Rants & Raves Archives - Baseball Roundtable

Baseball Roundtable Visits Nationals Park

June 23, 2022 by David

Just returned from a ten-day vacation in Maryland, so I am a couple days late on this post – which relates to my experience at Nationals Park, the 31^st major-league ballpark I have visited (some of which, of course, no longer exist) since attending my first-ever MLB game and Milwaukee’s Country Stadium in 1953. Side note: I was at Nationals Park on Saturday June 18; spent Father’s Day with my daughter on Sunday; flew back to Minnesota on Monday; and relaxed by taking in “Top Gun: Maverick” at the bargain movies on Tuesday. (Life can’t quite be all baseball.)

Before I get a brief review of Nationals Park a bit about the game. As noted, I was there on Saturday, June 18 – with the Nationals hosting the Phillies, I wasn’t expecting a very competitive contest. The Phillies were on a four-game winning streak, had won eight of their past ten and had been 14-2 since June 1, The Nationals were headed in the opposite direction, coming into the game on a seven-game losing streak and 5-12 since June 1. On the hill for the Phillies was veteran righty Aaron Nola – 4-4, 3.42 on the season, but 4-0, 2.45 over his last four starts. For the Nationals it was righthander Josiah Gray in his second big-league season, with a 6-4, 4.33 record on the season.

In the first inning, it appeared the Phillies might dominate: a one-out single by SS Didi Gregorius; a two-out hit-by-pitch (C J.T. Realmuto); and a two-out walk to CF Odubel Herrera loaded the bases. At this point, Gray had thrown 19 pitches – 11 out of the strike zone. Gray toughened up and stuck out 1B Alex Bohm swinging (on five pitches) and, from that point, it was game on.

After that first inning, Gray pitched five scoreless frames, giving up no hits and just one walk (three whiffs) in those frames. Phillies starter Nola was even batter, working eight scoreless innings – four hits, one walk and eight strikeouts. The game was 1-0 Phillies after 8 1/2 innings, with the only scoring coming on a home run by number-nine hitter 3B Yadier Munoz (his second of the season). The Phillies brought Brad Hand in for the save, but the Nationals used a walk, a ground out (with the runner advancing) and a single by PH Lane Thomas to tie it up. The Phillies scored the “gifted runner” in the top of the tenth on a single by pinch hitter Rhys Hoskins (pinch hitters made the managers look good that day). The Phils went on to load the bases with one out, but did not score again. A 1-2-3- bottom of the tenth by reliever Seranthony Dominguez gave the Phillies the win.

My Scorecard Blank in the Tenth

My scorecard went blank in the top of the tenth inning. (Maybe it’s just old school, but I refuse to recognize a gifted runner on my scorecard.)

Now, a bit about the Nationals Park experience. Normally, I see at least a couple of games at parks I comment on (usually as part of a Ballpark Tours adventure). This, however, was a one-game visit, so the commentary will be a bit shorter than in the past.

First, getting to the ball park. Despite its urban location, access – once you got near the park – was not difficult (the freeways leading to the area were another story). Traffic, with the assist of police officers at intersections, move fairly well. Parking, however, is expensive (we paid $40 to part about two blocks from the ballpark, which seemed to be a common rate nearby). There is, however, good Metro service to the area (the Navy Yard Station is just a block away from the ballpark). If you want to add to your experience, there also is water taxi service from Old Town to Diamond League Pier (directly across from the ballyard).

Pre-Game Meeting

Nationals Park is located in the Capitol Riverfront area near the Navy Yard – and, if you arrive early (I’d suggest it) you will find ample opportunities for pre-game food, libations and entertainment.

A particularly promising pre-game meeting spot is The Bullpen – a stone’s (or baseball’s) throw from the ballpark. This enclosed, but outdoor, venue offers music, adult beverages and food trucks – in a loud and lively atmosphere. If you want something a bit more subdued, there are plenty of alternatives nearby.

The Ballpark

One thing to note about Nationals Park: It does not pay homage to innovative or even eye-catching architecture. There really are no architectural features that will grab your attention. It is a ballpark, pure and simple. That understood, the sight lines are good, the seating and aisles are well-placed, there are ample restrooms and moving about the park (and finding what you may be looking for) is easy. It’s a good place to watch a ballgame. Now for a few more specifics.

The ballpark has six entry gates (not counting the media and suite gate) and it is well set up to handle ticket holders efficiently. The day we were there, the attendance topped 42,000 and there were no long lines or delays getting into the park. If you enter through the Home Plate Gate, you can take in the nearby bronze statues of Josh Gibson, Frank Howard and Walter Johnson.

Once inside, I’d recommend walking the wide main concourse — which conveniently is open all the way around the field of play. You can take in the tributes to the heroes of Washington D.C. baseball past and present (Nationals, Senators and Expos) as well as murals acknowledging current Nationals players.

While walking the concourse, I came across the Family Picnic Area (Right Field, Sections 142) – a fan- and family-friendly spot with picnic tables available on a first-come/first-serve bases.

A tour of the concourse will also give you a chance to check out the wide array of concessions – you’ll find everything from traditional ballpark fair (sausages, burgers, pizza) to options like lobster rolls, barbeque and even freshly shucked oysters. For dessert? There’s everything from soft-serve ice cream to Dippin’ Dots to gelati to funnel cakes. Among the concessions recommended by the locals I talked to were: Ben’s Chili Bowl … the “Half Smoke,” a quarter-pound sausage of half beef/half pork smothered in Ben’s special-recipe chili; Medium Rare … steak, fries and secret sauce smashed in a toasted bun; Haute Dog and Fries … hot dogs with lots of creative topping combinations; and Jimmy’s Famous Seafood) … shrimp and crab cake rolls and “Crabby Dogs.”.

I went with the Shrimp Roll from Jimmy’s Famous Seafood … and it was a solid choice. A just right sauce and lots of jumbo shrimp. The shrimp reminded from a line in The Big Bang Theory about casino cocktail shrimp the size of a baby’s arm. When it comes to food options, Nationals Park rates high. I did not visit any of the “sit-down” locations.

As always, I am including a Bloody Mary review in my commentary on the ballpark. The Nationals could do a little work here. I stopped first at the District of Cocktails, but they were out of Bloody Mary mix (and this was pre-game). I did get a Bloody Mary at the Center Field Cocktail Counter. It was basically one carefully measured shot of vodka topped with bottled mix, not high on my list. On the flip side, for beer lovers, there are multiple District Drafts locations with plenty of solid craft beer options. In addition, there are the Devils Backbone Left Field Lodge, Budweiser Terrace Bar and Budweiser Brew House … comfortable places to gather and share an adult beverage.

The fans at Nationals Park were active, involved and friendly (and some I talked to still hold a “Bryce Harper Grudge”). I enjoyed the sea of waving red when the Nationals’ announcer called for fans to wave their caps between innings. As usual (in all my recent ballpark visits), cell phones and selfies outnumbered scorecards. Plenty of fans displayed the Nationals “colors” on jerseys (Strasburg jerseys were the most prevalent), t-shirts and hats and there was also a strong (and loud) Phillies contingent in the stands.

BetMGM Sportsbook

Okay I did not go in, but the Nationals partnered with BetMGM to open the first sportsbook at (connected to) an MLB stadium. The keyword here is “at” as opposed to “in.” Inside the sportsbook location (just outside of Nationals Park’s center field gate), there are 40 television, a bar (with pub food) and multiple betting windows and kiosks. While fans don’t have access to the sportsbook facility while in the stadium (remember that “at” not “in” distinction) they, are able to bet from their seats using the BetMGM app. The app can be used to make wagers within a two-block radius of Nationals Park

In a statement earlier this year, Lerner Sports Group Chief Operating Officer Alan Gottlieb said “The BetMGM Sportsbook at Nationals Park represents the newest way in which we are providing our fans with the best experiences in sports and entertainment. Upon its opening, the Sportsbook immediately becomes one of the neighborhood’s premier venues for the savvy bettor and casual fan to watch the top events in an upscale and electric atmosphere.”

(Hmmm! Not sure how I feel about this, would love to hear from readers.)

Okay, I hate to be picky, but I did find one significant (for me) shortcoming). The Nationals sell a scorecard for one dollar. It is a stiff paper scorecard, the size of an 8 ½ x 11 inch piece of paper folded in half. Not a lot of room for notations, but more important – there is no listing of the players or numbers . (It doe include scoring tutorial on the bag cover.)

Finally, when you leave the park, you may want to stop by one of the local food and drink establishments to left the crowds and traffic disperse. We stopped long enough for one libation and our drive away from the park was painless.

So, there is a look at Nationals Park. As noted, there are no spectacular architectural features or views – no McCovey Cove, no Roberto Clemente Bridge, no Green Monster, no fountains beyond right field. However, it is a fan-friendly ballpark with good sight lines, a wide concourse and plenty of concession offerings.

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Baseball Roundtable’s 2020 HOF Fan Ballot – along with a look at the candidates for election.

November 21, 2019 by David

BBRT’s Baseball Hall of Fame 2020 Debate Season is officially open! The Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA) 2020 Hall of Fame ballots were distributed early this week and the results will be announced in January, with the honorees inducted on July 21. This year’s traditional ballot includes 14 holdovers from last year, along with 18 newcomers.

In this post, BBRT will share:

Predictions on the 2020 BBWAA voting;
BBRT’s ballot (if I had one);
A deep look into all the candidates on the ballot;
A link to BBRT’s unofficial fan ballot – please take a few minutes to follow the link and cast your vote.

—PARTICIPATE IN BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE’S 2010 FANS’ HALL OF FAME BALLOT—

Baseball Roundtable is once again conducting an unofficial fan ballot – to cast your vote(s), click here or on the ballot image below. Remember, you can vote for up to ten of the nominees for 2020 induction. If you want to read through the nominees’ bios first, there is another link to the BBRT Fan Ballot following the bios (near the end of this post). BBRT will be providing updates on the fan balloting, as well as a post-election comparison of fan votes as compared to the final BBWAA results. Voting on the BBRT Fan Ballot will remain open until January 1, 2020.

Also, if you leave your email or Facebook address in the comments section at the end of the ballot, you will be entered in a bobblehead and baseball card “surprise-prize” drawing.

As we consider this year’s slate of candidates, BBRT would stress that all the players on the ballot – even those who remain for only one voting cycle – deserve recognition. To rise to the major leagues, last ten years and make it past the Hall of Fame Screening Committee is a significant accomplishment in itself. In fact, the ballot release is a highlight for BBRT, as it provides a chance to acknowledge the accomplishments of all the candidates – not just the favorites for election. For example, a review of the ballot gives us the opportunity to note that Orioles’ second basemen Brian Roberts – while he only played 100 or more games in seven of his fourteen MLB seasons – was a doubles machine and a threat on the bases when in the lineup on a regular basis. In his seven seasons of 100+ games, 2003-09, Roberts hit 300 doubles (topping 50 three times and leading the AL twice) and stole 235 bases (stealing 30 or more four times and leading the league with 50 steals in 2007). It also provides the opportunity to focus on such accomplishments as Alfonso Soriano’s 40-40 season (one of just four such campaigns in MLB history), Bobby Abreu’s 400 stolen bases and Jose Valverde’s three seasons leading his league in saves. You get the idea.

Now on to the official 2020 Baseball Hall of Fame election process itself – and, then, a look at the players on the ballot for 2020.

BASEBALL HALL OF FAME ELIGIBILITY/CRITERIA FOR ELECTION

The basic rules for eligibility are that a player must have played at least ten seasons and be retired for at least five years. In addition, the player must be approved for the ballot by the Hall of Fame Screening Committee.

A player can remain on the ballot for up to ten years, but must receive at least five percent of the vote in the preceding year’s ballot to remain on the ballot. Each voter can vote for up to ten candidates. Election requires that a player be named on at least 75 percent of the ballots cast.

The criteria for election: “Voting shall be based upon the player’s record, playing ability, integrity, sportsmanship, character, and contributions to the team(s) on which the player played.”

Now, let’s take a look at who BBRT predicts will be elected by the BBWAA; how BBRT would vote if I had a ballot; and, along the way, the bios of these year’c candidates.

—–LIKELY BASEBALL HALL OF FAME ELECTEES FOR 2019—–

BBRT’s Prediction for 2020 …

Last November, Baseball Roundtable released its 2020 BBWAA balloting predictions, projecting the election of Mariano Rivera and Edgar Martinez and listing Mike Mussina and Roy Halladay as “dark horse” candidates with a chance to generate the needed 75 percent support. All four were elected. Two years ago, BBRT predicted the election of Chipper Jones, Jim Thome, Vlad Guerrero and Trevor Hoffman (with Mike Mussina as a “dark horse” candidate). Jones, Thome, Guerrero and Hoffman made it, with Mussina garnering 64.5 percent (sixth most).

For 2020, BBRT anticipates just two electees from the traditional ballot:

Derek Jeter
Larry Walker

I also see one “dark horse” candidate who may slip in this season, but I have a hunch will fall closer to 70 percent than 75 percent.

Curt Schilling

Note: For BBRT’s previously posted take on the 2020 Modern Game (Era Committee) Hall of Fame ballot, click here.

Let’s move on to BBRT’s hypothetical ballot and bios of the players I would vote for – followed by a look at the remainder of the 2020 candidates.

Side note: You will not find those caught up in the PED-controversy on my ballot. While I think the best of them will eventually be elected/inducted, if I had a ballot, I’d prefer they made the 75 percent without my vote. Still, given their place in the history of the game, I’d probably break down and vote for the top players in this group when they reached their final year of eligibility.

So, here is BBRT’s Hall of Fame Ballot – again, if I had one – with the players listed in BBRT’s order of preference.

GROUP ONE – BBRT WOULD VOTE FOR THESE TWO

AND ANTICIPATES THEY WILL BE IN THE 2019 HOF CLASS.

Derek Jeter – (Shortstop, 1995-2014) – First Year on the ballot.

A career-long Yankee, Derek Jeter’s 3,465 base hits (for a .310 career average) rank sixth in baseball history. Who is ahead of him? Pete Rose, Ty Cobb, Hank Aaron, Stan Musial and Tris Speaker. That probably makes his case right there. But let’s look a little deeper.

Jeter is a 14-time All Star, five-time Silver Slugger and five-time Gold Glover – as well as the 1996 American League Rookie of the Year.

Overall, Jeter hit .300 or better in 12 campaigns. While he only led the AL in hits twice, he topped 200 safeties in eight times (the final time with an AL-leading 216 hits in 2012; at age 38). Jeter also scored 1,923 runs (eleventh all time), topping 100 runs scored in 13 season and leading the AL with 127 in 1998. He collected 544 doubles (35^th all time), 66 triples and 260 home runs – amassing 4,921 regular season total bases (23^rd all time). A savvy base runner, Jeter also stole 358 bases, twenty or more in eight seasons, with a high of 34 in 2006.

Jeter also played in a record 158 post-season games, hitting .308 (200 hits), with 20 home runs, 61 RBI, 111 runs scored (post-season record) and 18 steals. He was the MVP of the 2009 World Series – and hit .321 in 38 Fall Classic games (seven World Series).

Derek Jeter’s Best Season: In 1999, Jeter hit a robust .349, with a league -leading 219 hits, 24 home runs, 102 RBI, 134 runs scored and 19 stolen bases.

This one’s a gimme – Jeter goes in. Will it be unanimous? I just have a hunch there will be a holdout or two.

——————

Larry Walker – (Outfield, 1989-2005) … Tenth (final) year on the ballot, 54.6 percent last year.

Larry Walker will need a big boost (players usually get somewhat of a boost in their final year of eligibility) to reach 75 percent I’ll go out on a limb here and predict he makes it; but it is no sure thing.

Walker played for the Expos (1989-1994), Rockies (1995-2004) and Cardinals (2004-2005). Given BBRT’s admiration for “lumber and leather,” Walker’s combination of three batting titles, three Silver Slugger Awards and seven Gold Gloves earns him my vote.

Walker played 17 MLB seasons and retired with 2,160 hits, a .313 average and three batting titles. Between 1997 and 2001, he hit .350 or better in four of five seasons. The five-time All Star (and 1997 NL MVP) hit 383 home runs (a high of 49 in 1997) and stole 230 bases (a high of 33 in 1997). Walker hit just .230 in 28 post-season games, but did rack up seven home runs, 15 RBI and sixteen walks in those contests.

Walker’s ten seasons in hitter-friendly Colorado may be hurting his vote totals – he hit .383 for his career in Coors, .271 elsewhere. Also reaching 2,500 hits or 400 home runs would have been an asset. Still, BBRT believes if you add his Gold Glove defense to his productive bat, you have a Hall of Famer. I’m also not much for punishing a player for taking full advantage of his home-field conditions. Walker did jump from 34.1 to 54.6 percent a year ago. So, he does have a chance chance of making it this year. I’d call it 50-50.

In 1997, Larry Walker led the NL with 409 total bases – the 18th highest single-season total all-time. (There have been only 29 seasons of 400 or more total bases in MLB history. Babe Ruth hold the record with 457 in 1921.).

Larry Walker’s Best Season: In his 1997 NL MVP year (Rockies), Walker hit .366, with a league-leading 49 home runs. He drove in 130 runs, scored 143, rapped 46 doubles, led the league in total bases at 409, topped the league in slugging percentage at .720 and even threw in 33 stolen bases and a Gold Glove. That’s using all five tools.

—————

A DARK HORSE CANDIDATE WHO WOULD NOT GET BBRT’S VOTE

Curt Schilling – (Starting Pitcher, 1988-2007) … Eighth year on the ballot, 60.9 percent last year.

Curt Schilling pitched for the Orioles (1988-1990), Astros (1991), Phillies (1992-2000), Diamondbacks (2000-2003) and Red Sox (2004-2007). Schilling was a six-time All Star, with 216 career wins (three seasons of 20 or more wins) over a 20-season MLB career. He recorded the 15th most career MLB strikeouts at 3,116 (three seasons of 300 or more whiffs), led his league in wins twice, complete games four times, innings pitched twice and strikeouts twice. He was also the 2001 World Series co-MVP – and has an impressive 11-2, 2.23 ERA post-season record (19 starts).

Curt Schilling is one-half of one of only two tandems of teammates to strike out 300 batters in the same season. In 2002, Schilling fanned 316 batters for the Diamondbacks, while teammate Randy Johnson whiffed 324. In 2019, Gerrit Cole (326) and Justin Verlander (300 K) joined this club.

He is on the cusp for the HOF – reaching 250 wins would have helped (although Jim Kaat, with 283 wins and 16 Gold Gloves is still not in the HOF – a Minnesota gripe here). However, Schilling’s outspoken views and the lack of a Cy Young Award may be working against his vote-getting capacity. I think Schilling will move up a few percentage points, but still fall short.

Curt Schilling’s Best Season: In 2001, Schilling went 22-6 for the Diamondbacks (with a 2.98 ERA). That year, he led the league in wins, starts (35), complete games (six), innings pitched (256 2/3).

FIVE PLAYERS WHO WOULD GET BBRT’S VOTE …

BUT ARE NOT LIKELY TO ENTER THE HOF IN 2020

Omar Vizquel – (Shortstop/Third Base, 1989-2012) – Third year on the ballot, 42.8 percent on 2019 ballot.

Photo by Keith Allison

Omar Vizquel got off to a good start toward a HOF plaque, grabbing 37 percent support on his first-ballot year and moving up to 42.8 percent a year ago. Vizquel once again earns BBRT’s vote – and should make his way into the Hall of Fame over time. When he does, it will be more with his glove (eleven Gold Gloves) than his bat. However, voters should be mindful of the fact that he finished his 24-season MLB career just 123 hits short of that milestone 3,000 safeties.

Vizquel delivered premier defense to the Mariners (1989-1993), Indians (1994-2004), Giants (2005-2008), Rangers (2009), White Sox (2010-2011) and Blue Jays (2012). He was a three-time All Star – and put together a string of nine straight Gold Gloves at shortstop (1993-2001).

Omar Vizquel led his league in sacrifice bunts four times.

In the field, Vizquel has the highest career fielding percentage (.9847) among shortstops with at least 500 games at the position. Vizquel is also the all-time leader among shortstops in double plays (1,734, 144 ahead of Ozzie Smith in second place), ranks third at the position for career assists and 11th in putouts. He shares the record (with Cal Ripken, Jr.) for the fewest errors by a shortstop in a season of at least 150 games played (three).

On offense, Vizquel put up a serviceable .272 career average, with 80 home runs, 951 RBI and 1,445 runs scored. The 1,445 runs put him in the top 100 players all-time (82nd); while his 2,877 hits put him in the top 50 (43rd). He also swiped 404 bases – topping twenty steals eight times (a high of 42 in 1999) – putting him at number 72 on the all-time list. Vizquel played in 57 post-season games, hitting .250-0-20.

Omar Vizquel’s Best Season: In 1999, with the Indians, Vizquel hit a surprising .333, with five home runs, 66 RBI, 112 runs scored and 42 stolen bases – and, of course, won a Gold Glove at shortstop.

Vizquel would get BBRT’s vote, but the BBWAA voters likely will make him wait a bit longer – showing a preference for a bit more offense.

—————-

Jeff Kent – (Second Base/Third Base/First Base, 1992-2008) … Seventh year on the ballot, 18.1 percent last year.

BBRT believes Jeff Kent is a deserving candidate, but he has not been getting much support from the writers. Kent holds the all-time MLB record for home runs by a second baseman (351 of his 377 career round trippers were hit while in the lineup at second base). He has a healthy .290 career batting average; his 1,518 RBI are 54th all time; and his 560 doubles 30th.

Kent was a five-time All Star and the 2000 NL MVP. As primarily a middle infielder, he hit 20 or more home runs in 12 seasons (a high of 37 in 2007) and topped 100 RBI eight times. He hit .276, with nine home runs and 23 RBI in 49 post-season games.

Jeff Kent has more career runs batted in than such noted Hall of Famers as Mickey Mantle, Billy Williams, Eddie Mathews, Duke Snider and Orlando Cepeda.

Kent has the credentials, but BBRT has a hunch the writers may keep him on the bench – a couple of Gold Gloves, at this traditionally defense-oriented position, would have really helped his case. Kent played for the Blue Jays (1992), Mets (1992-1996), Indians (1996), Giants (1997-2002), Astros (2003-2004) and Dodgers (2005-2008).

Jeff Kent’s Best Season: With the Giants in 2000, Kent put up these stats – 159 games; 196 hits; .334 average; 33 home runs; 125 RBI; 114 runs; 12 steals. His performance earned him the NL MVP Award.

Kent gets BBRT’s vote – and I believe the BBWAA’s support is overdue (but not forthcoming). This is one HOF “snub” that somewhat confuses BBRT.

—————

Todd Helton – (First Base, 1997-2013) … Second year on the ballot, 16.5 percent last year.

Todd Helton picked up just 16.5 percent of the vote in his first year on the ballot – probably due to a strong ballot and the fact that he spent his entire 17-year career with the Rockies (playing half his games in hitter-friendly Coors field). Helton, who put up a .316 career average, hit .345 at home and .287 on the road. Despite that home/road split, Helton’s body of work deserves HOF consideration. He was a five-time All Star, three-time Gold Glover and four-time Silver Slugger. He hit over .300 in 12 seasons – and won the NL batting crown in 2000 with a .372 average. His 59 doubles that season are the sixth-most all-time. Helton drove in 100 or more runs in five seasons and scored in triple figures six times. His 1,335 walks (36th all-time) indicate the respect he earned at the plate. Helton also ranks fifth in games played at first base, second in career assists at the position, 13^th in putouts and third in double plays.

Todd Helton is one of only 18 players to reach 400 or more total bases in a season – and one of only seven players to have multiple 400+ total base campaigns. He is also the only player to collect 100 extra-base hits in two consecutive seasons (2000-2001).

Todd Helton’s Best Season: In 2000, Helton won the NL batting crown with a .372 average – and also led the league in base hits (216), doubles (59), RBI (147), on-base percentage (.463), slugging percentage (.698) and total bases (405). He also scored 138 runs and hit 42 home runs.

Helton will stay on the ballot and has a chance at entry into the HOF – he’s just not likely to overcome the Coors Field-bias in the short-term future.

—————-

Billy Wagner – (LHP 1995-2010) … Fifth year on the ballot, 5.6 percent last year.

Billy Wagner played for the Astros (1995-2003), Phillies (2004-2005), Mets (2006-2009), Red Sox (2009) and Braves (2010). Wagner was a seven-time All Star, who amassed 422 saves (sixth all-time) in a 16-season MLB career. He had nine seasons of 30 or more saves; a career ERA of 2.31; 1,196 career strikeouts in 903 innings; and 47-40 won-lost record.

Billy Wagner’s Best Season: In 2003, Wagner went 1-4, 1.78 for the Astros, saving 44 games and fanning 105 batters in 86 innings.

BBWAA voters have been very demanding of relievers (although the recent induction of Mariano Rivera and Trevor Hoffman may be a good sign – but they, of course, both had 600+ saves.) BBRT thinks Wagner belongs in the Hall (based on his 400+ saves) – and hopes that momentum starts to build. (However, the odds are not in Wagner’s favor; he is drifting awfully close to that 5 percent mark.)

—————-

Andy Pettitte – (LHP/Starter, 1995-2010, 2012-13) … Second year on the ballot. 9.9 percent last year.

I had to think for a while on this one (and will probably get some push back from readers), largely because a major part of Andy Pettitte’s HOF resume was achieved in the post-season. Pettitte holds the MLB post-season marks for most wins (19 … versus 11 losses), innings pitched (276 2/3), games started (44) and is second in strikeouts (183). His post-season accomplishments include a 3.81 career ERA and the 2001 American League Championship series MVP Award.

Pettitte was no slouch in the regular season (Yankees – 1995-2003, 2007-2010, 2012-13) and Astros (2004-06). He finished with 256 wins (153 losses) and a 3.85 ERA. Pettitte won 20 games in two seasons and 14 or more games 12 times – leading the AL with 21 wins in 1996. The three-time All Star struck out 2,448 batters (45th all-time) in 2,316 innings.

Andy Pettitte started 30 or more games in a season 12 times, leading his league three times (1997, 2006, 2007.)

Pettitte’s post-season numbers, plus 256 regular-season victories and the fact that he had 100+ more career wins than losses secures BBRT’s vote. He still has a long ways to go with the BBWAA voters, however.

Andy Pettitte’s Best Season: In 1997, following a 21-8 campaign in 1996, Pettitte went 18-7, with a 2.88 ERA (fourth-best in the AL), leading the league in starts with 35, finishing third in innings pitched (240 1/3) and eighth in strikeouts (166).

Post-publication note: One of BBRT’s readers has correctly informed me that Pettitte was a PED-user. I found he admitted to briefly using HGH while in recovery from and elbow injury – a couple of years before it was banned. Pettitte was forthcoming, accepting of responsibility and apologetic. Given the circumstances, I’ll stand by this vote (but also continued to “dig” a bit). I thought, in the name of transparency, I should add this information here.

—————

TWO PLAYERS WHO WERE VERY CLOSE CALLS …

BUT WOULD GET BBRT’S VOTE (to keep them on the ballot for next year)

Alfonso Soriano – (2B/OF, 1999-2014) … First year on the ballot.

Had Alfonso Soriano spent his career as a second baseman (he was moved to the outfield in his eighth season – sixth full season), his path to the Hall of Fame might have been assured. Consider that in five full seasons at the keystone sack (2001-2005), Soriano hit .282, with 159 home runs 461 RBI and 167 stolen bases. I’ll do the math for you. That’s an average campaign of .282, 31.8 home runs, 92.2 RBI and 33.5 steals. Those are HOF numbers for a middle infielder. (Of course, it’s also likely that, had he stayed at 2B, he would have put up some pretty impressive numbers for errors. Soriano led AL second sackers in errors in all five of his full seasons at the position.)

Having spent a little more than half of his career in the OF (starting 849 games in the OF and 734 at 2B), Soriano has stiffer competition for a spot in the HOF. Still, BBRT thinks he deserves to qualify for next year’s ballot.

Soriano was a seven-time All Star (four at 2B, three in the OF) and four-time Silver Slugger. He also is one of only four members of the 40-40 Club (forty home runs and forty stolen bases in the same season). In 2006, Soriano hit .277, with 46 home runs and 41 stolen bases. The only other players to record 40-40 seasons are Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez and Jose Canseco. Soriano also logged three 30-30 seasons. Overall, he hit 30 or more home runs seven times and stole 30 or more bases five times (leading the AL with 41 in 2002). He also scored 100+ runs in four campaigns and drove in 100+ tallies in four seasons.

Soriano finished with 2,095 career hits (.270 average), 1,159 RBI and 1,152 runs scored. His 412 career home runs are 54^th all time and his 924 extra-base hits are 59^th. He is one of those “on the cusp” Hall of Famers in BBRT’s view – and will have to build some momentum. Again, BBRT believes he deserves to stay on the ballot.

Soriano played for the Yankees (1999-2003, 2013-14)), Rangers (2004-2005), Nationals (2006) and Cubs (2017-13).

Alfonso Soriano’s Best Season: In 2002 (Yankees), Soriano hit an even .300, leading the AL in hits (209), runs (128) and steals (41). He also hit 51 double and 39 home runs, while driving in 102.

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Bobby Abreu – (OF, 1996-2012, 2014) … First year on the ballot.

Bobby Abreu played in 18 MLB seasons. The two-time All Star showed both power and speed, hitting 288 home runs and swiping 400 bases (74th all time). Abreu led his league in games played twice, doubles once (50 in 2002) and triples once. He won a Gold Glove in 2005.

A solid .291 career hitter (2,470 base hits), Abreu hit .300 or better in six seasons. He hit 20 or more round trippers in 10 campaigns, stole 20 or more bases 12 times (a high of 40 in 2004), drove in 100 or more runs eight times and scored at least 100 runs eight times. Abreu also walked 1,476 times – including 100 or more free passes in eight straight seasons (1999-2006).

Bobby Abreu’s 1,476 walks are 20th all-time and his 574 double are 25th.

Abreu played for the Astros (1996-97, Phillies (1999-2006), Yankees (2006-2008), Angels (2009-1012), Dodgers (2012) and Mets (2014).

In 20 post-season games, Abreu went 19-for-67 (.284), with one home runs and nine RBI.

Bobby Abreu’s Best Season: In 2004, as a Phillie, Abreu hit .301, with 30 home runs and forty steals. An All Star that season, he also drove in 105 runs and scored 118.

Abreu’s 400 steals are an HOF plus. Had he reached 300 home runs, it would have really boosted his prospects. I’d like to see Abreu stay on the ballot.

——————————THE REST OF THE BALLOT————————————

So, with BBRT’s unofficial ballot covered, let’s look at the remainder of candidates – in alphabetical order. Note: Here you will find a host of players with solid (but perhaps not HOF-level) career numbers and accomplishments.

Josh Beckett – RHP, 2001-2014) … First year on the ballot.

Josh Beckett put up a 138-106, 3.38 record in 14 MLB seasons. The three-time all Star led the AL with 20 wins (seven losses) for the Red Sox in 2007, when he finished second in the Cy Young Award voting to C.C. Sabathia (21-7, 2.18). Beckett won 15 or more games in four seasons and fanned 150 or more batters in 11 seasons (a high of 199 in 2009).

Josh Beckett was a horse in the postseason, going 7-3, 3.07, striking out 99 batters in 93 2/3 innings and throwing three complete games in 14 appearances (13 starts).

Josh Beckett pitched a no-hitter in his final MLB season. On May 25, pitching for the Dodgers, he no-hit the Phillies in a 6-0 win – walking three and fanning six.

Josh Becket played for the Marlins (2001-2005), Red Sox (2006-2012) and Dodgers (2012-2014).

Josh Beckett’s Best Season: In 2007, Becket let the AL with 20 wins (seven losses), his 3.27 earned run average was sixth in the AL, and his 194 strike outs (in 200 2/3 innings) seventh. That season, he pitched in four post-season games for Boston – going 4-0, 1.20. He was the MVP of the American League Championship Series, when he started and won two games – giving up nine hits and just three earned runs, while fanning 18 in 14 innings.

Beckett had a solid MLB career, but falling short of 150 wins and never reaching 200 strikeouts in a season dims his HOF chances. I really like his post-season accomplishments, however.

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Heath Bell – (RHP, 2005-14) … First year on the ballot.

Heath Bell appeared in 590 MLB games – all in relief. The three-time All Star was truly a dominant closer for the Padres from 2009-11, making the All Star team and saving 40 or more games in each of those three campaigns – and being named NL Reliever of the Year in 2009 and 2010. In 2009, he led the NL with 42 saves. Over his 11-season MLB career, Bell was 38-32, 3.49, with 168 saves. He averaged better than a strikeout per inning – fanning 637 batters in 628 2/3 innings.

Heath Bell’s Best Season: In 2010, Bell went 6-1, with 47 saves. He pitched to a 1.93 earned run average in 70 innings (67 appearance), fanning 86 batters.

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Barry Bonds – (Outfield, 1986-2007) … Eighth year on the ballot, 59.1 percent a year ago.

Barry Bonds played for the Pirates (1986-1992) and the Giants (1993-2007). There is no doubt about Bond’s credentials – .298 average, 2,935 hits, MLB-record 762 home runs, 1,996 RBI, MLB-record 2,558 walks. He was also a 14-time All Star; 12-time Silver Slugger Award winner; his league’s MVP a record seven times; and an eight-time Gold Glove winner. In 2001, Bonds hit .328, with an MLB-record 73 home runs and 177 RBI. He drove in 100 or more runs 12 times and also scored 100 or more runs in a dozen seasons. And, I could go on and on.

Barry Bonds drew an MLB-record 688 intentional walks in his career. Second place? Albert Pujols, with 311. In 2004 alone, Bonds drew a record 120 intentional passes. He led his league in IBB 12 times.

Still, there are those PED’s – an elephant in the room (and on the ballot) that I think will keep Bonds out of the Hall for at least another year (and probably until his final year on the ballot). Eventually, the dam will break and we will see some of the major stars now under a PED cloud take places in the Hall. BBRT is not ready to cast that vote yet – and I don’t think 75 percent of the BBWAA is either. We can expect Bonds back on the ballot next year (he may top 60 percent this year).

Barry Bonds’ Best Season: In 2001, Bonds crushed an all-time record 73 home runs, while hitting .328, driving in 137 runs, scoring 129 – all while drawing 177 walks.

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Eric Chavez – (3B, 1998-2014) …. First year on the ballot.

BBRT has a soft spot for player who evidence “leather and lumber” – and that would include Eric Chavez, who won six Gold Gloves (consecutively, 2001-2006) and popped 260 home runs during his 17 MLB seasons.

As a defender, Chavez led AL third basemen in assists three times; putouts twice; double plays twice; and fielding percentage twice.

At the plate, Chavez hit .268 (1,477 career hits), with 260 home runs, 902 RBI. He topped 25 home runs six times (a high of 34 in 2002) and 100 RBI four times (a high of 114 in 2001).

Eric Chavez’ Best Season: In 2001, Chavez hit .288, with 32 home runs, 114 RBI, 91 runs scored and eight stolen bases – and picked up his first Gold Glove.

Chavez was a superior defender, with had solid (but not HOF) offensive numbers.

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Roger Clemens – (RHP/Starter, 1984-2007) … Eighth year on the ballot, 59.5 percent last year.

Roger Clemens pitched for the Red Sox (1984-1996), Blue Jays (1997-1998), Yankees (1999-2003, 2007) and Astros (2004-2006). Clemens has Hall-worthy stats: 354 wins (ninth all-time), 4,672 strikeouts (third all-time), an MLB-record seven Cy Young Awards and the 1986 AL MVP Award. The eleven-time All Star was a five-time 20-game winner (led the league in wins four times), seven-time ERA leader, five-time league leader in strikeouts, and six-time leader in shutouts. He won the AL pitching Triple Crown (Wins/ERA/Strikeouts) three times. Clemens also has 12 post-season wins, with 173 strikeouts in 199 post-season innings.

Roger Clemens shares the record for strikeouts in a nine-inning game (20) with Kerry Wood and Max Scherzer. Clemens is the only pitcher to achieve 20 whiffs in a nine-inning game twice.

Roger Clemens’ Best Season: Lots to choose from here. Like 21-6, 1.93 in 1990 – or 1987, with a 20-9 record, 2.97 ERA, 18 complete games and seven shutouts. I take 1986. Clemens went 24-4. 2.48 and won both the Cy Young (his first) and AL MVP Awards for the Red Sox. He led the AL in wins, winning percentage (.857) and earned run average. He was fifth in innings pitched (254) and second in strikeouts (238).

Yes, he’s got the numbers (those listed and more), but the PED controversy seems to stand between him and the Hall. Don’t think the BBWAA is ready yet, but he’ll continue on the ballot – and will likely gain a bit of ground on that 75 percent requirement.

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Adam Dunn – (OF-1B, 2001-2014) … First year on the ballot.

Adm Dunn had a great power swing – putting 462 balls (37^th all time) out of the park in his 14 MLB seasons – at one point, (2004-2008), hitting at least forty long balls in five straight seasons. Then, of course, there is the other side of the coin. The two-time All Star also struck out 2,379 times (third all time), leading the league in whiffs in four seasons. Over his career, Dunn hit forty or more homers in six seasons and 30 or more in three more.

Adam Dunn is one of only 12 MLB players to have six or more 40-HR season.

Adam Dunn’s Best Season: In 2004, for the White Sox, Dunn hit .266, with 46 home runs, 102 RBI and 105 runs scored.

Four-hundred-plus home runs is a good start, but Dunn’s .237 career average ad 2,000+ strikeouts work against him.

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Chone Figgins (3B/OF/2B, 2002-12, 2014) …. First year on the ballot.

Chone Figgins (almost got my vote just for the name) played for the Angels (2002-2009), Mariners (2010-1012) and Dodgers (2014). He hit for a .276 average, with 35 home runs, 403 RBI and 341 stolen bases in 1,282 games. Figgins stole 30 or more bases in seven season – forty or more in five of those.

Chone Figgins’ Beat Season: In 2005, for the Angels, Chone Figgins hit .290, with a career-high and league-leading 62 stolen bases. He also had 25 doubles, ten triples and eight home runs – scoring 113 times and driving in 57 runs.

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Rafael Furcal … (SS, 2000-2012, 2014) …. First year on the ballot.

Rafael Furcal, who came up with the Braves, was the 2000 NL Rookie of the year, when he hit .294, scored 87 runs and stole 40 bases in 131 games. In his career, the three-time All Star hit a respectable .282 (1,817 hits), scored 1,063 runs (reaching 100 or more runs scored four times), hit 113 home runs, drove in 587 and stole 314 bases (stealing 25 or more bases seven times). On defense. Furcal led NL shortstops in assists twice, putouts twice and double plays once.

Furcal played for the Braves (2000-05), Dodgers (2006-11), Cardinals (2011-12) and Marlins (2014).

Rafael Furcal’s Best Season: In 2006, with the Dodgers, Rafael Furcal hit .300, with 15 home runs, 63 RBI, 113 runs scored and 37 stolen bases. He also led the NL in put outs and double plays at shortstop and was second in assists.

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Jason Giambi – (1B/OF/DH, 1995-2014) … First year on the ballot.

Jason Giambi’s 20-year MLB career is a tribute to his offensive production – a .277 average to go with 440 home runs and 1,441 RBI. Giambi was a five-time All Star, two-time Silver Slugger and the 2000 AL MVP. In the four seasons from 1999-2001, Giambi was clearly on top of his game (and on top of the plate), hitting .326, with 155 home runs and 502 RBI. While he did strike out 1,572 times, he also walked 1,366 times – contributing to a healthy .399 career on-base percentage. Giambi led the AL in OBP three times).

Jason Giambi led the AL in free passes in four seasons – in strike outs just once.

In his career, Giambi topped 25 home runs in nine seasons (40+ twice), 100 RBI in seven seasons (a high of 137 in 2000) and hit over .300 in four campaigns.

Giambi’s career can really be divided into two parts. Over his first ten seasons, he went .297-381-944, as compared to .238-159-497 over his final ten campaigns.

Jason Giambi played for the A’s (1995-2001, 2009), Yankees (2002-2008), Rockies (2009-12) and Indians (2013-14).

In 45 post-season games, Giambi hit .290, with seven long balls and 19 RBI.

Jason Giambi’s Best Season: In his 2000 MVP season (for the A’s), Giambi hit .333, with 43 home runs, 137 RBI, 108 runs scored and a league-topping 137 walks (versus 96 strikeouts). Notably, he put up similar numbers the very next season – .342-38-120, with a league-leading 129 walks.

Giambi is competing at a power-position – still his power numbers and on-base percentage may keep him on the ballot for 2012.

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Raul Ibanez – OF/1B, 1996-2014 … First year on the ballot.

Raul Ibanez enjoyed a 20-season MLB career – suiting up from age 24 to age 42. He hit a respectable .272 (2,034 base hits) over that time, with 305 home runs, 424 doubles, 1, 207 RBI and 1,055 runs scored. He also played solid defense, leading his league’s left fielders in assists and fielding percentage twice each and putouts once.

Ibanez was a one -time all Star (2009 Phillies). He hit 20 or more home runs in eight seasons, with a high of 34 in 2009. He also drove n 100+ runs in four campaigns and scored 100+ runs in one season.

Ibanez hit .245, with six home runs and 22 RBI in 44 post-season games.

Raul Ibanez’ Best Season: In 2006, with the Mariners, Ibanez hit .289, knocked 33 home runs, drove in 123 tallies and scored 103 times.

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Andruw Jones – (OF, 1996 -2012) … Third year on the ballot, 7.5 percent last year.

Andruw Jones played for the Braves (1996-2007), Dodgers (2008), Rangers (2009), White Sox (2010) and Yankees (2011-2012). In a 17-season career – primarily patrolling centerfield – he won ten Gold Gloves (consecutively, 1998-2007). At the plate, he hit .254, with 434 home runs (47^th all time), 1,289 RBI and 1,204 runs scored. He topped 25 home runs in ten seasons (six over thirty and a league-leading and career-high of 51 in 2005). He scored 100 or more runs four times, drove in 100+ five times and stole twenty or more bases in a season four times.

Jones appeared in 76 post-season games, hitting .273, with ten home runs and 34 RBI.

In the 1996 World Series, Andruw Jones – just 19-years-old – hit .400 (8-for-20) with two home runs and six RBI, becoming the youngest player to hit for the distance in the Fall Classic.

Andrew Jones’ Best Season: In 2005, Jones hit only .263, but led the NL in home runs (51) and RBI (128) – finishing second in the MVP voting to Albert Pujols (.330-41-117).

Jones’ ten Gold Gloves work in his favor, but – over the long haul – that .254 average (he only hit .300 or better once and over .270 only four times) will dampen his HOF chances. Still, BBRT believe he deserves more support (he’s perilously close to the five percent mark).

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Paul Konerko – (1B, 1997-2014) … First year on the ballot.

Paul Konerko spent 16 of his 18 MLB seasons as a big bat in the middle of the White Sox lineup. A six-time All Star, Konerko hit .279 (2,340 hits), with 439 home runs (44^th all time), 1,412 RBI and 1,162 runs scored. Konerko hit 30 or more home runs in seven seasons (40 or more twice), drove in at least 100 runs in four seasons and hit .300 or better four times.

He was the MVP of the 2005 AL Championship Series, when he drove in seven runs in five games. In 197 post-season contests, he hit .243, with seven home runs and 17 RBI,

Konerko played for the Dodgers (1997-98), Reds (1998) and White Sox 1999-2014.

Paul Konerko’s Best Season: In 2010, for the White Sox, Konerko his .312, with 39 home runs and 111 RBI.

Like Jason Giambi, his power output gives him a chance to stay on the ballot (listen up, Chicago-area BBWAA members); but long-run, both look to fall short of the HOF.

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Cliff Lee – LHP, 2002-2014) … First year on the ballot.

Cliff Lee won 143 games (91 losses) in 13 MLB seasons, while putting up a 3.52 earned run average. He was a four-time All Star and the 2008 American League Cy Young Award winner. Over his career, he led his league in wins, earned run average and complete game once each and shutouts and innings pitched twice each. He also led the NL in strikeouts-to-walks ratio three times and finished in the top ten in his league in the category in six seasons. In addition, between 2008 and 2012, he allowed his league’s fewest walks per nine farms four times, was second once and fourth once.

In 328 games (324 starts), Lee notched 29 complete games and 12 shutouts, He pitched 2,156 2/3 innings, fanning 1, 824 batters.

Lee was solid in the post-season, going 7-3, 2.52 in 11 starts (three complete games).

Lee pitched for the Indians (2002-09), Phillies (2009, 2011-14), Mariners (2010) and Rangers (2010).

Cliff Lee’s Best Season: In his 2008 Cy Young Award season (Indians), Cliff Lee led the AL in wins (22, with just three losses); winning percentage (.880); earned run average (2.54); and shutouts (2). He fanned 170 batters in 223 1/3 innings, walking just 34 (a league-low 1.37 walks per nine innings).

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Carlos Pena – (1B, 2001-14) … First year on the ballot.

Carlos Pena hit 286 round trippers in his 14 MLB seasons. He collected 1,146 hits (for a .232 career average), drove in 818 runs; and scored 745 times. He hit 30 or more home runs in a season three times, leading the AL with 39 in 2009 (his career-high was 46 in 2007). The one-time All Star was also a one-time Gold Glover. Pena hit .269, with four home runs and 14 RBI in 19 post season games.

Although Carlos Pena played only 40 of his 1,493 games with the Rangers, he played his first (September 5, 2001) and last (July 12, 2014) MLB games in a Rangers’ uniform.

Pena played for the Rangers (2001. 2014), A’s (2002), Tigers (2002-2005), Red Sox (2006), Rays (2007-2010, 2012), Cubs (2011), Astros (2013) and Royals (2013).

Carlos Pena’s Best Season: In 2007, for Tampa Bay, Pena raked at a .282 pace, popping 46 home runs and driving in 121 tallies (all career highs).

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Brad Penny – (RHP, 2000-2012, 2014) … First year on the ballot.

Primarily a starting pitcher (349 MLB games, 319 starts), Brad Penny went 121-101, 4.29 over 14 MLB seasons. Penny was a two-time All Star and led the NL in wins (for the Dodgers) with 16 (nine losses) in 2006. Penny won at least 15 games in just two seasons (16 each in 2007 and 2007, his two All Star campaigns.) In nine post-season appearances, he went 3-2, 7.66.

Penny pitched for the Marlins (2000-2004), Dodgers (2004-2008), Red Sox (2009), Giants (2009, 2012), Cardinals (2010), Tigers (2011) and Marlins (2014).

Brad Penny’s Best Season: As a Dodger in 2007, Brad Penny went 16-4, leading the NL in winning percentage (.800), finishing fifth in wins and third in earned run average (3.03).

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J.J. Putz – RHP, 2003-2014) … First year on the ballot.

J.J. Putz made 572 relief appearance in his 14 MLB seasons, notching 37 wins (33 losses) and 189 saves, while putting up a 3.08 earned run average. The one-time All Star and 2007 Reliever of the Year saved 30 or more games four times, including a high of 45 for the 2011 Diamondbacks.

J.J. Putz’ Best Season: In 2007, Putz appeared in 68 games for the Mariners, going 6-1, 1.38 with 40 saves. In 71 2/3 innings, he fanned 82 batters and walked just 13.

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Manny Ramirez – (Outfield, 1993-2011) – Fourth year on the ballot, 22.8 percent last year.

Manny Ramirez played 19 MLB seasons, collecting 2,574 hits, a .312 batting average, 555 home runs (15th all-time) and 1,831 RBI (19th all-time). Ramirez was a 12-time All Star and led the AL in average (2002), home runs (2004) and RBI (1999) once each. Ramirez won nine Silver Slugger Awards, including eight consecutive (1999-2006), hit .285 with 29 home runs in 111 post-season games and was the 2004 World Series MVP. He hit 30 or more home runs in twelve seasons (five of 40+), scored 100 or more runs six times, hit .300 or better in 11 seasons and topped 100 RBI 12 times.

Manny Ramirez’ 29 post-season home runs are first all-time, while his 78 post-season RBI rank second. In addition, he is the all-time post-season leader in walks (72), and ranks third in post-season hits (117) and runs scored (67).

In 111 post-season games, Ramirez hit .285, with 29 home runs and 78 RBI.

Ramirez clearly put up HOF-caliber numbers, but two PED-related suspensions continue to hurt his chances. Not this year, but he’ll be back for another shot. Ramirez played for the Indians (1993-2000), Red Sox (2001-2008), Dodgers 2009-2010) and Rays (2011).

Manny Ramirez’ Best Season: In 1999, with Cleveland, Ramirez hit .333, with 44 home runs and 165 RBI (14th most in a season all-time) in 140 games.

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Brian Roberts – (2B/SS, 2001-14) …. First year on the ballot.

Brian Roberts was a two-tine All Star, who spent 13 of his 14 MLB season with the Orioles. Although he played more than 100 games in only seven seasons, he was a doubles machine, banging out 367 two-baggers – hitting 50 or more doubles in three seasons (leading the AL twice). The speed that enabled Roberts to deliver all those doubles also contributed to his 285 stolen bases. He stole 20+ bases seven times, leading the AL with a career-high 50 steals in 2007 (being caught just seven times ).

Roberts hit .276 over his MLB career (1,527 hits), with 97 home runs, 542 RBI and 850 runs scored. He scored 100+ runs in four campaigns.

Brian Roberts’ Best Season: in 2005, Brian Roberts hit .314, with 18 home runs and 73 RBI. He also scored 92 runs, stole 45 bases in 52 attempts, and knocked 45 doubles and seven triples. That season, he finished second in the AL among second basemen in assists, fifth in putouts and third in double plays.

BBRT always liked Roberts’ ability to use his speed to change a game, but seven season of 100+ games is just not enough.

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Scott Rolen – (Third Base, 1996-2012) … Third year on the ballot, 17.2 percent last year.

Scott Rolen played for the Phillies (1996-2002), Cardinals (2002-2007), Blue Jays (2008-2009) and Reds (2009-2012). The seven-time All Star (including in two of his final three seasons) flashed leather and lumber, collecting eight Gold Gloves (one Silver Slugger) and rapping 316 home runs. He finished with a .281 average, 316 home runs, 1,287 RBI, 1,211 runs scored and 188 stolen bases. Rolen hit 25 or more home runs seven times, with a high of 34 in 2005. He also put up five 100+ RBI seasons, scored 100+ runs in two campaigns and reached double digits in steals five times. He was the NL Rookie of the Year in 1997 (.283-21-92, with 16 steals).

Scott Rolen’s Best Season: In 2004, with the Cardinals, Rolen hit career highs in average, home runs and RBI (.314-34-124) and won a Gold Glove.

Those Gold Gloves should keep Rolen on the ballot. If only he had reached 200 steals or 400 home runs.

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Gary Sheffield … (Outfield/Designated Hitter/Third Base/Shortstop, 1988-2009) … Sixth year on the ballot, 13.6 percent last year.

Gary Sheffield played for the Brewers (1988-1991), Padres (1992-1993), Marlins (1993-19998), Dodgers (1998-2001), Braves (2002-2003), Yankees (2004-2006), Tigers (2008) and Mets (2009). Sheffield was a nine-time All Star (in 22 MLB seasons) and five-time Silver Slugger Award winner. He launched 509 career home runs (26th all time) and topped 30 home runs in a season eight times (a high of 43 in 2000). He also maintained a .292 career average (hit .300+ in eight seasons); and collected 1,676 RBI (30th all-time). Sheffield won the 1992 NL batting title (.330); topped 100 RBI eight times; and scored 100 or more runs in a season seven times.

Gary Sheffield is one of only four players to hit MLB home runs as teenagers and in their 40’s. The others are Ty Cobb, Rusty Staub and Alex Rodriguez.

Gary Sheffield’s Best Season: In 1996 (Marlins), Sheffield hit .314, with 42 home runs, 120 RBI, 188 runs scored and 16 steals.

Sheffield has the offensive numbers, but defensive questions and the shadow of PEDs are likely to keep him on the outside looking in for now.

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Sammy Sosa – (Outfield, 1989-2007) … Eighth year on the ballot, 8.5 percent last year.

Sammy Sosa played for the Rangers (1989, 2007), White Sox (1989-1991), Cubs (1992-2004) and Orioles (2005). Sosa hit 609 home runs (9th all-time) in 18 MLB seasons – winning two HR titles, topping sixty three times and also hitting 50 one year. In the four seasons from 1998 to 2001, Sosa averaged 60 home runs and 149 RBI per season. His career numbers include a .273 average, 1,667 RBI (31st all-time), 1,475 runs scored and 234 stolen bases (a high of 36 steals in 1993). Sosa was the 1998 NL MVP (Cubs), led his league in home runs twice, runs scored three times and RBI twice.

Sammy Sosa has the most 60-home run seasons in MLB history with three – yet he did not lead the league in home runs in any of them. In 1998, he hit 66 home runs (Mark McGwire hit 70); in 1999, Sosa launched 63 (McGwire had 65); and, in 2001, he hit 64 (Barry Bonds hit 73). Talk about unfortunate timing.

Sammy Sosa’s Best Season: In 1998 (Cubs), Sosa hit .308, with 66 home runs, a league-leading 158 RBI and a league-leading 134 runs scored – and even tossed in 18 stolen bases.

Sosa played in 15 post-season contests, hitting .245-2-7.

Why is the seven-time All Star not in the Hall? The PED shadow continues to cloud his chances.

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Jose Valverde – (RHP, 2003-14) …. First year on the ballot.

Jose Valverde spent his 14-year MLB career coming out of the bullpen (626 appearances, zero starts). He finished with a 27-33 record, with a 3.27 earned run average and, most important, 286 saves (ranking 32^nd all time). Valverde was a three-time All Star, who also led his league in saves three times – topping 40 saves in each of those seasons. Over his career Valverde fanned 692 batters in 630 1/3 innings.

Jose Valverde’s Best Season: In 2011, with the Tigers, Valverde went 2-4, 2,24 with a league-leading 49 saves. He also led the AL in appearances (70) and games finished.

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That Increasingly Rare Unicorn – A World Series Complete Game

October 21, 2019 by David

The “prelims” are over and we’ve got our match up for the Main Event – the Astros versus the Nationals in the World Series. As I contemplate the rosters of this pair of worthy opponents, I am led to wonder if, in the coming days, we will see that increasingly rare “unicorn” – a World Series complete game. After all, we are looking at some quality starting pitchers in Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole and Zack Greinke on one hand and Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg and Patrick Corbin on the other. They have six Cy Young Awards among them – and, in 2019, this group won a combined 102 games (just 36 losses), put up a 2.75 earned run average and 1,547 strikeouts in 1,228 innings pitched.

Still, they only tossed a total of three complete games in 2019 (two by Verlander and one by Corbin) and the era of the complete-game pitching performance does seem to have passed us by. If I had to pick the most likely source for a complete game in the upcoming Series, I go: 1) Justin Verlander (due to his two complete games this past season); 2) any one of the Nationals’ big-three starters (the Nationals’ MLB-worst 5.66 bullpen earned run average provides an incentive to let the starters go long). Still, I’m not optimistic about a nine-inning outing.

In this post, I’ll take a look at how the World Series has changed when it comes to complete games, as well as at a handful of pitchers who have the distinction of tossing three complete-game victories in a single World Series (under the current best-of-seven format).

But, first, the back story on why Fall Classic complete-games are of notable interest to me.

When the Braves moved from Boston to Milwaukee in 1953, I was a six-year-old Milwaukee native. My boyhood heroes made it to the World Series against the vaunted Yankees in 1957 – the first World Series I followed with a hometown passion. The hero of that Braves’ World Series Championship? Hank Aaron? Eddie Mathews? Warren Spahn? None of the aforementioned. Or looking to the other dugout, Mickey Mantle, Yogi Berra or Whitey Ford? Nope. It was Braves right-hander Lew Burdette, who earned three complete-game victories (two shutouts) in the Series – giving up a total of two earned runs in 27 innings. (More on Burdette later in this post.)

Fast forward to 1965 – and the first World Series I ever attended (Game Six). I was living in Minnesota by this time and rooting for the Twins to top the Dodgers. It wasn’t to be. The Dodger won four games-to-three. Notably, the winning pitcher in each game threw a complete game.

Now, jump ahead t0 1991, when I was in the stands when Jack Morris threw a ten-inning, complete-game shutout to top the Braves 1-0 in Game Seven – and give the Twins the championship.

So, there’s a bit of an explanation for my “old school” fascination with World Series’ complete-games.

While complete games in the Fall Classic have declined fairly steadily over the decades, the most notable drop began in the 1970. Consider that:

The first World Series without at least one complete game didn’t occur until 1959 – and that was the only World Series without a complete game between 1903 and 1972;
Since 1972, we’ve seen 23 World Series that did not have a single complete game;
The most recent World Series complete game came on October 28, 2015 – when the Royals’ Johnny Cueto threw a nine-inning two-hitter (one runs, three walks, four strikeouts) in topping the Mets 7-1;
Since 1996 (23 World Series, 129 games), there have been just three complete games (remember, old Lew Burdette had that many in one seven-game Series);
The percentage of World Series starts ending in a complete game has dropped (by decade) from just over 70 percent in the 1900’s to just over 38 percent in the 1960’s to less than two percent thus far this decade.

Now, let’s move on to pitchers who have earned three complete-game victories in a best-of-seven World Series – and a couple of honorable mentions, which I think is better than an asterisk.

—PITCHERS WITH THREE COMPLETE-GAME VICTORIES

IN A BEST-OF-SEVEN WORLD SERIES—

Christy Mathewson, New York Giants … 1905 World Series

Photo by trialsanderrors

It makes sense that a big name would head this list. The first pitcher to record three complete-game wins in a best-of-seven World Series was Hall of Famer Christy Mathewson.

By the time, Mathewson took the mound against the Athletics in the 1905 World Series, he was pretty much already a “Giant” in more ways than one. He had just completed his sixth MLB season (fifth full season) and had a 128-71, 2.08 career record. He had won 30 or more games in each of the past three seasons – leading the NL with 31 wins (9 losses), a 1.28 earned run average, eight shutouts and 206 strikeouts during the 1905 regular season.

All five games of the 1905 World Series featured a shutout by the winning team.

A great season for Mathewson, but even greater things were coming – as Mathewson was about to become the first (and still only) MLB pitcher to throw three complete-game SHUTOUTS in a single World Series.

In Game One (October 9), it was the Giants’ Mathewson versus 24-game winner Eddie Plank (also a future HOFer) in Philadelphia. Both starters went the distance, with Mathewson tossing a four-hit, no-walk, six-whiff shutout – and Plank giving up three runs on ten hits and two walks.

Game Two (October 10 in New York) ended by the same 3-0 score, this time with the Athletics on top – behind a complete-game, four-hitter from Chief Bender, another future Hall-of-Famer

On October 12, Mathewson was back on the bump for Game Three (in Philadelphia) and cruised to 9-0 win – tossing a second four-hitter (one walk/eight strikeouts), The Athletics left Andy Oakley (18-8, 1.84 on the season) in for the entire nine frames (only three of the nine runs he surrendered were earned, thanks to four Philadelphia errors).

Christy Mathewson played baseball, football and basketball for Bucknell University – and also was in the band, glee club and a pair of literary societies. A well-rounded fellow indeed.

Then it was back to New York for Game Five (October 13). Plank was back on the mound for the Athletics and once again got zero support – losing 1-0 (the only run unearned), as the Giants’ Joe McGinnity (another future Hall-of-Famer (tossed a five-hit shutout).

Mathewson won the final game (October 14) before a home crowd, beating the Athletics 2-0 – and tossing his third shutout in six days, this one a five-hitter (no walks/four strikeouts).

Mathewson went on to a 17-season MLB career, picking up 373 wins (188 losses). He led his league in victories four times and won 20 or more games 13 times (30+ four times). He also led his league in ERA five times; shutouts four times; strikeouts five times; complete games twice; and, retroactively, saves once.

Charles “Babe” Adams, Pittsburgh Pirates …. 1909 World Series

Babe Adams was still officially a rookie in 1909, when his Pittsburgh Pirates faced off against the Detroit Tigers in the World Series. (In 1906-07, he had appeared in a total of five MLB games – going 0-3, 7.96, with 26 innings pitched.)

Adams debuted with the Cardinals, but was sold to the Pirates at the end of the 1907 season. He got in just four games for the Pirates as the season wore down and started (and finished) the 1908 season with the American Association Louisville Colonels. He flourished at Louisville – going 22-12 for the American Association Louisville Colonels in 1908. With Louisville he cemented a reputation for exceptional control, walking just 40 batters in 312 innings.

In 1909, Adams made it back to the big leagues. In his first full MLB season, he went 12-3, with a 1.11 earned run average in 25 games and 130 innings pitched (12 starts/seven complete games). The 5’ 11”, 185-pound, 27-year-old righty was a surprise starter in Game One of the Series, based on his exceptional control and strong finish to the season. (Moving from primarily a reliever to a starter in late August, Adams’ final eight appearances were starts and he went 4-2 with five complete games and two shutouts.)

In the opening game of the Series (October 8), Adams went the distance, tossing a six-hitter (one run, four walks and two strikeouts, as the Pirates prevailed (in Pittsburgh) 4-1. The Tigers bounced back to win Game Two (October 9) by a 7-2 score, knocking Pirates’ 25-game winner Howie Camnitz out of the game in the third inning.

Moving to Detroit, Pittsburgh won Game Three 8-6 and the Tigers took Game Four 5-0 – knotting the Series at two games apiece.

On October 13, Adams was back on the mound in Pittsburgh. Although not as effective as in Game One, Adams went the distance, giving up four runs (three earned) on six hits, while walking one and fanning eight. It was good enough for the win, as the Pirates plated eight runs.

On July 17, 1914, Babe Adams pitched a 21-inning, complete game – without issuing a single walk. It remains the longest walk-free complete game ever pitched. Unfortunately, Adams and his Pirates lost 3-1 to the Giants. Giant’s starter Rube Marquard also went the distance, giving up one run on 15 hits.

Detroit tied the Series at 3-3 with a 5-4 win on October 14, which set the stage for Adams’ best game of the Series. On October 16, he tossed a six-hit shutout (one walk/one whiff), as Pirates won the game and the Series by an 8-0 score.

Adams went on to a 19-season MLB career – putting up a 194-140, 2.76 record, completing 205 of 354 starts and walking just 430 batters in 2,995 1/3 innings. He won 15 or more games in five seasons and was a twenty-game winner twice.

Jack Coombs, Philadelphia Athletics … 1910 World Series

Photo by The Library of Congress

Right-handed hurler (and switch-hitter) Jack Coombs was in his fourth MLB season when he picked up three complete-game wins in a single World Series. And the season itself might have been a bit of a surprise. Going into the 1910 campaign, the 27-year-old Coombs had a four-season MLB line of 35 wins, 35 losses and a 2.45 ERA.

He put it all together in that 1910 season, leading the AL with 31 wins (nine losses), as well as with 13 shutouts. He three 35 complete games in 38 starts and had a minuscule 1.30 ERA.

Now, you might have expected Coombs to draw the October 17 start (against the Cubs in Philadelphia) in Game One of the Series, particularly since the Athletics were without veteran started Eddie Plank (arm issues). Philadelphia chose to go with the more experienced Chief Bender (who himself had gone 23-5, 1.58 on the season) over Coombs – and the decision paid off. Bender shut down the Chicago squad, giving up one run (unearned) on three hits, with two walks and eight strikeouts. The following day, Coombs pitched the Athletics to a 9-3 win, giving up three runs on eight hits. It wasn’t exactly a sterling effort – as he also walked nine and had to pitch out of a lot of trouble.

The problems Coombs faced in Game Two didn’t seem to bother the Athletics, as Coombs was back on the mound (October 20 in Chicago) with just one day’s rest. It was another rocky – but successful – outing. Coombs surrendered three runs over the first three innings (scored tied at 3-3). Then the Athletics plated five in the top of the fourth and Coombs settled down. He went the distance again, giving up five runs on seven hits and four walks (eight strikeouts) in a 12-5 Philly victory. In this game, Coombs had three hits and three RBI of his own.

Bender went the distance in a losing effort in Game Four – falling 4-3 in ten innings.

It was back to Coombs for Game Five (October 23 in Chicago) and he finally turned in the kind of performance you’d expect from a pitcher with a season ERA south of 2.00. He gave up just two runs (although he did allow nine hits and a walk) in topping the Cubs 7-2. Notably, it was tense game, standing at 2-1 in Philadelphia’s favor until the Athletics explored for five runs in the top of the eighth.

To top off his three complete-games win, the switch-hitting Coombs went five-for-thirteen (.385) at the plate, with a double and three RBI.

Jack Coombs was an all-around athlete (and scholar). Before going to the major leagues, he earned a degree in chemistry from Colby College – where he was on the baseball, football, track and tennis teams.

Coombs pitched in 14 major league seasons, going 158-110, with a 2.78 ERA. In the three seasons from 1910 through 1912, he won 80 games (31 losses) and put up a 2.64 ERA, A bout with typhoid fever in in 1913 dampened his overall career stats. (Coombs pitched in only four games in 1913-15 and was 43-44, 3,29 from 1913 until his retirement in 1920.)

A Shout Out to a Near-Qualifier

Okay, let’s keep in mind that, from 1903 to the present day, the World Series has been a best-of-seven format in most seasons. The 1920 World Series, however, was a best-of-nine affair. Future Hall-of-Famer Stan Coveleski earned complete-game victories (for the Indians over the Brooklyn Robins) in Games One, Four and Seven. However, had the series been a best-of-seven, Game Seven would not have been played (the Indians went into the contest up four games-to-two.) Still, Coveleski deserve some attention here.,

Coveleski was six seasons into his 14-campaign Hall-of-Fame career when he threw his three complete-game wins in the 1920 World Series. He won 20+ games in each of three previous seasons and had gone 24-12, 2.49 in 1920.

In Game one of the Series (October 5 in Brooklyn), Coveleski earned a victory over Rube Marquard (another future HOFer), by a 3-1 score, tossing a nifty five-hitter (one walk/three strikeouts). Coveleski faced off against the Dodgers Leon Cadore in Game Four (October 9 in Cleveland), with the Indians down two games-to-one. He came through again, giving up just one run (five hits, one walk, four strikeouts) in a complete-game 5-1 win.

Coveleski’s number came up again on October 12 (Game Seven), with the Indians up four games-to-two. This time, he tossed a complete-game, five-hit shutout – topping the Robins and future Hall-of-Famer Burleigh Grimes 3-0.

Coveleski pitched in 14 MLB seasons, going 215-142, 2.89 – winning 20 or more games in five campaigns.,

Lew Burdette, Milwaukee Braves … 1957 World Series

Pretty much everybody – except those of us in Milwaukee – figured the Yankees would top the Braves in the 1957 World Series. Consider, as the Series opened, in my lifetime (I was born in 1947), the Yankees had won nine AL pennants and seven World Series championships in eleven years. My Milwaukee Braves? They were the recently (1953) relocated Boston Braves. Enough said. It was Beertown versus the Big Apple. Few prognosticators gave the boys from Sudsville much of a chance.

Prospects looked even dimmer when Braves’ ace (and future HOFer) Warren Spahn (who had led the NL in wins that season with 21 and already had eight seasons of 20 or more victories) lost to the Yankees and (future HOFer) Whitey Ford 3-1 in the opening game (in New York). Game Two matched the Yankees’ Bobby Shantz (11-5, with an AL-best 2.45 ERA) versus the Braves’ Lew Burdette (who had gone 17-9. 3.72 on the season).

Lew Burdette had originally signed with the Yankees and made his debut with the New York club in 1950 – pitching just 1 1/3 innings in two appearances. Remember the old “Spahn and Sain and pray for rain” refrain for the Boston Braves. Well, Burdette broke that up, being traded from the Yankees to the Braves (along with $50,00) for Johnny Sain in August of 1951.

In Game Two of the Series (October 3), Burdette stifled the Yankee attack, winning 4-2 and pitching a complete game, seven-hitter (three walks/five whiffs). As it turned out that would be the “worst” game of Burdette’s 1957 post-season.

Game Three (October 5) saw the teams move to Milwaukee, where the Yankees pasted the upstart Braves 12-3. Don Larsen got the win, Bob Buhl the loss. Spahn (21-11, 2.69) was matched against Tom Sturdivant (16-6, 2.54) in Game Four (October 6 in Milwaukee). Spahn went the distance in a 7-5 ten inning Braves’ win; with the winning blow a two-run home in the bottom of the tenth by Eddie Mathews.

With the series now tied at two games apiece, Game Five (October 7 in Milwaukee) saw Burdette having to face Yankees’ ace Whitey Ford. It was a duel for the ages. Burdette went the distance in a 1-0 win, giving up just seven Yankee safeties, walking no one and fanning five. Ford gave up one run on six hits and walk in seven innings – with the only run being scored by Mathews (on a Joe Adcock single in bottom of the sixth).

The Yankees evened the series in Game Six (October 9 in New York), edging the Brave 3-2 – setting up the finale (October 10), with Burdette (on two-day’s rest) facing Larsen. Burdette did not disappoint the Milwaukee fans. He threw his third complete game and second consecutive shutout of the Series – topping the Yankees 5-0 and giving up seven hits and one walk, while fanning three.

Burdette enjoyed an 18-season MLB career (203-144, 3.66). He was a two-time All Star and two-time twenty-game winner. He also led his league in wins once, ERA once, complete games once, and shutouts twice. His best season was 1958 (20-10, 2.91) – but his most notable accomplishment was bringing Milwaukee its first World Series Championship.

Bob Gibson, Cardinals, 1967 World Series

It was the year before the Year of the Pitcher, but Bob Gibson was already an imposing presence on the mound – a f0ur-time All Star, with a 125-88, 3.12 record and a reputation for taking no prisoners. Further, despite suffering a broken leg in mid-July that put him out of action until early September, Gibson was the logical choice to start Game One of the 1967 Series. The fact is, he was tougher after the injury than before. When he went down (it was a Roberto Clemente line drive off his leg), Gibson was 10-6, 3.52. After returning from the fracture, Gibson went 4-1, with a microscopic 0.96 in five September starts. On the season, he was 13-7, 2.98. He was clearly ready.

Gibson proved his worthiness in Game One (October 4 in Boston), topping Jose Santiago and the Red Sox in a nail-biter. The final was 2-1 and Gibson threw a complete-game six-hitter, with one walk and ten strikeouts.

Gibson was back on the mound for Game Four (October 8 in St. Louis), with the Cardinals up two games-to-one. (Boston’s Jim Lonborg threw a nifty one-hit shutout in Game Two and the Redbirds came back to win 5-2 in Game Three.) In the fourth game, Gibson followed Lonborg’s lead, tossing complete-game shutout of his own (five hits, one walk, six strikeouts), as the Cardinals prevailed 6-0.

The Red Sox bounced back to win Game Six by an 8-4 score, setting up a match that fans had been waiting for – Gibson versus Lonborg in a winner-take-all Game Seven. Unfortunately, the anticipated pitching duel didn’t materialize. The Cardinals were up 4-1 after five frames and Gibson coasted to a 7-2 win, tossing his third complete game of the series (three hits, three walks, ten K’s).

Bob Gibson played college basketball for Creighton and spent a season with the Harlem Globetrotter before starting his baseball career.

Gibson made the Hall of Fame after a 17-season MLB career in which he was an All Star nine times and won 20 or more games five times. He led the NL in wins once; ERA once; complete games once; shutouts four times; and strikeouts once. He ended his career at 251-174, 2.91, with 3,117 strikeouts in 3,884 1/3 innings.

In 1968, the Year of the Pitcher, Bob Gibson went 22-9, with an MLB-best 1.12 ERA; MLB-tops 13 complete game shutouts; and an NL-best 268 strikeouts. He was the National League Cy Young Award winner and Most Valuable Player.

In June/July of that season, Gibson started 12 games, completed and won all 12, threw eight shutouts and put up a 0.50 ERA.

Mickey Lolich, Detroit Tigers … 1968 World Series

Like Lew Burdette earlier on this list, Mickey Lolich was not the “ace” of his staff. For Burdette (in 1957), of course, that was Warren Spahn. For Lolich, and the 1968 Tigers, that was Denny McLain, who was the Pitcher of the Year in The Year of the Pitcher – going 31-6, 1.96 and winning the AL Cy Young and MVP Awards. Lolich had been no slouch, going 17-9, 3.19; but clearly, the match up between the Cardinals’ Bob Gibson (who would win the Cy Young and MVP in the National League) and McLain was the pre-series choice as the main attraction.

Gibson got the best of it in Game One, shutting out the Tigers (and beating McLain) in St. Louis by a 4-0 score (October 2). Game Two (October 3) featured Lolich versus the Redbirds’ Nelson Briles (19-11, 2.81) – and Lolich went the distance, throwing a complete-game six-hitter (two walks/nine whiffs) in an 8-1 win.

The Series moved to Detroit with the Cardinals taking Game Two (October 5) and Game Three (October 6) 10-1 in another Gibson/McLain match up.

Down three games to one, The Tigers went back to Lolich (again facing Briles) for Game Five (October 7 in Detroit). Lolich delivered his second complete-game win 5-3 (nine hits, one walk, eight strikeouts.) McLain finally sparkled in Game Six, as the Tigers tied the Series 3- 3 winning 13-1 behind McLain’s complete-game (one-run on nine hits, no walks, with seven strikeouts.)

Lolich got his third start of the Series in Game Seven (October 10 in St. Louis) and had his best outing of the Fall Classic – topping Gibson and the Cardinals 4-1 with a complete game five-hitter.

Lolich pitched 16 seasons in the major leagues, going 217-191, 3.44, with 2,832 strikeouts in 3,638 1/3 innings pitched. He was a three-time All Star and won 20+ games in a season twice. He led his league in wins once, complete games once, innings pitched once and strikeouts once. In 1971, he went 25-14, 2.92 with an AL-leading 308 strikeouts – but finished second in the Cy Young Award voting to Vida Blue 24-8, 1.92, 301 whiffs.

The 1903 World Series – Sixteen Starts, 13 Complete Games

When the Boston Pilgrims (AL) faced off against the Pittsburgh Pirates (NL) in the first-ever AL/NL World Series, the Fall Classic (not yet a classic) was a best-of nine affair. That first Series went eight games, with Boston winning five. In the process the MLB, AL and NL records for complete games in a single World Series (of any length) were set.

The Pirates’ Deacon Phillipe (25-9, 2.43) started and completed five games (in ten days), going 3-2, 2.86. Phillipe still holds the MLB and NL records for complete games in a single World Series. Boston’s Bill Dinneen (21-13, 2.26) set and still holds the AL record with four complete games (in four starts) – going 3-1, 2.06.

Cy Young, by the way, started and completed three games in the Series – going 2-1, 1-85.

Phillipe enjoyed a 13-season MLB career, compiling 189 wins (109 losses) and a 2.59 ERA. He won 20 or more games in five seasons, Dinneen’s MLB career lasted 12 seasons (170-177, 3.01) and he won 20 or more games in four campaigns.

Primary Resources: The World Series, Sports Products, Inc.; Baseball-Reference.com; ESPN.com

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Babe Ruth, Shane and Justin Bieber, Don(s) Larsen and Drysdale and a Few Random Baseball Thoughts

August 5, 2019 by David

Sometimes on a lazy day – actually almost always – my thoughts turn to baseball. So, here are just a few random thoughts (stories and stats) that crossed my mind today. Hope you enjoy this stream of consciousness post.

How About a Little Respect?

Photo by apardavila

Yesterday, August 4, the Phillies optioned 3B Maikel Franco to Triple A. Franco, at the time hitting .231-15-47, apparently got more respect from the opposition. He was leading all of MLB in 2019 Intentional Walks, with 17.

Things Can Turn Around Quickly

On August 3, Aaron Sanchez – an August acquisition by the post-season bound Astros – started his first game in a Houston uniform. It looks like the change of scenery was good for him.

When Sanchez came over from the Blue Jays on July 31, he was leading MLB in losses (3-14, with a 6.07 earned run average). In his first start for the Astros, Sanchez threw six scoreless, HITLESS innings (two walks/six whiffs), leaving the game with a 6-0 lead (and eventually picking up the win). A trio of relievers (Will Harris, Joe Biagini and Chris Devenski) followed Sanchez to the bump, turning three more scoreless, HITLESS frames. So, in Sanchez’ first start for his new team, he was part of MLB’s 14th combined no-hitter (out of 302 official no-hitters). The Astros, by the way, collected 15 hits in the 9-0 whitewashing. Side note: Sanchez was an All Star as recently as 2016, when he went 15-2, 3.00 in 30 starts for the Blue Jays.

Combined No-Hitters, Becoming a Thing?

The Astros’ August 3 no-hitter was the third MLB no-hitter thrown in 2019 – and the season’s second combined no-hitter. Given today’s pitch counts and seventh-, eighth- and ninth-inning specialists, combined no-hitters are becoming more common. MLB saw just one combined no-hitter before 1967 (more on that coming) and a total of nine combined no-hitters (out of 272 total no-hitters) through 2011. Since then, we’ve seen five combined no-hitters (out of 30 no-hit games). And again, two of three 2019 no-hitters have been collaborative works.

Babe Ruth and the First-ever Combined No-Hitter

The first-ever combine no-hitter took place on June 23, 1917 – with the Red Sox topping the Senators 4-0 in Boston. This game is special for several reasons:

It was the first MLB combined no-hitter;
Babe Ruth was the starting pitcher;
It is the only combined no-hitter in which the pitcher was not pulled by the manager with a no-hitter in progress;
It involved the most meager contribution by any starter (actually any pitcher) in a combined no-hitter (zero innings pitched/one batter faced);
It is arguably the most “perfect” combined no-hitter ever.

Ruth, at the time plying his trade as a 22-year-old southpaw starting pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, opened the game by walking Washington’s lead-off hitter Roy Morgan. Ruth and Boston catcher Pinch Thomas took issue with umpire Brick Owens’ strike zone and, during the argument, Ruth made contact with the umpire. The ultimate result of the confrontation was the ejection of both Ruth and Thomas (with Ruth earning a $100 fine and ten-game suspension); hence he was not pulled by the manager and left the soon to be first-ever combined no-hitter after facing just one batsman.

Red Sox’ pitcher Ernie Shore was called in to replace Ruth; and Sam Agnew took Thomas’ spot behind the plate. Morgan decided to test Agnew’s arm and was thrown out stealing, after which Shore retired the next 26 hitters in order – completing the first combined no-hitter and facing the minimum 27 batters. (Hence the “most perfect” combined no-hitter). Ruth finished the 1917 season at 23-13, with a 2.01 earned run average and a league-leading 35 complete games. Shore finished the campaign at 13-10, 2.22.

Can’t I Get Any Justin? Yes, you can.

Shane Bieber is having a great season. Not only was he the All Star Game MVP, his record stands at 11-4 and he leads all of MLB with three complete games and two CG shutouts. Name recognition? Maybe not so much.

The back of his Topps baseball card reads “Until Bieber did it 2018, no Indians pitcher in 54 years had logged six or more strikeouts in each of his first three big-league appearances. Justin was particularly comfortable on the road, where went a team-record 7-0 and was undefeated in 11 starts.” Yep, Shane’s 2018 road record was attributed to Justin Bieber.

Shane Bieber leads MLB in complete games this season with three. In 1884, Charles “Old Hoss” Radbourn started 73 games – and completed 73 games. A few other tidbits:

The last pitcher to complete ten or more games in a season was the Rays’ James Shields (11 in 2011);
2000 was the first season that saw no MLB pitcher complete at least ten games;
The last pitcher to complete 20 games in a season was the Dodgers’ Fernando Valenzuela in 1986 (20 CG);
The last pitcher to complete 30 games in a season was the Yankees’ Catfish Hunter (30 in 1975);
Currently, there are ten MLB teams without a complete game in 2019. There were nine in 2018;
The last season in which every MLB team had at least one complete game was 2014.

The Rays have gone the longest without a complete game 565 games (back to May 14, 2017). In the NL, that honor goes to the Brewers at 387 games (June 18, 2017.)

Finally, A Three-Blast Day

Photo by Keith Allison

The Twins Nelson Cruz has been a flexing his long-ball muscles for more than a decade. He came into the 2019 season, at age 38, with 360 MLB home runs and 203 home runs over the previous five campaigns (all for the Mariners). Yet, in 14 MLB seasons, he had never had a three-home run game. That is, not until, July 25 of this season, when (at age 39) he popped three home runs in a Twins 10-3 win over the White Sox. He proved it wasn’t a fluke on August 3, when he had his second three-home run day. This time it came in an 11-3 win over the Royals – and, by the way, made Cruz the oldest MLB player ever to have two three-homer games in a season. Oldest player ever with a three-homer game? That would be Stan Musial July 8, 1962, at age 41 (and 229 days). As I write this, Cruz is hitting .292-30-72 on the season.

The Wrong Place at the Wrong Time?

Photo by slgckgc

Jacob deGrom currently has a 6-7 record on the season, with a nifty 2.78 earned run average. Meanwhile, there are nine pitchers with ten or more wins, with ERA’s over 4.00. But all that should be nothing new to deGrom. In 2018, he won only ten games (10-9) in 32 starts, despite a MLB-lowest 1.70 ERA.

A few Whiff Stats

The first time any MLB batter fanned 200 times in a season was 2008 (Mark Reynolds – 204). Since then, we’ve seen a dozen more seasons of 200+ strikeouts.
Mark Reynolds has the most 200+ whiff seasons at three (2008, 2009, and 2010).
2018 saw the most players with 200+ whiffs in a season at three (Joey Gallo, Giancarlo Stanton, Yoan Moncada).
Babe Ruth never fanned 100 times in a season, but led the league in whiffs five time.

The Other Side of Don Larsen

Yankee Don Larsen is, of course, best known for throwing the only World Series perfect game. You should also know that, as a Saint Louis Browns’ rookie (1953), Larsen set a record for consecutive base hits by a pitcher (seven).

The streak started in the second game of a doubleheader against the Red Sox on July 24. In his final at bat (in the eighth inning) of that game, Larsen laced a double to right-center off Mickey McDermott. (Larsen came on in relief in the sixth inning). Larsen pitched again on July 26^th – one inning of relief against the BoSox – but did not come to the plate.

On July 28, he came on in relief (against the Athletics) in fourth inning and took the loss in 9-7 game. On the mound, Larsen gave up three earned runs in five frames (two hits, two walks, four strikeouts). At the plate, he did better, with an RBI single to CF in the fourth, a single to RF in the seventh and another single to RF in the ninth. The streak was now at hits in four consecutive plate appearances. Side note: The Browns let Larsen bat with two outs in the ninth, trialing 9-7. Larsen relieved against the Athletics again on July 30, pitching a scoreless eighth, but did not come to the plate.

On August 5, Larsen got the start against the Orioles and went the distance in a 5-0 loss. At the plate in that game, he collected: a single to left in the third; a single to left in the fifth; and single to center in the seventh – giving him base hits in seven consecutive plate appearances. At the time, he was 2-10, 4.32 on the mound, but had a .288 batting average on the season. It turns out, Larsen would appear in four more games before the streak would officially come to an end.

Larsen next trip to the plate came on August 7. In that game (against the Senators), he came in to play left field in the sixth and grounded out in the eighth. Technically, the streak was still alive, since he grounded out as a left fielder, not as a pitcher. He appeared again in the first game of a doubleheader against the Senators on August 9, this time as a pinch runner (scoring a run, but not appearing at the plate). In the second game of the DH, Larsen batted again, but still not as a pitcher. He hit into a double play as a pinch hitter in the fifth inning (as the Browns lost 12-3). On August 11, Larsen finally batted again as a pitcher. He started against the Tigers (taking the loss in a 9-3 game) and flied out to short in the third to end the streak.

Larsen ended his 1953 rookie season at 7-12, 4.16 – with a .284-3-10 line at the plate.

Photo by Ted Van Pelt

The World Champion 1965 Dodgers had just one batter with at least 100 bats and a .300 or better batting average. That was pitcher Don Drysdale, who hit .300-7-19 in 130 at bats. Next best was speedster Maury Wills at .286 in 650 at bats (no home runs and 33 RBI). Drysdale’s seven long balls were seventh on the team – although every player ahead of him had 400 or more at bats.

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

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BBRT RANT: 2019 Season Opener in Japan – It Should Have Been an Exhibition.

March 21, 2019 by David

Okay, let me start out by admitting I am both old and “old school” – particularly it comes to the opening of the MLB season. I fondly recall the days when there were two leagues of eight teams and, year-after-year, Opening Day featured two games – the NL in Cincinnati and the AL in Washington D.C.. Day Two then featured a full slate of games, anticipation was served, and the season was off and running. That’s not how it happened this year, when Seattle and Oakland opened the season March 20 in Tokyo. No surprise, BBRT some opinions on that. But first some background.

Baseball Was Beautiful in Black and White

Baseball Was Beautiful in Black and White

Now, we’ve come a long way since the days of 16 teams, regular one-admission doubleheaders, the black and white “Game of the Week” on our small-screen televisions and the radio as our primary source of live MLB coverage. Sometimes, I miss those days.

Still, I am not a total curmudgeon. I appreciate the progress our national pastime has made. I can now get a baseball “fix,” live and in color, every day of the week – usually with multiple choices. There is baseball news (and views) year-round and the internet makes the exchange of info and insight on our national past time both immediate and (usually) interesting. (How I love MLB At Bat and Baseball-Reference.com.) More fans, in more cities, have access to major league baseball. There are more players from more places – and we know more about them – than ever. I like all of that.

Ball park food and beverage has gotten better – and sometimes it comes in the same glass. Photo: Bob King

I also am okay with defensive shifts (earn to hit to the opposite field); limiting mound visits; and a single trade deadline. I, however, am not fond of the “wave-em-to-first” intentional walk (too much like slow-pitch softball) or a pitch clock (although I would support requiring pitcher to keep one foot on the mound and batters to keep on foot in the batters’ box). I don’t care for the challenge system and oppose robot umpires (discussion and debate are part of the fans’ game and adjusting to the umpire’s strike zone part of the players’ game) and requiring a reliever to face three batters or end a half-inning.

I also like the improved amenities at the ballpark – better food choices (Thankfully, gone are the days when the menu was beer, hot dogs, peanuts and licorice ropes); more informative scoreboards; improved sight lines; and more colorful uniforms (The old “whites and grays” were only good for black-and-white TV.). I could use fewer between innings diversions (that’s the time for the discussion and debate I mentioned earlier).

The March 20 “Opening”

But, I digress – and, perhaps, protest a little too much. Let’s get back to this year’s March 20 Opening Day in Japan.

The fact is, no matter how much the game changes (and it must continue to change), on Opening Day, I traditionally yearn for tradition. This year, MLB chose to have the Seattle Mariners and Oakland A’s open the regular-season play March 20 in the Tokyo Dome. Turns out, there was very little “regular” about it. (Note: It was not the first time MLB choose to open the season early and abroad. In 2012, for example, these same two teams opened the MLB season on March 28 in Japan; while the rest of MLB opened on April 4.)

Don’t get me wrong. The March 20-21 Seattle/Oakland contests were a good idea, driven by good intentions.

First, it was – at its foundation – a good idea:

A tribute to Ichiro Suzuki, owner of more than 3,000 major league hits and nearly 1,300 safeties in his native Japan – a sure (and likely first-ballot) Hall of Famer; and
Recognition of the increasing international flavor of the game, as well of Japan’s particular passion for love the game and increasing presence in and impact on MLB.

Ichiro, a well-deserved tribute. Photo by Matt McGee

The games, by the way, were a great success, drawing large (45,000+) and enthusiastic crowds – and providing an emotional and fitting tribute to Ichiro Suzuki’s accomplishments and contributions to baseball at home and abroad. BBRT’s opinion is that the although games in Japan were a good idea and the tribute to Ichiro well-deserved, the effort would have been equally successful in serving its purpose and less disruptive if the games had been part of the Spring Training season. But as the MLB’s season “opener,” MLB’s pitch was high and outside.

From a timing perspective, few American fans were up to watch or listen to game coverage. The games also interrupted (rather than signaled the end of) the exhibition season – Spring Training games continued and even the Mariners and A’s came back to play additional games that didn’t count. So, other than some rather weird AL standings that will remain stagnant for a while, it hardly seems the season is underway.

Finally, the exhibition nature of the contest was further cemented in my mind by the fact that Ichiro, who hadn’t played a major league regular-season contest since May 2 of last year, officially announced his retirement right after the two-game opening series concluded.

Again, in the don’t get me wrong column. I am fine with international games. I welcomed the expansion into Canada, as well as past and ongoing efforts to recognize (and expand) the more global nature and recognition of today’s game. This season, we’ll see the Red Sox and Yankees in London in late June; Reds and Cardinals in Monterrey, Mexico, in mid-April; and the Angeles and Astros in Monterrey in early May. I just maintain that there is a time and place for those efforts (as preseason exhibitions or during the normal course of the season) – and, for me, that’s not Opening Day.

Ultimately, the 2019 MLB season opener seemed like a non-event and I am anticipating the March 28 slate of games, my true season opener(s). Oh, yes, the Seattle Mariners are currently on top of the American League West with a 2-0 record. Final thoughts: It’s done. It gave me something to write about. Ichiro is a well-deserving recipient of this recognition. And, I can just hope we don’t have another early opener. Now, a few more Spring Training games and on to the season.

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Baseball Roundtable April Wrap – Home Runs, Strikeouts and a Seven-Defender Double Play

May 1, 2018 by David

HOW THE GAME HAS CHANGED …

On this date (May 1) in 1920, Brooklyn and Boston played to a 26-inning 1-1 tie. Both starting pitchers – Brooklyn’s Leon Cadore and Boston’s Joe Oeschger – went the distance. For the full story, click here.

APRIL PLATE APPEARANCES, BRING MAY RANTS

May is upon us, and that means it’s time for Baseball Roundtable to look back at the previous month’s highlights and lowlights. Before I get into the specificS, however, a brief comment (rant?) on the game as it’s played today. In that May 1, 1920 contest noted above, not only did we see no pitching changes, there were only 22 plate appearances that ended in a trot (back to the dugout, to first base or around the bases) – nine walks, 14 strikeouts, no home runs and no hit batsmen. That’s 11.8 percent of the total plate appearances. Through April of this season, 35.6 percent of all plate appearances have ended in a trot – 22.7 percent by strikeout, 10.1 percent with a walk or hit by pitch and 2.8 percent via the home run.

Of course, it’s not fair to compare to a single-game more than 95 years ago to today’s contests. So, here are a few more recent figures: In 1980, 26.1 percent of all MLB regular-season plate appearances ended in a trot (home run, strikeout, walk, HBP). In 2000, it was 29.9 percent and, last season, it was 34.4 percent. Not sure how most of you feel, but I would prefer a trend toward more – rather than less – action in the field and on the basepaths. (BBRT invites your comments.)

———A LOOK BACK AT 2018 MARCH/APRIL———

Now, on to a look at March/April. The 2018 MLB season started off with a BANG! In 2017, MLB saw a record 6,105 home runs. On Opening Day, March 29, the Cubs’ 23-year-old center fielder Ian Happ hit the very first pitch of the 2018 season (thrown by the Marlins’ José Urena) for a home run. Later that day, White Sox’ DH Matt Davidson became just the fourth player in MLB history with a three-homer Opening Day game. He joined George Bell (1988), Tuffy Rhodes (1994) and Dmitri Young (2005) in that limited membership club.

Over the course of March/April, MLB treated us to such sights as the A’s Sean Manaea throwing 2018’s first no-hitter; Twins’ Joe Mauer collecting his 2,000 MLB base hit; Adrian Beltre passing Rod Carew as the all-time hits leader among Latin-American players; and much, much more.

There were plenty of notable acheivements and performances – but before we dive deep, let’s look at BBRT’s players and pitchers of the month.

________________________________________________

AL PLAYER OF THE MONTH … Didi Gregorius, SS, Yankees

Photo by apardavila

Maybe it should be Didi Degre-Glorious! When you are a middle infielder, batting in the heart of a lineup that includes Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Judge, and Gary Sanchez – and pretty much outpowering them all – you;’ve got a good thing going. In March/April, Gregorius put up a .327-10-30 line – leading MLB in RBI and home runs (10, tied with the Angels’ Mike Trout and Mariners’ Mitch Haniger). His 24 runs scored tied for MLB’s third-best and he drew 18 walks to just 16 strikeouts.

Other Contenders: Manny Machado , SS, Orioles … Machado slid over from 3B to SS and didn’t miss a beat. His .361 average going in to May leads all of MLB and he also has nine home runs, 22 RBI, 14 runs scored and is two-for-two in stolen bases. His 39 base hits are second only to the Astros’ hit machine Jose Altuve (41). Machado is giving beleaguered Orioles’ fans a reason to come to Camden Yards. Jed Lowrie, 2B, A’s … Lawrie, who came into this season with a career (10-season) batting average of .261, has been Gregorius-lite. Another middle infielder hitting in the heart of the lineup, L0wrie went into May with a .339-6-27 line. Like Machado, he has 39 base hits.

AL PITCHER OF THE MONTH … Sean Manaea, A’s

Sean Manaea, a 6’5″, 245-pound southpaw, was big on the mound in March/April – tossing 2018’s first no-hitter (against the then red hot Red Sox) and putting up the AL’s lowest earned run average (among qualifiers) at 1.03. In six starts, Manaea went 4-2, 1.03, with 37 strikeouts in 43 2/3 innings (just 20 hits and seven walks). He went at least seven innings in five of his six starts and never gave up more than two runs in an outing (one shutout, four games of one run, one game of two runs).

Other Contenders: Edwin Diaz, Mariners … With an MLB-leading 11 saves (in 11 opportunities) a 0.63 ERA and 27 strikeouts in 14 1/3 innings, the 24-year-old closer (who saved 34 games a year ago) earns a spot here. Justin Verlander, Astros … Verlander ended April 4-0, with a 1.36 ERA (second in the AL) and 48 strikeouts (third in the AL) in 39 2/3 innings. Since coming to the Astros last August, Verlander’s regular-season record with Houston is 9-0, 1.22, with 91 whiffs in 73 2/3 innings (post-season; 4-1, 2.21).

NL PLAYER OF THE MONTH … (Tie) Javier Baez, 2B/SS, Cubs & Ozzie Albies, 2B, Braves

Middle infielders seem to be all the rage this season – and a couple of second baseman tied (at least in BBRT’s estimation) for BBRT NL Player of the Month. Javier Baez, the NL leader in RBI with 26 – who, this season, has already batted in every spot in the order except leadoff and cleanup – put up a .280-7-26 line in March/April, with 20 runs scored (ninth in the NL) and three steals. Note: Javier has recorded the most games in the number-two and number eight spots in the lineup – ten and eight appearances, respectively. Baez, just 25-years-old, is in his fifth season with the Cubs and is coming off a .273-23-75, 10 stolen bases campaign in 2017.

Then there is Braves’ rookie Ozzie Albies … This 21-year-old MLB freshman is tied for the MLB lead in runs scored (29) and tied for the NL lead in home runs (9). He also has 20 RBI and three steals. Really, you could hardly squeeze a piece of paper between the performances of Baez and Albies.

Other Contenders: Asdrubel Cabrera, SS, Mets … Another middle infielder off to a great start, the veteran Cabrera goes into May hitting .340, with five home runs, 17 RBI and 20 runs scored. His 34 base hits ties him for the NL lead. A.J. Pollock, OF, D-backs … The Diamondbacks’ center fielder has been doing it all. In March/April, he hit .291, with a NL-leading (tied) nine home runs; 24 RBI (third in the NL) and 20 runs scored. He also swiped six bags in eight attempts.

NL PITCHER OF THE MONTH … Max Scherzer, Nationals

Photo by apardavila

Max Scherzer came into May as the only MLB pitcher with five victories (5-1) and an NL-topping 57 strikeouts (39 innings). In addition, his 1.62 ERA was the NL’s third-best. That was enough to make the three-time Cy Young Award winner the BBRT pitcher of the month.

Other Contenders: Patrick Corbin, D-backs … Corbin was hot on Scherzer’s trail with a 4-0, 2.25 line and 55 whiffs in 40 innings; Johnny Cueto, Giants … I couldn’t leave off Johnny Cueto. Yes, he has only 26 strikeouts (in 32 innings), but he finished March/April at 3-0 (in five starts) and his earned run average was an MLB-lowest 0.84 – just three earned run in 32 innings. Cueto can’t help it if the Giants failed to score for him in two starts in which he pitched seven shutout before giving way to the pen.

______________________________________________

IF THE SEASON ENDED APRIL 30 … YOUR PLAYOFF TEAMS WOULD BE

Note: Full standings (as of April 30) can be found at the end of this post.

THE BOOKENDS

Only two teams played .700 or better ball through April – the Red Sox at .750 (21-7) and the Diamondbacks at .714 (20-8). The Astros were the only other team with 20 wins.

On the opposite side of the coin, three teams played under-.300 ball – the Reds at .241 (7-22); Royals at .250 (7-21); and Orioles at .286 (8-20).

Again, if the season ended April 30, your post-season participants …

American League: Boston, Cleveland, Houston. Wild Cards: New York, Seattle.

The most interesting race may be the Red Sox/Yankees – what a surprise. The Red Sox got off to a blazing 17-2 start before a no-hitter by the A’s Sean Manaea seem to take a bit of the wind out of their sails (they went 4-5 from the no-no on.) The Red Sox have excelled on both sides of the game – scoring the second-most runs through April (164) and and giving up the third-fewest (96). The Yankees, on the other hand, while fourth in the AL in earned run average (3.62), in true Bronx-Bomber form, led the junior circuit in home runs (41), runs scored (164). Houston clearly ran the best pitching out there – with a 2.54 ERA through April. The Astros have three of the four lowest American League earned run averages (among qualifying pitchers) through April – Justin Verlander (1.36); Charlie Morton (1.72); Gerrit Cole (1.73).

The worst division appears to be the AL Central – with only the Indians above .500. Overall, the senior circuit’s Central Division’s record is 50-83.

APRIL SHOWERS BRING …

MLB set a new record for weather-related postponements before May 1, with 28. The Twins were hardest hit and played a total of just 24 games between March 29 and April 30. By comparison, the Astros, Rangers, Brewers, Rockies and Padres each played 30 contests.

National League: New York, Chicago, Arizona. Wild Cards: Atlanta Pittsburgh.

In the NL, the most interesting race seems to be in the Central – where the Cardinals, Brewers, Pirates and Cubs are all over .500 and separated by just 1 1/2 games. Meanwhile, Arizona has built up the biggest lead in the NL – 5 1/2 games ahead of the second-place West Division Giants. The Diamondbacks, in fact, won all nine series they completed in March/April. (Note: The Diamondbacks were the only NL team with a March/April ERA under 3.00.)

WHAT A DIFFERENCE …

No team outscored their opponents in March/April by more runs than the Astros (+64). the only other team above +50 was the Red Sox (+63). The NL leader in this category was the D-backs (+39.) On the reverse side of the coin: The Royals ended April at -65. The only other team with a negative run differntial worse than -50 was the Orioles (-54). The largest negative run differential in the NL went to the Marlins at -47.

—–LEAGUE LEADERS – TEAMS—–

RUNS SCORED … MLB Team Average – 125

AL: Yankees (164); Red Sox (159); Astros (149)

NL: Braves (151); Pirates (142); Cubs and Dodgers (133)

The Royals scored an MLB-low 95 runs in March/April. The Marlins were at the bottom of the NL with 96. Other teams scoring fewer than 100 runs through April were the Twins and Orioles (both at 98).

BATTING AVERAGE … MLB Team Average – .244

AL: Red Sox (.273); Rays (.266); A’s (.267); Yankees

NL: Braves (.268); Pirates (.258); Cubs (.252)

The Rockies and Orioles each hit an MLB-low .224 for March/April, The Marlins were at the bottom of the NL at .228. Surprisingly, the AL Central-leading Indians had the AL’s second worst average at .227 and scored the fourth-fewest runs at 102. (They did have the AL’s third-best earned run average.)

HOME RUNS … MLB Team Average – 30

AL: Yankees (41); Blue Jays (40); Angels (38)

NL: Rockies (34) and Diamondbacks (34); Cardinals (33)

The Marlins and Reds were the most power-starved clubs in March/April (20 homers each). The Royals hit just 22 in the AL.

STOLEN BASES … MLB Team Average – 14

AL: White Sox (25); Indians, Red Sox and Mariners (17)

NL: Nationals (31); Braves and Brewers (24)

The Cubs stole and A’s each stole only six bags in March/April (lowest MLB total); the Cubs in 11 attempts, the A’s in eight. The Cubs had the worst stolen base percentage – 54.5 percent.

STRIKEOUTS … MLB Team Average -245

AL: Rangers (281); Orioles (274); Yankees (266)

NL: Padres (309); Phillies (279); Rockies (277)

WALKS DRAWN … MLB Average – 97

AL: Yankees (126); Astros (121); Blue Jays (107)

NL: Nationals (127); Phillies (125); Mets (111)

No team grounded into more double plays in March/April than the White Sox (29). The Blue Jays hit into an MLB-low 12 twin-killings.

EARNED RUN AVERAGE … MLB Average – 4.12

AL: Astros (2.54); Red Sox (3.34); Indians (3.59)

NL: D-backs (2.96); Brewers (3.20); Cubs (3.33)

Four teams finished March/April with ERA’s over 5.00: Royals (5.33); Reds (5.32); Twins (5.29); White Sox (5.06). No surprise, these same four teams were among the five squads with fewer than ten wins in that span.

STRIKEOUTS … MLB Average – 245

AL: Astros (316); Yankees (285); Red Sox (268)

NL: Dodgers (285); Nationals (284); ; D-backs (280)

WHO’S YOUR DADDY?

Cubs pitchers have combined to toss five shutouts through April – all five against the Milwaukee Brewers. The Cubbies record against the Brewers is 7-1, with a 1.01 earned run average.

SAVES … MLB Average – 7

AL: Mariners (11); Red Sox (9); Angels (8)

NL: Diamondbacks (11); Mets and Rockies (10)

Arizona (11 saves) is the only team without a blown save this season. The Dodgers have the worst save percentage (saves versus save opportunities) at 36.6 percent (four saves in 11 opportunities).

FEWEST WALKS SURRENDERED … MLB Average – 97

AL: Indians (63); A’s (67); Astros (75)

NL: D-backs (79); Mets (85); Dodgers (88)

The Astros went into May leading MLB with 10.55 strikeouts per nine innings. Two additional teams finished March/April averaging 10+ strikeouts per nine: The Mets (10.06); and the Yankees (10.02).

FEWEST ERRORS IN THE FIELD … MLB average – 17

AL: Astros and Red Sox (8); Angels (10)

NL: Diamondbacks (10); Rockies and Nationals (11)

The Yankees and Rangers led MLB in March/April errors with 25 each, with the Yankees having the lowest fielding percentage at .975.

__________________________________________

—–LET’S TAKE A LOOK AT SOME MARCH/APRIL HIGHLIGHTS—–

Back-to-Back, Jack!

On April 3, The Cardinals opened the game against the Brewers with back-to-back jacks (Dexter Fowler and Tommy Pham) on the game’s first three pitches. Then, with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning, the Brewers (trailing 4-3) closed out the game with back-to-back home runs from Christian Yelich and Ryan Braun. MLB.com reported it was the first time in MLB history a game opened and closed with back-to-back long balls.

This One’s Gone Platinum

On April 3 and April 8, the Yankees’ Giancarlo Stanton earned the Platinum Sombrero – recognition for fanning five times in a game. Quite a feat, when you consider that only one other player has notched two five-strikeout games in his career. (That unfortunate was the Blue Jays’ Alex Rios – June 4, 2004 and July 29, 2006.)

Another One Bites the Dust … April 3

Leading off the top of the second inning of the April 3 Rangers/A’s game, Texas 3B Adrian Beltre rapped a single to center off the A’s Kendall Graveman. It was hit number 3,053 for Beltre, tying him with seven-time batting champion Rod Carew for the most hits ever by a player from Latin America. Beltre would pick up the tie-breaking hit on April 5 – a second inning double off the A’s Daniel Mengden.

Youth Not Wasted on the Young

On April 10, Blue Jays’ closer Roberto Osuna picked up his fifth save of the season as the Jays topped the Orioles 2-1 at Camden Yards. The save made Osuna – who became the Blue Jays’ closer at age 20 – the youngest player to reach the 100-save mark (23 years – 62 days), well ahead of the previous holder of that distinction (Francisco Rodriguez at 24-years – 246 days).

One is the Loneliest Number- Especially for the Padres

On April 12, the Giants toppled the Padres 7-0 on a combined one-hitter (Chris Stratton, seven innings/Derek Law, two innings). The one hit came early – in the bottom of the third. The clean single to right field took any potential suspense out of the game, but it was still historic in its own way. The hit came off the bat of Padres’ left-handed pitcher Clayton Richard, who was pinch-hitting for the Padres’ starting pitcher Bryan Mitchell (who, in his three innings on the mound, had already given up four hits, five walks and three runs). What was historic? Elias Sports reports that it marked the first time that a pinch-hitting pitcher got his team’s only hit. (Note: Richard did not take the mound in the contest.) Just one more reason #WhyIHateTheDH.”

On April 20 – a day before the A’s Sean Manaea threw the first no-hitter of the 2018 season, the Padres’ Tyson Ross was working on a no-hitter for 7 2/3 innings. Then with two-out in the eighth inning of a 1-1 ball game, Walker gave up his first hit of the day – a game-tying double to Diamondbacks’ pinch hitter Christian Walker. The hit ended his no-no and his day on the mound. Brad Hand got the last four outs in the one-hitter, and picked up the win after the Padres plated three runs in the top of the ninth.

Why report that as an April highlight? Walker’s lone hit ensured the Padres remained the only team in MLB that has never recorded a no-hitter.

The Family Business

On April 9, during a Double A game between the Trenton Thunder and New Hampshire Fisher Cats – Vlad Guerrero, Jr. hit a home run off Jose Mesa Jr. Now, I really feel old.

Home Town Glory … Say it is so, Joe.

Photo by Keith Allison

Twins’ first baseman (former catcher) Joe Mauer – a native of the Twin Cities – captured a little home town glory on April 12. The three-time batting champion (and 2009 AL MVP) collected his 2,000^th MLB hit in front of the home town fans in the seventh inning of a 4-0 Twins win over the White Sox – making him just one of three players with 2,000 hits for the Twins (joining Rod Carew and Kirby Puckett). The hit was a productive one – a two-run single up the middle. While I chose Adele’s “Home Town Glory” to celebrate this April highlight, the Twins went with Prince’s “Party Like It’s 1999.

In Baseball We Count EVERYTHING

On April 9, as the Nationals topped the Braves 2-0 in Washington, Max Scherzer became only the second pitcher in MLB history to pitch a shutout, fan ten batters AND STEAL A BASE in the same game. The other? Nolan Ryan.

Photo by Keith Allison

I’m Too Sexy – For this Game

Bartolo “Big Sexy” Colon gave Rangers’ fans a thrill on April 15, when the 44-year-old took a perfect game into the eighth inning – against the vaunted Astros’ offense. Unfortunately, a walk to Carlos Correa leading off the eighth ended the perfecto and a Josh Reddick double ended he no-hitter and Colon’s time on the mound – and his opportunity to become the oldest pitcher to complete an MLB no-hitter. True to form, Big Sexy relied on locating his fast(?)ball – with 83 fastballs out of 96 total pitches. By the way, the Rangers won 3-1 in ten innings and, “I’m Too Sexy” was recorded by Right Said Fred in back in 1991 – when Colon was 18-years-old.

Knock Three Times – And Join a Pretty Elite Crowd

Remember the old Tony Orlando and Dawn classic “Knock Three Times” (on the ceiling if you want me)? Well on April 17, the Angels should have wanted no part of Red Sox’ RF Mookie Betts – who knocked three home runs against Halo’s pitching. Batting in the lead-off position, Betts opened the game (in Anaheim) with a solo shot to left-center off early-season sensation Shohei Ohtani. He added another solo dinger – to left – off reliever Luke Bard in the third. Then – after a walk in the fifth – Betts led off the eighth with another round tripper, this one off Cam Bedrosian. Betts joined a pretty good Red Sox hitter – Ted Williams – as the only Sox’ players with three, three-HR games. For those who track such things, Johnny Mize and Sammy Sosa share the MLB career record for three homer games at six – and Betts is just 25-years-old (in his MLB fifth season). Note: BoSox topped the Angels 10-1.

Happy Birthday to You Two

On April 18, the Twins topped the Indians in Puerto Rico (for the story on Hiram Bithorn stadium, click here) in a game that went 16 innings and five hours and 13 minutes. How long was the game? Twins’ 1B Joe Mauer and Twins’ reliever Zach Duke both started the game at age 34 and ended the contest at age 35.

An Inside Job

Carlos Martinez of the Cardinals is (apparently) not afraid to “go inside.” Martinez leads MLB pitchers (through April) in hit batsmen with 8 (next is Toronto’s Aaron Sanchez with six). Still, Martinez is 2-1, with a 1.43 ERA and 40 strikeouts in 37 2/3 innings. Martinez, by the way, is well down the leader board in wild pitchers, with just one – putting him at no higher than 86th.

A Seven-Player Double Play

On April 19, the Pirates turned – and the Phillies ran (not hit) into – a double play in which no hitter put the ball in play, seven of the Pirates’ nine defenders handled the horsehide and the final out was a tag of a baserunner by the left fielder. The play started with a pick-off attempt and, on the scorecards, looked like this 1-3-4-2-5-8-7. For those who don’t keep score, that pitcher-to first baseman-to second baseman-to catcher-to third baseman-to center fielder-to left fielder. Too hard to explain, so just watch the video below.

2018’s First No Hitter

On April 21, the A’s Sean Manaea threw the first no-hitter of the 2018 season – and he did it in style. Manaea no-hit the Boston Red Sox, who were 17-2 at the time and were leading MLB in runs scored (123) and batting average (.293). In the 3-0 win, Manaea walked just two and fanned ten.

Put Me In Coach …

Photo by Rob Shenk

Giants’ 3B Pablo Sandoval – in his eleventh season, took the mound for the first time on April 28 (against the rival Dodgers). The Giants were down 15-6 (the regular pitching staff had taken quite a “hit”). Sandoval threw a 1-2-3 ninth (three ground outs) and tossed eight strikes in his 11 pitches.

Three weeks earlier, Mariners’ catcher Bryan Holaday and Rays’ 2B Daniel Robertson also drew late-game assignments – and responded equally well. Holaday’s mound appearance came in the top of the ninth inning with Seattle down 20-1 to the Phillies. Like Sandoval, Holaday “shut’em down,” getting three straight outs (including a strikeout of Rhys Hoskins). He needed just 8 pitches (six strikes). Robertson came on in the bottom of the eighth inhis outing, with the home town Red Sox up 10-3. Robertson also tossed a 1-2-3 inning (three pop/fly outs), tossing seven strikes in eleven pitches.

Other position players to pitch in April (less successfully) included: the Phillies’ Pedro Florimon; Twins’ Ryan LaMarre; Mariners’ Taylor Motter; Reds’ Cliff Pennington; and Brewers’ Herman Perez. Overall, these “hurlers” tossed six innings and gave up five runs on four hits and three walks (three strikeouts) – and saved a few bullpen arms.

Youth Will Be Served

When the Braves called up 20-year-old Uber-Prospect Ronald Acuna in late April, 21-year-old Atlanta 2B Ozzie Albies moved from the youngest player in the majors to the second-youngest. How excited are they in Atlanta about these two? Albies got in 27 March/April games – hit .293 and led the league hits (34), runs (29), doubles (12) and home runs (9). Oh, and Acuna? In his first five games, the young outfielder hit .421 (8-for-22), with four doubles, a home run and four RBI.

—INDIVIDUAL LEADERS FOR MARCH/APRIL—

BATTING AVERAGE (qualifying hitters)

AL: Manny Machado, Orioles (.361); Jose Altuve, Astros (.347); Mookie Betts (.344)

NL: Odubel Herrera, Phillies (.343); Tommy Pham, Cardinals (.341); Asdrubel Cabrera, Mets (.340)

The lowest average among players with at least 75 plate appearances belongs to the Blue Jays’ Randal Grichuk (.106 … 7-for-66). Note: Grichuk went on the DL in late April with a sprained knee. In the NL, surprisingly, the Cubs’ Anthony Rizzo has the lowest March/April average among players with 75 plate appearances at .149.

HOME RUNS

AL: Mike Trout, Angels (10); Didi Gregorius, Yankees (10); Mitch Haniger, Mariners (10)

NL: Charlie Blackmon, Rockies (9); Ozzie Albies, Braves (9); A.J. Pollock, D-backs (9)

Padres’ outfielder Jose Pirela had the most March/April at bats without a home run (123).

RUNS BATTED IN

AL: Didi Gregorius, Yankees (30); Jed L0wrie, A’s (27); Mitch Haniger, Mariners (27)

NL: Javier Baez, Cubs (26); Yeonis Cespedes, Mets (25); A.J. Pollock (24)

RUNS SCORED

AL: Mookie Betts, Red Sox (29); five with 24

NL: Ozzie Albies, Braves (29); Bryce Harper, Nationals (23); Charlie Blackmon, Rockies (22); Tommy Pham, Cardinals (22)

STOLEN BASES

AL: Dee Gordon, Mariners (10); Tim Anderson, White Sox (8); eight with five

NL: Ender Inciarte, Braves (13); Trea Turner, Nationals (12); Michael Taylor, Nationals (9)

Trea Turner and Michael Taylor of the Nationals are 2-3 in NL stolen bases (combined total of 21) – and neither has been caught stealing this season.

BATTER’S STRIKEOUTS

AL: Yoan Moncada, White Sox (47); Giancarlo Stanton, Yankees (43); Carlos Gomez, Rays (40)

NL: Yeonis Cespedes, Mets (43); Trevor Story, Rockies (38); Lewis Brinson, Marlins (37); Paul DeJong, Cardinals (37)

Joe Mauer of the (my) Twins had MLB’s best ratio of walks-to-strikeouts at 2.09 (23 walks and 11 whiffs) among qualifying hitters. The NL leader was Bruce Harper at 1.81 (38 walks and 21 strikeouts).

WALKS DRAWN

AL: Aaron Judge, Yankees (25); Joe Mauer, Twins (23); Mike Trout, Angels (20); Alex Bregman, Astros (20)

NL: Bryce Harper, Nationals (38); Rhys Hoskins, Phillies (24); Cesar Hernandez, Phillies (24)

In March/April, no one saw more pitches per plate appearance (among qualifying hitters) than the Cardinals’ Matt Carpenter (4.61). The AL leader was the White Sox’ Matt Davidson (4.50).

PITCHING VICTORIES

AL: Twelve with four – Those at 4-0 are: Justin Verlander, Astros; Charlie Morton, Astros; Rick Porcello, Red Sox; Hector Valazquez, Red Sox

NL: Max Scherzer, Nationals (5-1); five with four

Kendall Graveman of the A’s (optioned to Triple A April 26) had the most losses in March/April with an 0-5 record.

EARNED RUN AVERAGE (qualifying)

AL: Sean Manaea, A’s (1.03); Justin Verlander, Astros (1.36); Charlie Morton, Astros (1.72)

NL: Johnny Cueto, Giants (0.84); Carlos Martinez, Cardinals (1.43); Max Scherzer, Nationals (1.62)

The highest ERA among pitchers with at least 20 March/April innings or four March/April start belongs to the Rangers’ Martin Perez at 9.67. Others that meet those criteria and logged ERA’s over 8.00 were: Kendall Graveman, A’s (8.89); Marcus Stroman, Blue Jays (8.88); Lance Lynn, Twins (8.37).

STRIKEOUTS

AL: Gerrit Cole, Astros (61 – 41 2/3 innings pitched); J.A. Happ, Blue Jays (50 – 36 IP); Justin Verlander, Astros (48 – 39 2/3 IP)

NL: Max Scheerzer, Nationals (57 – 39 IP); Patrick Corbin, D-backs (55 – 40 IP); Jacob deGrom, Mets (48 – 39 1/3 IP)

Among pitchers with at least 20 inning pitched in March/April, D-backs’ starter Robbie Ray had the highest rate of strikeouts per nine innings at 14.64 (45 strikeouts in 27 2/3 innings). Note: Ray went on the Disabled List in late April – strained obliique. If you drop the qualifying down to 15 innings, Brewers’ reliever Josh Hader comes in at 19.50 – 39 whiffs in 18 frames.

SAVES

AL: Edwin Diaz, Mariners (11); Craig Kimbrel, Red Sox (7); Robert Osuna (7)

NL: Wade Davis, Rockies (10); Jeurys Familia, Mets (9); Brad Boxberger, D-backs (9)

INNINGS PITCHED

AL: Corey Kluber, Indians (45 1/3); Sean Manaea, A’s (43 2/3); Gerrit Cole, Astros (41 2/3)

NL: Patrick Corbin, Diamondbacks (40); Stephen Strasburg, Nationals (39 2/3); Jacob deGrom, Mets (39 1/3)

GAMES PITCHED

AL: Jose Alvarez, Angels (16); Alex Claudio, Rangers (16); Chris Martin (16)

NL: Bryan Shaw, Rockies (17); Sam Freeman, Braves (16); Dan Jennings, Brewers (16)

________________________________________

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

I tweet baseball @ DavidBBRT

Follow/Like the Baseball Roundtable Facebook page here.

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

Filed Under: BB Fun Facts, News, Rants & Raves

Baseball Roundtable Unofficial Fan Ballot – Hall of Fame A Tough Sell

January 24, 2018 by David

The 2018 Baseball Hall of Fame electees (via the traditional Baseball Writers Association of America ballot) have been announced – and four players were selected for 2018 induction by the BBWAA – Chipper Jones, Jim Thome, Vlad Guerrero and Trevor Hoffman. It was just the sixth time in HOF history that the traditional balloting has produced at least four inductees (four in 1939, 1947, 1955, 2015 and five in 1936, the Hall’s inaugural year). These four 2018 electees will join Modern Era Committee selections Jack Morris and Alan Trammell during the July 29 Induction Ceremony. Baseball Roundtable congratulates all six worthy inductees.

BBRT NOVEMBER PREDICTIONS – ON THE MARK

In early November, Baseball Roundtable made its 2018 BBWAA Balloting predictions – projecting the election of Chipper Jones, Jim Thome, Vlad Guerrero and Trevor Hoffman. For a complete look at the 2018 ballot, BBRT’s November predictions and how BBRT would have voted (if I had a ballot), click here.

As regular readers may recall, Baseball Roundtable conducted an unofficial fan BB HOF ballot in November/December – inviting voters from among BBRT readers and a handful of Facebook groups dedicated to fans of the national pastime.

SPOILER ALERT:

Voters in the BBRT unofficial fan ballot gave the necessary 75 percent support to just two candidates – Chipper Jones and Jim Thome. Notably, players further down the ballot got more support in the fan vote (than in the official BBWAA balloting), while PED suspects got a bit less support in the fan ballot.

The order of finish in the BBRT fan balloting was remarkably similar to the BBWAA. The same five players finished in the top five positions. However, Guerrero, Hoffman and Martinez all got consisderably less support.

Although the order was mixed, nine players were included in the first ten spots on both ballots – and fourteen players appeared among the first fifteen vote-getters on both tallies. The most notable variation was Fred McGriff, who finished ninth on the fan ballot (37.9%), but 12th (23.2%) in the BBWAA voting.

Again, the most significant difference between the BBWAA and BBRT fan ballots is that only two players (Jones and Thome) reached the necessary 75 percent for election to the Hall in the fan ballot, as opposed to four in the BBWAA voting. Looking at the ballots, that variation can be partially explained by fans belonging to the “Voting-from-the-Heart” Cadre (an explanation of the voting cadres BBRT identified appears later in this post). This group of voters appears to be swayed at least partially by a home-town bias or loyalty to a favorite player. This seems evidenced by the fact that the BBWAA voting saw six players not receiving a single vote, while only two were shutout in the BBRT fan balloting. (Fourteen players failed to reach five percent on the BBWAA ballot, while twelve failed to reach that threshold in the unofficial fan ballot.)

We’ll look at the results in more detail, but here are a few high-level observations:

A total of 271 fan ballots were cast – but ten were eliminated because they included votes for more than the allowed ten players (as many as 21 on one ballot). There were 422 BBWAA voters

The average number of players voted for per ballot on the fan ballot was 7.9. BBWAA voters used an average of 8.5 of their ten allowed votes.
50 percent of the BBWAA voters used all ten avaliable votes; compared to 43 percent in the BBRT balloting.

Only one player – Chpper Jones – was checked on 90 percent of the fan ballots. Both Jones and Vlad Guerrero topped 90 percent on the official BBWAA voting.

In the BBRT fan balloting, only five players reached at least 50 percent, while nine reached that level in the BBWAA voting.

___________________________________________

Now, how about a look at what BBRT observed as “VOTER CADRES.”

The ballots and comments (form fans and BBWAA members( pointed to a half dozen voter “cadres” impacting BBRT fan balloting, most of which were also reflected in the BBWAA balloting. This is not a judgement on voter strategies, but rather just an observation on factors that appear to be influencing voting patterns and vote totals.

The Anti-PED Cadre

This group declines to vote for PED users or (depending on the strength of their opposition) those under various levels of suspicion. There continues to be enough of these voters to effectively block a significant number of PED-associated candidates from election. Yet, there still is enough support to keep them on the ballot, reducing the numbr of available votes for other candidates. (A bit of a Catch-22 here.) This cadre made its presence felt in both the BBWAA and BBRT balloting.

A FEW FAN COMMENTS ON PEDs

Here are a few comments from the BBRT unofficial fan ballot that shed some light on the depth and impact of this issue.

“I know baseball turned a blind eye in the steriod era, but I didn’t. Hammering Hank is the true home run king.” Luke … CA

“I voted the steroid users in because the HOF needs to have the conversation. The Mitchell Report showed that GM’s knew who was using … they were complicit. I was an A’s season ticketholder, they marketed Bash Brothers inflatable arms!” Bill … CA

“The ten-vote limit isn’t working. Voters who support PED-users take votes away from non-users on the ballot – and those who oppose PED-users keep suspected violators from being elected. Both sides lose.” Bob … MN

The Small-Hall Cadre

This cadre focuses on demanding the highest standards for election to the Hall of Fame – and tends to vote for very few (or even zero) candidates. This, by the way, is not a new approach. Back in 1988, for example, nine blank ballots were cast in the BBWAA voting. A Los Angeles Times article quoted New York Daily News reporter Phil Pepe (who sent in one of the nine blank ballots) as saying the Hall of Fame was “too crowded,” adding “I think to go in alongside Ruth, DiMaggio, Williams, Aaron, Cy Young, you have to be the cream of the cream. The more you erode the standards, the more the standards will be eroded.” (1) This cadre has a notable impact on elections, since each ballot a player is not named on requires three ballots to counter that omission.

The Ballot-Hierarchy Cadre

Member of this cadre most often draw a line between first-ballot and subsequent-ballot votes, demanding far more to secure first-ballot entry. It is part of the reason that we have never seen a unanimous selection. But the impact of the balloting does, in some cases, go further. In a column (after turning in a blank ballot in 2013), ESPN’s Howard Bryant wrote: “I believe in the hierarchy of the ballot, that the first ballot is different than the second or the tenth, that there is a special prestige to a player being voted in the first time he is eligible.” (2) The question is, “Do voters just withhold that first-, second- or other-ballot vote, or does it go to another candidate who meets the hierarchy test?” There also appears to be a group of voters who combine “Ballot-Hierarchy” with “Anti-PED,” withholding votes from PED suspects until later years of eligibility.

The Strategist Cadre

Somewhat related to the “Ballot Hierarchy” group – at least in impact – this group reasons that certain players are sure bets to get the required 75 percent (like Chipper Jones this year) and chooses not to add to the sure-thing margin, but rather cast that vote for a player they find deserving further down the ballot. This approach may actually improve the chances of additional electees (while also continuing to ensure we don’t see a unanimous selection). A subset of this group are those who note that certain players (in, for example, the 40 percent range), while NOT likely to reach 75 percent in a given year, ARE pretty much assured of adequate support to stay on the ballot. This subset witholds votes from those candidates and votes to protects those the would like to see on the ballot (but who are less “safe”).

The From-the-Heart Cadre

This group (which seemed to show up in the BBRT unofficial fan ballot) casts votes for a specific player (or players) further “down the board” either as a “fan” statement or to ensure that player does not fall off the ballot (get less than five percent). This strategy may cost deserving candidates votes and delay/preclude their election. A Minnesota fan voting in the unofficial BBRT balloting, commented “I was a little concerned about Johan Santana, so I looked for some players I would support who seemed safe for a return and dropped one of those votes to Santana.” Simiilarly, BBWAA voter Minnesota StarTribune sportswriter Patrick Ruesse indicated he voted for “Scott Rolen and Johan Santana to keep them on the ballot.” (5)

The Ten-Best Cadre

This group simply votes for whom they felt are the ten best players; regardless of the factors influencing any of the cadres already noted. (Well, in some cases it is the eight or nine candidates they feel are deserving.) A few provided comments on who they would have added if they had one, two or three more votes. New York Post Sportswriter Ken Davidoff, who used all ten of his allotted votes, indicated he would have “included as many as five more” had he been allowed. (3) CBS sportswriter Matt Snyder put it this way in a January 11 article, “I definitely want more than ten players from this ballot to make the Hall of Fame, but it feels wrong to game the ballot. My stance is to just vote for who I believe are the ten best candidates and let the chips fall where they may.” (4)

THE RULE

Voting shall be based on the player’s record, playing ability, integrity, sportsmanship, character and contributions to the team(s) the on which the player played.

Footnotes:

(1) Blank Hall of Fame ballot serves as protest … January 14, 1988; Associated Press

(2) Drawing a blank on a HOF ballot … January 9, 2013; Howard Bryant, ESPN Senior Writer; espn.com

(3) My crowded Hall of Fame ballot, with no regard for the ‘sacred place’ … January 20, 2018; Ken Davidoff; New York Post (nypost.com)

(4) Hall of Fame Roundtable: Should voters ‘game” the ballot to get more players in? … January 22, 2018; Matt Snyder; cbssports.com

(5) It’s a Hall voter’s prerogative to change mind … January 25, 2018; Patrick Reusse; StarTribune

A COUPLE OF BOBBLEHEADS SOON TO BE ON THE WAY

Baseball Roundtable conducted a random drawing from among those voting in the unofficial Hall of Fame fan ballot – and a follower from Georgia was selected to receive a pair of bobbleheads (Jack Morris and Bernie Williams). They will be shipped out as soon as I hear back with shipping info. (If you are a Baseball Roundtable FB follower and are from Georgia, check your FB messages – it might be you.)

I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT

Follow/Like the Baseball Roundtable Facebook Page here.

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

Filed Under: BB Fun Facts, News, Rants & Raves

BBRT Fan Survey – Topics From the Ballpark Experience to MLB Rules to the Hall of Fame

September 30, 2017 by David

This post will focus on the results of Baseball Roundtable’s first-ever fan survey – a 26-question (primarily multiple choice) effort that covered topics from the ballpark and ball game experience to the worthiness of Hall of Fame candidates to MLB rules and how respondents would change the national pastime if they could. The survey drew 141 responses – and I thank each of you for participating. For those reading this post, you might enjoy comparing your opinions to those of fellow fans. Clearly, there is food for thought here. (Many respondents came from groups like Baseball Fans of America, The Baseball Reliquary and the Society for American Baseball Research).

What BBRT found (in general) is that survey respondents:

Like a close game, played on a grass field, lit by sunlight;
Think 2 1/2 hours is about the right time for a nine-inning contest;
Prefer double plays to strikeouts;
Are most likely to enjoy a traditional beer and hot dog at the ballyard.
Have about a one-in-three likelihood of maintaining a scorecard;
Prefer bobbleheads above other giveaways;
Would put Joe Jackson in the Hall of Fame;
Are still likely to be hotly debating the Designated Hitter rule; and
If they could change one thing about the national pastime, it would be to improve the pace of the game – most likely by reducing the number of (and time allowed for) pitching changes.

Of course, the survey covered much more. I hope you enjoy the read. (Special shout out to Google Forms – great survey tool.)

—- THE BALL PARK … WHERE AND WHEN RESPONDENTS PREFER TO TAKE IN A GAME —

Fans are headed out the ballpark – and what kind of atmosphere are they hoping for? Baseball Roundtable Fan Survey respondents indicated they would (slightly) prefer a day game over a night game; have a significant preference for outdoor baseball (We Minnesotans can relate to that one); and overhwlemingly prefer natural grass to artificial turf. Here are the details.

Day games were preferred over night games 39.7 percent to 21.3 percent – but it’s significant to note that 39 percent also said they had no preference, and that it would depend on their schedule. (Darn work! They always expect you to show up.)

Just over 70 percent of the respondents preferred an outdoor ballpark. Another 12 percent went for a retractable roof. (Best of both worlds? Perhaps.)Natural Grass – Oh Yeah!

Slugger Dick (Richie) Allen once gave this evaluation of artifical turf, “If a horse won’t eat it, I won’t play on it.” The Baseball Roundtable survey respondents feel pretty much the same way. Asked for their preference, an overhwelming 93.6 percent said “Natural Grass;” 5.7 percent had “No Major Preference;” and one lone respondent selected “Artificial Turf.”

—- THE OLD BALL GAME—-

What kind of game did respondents want to see once they got to the ballyard? Ideally, a competitive contest (slight edge to pitchers’ duels) of about 2 1/2 hours in length. And, when it comes to action – despite today’s hard-throwing/free swinging trend toward more and more strikeouts and home runs (MLB is setting records for both this season) – survey respondents far preferred to see double plays over double whiffs and and were evenly split on the merits of seeing consecutive home runs or consecutive triples.

What follows are the totals for this portion of the survey.

What did respondents see as the ideal length (in time, not innings) for a ballgame? More than one-in-four respondents (28.5 percent) said 2 1/2 hours is just about right. Notably, a two-hour and 15-minute game was preferred by fewer (4.3 percent) than either a three-hour (8.5 percent) or a 2-hour and 45-minute matchup (8.5 percent). About one-in-six would perfer to go back to the old “two-hours, give-or-take” ball game. The big winner, however, was “Who cares, you’re at the ballpark” – at 38 percent. It appears fans may be spending less time looking at their watches (or cell phone clocks) than we think. (Many are, however, spending plenty of time on their smart phones. Nothing like a selfie or tweet at the ballpark, especially if you are in “hot” foul ball territory.) Here are the answers to the fans’ take on the ideal length of a ball game.

Who cares, you’re at the ballpark … 38.0%
2 1/2 hours … 28.4%
2 hours … 17.7%
3 hours … 8.5%
2 hours, 45 minutes … 6.4%
2 hours, 15 minutes … 4.3%

When it comes to choosing between a slugfest, pitchers’ duel or a crushing home team win, it appears just “being at the ballpark” may be rewarding enough for nearly 42 percent of the respondents. Second in the category of what kind of game would fans prefer to see was a tight, low-scoring game at 36.9 percent, more than double the 15.6 percent who would opt for a slugfest. A competitive game was the common denominator, as only 5.7 percent preferred a home team rout.

Baseball Roundtable Fan Survey respondents leaned toward the National League style of basesball, with 49.6 percent preferring the NL style of play to 27 percent favoring that American League style and 23.4 percent having no preference. Next survey, I believe I’ll ask for opinions on what separates the two styles.

When it comes to long balls or speedy trips around the bases, respondents were pretty evenly split between the preference for seeing back-to-back home runs or back-to-back triples. Ideal, I guess, would be back-to-back inside-the-park home runs.

Photo by roy.luck

In these posts, I often go on (maybe a little too long) on how a baseball game isn’t complete for me until I see a solid groundball double play. Hooray, I found some support among respondents. When it came to choosing between seeing consecutive strikeouts on 95-mph heaters or a 6-4-3 double play; the double play far outdistanced the strikeouts.

Prefer to see a 6-4-3 double play … 61 percent
Prefer to see consecutive strikeouts on 95 mph-heaters … 22 percent
No Opinion … 17 percent

When it came to witnessing record-tying peerformances at the ballpark, respondents again relegated strikeouts to the back seat. As the two charts below indicate, with a chance to witness history at the ballyard, respondents would be most excited about a pitcher’s perfect game. And, for the most part, hitter’s cycles, four-homer games and three-steal innings outdistanced such achievements as twenty-strikeout games, ten-consecutive strikeouts and Immaculate Innings. Four-homer games, I am confident, would have fared better if not put in the same multiple choice query as perfect games.

—BALLPARK FOOD AND DRINK—

I also asked about food and beverage choices, but with all there is at ballparks these days – I do a post on just the Twins’ “new” food and drink offerings each year – some may queston the validity of these questions. The answers reflected the heart and history of the national pastime – beer and hot dogs at the ball park.

There still is nothing like a beer at the ballpark – the number-one beverage in the survey, even if you combine regular and diet soda into one category. I was surprised by the nearly 20 percent who selected bottled water. It’s a new day, I guess. Those who follow this blog know I traditionally rate each ball park’s Bloody Mary, so I’m in the 3.6 percent “mixed drink” crowd. A few of the write-ins included: iced tea; Frosty Malts (never thought of those as beverages – but there is nothing like the combination of chocolate, malt and a wooden spoon); and “My own reusable water bottle.” My apologies to many for not including wine on the list … but I do not see a lot of wine at ball games, so the grape slipped under the radar.

Photo by TheCulinaryGeek

The survey indicated beer and hot dogs (or some form of portable sausage) remain a baseball tradition. Hot dogs (or sausages) were listed as a preferred food by 60 perent of the respondents. “Something New and Different” finished second at 12.9 percent. Here’s the full results:

Hot Dogs/Sausage … 60%
Something New/Different … 12.9%
Peanuts … 11.4
Pizza … 4.3%

There were also a number of write-ins, including Cracker Jack, popcorn, nachos, ice cream sandwich, seeds, chicken tenders, “something healthy and inexpensive,” the very specific “beef sandwich at Yankee Stadium,” and “I sneak in my own food.” (Could be the same respondent as the reusable watter bottle.) One thing for sure, no need for anyone to go hungry at a ball game. (No comment on prices here. Maybe in the next fan survey.)

—HOW ABOUT FREEBIES?—

Something free at the ball park? What’ll it be. No surprise here, bobbleheads lead the way – the favorite of 34.1 percent of respondents. Also finishing strong were: baseball caps and replica jerseys. For me anything free is a bonus – kind of like (but not as good as) extra innings. Here are the responses:

Among the write-ins were baseball card packs; visors; ice chest (that was a pretty specific response); something made in the USA; and “I don’t go for giveaways.”

KEEPING SCORE – ONE OF MY FAVORITE PARTS OF THE GAME

Photo by Paul L Dineen

Okay, I admit I’m biased. I love to keep score. So, in fact, does my daughter, who’s been filling out scorecards at ball games since she was nine-years-old. I used to love the looks of other fathers whose young sons were more interested in the mascot, graphics and games on the video board or cotton candy vendors than the game, while my daughter was dutifully noting every K, 6-4-3 or 2B on her scorecard. We always had to arrive early, so we could finish our food and drink before it was time to fill out the lineup. Now, I do lament that I see very view scorecards or scorebooks at the games anymore, but the survey was at least a bit heartening. (Although you have to take into account the the respondents were drawn from followers of Baseball Roundtable and fellow members of groups like The Baseball Reliquary, Baseball Fans of America and SABR’s Halsey Hall Chapter. So it’s a little skewed.) However, at least among survey respondents, just over 30 percent said they “always” or “usually” kept score. That warms my heart.

—THE HALL OF FAME … SHOULD THEY BE IN? —

Now, we’re moving into the more complex issues in the survey, starting with a question on whether respondents would vote to put specific players in the Hall of Fame – specifically Joe Jackson, Pete Rose, Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa and Roger Clemens. No need for commentary here, the votes speak on their own. Only Jackson would get the 75 percent needed for election.

We also asked fans to: Name one player who isn’t in the Basebal;Hall of Fame who should be.

A total of 124 respondents wrote in an answer to this one – coming up with 43 different names, ranging from Pete Rose to Marvin Miller to Johnny Kling. Here are the top ten, with the total “mentions” in parenthesis. (Side note: BBRT was surprised that neither 283-game winner Jim Kaat nor Trevor Hoffman and his 601 saves made the top ten.)

1. Pete Rose (36)

2. Barry Bonds (11)

3. Alan Trammell (8)*

4. Joe Jackson (7)

5. Dick Allen (5)

5. Edgar Martinez (5)

6. Fred McGriff (3)

6. Gile Hodgers (3)

6. Dave Concepcion (3)

6. Tony Oliva (3)

6. Lou Whitaker (3)

6. Dale Murphy (3)

6. Mark McGwire (3)

* A surprise here. With Alan Trammell and Lou Whitaker most often mentioned in the same sentence, Trammell got more than twice as many “mentions” here as Whitaker.

—THE RULES … OLD SCHOOL OR NEW—

Now, let’s move on to a look at some of MLB’s rules that seem to generate conversation – and at times controversey – among baseball fans. Depite being around for four decades, the DH rule continues to generate considerable debate and generated the widest split among respondents,with fairly equal numbers calling for no DH, the DH in both leagues and the current split. The two Wild Card system garnered the highest level of support (two-thirds of respondents liked it), while the new “wave the batter to first” intentional walk rule was opposed by more than 60 percent. Here’s a look at the survey questions (and responses) related to a handful of MLB rules.

First, the Designated Hitter – part of the American League rules since 1973. Still plenty of debate here, with 35.5 percent thinking the DH should be dropped altogether, 27.7 percent wanting to see the DH in both leagues and another 34 percent preferring the current situation. Looks like we’ll be talking about this for some time yet.

When it comes to interleague play, we also saw a fairly strong split, leaning just a bit (51.4 percent) toward interleague action. Notably, respondents did volunteer a few suggestions for improving interleague play. Those included having each division’s teams play the same teams from the other league each season (to balance competition); having every team play each team in the other league at least once each season; and limiting interleague action to one game on any given day.

The current two Wild Card system was a hit, liked by 66.7 percent of respondents and opposed by about one-in-four. Clearly, fans like the way the Wild Card opportunity keeps more teams “in the race” until late in the season. Being a Twins’ fan, it worked for me this year – but I’d kind of like the Wild Card to be two-of-three, so we’d be guaranteed at least one home game out of it.

The new rule allowing a batter to be waved to first drew the most opposition in the fan survey, with just over 60 percent (62.1 percent) opposing it, while about one-third were “fine” with the new rule. Personally, I don’t care much for it. I’ve seen enough go wrong (or right, depending on your vantage point) during the old-style intentional pass to want to see it played out.

This next one surprised me, as 63.6 percent of respondents were fine with the current challenge/video replay system – and only 20 percent would prefer to get rid of it. You’ll notice the total in the chart below does not add up to 100 percent. That because about 10 percent wrote in answers – for the most part indicating they were okay with the system if the process could be completed in a more timely (much more timely for most) manner.

—CHANGING THE OLD BALL GAME—

The survey drew 119 responses to the write-in question: “If you could change one thing about major league baseball, what would it be?” As you can imagine, the responses covered a lot of ground – from having a baseball skills competition at the All Star game to dumping the new Intentional Walk rule to reining in the proliferation of statistics. We’ll take a look at some of the most discussed issues or changes.

GETTING VERY SPECIFIC – ERRORS AND THE INFIELD FLY RULE

The most specific change recommended related to the Infield Fly Rule. One repondent suggested that if a fielder (unintentionally) drops an infield fly, it should be considered an error. The ball should be declared dead, the batter awarded first and all runners advance. The logic suggested was that “The defense should not be rewarded for an error.”

Speeding up the pace of the game was the issue that drew the most responses and the emphasis was on pitching and pitching changes in particular. (Twenty-three of the 119 responses related to mound/time issues.) A host of fans simply think the pace of the game would improve if we didn’t see so many pitching changes. Among the suggestions were:

Requiring a reliever to finish an inning or give up a run before being replaced;
Requiring each reliever to retire at least one batter; and
Reducing the size of pitching staffs.

The survey also saw multiple respondents suggresting that MLB:

Limit catcher visits to the mound;
Limit the number of times a pitcher can leave the mound; and
Better enforce the pitch clock (although there were a nearly equal number of calls to eliminate the pitch clock).

Batters were also the subject of suggestion – particularly:

Requiring a batter to stay in the batters’ box between pitches, except in cases of injury or game interruption (like a catcher or coach visit to the mound).

Respondents also wanted to reduce the time between innings or pitching changes – with many placing the blame on the need for TV commercial breaks.

As you might expect, the Designated Hitter rule came under fire with two main lines of thought – no surprise:

Elminate the DH (5 respondents);
Adopt the DH in both leagues (3 respondents).

There were also seven calls for lower prices (with a focus on ticket prices) and a handful of respondents who focused on September call-ups. The two lines of thought there were to either eliminate the September roster expansion or allow it in both April and September.

Here are a few others, BBRT found interesting: reduce interleague play; allow baserunners to initate a “challenge”; eliminate the challenge and replay; make the Wild Card playoff a best-of-three; install a laser system for foul balls and home runs; tougher drug penalties; have each team schedule one (single ticket) double header each month; more day games; demote umpires (back to the minors) the same way you demote/call-up players; eliminate the new “slide” and intentional walk rules.

—TOPICS FOR FUTURE SURVEYS—

Thanks to all who filled out this first Baseball Roundtable Fan Survey. I plan more (shorter) surveys in the future and would like your input. You can use the comments section to put forward topics you think should be explored (or even to suggest I drop the survey idea).

Thanks agian to all who responded, to all who follow BBRT – and enjoy the post-season.

I tweet baseball @DavidBBRT.

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Filed Under: BB Fun Facts, News, Rants & Raves

Baseball Roundtable 2017 “Watch List”

March 21, 2017 by David

Spring Training is winding down, and it’s the time of year when Baseball Roundtable picks a few MLB prospects to keep an eye on in the coming season. In this post, we’ll take a look at a handful of young players truly poised to make an MLB splash this season, a few others who have a chance to showcase their skills at the major league level – and add a couple of side trips to view a top prospect we won’t see this year and a trio of Yankee youngsters who could change the outcome in the AL East. (Statistics through March 20.)

POISED TO MAKE SPLASH AT THE MAJOR LEAGUE LEVEL

ANDREW BENITENDI (OF, RED Sox)

If there was ever a can’t miss prospect, it’s Red Sox’ OF Andrew Benitendi. The 22-year-old, 5’10”, 170-pound fly chaser has been at the top of his game wherever he’s played. His senior year in high school, he hit .564-12-57 with 38 steals and was the 2013 Ohio Gatorade Player of the Year and ABCA/Rawlings National High School Player of the Year. In 2015, his sophomore season at the University of Arkansas, he hit .380 with 19 home runs and was the Southeastern Conference Player of the Year, Baseball America Player of the Year, as well as the winner of the Dick Howser Trophy and Golden Spikes Award.

The Red Sox made Benitendi the seventh overall pick in the 2015 MLB Draft – and 14 months later, he was playing at Fenway. (He hit .312-20-107, with 26 steals in 151 minor league games, before his 2016 call up – where he hit .295-2-15 in 34 games for Boston.) This spring, he’s kept right on hitting – .308-2-8 in fourteen games (with six walks against just four strikeouts). Look for Benitendi to patrol LF at Fenway and do some damage with his left-handed bat as well.

DANSBY SWANSON (SS, Braves)

Dansby Swanson, the 2014 College World Series Most Outstanding Player (Vanderbilt University) was the first overall pick (Arizona Diamondbacks) in the 2015 MLB (June) draft. Just six months later, he was traded to the Atlanta Braves (see box below), the fastest any first-overall draft choice was ever moved. A mere eight months after that (August 2016), he was in the major leagues – getting just enough at bats to keep his rookie status for 2017. (Side note: Both of the top two prospects on this list took just 14 months to get their first taste of the major leagues.) But, I’m getting ahead of myself.

Before the D-backs/Braves trade – in fact, before his first-ever professional game at any level – Swanson was hit in the face with a pitch in a simulated game (delaying his 2015 pro debut by about a month). He went on to play in 22 games at Class A Hillsboro, going .289-1-11. The following season, now in the Braves’ system, Swanson hit .275-9-53, with 13 steals, in 105 games at High A and Double A. He was called up August 17 and went .302-3-17 in 38 games for the Braves. The 6’1”, 190-pound, 23-year-old is not known for flashy skills, but rather for “veteran” defensive instincts and reliability, a quick bat, good plate discipline and the potential to add power to his game. This spring, Swanson was sidelined for a couple of weeks with a side strain, and has gone .389-1-4 in 18 at bats (seven games). Look for him to be a surprisingly steady (for a rookie) influence in the Braves infield.

BRAVES’ MAKE HAUL IN MILLER TRADE

In the NL West, the Diamondbacks seem to consistently find themselves chasing the pitching rich Dodgers and Giants. In 2015, they went “all in” to close the mound gap. Early that December, they signed free-agent Zack Greinke – a former Cy Young Award winner, who led the NL (as a Dodger) in winning percentage (19-3, .864) and ERA (1.66) in 2015. At almost the same time, they added Shelby Miller to the rotation in a trade with the Braves. Miller had been an All Star in 2015. He also led the NL in losses (6-17), despite a 3.02 ERA. The Diamondbacks also got minor league pitcher Gabe Speier in the deal; while sending number-one overall draft pick SS Dansby Swanson, OF Ender Inciarte and minor league pitcher Aaron Blair to the Braves.

What was the outcome? For the Diamondbacks, Miller had an off year, going 3-12, 6.15 (although he did show improvement; 3.98 ERA in the second half). Speier went 4-2, 2.62, while moving from Rookie League to Double A. The Diamondbacks finished fourth – 22 games off the pace. The Braves fared better – w-a-a-ay better. Inciarte hit .291-3-29 with 16 stolen bases and won a Gold Glove for his play in center field. Swanson moved up to the Braves (see prospect description above) and seems set to be their shortstop for the long-range future. Blair went 5-4, 4.65 at AAA, and 2-7, 7.59 with the Braves. The rebuilding Braves did finish last – 26 1/2 games out.

HUNTER RENFROE (OF, Padres)

I like Hunter Renfroe a lot – and I’m convinced “13” (Renfroe was the 13th overall selection in the 2013 MLB draft) will be a lucky number for the Padres. Renfroe played college ball at Mississippi and in 2013 won the C Spire Ferriss Trophy as the best college player in Mississippi. In 2011-12, he also played for the Bethesda team in the Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League – where his number was retired after a 2012 season when he set new team records in runs scored, runs batted in, home runs and total bases. In four minor league season (438 games), the 6’1’, 220-pound right-handed hitter hit .281, with 77 home runs, 283 RBI and 23 steals.

Before a September 2016 call up to the Padres, he was hitting .306-30-105 at Triple A El Paso. In 11 late season games for San Diego, Renfroe hit .371-4-14. In 15 Spring Training games, he’s hitting .304, with two homers and seven RBI. Look for him in RF in San Diego.

Yoan Moncada (2B, White Sox)

Photo by apardavila

The key player in the Chris Sale trade, Moncada was signed out of Cuba by the Red Sox in 2015. As a teenager in the Cuban National Series, Moncada hit .277-4-28 in 101 games. The 21-year-old made his MLB debut in 2016, going four-for-nineteen in eight games with the Red Sox. Considered one of MLB’s top-five prospects, he hit .287-23-100, with 94 stolen bases over two minor league seasons. This spring, the 6’2”, 205-pound infielder is hitting .317-3-13 in 17 games. Reports indicate the rebuilding White Sox won’t rush Moncada to the major leagues, but BBRT is guessing he’ll force his way to “The Show” before season’s end.

JOSH BELL (1B, Pirates)

Pirates’ first baseman Josh Bell is less of a can’t miss prospect than the first four on this list – more because of health concerns than performance expectations. The 24-year-old Bell, at 6’2”, 240-pounds, looks like the prototypical power-hitting first baseman. To this point, he’s shown power potential, but has been more of a line-drive hitter. In five minor league seasons (487 games), Bell has hit .303, with 44 home runs and 285 RBI (and he’s tossed in 23 steals, not bad for a 240-pounder).

Bell was signed by the Pirates (out of high school) in the second round of the 2011 MLB Draft. In his senior campaign for Jesuit College Preparatory School (Dallas, Texas), Bell hit .548, with 13 home runs and 54 RBI, earning a spot on the USA Today All-USA High School Team, Gatorade/ESPN Texas Player of the Year honors and a scholarship offer from the University of Texas. Bell began the 2016 season at AAA Indianapolis, going .295-14-60 before a call up to the Pirates. He got in 45 games for Pittsburgh, hitting .273-3-19. Bell should be a fixture in the Pirates lineup this season.

Oh, about that health issue. In 2012, Bell had significant (left) knee surgery (meniscus) and then, this February, had minor surgery to remove what was termed a loose body from the same knee. Bell is back with the team, but has only two hits in seven spring games (21 at bats). He’s got some catching up to do, but he should be in the line upon Opening Day.

THREE YOUNG YANKEES THAT COULD MAKE A DIFFERENCE

The Yankees are seeing a changing of the guard and – at least to BBRT – it looks pretty good. Consider what these three youngsters could mean to the Bronx Bombers’ future.

Catcher Gary Sanchez (24-years-old) made his MLB debut last season and went .299-20-42 in 53 games. He’s maintaining the momentum this spring, with a .361-4-13 line in 13 games.

Then there is 1B Greg Bird (24-year-old), who showed a power bat in the minors and came up last year to hit .261-11-31 in 46 games for the Yanks. This spring, Bird is .421-4-6 in 16 games.

Finally, there is OF Aaron Judge (also 24), who hit .270-19-65 at AAA Scranton Wilkes-Barre last season (93 games) before going .179-4-10 in 27 games for the Yankees. New York still expects good things from this top prospect, who is at .286-2-3 in 17 spring games.

ALSO ON THE BBRT WATCH LIST

MITCH HANIGER (OF, Mariners)

Photo by Keith Allison

Haniger’s 19 hits leads all hitters this spring. The 26-year-old has nine extra bases hits (six doubles, one triple and two home runs) and eight RBI. Haniger (6’2”, 215-pounds) ripped up Double A and Triple A last season (.321-25-94 in 129 games) and then hit five home runs and drove in 17 (but hit only .229) in a brief call up to the Diamondbacks. After playing college ball at Cal Poly, where he earned Big West Conference Player of the Year and All American honors in 2012, he was drafted by the Brewers as a supplemental pick (end of first round) in 2012. He was traded to the D-backs in 2014 and then to the Mariners in November of 2016. Haniger has strong minor league numbers (.290-61-268 over 455 games). He’s also a plus defender who may very well have played his way into a starting role this spring.

PETER O’BRIEN (OF/1B, Royals)

As of this writing (March 20), Peter O’Brien is tied for the Spring Training lead in home runs (six) with a more familiar name (Bryce Harper). Through Monday, the 6’4”, 235-pounder was hitting .333-6-13 and opening some eyes. O’Brien was a second-round pick (Yankees) in the 2012 MLB Draft, traded to the Diamondbacks in 2014 and then to the Royals (who liked his power bat) this January. He played college ball for Bethune-Cookman and the University of Miami and was named Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Player of the Year in 2010 and All Atlantic Coast Conference in 2011. O’Brien’s best minor league seasons were 2015 (.284-26-107 at Triple A) and 2014 (.271-34-74 at three levels). In a brief 2016 call up to the Diamondbacks, he hit .141-5-9 in 28 games. Despite a solid spring, O’Brien – who still needs to work on plate discipline – is expected to start the season in the minors. Still, BBRT expect to see him in a Royals’ uniform soon.

BROCK STASSI (1B, Phillies)

Brock Stassi (6’2”, 190-pounds) has been a run-producing machine this spring, with an MLB-leading 15 RBI in just 17 games. The 27-year-old’s line in 43 Spring Training at bats is .326-5-15. Stassi may be THE surprise of Spring Training. A 33^rd-round draft pick (2011). Stassi has a .263 average, with 42 home runs and 271 RBI in 580 minor league games (six seasons). He played college ball for the University of Nevada and was a First-Team All-Western Athletic Conference pick during his senior season. He’s had a solid spring, but the Phillies may find it hard to take him north – or even free up a spot on the forty man roster. It doesn’t help his cause that 24-year-old Tommy Joseph, who surprised the Phillies with 21 home runs in 107 games after being called up last season is penciled in for the first base slot – although Stassi’s left-handed bat could be valuable off the bench. Keep an eye on him as the season progresses.

ONE TOP PROSPECT WE WON’T SEE

ALEX REYES (RHP, Cardinals)

Photo by Corn Farmer

Twenty-two-year old Alex Reyes (6’3”, 175-pounds) looked to have a lock on a spot in the Cardinals’ rotation. With a high-90s fastball (with movement), a power curve and a solid changeup, he earned a call uP last August and went 4-1, 1.57 with 52 strikeouts in 46 innings (12 appearances/five starts). This followed four minor league seasons in which he went 20-21, 3.50 with 449 strikeouts in 334 innings pitched. BBRT was anxious to see what Reyes – signed as an amateur free agent in 2012 – could do in a full season for St. Louis. It was, however, not to be. In February, he suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament that required Tommy John surgery. See you in 2018.

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BBRT Looks at the 2017 Baseball Hall of Fame Ballot

November 25, 2016 by David

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It’s official – the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA) Hall of Fame ballots are out and the debate(s) can begin. This year’s traditional ballot includes 15 holdovers from last year, along with 19 newcomers. The basic rules for eligibility are that a player must have played at least ten seasons and be retired for at least five years. A player can remain on the ballot for up to ten years, but must receive at least five percent of the vote in the preceding year’s ballot to remain eligible after the first year on the ballot. Each voter can vote for up to ten candidates. Election requires that a player be named on at least 75 percent of the ballots cast.

In this post, we’ll take a look at how BBRT would vote – if I had a ballot – as well at whom BBRT expects the BBWA to vote in. Notably, BBRT tends to be less stingy then the BBWAA voters. I’ll list a full roster of ten candidates (in order of my preference) who would receive my vote.

Spoiler Alert: BBRT anticipates that four players will be elected. I’m fairly confident about one first-timer (catcher Ivan Rodriguez) and two returnees (pitcher Trevor Hoffman, outfielder Tim Raines). I also think 1B Jeff Bagwell has a very good chance to get the 75 percent necessary (he reached 71.6 percent a year ago), but he may be hurt by the fact that Tim Raines is in his last year on the ballot. Some of the more conservative voters may feel a need to choose between the two. However, I’m including Bagwell on my list of projected inductees. First-timer Vlad Guerrero is my dark horse for 2017. I believe is is HOF-worthy, but BBWAA voters are notoriously tough on ballot newcomers. BBRT note: Last year, BBRT correctly predicted Ken Griffey, Jr. and Mike Piazza would be elected. However, I also incorrectly predicted a third inductee – Trevor Hoffman.

BBRT’s Halll of Fame Ballot – If I Had One – With the Players Listed in BBRT’s Order of Preference.

Group One – Should Be No Doubt

Ivan Rodriguez (C – 1991-2011) – First year on the ballot. Nicknames: Pudge/I-Rod.

BBRT’s top choice on this year HOF ballot. Photo by Keith Allison

Ivan Rodriguez played 21 MLB seasons, putting up 2,844 hits, a .296 average, 311 home runs and 1,332 RBI. He was a 14-time All Star, 13-time Gold Glove Winner and won the AL MVP Award in 1999. Notably, his 2,749 hits as a catcher are the MLB record for the position. If any of the first-timers on the ballot capture the necessary votes, it’s likely to be I-Rod – with his combination of leather (13 Gold Gloves) and lumber (seven Silver Slugger Awards). The BBWAA has, in the past, shown a tendency to demand more of “First-Ballot” candidates, but BBRT thinks Rodriguez has the goods and that the BBWAA will agree. Rodriguez played for the Rangers (19991-2002 and 2009); Marlins (2003); Tigers (2004-2008); Yankees (2008); Astros (2009); and Nationals (2010-2011).

Ivan Rodriguez’ best season: In 1999, as a Ranger, Rodriguez hit .332, with 35 home runs, 113 RBI and 116 runs scored in 144 games – earning a Gold Glove, Silver Slugger Award and the AL MVP Award.

Trevor Hoffman (Relief Pitcher, 1993-2010) – Second year on the ballot, 68.3 percent support last year.

His 601 saves should open the doors to the Hall this year. Photo by SD Dirk

In BBRT’s opinion, Trevor Hoffman should have been elected in his first year on the ballot. He is one of only two relievers in MLB history to reach 600 saves (601) – trailing only Mariano Rivera (652) all time. Hoffman and Rivera, in fact, are the only closers to reach 500 saves. (Note: Hoffman was also the first pitcher to reach the 500- and 600-save mark.)

Hoffman led the NL in saves twice and reached 30 or more saves 14 times (with a high of 53 in 1998). He had a career record of 61-75, with a 2.87 ERA over 1,089 1/3 innings in 1,035 games – averaging 9.4 strikeouts per nine innings. Hoffman, by the way, made his final All Star team at the age of 41, in a season in which he recorded 37 saves for the Brewers. Hoffman pitched for the Marlins (1993); Padres (1993-2008); and Brewers (2009-10). Hoffman’s 600 saves should be enough for the Hall..

Trevor Hoffman’s best season: In 1998, Hoffman appeared in 66 games for the Padres, converting 53 of 54 save opportunities. On the season, he was 4-2 with a 1.48 ERA, striking out 86 hitters in 73 innings, while walking just 21. He was selected to the NL All Star team, finished second in the Cy Young Award voting and seventh in the MVP race.

Group Two – Debatable, But Clearly Deserving Support (and would have BBRT’s vote)

Lee Smith (Relief Pitcher, 1980-970) – 15th and final year on the ballot, 34.1 percent last year. Note: When the HOF election rules changed from 15-year eligibility to 10-year eligibility, Smith was one of the players already on the ballot to be grandfathered in at the 15-year limit.

BBRT firmly believes Lee Smith has earned his place in the “Hall.” However, last year, Smith got only 34.1 percent of the vote, just a slight increase over his 30.2 percent of the previous year. While BBRT feels Smith has a strong case for the Hall, he’s not likely to make the 40-point leap it will take to get in. But consider his case.

Smith’s 478 saves put him third on the all-time list (he was number-one when he retired after the 1997 season). Smith led his league in saves four times and made seven All Star teams. He recorded ten seasons of 30 or more saves and three campaigns of 40-plus saves. Smith reached 30 or more saves in a season with four different teams (Cubs, Cardinals, Orioles, Angels). He had a 3.03 lifetime ERA and 1,251 strikeouts in 1,289 innings pitched. Smith is also one of only three pitchers with more than 800 games finished lifetime (Mariano Rivera and Trevor Hoffman are the others). Couple all of this with the third most saves all time and Smith gets BBRT’s vote.

Smith pitched for the Cubs (1980-1987); Red Sox (1988-1990); Cardinals (1990-1993); Yankees (1993); Orioles (1994); Angels (1995-1996); Reds (1996); and Expos (1997).

Lee Smith’s best season: In 1991, as a Cardinal, Smith went 6-3, with a 2.34 ERA, 47 saves, 73 innings pitched, 67 strikeouts and just 13 walks (five intentional). He was an All Star, finished second in the Cy Young Award voting and eighth in the MVP balloting.

Mike Mussina (Starting Pitcher, 1991-2008) – Fourth year on the ballot 43.0% last year. Nickname: Moose.

Mike Mussina built a 270-153 record, with a career 3.68 ERA and 2,813 strikeouts over 18 seasons. While only a 20-game winner once (in his final season, at age 39), Mussina won 18 or 19 games five times, leading the AL with 19 wins in 1995. In his first three full seasons in the major leagues (1992-94), Mussina put up a .700 or better winning percentage each year (.783, .700, .762). His record over that span – for the Orioles – was 48-16.

Mussina was a five-time All Star and a seven-time Gold Glove winner. He recorded a .650 or better winning percentage in nine seasons, with a career (and league-leading) high of .783 in 1992. While the lack of a Cy Young Award on his resume may hurt him, he finished his career 117 games over .500 – and history says 100 or more wins than losses should be good for a ticket to the Hall. Mussina appeared in 23 post-season games, with a 7-8 record and a 3.42 ERA. He pitched for the Orioles (1991-2000) and Yankees (2000-2008). BBRT believes Mussina deserves (and will eventually be awarded) a spot in Cooperstown, but is unlikely to close the gap between 43 percent and the necessary 75 percent in this year’s voting.

Mike Mussina’s best season: Mussina may have saved his best for last. In his final season (as a Yankee), at age 39, he recorded his first twenty-win campaign. That year, Mussina went 20-9, 3.37 – and proved his durability by leading the AL in starts with 34, logging his 11^th season of 200 or more innings pitched and earning his fifth Gold Glove

Jeff Bagwell (First Base, 1991-2005) – Seventh year on the ballot, 71.6 percent last year.

BBRT thinks it should be “Baggy’s” year.

In his 15-season MLB career, Bagwell collected 2,314 hits; smashed 449 home runs; stole 202 bases; and put up a .297 average. He also earned a Rookie of the Year Award (1991); a Most Valuable Player Award (1994); one Gold Glove; and four All Star selections. He twice recorded seasons of 40 or more homers and 30 or more steals. Bagwell drove in 100 or more runs in eight seasons, leading the league with 116 RBI in 1994 and reaching a high of 135 in 1997. He led the NL in runs scored three times, with a high of 152 in 2000. His .297 career average was bolstered by six seasons over .300. Bagwell was also one of MLB’s most durable and dedicated stars, playing in all 162 of the Astros’ games in four seasons and in at least 155 games in ten of his fifteen MLB campaigns. Bagwell, who played his entire career with the Houston Astros, stands a good chance of reaching the 75 percent threshold in 2017.

Jeff Bagwell’s best season: Bagwell won the NL MVP Award, a Silver Slugger and a Gold Glove in 1994, when he hit .368, with 39 home runs and 15 steals. He also led the NL in RBI (118) and runs scored (104) in the strike-shortend campaign. (The Astros played 115 games.)

Tim Raines (Outfield, 1979-2001) – Tenth and final year on the ballot, 69.8 percent last year. Nickname: Rock.

BBRT is predicting (hoping) Tim Raines makes it in his last year on the ballot.

Tim Raines returns for his tenth – and final – year on the ballot. After getting 69.8 percent last year, Raines should gain enough votes for induction in 2017.

Raines hit .294 over his 23-season MLB career, collecting 2,605 hits, 1,571 runs scored, 170 home runs, 980 RBI and 808 stolen bases (fifth all time). He was a seven-time All Star; led the NL in stolen bases four consecutive years (1981-84); had a streak of six seasons with at least 70 steals; won the NL batting title in 1986 with a .334 average; led the league in runs scored twice and doubles once. How much of a threat was Raines on the bases? Over 23 seasons, he averaged 35 steals a year (and that included six seasons in which he played in less than half his team’s games). Over his MLB career – from age 19 to 42 – Raines averaged 52 stolen bases for every 162 games played. In 34 post-season games, The Rock hit .270 with one home run, six RBI, 18 runs scored and three steals. Raines played for the Expos (1979-1990 and 2001);White Sox (1991-1995); Yankees (1996-1998); A’s (1999); Orioles (2001); and Marlins (2002).

Tim Raines’ best season: Despite his 1986 batting title (.334 average), BBRT thinks Raines’ top season was 1983 (Expos) – 156 games, 179 hits, .298 average, league-leading 133 runs scored, 11 homers, 71 RBI, league-leading 90 steals.

Group Three – Get BBRT’s Vote, but Possible BBWAA Reservations are More Understandable

Jeff Kent (Second Base/Third Base/First Base, 1992-2008) – Fourth year on the ballot; 16.6 percent last year.

BBRT believes Jeff Kent is a deserving candidate. Kent holds the all-time MLB record for home runs by a second baseman (351 of his 377 career round trippers were hit while playing second base). He has a healthy .290 career batting average; his 1,518 RBI are 54th all time; and his 560 doubles 27th. Kent, in fact, has nine more career RBI than Mickey Mantle.

Kent was a five-time All Star and the 2000 NL MVP. As primarily a middle infielder, he hit 20 or more home runs in 12 seasons (a high of 37 in 2007) and topped 100 RBI eight times. He hit .276, with nine home runs and 23 RBI in 49 post-season games. Kent has the credentials, but BBRT has a hunch the writers will make keep him on the bench – a couple of Gold Gloves, at this traditionally defense-oriented position, would have really helped his case. Kent played for the Blue Jays (1992); Mets (1992-1996); Indians (1996); Giants (1997-2002); Astros (2003-2004); and Dodgers (2005-2008).

Jeff Kent’s best season: With the Giants in 2000, Kent put up these stats: 159 games; 196 hits; .334 average; 33 home runs; 125 RBI; 114 runs; 12 steals. His performance earned him the NL MVP Award.

Vlad Guerrero (Outfield/Dedsignated Hitter – 1996-2011) – First time on the ballot. Nicknames: Vladdy/Vlad the Impaler.

When your nickname is Vlad the Impaler, you better put up some solid offensive numbers – and Vlad Guerrora did. BBRT’s dark horse candidate for induction this year (the stinginess of the writers with votes for first-timers may hurt him), Guerrero put up a .318 career batting average (2,147 games over 16 seasons), 449 career home runs (including eight seasons of 30+ and a high of 44 for the 2000 Montreal Expos) and 1,496 career RBI. Guerrero had 13 seasons with a batting average of .300 or better (a high of .345 in 2000), 10 seasons of 100+ RBI, six seasons of 100+ runs scored and four campaigns of at least 200 hits. Known (sometimes criticized) as a free swinger, Guerrero actually never struck out 100 times in a season.

In 2002, Guerrero missed joining the 40/40 club by one home run – hitting .336, with 39 home runs, 111 RBI and 40 stolen bases. He led his league in hits once, runs once and total bases twice, while making nine All Star squads and earning eight Silver Slugger Awards – and the 2004 AL MVP Award. Guerrero hit .263-2-20 in 44 post-season contests. Guerrero played for the Expos (1966-2203); Angels (2004-2009); Rangers (2010); and Oriioles (2011).

Vlad Guerrero’s best season: In 2002, Guerrero his .336 for the Expos, leading the NL in hits (206), while bashing 39 home runs, stealing 40 bases, driving in 111, scoring 106 and drawing a career-high 84 walks (versus 70 strikeouts). He also led the NL in total bases with 364.

Edgar Martinez (Designated Hitter/Third Base, 1987-2004) – Fifth year on the ballot, 43.4 percent last year. Nickname: Papi.

We’ve seen some prejudice against designated hitters in past voting, but Edgar Martinez clearly, and expertly, defined the DH role. In fact, in 2004, MLB renamed the Outstanding Designated Hitter Award the Edgar Martinez Outstanding Designated Hitter Award.

In an 18-season MLB career, Martinez was named to seven All Star teams; won a pair of batting titles (hitting a high of .356 in 1995); topped 100 RBI in six seasons (leading the league with 145 in 2000); and scored 100 or more runs five times (leading the league with 121 in 1995). He finished his career with a .312 average; 2,247 hits; 1,219 runs; 1,261 RBI; 309 home runs; and 514 doubles. Martinez played his entire career for the Mariners.

Edgar Martinez’ best season: One of two here, In 1995, Martinez led the league in batting average (.356), runs scored (121) and doubles (52 doubles), adding 29 home runs and 113 RBI. In 2005, Martinez put up a .324 average, 37 home runs, league-leading 145 RBI and 100 runs scored.

Larry Walker (OF, 1989-2005) – Seventh Year on the Ballot, 15.5 percent last year.

BBRT’s tenth – and final – selection, came down to Larry Walker’s three batting titles versus Billy Wagner’s 422 career saves – and it was a tough call. Back to BBRT’s admiration for “lumber AND leather,” Walker’s seven Gold Gloves were the difference maker. If you could cast 11 votes, Wagner would also get a BBRT nod.

Walker played 17 MLB seasons and retired with 2,160 hits, a .313 average and three batting titles. Between 1997 and 2001, he hit .350 or better in four of five seasons. The five-time All Star hit 383 home runs (a high of 49 in 1997) and stole 230 bases (a high of 33 in 1997). Walker’s years in hitter friendly Colorado may be hurting his vote totals, but BBRT believes if you add his Gold Glove defense to a trio of batting titles, you have a Hall of Famer. Walker played for the Expos (1989-1994); Rockies (1995-2004); and Cardinals (2004-2005).

Larry Walker’s best season: In his 1997 NL MVP year (Rockies), Walker hit .366, with a league-leading 49 home runs. He drove in 130 runs, scored 143, rapped 46 doubles (led the league in total bases at 409 and slugging percetage at .720) – and even threw in 33 stlolen bases and a Gold Glove.

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So, there are BBRT’s ten choices. Now, let’s look briefly at the remainder of the ballot – in alphabetical order – since just making it on the ballot deserves recognition.

Casey Blake (3B/1B/OF, 1999-2011) – First year on the ballot.

Blake had a .264 average, with 167 home runs and 616 RBI over 13 MLB seasons. A solid utility player, his best season was 2004, when he hit .271-28-88 for the Indians. Blake played for the Blue Jays (1999); Twins (2000. 2001, 2002); Orioles (2001); Indians (2003-2008); Dodgers (2008-2011).

Barry Bonds (OF, 1986-2007) – Fifth year on the ballot, 44.3 percent a year ago.

No doubt about Bond’s credentials – .298 average, 2,935 hits, MLB-record 762 home runs, 1,996 RBI, MLB-record 2,558 walks. He was also a 14-time All Star, his league’s MVP a record seven times, and eight-time Gold Glove winner. In 2001, Bonds hit .328, with an MLB-record 73 home runs and 177 RBI. And, I could go on. Still, there are those PED’s – and elephant in the room that will keep Bonds out of the Hall. We can expect him back on the ballot next year. Bonds played for the Pirates (1986-1992) and the Giants (1993-2007).

Pat Burrell (OF, 2000-2011) – First time on the ballot.

Bureell hit .253 over 12 seasons, but showed some pop – 292 home runs and 976 RBI over 1,640 games. Burrell, whose nickname was “Pat the Bat,” hit .282, with 37 home runs and 116 RBI for the Phillies in 2002. He had four seasons of 30+ home runs for the Phillies and finished seventh in the 2005 NL MVP balloting. Burrell played for the Phillies (2000-2008); Rays (2009-2010); and Giants (2010-2011).

Orlando Cabrera (SS/2B, 1997-2011) – First year on the ballot.

Cabrera was a two-time Gold Glover at shortstop, who could hold his own at the plate (.272 career average, with 123 home runs and 854 RBI). He also flashed some speed, with 216 steals, including five seasons of twenty or more. His best year was 2003 (with the Expos), when he played in all 162 games and hit .297, with 17 home runs, 80 RBI, 95 runs scored and 24 steals. He played for the Expos (1997-2004); Red Sox (2004); Angels (2005-2007); White Sox (2008); A’s (2009); Twins (2009); Reds (2010); Indians (2011); and Giants (2011).

Mike Cameron (OF, 1995-2011) – First time on ballot.

Cameron was a three-time Gold Glove centerfielder with a bit of speed and pop (278 career home runs and 297 stolen bases to go with a .249 average over 17 seasons). Cameron’s best season was 2011, when he was an All Star for the Mariners, hitting .267-25-110, with 38 steals and a Gold Glove. Cameron playeds for ther White Sox (1995-1998); Reds (1999); Mariners (2000-2003); Mets (2004-2005); Padres (2006-2007); Brewers (2008-2009); Red Sox (2010-2011); and Marlins (2011).

Roger Clemens (Starting Pitcher, 1984-2007) – Fifth time on the ballot, 45.2% last year.

Like Barry Bonds, Clemens has Hall-worthy stats: 354 wins, 4,672 strikeouts, seven Cy Young Awards, 1986 AL MVP. Clemens was a five-time 20-game winner (led the league in wins four times), seven-time ERA leader, five time league leader in strikeouts. Clemens also has 12 post-season wins, with 173 strikeouts in 199 post-season innings. His best season was 1986, when he went 24-4. 2.48 and won both the Cy Young and AL MVP Awards for the Red Sox. Yes, he’s got the numbers, but the PED controversy stands between him and the Hall. Don’t think the BBWAA is ready yet, but he’ll continue on the ballot. Clemens pitched for the Red Sox (1984-1996); Blue Jays (1997-1998); Yankees (1999-2003, 2007); and Astros (2004-2006). .

Carlos Guillen (SS/2B/3B, 1998-2011) – First time on the ballot.

Guillen was a three-time All Star and put up a .285 average with 124 home runs and 660 RBI over 14 MLB seasons. His best season was 2007 (Tigers), when he hit .296, with 21 home runs and 102 RBI. Notably, he was coming off a 2006 season, when he went .320-19-85 for Detroit. Guillen played for the Mariners (1998-2003) and Tigers (2004-1011).

Derek Lee (1B, 1997-2011) – First time on the ballot.

Derek was a first basemen who could flash leather (three Gold Gloves) and lumber (331 career home runs) and – in his prime – a little speed (from 2002 through 2005, he stole 67 bases). Led finished with a .281 career average (15 seasons), 331 home runs and 1,078 RBI. In his best season (2005, Cubs), he led the NL in hits (199), average (.335) doubles (50), slugging percentage .662) and total bases (393). He also had 46 home runs, 107 RBI, 120 runs scored and 15 steals – and he earned a Gold Glove. Lee has a good chance of returning for a second year on the ballot. Lee played for the Padres (1997); Marlins (1998-2003); Cubs (2004-2010); Braves (2010); Orioles (2011); and Pirates (2011).

Fred McGriff (1B, 1986-2004) Tenth- final year – on the ballot – 20.9 percent last year.

Known as “Crime Dog”, McGriff was five-time All Star; who bashed 493 career home runs (led his league twice, hit 30 or more home runs in a season ten times); topped 100 RBI eight times (career total 1,550); and put up a .284 career average over 19 seasons. In 2001, at age 37, he had perhaps his best season – splitting time betweeen the Rays (then Devil Rays) and Cubs – going .306-31-102. McGriff is not likely to get in this time, despite his 493 round trippers (seven more certainly would have helped his case, as would a couple of 40+ HR seasons. First base is just a highly competitive spot when it comes to the HOF. McGriff was a top slugger at his peak (1988-93), but for most of his career more of a steady power source. He played for the Blue Jays (1986-1990); Padres (1991-1993); Braves (1993-1997); Devil Rays (1998-2001, 2004); Cubs (2001-2002) and Dodgers (2003).

Melvin Mora (3B/OF/SS, 1999-2011) – First time on the ballot.

Mora was a two-time All Star, who surprised a lot of people with his .340-27-104 season for the 2004 Orioles. Over 13 seasons, he averaged .277, hit 171 home runs and drove in 754. Mora topped 25 home runs twice, 100 RBI twice and a .300 average twice. His best campaign was the 2004 season already noted. He was also a .400 hitter (six-for fifteen) in nine post season games for the 1999 Mets .He played for the Mets (1999-2000); Orioles (2000-2009); Rockies (2010); and Diamondbacks (2011).

Magglio Ordonez (OF, 1997-2011) – First tie on the ballot.

I expect Ordonez, a five-time All Star, to stay on the ballot for more than one year. Over his fifteen MLB season, Ordonez was a hitting machine – .309 career average, 294 home runs, 1,236 RBI. Further, in his best season (207 Tigers) he led the AL with a .363 average, hit 28 home runs, drove in 139, scored 117, collected 216 hits and smacked a league-leading 54 doubles. Ordonez hit over .300 eleven times, launching 30 or more home runs four times, driving in 100+uins seven times and scoring at least 100 runs four times. He played for the White Sox (1997-2004) and Tigers (2005-2011).

Jorge Posada (C, 1995-2011) First time on the ballot.

Posada is a five-time All Star, who hit .273, with 275 home runs and 1,065 RBI in 17 seasons with the Yankees (solid numbers for a backstop). Perhaps more critical to Posada’s chances for the Hall are his 125 post-season games – .248-11-42 – and four World Series Championships. Then there is also that 2007 season, when he hit .338, with 20 home runs and 90 RBI. I expect he will back on the ballot next year. Posada played his entire MLB career for the Yankees.

Manny Ramirez (OF – 1993-2011) – First Year on the ballot.

Manny Ramirez played 19 MLB seasons, collecting 2,574 hits, a .312 batting average, 555 home runs and 1,.831 RBI. Ramirez was a 12-time All Star and led the AL in average (2002), home runs (2004) and RBI (1999) once each. Ramirez won nine Silver Slugger Awards, including eight consecutive (1999-2006), hit .285 with 29 home runs in 111 post season games and was the 2004 World Series MVP. Ramirez clearly put up HOF-caliber numbers, but two PED-related suspensions will hurt his chances. Not this year, but he’ll be back. Ramirez played for the Indians (1993-2000); Red Sox (2001-2008); Dodgers 2009-2010); and Rays (2011).

Edgar Renteria (SS, 1996-2011) – First time on ballot.

Renteria is a five-time All Star, three-time Silver Slugger winner and two-time Gold Glover. Over a 16-season MLB career, he hit a credible .286, with 140 home runs, 933 RBI and 1,200 runs scored. Renteria’s game also included speed on the base paths. He stole 294 bases, including a high of 41 for the Marlins in 1998. Renteria also hit .252, with three home runs, 23 RBI and nine steal in 66 post season games. He was the MVP of the 2010 World Series (with the Giants), hitting .417 (seven-for-seventeen) with two home runs and six RBI. He’s got a chance to return to the ballot. Renteria played for the Marlins (1996-1998); Cardinals (1999-2004); Red Sox (2005); Braves (2006-2007); Tigers (2008); Giants (2009-2010); and Reds (2011).

Arthur Rhodes (SP/RP, 1991-2011) – First time on the ballot.

If endurance were the key quality, Arthur Rhodes would have a shot at the Hall of Fame. He lasted 20 years in the major leagues – running up an 87-80, 4.08 ERA record, with 33 saves. Rhodes was an All Star – for the first and only time – in 2010 (at age 40). That season, he went 4-4, 2.29, with 50 strikeouts in 55 innings (69 games) for the Reds. His best season may have been 2001, when (as a Mariner) he appeared in 71 games, going 8-0 with a 1.72 ERA and three saves. That season he struck out 83 batters in 68 innings.Over his career, Rhodes took the mound for the Orioles (1991-1999); Mariners (2000-2003, 2008); A’s 2004); Indians (2005); Phillies (2006); Marlins (2008), Reds (2009-2010); Rangers (2011); and Cardinals (2011).

Freddy Sanchez (2B/3B/SS. 2002-2011) – First time on ballot.

Sanchez was a three-time All Star in his ten season MLB career, which was cut short by shoulder and back injuries. Sanchez’ chances to remain on the ballot will similarly cut short by injury. However, it is notable that he retired with a .297 career average, three All Star Selections and the 2006 NL batting title (.344 for the Pirates). His best year was 2004, when he hit an NL-leading .344, with six home runs, 85 RBI, 85 runs scored and 200 hits – as well as a league-leading 53 doubles. Sanchez played for the Red Sox (2002-2003); Pirates (2005-2009); and Giants (2010-2011).

Curt Schilling (Starting Pitcher , 1988-2007) – Fifth year on the ballot, 52.3 percent last year.

Schilling is a six-time All Star, with 216 career wins (three seasons of 20 or more wins) over a 20-season MLB career. He recorded 3,116 strikeouts (three seasons of 300 or more whiffs), led his league in wins twice, complete games four times, innings pitched twice and strikeouts twice. He was also the 2001 World Series co-MVP – and has an impressive 11-2, 2.23 ERA post-season record (19 starts). He is on the cusp for the HOF. However, his outspoken views, Mike Mussina’s 270-win total (likely he will gete in before Schilling) and the lack of a Cy Young Award may be working against Schilling’s vote-getting capacity. His best season was 2001, when he went 22-8 for the Diamondbacks (with a 2.98 ERA). That year, he lead the league in wins, starts (5), complete games (6), innings pitched (256 2/3). He’ll be back for another shot. Schilling pitched for the Orioles (1988-1990); Astros (1991); Phillies (1992-2000); Diamondbacks (2000-2003); and Red Sox (2004-2007).

Gary Sheffield (OF/DH/3B/SS, 1988-2009) – Third year on the ballot, 11.6 percent last year.

Sheffield is a nine-time All Star (in 22 MLB seasons) with 509 career home runs (topped 30 home runs in a season eight times , with a high of 43 in 2000); a 292 career average (hit .300+ in eight seasons); and 1,676 RBI. He also won 1992 NL batting title (.330); topped 100 RBI eight times; topped 100 runs scored seven times. His best season was 1996 (Marlins), when he hit .314, with 42 home runs, 120 RBI, 188 runs scored and 16 steals. Sheffield has the offensive numbers, but defensive questions and the shadow of PEDs are likely to keep him on the outside looking in. He should return fo the ballot. Sheffield played for the Brewers (1988-1991); Padres (1992-1993); Marlins (1993-19998); Dodgers (1998-2001); Braves (2002-2003); Yankees(2004-2006); Tigers (2008); and Mets (2009).

Sammy Sosa (OF, 1989-2007) – Fifth year on the ballot, 7.0 percent last year.

Sosa hit 609 home runs in 18 MLB seasons – winning two HR titles, topping sixty three times and also hitting 50 one year. In the four seasons from 1998 to 2001, Sosa averaged 60 home runs and 149 RBI per season. His career numbers include a .273 average, 609 home runs, 1,667 RBI, 1,475 runs scored and 234 stolen bases (a high of 36 steals in 1993). Sosa was the 1998 NL MVP (Cubs), led his league in home runs twice, runs scored three times, RBI twice. His best season was 1998 (Cubs), when he hit .308, with 66 home runs, a league-leading 158 RBI and league-leading 134 runs scored – and even tossed in 18 stolen bases. So, why is the seven-time All Star not in the Hall? The PED shadow has darkened his chances. He’s very close to being dropped from the ballot, but may gets a small boost this year. Sosa played for the Rangers (1989, 2007); White Sox (1989-1991); Cubs (1992-2004); and Orioles (2005).

Mike Stairs OF/1B, 1992-2011) – First year on the ballot.

Mike Stairs enjoyed a 19-year MLB career, hitting .262, with 265 home runs and 899 RBI. His place on the ballot recognizes his ability to fill a role at the major league level. His best season was 1999 (A’s), when he hit .258, but slugged 38 home runs and drove in 102. In his career, Stairs hit 20 or more home runs six times and topped 100 RBI twice. Stairs played for the Expos (1992-1993); Red Sox (1995); A’s (1996-2000); Cubs (2001); Brewers (2002); Pirates (2003); Royals (2004-2006); Rangers (2006); Tigers (2006); Blue Jays (2007-2008); Phillies (2008-2009); Padres (2010); and Nationals (2011).

Jason Varitek (C, 1997-2011) – First time on the ballot.

A three-time All Star, Varitek caught an MLB-record (tying) four no-hitters. His resume also includes a Gold Glove and Silver slugger Award (both in 2005) and three All Star selections. For his 15-seasn MLB career – all with the Red Sox – Varitek hit .256, with 193 home runs and 757 RBI. His best season was 2003, when he hit .273, with 25 home runs and 85 RBI. In his Silver Slugger/Gold Glove year, he hit .281, with 22 home runs and 70 RBI.

Billy Wagner (RP, 1995-2010) – Second year on the ballot, 10.5 percent last year.

Wagner is a seven-time All Star, who amassed 422 saves (fifth all-time) in a 16-season MLB career. He had nine seasons of 30 or more saves; a career ERA of 2.31; 1,196 career strikeouts in 903 innings; and 47-40 won-lost record. His best season was 2003, when he went 1-4, 1.78 for the Astros, saving 44 games amne fanning 105 batters in 86 inings. BBRT thinks he belong in the Hall (based on his 400+ saves) – and hopes that momentum starts to build. Wagner played for the Astros (1995-2003); Phillies (2004-2005); Mets (2006-2009); Red Sox (2009); and Braves (2010).

Tim Wakefield (SP/RP, 1992-2011) – First Year on the ballot.

Wakefield didn’t make the majors until age 25, and still logged 19 MLB seasons. He finished with 200 wins (180 losses), a 4.41 ERA and 23 SAVES. While those numbers are not likely to put Wakefiled in the Hall, a 19-year MLB career is to be celebrated. His best year was 1995, when he went 16-8, 2.95 for the Red Sox and finished third in the Cy Young Award balloting. Wakefield pitched for the Pirates (1992-1993) and Red Sox (1995-2011)).

Coming Soon – A Look at the “Today’s Era” ballot.

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