Uncustomed Heroes of 2021: Red Sox

 

Well, it's Christmastime, and I imagine the Frosty the Snowman specials are getting a lot of play on network TV. You know, the story of the snowman who comes to life with the help of a magic hat, and of course there's the 2nd act conflict where some ass takes the magic hat away and makes the children cry. 

Alex Cora was the magic hat in Boston. You took him away, and so too left the magic. Even with injuries in 2019, they still weren't completely terrible. But in 2020, with no pitching, and no Alex Cora? Absolutely nothing could be done for the Red Sox. It took bringing Cora back, revitalizing the rotation, and adding the littlest pieces like Kiké Hernandez, Hunter Renfroe and Garrett Whitlock, but they were a big force in 2021. The Sox may not have won the East, or the Series, but they reestablished themselves as competitors in 2021. 

Even better, after an injury-plagued 2020, the Red Sox got 31 games out of Eduardo Rodriguez. Eddie had 13 wins, highest on the team, and 185 Ks, 2nd highest [thanks to Eovaldi]. The worrying detail was a high ERA of 4.74, but he proved that his mechanics and velocity are still trusted, and that he can still be a big game pitcher.

2022 Prediction: Of the two major signings made by the Tigers, I predict that Rodriguez will be the more disappointing one. I'm getting Jordan Zimmermann vibes from what they gave him and how long.

After a blistering end to the 2020 season, the Sox gave Bobby Dalbec 1st base [over Michael Chavis, which, in hindsight, shoulda got it]. Dalbec is a one dimensional hitter with occasional perks, and he continued that approach, with a 25-homer year, 78 RBIs, and a .792 OPS. He only hit .240, and his defensive numbers leave a bit to be desired, but he's still a solid member of the team, and can hit for power just like the other big guns on the team.

2022 Prediction: Closer to a peak year. I say he chases 35 homers, has some insane stretch in May, and gets even more eyes on him.

After how unhittable he was in 3 starts at the end of 2020, I kinda figured Tanner Houck would have a bigger role in the Sox team than he did. He was kept in the minors for a great deal of the year, and only appeared in 18 games, but 13 were starts. In those starts he had 73 Ks, and a 3.68 ERA, despite an 0-4 record. He also had 10 more postseason strikeouts, and a win in the ALDS against Tampa, despite some runs against Houston. 

2022 Prediction: Houck has a rotation spot, I think. Paxton might make a run, but Houck has it. And he's gonna be a big eyebrow-raiser off the top of the season. 

The result of a rare trade between Boston and the Yankees, Adam Ottavino was the most utilized reliever for the Red Sox this year, and had a 4.29 ERA, a 7-3 record and 71 Ks. Not quite his Colorado numbers, but still consistent and reliable.

2022 Prediction: Low-key pickup that pays off for another contender. NL, I think. Maybe St. Louis brings him back.

And then, in the last moments of the season, the Sox brought back two former farmhands on waivers. Travis Shaw was an infield piece that left the team in exchange for Tyler Thornburg, and became a star in Milwaukee. Shaw began the season with the Brewers, did alright, and lost the 3rd base job to Luis Urias. So he was claimed by Boston, his old stomping grounds, and hit .238 with 11 RBIs and 3 homers in 28 games.

2022 Prediction: I think he'll retire after not being given a good enough deal.

And after being good-but-not-great in Anaheim, Jose Iglesias also returned to Boston as a backup 2nd baseman for Hernandez's flexibility. In 23 games, Iglesias hit .356 with 21 hits and 7 RBIs, all the production the Angels had been missing. 

2022 Prediction: My guess is the Astros sign him on a one-year.

Tomorrow, as per usual, quite a few Cincinnati Reds. 

Uncustomed Heroes of 2020: Blue Jays (Part One)

The 2020 Blue Jays. If this were a regular season, they'd be a feel-good team that missed the postseason by inches.

However, this is the 2020 season, so they were a playoff team. Which, honestly, was kinda cool. You don't often see clunky little cinderella teams like the Jays squeeze into the playoffs very often anymore. And, thankfully, the Blue Jays were exactly that. A harmless, cinderella team that had a nice little time in the playoffs before losing to the AL Champion Rays in a Wild Card series. It was nice to see a Jays team that didn't threaten me, that I could potentially root for without having flashbacks of those terrible 2015-16 runs that came out of nowhere. 

Like any mid-tier playoff team, the Blue Jays were imperfect. Yes, Matt Shoemaker was able to stay healthy until September, which is a marvel in itself, but right as he was beginning to get the hang of things, he was phased out in favor of some of the new starters in Toronto. He did finish the season with an improved 4.71 ERA, 26 Ks and a postseason start, so...he's still far from as useless as he was in his injury-prone era.

2021 Prediction: Will be a solid fourth starter for a mid-tier team. I think he'll start 18 games, which is as much as the last 3 seasons combined.

 

Coming off of a strong year with two clubs, Tanner Roark was signed to back up Trent Thornton and Hyun-Jin Ryu in the rotation, and he...had a weak year, what else can I say? In 11 starts he had a 6.80 ERA and 46 strikeouts, and a 2-3 record. Not much at all worth talking about.

2021 Prediction: A return to form, and a lower ERA, but...I don't think he'll spend the entire season in the rotation.

Danny Jansen won the catching battle over Reese McGuire, on account of Jansen not being an abuser. Jansen did, however, fail to hit over .200, despite 20 RBIs, 6 homers and some clutch moments down the stretch. He's still a durable, reliable catcher, but he needs to learn to hit for average.

2021 Prediction: By September he's backing up Alejandro Kirk.

Travis Shaw was the centerpiece of the Brewers two years ago, but since his average has fallen off he's looked more mortal than ever. In his first season as Blue Jays third baseman, Shaw hit .239 with 39 hits, 17 RBIs and 6 homers. Not much to write home about whatsoever.

2021 Prediction: Wherever he signs, it'll be as a bench/backup. 

A year after debuting as the lovable power-hitting DH in Toronto, Rowdy Tellez took a step back as the other Baby Jays sort of took over the assault. He still hit .283 with 23 RBIs and 8 homers, but he missed most of September due to injuries, and was missing for the postseason. Despite a nice season, he's gotta win back some goodwill, cause they could have needed him.

2021 Prediction: 30 homers, .250 average, and serious trade talks. 

Speaking of trade talks, after landing in New York for the waiver deadline last year, Joe Panik hopped onto the Blue Jays bench, hoping to get some playing time backing up the baby Jays. An injury to Bo Bichette gave Panik some much needed starting time in August, right before Jonathan Villar would take the position. In 41 games, Panik hit .225 with 7 RBIs and 27 hits. Not to the caliber of his Giants numbers, but not bad.

2021 Prediction: Someone will pick him up, but his days of starting are over.

And in the 'surprising reliever' category, as Anthony Bass did the majority of the ninth inning work, the statistical relief pitching leader for 2020 was Rafael Dolis, the former Cubs prospect who hadn't pitched in the majors since 2013. Dolis had spent the last 4 seasons pitching for the Hanshin Tigers, becoming one of their premier relief weapons, and building his arsenal back up for a return to the majors. In 24 innings, Dolis posted a 1.50 ERA with 31 strikeouts and 5 saves. Safe to say the big man is back in the MLB to stay.

2021 Prediction: Will eventually get the closing gig, get 35 saves and be the talk of the winter meetings. 

I had to split this post in two for the sake of the tags, so everybody who joined this team after Opening Day is tonight in Part 1. 

Uncustomed Heroes of 2019: Brewers

Aside from Christian Yelich, this is quite an okay showing from a team that seemed so powerful in 2018. Good news is that by the end of the year, you could see the 2020 team beginning to form, with Keston Hiura and Adrian Houser getting more playing time, and Travis Shaw beginning to be phased out.

Shaw's fall was sad, after he'd seemed so in control of the team in the past few years, but after Yelich usurped that position, there was nothing left for Shaw to do but hit .157 and get demoted.
Why Him in 2019?: His demotion paved the way for the great Keston Hiura.
2020 Prediction: Will get signed...but as a backup.

 After the loss of Jhoulys Chacin, Adrian Houser proved to be a smart rotation asset, as he posted a 3.72 ERA, with 118 strikeouts, 84 of which came from starting.
Why Him in 2019?: Proof that the pitching well that gave Freddy Peralta and Corbin Burnes could also bring up someone competent as a starter
2020 Prediction: A maximized starting role, and a lot more peak innings in the wake of Davies' departure.

 After leaving the Brewers for the Bronx, only for that to not pan out, Gio Gonzalez came back to Milwaukee and returned to his old self, with a 3.50 ERA in 17 starts, and 78 strikeouts.
Why Him in 2019?: He was a veteran rotation presence that Jhoulys Chacin couldn't supply.
2020 Prediction: He'll be a solid 5th-starter somewhere. Perhaps Minnesota?

 2019 was a rocky season for Hernan Perez, who was DFA'd at one point only to stay with the team. After Hiura's injury, Perez got some appearances in the infield, and still pulled 18 RBIs.
Why Him in 2019?: Proved he could still be of use in a changing Brewers infield.
2020 Prediction: Will be a bench presence somewhere, potentially a postseason threat.

 Perhaps the biggest bench surprise on this team came from Ben Gamel, an outfield bat who'd come over from Seattle in a trade. Gamel hit .248 off the bench, with 7 homers and 33 RBIs.
Why Him in 2019?: Positive bench energy from a team with Travis Shaw, Cory Spangenberg and Hernan Perez all struggling in bench roles.
2020 Prediction: With Ryan Braun promising to play more at 1st, Gamel will get more outfield starts, and will have a more consistent, contact-friendly year.

 After Yelich got injured, the Brewers turned to Trent Grisham to fill his shoes. It was tricky, and Grisham had a very well-reported blunder in the outfield, but he still notched 24 RBIs in 51 games.
Why Him in 2019?: His time replacing Yelich may have been the factor that prevented the Brewers from going further into the playoffs.
2020 Prediction: Well, he just lost a lot of playing time to Tommy Pham, so he'll do what he can in a bench role in San Diego.

Perhaps the most impressive trade deadline move in retrospect was the Brewers' move to reunite with Jordan Lyles. As a reliever he gave them momentum in 2018, but as a starter? He gave them some rare rotation stability. In 11 starts, he had 7 wins and a 2.45 ERA, and 56 strikeouts. He also had the lowest WHIP of all the Milwaukee starters, with a 1.108.
Why Him in 2019?: Lyles outdid even his Pittsburgh numbers and proved he was for real as a starter.
2020 Prediction: Lyles might be a smart under-the-radar signing for anyone who needs pitching help. If Chicago or Anaheim lose the sweepstakes for Cole or Stras, they should nab him.

Coming Tomorrow- [loud sigh] The Cardinals team that edged out the Braves in the playoffs, only to get trounced upon by Washington.

Milwaukee Mobility

Back before the All-Star break, the Brewers' infield was simple. Too simple.

Right now, however, the Brewers have worked it so they have two solid options for every position of the infield. Literally:

1B: Jesus Aguilar (starter); Eric Thames (backup)
2B: Jonathan Schoop (starter); Hernan Perez (backup)
SS: Orlando Arcia (starter); Tyler Saladino (backup)
3B: Travis Shaw (starter); Mike Moustakas (...also starter)

The moveable piece at this point would need to be Shaw; he's shown versatility, and played at first and third. So, moving him to second, and moving Schoop to short to account for Arcia's effeteness would not be the worst idea. Shaw has had fine numbers at 2nd so far, and should definitely stay in the lineup. Only problem is...Jonathan Schoop hasn't gotten a hit as a Brewer yet. So...that means he AND Arcia aren't hitting, and Saladino's currently in the minors.

There's definitely mobility in this lineup, but said mobility would really work if a few more people were on. The corners are set, though- Aguilar and Moose are doing well, and Thames is perfectly able to sub in every few days and hit a home run or two (I call it; next year he'll be DHing for Tampa). The outfield also has mobility- it works perfectly fine as a Yelich-Cain-Perez/Braun project, with occasional appearances by Keon Broxton and Domingo Santana. And even Manny Pina has a solid backup in Erik Kratz. This team has a more-than-worthy bench, even without Stephen Vogt.

The Brewers are likely to go far this season, and the lineup certainly isn't an issue, but they're gonna need compliance from Schoop to make this entire infield work like a charm.

Coming Tomorrow- Last year he was given up as a trade consolation, now he's closing games for one of the hottest teams in the game.

The Insanely Lucky Travis Shaw

I feel like I've gone over this once before on the blog, but it bears repeating, especially underneath this truly great custom.

Travis Shaw was a backup utility infielder for Boston over the past two years. Eventually, as Brock Holt grew more consistent, the Sox figured out that they didn't really have a great deal left to do with him. So, this past year they traded him to the Milwaukee Brewers for reliever Tyler Thornburg.

So...let's see how the Sox have done since the trade.

Tyler Thornburg had season-ending surgery...before the season even began. So the guy they'd traded for wasn't going to be any use to them. However, third base, which had been a bit more of a foregone conclusion in March, became even worse for them.

Initially it was a two man race between Brock Holt and Pablo Sandoval. When Holt got injured, it was a foregone conclusion. When Sandoval got injured, people got scared. Now, the only third baseman left in Boston is Deven Marrero, who's hitting atrociously so far.

It's worth mentioning that an additional first baseman, Yoan Moncada, could have still been in their organization this year, but they traded him to Chicago...for someone they've certainly been using well this year.

So, Travis Shaw ends up in Milwaukee because his team doesn't realize how badly they need him yet. So Shaw becomes the starting third baseman in Milwaukee, hitting extremely well, and becoming a leader-by-example for all the young rookies and prospects who don't wanna take any advice from Ryan Braun. Right now he's one of the best hitters on the team, hitting more for average than people like Eric Thames.

The Brewers are still the inexplicable surprise team of the year, and I hope they, and Travis Shaw, keep it up.

Coming Tomorrow- The guy who might have the coolest Topps flagship card of the year.

The Red Sox Just Won the Winter Meetings...Already

It's been a few years of this, but every single year one singular team will collect a number of new players at once, and everyone will exclaim that they're headed for the World Series, regardless of their actual state. It's been the Marlins, Blue Jays, Padres and Diamondbacks at several different times.

Today, the Red Sox got their turn...and this one's actually scaring me a bit.

Over the course of the day, they managed to add...

• Brewers reliever Tyler Thornburg, in exchange for third-baseman Travis Shaw, who'll be a big help as several aging members of the bullpen start to trickle out.
• Rangers first baseman Mitch Moreland, in a contract, who'll be a defensive step up from Hanley Ramirez, and give a bit more flexibility for the DH position.
• and, most importantly, CHRIS SALE, from the White Sox, in exchange for Yoan Moncada and Michael Kopech. Sale, paired with David Price and Rick Porcello, could be a huge part of a three-headed monster of pitchers.

Of course, there is the issue of Chris Sale's left-handedness being a hindrance as he enters Fenway Park, enemy of lefties everywhere. Sale's one of the best pitchers in the league, and I'm hoping he'll get something good out of this, but part of me is worried that, like Price, his numbers might dwindle a bit, and might not be as good as they'd be if he stuck in Chicago.

Still, all three moves combined add to a strong team basically fine-tuning itself, and preparing to be even stronger in 2017. Which...DOES NOT BODE WELL for anyone else in the division. First of all, it spells doom for Toronto, who...probably aren't going to be too impressive in 2017, Donaldson notwithstanding. Secondly, it spells doom for the Yankees, who were trying to make a comeback. Thirdly, it spells doom for the Orioles, who might not even be effective if the Sox are just gonna swat them around.

It also spells doom for the Rays, but...what the hell else is new?

Just like last season, with the Sox' additions of David Price and Craig Kimbrel, part of me's worried. The team's strong enough, but with only David Ortiz not coming back from last season, and now Pablo Sandoval looking to make a huge comeback...it's not looking good, as a Yankees fan.

Again, the good thing about these big Winter Meetings add-frenzies is that they never usually amount to immediate success...but this is the Red Sox. They've proven me wrong before. 

The Playoffs Take a Turn

In three games, the Cleveland Indians did what nobody thought anyone could do this postseason.

They took down the Boston Red Sox.

Now I have to look at these guys again, as I clearly underestimated them in my predictions post. These guys are a ragtag team of underdogs that are slowly biting back and taking over this postseason, and it's fantastic to watch.

Next week, they'll be in the ALCS, facing off the Toronto Blue Jays, and that's probably the biggest stage of Good vs. Evil that this season's gonna get. The Indians are the embodiment of everything amazing about baseball this year, and the Blue Jays are literally the sith lords. It'll definitely be a fun series to watch, that's for sure.

Also, in terms of the departed...

These were the guys that I thought would win the World Series. They were that far ahead in my eyes. Sadly, that just couldn't translate to postseason success, and the pitching just let them down. They couldn't even take a win away from the Indians, which was kind of sad.

Still, next season, even without David Ortiz, they're probably gonna be even bigger, and might make another stab at the title. A shame this one ended this early

In other news:

PANIC! Looks like the Cubs won't be taking it in 3 after all!

That win from the Giants just proved how tough the Giants can be in the postseason, even when the odds are completely stacked against them. I'm seriously doubting that they'll end up winning the series, but with games like that, and with players like Joe Panik and Conor Gillaspie coming in the clutch like that, it's pretty cool to watch.

Meanwhile, the Nationals have taken a stellar Game 1 by the Dodgers and turned it into legitimate clinching position, thanks to ganging up on Kenta Maeda and some late heroics by Jayson Werth. Now the Nationals are coming alive in the postseason for the first time...really, ever. This is becoming a really even series, and Game 4 will come down to Clayton Kershaw trying to save his team from elimination.

Today, we get some NL match ups. Maybe soon we'll know who's gonna be playing for the NLCS.

Uncustomed Heroes of 2015: Red Sox

Well, as it seems as if the Red Sox are going to try in 2016, it's a nice time to remind everyone that in 2015, they were a little less than great. They went through rookies like potato chips, and relied on a ton of unorthodox parts to keep them moving.

Thankfully, Mookie Betts was the one guy who kept them moving through to September, relying on speed and hits to keep going, and made a case for an even bigger 2016.

Jackie Bradley had a MAJOR breakout year in 2015, after coming through as a 2013 Opening Day starter, and...not doing much else since. He had a great average, and came through as a regular outfielder after a while. Should be an even bigger presence.

Travis Shaw, like Brock Holt was one of those guys that can play multiple positions and came through as a nice extra part in Boston. After Mike Napoli's departure, he became the regular first baseman, and did a pretty nice job of it.

The biggest surprise of the season for Boston was the return of Rich Hill, a guy who hasn't pitched in a rotation since 2009, for the Orioles, for coming in September and pitching four beautiful starts, and warranting a signing for 2016 with the A's, who know a thing or two about bringing back mid-2000's arms (like Scott Kazmir).

Coming Tomorrow- The remains of the Cincinnati Reds.