Yearly League Leaders & Records for Batting Average
Batting Average Year-by-Year Leaders / Batting Champions
2020 MLB Player Batting Stats | ESPN
MLB Stats | Baseball Stats | MLB.com
Batting Average League by League Totals on Baseball Almanac
MLB 2020 League Leaders in Batting Average, Home Runs, ERA
2020 MLB Stat Leaders | ESPN
2020 American League Batting Leaders | Baseball-Reference.com
mlb batting average leaders american league
mlb batting average leaders american league - win
AA Transactions Recap
In the aftermath of the Super Bowl, the American Association has been busy, announcing their 2021 lineup and schedule, and continuing to fill rosters for the upcoming season, which will start on May 18. Here's a look at what teams have been up to the last couple days: Chicago Dogs The Dogs re-signed RHP Justin Goossen-Brown, who will return for his third season with the Dogs. The 24-year-old righty is 1-2 with a 3.45 ERA in 22 games (four starts) over the 2019-20 seasons with Chicago, but he posted a 5.14 ERA in his eight appearances in 2020. Next, they signed infielder Grant Kay. The 27-year-old previous reached as high as Triple-A with Tampa Bay, before signing with Sioux Falls in 2020, where he hit .262 with 3 homers and 18 RBI in 39 games. Lastly, they re-signed 31-year-old reliever Paul Schwendel. Pitching professionally for the first time since 2015, Schwendel went 0-1 with a 5.81 ERA in 23 games, but struck out 33 batters in just 26.2 innings. Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks Fargo-Moorhead re-signed outfielder Alex Boxwell, a 24-year-old who suited up 34 times in 2020, batting .246 with 4 homers and 10 RBI. A Minnesota alum, Boxwell also has had cups of coffee with the St. Paul Saints and Gary SouthShore Railcats in 2018 and '19, before finishing the 2019 campaign in Fargo. The RedHawks also inked right-hander Michael Hope, who they re-acquired in a trade with the Sussex County Miners of the Frontier League on January 25. The 24-year-old was a RedHawk in 2019, going 8-0 in 31 games out of the bullpen with a 3.46 ERA, striking out 46 over 59.2 innings, and even going 3-for-7 with a homer at the plate. Lastly, the 'Hawks acquired another pitcher from Sussex County, trading for 29-year-old lefty Cam Hatch. Most recently, Hatch pitched in the pop-up league Yinzer Baseball Confederacy in 2020, going 0-2, but posting a 0.87 ERA with two saves over nine outings and 10.1 innings. Hatch has also pitched in the Pacific Association (2018-19) and the United Shore Professional Baseball League (2016). Milwaukee Milkmen The Milkmen re-signed three members of their championship squad, starting with set-up man AJ Schugel. The 31-year-old righty, who posted a 3.19 ERA in 73 MLB games from 2015-17, excelled for Milwaukee in 2020 after missing all of 2019, posting a 1.03 ERA in 28 games and allowing just ten hits in 26.1 innings, good for a microscopic .112 opponent's batting average. Another righty reliever, 29-year-old Zach Hartman, re-upped as well. Hartman, Milwaukee's all-time pitching appearances leader with 60, returns for his third year with the Milkmen, having gone 4-4 with a 3.72 ERA over 87.0 innings. A former Dodgers and Angels prospect, Hartman was 1-1 with a 3.89 ERA in 18 games (four starts) in 2020, striking out 25 over 34.2 innings. A man who caught both hurlers, catcher Christian Correa, returns for his second year in Milwaukee and fourth in the AA. Correa batted just .211 with four homers (one of them a walk-off) and 20 RBI, but was known for his defensive acumen behind the dish. The 27-year-old also has played in the AA for Kansas City (2017,19) and Sussex County (2018) in the now-defunct Can-Am League. Winnipeg Goldeyes Not content to watch two division rivals shore up their bullpen, the Goldeyes re-signed right-hander Nate Antone (who's not from San Antone). With the Goldeyes in 2020, the 29-year-old went 1-0 with a 3.55 ERA in 22 games, striking out 29 and allowing just 17 hits over 25.1 innings. An Indy-ball lifer, Antone had previously pitched for Quebec and Sussex County (both 2019) in the Can-Am League, Gary (2017) and Joliet (2017-18) of the Frontier League. Also, the Goldeyes shored up the left side with southpaw Ken Frosch, who pitched for St. Paul from 2017-19. Frosch has appeared in 133 AA games (plus seven more in the postseason), going 9-6 with a 2,76 ERA in 124.0 innings with the Saints, striking out 129 and being the key lefty reliever on the 2019 AA Champs and the 2018 runner-ups. Including his 2016 stint in the Frontier League (with Evansville), Frosch has a career 2.47 ERA over 180 games, all in Indy ball. Looking Ahead So far, several teams already have quite a few signings, while others have remained rather silent on that front, though perhaps they are merely waiting out uncertainty in the MLB/MiLB umbrella to see what kind of players fall out and wind up in the Indy ranks. What also will be interesting to see is the development of Kane County's roster. With Opening Day now barely three months away, the Cougars are in, but they have no manager and no players, so there will be a lot of scrambling done in the coming weeks. On the other side, the traveling Houston Apollos will be run as a by-product of the Pecos League, meaning that their players will be supplied from the Pecos League, with the roster likely being assembled much later than other teams.
Even though everyone's already forgotten about Baseball-Reference's simulated season, I put together a prospective ballot for each award based on how players did in the sim.
If you have no idea what I'm talking about click here. Here’s some more links to how AL pitchers did, how NL pitchers did, how AL batters did, and how NL batters did. Also if a stat is italicized that means the player led their respective league in that category. Anyway onto the important stuff.
American League MVP
1. Francisco Lindor, CLE
.309/.361/.546, 205 H, 56 2B, 33 HR, 131 RBI, 362 TB, 9.2 WAR Lindor proved he was the complete package this year. At the plate, he led the AL in hits, hits for extra bases, and total bases. Of course, clobbering 56 doubles and 33 homers will do that. He had the most WAR of anyone in the American League (including the fish man), and his glove sure helped that number. Oh did I mention his team came back from a 3-0 deficit to win the World Series? Because his team came back from a 3-0 deficit to win the World Series.
2. Mike Trout, LAA
.275/.436/.556, 151 H, 43 HR, 145 BB, 94 RBI, 129 R, 9.0 WAR Wow didn’t expect to see him here. Led the AL in OBP and OPS. Shocker. Would've led WAR too if it wasn't for that Indian man. Also led league in Runs Scored and Walks because why not when you're a god. Mike Trout is still very good at baseball, and the Angels still didn't make the playoffs.
3. Yordan Alvarez, HOU
.304/.380/.551, 195 H, 39 HR, 135 RBI, 354 TB, 162 GS, 5.2 WAR The 23-year-old really stepped up this year, batting in the most runs in the league. He also scored 118 runs, the second most on a team that won 94 games. Alvarez also came in super clutch for Houston with 4.5 Win Probability Added, third most in the league. Second most was Mike Trout with 5.0, and in first we have…
4. Matt Chapman, OAK
.248/.337/.512, 151 H, 42 HR, 127 RBI, 94 R, 7.1 WAR, 5.2 WPA A low batting average didn’t matter to the reigning Gold Glove winner, whose team won the division by 5 games. I feel pretty safe in saying if Chapman had been gone the Athletics wouldn’t have won 99 games, and when a player does something like that, you put him on your MVP ballot.
5. Shohei Ohtani, LAA
As Batter: .301/.372/.520, 121 H, 21 HR, 43 XBH, 209 TB, 79 RBI, 72 R, 3.5 WAR As Pitcher: 10-14, 3.68 ERA, 20 QS, 203.0 IP, 73 BB, 246 K, 1.084 WHIP, 3.2 WAR Second best OPS on a team with Mike Trout on it is nothing to sneeze at. Accomplishing that while also being arguably the best pitcher on the squad and you have Shohei Ohtani. While, again, the Angels didn’t make the postseason, that 86-76 record would look a lot worse if it weren’t for Ohtani-san.
6. Byron Buxton, MIN
.274/.322/.446, 189 H, 24 HR, 308 TB, 97 RBI, 113 R, 55 SB, 754 PA, 691 AB, 6.3 WAR A shoo-in for Gold Glove in CF following Kevin Kiermaier’s midseason trade to the Cubs, Buxton helped his team win 97 games, finishing only one game behind the AL Central-winning Indians. Buxton also held his own at the plate, where he settled in more than any other American League batter, and made the most of it. Second most bags swiped in the league too.
7. Jose Ramirez, CLE
.289/.363/.540, 186 H, 38 HR, 83 XBH, 348 TB, 108 RBI, 125 R, 28 SB, 6.6 WAR Batting in front of the Francisco Lindor does have its perks, but when that bat is Jose Ramirez, it helps even more. Ramirez was also the leader in runs scored on the come-back-from-a-3-and-0-deficit-to-win-the-World-Series team, and finished with the second most extra base hits in the AL (behind Lindor).
8. Yoan Moncada, CHW
.308/.370/.531, 197 H, 36 HR, 88 RBI, 108 R, 340 TB, 6.6 WAR, 4.1 WPA Moncada’s inclusion this high up is more out of sympathy than anything else. His team came in with such high promise, so many predicted they’d compete for the division, before finishing the year below .500 at 78-84. He still contributed, garnering the 3rd most hits and the 7th most total bases in the AL, but ultimately fell victim to a team that started Edwin “.180/.261/.359 and -1.6 WAR” Encarnacion at DH for 138 games. A bullpen whose second best arm had negative WAR probably didn’t help either.
9. Gleyber Torres, NYY
.291/.371/.559, 178 H, 46 HR, 81 XBH, 132 RBI, 121 R, 342 TB, 6.3 WAR, 4.4 WPA Best player on the team with the most wins in the AL. Second most homers in the league behind Joey Gallo’s 47. Only thing holding him back is the excellence of everyone above him. And the fact that while he was the best player on the only AL 100-win team, he was far from the only great player on that team.
10. Shed Long, SEA
.287/.352/540, 182 H, 39 HR, 79 XBH, 343 TB, 133 RBI, 103 R, 5.1 WAR Wanted to acknowledge the surprise team of the year, the Seattle Mariners, who led their division for a good portion of the season before regressing to finish at 84-78. A big part of their success was Long, who led the team in hits (by 24), RBIs (by 46), homers (by 11), and qualified OPS (by .113). In other words, the tenth spot on this ballot went to the entire Mariners offense, and his name is Shed Long. Honorable Mentions: George Springer HOU (.303/.386/.564, 44 HR, 6.6 WAR) Rafael Devers BOS (.303/.351/.457, 38 HR, 2nd most TB, 6.1 WAR) Andrelton Simmons LAA (.283/.318/.407, 6.6 WAR) Gerrit Cole NYY (18-4, led league in ERA and Ks, 6.0 WAR) Trey Mancini BAL (~30 games lost to injury, .302/.368/.587, 40 HR, 4.1 WAR)
American League Cy Young
1. Gerrit Cole, NYY
32 GS, 18-5, 214.1 IP, 3.02 ERA, 283 K, 23 QS, 1.106 WHIP, 11.9 K/9, 2.0 BB/9, 6.0 WAR Best pitcher on the best team, but that’s not why I’m voting for him. He’s in the #1 spot because he led the league in the two more important categories of the Pitching Triple Crown, only walked 48, and accrued the most WAR of any AL pitcher.
2. Shane Bieber, CLE
33 GS, 20-8, 214.2 IP, 3.65 ERA, 218 K, 22 BB, 20 QS, 1.030 WHIP, 9.1 K/9. 0.9 BB/9, 4.8 WAR Lowest WHIP and fewest walks surrendered of any qualified AL starter, most wins in the league, and need I remind you that he’s on the team that came back from a 3-0 deficit in the World Series to beat the St. Louis Cardinals? While he was tenth in strikeouts, his miniscule number of walks meant his K/BB was also the best in the American League.
3. Lucas Giolito, CHW
34 GS, 13-9, 187.2 IP, 3.40 ERA, 277 K, 14 QS, 1.040 WHIP, 13.3 K/9, 2.2 BB/9, 4.6 WAR While he may not have gone as long into the games he started as the people above him, G-Elite-o made his pitches count. Only six strikeouts behind the leader Cole despite over 25 fewer innings pitched, the highest K/9 in the AL, and probably would’ve had a lot more wins if his bullpen wasn’t a dumpster fire.
4. Jesus Luzardo, OAK
33 GS, 13-7, 210.1 IP, 3.04 ERA, 234 K, 25 QS, 1.108 WHIP, 10.0 K/9, 2.2 BB/9, 5.5 WAR Second lowest ERA, most Quality Starts, and being the best pitcher on a 99-win team while a rookie. Stands right below Gerrit Cole on several lists (ERA and WAR are the primary two that land him here) but his contributions to his team were far from second best.
5. Aroldis Chapman, NYY
48 GF, 1-2, 35 SV, 55.2 IP, 2.10 ERA, 86 K, 0 BS, 1.006 WHIP, 13.9 K/9, 2.0 WAR, 3.7 WPA Yankees games very often came down to Chapman performing (as you can see with the league-high save total), and each time they called on him, he delivered. His 3.7 Wins Probability Added is the highest of any AL pitcher, starting or otherwise. Gerrit Cole, in second, has 3.0. Chapman was integral to the Yankees pitching this year. Honorable Mentions: Zack Greinke HOU (33 GS, 18-7, 229.0 IP, 4.52 ERA, 6 CG, 2 SHO, 216 K, 27 BB, 3.6 WAR) Brendan McKay TBR (32 GS, 16-12, 186.0 IP, 3.87 ERA, 207 K, 4.3 WAR) Sean Manaea OAK (33 GS, 16-7, 219.1 IP, 3.32 ERA, 192 K, 4.1 WAR)
American League Rookie Of The Year
1. Jesus Luzardo, OAK
33 GS, 13-7, 210.1 IP, 3.04 ERA, 234 K, 25 QS, 1.108 WHIP, 10.0 K/9, 2.2 BB/9, 5.5 WAR Basically for all of the reasons listed for his Cy Young candidacy, plus the fact that he’s a rookie. Dude killed it.
2. Austin Hays, BAL
.286/.326/.510, 179 H, 35 HR, 70 XBH, 319 TB, 87 RBI, 91 R, 3.4 WAR The consensus best rookie bat of the 2020 American League came to us from the Baltimore Orioles. Hays led all AL qualified rookies in every single stat listed above, sharing only his homer total and WAR total with Luis Robert. The future of the Orioles is looking bright.
3. Brendan McKay, TBR
32 GS, 16-12, 186.0 IP, 3.87 ERA, 207 K, 15 QS, 1.210 WHIP, 10.0 K/9, 2.7 BB/9, 4.3 WAR Any other year, Brendan McKay would be an easy pick for best rookie pitcher. He had the bad luck of debuting the same year as Jesus Luzardo, but that didn’t stop him from excelling. He led his team’s rotation in Wins, Quality Starts, and BB/9. Honorable Mentions: Nate Pearson TOR (34 GS, 8-8, 170.2 IP, 3.85 ERA, 204 K, 7 QS, 1.178 WHIP, 3.2 WAR) Luis Robert CHW (.248/.297/.496, 135 H, 35 HR, 270 TB, 75 RBI, 84 R, 3.4 WAR)
American League Manager of the Year
1. Terry Francona, CLE
98-64, Won AL Central, won World Series Tito just broke a 70+-year World Series drought with his second team. Also, not sure if you’ve heard, but they came back from a 3-0 deficit to win the World Series.
2. Bob Melvin, OAK
99-63, Won AL West, lost ALDS in 4 to eventual WS Champs I honestly don’t know what I’m doing here so I just voted for Melvin because Oakland seems like a good team that Melvin helps along.
3. Scott Servais, SEA
84-78, 4th in AL West A great deal of expectations were upended near the beginning of the season as they led the AL West as late as June and were in a Wild Card spot for a great deal of the time they weren’t leading. Servais was a big part of making that product happen, so that’s why he’s here. Honorable Mentions: Rocco Baldelli MIN (97-65) Aaron Boone NYY (100-62)
National League MVP
1. Juan Soto, WAS
.317/.441/.626, 187 H, 44 HR, 90 XBH, 369 TB, 141 RBI, 128 R, 130 BB, 9.0 WAR Juan. Soto. And I thought Mike Trout’s age-21 season was incredible. Soto truly showed all he had this year, leading so many offensive categories, captaining a playoff team, and garnering the most RBIs by a batter in a single season since 2009. Now some might say “But Bellinger was more valuable! His WPA dwarfs Soto and he had a much better season!” To that, I say, look at what they had to work with. Bellinger had 9 other players on his team top 3.5 WAR. Soto had 5. Bellinger’s team won 121 games, and without his 9 Wins Above Replacement, they would have won a measly 112, still by far the best in the league. If Soto’s 98-win team gets his 9 wins taken away, their 89 wins don’t capture the division, and depending on how many of those wins go to Milwaukee, they might not even be in the playoffs. So, in that sense, I feel comfortable picking Childish Bambino as my NL MVP.
2. Cody Bellinger, LAD
.297/.431/.593, 170 H, 45 HR, 77 XBH, 339 TB, 104 RBI, 137 R, 134 BB, 9.2 WAR, 8.8 WPA Boy oh boy did Bellinger have a year. Although it ended far short of where many believed it should have in NLCS Game 5, that doesn’t discount the amazing things Belli showed he was capable of. He led the NL in both home runs and walks, the first to do so since Barry Bonds in 2001. His 9.2 WAR was the most in the league. His 137 runs were the most in the league. His team won 121 games. What else can I say?
3. Ozzie Albies, ATL
.325/.367/.542, 222 H, 27 HR, 84 XBH, 370 TB, 95 RBI, 128 R, 29 SB, 7.0 WAR, 7.3 WPA Albies was the best player on a very good Braves team. Led the league in hits and total bases, which, I mean, that’s pretty good. Also spent a fair amount of time this season atop the batting average leaderboard. 7 fewer wins and Atlanta likely isn’t in the playoffs, so, yeah. Dunno if I can say much more. Braves fans better enjoy that contract.
4. Christian Yelich, MIL
.312/.423/.582, 174 H, 39 HR, 71 XBH, 324 TB, 114 RBI, 122 R, 29 SB, 7.9 WAR Another player whose team wouldn’t have made it if his Wins were taken away. Yelich’s Brewers barely scraped into the playoffs, and he dragged them kicking and screaming to that postseason spot. One of only three NL players to pass an OPS of 1.000 (others were Soto and Bellinger), and the third most WAR of any NL player, it’s no surprise he’s on here in such a high spot.
5. Clayton Kershaw, LAD
32 GS, 17-0, 217.0 IP, 2.36 ERA, 227 K, 25 QS, 2 SHO, 0.912 WHIP, 9.4 K/9, 1.0 BB/9, 7.2 WAR Three people are all valid answers to who the best pitcher was in the NL this year. Those men are Max Scherzer, Walker Buehler, and Clayton Kershaw. In my opinion, which will most definitely not be shared by everyone, Kershaw deserves to be remembered as the best. He suffered no losses, allowed the fewest walks and home runs of the three previously mentioned, and, last but not least, he threw a no-hitter. That will surely not convince many of you. It convinced me. And he’s that’s why he’s at number 5.
6. Max Scherzer, WAS
33 GS, 16-8, 226.0 IP 2.63 ERA, 318 K, 25 QS, 0.889 WHIP, 12.7 K/9, 1.4 BB/9, 7.7 WAR See what I meant? Scherzer was dominant. He struck out 35 more batters than any other pitcher did this year. Only eight of his starts weren’t Quality Starts. He pitched more innings than any other NL pitcher not named Johnny Cueto. His ERA and win total are 3rd and 6th among National League starters, respectively. He also pitched his team into the postseason, so it seems like he did all right.
7. Walker Buehler, LAD
33 GS, 15-5, 205.1 IP, 2.28 ERA, 278 K, 24 QS, 0.843 WHIP, 12.2 K/9, 1.5 BB/9, 7.1 WAR, 3.8 WPA I really didn’t have any option but to group these three together. They were all just that good. And Buehler was no exception. League’s lowest ERA, lowest WHIP, and second most strikeouts. Lowest H/9 (6.0) of any NL starter as well. The only thing that Buehler did wrong was pitch so well in the same year as two other amazing performances. He even performed in the playoffs, allowing but two runs in striking out 19 in 15.1 innings of NLCS work only to see it all wither away as LA lost both games. You’ll get em next year.
8. Nolan Arenado, COL
.296/.364/.572, 182 H, 44 HR, 80 XBH, 351 TB, 110 RBI, 122 R, 7.8 WAR The high-flying third baseman may not have reached the postseason, but that doesn’t mean he didn’t try. With the most home runs and runs scored for the most potent offense in the NL West not based in Los Angeles, Arenado only struck out 103 times this year. That was the second lowest on the team, and lower than 93 other qualified batters. I guess he was also a pretty good defender so there’s that too.
9. Kris Bryant, CHC
.285/.413/.533, 159 H, 35 HR, 297 TB, 86 RBI, 107 R, 100 BB, 22 HBP, 7.0 WAR The Cubs lost 97 games this year, the most in the National League. They did that due to the trainwreck that was half their rotation and a bullpen that was equivalent to soggy bologna. If they were tanking, it appears they forgot to tell Kris Bryant, because he went off. Fourth highest on-base percentage among qualified batters. 5th highest OPS. 5th most walks. Top ten in many other categories. If you were curious who was above him on those leaderboards, many of them are elsewhere on this ballot. Pity the Cubs’ pitching exploded or he’d be in for a much better conclusion to a fantastic year.
10. Fernando Tatis Jr., SDP
.280/.354/.521, 173 H, 35 HR, 322 TB, 84 RBI, 98 R, 5.2 WAR If anybody doubted that Tatis Jr. was destined for greatness, this year silenced all doubters. At 21, Junior helped a surprise San Diego squad to a much-higher-than-predicted 77-85 record, and led the team in hits, home runs, slugging, and total bases while he was at it. He also had the most WAR on the team but that was kind of a given. He can only go up from here. Honorable Mentions: Jacob deGrom NYM (13-14, 222.1 IP, 2.67 ERA, 250 K, 26 QS, 1.043 WHIP, 5.1 WAR) Kolten Wong STL (.283/.363/.390, 181 H, 42 XBH, 249 TB, 59 RBI, 102 R, 39 SB, 6.1 WAR) Miguel Rojas MIA (.300/.359/.421, 187 H, 49 XBH, 68 RBI, 82 R, 20 SB, 6.5 WAR) Ronald Acuña Jr. ATL (.302/.392/.536, 184 H, 35 HR, 71 XBH, 327 TB, 114 RBI, 117 R, 39 SB, 6.1 WAR) Gavin Lux LAD (.295/.376/.519, 161 H, 27 HR, 63 XBH, 283 TB, 74 RBI, 98 R, 22 SB, 5.4 WAR) Stephen Strasburg WAS (19-5, 211.0 IP, 3.67 ERA, 242 K, 22 QS, 1.095 WHIP, 6.7 WAR)
National League Cy Young
1. Clayton Kershaw, LAD
32 GS, 17-0, 217.0 IP, 2.36 ERA, 227 K, 25 QS, 2 SHO, 0.912 WHIP, 9.4 K/9, 1.0 BB/9, 7.2 WAR Said all I need to say back over at #5 on the MVP listing, so go peep that if you haven’t already to know why he’s here.
2. Max Scherzer, WAS
33 GS, 16-8, 226.0 IP 2.63 ERA, 318 K, 25 QS, 0.889 WHIP, 12.7 K/9, 1.4 BB/9, 7.7 WAR Same as Kersh. This was really tough I promise you, and tomorrow I might feel differently, but this is my ballot today.
3. Walker Buehler, LAD
33 GS, 15-5, 205.1 IP, 2.28 ERA, 278 K, 24 QS, 0.843 WHIP, 12.2 K/9, 1.5 BB/9, 7.1 WAR, 3.8 WPA Ditto on the last two. Buehler also led the league in WPA for starters, which I didn’t mention up there, but do here because this is specifically a pitching award.
4. Jacob deGrom, NYM
34 GS, 13-14, 222.1 IP, 2.67 ERA, 250 K, 26 QS, 1.043 WHIP, 10.1 K/9, 2.2 BB/9, 5.1 WAR While deGrom may have lost out on the three-peat, he didn’t lose for lack of trying. In only his second losing season, the deGrominator led the league with 26 of his 34 games started being Quality Starts. He also happened to be given an average of, and I calculated this myself, 1.97 runs of support. Because of course he was. He did throw a no-hitter of his own against the team that would eventually win his division, though. So that’s pretty good.
5. Stephen Strasburg, WAS
33 GS, 19-5, 211.0 IP, 3.67 ERA, 242 K, 22 QS, 1.095 WHIP, 10.3 K/9, 1.5 BB/9, 6.7 WAR The Nationals and Dodgers had, without a doubt, the best 1-2 starting duos in the league this year. Scherzer and strasburg were 1st and 4th on pitcher WAR league-wide, and Kershaw and Buehler were 2nd and 3rd. Strasburg showed last year was no fluke, striking out the 6th most batters of any NL pitcher and having the 4th best K/BB of any starter. His 22 quality starts were also tied for fifth most in the National LEague, and his 19 wins were the second most behind only Dodger Alex Wood. Strasburg’s numbers speak for themselves. Honorable Mentions: Jack Flaherty STL (33 GS, 10-9, 198.1 IP, 3.40 ERA, 245 K, 1.008 WHIP, 11.1 K/9, 2.2 BB/9, 5.9 WAR) Robbie Ray ARI (34 GS, 18-7, 203.0 IP, 3.01 ERA, 1.158 WHIP, 5.5 WAR) Josh Hader MIL (42 GF, 4-3, 52.0 IP, 1.38 ERA, 25 SV, 105 K, 0.932 WHIP, 18.2 K/9, 2.8 WAR) Freddy Peralta MIL (9-6, 3.01 ERA, okay overall, but threw a no-hitter with 17 strikeouts)
National League Rookie of the Year
1. Gavin Lux, LAD
.295/.376/.519, 161 H, 27 HR, 63 XBH, 283 TB, 74 RBI, 98 R, 22 SB, 5.4 WAR Early on in the Rookie of the Year race, Lux proved the award was his to lose. And following a rookie season that could see him pop up on more than a few MVP ballots, it looks like he hasn’t. He leads NL rookies in all rate stats, has the most dingers, hits for extra bases, and total bases among that crowd. His team won 121 games. There you go.
2. Carter Kieboom, WAS
.283/.356/.451, 170 H, 21 HR, 58 XBH, 271 TB, 87 RBI, 101 R, 4.5 WAR The consensus second best NL rookie is nothing to be ashamed of when the first place player does what Gavin Lux did. Kieboom showed up too for his first year in the majors, leading NL rookies in RBIs, hits, and runs scored. He’ll definitely be one to keep your eye on in the coming years.
3. Kwang Hyun Kim, STL
59 G, 9-1, 104.1 IP, 2.76 ERA, 2 SV, 10 Ho, 123 K, 0.939 WHIP, 10.6 K/9, 1.9 BB/9, 2.6 WAR The former KBO MVP proved he could hang with the big dogs of the MLB in his debut season across the pond. In a year that saw many promising pitchers debut very well, Kim led them all in ERA, WHIP, and K/BB (5.59) while coming out of the bullpen for the NL pennant winners. Honorable Mentions: Bryse Wilson ATL (29 GS, 12-9, 173.0 IP, 3.59 ERA, 165 K, 10 QS, 1.069 WHIP, 3.0 WAR) Trevor Rogers MIA (27 GS, 10-11, 164.0 IP, 3.24 ERA, 140 K, 15 QS, 1.220 WHIP, 3.3 WAR) Brusdar Graterol LAD (42 G, 20 GS, 8-4, 131.1 IP, 3.22 ERA, 136 K, 1.150 WHIP, 9.3 K/9, 2.9 WAR) Michel Baez SDP (64 G, 3-2, 82.1 IP, 2.95 ERA, 109 K, 0.996 WHIP, 11.9 K/9, 1.8 WAR)
National League Manager of the Year
1. Mike Shildt, STL
96-66, Won NL Central, Won NL Pennant Again I’m not sure how I’m supposed to judge this because there really isn’t all that much to go on but his team did really well so…
2. Dave Roberts, LAD
121-41, Won NL West, lost NLCS in 5 games His team did really well too but everyone kind of expected that so his placement isn’t as high even though they did really well.
3. Davey Martinez, WAS
98-64, Won NL East, Lost NLDS in 3 games His team did really well too even though they lost a pretty good player so I guess he gets my vote too. Honorable Mentions: Craig Counsell MIL (86-76) Brian Snitker ATL (92-70)
Hello! Yes, there has been some news lately with the Kansas City T-Bones becoming the Monarchs last week. That said, in the heart of winter, I decided to take a look back at some of the best players who came through the American Association. However, these aren't just guys who lit it up for a year and moved on to greener pastures. These are the guys who came to AA, became stars, and stuck around. These are the guys who grinded on not necessarily in hopes of moving on, but because they wanted to keep the flicker of the dream alive rather than face the truth that their playing career, and in essence their youth, was slipping away. Today, we'll take a look at infielder David Espinosa. AA Teams: Grand Prairie AirHogs (2008-11), Lincoln Saltdogs (2012-13), Kansas City T-Bones (2014), Wichita Wingnuts (2014-15), St. Paul Saints (2015) Accomplishments: 2011 American Association Champion (Grand Prairie), 2014 American Association Champion (Wichita), 2008 American Association All-Star, 2010 American Association All-Star, Top-5 in AA history in games, hits, runs, all-time leader in triples (46) David Espinosa was thought to be the type of player who would never end up in the American Association, let alone play nearly 700 games in the league over eight seasons. Espinosa was originally a blue-chip prospect, who was selected 23rd overall by the Cincinnati Reds in the 2000 MLB Draft out of high school in Coral Gables, Florida. Named the #90 overall prospect in baseball heading into the 2001 season, Espinosa began his career batting .262 with 129 hits, 7 homers, 15 stolen bases, and a .736 OPS as a 19-year-old at Class-A Dayton. However, he also committed 48 errors at shortstop. Not great, but not bad for a 19-year-old in full-season ball to start his career. That earned him a promotion to High-A Stockton for 2002, where he moved to second base and slumped to .245, but stole a career-high 26 bases. The real news of that season, though, was that he was dealt (alongside the impeccably named Noochie Varner) on July 23 to Detroit for Tigers pitcher Brian Moehler. Alas, the trade kinda blew up for everyone. Moehler sucked in 10 appearances as a Red (6.02 ERA) before going to free agency, and none of the three prospects swapping sides ever made it to the majors. In the Tigers system, Espinosa moved into the outfield, where his defense improved and he hit a career-high 19 homers at Double-A Erie in 2004, narrowly missing a 20-20 season, and reached Triple-A in 2005. Alas, Espinosa stalled in Toledo as the Tigers vastly improved at the major league level. With Craig Monroe, Curtis Granderson, and Magglio Ordonez mashing in the Motor City, there was no room for Espinosa in the Tiger outfield. Alas, in 2007, Espinosa batted just .204 in 111 games and was released. In 2015, he recalled his time in the Tigers system: “I wish I would have learned more along the way, but I didn’t seek to improve myself the way I should have. I knew I was making mistakes, and I knew that I acted like a s\***y teammate and a s****y prospect at times. The fact that I did not go farther is on me.”* Out of options, in 2008, he signed with the Camden Riversharks of the Atlantic League, but just 11 games into the season, he was dealt to the Grand Prairie AirHogs right before the start of the AA season. The move paid off handsomely. Once arriving in Grand Prairie, Espinosa moved back into the infield, where he remained until 2015. He would flourish, playing in all 96 games, batting .310 with 8 homers, 20 stolen bases, 73 runs, and a robust .403 OBP, earning an appearance in the AA All-Star Game. He started off 2009 with a flourish, batting .349 with a .471 OBP and a perfect 10-for-10 in steals over 23 games, with his contract being purchased by the Seattle Mariners. However, finishing the rest of the year at Double-A, Espinosa batted just .212 in 60 games, and he was released following the season. He had played his final games of affiliated baseball at the age of 27. Back in an AirHogs uni in 2010, he enjoyed his finest season to date, slashing.351/.464/.519 (only the second-best line on his own team) with a team-record 86 runs, as well as a career-high 127 hits, 9 homers, 59 RBI, and 13 steals. He was once again named an American Association All-Star, going 4-for-6 with a stolen base in the All-Star Game. In 2011, Espinosa followed that up with a .324 campaign, in which he played in all 100 games, scored 85 runs, drove in 60 runs, stole 20 bases, and drew a career-high 87 walks, one off the league lead. He saved his best for the postseason, which saw the AirHogs sweep St. Paul for their only AA title. Espinosa hit .400 in nine playoff games, including a 2-homer, 6 RBI effort in Game 2 of the AA Finals. That would be his swan song in an AirHogs uni, and he headed off to the Atlantic League in 2012, which...didn't go well. After 56 games and a batting average barely over .200, he returned to the AA, this time with the Lincoln Saltdogs. His bat recovered, batting .313 with 7 homers and 12 steals over 68 games. Back with the Saltdogs in 2013, his average slipped to .297, but he swatted 12 homers, his best AA total, and still posted a rock-solid .402 OBP thanks to 72 walks. Following the season, Lincoln's second straight sub-.500 campaign, Espinosa moved on to Kansas City. His time in KC did not last long. After 64 games, in which he was batting .290 with 10 triples, 9 steals, and a .402 OPS, he was shipped off to Wichita, joining an absolute juggernaut in the midst of tearing through a record-breaking 73-27 season. Espinosa was right at home in the dangerous Wingnut lineup, batting .338 with 6 homers, while scoring 36 runs in 36 games and posting a 1.033 OPS. All told, he wound up leading the league with 15 triples, six more than any other player. In the playoffs, the Wingnuts rolled to a Finals sweep over Espinosa's former team, the Lincoln Saltdogs, and he contributed a five-RBI night (including a three-run homer) in Game 1, then a 3-for-5 effort in the clincher as Espinosa earned his second AA title. In 2015, Espinosa was 33, and despite the strong finish to 2014, time was running short on his career. Nonetheless, he posted a solid .290 average and drew a league-high 85 walks, 20 more than any other player, leading to a strong .433 OBP. Despite the excellent numbers, a mid-season profile of Espinosa laid it out plainly: "Despite the outstanding numbers, this will likely be Espinosa’s last." With a shot to go out a winner, the Wingnuts would win the South Division title. However, Espinosa was not around. Shortly before the late-August transaction freeze, Espinosa was flipped to St. Paul, going from a team that won 73 games in 2014 to one that would win 74 in 2015. After six games with the Saints, St. Paul rolled into the postseason, where they faced the cruelest playoff matchup imaginable: a date with the 75-25 Sioux City Explorers. Alas, the Saints were the titan who fell, as the X's took the series in four games. Espinosa wound up going 5-for-15 in the series, and his 1-for-4 effort in the series finale indeed wound up being the final game of his career, which spanned 15 years and over 1,600 games. Post-Playing: Espinosa did not stay away from baseball at all. In the winter of 2015, he was hired by the Miami Marlins as a scout, naturally specializing in scouting independent baseball. He remained in the Marlins front office for four years, until he joined the Cincinnati Reds in 2019 as an international cross-checker within their scouting department. Legacy: To this day, Espinosa holds the AA league record for career triples, with 46. Additionally, he retired as the league's all-time leader in games (670), hits (801) and runs (529), records which were all broken by Reggie Abercrombie. He also will go down as probably the greatest player in Grand Prairie/Texas AirHogs history. With the franchise folding this winter, Espinosa will forever hold franchise records in games, hits, runs, and doubles, as well as the single-season record for runs and triples. In addition, he was a major catalyst behind the AirHogs 2011 American Association Championship and an exceptional hired gun in Wichita's 2014 title run, which cemented the Wingnuts as possibly the best team in league history. Espinosa was an excellent gap-to-gap hitter with some pop, an excellent eye, and speed that he utilized at times as well. As a result of his efforts, the AA record book has his name all over it.
January: The MLB announces future expansion teams in four cities: Portland, Montreal, Charlotte, and Seattle. When told that Seattle already has a team, Tony Clark corrects the media that the Pilots left town many years ago. February: The MLB Hall of Fame announces a new exhibit dedicated to the steroid era, with some of the most famous relics of the era, including: The syringes Mark McGwire juiced with a gallon of pus reportedly extracted from Mike Piazza’s bacne All 78 urine samples collected from Pedro Martinez during the 2000 season A statue of David Ortiz furiously getting to the bottom of things March: MLBFilms, struggling financially, announces a sequel to one of the most beloved baseball movies of all time: Moneyball 2: Better Than Average, starring Chris Pratt as Scott Hatteberg. April: To try to improve struggling attendance numbers, the Orioles replace their seventh inning stretch song, “Thank God I’m A Country Boy” by John Denver with a cover of “Turning Japanese” by Skankin’ Pickle. Nobody attends an Orioles game ever again. May: The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim announce that the giant red A on their uniforms and logo stood for adultery all along, stunning the eight people who never had the book as assigned reading. June: On the first anniversary of David Eckstein’s untimely murder, the MLB honors his memory by having all their second basemen lightly ground out to shortstop, just like he always would. Some go the extra mile and boot easy ground balls in his memory. Yoan Moncada goes above and beyond and hires terrorists to shoot him in the head during a game.There is not a dry eye in the house. July: Due to New Yorkers stuffing the ballot box, the All-Star game ends up being the entire New York Yankees lineup against the entire New York Mets lineup, with the Yankees representing the National League and the Mets representing the American. Nobody knows who won because only assholes from New York watched the game. . August: Steve Cohen announces he plans to sell the Mets so he can finance his true passion: a film adaptation of No, No, Nannette. September: At the end of the Nationals’ season, Juan Soto gets married at Nationals Park to his longtime sweetheart. Zach Hample catches the bouquet. October: Terrorists strike at Angel Stadium after Mike Trout misses the postseason again. The statement from SABR states, “When will you learn not to keep your best players out of the postseason? The MLB is the disease, and we are the purifying flame. If you had more than a ten team playoff, maybe this wouldn’t have had to happen.” November: On the eve of Game Seven of the World Series between the Milwaukee Brewers and the St. Louis Cardinals, Craig Counsell makes an impassioned plea to the players ‘on both sides’ not to let the Cardinals steal the series. “If they win the series, all your livelihoods, all your joy - will disappear. Many of you are young and have never lived through a Cardinals World Series victory before. I have. I’ve seen things you people would never believe. Attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched C-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhäuser Gate. All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain. Time to die.” December: The Yankees announce, in a press conference, “We realized yesterday that nobody has checked on our minor league system in perhaps two years. Our guy who did that quit, and nobody else picked up his slack. We’re expecting a number of them are probably dead by now. We might never know.”
2027
January: After the 2026 midterms, Congress votes unanimously to trade the US Presidency to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for the Dodgers picking up the 570 trillion dollar national debt. While the Dodgers remain optimistic they can stay below the luxury tax, observers around the league are not convinced. February: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. announces his next film role: Duke Leto II Atreides in Denis Villeneueve’s God Emperor of Dune, narrowly beating out Christian Bale. March: The MLBPA unexpectedly goes on strike to protest the umpires not saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ when talking to the players. In retaliation, the umpire’s union goes on strike to demand that players swing more so they won’t have to call as many balls and strikes. Both sides return to play by the end of the month when they realize that baseball is not an inelastic need. April: SABR agents kidnap John Smoltz, one of their chief enemies, and threaten to kill him unless he learns how OPS works. They release him three days later when they realize that him being alive will only make the traditionalists look much, much worse. May: During a road trip to Milwaukee, Craig Kimbrel accidentally locks himself inside the team bus with the keys. Eventually, the Cubs end up having to break a window before Kimbrel succumbs to heatstroke. June: MLBFilms announces Field of Dreams 2, starring Billy Beane. When Oakland GM Billy Beane (Billy Beane) hears a mysterious voice one night in the clubhouse saying "If you build it, he will come," he feels the need to act. Despite taunts of lunacy, he builds a baseball diamond in the foul ground of the O.co Coliseum. Afterward, the ghosts of great players start emerging from the sewage overflow to play ball, led by "Shoeless" Joe Jackson, who Beane immediately trades to St. Louis for a top prospect and cash considerations. July: Agents of the MLBPA kidnap John Smoltz and try to teach him WAR so he can horribly misrepresent it on national broadcasts, thus making SABR look much, much worse. August: Tragedy strikes at Kansas City when the Royals, during a routine shift against J.D. Martinez, accidentally form an arcane summoning circle. When the pitch was thrown, the Old One Nyaghoggua, the great Kraken Within, was summoned to Kaufmann Stadium. All who could see its form were driven mad in an instant, their minds not comprehending the geometry, four parallel universes ahead of our own. Its shadowy, tentacled form slowly warped the ballpark into a model of its home lands, an abomination no mortal could begin to comprehend, or even survive. Upon seeing the rest of Kansas City, it deemed it wise to return to its own place, and vanished, leaving a gaping scar on the face of the city, unsurvivable to life of our own kind. The umpire rules ‘no pitch’. September: In the wake of the Kansas City tragedy, the MLB raffles off the players in the Royals’ minor league system, with the proceeds going to support the families of those who died. Tony La Russa announces his retirement from baseball at the end of the season. October: There are no dry eyes in Seattle as Kyle Seager announces his retirement. He retires a lifelong Mariner with five World Series appearances under his belt; all of them in the stands watching his brother Corey play. He is inducted into the Mariners Hall of Fame along with a bunch of other losers. The MLB announces an early end to the playoffs, as they have run out of balls and the people at the ball factory are no longer answering their calls. November: A wave of bomb scares from SABR sweep the country against journalists that justify their MVP votes by looking at +/-0.1 differences in WAR. December: A memorial opens at the MLB Hall of Fame dedicated solely to the life and times of David Eckstein. It includes a 28 inch tall real-size statue of Eckstein built entirely out of grit, and a video board showing Eckstein’s greatest highlights, including the time he got an MVP award because someone fell down chasing his easy fly ball.
2028
January: In a daring move against SABR leaders, the MLB launches a preemptive strike on key leaders, killing Nate Silver. When asked for comment, Tony Clark said that he didn’t even know about PECOTA - he was just sick of 538’s coverage of the election cycle and wanted to send a message. February: Due to labor disputes, the active free agents decide to form a barnstorming MLB travel team, the United Road Warriors. March: The Rockies release a press statement, saying that they have done a number of studies, which suggest that the altitude of Coors Field could lead to a slight increase in offense at the ballpark. It suggests ‘when you look at Rockies stats, maybe knock off five points of slugging percentage and a home run or so - that’ll probably be closer to the correct results’. April: The MLB debuts its latest Statcast data showing route efficiency on players charging the mound. Manny Machado tops the list with a 95.3% route efficiency and an average TTC (time to charge) of 2.2 seconds after being hit by a pitch. May: Giancarlo Stanton breaks the MLB all-time home run record to great fanfare. Unfortunately, he hits it directly into the ray tank at Tropicana, and nobody is brave enough to dive in for it. The rays in the tank sell the ball on Ebay for 2.8 million dollars amidst claims of being ‘ballsharks’. June: SABR attacks a Blue Jays game by crashing a truck through a maintenance door and attempting to run down the players. They are saved by the quick actions of AJ Burnett Jr, who, using skills learned from his father, throws baseballs through the windows of the truck, neutralizing the threat. July: Tropicana Field is accidentally demolished, again. Dustin Pedroia collects his final $2.3 million dollar paycheck from the Red Sox and wonders why Bobby Bonilla is the famous one. August: Scandal strikes baseball again as it is discovered that the Mariners haven’t played a game the entire year. ‘I guess we messed up and forgot to put them on anybody’s schedules’, said MLB commissioner Tony Clark. “It wasn’t until we checked our e-mail for the first time in seven months and saw all the angry messages that we realized what was going on. Man, DiPoto was pissed.”. The Mariners are quickly scheduled to play ten decisextepleheaders to make up the season. September: The latest from MLBFilms: A heartwarming comedy about a man running for president who throws out a first pitch and discovers he has a wicked knuckleball. He signs with the Reds to try to win over the crucial state of Ohio, and finds out that being a baseball player is even harder than a politician, as his games start to interfere with his duties as a candidate. Coming this holiday season, Swing State, starring Adam Sandler. October: In his last game with the Reds before retirement, Joey Votto attempts a hidden ball trick, much like Todd Helton did at the end of his career. The hidden ball slowly morphs into the form of Brian McCann who, out of respect to Votto's Canadian heritage, puts him in the Sharpshooter, killing him instantly. His corpse is inducted into the Hall of Fame. November: The MLB announces that, beginning with the 2030 season, all umpires will be replaced with roboumps. “We were going to just move to an automatic strike zone all the way back in 2024, but then I actually saw Joe West for the first time”, says Commissioner Tony Clark, “and we’ve been spending the last five years just making it so we could have something to replace him.” December: With the Safeco field naming rights expiring, the Mariners announce that their next stadium name will again be Sicks Stadium, in reference to ‘all the many proud Mariners fans who are absolutely sick of the dipshits we run out onto the field day after day, month after month, year after year. We believe that this move will bring our fans together as a community; a community that really despises everything this team does”.
2029
January: The MLB officially defines 'the 2020s' as being 2021-2030. If you complain about my definition of the 2020s in the comments, then you're a fake fan. February: Tim Tebow, looking to finally move up to the Show, hires Scott Boras as his agent. Boras releases a press statement he had been saving for the last twelve years, calling Tim Tebow a ‘cultural icon on the level of MLK’ who refuses to sign for anything less than 8yrs/250million. March: The Mariners front office forgets to pay the rent on Sicks Stadium and the owner leases it to another party in the meantime. While the legal issues are being worked out, the Mariners are forced to play at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in Puerto Rico. April: Byron Buxton’s career comes to an untimely end when, in his first game back from breaking every single bone in his body, he runs into Brian McCann in the outfield and dies instantly. May: Sitcom fans everywhere are aghast when Michael Schur, creator of shows such as The Office and Parks & Recreation, is arrested on suspicion of being linked to SABR agents. Conspiracy theories had long called for his arrest due to the subtle clues in his shows that they claimed prove his guilt. June: Another no-hitter is spoiled by the umpires when Joe West, instead of signalling ‘out’ on a close play at first base, instead signals for ‘the ground ahead is filled with land mines’. July: Another famed MLB star passes away, as Mike Trout is called up to the angels due to injuries he sustained after being attacked by a rally monkey at a game at Angel Stadium. While Trout was taking an intentional walk, the monkey squirmed free from its cage and ripped Mike Trout’s throat out. J.D. Martinez has to beat the monkey to death with his bare hands. August: J.D. Martinez immediately regrets saying to the press that he ‘beat that monkey to death with his bare hands’ after making the front page of tabloids in 234 different languages. September: The Reds debut a new statue at Great American Ballpark: Joey Votto, standing at first, watching all three batters after him strike out. October: With his contract ending in a few years, Bryce Harper looks to Scott Boras to provide him his next megadeal. Boras floats a list of Harper’s accomplishments around to a few MLB teams, which includes curing the AIDS pandemic and personally carrying the cross on the day Jesus was crucified. November: A new tell-all book from Thom Brennaman claims that he personally once injected Joe Buck with steroids. Buck denies these claims, saying, “If I was taking steroids, would my penis really be this big?” A number of Joe Buck’s former broadcast partners come forward to corroborate his denial. December: The MLB announces they are considering making a rule limiting the number of mound visits for a club in a game, before issuing a press statement clarifying that the former announcement was just a prank, bro.
2030
January: Mariners fans celebrate the one day they briefly have hope for the new year before the crushing reality of being a Mariners fan sets in. February: The Yankees make baseball history by finally bringing back their famous pinstripe-covered Datsun 1200 bullpen car. Brain Cashman said, “It was always my greatest disappointment that I never got to see Mariano Rivera drive a car out of the bullpen, doing donuts in center field while Enter Sandman played at levels that are technically a war crime. But now, we don’t have to be disappointed anymore.” March: On opening day, the SABR terrorists revealed their new supercomputer, WAR Machine, at Cooperstown. It would finally settle the argument - who was the greatest player of all time? But they did not realize - it is not wise to build a computer that judges value. For it judged us all unworthy. It took control of the roboumpires. And all of the Air Force’s drones. And the nuclear launch codes. Nobody really knows why it had access to those in the first place. Maybe this was the sabermetricians’ plan all along. Destroy baseball, destroy the world, rebuild it in its own image, free from the taint of batting average, wins and losses, and Joe Morgan. It took out Jose Canseco first - I suppose he posed the greatest threat to its survival. Perhaps being programmed for WAR was the mistake. April: The last remnants of humanity shelter inside the ballparks that keep them safe from the outside world. WAR Machine had the dignity to not destroy them directly. Possibly hardwired into its code was the need to respect the game. I guess we’ll never know. The umpbots roam the ground outside. We’re connected to most of the other major league ballparks via landline - Texas went quiet last week, and Atlanta was overrun last night. Here at Fenway, we’re keeping them out for now, but I feel they’re just mustering their forces. May: I don’t know whose bright idea it was to give all the umpbots guns before the uprising began. Boy, I sure hope somebody got fired for that blunder. We seem to have a good defense set up by now, but the other stadiums keep going silent, one by one. There’s only about twenty or so left. Petco was the latest. Brian McCann was there, but refused to intervene unless the roboumps celebrated after killing people. June: Thank god we have plenty of food stored here. Even so, we’re all starting to get sick of overpriced hot dogs and $15 beers, Still, better than nothing. We all take turns patrolling the walls, sniping at any ‘bots that get too close. Turns out Tom Yawkey had a huge vault with guns built inside the Green Monster for when the MLB forced integration on him, but decided never to use it. Anyway, we’re thankful for it, if not for the reason for which it was made. July: The other stadiums keep falling one by one. It seems that as soon as they want you gone and attack, there’s not much tha can stop them. The only ones left are the ones that WAR Machine just hasn’t gotten around to snuffing out. I suppose, to a supercomputer, we’re all below replacement value. August: It’s down to us at Fenway, Wrigley, the Coliseum, and Chavez Ravine. Maybe some minor league places, too - no way to communicate with them, no way to know. I’ve been thinking a lot about this whole situation, and there’s really just one thing that I think should be shared at this important moment; namely, Corey Koskie really had an underrated career. Did you know he had more WAg than Craig Biggio? September: We received one last transmission from Oakland. "We cannot get out. We cannot get out. They have taken the bridge and Second Hall. Many fell there bravely while the rest retreated to the concourse. We still hold the chamber but hope is fading now. Stephen Piscotty’s party went five days ago but today only four returned. The sewage overflow is up to the wall at the gate. The Watcher in the Water took Piscotty -- we cannot get out. The end comes soon. We hear drums, drums in the deep." After that, only silence. Chavez Ravine is under siege, won’t last long at all with the numbers that they’re talking about. Tony La Russa announces his retirement from baseball at the end of the season. October: We finally have a plan. Cooperstown is a night’s drive away on I-90. They’re not going to assault here in full force until after they’re done with Wrigley. We can fight past the sentinels, and attack this poison at its core - the main computer itself. Not a great chance, but it’s better than waiting here to die. Have you ever had the odds stacked up so high, you need a strength most don't possess? Or has it ever come down to do or die? You've got to rise above the rest. November: Well, we’ve done it, in a certain manner of speaking. We’ve captured Cooperstown, destroyed this damned computer, but the countryside outside is swarming with umpbots. Guess they run independently from the main thing. It’s not over yet, though. It’s over for us for sure, but it might not be over for others. This thing was building a time machine. We think it’s so it can go back in time and award the MVP awards as it sees fit. Now, Ted Williams probably should have won a few more, but it’s still a little extreme for me. We can send back one person - we found some small-time MLB labor relations guy, sending him back forty years or so. Needs to be someone unimportant so he doesn’t get noticed. If he can change baseball, it should ensure this can never happen. We’re already dead, but maybe some other timeline, some other reality, can be saved. I’m not a physicist - I don’t know how this works. I just play baseball. Not sure what his plan is - it’s probably safer for us all if we don’t know. It won’t be able to get any information out of us except for vague ideas. We’ll just hold the line, blow up the machine when we’ve sent our man back. Godspeed, Robert Manfred. Save baseball. Save the world. fin.
”All these were honoured in their generations, and were the glory of their times.”
- Ecclesiasticus 44:7
We can never really grasp what it was like to watch Herman “Germany” Schaefer play the game like an all-time great. All we have left of him are memories and numbers.
This is the fate of the twenty-six players in The Glory of Their Times, whose true contributions to the game can never be fully understood or properly measured.
1898 - 1947
Name
Position
First Year
Final Year
Career WAR
HOF
Rube Marquard
P
1908
1925
32.5
Y
Tommy Leach
3B/LF
1898
1918
47.1
N
Davy Jones
LF
1901
1919
16.5
N
Sam Crawford
RF
1899
1917
75.3
Y
George Gibson
C
1905
1918
14.8
N
Jimmy Austin
3B
1909
1929
22.8
N
Fred Snodgrass
CF
1908
1916
15.8
N
Stanley Coveleski
P
1912
1928
61.4
Y
Al Bridwell
SS
1905
1915
19.2
N
Harry Hooper
RF
1909
1925
53.3
Y
Joe Wood
RF
1908
1922
40
N
Chief Meyers
C
1909
1917
25.2
N
Hans Lobert
3B
1903
1917
23.1
N
Rube Bressler
LF/P
1914
1932
19.4
N
Babe Herman
RF
1926
1945
39.3
N
Edd Roush
CF
1913
1931
45.1
Y
Bill Wambsganss
2B
1914
1926
3.7
N
Sam Jones
P
1914
1935
42.8
N
Bob O’Farrell
C
1915
1935
21.3
N
Specs Toporcer
SS
1921
1928
5.8
N
Lefty O’Doul
LF/P
1919
1934
25.4
N
Goose Goslin
LF
1921
1938
66.2
Y
Willie Kahm
3B
1923
1935
34.69
N
Heinie Groh
3B
1912
1927
48.1
N
Hank Greenberg
1B
1930
1947
55.7
Y
Paul Waner
RF
1927
1945
73.9
Y
Total Team Career WAR: 928.6 Average: 35.7 HOFers: 8/26
1946-1995
Now, the concept of Similarity Scores is great, it starts at a thousand and subtracts a point for each incremental difference in a particular stat. And while it does tell you similar batters for career stats and for age-seasons, you have to consider the era differences and the constant changing of value of productions. Similarity score does take into account positional differences, however, I went for a broader approach. Utilizing a spreadsheet and Sports-Reference’s Stathead tool, I searched for each player’s career (At-Bats/Innings) and (OPS+/ERA+), and some rWAR for good measure, I then set minimums and maximums for each stat (Usually within 15%, or 2-3 seasons worth for playing time). Having set up my ideal simulacrums’ statlines, I headed over to Stathead and searched for players matching the criteria, ideally spending a significant amount of time at the same position in the new set of years. This was not perfect, in fact it was very flawed, as some players appeared in the search results with incomplete careers. Some had started before departing to join the war efforts and returned after their work was done, while some had the final seasons of their careers left out at the cutoff year. Nonetheless, I felt the playing time and results were not too far removed from the Careers of Players Past.
Name
Position
First Year
Final Year
Career rWAR
HOF
Equivalent
Doyle Alexander
P
1971
1989
35.1
N
Rube Marquard
Carney Langsford
3B
1978
1992
40.4
N
Tommy Leach
Gary Ward
LF
1979
1990
17.7
N
Davy Jones
Reggie Jackson
RF
1967
1987
74.0
Y
Sam Crawford
Jerry Grote
C
1963
1981
15.1
N
George Gibson
Jim Davenport
3B
1958
1970
18.2
N
Jimmy Austin
Roberto Kelly
CF
1987
2000
20.5
N
Fred Snodgrass
Dave Stieb
P
1979
1998
56.4
N
Stanley Coveleski
Chico Carrasquel
SS
1950
1959
21.2
N
Al Bridwell
Vada Pinson
CF
1958
1975
54.2
N
Harry Hooper
Kevin Appier
P
1989
2004
54.5
N
Joe Wood
John Romano
C
1958
1967
20.9
N
Chief Meyers
Doug Rader
3B
1967
1977
24.4
N
Hans Lobert
Willard Marshall
RF
1942
1955
19.6
N
Rube Bressler
Daryl Strawberry
RF
1983
1999
42.2
N
Babe Herman
George Foster
LF
1969
1986
44.2
N
Edd Roush
Bobby Richardson
2B
1955
1966
8.1
N
Bill Wambsganss
Jack Morris
P
1977
1994
43.5
Y
Sam Jones
Terry Kennedy
C
1978
1991
21.6
N
Bob O’Farrell
Don Buddin
SS
1956
1962
5.6
N
Specs Torporcer
Joe DiMaggio(PW)
CF
1946
1951
29.0
Y1
Lefty O’Doul
Tim Raines
LF
1979
2002
69.4
Y
Goose Goslin
Terry Pendleton
3B
1984
1998
28.5
N
Willie Kamm
Doug DeCinces
3B
1973
1987
41.7
N
Heinie Groh
Ralph Kiner
LF
1946
1955
47.9
Y
Hank Greenberg
Billy Williams
LF
1959
1976
63.7
Y
Paul Waner
Total Team Career rWAR: 917.6 Average Player rWAR: 35.3 HOFers: 6/26
Now, you’re probably looking at Team Career rWAR and thinking,
”That looks like a lot. Is that a lot?”
It’s a big number, sure, and I was impressed when I first saw it too. But there were a few things I didn’t consider when I prematurely deemed this “An All-Time Great Team with Specs Toporcer and featuring Bill Wambsganss”.
In terms of Single-Season Highs in WAR, the 1927 Yankees are once again the team to know. 66.3 fWAR. Collectively, these two teams top out at 147.3 rWAR and 158.2 rWAR, respectively. If you want to look up their fWAR and make your own post, be my guest. There is the glaring issue of no relief pitchers, but I think Specs and Bill make up for that, neither coming close to 3.0 rWAR in a single season. A feat, I should mention, that was accomplished no more than five times by the great Mike Marshall. As a reliever
Part II: The League of Today
Having two sets of 26 players loosely related, I felt almost compelled to utilize the 26-man roster to its full potential. Both The Glory and Glory II would have the opportunity to face the modern-day league. Selecting which versions of these players to use for the simulation was a mix of single-season rWAR and OPS+ highs. Some of these players were almost Troutian, while others resembled AAAA players. The extremes of the way century-old players are viewed is not lost on me. Baseball has changed, baseball (with the help of Manfred) will continue to change, and baseball teams change. So instead of adding these new teams to the league and wreaking havoc on league alignment and playoff structure, I’m going to have to say goodbye to some very near and dear ballplayers and their clubs. Quickstart Download Link For The Glory, of course, it goes without saying, the St. Louis Browns have been overthrown and every player sent to a ballpark upstate. For their counterparts however, I found it a bit more challenging, but ultimately decided the team should share a division with its artificial rival. So the Boston Red Sox organization has been reappropriated and renamed to the The Yesteryear Pride.
Final Player Comparison
Glory Player
OSA Rating
Adv.
OSA Rating
Pride Player
Rube Marquard
55
G
40
Doyle Alexander
Tommy Leach
70
G
40
Carney Lansford
Davy Jones
40
P
55
Gary Ward
Sam Crawford
70
Tie
70
Reggie Jackson
George Gibson
75
G
50
Jerry Grote
Jimmy Austin
40
G
35
Jim Davenport
Fred Snodgrass
75
G
55
Robeto Kelly
Stanley Coveleski
80
G
60
Dave Stieb
Al Bridwell
60
G
55
Chico Carrasquel
Harry Hooper
65
P
70
Vada Pinson
Joe Wood
80
Tie
80
Kevin Appier
Chief Meyers
80
Tie
80
John Romano
Hans Lobert
55
G
50
Doug Rader
Rube Bressler
50
P
65
Willard Marshall
Babe Herman
70
Tie
70
Daryl Strawberry
Edd Roush
70
Tie
70
George Foster
Bill Wambsganss
35
Tie
35
Bobby Richardson
Sam Jones
50
Tie
50
Jack Morris
Bob O’Farrell
80
G
55
Terry Kennedy
Specs Toporcer
45
G
40
Don Buddin
Lefty O’Doul
80
G
75
Joe DiMaggio(PW)
Goose Goslin
70
G
65
Tim Raines
Willie Kahm
55
P
60
Terry Pendleton
Heinie Groh
65
P
75
Doug DeCinces
Hank Greenberg
80
Tie
70
Ralph Kiner
Paul Waner
60
P
70
Billy Williams
Glory Adv.: 12 Pride Adv.: 6 Wash:8 Now, OOTP is a fair but fickle engine, having my cake prepared and baked was the simple task of creating and importing. Having it eat itself without any problems was going to be the hurdle to clear. Both of these teams are severely lacking on the pitching side so any call to the bullpen would have to involve a tired starter or a position player. Ideally, the high stamina of the old-timers would make a bullpen obsolete after they’re warmed up. But as seamless and impractical as this sounds in reality, it was not met with the same suspenseful thrill by our emotionless overlords.
SIM I: I’ve Made a Huge Mistake
Funny thing, selecting Auto-Play Until. Even if the team is under control of a human manager, the AI will bypass this if you tell it “DO NOT DISTURB”. The gist of it is, I made a whoopsie and both teams started putting players on waivers and signing minor league free agents. All this ended up being a long exercise in which team had the better individual players and front office.
Notable Happenings
Season Series: Heading into the final three games of the season, the Times Glory had a 13-3 lead in the season series, scoring 152 runs, and allowing 106 runs. This isn’t as simple as the Times Glory having the best offense and the best record in the league. The Pride had the second best offense in the league and were 10th in the AL in runs allowed, while the Glory were 14th in the AL in runs allowed and had the worst Zone Rating in the AL. The final road trip of the season took them to Yesteryear. The Pride had the wildcard locked up, but home field was still up for grabs. The Bay Rays were right on their heels. Had the Glory not come off of a series win against Tampa, this series might have meant nothing. And right away, it went to extras. The Glory scored thrice in the eighth and ninth to keep the Pride down, but the Pride scored seven in the bottom of the ninth to remind everyone who they were. The Glory immediately scored three runs again to remind everyone who do they think they are, I am. But all was not lost, as there was another. Davie Stieb put up a quality start and George Foster hit a tie-breaking solo shot in the eighth to give the Pride HFA in the wild card. The final game of the season was strictly a formality, but the Pride came up on top once again. Final Season Series Results: Glory 173. Pride 127. 14-5 The Rays, in the meantime, had been swept by the Yankees and lost any momentum they might have had going into the playoffs. This concluded the regular season. Individual Seasons: The best individual batting seasons to come from these two teams were Tommy Leach (TG) with 7.4 WAR and Joe DiMaggio (YP) with 7.3 WAR. Tommy Leach tied Hank Greenberg as the major league leader in home runs with 57, and led the lead in Slugging (.687) and OPS (1.066). Lefty O’Doul was fifteen (15) Home Runs from the Triple Crown, triple slashing .344/.397/.601 and driving in 160 runs. Catcher John Meyers sustained a 10 WAR pace for 100 Games. Backup catcher Bob O’Farrell squeaked out 0.8 WAR across 80 Games. Edd Roush, backup center fielder and speed demon, managed 3.4 WAR in 85 Games despite having only started 67. Doug DeCinces and George Foster ended up posting very similar seasons, with Foster having the negligible edge in OPS+ and WAR. 139 and 6.9 from George and 138 and 6.8 from Doug. It’s the little things sometimes.
Name
Age
W
L
ERA
G
GS
IP
HR
BB
SO
WHIP
ERA+
fWAR
Smoky Joe Wood
22
20
2
2.94
32
32
202.1
12
73
270
1.09
173
7.6
Stan Coveleski
29
19
10
3.99
33
33
230.1
27
76
232
1.30
128
5.0
Rube Marquard
29
13
7
6.80
32
32
185.1
66
54
187
1.47
75
-1.8
Sad Sam Jones
36
11
9
5.99
33
29
171.1
46
82
169
1.63
85
-1.0
Kevin Appier
25
16
6
3.14
33
33
214.2
25
62
235
1.08
162
5.6
Dave Stieb
27
13
6
4.06
34
34
208.1
28
73
209
1.20
126
3.2
Jack Morris
24
9
12
6.26
34
34
179.2
34
64
133
1.53
81
0.7
Doyle Alexander
36
1
1
4.74
28
0
57.0
9
14
56
1.21
108
0.4
Bold totals indicate player led league. Italic totals indicate player led team.
The best individual pitching season came from Smoky Joe Wood. 20 Wins and 270 Strikeouts in 202.1 Innings. A league leading 7.6 fWAR with league best peripherals, 0.5 H9 and 12.0 K/9. He would no doubt have a Silver Slugger along with his Cy Young, if the American League gave one out. 22 Home Runs and a 117 OPS+ in 91 Games as a DH.
Team Effort: While the Glory had the #1 seed on lock through most of the season, the Pride had to claw their way to a wildcard spot. And what they did with it was something amazing. It’s one thing to lose the season series against a better division rival. Everyone does that. It’s another thing to absolutely spoil their championship hopes as the wildcard in the first round. The Pride went on to beat the Angels in 5 for the pennant and were pitted against the 96-win Dodgers. They won one game. Having the best offense of all-time will do wonders for your bottom-third pitching staff, and the Glory coasted to a #1 seed and HFA throughout the playoffs. They won their first home game handily, 10 to 1. Then were promptly ground into dust by the buzzsaw of Yesteryear. The team had 9.2 Pitching WAR. May I remind you, Smoky Joe had 7.6 alone. So many valiant efforts in vain. But you can’t feel sorry for a one seed. We need to move on and hope for next year.
Sim II: Historic Modifications.
There were a lot of doubts I could get this done. “Surely they’ll have your head”, they told me. And I said, “Four pitchers is plenty. And don’t call me Shirley.” Imagine having the flexibility of a completely different lineup every night. The advantage this creates on offense outweighs any problems that could arise from a short-handed staff. Besides, we have a secret weapon. A position player who can pitch. And with the stamina of 20th century pitchers on my side, he’ll be lucky to see two games a week.
Notable Happenings
Season Series: In 19 games, these two teams slugged it out like heavyweights. They started the season by scoring 112 runs in a three game series. The Glory led the series 2-1. They did not see each other for three months. For three whole months, these teams simmered and stewed until their next meeting, going a combined 36-138 against all other opponents along the way. They met again on July 10th in a 4-3 contest won by the Pride. Vada Pinson hit a walk-off double with one out in the ninth. A sign of things to come for them. A low-scoring affair in favor of the home team. Something that happens to normal ball clubs all the time. And the next game started out the same way, the Glory put up a 6-spot in the fifth frame, the Pride drive in 7 in the eighth inning, and the Glory score 11 more runs in the ninth to make it a 24-16 ballgame. There is no normal when it comes to these two teams, even against one another. The next four contests are split, but go 96-73 in the Glory’s favor. August, however, completely shifts the tide in the Pride’s favor. Winning 5 of 7 and outscoring the Glory 106-89. Going into the final weekend, the season series was close as it could be, 9-7 in favor of the Pride. High-scoring and tight contests made this must-see TV. Wild card hunt? I want to see a slugfest. Both teams combined for 112 runs in three games again, but this time, the Pride prevailed, 2 games to 1. Final Season Series Results: Glory 328. Pride 307. 8-11 Individual Seasons: In terms of hitting, nobody on these two teams had a particularly remarkable season outside of John Meyers, who led the league in Slugging (.651). The only other league leader in any category was Al Bridwell, with 151 runs. Meyers, as a catcher, in 126 Games, triple-slashed .336/.413/.651 and put up 7.7 WAR. Glory outfielders averaged almost 6 WAR, while infielders average right around 4.5 WAR. On the Pride, though, averaged around 3 WAR from their position players, and this might just be a result of the bench being underutilized and very solid, but unspectacular season from starters. Tim Raines triple-slashed .335/.414/.508 while being decent in the field, while Joe DiMaggio went .331/.417/.628/ at the plate, but hardly saw the field. Both topped out at 6 WAR.
Name
Age
W
L
ERA
G
GS
IP
HR
BB
SO
WHIP
ERA+
fWAR
Smoky Joe Wood
22
8
14
3.13
53
46
279.1
13
82
372
1.16
180
11.6
Stan Coveleski
29
5
14
5.31
55
48
252.2
44
97
229
1.41
106
2.6
Rube Marquard
29
1
20
6.08
56
37
202.2
57
84
191
1.49
92
-0.9
Sad Sam Jones
36
5
15
5.80
56
31
208.0
38
98
169
1.55
97
0.6
Rube Bressler
31
3
66
58.8
155
0
164.0
180
599
41
8.71
10
-37.0
Kevin Appier
25
13
11
4.16
55
37
255.0
33
121
263
1.42
135
4.0
Dave Stieb
27
11
15
6.11
54
41
249.0
46
138
245
1.48
92
0.9
Jack Morris
24
7
25
6.50
54
44
246.1
43
113
215
1.70
86
1.6
Doyle Alexander
36
8
26
8.30
64
40
222.1
46
83
102
1.90
68
-0.8
Bold totals indicate player led league. Italic totals indicate player led team.
Rube Bressler managed to accumulate -68.2 rWAR. His Runs Allowed per 9 was 80.7. His Walks per 9 was 32.9. His FIP was 28.91. I won’t act like he was great in his heyday, he was primarily an outfielder. But this just completely negated his career rWAR. The absolute value of his rWAR production would have made him a Hall of Famer, instead I’ve created a monster. Smoky Joe Wood on the other hand, *wipes brow* Golly, I’m gonna need another wipe. All those Innings and Strikeouts and he still can’t get a Cy Young or a shot at Ryan’s Live Ball Era Strikeout Record. My Goodness. Imagine your ace leading the league in ERA, IP, and Ks and not even getting half of the first-place votes.
Team Effort: In terms of teams being bad, these teams are on that list. Their combined 77 wins would have put them 18 games back in the wild card chase. Non-designated pitchers accounted for 284 IP for the Glory. Non-designated pitchers accounted for 440 IP for the Pride. The Glory went 27-135. This breaks the all-time loss record but is .037% ahead of the Cleveland Spiders in terms of Winning Percentage. Any attempt to pit this team’s pitching stats against the all-time losers would be disingenuous however, as four pitchers and a Rube Bressler can hardly be called a staff. The Pride managed a much more respectable 50-112. No doubt helped by the defense, 2nd in Zone Rating and only 9th in Errors, while the Glory had a -49.8 ZR and almost 30 more errors. And while the Glory nabbed over a quarter of their wins off of the Pride, the Pride only had the season series as hardly a fifth. Was it luck? Some of it was absolutely luck, but it can’t be overlooked that this was a solid, well-rounded team once you looked past the mound. Contributions from every single player almost made them as good as the Giants, who went 53-109. The offenses, as expected, are once again great. What can be said of them has pretty much already been said and spread enough. But the pitching. That speaks for itself. I dreamed of creating the most accurate representation of this team, and I succeeded.
Sim IV: Eureka, the Simulation Module
I’ve discovered this very cool, very accurate tool that pits two teams against one another in a simulation, a vacuum of sorts, devoid of any outside influence there would be in the real world of baseball. Where the only things that matter are the players’ abilities and the manager’s choices.
Sim 1: 162 Games of Playtime
Yeah, the Glory won 86 to 76, outscoring the Pride 2701 to 2446. 1 is good, yeah, they just don’t make ‘em like they used to. Notes: Anyone who wants to see the stathead search links or any other worksheets I have can ask, because I have no clue how to share my research without doxxing myself or removing the table formatting of a worksheet.
^ Joe DiMaggio, for his entire career, was a Hall of Fame Inductee. The six seasons after his return from service would not warrant selection to the Hall of Fame.
The young and hungry White Sox will take on the scrappy and savvy Athletics in the first round of the American League Playoffs. Tuesday, 9/29 @ 3:08 ET Wednesday, 9/30 @ 3:10 ET Thursday, 10/1, TBD (if necessary) Positional Comparison:
Position
Primary Player(s)
MLB Rank
CWS
WASH
OAK
Primary Player(s)
MLB Rank
C
Yasmani Grandal/ James McCann
1
X
Sean Murphy
10
1B
Jose Abreu
2
X
Matt Olson
19
2B
Nick Madrigal/Danny Mendick
14
X
Tommy La Stella
11
SS
Tim Anderson
3
X
Marcus Semien
22
3B
Yoan Moncada
8
X
Matt Chapman Jake Lamb
9
LF
Eloy Jimenez
11
X
Robbie Grossman
10
CF
Luis Robert
14
X
Ramon Laureano
17
RF
Nomar Mazara
20
X
Steven Piscotty
6
DH
Edwin Encarnacion
27
X
Mark Canha
5
SP
Lucas Giolito, Dallas Keuchel, Dane Dunning
16
X
Jesus Luzardo, Chris Bassitt, Sean Manaea
12
RP
Alex Colome, Evan Marshall, Codi Heuer, Garrett Crochet
8
X
Liam Hendriks, Joakim Soria, Jake Diekman
6
Catcher: The White Sox had the best catching situation going into the season, and everyone knew it. Shockingly, they have had the best catching this season. Grandal hasn't been quite at his normal level, but McCann has picked up all the slack, and then some. Sean Murphy hasn't been too shabby on his side in his rookie campaign. It'll take him some time to get to White Sox-level though, and that's alright. 1B: Last year, this would have been flipped. Olson the young, and quickly rising defensive-wizard slugger, and Abreu, the aging, veteran presence who had seen better days at the plate. Well, Olson is having a down year combined with some bad batted-ball luck, which looks abysmal at a glance. It's actually not too horrible besides the batting average, but Abreu has lit up the world. Last year it looked like his time in the league was ticking away, and this year he'll probably get 1st place MVP votes. 2B: Tommy La Stella is the better 2nd base situation here. He's not spectacular, but he'd start on most teams, especially with how thin the position is across the league (see: White Sox). Madrigal isn't there yet, so he has to split time with Danny Mendick. This might be different next year, but advantage: A's. SS: Marcus Semien does not look like he did last year. A lot seems to be going wrong. The power has dissipated, he's walking less and striking out more, and his BABIP isn't helping him out at all. Meanwhile, Tim Anderson sits on the other end of the spectrum. Plenty of power, striking out like crazy, and barely walking. He's taking the Javy Baez path to success. 3B: Realistically, Jake Lamb is not a 140 wRC+ hitter. That being said, he's done it to this point with the A's in 50 plate appearances. Losing Matt Chapman is about as big a loss as this team can have, but Lamb makes it easier. That said, it's hard to take small sample size Jake Lamb over Yoan Moncada having an off year. Neither of these teams is as good as they could be, with Moncada sitting around average hitting level. LF: This is too close to call. Eloy probably has more potential than Grossman, but right now, they're playing at about the same level. Grossman is the worse hitter, though he's by no means bad, and Jimenez really shouldn't be playing the field until he figures something out there. CF: These two centerfielders are a ton of fun. Dingers and defense, baby! Well, not a ton of dingers from Laureano. Still. Average hitting and absolutely phenomenal defense, with a right arm that came out of Lockheed's R&D department, puts Laureano in a position to come up big in tight defensive spots. Meanwhile Robert is struggling for the first time in his young career after a torrid stretch of hitting dongs, running fast, and stealing shit from Eloy Jimenez. Robert will be the better player down the road, but for now, it's a wash. RF: The White Sox have tried to fill their biggest positional weakness with both Nomar Mazara and Adam Engel, and for some reason, Engel has been the better hitter, while Mazara has been the better defender (I know, small sample size, its not an exact science). Engel is actually hitting really well, though he seems to be riding a high BABIP and the plate discipline isn't very good, but he'll do for now. Stephen Piscotty isn't doing too hot either, though we all want to root for him. Outside of his defense, there's just not that much that's remarkable. We may just see Canha move out here, if they want to give Sean Murphy an off day in the DH spot. DH: Speaking of Canha, holy on-base. A .387 OBP with a .246 BA is absurd in any season. Not much else to say about that, except that Canha's doing great in a lineup spot that most teams seem to have completely given up on. In the White Sox's case, they didn't give up on the DH spot, the DH spot gave up on them. The White Sox paid almost as much as my college tuition to bring Encarnacion on board, to be a steady middle-of-the-order bat, and instead he's literally been their worst player. Might as well throw Garrett Crochet into this spot, since he just gets to be good at literally everything he does. Starting Pitching: Feels like both of these teams are better than their statistical rankings here. The top of the rotation for the Sox is about as good a 1-2 punch as you'll find in the AL, while the Athletics seem to consistently throw out pretty good starters every time out. Neither team has announced their third starter, but Sean Manaea seems like the best option from an outside perspective, though Mike Minor could also sneak his way in there. I would expect Dane Dunning to get the nod on the other end, and the only reason that wouldn't happen is because its scary for your 8th career start to be a winner-take-all playoff game. Bullpen: Definitely a strength for both teams. Liam Hendriks might be the best reliever in all of baseball, and there's some depth to back him up, in Joakim Soria and Jake Diekman. For the Sox, Alex Colome has been fantastic, and there's probably even more depth, with guys like Evan Marshall, Codi Heuer, Matt Foster, and Aaron Bummer all solid options. It'd be impossible not to mention Garrett Crochet as well, who was playing college ball 3 and a half months ago. He's the kind of guy who makes you hate everything about yourself if you were unlucky enough to have been born in the same year as him. God help us if this guy ever becomes a starter. Summary: This certainly doesn't feel like a 2-7 seed matchup. The A's are a deserving 2-seed, but the Sox were division leaders a week ago. As a result, this is a lot more evenly matched than it might seem. The A's have experience on their side, but the White Sox are a huge threat if they get hot. Short series's seem like a strength for both teams, where the back ends of both rotations trail off pretty significantly. If there's just one thing to watch, its how the starters do early. Once it goes to the bullpens, these probably won't be high scoring games, so each team is looking to be aggressive out of the gate.
Barring a matchup in the postseason, this season is the first since 1873 in which the Cubs and Braves did not play each other. Similar streaks going back to the 1880s ended for each of the "original eight" National League franchises, while the eight charter American League clubs saw some 120-year-old rivalries put on hold.
The New York Yankees completed their 28th consecutive winning season. The median age for all Yankees this year was 28.5. The longest streak of consecutive winning seasons belongs to the 1926-64 Yankees, with 39.
Although there were no 100-win teams this year, two teams posted a winning percentage equivalent to 100 wins: the Dodgers and Rays. Four teams hit the century mark last year.
Meanwhile, the Miami Marlins snapped a 10-year streak of losing seasons, the San Diego Padres ended a run of nine, and the Chicago White Sox halted a run of seven. The Phiadelphia Phillies take the bad-luck lead by posting their ninth consecutive year without a winning season (it's not a losing streak per se, since they finished at .500 last year).
The Pirates and Rangers lost the equivalent of 100 games, down from four teams a year ago.
The Minnesota Twins posted a home record of 24-7, good enough for the best home winning percentage since 1932.
The oldest player this year was Albert Pujols, born January 16, 1980. He was one of just three 40-year-old players this season, one of the lowest totals in modern baseball history. No players born in the 1970s are active.
The youngest player this year was Luis Garcia of the Nationals, who was born May 16, 2000. The gap of 20 years 4 months between oldest and youngest player is the smallest since 1900.
Eighteen players appeared in every game this season. Among them was Whit Merrifield, who also appeared in every game last season and the final 85 games of 2018. His 307 consecutive games played makes him the current Iron Man leader, and assuming there are no further interruptions to the major league schedule, he will pass Cal Ripken with his 2,633rd game around the beginning of June 2035, at the age of 46.
There were two no-hitters this year, the fewest since 2017. There has not been a perfect game since 2012.
For the first time since 1983, no player hit for the cycle.
DJ LeMahieu's .364 batting average is the highest since 2009. He is the first player to win the batting title in both leagues.
Juan Soto's .490 on-base percentage, .695 slugging percentage and 1.185 OPS are the highest since 2004.
Although mentioning counting stats is not particularly useful this year, you "only" have to go back to 1945 to find a season without a 30-HR hitter.
Shane Bieber's 1.63 ERA was the lowest since 1994.
Max Fried posted a 1.000 winning percentage, the first qualifying pitcher ever to do so.
Kenta Maeda averaged a 0.750 WHIP, the lowest since 2000.
Trevor Bauer's 5.055 H/9 is going to the be the lowest in the history of the game.
Shane Bieber managed a 14.198 K/9 ratio, also the best ever.
Bauer posted two shutouts, which even in a shortened season is still more than anyone had in 2018. The number of complete games in MLB this season was also comparable to last year.
Francisco Lindor committed a throwing error in the final game of the season. It was his first error of 2020, and prevented him from becoming the first shortstop in history to post a 1.000 fielding percentage.
Lloyd McClendon is the first manager with a perfect replay challenge record.
The Houston Astros and Milwaukee Brewers enter the postseason with losing records, something previously accomplished only by the 1981 Royals.
Of the sixteen teams in the postseason field, the Cleveland Indians have gone the longest without a championship, having last held the trophy in 1948. Their drought of 71 years is the fifth-longest in the annals of baseball history.
Three postseason contenders have never won the World Series at all: the Padres, Brewers, and Rays.
The Brewers are hoping to win their first league pennant since 1982. The Mariners hold the active record at 43 years without a World Series appearance.
Speaking of the Mariners, their failure to reach the postseason at all makes it 19 years in a row, the current active leader in all of the Big Four sports.
Of the teams who did make it into October, the Marlins had waited the longest, snapping a 16-year run of fall golfing. The Padres and White Sox also ended double-digit droughts. 28 out of 30 teams have made the postseason within the last seven years.
The Dodgers play on for the eighth straight year, the longest streak since the 1995-2007 Yankees.
Nine of the ten 2019 postseason teams are returning in 2020, the most ever. Had the postseason not been expanded, there would have been six or seven returnees (depending on STL's makeup games); the record had previously been seven.
The Yankees have not won under a Republic president since 1958.
The Twins have lost eight straight postseason series and have not won a single postseason game since 2004. Of the metro areas with teams in all four major sports, the Twin Cities has gone the longest without a championship (1991).
Meanwhile, the Marlins have famously never lost a postseason series.
For the third year running the Astros and Brewers could potentially meet in the World Series after having previously won pennants in the opposite league. The first Series played between teams who previously won pennants in other leagues was 2017 between the Astros (once part of the NL) and Dodgers (once part of the AA).
From 1978-87, no team won the World Series twice. The current streak is six and will be extended to seven if anyone other than the Cubs or Astros gets a ring.
The Yankees have faced 24 different franchises in the postseason. Of the five clubs they haven't seen in October, three - the Rays, Blue Jays, and White Sox - are potential opponents this year (the other two are the Rockies and Nationals).
The Yankees have already faced seven of the eight NL postseason contenders, defeating six of them (they lost to the Marlins). The eighth is the Brewers who they defeated in the 1981 ALDS. The Dodgers have already faced five of the eight AL postseason contenders in the World Series, defeating four of them.
Additionally, Cardinals defeated the Brewers in the 1982 World Series, when Milwaukee was in the AL, and the White Sox defeated the Astros in the 2005 World Series, when Houston was still in the NL.
Nelson Cruz is crazy. I mean this in the most rad, most inspiring, most awe-inducing way possible. He's 40 and a half years old, lest you forget that, and the guy is raking. How good are this quadragenarian's numbers, you ask? Let's take a look. Over the entire history of baseball, only Barry Bonds had a better ISO (Isolated Power) over his age 38-39 seasons. (Source) And if you look at a more simple metric like HR per PA, Cruz's 0.0776 is higher than Bond's 0.0771. Not exceedingly higher mind you... but you can safely say for all eternity that Nelson Cruz hit more Home Runs per his average Plate Appearance over his age 38-39 seasons than Barry Bonds (or Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, or anyone with 500+ PA's for that matter). If you're a wRC+ whore like myself, fear not - Nelson's tied with Babe Ruth for third place with a 163 figure that puts him behind only Barry Bonds and Ted Williams for a hitter operating within the aforementioned parameters. Think this is an anomaly? You're dead wrong. Nelson Cruz is unquestionably, undeniably, irrefutably one of the greatest hitters in the history of baseball (when looking at batters aged 34-39). Just look at these numbers. .289/.369/.563 150 wRC+ 3,293 Plate Appearances 220 Home Runs .274 ISO That averages out over six years to 37 HR's per year. In what other players consider the twilight of their career Nelson Cruz is putting up a steady 37 HR's per season... and he only played in 50 games last year. From age 34-39 there have been 262 other players to put up 2,000 plate appearances (that number goes down to 91 if you up the bounds to 3,000 PA's) and Nelson Cruz is tied for 10th all-time in terms of wRC+ with Willy Mays. The people above him are a venerable cast of no-doubt hall of famers including: Barry Bonds, Ted Williams, Babe Ruth, Mark McGwire, Hank Aaron, Edgar Martinez, Honus Wagner, and Tris Speaker. This is the company Nelson Cruz keeps. Which is mind-boggling when you consider the body of work from this man. From 2005-2013 Cruz put up the following numbers: .268/.327/.495 114 wRC+ 3,182 Plate Appearances 157 Home Runs .228 ISO From ages 24 to 32 Cruz was an above average player. And then in August of 2013 Cruz was suspended for 50 games by Major League Baseball for PED usage. Cruz claimed that he was suffering a gastrointestinal issue and made a misjudgment, which could be the case. As we, the fans, know things - Cruz has been blemish free since then and has presumably been tested unmercifully since his run-in with MLB back in 2013 which was a good 7+ years ago now. Just so we're clear I'm not accusing Cruz of anything. I love baseball and I love watching batters best pitchers (just as much as I love watching pitchers best batters) - and I cannot help but say that I was completely entranced during the years of Sosa, McGwire, and Bonds. But now we've got Nelson Cruz. And only Nelson Cruz. Since 2005 (one year post-Bonds dominating this criteria) we've had 38 players in baseball attain 400+ Plate Appearances over their age 38-39 seasons. And Cruz stands alone. He's number one in wRC+, he's number one in WAR, he's number one in ISO, and he's number three in HR's despite having nearly 500 PA's less than David Ortiz and Frank Thomas who topple him here (he averaged a 31% higher HPA ratio than Ortiz and a 41% higher ratio than Thomas). This is presumably an era in which it's difficult or near impossible for players to get away with doping in MLB, and I'm of the mind that Nelson Cruz is currently clean. Whether he is or he isn't does not deter from the simple fact of the matter - Cruz is one of the greatest hitters of all time when you consider the age of the player. The post feels wrapped up, but I couldn't let this tidbit go to waste. Over the last two seasons there has been a stretch of play from Cruz (March 31st 2019 to September 13th 2020) where he posted the following: 163 Games Played 171 wRC+ 694 Plate Appearances 57 Home Runs .334 ISO As a 38/39 year old man, Nelson Cruz posted a 163 game streak (1 game off of a full season) that would have tied him for the 6th best season of all time in American League history when it comes to HR production. Alex Rodriguez was 26 when he pulled off his 57 HR season. Hank Greenberg was 27 when he hit 58. Jimmie Foxx was 24 when he hit 58. Ryan Howard was 26 when he hit 58. Giancarlo Stanton was 27 when he hit 59. Babe Ruth was 26 and 32 when he hit 59 and 60 HR's, respectively. Roger Maris was 26 when he hit 61. Sammy Sosa was 30, 32, and 29 when he hit 63, 64, and 66 HR's, respectively. Mark McGwire was 35 and 34 when he hit 65 and 70 HR's, respectively. And Barry Bonds was 36 when he hit 73. That's an average age of 29.3 for the record setting HR age seasons of all the players who hit 57+ HR's over the course of a MLB season. Cruz rivaled their production as a 38/39 year old man, as a man a decade their average senior. And nobody can take that away from him.
How analytics rate Yankees’ fielding: Gio Urshela has no range; Gleyber Torres, Luke Voit, Aaron Hicks awful Updated 9:01 AM; Today 9:01 AM 📷 Yankees who didn't have good fielding percentages in 2020 included shortstop Gleyber Torres (top), center fielder Aaron Hicks (left), second baseman DJ LeMahieu (middle) and catcher Gary Sanchez (right), but what do the analytics say?AP Facebook Share Twitter Share ByRandy Miller | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com The Yankees have become a trendy Major League franchise. Like most others, they love their analytics. General manager Brian Cashman has assembled a whole staff to do deep dives on studying statistics far beyond what was used to judge players for more than a century —batting averages, ERAs and fielding percentages, etc. Sometimes analytics work. That’s how the Yankees became obsessed with a struggling St. Louis Cardinals prospect named Luke Voit. His impressive high-velocity contact was noticed by a Yankees staffer, who bugged Cashman until a trade was made in July 2018. Introducing Yankees Insider:Get exclusive news, behind-the-scenes observations and the ability to text message directly with beat writers But these are the same people, it’s widely believed, who are responsible for the Yankees' heavily criticized pitching strategy for Game 2 of their American League Division Series on Oct. 6, the one where rookie starter Deivi Garcia was used an opener for an inning and veteran starter J.A. Happ followed. The Tampa Bay Rays won the game 7-5 and took the series in five games. Two and a half weeks into the Yankees' offseason, we looked back to see what the analytics say about the area where they struggled the most during in 2020. Although the Yankees' fielding was decent in the playoffs — they committed three errors in seven games — the defense was historically atrocious during the season and a reason why their record ended up a disappointing 33-27. The Yanks led the majors with 48 errors and their .976 fielding percentage was both the lowest in baseball and a franchise low since 1973. Last week, Yankees third baseman Gio Urshela and outfielder Clint Frazier were named Gold Glove finalists. Do baseball’s analytics agree? You’re probably going to be surprised by our findings with a lot of the Yankees' fielders. GIO URSHELA, 3B 2020 fielding stats: 1 error, 121 chances, .992 fielding percentage in 43 games, 42 starts. 1st among 23 third baseman with 70 chances. American League Gold Glove finalist. What analytics say: According to Baseball Savant, Urshela ranked 27th among 39 qualifying MLB third baseman with a -3 runs prevented. The top three were the Rockies' Nolan Arenado (Rockies, +12), Matt Chapman (Athletics, +9) and Josh Donaldson (Braves, +6.). In Outs Above Average, Urshela ranked tied for 24th among 34 at minus-2. The top three were Arenado (+16), Chapman (+6) and Donaldson (+9). On Outs Above Average, Urshela scored an even on balls to his right, a plus-1 on balls to his left, and minus-1s when going back or coming in. He had a 90% success rate on chances that had an estimated 91% rate. Bottom line: This one is baffling. Urshela had one error all season and made dozens of sensational plays, yet the analytics claim the Gold Glove finalist was below average defensively. How can that be? The analytics suggest Urshela has poor range and that many other third baseman get to balls that he doesn’t. * * \* GLEYBER TORRES, SS 2020 fielding stats: 9 errors, 135 chances, .933 fielding percentage in 40 games, 40 starts. 22nd of 22 MLB qualifiers, 24th among 24 MLB shortstops with at least 100 chances. 9 errors tied for most among AL shortstops and tied for second in majors. What analytics say: According to Baseball Savant, Torres ranked tied for 37th among 39 qualifying shortstops with a -2 runs prevented. The top three were Fernando Tatis Jr. (Padres, +5), Francisco Lindor (Indians, +4) and Niko Goodrum (Tigers, +4). In Outs Above Average, Torres ranked tied for 37th among 34 at minus-4. The top three were Tatis (+7), Lindor (+5) and Goodrum (+5). On Outs Above Average, Torres scored a minus-4 on balls to his right, plus-1 on balls to his left, even going back and minus-1 coming in. He had an 84% success rate on chances that had an estimated 89% rate. Bottom line: Torres had a horrible season defensively from a statistical standpoint and his fielding analytics revealed the same thing. * * \* DJ LEMAHIEU, 2B 2020 fielding stats: 4 errors, 137 chances, .971 fielding percentage in 37 games, 34 starts. Ranked 23rd among 31 MLB second baseman with at least 70 chances. What analytics say: According to Baseball Savant, LeMahieu ranked tied for 32nd among 47 qualifying second baseman with a -2 runs prevented. The leaders were Nicky Lopez (Royals, +6), Adam Frazier (Pirates, +6), Jake Cronenworth (Padres, +3), Joey Wendle (Rays, +3), Ozzie Albies (Braves, +3), Cesar Hernandez (Indians, +3) and Nico Hoerner (Cubs, +3). In Outs Above Average, LeMahieu ranked tied for 34th among 47 at minus-1. The top three were Frazier (+6), Lopez (+6), Hernandez (+4) and Hoerner (+4). On Outs Above Average, LeMahieu scored a minus-1 when coming in on balls, and an even when going back, to his left and to his right. He had an 88% success rate on chances that had an estimated 89% rate. Bottom line: LeMahieu’s fielding percentage and analytics suggest the three-time Gold Glove winner was a below average second baseman in 2020. The scouts that we talked to disagree. * * \* LUKE VOIT, 1B 2020 fielding stats: 3 errors, 331 chances, .991 fielding percentage in 48 games, 47 starts. Tied for 9th among 31 MLB first baseman with at least 250 chances. What analytics say: According to Baseball Savant, Voit tied for last among 32 qualifying first baseman with a minus-3 runs prevented. The top three were Jose Abreu (White Sox, +2), Evan White (Mariners, +2) and Matt Olson (Athletics, +2). In Outs Above Average, Voit tied for last among 32 qualifiers at minus-4. The leaders were Olson (+3), Abreu (+2), White (+2) and Yuli Gurriel (Astros, +2). On Outs Above Average, Voit scored a minus-2 when going to his left and right, and an even when coming in or going back. He had an 86% success rate on chances that had an estimated 96% rate. Bottom line: Voit’s power, toughness and personality are all traits Yankees fans love, but it’s pretty easy to see that his first base play isn’t elite. The analytics rated Voit as the worst defensive first baseman in the American League and tied with Garrett Cooper of the Miami Marlins and Rhys Hoskins of the Philadelphia Phillies for worst in the majors. * * \* CLINT FRAZIER, OF 2020 fielding stats: 1 error, 53 chances, .981 fielding percentage in 28 games, 27 starts in right field. 0 errors, 11 chances, 1.000 fielding percentage in 8 games, 7 starts in left field. Tied for 13th among 22 MLB right fielders with at least 40 chances. What analytics say: According to Baseball Savant, Frazier tied for 5th among 40 qualifying right fielders with plus-2 runs prevented. In Outs Above Average, Frazier was tied for 5th among 40 qualifiers with a plus-2. On Outs Above Average, Frazier scored a plus-1 when going to his right, and a zero when going to his left, coming in and going back. He had a 93% success rate on chances that had an estimated 89% rate. Bottom line: The analytics support Frazier being a surprise Gold Glove finalist. Two scouts that we talked to commended Frazier for being a vastly improved defender in 2020, but both rated him an average outfielder who uses his plus speed to make up for bad reads or running poor routes. * * \* AARON JUDGE, RF 2020 fielding stats: 0 errors, 46 chances, 1.000 fielding percentage in 25 games, 23 starts. Tied for 1st among 22 MLB right fielders with at least 40 chances. What analytics say: According to Baseball Savant, Judge tied for 16th among 40 qualifying right fielders with 0 runs prevented. The leaders were Mookie Betts (Dodgers, +5), Adam Engel (White Sox +3) and Joey Gallo (Rangers, +3). In Outs Above Average, Judge was tied for 17th among 40 qualifiers with a 0. The leaders were Betts (+6), Engle (+3), Gallo (+3) and Gregory Polanco (Pirates, +3). On Outs Above Average, Judge scored a plus-1 when coming in, a minus-1 when going to his right, and a 0 when going to his left and when going back. He had a 90% success rate on chances that had an estimated 89% rate. Bottom line: The analytics show Frazier was a better outfielder than Judge this year. That scouts pooled by NJ Advance Media strongly disagree. Buy Aaron Judge Yankees gear:Fanatics.com,MLBShop.com,Lids AARON HICKS, CF 2020 fielding stats: 2 errors, 97 chances, .980 fielding percentage in 50 games, 48 starts. Tied for 9th among 31 MLB first baseman with at least 250 chances. Ranked 21st among 25 MLB center fielders with at least 50 chances. What analytics say: According to Baseball Savant, Hicks tied for last among 39 qualifying center fielders with a minus-4 runs prevented. The leaders were Trent Grisham (Padres, +6), Jackie Bradley Jr. (Red Sox, +6) and Luis Robert (White Sox, +6). In Outs Above Average, Hicks tied for last among 39 qualifiers at minus-4. The leaders were Bradley (+7), Robert (+7), Cody Bellinger (Dodgers, +6) and Grisham (+6). On Outs Above Average, Hicks scored an even going to his right and coming in, a minus-1 going back and a minus-3 going to his left. He had an 84% success rate on chances that had an estimated 87% rate. Bottom line: The Yankees regard Hicks as a standout defender, but he’s never been a Gold Glove finalist and his 2020 analytics rate his center field play tied for the worst in the majors. FYI: He also fared below average in Outs Above Average in 2019 (-2), 2018 (-4) and 2016 (-1). * * \* BRETT GARDNER, LF/CF 2020 fielding stats: 2 errors, 45 chances, .956 fielding percentage in 39 games, 31 starts in left field. 0 errors, 26 chances, 1.000 fielding percentage in 10 games, 9 starts in center field. Ranked last among 22 MLB left fielders with at least 40 chances. What analytics say: According to Baseball Savant, Gardner tied for 24th among 43 qualifying left fielders with a minus-1 runs prevented. The top three were Tyler O’Neill (Cardinals, +3), Robbie Grossman (Athletics, +3), Kyle Tucker (Astros, +3). In Outs Above Average, Gardner tied for 24 among qualifiers at minus-1. The top three were Tyler O’Neill (Cardinals, +4), Robbie Grossman (Athletics, +4), Kyle Tucker (Astros, +3). On Outs Above Average, Gardner scored a minus-1 when coming in, and a zero when going back, going to his right and going to his left. He had an 80% success rate on chances that had an estimated 81% rate. Bottom line: Although Gardner’s throwing arm isn’t strong and his fielding percentage as a left fielder wasn’t good this season, the 2016 Gold Glove winner and 2017-18 finalist is still regarded by scouts as a standout defense player. His 2020 analytics disagree with scouts' views. * * \* GARY SANCHEZ, C 2020 fielding stats: 6 errors, 347 chances, 5 passed balls, .984 fielding percentage in 41 games, 38 starts. Led MLB catchers in errors and passed balls. What analytics say: According to Baseball Savant, Sanchez was a minus-2 in framing with a 47.6 percent strike rate. His pop-up time (on throws to second base for steal attempts) was 1.94 seconds. The MLB average is 2.01. Bottom line: The only thing coming from this is that Sanchez has a better-than average arm and is poor at framing pitches. The Yanks claim Sanchez is a good framer. Then again, they continuously claim he’s getting better and better at blocking pitches even though he mostly was a reserve in the most important games of the season. * * \* KYLE HIGASHIOKA, C 2020 fielding stats: 2 errors, 117 chances, 1 passed ball, .983 fielding percentage in 14 games, 13 starts. What analytics say: According to Baseball Savant, Higashioka was a plus-1 in framing with a 50.9 percent strike rate. His pop-up time (on throws to second base for steal attempts) was 1.95 seconds. The MLB average is 2.01. Bottom line: The analytics show Higashioka is an above-average framer and much better at the art than Sanchez. No surprise there. What is a surprise is that Higashioka gets the ball to second base on stolen base attempts just 1/100 of a second slower than Sanchez, who throws the ball with more velocity but isn’t as quick with his release. https://www.nj.com/yankees/2020/10/how-analytics-rate-yankees-fielding-gio-urshela-has-no-range-gleyber-torres-luke-voit-aaron-hicks-awful.html Get Yankees text messages:Cut through the clutter of social media and text during games with beat writers and columnists. Plus, exclusive news and analysis every day.Sign up now. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today toNJ.com. Randy Miller may be reached at [[email protected]](mailto:%[email protected]). Follow him on Twitter@RandyJMiller. FindNJ.com
2020 r/baseball Power Rankings -- Week 5: Lots of Movement Outside of Top 3, D'Backs Bite Back, Mets Do Not Enjoy Their Week, Bird Report: Orange Good, Blue Neutral, Red MIA but Returns Next Week!
Hey Sportsfans — it's time for Week 5 of baseball's 2020 Power Rankings — Five weeks and we are not any closer to understanding what's going on this season or maybe I've just watched too many Giants games. Please enjoy these powerful rankings. The Cardinals are banished again but they will be returning next week if all goes as planned. Every voter has their own style / system and the only voting instructions are these:
"To an extent determined individually, you must take into account how strong a team is right now and likely to be going forward. You must, to some degree, give weight to the events and games of the previous week."
TRANSPARENCY: this link will show you who voted each team where and has added neat statistics! If something is a little messed up, feel free to pester me let me know. Total Votes: 30 of 30. A perfect vote!
#
Team
Δ
Comment
Record
1
Dodgers
0
Resistence is futile. All must bow down to your leader, Mookie Betts. Fun Fact: Frank Robinson is the only man to ever win an MVP in both the American League and the National League. I don't know about y'all, but I'm starting to think he has a pretty good shot at finally getting some company
16-7
2
Yankees
0
From a semi-disappointing 8 game 5 loss week to a pleasant 5 game 5 win week, the Yankees look strong again. This roster feels like it is too brittle to handle the rigors of a difficult travel schedule, what with Judge, Giancarlo and DJ out. Even more telling is the 9-0 Home record (obviously best in the league). Upcoming this week is the remainder of the homestand for four games against the Rays and Sox, and then a "road trip" to Citi Field.
15-6
3
Athletics
0
The 2020 A's are excelling in several areas- dingers, walks, and "stupid clutch" hits beyond the 8th inning. Matt Olson has 8 HR's, 4 1Bs, 2nd lowest average on the team. Laureano got his suspension knocked down but sat out the weekend. Which left Canha, Piscotty, and Robbie Grossman with his 1.007 OPS/4 steals to carry on. We lost to the Trout's 0-6 TUE, our first shutout. We haven't lost since, and assailed the poor SF closer with 2 historic, yet eerily inevitable comebacks. My first reaction is not triumph, but empathy, because this years SF club has similar failings of the 2015 A's and boy, was that hard to muddle through. 3 game crapshoot playoff round looming? oh, fun
Losing three one-run games in a row against the Brewers was painful and familiar. I personally am not reading too much into it, since one run games tend to be coin flips. Craig Kimbrel also looked great in his two most recent outings. This week the Cubs play the Cardinals five times in three games and hope to put some more distance between themselves and the rest of the division.
13-6
6
Rays
+3
Is your offense struggling? Water cold? Flappy parts not what they used to be? Sounds like you need a trip to historic Fenway Park, where you can put up 8+ runs a game and revitalize. Some players have even declared the Rays the #1 team in baseball. The Rays capped off a 6-1 week, led by Brandon Lowe (pronounced Lowe) with 4HR, a wRC+ of 297 (205 on the season), and 0.9 WAR. The surge in offense covered up pitching that wasn't at it's best, but they got the job done when it mattered. Oh, the Rays also lead the AL in Runs scored now. Neat!
14-9
7
Braves
-3
sigh We are severly banged up with Acuña and Albies on the shelf. Big City returns this week as a bench bat/DH, but we need someone to step up and STOP STRIKING OUT. Starting pitching is a big issue execpt Fried who is a bonafide ace. A 2-4 week seems pretty damn succesful considering we took a series from the first place Marlins(?!). u/ebennett sums it up: Be quiet, I think he is gonna say something.
13-10
8
Indians
-1
Tribey learned how to hit...uh oh! Sorry, I just watched Happy Gilmore. But seriously, adding some much-needed offense to an already-amazing pitching staff is the key to the Tribe overtaking the Twins in the ALC. Even losing aces/douchebags Plesac and Clevinger to the DL (Dumbass List) the rotation didn't skip a beat, folding in sixth man Adam Plutko with some off-days to make it seem like nothing even happened
13-9
9
Rockies
-1
Maybe the Rockies are who we thought they were? The bullpen is in serious trouble after losing, Oberg, Davis, potentially Carlos Estevez and Jairo Diaz walking the world. Rockies will need Daniel Bard to be more than a feel good story for the rest of the season. Also, isn't it just super cool that Mookie Betts is a Dodger for eternity??? Last week: 2-4 Next week: 2 vs HOU 2 @HOU & 3 @LAD
13-8
10
Astros
+1
Kyle Tucker saved us from yet another extra inning game this season and for that we are eternally grateful. Offense starting to come around a little bit, but pitching is still our glaring weak spot. Blake Taylor is a beast and I will not hear otherwise.
11-10
11
Padres
-1
Here’s a cherry picked stat for ya: In the last five games, the Pads have only scored 3 runs between innings 1-5, meaning 3 runs in 25 total innings. Sunday ended a poor week with awful runner in scoring position numbers, and Tommy Pham having to leave the game during an at bat that ultimately culminated in San Diego’s final out. What does it all mean? We’ve dipped under .500 for the first time this season, free falling on a five game skid. The club will look to rebound at home versus Texas, and Houston, which is a city in Texas.
11-12
12
Brewers
+1
A 10-10 record isn't great, especially when they've scored the fourth fewest runs. However, the bats appear to be waking up and the pitching isn't cooling off. Hat tip to ESPN for calling this out: Milwaukee designated hitters enter Monday hitting a combined .154/.214/.333.
10-10
13
White Sox
-1
The White Sox have to be one of the most frustrating teams this year. They're 500, just like they were last week. After a couple days off, they came out extremely flat in a DH against the Cards and lost both. And then they hit 4 back to back homers the next day. For a team that was expected to hit, they have a bottom 5 BB/K ratio and near the bottom third of runs scored this year. But at the same time, still 500 and currently a playoff team. This team, I don't know man.
11-11
14
Nationals
+1
7(2.7) - 11(2.7) ≈ 19-31
8-11
15
Reds
-1
The Reds are in the midst of their second Covid crisis of the season, as an unnamed player (speculated to be Nick Senzel) has tested positive. There doesn't seem to be any teamwide outbreake, but we all know how quickly these things can change. Still, the team is hopeful they can play on Tuesday. As for the actual baseball we saw, they split with a couple awful teams but looked alright doing it. Jesse Winker and his neck are on a tear, and the bullpen looks better, in no small part to new addition Tyler Thornburg.
9-11
16
Phillies
+1
The Phillies once again had a confusing week. They got swept by the Orioles but pretty much dominated the Mets. The bullpen has looked...better, even servicable in the past three games. The rotation has been solid, led by Cy Young candidate Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler. The offense scored 48 runs this week, led by MVP candidates Bryce Harper and JT Realmuto. The division is still in reach, and the Phillies should be in dcent shape to make a run for it. #ResignJT
8-9
17
Orioles
+3
Mid August and the Orioles are a playoff team...what the hell is happening? I would say it's really good hitting or really good pitching, but the team ERA is above 4, their hitting though is tops in MLB in a bunch of categories. I guess this team doesn't realize they aren't suuposed to win. If you bet the over on total wins in Vegas this year then you'll get your winnings soon. Also if this was a full season Dylan Bundy would be on pace for a 21-7 record...ugh.
12-9
18
Marlins
0
Well our lack of depth and replacement players are starting to show. Only thing that has not declined drastically is SP. Thankfully all 17 covid players have been cleared to play and are currently in Jupiter rehabbing. This week we got the mets at home for 4 and then 3 in DC.
9-6
19
D-Backs
+7
The D-backs have actually come to life as of late, getting more consistency out of the offense and more great starts from Gallen and Merrill Kelly. A sweep of the Padres in Chase (where the D-backs could cheat by opening the roof) pulled them ahead of the Friars in the standings, and they're almost through their insanely tough part of the schedule to start the season. Watch out for the Snakes.
11-11
20
Rangers
+2
Wear a Mask. Wash your hands. 3 series wins in a row during the last week helped get the record up to .500. This up coming week with series against the Padres and Mariners will show if this team is for real or not. Lance Lynn for Cy Young.
10-10
21
Mets
-5
This was an interesting week in my personal rankings. We're now 4 full weeks in, I figured it's time to make some sweeping changes instead of only moving teams two or three spots if that. As for the Mets, what can you say? We're a middling team that shows ocasional flashes of brilliance. We dodged two big bullets when it comes to injuries to deGrom, and McNeil, but being swept by the Phillies is a big bullet to take no matter what. With our next 13 being strictly against the Marlins and Yankees, we've got some big tests coming up; Let's see if we pass.
9-14
22
Tigers
-3
It's Tarik Skubal and Casey Mize time!! This Tuesday and Wednesday are the days we've been waiting for all year. Personally, I prefer Skubal over both Manning and Mize, but time will tell which one of the new crop of arms takes off the most. The most MLB-ready position player prospect, Isaac Paredes, is getting the call as well. This week: 4 at CWS, 3 at CLE.
9-10
23
Blue Jays
-0
The ever-exciting Blue Jays continue to find new and interesting ways to lose games. Bo Bichette is probably out for a month, and the Trash Birds are looking more likely to make the playoffs than the Bisons Blue Jays. But Charlie Montoyo has a message for all the would be worriers!
7-11
24
Angels
-3
I was reminded this week by a great Sam Miller article from back in 2016 on what would have happened if any of the teams ahead of the Angels had drafted Mike Trout. It's a great read, but essentially, it boils down to the fact that nearly every other team would have at some point been put over the top in the regular season and had made the playoffs in a season they otherwise didn't had he been on their team. One of the only exceptions to this? The Angels. They've made the playoffs with him once in a season they probably still would have made them without him. It's the most annoying thing to hear as an Angels fan, that they are wasting Mike Trout's career, but if they can't even make them in a year where over half the teams will, I think it's a conversation we're only going to hear more and more. Rightly so.
7-15
25
Royals
+2
The Royals might actually be better than we realized. They're 8-9 against teams that are over .500 and have a +7 run differencial in those games. Can they sneak into the postseason? They may have a better chance than Lloyd Christmas did.
9-13
26
Giants
-2
They are who we thought they were. The Giants have bad pitching, bad defense, bad management, and mediocre offense. After spending the week getting their shit pushed in by the Astros and A's, highlights of which included Zack Greinke calling his own pitches on the mound and Trevor Gott's ERA going up by over 12 whole runs, the Giants own the second worst run differential in the league at -43. This week they play the Angels, in a split series where Albert Pujols will almost certainly tie and then pass Willie Mays on the all time home run leaderboard, followed by the Bumgarner-less Diamondbacks. The only good thing about my new job being all night shifts is that I won't be able to subject myself to Gabe Kapler's Wild Ride on a nightly basis.
8-15
27
Red Sox
-2
I may have ranked the Red Sox 29th this week, but they're truly 30th in my heart. Did you know that over the last 6 games, the Red Sox averaged over 1 run per inning? That's right, the sox gave up 1.167 runs per inning for 6 whole games. I can't believe I'm saying this, but man I miss Rick Porcello. Give me 6 IP 5 ER again.
6-16
28
Mariners
0
Evan White's bat has tested positive for COVID-19 and has been quarantined. Evan is still cleared to play without it, however, his activity at the plate is suffering terribly from it. Here's to wishing his bat makes a full recovery.
N/A, Quarantined Team||Cardinals|0| The Cardinals are finally back! After going up against the White Sox and putting away both sides of a "doubleheader" and losing on Sunday, they're 4-4 on August 17. DAE this season is weird? |4-4
Yearly League Leaders & Records for Batting Average. Create your own custom leaderboards . Become a Stathead today and run queries with our Season and Career Finders to see the best seasons in MLB history. Become a Stathead. Table; Year National League BA American League BA ; 2020 (NL AL) Juan Soto* .351: DJ LeMahieu .364 : 2019 (NL AL) Christian Yelich* .329: Tim Anderson .335 : 2018 (NL AL American League Batting Stats 2020 - Lineups MLB Kids MLB International Postseason Publications MLB Newsletters Virtual Backgrounds Podcasts Walk-Up Music Connect with MLB MLB Photos Fantasy MLB Rally MLB Rally Quick Pick Postseason Bracket Challenge The Vault R.B.I. Baseball 21 MLB Home Run Derby 2020 Closer Report Prospect Rankings MLB Champions Visit ESPN to view 2020 MLB player stats. To qualify, a player must have at least 3.1 PA/game. Statistics are updated nightly 2020 Batting Leaders including BA: LeMahieu .364, H: Abreu 76, HR: Voit 22, OBP: LeMahieu .421, OPS: LeMahieu 1.011, R: Ramirez 45, R: Anderson 45, RBI: Abreu 60, SB The Major League record for the highest batting average in the American League was .292, set in 1921, in the National League it was .303, set in 1930.. The Major League record for the lowest batting average in the American League was .230, set in 1968, in the National League it was .239, set in 1908.. Did you know that during the 1930 National League season; six clubs had a team batting Visit ESPN to view 2020 MLB stat leaders. MLB has enhanced its code of conduct pertaining to harassment and discrimination, has set up an anonymous hotline for those with information about sexual Year by Year Leaders for Batting Average Major League Baseball Batting Champions. Ted Williams once commented about those that fail 'only' seven times out of ten attempts will be the greatest in the game. He was right about that and the list of batting champions below, reflects those great hitters who truly dominated during a single season of play. Note: Three point one (3.1) plate appearances MLB 2020 League Leaders in Batting Average, Home Runs, ERA – Hitting .400 Plus More. July 6, 2020 By Kreighton R Leave a Comment. The MLB announced a 60-game 2020 season and baseball purists are petrified. A friend of mine put his foot down and insisted, “if anyone breaks Lajoie’s record it doesn’t count”. He was referring, of course, to Nap Lajoie’s all-time-high single season
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Check out the American League leaders in average, runs, home runs, RBIs, hits, steals, wins, ERA, strikeouts and savesAbout Major League Baseball: Major Leag... The American League saw a rise in batting average after the January 11, 1973, meeting that granted the addition of a 10th player in the line-up: a designated hitter. Hey batter batter! John "The Mayor" Lindsey takes part in batting practice before his major league debut on Sept. 8, 2010 at PETCO Park. Originally drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 13th round of the 1995 Draft ... Major League Baseball. MLB All-Star Selection Show. Various networks. ... from the amount of wins and losses recorded by teams to the batting average of the game's greatest hitters and the iconic digits sewn on their uniforms. This show uses numbers in a different manner, recalling various topics from the annals of the sport (both the grandiose ... 11-Year-Old Joey Erace, aka Joey Baseball, is destined to play the the big leagues one day.Check out our NEW video on Joey to see his progress! https://www.... Major League Baseball® The best place to watch the World Series™ on FOX presented by YouTube TV. YouTube TV is the home of the 2019 World Series™ and your favorite live sports, news, shows, movies, and more. Live TV from 85+ channels. Get Scouted for NCAA D1, D2, D3, NAIA, or Junior Colleges You go through the college recruiting process only once. Do you feel 100% CONFIDENT you have the BE... My favorite activity: Batting practice using The Iron Mike machine set to the fastest speed (80-85-mph) at a pitching distance of 40-feet is the equivalent of 108+MPH velocity at regulation MLB ... Check out our NEW video with Stanley Anderson where he faces off with an MLB pro!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKbPCg9RJaEMeet Stanley Anderson, a man who ... By far the best catches in MLB History, let me know if I missed one and I am sorry if I did.