From many reports that have been surfacing recently, it appears that the Red Sox are in the thick of things when it comes to Josh Hamilton, Mr. Former MVP and Mr. Prime Free Agent of 2012/13. So far there have been two points indicating that he might could be headed to Beantown. First, the obvious one, there have been reports that Cherington has started regular contact with Hamilton's agent. Second, and a bit more telling, is GM Ben Cherington coming out and saying that the Red Sox will likely have one of the top payrolls in baseball. Considering that the Sox only have $45 million on the book so far for 2013, you have to think that they will make a huge splash somewhere. Pitcher Zach Greinke seems unlikely considering the recent troubles with big free-agent pitcher acquisitions. Whatever it is, I think that it is necessary that the Red Sox find a player that can help them contend again.
P.S. With the MVP voting coming out today, it is notable to say that no Sox player garnered a single MVP top-10 vote
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Monday, November 12, 2012
Immediate Reaction: Rookie of the Year
I don't think that the AL Rookie of the Year Award surprised anyone that has any sort of knowledge of baseball. The question wasn't really whether Mike Trout was the best rookie this year, but rather if he have the best season ever, in any sport. Now it is hard to compare cross-sport, to the seasons of Lawrence Taylor, Wilt Chamberlain, etc., so I will just compare it to the other great rookie seasons in baseball. One season that comes to mind is Ichiro, one of two players in MLB history to win MVP and ROY in the same season. This shouldn't have even happened though. To say that Ichiro was a rookie is a complete slap in the face to the NPB, because he played at the highest level available to him for a number of years, enduring the normal gruel of a regular season.
The only other player that really comes close is the other dual MVP/ROY ever, Fred Lynn. When it comes down to it, he really won the MVP because of a weak field that year. Nothing against Lynn's season, but it happened in a year where no one else was particularly spectacular. For me, Trout takes it. The level of talent he displayed at every facet of the game was incredible, and, in my mind, the best we have ever seen in a rookie year.
This season, though, Miguel Cabrera put on one of the most spectacular hitting displays ever seen in a single season. The vote that has yet to be tallied is whether the best hitting display, combined with average to above average displays in the other categories, outweighs a top-5 performance in every category imaginable.
The Rookie of the Year race in the NL was much more contested. Going into the unveiling, it was entirely conceivable that any of the three finalists could win the award. The final voting was close as well, but there were little signs that indicated it really wasn't. Bryce Harper was the only player named on all 32 ballots. He received the most 1st place votes, Wade Miley received the most 2nd place votes, and Todd Fraizer received the most 3rd place votes. Despite the hubbub around this race, the votes played out very normally. In the "disaster" scenario some were predicting, Harper might have received 20 first place votes, but only been named on 24 ballots. That, of course, did not happen, and justice was served. In my opinion, the best two rookies won their respective rookie of the year awards.
The only other player that really comes close is the other dual MVP/ROY ever, Fred Lynn. When it comes down to it, he really won the MVP because of a weak field that year. Nothing against Lynn's season, but it happened in a year where no one else was particularly spectacular. For me, Trout takes it. The level of talent he displayed at every facet of the game was incredible, and, in my mind, the best we have ever seen in a rookie year.
This season, though, Miguel Cabrera put on one of the most spectacular hitting displays ever seen in a single season. The vote that has yet to be tallied is whether the best hitting display, combined with average to above average displays in the other categories, outweighs a top-5 performance in every category imaginable.
The Rookie of the Year race in the NL was much more contested. Going into the unveiling, it was entirely conceivable that any of the three finalists could win the award. The final voting was close as well, but there were little signs that indicated it really wasn't. Bryce Harper was the only player named on all 32 ballots. He received the most 1st place votes, Wade Miley received the most 2nd place votes, and Todd Fraizer received the most 3rd place votes. Despite the hubbub around this race, the votes played out very normally. In the "disaster" scenario some were predicting, Harper might have received 20 first place votes, but only been named on 24 ballots. That, of course, did not happen, and justice was served. In my opinion, the best two rookies won their respective rookie of the year awards.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Going Retro
It looks like we officially have a trend in baseball, at least with regards to the fashion worn on the field. On Friday, the Houston Astros unveiled their "new" logos to the fans, and I approve. Generally, I am on the positive side when it comes to fashion-forward uniforms, such as the many variations of the Oregon Ducks' football uniforms or the NFL's and NBA's obsession with replacing everything white on a jersey with black. Baseball has found a new way to make a fashion statement: go retro.
I guess the trend officially started last season when both the Orioles and the Blue Jays decided to revisit the glory days and remodel their logos after when they were most successful. For the Jays, it was the 1992-93 seasons, the only times they have appeared in (and won) a world series, along with the last time they even won the AL East. The Orioles returned to the cartoon bird, which brings back a time when they won their last AL pennant and world series (1983).
For the O's, the move was a clear success. By moving away from the design that hung over them during the worst years in franchise history, it was easy for the baseball world to love them again. A younger, spunkier team with a fun logo makes everyone want to hop on board the bandwagon.
The Blue Jays had considerably less success, finishing the season with 89 wins, barely enough to not be in last place. They had shown a small spark the year before, which, much like the Orioles, probably triggered the move to the new logo. Unfortunately, the Blue Jays will have to wait their turn, as the AL East is still the toughest division in baseball.
Overall, I am really impressed with the changes. Making something new and different isn't always the way to go, and I'm glad that going back has worked for a few organization.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
AWARD PREDICTION: NL Rookie of the Year Edition
The race for the NL ROY is much close than the American League contest. There are three candidates that most of the media has anointed as frontrunners, and a few more that lurk very close behind. Depending on which statistics or metrics or viewpoints you use, a whole host of players could be your favorite. Let's look into the candidates that might be getting some votes:
Todd Frazier
.273 AVG, 19 HR, 67 RBI, 26 2B, .829 OPS
One of the key frontrunners that I wouldn't be surprised if he won, Frazier was one of the key cogs that led the Reds to an NL Central championship. When Scott Rolen went down, and later Joey Voto, he stepped right in and kept the Big Red Machine truckin' on. Overall, he might have had the most quality offensive performance by a rookie, but it was a very quiet quality and awards like this are about the excitement of a player in his first year lighting it up with the best in the business, and he didn't really provide that.
Wilin Rosario
.270 AVG, 28 HR, 71 RBI, 19 2B, .843 OPS
Rosario had an even quieter campaign than Frazier, mostly because of his small-market Rockies that didn't come within shouting distance of the playoffs. At 23-years-old, he already appears to be one of the best offensive catchers in the majors, up there with the likes of Posey, Mauer, and Molina. It's too bad that there are three clear cut leaders in this race, because he does deserve a few votes.
Anthony Rizzo
.285 AVG, 15 HR, 48 RBI, 15 2B, .805 OPS
Rizzo was a steal for the Cubs, who got him for relief pitchers Andrew Cashner before the 2012 season. A highly touted prospect in the Red Sox organization, he quickly blossomed with the Cubs once he got his chance. He played less than half of the season, which will certainly hurt him a lot, but it won't hurt him down the road when future homerun leaders are up for grabs.
Wade Miley
16-11, 3.33 ERA, 144 K, 37 BB, 194.2 IP
While he didn't lead his Diamondbacks to the playoffs, that is not as important to this award as it is for the MVP and Cy Young awards. Putting up a 3.33 is impressive regardless of age, but it did take place in the NL West (possibly the weakest division in baseball). Despite his relatively easy season, I feel that this is where the writers will lean towards, as 4 of the last 6 ROY winners have been pitchers.
Bryce Harper
Todd Frazier
.273 AVG, 19 HR, 67 RBI, 26 2B, .829 OPS
One of the key frontrunners that I wouldn't be surprised if he won, Frazier was one of the key cogs that led the Reds to an NL Central championship. When Scott Rolen went down, and later Joey Voto, he stepped right in and kept the Big Red Machine truckin' on. Overall, he might have had the most quality offensive performance by a rookie, but it was a very quiet quality and awards like this are about the excitement of a player in his first year lighting it up with the best in the business, and he didn't really provide that.
Wilin Rosario
.270 AVG, 28 HR, 71 RBI, 19 2B, .843 OPS
Rosario had an even quieter campaign than Frazier, mostly because of his small-market Rockies that didn't come within shouting distance of the playoffs. At 23-years-old, he already appears to be one of the best offensive catchers in the majors, up there with the likes of Posey, Mauer, and Molina. It's too bad that there are three clear cut leaders in this race, because he does deserve a few votes.
Anthony Rizzo
.285 AVG, 15 HR, 48 RBI, 15 2B, .805 OPS
Rizzo was a steal for the Cubs, who got him for relief pitchers Andrew Cashner before the 2012 season. A highly touted prospect in the Red Sox organization, he quickly blossomed with the Cubs once he got his chance. He played less than half of the season, which will certainly hurt him a lot, but it won't hurt him down the road when future homerun leaders are up for grabs.
Wade Miley
16-11, 3.33 ERA, 144 K, 37 BB, 194.2 IP
While he didn't lead his Diamondbacks to the playoffs, that is not as important to this award as it is for the MVP and Cy Young awards. Putting up a 3.33 is impressive regardless of age, but it did take place in the NL West (possibly the weakest division in baseball). Despite his relatively easy season, I feel that this is where the writers will lean towards, as 4 of the last 6 ROY winners have been pitchers.
Bryce Harper
.270 AVG, 22 HR, 59 RBI, 26 2B, 9 3B, 18 SB, .817 OPS
This would be my vote for NL Rookie of the Year, and it wouldn't even be close. Now, a lot of people will criticizing me for being lazy, but hear me out. His stats may not jump off of the page as being above and away better than his competitor, but I ask you to use the eye test. And if you use the eye test, I don't see how you could possibly dismiss him as all hype. He plays the game in a pure, dirt-and-grime, hard-nosed way. His value in the outfield is measureless; whenever there is a ball hit to the gaps, regardless of how hard, it is never a guaranteed hit. With everything he does on the field, I want to watch it over and over and just marvel at how he plays with such passion and heart. The hype isn't undeserved either, as many people have said. There is a reason he was on the cover of Sports Illustrated at 15-years-old: he is an electrifying player that turns heads with every play he makes.
Bryce Harper for NL Rookie of the Year
Pedro to Return to the Red Sox Organization
According to reports, a standing offer has been made to former Red Sox great Pedro Martinez to rejoin the team as a special consultant. Much like Jason Varitek's current role, Martinez would serve mostly as an advisor to GM Ben Cherington. "[Martinez] knows there is a role waiting for him when the time is right," Cherington says. The hope, presumably, is that once Pedro learns the ins an outs of the organization, he will be installed as a coach.
Varitek was one of the long-shots for the managerial job before the trade was made for John Farrell. After serving within the organization's front office, he seems to have embraced the off-the-field aspect of the game. Hopefully, if Martinez accepts the offer, he can go through the same motions and will join the Red Sox as a coach down the road.
Varitek was one of the long-shots for the managerial job before the trade was made for John Farrell. After serving within the organization's front office, he seems to have embraced the off-the-field aspect of the game. Hopefully, if Martinez accepts the offer, he can go through the same motions and will join the Red Sox as a coach down the road.
Friday, November 2, 2012
The New Era of Baseball
As we continue to move away from the troubling Steroid Era, we are looking for something to replace it. We as humans feel the need to label everything, and thus we're looking for the next era in baseball. Because of the rise of pitching that has happened in the past few years (16 no-hitters since 2010), it would be easy to say that this are the Year of the Pitcher 2.0. Now we might be able to say this about the past three years, but this is not a sign of things to come. It is merely a transition time in the offensive structures that rule baseball. Long gone are the 'roided sluggers and the pitchers are reaping the benefits. The TRUE new era of baseball is just beginning though, and it has nothing to do with the pitchers. It is becoming a hitters game once again, in the Smash and Dash Era.
All you need for evidence is to look at the game's "future," the rookies and the prospects. Out of the past four seasons, this years group of rookies had the most players with double digits of both stolen bases and homeruns (4), even though the group had the fewest number of rookies that played in 100+ games (12). The two players that epitomize this the most are Mike Trout (lock for AL ROY) and Bryce Harper (contender for NL ROY). Trout led all rookies with 30 homeruns and 49 stolen bases and had the second most triples (8). Harper finished fourth in both homers and stolen bases (22 and 18 respectively) while pacing rookies with nine triples.
Their talents didn't stop and the plate and on the basepaths. Night after night, both players made highlight reel plays in the field. A well-known player back in high school, where he would play catcher and throw 96 MPH fastballs on the mound, Harper attempted plays that no one with an ounce of self-preservation would ever dream of. He dove, crashed, and speed across the outfield every night. Trout became famous throughout this season (among other things) for his four spectacular homerun robberies, most notably against the Orioles.
But wait, are those the players that indicate this new era? Gosh, no! We do need to look a little further down into the professional baseball system. Out of MLB.com's top 53 position prospects, 21 had 10+ homeruns and stolen bases in the past season. Some of the players that stand out (and that you should be watching for in the coming years):
George Springer, OF, Astros Organization
.302/.383/.536, 128 G (split A/AA),109 R, 21 2B, 10 3B, 24 HR, 32 SB
A glimmer of hope remains in Houston with the promise of this kid, along with prime pitching prospects. If they can just figure out how to hang onto their good young talent after they blossom in the majors, we might see them as contenders in 5-7 years.
Jurickson Profar, SS, Rangers
.281/.368/.452, 126 G (AAA), 76 R, 26 2B, 7 3B, 14 HR, 16 SB
One of the prospects that actually got to show off his chops at the major league level, Profar did not disappoint. While he only had three hits in his short stint, they consisted of two doubles and a homer, not bad for a 19-year-old kid making his debut. Kind of makes you reminisce about a former young SS breaking out in the AL West...
Gary Sanchez, C, Yankees Organization
.290/.344/.485, 116 G (A/A+), 65 R, 29 2B, 1 3B, 18 HR, 15 SB
Sanchez is following in the footsteps of another catcher that used to be in the Yankees organization, Jesus Montero,. He is an offensive-minded catcher who will eventually learn the backstop position well enough to play in the majors. Unlike Montero, though, he still has a way to go before arriving, maybe 3-5 years.
Whether this is what baseball evolves into is still to be seen, but what is evident is that there is a new wave of players coming into the league that are more athletic than baseball players in any other time in history.
All you need for evidence is to look at the game's "future," the rookies and the prospects. Out of the past four seasons, this years group of rookies had the most players with double digits of both stolen bases and homeruns (4), even though the group had the fewest number of rookies that played in 100+ games (12). The two players that epitomize this the most are Mike Trout (lock for AL ROY) and Bryce Harper (contender for NL ROY). Trout led all rookies with 30 homeruns and 49 stolen bases and had the second most triples (8). Harper finished fourth in both homers and stolen bases (22 and 18 respectively) while pacing rookies with nine triples.
Their talents didn't stop and the plate and on the basepaths. Night after night, both players made highlight reel plays in the field. A well-known player back in high school, where he would play catcher and throw 96 MPH fastballs on the mound, Harper attempted plays that no one with an ounce of self-preservation would ever dream of. He dove, crashed, and speed across the outfield every night. Trout became famous throughout this season (among other things) for his four spectacular homerun robberies, most notably against the Orioles.
But wait, are those the players that indicate this new era? Gosh, no! We do need to look a little further down into the professional baseball system. Out of MLB.com's top 53 position prospects, 21 had 10+ homeruns and stolen bases in the past season. Some of the players that stand out (and that you should be watching for in the coming years):
George Springer, OF, Astros Organization
.302/.383/.536, 128 G (split A/AA),109 R, 21 2B, 10 3B, 24 HR, 32 SB
A glimmer of hope remains in Houston with the promise of this kid, along with prime pitching prospects. If they can just figure out how to hang onto their good young talent after they blossom in the majors, we might see them as contenders in 5-7 years.
Jurickson Profar, SS, Rangers
.281/.368/.452, 126 G (AAA), 76 R, 26 2B, 7 3B, 14 HR, 16 SB
One of the prospects that actually got to show off his chops at the major league level, Profar did not disappoint. While he only had three hits in his short stint, they consisted of two doubles and a homer, not bad for a 19-year-old kid making his debut. Kind of makes you reminisce about a former young SS breaking out in the AL West...
Gary Sanchez, C, Yankees Organization
.290/.344/.485, 116 G (A/A+), 65 R, 29 2B, 1 3B, 18 HR, 15 SB
Sanchez is following in the footsteps of another catcher that used to be in the Yankees organization, Jesus Montero,. He is an offensive-minded catcher who will eventually learn the backstop position well enough to play in the majors. Unlike Montero, though, he still has a way to go before arriving, maybe 3-5 years.
Whether this is what baseball evolves into is still to be seen, but what is evident is that there is a new wave of players coming into the league that are more athletic than baseball players in any other time in history.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
AWARD PREDICTION: AL Rookie of the Year Edition
Yu Darvish
16-9, 3.90 ERA, 221 K, 89 BB, 191.1 IP
Darvish lived up to the hype of coming over from Japan, and then some. We even forget that it was a question of whether he would start the season in Triple-A or with the Rangers. He busted out the wins right out of the gate, going 4-0 with a 2.18 ERA in April. He then helped the Rangers hold on to their playoff spot by posting a 4-0 record with a 1.85 ERA down the stretch. Most years, he would be the front-runner by a long shot, much like CC Sabathia in 2001, but unfortunately the possible MVP happened to be a rookie.
Yoenis Cespedes
.292, 23 HR, 82 RBI, 16 SB, 25 2B
Another import who played right up to his potential, Yoenis started mashing right away. With three homeruns, 7 RBIs, and a ridiculous 1.477 OPS through the first four games, he looked like a steal at $9 million a year. Though he quickly settled down, he was one of the many consistant cogs in the Athletics' machine that drove them to the division title. Much like Darvish, in another year he has a fighting chance, just not this year.
Mike Trout
.326, 30 HR, 83 RBI, 49 SB, 129 R, 8 3B
_(5971760364).jpg/220px-Los_Angeles_Angels_center_fielder_Mike_Trout_(27)_(5971760364).jpg)
I want you to just sit and have a nice chuckle with me for a second. He had been out-hyped by Darvish and Cespedes coming over, didn't play for the first month, and still put up one of the greatest all-around seasons by ANYONE, let alone a rookie. He came up one stolen base shy of only the third 30-50 season of all time. He took back four balls that had already crossed the fence and turned them into outs. He turned a team that was floundering at 7-14, to a team that won 89 games and fell victim to the newly-tough AL West. While the MVP may be out of reach, you can put this one in the books.Mike Trout for Presiden... I mean AL Rookie of the Year
SNUB ALERT: Gold Glove Edition
Mike Trout didn't win the Gold Glove in centerfield? Really?? Are you sure? I think someone is playing a joke on me....
WHAT??? Adam Jones actually won the Gold Glove? The player who seemed least qualified out of the three option at centerfield won. What has this world come to?
This was my only strand of hope in the ever fleeting notion that Mike Trout could win MVP this year. The writers would see that, even though Miguel Cabrera was a better hitter, Trout was the better overall player and thus held the most value, mostly because he played GOLD GLOVE CENTERFIELD!!!
Trout was at or near the top in pretty much every defensive category, both in the traditional sense and in sabermetrics: 10.6 UZR (1st) 2.2 dWAR (2nd) 15 TZR (1st) 12.9 RngR (1st). When you tack on 340 putouts and an above average fielding percentage of .993, I don't see how you come up with Adam Jones as the best defensive centerfielder.
The other massive gaffe is at the shortstop position where J.J. Hardy won over possibly the best defensive player in all of baseball, not just at shortstop, Brendan Ryan. Now Ryan may not be a household name, and his team did flounder while the Orioles surged into the playoffs for the first time since the dinosaurs roamed the earth, but the baseball writers should still know who's the best.
With an AL shortstop leading 14.7 UZR and 27 defensive runs saved, topped by a dWAR of 3.6 that led the league at any position, he was far and away the best at his craft. Just like Trout, Ryan was victimized by Oriole Fever that swept the media.
Lastly, I would like to point your attention to the National League, and more specifically to the centerfield position. Boy do the writers know how to screw up centerfield. This is not a shot at the winner, Andrew McCutchen, but rather a brief plug for Michael Bourn.
Maybe next year, slugger.
WHAT??? Adam Jones actually won the Gold Glove? The player who seemed least qualified out of the three option at centerfield won. What has this world come to?
This was my only strand of hope in the ever fleeting notion that Mike Trout could win MVP this year. The writers would see that, even though Miguel Cabrera was a better hitter, Trout was the better overall player and thus held the most value, mostly because he played GOLD GLOVE CENTERFIELD!!!
Trout was at or near the top in pretty much every defensive category, both in the traditional sense and in sabermetrics: 10.6 UZR (1st) 2.2 dWAR (2nd) 15 TZR (1st) 12.9 RngR (1st). When you tack on 340 putouts and an above average fielding percentage of .993, I don't see how you come up with Adam Jones as the best defensive centerfielder.
The other massive gaffe is at the shortstop position where J.J. Hardy won over possibly the best defensive player in all of baseball, not just at shortstop, Brendan Ryan. Now Ryan may not be a household name, and his team did flounder while the Orioles surged into the playoffs for the first time since the dinosaurs roamed the earth, but the baseball writers should still know who's the best.
With an AL shortstop leading 14.7 UZR and 27 defensive runs saved, topped by a dWAR of 3.6 that led the league at any position, he was far and away the best at his craft. Just like Trout, Ryan was victimized by Oriole Fever that swept the media.
Lastly, I would like to point your attention to the National League, and more specifically to the centerfield position. Boy do the writers know how to screw up centerfield. This is not a shot at the winner, Andrew McCutchen, but rather a brief plug for Michael Bourn.
Maybe next year, slugger.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
I'm Back!!!
Being the huge Red Sox fan, I hope you can understand how depressed I became in this past season. Day after day, it just seemed like a nightmare getting worse and worse. But it is officially a new season with free agency starting, and I couldn't be more excited. In the next couple of days, I will be covering the awards being handed out, free agency, and other happenings around baseball. Get excited!!!!!
Monday, May 14, 2012
Best Player in Baseball
Many a time the question is asked, who is the best player in baseball. There's no question that in the past week+ Josh Hamilton was the best player in baseball. Less than a month, though, we were all seemingly willing to just hand Matt Kemp the MVP trophy. Now we're talking about whether he's even the best outfielder in the Nation League. Despite Albert Pujols' well documented struggles, can you really argue against his 10-year track record as the most consistent player in baseball and 3 MVP awards?
Then there is the side to the argument that has only really emerged in the past year or two: what about the pitchers? We as a society are obviously beginning to re-recognize their vast importance, evidenced by Justin Verlander's 2011 MVP. So how about Clayton Kershaw? Or Roy Halladay? Or of course Justin Verlander? In what seems to be a transition away from the offensive firepower of the 90's and early 00's and into the pitching prowess that dominated the 60's, are we finally ready to totally flip?
I will now present some leading candidates:
MATT KEMP
This Season: 34 G, 12 HR, 28 RBI, .359/.446/.726
Previous 2 Seasons: 323 G, 67 HR, 215 RBI, .286/.354/.518
JOSH HAMILTON
This Season: 32 G, 18 HR, 44 RBI, .402/.455/.866
Previous 2 Seasons: 254 G, 57 HR, 194 RBI, .330/.380/.587
ALBERT PUJOLS
This Season: 34 G, 1 HR, 12 RBI, .196/.234/.275
Previous 2 Seasons: 306 G, 79 HR, 217 RBI, .306/.391/.570
CLAYTON KERSHAW
This Season: 7 G, 2-1, 2.56 ERA, 41 K, 0.90 WHIP
Previous 2 Seasons: 65 G, 34-15, 2.58 ERA, 460 K, 1.07 WHIP
ROY HALLADAY
This Season: 8 G, 3-3, 3.20 ERA, 46 K, 1.08 WHIP
Previous 2 Seasons: 65 G, 40-16, 2.40 ERA, 439 K, 1.04 WHIP
JUSTIN VERLANDER
This Season: 8 G, 4-1, 2.47 ERA, 56 K, 0.87 WHIP
Previous 2 Seasons: 67 G, 42-14, 2.80 ERA, 469 K, 1.03 WHIP
And some sleeper candidates:
MIGUEL CABRERA
This Season: 34 G, 7 HR, 29 RBI, .294/.345/.485
Previous 2 Seasons: 311 G, 68 HR, 231 RBI, .336/.434/.603
JOSE BAUTISTA
This Season: 35 G, 8 HR, 18 RBI, .198/.325/.413
Previous 2 Seasons: 310 G, 97 HR, 227 RBI, .280/.411/.613
CLIFF LEE
This Season: 4 G, 0-1, 2.17 ERA, 24 K, 0.76 WHIP
Previous 2 Seasons: 60 G, 29-17, 2.76 ERA, 423 K, 1.02 WHIP
A few things I get from this. First, the best player is definitely a fielder. Just looking at the stats, hitters just look much more impressive when you compile stats from multiple years together. I was on board with Justin Verlander winning the MVP last year, but that was a special case. In that year, especially down the stretch in August and September, it wasn't even a conversation.
But I would never trade any of the position players on this list for Verlander; it just doesn't seem like a smart move on a day-in, day-out basis. Given that, and that Verlander is clearly the best pitcher on this list (I threw in Lee at the end because of his postseason work), it is obvious that the best player is a hitter.
So that narrows out list down to five. Knock off Bautista; honestly, all he really does is hit homers. Knock off Albert; once he returns to form, I might reconsider.
Now down to three. All three are superior middle-of-the-order threats that pound the ball and produce runs like no other. They also provide fearlessness and versatility in the field. All these things taken into consideration, my final verdict for best player in baseball RIGHT NOW is...
Matt Kemp. This is a very tough decision. Miguel Cabrera has been the most consistent of the three, which actually may have hurt him. He produces so regularly that he is rarely in the news about being on a "hot streak." Kemp and Hamilton both have had stretches of unprecedented offensive output this year. Josh Hamilton's was obviously superior, smacking nine home runs in a six game stretch. Kemp offers just a little more on the field and on the base paths than Hamilton. Also, Josh Hamilton's time in Texas, however brilliant, has been marred by some injury problems. Kemp on the other hand, going into tonight, had the longest active streak of consecutive games played.
Then there is the side to the argument that has only really emerged in the past year or two: what about the pitchers? We as a society are obviously beginning to re-recognize their vast importance, evidenced by Justin Verlander's 2011 MVP. So how about Clayton Kershaw? Or Roy Halladay? Or of course Justin Verlander? In what seems to be a transition away from the offensive firepower of the 90's and early 00's and into the pitching prowess that dominated the 60's, are we finally ready to totally flip?
I will now present some leading candidates:
MATT KEMP
This Season: 34 G, 12 HR, 28 RBI, .359/.446/.726
Previous 2 Seasons: 323 G, 67 HR, 215 RBI, .286/.354/.518
JOSH HAMILTON
This Season: 32 G, 18 HR, 44 RBI, .402/.455/.866
Previous 2 Seasons: 254 G, 57 HR, 194 RBI, .330/.380/.587
ALBERT PUJOLS
This Season: 34 G, 1 HR, 12 RBI, .196/.234/.275
Previous 2 Seasons: 306 G, 79 HR, 217 RBI, .306/.391/.570
CLAYTON KERSHAW
This Season: 7 G, 2-1, 2.56 ERA, 41 K, 0.90 WHIP
Previous 2 Seasons: 65 G, 34-15, 2.58 ERA, 460 K, 1.07 WHIP
ROY HALLADAY
This Season: 8 G, 3-3, 3.20 ERA, 46 K, 1.08 WHIP
Previous 2 Seasons: 65 G, 40-16, 2.40 ERA, 439 K, 1.04 WHIP
JUSTIN VERLANDER
This Season: 8 G, 4-1, 2.47 ERA, 56 K, 0.87 WHIP
Previous 2 Seasons: 67 G, 42-14, 2.80 ERA, 469 K, 1.03 WHIP
And some sleeper candidates:
MIGUEL CABRERA
This Season: 34 G, 7 HR, 29 RBI, .294/.345/.485
Previous 2 Seasons: 311 G, 68 HR, 231 RBI, .336/.434/.603
JOSE BAUTISTA
This Season: 35 G, 8 HR, 18 RBI, .198/.325/.413
Previous 2 Seasons: 310 G, 97 HR, 227 RBI, .280/.411/.613
CLIFF LEE
This Season: 4 G, 0-1, 2.17 ERA, 24 K, 0.76 WHIP
Previous 2 Seasons: 60 G, 29-17, 2.76 ERA, 423 K, 1.02 WHIP
A few things I get from this. First, the best player is definitely a fielder. Just looking at the stats, hitters just look much more impressive when you compile stats from multiple years together. I was on board with Justin Verlander winning the MVP last year, but that was a special case. In that year, especially down the stretch in August and September, it wasn't even a conversation.
But I would never trade any of the position players on this list for Verlander; it just doesn't seem like a smart move on a day-in, day-out basis. Given that, and that Verlander is clearly the best pitcher on this list (I threw in Lee at the end because of his postseason work), it is obvious that the best player is a hitter.
So that narrows out list down to five. Knock off Bautista; honestly, all he really does is hit homers. Knock off Albert; once he returns to form, I might reconsider.
Now down to three. All three are superior middle-of-the-order threats that pound the ball and produce runs like no other. They also provide fearlessness and versatility in the field. All these things taken into consideration, my final verdict for best player in baseball RIGHT NOW is...
Matt Kemp. This is a very tough decision. Miguel Cabrera has been the most consistent of the three, which actually may have hurt him. He produces so regularly that he is rarely in the news about being on a "hot streak." Kemp and Hamilton both have had stretches of unprecedented offensive output this year. Josh Hamilton's was obviously superior, smacking nine home runs in a six game stretch. Kemp offers just a little more on the field and on the base paths than Hamilton. Also, Josh Hamilton's time in Texas, however brilliant, has been marred by some injury problems. Kemp on the other hand, going into tonight, had the longest active streak of consecutive games played.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
What's Not to Love About Bryce Harper?!?!
When you think of hard-nosed, down and dirty players, who do you think of? Dustin Pedroia? Buster Posey? Josh Hamilton? How about Derek Jeter? Regardless of whether these players are on your favorite team or not, you have respect for them. When they have a bad streak, you never feel good about it, and when they are on a hot streak, you're rooting for it to keep going. These are players that one might call "fan favorites." And why? Not because they are good (but it never hurt that they are), but because they play the game hard every pitch. They play the way the game is supposed to be played.
So why doesn't everyone love Bryce Harper as much as I do?? He knows the history of the game and he knows where it is going. There is nothing stopping this kid, and it's not because it was all given to him. He earned the right to be on the cover of Sports Illustrated at 16 by working harder than anyone his age, day in and day out.
People say he's cocky, arrogant, and self-centered. He's 19, for God's sake!! If he was on a "normal" path, he would be a FRESHMAN in college. He isn't like everyone else and he knows it. He's a once in a lifetime talent and people are going to try to take advantage of him, so for all intents and purposes, he needs to remain above it all to survive. People also say he doesn't take time to acknowledge the kids and sign autographs, which is totally not true. Granted, he doesn't spend every waking moment signing autographs, but no one does that. He is where he is to play baseball, not to provide you with free memorabilia. But even though it isn't his job, he still does sigh autographs and meets with kids and all that jazz. Rarely with the media around though, because he doesn't call them over. He has gone to hospitals just to surprise the kids there, because that's the person he is.
And even if you don't like him as a person, I mean that SWING! And that ARM! His talent is incredible and his ceiling is unlimited, so it's time to accept it. He hits 600 foot home runs! And throws 96 MPH (or maybe even higher by now)! Whatever this kid can't do now (and there isn't a lot), he will do eventually. He could actually be the first to hit 80 home runs in a season. He could actually be the first to break 1000 career home runs. He could actually have the first (dare I say) 60-60 season.
I'm not saying he will, but I'm not saying he won't.
So why doesn't everyone love Bryce Harper as much as I do?? He knows the history of the game and he knows where it is going. There is nothing stopping this kid, and it's not because it was all given to him. He earned the right to be on the cover of Sports Illustrated at 16 by working harder than anyone his age, day in and day out.
People say he's cocky, arrogant, and self-centered. He's 19, for God's sake!! If he was on a "normal" path, he would be a FRESHMAN in college. He isn't like everyone else and he knows it. He's a once in a lifetime talent and people are going to try to take advantage of him, so for all intents and purposes, he needs to remain above it all to survive. People also say he doesn't take time to acknowledge the kids and sign autographs, which is totally not true. Granted, he doesn't spend every waking moment signing autographs, but no one does that. He is where he is to play baseball, not to provide you with free memorabilia. But even though it isn't his job, he still does sigh autographs and meets with kids and all that jazz. Rarely with the media around though, because he doesn't call them over. He has gone to hospitals just to surprise the kids there, because that's the person he is.
And even if you don't like him as a person, I mean that SWING! And that ARM! His talent is incredible and his ceiling is unlimited, so it's time to accept it. He hits 600 foot home runs! And throws 96 MPH (or maybe even higher by now)! Whatever this kid can't do now (and there isn't a lot), he will do eventually. He could actually be the first to hit 80 home runs in a season. He could actually be the first to break 1000 career home runs. He could actually have the first (dare I say) 60-60 season.
I'm not saying he will, but I'm not saying he won't.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
MLB Predictions After Month 1
This is my very first blog post, so while you may not know me, I assure you I will fill you in later. Right now I will tell you that I am a avid baseball fan and have been every day of my life. So these are my predictions based on what I have seen after approximately one month of major league baseball in 2012
AL EAST GB
1. Yankees 98 - 64 -
2. Rays 94 - 68 4
3. Red Sox 91 - 71 7
4. Blue Jays 82 - 80 16
5. Orioles 72 - 90 26
The Orioles put up a fight until late May when they go on a 12-game losing streak and fade out as usual. Red Sox and Blue Jays are tied going into September, but the Sox win all 6 head-to-head match-ups and squeak in as the second wild card. Rays and Yankees are tied going into the last series, but the Orioles who have nothing to play for sweep the Rays, who are subsequently beaten in the opening playoff with the Red Sox.
AL CENTRAL GB
1. Tigers 94 - 68 -
2. White Sox 83 - 79 11
3. Indians 80 - 82 14
4. Twins 65 - 97 29
5. Royals 54 - 108 40
Tigers emerge as the only legitimate contenders in this division (again). Their pitching and hitting and defense is just too good to maintain their current pace. The rest of the division is pretty uneventful, except for the Royals. They will go down as one of the worst teams in recent memory. Might as well put them on the clock for June 2013.
AL WEST GB
1. Rangers 96 - 66 -
2. Angels 90 - 72 6
3. Athletics 70 - 92 27
4. Mariners 63 - 99 34
The Mariners will finally realize who they are, a very mediocre team, after the All-Star Break. After hanging onto .500 the first half, they will plummet like the sack of potatoes they are. Angels, on the other hand, do the exact opposite. They also hang around .500 until the All-Star Break where Albert Pujols, the very last member added to the AL All-Star team, hits 2 home runs including the game winner. This momentum carries into August and September, but alas they end up short by getting swept by the Rangers in one of the final series. The Rangers not only pad their division lead, but also keep the Angels out of the last Wild Card spot.
NL EAST GB
1. Braves 94 - 68 -
2. Mets 93 - 69 1
3. Nationals 92 - 70 2
4. Phillies 80 - 82 14
5. Marlins 67 - 95 27
This is by far the most interesting division in all of baseball. The Phillies finally relinquish their division reign as they finish the season as quiet as a mouse, never having a winning or losing steak more than 4. The Marlins become the laughing stock of baseball as they do their best 2008 Detroit Tigers impression. Nationals maintain pace with the elite teams in the league as Bryce Harper becomes the first player ever to hit the back wall of EVERY domed stadium he plays in. He also knocks a pitchers glove clear off his hand, which is subsequently caught by the second baseman. Braves and Nationals duke it out all year for second place, but when the Mets falter in September, they settle for the top wild card spot and barely edge the Nationals out of their first playoff appearance while in Washington.
NL CENTRAL GB
1. Cardinals 89 - 73 -
2. Reds 84 - 78 5
3. Cubs 80 - 82 9
4. Brewers 75 - 87 14
5. Pirates 69 - 93 20
6. Astros 59 - 103 30
This is by far the saddest division in all of baseball. The Cardinals become the first team since 2009 to win a division without winning 90 games as they scamper around the league trying not to drown. Astros do slightly better, but still end up firing Brad Mills and trade Wandy Rodriguez and Carlos Lee as they try to start anew in the American League. Nothing much to say about the rest of the division. Both Central divisions for that matter are just sad, sad, sad.
NL WEST GB
1. Dodgers 102 - 60 -
2. D'backs 89 - 73 13
3. Giants 87 - 75 15
4. Rockies 73 - 89 29
5. Padres 64 - 98 38
It's too bad that the Diamondbacks won't pull it out this year. Last year was a real feel good story for Gibson and the whole team. But this year is all about the Dodgers. Behind Kemp and Ethier who combine for 82 homers and 271 RBIs, the league's best 3-4 combo do their best steam roller imitation and crush the competition to finish 1-2 in the MVP voting. Tim Lincecum, sadly, regresses tremendously, posting a 9-14 record with a 4+ ERA. His fastball sits around 89-91 MPH and the Giants shut him down with 3 weeks left as they have nothing to play for. Sad yet true.
AWARDS
AL MVP - Josh Hamilton
NL MVP - Matt Kemp
AL Cy Young - Yu Darvish
NL Cy Young - Stephen Strasburg
AL Rookie of the Year - Yoenis Cespedes
NL Rookie of the Year - Bryce Harper
AL Manager of the Year - Ron Washington
NL Manager of the Year - Davey Johnson
AL Comeback Player - Jake Peavy
NL Comeback Player - Buster Posey
AL EAST GB
1. Yankees 98 - 64 -
2. Rays 94 - 68 4
3. Red Sox 91 - 71 7
4. Blue Jays 82 - 80 16
5. Orioles 72 - 90 26
The Orioles put up a fight until late May when they go on a 12-game losing streak and fade out as usual. Red Sox and Blue Jays are tied going into September, but the Sox win all 6 head-to-head match-ups and squeak in as the second wild card. Rays and Yankees are tied going into the last series, but the Orioles who have nothing to play for sweep the Rays, who are subsequently beaten in the opening playoff with the Red Sox.
AL CENTRAL GB
1. Tigers 94 - 68 -
2. White Sox 83 - 79 11
3. Indians 80 - 82 14
4. Twins 65 - 97 29
5. Royals 54 - 108 40
Tigers emerge as the only legitimate contenders in this division (again). Their pitching and hitting and defense is just too good to maintain their current pace. The rest of the division is pretty uneventful, except for the Royals. They will go down as one of the worst teams in recent memory. Might as well put them on the clock for June 2013.
AL WEST GB
1. Rangers 96 - 66 -
2. Angels 90 - 72 6
3. Athletics 70 - 92 27
4. Mariners 63 - 99 34
The Mariners will finally realize who they are, a very mediocre team, after the All-Star Break. After hanging onto .500 the first half, they will plummet like the sack of potatoes they are. Angels, on the other hand, do the exact opposite. They also hang around .500 until the All-Star Break where Albert Pujols, the very last member added to the AL All-Star team, hits 2 home runs including the game winner. This momentum carries into August and September, but alas they end up short by getting swept by the Rangers in one of the final series. The Rangers not only pad their division lead, but also keep the Angels out of the last Wild Card spot.
NL EAST GB
1. Braves 94 - 68 -
2. Mets 93 - 69 1
3. Nationals 92 - 70 2
4. Phillies 80 - 82 14
5. Marlins 67 - 95 27
This is by far the most interesting division in all of baseball. The Phillies finally relinquish their division reign as they finish the season as quiet as a mouse, never having a winning or losing steak more than 4. The Marlins become the laughing stock of baseball as they do their best 2008 Detroit Tigers impression. Nationals maintain pace with the elite teams in the league as Bryce Harper becomes the first player ever to hit the back wall of EVERY domed stadium he plays in. He also knocks a pitchers glove clear off his hand, which is subsequently caught by the second baseman. Braves and Nationals duke it out all year for second place, but when the Mets falter in September, they settle for the top wild card spot and barely edge the Nationals out of their first playoff appearance while in Washington.
NL CENTRAL GB
1. Cardinals 89 - 73 -
2. Reds 84 - 78 5
3. Cubs 80 - 82 9
4. Brewers 75 - 87 14
5. Pirates 69 - 93 20
6. Astros 59 - 103 30
This is by far the saddest division in all of baseball. The Cardinals become the first team since 2009 to win a division without winning 90 games as they scamper around the league trying not to drown. Astros do slightly better, but still end up firing Brad Mills and trade Wandy Rodriguez and Carlos Lee as they try to start anew in the American League. Nothing much to say about the rest of the division. Both Central divisions for that matter are just sad, sad, sad.
NL WEST GB
1. Dodgers 102 - 60 -
2. D'backs 89 - 73 13
3. Giants 87 - 75 15
4. Rockies 73 - 89 29
5. Padres 64 - 98 38
It's too bad that the Diamondbacks won't pull it out this year. Last year was a real feel good story for Gibson and the whole team. But this year is all about the Dodgers. Behind Kemp and Ethier who combine for 82 homers and 271 RBIs, the league's best 3-4 combo do their best steam roller imitation and crush the competition to finish 1-2 in the MVP voting. Tim Lincecum, sadly, regresses tremendously, posting a 9-14 record with a 4+ ERA. His fastball sits around 89-91 MPH and the Giants shut him down with 3 weeks left as they have nothing to play for. Sad yet true.
AWARDS
AL MVP - Josh Hamilton
NL MVP - Matt Kemp
AL Cy Young - Yu Darvish
NL Cy Young - Stephen Strasburg
AL Rookie of the Year - Yoenis Cespedes
NL Rookie of the Year - Bryce Harper
AL Manager of the Year - Ron Washington
NL Manager of the Year - Davey Johnson
AL Comeback Player - Jake Peavy
NL Comeback Player - Buster Posey
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