Uncustomed Heroes of 2021: Rangers

 

2021 was the year that the Texas Rangers pretty much expressly did business with teams I root for. Joely Rodriguez and Joey Gallo to the Yankees. Kyle Gibson and Ian Kennedy to the Phillies. Rougned Odor to NY as well. And what remained in Arlington was technically considered a baseball club. A lot of younger players coming up late to help, and also a lot of roster rejects like DJ Peters and Jason Martin getting playing time when they could.

For the umpteenth year in a row, former Dodgers prospect Willie Calhoun has absolutely refused to make an impact on the Rangers. He's a 26-year old DH with occasional outfield capabilities but negative fielding numbers. 75 injury-limited games and he hits .250 with 6 homers. I don't know what else the Rangers are expecting to happen with this guy.

2022 Prediction: The Rangers cut him at some point.

One of the few holdovers from the botched rotation plan was Kolby Allard, former Braves prospect. Due to lack of consistent rotation options, he only started 17 games, but continued his recent malaise, with a 5.41 ERA and 12 losses.

2022 Prediction: Eventually gets moved to the bullpen full time.

The Rangers' starting catcher this year was Jose Trevino, going back to their 2015-Chirinos era of just having a catcher that no one's heard of start. Trevino hit .239 with 30 RBIs in 89 games. Not much going on here offensively.

2022 Prediction: The Rangers will trade for/sign someone that makes Trevino a backup. And he does alright then.

Matt Harvey in Baltimore we've already discussed. Almost as much of a debacle was Mike Foltynewicz in Arlington. Like Harvey, he was a trusted innings-eater, starting 24 games. But...Folty went 2-12 with a 5.44 ERA and 97 Ks. He seems to have lost what made him so great in 2018, sadly. Not sure what else he has left to give the Rangers.

2022 Prediction: Japan?

Brock Holt spent the year with the Rangers as a utility backup, and had some great defensive numbers filling in at third. However, he pulled a -13 batting figure, and hit .209 in 76 games. Not a full win for the former Boston favorite.

2022 Prediction: Minor league deal somewhere, takes some bench reps. Nothing huge.

The primary third baseman for the last half of the season was rookie Yonny Hernandez, whose defensive numbers were an improvement despite only hitting .217 with 31 hits in 43 games. He seems like a nice young piece for the Rangers.

2022 Prediction: Mostly backup/utility work but will make a name for himself as the team grows its depth.

Near the end of the season, the Rangers brought up two arms that intrigued me. One was A.J. Alexy, who was scoreless in his first 2 starts and finished with a 3-1 record and 17 Ks in 5 games. Alexy seems consistent, trustworthy, and capable of big games.

2022 Prediction: Will begin the season in the rotation and will do decently.

The other one was Glenn Otto. While he was a lethal strikeout artist, with 28 in 6 games, and while he also went scoreless in his first appearance, the return for Joey Gallo still got clobbered this year, with 3 losses and a 9.26 ERA. While he and Alexy are kind of in tandem right now, he's still shown more flaws at the big league level.

2022 Prediction: Doesn't start the year in the rotation, or the majors, but makes it back and has some huge starts in July.

Tomorrow, we still have some big pieces of this year's Rays team. 

2020 Topps Final Edition: Cards #217-225

 Onto another 9 cards of the 2020 Final Edition set. We're very close to having less than 100 cards left to cover in this set, and I'm already setting up more Topps Cards That Should Have Been cards for after we're done here. Still, we have 2020 to keep wrapping up, so onward we go...

Card #217- Clayton Kershaw ASG, Los Angeles Dodgers

2020 marked the beginning of the Kershawnaissiance. After a few seasons of injuries, slightly more elevated ERAs [like 3], and stepping back to let Hyun-Jin Ryu and Walker Buehler excel, Clayton Kershaw finally struck back and had another classic, incredible year. So while I don't think he would have started the ASG for the NL, had the 2020 ASG happened, I think it'd be necessary for the home crowd at Dodger Stadium for Kersh to show up in some capacity. Whatever, it'll happen again soon.

Card #218- David Phelps, Philadelphia Phillies

Phelps was yet another attempt at revitalizing the sorry, pitiful Phillies bullpen last year, and after his impressive Brewers start, he was a fine idea, especially considering his prior connection to Phils skipper Joe Girardi. But...the ineptitude of the Philly bullpen sucked David Phelps in as well, with 12.91 ERA in 10 games. TWELVE...NINETY-ONE. And eleven earned runs a game, meaning 1 earned run per game, which no reliever wants. It was not a good stretch for Phelps. Thankfully, he's doing a lot better in Toronto right now.

Card #219- Jonathan Lucroy, Boston Red Sox

Another zero-year type card. Jonathan Lucroy was a spring training signee, after a disappointing end to the 2019 season with Chicago, in Boston. He'd be fighting for a backup role behind Christian Vazquez, and he was a bit removed from his career peak. So while he didn't make the team, he did squeeze in a single game of MLB service last year, without a place appearance or an at-bat. He was a defensive substitution, then he suddenly wasn't needed anymore. The Washington Nationals used Lucroy similarly in 2021 before setting him aside once Yan Gomes and Alex Avila returned.

Card #220- Brady Singer, Kansas City Royals

One of the big rookies out of camp last season. Brady Singer made the Royals to begin the season, and made the rotation right off the bat. While he took a bit to really get acclimated to AL play, Singer still finished strong in 2020, with a 4.06 ERA and 61 Ks in 12 games. He's currently a trusted lower-tier member of the rotation, behind Danny Duffy and...ERVIN SANTANA? THE HELL'S HE DOING HERE?

Card #221- Lance Lynn ASG, Texas Rangers

[Not sure why the siding isn't in this one. My apologies]

Lance Lynn had an even stronger 2020 in Arlington than he did a 2019. 89 Ks in 13 starts tells you everything you need to know about Lynn, as well as how dominant he can be even in a shortened season. Lynn would have been an easy pick for the ASG, as well as, most likely, the only Texas Ranger on the AL team. Lynn's taken a step down currently with the White Sox, but he's still capable of big games.

Card #222- Carlos Estevez, Colorado Rockies

I shouldn't have to explain to you all why a state known for its use of recreational drugs having a relief pitcher named Carlos Estevez is funny. Do a little research into stage names, maybe. Anyway, hotshot Carlos Estevez had another full season as relief specialist in Denver last year, and things went a little south compared to his usual numbers, with a 7.50 ERA in 26 games. He's off to a better start this year, though. 

Card #223- Brock Holt, Washington Nationals

Brock Holt began the 2020 season as an infield option with the Milwaukee Brewers. Unfortunately, in 16 games with the Brewers, he could not hit for shit. So he was released, then almost immediately was picked up by the Nationals, a team still struggling to land on a competent infield picture. Holt was a pretty strong choice as a 2B/SS type, hitting .262 with 4 RBIs in 20 games. He's been pulling similar numbers in Arlington thus far, though he days of pulling higher than replacement level may be behind him.

Card #224- Framber Valdez, Houston Astros

Something aligned last year when Framber Valdez, Cristian Javier and Jose Urquidy were all active in the same rotation at the same time- other than, you know, the Astros pulling into the playoffs. All three homegrown latino talents were enough to provide an x-factor for the team, which is desperately needed in the absence of Justin Verlander, and Zack Greinke's better numbers. Valdez actually pitched more innings than any other Astros starter, had a 5-3 record with 76 Ks, and had a 3-1 record and a 1.88 ERA during the postseason, with 26 Ks as well. Valdez is currently injured, but like Verlander he'll likely be back with a vengeance rather soon.

Card #225- Jonathan Villar, Toronto Blue Jays

Since leaving the Baltimore Orioles, Jonathan Villar has played for three teams that have absolutely no room for him. The first was the Marlins, who brought him on for 2020, and had him hit .259 while also surrounded by more viable defensive options. So Villar was Miami's sole trade deadline loss, as he was acquired by fellow competitor the Blue Jays...who ALSO did not have a place for Villar, with an already-set infield. So Villar's .188 average really did nothing for them, postseason notwithstanding. And now Villar plays for the Mets, who ALSO kind of had their infield pretty tight before the season, and is mostly a bench bat type. Glad the O's got the last good numbers out of this guy, I guess.

The next 9 cards, which you'll see on Friday, feature one of the biggest rookies of 2021 and one of the biggest trade deadline deals of 2020. 

Uncustomed Heroes of 2020: Nationals

 

Okay. The Washington Nationals, without Ryan Zimmerman, Anthony Rendon, Stephen Strasburg and Sean Doolittle, were a last-place team. It is that simple. Yes, Trea Turner and Max Scherzer and Juan Soto all did well, but the uniformity and consistency across the board that made the Nationals borderline good enough to catch fire in October was gone this year. And it's very clear why.

First of all, Victor Robles, who was fantastic last year, was back to his usual middling performances. Dude hit .220 and led the team in strikeouts with 53. Nothing close to his 2019, and the outfield sort of wilted without his better numbers.

2021 Prediction: An improvement, and more of a contact year, but I feel like every subsequent Victor Robles season is gonna pale in comparison to last year.

On the last season of his multi-year deal in Washington, Adam Eaton hit the first Nats home run of the season, and the first home run off of Gerrit Cole in 2020, but beyond that he continued his post-White-Sox decline, hitting .226 with 17 RBIs. After hitting at least .280-something in his prior seasons, this was the weakest year of Eaton's career, and it was a huge hit to his free agency chances.

2021 Prediction: A reunion with the Chicago White Sox will revitalize his offense numbers even as his defensive numbers continue to go downhill.

In the absence of Stephen Strasburg, and Anibal Sanchez' better numbers, Erick Fedde still provided solid rotation support for Scherzer and Corbin. In 11 games he had a 4.29 ERA with 28 Ks, not bad for a lower-tier arm. 

2021 Prediction: Officially becomes the fourth man in that rotation. Like, there's a difference between being fourth in the rotation and being the FOURTH of Scherzer, Strasburg, Corbin and Fedde. And I think 2021 is his year. 

It's not gonna show in like 8 years when he's up for HOF election, but Kurt Suzuki might be one of the more reliable backstops of the 2010s. The A's, Twins, Braves and Nats have enjoyed his [mostly backup] catching material for years, and 2020 was no exception. Zuk hit .270 off the bench, with 30 hits and 17 RBIs in 33 games. 

2021 Prediction: I think one more season backing up somewhere [hell, maybe back in Oakland] before he calls it a career.

Right. Now we get into the saga of the million middle infielders in Washington. Buckle up, cause this is where it becomes clear why the Nats sucked this year. 

Starlin Castro was signed during the offseason to play 2nd for the Nats. I thought it was a good deal for them, and as the season began, Castro seemed to look very sharp, hitting .267 with 2 homers in his first 16 games. Then he gets injured, and is out for the season, throwing 2nd base into limbo for the remainder of the season.

2021 Prediction: More health, but a gradual shift to DH.

So now we go to other infield options. Asdrubal Cabrera played some games at 2nd, as it's his primary position, but he played more at 1st, switching with Eric Thames. At 36, Cabrera may no longer be a feasible defensive option, as his defensive levels were at replacement level, and he only hit .242 this year. So he wasn't the answer.

2021 Prediction: I don't think anyone's gonna sign him this offseason.

The next option would be Howie Kendrick, who also came up as a second baseman, yet has been starting a lot at 1st. This year, he was the primary DH in Washington, and hit .275 with 14 RBIs when he wasn't injured. Okay, so two members of this team aren't feasible 2nd base replacements. Now bring in some signees.

2021 Prediction: Perhaps a victory lap season before he retires.

After being released by the Phillies right before the beginning of the season, Josh Harrison was very quickly scooped up by the Nats, and was the next, and more substantial, 2nd base option of the early season. Harrison hit .278 with 14 RBIs in 33 games, though his defense wasn't quite as starry. 

2021 Prediction: Seemingly more backup work in Washington. 

But then they also get Brock Holt from the Brewers, and plug him into utility work, which makes FIVE SECOND BASE OPTIONS, and five infielders over 30 roaming the roster and preventing over, younger infielders from getting work. And the ones that did, like Carter Kieboom and Wilmer Difo, weren't great. So Holt is the starting 3rd baseman for a bit this year, does a decent job with a .262 average, but is more of the same veteran mediocrity that is bringing this team down.

2021 Prediction: A similar, multi-team backup year to this one. 

FINALLY, in September, the Nationals found an answer with their sixth middle infield option, as Luis Garcia got the 2nd base gig and seemed to earn it. In 40 games, he has 37 hits, 16 RBIs and bats .276, the kind of wild start that gets some heads, especially his clutch abilities. The Nats were teasing good things from this guy for 2021, and I believe them.

2021 Prediction: Starts the whole year at 2nd, hits 25 homers and gets 75 RBIs and we never have this problem again. 

Coming Tomorrow- Surprisingly the Orioles weren't completely terrible this year. 

Uncustomed Heroes of 2019: Red Sox

Lightning doesn't strike twice.

I'm not saying that the chance of the Red Sox winning a World Series this decade is similar to lightning striking. I'm saying that if the Sox really wanted another consecutive World Series ring, they wouldn't have kept their WS-winning team EXACTLY THE SAME. They didn't really add anyone going into 2019, but they lost Craig Kimbrel, Ian Kinsler and Joe Kelly.

So it shouldn't be too shocking that they couldn't replicate their 2018 success with...a bunch of reruns, really.

Christian Vazquez had his best season to date, though, with a 2.2 WAR, his highest-ever. Granted, he had a 0 figure in the batting column, but he still bat .276 with 72 RBIs and 23 homers, which isn't bad at all.
Why Him in 2019?: His status as the starting catcher made it easy for the Sox to cut ties with Sandy Leon, and trust Vazquez for the future.
2020 Prediction: Won't be as good as in 2019, but will still start the whole season.

 After an impressive 2 years in Boston, Mitch Moreland's third year of his contract was a disappointment, marred by injury. When he was healthy, he bat .252 with 58 RBIs and 74 strikeouts. It just looks like they signed him for juuuust the right amount of time.
Why Him in 2019?: Gave Michael Chavis another infield option
2020 Prediction: Will sign as a backup/DH somewhere.

 In the absence of Chavis, and Dustin Pedroia, Brock Holt became the everyday 2nd baseman, which was not a problem at all, as Boston loves Brock Holt, and Holt seems to love Boston too. Holt hit .297 in 87 games, with 77 hits. Lots of sevens. Consistency.
Why Him in 2019?: Saved the Sox from falling apart after Chavis' injury
2020 Prediction: Will sign somewhere as a swing infielder and will likely get a TON of starting time.

 After a strong start in Baltimore, Andrew Cashner was traded to Boston to aid the starting rotation. Which, after some disastrous starts in August, he was unable to do. So the Sox moved him to the bullpen, his ERA ballooned to 6.20, and that was that.
Why Him in 2019?: Proved the O's got rid of him at the exact right time.
2020 Prediction: Whoever signs him will try to use him out of the bullpen

After the Barnes/Brasier combo proved ineffective, the Sox turned to Brandon Workman in the ninth. This went well, as Workman notched 16 saves in 22 opportunities, with a 1.88 ERA, 104 strikeouts and 10 wins to boot.
Why Him in 2019?: Proved the Sox weren't completely hopeless in the ninth after losing Kimbrel
2020 Prediction: A strong, 40-save season.

Coming Tomorrow- I have so many Cincinnati Reds that I need 2 posts. This is how good they were, at least to me, in 2019.

Heartbreak City

I kind of wanted to title this post 'Angel Hernandez can go lick a dingus', but I feel as though that would have come off as juvenile and crass. So this is what we've got.

So...that was a tough loss.

Not only was that a loss against a Red Sox team we should have prepared better for, but it was against a Red Sox team that played dirty. This Sox team brought it every single game, even when we didn't. They had the pitching, they had the bench support, they worked when the lineup was shuffled, and they didn't crack after Game 2. This team only has one subpar variable, and it's David Price. The Yankees have far more of those.

To be honest, this was bound to happen. It was just a matter of momentum, and the Yankees couldn't hold onto theirs. And while this is a sad ending to a great season, it's still one that makes sense.

I'm still proud of this Yankees team. I'm still happy they came as far as they did, and I'm excited to see how they bounce back in 2019.

As for the winners...

...I hope the Astros do to you what you just did to my Yankees.

I think I said earlier this year, 'oh, the Yanks-Sox matchup has never been this fun, this likable all around'. I rescind that. This one was bloodthirsty to the end, and the Sox were far from great sports about it. And they're going up against a team that, in my eyes, could get back to the World Series. So they're gonna need to really push for this one.

Obviously y'all know where my rooting interest lies on the ALCS. Especially after this series.

Uncustomed Heroes of 2016: Red Sox

It's funny...the Red Sox were the team I was expecting to make and win the World Series, and I was fine with this...and then the team that actually won the AL title was a lot better and a lot easier to root for and I was fine with that.

Don't get me wrong, the Sox were wonderful this year, and the bats were explosive. It's just...as a Yankee fan, I can only like them for so long without coming up for air.

Drew Pomeranz was a late-season trade that...quite frankly, should have worked better than he did. But, again...lefties in Fenway don't do too well, and...why has it taken so long for the Red Sox to realize this? Because they keep trading for them...and they're all gonna stop doing well.

Ah, anyway. Should stop ranting. GOOD THINGS, Jordan, GOOD THINGS.

Right. Brock Holt. He had a decent enough post-breakout season, though it didn't pack the punch his 2015 season did. The Sox have just gotten rid of Travis Shaw, so maybe Holt is next? Hard to say, but...Pablo Sandoval's comeback is intriguing enough to make me anxious about his job stability.

Brad Ziegler's one of the more intriguing relievers in the game, and after doing well for my fantasy team on the D-Backs, he was traded to the Sox and worked the eighth for the most part, doing a nice enough job.

Andrew Benintendi's a rookie that made his debut late in the season, and did a nice enough job. Meanwhile, Yoan Moncada, who did a less-than-perfect job in his debut, is now wearing different colored sox. So, first impressions count, definitely. Maybe Benintendi will be vying for a starting job next year.

Meanwhile...this guy had a Grade-A season when absolutely no one thought he would.

Porcello's been nice, he's had a few good seasons, but this was his first major, I-made-the-grade season since 2014. This is something that's gonna mean a lot to the Red Sox in the next phase of their evolution from 'David Ortiz' team' to a new, young-blooded roster. If he has more seasons like this one, the Sox will be DANGEROUS.

Coming Tomorrow- A much weaker shade of Red.

A Day in the Life of the Last Place Sox

Today, the Red Sox did the unthinkable.

Up against the mighty Felix Hernandez, undeniably one of the most formidable pitchers in the AL, the Red Sox, and by that I mean the 2015, shittier-than-Philly Red Sox, proceeded to beat Felix Hernandez and the Mariners down, and scored 22 points.

Now, being that these are the 2015 Red Sox, where pitching takes a backseat to over bloated batting, you won't be surprised when I tell you that even with a 22 run game, they still gave up ten to the Mariners.

But still, it's not everyday that the 2015 Red Sox actually score points in a baseball game. You know, and actually win said baseball game. Even in a season where someone like Brock Holt can become a star, and people like Steven Wright and Henry Owens can make strong debuts, the Sox are still one of the worst teams in the AL, and have been a huge disappointment, especially after luring in bats like Pablo Sandoval and Hanley Ramirez, and stringing together a band of misfit pitchers, neither of whom are actually doing especially well this season.

So I find it kind of cool that the Red Sox pulled a huge victory today over King Felix and the Mariners. They haven't had a lot of those this season, huge or no. And while things may get better for the Sox, I'm taking it in stride. I'm allowed to be a Yankee fan, and bask in the glory of a last-place Sox team. I'm allowed my indulgences.

Coming Tomorrow- The second baseman who's trying to keep the tent raised in a slowly sinking Cincinnati squad.