The 2020 MLB season is almost upon us -and it’s time for BBRT’s pre-season predictions.  Keep in mind, of course, that these prediction are not based on any inside information.  In essence, they represent informed speculation from one fan to another.  We’ll start with the American League – first, overall predictions and then team-by-team observations. The National League will be coming soon. Also, for a pre-season look at BBRT’s thoughts on “Why I Love Baseball,” click here.

—–AWARD WINNERS/CANDIDATES—–

Most Valuable Player

1. Mike Trout, Angels … Always in the running.  The addition of Anthony Rendon to the Angels’ lineup should boost his numbers.
2. Matt Chapman, A’s … Leather and lumber help A’s contend.
3. Francisco Lindor, Indians … Power and speed at the SS position; key to the Indians’ offense.
4. Gerrit Cole, Yankees … Could win 25 for the Bombers, impact enhanced by Severino health issues.
5. Shohie Ohtani … If Angels contend and Ohtani gets at least 15 starts on the bump and 20 home runs at plate, he’ll get some votes.

Cy Young Award

1. Gerrit Cole, Yankees … 20-25 wins, 250+ strikeouts well within reach.
2. Shane Bieber, Indians … Fifteen wins a year ago and ready for a breakout season.
3. Corey Kluber, Rangers … Two-time Cy Young winner ready to come back from a broken arm.
4. Tyler Glasnow, Rays … Could be the ace of a tough Ray’s rotation.

Rookie of the Year

1. Luis Robert, OF, White Sox … delivered a .328 average, with 32 home runs and 36 steals while going from High A to Double A to Triple A in 2019.
2. Jesus Luzardo, LHP, A’s … Great stuff (98 M.P.H. fastball) and control … ready for the rotation. In 2019, walked 11 and fanned 73 in 55 innings (12 IP at the Major league level).
3. Evan White, 1B, Mariners … .293-18-55 in 92 games at Double A last season, should get plenty of playing time with the Mariners.

Now, for a team-by-team look.

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AL EAST

FIRST PLACE – New York Yankees (95-67) …  Depth balances health concerns.

The Yankees claimed the prize of the free agent market – signing Gerrit Cole.  It’s a good thing, too, as they have lost Luis Severino for the 2010 season (Tommy John surgery).  As of this writing, they are also looking at issues with sluggers Giancarlo Stanton (calf) and Aaron Judge (shoulder).

The Yankees won 103 games in 2019 – despite losing an all-time MLB high of 2,776 games to injury – putting 30 different players on the IL for a total of 39 stints.  The depth that enabled them to sustain that 2019 performance should again carry them in 2020.

The rotation will be headed by Cy Young Award candidate Gerrit Cole and include veterans RH Masahiro Tanaka, LH J.A. Happ and LH James Paxton (expected to return in May).  All are proven double-digit winners.  Filling out the rotation are likely southpaw Jordan Montgomery and RH Jonathan Loaisiga.  Severino will be missed, but remember, the Yankees won 103 games a year ago, when Severino started only three games and Cole was not on the staff.

It can be habit forming …

The Yankees are currently in a streak of 27 consecutive winning seasons.

New York also has a lights-out bullpen, headed by closer Aroldis Chapman (37 saves, 2,21 ERA), Zack Britton and Adam Ottavino.

Then there is a deep and “bad” (in a good way) lineup that saw 14 players reach double-digits in home runs and led all of MLB in runs scored.  It looks like another winning season (they haven’t had a losing campaign since 1993) for the Bronx Bombers. Judge and Stanton will be power sources (once healthy), 2B D.J. LeMahieu is a professional hitter (.327-26-102), SS Glyber Torres powered 38 home runs and catcher Gary Sanchez hit 34.  The Bombers got 20+ long balls from 1B Luke Voit, 3B Gio Urshela and OF Brett Gardner (as well as 27 homers from Judge in 102 games).  While the Yankees wait for Judge and Stanton to return, Mike Tauchman and Clint Frazier are capable fill-ins (the pair hit a combined 25 home runs in 156 games).

Player BBRT will be watching: With the departure of Didi Gregorius, 23-year-old RH Gleyber Torres (who split his time between 2B and SS last season) will take over the SS position full-time.  Last season, at age 22, Torres went .278-38-90).  I may also keep an eye on Aaron Judge’s shoulder and on CF Brett Gardner, in his age 36 season, who showed unexpected power one year ago – .251 with career highs in home runs 28 and RBI 74.

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SECOND PLACE/WILD CARD – Tampa Bay Rays (90-72) … Quality pitching and stingy defense.

Tampa Bay continues to surprise, turning one of MLB’s lowest payrolls into a second straight season of at least 90-wins   BBRT expects they will do it again – counting heavily on pitching (quality and strategy) and defense.

Dee-fense.  Dee-fense.

In 2019, the Rays had the AL’s second-lowest earned run average and the third-most defensive runs saved.

In recent years, the Rays have leaned on the “opener” pitching strategy, but it looks like this year may see a more traditional approach – behind a strong top of the rotation. Veteran RH Charlie Morton, coming off his best season (16-6, 3.05) will head the rotation; followed by 2018 Cy Young Award winner southpaw Blake Snell; and then RH Tyler Glasnow (6-1, 1.78 in an injury shortened 2019 season).  The competition for the final two spots includes:  RH Yonny Chirinos (905, 3,85); LH Ryan Yarborough (11-6, 4.13); and LH Branden McKay.

In the pen, the Rays may go to a closer-by-committee strategy after trading away closer Emilio Page (4-2, 2.31, 20 saves in 66 appearances). The Rays, noted for their handling of the pitching staff, still have plenty of solid arms in the pen. The most interesting of which may be righty Nick Anderson, who went 5-4, 3.32 for the Marlins and Rays a year ago – fanning 110 batters and walking just 18 in 65 innings. He could take over the closing role. Among the other bullpen arms:  RH Diego Castillo (3.41 ERA in 65 games and 81 whiffs in 68 2/3 innings); RH Oliver Drake (3.21 in 50 games); and southpaws Colin Poche and Jose Alvarado.

The lineup could use some help.  Last season, the Rays finished in the middle of the AL (seventh) in runs scored. More significantly, their 769 total pales when compared to division rivals New York and Boston, who both topped 900 tallies.  They are looking for help from newcomer’s RF (RH) Hunter Renfroe (.216-33-64 for the Padres last season); 1B/DH Jose Martinez (.269-10-42 with the Cardinals); and (DH Yoshitomo Tsutsugo (a 28-year-old left-handed hitter, who averaged 35 home runs in Japan over the past two seasons).  Overall, the Rays have a versatile lineup and could benefit from a healthy year by 3B Yandy Diaz and 2B Brandon Lowe – who both lost significant time to injuries last season. There’s a lot of potential upside there in those two.

The Rays have proven their ability to maximize the pitching staff and, coupled with solid defense and a hopefully healthier lineup, should earn a Wild Card spot in 2019.  Catching the Yankees?  Not so much.

Player BBRT will be watching: 2018 AL Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell is coming off and injury-shortened (elbow surgery) 2019 season.  I’ll be watching to see if he’s fully back to form. In 2018, Snell was 21-5, 1.89.

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THIRD PLACE – Boston Red Sox (83-79) … No Mookie, no post season

If the Red Sox’ third-place finish a year ago disappointed the Boston faithful, imagine how they will feel without fan-favorite and MVP-candidate Mookie Betts in the lineup.  I don’t think they can do any better without him, particularly considering that Alex Verdugo – the key player the Red Sox received in the trade – may not be ready for opening day (back issue). For those who are interested, Verdugo hit .294-12-44 in 106 games for the Dodgers in 2019 and was a .309 hitter over six minor league seasons.   Just 23, Verdugo has plenty of upside.

Just as troubling may be the loss (in the same trade) of veteran starter David Price – given Chris Sale’s elbow issues. From BBRT’s perspective the Red Sox seem to have a solid offense (even without Betts), led by the bats of SS Xander Bogaerts (.309-33-117); 3B Rafael Devers (.311-32-115 and an MVP in the making), and DH J.D. Martinez (.304-36-105).  The BoSox can also expect contributions from: LF Andrew Benintendi (coming off a down season); 1B Mitch Moreland (19 home runs in 91 games); and C Christian Vazquez (.273-23-72). Kevin Pillar will replace Betts in RF and, while he isn’t the same threat at the plate, he does bring a plus glove and some speed on the base paths.  Keep an eye on 2B Michael Chavis. He hit .254 with 18 home runs in 95 games as a rookie and can play all around the infield.  Even without Betts, there is plenty of offense in Boston.

No so lucky seven …

Boston’s staff ERA (4.70) was seventh in the AL in 2019.  Both of the teams they are likely to be chasing in the East – the Yankees and Rays – had lower earned run averages (4.31 and 3.65, respectively).

However, the rotation may not be ready – particularly with Sale not available to start the season – to challenge the Yankees or hold off the Rays.  Note:  The Red Sox did add Collin McHugh to the staff, but his late signing and past health issues make it seem likely he also will not be fully ready for Opening Day. If they are to contend, the Red Sox need lefty Chris Sale to comeback sooner rather than later.  They also need a rebound from RH Nathan Eovaldi, who went down with an elbow injury last April (that required surgery) and didn’t return to the mound until late July, and another solid year from southpaw Eduardo Rodriguez, Rodriguez established himself as a top of the rotation asset (19-6, 3.81, with 213 strikeouts in 203 1/3 innings).

In the pen, quality Closer Brandon Workman (10-1, 1.88, 104 whiffs in 71 2/3 innings) has a solid supporting staff behind (in front of, really) him – including strikeout machines RH Matt Barnes (110 K’s in 64 1/3 innings) and southpaw Darwinzon Hernandez (57 whiffs in 30 1/3 innings).

Player BBRT will be watching:  Darwinzon Hernandez. The 23-year-old southpaw fanned 57 batters in just 30 1/3 innings as a rookie last season (16.9 k’s per nine).  If he can cut down on his walks – 26 in those 30 innings – he could be a force out of the pen. He’s a work in progress, but should be interesting to watch. Side note:  In six minor league seasons, Hernandez has started 86 games (in 112 appearances). Possible switch back to that role if needed?

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FOURTH PLACE – Toronto Blue Jays (78-84) … It’s all in the genes

Over the past four seasons the Blue Jays’ win total has gone from 88 to 76 to 73 to 67.  They are looking for their young talent to reverse that trend – and it should happen.

The vision for Toronto 2020 improvement begins what should be a second generation of All Stars. Three of the first four spots in the batting order should go to SS Bo Bichette, 2B Cavan B Biggio and 3B Vlad Guerrero, Jr.  Bichette delivered a .311-11-21 line in 2019, with four steals in 46 games at SS – along with better than expected defense.  Bichette is only 22-years old and his minor league stats (.321-37-217, with 73 steals in 323 games) point to an eventual 20-home run/20-steal season). Guerrero, penciled into the cleanup spot, hit .272, with 15 home runs and 69 RBI in 123 games for the Blue Jays last season.  Just 21-years-old, look for more from Guerrero this year – a 25-30 home run campaign is a distinct possibility.  Another 2019 rookie with big league genes is 2B Cavan Biggio. At age 25, the Blue Jays expect improvement on his .234-16-48 season (with 14 steals in 100 games). His solid eye at the plate did lead to 71 walks and a .364 on-base percentage. He is a work in progress on both offense (needs to cut down on his 123 strikeouts) and defense – but, again, the Blue Jays expect improvement in his sophomore campaign.  Other key offensive contributors look to bed CF Teoscar Hernandez and LF Lourdes Gurriel Jr., who hit a combined 46 home runs in 209 games.  Expect growing pains but the offense should be better in 2020.

Still, the optimism in Toronto stems from new mound additions. The Blue Jays’ starting ERA was north of 5.00 last season (5.25) and they revamped their rotation for 2020. The top three spots in the rotation should all to to newcomers – free agents Hyun-Jin Ryu (LH – 14-5, 2.32 with the Dodgers) and Tanner Roark (RH – 10-10, 3.35 with the Reds and A’s), along with trade acquisition Chase Anderson (RH – 8-4, 4.21 with the Brewers).  Other potential starters include veteran righty Matt Shoemaker (coming off a knee injury) and RH Trent Thornton.  Japanese import RH Shun Yamaguchi (a 16-game winner in Japan last season) could also be in the mix.

One for the books …

In 2019, Blue Jays’ rookie Bo Bichette set an MLB record by hitting at least one double in nine straight games. What make this all-time record even more impressive is that Bichette was only 11 games into his MLB career when he set. It.

In the pen, it all starts with closer Ken Giles. The dependable right went 2-3, 1.87 with 23 saves a year ago – fanning 83 batter in 53 innings.  However, more help is needed. Other likely relief arms include: RH Anthony Bass (claimed off waiver from Seattle); RH Wilmer Font, RH Rafael Dolis, RH Sam Gaviglio; and LH Thomas Pannone.  Yamaguchi could also be part of the bullpen, as well as a spot starter.

Overall, the Blue Jays should improve, but – given expected growing pains for a young lineup – are not likely to rise above fourth place.

Player(s) BBRT will be watching: Vlad Guerrero Jr. turned it up a notch in the second half of the season.  His first half numbers (61 games) were .249-8-25, while his second half was .293-7-44.  It will be interesting to see if he can carry his second-half bat over the full 2020 season.  (I’m also curious to see where RHP Shun Yamaguchi ends up.  In his final year in Japan (2019), he was 16-4, 2.78, with 194 strikeouts in 181 innings.  Could he be added in the Blue Jay’s rotation?

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FIFTH PLACE – Orioles (60-102) …. Construction underway

The Orioles remain in a rebuilding mode and, while they have some exciting players, there are far from ready to move up in the standings – particular after trading away Dylan Bundy (who led the Orioles with 30 starts on the mound) and Jonathan Villar (who hit .274-24-73 at second base).

Not much went right for the O’s last season – and they don’t look to have measurably improved.  Let’s start with a look at the starting pitching, which had the second-worst ERA in the AL last season (5.57). One sure candidate is southpaw John Means, an All Star and number-two finisher in last season’s AL Rookie of the Year balloting.  Means went 12-11, 3.60 on a team that went 54-108. RH Alex Cobb (3-2, 3.42 in just nine starts) is looking to comeback from hip and knee surgeries. Among the other candidates are: RH’s Asher Wojciechowski; Kohl Stewart; and Brandon Bailey. The Orioles used 18 starting pitchers last season and could approach that number again.

The O’s bullpen ERA (5.79) was the worst in all of major league baseball last season.  The pen put up an 18-32 record and converted only 27 of 53 save opportunities. Exactly how the bullpen lays out has yet to be seen – but among the key arms are RH Michael Givens (4.47 ERA in 58 games), southpaw Richard Bleier (3-0, 5.37 with four saves); and righty Hunter Harvey.  Harvey may have the most upside.

 

Book me on that flight …

Orioles’ pitchers gave up a major league record 305 home runs in 2019.

The Orioles have e some exciting young players in the lineup – just not enough of them. The offense should be led by RF Trey Mancini, LF Anthony Santander and DH Renato Hernandez. That trio hit 86 home run a year ago. Mancini (.291-35-97) is a rising star.

Player(s) BBRT will be watching:  Right-handed reliever Hunter Harvey (whose father Bryan Harvey racked up 177 MLB saves). The 25-year-old has a triple-digit heater and went 1-0, 1.42 in seven appearance last season.  He appears all the way back from 2016 Tommy John surgery.

I’m also interested to see what happens with 1B/DH Chris Davis. Owner of a .286-53-138 season in 2013, Davis has hit under the Mendoza line the past two seasons (.168 and .179).  He is, however, a two-time Al home run leader, hit 38 home runs as recently as 2016 and has looked good in Spring Training.

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AL CENTRAL

FIRST PLACE – Minnesota Twins (90-72) … Powerball at Target Field

What do DH Nelson Cruz, OF Max Kepler, 3B Miguel Sano, OF Eddie Rosario and C Mitch Garver have in common?  They all hit at least 30 home runs last season (led by Cruz’ 41) and they were all in the Twins’ lineup.  Five players with 30+ home runs on one team in the same season is an MLB record. Overall, the potent Twins’ lineup hit a record 307 home runs last season.  And, in the off season they added 3B Josh Donaldson – a four-time All Star who hit 37 long balls for the Braves last season.  Donaldson is also a plus defender at the hot corner, which will enable the Twins to move Miguel Sano over to first base.  Ultimately, the acquisition improved the Twins (who won 101 games a year ago) on both offense and defense.  And, let’s not forget 2B Luis Arreaz – a contact hitter who rapped .334 in 92 games, 2019 All Star SS Jorge Polanco and the versatile Marwin Gonzalez.

The Twins ability to successfully defend their Central Division title was advanced even further by additions to the pitching staff (the Twin had the sixth-best ERA in the AL in 2019).  They retained key starters Jose Berrios and Jake Odorizzi (who combined for 29 victories last season) – and added Kenta Maeda (10-8, 4.04 for the Dodgers) and Homer Bailey (13-9, 4.57 for the Reds and A’s). RH Randy Dobnak, LH Kevin Smeltzer and veteran RH Jhoulys Chacin should compete for the fifth spot out of Spring Training.  Later, veterans RH Michael Pineda (PED-suspension until May) and LH Rich Hill (recovering from elbow surgery) may be ready to step in.

Wave it bye-bye … 

In 2019, the Twins became the first team to hit five or more home runs in 11 games in a season.

The Twins also bolstered the bullpen, bringing in veteran Tyler Clippard (2.90 in 53 games for the Indians last season).  Taylor Rogers (30 saves) will return to close.  Behind him are a host of returnees including Sergio Romo, Trevor May and Tyler Duffey.  The bullpen looks solid.

The Twins have clearly “covered all the bases” and should outdistance their Central Division competitions.

Player BBRT will be watching: CF Byron Buxton has worn the mantle of potential star for a few seasons – offering a combination of power, speed and Gold Glove caliber defense. If only he could stay healthy (in the last four seasons, he’s only reaches 100 games once). A year ago, he hit ten home runs and stole 14 bases in just 87 games.  If he can play a full season – 20 home runs and 20+ steals and a Gold Glove seem almost a given.

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SECOND PLACE – White Sox (85-77) … Central Division’s “most improved”

The White Sox made it clear they are serious about contending with the off-season signing of C Yasmani Grandal, who led all MLB catchers in on-base percentage year ago (Brewers) and bopped 28 home runs; two-time All Star and 2015 Cy Young Award Winner Dallas Keuchel; and DH Edwin Encarnacion (who hit 34 home runs in 2019). They also added RF Nomar Mazara (.268-19-68) via the trade route.

The three new hitters join a lineup that includes power sources 1B Jose Abreu, and LF Eloy Jimenez (who each topped 30 home runs a year ago); 3B Yoan Moncada (.315-25-79); and surprise 2019 AL batting champ Tim Anderson (.335).  Oh yes, and there’s uber-prospect Luis Robert (a Rookie of the Year front runner) for CF.

Free swingers …

White Sox’ hitters took only 378 walks in 2019, lowest in the majors.  By contrast, they fanned 1,549 times – seventh-most.

Southpaw Keuchel should slot number-two in the rotation behind righty Lucas Giolito (who won 14 games for the ChiSox last season).  Also expected in the rotation are free agency signee veteran lefty Gio Gonzalez (3-2, 3.50 for the Brewers and a double-digit winner in nine of the last ten seasons).  RH’s Reynaldo Lopez and Dylan Cease are also in the mix.  Waiting in the wings is top prospect Michael Kopech, coming off 2018 Tommy John surgery.

The bullpen will be headed by reliable closer Alex Colome (30 saves in 33 opportunities a year ago), set up by newcomer RH Steve Cishek (2.95 ERA for the Cubs in 70 appearances) and southpaw Aaron Bummer. (2.13 ERA in 58 appearances.

Overall, the Pale Hose appear ready to move up in the standings, but seem to be a little short of dethroning the Twins.

Player BBRT will be watching: 22-year-old OF Luis Robert (signed out of Cuba in 2018) appears ready for the big leagues. Last season, he moved his way from High-A, to Double A to Triple A and hit a combined .328-32-92, with 36 steals.  He’s had a solid Spring Training so far and, if he travels north with the big club, could add a whole new dimension to the White Sox offense.

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THIRD PLACE – Indians (83-79)

First, let’s be clear.  Those who say the Indians “faded” last year – finishing second to the Twins after leading the Central Division for three straight seasons – need to take another look.  Here are the Indians victory totals over the past four seasons (in chronological order): 91, 102, 91, 93.  The Indians chances to regain the Central crown regressed a bit going into 2020 (with the mid-season trades of Trevor Bauer and the post-season trade of two-time Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber).

Still, there is enough talent here to contend – if things go right.   The starting pitching will be led by righty Shane Bieber, who won 15 games last year, and the Indians are hoping for a bounce back from RH Carlos Carrasco, whose 2019 season was interrupted by treatment for leukemia.  Carrasco won 35 games over the 2017-18 seasons, but was 6-7, 5.29 last year. They also need a return to health from RH Mike Clevinger, a 13-game winner a year ago, who had meniscus surgery and may not be ready on Opening Day. Others looking to crack the rotation include Aaron Civale, Zach Plesac and Adam Plutko – three righties who all spent time in the minors last season – but who all performed well when called up (a combined 18-15, 3.55).

The bullpen will be led by southpaw Brad Hand 34 saves a year ago – and will be an effective change from a starting staff of all right-handers. And He will be supported by RH’s Nick Wittgen (2.81 in 55 appearances) and side-armer Adam Cimber.  The Indian are also hoping for good things from 22-year-old Emmanuel Case, acquired in the Kluber trade, who brings a triple-digit fastball to the fray.

Who’s your daddy?

The Indians won 18 of nineteen against the Tigers a year ago. Don’t see that happening again.

The Indians’ offense was middle-of-the-road a year ago (tied for seventh in the AL in runs scored) and looks to be relatively stable for 2020.   It will be led SS Francisco Lindor, the switch-hitting Lindor  hit .284, with 32 home run and 22 steals last season.  Speaking of switch-hitting. The entire Indians infield is made up a switch hitters – power sources 1B Carlos Santana and 3B Jose Ramirez at the corners (a combined 57 homers and 176 RBI) and newcomer 2B Carlos Hernandez (a solid contact hitter with some power). Roberto Perez is solid behind the plate defensively and at the plate offensively (24 home runs).  Filling out the lineup are a number of candidates in the OF – Oscar Mercado, Jordan Luplow, Delino DeShields and Domingo Santana and Jordan Luplow. Expected DH Franmil Reyes can also play in the garden.

Player BBRT will be watching: Young (24-years-old) OF/DH Franmil Reyes popped 37 home runs for the Padres and Indians a year ago (playing about two-thirds of his games in the Padres “not-so-hitter-friendly” park. A full year in Cleveland and, perhaps a more selective approach (46 walks and 156 strikeouts last season), could lead to some monster power numbers. In just 237 MLB games (two seasons), he mashed 53 long balls.

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FOURTH PLACE – Kansas City Royals (71-91) … More of the same

Four pieces of good news for Royals fans.  1) Six-time All Star catcher Salvador Perez is back; 2) DH/Of Jorge Soler (48 home runs) is back to hit cleanup (although, so are his league-leading 178 strikeouts); 3) OF/2B  Whit Merrifield and his 206 base hits, 16 home runs and 20 stolen bases returns to lead off; 4) The Tigers are in the Central Division.

The bad news:  The Royals have lost 207 games over the past two seasons – and 2020 looks like more of the same.

The rotation looks pretty much the same: LH Danny Duffy (7-6, 4.34), RH Brad Keller (7-14, 4.19), RH Jacob Junis (9-14, 5.24), LH Mike Montgomery (with competition for the fifth spot).  Those first four started 59 percent of the Royals’ games last season.

A man for all seasons ….

Royals’ closer Ian Kennedy is one of just five MLB pitchers to post 20-victory and 30-save seasons.

Ian Kennedy (converted starter) will once again serve as closer (30 saves, 3.41 ERA and 73 strikeouts in 63 1/3 innings), with support from RH Scott Barlow (4.22 in 61 appearances) and possibly veteran newcomers and former closers Trevor Rosenthal and Greg Holland.  LH Tim Hill is also in the bullpen mix (3.63 in 46 games), as is RH Josh Staumont (3.72 in 16 games).

Three for the road …

Only three AL players hit double digits in triples last season – and they were all royals.  Ten three-bagger each for Hunter Dozier, Adalberto Mondesi and Whit Merrifield.

We’ve already noted the importance of Perez, Soler and Merrifield to a lineup that was 14^th in the AL in runs scored.  The rest of the starting nine looks to include: SS Adalberto Mondesi, RF Hunter Dozier, LF Alex Gordon, 3b Maikel Franco, 1B Ryan O’Hearn and 2B Nicky Lopez. Ultimately 2020 looks a lot like 2019 for the Royals. (O’Hearn and former Phillie Franco do offer some power potential at the corner infield spots.)

Player(s) BBRT is going to watch: The Royals are looking for continued progress from 24-year-old righty Brad Keller, who went 7-14 4.19 last season and is 16-20 3.68 over two MLB campaigns.  He’ll be worth a look.  So will prospect Brady Singer, who has looked good in Spring Training. The righthander went 12-5, 2.85 in 26 starts at High A and Double A last season.  The Royals need help and I expect Singer may be taking the major league mound early in 2020 (after some time at Triple A.)  Oh, and then there are veterans Trevor Rosenthal and Greg Holland vying for spots in the pen.  Between them they have five forty-save seasons on their resumes.  I’ll be watching to see if they stick.

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FIFTH PLACE – Detroit Tigers (63-99) … No offense taken

In 2019, the Tigers scored the fewest runs in MLB and gave up the third-most – and they did not dive deeply into the off-season market.  Put it this way, last season the Tigers scored 582 runs, while the Central Division-leading Twins scored 938 – and the Twins arguably, added more to their offense than the Tigers.  Another long season in Detroit.

The Tigers did add some pop with free agents 1B C.J. Cron and 2B Jonathan Schoop (both Twins one year ago). Cron’s 25 home runs last season would have led the Tigers and Schoop’s 23 would have been second on the team. The fact is, in 2019, no Tiger hit more than 15 home runs nor drove in more 59.  Things should e a little better in 2020.  Joining Cron and Schoop I the lineup are likely to be DH Miguel Cabrera (looking recapture some power at age 37 after a .282-12-59 season); OF’s Jacoby Jones, Christian Stewart and Victor Reyes; C Austine Romine, 3B Jeimer Candelaria; and SS Niko Goodrum. The 25-year-old Reyes may be the most interesting of those. Last season, the switch-hitting Reyes hit .304, with 3 home runs, 25 RBI and nine steals in 69 games.  Newcomer Cameron Maybin (.285 with 11 home runs for the Yankees in 2019) could earn some playing time.

A triple play …

The Tigers’ Miguel Cabrera is MLB’s most recent Triple Crown winner – .330 – 44-139 in 2012.

Southpaw Mathew Boyd (9-12, 4.56) is back to lead a starting rotation that includes only one pitcher to reach double-digit wins a year ago (free-agent signee Ivan Nova, who was 11-12 4.72 for the White Sox). Other likely candidates are Jordan Zimmerman, Spencer Turnbull and Daniel Norris. Michael Fulmer could provide some help if he returns (as expected) from 2018 Tommy John Surgery) in mid-2020. The 26-year-old ha a 3.81 average over 75 MLB starts.

In the bullpen, Joe Jimenez will close out games – a role he had filed since the trade of All Star closer Shane Greene last July.  Other in the pen should include workhorse RH Buck Farmer (3.72 ERA in 73 games); LH Gregory Soto; and RH Jose Cisnero (4.33 in 35 games).

Player BBRT will be watching:  Prospect Casey Mize could very well make the big club sometime this season. In two minor league campaigns, the 23-year-old righthander has gone 20-13, 2.96, with 120 strikeouts and just 26 walks in 123 innings, He’s knocking on the door – and the Tigers offer plenty of opportunity.

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AL WEST

FIRST PLACE – Houston Astros (91-61) … The elephant in the room

The last three seasons, the Astros have won 101, 103 and 107 games.  I don’t expect them – given the departure of Gerrit Cole and Collin McHugh and Justin Verlander’s lat strain – to win in triple digits again.  The Astro need to hope Verlander’s issue really is “mild” and that he returns quickly.

Then there is the elephant in the room – the sign-stealing controversey. Some think that issue may adversely affect the Astros’ performance on the field.  I’m inclined to believe they will come into the season wanting to prove themselves – and, even with the pitching issues, there is enough talent on this squad to keep them atop the AL West.

The offense is nearly identical to one year ago with CF George Springer (.292-39-95) and 3B Alex Bregman (.296-41-112) at the top;  2B Jose Altuve  (.298-31-74), SS Carlos Correa (.279, with 21 homers in 75 games) and DH Yordan Alvarez (.313-27-78) in the middle; and LF Michael Brantley, RF Josh Reddick and C Mandy Maldonado holding down the 7-8-9 spots. Only the Yankees and Twins scored more runs than the Astros a year ago -and the Houston offense should continue to deliver in 2020.

The rotation will not be as strong – after the loss of free agent Gerrit Cole and his 20-5, 2.50 record (not to mention the 326 strikeouts) and 2019 Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander opening the season on the IL. The Astros will be counting on RH Zack Greinke (18-5, 2.93.).  Some of the sting of Cole’s departure may be eased by the return of curve-balling RH Lance McCullers (coming back from Tommy John surgery). The back end of the rotation should include 25-year-old RH Jose Urquidy, who made his MLB debut last July and went 2-1, 3.95 in nine appearances (seven starts), walking just seem and fanning 40 in 41 innings.  Others competition for a spot could be righties Brad Peacock, Josh James and Rogelio Armenteros.  Cole will be missed.

From both sides now …

In 2019, Astros pitchers racked up the most strikeouts of any team (1,671), while Houston hitter fanned the fewest times (1,166).

The bullpen’s back and looks to again be a strength.  Roberto Osuna (38 saves) will close – and the Astros will get to him on the arms of RH’s Ryan Pressly (2.32 ERA in 55 games), Josh James (if he doesn’t crack the rotation), Joe Smith (1.88 in 28 games) and Chris Devenski (and others).  Last season, the Astros’ pen put up the third-best ERA in MLB and the fifth-best strikeouts per nine ratios.  The only criticism is that the pen is bit RH-heavy.

Player BBRT will be watching: 23-year-old, left-handed swinging outfielder/first baseman Kyle Tucker bashed 34 home runs in 125 games at Triple A last season – and then went .269-4-11, with five steals in 22 games with the Astros. (He was also on the post-season roster.) I’d like to see what he can do with more MLB playing time.

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SECOND PLACE/WILD CARD – A’s (88-74) … Nice balance 

The A’s surprised a lot of people with their 97 wins a year ago.  They can’t count on the element of surprise this season.  They can., however, count on a young and talented pitching staff and a solid defense.

Veteran righty Mike Fiers (15-4, 3.90 a year ago) will lead the staff, although we may see southpaw Sean Manaea (leading the league in percentage of vowels) emerge as the ace. Manaea returned from shoulder surgery late last season and went 4-0, 1.21 in five starts.  That’s a quality 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation. Beyond those two we find sound arms in RH Frankie Montas (9-2, 2.63 in 16 starts), and southpaws Jesus Luzaardo and A.J. Puk (both top prospects). The A’s rotation looks solid.

Liam Hendriks returns as closer (25 saves, 1.80 ERA a year ago) and is ably supported Yusmeiro Petit (2.71 ERA in 80, count ‘em 80, appearances).  The rest of the pen (Joakim Soria, Lou Trivino) needs to step up their game. Chris Bassitt should prove valuable as a versatile swing man (middle relief, set up man, starter) – particularly with the new three batter rule. Last season, Bassitt was 10-5, 3.81 in 28 games (25 starts).

Multiple choice ….

Power hitting Matt Canha give the A’s lineup flexibility.  In 2019, he started games at all three outfield positions, as well as 1B.

The A’s defense also look solid – led by 1B Matt Olson and 3B Matt Chapman (both with multiple Gold Gloves on their resumes) and dependable SS Mark Semien. Offensively, the punch comes from Olson and Chapman (who each hit 36 home runs and plated 91 a year ago) and OF’s Ramon Laureano (The A’s like those guys with lots of vowels), who hit .288, with 24 long balls, and Matt Canha (.273 with 28 home runs). Semien will be the table setter at the top (.285 average, .369 OBP in 2019). The A’s could surpass BBRT’s win expectation with a rebound form DH Khris Davis, who hit just .220 with 23 home runs last season – after three consecutive seasons of 40+ home runs and 100+ RBI. Just 32-years-old, he should have more left in the tank. The remaining the lineup spots look to go to Steve Piscotty (OF); Sean Murphy (C;) and Tony Kemp or Frank Barreto (2B).

Good D builds mound confidence …

In 2019, the A’s gave up an MB-fewest 34 unearned runs.

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THIRD PLACE – Los Angeles Angels (85-77) … Trout-Rendon to lead the way

The Angels finally brought in high-octane protection for perennial MVP candidate CF Mike Trout. It came in the signing of 3B Anthony Rendon (.319-34-126 for the Nationals). The Trout-Rendon core is complemented by DH Shohei Ohtani (.286-18-52 in 106 games). 2B David Fletcher is a capable table setter at the to of the order (.290 and a team-leading 173 hits in 2019). The rest of the lineup looks to include defensive wiz Andrelton Simmons at shortstop, power hitting Justin Upton (looking to rebound from an off year in 2019); switch-hitting Brian Goodwin in RF; and Jason Castro/Max Stassi behind the plate.  It will be interesting to see how 1B develops, as it looks like Tommy La Stella (.295-16-44 in 80 games) is poised to take more playing time from future HOFer Albert Pujols (.245-23-93 in 131 games).    This is a quality offense, but does not have the depth of the division favorite Astros.

On the mound, the Angels’ fell short in the Gerrit Cole sweep stakes.  They did bring in right-handers Dylan Bundy (7-14, 4.79 for the Orioles) and Julio Teheran (10-11, 3.81 for the Braves).  They join Andrew Heaney (4-6, 4.91 in an injury-dampened 2019.)  They are also hoping to get more starts from RH Shohei Ohtani (who has the potential to be the staff ‘ace” (at least once a week), now recovered from Tommy John surgery). Other potential starters include: RH Griffin Canning, newcomer Matt Andriese (5-5, 4.71 for the Diamondbacks) and Patrick Sandoval.  There should be plenty of work to go around. In 2019, 19 different pitchers started games for the Angels. Bundy and Teheran should add some stability in the rotation, but it still is not enough to “win the West.”

Seeking stability …

Nineteen pitchers started on the mound for the Angels in 2019, fourteen of those getting at least five starts – led by Andrew Heaney’s 18 starts.  The Angels are looking for a more stable rotation in 2020.

Hansel Robles will lead the pen (23 saves in 27 opportunities). The reminder of the bullpen will again be righty-dominated, likely including: Ty Buttrey (3.98 ERA in 72 games), Keynan Middleton (1,17 in 11 games), Noe Ramírez (3.99 in 51 games) and Cam Bedrosian (3.23 in 59 games).

Player BBRT will be watching: Shohei Ohtani, recovered from Tommy John surgery, is ready to get back to being a two-way player. I’ll be watching to see how he balances is mound work with his DH duties. I see 10 victories and 20+ home runs as a possibility.

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FOURTH PLACE – Texas Rangers (80-82)… Kluber joins the klub

The Rangers’ biggest off-season move was the trade for two-time Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber.   It looks like a very positive move.  Keep in mind, however, Kluber Turns 34 in April and is coming off a broken arm that limited him to seven starts in 2019.  Still, he was a 20-game winner as recently as 2018 – and looks good to go for 2020. He will be the ace of the Rangers’ staff.  The Rangers further bolstered their rotation – they had the AL’s fourth-highest starting ERA in 2019 – by bringing in RH Kyle Gibson (13-7, 4.84 with Minnesota) and Jordan Lyles (12-8, 4.15 with Milwaukee and Pittsburgh). Add in holdovers southpaw Mike Minor and Lance Lynn (who won a combined 30 games for Texas a year ago) and you have a solid rotation.  In fact, starting pitching – a weakness a year ago, may be a strength for 2020.

Jose Leclerc returns at closer and needs to bounce back from a disappointing 2019 (his ERA went from 1.56 in 2018 to 4.33 in 2020). Still he has swing-and-miss heat, fanning 100 batters in 68 2/3 innings – and the Rangers expect a rebound. RH Rafael Montero brings similar tools to the set up role (36 whiffs in 29 innings). Among the other arms likely in the pen are likely to be RH Jesse Chavez, waiver-claim RH Nick Goody (3.54 in 39 games with the Indians), RH Jonathan Hernandez and southpaws Brett Martin and Joely Rodriguez.   Rodriguez could prove interesting. The 28-year-old spent the last two seasons in Japan, where he reportedly was hitting triple-digits with his fastball.  Last season, with the Chunichi Dragons, he posted a 1.64 ERA, with 77 strikeouts in 60 1/3 innings.

Singles? We don’t need no stinkin’ singles …

Joey Gallo reached 100 home runs before he reached 100 career singles.  On May 8 of last season, he hit his 100^th dinger. At the time, he had just 93 singles.

The offense goes through RF Joey Gallo, who managed 22 home runs in just 70 games (oblique strain). Joining Gallo in the middle of the lineup will be newcomer Todd Frazier (3B), who hit 21 home runs for the Mets a year ago and switch-hitting CF Danny Santana.283-28-81, with 21 steaks. 37-year-old Shin-Soo Choo just keeps chugging along at leadoff (.265-24-61, with 15 steals).   That’s right 15 steals in his age 36 season, While the Rangers continue to show power potential, they need more consistent contact from several spots in the order. Last season, 2B Rougned Odor popped 30 home runs, but hit only .205; 1B Ronald Guzman hit 10 home runs in 87 games, but averaged just .219; and catcher Robinson Chirinos hit 17 home runs for the Astros, but hit just .238. The Rangers appear to have uncovered a gem in outfielder Willie Calhoun, who popped 21 home runs (.269 average) in just 83 games last season.  Unfortunately, the 25-year-old suffered a broken jaw (HBP) in Spring Training and will start the season on the IL.  That may open the door for versatile INF/OF Nick Solak. The 25-year-old hit .293, with five home runs in 33 games as a rookie.

Got a feelin’ for stealin’ … 

 No team stole more bases than the Ranger in 2019 (131 steals) – with five players reaching double-digits in swipes: Elvis Andrus (31); Delano DeShields (24); Danny Santana (21); Shin-Soo Choo (15); and Rougned Odor (11). In addition, theirs 77.5 percent success rate was the best in the AL. (Six NL teams were successful at least 80 percent of the time.)

The Rangers are improved over 2019. BBRT thinks, however, that – given a “short” bullpen and some potential holes in the lineup, a fourth-place finish is most likely.  However, this is a team going in the right direction.

Player BBRT will be watching: Joey Gallo has 50-home run power and, in an injury-shortened (left oblique strain/broken hamate bone) 2019 season, Gallo showed an improved ability to make contact.  After reaching 40 and 41 homers runs each of the two previous season – but hitting just .209 and .206, Gallo hit .253, with 22 home runs in just 70 games.  It will be interesting to see what a full season brings. (He does still have to cut down on his strikeouts – 114 whiffs in those 70 contests).

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FIFTH PLACE – Mariners (67-95) … Another long year

The Mariners won only 68 games last season and one of their best players – Mitch Haniger – will start the season on the IL.  It could be another long year in Seattle.

One bullet dodged …

The Mariners dodged a bit of a bullet last season, as the pitching staff kept is ERA under 5.00 – at 4.99.  Looks like it could e more of the same in 2020.

Let’s start with the rotation. It will be led by southpaw Marco Gonzalez, 16-13, 3.99 a year ago – the only Mariner with double-digit wins in 2019. He was also one of only two Mariners with at least seven starts and an ERA under five a year ago. The other was Mike Leake, who was traded to the Diamondbacks in mid-season. At the time of his trade, Leake was 9-8, 4.27.  Behind Gonzalez, the rotation now looks like southpaws Yusei Kikuchi (6-11, 5.26); 23-year-old Justin Sheffield (0-1, 5.50 in eight games/seven starts); righthander Kendall Graveman (recovering from Tommy John surgery); newcomer RH Taijuan Walker (coming back from Tommy John surgery, but a nine-game winner for Arizona in 2017); and 23-year-old RH Justin Dunn (9-5, 3.55 at Double A in the Mets’ system).

Last season nine different pitcher recorded saves for the Mariners – led by Roenis Elias’ 14 saves, recorded before his trade to the Nationals in late July. Now, it appears closing duties will go to RH Matt Magill (3-2, 3.63 with five saves after coming over from the Twins in July and/or Sam Tuivailala (2.35 ERA in 23 games). Others in the competition for spots in the pen include: RH Yoshihisa Hirano (4.75 ERA in 62 games for the D-backs); Brandon Brennan (4.56 ERA in 44 games); and RH. Carl Edwards Jr. (8.47 ERA in 22 games for the Cubs and Padres, but effective for the Cubs from 2015-18).  I’d expect plenty of ongoing auditions for the bullpen during the course of the season.

The offense – in the absence of Mitch Haniger (.285-26-93 in 2018; .220-15-32 in an injury -shortened 2019) – will be led by veteran 3B Kyle Seager (.239-23-63) and DH Dan Vogelbach, who hit 30 home runs a year ago, but averaged only .208.  Catcher Tom Murphy should also hit in the middle of the line up (.273 with 18 long balls last season). At the top of the lineup 2B Shed Long Jr.  appears to be ready to take a full-time MLB job after going .263-5-15 in 42 games a year ago – although veteran Dee Gordon’s .276 with 22 steals should earn him playing time as well. CF Mallex Smith brings speed to the offense (46 steals), but hit only .227. Rounding out the lineup we can expect SS J.P. Crawford; RF Kyle Lewis; LF Jake Farley; and 1B Evan White.  White, who went .293-18-55 in 92 games as Double A last season, appears to have the most upside of that group.

Oops! My mistake …

The Mariners defense committed and MLB-highest 132 errors in 2019.

 

Player BBRT will be watching: Southpaw Yusei Kikuchi leveraged a 98-m.p.h fastball and a solid slider (plus a curve and change) to a 73-46, 2.77 record in eight seasons in the Japanese League. He signed with the Mariners after a 14-5, 3.04 record in Japan in 2018.  In his final three seasons in Japan, he won 42, lost just 18 and put up a 2.50 ERA with 501 strikeouts in 496 1/3 innings.   After a 6-11. 5.46 record in his first year in Seattle, the Mariners are hoping the 29-year-old will have further adjusted to stateside culture and level of competition, and be ready to deliver expected performance.  BBRT would like to see that as well, and will be watching his progress,

Primary resources:  MLB.com; Baseball-Reference.com; Fangraphs.com

Baseball Roundtable is on the Feedspot list of the Top 100 Baseball Blogs.  To see the full list, click here.

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The Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA) 2020 Hall of Fame ballots have been distributed and the votes are going in – with the results to be announced in January and the honorees inducted on July 21. This year’s traditional ballot includes 14 holdovers from last year, along with 18 newcomers.

Baseball Roundtable’s unofficial Fan Hall of Fame Ballot is also underway – and voting will remain open until January 1.   In this post, I will share the early results of the fan balloting and provide a link for those who would like to cast a vote (for up to ten candidates).

Also here is a link to an earlier BBRT post that includes:

• Predictions on the 2020 BBWAA voting;
• BBRT’s ballot (if I had one);
• A deep look into all the candidates on the ballot.

For that post, again just click here.

To cast your vote, click the ballot image below.  Note: Read the top of the ballot to see how you can enter into a drawing for a baseball card/bobblehead surprise package.

 

 

—–EARLY BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE HALL OF FAME FAN BALLOT RESULTS—–

(75 Percent needed for election)

Derek Jeter                         93.3 percent

Larry Walker                       80.0

Todd Helton                       60.0

Omar Vizquel                     56.7

Billy Wagner                       53.3

Roger Clements                 50.0

Jeff Kent                             50.0

Andy Pettitte                       50.0

Curt Schilling                      50.0

Barry Bonds                        46,7

Alfonso Soriano                  40.0

Manny Ramirez                   30.0

Gary Sheffield                     23.3

Andruw Jones                       20.0

Scott Rolen                           20.0

Bobby Abreu                         16.7

Josh Beckett                         10.0

Sammy Sosa                         10.0

Paul Konkerko                       10.0

Cliff Lee                                  10.0

Brian Roberts                         10.0

Jason Giambi                          6.7

Below 5 Percent (needed to stay on ballot).

Heath Bell

Eric Chavez

Chone Figgins

Rafael Furcal

Raul Ibanez

Carlo Pena

Brad Penny

J.J. Putz

Jose Valverde

BBRT also asked voters which players not in the Hall of Fame they felt most belonged in the Hall.  The leading names among those not on the current BBWAA Ballot:

Jim Kaat — mentioned by 13.3 percent

Barry Bonds — 10.0

Roger Clemens — 10.0

Pete Rose — 10.0

Joe Jackson — 6.6

Lou Whitaker — 6.6

Dwight Evans — 3.3

Tony Oliva — 3.3

Tommy John — 3.3

Several players on the 2020 ballot also got “mentions” in this write-in portion of the fan ballot, including; Derek Jeter, Omar Vizquel, Jeff Kent, Billy Wagner, Larry Walker and Scott Rolen (as well as Jack Morris, who is already in the HOF).

Coming Soon: A look at MLB’s unanimous Rookie Of The Year selections.

BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE ON THE TOP 100 BASEBALL BLOG LIST

Baseball Roundtable is on the Feedspot list of the Top 100 Baseball Blogs.  To see the full list, click here.

I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT

Follow/Like Baseball Roundtable’s Facebook Page here.  More baseball commentary; blog post notifications; PRIZES.

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

It’s October 1, and that means it’s time not only for the opening of post-season baseball, but also for Baseball Roundtable’s look back at the previous month – the standings, statistics and stories that caught BBRT’s eye, as well as the BBRT Players and Pitchers of the Month and season-to-date “Trot Index.”  This month, if you make it to the end of this post, you’ll also find BBRT’s predictions for the post season.  (Note: I guess I could have posted this September 30, but the first of the following month is kind of a BBRT tradition.)

Of course, for many teams, the final day (September 29) of the 2019 regular season was anti-climactic. All the post-season spots were clinched and only one division title was up for grabs – the Brewers came into the final day just one game behind the Cardinals.  A Redbirds’ loss and Brew Crew win would set up a “Game 163,” with the winner taking the NL Central and the loser playing the Nationals in the Wild Card game. The Cardinals relieved fans of the suspense with a 9-0 thrashing of the Cubs, while the Brewers bowed out with a 4-3, 12-inning loss at Colorado.

Before BBRT gets into September stats and stories, I’d like to comment on another race I watched with some interest on the final day of the regular season – the race for MLB’s all-time, single-season, team home-run crown.

YOU HAD TO “C” THIS ONE

Jason Castro – hit the record-setting “Bomba.”

Coming into the season’s final day the Yankees and Twins had both won more than 100 games, clinched their division titles and hit more than 300 2019 home runs.  (The previous single-season record was 267 homers – 2018 Yankees.) As play started September 29 (Twins at Royals/Yankees at Rangers), New York’s Bronx Bombers had 305 home runs, while Minnesota’s Bomba-Squad had 304. Many of us here in Minnesota, stung by a history of post-season losses to the Yankees, really wanted that long-ball record.

Well, the Yankees popped just one home run (Aaron Judge) in a 6-1 loss at Texas.  The Twins launched a trio of dingers, to take the record 307-306.  Why the “You Had To C This   One” title?  Well, a lot of T.C. fans traveled to K.C. to C this final game.  It turns out, all three Twins; home runs were hit by players whose last name started with a “C” – C.J. Cron; Jake Cave; and Jason Castro (who hit the record-setter).  Ironically, Minnesota’s most-prolific 2019 home run bat, belonging to Nelson “last name begins with a C” Cruz was on the bench.  In another bit of irony, at least to BBRT, it was the first home run this September for Cron, Cave and Castro.   C U this Friday, Yankees.

Now, here’s just a few September highlights.  You’ll find details on these and other “events” that caught BBRT’s eye in the “Highlights” section of this post.  In September, we saw:

• The Mets’ 24-year-old rookie Pedro Alonso popping an MLB-best 11 September home runs;  leading all major leaguers with 53 home runs for the season – setting a new MLB rookie round tripper record;
• The Astros’ Justin Verlander opening the month with his third career no-hitter;
• A second Biggio (Cavan) hitting for the cycle and a new Yastrzemski (Mike) homering in Fenway Park;

In 2019, MLB strikeouts reached a new record (42,823) for  the 12th consecutive season. 

• One player (Yoan Moncada) hitting 400+ for the month;
• The Arizona Diamondbacks winning a ball game, despite having only one base runner over nine innings;

In 2019 the Astros waved zero – that’s zero – batters to first.   That’s right, not a single intentional walk. The MLB team average for the season was 25 IBB – and the second-lowest total was ten (Twins). 

• Two teams (Twins and Yankees) becoming the first MLB teams to reach 300 home runs in a season;
• Two teams using a combined (record) 25 pitchers in a game;
• Four teams reaching 100 wins on the season – coincidentally, the four teams who also surpassed the previous record for home runs in a season;
• Two pitchers (the Astros’ Gerrit Cole and Justin Verlander) on the same team reaching 300 strikeouts in the season for only the second time in MLB history.

In 2019, as home run records fell like overripe apples from a tree, not only did MLB reach a record 6,776 home runs (breaking the old record by 671 dingers), but four teams exceeded the old MLB team single-season record (the Twins exceeded the old mark by 40) and a total of 14 teams set new franchise records for home runs in a season.  In addition, we saw new MLB single-season records for the most players on a team with at least thirty home runs (five-Twins); most with at least 20 home runs (eight-Twins); and most with at least  ten  or more home runs (14-Yankees).  Of course, there are two sides to this story.  the Orioles gave up almost as many home runs as the Twins hit (setting a new record for home runs surrendered in as season at 305). 

Let’s move on to a regular feature of these Wrap Ups.

—–BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE PLAYERS AND PITCHERS OF THE MONTH—-

American League Player of the Month – Eloy Jimenez, LF, Chicago White Sox

Eloy (I always want to add an “r” to his name) Jimenez was a force for the ChiSox in September – hitting .340, finishing fourth in AL September home runs with nine (one behind the three leaders) and tying for the AL lead in RBI with 25.  The 22-year-old rookie also scored 19 runs. Jimenez, who came into September hitting just .247 (with power), notched ten multi-hit games over the month and raised his average 20 points.  He finished the season at .267-31-79.  Jimenez’ September surge was not totally unexpected. In six minor league campaigns, he hit .311, with 66 home runs in 413 games.

Other Contenders: BBRT also considered another young White Sox hitter, 24-year-old 3B Yoan Moncada, the only MLB player (with at least 75 at bats) to hit over .400 for September.  Moncada hit .412, led all of MLB with 42 September hits, scored 21 runs, hit three homers and drove in 15/  Also in the running was A’s SS Marcus Semien, who hit .347, with eight home runs, 19 RBI and an MLB-best 25 September runs scored.  BBRT also gives a shout out to the Royals’ Jorge Soler, who hit .330-10-20 in September, and ended up being the first Royal to lead the league in home runs, with 48 on the season.

American League Pitcher of the Month – Gerrit Cole, RHP, Astros

Gerrit Cole had the AL’s second-lowest September ERA at 1.07 (among pitchers with at least 25 innings pitched). Cole also tied for the MLB lead in wins for the month, going 5-0 in six starts, and fanned an MLB-best 74 batters in 42 innings (seven walks).

Other Contenders: Right behind Gerrit Cole was his Astros’ teammate Justin Verlander, who also won five September games (one loss) in six starts, put up a 2.08 ERA and fanned the MLB’s second-most batters (57 in 39 innings). BBRT also recognizes the Yankees’ James Paxton, who went 4-0 in five starts with a minuscule 1.05 ERA.

 

Surprise Player of the Month – Austin Meadows, OF, Rays

Really, there were several positive surprises in September. (See Jack Flaherty, BBRT’s NL Pitcher of the Month, or the A’s Marcus Semien, in the running for BBRT AL Player of the Month.)  BBRT will give September’s “Surprise” recognition to the Rays’ 24-year-old, southpaw-swinging outfielder Austin Meadows, who came into September hitting .273 (with 24 home runs and 69 RBI).  In September, Meadows hit at a .378 pace (second-best in MLB among players with 75 September at bats), with nine home runs (tied for MLB’s sixth-most), 20 RBI (tied for tenth), and 24 runs scored (tied for second). In addition, he walked 15 times (versus just 16 strikeouts); putting up a September on-base percentage of .472 (second only to the Astros’ Alex Bregman). Meadows played in 24 games, hit safely in all but one and had ten multi-hit contests.

National League Player of the Month – (Tie) Reds’ 3B Eugenio Suarez and Dodgers’ SS Corey Seager

Eugenio Suarez rapped ten September home runs (second only to the Mets’ Pete Alonso’s 11), while hitting .337, with 20 RBI. He had ten multi-hit games during the month. He ended the season at .271-49-103.

Cody Bellinger brought superior defense and infield power to the Dodgers, hitting.291, with seven homers and MLB’s highest RBI total for the month (26). Bellinger really turned it up a notch in September.  It was his highest month of the season in terms of both home runs and RBI.

Other Contenders: Mets’ rookie 1B Pete Alonso led the majors with 11 September home runs (on his way to a new rookie-season record of 53), but was held back by a .245 average and just 19 September RBI. Cardinals’ 3B Tommy Edman hit .350-6-14, with 22 runs scored.

National League Pitcher of the Month – Jack Flaherty, RHP, Cardinals

As the Cardinals held off the Brewers for the NL Central title down the stretch, Flaherty was “The Man.” The 23-year-old went 3-1 in six starts and led MLB in September earned run average (among pitchers with at least 25 innings pitched) at 0.82, WHIP (0.57) and innings pitched (44). He also led the NL in strikeouts fopr the month (and was third in MLB) with 53, while walking just eight batters. In his six September starts, Flaherty went seven or eight innings in five (giving up just one earned run in those 38 innings.  His only September loss came in a six-inning effort in which he gave up three runs in six frames, while fanning ten. This was a pretty easy pick.

Other Contenders: It seems like the Mets’ Jacob deGrom is always in the running.  This September, he went 3-0, 1.29 in five starts, fanning 41 batters (five walks) in 35 innings. BBRT also considered the Braves’ Mike Foltynewicz, who won four September games (one loss) and had a nifty 1.50 ERA for the month. A nod also goes to the Cardinals’ Adam Wainwright, the only NL pitcher to win five September games (5-1, 2.97 in six starts). Giving relievers a little love, the Brewers went 20-7 in September thanks in great part to Josh Hader’s MLB-topping ten September saves.  Hader put up a 1.88 ERA and fanned 27 batters in 14 1/3 innings.

TROT INDEX … A REGULAR BBRT FEATURE

For the 2019 season,  36.2 percent of MLB’s 186,517 plate appearances ended in a trot (back to the dugout, around the bases, to first base). We’re talking about strikeouts, home runs, walks, hit by pitch and catcher’s interference – all outcomes that are, basically, devoid of action on the base paths or in the field. Here’s the breakout: strikeouts (23.0%); walks (8.5%); home runs (3.6%); HBP (1.1%); catcher’s interference (less than 1%). Personally, I’d like more action in the field of play.

For the 2018 season, 34.8 percent of all MLB’s 185,139 plate appearances ended in a trot.  Bonus Trivia: According to MLB, in 2019, the average time of an MLB game was a record three hours-five minutes-35 seconds.  

_________________________________________________________________

—–The Best and Worst of Teams—–

NL’s Best

No team won more games in September than the Brewers, who went 20-7. The Brewers failed to chase down the Cardinals for the Central Division title, but did manage to move passed the Phillies, Cubs and Diamondbacks into a Wild Card spot.  Milwaukee leveraged solid pitching (MLB’s lowest September ERA at 3.01) and a steady offense (the NL’s fifth-most September runs scored) into 20 victories.  Key contributors on the mound included: Jordan Lyles (3-0, 2.39 in five starts); Zach Davies (2-0, 2.31 in five starts); and Chase Anderson (2-0, 2.35 in five starts).  We also can’t forget Gio Gonzalez.  He may have gone just 1-0 in September (four starts and two relief appearances), but put up a 1.17 ERA and saw the Brewers win five of the six games in which he appeared. The Brew Crew also got solid performance out of the bullpen, led by Josh Hader’s ten saves and 1.88 ERA and Drew Pomeranz’ two saves and seven holds in 14 appearances (2.03 ERA).

AL’s Best

Over in the NL, best-of-the-best recognition goes to the Houston Astros (19-6), who dominated nearly all September statistical categories.  On the mound, they had the AL’s  lowest ERA, highest number of strikeouts, fewest walks and most saves.  At the plate, they were the AL’s September leaders in runs scored and home runs – and had the fewest batters’ strikeouts.  Key contributors? There were many. On the bump: Gerrit Cole went 5-0, 1.07 in six starts; Justin Verlander was 5-1, 2.08 in six starts; Zack Greinke was 4-1, 2.59 in five starts; and Roberto Osuna saved seven games (eight opportunities) and put up a 0.79 ERA.  Keys to the well-balanced offense included: George Springer, who hit .275, with ten homers and 19 RBI; Alex Bregman, who went .333-9-18; Yordan Alvarez, who was .296-6-16;  Josh Reddick at .338-4-12; and Jose Altuve at at .278-6-13.

Other teams putting up solid September performance included: Dodgers (18-6); Twins (18-9); and A’s (18-8).  All these squads are, of course, in the post-season.

How about the worst September results? The Padres, Angels, Tigers, Orioles and Marlins all won fewer than ten September games.

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–—LEAGUE LEADERS – TEAMS – MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2019—-

RUNS SCORED … MLB Team Average – 122

AL: Astros (154); Yankees (146); A’s (143)

NL: Nationals (153); Cubs (150); Mets (140); Cardinals (140)

The Angels scored the fewest September runs at 82, while the Giants were at the bottom of the NL, plating just 83 runners.

BATTING AVERAGE … MLB Team Average – .244

AL: White Sox (.290); Royals (.268); Astros (.266)

NL: Nationals (.268); Cubs (.257); Pirates (.255)

Four teams hit under .220 for the month: Padres (.214); Mariners (.219); Giants (.219); and Angels (.219). 

HOME RUNS … MLB Team Average – 36

AL:  Astros (58); Yankees (52); A’s (42)

NL: Mets (50); Phillies (46); Dodgers (45)

At the bottom of the power list were the Pirates (14 home runs); Giants (19); Diamondbacks (22); and Tigers (23).

SLUGGING PERCENTAGE … MLB Team Average –  .422

AL:  Astros (.530); Yankees (.491); White Sox (.485)

NL: Mets (.474); Dodgers (.466); Cubs (.461)

The Astros collected an MLB-high 112 extra-base hits in September – while the Giants had an MLB-low of exactly half that many (56).

STOLEN BASES … MLB Team Average – 13

AL:  Rangers (26); Royals (19); Mariners (18)

NL: Cardinals (27); Rockies (22); Nationals (19); Phillies (19)

The Twins stole an MLB-low two bases in September (only three tries). Notably, the Phillies stole 19 bases in 19 attempts.

BATTERS’ STRIKEOUTS … MLB Team Average – 233

AL: Blue Jays (269); White Sox (265); Mariners (256)

NL: Brewers (286); Cardinals (282); Padres (277)

The Astros fanned the fewest times in September (186). Notably, despite the AL’s second-most whiffs, the White Sox put up MLB’s best batting average.

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EARNED RUN AVERAGE … MLB Team Average – 4.38

AL:  Astros (3.26); Rays (3.55); A’s (3.58)

NL:  Brewers (3.01); Dodgers (3.10); Cardinals (3.24)

One team posted an ERA north of 6.00 in September – the Rangers at 6.19.

BATTING AVERAGE AGAINST … MLB Team Average – .244

AL: Astros (.205); Rays (.219); A’s (.232)

NL: Reds (.202); Dodgers (.202); Brewers (.210);

Teams hit an MLB-high .299 against Tiger hurlers in September.

STRIKEOUTS … MLB Team Average – 233

AL:  Astros (295); Red Sox (276); Twins (273)

NL: Cubs (279); Padres (273); Brewers (272)

WALKS (Fewest) … MLB Team Average – 86

AL: Astros (60); Rays (62); A’s (68)

NL: Braves (63); Mets (70); Dodgers (73)

The Astros led all of MLB in September strikeouts per nine innings (11.46) and strikeouts-to-walks ratio (4.92). 

SAVES … MLB Team Average – 7

AL:  A’s (11); Astros (11); Twins (10)

NL: Brewers (12); Cardinals (11); Diamondbacks (11)

MLB’s best save percentage in September belonged to the Braves and Blue Jays, who each notched six saves in seven opportunities (85.7%). The Yankees had the most significant problem closing September games, with only one save in six opportunities. 

 

–—INDIVIDUAL LEADERS FOR SEPTEMBER 2019—–

BATTING AVERAGE (75 or more at bats)

AL: Yoan Moncada, White Sox (.412); Austin Meadows, Rays (.378); Tim Anderson, White Sox (.374)

NL: Tommy Edman, Cardinals (.350); Nolan Arenado, Rockies (.342); Kyle Schwarber, Cubs (.341)

The lowest average among players with at least 75 September at bats belonged to the Orioles’ Anthony Santander at .155 (13-for-84). Seventeen players with at least 75 at bats hit under .200 for the month.

HITS

AL: Yoan Moncada, White Sox (42); Trey Mancini, Orioles (38); Tim Anderson, White Sox, (37)

NL: Trea Turner, Nationals (36); Tommy Edman, Cardinals (36); Kyle Schwarber, Cubs (31); Ozzie Albies, Braves (31)

HOME RUNS

AL: Brett Gardner, Yankees (10); George Springer, Astros (10); Jorge Soler, Royals (10)

NL: Pete Alonso, Mets (11); Eugenio Suarez. Reds (10); five with seven

The Marlins’ Jon Berti had the most September at bats without a home run – 87.  He had a total of 25 September hits (.287) – twenty singles and five doubles.

RBI

AL: Rougned Odor, Rangers (25); Eloy Jimenez, White Sox (25); Matt Olson, A’s (23); Trey Mancini, Orioles (23)

NL: Corey Seager, Dodgers (26); Paul Goldschmidt, Cardinals (24); Asdrubel Cabrera, Nationals (21)

Among players with at least 75 September at bats, the Astros’ Alex Bregman had the highest on-base percentage at .486. In the NL, it was the Reds’ Eugenio Suarez at .455. The other players above .450 were: Austin Meadows, Rays (.472); Yoan Moncada, White Sox (.455); and Nolan Arenado, Rockies (.451).

Alex Bregman also had the highest slugging percentage in September (.753); while Eugenio Suarez led the NL at .747.

RUNS SCORED

AL: Marcus Semien, A’s (25); Austin Meadows, Rays (24); Francisco Lindor, Indians (21); Tim Anderson, White Sox (21); Yoan Moncada, White Sox (21)

NL: Trea Turner, Nationals (24); Starlin Castro, Marlins (22); Yasmani Grandal, Brewers (22); Pete Alonso, Mets (22); Tommy Edman, Cardinals (22)

STOLEN BASES

AL:   Alberto Mondesi, Royals (12); Tommy Pham, Rays (9); Danny Santana, Rangers (8); Jonathan Villar, Orioles (8)

NL: Jon Berti, Marlins (9); Garrett Hampson, Rockies (9); four with six

Jackie Bradley, Jr. of the Indians had the toughest month on the bases in September, caught three times in four attempts. The only other player tossed out three times was Alberto Mondesi (Royals), but he stole 12 bags.

BATTER’S STRIKEOUTS

AL: Hunter Dozier, Royals (35); Aaron Judge, Yankees (33); Miguel Sano, Twins (32)

NL:  Eric Hosmer, Padres (40); Harrison Bader, Cardinals (39); Pete Alonso, Mets (38)

Among the strikeouts leaders listed above, the Twins’ Miguel Sano had the best overall September stat line – .288-8-21.

WALKS

AL:  Alex Bregman, Astros (22); Mark Canha, A’s (16); Marcus Semien, A’s (16); Matt Chapman, A’s (16); Cavan Biggio, Blue Jays (16)

NL: Anthony Rendon, Nationals (25); Yasmani Grandal, Brewers (24); Juan Soto, Nationals (24)

PITCHING VICTORIES

AL: Gerrit Cole, Astros (5-0); Justin Verlander, Astros (5-1); four with four

NL: Adam Wainwright, Cardinals (5-1); Brent Suter, Brewers (4-0); Patrick Corbin, Nationals (4-1); Mike Foltynewicz, Braves (4-1); Merrill Kelly, Diamondbacks (4-1)

Another Episode of: How Fair Is That:

In September, the Brewers’ Matt Albers went 3-2, with a 10.38 ERA, while the Cubs’ Yu Darvish went 1-2, with a 2.39 ERA.

EARNED RUN AVERAGE (at least 25 innings pitched)

AL: James Paxton, Yankees (1.05); Gerrit Cole, Astros (1.07); Sean Manea, A’s (1.21)

NL: Jack Flaherty, Cardinals (0.82); Jacob deGrom, Mets (1.29); Mike Foltynewicz, Braves (1.50)

STRIKEOUTS

AL:  Gerrit Cole, Astros (74/42 IP); Justin Verlander, Astros (57/39 IP); Eduardo Rodriguez, Red Sox (53/37 2/3 IP)

NL: Jack Flaherty, Cardinals (53/44 IP); Yu Darvish, Cubs (46/26 1/3 IP); Patrick Corbin, Nationals (45/33 1/3 IP)

Gerrit Cole led all qualifying pitchers in strikeouts per nine innings in September (15.86). Yu Darvish led the NL (15.72).

SAVES

AL:  Taylor Rogers, Twins (9); Liam Hendriks, A’s (8); Robert Osuna, Astros (7); Brandon Workman, Red Sox (7)

NL:  Josh Hader, Brewers (10); Carlos Martinez, Cardinals (8); Archie Bradley, Diamondbacks (8)

How About a Shout Out for Holds?  That’s No Bummer.

The White Sox’ Aaron Bummer led MLB in September “holds” with nine (13 appearances).

Now a few stats and stories from the month of September.

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–—SEPTEMBER 2019 HIGHLIGHTS —

Getting September Off to a Good “Start”

On September 1, Justin Verlander faced off against the Blue Jays in Toronto – and he got the Astros off to a good start for the month.

Verlander threw a no-hitter, walking just one Blue Jay, while fanning 14. The Astros did make him “worry” the no-no to completion. They didn’t score a run for Verlander until there were two out in the top of the ninth (a two-run home run by Alemedys Diaz).

Verlander is just the sixth pitcher to throw at least three no-hitters – joining Nolan Ryan (7); Sandy Koufax (4); Larry Corcoran (3); Cy Young (3); and Bob Feller (3).  Pretty good company.

We’d Give Anything to Hold Them to a Bloop Single

On September 8, the Astros did a number on the Mariners – outscoring the Seattle squad 21-1 and outhitting them 22-1.  Not only did 11 different Astros score at least one run in the game, Houston plated ten runners before hitting their first single.  The ten runs scored before the end of the third inning – on six doubles, two home runs, two walks, one hit batsman and one error.  Ouch!

Never Before – Unlikely Again

September 14 marked a “never before – unlikely ever again” feat of pitching excellence (or batting futility). For the first time since 1900 (according to Elias Sports Bureau), an MLB team managed a victory despite having only one base runner (which, of course, would be the bare minimum) in a game of at least nine innings.  The team with this absolutely zero-waste offensive output?  The Arizona Diamondbacks, who topped the Cincinnati Reds 1-0 (in Phoenix).

Reds’ starter Anthony DeSclafani set the Diamondbacks down in order in the first, second, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh innings (fanning five); while reliever Joel Kuhnel added one whiff in a 1-2-3 eighth.  The only blemish for the Reds’ mounds men came in the third inning. Arizona SS Nick Ahmed led off with a high hopper (on the first pitch he saw from DeSclafani) that bounced over the head of Reds’ third-sacker Eugenio Saurez and rolled all the way to the left field wall for a triple.  D-backs’ RF Jarrod Dyson was also first-pitch swinging and sent a fly ball to center for a run-scoring sacrifice fly – and that was Arizona’s total offense for the game.

The Diamondbacks’ staff – starter Merrill Kelly (seven innings) and relievers Kevin Ginkel and Archie Bradley (one frame each) made the 1-0 lead stand up; giving up no runs on three hits and two walks (seven strikeouts).

It’s a Family Affair – at Least on September 17

The Yastrzemski Clan

On September 17, in a “Family Affair” occurrence, the Giant’s 29-year-old rookie Mike Yastrzemski (thanks to inter-league play) took the field for the first time in his career in Fenway Park – where his grandfather, Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski played 23 seasons and hit 237 home runs (he had 452 total long balls). Mike added another long ball to the Yastrzemski Fenway legend, popping a fourth-inning homer over the center field wall – helping the Giants top the BoSox 7-6. By the way, young Mike started in left field – in front of the famous Fenway Wall – the same position his grandfather manned for so many years.

The Biggio Household

On September 17, Blue Jays’ 24-year-old rookie Cavan Biggio – son of Hall of Famer Craig Biggio – hit for the cycle (single, double, triple, home run in one game) against the Orioles at Camden Yards.   In the game, won by the Blue Jays 8-5, Cavan was four-for-five with three runs scored and four RBI.  What made his cycle unique was that, 17 seasons earlier, Biggio (Craig) The Elder also hit for the cycle.  The exact date was April, 8, 2002 and Biggio, in his 15th MLB season, went four-for-five with two runs scored and four RBI.

Cavan’s cycle made the Biggios only the second MLB father-son combination to hit for the cycle – following Gary and Daryle Ward, who cycled their way into MLB history on September 18, 1980 and May 26, 2004, respectively.  Gary Ward achieved his cycle with the Twins, son Daryle with the Pirates.

Five-For-Thirty Can Be a Good Baseball Stat

On September 17, as the Twins topped the White Sox 9-8 in 12 frames, 3B Miguel Sano smacked his 30th home run of the 2019 season.  This made the Twins the first MLB team to have five players with 30 or more home runs on its roster in the same season (breaking at 12-team time at four). The 2019 Twins’ final counts:  Nelson Cruz – 41 home runs; Max Kepler – 36; Miguel Sano – 34; Eddie Rosario – 32; and Mitch Garver – 31

Earlier this season, the Minnesota squad became the first MLB team with eight players with 20 or more long balls on its roster in the same season.

 

2,000 for Bochy

On September 18, the Giants pounded the Red Sox 11-3 at Fenway – giving Giants’ manager Bruce Bochy his 2,000th MLB victory.  Bochy is just the 11th major league manager to reach the 2K mark in wins.  (Connie Mack tops the list at 3,731 wins.) Bochy, who has announced his retirement, ended the season with a 2003-2029 managerial record (12 seasons with the Padres/13 seasons with the Giants). He won an NL Pennant with the Padres in 1998; led the Giants to World Series championships in 2010, 2012 and 2014; and was the 1996 National League Manager of the Year.

Runnin’ on Cruz Control

On September 22, as the Twins downed the Royals 12-8 in Minnesota, DH Nelson Cruz touched a couple of milestones with a fourth-inning solo home run.  The long ball gave Cruz a nice round number on the season (40) and for his career (400).  Cruz became the 57th major leaguer to reach 400 home runs and  just the third player in MLB history to hit forty home runs at age 39 or older (joining Hank Aaron and Barry Bonds).  Cruz finished the season at 311-41-108.

Stone-Cole Hero

On September 24, Gerrit Cole picked up his 19th win of the season, as the Astros topped the Mariners 3-0 in Seattle.  Cole went seven innings, giving up two hits and fanning 14 batters. It gave Cole 316 strikeouts for the season – as well as setting a new Astros’ franchise record for whiffs in a campaign.  J.R. Richard had held the Astros’ record for 40 years, fanning 313 in 1979. It was Cole’s MLB-record tying eighth consecutive game with ten or more strikeouts (100 whiffs over 56 2/3 innings in that streak) and his 20th double-digit strikeout game of the season.  (Cole would go on to add a 21^st and ninth consecutive double-digit strikeout game on September 29, when he fanned 10 Angels in five innings.) In his previous start, on September 18, Cole had become just the 18th pitcher since 1900 to reach 300 strikeouts in an MLB season.

Randy Johnson holds the record for double-digit strikeout games in a season at 23 – and he did it three times (all for the Diamondbacks) – in 1999-2000 and 2001.

Happy Birthday Boss!

On September 25, the Minnesota Twins won their 98th game of the 2019 season – clinching the American League Central Division title.  That day also happened to be the 38th birthday of rookie manager Rocco Baldelli.  A nicely wrapped gift for the boss.

He Got By with a Little Help from His Friends

On September 26, the Rangers faced off against the Red Sox in Texas. Starting on the bump for the Rangers was Mike Minor (13-10, 3.52), while the Red Sox sent “opener” rookie Travis Lakins (0-1, 4.22) to the mound. As the contest went into the ninth inning, Minor was still in the game, holding on to a 7-5 lead. At the time, Minor had fanned eight batters – giving him 199 for the season.   He got Red Sox 1B Sandy Leon on a fly out to left to start the inning and then went to a 1-1 count on SS Chris Owings.  On the next pitch, Owings hit a foul pop up to the right side of first base.  Both 1B Ronald Guzman and catcher Jose Trevino had a chance to catch it, but they let it drop (reportedly at Minor’s urging) for an error (and for strike two).  Owings took the next pitch for strike three – and Minor had reached the coveted 200-strikeout mark (with a little help from his friends) for the season. Then Jose Leclerc replaced Minor and fanned Marco Hernandez for the final out and the save.

Another 2019 Immaculate Inning

On September 27, Astros’ reliever Will Harris was called in to open the bottom of the eighth inning of the Astros’ contest against the Angels – with the Western Division champs up 4-0. He was facing the Angels’ sixth seventh and eighth batters – 2B Kaleb Coward, 3B Matt Thaiss and CF Michael Hermosillo. Harris, who had fanned 59 hitters in 58 2/3 innings to that point in the season, turned in a stellar performance.  He whiffed those three unfortunate hitters on nine pitches – turning in 2019’s record-tying eighth “immaculate inning” (three outs, three strikeouts on the minimum nine pitches).

Three (hundred) for Two  … and Two for Three (Hundred)

On September 28, the Astros’ Justin Verlander had quite the day – going six innings in the Astros’ 6-3 win over the Angels.  It was Verlander’s MLB-leading 21st win (six losses).  In his six innings of work, he gave up three runs on four hits and fanned 12 batters. The 12 strikeouts:

• Gave him 300 on the season – his first 300-whiff campaign – making him just the 19th pitcher since 1900 to reach 300K in a season;
• Gave him 3,006 strikeouts for his career, making him just the 18th MLB pitcher to reach 3,000 career K’s;
• Enabled him to join Gerrit Cole as the only American League teammates to log 300 strikeouts in the same season (Cole finished 2019 with 326 strikeouts). The only other team with two 300K pitchers? The 2002 Diamondbacks, with Randy Johnson (334) and Curt Schilling (316).

Another Home Run Record Falls

On September 28, Mets’ rookie 1B Pete Alonso launched his 53^rd home run of the season –  as the Mets topped Atlanta 3-0 in New York.  In the process, the 2019 NL home run leader, broke Aaron Judge’s MLB rookie record of 52 home runs (set in 2017).

A First For the Royals –  Records for Soler

On September 29^th, the Royals’ OF/DH officially became the first Kansas City Royal ever to win the AL home run crown.  In addition, his 48 round trippers extended his single-season record for the Royals’ franchise, as well as set a new single-seasons record for a Cuban-born MLB player. The previous record for a Cuban-born player was held by Rafael Palmeiro, who hit 47 long balls for the Rangers in 1999.

Now, let’s move on to the full-season stats.

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–—-LEAGUE LEADERS – TEAMS – FINAL—–

RUNS SCORED … MLB Team Average – 782

AL: Yankees (943); Twins (939); Astros (920)

NL: Dodgers (886); Nationals (873); Braves (855)

The Astros had MLB’s most positive run differential in 2019 at +280. The Dodgers were not far behind at +273.  The only other team over 200 was the Yankees at +204. On the negative side, the Tigers were an MLB-worst -333.

BATTING AVERAGE … MLB Team Average – .252

AL: Astros (.274); Twins (.270); Red Sox (.269)

NL: Rockies (.265); Nationals (.265); Pirates (.265)

HOME RUNS … MLB Team Average – 226

AL:  Twins (307; Yankees (306); Astros (288)

NL: Dodgers (279); Cubs (256); Brewers (250)

Seven of the top eight teams in home runs made it to the post season. Bonus note:  The Marlins and Tigers were the only teams to hit fewer than 150 home runs, at 146 and 149, respectively. Their combined record was 104-219.

SLUGGING PERCENTAGE – MLB TEAM Average – .430

AL: Astros (.495); Twins (.494); Yankees (.490)

NL: Dodgers (.472); Rockies (.456); Nationals (.454)

STOLEN BASES … MLB Team Average – 76

AL:  Rangers (131); Royals (117); Mariners (115)

NL: Nationals (116); Cardinals (116); Brewers (101)

The Twins (who led all of baseball with 307 home runs, trailed all of MLB with just 28 stolen bases.  They also had the lowest stolen base success rate at 57.1% (28-for-49). The Diamondbacks were successful and MLB-best 86.3 percent of the time (88-for-102).

BATTERS’ STRIKEOUTS … MLB Team Average – 1,427

AL: Tigers (1,595); Mariners (1,581); Rangers (1,578)

NL: Padres (1,581); Brewers (1,563); Rockies (1,503)

Astros’ batters fanned the fewest times (1,166). In the NL, that honor went to the Pirates (1,213).

WALKS DRAWN … MLB Average – 530

AL: Astros (645); Red Sox (590); Mariners (588)

NL: Brewers (629); Braves (619); Dodgers (607)

No one hit better with runners in scoring position than the Yankees, with a .294 average in those situations. The worst average with runners in scoring position? The Tigers at .227. How about with runners in scoring position and two out?  The leader there was the Red Sox at .283, with the Marlins at the bottom (.191).

EARNED RUN AVERAGE … MLB Average – 4.49

AL:  Rays (3.65); Astros (3.66); Indians (3.76)

NL:  Dodgers (3.37); Cardinals (3.80); Cubs (4.10)

The best starters’ ERA for the season belonged to the Dodgers at 3.11, while the Astros had the best starting ERA in the AL at 3.61. The Rockies had the worst starters’ ERA at 5.87.

Bullpen ERA’s saw the Rays best in the AL at 3.66 and the Dodgers lowest in the NL at 3.78. The Wild Card Nationals had the worst bullpen ERA at 5.66.

The worst overall ERA?  The Orioles’ at 5.59.

BATTING AVERAGE AGAINST … MLB Average – .252

AL: Astros (.221); Rays (.230); Indians (.240)

NL: Dodgers (.223); Reds (.235); Cardinals (.238)

STRIKEOUTS … MLB Average – 1,176

AL:  Astros (1,671); Red Sox (1,633); Rays (1,621)

NL: Reds (1,552); Mets 1,520); Dodgers (1,519)

The Astros were the only team to average ten or more strikeouts per nine innings (10.28), but the Red Sox came close at 9.99. Fourteen teams averaged at least nine whiffs per nine frames.

SAVES … MLB Average – 39

AL: Twins (50); Yankees (50); Astros (47)

NL: Cardinals (52); Brewers (50); Padres (47)

The Blue Jays had the best save percentage for the season at 76.4% (33-for-43).  The Orioles had the worst save percentage at 50% (27 saves in 54 opportunities). 

—-2019 INDIVIDUAL LEADERS – FINAL—–

BATTING AVERAGE (QUALIFIERS)

AL:  Tim Anderson, White Sox (.335); DJ LeMahieu, Yankees (.327); Yoan Moncada, White Sox (.315)

NL: Christian Yelich, Brewers (.3292); Ketel Marte, Diamondbacks (.3286); Anthony Rendon, Nationals (.319)

HITS

AL: Whit Merrifield, Royals (206); Rafael Devers, Red Sox (201); DJ LeMahieu, Yankees (197)

NL: Ozzie Albies, Braves (189); Ketel Marte, Diamondbacks (187); Nolan Arenado, Rockies (185)

HOME RUNS

AL: Jorge Soler, Royals (48) Mike Trout, Angels (45); Alex Bregman, Astros (41); Nelson Cruz, Twins (41)

NL: Pete Alonso, Mets (53); Eugenio Suarez, Reds (49); Cody Bellinger, Dodgers (47)

Among qualifying batters, the Angels’ Mike Trout had the best “At Bats per Home Run” rate at 10.4. In the NL that honor went to the Brewers’ Christian Yelich at 11.1. Others at under 12.0 included: Twins’ Nelson Cruz (11.1); Mets’ Pete Alonso (11.3); Reds; Eugenio Suarez (11.7); and Dodgers Cody Bellinger (11.9).

RUNS BATTED IN

AL: Jose Abreu, White Sox (123); Xander Bogaerts, Red Sox (117); Jorge Soler, White Sox (117)

NL: Anthony Rendon, Nationals (126); Freddie Freeman, Braves (121); Pete Alonso, Mets (120)

RUNS SCORED

AL: Mookie Betts, Red Sox (136); Rafael Devers, Red Sox (129); Marcus Semien, A’s (123)

NL: Ronald Acuna, Jr., Braves (127); Cody Bellinger (121); Anthony Rendon, Nationals (117)

The Padres’ Manny Machado and White Sox’ Jose Abreu shared the lead in grounding into double plays at 24.

STOLEN BASES

AL:   Mallex Smith, Mariners (45); Aldaberto Mondesi, Royals (43); Jonathan Villar, Orioles (40)

NL: Ronald Acuna, Jr., Braves (37); Trea Turner, Nationals (35); Jarrod Dyson, Diamondbacks (30)

No players were caught stealing more often than Whit Merrifield of the Royals and Amed Rosario of the Mets (ten time each). Merrifield had 20 successful attempts; Rosario had 19.

BATTER’S STRIKEOUTS

AL: Rougned Odor, Rangers (178); Jorge Soler, Royals (178); Jonathan Villar, Orioles (176)

NL: Eugenio Suarez, Red (189); Ronald Acuna, Jr., Braves (188); Pete Alonso, Mets (183)

The top three strikeout artists – Eugenio Suarez, Ronald Acuna, Jr. and Pete Alonso – combined for 143 home runs and 324 RBI.

WALKS

AL:  Alex Bregman, Astros (119); Mike Trout, Angels (110); Carlos Santana, Indians (108)

NL: Rhys Hoskins, Phillies (116); Yasmani Grandal, Brewers (109); Juan Soto, Nationals (108)

The Dodgers’ Cody Bellinger led all batters in intentional walks with 21.  I guess that’s the kind of respect a .305-47-115 line will get you.

ON BASE + SLUGGING PERCENTAGE

AL: Mike Trout, Angels (1.083); Nelson Cruz, Twins (1.031); Alex Bregman, Astros (1.015)

NL: Christian Yelich, Brewers (1.100); Cody Bellinger, Dodgers (1.035); Anthony Rendon, Nationals (1.010);

PITCHING VICTORIES

AL:  Justin Verlander, Astros (21-6); Gerrit Cole, Astros (20-5); Eduardo Rodriguez, Red Sox (19-6)

NL: Stephen Strasburg, Nationals (18-6); Max Fried, Braves (17-6); Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers (16-5); Dakota Hudson, Cardinals (16-7)

The Tigers’ Spencer Turnbull led all of MLB in losses, going 3-17, 4.61 in 30 starts. 

EARNED RUN AVERAGE (qualifying)

AL: Gerrit Cole. Astros (2.50); Justin Verlander, Astros (2.58); Charlie Morton, Rays (3.05)

NL: Hyun-Jin Ryu, Dodgers (2.32); Jacob deGrom, Mets (2.43); Mike Soroka, Braves (2.68)

Note: Zack Greinke of the Astros had a 2.93 ERA, but his innings were split between the Diamondbacks and Astros.

STRIKEOUTS

AL:  Gerrit Cole, Astros (326); Justin Verlander, Astros (300); Shane Bieber, Indians (259)

NL: Jacob deGrom, Mets (255); Stephen Strasburg, Nationals (251); Max Scherzer, Nationals (243)

Note: Trevor Bauer of the Reds had 253 K’s, but they were split between the Indians (185) and Reds (68).

Only four qualifying pitchers averaged 12 or more strikeouts per nine innings: Gerrit Cole, Astros (13.82); Max Scherzer, Nationals (12.69); Robbie Ray, Diamondbacks (12.13); and Justin Verlander, Astros (12.11).  A total of 25 qualifiers averages 9+ K’s per nine innings.

SAVES

AL:  Roberto Osuna, Astros (38); Aroldis Chapman, Yankees (37); Brad Hand, Indians (34)

NL: Kirby Yates, Padres (41); Josh Hader, Brewers (37); Will Smith, Giants (34); Raisel Iglesias, Reds (34)

Just Hold Me, Please

The Padres’ Craig Stammen, Astros’ Ryan Pressley and Jake Diekman (Royals & A’s) led the major leagues with 31 “holds” each. 

A final thought – a look to the post season.

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

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Mound Madness

Yesterday (September 24) – well, actually shortly after one o’clock this morning (September 25) – The Rockies and Giants set an MLB record unlikely to ever fall. In a 16-inning match up that ended in an 8-5 Rockies’ victory, the two teams used an MLB-record combined 25 pitchers. A somewhat surprising aspect of that game it that Giants’ starter Madison Bumgarner completed seven innings of work.  The Giants then used 12 pitchers to get through nine more innings.

Then again, maybe the record could fall.  In a game that ended about an hour and twenty minutes later (played in Arizona), the Cardinals and Diamondbacks came close – using a combined 24 pitchers in a nineteen-inning contest won 3-2 by the D-backs.

If the record does fall, it will have to be this season.  Starting next season, September rosters will only expand to 28 players (rather than the current 40-player September limit).

How about Home Run Madness?

Yesterday, in a 2-1 loss to the Rays, Yankees’ starting CF Cameron Maybin accounted for the Bronx Bombers’ only run with a third-inning homer.  Notably, it was his tenth round tripper of the year. – making the Yankees the first MLB team ever to boast 14 players with ten or more home runs.   Here’s a little more home run madness. This season (as I write this post):

• The Twins have become the first MLB team with with five players hitting at least 30 home runs – and the first MLB team with eight players with 20 or more homers;
• Four teams (Yankees, Twins, Astros and Dodgers) have already surpassed the previous all -time team record for homers in a season;
• Twelve MLB teams have already surpassed their previous franchise record for home runs in a season and another three teams seem likely to join them; and
• MLB has seen a record 6,590 home runs – far outpacing the past mark of 6,105.

Primary Resource:  Baseball-Reference.com

 

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