tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76292811272744592002024-03-18T21:18:33.707-04:00Mint ConditionJordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874636239832076438noreply@blogger.comBlogger5376125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7629281127274459200.post-19353075239393580382024-03-17T14:48:00.002-04:002024-03-17T14:48:10.260-04:00Keeping the Youth Tag<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_mJbGxFCNm58TRefqwRKRA-3eeqVueq0JGzjNgSFjBFVyDB_ZB_mRJEGEZj3HTNtUI8Bb7Kp9jgSVtadVBNOdCKnA4ELlsNDtZlpNHQSgeAXM4DiN9OjoOoP_S5JKvmNI37v67Zzsohw_obrcg53ZCM_v4nuAHH4kOjFlg0omnhBkN5Ef94jKEk5Vvg/s685/McKenzie%2092D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="685" data-original-width="477" height="511" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_mJbGxFCNm58TRefqwRKRA-3eeqVueq0JGzjNgSFjBFVyDB_ZB_mRJEGEZj3HTNtUI8Bb7Kp9jgSVtadVBNOdCKnA4ELlsNDtZlpNHQSgeAXM4DiN9OjoOoP_S5JKvmNI37v67Zzsohw_obrcg53ZCM_v4nuAHH4kOjFlg0omnhBkN5Ef94jKEk5Vvg/w356-h511/McKenzie%2092D.jpg" width="356" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Last year, in the absence of veteran arms, the Cleveland Guardians developed an all-rookie rotation that somehow worked out better than the initial one did. Tanner Bibee, Gavin Williams, Logan Allen and Xzavion Curry, with occasional assistance from a healthy Shane Bieber or a visiting Lucas Giolito or Noah Syndergaard, held things down for the Tribe last year, and instilled confidence that once the veteran arms would leave, things would be alright. Though only Quantrill left in the offseason, despite a plot to deal Bieber occasionally surfacing, the Guardians' rotation options looked vast and mighty heading into the season.</p><p>So far there's only been one rotation setback, as Gavin Williams will be missing time this year, alongside some bullpen members who also got hurt. The silver lining of that is that before Williams was scratched, he was honestly looking really good, striking out 9 in 4.2 innings, and it looks to only be elbow soreness. Everybody else seems to be themselves, though Tanner Bibee's early starts have been worrying. All of Curry, Allen and Bieber have looked sharp so far. </p><p>Most impressively, after a pair of injury-plagued seasons, Triston McKenzie's looking like his old self. So far he hasn't given up any runs, and is striking out batters like he did during his rookie year. Triston McKenzie I see as the Mike Clevinger type in this situation; he's not the youngest piece in this rotation anymore, but if he succeeds he could be the most crucial piece. He's the bridge between Bieber's vet status and Allen and Williams' greenness, and if he has a good season that's definitely something the team can build on. </p><p>But McKenzie's strong starts do raise some questions, like...how youth-based is this rotation going to be this year? Not only will Bieber and McKenzie be back, but Carlos Carrasco, in camp on a NRI contract, has an outside chance of making the team. It's not...a 100% guarantee, especially considering that it's a 7 man race for 5 spots at the moment, but there is a chance that Stephen Vogt goes with a veteran emphasis rather than leading with Logan Allen, Tanner Bibee and Xzavion Curry right off the bat. It's not exactly unheard of for Curry to start in the 'pen, do long-man work and eventually work his way up to starting. And while Allen [and Williams] has been excellent out of camp, you never know if that'll be the deciding factor for Vogt to start the year. There's also Ben Lively kicking around after his decent 2023 numbers with Cincinnati, and while he's a long shot for the rotation, like Carrasco he's not exactly out of the race. </p><p>So now the Guardians have to figure out what tactic they want to go with, or with lining the kids up behind Bieber is still a winning tactic. I think they should be fine this year if they let the kids play, especially considering they'll be getting Williams back eventually, but there's more factors at play than you might think given last year's success.</p><p>Still, I expect Cleveland to do better this year, and possibly contend. I do expect the Twins and Tigers to be tough to manage down the stretch, and it's not exactly a certainty as it has been in the past. But hey, this is the exact kind of Guardians team that could overperform. </p>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874636239832076438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7629281127274459200.post-31012151849596460822024-03-15T19:52:00.002-04:002024-03-15T19:52:55.307-04:000 Starting Options <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ypx3DL6qsyT6sgWbzv37YDRFOHSla_EYnvqV9-LmQ4qAMoPXCfIj7ddVp8RERQxMImhaNsj3PRW16pUN-WjAPJAJFjxsZ8LgIQ0AzoYAo4hJi46hDXgzLCjuBWO0a1RTXYQfr8XT96RHmIoAPfwmg5TPuhMJZYSy7_wkZW0-5Q0wtV80xosgSvrli0w/s692/Stroman%2093F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="491" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ypx3DL6qsyT6sgWbzv37YDRFOHSla_EYnvqV9-LmQ4qAMoPXCfIj7ddVp8RERQxMImhaNsj3PRW16pUN-WjAPJAJFjxsZ8LgIQ0AzoYAo4hJi46hDXgzLCjuBWO0a1RTXYQfr8XT96RHmIoAPfwmg5TPuhMJZYSy7_wkZW0-5Q0wtV80xosgSvrli0w/w454-h640/Stroman%2093F.jpg" width="454" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Already there are five starting pitchers on this Yankees team who have, at one point or another, suffered from pitch-the-best-season-of-your-life-and-immediately-need-surgery-on-that-arm-itis. Two of them, Nestor Cortes and Carlos Rodon, are trying to recover from shaky 2023 campaigns. Both have been incredible in the past, and both used 2023 to recover from...well, doing so well in 2022. Rodon already has complained about not quite reaching his fastball this spring, and Cortes has responded similarly to early starts. But they seem to be doing better and hitting good numbers otherwise.</p><p>Then you have Marcus Stroman, who's a few years removed from the tactic of having an excellent season and then getting injured. Last year with Chicago he was strong, if imperfect in parts. Signing with the Yankees meant he was willing to bury the hatchet after criticizing the team in the past, and seeing that the last guy who made an enemy of the team before joining it went so well [enjoy retirement, Josh], it's understandable to be somewhat worried about Stroman's material. I watched an early spring start of his, he wasn't as sharp as I would have liked. He has been better in follow-up starts, and looks to factor favorably into the rotation going into the year. I think he might be our most reliable arm this year, though I'd love to be proven wrong.</p><p>And then you have Luis Gil, who made headlines by winning his first 5 starts, then proceeded to do nothing of note again and battled injuries in the minors the last 2 years. A clearer rotation, without Vazquez, Brito and King ahead of him, means Gil might actually have a shot at a roster spot this year, and he has admittedly looked good this spring, with 2 wins, 14 Ks and only 3 runs in 8 innings of Tampa play. Unfortunately the other guy he's facing for the last rotation spot, Clayton Beeter, has been having a better spring, with more starting opportunities and more overall dominance. Gil will likely get some starts in the majors this year, and with the rate of veteran injuries it's more of a foregone conclusion than anything, but he might not get the spot out of camp.</p><p>The Yanks looking to go with a Cortes-Rodon-Stroman-Schmidt-Beeter rotation to start the season points out two very interesting things. 1- the Snell deal is probably not gonna go our way. 2. For a Yankee rotation without Gerrit Cole, this could honestly be worse.</p><p>The thing we need to remember is that we're only supposed to be without Cole for a month or so. If these guys can get the job done for a month and a half, and with the number of veterans here that is definitely possible, there shouldn't be much bleeding. This isn't exactly the Sixers without Embiid, I trust Stroman, Nestor and Rodon to keep things together, even if Nestor's looked a bit scary at times this spring. Also, I'd be more scared about missing Cole if we didn't have a jacked lineup and an improved bullpen. We will probably fine.</p><p>It's not missed starts and April that scares me. Missed starts in September is gonna be what does this team in, and I am really hoping this rotation doesn't lead us to that point. </p>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874636239832076438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7629281127274459200.post-57116008884605887472024-03-09T14:12:00.001-05:002024-03-09T14:12:06.636-05:00Re-Sale Value<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJpt71yvBNIYazC65GoqL5Lpz3I_6b243firi08pS-an1fPu1UTLJft8aDsFulfT32EwdolsLX7EME-qAoETOQ92DfwaBfl2NBChFO2TnZEsT3uR48rCBNRuBjeVL4RXy2qHNRqGfFlThPu100QaCKEZGJcA2bUYEnp8Itda8aczWAJHHGVLByHVVgpks/s699/Sale%2093S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="495" height="509" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJpt71yvBNIYazC65GoqL5Lpz3I_6b243firi08pS-an1fPu1UTLJft8aDsFulfT32EwdolsLX7EME-qAoETOQ92DfwaBfl2NBChFO2TnZEsT3uR48rCBNRuBjeVL4RXy2qHNRqGfFlThPu100QaCKEZGJcA2bUYEnp8Itda8aczWAJHHGVLByHVVgpks/w361-h509/Sale%2093S.jpg" width="361" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>It has become all too familiar to hear of a pitcher that wowed the league by throwing hard and striking everyone out that, after his peak, cannot for the life of him stay healthy. Just this season we've had Lucas Giolito potentially be out for the season with whatever screwed up his arm in the second half of 2023, Kodai Senga potentially missing a ton of time after pitching beautifully last year, and Carlos Rodon continuing to worry Yankee fans by not quite reaching his fastball velocity. Pitchers are blowing their arms out at an accelerated rate and everyone's acting like it's not a problem. It is. I don't think it's possible for a starting pitcher to have a 20 year career anymore because now it's more like a 15 year career with 4 of those years being injury-prone half seasons. </p><p>And so here we are. Chris Sale has one year with the Braves to prove himself. At one point he was a surefire future Hall of Famer. Then in 2019 his arm got fatigued, he had a ton of arm surgeries and hasn't stayed healthy since. Does he have anything left?</p><p>I think about some of the other guys who've turned out like this. Corey Kluber famously struggled with injuries after his peak, and recently called it quits. Luis Severino had an excellent start but he's more careful than he's ever been now. James Paxton only showed up in Boston for a portion of his two year deal, but the stuff that appeared was excellent. And similarly, Sale's 2023 material was pretty solid, striking out 125 in 100 innings. But, ultimately, he got injured and was out in most of the second half. </p><p>I find it very funny that Sale is using a Spring Training stint to prove he's got it, because that's exactly what he was up to last year. I saw him start a game last spring, he looked pretty damn good actually, could still strike people out. But we don't know at what point Sale's arm is gonna tell him to stop. He's actually looked even better this spring, proving that the Braves knew something in snatching him for some small pieces. </p><p>People, at the time of the deal, called Sale a killswitch piece for the Braves, as he provided back rotation security behind Morton, Fried, Elder and Strider. But not only is Sale something of an injury liability, you have to think about Morton, who is 40, and Fried, who fought injuries through most of last season. And then you have to think about the next Chris Sale; Spencer Strider started 32 games last season, won 20 of them and struck out a league-leading 281. He will be 25 this season, and the hope is that he's able to replicate this without getting injured. But is this too much to ask, even for someone as talented as Strider? </p><p>I mean, if nobody gets injured, this rotation could bring them to October. But that's a big if, especially in 2024-era MLB, where everyone has to throw hard. Hell, the Braves have already seen two organizational phenom pitchers, Michael Soroka and Ian Anderson, completely lose their footing due to throwing out their arms. And that's the plan they seem to be going with for this year, just have everybody keep throwing really hard and hope it works. There needs to be some sort of whistleblowing thing that proves to clubs that this isn't a sustainable practice, though I doubt that'd even happen.</p><p>For now, we just have to hope that Chris Sale can have a solid comeback season without getting injured yet again. Though if the uniforms stay this troublesome, maybe he'll want to miss time...</p>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874636239832076438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7629281127274459200.post-47476484577055312862024-03-02T17:08:00.003-05:002024-03-02T17:08:53.893-05:00Prolonging the Inevitable<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWKBwzxEKTBVmto-Z6I2g-9RxLcJFeqBp4AmUvp8p4OS4pH75Ig93PwKN1li_K2PAZvWOCLEyRd5Fxxnb-HDM96Bvjgl8KeaZq0dW7OZduen4WDqHUo_1_9ZB7lY-z5sWaum6SM4jIM3FoLSqqX17oig0XMlq4OEfuGc4LTqNBqWCU7goUc9StajbFCio/s695/Yamamoto%2096CC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="493" data-original-width="695" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWKBwzxEKTBVmto-Z6I2g-9RxLcJFeqBp4AmUvp8p4OS4pH75Ig93PwKN1li_K2PAZvWOCLEyRd5Fxxnb-HDM96Bvjgl8KeaZq0dW7OZduen4WDqHUo_1_9ZB7lY-z5sWaum6SM4jIM3FoLSqqX17oig0XMlq4OEfuGc4LTqNBqWCU7goUc9StajbFCio/w476-h338/Yamamoto%2096CC.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>The theme of this MLB offseason was clearly money. How to spend it, when to spend it, how to flex how much of it you have. The most intriguing developments of the offseason involved either the Dodgers spending hundreds of millions on Ohtani and Yamamoto and deferring contract payment, or the Orioles being bought by someone willing to spend money and secure players, or the Brewers signing Jackson Chourio to an extension before he even plays a game in Milwaukee. A year after the biggest development of the offseason was...well, the owners refusing to move an inch on concessions to the players' union, it's definitely a change of pace that some of the most talented players in the game are getting their money's worth, and then some [at the expense of the quality of uniforms, perhaps, but still..]</p><p>And yet here we are, less than a month before the season is to begin, and three of the biggest free agents on the table still haven't signed. Coincidentally, they're all represented by the same agent, the ever-slick and ever-infuriating Scott Boras, who has spent the offseason pumping Blake Snell, Matt Chapman, Cody Bellinger and J.D. Martinez up to believe they deserve hundreds of millions and long term deals, all while the teams they are negotiating with aren't at all willing to fork over that kind of money for these kinds of players. The stalemates are even more infuriating when you consider that one of these players, Snell, just won a Cy Young and is considered one of the most valuable pitchers in the game, and another, Bellinger, is coming off an excellent comeback season and deserves a higher payday. </p><p>Like the strike, there can be criticisms of both sides. You know, 'how dare the owners be conservative and not want to win', of course people will say something like that. But Boras is, at the end of the day, a salesman, and there's this belief that his years of overselling and overpoaching has infuriated the owners, and they've all become more stubborn, and more deliberate, in dealing with him specifically. Some of this has nothing to do with the players; as we found out last night, the Giants were going to sign Matt Chapman regardless of how long it'd take. It was just the price that Boras and Chapman were asking for wasn't at all what the Giants were planning on, especially considering that they'd just taken on Jung Ho Lee AND Jorge Soler. The same thing happened with Cody Bellinger; everybody knew that Bellinger would re-sign with the Cubs, and the fact that it took three extra months for the two parties to agree on a dollar amount is kind of sad. Yes, they got a deal together, even if it was less than Bellinger arguably deserves, but now Bellinger is in camp and catching up to be ready by Opening Day.</p><p>And that's the main problem I have with Boras' holdouts. Yes, you can condition all you want in your own training facilities and do whatever conditioning and individual prep you want but there is a direct correlation between arriving late to Spring Training and underwhelming regular season statistics. I think of the two holdouts of the 2019 season- Josh Donaldson eventually caved and signed with Atlanta, and his numbers, while fine, were the beginning of a career downturn for the former MVP. Craig Kimbrel waited until the season had already begun to sign with Chicago, and by that point he was looking at a truncated season anyway, the quality of which was, understandably, shaky. Even last year Carlos Correa was a later addition to the Twins' roster, and while he had some cool moments, you could tell he was still a bit thrown off for a lot of the year. </p><p>That is what worries me about all four of these guys. Their offseason limbo has spread to spring training, and the clock is ticking on how much actual prep time they're gonna get before somebody hands them the ball. Blake Snell clearly wants to pitch in the Bronx, and there's clearly space for him in the rotation, but he's gonna have to accept a smaller, shorter deal if he wants to cut to the chase and sign where everyone is expecting him to sign [I suppose he could sign with the Angels as well but I have no idea why he'd want to do that]. J.D. Martinez is either gonna sign with the Mets or the Tigers I think, and I don't think he's willing to accept that it's wiser to go with a 2 year, inexpensive deal, seeing as he's turning 37 this year and exiting his prime period. I assume there's at least one more week of stubbornness that all parties will allow Boras before this becomes a problem, though the recent signings of Bellinger and Chapman do point to something happening very soon with both players.</p><p>There's always going to be something inherently wrong with the structure of baseball. Scott Boras is thankfully a 'something wrong' that can be helped, I think. It's just gonna take players realizing that he's not the answer. </p><p><br /></p><p>As for Yamamoto and Ohtani in LA? I really hope both of them pan out the way the Dodgers want them to. I look at last season, and how there was an entire pitching rotation that cratered because none of them stayed healthy, and I worry it could happen again, especially considering that Yoshinobu Yamamoto is a Japanese pitcher acclimating to US hitters. I know it's easy to root against the Dodgers, but I kinda want this to work solely because a team with Ohtani, Freeman and Betts would be cool if it won everything. Not sure if it will, but it'd be cool.</p>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874636239832076438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7629281127274459200.post-50775212428427513492024-02-09T11:39:00.000-05:002024-02-09T11:39:19.925-05:00Fifteens<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQrVOn4sGUNO_phFZqRPka12Gv1iwVSMVypI5YK6xhScB_xn64XxGTCebBs5PLLQgJE4NRekT-c77moJkhEKXUlJASE3VXdx4bJga7OJz32pgIvtTyCqhjbhsKnSvlPg1ugjTz3-sWAa1befMe43myUdt0biIf6B3BHOUJ_QF1pGNPoWBkQ2GBrsInpPs/s1046/Scan%201.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1046" data-original-width="774" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQrVOn4sGUNO_phFZqRPka12Gv1iwVSMVypI5YK6xhScB_xn64XxGTCebBs5PLLQgJE4NRekT-c77moJkhEKXUlJASE3VXdx4bJga7OJz32pgIvtTyCqhjbhsKnSvlPg1ugjTz3-sWAa1befMe43myUdt0biIf6B3BHOUJ_QF1pGNPoWBkQ2GBrsInpPs/w474-h640/Scan%201.jpeg" width="474" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This whole thing goes back to devotion. The whole story. The whole blog. Everything. If no one was devoted then none of this happens. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My grandfather was devoted to this hobby. Devoted is one word. Obsessed. This is a man who prospected in the 1980s and stockpiled copies of XRCs of people he thought was going to make it. Hundreds of 1987 Topps Mark McGwires. Hundreds of 1987 Topps Traded Benito Santiago. Dozens of Jeff Musselmans, Kevin Seitzers, John Smileys. Even if he was wrong he was going to be devoted to being wrong. And all of that goes back to his childhood, picking up the original 40s Bowman square cards. Taking home premier issues of players like Bob Lemon, Snuffy Stirnweiss, and, yes, Yogi Berra. If he didn't have that Berra as the centerpiece of his collection he wouldn't keep chasing the dragon. He did this with coins as well. And we found out that the coins were worth...something, but not an enormous amount. A lot like the Berra 48. But that's never getting sold.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's been over fifteen years since my grandfather passed. One of the reasons I started this blog is him. Because if he were still kicking he'd be giving me ideas on a daily basis for posts. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think a lot about how I constantly strive to fit into communities I find. I had a lot of experience being the weird outsider to a lot of social groups I'd encountered [and yes, I do realize that I still fall into this category in the blogosphere], and I learned that I needed to affix myself to the expected behaviors by watching how people around me acted and sort of modeling that. Once you know what the expectation is it's easier to meld yourself to it. To this day I'm doing this. The difference is that now I know at what point it's alright to do my own thing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I first discovered the baseball card blogosphere in 2008, I spent many mornings just inputting information and accumulating as much knowledge of the people, the expectations, the formatting, the audience. At this point the top blogs were Wax Heaven, The Baseball Card Blog, Cardboard Junkie, A Cardboard Problem, Stale Gum, Thorzul Will Rule and, though a newer blog by that point, Night Owl Cards. I got a sense of how they write, how they used pictures, how they talked about current products and older products, when they talked about themselves. More importantly, how they used humor- this was 2008, around the time that Topps was relying on gimmicks and short printed cards to set themselves apart from their competitors, and the public outcry in reaction to these was, at times, more entertaining than the cards themselves. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I say this because I wouldn't be doing this blog had it not been for all of these people who've influenced me. Chris, Dayf, Mario, Bill, Marck, James, Drew, Nick, Sooz, Greg, Ryan, other Chris. Countless others. A lot of whom I still talk to on Twitter or Bluesky. Many of which have stopped writing. I just wanted to be like you guys. 13-year-old me just seeing these guys embroiled in my own hobby, posting pictures of stuff they've accumulated just by making social bonds, it seemed like a leveling up. And it's nice to be even a small part of a group forged by people like that.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I started this blog 15 years ago today. When I think of the number 15, I think of Thurman Munson. My dad's all-time favorite player. He was a first baseman but he wanted to hit like Munson. Got his heart broken 45 years ago. I felt some heartbreak when Roy Halladay passed but you can't even compare this. Munson was the Yankees in the 70s. There's a reason people still talk about him, make cards of him, bring him up as a Hall of Fame possibility, because he was the central force behind those great Yankee teams, and a .300-hitting catcher in an era where that still meant something. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My dad got to watch Munson in 3 straight World Series' when he was a kid. And then I grew up to see Derek Jeter in the World Series for 4 straight years. My dad collected Munson cards. I collected Jeter cards, and Munson ones as well. My collection is the accumulation of three generations of collectors doing their own thing. Which explains the extent.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I started the blog, I had no idea what I was going to write about. Maybe go to card shows and post what I got. Maybe open packs and post the results. Maybe talk about baseball things. In 15 years, the blog has just become me posting custom cards on a bi-daily basis and choosing those moments to talk about baseball things and hopefully have decent analysis. There's a lot of bloggers who pack more quality into sporadic posts, whereas I go for 2 posts a day and hope that at least one of them is good. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think I still like what I do. If anything, it's my way of keeping up with baseball knowledge on a daily basis. I have no trouble talking to people about baseball now, I can pull up players that came out of the woodwork and became great pieces. Admittedly it has less to do with reading the stats off the back of a card and more to do with checking baseball reference dot com and tracking a player's season from the point they burst onto a team's WAR leaderboard. But I can definitely hold my own talking to people about sports. It's odd, because the rest of my interests are more...nerdy and niche. And this is the big popular mainstream work bro thing I'm into. Y'know, baseball's a great unifier. If it helps me fit in, so be it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's wild that I've been doing this for fifteen years. I didn't think I'd make it past 2 or 3. But y'know, if you get into enough of a routine with something you just keep doing it. Especially if it's free.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The only thing is that fifteen years into this blog I've been caught at a really weird time. For collecting, for baseball, for my life. I'm still in between jobs and trying to find work where I can, and that has led to me not buying cards as much in the past year or so. I've found time to save up and get stuff, but it's been less frequent. Cards aren't on the shelves as often when I'm at Target, products are more streamlined than ever, and I'm worried the joy is leaving the hobby for me. I mean, I think it's a universal feeling, but from what I'm getting from all of you, you stick with it because you can't quit at it now. And that's where I think I'm at with collecting. I can't not collect cards. I don't know what I'd be if I stopped. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To give you an idea of where I'm at, I gave up soda last year. Wasn't doing wonders for my throat, the caffeine isn't great for you anyhow. I used to have one a day in college. But I cut it out last year, and now I average one a month. Soda right now is cheaper than baseball cards, but it's more addictive and more carcinogenic. There hasn't been a case of somebody getting cancer from collecting too many baseball cards, not since they stopped selling them in cigarette cases. It just takes up space and costs too much money and doesn't spark as much joy as it used to. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I started collecting in 2007, a year where you could get a blaster of Topps that had 10 packs for 10 dollars. Now you pay 20 dollars and get like 7 packs. The CEOs won and the creativity is mostly gone. But I still want to keep collecting. The same reason I keep going for jobs, or keep writing, or keep doing things I love. Because it's gotta get better eventually, right? It has to. Everything has to balance out, swing back down to earth and all. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've been seriously thinking about the future of the blog in the last 6 months or so. There were a lot of nights where I hammered out my two posts and thought to myself 'do I have anything left?' Or 'am I doing this just to amuse myself at this point?'. In September, the blog had its highest amount of page views, with over 92,000 in that month. At the same time, you look at the analytics, and most of the blog's views are coming from Singapore and China, meaning I have no idea how many people are reading this blog because they like baseball cards. The bot-ification of the internet has diluted a lot of online areas, especially the blogosphere. I have no idea if analytics actually mean anything anymore. People are reading, yeah, but it's not 2009 anymore. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Kinda sucks that the peak of the blogosphere was the period where I was 13 or 14 years old and I didn't know how to really do analysis yet, but hey, you live and you learn.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But yeah, I've been mulling it over a lot. That's probably why I haven't posted much since the end of the season. That and I've been working on other projects. But I think I am gonna keep the blog going, keep making customs and all that. Mostly for my own sake but also because I know the blog does have a decent enough readership. And because I'm gonna be kicking myself if I don't get to make customs of, like, Shohei as a Dodger, or Soto as a Yankee or any of that. Or Votto wherever he signs. This is fun for me, it's how I tell the story of a baseball season. As a bonus, other people seem to enjoy it as well. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thank you for sticking around these 15 years, and for helping inspire me to keep at it. I hope I can give you some more decent years. I still enjoy writing the blog. I still enjoy making content. It's difficult sometimes with everything that's going on, but this helps me get by. I'll keep it going as long as it continues to do so. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've run Mint Condition for 15 years. More than half of my entire life. More than I've consistently done anything else. I wouldn't do something for 15 years if it wasn't at least a little bit worth it. </div><p></p>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874636239832076438noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7629281127274459200.post-86628477859061781652024-01-23T08:36:00.196-05:002024-01-23T08:36:00.128-05:00My Unofficial 2024 Baseball Hall of Fame Ballot<p> This Hall of Fame year is the kind of one I'd known was on the horizon for a couple years. Because we've had a couple 'I guess it's just this guy' years in a row now. Obviously 2021, where nobody got in, and then we've just had years where people who'd been on there for a while, like Scott Rolen, pop in and a lot of people settle around 60%. After 2019, where a bunch of people got in, we haven't had many overwhelming HOF classes. And this year has the potential to be one.</p><p>It's not quite certain how many people are in. My guess is there's three that are probably in, and maybe two more that have the potential to sneak in if the other half of the votes go their way. And with virtually every last one of these ballot members being people I grew up watching, or was blogging in their heyday, it's a pretty big year for the Hall of Fame. Also, considering that next year could be an even bigger year with two surefire inductees and three with really intriguing cases [not counting the two holdovers from this year that I think are future HOFers anyway], we might be seeing an influx of great players heading to Cooperstown in the next stretch. </p><p>So the way the 2024 voting goes is very important. This could be the first of many big HOF years. So it's very exciting writing this post, even if it doesn't mean anything.</p><p>As per usual, I'm adhering to the BBWAA standards, meaning I'm limited to 10 names. I'm not sure if I'll do a full 10, but there's a lot of borderline cases that are now looking a lot more legit. </p><p>So here are the names I'm going with, and the people on this ballot that I would vote for Hall of Fame enshrinement this year:</p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Bobby Abreu</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Even 5 years into his eligibility for HOF enshrinement, Bobby Abreu has just been unlucky. With so many other cases that have come from the background in, like Edgar Martinez, Scott Rolen, Larry Walker, and now people like Andruw Jones and Billy Wagner, there hasn't been much room for Abreu's case to be discussed. I think it's a phenomenal case, as his prime years were electric for baseball. Abreu's one of five non-steroid-abusing players on this ballot with a career WAR over 60, and a lot of that is thanks to his Phils run, where he gathered 47.2 WAR, more than 8 ballot members' career totals, and hit .303 with 1474 hits. Nobody came close to him as a contact bat or as a defender. I think his post-31 numbers sour the case for many people, but [like another Phillie on here] no one can deny the power he was capable of in his prime. He's got 5 more years for people to catch on, and I really hope they do.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Team of Induction: Philadelphia Phillies</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Odds of 2024 Induction: 20 to 1</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Odds of Eventual Induction: 10 to 1</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><b>Carlos Beltran</b></div><div>The way Beltran has been polling on preexisting ballots, it's looking like the Astros scandal is enough to give him a handicap for the foreseeable future. Yet I still think Beltran's a Hall of Famer. It's different from the steroids guys, because the primes of their careers were affected by cheating, and Beltran started cheating right at the very end. You take the 2017 season out of the equation when dissecting Carlos Beltran's numbers, first of all his career WAR raises to 70.9. Secondly, his career batting average raises to .281. You can't exactly make fun subtractions like that with Bonds and Clemens without sacrificing MLB seasons and record-breaking years. What's one age-40 season? Beltran was still one of the best hitters in the game during the 2000s, was a hero for the Mets and Cardinals, and was a power bat even into his late 30s. I think he deserves to be in, and at the same time, the cold shoulder most sportswriters are giving him right now is still warranted. <br /><b>Team of Induction: New York Mets</b><br /><b>Odds of 2024 Induction: 7 to 1</b></div><div><b>Odds of Eventual Induction: 5 to 1</b></div><div><br /><b>Adrian Beltre</b></div><div>Every Hall of Fame roster deserves a sure bet, and this is 2024s: Adrian Beltre is a member of the 3000 hit club, was 23 home runs away from 500, led the league in hits, doubles and homers at multiple points in his career, had all of his All Star Game appearances come after his 30th birthday, never struck out more than 120 times, won both a gold glove AND a silver slugger at 32, and has a 93.5 WAR. Beltre's in. Everybody knows it, nobody's disputing it. It's just a matter of how close he gets to 100.</div><div><b>Team of Induction: Texas Rangers</b></div><div><b>Odds of 2024 Induction: Even</b></div><div><b>Odds of Eventual Induction: Evener</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Bartolo Colon</b></div><div>Every year I allow myself one guy who I know is gonna fall right off the ballot that I put up for vanity reasons. This year, and this shouldn't shock you, it is Bartolo Colon. He's not a Hall of Famer, we all know it. But goddamn, the fact that a player like him pitched into his late 40s and was a strong rotation option despite being twice the age of many of his teammates--that is an incredible story and I couldn't help but love it. Colon has the most strikeouts, and the second-most wins, of anyone on the ballot, as well as, unsurprisingly, the most innings pitched. The man may only get like 3 votes this year, but if Bartolo Colon has a million fans, I'm one of 'em, and if he has one fan, it's me.</div><div><b>Team of Induction: Cleveland Guardians</b></div><div><b>Odds of 2024 Induction: 10,000 to 1</b></div><div><b>Odds of Eventual Induction: 75 to 1</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Todd Helton</b></div><div>Todd Helton on the Hall of Fame ballot, much like his Rockies teammate Larry Walker, was just going to be a matter of when the support would show up. From early numbers on this year's ballot, it's looking like it's finally here. Last year Helton was a good 3% away from induction, and he's been building a case for the last few years. I think he deserves the extra attention, Helton was easily one of the best hitters in the game during the 2000s. When the Rockies made a World Series in 2007, Helton was the star, and he led the charge [along with fellow ballot member Matt Holliday, who deserves more votes than he will be getting]. Helton has 2500+ hits, 350+ homers, and a career .316 average, the highest on the ballot. Helton was an unmistakable presence on those Rockies teams of the 2000s, and his contact numbers should help ring in a very contact-heavy HOF class.</div><div><b>Team of Induction: Colorado Rockies</b></div><div><b>Odds of 2024 Induction: 3 to 1</b></div><div><b>Odds of Eventual Induction: 2 to 1</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Andruw Jones</b></div><div>Andruw Jones is next in line. Once Sheffield, Helton and possibly Wagner come off the ballot, the sportswriters will be less distracted by other cases in waiting, and actually focus on Jones' numbers. It's something that's been cooking for a while, as Jones pulled 58% on last year's ballot, and looks to pull into the 60s this year. The writeup remains the same: Andruw Jones' career drop-off was ludicrous, but his prime material was incredible. Between 1997 and 2006, Jones hit 337 homers, 1010 RBIs, and 1553 hits, all while playing in World Series', making several ASG appearances, and getting to 50 homers in a season. There have been plenty of Hall of Famers with staggering career dropoffs [Roberto Alomar, Jim Hunter, Jim Kaat], and many players who couldn't accomplish what Jones did in their prime. I think that Jones is a piece of those 90s/00s Braves teams that made them even more of a weapon, and even with Glavine, Maddux, Smoltz, McGriff and Chipper in, Andruw belongs as well, even if it's probably another year away.</div><div><b>Team of Induction: Atlanta Braves</b></div><div><b>Odds of 2024 Induction: 9 to 1</b></div><div><b>Odds of Eventual Induction: 6 to 1</b></div><div><br /><b>Joe Mauer</b></div><div>It's funny, I wasn't sure going into this year if Joe Mauer would be a guy that sportswriters would catch onto. Yeah, great catcher, strong defender who could hit for average, but, like with many others, I thought that the lack of career longevity would turn people away. Judging by how Mauer's been polling so far, this doesn't seem to be much of an issue. Mauer's peak years are pretty incredible, including three seasons where he led the league in average, and that MVP season where he hit .365. Even with an age-35 retirement, Mauer hit 2123 hits and finished with a .306 average. From 2006 to 2010 he had 28.9 WAR, which is a pretty incredible stretch for a catcher. Really, other than Buster Posey, you will not find many great offense-heavy catchers on the ballot anytime soon. Power-hitting catchers maybe, as Victor Martinez is on this one, but Mauer was multi-faceted, versatile, resilient and a perfectly likable baseball guy. I saw him rehabbing for Rochester once and even then he seemed humble as hell. If people are saying he should be in, sure! Why not? Didn't think it'd come this easily.</div><div><b>Team of Induction: Minnesota Twins</b></div><div><b>Odds of 2024 Induction: 5 to 2</b></div><div><b>Odds of Eventual Induction: 2 to 1</b></div><div><br /><b>Jimmy Rollins</b></div><div>Aside from Colon, this is probably the biggest stretch on here. Rollins doesn't have the full career wow of his fellow Phils on the ballot. All Rollins was was just a solid, consistent shortstop with base-running perks and the occasional monster, MVP-caliber season. Like Mauer, though, Rollins was a role model in the clubhouse and a stand-up guy that everyone loved playing with, and that smile added to his stats, including 2455 hits and 470 steals. The odd part is, we're in an era of HOF ballots where there aren't a ton of true classic infielders coming up. It's loads of corner guys right now, the next few infielders to get in will likely be 1st basemen and 3rd basemen. The only other middle infielders on right now are guys that won't get in [Phillips, Reyes] and guys I never want to vote for again [Vizquel]. Thereby, Jimmy Rollins and his former battery partner are the best remaining middle infielders on the ballot. How wild is that? I think the other guy is a surer shot, but I will keep voting for Rollins until I can no longer do so.</div><div><b>Team of Induction: Philadelphia Phillies</b></div><div><b>Odds of 2024 Induction: 30 to 1</b></div><div><b>Odds of Eventual Induction: 15 to 1</b></div><div><br /><b>Chase Utley</b></div><div>Chase Utley's Hall of Fame case is surprisingly strong. From 2005 to 2010, Utley is one of the most valuable players in baseball, in the same league as Albert Pujols, Alex Rodriguez, Tim Lincecum, Miguel Cabrera and Johan Santana. In this stretch, Utley sports a 45.5 WAR. Albert Pujols only has 7 more in that stretch. Also in that prime block, Utley has 992 hits, 162 homers, 572 RBIs and a .298 average. Ryan Howard was the face of the 2000s Phillies teams, but Chase Utley was probably the better player, as he not only hit like a champ but was a delight to watch at 2nd, which explains why he was a 6-time All-Star. People may keep him out of the Hall for a bit due to his heel turn with the Dodgers, and his bloodthirsty play specifically against the Mets, but Utley may be one of the best 2nd basemen of all time, and one of the sole reasons why the 2008 Phillies went all the way. I think Utley will get in eventually, but I don't think anyone is expecting his numbers to make as much sense for the Hall as they do.</div><div><b>Team of Induction: Philadelphia Phillies</b></div><div><b>Odds of 2024 Induction: 12 to 1</b></div><div><b>Odds of Eventual Induction: 4 to 1</b></div><div><br /><b>Billy Wagner</b></div><div>I've gone back and forth on Wagner. Yes, his stats are incredible, he was one of the best closers in the game from 1997 from 2008, but to the earlier standard I felt like he wasn't much more than just...a solid career closer. And then the last year or so made it clear how fricking rare that is these days. Who's the next closer that deserves Hall of Fame induction after Wagner? Craig Kimbrel? Kenley Jansen? There's nobody who's been completely ironclad in the ninth due to the expansion of bullpens and the rise of more variable relief specialists. And that makes what Wagner did all the more impressive, even if he did make some enemies as he went on. Wagner saved 422 games and rarely had runs scored off of him. He was consistent, reliable, nasty and extremely hard to get the best of. And when a lot of closers have gotten 40 saves while blowing a ton more, Wagner, even down to his last year, was notching 40 saves and leaving with a 1.43 ERA. I think that somebody like Wagner, a consistent closer whose prime was squarely in the 2000s, is a rare breed, and should be inducted because of it. It's not 100% locked in for 2024, but I think he will get in.</div><div><b>Team of Induction: Houston Astros</b></div><div><b>Odds of 2024 Induction: 5 to 1</b></div><div><b>Odds of Eventual Induction: 3 to 1</b></div><div><br /></div><div>I think 3 guys get in this year. Beltre, Helton and Mauer. Perhaps Wagner sneaks in. But I think it'll be a solid bunch that readies the field for what's coming next year. </div>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874636239832076438noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7629281127274459200.post-79870820906491350222024-01-05T15:19:00.001-05:002024-01-05T15:19:30.123-05:00Contract Offloading With a Purpose<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih9rt-a09qv7C3qIbw6RYmTSLud6eYyShPIgngdHFHZiif8BTv8y3xzu6TiCGLzfZg62v08fcsS0Lz2zhxKsIbvyKRuBks_tJr-OorKBIxGoQgv4V8sf2ZSvyA57njMOU6JEQaHs-oIoHe3LsaUdTB7103OHpTA3F3yJ7OGPZO2y_f46pJOGGzSZeHa8s/s702/Ray%2089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="488" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih9rt-a09qv7C3qIbw6RYmTSLud6eYyShPIgngdHFHZiif8BTv8y3xzu6TiCGLzfZg62v08fcsS0Lz2zhxKsIbvyKRuBks_tJr-OorKBIxGoQgv4V8sf2ZSvyA57njMOU6JEQaHs-oIoHe3LsaUdTB7103OHpTA3F3yJ7OGPZO2y_f46pJOGGzSZeHa8s/s320/Ray%2089.jpg" width="222" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGTGAGBIQgVjZXsFUipFIU5fhjEvXFemmFPArqT4GALbHEMqRseIisOHZSaxzDWEs0xwxYebdqUkpwh8QsYPgNyqQ4ESUpLh-UjOkIV3xTOCIkYp6Zp-bgfEaLkNZdopvBRCr8qItuTkl7r2U0s3oOqctorypWJkIMuEqxsUv-7YwjgoarrK1s3FO1OsI/s698/Haniger%2081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="492" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGTGAGBIQgVjZXsFUipFIU5fhjEvXFemmFPArqT4GALbHEMqRseIisOHZSaxzDWEs0xwxYebdqUkpwh8QsYPgNyqQ4ESUpLh-UjOkIV3xTOCIkYp6Zp-bgfEaLkNZdopvBRCr8qItuTkl7r2U0s3oOqctorypWJkIMuEqxsUv-7YwjgoarrK1s3FO1OsI/s320/Haniger%2081.jpg" width="226" /></a></div></div><br />It had to have been an easy conversation between the GMs of the Mariners and the Giants. "Listen...I paid too much for a guy that always gets injured, YOU paid two much for some guys that always get injured...why don't we make our lives easier there?" And that's why I can sort of get behind the logic that sends Robbie Ray to San Francisco in exchange for Mitch Haniger and Anthony Desclafani. <p></p><p>First of all, the biggest exclamation point for Mariners fans is 'hey, Haniger's back!' The hard-hitting outfielder provided his best work in Mariners colors, and despite constantly getting off to a great start then immediately getting injured, a presence like that was sorely missed in 2023. Meanwhile, Giants fans got...a guy who has a great start then immediately gets injured. They hadn't exactly been missing that in Evan Longoria's absence. Putting Haniger back in Seattle is good for all involved parties, because he clearly likes it there, and the fans really like him. It also solves a problem the Mariners caused themselves by trading away too many outfielders, as now that Kelenic and probably Teoscar are gone, they have outfield space that Haniger can now fill. It's a very feel good, 'this is how it should have been all along' sort of move.</p><p>The 'Disco for Ray' thing is where things get a bit harder to understand.</p><p>Trading away Robbie Ray in itself, while on the surface a little baffling, does make sense. As strong as Robbie Ray was in 2022, he was a no-show last year, meaning that the M's had to rely on so many young options to fill the void. Luckily they figured out a really strong rotation schematic by the end of the year, going with Luis Castillo, Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, Bryce Miller and Bryan Woo. Five young, strong, controllable arms that were consistent through the last third of the season. Going into a 2024 with those options AND Emerson Hancock AND Robbie Ray, obviously someone would be sitting out. And this move indicates that the M's would either trade Ray to somewhere less crowded than demote Woo or Miller to keep a veteran on top. It's an efficient, cost-cutting move that makes a ton of sense. </p><p>Now, the part that's a little baffling is what they're gonna do with Anthony Desclafani. Disco is a great pitcher, but he's been even more injury prone than Ray, is older than Ray, and less of a 'let's stick him ahead of the young kids' trap card. So now you just have another low man on the depth chart. Disco will basically be the Chris Flexen of the 2024 rotation- if he gets starts, it will be because of injuries to the young core. If not, he'll be a successful long man and a sturdy arm when he can get there. They're paying him a bit to BE a sixth man, but I think it's the most efficient way through this.</p><p>As for Robbie Ray in SF? Honestly, that fit might be the best one of this whole trade. The Giants need to build a rotation that isn't relying too much on Logan Webb, they have people like Kyle Harrison and Keaton Winn working their way up, and aside from Webb and Cobb, they don't have many sure things for the rotation. With Robbie Ray back at 100% hopefully, despite the uncertainty of him being ready for Opening Day, the Giants now have another proven starting weapon that can, hopefully, give you 32 starts and keep you rolling all year long. It takes the pressure off of Webb, and it begins to build this team back as the vets begin to leave. </p><p>Some of the pieces will likely fall into place, but this Giants-Mariners deal actually makes a lot of sense. Now, this Jose Caballero for Luke Raley thing? A team with too many DHs trading for a DH and a team with too many .150 hitting defensive middle infielders trading for a [slightly better] hitting defensive middle infielder? THAT doesn't make a lick of sense. </p>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874636239832076438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7629281127274459200.post-48652040470164493612023-12-31T09:05:00.075-05:002023-12-31T09:05:00.129-05:00Uncustomed Heroes of 2023: Yankees<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicFVAAUGnFokoaGsiStWkqE_hK1Lnwjd0EzmunYCx1saxSyKeSYv7Yw0N6FVZ_ogn_ZJLk3mYIT1mXQAkO1BeJcyL9bNG0CjsIozU6cI6NYmthYVuwyA2dmZCbyoaQY_iOv1oRMjg5-_u5Y7AfSBTqDShEoV1eAZDwk1xhnb32rGry1wI-wnLOrm-tkfY/s701/Stanton%2070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="493" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicFVAAUGnFokoaGsiStWkqE_hK1Lnwjd0EzmunYCx1saxSyKeSYv7Yw0N6FVZ_ogn_ZJLk3mYIT1mXQAkO1BeJcyL9bNG0CjsIozU6cI6NYmthYVuwyA2dmZCbyoaQY_iOv1oRMjg5-_u5Y7AfSBTqDShEoV1eAZDwk1xhnb32rGry1wI-wnLOrm-tkfY/w281-h400/Stanton%2070.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>The good news is that the 2023 Yankees finished above .500.<p></p><p>Everything else is gonna be what people take away from this season. Poorly-timed injuries, people worth hundreds of millions of dollars not playing to their worth, a guy pitching a perfect game and then getting another domestic abuse suspension, and the single most prized prospect in the organization coming up for 10 games and then immediately needing surgery. That is the 2023 Yankees: tragedy on multiple levels.</p><p>There was a lot that went well for the Yanks this year, including a monster season from Gerrit Cole, an impressive rookie year from Anthony Volpe, 37 homers from Judge even in a shortened season, and the knowledge that Juan Soto will be suiting up for us in 2024. But there was a lot of misery, and we had to stomach that.</p><p>All I can say is that if you think being a Yankee fan was hard this year, imagine having to root for either of the two football teams in addition. Unrelated, but go Birds.</p><div style="text-align: left;">Giancarlo Stanton essentially confirmed how ill-advised it was to take on a jekyll-or-hyde power machine or injury-prone goat for nearly a decade. He's had some nice years for us, but he's whittled away so much of his early promise, and now he's just taunting us. The good news is that I got to see Stanton hit 2 homers in person this year, including one of the most incredible long-shots I've ever seen. The bad news is that this is really all Stanton can do anymore. In 101 games, Stanton hit .191 with 24 homers and 60 RBIs, passable power numbers but knocked down by his inefficiency otherwise. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Because absolutely no one would expect it, a comeback year DHing.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-v1oUOnpGHv5uJf7OpkwfITOqCxmy2ZYY7FW8ED9c5cujlAuXGWGh8PEI-ZWT3VwfJATzwLnU7AZeJplkssnQSy7-u6bzOz9PUTojDHgULpQb2N-5YM30H-2nHo0QCUD53ecSlpGFj_eWExwUcZD54RDJ6bOz9MNgDlJMOpD1lRBq5zt4Tz6VBahXCr0/s697/Cortes%2082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="486" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-v1oUOnpGHv5uJf7OpkwfITOqCxmy2ZYY7FW8ED9c5cujlAuXGWGh8PEI-ZWT3VwfJATzwLnU7AZeJplkssnQSy7-u6bzOz9PUTojDHgULpQb2N-5YM30H-2nHo0QCUD53ecSlpGFj_eWExwUcZD54RDJ6bOz9MNgDlJMOpD1lRBq5zt4Tz6VBahXCr0/w279-h400/Cortes%2082.jpg" width="279" /></a></div>Nestor Cortes was coming off two excellent years starting for the Yankees, so it was only natural that he'd let us down. Cortes battled injuries all year, and only had 12 games up in the majors in between setbacks. He was decent in that period, with a 5-2 record, a 4.97 ERA and 67 Ks, but compared to his incredible 2022, it wasn't much.<div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Cortes is gonna have an excellent start for us, and make up for lost time, but something tells me that around July the rotation is gonna get crowded, and he might end up doing long relief work again.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_NNR0dIBLorWAYKXULHTHfYKXtT_CjhWmCLS0mNnqntP9QwW5oOdxAGDeowAGCKrcOScpJe7y9SNVv2RXu4uR8s-PQ2wif80RnBm4lV9gg41_U3YoBQ3tlie29SmjJ1_LyrAm4fEhsk4A8Bqg-6Q956BYVQ8yH2UEsznCLOaEU-_kcOLVdqyRNmLVblg/s697/Severino%2089F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="496" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_NNR0dIBLorWAYKXULHTHfYKXtT_CjhWmCLS0mNnqntP9QwW5oOdxAGDeowAGCKrcOScpJe7y9SNVv2RXu4uR8s-PQ2wif80RnBm4lV9gg41_U3YoBQ3tlie29SmjJ1_LyrAm4fEhsk4A8Bqg-6Q956BYVQ8yH2UEsznCLOaEU-_kcOLVdqyRNmLVblg/w285-h400/Severino%2089F.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>Luis Severino has been with the Yankees since 2015. I remember watching one of his first starts in a bar in Pt. Pleasant, NJ. He gave us an incredible pair of seasons in 2017 and 2018, threw out his arm and hasn't been the same since. 2023 was just another year of Sevvy trying to do what he did before and just not having it; in 19 games he had a 6.65 ERA, a 4-8 record and 79 Ks. He can still strike people out, but he's nowhere near as dominant as he was before the injuries, and he's yet another victim of young players throwing too hard too soon.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>He will get Mets fans excited for exactly 5 seconds.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdwaeHJWizTnIBgOzSD1WLtJVUI_5zbicC0qSdjn5zo_tjrKTE1zOfc92MlKRmdE02B1n-JW_9hcGQdrCFRCYNdjHc4H11ZXmHHSgpsLUlsAl2shCtNm3uTIHE1C25DqayZALWJQH2YPZGqOSxSJztlsMNWuGoNGbLLmgKTfrtRxm4JPUw5b5duNNTLk/s696/Holmes%2082D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="696" data-original-width="493" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdwaeHJWizTnIBgOzSD1WLtJVUI_5zbicC0qSdjn5zo_tjrKTE1zOfc92MlKRmdE02B1n-JW_9hcGQdrCFRCYNdjHc4H11ZXmHHSgpsLUlsAl2shCtNm3uTIHE1C25DqayZALWJQH2YPZGqOSxSJztlsMNWuGoNGbLLmgKTfrtRxm4JPUw5b5duNNTLk/w284-h400/Holmes%2082D.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>Clay Holmes, of all people, has become a pretty decent closing option for us. I never thought that somebody like Holmes, a career reliever who can work his way up a depth chart and hold the ninth, would take over for the line of career closers that was the Yankee 2010s. Holmes has done well for himself, and had another strong year in 2023, with a 2.86 ERA and 24 saves in 66 games.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>For the last year before free agency, Holmes will have his best relief year yet, and teams will overpay for him in 2025.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1bNdxTMfCQTz9t-rNGM2Sf6FZpRKpR9l67K3fKg7Es9INLw7m-88rP1wFkh-K1cYJUDWXfHSDN_6fGyLel4QCKhN5gifyGJyolGeAHW_PHpmTlWITB8DIQVXk2Sj4oGtE9S9pbRQ2g10c4TOAn0cTapOYiYhBFAiblkh8Egj_EORxlRmji8C1ekFPzw/s697/Higashioka%2084F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="491" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1bNdxTMfCQTz9t-rNGM2Sf6FZpRKpR9l67K3fKg7Es9INLw7m-88rP1wFkh-K1cYJUDWXfHSDN_6fGyLel4QCKhN5gifyGJyolGeAHW_PHpmTlWITB8DIQVXk2Sj4oGtE9S9pbRQ2g10c4TOAn0cTapOYiYhBFAiblkh8Egj_EORxlRmji8C1ekFPzw/w281-h400/Higashioka%2084F.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>Kyle Higashioka is a perfect portrait of the Yankees of the early 2020s: he was supposed to be our backup, but he's caught 242 games for us since 2021. Higgy is a perfectly acceptable catcher with some perks and some drawbacks. He wasn't great defensively this year, but he hit .236 with 10 homers and 34 RBIs, which isn't bad for a backup pressed into the starting spot.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Wouldn't it be funny if San Diego, after giving us Soto and possibly even Hader, has a Sanchez/Higgy catching platoon? I reckon Higgy will be the backup for the Padres, no matter who they get.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmuF7AUCo7g856dSAEcgJUD5kyFzXxruK568GzDOqVR9lUQHjVv8WavxryGzRQeAbth8ujpayNIoSfgaHOZkjw4lYnKNw7nG_70OmAXtULuoqCadPHrS9Jk9hoY0S7oPZSyEJV1p0N7qcKKqk8f4-MfPDFIyGAGp6Yi6U7pTMpIXhez8RCrNLbKqfEYYg/s701/Rodon%2091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="495" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmuF7AUCo7g856dSAEcgJUD5kyFzXxruK568GzDOqVR9lUQHjVv8WavxryGzRQeAbth8ujpayNIoSfgaHOZkjw4lYnKNw7nG_70OmAXtULuoqCadPHrS9Jk9hoY0S7oPZSyEJV1p0N7qcKKqk8f4-MfPDFIyGAGp6Yi6U7pTMpIXhez8RCrNLbKqfEYYg/w283-h400/Rodon%2091.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>Carlos Rodon was supposed to be one of the biggest exclamation points of the Yankees' 2023 season. Of course, because he threw harder and more accurately than ever in 2021 and 2022, he was injured going into this year, and only made 14 starts for us this year. In that stretch, he went 3-8 with a 6.85 ERA. In a rebuilding year for the Yankees, this was a recovery year for Rodon. The hope is that he can get back to where he was next year and we didn't just pull a Carl Pavano/James Paxton again.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>The 'that's more like it' season.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTO7vosDRNqEBjkoWcpvSL1DjgKUNqU-KNbjoQclKdOUs-PhfFmw1A7GvqMLaOxuN-eWTh0lzz11P2pokaDLPh3rxlorjJtoD0R7QEf7welu6vr9fL4py6F0ZaZzqO__EvdMi3v9ev5iuXLBo3XhiFPsj8bmMFq5xu1OECDoatz1mtnGkzfEWT4qsg08/s697/Wells%2089U.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="496" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTO7vosDRNqEBjkoWcpvSL1DjgKUNqU-KNbjoQclKdOUs-PhfFmw1A7GvqMLaOxuN-eWTh0lzz11P2pokaDLPh3rxlorjJtoD0R7QEf7welu6vr9fL4py6F0ZaZzqO__EvdMi3v9ev5iuXLBo3XhiFPsj8bmMFq5xu1OECDoatz1mtnGkzfEWT4qsg08/w285-h400/Wells%2089U.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>With Higgy starting, Trevino hurt and Rortvedt clearly not the answer, the Yankees went with a rookie for some Aug/Sept. games, that being organizational favorite Austin Wells. Like another Austin in Yankee history, Wells might be a lot of pomp for a perfectly acceptable backstop choice. In 19 games he hit .229 with 4 homers and 13 RBIs. Not a bad start, but the hope is that he builds on it.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Doesn't have the position to start the season, but definitely earns it as the season wraps up.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDWUgjhX_RBx6KPy_ARvQVoClbavmQYfArrj9L4w4V3qnntWcSoP8CjLVfPrujRTLIYBZdnnFRyGZJ49aQAYYWuuVEBFBsUbQCmtd72aWC8-TAsNrhxKRrxe3J4b9XU6Kh9BMl2HrLv3u0ssgKkhjXTUf5tMygwMyG-jZCwM12VAfDMrusNtKuepi88Y8/s695/Dominguez%2075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="472" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDWUgjhX_RBx6KPy_ARvQVoClbavmQYfArrj9L4w4V3qnntWcSoP8CjLVfPrujRTLIYBZdnnFRyGZJ49aQAYYWuuVEBFBsUbQCmtd72aWC8-TAsNrhxKRrxe3J4b9XU6Kh9BMl2HrLv3u0ssgKkhjXTUf5tMygwMyG-jZCwM12VAfDMrusNtKuepi88Y8/w271-h400/Dominguez%2075.jpg" width="271" /></a></div>And then there's this guy. The Martian. The guy that every Yankee fan has been waiting for since the story broke on how insane this guy is. Jasson Dominguez made waves in Spring Training, then in Scranton, and by August he was called up to start in the Bronx. When this happened I was floored--we were already out of contention pretty much, and they weren't even gonna save Jasson for next year? Alright then. The second Dominguez took the plate, I understood. In 8 games, Dominguez hit 4 home runs, and 7 RBIs. The 20-year-old looked like a hitting machine from the very beginning, and we all got so excited. And then, of course, Dominguez gets injured and might miss the majority of 2024. Which is so indicative of this season. We get 8 games of the future and then he gets yanked away.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Will make some late appearances, and will get right back to what he was doing this year. The Soto-Judge-Dominguez OF isn't far away, guys.<br /><p>And that was 2023. A wild, unpredictable year with a baseball story that thrilled me, and a lot of great players to keep me excited. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.</p><p>To all my readers, I wish you a happy and healthy 2024. I'm gonna, as usual, take a lot of January off. I'll be back when there's something to write about. You'll definitely see me back here around early February, there's a big milestone to celebrate. </p></div>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874636239832076438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7629281127274459200.post-91055024002059025712023-12-30T08:39:00.066-05:002023-12-30T08:39:00.128-05:00Uncustomed Heroes of 2023: White Sox<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHPY6HEO-tbsm9_eDYzDXXdDL0M99PDQ5h-z447TtghoZ4pnBGGLdLKTlmayJffDRSlN3e1FW-aKtI3w3hKecXe_iUR4U5Mxyrmnkxzivy2l5p_qlAbKTAzVUKh5RJ-ZS_Jhakt8EVMrNGqo4Mv9oB4y8Tjr8_M3OK0ChDM43BEWFQToxe2UZ2jBVIkAY/s701/Anderson%2091.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="493" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHPY6HEO-tbsm9_eDYzDXXdDL0M99PDQ5h-z447TtghoZ4pnBGGLdLKTlmayJffDRSlN3e1FW-aKtI3w3hKecXe_iUR4U5Mxyrmnkxzivy2l5p_qlAbKTAzVUKh5RJ-ZS_Jhakt8EVMrNGqo4Mv9oB4y8Tjr8_M3OK0ChDM43BEWFQToxe2UZ2jBVIkAY/w281-h400/Anderson%2091.jpg" width="281" /></a></div><p>For the Chicago White Sox, 2023 was where the dream ended.</p><p>The leadup to competition in 2019 was this joyous, exciting moment, where all the pieces the team had been building for years were leading to a strong team. In 2020, they made it to the playoffs thanks to a strong end to the regular season, but despite a strong postseason start from Lucas Giolito, were cut off at one series. In 2021 they won the AL Central easily and built a strong, formidable team that, despite being dwarfed by Boston and Houston, still seemed to hold promise heading into a postseason scenario; ultimately, Houston mopped the floor with them. By 2022, bad managerial decisions, injuries, aging veterans and career downturns led to the team missing the postseason, and letting centerpiece Jose Abreu leave in free agency. </p><p>And then this year, with their stars depleted, their youth strong but scattered, and their best assets given away at the deadline, the White Sox gave up. By the end of the season, it had been made clear that the team was moving on from its administrative regime, and had hired a new GM, a new president, and new people to build the team into something worthwhile, while also keeping Pedro Grifol for a reason that is still not entirely known to me. </p><div style="text-align: left;">If you want to know why the White Sox have fallen off, look to their marquee star from their peak, Tim Anderson. Anderson was stellar in his prime, hitting .300 every year and leading the league in batting average during the 2020 season. He was a slick, fun player that was the best summation of this team. He's ultimately become the best summation of this team at their worst, as when they're struggling, he's more ornery and his attitude shows up. Aside from his abysmal .245 average and -28 rBatting figure, in addition to awful defensive numbers, Anderson's foul mood polluted an already dampened Chicago environment, as his brawl with Jose Ramirez, the kind of guy who it's hard to truly dislike, didn't win him any favors with the modern fan.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Signs a one-year deal somewhere, like either Miami or Tampa at this rate, and rebounds while also continuing not to remind fans of his 2020-era peak.</div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45gb12txlkGf4oB928Hv9qVGwhI82pHKkYbcms9oCIgRghmmTp9svSXttgh8FnZX5jHv17B40uj_i0UIiAyx0BjcDusR42VbejEixuBG2oPmmk9RiNO3PAYg8YlnENA5v2SIfCxOSaCyisjsm8fw9X3ojl7Md2vVOu2kC-r0llW4PA6vwVTlQzER_xog/s701/Grandal%2085.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="495" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj45gb12txlkGf4oB928Hv9qVGwhI82pHKkYbcms9oCIgRghmmTp9svSXttgh8FnZX5jHv17B40uj_i0UIiAyx0BjcDusR42VbejEixuBG2oPmmk9RiNO3PAYg8YlnENA5v2SIfCxOSaCyisjsm8fw9X3ojl7Md2vVOu2kC-r0llW4PA6vwVTlQzER_xog/w283-h400/Grandal%2085.jpg" width="283" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Speaking of once-strong pieces who've fallen off, Yasmani Grandal had his second subpar season in a row for the Sox, completing his late-career collapse after a decade of hard work behind the plate. Even after hitting up a storm in 2021, Grandal was saddled with a .234 ERA this year, with 33 RBIs and 8 homers, and his defense is not what it was a decade ago. This was thankfully the last year of Grandal's contract, as the team can placate themselves with Martin Maldonado before an actual multi-dimensional organizational piece comes up.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>2024 Prediction: </b>DHs somewhere. I think his relevant numbers are over.</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirqi6cahZ78UDe_1pkVgHReZNKjUDbmhNCXoRaBBmsQyfq7ZdZPiqEEgo2rlXNFbravL89xTnLPiUOyIY4ZNey4HY4eDFNm8uayEYYNMR22J5_ru1DW7L8_gF1L3ftfO_hzm4vV9oYgkqHnUX1IlZeeTppSw_B8wxKNmXkV6ZWmA06BSdAvO3i4DkthIc/s700/Moncada%2093.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="495" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirqi6cahZ78UDe_1pkVgHReZNKjUDbmhNCXoRaBBmsQyfq7ZdZPiqEEgo2rlXNFbravL89xTnLPiUOyIY4ZNey4HY4eDFNm8uayEYYNMR22J5_ru1DW7L8_gF1L3ftfO_hzm4vV9oYgkqHnUX1IlZeeTppSw_B8wxKNmXkV6ZWmA06BSdAvO3i4DkthIc/w283-h400/Moncada%2093.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>Yoan Moncada arrived in Chicago in exchange for Chris Sale, and was one of the biggest prospects Boston could fork over. With all of the promise that he had, Moncada has a career WAR of 14, with two great seasons under his belt and a lot of injury-prone ones following them. This year was another one where Moncada got injured and tried his best to play catchup afterwards. In 92 games, he hit .262 with 11 homers and 40 RBIs.<div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Will finish the last year of his contract quietly, then end up as a spare part somewhere like Washington.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJ1e4BaQ35iVsESrYlzGMCabLgyujp2e8EOzX_gFcforzZ2msg-_6UefZPMRRHYhkp_TYDG7wk-2kXVKNkwrQSTh3fVWU4syrt4Y-B-_zGAL3ElCn5y4sN_3jfplmnWnwZa1k9hfirXmncKJy1vLMIwQT3JFIzP3DNpwVXpVQrU7txVMkYxo779CLfW4/s700/Sheets%2082F.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="494" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJ1e4BaQ35iVsESrYlzGMCabLgyujp2e8EOzX_gFcforzZ2msg-_6UefZPMRRHYhkp_TYDG7wk-2kXVKNkwrQSTh3fVWU4syrt4Y-B-_zGAL3ElCn5y4sN_3jfplmnWnwZa1k9hfirXmncKJy1vLMIwQT3JFIzP3DNpwVXpVQrU7txVMkYxo779CLfW4/w283-h400/Sheets%2082F.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>While Jake Burger broke big and found a ticket out of Chicago, his fellow young utility piece Gavin Sheets was left back here, trying to establish consistency in an OF role for the Sox. Sheets hit .203 with 10 homers and 43 RBIs, which wasn't much to give the fans a ton of confidence.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Will be on the cusp of starting when an unexpected homegrown outfielder takes the position from him.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXSDfE5z0ZdWIOCKbGO6zIhgUdQ287Ec-hOwNatoOYFT_ulVcQre8zqbhxYQm9g3zX1bq_ry_EUqqiJ8X_X6j80ZsZPmZRtfV5X1sOBqMeoh9DK0Jn7J5GcvtzQbYkmAJMECIVaD3veuiTQH0qKd5BqU6PMngJHDrwMZR1veQtYMHgZCSECSEaD5-ay5Q/s692/Colas%2086F.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="493" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXSDfE5z0ZdWIOCKbGO6zIhgUdQ287Ec-hOwNatoOYFT_ulVcQre8zqbhxYQm9g3zX1bq_ry_EUqqiJ8X_X6j80ZsZPmZRtfV5X1sOBqMeoh9DK0Jn7J5GcvtzQbYkmAJMECIVaD3veuiTQH0qKd5BqU6PMngJHDrwMZR1veQtYMHgZCSECSEaD5-ay5Q/w285-h400/Colas%2086F.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>Speaking of homegrown outfielders, when word got out that Oscar Colas was starting the year up with the club, a lot of people got the same 'oh, they know what they're doing' feeling as they did when the Sox started the year with Eloy Jimenez up, or Luis Robert up. Colas is another strong outfield prospect, and it says a lot about where the Sox are now that Colas didn't succeed as much as people thought. In 75 games, split between a demotion, he hit .216 with 19 RBIs and 5 home runs.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Comes into his own a little more, though it may take either an injury or a departure for that to happen. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJfo9r6dJLFscFI3SoD0BUZiEgfiKRjF8TYBrdKG2queVRQEsfy0VWaIOrhS5Nrq3Y2G7kExNcPJtvAlWiMJhrXNkphAVmGMxNxZd_3b5GHRWH95NfvZaC0VdWAkIDbAIr615RkLh5PLuF3dfVNvgneTh1WMWUEogNfK5N7aRfdNnpQ1icAz410b7pXU/s698/Hendriks%2079.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="497" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJfo9r6dJLFscFI3SoD0BUZiEgfiKRjF8TYBrdKG2queVRQEsfy0VWaIOrhS5Nrq3Y2G7kExNcPJtvAlWiMJhrXNkphAVmGMxNxZd_3b5GHRWH95NfvZaC0VdWAkIDbAIr615RkLh5PLuF3dfVNvgneTh1WMWUEogNfK5N7aRfdNnpQ1icAz410b7pXU/w285-h400/Hendriks%2079.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>And then, after surviving lymphoma and finishing his treatments, beloved White Sox closer returned to the majors and took the ninth again. He lasted 5 games, notched 1 save and 2 wins, and then was put back on the IL. He will miss the majority of 2024 in recovery from Tommy John surgery. I really wish this guy had better luck, as he's a run relief guy that you always want to do well.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Does get to pitch this year, and maybe even has some postseason appearances.</div><div><br /></div><div>Coming Tomorrow- Some reasons why the Yankees cratered midyear.</div>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874636239832076438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7629281127274459200.post-72359835936776421522023-12-29T08:57:00.064-05:002023-12-29T08:57:00.134-05:00Uncustomed Heroes of 2023: Twins<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3i0vaHB1MzDfXa4N8uZ1ukJkKJqdd6nzI5sIZ3TZQpWFAozRzjCazDSK7qQHw4IWsEf5DlFICLnv4lq8lvhz0TtukZW3q2PHNDLVGXtlOk01m4sjFKBWtI7bnFT_FLZzJYeeSdbl2LNBv__KwILMLXcwlcsPbx1gKo7omscbu25KE0fr_YqXJZGfElOg/s700/Polanco%2090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="497" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3i0vaHB1MzDfXa4N8uZ1ukJkKJqdd6nzI5sIZ3TZQpWFAozRzjCazDSK7qQHw4IWsEf5DlFICLnv4lq8lvhz0TtukZW3q2PHNDLVGXtlOk01m4sjFKBWtI7bnFT_FLZzJYeeSdbl2LNBv__KwILMLXcwlcsPbx1gKo7omscbu25KE0fr_YqXJZGfElOg/w284-h400/Polanco%2090.jpg" width="284" /></a></div> <p></p><p>The name of the game with the Minnesota Twins is depth. They may not always have the assets they were banking on, but there's enough options waiting to strike if somebody gets hurt. This year featured injuries to Byron Buxton, Joe Ryan, Jorge Polanco, Royce Lewis and Tyler Mahle, and yet the team still had enough pieces to get to the postseason and take down Toronto. Depth is going to be the deciding factor going forward in the AL Central, as it saved the Guardians' rotation and made the Tigers a second place team. In a year that may come down to who's the most prepared, the Twins may have a few legs up.</p><div style="text-align: left;">Jorge Polanco, yes, despite missing half the season, was able to accomplish a lot for the Twins. In 80 games, he hit .255 with 48 RBIs, 14 home runs and a 2.2 WAR, which is not bad at all for a 9-year veteran in a partial season. The thing about Polanco is that not only is he versatile and really skilled, but NEXT SEASON will be his age-30 season. He's done all this already since joining the Twins in 2014, and he hasn't even hit 30 year. That's so damned rare in today's age of bringing people up at 26. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>2024 Prediction: </b>This could be the last year of Polanco's deal, though there's a chance the Twins could keep him on for 2025. I say he has another strong year while also paving the way for Edouard Julien, an equally important presence on this team.</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZynUhRj5bIgCkO2RyvO-Gx0hMLe7ctORtjcnP3bIsMjT0Lh3lQF9EO7EzEn_7CM_UWAe4WrePhyLaGvJ4udyRxS2zXa_BcR2GaO8ZEeaneJLD8x-4JtmsnmswzL8g9RDgffhd50CTj-45_1Nylv65wCf7m934RAFI1Zt-mahXTXAXisGyEpK8AA8Skc8/s697/Vazquez%2091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="492" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZynUhRj5bIgCkO2RyvO-Gx0hMLe7ctORtjcnP3bIsMjT0Lh3lQF9EO7EzEn_7CM_UWAe4WrePhyLaGvJ4udyRxS2zXa_BcR2GaO8ZEeaneJLD8x-4JtmsnmswzL8g9RDgffhd50CTj-45_1Nylv65wCf7m934RAFI1Zt-mahXTXAXisGyEpK8AA8Skc8/w283-h400/Vazquez%2091.jpg" width="283" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">I thought the Twins pulled a nice move in signing Christian Vazquez, as he'd been a reliable backstop and decent mid-lineup bat for the Sox and Astros. Plus, being a Sox lifer, he'd only have to go a little further down the road from usual to report for Spring Training. Vazquez's 2023 was not exactly what fans were expecting; in 102 games he only hit .223 with 6 homers and 32 RBIs, major steps down from his peak seasons. The good news is Vazquez is still an excellent defender, but this lack of offensive production led to Ryan Jeffers starting a ton more.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>2024 Prediction: </b>An improvement at the plate, but I think Jeffers might be looking at a starting gig by the end of the year.</div><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqccq-vaETGxBYbC8zQIAN_iHM-yL0CIlFm3HL0OVgLFuYiTPsMco9GwqafZBKqbEh1y-3YyrH73mtJ7CVFEnXnMDb01USZtMqkfBvXUjZDwX3i5G6DmrwbiaviNbXYOdsB3j88q22JjTOtBybh9N_cfnVoEIdpVFLDDOiswMe8zPo3AHewFOGb4jKhTw/s698/Taylor%2086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="496" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqccq-vaETGxBYbC8zQIAN_iHM-yL0CIlFm3HL0OVgLFuYiTPsMco9GwqafZBKqbEh1y-3YyrH73mtJ7CVFEnXnMDb01USZtMqkfBvXUjZDwX3i5G6DmrwbiaviNbXYOdsB3j88q22JjTOtBybh9N_cfnVoEIdpVFLDDOiswMe8zPo3AHewFOGb4jKhTw/w284-h400/Taylor%2086.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>Michael Taylor is one of those players that clearly has some flaws but does enough right that he's been employed constantly and has had excellent moments recently. The Twins signed Taylor for 2023 after two nice years in Kansas City. Taylor's defensive numbers were down in 2023, but he was doing a lot more offensively, with 13 steals, 51 RBIs and a career-best 21 home runs. <div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Similar production in a smaller market. I don't know if this means he's a full-time home run guy now, but I think his defense will rebound.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT9HGanWDjm1eqvn3ZLeNDQdwpLu0QOrqOGeTZauYsilRv12e_EMg1bLlPcDE4qoXtGNETgWR4mmab1dwbk7mpSIsCXsi1wp4Pkhp-ATOCIX23WgCbziXJ_X2C2haPF1_dUpk5o2zDwarCbf8ydJjo_HQbR3n3Nr2PF6ZEPr_gNy1Q2jJnZmiDCf4bGyM/s699/Kirilloff%2077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="492" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT9HGanWDjm1eqvn3ZLeNDQdwpLu0QOrqOGeTZauYsilRv12e_EMg1bLlPcDE4qoXtGNETgWR4mmab1dwbk7mpSIsCXsi1wp4Pkhp-ATOCIX23WgCbziXJ_X2C2haPF1_dUpk5o2zDwarCbf8ydJjo_HQbR3n3Nr2PF6ZEPr_gNy1Q2jJnZmiDCf4bGyM/w281-h400/Kirilloff%2077.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>The Twins have been waiting for Alex Kirilloff to happen for a while now, and every year something begins to work and then he sort of fades off again. This year was a slight improvement, as the Twins did manage to give Kirilloff some reps at 1st in between Donovan Solano's. In 88 games, Kirilloff hit .270 with 41 RBIs and 11 homers, both career marks for the 25-year-old.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>I think the plan is to give him the starting gig at 1st, but I think the Twins are playing the game of 'that's riiiight, we're totally gonna start Alex Kirilloff at 1st, it would be a PITY if something were to happen to prevent us from doing so..."</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTyQPV2OPnJYiK32-D3x61PyBSOEwQUNEk-ueQFyDc9lgAjQppReHMHXFk6C-O17uQoIprc07m6f6up4KxKPCp9JpawKf7wXahds8dUQBcEolDDBe_JMAGz5iYmG5JVFZMJIUacZlVCnt0b1RQlDjmhT7T-aP6oy9y6hLP-rVyThhZ8KDs5dwTaBYMp2o/s700/Maeda%2076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="495" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTyQPV2OPnJYiK32-D3x61PyBSOEwQUNEk-ueQFyDc9lgAjQppReHMHXFk6C-O17uQoIprc07m6f6up4KxKPCp9JpawKf7wXahds8dUQBcEolDDBe_JMAGz5iYmG5JVFZMJIUacZlVCnt0b1RQlDjmhT7T-aP6oy9y6hLP-rVyThhZ8KDs5dwTaBYMp2o/w283-h400/Maeda%2076.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>Kenta Maeda handed in one excellent campaign for the Twins and then struggled to stay healthy for any more of them. This year he, at least, got 20 games, and he did alright enough, going 6-8 with a 4.23 ERA and 117 Ks. Maeda is 35, he's looking a little cooked, but he was still able to be a solid enough fifth man for a competitive Twins team, and that's what they wanted.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>I don't think it will be for a full season, but the Tigers will get some peak Maeda material next year.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYjmezhr8sQzl3RaPXepFJJc_0aBUILyvATXgI58CKO_S13Erkv2g3LyB8OViP-7L8AoSpLylGWKqz_nDAkGGrP-h0zpN67vd1uVoCO-kXyBbIDPbtYmL6OYy9Vhjd2jLMwuwFOYbaBb7nI_-66eZKFfcMSZjZIEjkYQfDQfvwUw3lwwbZWqqOPeH8Et8/s694/Wallner%2091D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="694" data-original-width="491" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYjmezhr8sQzl3RaPXepFJJc_0aBUILyvATXgI58CKO_S13Erkv2g3LyB8OViP-7L8AoSpLylGWKqz_nDAkGGrP-h0zpN67vd1uVoCO-kXyBbIDPbtYmL6OYy9Vhjd2jLMwuwFOYbaBb7nI_-66eZKFfcMSZjZIEjkYQfDQfvwUw3lwwbZWqqOPeH8Et8/w283-h400/Wallner%2091D.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>And then with all the outfield instability, Matt Wallner, who was looking like a fifth-string guy for a while, got some chances to prove himself with this team. In 76 games, Wallner hit .249 with 41 RBIs and 14 homers, and finished the year with a 2.2 WAR. </div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>I think he'll factor into the starting outfield for this team, and his star will continue to blossom.</div><div><br /><p>Coming Tomorrow- The manager for this team kept his job and Buck Showalter didn't. Think about that.</p></div>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874636239832076438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7629281127274459200.post-70452133432030894132023-12-28T08:47:00.101-05:002023-12-28T08:47:00.142-05:00Uncustomed Heroes of 2023: Tigers<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqy7PqsGStvWsz05cDWmOGNVYr9Vn9xp9XYjD3SzV638AfSwoZu_6y27w15Wvpo-sw27b2u4cl_b7pOUoim0nlYxq8TRGAItwIjABUVWj9otvU51RUZV94eTSHmOGxhq6laB9UdzKRC4IsfZvHMUSSMd23WvxKKhogUrgNbsSZamM51qu-faosah1bEc0/s697/Baddoo%2085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="493" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqy7PqsGStvWsz05cDWmOGNVYr9Vn9xp9XYjD3SzV638AfSwoZu_6y27w15Wvpo-sw27b2u4cl_b7pOUoim0nlYxq8TRGAItwIjABUVWj9otvU51RUZV94eTSHmOGxhq6laB9UdzKRC4IsfZvHMUSSMd23WvxKKhogUrgNbsSZamM51qu-faosah1bEc0/w283-h400/Baddoo%2085.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>For a noncompetitive team, the Detroit Tigers managed to do a lot of very intriguing things throughout this season. And it starts with the fact that, despite going 78-84, the Tigers ended 2023 in second place. Over the Guardians. <p></p><p>I mean...looking at this team, there's not a TON that screams second place. Good players, of course. Great performances, a no-hitter in there, and some great youth down the stretch. But this is a very mediocre team that made it to 2nd because they had the least things go wrong in the last stretch. Thanks to their reinforcements and healthy additions, the Tigers had an excellent September, which should, in theory, be a prelude to better times.</p><div style="text-align: left;">I hate to say it, though, but someone who might not be around long enough to experience the Tigers being good is Akil Baddoo. He was excellent in his rookie season in 2021, and hasn't delivered a full campaign worthy of that start yet. In 112 games, Baddoo hit .218 with 11 homers and 20 more strikeouts than hits. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Mark Canha will ensure that Baddoo doesn't have to start as much, and he'll be better off as a bench guy.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLh-PfbyUiZ_pGcnEzEJzVk1pLIklIyenUWSsGDWhR22yuOaU48K9GdFknV-AF40iYq5w2yZ6yvJH7Zl8q69xM7fI67qKaRK_NoUQQs7wzUYJKgRbtjaJ_R523i22WCYz-PO2K6FsyuTN3JgJQa2iFLsS62eGmtm6d5c0SjiLvVoyGeZ0rp0Ixry5CqIg/s696/Rogers%2076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="696" data-original-width="497" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLh-PfbyUiZ_pGcnEzEJzVk1pLIklIyenUWSsGDWhR22yuOaU48K9GdFknV-AF40iYq5w2yZ6yvJH7Zl8q69xM7fI67qKaRK_NoUQQs7wzUYJKgRbtjaJ_R523i22WCYz-PO2K6FsyuTN3JgJQa2iFLsS62eGmtm6d5c0SjiLvVoyGeZ0rp0Ixry5CqIg/w286-h400/Rogers%2076.jpg" width="286" /></a></div>This season marked the Tigers moving away from Eric Haase behind the plate and towards Jake Rogers, who made himself known with a strong start. Rogers actually finished the season with the 2nd-most home runs on the Tigers, which is interesting considering that Javier Baez, Austin Meadows and Jonathan Schoop were also on this team at one point. Rogers, in 107 games, hit .221 with 49 RBIs, and secured the position while Haase was dealt to Cleveland.<div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Rogers has maybe a year or so before the Tigers go with a homegrown, above-replacement-level choice, so he'll do well enough next year. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHBVSf6F18hn3UG3hyphenhyphenMxRYUCN2Y4srPUmPfhU1_0rPGqarzHa4ZCZi9Cm3yQu9fhPPUT3f4N9z-Mt7FEWB_pW5T8P2J6LmdjPo3fHmD-HYbw0MZ7_xHGsSDXJPX0wI-Lnuyqvsok1Khx-fRTdHbwOoa5LkraEb_8oUyi-EQf9m0w4-CG5EVh4MuSAZdfY/s703/Lange%2090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="703" data-original-width="497" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHBVSf6F18hn3UG3hyphenhyphenMxRYUCN2Y4srPUmPfhU1_0rPGqarzHa4ZCZi9Cm3yQu9fhPPUT3f4N9z-Mt7FEWB_pW5T8P2J6LmdjPo3fHmD-HYbw0MZ7_xHGsSDXJPX0wI-Lnuyqvsok1Khx-fRTdHbwOoa5LkraEb_8oUyi-EQf9m0w4-CG5EVh4MuSAZdfY/w283-h400/Lange%2090.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>In a year where the bullpen options in Detroit were better than ever [even without Jimenez and Soto], Alex Lange put on another understated but powerful season. Lange was given the all-powerful closing gig, and in 67 games had a 7-5 record, a 3.68 ERA and 26 saves. It remains to be seen whether Lange is a professional closer or just a great reliever, but what he did during this season was pretty nice.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Keeps the ninth. Breaks 30.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Zqw9nCQKHS-SCGVxb36RwJzPoxJ_j2B8b_tiOSZOL_lgFRnpSrhziycV73YDTIIsSJby6GQ3gX7TUk5LJslIG__iBl4bajSiqHZE3D5BNiNqezx04r_9HJIjty2Mh75Etw6cSYeS5uBWzQjz8L6EStHUVinmIQ9_jAZXZ4KdkRmOFWlC7MzXQnuw9ow/s695/Manning%2075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="487" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Zqw9nCQKHS-SCGVxb36RwJzPoxJ_j2B8b_tiOSZOL_lgFRnpSrhziycV73YDTIIsSJby6GQ3gX7TUk5LJslIG__iBl4bajSiqHZE3D5BNiNqezx04r_9HJIjty2Mh75Etw6cSYeS5uBWzQjz8L6EStHUVinmIQ9_jAZXZ4KdkRmOFWlC7MzXQnuw9ow/w280-h400/Manning%2075.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>The Tigers' rotation was beaten up to begin the season, but then slowly people started getting activated and joining the fun. No, Casey Mize was not one of them, but his two battery-mates definitely showed up. Matt Manning got 15 games this year and got back to business, including being part of that no-hitter, and going 5-4 with a 3.58 ERA and 50 Ks. Manning just needs a full, healthy season and he'll be alright.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>30 games, 10+ wins, the undivided attention of the league.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiIaojUEvc_qUrxTv5DRoECnJdIlqndjjKZt41ZYvO1ViSXgR10ekYSWqFXl8h05-SM7jEk5gWF-HDvpXA07O-K7qP9Cgt9fcIwp3Oq3xZz_5VbQqVEK3aGOpfXsPWr8LTxyddErBG-6WqTgOhKguT8XtC_3USn0R4ucluEgrkNFZkIkaDSWrnkSpiBeY/s695/Skubal%2062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="496" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiIaojUEvc_qUrxTv5DRoECnJdIlqndjjKZt41ZYvO1ViSXgR10ekYSWqFXl8h05-SM7jEk5gWF-HDvpXA07O-K7qP9Cgt9fcIwp3Oq3xZz_5VbQqVEK3aGOpfXsPWr8LTxyddErBG-6WqTgOhKguT8XtC_3USn0R4ucluEgrkNFZkIkaDSWrnkSpiBeY/w285-h400/Skubal%2062.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>You also had Tarik Skubal popping in midyear, having an even sharper 15 game run. Skubal went 7-3 with a 2.80 ERA and 102 Ks, a terrific stretch that brought to mind his early successes in 2020. </div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>A monster first half that will reassure fans that he can carry the rotation.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8c9zGqLzwj2Ms0jOY2YmeYWOGgrJrwfplVkdQLRc4miDmM01_wh0qZv49dGUGbwsNICsyBjTJBMADdRJMJ-9pn6kNXC_8sepkcGKVv0sXh56-aK5VU7T6wsRkpKS4FIiaLZ4fxWt6KWeQB2om2r6dEoYrGQVZ8nVwuI-zxzKW-t_vpWXF7mI_yTKV5iI/s696/Ibanez%2082F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="696" data-original-width="490" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8c9zGqLzwj2Ms0jOY2YmeYWOGgrJrwfplVkdQLRc4miDmM01_wh0qZv49dGUGbwsNICsyBjTJBMADdRJMJ-9pn6kNXC_8sepkcGKVv0sXh56-aK5VU7T6wsRkpKS4FIiaLZ4fxWt6KWeQB2om2r6dEoYrGQVZ8nVwuI-zxzKW-t_vpWXF7mI_yTKV5iI/w281-h400/Ibanez%2082F.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>After coming up in Arlington and struggling to find a niche, Andy Ibañez found himself as an acceptable starting 2nd base option in Detroit, and he actually didn't do too badly for himself. In 114 games he hit .264 with 11 home runs, 41 RBIs and some nice defensive play. I do see him as a replacement guy for this period, but he's a sharp piece. </div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>His importance will decrease as the youth solidifies itself in this infield.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbgl6Vp0Trw8QwQlux0EyKPN9YXg6msh7kQk_d7i9Xzy7PyDmCHKn6_e_WbbNzmjCnaWzKltiJVM1uUxI5CwiIFRkZQSBSv5w4ePKHHFbfhMi3EqN4s_uUkO_4oOl0xH2qxq2npFzrotHYNA5KitA95LbUHf2fVApGygK4ExL-MBwVnCl_yM2odOk8yHc/s699/Olson%2070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="495" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbgl6Vp0Trw8QwQlux0EyKPN9YXg6msh7kQk_d7i9Xzy7PyDmCHKn6_e_WbbNzmjCnaWzKltiJVM1uUxI5CwiIFRkZQSBSv5w4ePKHHFbfhMi3EqN4s_uUkO_4oOl0xH2qxq2npFzrotHYNA5KitA95LbUHf2fVApGygK4ExL-MBwVnCl_yM2odOk8yHc/w284-h400/Olson%2070.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>And then, while all the other pitchers were hurt, the Tigers brought up a rookie hurler named Reese Olson, and he actually was a pretty satisfying choice for a seat-filler. The 23-year-old Olson finished his rookie year with a 3.99 ERA with 103 Ks in 17 games. With the crowded field only slightly decreasing with Eduardo Rodriguez's departure, Olson will need similar numbers to make 2024 work.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Doesn't start the season in the rotation, but has some crucial starts down the stretch.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRuxOP8SUtY-zEWE-WQqFQXFbvEFcZY1_HLyyy15zLY4P4jDFt52MA3h4IIy0GqtUQPzi5biyx_Ith7qBBi7iwrPL6qP7kTMbo47vHR1RkogUkgblds9fmI8ixNh4iOHamRC3pkuydIcDNVrBmZBZ7ksDFLc8ftpC_leiopAIwqMI2kMksaI2QVy_-3eE/s697/Meadows%2091S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="495" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRuxOP8SUtY-zEWE-WQqFQXFbvEFcZY1_HLyyy15zLY4P4jDFt52MA3h4IIy0GqtUQPzi5biyx_Ith7qBBi7iwrPL6qP7kTMbo47vHR1RkogUkgblds9fmI8ixNh4iOHamRC3pkuydIcDNVrBmZBZ7ksDFLc8ftpC_leiopAIwqMI2kMksaI2QVy_-3eE/w284-h400/Meadows%2091S.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>And then there were these two rookies that showed up towards the end of the year. Parker Meadows was one. The truly upsetting thing about this season is because of his brother Austin's issues with anxiety this year, there was never a moment where both Meadows brothers suited up for the Tigers, and with Austin a free agent that's not a thing that'll happen in Detroit. Parker did manage to have a nice season, though, hitting .232 with 13 RBIs in 37 games.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>The outfield spot is not his yet, but once the Tigers figure out who their new DH is, he might get some more chances to start.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMwHvvCiSL-BSWGC7WlfXymO9qf9aRgS64_xMvhfPPNF_lUV4EqUI_vlfEXcl0DNbRqvKYLQfHweB_QmYJYSKAfk_uzwIDQIAeJ_lMoK1VckwoHiOeBs1LlwF5do3lIpd4DOTqLrj_4PlAKG5mmD7WyGofNzqVeX2t-RD-AJhhBn2Amsw1WQemdX1m0Ic/s698/Gipson-Long%2068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="496" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMwHvvCiSL-BSWGC7WlfXymO9qf9aRgS64_xMvhfPPNF_lUV4EqUI_vlfEXcl0DNbRqvKYLQfHweB_QmYJYSKAfk_uzwIDQIAeJ_lMoK1VckwoHiOeBs1LlwF5do3lIpd4DOTqLrj_4PlAKG5mmD7WyGofNzqVeX2t-RD-AJhhBn2Amsw1WQemdX1m0Ic/w284-h400/Gipson-Long%2068.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>And then you have another Tigers pitching prospect. One of, like, 7 or so in this roster. Sawyer Gipson-Long got 4 starts at the MLB level, and did pretty well for himself, with a 2.70 ERA and 26 Ks. Is this a season that would have happened had everyone stayed healthy? No. But it is a preview of what the Tigers could be getting more frequently soon enough.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>There is, in all actuality, a chance that Gipson-Long makes the rotation out of camp. It's not 100%, as Joey Wentz and Alex Faedo still exist, and I honestly think it won't happen right away. But when it does happen, the Tigers will be happy with what they see from him.</div><div><br /></div><div><p>Coming Tomorrow- The Twins won their first playoff series in 30 years, and some of these guys helped with that.</p></div>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874636239832076438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7629281127274459200.post-27124470955416220382023-12-27T08:04:00.075-05:002023-12-27T08:04:00.283-05:00Uncustomed Heroes of 2023: Royals<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIW1RF-DTjgh7cil7YW7Td9LC61LCl1gKFEzgPz6ghycMceHti1m0p-BKpOGny_5jms1cTLePFqsh1kibWSiZfJ_yxXG5lCRbvzhzUI4U_81wF8gPWzE7qzEzx18JVx5YYefGPs1YM2syXCeuWs79xbqdOidSlnOuy7FxHsaS9ZoLybVKqtMPYzixzxQ/s695/Lyles%2075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="494" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIW1RF-DTjgh7cil7YW7Td9LC61LCl1gKFEzgPz6ghycMceHti1m0p-BKpOGny_5jms1cTLePFqsh1kibWSiZfJ_yxXG5lCRbvzhzUI4U_81wF8gPWzE7qzEzx18JVx5YYefGPs1YM2syXCeuWs79xbqdOidSlnOuy7FxHsaS9ZoLybVKqtMPYzixzxQ/w284-h400/Lyles%2075.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>The end of 2022 felt like the pieces were finally falling into place for the Royals. People like Michael Massey, Nate Eaton, Daniel Lynch, Vinnie Pasquantino and Brady Singer were looking like foundational pieces for the forthcoming years, and the team was looking like they'd at least be better than they were.<p></p><p>The Royals didn't lose 100 games, but they did this year. So uh, back to the ol' drawing board.</p><p>It is sort of interesting that the Royals are going with the 'build up the rotation with contracts' strategy for 2024, as it gives off the idea that they don't trust their homegrown talent anymore. And judging by this year, I sort of get it. Bobby Witt was good, that's for sure, but literally nobody else was as good as they were supposed to be. People like Freddy Fermin, Kyle Isbel and surprise addition Cole Ragans had to pick up the slack, and they could only do so much.</p><p>Going forward, this team needs to be far more than just 'Bobby Witt Jr.' And hopefully they can build on this and create something better going forward.</p><div style="text-align: left;">The Royals got Jordan Lyles for a similar reason that the Orioles got Lyles for 2022; they needed a veteran to build the rotation around. The thought was that Lyles would help people like Singer, Bubic and Lynch come into their own, and wouldn't be relied upon as much. Lyles made all 31 starts, and was the only starter to do so. In that time, Lyles went 6-17 with a 6.28 ERA. Meaning that two veterans in this rotation had ERAs over 5. However, Lyles did sport 3 complete games for the Royals, so that's not bad at all.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Does not lead the league in losses. In fact, improves in time for the deadline. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVrvr1c-jYCFcl3d9d4f1NxR1Yx0_WnDY3RxkH3G_e8j0YSQq7F99RSvxrNbh6c5TSP3PDWkit_FZ4TbDCmr5xV6XGrgPXwc8h2TIUrUr1OfR3BMzau_vOPv4jJzkB-3fDviZUOGbZLBhTlHn9fhoIOS1zkorultMhAhiJb4YkWFP0EXflsH0vVoVaZvE/s699/Blanco%2085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="493" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVrvr1c-jYCFcl3d9d4f1NxR1Yx0_WnDY3RxkH3G_e8j0YSQq7F99RSvxrNbh6c5TSP3PDWkit_FZ4TbDCmr5xV6XGrgPXwc8h2TIUrUr1OfR3BMzau_vOPv4jJzkB-3fDviZUOGbZLBhTlHn9fhoIOS1zkorultMhAhiJb4YkWFP0EXflsH0vVoVaZvE/w283-h400/Blanco%2085.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>Amid the may amusing rookies and second years making the Royals more interesting this year was Dairon Blanco, a 30-year-old Cuban defector who played his first full season in the majors this year. As an OF bench bat, Blanco did a lot for this team, hitting .258 with 18 RBIs and 24 steals in 69 games. Blanco is a speedy, versatile piece that could play a number of roles going forward for this team.<div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>He will start for the first bit of the season, but I still think he's better off as a bench addition/pinch guy.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR1xTdcMg1gpigCjQ55NQTS87YbJKuQ8RuDAORSQQRPKQmidJROzVaWf9x-qIdkw937IOIMGcSkYKUXaDOI0x0vERxdGjGvHyPhrE3htdP143kYUJrzLrZItCcCWtrS1PwLM5qh0509cNqMGbdtCrkBSLBdo3h7K4IjELRBDcS53kHIa3okVTASED5slU/s699/Melendez%2084F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="493" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR1xTdcMg1gpigCjQ55NQTS87YbJKuQ8RuDAORSQQRPKQmidJROzVaWf9x-qIdkw937IOIMGcSkYKUXaDOI0x0vERxdGjGvHyPhrE3htdP143kYUJrzLrZItCcCWtrS1PwLM5qh0509cNqMGbdtCrkBSLBdo3h7K4IjELRBDcS53kHIa3okVTASED5slU/w283-h400/Melendez%2084F.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>...then again, he's a lot more well-rounded than M.J. Melendez, the backup catcher who was better off in the outfield this year...and by that I mean he was better off leaving it to Perez and Fermin. Melendez is not a great defensive outfielder, and he only hit .235 with 16 homers this year. I'm beginning to think that the Royals really don't have much for this guy to do if they want to move past their current iteration.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>A slight improvement but they give up on him midyear.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpSrKckZC1waDsJxXrUfbL3fE5wOuurXneV4GPr71m482PaChvrUNAsXgeEy0uRdK8EdneoknC0aM2N9MvXaJysGJNoERwH3NmnlmCChYroZXj4UcVny7QjRIhFhG4JQQvPweqjJw7zwfpxEokqez507EbwXFW3O_H4Dvj_eYGQrweaxC3I5q8lEAxAps/s696/Pratto%2085F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="696" data-original-width="490" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpSrKckZC1waDsJxXrUfbL3fE5wOuurXneV4GPr71m482PaChvrUNAsXgeEy0uRdK8EdneoknC0aM2N9MvXaJysGJNoERwH3NmnlmCChYroZXj4UcVny7QjRIhFhG4JQQvPweqjJw7zwfpxEokqez507EbwXFW3O_H4Dvj_eYGQrweaxC3I5q8lEAxAps/w281-h400/Pratto%2085F.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>Nick Pratto getting called up last year was a big deal, as he was a big-time prospect that was doing some damage in the minors. In 95 games this year, Pratto hit .232 with only 7 homers and only 35 RBIs. Even if Bobby Witt is living up to his potential, Pratto isn't there yet, and that's...concerning.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>The year they'd been waiting for. 25 homers, .275 average, some actual leverage.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0KMz0aZd_Wi2hmXUPoDNdtu-NfJda8-hSilCF3xenmGYr0peLki2aHiFPIO5qgQf_ICiI9eHkKk2zOW_I5_gyUkzUPfBrZsONBRTH6tED96mJWTFpCrl7O6jXlzB0X-8OCvf0yDKbZvpthsJWhyphenhyphenl5sB5srZzs9d2IF5igV_9A3spUWXgGJmG8JcN9PQ/s697/Waters%2088D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="495" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb0KMz0aZd_Wi2hmXUPoDNdtu-NfJda8-hSilCF3xenmGYr0peLki2aHiFPIO5qgQf_ICiI9eHkKk2zOW_I5_gyUkzUPfBrZsONBRTH6tED96mJWTFpCrl7O6jXlzB0X-8OCvf0yDKbZvpthsJWhyphenhyphenl5sB5srZzs9d2IF5igV_9A3spUWXgGJmG8JcN9PQ/w284-h400/Waters%2088D.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>The other big 2022 second half rookie that was meant to make waves this year was Drew Waters, the outfield prospect that came over from Atlanta. Waters is nice defensively, but this year he hit .228 with 32 RBIs, 8 homers and 100 strikeouts. </div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Steps up and cements a starting spot, but those strikeouts will still be an issue.</div><div><br /></div><div>Coming Tomorrow- A surprisingly large amount of Detroit Tigers.<br /><p><br /></p></div>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874636239832076438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7629281127274459200.post-10014239011910228192023-12-26T08:14:00.073-05:002023-12-26T08:14:00.132-05:00Uncustomed Heroes of 2023: Rockies<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-UJkTK4tLLXa6XNgow95lhedyabizaS6ri-0MEJJyMkXvbZ8loCnzezbBeB6Lz9gFgnQvTqOBnyeumLu-tLclZFIFVGPyI_5sfaTbVV1UrmQDyoGfthGbDy0tn6JM2X9tYLPWoqPNw_xFdygFEkkKuVQ0iFYBXGFyyo3Ce0WySF7bPd3-WNLzHkVGVfw/s697/Profar%2093D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="495" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-UJkTK4tLLXa6XNgow95lhedyabizaS6ri-0MEJJyMkXvbZ8loCnzezbBeB6Lz9gFgnQvTqOBnyeumLu-tLclZFIFVGPyI_5sfaTbVV1UrmQDyoGfthGbDy0tn6JM2X9tYLPWoqPNw_xFdygFEkkKuVQ0iFYBXGFyyo3Ce0WySF7bPd3-WNLzHkVGVfw/w284-h400/Profar%2093D.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>It was a year where three teams were expected to compete, and the one that wasn't was at least expected to chase them a bit. Which left the Rockies in last, where they stayed for a lot of the season. <p></p><p>Not that anyone was really expecting anything from the Rockies this year, but with Kris Bryant and Jurickson Profar secured, the hope was that they wouldn't lose 100 games, and they did, because Bryant was hurt again and Profar underwhelmed. It also didn't help that the rotation was even more hurt than usual, with both Senzatela and Marquez down for the count, meaning that aside from Freeland and Gomber, the team needed to rely on replacement options. Hence the 100 losses. </p><div style="text-align: left;">Profar coming in was a big deal, as he'd been a big part of recent A's and Padres successes. It is wild to me that, after breaking into the league in 2012 with the Rangers, 2023 was Profar's age-30 season. A lot of people coming up, their age-30 season is, like, their third year. Perhaps we're getting away from that now that we're bringing people up at 19 again, but Profar is a weird little unicorn, in that he was in the league at 19 and didn't start playing truly well until 25. That said, after his strong stretch of his late 20s, Profar's Rockies numbers were among the worst of his career. In 111 games, he hit .236 with 39 RBIs and 8 homers, and regressed defensively. Despite being one of the Rockies' highest-profile additions heading into the year, the team cut him with a month or so left in the season. At which point he returned to San Diego and figured out how to hit again, with a .295 average in 14 games.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Look, let's be clear, wherever he's going, he's sure as hell staying away from Denver. Honestly, maybe he stays in San Diego, he seems to do well there.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlPQbYNC2RsBv3fcJCK5mgmohIyBW2fiP7iiPDTWFS-pz7OEmxK0caCfprN62P6_uPgkdCodAZwW8C2ZMrBND5pT7SAcPkIBdO-wQgC1-qXF9iLlsq_2eIH0tynVMFvnVf8k_TJXV-pcgIbQdYm2EjZg9SE3EbcBkX47NshvQ0BLbdX-cd0NyPKqBIKIE/s696/Montero%2088D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="696" data-original-width="495" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlPQbYNC2RsBv3fcJCK5mgmohIyBW2fiP7iiPDTWFS-pz7OEmxK0caCfprN62P6_uPgkdCodAZwW8C2ZMrBND5pT7SAcPkIBdO-wQgC1-qXF9iLlsq_2eIH0tynVMFvnVf8k_TJXV-pcgIbQdYm2EjZg9SE3EbcBkX47NshvQ0BLbdX-cd0NyPKqBIKIE/w285-h400/Montero%2088D.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>After C.J. Cron was dropped, 1st base went to usual infield also-ran Elehuris Montero. This was Montero's fullest season in Denver, and in 85 games, he hit .243 with 11 home runs and 39 RBIs. These were solid offensive numbers and when paired with passable defense, he made for a nice piece the Rox can hang the future on.<div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Of all of the guys the Rockies have decided on going forward, Montero has the most to prove, so I'd say he has a breakout year that brings him to the heart of the lineup.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLkyIbu0GUZU8f7VDrcucZL6rUuN3TG4W6keHo6TKk3ThM0uGi2QF2tiTiKpRB0DbGm29vMJzRU8FXQcKaNB9UynJcxXGBkmNapBnT6UnUvfwM974nOBqtf15vvWJCSAUBiJVFjtWuVt45BN9NIUKb3YJUFZnwLHItCiUX9qbeLYDEd7tXozdwPZcQ3eg/s696/Suter%2086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="696" data-original-width="492" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLkyIbu0GUZU8f7VDrcucZL6rUuN3TG4W6keHo6TKk3ThM0uGi2QF2tiTiKpRB0DbGm29vMJzRU8FXQcKaNB9UynJcxXGBkmNapBnT6UnUvfwM974nOBqtf15vvWJCSAUBiJVFjtWuVt45BN9NIUKb3YJUFZnwLHItCiUX9qbeLYDEd7tXozdwPZcQ3eg/w283-h400/Suter%2086.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>In a season where the Rockies bullpen was one of the biggest surprises in baseball, one of their most crucial pieces was former Brewers role-player Brent Suter, who, despite the array of rotation openings, remained a bullpen piece this year. In 57 games, Suter had a 3.38 ERA with 55 Ks, his best season to date as a pure relief piece.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Gets some reps next year, but isn't as reliable as he was.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzkXOhVQslwY_WsBKt7RozzruJL5LxKt_kg8M_cHsWSfLbT4rirgKuhRzWgEqSyasglYQAfDsatv5ffji7rtQ2M8rCLtZ_l6kPGbHdkahA0fso0wyJmmYdQ8k9LQ4OSmpI7XYR77VyacDxz3BF8fmWnF0mRxjIsTt0mKWIKP1knJHGRul-xRqxSPYmiM/s692/Goodman%2081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="487" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzkXOhVQslwY_WsBKt7RozzruJL5LxKt_kg8M_cHsWSfLbT4rirgKuhRzWgEqSyasglYQAfDsatv5ffji7rtQ2M8rCLtZ_l6kPGbHdkahA0fso0wyJmmYdQ8k9LQ4OSmpI7XYR77VyacDxz3BF8fmWnF0mRxjIsTt0mKWIKP1knJHGRul-xRqxSPYmiM/w281-h400/Goodman%2081.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>A rookie that came up late as a utility piece as Hunter Goodman, who added some power boosts with 17 RBIs in 23 games; for comparison's sake, it took Mike Moustakas 47 games to get to that amount. Goodman didn't exactly hit for average, and isn't a great defensive piece, but the Rockies could use him as a bench bat or DH going forward.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Similar use, but I think he'll have way more to do as Blackmon is phased out.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmPByeXVvfIwJxZ51BB7lDZo9b9qRiibUpTZbIwCNH7IjUihCw3AHtzCb5LnxRfR9VYMduc95AhMOYQF0ebF_cdAl25ofWxai1FJiSQ3Fo4iAVYc_Psovcc3-Ho4Q6UKMk8uuD6NXTBrYe27X9YfjNZo-IPFUf_4rqPxxEajty2ZxcxEd3EkMMmVh-qI/s700/Rodgers%2093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="497" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdmPByeXVvfIwJxZ51BB7lDZo9b9qRiibUpTZbIwCNH7IjUihCw3AHtzCb5LnxRfR9VYMduc95AhMOYQF0ebF_cdAl25ofWxai1FJiSQ3Fo4iAVYc_Psovcc3-Ho4Q6UKMk8uuD6NXTBrYe27X9YfjNZo-IPFUf_4rqPxxEajty2ZxcxEd3EkMMmVh-qI/w284-h400/Rodgers%2093.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>And then Brendan Rodgers also played this year. Took him a bit, as he was out til the last weeks of the year, but the perennial Rockies standout did manage to show his head late in the season, after all the hoopla had died down. In 46 games, Rodgers hit .258 with 4 homers and 20 RBIs, a total that indicates a season that was just getting going as the season wrapped up.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>If he's fully healed, there'll be no problems, and he'll lead this team to something a lot better. If not...they might need to figure out what to do with him.<br /><p>Coming Tomorrow- The Royals are going to look a lot different next year, and here's some of the energy they'll be leaving behind. </p></div>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874636239832076438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7629281127274459200.post-44763628384843768992023-12-24T08:30:00.128-05:002023-12-24T08:30:00.155-05:00Uncustomed Heroes of 2023: Reds<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSiPiwLKylN9vQi6Ajh90GIHQZ0yUFhNQgBGitF-Lc12H4IMeZv7Yp9rm1Zv4IVR3Xo9mdSJE6IJ16fMFv8qR6nlBFKawk6ZPP-CGKedzM7VrVaOCw1Hpzk_0mmTI86rYqmLd5w2-2xrR5ltPB9NB_0Zfv48voU23NXYNASEmA-0oGa9MLOeB2qvOOssI/s700/Stephenson%2092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="495" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSiPiwLKylN9vQi6Ajh90GIHQZ0yUFhNQgBGitF-Lc12H4IMeZv7Yp9rm1Zv4IVR3Xo9mdSJE6IJ16fMFv8qR6nlBFKawk6ZPP-CGKedzM7VrVaOCw1Hpzk_0mmTI86rYqmLd5w2-2xrR5ltPB9NB_0Zfv48voU23NXYNASEmA-0oGa9MLOeB2qvOOssI/w283-h400/Stephenson%2092.jpg" width="283" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>It feels so hypocritical for me to say this, because on one hand, the expanded playoffs has led to so many things I'm dissatisfied with, but on the other hand, it seems unfair that there wasn't room in the playoffs for the Cincinnati Reds this year. What a fun team these guys were, and they got insanely close.</p><p>Ultimately, what did them in was a rotation that could not stay healthy, with Nick Lodolo, Hunter Greene, Vladimir Gutierrez and Connor Overton all being out of commission at some point, and the replacement guys like Luke Weaver and Ben Lively only doing so much for them. What ruled this season for Cincinnati was the rookies, the guys who came up and helped carry the team, especially in the second half. The fans will remember this season for bringing them Matt McLain, Spencer Steer, Elly de la Cruz and Andrew Abbott at once, just to name the ones I already did customs of.</p><p>And the thing about this team having so many cool players without making the postseason is that I barely made customs of this team. So I have a ton left over for Uncustomed Heroes.</p><div style="text-align: left;">Case in point: I didn't even do a Tyler Stephenson this season, and it's honestly because after missing a lot of 2022 with an injury, he was still just...kinda off this year. Both defensively and offensively he was a few steps back from his strong 2021. Despite playing 142 games thanks to the Reds using him at DH on his off days behind the plate, he only hit .243, a career low, with 56 RBIs and 13 homers, ironically both career highs. It just feels like Stephenson was stuck in second gear for a lot of the year, and hopefully 2024 is an improvement. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>2024 Prediction: </b>An improvement, but I think the Reds are gonna consider moving Stephenson out of the backstop position. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79EiMBI7muvw1O0BXRFhadt1XN8BBK5aCteVUfhxXTVmBIiCBZUwe2wWUPOZ4Yb5I4PT7DlIguBmL5Wyk2EGP1ZbSWQaOh55qiSWIpDDRvrNHW4U4kzk8N-56MNzOjtHYjVfaCpt6Mp3lA-EporurRGKIMAPzARnFeqJghUCVNOEAw3Zf0h4oXJ7Ksbo/s698/Senzel%2082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="488" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79EiMBI7muvw1O0BXRFhadt1XN8BBK5aCteVUfhxXTVmBIiCBZUwe2wWUPOZ4Yb5I4PT7DlIguBmL5Wyk2EGP1ZbSWQaOh55qiSWIpDDRvrNHW4U4kzk8N-56MNzOjtHYjVfaCpt6Mp3lA-EporurRGKIMAPzARnFeqJghUCVNOEAw3Zf0h4oXJ7Ksbo/w280-h400/Senzel%2082.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>Nick Senzel is one of the last remaining pieces of the burgeoning late-2010s teams, and I feel like Senzel just kept narrowly avoiding his potential. Literally every season of his Reds career, Senzel has either been blocked at a primary position or underwhelming at the plate. Or, alternatively, he's injured for most of it. Senzel played 104 games this season, and he hit .236 with 13 home runs and 42 RBIs, which are both career highs, but with injuries, regime changes and general inefficiency, it was impossible for Senzel to really factor into the Reds' plans this season. Senzel finished the year with a respectable WAR total...of 0.0. Which is 0.1 lower than his season mark. <div><b>2024 Prediction:</b> The Nationals have signed a third base prospect from the late 2010s who kept hanging around an organization without being healthy or imperative to the team? Him and Carter Kieboom are gonna fight to the death!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-_KGANVxNkzjEgLpGFzuu9TFMqFaFpQTvY2lTv6JM4ojr-V5GuTmAyK2ANVfGCj1J6Fawg2LPOv9Q5pMxC9SfKVvCQNe6J4_YUjbZJ4akwfIFrCsv2u34PaNsH2mZnGewzYLyd7FTGKXyD8hGh1yiKifKw_LpX5YM0cZe-IveXfHFm9FYaaAOm8RDcBw/s696/Ashcraft%2081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="696" data-original-width="494" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-_KGANVxNkzjEgLpGFzuu9TFMqFaFpQTvY2lTv6JM4ojr-V5GuTmAyK2ANVfGCj1J6Fawg2LPOv9Q5pMxC9SfKVvCQNe6J4_YUjbZJ4akwfIFrCsv2u34PaNsH2mZnGewzYLyd7FTGKXyD8hGh1yiKifKw_LpX5YM0cZe-IveXfHFm9FYaaAOm8RDcBw/w284-h400/Ashcraft%2081.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>Graham Ashcraft made the most starting appearances for the Reds this season, and he did it while still fighting injuries sustained during the 2022 season that would lead to a different injury that would end his 2023 season and make his 2024 debut questionable. That...sums up a lot about the Reds' season. That said, Ashcraft still did a lot for the Reds, with 26 games, a 7-9 record, a 4.76 ERA and 111 Ks. This still gave him a 2.4 WAR, making him the team's most valuable pitcher. </div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Finally produces some peak mastery in the middle months of the season, and helps legitimize the Reds.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUi6_AxqOb0lMQN92Ld0N3qnRHECDsn60df4nQk-73aPjY4vrY_CfCZCkT2idtQY8NWNX4_B57gxKDya1mZQ9ekP-z5gEQpKYVG5KzBlTuUyGqNBrcETXJIX823ATHbocQAJD6FyOttWTSWVZY_sWutCSjAsyGU0I54vbJAPku_6RAa07gKg02UmYmK4A/s697/Gibaut%2094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="492" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUi6_AxqOb0lMQN92Ld0N3qnRHECDsn60df4nQk-73aPjY4vrY_CfCZCkT2idtQY8NWNX4_B57gxKDya1mZQ9ekP-z5gEQpKYVG5KzBlTuUyGqNBrcETXJIX823ATHbocQAJD6FyOttWTSWVZY_sWutCSjAsyGU0I54vbJAPku_6RAa07gKg02UmYmK4A/w283-h400/Gibaut%2094.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>The Reds' bullpen had a lot of really cool pieces this year. One of them was former Rangers farmhand Ian Gibaut, who, fun fact, was part of the World Baseball Classic's Great Britain squad, a team whose uniforms and hats must have been made on a 20 dollar budget. Gibaut appeared in 74 games for the Reds, and went 8-4 with a 3.33 ERA and 69 Ks. Gibaut was the Reds' most valuable reliever this season, and it's hopefully a precursor to a solid MLB career.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Lower ERA, less innings, but more eyes will be upon him.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIhA9ALH2hyphenhyphenyxsVTxSA7m3eNqavEUU6ijHUw8TsjbQ-C0LJqI10gysuFPSr3Act3bW6cnSZlbbdydNX-khdLtqmofCsuh9LHJN1CTk7DOMRy5GkVYtrP-M0h131Ynig7MKoX59lP1y0a5cqffsQH-zsZvm2TAffwCZdhmHpK1nn49QtSD64RlFtJZSD3c/s700/Williamson%2088D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="485" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIhA9ALH2hyphenhyphenyxsVTxSA7m3eNqavEUU6ijHUw8TsjbQ-C0LJqI10gysuFPSr3Act3bW6cnSZlbbdydNX-khdLtqmofCsuh9LHJN1CTk7DOMRy5GkVYtrP-M0h131Ynig7MKoX59lP1y0a5cqffsQH-zsZvm2TAffwCZdhmHpK1nn49QtSD64RlFtJZSD3c/w278-h400/Williamson%2088D.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>Before the Reds went to Andrew Abbott on their minor league depth chart, they chose Brandon Williamson, a 25-year old rookie who got 23 starts in for the Reds, and in a year where they kept trying so many minor league pitchers, it's nice that one of 'em stuck around. Williamson had a season that got better as it went on, as his ERA evened out to a 4.46 with 98 Ks. I think he would have had a smoother ramp up to the majors had everybody not gotten hurt, but he did well enough for himself overall.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>The rotation going into 2024 seems to be Greene-Lodolo-Abbott-Ashcraft, and Williamson is up for that last spot against Connor Overton. Will he have the spring to get that last spot? Uh...honestly, I think he'll be called upon for it rather than get it out of camp.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTW8LYfiHa2cWvboIjCECATq6ywVC2qX5fLnobcFyxm-QkwBMTYm5A04uZcEkZXBCTBL1QzzJbAKOtAWi9lbGfZfsw3Ay7fidAYhshwfJvmng_JD-MtNjmzOWYW2ETIv2p9Z7aumKzpZ6mekOwlwsa1Fedoz2YdljV1l9jZhc1gNHbxFFYFGS6ktQKZ2I/s696/Moll%2066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="696" data-original-width="494" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTW8LYfiHa2cWvboIjCECATq6ywVC2qX5fLnobcFyxm-QkwBMTYm5A04uZcEkZXBCTBL1QzzJbAKOtAWi9lbGfZfsw3Ay7fidAYhshwfJvmng_JD-MtNjmzOWYW2ETIv2p9Z7aumKzpZ6mekOwlwsa1Fedoz2YdljV1l9jZhc1gNHbxFFYFGS6ktQKZ2I/w284-h400/Moll%2066.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>The Reds' sharpest trade deadline move was actually getting Sam Moll from Oakland, as he was one of their best bullpen performers in the second half. Moll had 25 games in Cincinnati and only gave up 2 earned runs, with 22 Ks and a 0.973 WHIP. In a year where a lot of smart trade deadline moves didn't entirely pan out, Moll did everything he was acquired to do.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Becomes the Reds' top bullpen piece and continues his excellent work.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq8k47D-Q1aoaba49DwVi2CHQkgeLfn3iD109g4u1bVGdCBQi5wQ26JCE2p-BvstHHHSxp_nS0rB71J-nhNKCrcR2MmzMF3icmHupmUmDUgSeaC-Cjh5nbqjhD9WzQiYinMZfd0A8enyuD4pu712Qa054H9QlORNYYLvXrDJtv_ALigsYQ3NMUUUnuAzo/s696/Encarnacion-Strand%2087F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="696" data-original-width="497" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq8k47D-Q1aoaba49DwVi2CHQkgeLfn3iD109g4u1bVGdCBQi5wQ26JCE2p-BvstHHHSxp_nS0rB71J-nhNKCrcR2MmzMF3icmHupmUmDUgSeaC-Cjh5nbqjhD9WzQiYinMZfd0A8enyuD4pu712Qa054H9QlORNYYLvXrDJtv_ALigsYQ3NMUUUnuAzo/w286-h400/Encarnacion-Strand%2087F.jpg" width="286" /></a></div>Christian Encarnacion-Strand was a big prospect that was brought up as an offensive addition, even if there wasn't an open position for him yet. Spencer Steer and Joey Votto both were covering first, so it was really only the DH position that CES could land at, and given that limited option, he did alright for himself as a power bat. In 63 games he hit .270 with 13 home runs and 37 RBIs, a nice boost in the stretch run for the Reds.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Either in an infield position or just the DH, the Reds will try to make sure CES can play every day, and it will work out for them.</div><div> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMhGz9M-9ScHNMALgfYraljDxd5gm96Mv4OF8E8LPR6B_zUb2P_fqm_S9fCaufrYCtRtrDFxEwBoKVHXHr4FHorvtFjPnNr4zAw8tnlrjbMkcXofsuZe99sqInNB36HkYXW0_T4R6_8PPuNFN6bJ45YwRFjOGT8Z5IRhmfVhjyeaIvrYFzV0BSqCOqos/s694/Marte%2084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="694" data-original-width="494" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMhGz9M-9ScHNMALgfYraljDxd5gm96Mv4OF8E8LPR6B_zUb2P_fqm_S9fCaufrYCtRtrDFxEwBoKVHXHr4FHorvtFjPnNr4zAw8tnlrjbMkcXofsuZe99sqInNB36HkYXW0_T4R6_8PPuNFN6bJ45YwRFjOGT8Z5IRhmfVhjyeaIvrYFzV0BSqCOqos/w285-h400/Marte%2084.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>Meanwhile, Noelvi Marte, another huge organizational piece for the Reds, got a late August call-up and filled in at 3rd for a lot of September. He impressed in that time, hitting .316 with 36 hits, 15 RBIs and 6 steals in 35 games. Perhaps this may be why the Reds felt they didn't need Senzel going forward- between McLain, Steer, India, Marte and de la Cruz, they kind of have their infield figured out for the next few years.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>The Reds will go with Marte as the starting 3rd baseman [I also think they're gonna try to move Jonathan India], and he'll be in the top 3 of Rookie of the Year voting.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsym_UXd8yKuUZR5TLlwn6vZWE5voD1wtkvKsQKfqQL1PWx3wSe-GWQrWctr0kaxv9dgLxg7UbOzt7CVnyCwY9qW_fLecwD_lWvDT83hQtnku5eu2XDk34wKwzm8IGv1bRNJxnCtxsA6WEjlvc_Mm4_p2PuMu-CLf9jvY051UBBxDXzZTK11u4od-f2w/s698/Bader%2085F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="492" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMsym_UXd8yKuUZR5TLlwn6vZWE5voD1wtkvKsQKfqQL1PWx3wSe-GWQrWctr0kaxv9dgLxg7UbOzt7CVnyCwY9qW_fLecwD_lWvDT83hQtnku5eu2XDk34wKwzm8IGv1bRNJxnCtxsA6WEjlvc_Mm4_p2PuMu-CLf9jvY051UBBxDXzZTK11u4od-f2w/w283-h400/Bader%2085F.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>The Reds took advantage of a few waiver deals late in the year, and even if neither went especially well, I figured they'd both be cool to talk about. The Yankees parted ways with Harrison Bader after some spotty numbers for them, and the Reds gave him a shot in the outfield. In 14 games, Bader hit .161 with 5 hits, 3 RBIs and 3 steals. And then he was cut again.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Someone will give Bader a shot, but will he ever produce a full season of strong work rather than just a month or so of it?</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHF9Uul8rTgdrhYnKIus94ubpX58nPsLPpeECfUsXln02KDcoxPf1TbwOIEFeiOQVsYS_gRJnCBdt2OiB8UqU6j1PB0bDzIpGg-d0o56VGjIakc41RyGSdFaAPdi9NGEZra29sWg9Xy_sx28Jeu9FGdvIs24q2oFKVOTeKAvCjFP1MhzUT76G5JBcnMo0/s698/Renfroe%2090T.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="494" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHF9Uul8rTgdrhYnKIus94ubpX58nPsLPpeECfUsXln02KDcoxPf1TbwOIEFeiOQVsYS_gRJnCBdt2OiB8UqU6j1PB0bDzIpGg-d0o56VGjIakc41RyGSdFaAPdi9NGEZra29sWg9Xy_sx28Jeu9FGdvIs24q2oFKVOTeKAvCjFP1MhzUT76G5JBcnMo0/w283-h400/Renfroe%2090T.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>And then they grabbed Hunter Renfroe from LA, after a decent enough year there. Renfroe also got 14 games in Cincinnati, mostly as a DH, and he hit .128 with 5 hits, 4 RBIs and a home run. Renfroe was also cut after this, meaning this gambit did not work at all for the Reds.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>He'll be a lot better off with the Royals. Considering that he's played for 6 teams since 2019, something tells me he won't need the second year of the contract.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKqZJ9mQSeKbuBB3F7QErT1b_pn1MQ_a3_Hy9t9tn49NI6Qu6pn1wdtRFEo2pfwX42kt523mQbmrE07mz4t9ur688H8X8uF_IvvwVzhuXOX1l4tkD6guTGpsFrVxGMkP0Xk57chgYWNFLxQYfMdkNcQeyE7-7kt5ZLkbgPHrvbciiW3u7pVjDdC4Xtg2M/s699/Votto%2078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="491" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKqZJ9mQSeKbuBB3F7QErT1b_pn1MQ_a3_Hy9t9tn49NI6Qu6pn1wdtRFEo2pfwX42kt523mQbmrE07mz4t9ur688H8X8uF_IvvwVzhuXOX1l4tkD6guTGpsFrVxGMkP0Xk57chgYWNFLxQYfMdkNcQeyE7-7kt5ZLkbgPHrvbciiW3u7pVjDdC4Xtg2M/w281-h400/Votto%2078.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>I think it's a safe bet to say that Joey Votto has played his last game as a Red. After 16 years, over 2000 hits, an MVP and some Hall of Fame votes waiting to happen, the Reds aren't likely to pick up Votto for another season. It's for the best reason, honestly- the Reds have so many great young pieces to lead the team that they don't have room, or much use, for Votto right now. Votto only played 65 games this year, and he only hit .202 with 42 hits, 38 RBIs and 14 homers, which is still no slouch. The Reds owe so much to Joey Votto for making them fun over the last decade and a half, and he'll certainly be welcome there after he's done playing.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Yeah, I don't think he's done. As weird as it would look, I think he suits up for someone else in a DH role, knocks some of his last-ever career homers, and finishes his career his way. <br /><p>Coming Tomorrow- I don't usually do a post on Christmas, so Tuesday the next one will go up. That post is on a team that didn't have much of a chance but still had some intriguing storylines pop up.</p></div>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874636239832076438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7629281127274459200.post-12499116828116620392023-12-23T08:13:00.067-05:002023-12-23T08:13:00.129-05:00Uncustomed Heroes of 2023: Red Sox<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffYBcTSFsqPwWGJ9kF-b6VKeHhomIZMEtrVAr-fRHPnTtr9sAg2Ts-HPZbQWT4XOx9NzdAV1REopZPGNACQP1BcjBoZZGUxEAikomm5FYpVO-ufozYPhyvZAuu2qJzbrwq-o9n4K9y4MfKmU3ktPI2PDaIreeNo-EjxfZJ6n4xszzZfEZSwtE1iP6hlU/s698/Wong%2088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="495" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffYBcTSFsqPwWGJ9kF-b6VKeHhomIZMEtrVAr-fRHPnTtr9sAg2Ts-HPZbQWT4XOx9NzdAV1REopZPGNACQP1BcjBoZZGUxEAikomm5FYpVO-ufozYPhyvZAuu2qJzbrwq-o9n4K9y4MfKmU3ktPI2PDaIreeNo-EjxfZJ6n4xszzZfEZSwtE1iP6hlU/w284-h400/Wong%2088.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>What a weird year to be a Red Sox fan. It had the effect of both a transitional year and a big contract go-ahead year at the same time, and it felt like the two sensibilities were warring with each other. Two of the biggest contracted players on the team played little to no part in the overall outcome of the season, and it was left to a lot of young players to pick up the slack. Many of them actually did well, and will play into next season favorably. Others aren't there yet. <p></p><div style="text-align: left;">Connor Wong may be the biggest revelation. The Sox were still looking for a permanent catching option after losing Christian Vazquez, and went in with the platoon of Reese McGuire and Jorge Alfaro, neither of which were any good defensively. Thankfully, Wong is a terrific defensive catcher, and had an 11 dWAR figure, winning the position easily. Despite only hitting .235 with 36 RBIs and 9 homers, Wong was 7th in WAR on the team.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Like Vazquez before him, he figures out the hitting end and keeps the starting position.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiejRisZuCM2CsemfP6qp8jm7Y-B9a96PnVdWHzsGjWcJviy4Xfr_GMkt90WGAppIrkmw2TwXCQsuCQuHzh1U28bwKhvap_eFYoJ74aR0XBezcfObfx4BA9PZVpwO04yn9mMzFC7FicE0hBaAepqf8mwsdjxv-MMqAm7j1qhv1JqvIIyivGgKIQUKFdrMM/s701/Casas%2078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="493" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiejRisZuCM2CsemfP6qp8jm7Y-B9a96PnVdWHzsGjWcJviy4Xfr_GMkt90WGAppIrkmw2TwXCQsuCQuHzh1U28bwKhvap_eFYoJ74aR0XBezcfObfx4BA9PZVpwO04yn9mMzFC7FicE0hBaAepqf8mwsdjxv-MMqAm7j1qhv1JqvIIyivGgKIQUKFdrMM/w281-h400/Casas%2078.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>Triston Casas, like Jarren Duran, took a while to blossom in the MLB but broke big this year, and made 1st base her own. Duran hit 24 home runs, 2nd on the team, and 65 RBIs, 4th on the team. I saw Casas in Spring Training and even then he didn't look too comfortable, but he really came into his own during the second half, and that reassured Sox fans quite a bit going forward.<div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>First 30-homer season, and closer to the heart of the lineup.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpDb4SFW6wiL7x87scCEqPgCSYkwBnoV5ZmUT3L7gAIIBDRGrjI5mpaEjsYSDa-U-LP9sSUTlaY6Zke7f7-hGR4RFLX5_9CE-UwyCg-USDChbKTpEZB98rfpmOljOHyp9AWJVAfdQ9VRUIr66hu9iTQgauCwLjD4GpZr2ATdRHoxaEA7in_V9jv6LMYks/s697/Sale%2064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="494" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpDb4SFW6wiL7x87scCEqPgCSYkwBnoV5ZmUT3L7gAIIBDRGrjI5mpaEjsYSDa-U-LP9sSUTlaY6Zke7f7-hGR4RFLX5_9CE-UwyCg-USDChbKTpEZB98rfpmOljOHyp9AWJVAfdQ9VRUIr66hu9iTQgauCwLjD4GpZr2ATdRHoxaEA7in_V9jv6LMYks/w284-h400/Sale%2064.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>After four straight injury-plagued seasons, Chris Sale was prime for a comeback, and with the Sox putting a lot on him as one of the few veterans remaining in the rotation, Sale did his best to reignite the hype. I saw Sale start in March, and he looked alright, even if it's clearly not 2014 anymore. Sale was limited to 20 starts, but he did post his best numbers in years, with a 4.30 ERA and 125 Ks, as well as a 1.130 WHIP. Clearly his best stuff is still there, but his overthrowing in his first decade of play has made his arm a lot less trustworthy than it used to be.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Finishes that contract with a whimper rather than a roar.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo2VQkVS8PilfDPhF1emKHzXA7xlP_MOixnRChF7tDCSsqb62PBr0HkTlVQceBO7i5c6c2ziX0VYlU5YMQPcqpd7RxXFtqXdcAJ27fEY0gLj-OnBKWWEg2Khho6H5NQDEgt-zlph9xqQjsaNnRa0OlErCOi7RK2q_a5GXS8tuC5nO1aAEsSqpgYcAnHls/s695/Story%2075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="490" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo2VQkVS8PilfDPhF1emKHzXA7xlP_MOixnRChF7tDCSsqb62PBr0HkTlVQceBO7i5c6c2ziX0VYlU5YMQPcqpd7RxXFtqXdcAJ27fEY0gLj-OnBKWWEg2Khho6H5NQDEgt-zlph9xqQjsaNnRa0OlErCOi7RK2q_a5GXS8tuC5nO1aAEsSqpgYcAnHls/w283-h400/Story%2075.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>Speaking of snakebitten contracts, Trevor Story's injury kept him out until August, meaning for the first time in about a decade, the Sox had no leads on a shortstop. Luckily, Story's return was timed with Enrique Hernandez's trade to LA, and Story got 43 games to make up for lost time. He only hit .203, yet his 10 steals were still the second-most on the team, and he still roped in 14 RBIs and 3 homers. </div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Here, folks, finally, Boston will see peak Story. I just hope it's not too late.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilMWctjRyNfFkS28l2jAxJmyewwn3SakiRSzPEArOhM0c4wH0LjBJGAoIc5aUwj5_mTr-2YwuO9DxB_b74meEPm_WQfGrsEY3CHMLmo9zmaPuOHtSPTLleagRLkry6f2S40nhBWgwuUbCte9gkFo6ZJD4475fwcIR0dLFP31z4rcvik4z12w6OcmsQnRo/s696/Rafaela%2087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="696" data-original-width="488" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilMWctjRyNfFkS28l2jAxJmyewwn3SakiRSzPEArOhM0c4wH0LjBJGAoIc5aUwj5_mTr-2YwuO9DxB_b74meEPm_WQfGrsEY3CHMLmo9zmaPuOHtSPTLleagRLkry6f2S40nhBWgwuUbCte9gkFo6ZJD4475fwcIR0dLFP31z4rcvik4z12w6OcmsQnRo/w280-h400/Rafaela%2087.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>And then in the last month of the season, the Sox brought up two interesting young rookies. Ceddanne Rafaela, an OF-2B type from Curacao, got up to some interesting contact business in Boston, hitting 20 hits in 28 games, with 5 RBIs and 2 homers. I'm seeing a potential utility role for Rafaela, but there is a chance he'll prove himself somewhere specific.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Really cool second half bench numbers.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwL_VOXePqujzFeTN9_4QAuQRFCUb2HyrFv0HXzGNyuJIMbCm3nXcCT0V-QqgadoyOFxCNHMyRLGLC9k-ZBHHNdippO13t_9Q08DYzs-FbYwlWkbYQDJo-i8MsJWOG2TbratxKKRx4aYJVm5piycMtkGVc3bJvYZr3IaqhrCN5vVUOa_N3I7v-mX0EbAM/s697/Abreu%2089U.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="505" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwL_VOXePqujzFeTN9_4QAuQRFCUb2HyrFv0HXzGNyuJIMbCm3nXcCT0V-QqgadoyOFxCNHMyRLGLC9k-ZBHHNdippO13t_9Q08DYzs-FbYwlWkbYQDJo-i8MsJWOG2TbratxKKRx4aYJVm5piycMtkGVc3bJvYZr3IaqhrCN5vVUOa_N3I7v-mX0EbAM/w290-h400/Abreu%2089U.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>Then the Sox brought up Wilyer Abreu, a high-prized outfield prospect, and Abreu got off to a wild start in the majors, hitting .316 with 14 RBIs in 28 games. Immediately, Abreu got Sox fans' attention, and could be a major piece of the action going forward if those numbers continue.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Will get a surprising amount of Rookie of the Year votes before he mellows into an Adolis Garcia-esque power career.<br /><p>Coming Tomorrow- I have a lot of Cincinnati Reds left, guys..</p></div>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874636239832076438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7629281127274459200.post-40128982157380467732023-12-22T08:31:00.001-05:002023-12-22T08:31:00.130-05:00Uncustomed Heroes of 2023: Rays<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDRlAW_CNA7siSVMWlmQEQs5sUt-wYlv9LtHZ23hRhvclzb4q-9Qm4Lqbtn1oSNZFpfm83T8x2J6zC4XoThOxT9vTZE3tyC2rztbmxtlqJuDjG4wlQP_3snklEO5p9EuFpWsYk38g7bUfYD3zgtdjhu5OjrOD4PY-87DJFVF00sa8fuLWJU3VREZV7EA/s700/Bethancourt%2091%20UD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="486" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDRlAW_CNA7siSVMWlmQEQs5sUt-wYlv9LtHZ23hRhvclzb4q-9Qm4Lqbtn1oSNZFpfm83T8x2J6zC4XoThOxT9vTZE3tyC2rztbmxtlqJuDjG4wlQP_3snklEO5p9EuFpWsYk38g7bUfYD3zgtdjhu5OjrOD4PY-87DJFVF00sa8fuLWJU3VREZV7EA/w278-h400/Bethancourt%2091%20UD.jpg" width="278" /></a></div><p></p><p>The Rays managed to win 99 games without full seasons from their three best pitchers, and with their single most important organizational piece going up in smoke halfway through the year. Even if things went downhill after the monster winning streak to start the season, they still didn't let major setbacks stop them. A lot of teams this season had injury hits like the Rays did, or worse, and couldn't survive. But the Rays' organizational depth and win-with-anything attitude kept things moving throughout the season, and helped them finish somewhat strongly, even without Jeffrey Springs, Shane McClanahan or Drew Rasmussen being there for the postseason. </p><div style="text-align: left;">Another sign of the organizational struggles this year? The best catcher in the depth chart for the Rays was Christian Bethancourt. Not that he's bad, as he certainly proved himself last year between Oakland and Tampa, but the Rays have constantly failed to find a successful long-term catching option, and Bethancourt seemed like another replacement option. This year, he hit .225 with 33 RBIs and 10 homers, plus some passable catching efforts. The Rays hoped that Francisco Mejia would pan out, and he couldn't stay healthy, so Bethancourt it is. Unfortunately, the Rays are gonna have to think of something soon, as Bethancourt has already moved teams twice this offseason. If nothing huge happens, uh...Rene Pinto, get ready for more reps, bud.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Primarily acts as a backup for Nick Fortes, but might be useful for some extra reps at DH.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwcrDUkopMxfOr0gQQhWkUT7lOtmjwl3Cwp-5LVOS4GuYk7fRvZ3c2oohuOe2YwaHT5DxLClW50kFj5mcblpyTKUTxz6HAUZOFM2UzViF_Fo9co3f7rTG7Q1jTOpS0EMNT2T9z1fCXXOcBZHoRsHyA4Zff6PgWbH61Nw1YrOHX6OH-lxW55K9ACRQs70c/s693/Bradley%2083F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="693" data-original-width="497" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwcrDUkopMxfOr0gQQhWkUT7lOtmjwl3Cwp-5LVOS4GuYk7fRvZ3c2oohuOe2YwaHT5DxLClW50kFj5mcblpyTKUTxz6HAUZOFM2UzViF_Fo9co3f7rTG7Q1jTOpS0EMNT2T9z1fCXXOcBZHoRsHyA4Zff6PgWbH61Nw1YrOHX6OH-lxW55K9ACRQs70c/w286-h400/Bradley%2083F.jpg" width="286" /></a></div>Taj Bradley was an early call-up that was an early prevention against running out of starters in the wake of Springs' injury. Bradley started strong, but his inexperience caught up to him, and in 23 games he ended up with a 5.59 ERA, 122 Ks notwithstanding. Bradley's a talented homegrown hurler, the likes of which the Rays need right now, especially if he stays healthy. <div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>I think he's gonna do great, I'm just not sure if he'll be on the IL by June or July.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsL2nu3lKq4ZrYJSllrKIc7MVdIyQeDqI7kWDTnN_kZ5rR0tGb7b-fJe4Fa9Y_xRW0ZgXDhMT3DPkDu6CRMjDQ5TJ3PS2R33oL-mz5EUSxJIn6j5853S28-zAaQu4GxeF4x32NZ1bLxujStBthkFPBmIYcUGDJ6XEA3En_k2QgzzAiMcHAfK_hoqW6Bnw/s697/Fairbanks%2066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="497" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsL2nu3lKq4ZrYJSllrKIc7MVdIyQeDqI7kWDTnN_kZ5rR0tGb7b-fJe4Fa9Y_xRW0ZgXDhMT3DPkDu6CRMjDQ5TJ3PS2R33oL-mz5EUSxJIn6j5853S28-zAaQu4GxeF4x32NZ1bLxujStBthkFPBmIYcUGDJ6XEA3En_k2QgzzAiMcHAfK_hoqW6Bnw/w285-h400/Fairbanks%2066.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>After their prior closing option joined his fellow pride month boycott members on the sit-out bench, it was down to Pete Fairbanks, who actually jumped on the opportunity after years of steady relief. Fairbanks finished the year with 25 saves, a 2.58 ERA and a 1.015 WHIP, making him one of the relief highlights of an inconsistent and merciless year for the Rays' bullpen.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Keeps the ninth and goes for 30 saves.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHqsRsFEtkHzi37tK2sj6ZNZQmIm0VpRLfooMwQX6JnwQSHhcSVk4PKRLNm0VArajqk59EdG3cJqBOqlCM4B7QdRbzYnInqmvMYos1SaCKnVCZGa4pRPLISE1arNb2tXu7WcmRyJ1sVu_fv9580nCxtOP8J77ynIAOLXB6tpQZ8lGIkrf2u6exlUqFo7U/s699/Civale%2092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="491" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHqsRsFEtkHzi37tK2sj6ZNZQmIm0VpRLfooMwQX6JnwQSHhcSVk4PKRLNm0VArajqk59EdG3cJqBOqlCM4B7QdRbzYnInqmvMYos1SaCKnVCZGa4pRPLISE1arNb2tXu7WcmRyJ1sVu_fv9580nCxtOP8J77ynIAOLXB6tpQZ8lGIkrf2u6exlUqFo7U/w281-h400/Civale%2092.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>The Rays smoothest trade deadline move was stealing Aaron Civale from Cleveland, right as their rotation began to become even more crowded. Civale had a great first half with the Guardians, and now it was time to see if he could help the Rays compete. In 10 games, Civale had a 5.36 ERA and an impressive 58 strikeouts. Ultimately, the Rays had been eliminated from playoff contention before Civale even had a chance to start a game for them.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>I think he'll even out in Tampa and rise to the top of their rotation. With so many arms looking to be liabilities post-injury, Civale will give them some padding.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxbR_pCGa-Sg5PKRqo68d_aeBTWJ2wS2cfpNSM3ENhllihm3h2uNqlgtTJBZ_LtByTZR_OYz74D3TXSZVzvrsNEV5RIbOxMksy82JYmUud_9LATq5omQIKVgo3N69B9NWaXZcxM5SjSn15fFLfYvMN7wMpKJFxEy5l3rhX1uWaCe0jIXIZ2ph0_lsGvVM/s692/Caminero%2080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="491" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxbR_pCGa-Sg5PKRqo68d_aeBTWJ2wS2cfpNSM3ENhllihm3h2uNqlgtTJBZ_LtByTZR_OYz74D3TXSZVzvrsNEV5RIbOxMksy82JYmUud_9LATq5omQIKVgo3N69B9NWaXZcxM5SjSn15fFLfYvMN7wMpKJFxEy5l3rhX1uWaCe0jIXIZ2ph0_lsGvVM/w284-h400/Caminero%2080.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>In the wake of Wandergate, the Rays were suddenly questioning shortstop, a position they figured was locked up for the next decade, unlike Wander himself at this rate. Taylor Walls was a great defensive option with no offense. Vidal Brujan still hadn't come into his own, and he's now in Miami. So they went with organizational giant Junior Caminero, a high prospect that the Rays just assumed they'd need to trade for a starter anyway in a year. Caminero got 19 MLB games this year, and he hit .235 with 7 RBIs and a homer.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Not sure if he'll be the opening day option at short, but he'll get there and make it his own by the end of 2024. I'm also predicting his girlfriend will be his age, though I really hope that one isn't wrong either, or else the Rays just know how to pick shortstop prospects..</div><div><br /></div><div>Coming Tomorrow- A few pieces of an extremely odd Red Sox team.</div>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874636239832076438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7629281127274459200.post-39683774780643965482023-12-21T08:46:00.070-05:002023-12-21T08:46:00.134-05:00Uncustomed Heroes of 2023: Rangers<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG0dnObQ0gkwfITuSQlGgyhV8ops1kdj-7TxQRmLJA8sGFQXarrWMrozmAqM5xwDO9lo0lOd6bT8girDOdx2o3dFlHnlhjVp7Lyz_1kltuQfIeci5vEvP6G1hBCdKrSEN63xhFgTJUH4znrjAUgpNn4WYj-btPswLhNCx0h7QUpdRJMPBDvL0m2nHTDKI/s699/Perez%2083D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="488" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG0dnObQ0gkwfITuSQlGgyhV8ops1kdj-7TxQRmLJA8sGFQXarrWMrozmAqM5xwDO9lo0lOd6bT8girDOdx2o3dFlHnlhjVp7Lyz_1kltuQfIeci5vEvP6G1hBCdKrSEN63xhFgTJUH4znrjAUgpNn4WYj-btPswLhNCx0h7QUpdRJMPBDvL0m2nHTDKI/w279-h400/Perez%2083D.jpg" width="279" /></a></div><p></p><p>All four Dallas/Arlington Big 4 teams have won championships now, thanks to the Rangers' poetic takedown of the Arizona Diamondbacks this year. And the single funniest part is that the Rangers, the Stars and the Mavericks, who have all won one championship apiece...have all won more recently than the Dallas Cowboys. </p><p>Dak...no pressure, right?</p><p>I really enjoyed this Rangers team. I'm several years away from the years where I hated these Rangers teams for being too good, the guys that crushed the Yankees in the early 2010s. These teams are more likable, and with the combo of Seager, Semien and Garcia just coming down on you all the time, it's just hard to get around. Plus, with Josh Jung, Evan Carter, Jonah Heim and Leody Taveras looking like mainstays this decade, they will probably be this good for a while.</p><div style="text-align: left;">Martin Perez was one of the Rangers' big pieces of 2022, and after coming up with the team and being a big part of some tougher-luck squads, getting to compete with the Rangers must have been an awesome feeling. Perez's 2023 was not as good as his 2022, and after going 8-4 with a 4.98 ERA and 69 Ks in 20 starts, Perez was moved to the bullpen, where he had a 2.70 ERA in 15 games. Then, in 3 postseason appearances he gave up 5 earned runs, including 4 in one World Series game. At the very least, he got to win a ring with his old team, but now that his value has decreased, that may be the end of it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>2024 Prediction: </b>An improvement in a lower-rotation role. Honestly, the Pirates really do need someone like Perez, and he might be a decent pickup for them.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuLBHaNl9QR2ovjeE6am3TcyU3JeIX6ieMN98ru4QKHHfQn6XkToAsFofP2v32a2MeBbnPkh8JdYGM_znHGDfeHGEv7PAR5nPokYPzLbeCsbP-dnFVKNpdZICB81Obp3bbuxWH8hLiitpHBHT_F2jKH6xnUxOCr75FkatDWKegeHo-w35A952t52FCd5Y/s699/Grossman%2084.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="498" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuLBHaNl9QR2ovjeE6am3TcyU3JeIX6ieMN98ru4QKHHfQn6XkToAsFofP2v32a2MeBbnPkh8JdYGM_znHGDfeHGEv7PAR5nPokYPzLbeCsbP-dnFVKNpdZICB81Obp3bbuxWH8hLiitpHBHT_F2jKH6xnUxOCr75FkatDWKegeHo-w35A952t52FCd5Y/w285-h400/Grossman%2084.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">After finishing 2022 with the Braves, Robbie Grossman took an outfield job with the Rangers, and by midseason he had a surprisingly high amount of All-Star votes, despite being a rare Ranger that didn't make the team. Grossman essentially platooned with Travis Jankowski, and took the majority of the starts, hitting .238 with 49 RBIs and 10 home runs in 115 games. For the Rangers that's low, but it's actually not bad for a 4th-OF role.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Has a 'veteran who hits above his pay grade and makes noise at the deadline' season for a non-competitor. </div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVHxK6h33742eUrMjkECD_sOl54xM9TZkhquwizvRQTaaY_MRQMgSvjFpFc3azrYCjf0VsPYQ26CJZF4SltNfTzdMRfopU6q3fpZIqmMKxCRc-sJCnjSP8xpUfgMTvLYLdDYXOz66p3NSlI1LUAnJlIp8wvqOeXsKkvrABfhCSTL_2h39xxTYR6DdaU0/s708/Smith%2081D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="708" data-original-width="493" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVHxK6h33742eUrMjkECD_sOl54xM9TZkhquwizvRQTaaY_MRQMgSvjFpFc3azrYCjf0VsPYQ26CJZF4SltNfTzdMRfopU6q3fpZIqmMKxCRc-sJCnjSP8xpUfgMTvLYLdDYXOz66p3NSlI1LUAnJlIp8wvqOeXsKkvrABfhCSTL_2h39xxTYR6DdaU0/w279-h400/Smith%2081D.jpg" width="279" /></a></div>Will Smith has won 3 rings in 3 years. And if you think THAT's a fun stat, the last four World Series teams have had someone named Will Smith on it. But this Will Smith, the relief specialist, had another decent year that ended in a ring, which, hey, now he has 2 more than Kershaw. Will Smith had a 4.40 ERA in 60 games, but his 1.064 WHIP and 22 saves did make him a bit more desirable, even as Jose LeClerc and Aroldis Chapman also circled the ninth. During the postseason, Smith was mostly used as a setup man, and judging by his spottier track record in the ALCS and World Series, this was the right idea. <div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Does not make a World Series with the Royals, but makes for a decent ninth inning guy for them. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHwi_-bSMVANmnJmyHqh9XK-ubMA-6FHsAk0rotv86kvl3mzMWJ2vppnyfX4Eb2ZmGIiRn7yew6bbR_rcTsZgU_Hgvfyf-FpaPKMg6mB17jPuHE63uOu_YkrC3osNz_p8uu14fQ0fZh36g3Q8jV78Aq1ZUXOn6nuNyF2RU4_pYrQfH7tgxc6K2SXTQUo/s698/Sborz%2089.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="492" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJHwi_-bSMVANmnJmyHqh9XK-ubMA-6FHsAk0rotv86kvl3mzMWJ2vppnyfX4Eb2ZmGIiRn7yew6bbR_rcTsZgU_Hgvfyf-FpaPKMg6mB17jPuHE63uOu_YkrC3osNz_p8uu14fQ0fZh36g3Q8jV78Aq1ZUXOn6nuNyF2RU4_pYrQfH7tgxc6K2SXTQUo/w283-h400/Sborz%2089.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>And the guy who closed the last out of the Rangers' first World Series win, a good trivia question for anyone looking, was Josh Sborz, who started off with the Dodgers, meaning he's been on two separate World Series-bound teams with a different Will Smith. Sborz was actually spotty in relief during the regular season this year, but in the postseason he sported a 0.75 ERA in 10 appearances, striking out 13 and only giving up 4 hits and 1 earned run. </div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Sborz might be the most consistent member of the Rangers bullpen next year if his postseason is anything to go by.<br /><p>Coming Tomorrow- The Rays had awful luck this year, but they actually accomplished a lot despite an early exit. </p></div>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874636239832076438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7629281127274459200.post-60673773078828552172023-12-20T08:25:00.081-05:002023-12-20T08:25:00.132-05:00Uncustomed Heroes of 2023: Pirates<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwNwUWt0oGpu74v5m5ofbM5fM-ANrRNcWH4OPAcU8FiQnmZjuZy6zvxCBmP0k5vXJQxWGcdyxcvQMQGyIeZXz2XE0LmoUBJS7H6GVfqmgFNTUysALDRO7kbYyPoeJem0hNLeCt3hVdDLPlFUYM9ASiTLoQ8G2h_-ECHIho4tRE-SwFxBgk9kpwEhmmEg/s694/Bae%2089D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="694" data-original-width="496" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwNwUWt0oGpu74v5m5ofbM5fM-ANrRNcWH4OPAcU8FiQnmZjuZy6zvxCBmP0k5vXJQxWGcdyxcvQMQGyIeZXz2XE0LmoUBJS7H6GVfqmgFNTUysALDRO7kbYyPoeJem0hNLeCt3hVdDLPlFUYM9ASiTLoQ8G2h_-ECHIho4tRE-SwFxBgk9kpwEhmmEg/w286-h400/Bae%2089D.jpg" width="286" /></a></div>The 2023 Pittsburgh Pirates capped their first month with a 20-9 record. They would only win 56 more games after that. Something just fell out after that first month and this team wasn't the same, despite the heights they hit. And while it's simple enough to say 'oh, well Vince Velasquez was the lynchpin holding this team together', it's more complex than that. This Pirates team was good enough to be good in April, but not enough to stay good throughout the season. Some teams are like that. You've seen Mariners and Royals teams peak in April or May and then completely fall apart. The Pirates having their big April while still rebuilding and that's promising enough. <p></p><p>I have no idea when the Pirates will be fully competitive again, but sparks of this season point to the beginning of something.</p><div style="text-align: left;">The Pirates' Opening Day 2nd baseman was Ji-Hwan Bae, who'd played 10 games in 2022 and did very well. Bae was one of the contact stars during April, and while he did cool off over time, he was a pretty reliable infield piece, leading the team in stolen bases with 24, despite hitting .231. The Pirates have a lot of replacement-level youngsters filling big positions, and had people like Bae, Tucupita Marcano and, well, the guy that's up next, filling major positions. Bae has the better chance of all of those guys to start in the future.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Similar to Gerardo Perdomo, he'll come into his own given a full year under his belt, and next year will be a clearer picture of Bae's MLB skillset.</div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_vU1xQ-YisnwQ7SeoCRIVpD2hC8UzCdNzpbwOEbFDpBrPKr0BE20fBAuHTPeqKpTCxRUpTGBmSwcDTL_uLn1InChzPO4okFR4q27mn_sho3K_qW3UVd3PEJsxTdFd9wq45X3vWrhyi78gLqeNW2C2xakrHL4dGIwz9oGpvt1K9EvkoOZC-OgDd5Temk/s696/Delay%2083F.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="696" data-original-width="488" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_vU1xQ-YisnwQ7SeoCRIVpD2hC8UzCdNzpbwOEbFDpBrPKr0BE20fBAuHTPeqKpTCxRUpTGBmSwcDTL_uLn1InChzPO4okFR4q27mn_sho3K_qW3UVd3PEJsxTdFd9wq45X3vWrhyi78gLqeNW2C2xakrHL4dGIwz9oGpvt1K9EvkoOZC-OgDd5Temk/w280-h400/Delay%2083F.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>Speaking of replacement-level players in major positions, with Austin Hedges the defensive choice [who left halfway] and Endy Rodriguez coming in later, the most consistent catching option the Pirates had was Jason Delay. In 70 games, Delay hit .251 with 42 hits, 18 RBIs and slightly-below-average defensive catching play. <div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>I think he will be better off as a backup, but the hope is that the youth options will keep him one.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnGGUqjeoBMXsPangAMnSRFz2ZkSxFo9a1wcNPyDi4igvVq5MPcAROPI_yHOjO8SgSAT7kJR4f7jU-3CyopUiegAnEZTRLeoJd2bYhjlC4cFieXm098EkavPyalXpjUCl3GjrMmpXMDv_2XdaX_zcVBThL7Qy36hrLvsVgy7FDcQk5FUEsHnVi4yY7wXQ/s699/Ortiz%2083.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="488" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnGGUqjeoBMXsPangAMnSRFz2ZkSxFo9a1wcNPyDi4igvVq5MPcAROPI_yHOjO8SgSAT7kJR4f7jU-3CyopUiegAnEZTRLeoJd2bYhjlC4cFieXm098EkavPyalXpjUCl3GjrMmpXMDv_2XdaX_zcVBThL7Qy36hrLvsVgy7FDcQk5FUEsHnVi4yY7wXQ/w279-h400/Ortiz%2083.jpg" width="279" /></a></div>Luis Ortiz had a very sharp come-up last year for the Pirates. This year he got another shot, though shortened by both injuries and time in Indy. In 18 games, Ortiz had a 4.78 ERA with 59 Ks. It's not terrific, but there's the wonder of what he'll look like with a fuller season and a better team.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Luis Ortiz is gonna have an insane first two months that will get a ton of eyes on him.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTuy0Be3ooLU9yocZ9zzLDUQ4ChOiV7bghj9rtLoDwQYWAggrFcsvZY1qdyrt_zu01XOoRyOCc1m5RcVlUY4aQjHamaF_L4mOq2mMRuS4ruVs5DrI0x8WkVianK-Rxu-OParhcp-B8y8Rxc9uxyVUhbXBB5HiCEtCw6SFZ55qM06DK0dXNDP2XzRCB99U/s701/Triolo%2087.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTuy0Be3ooLU9yocZ9zzLDUQ4ChOiV7bghj9rtLoDwQYWAggrFcsvZY1qdyrt_zu01XOoRyOCc1m5RcVlUY4aQjHamaF_L4mOq2mMRuS4ruVs5DrI0x8WkVianK-Rxu-OParhcp-B8y8Rxc9uxyVUhbXBB5HiCEtCw6SFZ55qM06DK0dXNDP2XzRCB99U/w285-h400/Triolo%2087.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>And now for some rookie call-ups. </div><div>Jared Triolo, of all the second-half call-ups, seemed to get the most done. In 54 games, the third-baseman hit .298 with 21 RBIs and 6 steals, which is a pretty well rounded start to one's career. Triolo's 2.1 WAR in 2 months was higher than all-but-FIVE Pirates. Just the big guns, Reynolds, Bednar, Hayes, Keller and Suwinski, and then a guy who was only here cause everybody else didn't work.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Even with Rowdy Tellez, Triolo has the best shot at 1st base next year, and I'd say he puts a lock on that.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAuNOWlc_9HPdAWuq8wLqHK_yvUNI6eIFBpfF0jmeWXz08a0PjG__3WSAfhV8IyA0ZST8m1UMA_A-rLP5Ai6WJV5RGDVXJ5gtjGSG-d9_H-b911M5G0XsZwGCwpQLRiugWAw3neKWfGS7KjK1QCLYvn1ZM0Lau3xeCrc2NoJ_95iTQ2nuBJGk9-u0LWM4/s693/Davis%2082.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="693" data-original-width="496" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAuNOWlc_9HPdAWuq8wLqHK_yvUNI6eIFBpfF0jmeWXz08a0PjG__3WSAfhV8IyA0ZST8m1UMA_A-rLP5Ai6WJV5RGDVXJ5gtjGSG-d9_H-b911M5G0XsZwGCwpQLRiugWAw3neKWfGS7KjK1QCLYvn1ZM0Lau3xeCrc2NoJ_95iTQ2nuBJGk9-u0LWM4/w286-h400/Davis%2082.jpg" width="286" /></a></div>Then we have 2021's #1 overall pick, Henry Davis, who, despite coming up as a catcher, fit into right field this year for the Buccos. As he's still just 23, he's still coming into his own, which explains why, despite 7 homers and 24 RBIs in 62 games, he couldn't hit for average and struggled defensively. Davis was once seen as the kind of foundational piece that the Orioles have now drafted two of in the past 5 years, and hopefully he still has some of the hitting energy that made him such a well-liked prospect.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>The plan is to plug Davis in behind the plate, which will lead to a definite improvement, and one that makes his role in the coming Pirates teams a ton clearer.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrr5Hpbtm3ybgexXyl7j_W82wOoWAOP4VS95wopmtAZrs2ul5LW-M6NR594ZcbtpmJSJtyxV-XX9ApbhfGZM7QhLkrci_gsudEg3rg65yNUks8U5-vHkE-5ZW-FMMJCTe-cN6H1aIESO5FJSbE_puF1zdHT2_2FVATCGS3k9iIHZ19OfzSouVtxx1oDos/s696/Rodriguez%2080.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="696" data-original-width="492" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrr5Hpbtm3ybgexXyl7j_W82wOoWAOP4VS95wopmtAZrs2ul5LW-M6NR594ZcbtpmJSJtyxV-XX9ApbhfGZM7QhLkrci_gsudEg3rg65yNUks8U5-vHkE-5ZW-FMMJCTe-cN6H1aIESO5FJSbE_puF1zdHT2_2FVATCGS3k9iIHZ19OfzSouVtxx1oDos/w283-h400/Rodriguez%2080.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>And then the Pirates brought up another former catching prospect, Endy Rodriguez, though this one still caught games. Rodriguez is, by far I'd say, a defensive upgrade from Delay, and while he only hit .220 this year, he's shown signs of contact prowess that could be farmed in the future. And then, much like Ronny Mauricio, he gets injured in the fall leagues and is out for most of 2024. It's a good thing they've got another young catcher there, even if catching isn't his primary MLB position.</div><div><b>2025 Prediction: </b>Becomes a huge piece of this dynasty, though I worry that Hayes, Keller, Cruz and Reynolds may be gone by then.<br /><p>Coming Tomorrow- I don't have many left, but some of the guys that helped the Rangers win their first-ever World Series ring.</p></div>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874636239832076438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7629281127274459200.post-56479933413856979332023-12-19T08:03:00.000-05:002023-12-19T08:03:00.131-05:00Uncustomed Heroes of 2023: Phillies<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLHoDvh-TBC9vi0BwGsGS_ipqkpey5GTTMdscN2JplzZZbxqlEUzXGwKtxBgMScMwH9q0VJ3OkJLZDHzm6dD4nE3i3TnwgZqfjk0DztIdoKTnMAilTKcVZPHFfP4HegynmSf4VrvF36McqOXp-W4GbJrsvpGI-7I5v-xSNtgZ7XdGX0nKaZcdY44T3PSI/s702/Sosa%2093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="499" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLHoDvh-TBC9vi0BwGsGS_ipqkpey5GTTMdscN2JplzZZbxqlEUzXGwKtxBgMScMwH9q0VJ3OkJLZDHzm6dD4nE3i3TnwgZqfjk0DztIdoKTnMAilTKcVZPHFfP4HegynmSf4VrvF36McqOXp-W4GbJrsvpGI-7I5v-xSNtgZ7XdGX0nKaZcdY44T3PSI/w284-h400/Sosa%2093.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>Another wild season from those lovable Philadelphia Phils, or at least lovable if you're a fan of underdogs. For the second year running, the Phillies wormed their way into the NLCS as a wild card team, though this year was the superior version of this scrappy team, with great performances from Bryson Stott, Ranger Suarez, Jeff Hoffman and, of course, Bryce Harper. Unfortunately, the incredible run ended in Phoenix, as it tends to these friggin days for Philly. Most of the people I wanted to make customs of this year I already did, so it only left three for December. Three relatively strong choices, though.<p></p><div style="text-align: left;">Edmundo Sosa, after coming over the previous year in a sneaky deal from St. Louis, has become our go-to utility infielder. In 104 games, Sosa hit .251 with 30 RBIs and 10 homers, not a bad shake at all for your backup guy. Unlike last year, he didn't get much postseason action, and was hitless during the Arizona series.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Plays an even bigger role, perhaps even becoming an able starter in the event of an injury.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCy_RrKiDOS7AwdCSAArLvRLV52qhK2iVx91GbHOnRqnJIxkK8mZY2xmrsRIbvFTSaCOFflUK5OG892w5aVHiUVOHiBhMdiWdOaUluNUcM5bQhM7NaGI_dte2rbSHFg3esNZXWKlnnvKsL4_vRwvquPECQr7o5Tdj06S9X_x5qdzEUKlDImB3wOi9b1M/s700/Sanchez%2094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="496" data-original-width="700" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCy_RrKiDOS7AwdCSAArLvRLV52qhK2iVx91GbHOnRqnJIxkK8mZY2xmrsRIbvFTSaCOFflUK5OG892w5aVHiUVOHiBhMdiWdOaUluNUcM5bQhM7NaGI_dte2rbSHFg3esNZXWKlnnvKsL4_vRwvquPECQr7o5Tdj06S9X_x5qdzEUKlDImB3wOi9b1M/w400-h284/Sanchez%2094.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Meanwhile, Cristopher Sanchez, after Bailey Falter didn't exactly work out, was tapped into the 5th starter role, a role he'd been preparing for since early 2022. Sanchez, now healthy enough to deliver strong work, was a pleasant surprise in 19 games, hitting a 3.44 ERA and 96 Ks, and adding to the ironclad quality of the rotation during the heat of the season. <div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Moves up a rung, as he's only gonna get more confident as people like Walker and Sanchez falter, heh, a bit.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibpZ9sExl3IfPrTruiB57PZHjAF6ozCUxT7GZMOkfIO1yEAbtBtqlmaAIGuBm-Lg2xV1SSf9de_ylwlLz5UJeOJDxJr-oZLOwsQO3NEBmgX3UhX-7eZk6XkfYhTHibJdnBrifiqscZzvhjqXoC9Mqk_cC6RIMiHmxCPYux60ZG1gQiR7zfr-qffRAwfsQ/s703/Lorenzen%2087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="703" data-original-width="495" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibpZ9sExl3IfPrTruiB57PZHjAF6ozCUxT7GZMOkfIO1yEAbtBtqlmaAIGuBm-Lg2xV1SSf9de_ylwlLz5UJeOJDxJr-oZLOwsQO3NEBmgX3UhX-7eZk6XkfYhTHibJdnBrifiqscZzvhjqXoC9Mqk_cC6RIMiHmxCPYux60ZG1gQiR7zfr-qffRAwfsQ/w281-h400/Lorenzen%2087.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>And then when the Phils were worried about the stability of the rotation given an injury to Ranger Suarez, they went out and got Michael Lorenzen from Detroit. In his first start in Philly, Lorenzen went 9 innings without giving up any runs. Then things kinda went downhill. It's believed that the no-no wore out his arm for the rest of the year, as he finished the season with a 5.11 ERA in Philly, despite a 4-2 record. Tellingly, he only struck out 28 batters in 11 games, meaning he was relying more on outthinking batters rather than whiffing them. The good news is that he was scoreless in 2.2 postseason innings, only allowing 2 hits. </div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Seeing as the Tigers have already brought back Andrew Chafin, maybe they reunite with Lorenzen as well. And hopefully he's used the offseason to recover. <br /><p>Coming Tomorrow- The Pirates had an incredible start. What happened?</p></div>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874636239832076438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7629281127274459200.post-18087340919691386402023-12-18T08:13:00.005-05:002023-12-18T08:13:00.128-05:00Uncustomed Heroes of 2023: Padres<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4HYwDHePGoC1DI7L5GWRnVJZitg6zTXOz3h6ir8bY4Hz1CG5X5b3Q5FvbeDbL3cg2e7SkINkU9FGSxyID6DWNXRNZ6fg0kC400rov6_K4xcrM8JsC3XPP_tx5rbci4vdNi6xQTx4DRTlTrNciRomRp04-cAggUsrGb8tiMjM1DdzXJlb1zlPVOav2YYk/s696/Musgrove%2089.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="696" data-original-width="491" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4HYwDHePGoC1DI7L5GWRnVJZitg6zTXOz3h6ir8bY4Hz1CG5X5b3Q5FvbeDbL3cg2e7SkINkU9FGSxyID6DWNXRNZ6fg0kC400rov6_K4xcrM8JsC3XPP_tx5rbci4vdNi6xQTx4DRTlTrNciRomRp04-cAggUsrGb8tiMjM1DdzXJlb1zlPVOav2YYk/w283-h400/Musgrove%2089.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>After nearly making a World Series in 2022, the Padres took a few steps backwards. And 2024 looks to be even further back as well. I really hate that we're beginning to see these great Padres teams in the rearview, because it was really fun to see these teams compete. Ultimately, I think the fact was that the owner wanted to see this team win before he passed, and that was something that couldn't be delivered upon. And now that Peter Seidler's gone, the pressure's no longer there, and some of the big pieces are already leaving, including Snell, Grisham and Soto. So now the Padres have to look at what kind of team they want to be now.<p></p><div style="text-align: left;">Joe Musgrove, after being the ace in the past 2 seasons, struggled with both injuries and a less-potent team to pitch in front of. In only 17 games, though, he did still manage to win 10 games, and had a 3.05 ERA with 93 strikeouts. I wish he was able to contribute more to this Padres team, but he's still very much in his prime.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>2024 Prediction: </b>An improvement, and the Cy Young-caliber season I thought he'd be having in 2023.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6UTIUxXjxGtv3k3ywQSUzSpKExWZN02dBMr1w2uYO8ef9q8MUgVfqN6LdFkXPP9yLg_ajuR06EWKFVN9amqyX0P7e5UMrMxpPxYT-p66YaguJhbMCvbvUh-pyIAMM6p9yCV9pWxolL9okM3Pc4SfUFTkhhYY3Y62x24vFvbGgTnt9JzkvbQtGCIwAgG0/s698/Cronenworth%2086.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="499" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6UTIUxXjxGtv3k3ywQSUzSpKExWZN02dBMr1w2uYO8ef9q8MUgVfqN6LdFkXPP9yLg_ajuR06EWKFVN9amqyX0P7e5UMrMxpPxYT-p66YaguJhbMCvbvUh-pyIAMM6p9yCV9pWxolL9okM3Pc4SfUFTkhhYY3Y62x24vFvbGgTnt9JzkvbQtGCIwAgG0/w286-h400/Cronenworth%2086.jpg" width="286" /></a></div>Jake Cronenworth's quality seems to be tied with the Padres. When they're great, he's great. When they're not, his flaws are more evident. This was clearly Cronenworth's worst season to date at the plate, as he only hit .229 with 48 RBIs; it was his first full season not crossing 70 RBIs. Cronenworth still did decently in the field, but he was spread a lot thinner this season and forced into more positions out of his wheelhouse. <div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>He will improve somewhat, but I'm not sure if his ASG-caliber stuff is gonna show up as often.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKVx5pdFaaOG-boW2urkOtwHk13b17t0WKwCYcqssv_z2itaCTkspvyjFpXVGd1wTuv6lXwPNS14J_A8F2LR03Kw9rmcjv_NSFNOHiEvajM2O6AxctoZ_pgCl98mVx9-4PZQNGqNAx7BjCnZ6q8fcijvXDUZVuVbZwHTmORi-YQboaeozQIevd3yzCD4Q/s698/Lugo%2065.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="494" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKVx5pdFaaOG-boW2urkOtwHk13b17t0WKwCYcqssv_z2itaCTkspvyjFpXVGd1wTuv6lXwPNS14J_A8F2LR03Kw9rmcjv_NSFNOHiEvajM2O6AxctoZ_pgCl98mVx9-4PZQNGqNAx7BjCnZ6q8fcijvXDUZVuVbZwHTmORi-YQboaeozQIevd3yzCD4Q/w283-h400/Lugo%2065.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>Seth Lugo spent years as a reliever in New York waiting for the opportunity to start again. Once he signed with San Diego, they gave him that opportunity. Lugo was one of the Padres' most consistent starters, making 26 starts and going 8-7 with a 3.57 ERA and 140 Ks. Lugo was the kind of innings-eater the Padres needed this year, with the big names having injury trouble throughout. It also set him up for a nice payday going forward.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Well, the Royals made a hell of a statement in nabbing him for 3 years, after not really being a factor in anything in the past few years. Lugo will probably have a decent year next year in KC, but if they're expecting him to be their ace, they may need to rethink things.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjilhcls82RUAHtw7ocl-tnULceuc0uGgitDps5U2JJFI3ocVSyAly4gSKQmoZAyk14uwktCLr77qF988jY2N3hrKwVip15N7tSdOSEUAe4wU0QE0J3UlRGh6atpnIryvrsNQW7AWicZxpvcjcsHACM_xpgWXA1Qc2lNDndK7inf7c1mWPbVMgoOTebO-E/s696/Cruz%2075.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="696" data-original-width="489" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjilhcls82RUAHtw7ocl-tnULceuc0uGgitDps5U2JJFI3ocVSyAly4gSKQmoZAyk14uwktCLr77qF988jY2N3hrKwVip15N7tSdOSEUAe4wU0QE0J3UlRGh6atpnIryvrsNQW7AWicZxpvcjcsHACM_xpgWXA1Qc2lNDndK7inf7c1mWPbVMgoOTebO-E/w281-h400/Cruz%2075.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>The Padres admittedly took a flyer on Nelson Cruz, after a much-lower key season in Washington last year. Both guys the Padres had as DH options, Cruz and Matt Carpenter, underwhelmed, but with Cruz at 42 this year, it was sort of expected. Still, with his last career numbers, Cruz hit .255 with 23 RBIs and his last 5 homers. I have no idea what the Hall of Fame voters will think of this guy, especially considering the HGH usage, but he definitely was a hell of a power hitter.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY34qugDKWhubAQMAyBF7X6VuaVzP12-SK6PH7lgTOBtnmewl1xbg5mOPAgevPtuQSjSBepZGFz9x0HDFJBlvYW1QI6BBK7eYO1krw1wCm9SkUpuSt7Bf6WQJ8cU1hYcPysWtcqj2-gWnuitRilhEKKGSj9bTBLlJ5GNN1_SoyPaxjk4rwOPtuS-Lxu5M/s698/Waldron%2092F.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="493" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY34qugDKWhubAQMAyBF7X6VuaVzP12-SK6PH7lgTOBtnmewl1xbg5mOPAgevPtuQSjSBepZGFz9x0HDFJBlvYW1QI6BBK7eYO1krw1wCm9SkUpuSt7Bf6WQJ8cU1hYcPysWtcqj2-gWnuitRilhEKKGSj9bTBLlJ5GNN1_SoyPaxjk4rwOPtuS-Lxu5M/w283-h400/Waldron%2092F.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>Hey guys...we've got a new knuckleballer!</div><div>I'm so excited, because other than Mickey Jannis we haven't had many knuckleballers recently after Dickey and Wright left. Well now here comes Matt Waldron, a 26-year-old knuckler who made his debut this year, and started some games for San Diego during some troublesome moments. Waldron did alright for himself, with a 4.35 ERA and 31 Ks in 8 games. </div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>A wider show of things, though something tells me it will take either a major injury or a trade to make it happen. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJR6azdcwace19jcl-6YJ4e8KdWaGjCwfz40prUjIR5j7vFzGDen_voIE100gfKH4Fg669rxhEf272shqKm2l4gZAPdAT5uWych1flk7jLGnZ8kdn38DlBmbODvCW34FLruADEenHSQOzESLwte3TKXw0-pdpUwt-l5SLFnXGejgRbNP8awbSdwVx6fI/s699/Hill%2081F.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="492" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJR6azdcwace19jcl-6YJ4e8KdWaGjCwfz40prUjIR5j7vFzGDen_voIE100gfKH4Fg669rxhEf272shqKm2l4gZAPdAT5uWych1flk7jLGnZ8kdn38DlBmbODvCW34FLruADEenHSQOzESLwte3TKXw0-pdpUwt-l5SLFnXGejgRbNP8awbSdwVx6fI/w281-h400/Hill%2081F.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>I don't blame the Padres in the slightest. Rich Hill was having a great first half in Pittsburgh, even with the reality that he's 43 and just pitching on borrowed time at this point. So they traded for him and Ji-Man Choi. The result? Choi was barely healthy, and Hill looked his age, going 1-4 with an 8.23 ERA in 10 games. </div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>This may be the end, but it doesn't mean Hill isn't gonna try his damnedest to play next year.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8hueifsNhJSl1SxVJ8oFwTK_LUsHQumDEBIUzCeobMDERDqvoYI2MHFlkpr3rcq92pfQQtJThMFXECjAo5ldi0C6GO1019OwDEPIw2szSDKJSgSQNJlaAB_qpIHw12XCINpaPgqylk0B1-EAEUGiTk07fbs_5xeprjiSPbShAlCVymCO7uAsoFWPD4BI/s701/Cooper%2092U.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="495" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8hueifsNhJSl1SxVJ8oFwTK_LUsHQumDEBIUzCeobMDERDqvoYI2MHFlkpr3rcq92pfQQtJThMFXECjAo5ldi0C6GO1019OwDEPIw2szSDKJSgSQNJlaAB_qpIHw12XCINpaPgqylk0B1-EAEUGiTk07fbs_5xeprjiSPbShAlCVymCO7uAsoFWPD4BI/w283-h400/Cooper%2092U.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>With Choi out, the Padres went to their other deadline acquisition, Garrett Cooper, as a 1B/DH type. Cooper was excellent in Miami, but was deemed obsolete in the wake of the Josh Bell deal. In 41 games, Cooper hit .239 with 15 RBIs and 4 homers. Not a ton, but nice enough, I suppose.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Someone is going to take a chance on him on a 1-year deal, and he's gonna have his best season in years.<br /><p>Coming Tomorrow- I don't have many Phillies left, but there's at least a few I haven't talked about yet.</p></div>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874636239832076438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7629281127274459200.post-55175186631453662832023-12-17T08:21:00.001-05:002023-12-17T08:21:00.134-05:00Uncustomed Heroes of 2023: Orioles<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAdwpyp2fYPNiXCtUNPBbSrsmRgmFcceCPylY8C3vYF9Yos3xxIGZJd4lKN-IH4uu9O0hZPqkBlNWTGrdEMabAteyemkGW5wL0tQdyCjO-keSu3uu_wmmfzpIt4_RzUrbIqFa260qqhGNlc90CLmvgNxsdm8N5r0zTjnd-vzXUOMtXFPU-0dprf7v4s_k/s704/Urias%2086D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="704" data-original-width="487" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAdwpyp2fYPNiXCtUNPBbSrsmRgmFcceCPylY8C3vYF9Yos3xxIGZJd4lKN-IH4uu9O0hZPqkBlNWTGrdEMabAteyemkGW5wL0tQdyCjO-keSu3uu_wmmfzpIt4_RzUrbIqFa260qqhGNlc90CLmvgNxsdm8N5r0zTjnd-vzXUOMtXFPU-0dprf7v4s_k/w276-h400/Urias%2086D.jpg" width="276" /></a></div>Last year, I had a feeling about the Orioles. The AL East was still a four-man race, and the O's had perpetually been the fifth man in the equation. And then last year, Adley Rutschman was MLB-ready, the outfield was awesome, the young pitchers were getting there, and Gunnar Henderson was just proving himself by the time things wrapped up. I figured if they made the right moves and the kids were all they were cracked up to be, they had a chance of competing in 2023.<p></p><p>Sure enough, the Orioles finished the season in 1st place, defying the Rays and their unstoppable April, and finishing with 100 wins or more for the first time since 1980. Did it amount to any postseason glory? Not really, no. But that's because the O's made the mistake of...uh...being one of the top 2 teams in the AL. </p><div style="text-align: left;">This team has a lot to be proud of. Ramon Urias, one of the guys who's seen this team grow around him, had another strong year at the corner, with some impressive play at third, in addition to hitting .264 with 42 RBI and 95 hits. What's going to be tough going forward is that Urias is now seeing competition from several young infielders, and while he's an excellent defensive option, some of these other guys are a bit more well-rounded.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>2024 Prediction: </b>In his age-30 year, improves mightily at the plate and gives the Orioles some reason to start him more often.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPb7-VwOY5dnenm2dt9A6GJHSLTIDgImeaHYAoH3FB1myQHjLX-tROv1Ujsg3uKg41hVU6-SIBO4p8OrB0hAUwRoudoHcq33a-mYrBhrrkRoo3qhiaQXyT8G9979Tf-qeN8t4RNwCVQlplZMm5VZW9ydIEbLhpa9TQep1GZ4a2xYNB5stfHkyc67uIt0c/s696/Mateo%2091S.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="696" data-original-width="492" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPb7-VwOY5dnenm2dt9A6GJHSLTIDgImeaHYAoH3FB1myQHjLX-tROv1Ujsg3uKg41hVU6-SIBO4p8OrB0hAUwRoudoHcq33a-mYrBhrrkRoo3qhiaQXyT8G9979Tf-qeN8t4RNwCVQlplZMm5VZW9ydIEbLhpa9TQep1GZ4a2xYNB5stfHkyc67uIt0c/w283-h400/Mateo%2091S.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>Meanwhile, Jorge Mateo, coming off a season with a league-leading 35-steals [tame in comparison], cooled down significantly. When Mateo does less defensively, and on the base paths, his true flaws, his hitting, become more evident. While Mateo still stole 32 bases, he hit .217, delivering lackluster numbers that led to Henderson taking the position full-time towards the end of the season.<div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>I hate to say it, but Mateo might be looking at a utility role full-time next year, and if his stolen bases go down even further, they'll be out of uses for him. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2DtLTiRDxTRlUD-PavjX3PEMeLYqvxJuxBUMFHsUEChGe_8qnYgYK6dYEmJKH-JqzdTmrvwXbfmB5bjrXvR4-4hBgUQUrLth5iFX60B8e7AqkzluwuA9LvAaP37NpmGtTqp1hDDs023D7mdtFwa-YAD59p7nG1sFPtmpRw5LYwsORq4Y-3ErM5rsi9sg/s701/Rodriguez%2061.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="493" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2DtLTiRDxTRlUD-PavjX3PEMeLYqvxJuxBUMFHsUEChGe_8qnYgYK6dYEmJKH-JqzdTmrvwXbfmB5bjrXvR4-4hBgUQUrLth5iFX60B8e7AqkzluwuA9LvAaP37NpmGtTqp1hDDs023D7mdtFwa-YAD59p7nG1sFPtmpRw5LYwsORq4Y-3ErM5rsi9sg/w281-h400/Rodriguez%2061.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>Grayson Rodriguez, in his first full season in the majors, got a ton of opportunities to prove his worth after years of deadly minor league work. Things didn't start out perfectly, but after some time to retool he ended the year with a much better second half, with a 2.58 ERA, a 5-2 record and 73 Ks in 13 games. This is the kind of stuff the Orioles have been waiting for from Rodriguez, and despite getting lit up by the eventual World Series champions in October, the team still has a ton of confidence in him.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Finally rises above Bradish and Kremer to take the head of the rotation.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgtVUcg2Ox6N4bvq37dE7oDQNMXZCydADCmYgn4dvxYX1VDfm3AR2IlpueCawO0uQ5tyhjr0BZTpegQm8g4Zm0lZO0bDgyrnhYCMOuwBEkFe_UCIzp-GL574TzKUqcednHugdi2gfjWj5MAH5iptS2TRvQejOeE7iKqg-yt2TbaGuhqSjI2iLyU8KSuAU/s698/O'Hearn%2083.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="492" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgtVUcg2Ox6N4bvq37dE7oDQNMXZCydADCmYgn4dvxYX1VDfm3AR2IlpueCawO0uQ5tyhjr0BZTpegQm8g4Zm0lZO0bDgyrnhYCMOuwBEkFe_UCIzp-GL574TzKUqcednHugdi2gfjWj5MAH5iptS2TRvQejOeE7iKqg-yt2TbaGuhqSjI2iLyU8KSuAU/w283-h400/O'Hearn%2083.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>A few truly shocking developments in regards to hitting additions midyear. Ryan O'Hearn was a longtime Kansas City DH who was dropped due to, well, not hitting. So the O's brought him on quietly, and somehow this was the right fit for O'Hearn. In 112 games, he hit .289 with 14 home runs and 60 RBIs, which are some nice power numbers for a former one-dimensional power guy.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Either the O's fixed him for good or he goes back to what he was doing before. I'm thinking it'll be a tougher year for him now that the pressure's on, but he could do some damage, though likely in a bench role.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm9il74Kx6U7PCRCj_dKKua750qsQ3f_gPaF1gQdwauVso_BfCiQWoCA9SoFdJv4AYobvtkT9n4supNHJ5jrQl1XvJWPXhSvo36_dcEm7EkCW9Yau_eESwHrPpCmLLIvJ-_xHa0LIln8tgJ5jnJjXuMnSdQzx-qi4LFFyKUdAgKWwRcO_lr7GgSBnz_mM/s697/Hicks%2088.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="494" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm9il74Kx6U7PCRCj_dKKua750qsQ3f_gPaF1gQdwauVso_BfCiQWoCA9SoFdJv4AYobvtkT9n4supNHJ5jrQl1XvJWPXhSvo36_dcEm7EkCW9Yau_eESwHrPpCmLLIvJ-_xHa0LIln8tgJ5jnJjXuMnSdQzx-qi4LFFyKUdAgKWwRcO_lr7GgSBnz_mM/w284-h400/Hicks%2088.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>Then, after he burned all of his bridges in New York, Aaron Hicks found his way in Baltimore, and wound up as an extra OF bat around June. In 65 games for the O's, Hicks hit .275 with 7 homers and 35 RBIs, similar to his old bench outfielder stuff in the late 2010s. I think he just needed the pressure off, and while he did come down a few pegs from when he debuted in Baltimore, he was a nice extra piece this team didn't know they needed.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>How the hell do you predict anything Aaron Hicks does anymore. The man lives to defy expectations. I say he's a bench guy for Oakland or something, but watch him hit 30 homers for Atlanta or some shit. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ghkzjlbOPtCW9sGAaBo0KONsYtDXAaDaX7NJ56vaKUyQDWggBqaDoLF-5qy-FRlQDNrC5362mXpnOsrauUhP5F-hBV0QNbwR5XtQk-irgOEoF0NewNPeO6u9Ut4Mr5DcALFM4ME-7dyWGuLdyw_YzgSBk8MIZrb-OvxUjI5oWkkWaobFyzlpVp_rh00/s696/Westburg%2091.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="696" data-original-width="486" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ghkzjlbOPtCW9sGAaBo0KONsYtDXAaDaX7NJ56vaKUyQDWggBqaDoLF-5qy-FRlQDNrC5362mXpnOsrauUhP5F-hBV0QNbwR5XtQk-irgOEoF0NewNPeO6u9Ut4Mr5DcALFM4ME-7dyWGuLdyw_YzgSBk8MIZrb-OvxUjI5oWkkWaobFyzlpVp_rh00/w279-h400/Westburg%2091.jpg" width="279" /></a></div>The next step in the slow roll of the youth movement was bringing up infielder Jordan Westberg, who will likely be covering 2nd base full time soon enough. Westburg hit .260 with 23 RBIs in 68 games, and was 2 for 9 in the postseason. After a few straight seasons of getting rent-a-guys to fill 2nd, Westburg could be what they need.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Not a flashy season, but an efficient one, and enough to cement him as a mainstay going forward. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAE0mQwnWK_A_-0moIWulg21LUomVJrmgsJZ-BFDhnzpeE6G3br0wu-rWyKYZU_6pseePAk13BBt81dM6OzvybCnphqOTaEuezec7zjFAPRAaJ80YJsszk5r3phQTpW7THeUwJWijBIyjpx8e7XCLYC5XPYp3D9Zsd0gV6pHZZWmQZbCqPDgNuSf6Xyc0/s696/Flaherty%2080.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="696" data-original-width="483" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAE0mQwnWK_A_-0moIWulg21LUomVJrmgsJZ-BFDhnzpeE6G3br0wu-rWyKYZU_6pseePAk13BBt81dM6OzvybCnphqOTaEuezec7zjFAPRAaJ80YJsszk5r3phQTpW7THeUwJWijBIyjpx8e7XCLYC5XPYp3D9Zsd0gV6pHZZWmQZbCqPDgNuSf6Xyc0/w278-h400/Flaherty%2080.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>At the time, I called Jack Flaherty going to Baltimore the best move of the trade deadline, because it gave them the ace they had been so desperately missing in Means' absence. Of course, Flaherty got the ball and reverted to his old, flighty self, and in 9 games he had a 6.75 ERA, a 1-3 record and a 1.675 WHIP. Clearly not what the O's wanted.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Not a very reassuring year in Detroit. Guys, we might have our new answer to Matt Morris.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigi_p5fLcYGkQ0b5cI6RsgINTMXub-n3UgDjcaoJPxQfcCjgzLZNKf4waS5U7nIGkf3-yw6UzAGS6NO3mR0HFzVNSzaopg9bD6eQz8KTeoLBNpnmBgd1tUYX_JxYiLL-bVWWvXbMFsAI9baljT9CmNQSK1-3kAYakdM3j-iUAQtlZCUPYG-hu3rnhrBJw/s695/Means%2085.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="489" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigi_p5fLcYGkQ0b5cI6RsgINTMXub-n3UgDjcaoJPxQfcCjgzLZNKf4waS5U7nIGkf3-yw6UzAGS6NO3mR0HFzVNSzaopg9bD6eQz8KTeoLBNpnmBgd1tUYX_JxYiLL-bVWWvXbMFsAI9baljT9CmNQSK1-3kAYakdM3j-iUAQtlZCUPYG-hu3rnhrBJw/w281-h400/Means%2085.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>And so, after Flaherty failed to fill the ace role that John Means had left, the O's turned...to John Means. After being injured the last few years, Means finally looked ready to return to the head of the table. For four games, Means was electric, with a 2.66 ERA, and a 0.718 ERA. Then...he got hurt again. And if the Orioles didn't have Kyle Bradish to comfortably stay at the top of the rotation, they'd be a lot worse off.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>I really hope he's healthier next year than he was in the last 3. Cause if not, they might have to say goodbye to Means.<br /><p>Coming Tomorrow- A Padres team that only got good towards the end, and now we may have the reason why.</p></div>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874636239832076438noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7629281127274459200.post-84684707789174498732023-12-16T08:40:00.000-05:002023-12-16T08:40:00.130-05:00Uncustomed Heroes of 2023: Nationals<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjemBb_lwj8JJLTUWuv_WyKAfXj_rwtZUlZGvYPLTfzvbwjph_BSiyV-x6eCnY1VfxJgx5CKXKUF4dp5pEKep_K2dBZ8tCR_FEebUR7eogHpFlSJ13KDHlO1jXi9iAHPalXH41GniY0Z5gItQyZt9VSVfZZWB7QW0t2O56gMcx95BeXRu8DongQPq2HElk/s696/Corbin%2085F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="696" data-original-width="493" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjemBb_lwj8JJLTUWuv_WyKAfXj_rwtZUlZGvYPLTfzvbwjph_BSiyV-x6eCnY1VfxJgx5CKXKUF4dp5pEKep_K2dBZ8tCR_FEebUR7eogHpFlSJ13KDHlO1jXi9iAHPalXH41GniY0Z5gItQyZt9VSVfZZWB7QW0t2O56gMcx95BeXRu8DongQPq2HElk/w284-h400/Corbin%2085F.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>The Washington Nationals, especially this year's version of them, are an extremely odd team because they're trying to establish an identity but don't have many homegrown players to do so with. All that's left are some of the remaining contracts from the initial playoff years, a glut of players they traded their playoff heroes for, and some cheap contracts that have filled the void. At the very least, in 2023 we saw a few actual homegrown Nats guys working their way up, but the team's best performers were a guy they got from San Diego, a guy they got from St. Louis, a guy they got from L.A. and a guy they picked up from Arizona. Their most valuable homegrown player finished ninth in WAR, behind Keibert Ruiz and Jeimer Cadelario's half-season. <p></p><div style="text-align: left;">The single most obvious monument to the Nationals' sputtering in place is Patrick Corbin, still rounding out his 6-year deal he signed in 2019, which worked well for Washington for EXACTLY ONE YEAR. Subsequently, Corbin has led the NL in losses for the past THREE SEASONS. Since 2021, Patrick Corbin has lost 50 games; to put that into perspective, since 2021, Gerrit Cole has 44 wins. Corbin makes all his starts, stays at the head of the rotation, and is by and large a reliable starting pitcher for this now-rebuilding team. Trouble is, he's still not very good, and this year he went 10-15 with a 5.20 ERA [his lowest since 2020] in 180 innings, his most since 2019. So it was good <i>for Corbin</i>, I guess.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Will not lead the league in losses, cause the Nats aren't gonna let him start 32 games next year.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoYI55Zl0rD0dfZOLVlpe1pG8ZzpUPiJLuUMOGL9gUbwvNiP1xdPG92NruBAoUzX2E1l2LwkZoyKMx6WjtZS26mvDy2TiqifPxgnGBnrbelPXjLnUQIYs7ekx4XXWVQXbKx9p7n9qkX0hznQYfT0BBJdg9CwCQOJwV_yBsiVnvar3Wx2Dbfr_-DYgbHrg/s694/Smith%2083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="694" data-original-width="492" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoYI55Zl0rD0dfZOLVlpe1pG8ZzpUPiJLuUMOGL9gUbwvNiP1xdPG92NruBAoUzX2E1l2LwkZoyKMx6WjtZS26mvDy2TiqifPxgnGBnrbelPXjLnUQIYs7ekx4XXWVQXbKx9p7n9qkX0hznQYfT0BBJdg9CwCQOJwV_yBsiVnvar3Wx2Dbfr_-DYgbHrg/w284-h400/Smith%2083.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>Going into the 2023 season, the Nationals wanted to up their power game, so they got two free agents that would boost this for them. One of them did so well he ended the season playing for the Cubs. The other was Dominic Smith, who couldn't power hit for the Mets even when given the direct opportunity to do so. Smith actually played 153 games for the Nats this year, which is normally a sign that someone's doing something well. Actually, Smith hit .253 with 134 hits, 46 RBIs and 12 home runs. As he was in New York, Smith was a replacement level corner infielder with no defensive perks and occasional offensive input. So the Nats cut him.<div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Hits more home runs than Dan Vogelbach, wherever both of them land. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xExVz4OCjbV27Y14-tLsc6Zr4h5CMOAwTIbxasxgcNidWcB2lqMr0-Hq9SPIXeNUAlAWm4EbFYktaJo-Tfmolb5zIfe_E9RwwA8bGi17lndTWd-vxa8aQVlY0fOZnS-3tooSk12quCTiYwZa-BRzlGHkG6lvqvBmGXEvF7x5pWK-pah3NN55L_09ldo/s697/Garcia%2091D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="495" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xExVz4OCjbV27Y14-tLsc6Zr4h5CMOAwTIbxasxgcNidWcB2lqMr0-Hq9SPIXeNUAlAWm4EbFYktaJo-Tfmolb5zIfe_E9RwwA8bGi17lndTWd-vxa8aQVlY0fOZnS-3tooSk12quCTiYwZa-BRzlGHkG6lvqvBmGXEvF7x5pWK-pah3NN55L_09ldo/w284-h400/Garcia%2091D.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>Luis Garcia is 23 years old, and since his debut in 2020, the Nats have been desperately trying to make him a thing. This was Garcia's biggest year to date, he played in 122 games and was the primary starting 2nd baseman, and he's still mostly a defensive improvement if anything. Garcia hit .266 with 50 RBIs and 9 homers. Still unspectacular. The hope is that eventually he hits his peak and gives the Nats what they want, but at this rate? Not sure if that happens.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Garcia will lead the team in something next year. Not sure if it will be something gratifying, but he will stand out. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hAPn6EQtDuGJTzvhCj5bqYkklUcCYpzJdYZkwmFmUGm1C9XW2VGBQJwefb3hIcCACHS1Zhm-UamArg4myEYHdMdH6n5J6hpzA9YgGXZgxdlbVQMOCmKfEX58KNn4ZZf_rCBaJ1NJmfC8mcfQc9kdr0HKzsupKzEpLURGObd0nqdX1MURf1NF7CMlK78/s699/Williams%2083D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="488" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hAPn6EQtDuGJTzvhCj5bqYkklUcCYpzJdYZkwmFmUGm1C9XW2VGBQJwefb3hIcCACHS1Zhm-UamArg4myEYHdMdH6n5J6hpzA9YgGXZgxdlbVQMOCmKfEX58KNn4ZZf_rCBaJ1NJmfC8mcfQc9kdr0HKzsupKzEpLURGObd0nqdX1MURf1NF7CMlK78/w279-h400/Williams%2083D.jpg" width="279" /></a></div>Trevor Williams has had a whirlwind couple of years, after starting for the Pirates for a few years, and then fulfilling a hybrid role with Chicago and New York for the past few years. This year, the Nationals signed him to start, and he managed to make 30 starts for the team this year, which definitely shows he can still be steady and consistent after his peak years with Pittsburgh. This year, Williams finished with a 5.55 ERA, a 6-10 record, and gave up a league-leading 34 home runs. So, not all there in quality, but Williams, along with Corbin, Gore, Gray and one other, insured that they didn't have to burn through many starting options this year.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Williams will have a better year statistically, but as the year goes on, the Nats will have less and less of a role for him. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifYNOL-DuadJ1xWHovPYGc5KbrPNvtOKNfitA0TbZyadj1UFJN2ylLZK3EuuCSrW_lpsJ-oDM-q9lXLAgJQkbIiN83IoAZfplzF2eDkVV314L5GxoeQyr1TLYqwwfKI9I__JV4wZaQWKbSEpZWhWXYteykOQDRFVNfQsFaG0GQBbixNp0tXejmKp53z6E/s695/Harvey%2086F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="492" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifYNOL-DuadJ1xWHovPYGc5KbrPNvtOKNfitA0TbZyadj1UFJN2ylLZK3EuuCSrW_lpsJ-oDM-q9lXLAgJQkbIiN83IoAZfplzF2eDkVV314L5GxoeQyr1TLYqwwfKI9I__JV4wZaQWKbSEpZWhWXYteykOQDRFVNfQsFaG0GQBbixNp0tXejmKp53z6E/w284-h400/Harvey%2086F.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>The Nats' most potent bullpen weapon, besides closer Kyle Finnegan, was former Orioles prospect Hunter Harvey, son of former Angels/Marlins closer Bryan Harvey. 2023 was Harvey's fullest, and most impressive, year, as he appeared in 57 games, held a 2.82 ERA and a 0.940 ERA, and 67 Ks.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Even bigger, and more eyes may be upon him in July. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXNf3cqTcN9bdUi9SrhW5pLy-3tHbgAr6gHJj722uyo_AW_gIgkIwIcOP8mNnVhKgMxVd89TdmkMmO4FRkVYGEaMOEUTIRxT0rjHW0XPIMpO4YYRv0oELsYDW5uN8PqKyIuvo_lOrUnWvVcADZlGXn_2mgdvCdRQrVo4PzEExbCoZlwbKAiWMiAyNgvUM/s697/Adams%2092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="489" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXNf3cqTcN9bdUi9SrhW5pLy-3tHbgAr6gHJj722uyo_AW_gIgkIwIcOP8mNnVhKgMxVd89TdmkMmO4FRkVYGEaMOEUTIRxT0rjHW0XPIMpO4YYRv0oELsYDW5uN8PqKyIuvo_lOrUnWvVcADZlGXn_2mgdvCdRQrVo4PzEExbCoZlwbKAiWMiAyNgvUM/w281-h400/Adams%2092.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>Riley Adams was, once again, the primary backup catcher in Washington, and this year he actually was more consistent at the plate than Ruiz at some points. In 44 games, Adams hit .273 with 21 RBIs and 4 homers, and it was a nice pace til he got injured around the tail end of the year. </div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>A season that will ensure he won't be a career backup going forward.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>And now, three rookies named Jake. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYAD84jXtzt9Cu0gXTSjQgJSNrBIC2uU0XUBFVo2sDaHFJx2nRktioHJ4MvdsMhz-scpjo8oGVeWiE_xBYs8cafev2FU30LF-QRAf-UUXKVWfL0wP1BTJ28XC5O0-cTHanSRkT4wo1JaebBD9CY0B2TN1u07ZVHEJ3Cv1u9HIf5utjz6mM36avAVnxPLw/s697/Irvin%2081D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="482" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYAD84jXtzt9Cu0gXTSjQgJSNrBIC2uU0XUBFVo2sDaHFJx2nRktioHJ4MvdsMhz-scpjo8oGVeWiE_xBYs8cafev2FU30LF-QRAf-UUXKVWfL0wP1BTJ28XC5O0-cTHanSRkT4wo1JaebBD9CY0B2TN1u07ZVHEJ3Cv1u9HIf5utjz6mM36avAVnxPLw/w276-h400/Irvin%2081D.jpg" width="276" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The biggest homegrown success the Nationals enjoyed this year was Jake Irvin, a long-gestating rookie pitcher who started 24 games for the team this year, and actually did a pretty nice job, with 99 Ks and a 4.61 ERA. The hope is that he builds on this with MLB experience and a better, fuller season.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Leads the Nats in IP, becomes a steady second head under Gray.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirwvPGtO0Yz3mC19QPD5Q6oEpbUO0PPigAWJ4jNwrOohJAzfEoTe6-8wiswDS0sJbp33mkLFZgEckN7kyO2faz4i7uq1ihBlksQFJhX-3yZwdfbHOv0nJnvNY7pRUqKFPQ6-Jpj7cluAqPqpc_3iljx-Mx7YMM7ZnRbdhwqfH44donjNi6Su3srHDhZ_s/s701/Alu%2076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="492" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirwvPGtO0Yz3mC19QPD5Q6oEpbUO0PPigAWJ4jNwrOohJAzfEoTe6-8wiswDS0sJbp33mkLFZgEckN7kyO2faz4i7uq1ihBlksQFJhX-3yZwdfbHOv0nJnvNY7pRUqKFPQ6-Jpj7cluAqPqpc_3iljx-Mx7YMM7ZnRbdhwqfH44donjNi6Su3srHDhZ_s/w281-h400/Alu%2076.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>Then there's Jake Alu, a Nats farmhand who finally made the majors this year. Alu doesn't have a go-to position yet, they slotted him in the infield and outfield multiple times, but in 51 games he had 36 hits and 16 RBIs, which isn't bad. </div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Becomes a super-ute type and has to be pressed into starting late, and makes a name for himself doing this.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdegPeAgCTzs0DdP5L8KAoGORwpC_-zWOzwXLkqOnk8JS6oeog0DCAUEb0cGj9Leq3dnVHBxtSYcEJXvjR0Fa-BNBr0MsxwRX__ohIzRlBd_E6O0gr-XGe73d9tmscVvahb2pDlOl6PtclqESHg1KKzCjLMhoLyVb24xj4rwlttuFKZkpXH5VFLoWbPd0/s698/Young%2087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="494" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdegPeAgCTzs0DdP5L8KAoGORwpC_-zWOzwXLkqOnk8JS6oeog0DCAUEb0cGj9Leq3dnVHBxtSYcEJXvjR0Fa-BNBr0MsxwRX__ohIzRlBd_E6O0gr-XGe73d9tmscVvahb2pDlOl6PtclqESHg1KKzCjLMhoLyVb24xj4rwlttuFKZkpXH5VFLoWbPd0/w283-h400/Young%2087.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>And the more intriguing Jake is Jacob Young, a 2021 draft pick who rolled through all levels of play in a span of one year, starting in single-A and finishing with the Nats. The reason why he rose so quickly through the system was that wherever they put Young, he'd still hit at least .295, hitting .300 in single-A and double-A. By the time he hit Washington, he was faced with tougher pitching, which is why he only hit .252 in 33 MLB games, but he still wowed fans with 27 hits, 12 RBIs and 13 stolen bases in that time.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>At some point, the Nats will realize how important someone like Young is to this team, and he'll have another incredible hitting year that the Nats will see some of.<br /><p>Coming Tomorrow- Several members of an excellent Orioles team failed by a round-1 bye.</p></div>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874636239832076438noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7629281127274459200.post-73923320294736066312023-12-15T08:06:00.006-05:002023-12-15T08:06:00.123-05:00Uncustomed Heroes of 2023: Mets<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLB-fsQSHhg6lIxKb1NHsR8b7T2AuPgSaUD5k9jYZ2Hruvo3plJ8YHA0Z6Obl1pM__oFjALwuRKIB381LRSL4kgblgu3cP5L6oZ1ciK6xtH2iCRTCsTkz4YaM6rwT4YttnYrfexh5MLhVCopQcsd-LDfbjvTL25orhzNAANlgIN9ip16l0wLS6i6Z5yHI/s699/Vogey%2064.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="490" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLB-fsQSHhg6lIxKb1NHsR8b7T2AuPgSaUD5k9jYZ2Hruvo3plJ8YHA0Z6Obl1pM__oFjALwuRKIB381LRSL4kgblgu3cP5L6oZ1ciK6xtH2iCRTCsTkz4YaM6rwT4YttnYrfexh5MLhVCopQcsd-LDfbjvTL25orhzNAANlgIN9ip16l0wLS6i6Z5yHI/w280-h400/Vogey%2064.jpg" width="280" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>For the second year in a row, the New York Mets came into the season with high expectations, and completely crumbled under the pressure of them. They not only procured Justin Verlander, but also Japanese fireballer Kodai Senga; at the very least, Senga ended the year with them. The Mets had so much heading into the year, and slowly it was all whittled away over the course of the season. They lost Verlander, first to injuries and then to Houston, they lost Pham and Robertson and Canha, and they even got lapped by Miami. By the end, Buck Showalter, who'd just won Manager of the Year, was out of a job, and the team was struggling to recoup and deliver anything intimidating going into another season.</p><p>So, in summation, not as bad as the hero going down in the first quarter of the first game, but close.</p><div style="text-align: left;">The best way many Mets fans have summed up their 2023 season is through the team's DH, Dan Vogelbach. The team kept him on to power hit. Vogelbach proceeded to...not hit. In 104 games he hit .233 with 13 home runs and 48 RBIs. Remember, he hit 18 last year, and was actually performing as a power bat between Pittsburgh in New York. Last year's Uncustomed Heroes, I predicted he'd reach 30 homers and become a fan favorite. He did not. Many Mets fans were referring to Vogelbach, a designated hitter that could not hit, as one of the worst Mets of all time. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>2023 Prediction: </b>As much as I want to say that nobody would ever sign him, someone's going to. And...it has to be an improvement, right?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfN8-ZgRWUDjP1ZLAh6qJU7ifXghZNnGUhJj7RC5dw8JHL2tH4s9nCHxr3W2lkIgY3DDNDxhyZ61Z9qR_DrUkRhjBYfBGIq1EdtW9i1U0gy92ztS9WZvGIcDQMvRdgc_7OFY3qmkzbLNxbCZe83FAP5ft1Uva0R7LbJY7owa3055Ro88IZr5tK6xOElQg/s697/Megill%2090.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="492" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfN8-ZgRWUDjP1ZLAh6qJU7ifXghZNnGUhJj7RC5dw8JHL2tH4s9nCHxr3W2lkIgY3DDNDxhyZ61Z9qR_DrUkRhjBYfBGIq1EdtW9i1U0gy92ztS9WZvGIcDQMvRdgc_7OFY3qmkzbLNxbCZe83FAP5ft1Uva0R7LbJY7owa3055Ro88IZr5tK6xOElQg/w283-h400/Megill%2090.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>Tylor Megill, for years I'd say, has been on the cusp of greatness but has either been too injured or too inconsistent to really jump on it. Megill, due to the other injuries in the rotation, got 25 starts this year, and went 9-8 with a 4.70 ERA and 105 Ks. Not the most impressive starting guy for the Mets this year, but one of the more consistent ones, sort of by default.<div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>2024 will be Megill's best season. It may also be his way out of New York.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg55_iDDU1Yia6z5pv43ARjCFQZb_tqH07FWAID4gGAAXoUVoZn8qAHPE0iFFRRBO1Ow8j95EgwPWXLGGNN_UMIKGgYhhi95OgRl0OBJmcJP7Sxx3BXnu5wgCCOrUIzDZAYf0jQbqcqOLLji1F1wLeDzUd3gnw8DOKBKSFMG0FCJrDdvwlLLW3akm1slrU/s696/Ottavino%2085F.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="696" data-original-width="498" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg55_iDDU1Yia6z5pv43ARjCFQZb_tqH07FWAID4gGAAXoUVoZn8qAHPE0iFFRRBO1Ow8j95EgwPWXLGGNN_UMIKGgYhhi95OgRl0OBJmcJP7Sxx3BXnu5wgCCOrUIzDZAYf0jQbqcqOLLji1F1wLeDzUd3gnw8DOKBKSFMG0FCJrDdvwlLLW3akm1slrU/w286-h400/Ottavino%2085F.jpg" width="286" /></a></div>As I predicted last year, the Mets re-signed Adam Ottavino, and the 37-year-old relief veteran continued his excellent late-career run, with a 3.21 ERA and 12 saves in 66 games. Ottavino has been one of the best relievers in his class for the past decade, and if the broadcasting appearances are any indication, he may be thinking about his post-career options.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Yeah, I think he's throwing in the towel. OR...or the Mets re-sign him. I think he wants to retire as a Met, and if the Mets don't want him, he might just retire to the broadcast booth.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-HhT511t4bupmhr8vQzUq2K-whKZXMBK4m_6EehWcktVD00Fvej_t4Q18FU8PPleD_NOUDOwqsMXM1k0_vJbmQgaMnlNNmE2SK4gWRzll3NZnjmIRmqBUOQ833yfJEQkxRdri5G3UsMjmua6iDQrQnEWEhcP8lxVWWGw0O8h7_xOPEHvIrBeHtrjnMg/s694/Baty%2062.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="694" data-original-width="492" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-HhT511t4bupmhr8vQzUq2K-whKZXMBK4m_6EehWcktVD00Fvej_t4Q18FU8PPleD_NOUDOwqsMXM1k0_vJbmQgaMnlNNmE2SK4gWRzll3NZnjmIRmqBUOQ833yfJEQkxRdri5G3UsMjmua6iDQrQnEWEhcP8lxVWWGw0O8h7_xOPEHvIrBeHtrjnMg/w284-h400/Baty%2062.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>With the flurry of injuries and trades, a lot of the infield spots were taken by rookies in the latter half of the year. Brett Baty was the highest-publicized one, he was a prospect from last year that got more opportunities in 2023. In 109 games he hit .212 with 34 RBIs and 9 homers. As he's only 23, the hope is that he grows into bigger years.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Holds onto 3rd all year and finally shifts into his potential.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgndYTXF10Db0BaGEajBFjT8DvFlqRHkxrZpWrPvYF7cEUwhV8hyphenhyphen3fZGZe2W3VXgvy5YAWR_V2JgJ7-pySOULOI0gZW2SbkRFbj5G3VPHpnL_erYdzsm0Flf0ql_whcOX7HyweLD8tUFdGQ6UVF_a4OouwRKWnkOiKVEd9WCkUtf341CcfbSAPIYIyxHn8/s693/Vientos%2081D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="693" data-original-width="494" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgndYTXF10Db0BaGEajBFjT8DvFlqRHkxrZpWrPvYF7cEUwhV8hyphenhyphen3fZGZe2W3VXgvy5YAWR_V2JgJ7-pySOULOI0gZW2SbkRFbj5G3VPHpnL_erYdzsm0Flf0ql_whcOX7HyweLD8tUFdGQ6UVF_a4OouwRKWnkOiKVEd9WCkUtf341CcfbSAPIYIyxHn8/w285-h400/Vientos%2081D.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>Mark Vientos, meanwhile, was the go-to rookie at third, and DH if they didn't want to risk Vogey. Vientos hit .211 and hit 22 RBIs and 9 homers in 65 games.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Of the rookie infielders, I think Vientos will have the hardest time finding a regular position going forward.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzvJm_0MGKNXuMEePOU9FQopMHzcFdYNqxh-Ow6MsTTHZsxblCDbH_Aq9MwE8tkyjuZWBnMI1-Fq0Qzy94AHvBAmVmlbaHlHMY3OUz2slezApA5nppXYUC3Agmzi6gls-M-rowUlIh730OhkrYXfL7RM-sZphpbhvd6KWys64aMCTRYNmxkNpIfG2eJc/s695/Mauricio%2075.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="486" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzvJm_0MGKNXuMEePOU9FQopMHzcFdYNqxh-Ow6MsTTHZsxblCDbH_Aq9MwE8tkyjuZWBnMI1-Fq0Qzy94AHvBAmVmlbaHlHMY3OUz2slezApA5nppXYUC3Agmzi6gls-M-rowUlIh730OhkrYXfL7RM-sZphpbhvd6KWys64aMCTRYNmxkNpIfG2eJc/w280-h400/Mauricio%2075.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>Then, the Mets brought up mega-prospect Ronny Mauricio late in the year, and unlike a lot of people in this post, he delivered on everything that was reported about him. Through 26 games, Mauricio had 25 hits, 9 RBIs 7 stolen bases and 2 home runs, proving himself right from the start as an engaging, exciting, fast-as-hell player the Mets could build on. During the offseason, Mauricio tore his ACL, and will probably miss the entirety of the 2024 season, because if luck shines on the Mets for more than 5 seconds it's apparently a sin.</div><div><b>2025 Prediction: </b>Lindor-Mauricio will eventually become one of the best double play combos in baseball. Get ready.<br /><p>Coming Tomorrow- I think I have the most Nationals of any team this month.</p></div>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874636239832076438noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7629281127274459200.post-19451046570313207262023-12-14T08:59:00.000-05:002023-12-14T08:59:00.134-05:00Uncustomed Heroes of 2023: Marlins<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ytUxt2SEUYefSdZvVc4WUdUOAfBPl5gRQlgYtWayPWfB7WN8vdVguCKJhqUMdojmRojzD54Y1QfkcAHhmev_6PoJsSYR-WkZn0nS0KxuOVPYDCcPDXYadRDqdSRoaMJooWOp-EojTfeXaczQlGbTX-_TOKw1R3_4mqNN89qVYicXdkbyuFJEUvvGER0/s699/Berti%2084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="497" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ytUxt2SEUYefSdZvVc4WUdUOAfBPl5gRQlgYtWayPWfB7WN8vdVguCKJhqUMdojmRojzD54Y1QfkcAHhmev_6PoJsSYR-WkZn0nS0KxuOVPYDCcPDXYadRDqdSRoaMJooWOp-EojTfeXaczQlGbTX-_TOKw1R3_4mqNN89qVYicXdkbyuFJEUvvGER0/w285-h400/Berti%2084.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>The Miami Marlins made the playoffs this year. They also fired the GM that got them here and might be without their ace for another year or so, but...let's at least focus on the good things.<p></p><p>The Marlins built so much over the course of the year by making smart moves, like getting a batting title guy in Luis Arraez to revitalize the contact hitting, swinging A.J. Puk before the season to aid the bullpen, and getting both Jake Burger and Josh Bell to keep the lineup alive in the season's final months. It may not have been enough to stop the Phillies from doing their thing, but it was enough to prove themselves as an underrated force of hitting.</p><div style="text-align: left;">As he has been in the past few years, Jon Berti has been a wonderfully versatile piece that played multiple positions and filled many roles both as a contact hitter, base-stealer and utility guy. This year Berti hit .294 with 114 hits, fourth on the Marlins, and 16 steals. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>2024 Prediction: </b>He's 34. He's given the Marlins a lot. I think he might slip a little bit, even if he does show sparks of his usual material in points.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBaTGsTsUZ-9VprGaJl0YKx0aiWrDx5Q4lB9lUfA67vdyEzobjEpnCxik4VIRLUNbYjNXqgzE5gQ5hyphenhyphenqddQSRUXtnkdCLu73e-uqHUk5bBEYCZnAHCYV2YIxCshpUS3hXBWrearAZe1dIY6PM5bHrcHOMjeaC4OL6pOumV9m0P81ep2c-APgdA8IIdRUk/s701/Gurriel%2077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="495" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBaTGsTsUZ-9VprGaJl0YKx0aiWrDx5Q4lB9lUfA67vdyEzobjEpnCxik4VIRLUNbYjNXqgzE5gQ5hyphenhyphenqddQSRUXtnkdCLu73e-uqHUk5bBEYCZnAHCYV2YIxCshpUS3hXBWrearAZe1dIY6PM5bHrcHOMjeaC4OL6pOumV9m0P81ep2c-APgdA8IIdRUk/w283-h400/Gurriel%2077.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>After 7 wonderful seasons as the first baseman in Houston, the Astros moved on from Yuli Gurriel, and so did the 39-year-old Gurriel, signing a deal with the Marlins. I think because he played for so long, combining his Cuba numbers, Gurriel isn't gonna hang it up until he's 100% sure he's out of juice. So Gurriel tried his hand at another year for Miami, and he was alright. Gurriel hit .245 with 27 RBIs in 108 games, which probably led to the Marlins needing to get Bell.<div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>He wants to keep playing. But does anyone want to sign him? Honestly...I think he does one more season somewhere small and then hangs it up.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzrN25aRNp-m5YNHl946acLYrVAR0zFX1vHzSCaPIA78MzDk2txrGMNp9m5W-7mT_MU8xZeHZ-LeqXDhfhEqt_2vP45x7Osr25CGCA7p4MwuRuH3RU4odrisY3iCvVroLE-m3924lif0xlYMqKEFqKUexyX0sHlw31IKnbwjseUbPWcTYumGUxszrgOBs/s693/Wendle%2085D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="693" data-original-width="489" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzrN25aRNp-m5YNHl946acLYrVAR0zFX1vHzSCaPIA78MzDk2txrGMNp9m5W-7mT_MU8xZeHZ-LeqXDhfhEqt_2vP45x7Osr25CGCA7p4MwuRuH3RU4odrisY3iCvVroLE-m3924lif0xlYMqKEFqKUexyX0sHlw31IKnbwjseUbPWcTYumGUxszrgOBs/w283-h400/Wendle%2085D.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>Joey Wendle's second season in Miami was a step down for his first, at least offensively, as he hit .212 this year with 63 hits in 112 games. The good news is that Wendle is still an excellent defender, and as the starting shortstop he still put himself above the pack. </div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>I think Wendle will be a defensive sub in New York, as they pretty much have the starting infield down, but I think they'll like him in Queens.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5BhbRe6s5_j6lRMliZm8-Olw_x8XId8RAh43SStQj0TldNYxX5OgUk0oO92On4aeWnMZNerNLzpZZsCf3uGxJhfRjmcz4MJsbAECE_25XTw9XywMAuZ7LopVJi5Z-M-2ERsjxN-F4eeNQGCUUalb2izL-yKPN8alIvFzv0I7A8OAm1nkODUY-atzVWU/s700/Fortes%2092U.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="495" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5BhbRe6s5_j6lRMliZm8-Olw_x8XId8RAh43SStQj0TldNYxX5OgUk0oO92On4aeWnMZNerNLzpZZsCf3uGxJhfRjmcz4MJsbAECE_25XTw9XywMAuZ7LopVJi5Z-M-2ERsjxN-F4eeNQGCUUalb2izL-yKPN8alIvFzv0I7A8OAm1nkODUY-atzVWU/w283-h400/Fortes%2092U.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>As Jacob Stallings is looking more like a backup than ever, the starting catching position went to Nick Fortes, who, while decent defensively, is clearly no J.T. Realmuto at the plate. The 26-year-old hit .206 with 60 hits in 108 games. He was definitely an 'he's what we've got' pick for Miami, but there's always a chance he could improve.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Hits higher than .204 at the plate, but don't be surprised if the Marlins pursue an offensive upgrade behind the plate.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhY2425qq9Qbrsz-uRW1RAzn9nWonBuXvoqzR4pvyDIoafzd_SzpONOii_ugXpry7WXvHoFKSexeqOBzgY_UAcK7Qca1PvfHbN-gdKUB9LKUzrZVQDyNsUSBa_byuQ_7AcFbZsHHtz5Oxi97QBbFCdkS0HZSqMieK0dzywQnxpWqZ_s44qPzK0BcUx2w/s692/Scott%2080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="487" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifhY2425qq9Qbrsz-uRW1RAzn9nWonBuXvoqzR4pvyDIoafzd_SzpONOii_ugXpry7WXvHoFKSexeqOBzgY_UAcK7Qca1PvfHbN-gdKUB9LKUzrZVQDyNsUSBa_byuQ_7AcFbZsHHtz5Oxi97QBbFCdkS0HZSqMieK0dzywQnxpWqZ_s44qPzK0BcUx2w/w281-h400/Scott%2080.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>One of the most incredible relief seasons of 2023 came from former Orioles relief man Tanner Scott, in his second season for the Marlins. Scott put on a show this season, with a 9-5 record, a 2.31 ERA, a 0.987 WHIP, 12 saves and 108 strikeouts in 74 games. He was also unhittable in one postseason inning against Philadelphia. No matter what he accomplishes next for Miami, the fans will always remember Scott's 2023 season.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>He will not top that, but he'll still do decently.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW9eJpioS3ov5Fd3u91k5hzR31VaOd30rdTrTeHw6G3dnWapfwn-oa4_Vm9POLwcbD10O11kIAAgHO8qXnaUa0WZAhcmSrxCP-cQdLslyjSY29VHBjG-THk46JUFX-a7dfEGKrmociLkRpwl4EriWtMM56TQqIjoUNXXQAtwF6dwGeZp2eG8gQ_DCC5Zw/s697/Hampson%2091SC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="501" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW9eJpioS3ov5Fd3u91k5hzR31VaOd30rdTrTeHw6G3dnWapfwn-oa4_Vm9POLwcbD10O11kIAAgHO8qXnaUa0WZAhcmSrxCP-cQdLslyjSY29VHBjG-THk46JUFX-a7dfEGKrmociLkRpwl4EriWtMM56TQqIjoUNXXQAtwF6dwGeZp2eG8gQ_DCC5Zw/w288-h400/Hampson%2091SC.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>Here's something I wasn't expecting- former Rockies utility bat Garrett Hampson actually accomplished a lot for the Marlins in a similar utility role. In 98 games, Hampson hit .276 with 61 hits and 23 RBIs. Hampson really is a cool player to have around, and while the Marlins will have to find utility help elsewhere next year, he's definitely reestablished his legitimacy.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>I mean, at this rate, he might start a lot more games than the Royals are anticipating.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRtAeyjlrQoqHkWl4NIGu2NAR8dFo1eCXWSrwLeejjZthxPHm7fKDNOjR1dM16BbS0n0IPoGfuOR_y_sLJNjkHrICVfTIyZeeuc_QC_QtL6nLm2SLS6_bt-QwFs5seUXvgfGJ4p5hd1P47Vf2w0sArY12yZm5ZZYGXC3XtEVWoCvmeZv3Xv3JKtW8wcbc/s696/Robertson%2091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="696" data-original-width="496" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRtAeyjlrQoqHkWl4NIGu2NAR8dFo1eCXWSrwLeejjZthxPHm7fKDNOjR1dM16BbS0n0IPoGfuOR_y_sLJNjkHrICVfTIyZeeuc_QC_QtL6nLm2SLS6_bt-QwFs5seUXvgfGJ4p5hd1P47Vf2w0sArY12yZm5ZZYGXC3XtEVWoCvmeZv3Xv3JKtW8wcbc/w285-h400/Robertson%2091.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>Lost in the shuffle of Burger and Bell was the Marlins' sly trade for David Robertson, who was having his second straight stellar first half, this one with the Mets. Like last year, his numbers bobbled upon a trade, and while the Marlins made the deal looking for a new closing option, Robertson had a 5.06 ERA with only 4 saves in 22 games. The team had to turn to Tanner Scott to help them out in the ninth for September, and thankfully he did a job, but it was clear that D-Rob let them down.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>I think this is honestly a good place to call it a day. I'm not sure he thinks that, but I do.</div><div><br /></div><div>Coming Tomorrow- Several reasons why the Mets couldn't get it done this year.<br /><p><br /></p></div>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874636239832076438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7629281127274459200.post-10518341852784960482023-12-13T08:02:00.074-05:002023-12-13T08:02:00.134-05:00Uncustomed Heroes of 2023: Mariners<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq0_F_8M7aQ9l-rMiDK9CTxatWR_A52_GSEcnJtW1qjKsGtmoKRKhEtlFZKX2XV94jCxl0ZYzbfVyKpDGSsnMilweHTtd2hOjsgr1iy3WtDeuwvzbx5OOlEKSb5zJhRAQsvoKLjO0IO_-l8nQU3dl_NkUMTC-Sw5QGuhCr9Byx8tTAjcb2dmzt1oOXqXc/s698/Moore%2089D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="491" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq0_F_8M7aQ9l-rMiDK9CTxatWR_A52_GSEcnJtW1qjKsGtmoKRKhEtlFZKX2XV94jCxl0ZYzbfVyKpDGSsnMilweHTtd2hOjsgr1iy3WtDeuwvzbx5OOlEKSb5zJhRAQsvoKLjO0IO_-l8nQU3dl_NkUMTC-Sw5QGuhCr9Byx8tTAjcb2dmzt1oOXqXc/w281-h400/Moore%2089D.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>The Seattle Mariners got so close to doing a second straight playoff run, and outdoing the odds. I also think that, even if the 2024 team is gonna look a ton different, this team had a lot going for it, with Eugenio Suarez, Teoscar Hernandez, Jarred Kelenic and Paul Sewald all playing important roles in the rise from middle of the pack to chasing the big guns. Unfortunately, none of those 4 guys will be around next year, with two of them even going to the same damned team, and the Ms will have to rely on a sturdy rotation plan and a different, less K-heavy lineup.<p></p><div style="text-align: left;">The smart thing that Seattle did going into 2023 was signing Dylan Moore for 3 more years. I don't think the intention is for him to start, but, similar to how the Dodgers have used Chris Taylor, to stay there as a utility guy who can go in for those extra situations. Moore did his usual thing this year, he only hit .207 in 67 games, but was way more consistent defensively than Kolten Wong. Once Jose Caballero became the main guy at 2nd, Moore returned to his status as backup.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>2024 Prediction: </b>I hope this isn't too mean, but...has a better hitting year than Cabby.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_uN_yYQBxeq-Mc6B02P9FrbhXQIaZ6d4vb6CR4eTc2b9eF6oxvwjhx-36b_bhK53hHp672cFxa6dvA5Pnk0mALh9VH2wraApFlKSSVdXO-USULlH63rBRU89IGCJltMY1z3d1gNbJM-xyDr2MZXEsYo2WAUUp0dIRYsbrmtpebGZX7szPG_04JLvgbI/s700/Brash%2078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="494" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_uN_yYQBxeq-Mc6B02P9FrbhXQIaZ6d4vb6CR4eTc2b9eF6oxvwjhx-36b_bhK53hHp672cFxa6dvA5Pnk0mALh9VH2wraApFlKSSVdXO-USULlH63rBRU89IGCJltMY1z3d1gNbJM-xyDr2MZXEsYo2WAUUp0dIRYsbrmtpebGZX7szPG_04JLvgbI/w283-h400/Brash%2078.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>A year after tanking his chance to start consistently, Matt Brash found a new home in the bullpen, and instantly became the Mariners' most reliable relief piece. In 71 innings he went 9-4 with 107 Ks and a 3.06 ERA. Brash ended the season regarded as one of the best relievers in baseball, which is a great turnaround from last year.<div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>For once I'm gonna say he doesn't graduate to closer. Their current ninth inning option holds and Brash stays a solid setup guy, though maybe not as overwhelmingly as this year. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv5TELyl8gWvRmuUuX_iR-12A4jLLYQFSSspCgKgSW0YAKsXKN68P7m2igtYRqrmAw8BdiyjqBPz-dCAlQQnCeU92UReNO-Qz6wzF8w2iad5JTN3yNGot-sciukVFhP7DoBtWs8F8SCPRnkEi_uZS97Yho3nwdKcr7YR5Gnxk3RY3mU91bNJdYFfvDjb0/s699/Woo%2064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="496" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv5TELyl8gWvRmuUuX_iR-12A4jLLYQFSSspCgKgSW0YAKsXKN68P7m2igtYRqrmAw8BdiyjqBPz-dCAlQQnCeU92UReNO-Qz6wzF8w2iad5JTN3yNGot-sciukVFhP7DoBtWs8F8SCPRnkEi_uZS97Yho3nwdKcr7YR5Gnxk3RY3mU91bNJdYFfvDjb0/w284-h400/Woo%2064.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>After Bryce Miller's excellent rookie start, and immediate injuries for Easton McGee and Emerson Hancock, the next rookie up to take Robbie Ray's empty rotation space was Bryan Woo. The 23-year old impressed in 18 MLB starts, with a 4.21 ERA and 93 Ks. Woo, Miller, Gilbert and Kirby have made a really impressive young battalion, and behind Castillo and potentially the returning Ray next year, they'll hope to terrorize more AL West batters.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Woo is in danger of being demoted upon Ray or somebody coming back, so he needs to have a great spring, and a solid first month in the majors, in order to instill confidence in his team. With everything the top 4 have shown, it will be an uphill battle for him.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9dgn1nILk2C88ya_bl6I9hTd_iCOr_aJaqIYMrKz1ggReBUFBnCcAeKBWm7JYk558TOeW5EmmWOnBhd8ppKl9KXqUisv1CJkkww7_13vgK1Oq_UlhSrVyciZIyx0lgKOUAiXuGdOxDqJ_DacOghJ5f6DqfgNBKGITsL6WstAPwdUMPlk83cHMwGwGrFg/s698/Munoz%2077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="494" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9dgn1nILk2C88ya_bl6I9hTd_iCOr_aJaqIYMrKz1ggReBUFBnCcAeKBWm7JYk558TOeW5EmmWOnBhd8ppKl9KXqUisv1CJkkww7_13vgK1Oq_UlhSrVyciZIyx0lgKOUAiXuGdOxDqJ_DacOghJ5f6DqfgNBKGITsL6WstAPwdUMPlk83cHMwGwGrFg/w283-h400/Munoz%2077.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>After the baffling move the Mariners made of trading their excellent closer Paul Sewald to a competitor that would lead him to a World Series, two immediate ramifications were put into place. Firstly, with the ninth open, the role went to former Padres prospect Andres Muñoz, who had been a strong relief option himself. Muñoz took to the ninth easily, and finished with a 2.54 ERA and 13 saves in 16 opportunities. I did not think the Mariners would find a successor to Sewald so easily, yet here we are.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>30 saves and he keeps the job.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUm5QnYblHwLuOrh3v-hG98NZdydy_Q-y94CotZYI1jeNax34nOtj1TDrclFnUYVRAS7f2b6WrCBApO9cJZFoPTZ0X19T9ubGvRWWAZBPwUbVuIl4xcBTuSIXEfXuAr6W7oxLbQPgPWURHVtyNbHnqxrEpkta39VA3WSmG_6CenWKVYwDPfQ0gdw9wCxQ/s699/Rojas%2087D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="490" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUm5QnYblHwLuOrh3v-hG98NZdydy_Q-y94CotZYI1jeNax34nOtj1TDrclFnUYVRAS7f2b6WrCBApO9cJZFoPTZ0X19T9ubGvRWWAZBPwUbVuIl4xcBTuSIXEfXuAr6W7oxLbQPgPWURHVtyNbHnqxrEpkta39VA3WSmG_6CenWKVYwDPfQ0gdw9wCxQ/w280-h400/Rojas%2087D.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>And the other part of the deal was that one of the returns, now-neglected D-Backs 3rd baseman Josh Rojas, started hitting really well in Seattle. He only had 46 games, but he hit .272 with 34 hits and 14 RBIs. In a year where Suarez was too one-dimensional and Cabby wasn't good enough at the plate, Rojas was an ideal bench infield guy for...a playoff run that did not occur.</div><div><b>2024 Prediction: </b>Someone in this equation is going to get injured, and Rojas will get the chance to prove himself as a starter again. I think he'll do alright for himself.<br /><p>Coming Tomorrow- A surprising amount of leftovers from a playoff Marlins squad. </p></div>Jordanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04874636239832076438noreply@blogger.com0