted Williams for the most ever by a 41-year-old.
Josh Hamilton’s Fall
Josh Hamilton may have been the biggest disappointment on the disappointing Angels. In the three years before signing a five-year/$133 million contract with the Halos, Hamilton hit .313 with 100 home runs and 322 RBI. In his first year with LA, he dropped to .250-21-79. Of course, Albert Pujols has also fallen short of his big contract (10 year/$240 million) expectations. In 11 years with the Cardinals, the average season for the three-time MVP was .327-40-121. In that time, Pujols played in more than 140 games every season, hit under .300 only once (.299 in 2011), never hit less than 32 home runs in a season, and collected less than 100 RBI only once (99 in 2011). His 2013 numbers for LA were 99 games (foot injury), .258-17-64. This follows a first year in LA during which he put up: .285-30-105 in 154 games (decent numbers, but still short of expectations – at the time, they were Pujols’ lowest average, lowest HR total and second-lowest RBI count).
Cabrera Wins Third Batting Title/Davis Tops 50 HR
Chris Davis – newest 50-homer guy.
For much of the season, BBRT was on a Miguel Cabrera Triple Crown repeat watch; with the Oriole’s Chris Davis Cabrera’s main obstacle in two of the three categories. While abdominal issues slowed Miggy late in the season, Cabrera still won his third consecutive batting crown (the first player to win three straight titles since Wade Boggs won four between 1985-88). Meanwhile, Davis gave us the pleasure of watching him chase 50 home runs. At season’s end, Davis led all of MLB with 53 home runs and 138 RBI (Cabrera finished second in both at 44-137). Davis became the 27th player to reach the 50-homer mark, and his 53 HRs are the 26th most in an MLB season (for more on the 50 homer club, click https://baseballroundtable.com/chris-davis-newest-member-of-50-homer-club/
The Yankees’ .500+ Record
Joe Girardi for Manager of the Year. It could happen, considering how he managed the Yankees to a third-place finish, eight games over .500 (85-77) despite age, injuries and the A-Rod controversy. Girardi did a great job of guiding the Yankees through troubled waters with lots of fill-ins at the oars.
The Blue Jays Disappointing Performance
With a host of off-season acquisitions – Jose Reyes, R.A. Dickey, Josh Johnson, Mark Buehrle, Melky Cabrera, Emilio Bonifacio – the Blue Jays moved into the top ten in payroll and became a popular pick to win the AL East. They were, however, never a factor – finishing at 74-88, last in the division, 23 games out. Lots of reasons, with 2012 NL CY Young winner R.A. Dickey (20-6, 2.73 for the Mets in 2012) at or near the top of the list. Dickey was a significant disappointment at 14-13, 4.21 for the Jays. (Maybe it shouldn’t have been a surprise, eliminating 2012, Dickey’s MLB record – ten seasons – would be 55-63, 4.31.) Jose Reyes performed well when he was in the lineup (.293-10-37, with 15 steals), but injuries limited him to 93 games. Josh Johnson, who came to the Jays with a career line of 56-37, 3.15 was limited by triceps and forearm issues – and turned in 2-8 record with a 6.20 ERA in just 16 starts. And so it went for the Jays – injuries and underperformance derailing what should have been a promising season.
The First Place Boston Red Sox
Lots of excitement at Fenway this year.
In 2012, the Boston Red Sox finished in last place in the AL East, 69-93 and 26 games out. The Sox dumped first-year manager Bobby Valentine and brought in John Farrell. They also made changes to the team during the off-season – changes that didn’t seem to excite analysts or fans. Joining the Red Sox were not the biggest name free agents, but players like Mike Napoli, Shane Victorino, Koji Uehara, Stephen Drew, and Ryan Dempster. The Sox, in fact, were picked to finish at our near the bottom of the division. Unlike the Blue Jays, the Red Sox strategy paid off in the W-L column, as they won the East with a 97-65 record. Napoli contributed 23 HRs and 92 RBI, Victorino hit .294 with 21 steals, and Uehara notched 21 saves to go with a 1.09 ERA. Red Sox veterans chipped in as well. David Ortiz went .309-30-103; Dustin Pedroia’s line was .301-9-83 (17 steals); John Lester rebounded with a 15-8 record and 3.75 ERA; and, despite injuries that limited him to 16 starts, Clay Bucholz went 12-1, 1.74.
Oakland Athletics Get High(s) – Win The AL West
The A’s must have been rewatching “Moneyball.” Despite MLB’s 27th highest (or fourth lowest) opening day payroll, Oakland topped the AL West, which is also home to the game’s sixth- (Angels) and eighth-highest (Rangers) payrolls. The A’s went 96-66, driven to success by such “name” players as Brandon Moss, Jed Lowrie, Eric Sogard, Josh Donaldson, Jarrod Parker, A.J. Griffin, and Dan Straily. (There were a lot a “career highs” along the way – like Moss’ career-high 30 HRs, Donaldson’s career-high .301 average, Lowrie’s career-topping 75 RBI, Griffin’s career-best 14 wins; and much more). There also were some better-known names making contributions: Coco Crisp (with a career-high 22 HRs), Yeonis Cespedes (career-high 26 HRs) and 40-year-old starter Bartolo Colon, who went 18-6, 2.65.
Washington Nationals – A Fade, But Not A Collapse
The Washington Nationals were a popular pick to win the AL East in 2013, after 98 wins and an East Division title in 2012. The team has taken a lot of heat for falling behind the Atlanta Braves early and failing to make the playoff. But really, they still finished 10 games over .500 (86-76) and have a solid foundation in place for 2014. BBRT urges Nats’ fans not to overreact.
“Kinda-Unlikely” No hitters
There were three no-hitters thrown in 2013, all by pitchers who started their no-hitters with a losing record on the season – and also would finish their season with a losing record. Let’s look at these “kinda-unlikely” outcomes.
“Homer” Bailey, unlikely name for no-hitter hurler.
On July 2, Reds’ right-hander Homer Bailey threw the first no-hitter of the 2013 season. Given that Bailey also threw the last no-hitter of 2012 (September 28, 2012), the no-no is not entirely unlikely. It just seems to BBRT a bit unexpected that a pitcher with the unfortunate name of “Homer” would toss a no-hitter. This year’s no-no came in Cincinnati’s hitter-friendly Great American Ballpark, with Bailey shutting down the Giants 3-0 on 109 pitches, walking just one, striking out nine. With the final out, Bailey became just the 31st pitcher to throw multiple no-hitters. Bailey, by the way, went into the game with a 4-6 record and a 3.88 ERA. He finished the season 11-12, 3.49.
On July 13, the Giants’ Tim Lincecum no hit the Padres 9-0 in San Diego. Why did this seem so unlikely – after all, Lincecum is a two-time Cy Young Award winner? True, but the Lincecum who took the mound this past July was not the hurler who in 2008-09 went 33-12, with a 2.55 ERA and 526 strikeouts in 452 1/3 innings. This was a Lincecum coming off a 2012 season in which he went 10-15 with a 5.18 ERA. It was a Lincecum with a 2013 record of 4-9, 4.61. (He would end the season at 10-14, 4.37.) Ultimately, Lincecum threw an unlikely (career-high) 148 pitches in his no-hit game, striking out 13 batters (while walking four).
On the final day of the season (September 29), the Marlins’ Henderson Álvarez was matched up against Detroit’s Justin Verlander – a pitcher much more likely than Alvarez to toss a no-hitter – in Miami. Alvarez joined the Marlins after compiling a 9-14 record (4.85 ERA) for the Blue Jays in 2012. He came into the season finale with a 2013 mark of 4-6, 3.94 (and would finish the season 5-6, 3.59). Alvarez and Verlander matched zeros across the board and, as the Marlins batted in the bottom of the ninth, Alvarez had completed nine no-hit innings with one walk and four strikeouts. In the bottom of the ninth, Miami turned two singles and a walk into a bases-loaded/one-out situation. Then, with Alvarez on deck, the winning run scored (in an unlikely manner) on a wild pitch.
So, there are a few things that caught BBRT’s attention in 2013. Got any to add? Feel free to comment.
BBRT’s 2013 MLB “Young Star Team” – born in the ’90s
BBRT often goes “old school” in this posts, reflecting on past stars and accomplishments – like the recent post (September 25) on Satchel Paige. Today, however, BBRT will look forward and touch on an entire line up of reasons why I have great expectations for the future of the American past time.
In this post, BBRT unveils its 2013 YOUNG STAR (All Star) TEAM. The qualifications are straightforward. Each selectee must already have excelled in the major leagues – and must have been born in the 1990s. (Basically, it’s a team of “Young Stars,” 23-years-old and younger.) This youthful squad, I believe, would be a contender – and, together, these players will give fans plenty to watch, and get excited about, in the years ahead.
So, here is your 2013 Baseball Roundtable Young Star Team (birth dates in parenthesis).
Catcher
Salvador Perez, Royals – age 23 – 6’3”, 245 (May 10, 1990)
Kansas City catcher Salvador Perez is already being touted as one of the best defensive catchers (throwing out approximately 35% of attempting base stealers and showing a quick pick off move) in baseball, and he also looks to be maturing (very quickly) as a hitter. Perez started his minor league career in 2007 at age 17 – and (from 2007-2012) hit .287 with 20 home runs in 343 minor league games. He was first called up to the Royals in August of 2011 – and hit .331-2-21 in 39 games. In 2012, he again topped .300 for the Royals, with a .301-11-39 line in 76 games. It appears KC has handled Perez, a 2013 AL All Star, exactly right – this season he has played in 138 games, hitting .292 with 13 home runs and 79 RBI. He now has a career (3-year) average of .301 in 253 games.
Another position move for former catcher Wil Myers
First Base
Wil Myers, Rays – age 22 – 6’3”, 205 (Dec. 10, 1990)
Okay, I cheated a hit here to get a strong bat in this slot – moving Myers in from the outfield. However, Myers has already proven his ability to switch positions (he made the 2010 Midwest League All Star team as a catcher), so BBRT is confident the 22-year-old can make the transfer to first base. (Unfortunately, rising star first sackers Freddie Freeman of the Braves and Anthony Rizzo of the Cubs were born just a little early to qualify for the ‘90s squad. Freeman was born September 12, 1989 and Rizzo August 8, 1989.)
Myers, acquired by the Rays in the James Shields trade, was called up to Tampa in mid-June of this season. At the time, he was hitting .286-14-57 at AAA Durham. He was in his fifth minor league season (a total of 445 games, .300 average, 78 HRs, 316 RBI). In 2012, at AA/AAA, Myers hit .314-37-109. In 2013, Myers (an AL Rookie of the Year candidate) played in 88 games for the Rays and put up a .293-13-53 line, adding 50 runs, 23 doubles and five steals. He gives the Young Stars a solid, power bat at first.
Second Base
Jose Altuve, Astros – age 23 – 5’5”, 175 (May 6, 1990)
Just 23, Altuve already has more than 350 ML games and one All Star selection under his belt. The shortest current major leaguer, Altuve launched his professional career at age 17 (hitting .343 in 64 Rookie League games). Since day one, Altuve has shown speed and bat control at every level. (He is also considered a “plus” defender with soft hands, a good arm and solid baseball instincts.) In 382 minor league games, Altuve hit .327, with 24 home runs and 119 steals. He played his first game for the Astros on July 20, 2011 and has never looked back. In 2011, he hit .276, with 7 steals and 26 runs scored in 57 games. In 2012, he upped his average to .290, with 33 steals and 80 runs scored. In 2013, he continued to hit and run, with a .283 average, 64 runs and 35 steals. He also notched 31 doubles, five home runs and 52 RBI. Altuve is a good table setter to put at the top of the “Born in the ‘90s” line up.
Third Base
Manny Machado, Orioles – age 21 – 6’2”, 180 (July 5, 1992)
Manny Machado (what a great baseball name), was being groomed as the O’s shortstop of the future before his call up August 9, 2012 (at the age of 19). The Orioles needed help at the hot corner and Machado was assigned the third base job (a position he had not played professionally). He adjusted well, proving a defensive asset. The teenager also held his own at the plate, hitting .262, with seven home runs and 26 RBIs. There was, however, plenty more to come. This season, Machado has become an offensive force – .282-14-71, while leading the AL in doubles (51), scoring 88 runs and tossing in six steals for good measure. Once he learns a bit more patience at the plate (113 strikeouts versus 29 walks this season), he is likely to move up among the game’s elite hitters.
Shortstop
Jean Segura, Brewers – age 23 – 5’ 10”, 200 (March 17, 1990)
There were several choices available for the Young Star team at this critical position. BBRT is going with the Brewers’ Jean Segura (acquired by Milwaukee from the Angels in the 2012 Zack Greinke trade). Signed at 17, Segura’s six-season minor league stats include 399 games, a .312 average and 139 stolen bases. In 2012, he got in one game with the Angels and 44 with the Brewers, hitting .264 with 13 steals, showing flashes of stellar defense, as well as some defensive lapses. In 2013, Segura lived up to his promise – making the NL All Star team, while stabilizing his defense, and hitting .294, with 74 runs, 12 home runs, and 49 RBI. He was second in the league with 44 steals (trailing Eric Young by two), and likely would have led the league in that category except for a late season hamstring injury.
Other contenders for this spot were the Cubs’ Starlin Castro (May 24, 1990), the first player born in the 1990s to play in the major leagues. Just 23, Castro is in his fourth ML season, carrying a .283 average in 606 games, two All Star selections and the 2011 NL hits leaderships. Segura passed Castro on the basis of the latter’s declining batting average over the past two seasons (.307 in 2011/.283 in 2012/.245 in 2013) and defensive lapses. Also in the mix were Detroit’s Jose Iglesias (January 5, 1990), who this year could become the first player to win Rookie of the Year in a season in which he was traded (from Boston to Detroit). Iglesias put up a .303-3-29 line in 109 2013 games, but has tailed off a bit in the second half (he hit .330 in 63 games with the Red Sox and .259 in 46 games for the Tigers).
Outfield
Mike Trout, Angels – age 21 – 6’2”, 230 (Aug. 7, 1991)
Just 21, Trout has spent all or part of the past three seasons with the Angels and is already a two-time All Star. Called up in July 2011, he hit .220 with five homers, 20 runs scored, 16 RBI and four steals in 40 games. Trout then started 2012 in the minors, but after hitting .403 in 20 games at AAA Salt Lake, it was clear he had nothing more to prove. Trout was back with the Angels by late April. A .342 hitter, with 23 home runs and 108 steals in 286 minor league games, Trout has proven to be a true five-tool MLB star; adding power and patience as he matured.
In 2012, Trout appeared in 139 games, winning AL Rookie of the Year honors, while hitting .326 with 30 home runs and 83 RBIs, leading the AL in runs scored (129) and stolen bases (49) and playing sterling defense. In 2013, he has avoided the “sophomore jinx,” going .323, with 27 home runs, 97 RBI and 33 steals (caught only seven times), while also leading the AL in runs (109) and walks (110). From BBRT’s perspective, he can be the new generation’s Willie Mays – and the leader of the BBRT Young Star team. He’ll bat in the three-hold for the Young Stars.
Bryce Harper, Nationals – age 20 – 6’2”, 230 (Oct. 16, 1992)
Harper, the 2012 NL Rookie of the Year, has been recognized not just for his talent, but also for his hustle and work ethic. A major-league regular by age 19, Harper played only 134 minor league games – hitting .292, with 19 homers, 64 RBI and 27 steals. He earned his first MLB All Star berth in his rookie season (the youngest position player ever selected to an All Star squad) as a replacement for the injured Ian Desmond. He ended his rookie campaign at .270-22-59, with 18 steals and 90 runs. Harper, who goes “all out, all the time,” suffered hip, knee and rib cage injuries in 2013, but still made his second All Star squad and hit .274, with 20 home runs, 58 RBI, 71 runs and 11 steals in 118 games.
Harper earned additional BBRT respect on May 6, 2012, when, after being welcomed to the big leagues with a Cole Hamels’ pitch in the back (which Hamels later admitted was intentional), Harper extracted “old school” retribution – going to third on a single and then stealing home.
If Harper avoids serious injury, BBRT expects he will add power as he matures, significantly upping his HR and RBI totals.
Yasiel Puig, Dodgers – Age 22 – 6’3”, 245 (Dec. 7, 1990)
For BBRT, Cuban defector Yasiel Puig is Mike Trout with “attitude” – and regardless of how you feel about that attitude, he is (and will continue to be) an exciting player to watch. Puig played in only 63 minor league games before his June 3, 2013 call up – hitting .328-13-52 with 21 steals. His 2013 line reads .319-14-42 with 11 steals in 104 games for LA, playing a key role in the Dodgers comeback to win the division. (He does need to hone his base running skills – caught eight times in 19 attempts- but Puig clearly has five-tool potential.) He also plays with emotion and confidence that can often rub the opposition the wrong way. He backs up that attitude with talent and a commitment to winning that holds promise for a long, successful MLB career – and makes him a key part of the 2013 Young Star team’s five-tool outfield.
Starting Pitchers (Tie)
Jose Fernandez, RH, Marlins – Age 21 – 6’2”, 240 (July 31, 1992)
Cuban defector, Jose Fernandez – who boasts a mid-90s fastball and a sharp, overhand curve – made the jump to the Marlins in 2013, after only 55 minor league innings (27 games in 2011/12), with a minor league 14-2 record, 59 strikeouts and a 2.02 ERA. He proved to be all that was advertised, going 12-6, 2.19, with 187 whiffs (vs. 58 walks) in 172 2/3 innings before a late-season shutdown by the Marlins
Shelby Miller, RH, Cardinals – age 22 – 6’ 3”, 215 (Oct. 10, 1990)
Just 21-years-old and with four minor league seasons behind him, Miller received a late 2012 call up to the Cardinals and impressed – 6 games, 13 2/3 inning pitched, 16 strikeouts and a 1.32 ERA. He earned a spot in the 2013 Cardinals’ rotation in spring training and delivered on his promise – 15-9, 3.06, and 169 strikeouts (vs. 57 walks) in 173 1/3 innings.
Lots of quality hurlers came close to making the Young Star team – a few of the 1989 birth class include the Mets’ Matt Harvey, White Sox’ Chris Sale, Giants’ Madison Bumgarner and Rays’ Matt Moore.
Closer (with a back-up plan)
Trevor Rosenthal RH, Cardinals – age 23 – 6’2”, 220 (May 29, 1990)
Pickings were a little slimmer for a 2013 Young Star team closer. MLB teams like hurlers to “mature” before taking on that responsibility. Given that circumstance, BBRT looked to the potential of the Cardinals’ Trevor Rosenthal, whose fastball has topped 100 mph. Primarily a starter in the minors (66 games, 48 starts, 22-14 record, 3.53 ERA, 293 strikeouts in 285 1/3 innings), Rosenthal has pitched solely in relief since his call up in July of 2012. In 74 2013 appearances, he pitched 75 1/3 innings, striking out 108 )vs. 20 walks), with a 2-4 record, three saves and a 2.63 ERA. In his 1 1/2 MLB seasons, he has whiffed 133 hitters (27 walks) in 98 inning, with a 2.66 ERA.
Paco Rodriguez, LH, Dodgers – age 22 – 6′ 3″, 220 (April 16, 1991)
Rosenthal’s preference is to be a starter, so just in case, our 2013 Young Star team has the Dodgers’ Paco Rodriguez in the wings. Rodriguez began his professional career in the LA system in 2012, appearing in 21 games, with a 0.92 ERA and 32 strikeouts in 19 2/3 innings pitched. That performance earned Rodriguez a September call up to (the first 2012 MLB draftee to make the majors). He appeared in 11 games (just 6 2/3 innings), with a 1.35 ERA in the final month. In 2013, Rodriguez appeared in 76 games for the Dodgers, with a 3-4 record, two saves, a stingy 2.32 ERA and 63 strikeouts (vs. 19 walks) in 54 1/3 innings. Paco is the Young Star team’s closer in waiting.
Looking at established closers, both the Braves’ Craig Kimbrel and the Reds Aroldis Chapman were born in 1988 – under 25, promising lots of good years ahead, but too old for the Young Star team.
So, there’s BBRT’s 2013 Young Star Team. BBRT welcomes any comments or additional nominations for the youthful squad.
BBRT’s Mo-Ment – One More On The Bandwagon
Never let it be said that BBRT “missed the bandwagon.” It’s time to share my Mariano Rivera “Mo-Ment.” No, I wasn’t in the stands for any of the 2013 regular season’s heartfelt farewells – but I was at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa for a Rivera “first-Last”: Rivera’s first appearance of his last Spring Training. (Photos above.)
What can you say about Rivera that hasn’t already been said – the best closer ever and a class act on and off the field. How good was Mo? The numbers (as of September 27) speak for themselves.
- 652 regular-season saves, best ever.
- 42 post-season saves, best ever. (He also had 8 post-season wins – and only one loss – with a 0.70 post season ERA (lowest ever).
- Thirteen-time All Star, five-time Rolaids Relief Man of the Year, three-time Delivery Man of the Year.
- Three-time AL leader in saves – topped 50 saves twice, topped 40 saves nine times.
- A lifetime ERA of 2.21 (19 seasons, 1,116 games, 1,283 2/3 innings pitched) – ERA below 3.00 every season except 1995 (rookie season, included his only 10 starts, 5.51) and 2007 (3.15). Eleven seasons with an ERA below 2.00 – lowest was 1.38 in 2005 (71 appearances).
Looking back on a career of consistent achievement, Rivera (in BBRT’s estimation) saved the best for last. On May 3, 2012, after nine appearances, Rivera tore his ACL in a freak accident (while shagging fly balls in the outfield before the game). Many thought the injury would mark the end of the 42-year-old hurler’s career. Rivera vowed he would be back and has delivered on his word. Through September 7 – at age 43 – Rivera is 6-2, with a 2.11 ERA and 44 saves (third in the AL.) That is a comeback for the ages – from a closer for the ages. Mo will be missed. BBRT is looking forward to the Hall of Fame acceptance speech.
Souvenirs from Mariano Rivera’s FIRST appearance of his LAST (2013) Spring Training.
Photos by D. Karpinski
Chris Davis – Newest Member of 50-Homer Club
Chris Davis – newest member of the 50-Homer Club.
Today (September 13, 2013), the Orioless Chris Davis notched MLB’s 43rd fifty-home run season, becoming the 27th player to reach that mark. BBRT did a blog post focused on 50-homer seasons earlier this month (to commemorate Mickey Mantle’s 50th dinger of the 1961 season. With Davis now in the Fifty-Homer Club, I’ll update that post, add some new facts about 50-homer seasons (like fewest strikeouts and most stolen bases in a 50-homer campaign) and add the full list of 50+ home run seasons.
- The first 50-homer season belongs, as you might expect, to Babe Ruth (54 homers in 1920).
- In hitting 54 HRs in 1920, Babe Ruth broke his own MLB record of 29 HRs, thus becoming the first player to reach 30 & 40 HRs as well. Ruth also outhomered every MLB team except the NL’s Phillies, who hit 64 that year.
- Hack Wilson, with 56 HRs in 1930, became the second member (and first NL member) of the 50-homer club. (Before Wilson’s season, Ruth also topped 50 dingers in 1921, 1927 and 1928).
- Of the 27 players to notch in the Fifty-homer Club, there have been 15 right-handed hitters, 11 left-handers and one switch hitter)
- Mickey Mantle is the only switch-hitter to reach 50-homers in a season.
- The Yankees have had the most 50-homer players (four): Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris and Alex Rodriguez all reached the mark while in pinstripes.
- Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle are the only two teammates to reach 50 home runs in the same season – 1961, Maris 61 and Mantle 54.
- Babe Ruth, Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire each achieved a record four 50-homer seasons.
- Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire share the record for consecutive 50-homer campaigns at four.
- The record for 50-homer hitters in a single season is four (1998 & 2001): 1998 – Greg Vaughn (50), Ken Griffey Jr. (56), Sammy Sosa (66), Mark McGwire (70); 2001– Alex Rodriguez (50), Louis Gonzalez (57); Sammy Sosa (64); Barry Bonds (73).
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Mickey Mantle – all over the 50-Homer Club – only switch hitter to reach 50 HRs; only player with 50 homers in Triple Crown year; half of only pair of teammates to reach 50 HRs in same season (with Roger Maris, 1961); one of record four Yankees in 50-Homer Club.
Willie Mays is the only player to hit 50 homers for the same franchise in two different cities – 51 HRs for the New York Giants in 1955 and 52 for the San Francisco Giants in 1965).
- Willie Mays also holds the mark for seasons (11 including each 50-homer year) between 50-homer campaigns (as well, for the length of time between a first and last 50-homer season.)
- Mark McGwire is the only player to be traded in the course of a 50-homer season. In 1997, McGwire finished July as an Oakland A, with 34 homers and 81 RBI. On July 31, he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals, where he played in 51 more games, rapping another 24 homers and driving in 42.
- The 50-homer club boasts only one father/son combination: Cecil Fielder (51 HRs for the Tigers in 1990) and Prince Fielder (50 HRs for the Brewers in 2007).
- The youngest player to record a 50-homer club season is Prince Fielder (23), the oldest, Barry Bonds (37).
- Only one player with fifty-homer seasons has no other season of at least 30 homers. Brady Anderson’s (50 HRs in 1996) second-highest HR total in his 15-year career was 24 HRs in 1999. Anderson sandwiched his 50-homer campaign between seasons of 16 HRs (1995) and 18 HRs (1997).
- Only three players have hit fifty homers for more than one team: Jimmie Foxx (Philadelphia Athletics 1932, Boston Red Sox 1938); Mark McGwire (Oakland A’s 1996, Oakland A’s/St. Louis Cardinals 1997, St. Louis Cardinals 1998, 1999); Alex Rodriguez (Texas Rangers 2001, 2002 and New York Yankees 2007).
- Mark McGwire is the only player to have a fifty-homer season in both the NL and AL.
- Mark McGwire and Barry Bonds are the only players to reach 70 homers in a season; McGwire 70 in 1998, Bonds 73 in 2001.
- Sammy Sosa is the only player to top 60 home runs in a season three times and, ironically, did not lead his league in any of those seasons: 1998 – Sosa 66 HRs/McGwire 70; 1999 – Sosa 63/McGwire 65; 2001 – Sosa 64/Bonds 73.
- A player has hit fifty or more homers and not led his league ten times: Jimmie Foxx (1938); Mickey Mantle (1961); Brady Anderson (1996); Mark McGwire (1997, McGwire led all of baseball with 58 HRs, but was traded from AL to NL during the season and led neither league); Sammy Sosa (1998, 1999, 2001); Greg Vaughn (1998); Louis Gonzalez (2001); Jim Thome (2002).
- Only one 50-homer season has been part of a Triple Crown year – Mickey Mantle (1956) .353-52-130.
- The most stolen bases in a 50-homer season is 24, by Willie Mays (1955) and Alex Rodriguez (2007). Only four players have stolen 20 bases in a 50-season: Mays, Rodriguez, Brady Anderson and Ken Griffey, Jr. (Babe Ruth came close, swiping 17 bags in 1921, when he hit 59 long balls.)
- The most runs scored in a 50-homer season is 177 (Babe Ruth, 1921); the most RBI is 191 (Hack Wilson, 1930 – the all-time, MLB single-season high.)
- The fewest runs scored in a 50-homer season is 86 (Mark McGwire, 1997); the most runs scored is 177 (Babe Ruth, 1921).
- The highest batting average in a 50-homer campaign is .378 (Babe Ruth, 1921); the lowest average is .260 (Jose Bautista, 2010). Only three hitters have hit under .270 while bashing fifty dingers: Bautista, Roger Maris (.269, 1961) and Andruw Jones (.263, 2005).
- Johnny Mize holds the record for the fewest strikeouts in a 50-homer season, 42 in 1947.
- Since 1920 (first 50-HR season), the longest period without a 50-HR hitter has been 12 seasons (1977-89); the longest streak of consecutive seasons with a 50-HR player was eight (1995-2002)
- In the seventy-six seasons since the first 50-homer season (1920-95), there were a total of nineteen 50-homer seasons. Between 1996-2013 (18 seasons) there were twenty-three 50-homer campaigns; and from 1997-2006 (ten seasons), there were eighteen 50-homer campaigns.
50-Homer Club (Career total in parens- as of Sept. 13, 2013), active players in Bold/Blue
Year HRs
1920 54 Babe Ruth, Yankees (714)
1921 59 Babe Ruth, Yankees
1927 60 Babe Ruth, Yankees
1928 54 Babe Ruth, Yankees
1930 56 Hack Wilson, Cubs (244)
1932 58 Jimmie Foxx, Athletics, Phil. (534)
1938 50 Jimmie Foxx, Red Sox
1938 58 Hank Greenberg, Tigers (331)
1947 51 Johnny Mize, Giants, NY (359)
1947 51 Ralph Kiner, Pirates (369)
1949 54 Ralph Kiner, Pirates
1955 51 Willie Mays, Giants, NY (660)
1956 52 Mickey Mantle, Yankees (536)
1961 54 Mickey Mantle, Yankees
1961 61 Roger Maris, Yankees (275)
1965 52 Willie Mays, Giants, SF
1977 52 George Foster, Reds (348)
1990 51 Cecil Fielder, Tigers (319)
1995 50 Albert Belle, Indians (381)
1996 50 Brady Anderson, Orioles (210)
1996 52 Mark McGwire, Athletics, Oak. (583)
1997 56 Ken Griffey, Jr., Mariners (630)
1997 58 Mark McGwire, Athletics, Oak. & Cardinals
1998 50 Greg Vaughn, Padres (355)
1998 56 Ken Griffey, Jr., Mariners
1998 66 Sammy Sosa, Cubs (609)
1998 70 Mark McGwire, Cardinals
1999 63 Sammy Sosa, Cubs
1999 65 Mark McGwire, Cardinals
2000 50 Sammy Sosa, Cubs
2001 52 Alex Rodriguez, Rangers (653)
2001 57 Luis Gonzalez, Diamondbacks (354)
2001 64 Sammy Sosa, Cubs
2001 73 Barry Bonds, Giants, SF (762)
2002 52 Jim Thome, Indians (611)
2002 57 Alex Rodriguez, Rangers
2005 51 Andruw Jones, Braves, ATL (433)*
2006 58 Ryan Howard, Phillies (311)
2006 54 David Ortiz, Red Sox (428)
2007 54 Alex Rodriguez, Yankees
2007 50 Prince Fielder, Brewers (284)
2010 54 José Bautista, Blue Jays (211)
2013 50?? Chris Davis, Orioles (127)
*2013 Playing in Japan
The Baseball Reliquary – The Mardi Gras of Our National Pastime
The Baseball Reliquary is the Mardi Gras of our national pastime – a free-spirited celebration of the human side of baseball’s history and heritage.
Reliquary (rel′ə kwer′ē)
Noun- a container or shrine in which sacred relics are kept and displayed for veneration
How do I describe the Baseball Reliquary? It’s really not a place. While its “home” is in the state of California (Pasadena), the Reliquary really resides more in the heart of its founders, honorees and members – who take joy in celebrating the character and characters of our national pastime. The Reliquary leads that joyful (often irreverent) celebration through its Shrine of the Eternals, its collection of historic artifacts, and its traveling exhibitions.
The Shrine of the Eternals is the Reliquary’s best-known element and its honorees include (among others) a one-armed major league outfielder, a pitcher who once threw a no-hitter while high on LSD, a team owner who sent a midget to the plate, a man in a chicken suit, a member of Major League Baseball’s 3,000-hit club, a manager who won eight World Championships, a noted surgeon, a labor leader, more than one best-selling author, a statistical wizard and even the sports editor of the Daily Worker (American Communist Party newspaper).The honorees are each unique in their role in – and contributions to – the national pastime, but they all share the distinction of having made a significant impact on the game.
The Baseball Reliquary’s Collection of what BBRT would term “art-ifacts”is as diverse as its Shrine honorees. The collection includes (but is “oh-so not limited” to) the Walter O’Malley Tortilla, the Roger Bresnahan Potato, the Eddie Gaedel Jock Strap, a Babe Ruth cigar, a Mother Teresa autographed baseball (a whole case actually), a heat-twisted 45-rpm record from the White Sox’ ill-fated Disco Demolition Night, and a piece of flesh from Abner Doubleday’s inner thigh.
The Baseball Reliquary’s Traveling Exhibits have included baseball art, photography and literature; and have covered such varied topics as Latino baseball history, baseball in foreign policy, baseball literature and even the self-defining “Lasordapalooza.”
So, back to the question, “How would I describe the Baseball Reliquary?” If I had to put it in 25 words or less, “The Baseball Reliquary is the Mardi Gras of our national pastime – a free-spirited celebration of the human side of baseball’s history and heritage.”
Do I have your attention? If so, click here https://baseballroundtable.com/the-baseball-reliquary/ for the full (and FUN) story of the Baseball Reliquary – and how you can become one of its card-carrying members. (These first few paragraphs repeated for those who get to the full story via a different link.
BBRT Late Season “Watch List”
September baseball – exciting in Pittsburgh.
In the August 20th BBRT’s post, I commented on my late August/September “watch list” – like Max Scherzer’s chances to notch MLB’s best winning percentage ever; the NL Central, AL West and AL East races; the AL and NL Rookie of the Year competition; Cabrera’s Triple Crown repeat chances; and the Pirates’ quest to top .500 for the first time in twenty years. As we close out August, and BBRT completes its traditional monthly “observations,” I’ll update a few of those items, as well as comment on some additional developments that are capturing BBRT’s late-season interest. The list is not all-inclusive, just a few stories that provide some relief in a season when my Twins are not playing compelling baseball. (Stats as of end of August 31 games.)
NL MVP Race
BBRT is tracking the NL MVP race, where the leading candidate seems to be the Pirates’ outfielder Andrew McCutchen. Cutch raised his MVP profile with a .384, 2 HR, 15 RBI, 6 SB) August. For the season, McCutchen is .317-17-74, for a Pirates’ team that ranks tenth in the NL in runs scored.
There has been considerable MVP discussion surrounding Dodgers’ hurler Clayton Kershaw and his MLB-leading 1.72 ERA. No doubt, Kershaw has put up great numbers (Cy Young territory). Still he is only 13-8 on the season. (Not necessarily his fault, Kershaw went 3-2 in August, despite a 1.01 ERA.) Dodger Zach Grienke, despite a higher (2.86) ERA, stands at 13-3 for the Dodgers and went 5-0, 1.23 in August. McCutchen, in BBRT’s estimation, has been more valuable to the Pirates than Kershaw to the Dodgers. BBRT would, however, like to throw Francisco Liriano’s hat in the ring. (See next section.)
Francisco Liriano – Comeback Player, CY Young, MVP?
BBRT is following the starts and stats of Pirates’ left hander Francisco Liriano – whom I consider a shoe-in for Comeback Player of the Year; as well as a dark horse candidate for the Cy Young and MVP Awards. Here’s why. Coming off a broken arm, Liriano didn’t make his first start until May 11. He ended August at 15-6 (tied for the NL lead in wins), with a 2.57 ERA and 135 strikeouts in 133 innings. Just as important, two of his four wins (against two losses) in August were in key games against the Pirates’ chief competition for the division title – the Cardinals. In those two starts, Liriano threw 17 innings, giving up seven hits, striking out 12 (against 3 walks), and allowing just one earned run. (Liriano has started three games against the Cards this year, winning all three and giving up just two earned runs in 24 innings.)
Notably, Liriano’s 2.57 ERA includes a disastrous August 9 game in Colorado, when he gave up ten earned runs in just 2 1/3 innings. Without that start, Liriano’s ERA would be 1.93. Liriano’s performance is all the more important when you consider no other Pirates’ starter has reached double-digits in wins.
Strikeouts Chapter One – Yu Darvish’s Quest for 300
BBRT is keeping an eye on Yu Darvish’s run at 300 strikeouts for the season. Darvish heads into September with 236 strikeouts in 174 innings (12.2 Ks per 9 IP). The last 300-strikeout season was recorded by Arizona’s Randy Johnson in 2002, when he fanned 334 batters in 260 innings (11.6 per nine inning). The last AL hurler to reach 300 strikeouts was Boston’s Pedro Martinez in 1999, when he fanned a remarkable 313 in just 213 1/3 innings (13.2 Ks per nine). Darvish has a chance for 300+, but BBRT expects him to fall about 10-15 whiffs short.
Strikeouts Chapter Two – Twins and Astros
Speaking of strikeouts, according to the Elias Sports Bureau, Minnesota Twins’ hitters fanned 291 times in 30 August games – a new MLB record for whiffs in a month. The Twin’s hitters are only 229 strikeouts shy of the AL season record (1,387 by the 2010 Oakland A’s), but will have to climb over the transplanted Houston Astros, who finished August with a season total of 1,273 strikeouts. That AL mark should fall, and even the Diamondbacks’ MLB whiff record of 1,529 in 2010 is within the Astros’ reach.
Continued excitement in the Motor City.
Update on Cabrera Triple Crown Repeat
Miguel Cabrera continues to hold a comfortable AL lead in batting average (.358) and RBI (130), and is working to chase down the Orioles’ Chris Davis in HRs. Davis still leads Cabrera by four homers (47-43), but Miggy did gain ground in August, out homering Davis 11 to 9. What adds interest are Cabrera’s ongoing injury (abdominal) issues. With the division lead well in hand, it now appears the Tigers may give Cabrera a bit of rest to get him back to 100 percent for the post season. In any case, MLB’s first-ever Triple Crown still looks like a long shot.
Scherzer and the Single-Season Winning Percentage Record
Max Scherzer remains on the “watch list,” still in a position to set a new single-season winning percentage record (15 decisions to qualify). Pittsburgh Pirates’ reliever Elroy Face holds the record at .947 (18-1 in 1959). Scherzer, at 19-1, cannot afford even a single loss over the final weeks if he is to top Face’s mark. This past week, we saw how quickly this chase can be put in jeopardy. In his August 29th start, Scherzer gave up eight hits and six runs (five earned) in five innings – leaving the game down 6-1 to the Oakland A’s. The Tigers fought back and took him off the hook with a 7-6 win – topped by Torii Hunter’s ninth-inning, walk-off, three-run home run. So, Scherzer still has a shot at the record, but he can’t afford another misstep (and may need a little luck). BBRT will continue to follow Mad Max’s starts.
Dodgers Staying Hot?
BBRT is also following the Dodgers, who have bolted out to a 10½ game lead (over Arizona) in the NL West, thanks to a 23-6 August, following a 19-6 July. Can the Dodgers stay this hot? Worth keeping an eye on.
September Fun in Dodger Town,
NL Rookie Race – Two Short Seasons
The NL Rookie of the Year race is interesting, with the leading candidates being one who started the season late and another who is likely to end the season early. The late starter is Yasiel Puig, who has opened eyes with his energy and his attitude. Puig started out strong after his June 3 call up. He hit .436 with 7 homers, 16 RBI, 19 runs and 4 steals in that first month. He came down to earth in July, going .287, 3 HRs, 7 RBI, 17 runs, 3 steals. As the Dodgers heated up in August, so did Puig (or vice versa) – going .320 with 3 home runs, 8 RBI, 17 runs and 3 steals. For the year, Puig has played in 78 games, with a line of .349-13-31, ten steals, and a host of outstanding defensive plays.
Puig’s main competition for ROY is the Marlins’ right-handed starter (21-year-old) Jose Fernandez (of the 98- mph fastball and knee-buckling curve). Playing for the 49-85 Marlins, Fernandez is 10-6, with a 2.33 EA and 173 strikeouts (vs. 53 walks) in 158 2/3 innings. Further, since a slow start (0-2, 4.50 in April), Fernandez has put up Kershaw-like numbers. Since May 1, he is 10-4, with a 1.94 ERA. In August, Fernandez went 3-1, with a 1.15 ERA and 49 strikeouts in 39 innings. That hot August separated Fernandez from another ROY candidate, the Cardinals’ Shelby Miller (12-9. 3.13 on the year), who went 2-2, 4.45 for the month. However, it’s been reported that Fernandez will be shut down in the 170-175 inning range (two more starts), which could hurt his chances. BBRT sees a race to the wire for Puig and Fernandez, with Puig holding the edge because he will remain in the lineup (and in the voters’ sites) through year-end.
AL Rookie of the Year
BBRT touched on the AL Rookie of the Year race in the August 20 post. It appears 23-year-old Detroit shortstop Jose Iglesias (who started the season with Boston) is cementing his lead. Iglesias hit a steady .294 in August and is at .320 with 2 home runs, 24 RBI and 36 runs scored on the year – while also being the expected defensive presence. Tampa Bays’ Wil Myers (who played his first game June 18) carved out a spot in the ROY race in July when he put up a .324-4-18 line (after .296-3-9 in June). A slump in the second half of August (6-for-43) and his .209-2-12 for the month have hurt his ROY chances. Still, he stands at .285-9-39 for the year and could climb back into the race with a solid September. Edge: Iglesias.
Other Individual Races to Watch
Four hurlers are tied atop the NL leader board in wins and none of them are named Kershaw or Harvey – Francisco Liriano (Pirates), 15-6, 2.57; Jorge DeLaRosa (Rockies), 15-6, 3.33; Adam Wainwright (Cardinals), 15-8, 2.96; and Jordan Zimmerman (Nationals), 15-8, 3.33. Should be a fun run to the finish.
The NL batting title is also up for grabs – in a see-saw battle between the Braves Cliff Johnson (.331-10-58 at the end of August) and the Cardinals Yadier Molina (.328-10-60).
Division Races/Wild Card Updates
In mid-August, BBRT was looking at very close races in the AL West and East and NL Central. Things have loosened up a bit in the AL East, with Boston holding a 4 ½ game lead over fading Tampa Bay (11-15 in August). Boston is sitting in a pretty good spot, but don’t count the Rays out yet. They did go 21-5 in July and a strong September could put them back in the race. Texas (after a 19-7 August) enjoys a two-game lead over the A’s. The Rangers and A’s should play some interesting baseball in September. (BBRT expects the Rangers to hang on). The NL East is now the closest race in MLB, with the Pirates one game up on the Cardinals and 3½ ahead of the Reds. It should be exciting as these three storied franchises battle it out in the weeks ahead. All three teams should make the post-season, either as the division champion or in a Wild Card slot. (Could make for some riveting playoff baseball.)
Looking at the other divisions, the Tigers (AL Central), Braves (NL East) and Dodgers (AL West) all have secure leads. Washington did finally come to life, going 16-11 for August. Atlanta, however, more than matched the Nats, going 20-7 and expanding their lead to 15 games.
The AL Wild Card leaders are now Oakland and Tampa Bay, with the Yankees 3 ½ out, the Orioles 4 back and Cleveland 4 ½. BBRT does not anticipate much change there. The Yankees could make a run if Tampa Bay continues to falter and Soriano .270-12-35 in 32 games since joining the Yanks continues to hit.
September baseball ahead – happy watching!!
Developments BBRT Will Be Watching In August/September
The season is winding down fast for those of us here in Minnesota, but BBRT still has a “watch list” for the weeks ahead. Here are a few developments that will hold my interest.
Can Max Scherzer … 18-1 … make history?
Can Max Scherzer break Pirate’s reliever Elroy Face’s MLB record for single-season winning percentage (minimum 15 decisions)?
Face went 18-1 (.947) in 57 appearances for the Pirates in 1959. Scherzer stands at 18-1 (2.82 ERA) right now, so he needs at least one more win – and can’t afford a loss. The AL record (and record for a starter) sits with the Cleveland Indians Johnny Allen, who went 15-1 (.938) in 1937. BBRT expects Scherzer will pick up a loss in the final weeks.
Will Baltimore’s Chris Davis deny Miguel Cabrera repeat Triple Crown bid?
Cabrera at .360 seems a lock for the AL batting title and holds a five RBI edge over Davis (120-115). Davis, however, holds a five-homer lead over Miggy (45-40) and has been matching Miggy HR-for-HR lately. BBRT anticipates MLB will remain without a Triple Crown repeater. BBRT will also be watching to see if Davis can reach 61 home runs (the record Davis recognizes) for the season. I expect he will fall short as the season wears on and pitchers pitch around him even more.
Who will win the AL Rookie of the Year?
A special look at slick-fielding Detroit SS Jose Iglesias, hitting .317 in 80 games. If Iglesias could win the ROY, he would be the first player to capture the award in a season in which he was traded. (The Tigers acquired Iglesias from Boston in July as insurance against the pending suspension of Johnny Peralta.) Right now the main competition comes in the form of Kansas City outfielder Wil Myers, called up in mid-June and hitting .310-9-37, with five steals in 51 games. While Iglesias had the early nod, his bat has cooled, while Myers’ stock is on the rise. Should be a close race, but Myers power will likely swing the award his way.
Post season at PNC this year?
Will the Pirates top .500?
After 20 consecutive non-winning seasons, the Pirates now stand at 73-51 and this should be the year they break the streak (despite the late-season slumps we saw over the past couple of years.) Within this “watch,” BBRT is paying attention to the resurgence of former Twin Francisco Liriano – a Pittsburgh reclamation project (coming off two consecutive seasons with an ERA north of 5.00 and an off-season broken arm). Liriano didn’t make his first 2013 appearance until May 11. He now stands at 14-5, 2.53 with 126 strikeouts in 121 innings. (And, this includes a disastrous August 9 start at Colorado, when he gave up 10 earned in 2 1/3 innings – without that start, Liriano’s ERA would be 1.80). BBRT will be watching to see if Liriano, despite his late start, can crack the top five in NL Cy Young voting.
Who wins the NL Central? AL West? AL East?
Three exciting races to watch as we move through the dog days of August. Pittsburgh leads the Cardinals by one game in a back and forth race; Texas has a half-game lead over Oakland; and Boston has a slim one-game margin over Tampa Bay. If BBRT had to choose – Cardinals edge Pirates, Texas holds on against Oakland, and Boston fades a bit down the stretch and falls behind Tampa. Should be lots of exciting baseball.
How do the remaining Red Sox/Yankees games play out?
New heat has been added to a long-time rivalry. These two clubs will be at each other no matter what the standings. (Does Dempster get another start against the Yanks?) Should be exciting and controversial.
Can Puig – the rookie with the big number (66) and big swing – win the NL ROY?
Who wins NL Rookie of the Year?
Unlike the AL, competition is deep. Leading the pack may be Dodgers’ outfielder Yasiel Puig, as much for the new swagger he has brought to the now streaking Dodgers as for his results (.351-11-27 in 67 games). But you can’t count out Miami’s 20-year-old sensation Jose Fernandez, with his 9-5 record, 2.41 ERA and 157 punch outs in 145 1/3 innings for the last-place Marlins. Also in the running are hurlers Shelby Miller (11-8, 2.98, 145 strikeouts in 132 2/3 innings for the Cardinals) and the Dodgers’ Hyun-Jin Ryu (12-4, 2.95, with 126 strikeouts in 155 2/3 innings.) Looking at the pitchers, Fernandez seems to have an edge. Miller has given up seven runs (five earned) in 13 innings, since being hit in the elbow by a line drive on August 7 – although all appears okay; Ryu does not have the strikeout numbers of Miller or Fernandez; and Fernandez recently topped Ryu in a heads-up match-up. More likely, however, the three pitchers split votes and Puig takes the award, despite not making his MLB debut until June 3. (There is a precedence, Willie McCovey won the 1959 NL ROY, despite not making his first appearance until July 30. He then went .354-13-38 in 51 games).
Will Yadier Molina join the short list of catchers who have won batting titles?
Atlanta third-baseman Chris Johnson currently leads Molina .335 to .334. If Molina wins, he will join Joe Mauer (three titles); Ernie Lombardi (two titles); Bubbles Hargrave; and Buster Posey among catchers with battling titles. BBRT likes Molina’s chances, although with their big lead, Atlanta may rest Johnson down the stretch, keeping his bat fresh. Should be a close one.
Will Clayton Kershaw keep ERA under 2.00 for streaking Dodgers?
Will Clayton Kershaw finish with an ERA under 2.00?
Only two pitchers (ERA qualifiers) have turned in ERA’s under 2.00 since 2000. Roger Clemens (Astros) was the last to do it – 1.87 in 2005. In the AL, Pedro Martinez (Red Sox) posted a 1.74 ERA in 2000. Martinez’ achievement was, perhaps, the most spectacular. The second best ERA in the AL was 3.70 (Clemens, with the Yankees), giving Martinez the largest ERA edge ever at 1.96. Kershaw current stands at 12-7, 1.80, and had posted a 1.35 ERA in three August starts. BBRT expects a sub-2.00 season.
There’s plenty more to keep and eye on, but these are a few stories of interest for BBRT. Care to share what intrigues you as MLB moves toward October?
