tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50936017993130447342024-03-13T18:28:51.953-07:00San Diego PadresKevin Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683012690148976861noreply@blogger.comBlogger115125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093601799313044734.post-1260623668884068032023-11-01T20:57:00.002-07:002023-11-01T21:01:46.665-07:00Bochy takes fourth World Series<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg238zuqeXs27oqm2o-AR8i2MfnV1tppu560pviBKItymjMVV5UMbC9PgSG2Op1aSiMkNcraaYZxBHODVUJkcH_FU-or4gZzDfuYrDGIRBrPVVH5cmtSxM1QCH8Y639B2EnVQ0WsuFSFHYtRxgys38W7MC_fmW4hbeqYO7BMoSWfHn3JqpdmShZWPBaroiC/s1600/brucebochy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg238zuqeXs27oqm2o-AR8i2MfnV1tppu560pviBKItymjMVV5UMbC9PgSG2Op1aSiMkNcraaYZxBHODVUJkcH_FU-or4gZzDfuYrDGIRBrPVVH5cmtSxM1QCH8Y639B2EnVQ0WsuFSFHYtRxgys38W7MC_fmW4hbeqYO7BMoSWfHn3JqpdmShZWPBaroiC/s1600/brucebochy.jpg" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="225" /></a></div><br />
Bruce Bochy, who came out of retirement this season, won his fourth World Series last night as the Texas Rangers beat the Arizona Diamondbacks in five games. Bochy, 68, led the San Francisco Giants to World Series titles in 2010, 2012 and 2014 and the San Diego Padres to the National League pennant in 1998. Only three managers have won more World Series: Casey Stengel and Joe McCarthy with seven and Connie Mack with five. The Rangers (90-72) made the playoffs as a wild card team, then beat the Tampa Bay Rays, Baltimore Orioles and the Houston Astros to reach the series.
<BR>
<span style="float:right;"><i>— Kevin Brewer</I></span style><br />
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<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vEXwbr8rjPo?si=ynbFdYppAcCaQyjF" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<P>
The Bruce Bochy All-Star team >>
<P>
<small><B><PRE>
hr rbi avg slg</B>
c Buster Posey, 2012 24 103 .336 .549
1b Ryan Klesko, 2001 30 113 .286 .539
2b Marcus Semien, 2023 29 100 .276 .478
3b Ken Caminiti, 1996 40 130 .326 .621
ss Corey Seager, 2023 33 96 .327 .623
lf Greg Vaughn, 1998 50 119 .272 .597
cf Steve Finley, 1996 30 95 .298 .531
rf Tony Gwynn, 1997 17 119 .372 .547<B>
w-l era ip so</B>
sp Kevin Brown, 1998 18-7 2.38 257 257
sp Tim Lincecum, 2009 15-7 2.48 225 261
sp Madison Bumgarner, 2014 18-10 2.98 217 219
sp Jake Peavy, 2005 13-7 2.88 203 216
sp Matt Cain, 2009 14-8 2.89 217 171
rp Trevor Hoffman, 1998 4-2 1.48 53 saves
</PRE></small>
Kevin Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683012690148976861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093601799313044734.post-11363555589308812312023-10-10T20:36:00.003-07:002023-10-10T20:48:13.267-07:002023 AL All-Star team<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh0NyHpkvf-JmpalPXz8JSG__T-dh8vHGsIaVrwb9sylD1F3I3ijrg7pr4F0J_orJc0SF6mWwH7svbx_ghngQy_ejsQXtvIGXx1sDxGP287aAusbHaHO1Y52lqdRRveKVr2VoIewhKYRq9rgdaraUJL-TbDK3Hn-gO4kpxXmwdVK0jiGEvvm-9p995Dvl8/s1600/ohtani%202023%20mvp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh0NyHpkvf-JmpalPXz8JSG__T-dh8vHGsIaVrwb9sylD1F3I3ijrg7pr4F0J_orJc0SF6mWwH7svbx_ghngQy_ejsQXtvIGXx1sDxGP287aAusbHaHO1Y52lqdRRveKVr2VoIewhKYRq9rgdaraUJL-TbDK3Hn-gO4kpxXmwdVK0jiGEvvm-9p995Dvl8/s1600/ohtani%202023%20mvp.jpg" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="225" /></a></div><br />
Has any player ever missed the last month of the season and won the MVP award?
<P>
Shohei Ohtani should.
<P>
The Angels designated hitter-pitcher dominated the American League again. Ohtani hit .304/.412/.654 with a league-leading 44 home runs and 102 runs. On the mound, he was 10-5 with a 3.14 ERA in 23 starts. He <A HREF="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/38441820/los-angeles-angels-shohei-ohtani-elbow-procedure">suffered an oblique strain</A> on Sept. 3.
<P>
Ohtani is <I>sui generis</I>. He is unprecedented. He is my AL Player of the Year.
<P>
The Baltimore Orioles, with a league-best 101 wins, and the Tampa Bay Rays each placed three players on the AL All-Star team. The Rangers added two players and manager Bruce Bochy.
<BR>
<span style="float:right;"><i>— Kevin Brewer</I></span style><br />
<a name='more'></a>
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<P>
<B>TEAMS</B>
<P>
<B>Best record</B> >> Baltimore Orioles, 101-61
<P>
<B>Worst record</B> >> Oakland Athletics, 50-112
<P>
<B>Home team</B> >> Texas Rangers
<P>
<B>Road team</B> >> Houston Astros
<P>
<B>Best offense</B> >> Tampa Bay Rays
<P>
<B>Best baserunning</B> >> Baltimore Orioles
<P>
<B>Best pitching</B> >> Toronto Blue Jays
<P>
<B>Best fielding</B> >> Toronto Blue Jays
<P>
<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-WPpl_Sr9jQ?si=MMyc_p-6wGQRcp8W" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<P>
<b>ALL-STAR TEAM</B>
<P>
<b>Catcher</B> >> Adley Rutschman, Orioles
<P>
<b>First base</B> >> Yandy Diaz, Rays
<P>
<b>Second base</B> >> Marcus Semien, Rangers
<P>
<b>Third base</B> >> Jose Ramirez, Guardians
<P>
<b>Shortstop</B> >> Corey Seager, Rangers
<P>
<b>Left field</B> >> Randy Arozarena, Rays
<P>
<b>Center field</B> >> Julio Rodriguez, Mariners
<P>
<b>Right field</B> >> Kyle Tucker, Astros
<P>
<b>Designated hitter</B> >> Shohei Ohtani, Angels
<P>
<b>Starting pitchers</B> >> Gerrit Cole, Yankees
<P>
>> Sonny Gray, Twins <br />
>> Kevin Gausman, Blue Jays <br />
>> Kyle Bradish, Orioles <br />
>> Zach Eflin, Rays
<P>
<b>Reliever</B> >> Felix Bautista, Orioles
<P>
>> Chris Martin, Red Sox
<P>
<b>Manager</B> >> Bruce Bochy, Rangers
<P>
<B>Toughest omission</B> >> Luis Robert Jr., White Sox
<P>
<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TJ2gzAg9vv8?si=hsrCjvl3blq8Yo7A" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<P>
<B>AWARDS</B>
<P>
<b>Player of the Year</B> >> Shohei Ohtani, Angels
<P>
<B>Rookie of the Year</B> >> Gunnar Henderson, Orioles
<P>
<B>Best hitter</B> >> Shohei Ohtani, Angels
<P>
<B>Best baserunner</B> >> Esteury Ruiz, Athletics
<P>
<B>Best fielder</B> >> Daulton Varsho, Blue Jays
<P>
<B>Power/speed</B> >> Bobby Witt Jr., Rangers
<P>
<B>Five-tool player</B> >> Shohei Ohtani, Angels
<P>
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<P>
<b>Pitcher of the Year</B> >> Gerrit Cole, Yankees
<P>
<b>Workhouse</B> >> Gerrit Cole, Yankees
<P>
<b>Workhouse (reliever)</B> >> Matt Brash, Mariners
<P>
<b>Strikeout pitcher</B> >> Kevin Gausman, Blue Jays
<P>
<b>Strikeout pitcher (reliever)</B> >> Felix Bautista, Orioles
<P>
<b>Control pitcher</B> >> George Kirby, Mariners
<P>
<b>Control pitcher (reliever)</B> >> Chris Martin, Red Sox
<P>
<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MxeUs8ZSEvU?si=Re8FVsJv-i5Jm-fF" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<P>
<B>First game</B> >> Tanner Bibee, Guardians
<P>
<B>Last game</B> >> Miguel Cabrera, Tigers
<P>
<b>Highest-paid players</b> >> Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander, $43.3 million
<P>
<b>No-hitters</b> >> Framber Valdez, Astros
<P>
>> Matt Manning, Jason Foley, Alex Lange, Tigers
<P>
<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/b0X0hYguLr8?si=jmmXoLEmVnWQLpqv" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Kevin Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683012690148976861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093601799313044734.post-17331019900238323772023-10-08T18:13:00.000-07:002023-10-08T18:13:03.464-07:002023 NL All-Star team<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii54ARQDM2_y6noTY0WL-Pu92ZdYoTq-Vg7vbnRfh8MN8Sj4KVcbMajyZCeZLm1h4TKJWrPHGKB8nGdCzMQECRBWa8CTuejTi2Ng0vtfL98beAQCLiSZ-Kroj2-QuuTNMZm4n27WKtACDIZL2f41YAPWloSYnt9R-emlW6viWE203KOYZDfr7vdDGD58za/s1600/snell%202023%20awards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii54ARQDM2_y6noTY0WL-Pu92ZdYoTq-Vg7vbnRfh8MN8Sj4KVcbMajyZCeZLm1h4TKJWrPHGKB8nGdCzMQECRBWa8CTuejTi2Ng0vtfL98beAQCLiSZ-Kroj2-QuuTNMZm4n27WKtACDIZL2f41YAPWloSYnt9R-emlW6viWE203KOYZDfr7vdDGD58za/s1600/snell%202023%20awards.jpg" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="225" /></a></div><br />
<A HREF="https://www.padresnation.com/2020/12/blake-snell.html">Blake Snell</A> (14-9, 2.25), who led the league in pitching <A HREF="https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/2023-pitching-leaders.shtml">bWAR</A> and ERA, is my pick as National League Pitcher of the Year. The Padres left-hander was 10-2 with a 1.35 ERA in his final 16 starts.
<P>
Snell is one of three Padres players on the NL All-Star team, along with left fielder <A HREF="http://www.padresnation.com/2022/08/juan-soto.html">Juan Soto</A> and second baseman <A HREF="https://www.padresnation.com/2020/12/ha-seong-kim.html">Ha-Seong Kim</A>.
<P>
Atlanta also placed three players on the team, including Player of the Year Ronald Acuna Jr., who had 41 home runs and 73 stolen bases, posting the best <A HREF="https://www.baseball-reference.com/leaders/power_speed_number_season.shtml">power/speed number</A> of all time. He also led the league in runs, hits and on-base percentage.
<P>
Mookie Betts, who played right field, second base and third base for the Dodgers, was a close second.
<BR>
<span style="float:right;"><i>— Kevin Brewer</I></span style><br />
<a name='more'></a>
<br />
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<P>
<B>TEAMS</B>
<P>
<B>Best record</B> >> Atlanta, 104-58
<P>
<B>Worst record</B> >> Colorado Rockies, 59-103
<P>
<B>Home team</B> >> Colorado Rockies
<P>
<B>Road team</B> >> Cincinnati Reds
<P>
<B>Best offense</B> >> Atlanta
<P>
<B>Best baserunning</B> >> Arizona Diamondbacks
<P>
<B>Best pitching</B> >> Milwaukee Brewers
<P>
<B>Best fielding</B> >> Milwaukee Brewers
<P>
<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZksdqLM4ICA?si=Uu2OC3NCyniU1iub" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<P>
<b>ALL-STAR TEAM</B>
<P>
<b>Catcher</B> >> William Contreras, Brewers
<P>
<b>First base</B> >> Freddie Freeman, Dodgers
<P>
<b>Second base</B> >> Ha-Seong Kim, Padres
<P>
<b>Third base</B> >> Austin Riley, Atlanta
<P>
<b>Shortstop</B> >> Francisco Lindor, Mets
<P>
<b>Left field</B> >> Juan Soto, Padres
<P>
<b>Center field</B> >> TJ Friedl, Reds
<P>
<b>Right field</B> >> Ronald Acuna Jr., Atlanta
<P>
<b>Utility player</B> >> Mookie Betts, Dodgers
<P>
<b>Starting pitchers</B> >> Blake Snell, Padres
<P>
>> Logan Webb, Giants <br />
>> Zack Wheeler, Phillies <br />
>> Zac Gallen, Diamondbacks <br />
>> Spencer Strider, Atlanta
<P>
<b>Reliever</B> >> David Bednar, Pirates
<P>
>> Tanner Scott, Marlins
<P>
<b>Manager</B> >> Skip Schumaker, Marlins
<P>
<B>Toughest omission</B> >> Matt Olson, Atlanta
<P>
<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TnFDABhRS6w?si=yaTU4qt7SyI4C5OD" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<P>
<B>AWARDS</B>
<P>
<b>Player of the Year</B> >> Ronald Acuna Jr., Atlanta
<P>
<B>Rookie of the Year</B> >> Corbin Carroll, Diamondbacks
<P>
<B>Rookie sensation</B> >> Elly De La Cruz, Reds
<P>
<b>Best offensive player</B> >> Ronald Acuna Jr., Atlanta
<P>
<B>Best baserunner</B> >> Corbin Carroll, Diamondbacks
<P>
<B>Best fielder</B> >> Fernando Tatis Jr., Padres
<P>
<B>Power/speed</B> >> Ronald Acuna Jr., Atlanta
<P>
<B>Five-tool player</B> >> Mookie Betts, Dodgers
<P>
<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/37pYxYI4aiU?si=4q5oD24LF4Hncua-" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<P>
<b>Pitcher of the Year</B> >> Blake Snell, Padres
<P>
<b>Workhouse</B> >> Logan Webb, Giants
<P>
<b>Workhouse (reliever)</B> >> Tanner Scott, Marlins
<P>
>> Jake Bird, Rockies
<P>
<b>Strikeout pitcher</B> >> Spencer Strider, Atlanta
<P>
<b>Strikeout pitcher (reliever)</B> >> Josh Hader, Padres
<P>
<b>Control pitcher</B> >> Logan Webb, Giants
<P>
<b>Control pitcher (reliever)</B> >> Brusdar Graterol, Dodgers
<P>
<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/y8KCVX8xNkc?si=xmdqsES12Z6wkRvw" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<P>
<B>First game</B> >> Kodai Senga, Elly De La Cruz
<P>
<B>Last game</B> >> Bartolo Colon, Adam Wainwright
<P>
<b>Highest-paid player</b> >> Nolan Arenado, $35,025,000
<P>
<b>No-hitter</b> >> Michael Lorenzen, Phillies
<P>
<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/B6MsHt-wPC4?si=S7O0OqXz6809i2IM" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Kevin Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683012690148976861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093601799313044734.post-73675728238215274312022-12-08T20:02:00.005-08:002023-07-03T04:09:37.908-07:00Xander Bogaerts<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rBmXfGd6W7s" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<P>
<b>position |</B> shortstop <b>bats |</B> right <b>throws |</B> right
<P>
<b>2023 age</B> >> 30<br />
<B>2023-33 salary</B> >> $25 million<BR>
<b>Contract status</B> >> Signed through 2033<br />
<br />
<b>Teams</B> >> Red Sox (2013-22), Padres (present)<br />
<b>Career statistics</B> >> <a HREF="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bogaexa01.shtml">Baseball-Reference.com</A><br />
<b>Signed</B> >> Signed an 11-year, $280 million contract on Dec. 8, 2022<br />
<br />
<b>Resume</B><br />
>> All-MLB first team (2019)<br />
>> 4-time All-Star (2016, 19, 21-22)<br />
>> Top 10 in MVP voting (2019, 22)<br />
Kevin Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683012690148976861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093601799313044734.post-41695151411265300632022-10-07T20:16:00.002-07:002023-08-22T22:18:21.711-07:002022 NL All-Star team<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6mVnIEm0yeQIcaXTTC3zPJ41GQ1HABXU6KufWcDgKSYaaO8XVic-ypkTZ1FnOIzuuV5d1gbKbEPs056vIe9NG-Bi2gBEevKV86fduqdBdC3kgFIiHG5jwG0WM8UNnh1jHlE8wbDPzDw76ilgmofApUztxqWfVvb_Q-_YMsfit8Bxfm78f-W4eHayCw/s1600/manny%20mvp%202022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6mVnIEm0yeQIcaXTTC3zPJ41GQ1HABXU6KufWcDgKSYaaO8XVic-ypkTZ1FnOIzuuV5d1gbKbEPs056vIe9NG-Bi2gBEevKV86fduqdBdC3kgFIiHG5jwG0WM8UNnh1jHlE8wbDPzDw76ilgmofApUztxqWfVvb_Q-_YMsfit8Bxfm78f-W4eHayCw/s1600/manny%20mvp%202022.jpg" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="238" /></a></div><br />
<a HREF="https://www.padresnation.com/2019/02/manny-machado.html">Manny Machado</A>, who led the league in <A HREF="https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=bat&lg=nl&qual=y&type=8&season=2022&month=0&season1=2022&ind=0&team=0&rost=&age=&filter=&players=&startdate=&enddate=">fWAR</A> and led the Padres to their first (full season) playoff appearance in 16 seasons, is my pick as National League Player of the Year. <br />
<br />
Machado hit .298/.366/.531 with 30 home runs, 102 RBIs and 100 runs. He emerged as a <A HREF="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/34500812/my-prime-baby-why-manny-machado-best-ever-age-30">leader</A>, too. <br />
<br />
Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado of the Cardinals and Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman were also worthy candidates. <br />
<br />
Marlins right-hander Sandy Alcantara was the league’s best pitcher, and Atlanta featured the league’s top rookies: center fielder Michael Harris and pitcher Spencer Strider. <br />
<br />
The Mets lead the All-Star team with five players, plus manager Buck Showalter. The Cardinals and Phillies placed two players each. The Dodgers, with a team-record 111 wins, added Mookie Betts. <br />
<br />
Albert Pujols hit his 700th career home run and bookended his career with home runs in his first at-bat at Busch Stadium and his <A HREF="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8bWrkYCg7M">final at-bat at Busch</A>. Pujols, who hit .323/.388/.715 with 18 home runs in the second half of the season, might be the best first basemen of all time.
<br />
<span style="float:right;"><i>— Kevin Brewer</I></span style><br />
<a name='more'></a>
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<br />
<B>TEAMS</B> <br />
<br />
<B>Best record</B> >> Los Angeles Dodgers, 111-51 <br />
<br />
<B>Worst record</B> >> Washington Nationals, 55-107 <br />
<br />
<B>Home team</B> >> Los Angeles Dodgers, 57-24 <br />
<br />
<B>Road team</B> >> Los Angeles Dodgers, 54-27 <br />
<br />
<B>Best offense</B> >> Los Angeles Dodgers <br />
<br />
<B>Best baserunning</B> >> Arizona Diamondbacks <br />
<br />
<B>Best pitching</B> >> Los Angeles Dodgers <br />
<br />
<B>Best fielding</B> >> St. Louis Cardinals <br />
<br />
<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/b34xie1DmhE" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> <br />
<br />
<b>ALL-STAR TEAM</B> <br />
<br />
<b>Catcher</B> >> J.T. Realmuto, Phillies<br />
<br />
<b>First base</B> >> Paul Goldschmidt, Cardinals<br />
<br />
<b>Second base</B> >> Jeff McNeil, Mets <br />
<br />
<b>Third base</B> >> <a HREF="https://www.padresnation.com/2019/02/manny-machado.html">Manny Machado</A>, Padres<br />
<br />
<b>Shortstop</B> >> Francisco Lindor, Mets<br />
<br />
<b>Left field</B> >> Ian Happ, Cubs <br />
<br />
<b>Center field</B> >> Brandon Nimmo, Mets <br />
<br />
<b>Right field</B> >> Mookie Betts, Dodgers <br />
<br />
<b>Designated hitter</B> >> Albert Pujols, Cardinals<br />
<br />
<b>Starting pitchers</B> >> Sandy Alcantara, Marlins<br />
<br />
>> Aaron Nola, Phillies <br />
>> Carlos Rodon, Giants <br />
>> Max Fried, Atlanta <br />
>> Max Scherzer, Mets <br />
<br />
<b>Reliever</B> >> Edwin Diaz, Mets<br />
<br />
<b>Manager</B> >> Buck Showalter, Mets<br />
<br />
<B>Toughest omission</B> >> Freddie Freeman, Dodgers<br />
<br />
<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/D2cTNOqgPFo" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<B>AWARDS</B> <br />
<br />
<b>Player of the Year</B> >> Manny Machado, Padres<br />
<br />
<B>Rookie of the Year</B> >> Michael Harris, Atlanta<br />
<br />
<b>Best teammate</B> >> Freddie Freeman, Dodgers<br />
<br />
<B>Best hitter</B> >> Paul Goldschmidt, Cardinals<br />
<br />
<B>Best baserunner</B> >> Tommy Edman, Cardinals </br>
<br />
<B>Best fielders</B> >> Ke’Bryan Hayes, Brendan Rodgers <br />
<br />
<B>Power / speed</B> >> Trea Turner, Dodgers </br>
<br />
<B>Five-tool player</B> >> Mookie Betts, Dodgers<br />
<br />
<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6RIZTz-Y6Tw" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> <br />
<br />
<b>Pitcher of the Year</B> >> Sandy Alcantara, Marlins <br />
<br />
<b>Workhouse</B> >> Sandy Alcantara, Marlins<br />
<br />
<b>Workhouse (reliever)</B> >> A.J. Minter, Atlanta <br />
<br />
<b>Strikeout pitcher</B> >> Carlos Rodon, Giants<br />
<br />
<b>Strikeout pitcher (reliever)</B> >> Edwin Diaz, Mets<br />
<br />
<b>Control pitcher</B> >> Aaron Nola, Phillies <br />
<br />
<b>Control pitcher (reliever)</B> >> Joe Mantiply, Diamondbacks <br />
<br />
<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cyc9-rrPc2Y" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> <br />
<br />
<B>Retired</B> >> Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina, Cardinals<br />
<br />
<B>Goodbye</B> >> <A HREF="http://www.postmodcast.com/2022/08/vin-scully-1927-2022.html">Vin Scully</A><br />
<br />
<b>Highest-paid player</b> >> Max Scherzer, $43.3 million<br />
<br />
<B>700 home runs</B> >> Albert Pujols, Cardinals<br />
<br />
<b>No-hitter</b> >> Tylor Megill, Drew Smith, Joely Rodríguez, Seth Lugo and Edwin Diaz, Mets<br />
<br />
<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BgA94gLUVaQ" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Kevin Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683012690148976861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093601799313044734.post-82908564992624819732022-08-02T09:41:00.026-07:002023-07-03T04:03:22.838-07:00Juan Soto<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iHXqTLAu_iA" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<P>
<b>position |</B> left field <b>bats |</B> left <b>throws |</B> left<br />
<br />
<b>2023 age</B> >> 24<br />
<b>2023 salary</B> >> $23 million<br />
<b>Contract status</B> >> Signed through 2023<br />
<b>Arbitration eligible</B> >> 2024<br />
<b>Earliest free agent</B> >> 2025<br />
<br />
<B>Player most similar to</B> >> Bryce Harper
<BR>
<b>Career statistics</B> >> <a HREF="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/sotoju01.shtml">Baseball-Reference.com</A><br />
<b>Teams</B> >> Nationals (2018-22), Padres (22-present)<br />
<b>Traded</B> >> by the Nationals with 1B <A HREF="http://www.padresnation.com/2022/08/josh-bell.html">Josh Bell</A> to the Padres for 1B Luke Voit, LHP MacKenzie Gore, OF Robert Hassell III, SS C.J. Abrams, OF James Wood and RHP Jarlin Susana on Aug. 2, 2022.<br />
<br />
<b>Resume</B><br />
>> All-MLB first team (2020-21)<br />
>> All-MLB second team (2019)<br />
>> 3-time All-Star (2021-23)<br />
>> Top 10 in MVP voting (2019-21)<br />
<br />
<b>League leader</B><br />
>> Batting average (2020)<br />
>> On-base percentage (2020-21)<br />
>> Slugging percentage (2020)<br />
>> Walks (2021)<br />
>> Intentional walks (2020-21)<br />
Kevin Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683012690148976861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093601799313044734.post-61270405158292063622022-08-01T10:00:00.006-07:002023-07-03T04:05:00.236-07:00Josh Hader<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/R6cUbd-_nSg" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> <br />
<br />
<b>position |</B> closer <b>throws |</B> left <br />
<br />
<b>Pitches (2022)</B> >> 1. Sinker (97 mph) 2. Slider (84) 3. Change up (89) <br />
<br />
<b>2023 age</B> >> 29<br />
<b>2023 salary</b> >> $14.1 million<br />
<b>Contract status</B> >> Signed through 2023<br />
<b>Earliest free agent</B> >> 2024<br />
<br />
<b>Player most similar to</B> >> Aroldis Chapman <br />
<b>Career statistics</B> >> <a HREF="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/haderjo01.shtml">Baseball-Reference.com</A><br />
<b>Career year (2021)</B> >> 4-2, 1.23 ERA, 34 saves<br />
<br />
<b>Teams</B> >> Brewers (2017-22), Padres (2022-present)<br />
<b>Traded</B> >> by the Brewers <A HREF="https://www.mlb.com/padres/news/josh-hader-traded-to-padres">to the Padres</a> for LHP Taylor Rogers, RHP <A HREF="https://www.padresnation.com/2014/06/dinelson-lamet.html">Dinelson Lamet</A>, LHP Robert Gasser and OF Esteury Ruiz on Aug. 1, 2022.<br />
<br />
<b>Resume</B><br />
>> 5-time All-Star (2018-19, 21-23)<br />
>> All-MLB first team (2019, 21)<br />
<br />
<b>League leader</B><br />
>> Saves (2020)<br />Kevin Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683012690148976861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093601799313044734.post-68446532150795900052022-03-18T22:03:00.023-07:002022-12-11T22:12:05.574-08:00Nick Martinez<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/D_98SQWgjoA" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<P>
<B>2023 age</B> >> 32<BR>
<B>2023 salary</B> >> $10 million<BR>
<B>Contract status</B> >> Signed a three-year, $26 million contract on Nov. 22, 2022.Kevin Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683012690148976861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093601799313044734.post-20508482770660708122021-12-01T16:54:00.012-08:002023-04-02T11:51:09.812-07:00Robert Suarez<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/n-Zfa_GOdk4" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<P>
<B>2023 age</B> >> 32<BR>
<B>2023 salary</B> >> $10 million<BR>
<B>2024 salary</B> >> $10 million<BR>
<B>2025 salary</B> >> $10 million<BR>
<BR>
<B>Contract status</B> >> Signed a five-year, $46 million contract on Nov. 17, 2022.Kevin Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683012690148976861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093601799313044734.post-24756602949883994202021-10-10T16:31:00.002-07:002022-12-08T20:42:00.437-08:002021 NL All-Star team
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPHZxctiz32pz9iShSvsauD5ou86T75xi_dTJWvh3HMQtxfqX5kJ7vKqjT_b3dkyPlC-rFpw04UvCzjScz5uasEr2u4zlKubmchVBvDrQfjo0dw6t8WqiDhI5SxtjTc6bfArcWBiSE1JG/s0/tatis+jr.+manny+2021.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPHZxctiz32pz9iShSvsauD5ou86T75xi_dTJWvh3HMQtxfqX5kJ7vKqjT_b3dkyPlC-rFpw04UvCzjScz5uasEr2u4zlKubmchVBvDrQfjo0dw6t8WqiDhI5SxtjTc6bfArcWBiSE1JG/s0/tatis+jr.+manny+2021.jpeg" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="267" /></a></div><br />
<A HREF="https://www.padresnation.com/2016/06/fernando-tatis-jr.html">Fernando Tatis Jr.</A> and <a HREF="https://www.padresnation.com/2019/02/manny-machado.html">Manny Machado</A> fought in the dugout and onto my National League All-Star team. <br />
<br />
Atlanta’s Ozzie Albies edged out <A HREF="http://www.padresnation.com/2019/12/jake-cronenworth.html">Jake Cronenworth</A> at second base. <br />
<br />
The Brewers, who won the NL Central, placed three players on the team — all pitchers. <br />
<br />
Juan Soto, Zach Wheeler, Jonathan India and Gabe Kapler take home the big awards.<br />
<span style="float:right;"><i>— Kevin Brewer</I></span style><br />
<a name='more'></a>
<br />
<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K-wQgXeJ-24" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<B>TEAMS</B><br />
<br />
<B>Best record |</B> San Francisco Giants, 107-55<br />
<br />
<B>Worst record |</B> Arizona Diamondbacks, 52-110<br />
<br />
<B>Home team |</B> Los Angeles Dodgers, 58-23<br />
<br />
<B>Road team |</B> San Francisco Giants, 53-28<br />
<br />
<B>Best offense |</B> San Francisco Giants<br />
<br />
<B>Best baserunning |</B> Colorado Rockies<br />
<br />
<B>Best pitching |</B> Los Angeles Dodgers<br />
<br />
<B>Best fielding |</B> Colorado Rockies<br />
<br />
<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zkjn5yyBmYc" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<b>ALL-STAR TEAM</B><br />
<br />
<b>Catcher |</B> Buster Posey, Giants<br />
<br />
<b>First base |</B> Paul Goldschmidt, Cardinals<br />
<br />
<b>Second base |</B> Ozzie Albies, Atlanta<br />
<br />
<b>Third base |</B> <a HREF="https://www.padresnation.com/2019/02/manny-machado.html">Manny Machado</A>, Padres<br />
<br />
<b>Shortstop |</B> <A HREF="https://www.padresnation.com/2016/06/fernando-tatis-jr.html">Fernando Tatis Jr.</A>, Padres<br />
<br />
<b>Left field |</B> Tyler O’Neil, Cardinals<br />
<br />
<b>Center field |</B> Bryan Reynolds, Pirates<br />
<br />
<b>Right field |</B> Juan Soto, Nationals<br />
<br />
<b>Starting pitchers |</B> Zach Wheeler, Phillies<br />
<br />
2. Corbin Burnes, Brewers<br />
3. Walker Buehler, Dodgers<br />
4. Max Scherzer, Nationals-Dodgers<br />
5. Brandon Woodruff, Brewers<br />
<br />
<b>Reliever |</B> Josh Hader, Brewers<br />
<br />
<b>Manager |</B> Gabe Kapler, Giants<br />
<br />
<B>Toughest omission |</B> Bryce Harper, Phillies<br />
<br />
<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GCE8t3vDC6w" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<B>AWARDS</B><br />
<br />
<b>Player of the Year |</B> Juan Soto, Nationals<br />
<br />
<B>Rookie of the Year |</B> Jonathan India, Reds<br />
<br />
<B>Best hitter |</B> Juan Soto, Nationals<br />
<br />
<B>Best baserunner |</B> Tommy Edman, Cardinals</br>
<br />
<B>Best fielder |</B> Ryan McMahon, Rockies<br />
<br />
<B>Power / speed |</B> <A HREF="https://www.padresnation.com/2016/06/fernando-tatis-jr.html">Fernando Tatis Jr.</A>, Padres</br>
<br />
<B>Five-tool player |</B> Trea Turner, Nationals-Dodgers<br />
<br />
<b>Best teammate |</B> Brandon Crawford, Giants<br />
<br />
<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Sp60wS6kBt4" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<b>Pitcher of the Year |</B> Zack Wheeler, Phillies<br />
<br />
<b>Workhouse |</B> Zack Wheeler, Phillies<br />
<br />
<b>Workhouse (reliever) |</B> Tyler Rogers, Giants<br />
<br />
<b>Strikeout pitcher |</B> Corbin Burnes, Brewers<br />
<br />
<b>Strikeout pitcher (reliever) |</B> Josh Hader, Brewers<br />
<br />
<b>Control pitcher |</B> Julio Urias, Dodgers<br />
<br />
<b>Control pitcher (reliever) |</B> Josh Tomlin, Atlanta<br />
<br />
<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qJu2xmjlFMQ" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<B>Retired |</B> Ryan Braun, Brewers<br />
<br />
<b>Highest-paid player |</b> Trevor Bauer, $40 million<br />
<br />
<B>3,000 strikeouts |</B> Max Scherzer, Dodgers<br />
<br />
<b>No-hitters |</b> <A HREF="https://www.padresnation.com/2021/01/joe-musgrove.html">Joe Musgrove</A>, Wade Miley, Tyler Gilbert<br />
<br />
<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/u8YSL7FKipA" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
Kevin Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683012690148976861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093601799313044734.post-76747668968088666982021-07-13T20:17:00.008-07:002021-08-15T20:42:34.540-07:00Player rankings, All-Star break<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqukZ1xPQ03CfTYg0VpHuB63A1iSsjlKXduvY7pjpQh1zAeRpK_adxkcGaMEDTw5s5LxqQiQswKQjfwDbD8GE9jD_1nf73rxk9gLnpizn1Vd8fO6MBWqDX6ElzJ4Yv39MGIhHO-MEllzuy/s0/allstarohtani.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqukZ1xPQ03CfTYg0VpHuB63A1iSsjlKXduvY7pjpQh1zAeRpK_adxkcGaMEDTw5s5LxqQiQswKQjfwDbD8GE9jD_1nf73rxk9gLnpizn1Vd8fO6MBWqDX6ElzJ4Yv39MGIhHO-MEllzuy/s0/allstarohtani.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Babe Ruth. <A HREF="https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/long-before-shohei-ohtani-there-was-bullet-rogan/">Bullet Rogan</A>. Shohei Ohtani.<br />
<br />
Or Ronald Acuña Jr. + Gerrit Cole.<br />
<br />
Ohtani, the Angels designated hitter-pitcher, is the best player in baseball and the kind of person everyone <A HREF="https://youtu.be/KkB49r4IWKw?t=380">“should embrace.”</A><br />
<br />
Ohtani is hitting .279/.364/.698 with 33 home runs, 70 RBIs and 65 runs. Those numbers alone place him among the top five position players in the game.<br />
<br />
But Ohtani pitches, too. The right-hander is 3-1 with a 3.49 ERA. He has 87 strikeouts in 67 innings.<br />
<br />
The top 10 players in baseball are:<br />
<br />
1. Shohei Ohtani, Angels<br />
2. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Blue Jays<br />
3. <A HREF="http://www.padresnation.com/2016/06/fernando-tatis-jr.html">Fernando Tatís Jr.</A>, Padres<br />
4. Jacob deGrom, Mets<br />
5. Max Muncy, Dodgers<br />
6. Zack Wheeler, Phillies<br />
7. Brandon Crawford, Giants<br />
8. Trea Turner, Nationals<br />
9. Xander Bogaerts, Red Sox<br />
10. Marcus Semien, Blue Jays<br />
<br />
<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/F8JbUcGu5xo" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>Kevin Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683012690148976861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093601799313044734.post-51349344315287908642021-02-18T09:30:00.044-08:002022-08-03T15:13:21.061-07:00Mark Melancon<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBe9OZVIQyH88Qaot9lvA1zM7hEL964ofKuc387pX3xVPs7xThH4nzFjjhZUNI_XWiBeO2xmM11NaeA02aOtuHK0nWqHrwLLV4GBW-GtK3SfEPR7y9p4HpXrGSK7KnQdGXmxRICAUL03HF/s0/markmelancon250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBe9OZVIQyH88Qaot9lvA1zM7hEL964ofKuc387pX3xVPs7xThH4nzFjjhZUNI_XWiBeO2xmM11NaeA02aOtuHK0nWqHrwLLV4GBW-GtK3SfEPR7y9p4HpXrGSK7KnQdGXmxRICAUL03HF/s0/markmelancon250.jpg"/></a></div><br />
<P>
<b>position |</B> closer <b>throws |</B> right<br />
<br />
<b>Pitches (2021) |</B> 1. Cutter (92 mph) 2. Curveball (82)<br />
<br />
<b>Player most similar to |</B> Rafael Soriano<br />
<b>Career statistics |</B> <a HREF="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/melanma01.shtml">Baseball-Reference.com</A><br />
<b>Career year (2013)</B> 2-2, 1.64 ERA, 47 saves<br />
<b>Teams |</B> Yankees (2009-10), Astros (10-11), Red Sox (12), Pirates (13-16), Nationals (16), Giants (17-19), Atlanta (19-20), Padres (21), Diamondbacks (22)<br />
<br />
<b>Resume</B><br />
>> Four-time All-Star (2013, 15-16, 21)<br />
<br />
<b>League leader</B><br />
>> Saves (2015, 22)<br />Kevin Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683012690148976861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093601799313044734.post-8605004693616602192021-01-19T09:00:00.020-08:002022-12-11T22:15:59.825-08:00Joe Musgrove<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuOd4fE9m1Hod0k2_bHvYWD8-MGRn3aVK3fpzhjBF5jRFidK2jzdP7uKiRiQIGiW6v70teKli2QzwvdSqdvGGqhxlqD9OPE9rb1dciihldj5sBVl86A4fKRyjjvBs3nNFIkEna-AzHAZA/s0/musgrove2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuOd4fE9m1Hod0k2_bHvYWD8-MGRn3aVK3fpzhjBF5jRFidK2jzdP7uKiRiQIGiW6v70teKli2QzwvdSqdvGGqhxlqD9OPE9rb1dciihldj5sBVl86A4fKRyjjvBs3nNFIkEna-AzHAZA/s0/musgrove2.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>position |</B> starting pitcher <b>throws |</B> right<br />
<br />
<b>Pitches (2022)</B> >> 1. Slider (83 mph) 2. Four-seam fastball (93) 3. Cutter (90) 4. Curveball (81) 5. Sinker (92) 6. Changeup (87)
<P>
<b>2023 age</B> >> 30<br />
<b>2023-27 salary</b> >> $20 million<br />
<b>Contract status</B> >> Signed a five-year, $100 million extension on Aug. 1, 2022.<br />
<B>Earliest free agent</B> >> 2028<br />
<br />
<b>Career statistics</B> >> <a HREF="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/musgrjo01.shtml">Baseball-Reference.com</A><br />
<b>Teams</B> >> Astros (2016-17), Pirates (18-20), Padres (21-present)<br />
<b>Acquired</B> >> Traded as part of a three-team trade by the Pirates to the Padres. The Padres sent Joey Lucchesi to the Mets and Omar Cruz (minors), Drake Fellows (minors), Hudson Head (minors) and David Bednar to the Pirates. The Mets sent Endy Rodriguez (minors) to the Pirates.<br />
<br />
<b>Resume</B><br />
>> All-Star (2022)<br />
>> No-hitter (April 9, 2021)<br />
<br />
<b>League leader</B><br />
>> Shutouts (2021)<br />
<br />
<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/u8YSL7FKipA" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>Kevin Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683012690148976861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093601799313044734.post-35435873951170820612020-12-31T09:00:00.006-08:002023-11-06T13:10:15.582-08:00Ha-Seong Kim<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNvPxx_CfTjjU2VZzYe6U1Fm5LDVWvnungCsjBMiwJ6h-6lxzW1_05SbJ145oJj8BTC6S0oTcaIfP1Zg_uT8WNM690bVUrvqBjBYNpoyuXxBNOD65-jtno8FzIxakF4hGYaZSf_3_OiR4hoNhgC7Wc-eAXUKfwOb7SD-D4DkewbGiOzcub_nJf066Mw/s1600/kim2022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNvPxx_CfTjjU2VZzYe6U1Fm5LDVWvnungCsjBMiwJ6h-6lxzW1_05SbJ145oJj8BTC6S0oTcaIfP1Zg_uT8WNM690bVUrvqBjBYNpoyuXxBNOD65-jtno8FzIxakF4hGYaZSf_3_OiR4hoNhgC7Wc-eAXUKfwOb7SD-D4DkewbGiOzcub_nJf066Mw/s1600/kim2022.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>position |</b> second base <b>bats |</b> right <b>throws |</b> right<br />
<br />
<b>2024 age</b> >> 28<br />
<b>2024 salary</b> >> $8 million<br />
<b>2025 salary</b> >> $1 mutual option<br />
<B>Contract status</B> >> Signed through 2024<br />
<b>Earliest arbitration eligible</b> >> 2025<br />
<b>Earliest free agent</b> >> 2027<br />
<br />
<b>Teams</b> >> Padres (2021-present)<br />
<b>Career statistics</b> >> <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kimha01.shtml">Baseball-Reference.com</a><br />
<b>Signed</b> >> with the Padres on Dec. 31, 2020.
<P>
<b>Resume</B><br />
>> Gold Glove Award (2023)
<P>
<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tBDXeES39NI?si=fVvCkBgVoVqjoIcc" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>Kevin Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683012690148976861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093601799313044734.post-2218287626818781322020-12-29T20:07:00.028-08:002023-04-02T09:38:34.327-07:00Yu Darvish<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MaJFtAaW0fo" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<b>position |</B> starting pitcher <b>throws |</B> right<br />
<br />
<b>Pitches (2022)</B> >> 1. Cutter (87 mph) 2. Four-seam fastball (95) 3. Slider (82) 4. Sinker (95) 5. Split finger (89) 6. Curve (73) <br />
<br />
<b>2023 age</B> >> 36<br />
<b>2023 salary</b> >> $24 million<br />
<b>2024 salary</b> >> $15 million<br />
<b>2025 salary</b> >> $20 million<br />
<b>2026 salary</b> >> $15 million<br />
<b>2027-28 salary</b> >> $14 million<br />
<B>Contract status</B> >> Signed six-year, $108 million extension on Feb. 9, 2023, replacing final year of previous contract.
<BR>
<B>Earliest free agent</B> >> 2029<br />
<br />
<b>Player most similar to</B> >> Carlos Carrasco <br />
<b>Career statistics</B> >> <a HREF="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/d/darviyu01.shtml">Baseball-Reference.com</A><br />
<b>Career year (2013)</B> >> 13-9, 2.83 ERA, 277 Ks<br />
<br />
<b>Teams</B> >> Rangers (2012-14, 16-17), Dodgers (17), Cubs (18-20), Padres (21-present)<br />
<b>Acquired</B> >> <A HREF="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/30615373/sources-san-diego-padres-set-acquire-yu-darvish-chicago-cubs">Traded</A> by the Cubs with Victor Caratini to the Padres for Zach Davies and four prospects: outfielders Owen Caissie and Ismael Mena and shortstops Reggie Preciado and Yeison Santana on Dec. 29, 2020.<br />
<br />
<b>Resume</B><br />
>> Five-time All-Star (2012-14, 17, 21)<br />
>> All-MLB first team (2020)<br />
>> Top five in Cy Young Award voting (2013, 20)<br />
<br />
<b>League leader</B><br />
>> Wins (2020)<br />
>> Strikeouts (2013)Kevin Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683012690148976861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093601799313044734.post-4353434067968634422020-12-28T19:30:00.020-08:002023-04-02T11:43:49.738-07:00Blake Snell<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiAXacU1QF2g3-ikU0wie9cHe8jVCtVtl5_2omCr32RUZ7Hx0WNWRQBVfEWVgprhs08jBXSt2RG3z74fcO4rgcG_7uiWTc54SuL3V7FMkD64Ms8lDUqV6mv52YZZyS5WFFNSTaYfPjglWd/s0/blake+snell+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: center; float: center; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="322" data-original-width="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiAXacU1QF2g3-ikU0wie9cHe8jVCtVtl5_2omCr32RUZ7Hx0WNWRQBVfEWVgprhs08jBXSt2RG3z74fcO4rgcG_7uiWTc54SuL3V7FMkD64Ms8lDUqV6mv52YZZyS5WFFNSTaYfPjglWd/s0/blake+snell+card.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<b>position |</B> starting pitcher <b>throws |</B> left<br />
<br />
<b>Pitches (2022)</B> >> 1. Four-seam fastball (96 mph) 2. Slider (89) 3. Curveball (81) 4. Changeup (87) <br />
<br />
<b>2023 age</B> >> 30<br />
<b>2023 salary</b> >> $16 million<br />
<b>Contract status</B> >> Signed through 2023<br />
<B>Earliest free agent</B> >> 2024 <br />
<br />
<b>Player most similar to</B> >> Carlos Rodon <br />
<b>Career statistics</B> >> <a HREF="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/s/snellbl01.shtml">Baseball-Reference.com</A><br />
<b>Career year (2018)</B> >> 21-5, 1.89 ERA, 221 Ks <br />
<br />
<b>Teams</B> >> Rays (2016-20), Padres (21-present)<br />
<b>Acquired</B> >> Traded by the Rays to the Padres for Luis Patino, Cole Wilcox, Francisco Mejia and Blake Hunt on Dec. 28, 2020.<br />
<br />
<b>Resume</B><br />
>> AL Cy Young Award (2018)<br />
>> AL All-Star (2018) <br />
<br />
<b>League leader</B><br />
>> ERA (2018)<br />
>> Wins (2018)<br />
>> Wild pitches (2020) <br />
<br />
<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DLMXgEDXrG4" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>Kevin Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683012690148976861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093601799313044734.post-45788975476490271812020-10-05T15:20:00.004-07:002022-12-08T20:51:43.281-08:002020 NL All-Star team<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6C6TtY8OM5SF-uvmyJaEIDVB3yJ8FiFgmr4irOFn0DhjcrUY9SrF1mRvDiLKZXgIQd0Xib4JqJdNj0xDqQUF0S7IrzYqgq3nv0l3zEW70-YfL3Hp0tfm2xMoRsJd793U0PuVc8BqlyhJJ/s1600/2020+all+star+team.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6C6TtY8OM5SF-uvmyJaEIDVB3yJ8FiFgmr4irOFn0DhjcrUY9SrF1mRvDiLKZXgIQd0Xib4JqJdNj0xDqQUF0S7IrzYqgq3nv0l3zEW70-YfL3Hp0tfm2xMoRsJd793U0PuVc8BqlyhJJ/s1600/2020+all+star+team.jpg" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="225" /></a></div><br />
The San Diego Padres, who posted the highest winning percentage in team history, placed four players on my National League All-Star team: infielders <A HREF="https://www.padresnation.com/2016/06/fernando-tatis-jr.html">Fernando Tatis Jr.</A>, <a HREF="https://www.padresnation.com/2019/02/manny-machado.html">Manny Machado</A>, <a HREF="http://www.padresnation.com/2019/12/jake-cronenworth.html">Jake Cronenworth</A> and starting pitcher <a HREF="https://www.padresnation.com/2014/06/dinelson-lamet.html">Dinelson Lamet.</A><br />
<br />
The Padres (37-23, .617) made the playoffs for the first time in 14 years in the coronavirus-shortened season and won their first playoff series since 1998.<br />
<br />
Atlanta first baseman Freddie Freeman was the league’s top player, hitting .341/.462/.640 with 13 home runs, 53 RBIs and a NL-best 51 runs.<br />
<br />
Cubs right-hander Yu Darvish (8-3, 2.01) was the top pitcher, with 93 strikeouts, 14 walks and <A HREF="https://www.mlb.com/news/yu-darvish-adds-new-pitch-to-repertoire">11 different pitches</A>.<br />
<br />
Cronenworth should win the Rookie of the Year award.<br />
<span style="float:right;"><i>— Kevin Brewer</I></span style><br />
<a name='more'></a>
<br />
<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SHkNLXYeZvs" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<B>TEAMS</B><br />
<br />
<B>Best record |</B> Los Angeles Dodgers, 43-17, a 116-win pace<br />
<br />
<B>Worst record |</B> Pittsburgh Pirates, 19-41, a 111-loss pace<br />
<br />
<B>Home team |</B> Los Angeles Dodgers, 21-9<br />
<br />
<B>Road team |</B> Los Angeles Dodgers, 22-8<br />
<br />
<B>Best offense |</B> Los Angeles Dodgers<br />
<br />
<B>Best baserunning |</B> Colorado Rockies<br />
<br />
<B>Best pitching |</B> Los Angeles Dodgers<br />
<br />
<B>Best fielding |</B> St. Louis Cardinals<br />
<br />
<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3NN5AzE5ICk" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<b>ALL-STAR TEAM</B><br />
<br />
<b>Catcher |</B> Willson Contreras, Cubs<br />
<br />
<b>First base |</B> Freddie Freeman, Atlanta<br />
<br />
<b>Second base |</B> <a HREF="http://www.padresnation.com/2019/12/jake-cronenworth.html">Jake Cronenworth</A>, Padres<br />
<br />
<b>Third base |</B> <a HREF="https://www.padresnation.com/2019/02/manny-machado.html">Manny Machado</A>, Padres<br />
<br />
<b>Shortstop |</B> <A HREF="https://www.padresnation.com/2016/06/fernando-tatis-jr.html">Fernando Tatis Jr.</A>, Padres<br />
<br />
<b>Left field |</B> Juan Soto, Nationals<br />
<br />
<b>Center field |</B> Ronald Acuna Jr., Atlanta<br />
<br />
<b>Right field |</B> Mookie Betts, Dodgers<br />
<br />
<b>Designated hitter |</B> Marcell Ozuna, Atlanta<br />
<br />
<b>Starting pitchers |</B> Yu Darvish, Cubs<br />
<br />
2. Trevor Bauer, Reds<br />
3. Jacob deGrom, Mets<br />
4. <a HREF="https://www.padresnation.com/2014/06/dinelson-lamet.html">Dinelson Lamet.</A>, Padres<br />
5. Corbin Burnes, Brewers<br />
<br />
<b>Reliever |</B> Devin Williams, Brewers<br />
<br />
<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/d5n7p5stzwE" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<B>AWARDS</B><br />
<br />
<b>Best player |</B> Freddie Freeman, Atlanta<br />
<br />
<b>Best rookie |</B> <a HREF="http://www.padresnation.com/2019/12/jake-cronenworth.html">Jake Cronenworth</A>, Padres<br />
<br />
<B>Best hitter |</B> Juan Soto, Nationals<br />
<br />
<B>Best baserunner |</B> Roman Quinn, Phillies<br />
<br />
<B>Best fielder |</B> Nolan Arenado, Rockies<br />
<br />
<B>Power / speed |</B> <A HREF="https://www.padresnation.com/2016/06/fernando-tatis-jr.html">Fernando Tatis Jr.</A>, Padres<br />
<br />
<B>Five-tool player |</B> Mookie Betts, Dodgers<br />
<br />
<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/grFyRkJjZ5M" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<b>Best pitcher |</B> Yu Darvish, Cubs<br />
<br />
<b>Workhorse |</B> Kyle Hendricks, Cubs<br />
<br />
<b>Strikeout pitcher |</B> Jacob deGrom, Mets<br />
<br />
<b>Strikeout pitcher (reliever) |</B> Devin Williams, Brewers<br />
<br />
<b>Best control pitcher |</B> Kyle Hendricks, Cubs<br />
<br />
<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_ssrTVhm3kY" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<B>Retired |</B> Hunter Pence, Giants<br />
<br />
<b>Highest-paid player |</b> Nolan Arenado, $35 million<br />
<br />
<b>No-hitter |</b> Alec Mills, Cubs<br />
<br />
<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/47XSadIjB2E" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>Kevin Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683012690148976861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093601799313044734.post-7383735822645203802019-12-06T17:42:00.015-08:002023-08-22T18:16:30.124-07:00Jake Cronenworth<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU_nMfWFgfzwSRA6s_UeEo_auMgzlatHYz1rHT_flhkk66Yr-kIeab9ww9HXmchGOARsJEHBWE4NiXYuUzM2FTQKutMOrKNYRuid-ztG-6SQ0QFMJ-U2OgDm5Ren26c2k-Upv1fYi6JQg-/s1600/jake+cronenworth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU_nMfWFgfzwSRA6s_UeEo_auMgzlatHYz1rHT_flhkk66Yr-kIeab9ww9HXmchGOARsJEHBWE4NiXYuUzM2FTQKutMOrKNYRuid-ztG-6SQ0QFMJ-U2OgDm5Ren26c2k-Upv1fYi6JQg-/s1600/jake+cronenworth.jpg" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="267" /></a></div><br />
<b>position |</b> first base <b>bats |</b> left <b>throws |</b> right<br />
<br />
<b>2023 age</b> >> 29<br />
<b>2023 salary</b> >> $4,225,000<br />
<b>2024 salary</b> >> $7 million<br />
<b>2024 salary</b> >> $11 million<br />
<b>2026-30 salary</b> >> $12 million<br />
<B>Contract status</B> >> Signed a seven-year, $80 million extension on April 1, 2023.<br />
<br />
<b>Teams</b> >> Padres (2020-present)<br />
<b>Career statistics</b> >> <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/c/croneja01.shtml">Baseball-Reference.com</a><br />
<b>Acquired</b> >> Traded by the Rays with Tommy Pham to the Padres for a player to be named later, Xavier Edwards (minors) and Hunter Renfroe on Dec. 6, 2019.<br />
<br />
<b>Resume</B><br />
>> 2-time All-Star (2021-22)<BR>
<BR>
<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZCpqoAhCWQ4" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>Kevin Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683012690148976861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093601799313044734.post-12398108711821883732019-11-27T00:10:00.009-08:002023-11-06T12:58:25.697-08:00Trent Grisham<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0xjt-oQfv6A" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<P>
<b>position |</b> center field <b>bats |</b> left <b>throws |</b> left<br />
<br />
<b>2023 age</b> >> 26<br />
<b>2023 salary</b> >> $3,175,000<br />
<br />
<b>Resume</B><br />
>> 2-time Gold Glove Award winner (2020, 2022) Kevin Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683012690148976861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093601799313044734.post-18107862226199821272019-06-04T19:27:00.019-07:002023-11-06T13:13:18.101-08:00Fernando Tatis Jr.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiChaCeWsu9pQw3yHr4V4eVlwGHbxa0ayNMryGPWBfkP_nk3GqUmVzgy_0lfxJsd3XSXgDO7jCHIFovQh0yz5Vl4qfH5Z9Q0h37iVNqEQeeI4xQYyygj_9ut9yCaTi5gzdQwIQ1c7TW0p7S0IB_ZTMogZjLncabWU3g7u1T40naGcUl1Vny4bTotRvKOw/s1600/tatis%20celebrate%202.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiChaCeWsu9pQw3yHr4V4eVlwGHbxa0ayNMryGPWBfkP_nk3GqUmVzgy_0lfxJsd3XSXgDO7jCHIFovQh0yz5Vl4qfH5Z9Q0h37iVNqEQeeI4xQYyygj_9ut9yCaTi5gzdQwIQ1c7TW0p7S0IB_ZTMogZjLncabWU3g7u1T40naGcUl1Vny4bTotRvKOw/s1600/tatis%20celebrate%202.jpeg" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="267" /></a></div><br />
<b>position |</b> shortstop <b>bats |</b> right <b>throws |</b> right<br />
<br />
<b>2024 age</b> >> 25<br />
<b>2024 salary</b> >> $11 million<br />
<b>2025 salary</b> >> $20 million<br />
<b>2026 salary</b> >> $20 million<br />
<b>2027 salary</b> >> $25 million<br />
<b>2028 salary</b> >> $25 million<br />
<b>2029-34 salary</b> >> $36 million per year<br />
<B>Contract status</B> >> Signed a 14-year, $340 million contract, including a $10 million signing bonus, on Feb. 22, 2021. It was the <A HREF="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/30920472/14-years-340-million-make-fernando-tatis-jr-mega-extension-san-diego-padres">third-richest contract</A> in baseball history.<br />
<br />
<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BgQRXmDylBI" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<b>Teams</b> >> Padres (2019-present)<br />
<b>Career statistics</b> >> <a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/tatisfe02.shtml">Baseball-Reference.com</a><br />
<b>Traded</b> >> by the White Sox with Erik Johnson to the Padres for James Shields and cash on June 4, 2016.<br />
<br />
<b>Resume</B><br />
>> NL All-Star (2021)<br />
>> All-MLB first team (2020-21)<br />
>> Top 10 MVP voting (2020-21)<br />
>> Gold Glove Award (2023)<BR>
>> Fielding Bible Award (2023)
<P>
<b>League leader</B><br />
>> Home runs (2021)<BR>
>> Defensive runs saved (2023)
<P>
<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Rwyg2hRWnrE?si=A786S2VIFJ22otBx" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>Kevin Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683012690148976861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093601799313044734.post-41014492125636140352019-03-07T16:47:00.028-08:002023-11-06T13:16:50.857-08:00Manny Machado<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiojochXl4NKuTZFIzvUiq5EB6NFKk1sMeu3v3uVaD0wzXe0mKmajaH-m-KkRplMU91sWYixSE7A1qOjKUeAyuDlmSAqaos7a_aEnzQ-gUebNBo4GFRan8ZPmDad6V7dwO7JFg_p_kO88Yxp9M3Yh2gFWO7i8ouvWKmJTK5hSZkDB6TZc3jK8esTAvokw/s1600/Manny-Machado%202022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiojochXl4NKuTZFIzvUiq5EB6NFKk1sMeu3v3uVaD0wzXe0mKmajaH-m-KkRplMU91sWYixSE7A1qOjKUeAyuDlmSAqaos7a_aEnzQ-gUebNBo4GFRan8ZPmDad6V7dwO7JFg_p_kO88Yxp9M3Yh2gFWO7i8ouvWKmJTK5hSZkDB6TZc3jK8esTAvokw/s1600/Manny-Machado%202022.jpg"/></a></div>
<b>position |</B> third base <b>bats |</B> right <b>throws |</B> right<br />
<br />
<b>2024 age</B> >> 30<br />
<b>2024 salary</B> >> $13 million<br />
<b>2025 salary</B> >> $13 million<br />
<b>2026 salary</B> >> $21 million<br />
<b>2027-33 salary</B> >> $35 million<br />
<b>Contract status</B> >> Signed through 2033<br />
<br />
<b>Player most similar to</B> >> Nolan Arenado <br />
<b>Career statistics</B> >> <a HREF="https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/machama01.shtml">Baseball-Reference.com</A><br />
<b>Career year | 2022</B> >> 32 HRs, 102 RBIs, .298/.366/.531, 100 runs <br />
<br />
<b>Teams</B> >> Orioles (2012-18), Dodgers (2018), Padres (2019-present)<br />
<b>Acquired</B> >> Signed a 10-year, $300 million contract with the Padres on Feb. 21, 2019. Signed an <A HREF="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/35739485">11-year, $350 million</A> extension on Feb. 26, 2023.<br />
<br />
<b>Resume</B><br />
>> All-MLB first team (2020, 2022)<br />
>> Six-time All-Star (2013, 15-16, 18, 21-22)<br />
>> Top 10 in MVP voting (2013, 15-16, 20, 22)<br />
>> Two Gold Glove awards (2013, 15)<br />
>> Fielding Bible award (2013)<br />
<br />
<b>League leader</B><br />
>> Doubles (2013)<br />
<br />
<b>The Manny Machado Library</B><br />
>> <a HREF="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/34500812/my-prime-baby-why-manny-machado-best-ever-age-30">‘It’s my prime, baby’</A> | Jeff Passan, ESPN.com (Sept. 2, 2022)<br />
<br />
<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pV5eIJH4x9g" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>Kevin Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683012690148976861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093601799313044734.post-38704227735202770392018-11-14T00:14:00.002-08:002022-12-08T20:58:53.575-08:002018 NL All-Star team<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4m0KEMym57bFevH7ruSOPUYMiTQaQQ_c_kFv_Z1wItqJLxTUUvPavrTaGIZv6faRsLlwAoWFObddyYWh2tcDPJLjQPVKX7dSYb-iHL7-7mfeQHUwq-EBqHjTHIdiERIZs18BSxCFQCj48/s1600/yelichcain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4m0KEMym57bFevH7ruSOPUYMiTQaQQ_c_kFv_Z1wItqJLxTUUvPavrTaGIZv6faRsLlwAoWFObddyYWh2tcDPJLjQPVKX7dSYb-iHL7-7mfeQHUwq-EBqHjTHIdiERIZs18BSxCFQCj48/s400/yelichcain.jpg" width="400" height="267" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="267" /></a></div><br />
Christian Yelich hit like Barry Bonds with an <a HREF="http://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=6190981">enlarged cranium</A> during the last month of the season: .370/.508/.804 with 10 home runs and 34 RBIs in 26 games. Jacob deGrom pitched like Bob Gibson on <a HREF="https://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/19/sports/baseball/19gibson.html">higher ground</A> for much of the season, beating the National League’s average ERA by 2.33 runs. I’m taking Yelich over deGrom as the league’s best player, but it’s close, and it’s not a referendum on position players vs. pitchers relative to MVP awards.<br />
<span style="float: right;"><i>— Kevin Brewer</i></span><br />
<a name='more'></a>
<br />
<b>Babe Ruth Award | Christian Yelich, Brewers.</B> 36 HRs, 110 RBIs, .326/.402/.598, 118 runs.<br />
<br />
2. Jacob deGrom, Mets<br />
3. Max Scherzer, Nationals<br />
<br />
<b>Walter Johnson Award | Jacob deGrom, Mets.</B> 10-9, 1.70 ERA, 269 Ks, 46 BBs, 217 IPs.<br />
<br />
<b>Pee Wee Reese Award</B> (or Teammate of the Year) <b>| Lorenzo Cain, Brewers.</B> 10 HRs, 38 RBIs, .308/.395/.417, 30 SBs.<br />
<br />
<b>Connie Mack Award | Brian Snitker, Atlanta.</B> 90-72<br />
<br />
2. Craig Counsell, Brewers<br />
3. Bud Black, Rockies<br />
<br />
<b>Jackie Robinson Award | Ronald Acuna, Atlanta.</B> 26 HRs, 64 RBIs, .293/.366/.552<br />
<br />
2. Juan Soto, Nationals<br />
3. Walker Buehler, Dodgers<br />
<br />
<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aqKfoyaD9Lk" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
The Milwaukee Brewers and Colorado Rockies lead the All-Star team with three players each. Yelich and Lorenzo Cain were Milwaukee’s two big offseason acquisitions and Jeremy Jeffress, while not a closer, was the league’s best reliever. The Rockies added the left side of their infield and starting pitcher Kyle Freeland.<br />
<br />
<b>Catcher |</B> J.T. Realmuto, Marlins<br />
<br />
<b>First base |</B> Freddie Freeman, Atlanta<br />
<br />
2. Paul Goldschmidt, Diamondbacks<br />
<br />
<b>Second base |</B> Scooter Gennett, Reds<br />
<br />
Not to be confused with Rennie Stennett, who played second base for the Pirates in the 1970s. Gennett is better.<br />
<br />
<b>Third base |</B> Nolan Arenado, Rockies<br />
<br />
<b>Shortstop |</B> Trevor Story, Rockies<br />
<br />
<b>Utilityman |</B> Javier Baez, Cubs<br />
<br />
2. Matt Carpenter, Cardinals<br />
<br />
<b>Left field |</B> David Peralta, Diamondbacks<br />
<br />
<b>Center field |</B> Lorenzo Cain, Brewers<br />
<br />
<b>Outfield |</B> Christian Yelich, Brewers<br />
<br />
<b>Starting pitchers |</B> Jacob deGrom, Mets<br />
<br />
Max Scherzer, Nationals<br />
Aaron Nola, Phillies<br />
Kyle Freeland, Rockies<br />
Zack Greinke, Diamondbacks<br />
<br />
<b>Reliever |</B> Jeremy Jeffress, Brewers<br />
<br />
<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/klYZPKXspUo" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<b>Best offensive player |</B> Christian Yelich, Brewers<br />
<br />
<b>Best defensive player |</B> Nick Ahmed, Diamondbacks<br />
<br />
2. DJ LeMahieu, Rockies<br />
3. Ender Inciarte, Atlanta<br />
<br />
<b>Best baserunner |</B> Trea Turner, Nationals<br />
<br />
<b>Best five-tool player |</B> Javier Baez, Cubs<br />
<br />
2. Trevor Story, Rockies<br />
<br />
<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/245wyxeAs10" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<b>Workhouse |</B> Max Scherzer, Nationals<br />
<br />
2. Jacob deGrom, Mets<br />
<br />
<b>Workhorse (reliever) |</B> Seth Lugo, Mets<br />
<br />
<b>Best strikeout pitcher |</B> Josh Hader, Brewers<br />
<br />
2. Max Scherzer, Nationals<br />
3. Jacob deGrom, Mets<br />
<br />
<b>Best control pitcher |</B> Miles Mikolas, Cardinals<br />
<br />
2. Jacob deGrom, Mets<br />
3. Robbie Erlin, Padres<br />
<br />
<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p7gUoc9TQHI" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>Kevin Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683012690148976861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093601799313044734.post-85059273101705862902018-11-11T21:37:00.002-08:002022-12-08T21:00:50.736-08:002018 AL All-Star team<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZNu1SGoprEDvdcC9fZY2EEnYEtn1SULDTPON1LpGTrj_voOSCbjPN310epzhw7KuD37CCGOZerau-p2g_Eh2eoF-QYA-J102BOGvceQ4ns4wKIFVTKNF0Esq_FT8jNdjSdw_CAxQuaLAE/s1600/ohtani.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZNu1SGoprEDvdcC9fZY2EEnYEtn1SULDTPON1LpGTrj_voOSCbjPN310epzhw7KuD37CCGOZerau-p2g_Eh2eoF-QYA-J102BOGvceQ4ns4wKIFVTKNF0Esq_FT8jNdjSdw_CAxQuaLAE/s400/ohtani.jpg" width="400" height="225" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="225" /></a></div><br />
Angels designated hitter-pitcher Shohei Ohtani is a three-star <a HREF="https://raleighco.com/sports/judging-aaron-history-rookie-sensations/">rookie sensation</A> and my pick as the league’s top rookie. He was on the cover of <a HREF="https://www.google.com/search?q=Shohei+Ohtani+sports+illustrated&rlz=1C1FNWS_enUS726US726&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjM8aLWgLzeAhXjQd8KHVdFCcwQ_AUIFSgD&biw=1600&bih=758#imgrc=Q1YR4d0N_8dxfM:">Sports Illustrated</A> before he played in the majors — like Bo Jackson and Bryce Harper. He’s a foreign-born player with a unique style of play, maybe the most unique style of play since Babe Ruth, hitting <i>and</I> pitching at an <a HREF="https://www.theringer.com/mlb/2018/9/14/17858936/los-angeles-angels-shohei-ohtani-rookie-season-success">All-Star level.</A> Angels general manager Billy Eppler called Ohtani “the <a HREF="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmRk85tub60">most fascinating player</A> I’ve ever laid eyes on.”<br />
<br />
As for the league’s best player, Mookie Betts vs. Mike Trout was a dead heat in every category — hitting, fielding, baserunning. I don’t like to consider team performance when it comes to individual awards, but that’s the tie-breaker here. The Red Sox won 108 games, while Trout’s Angels won 80. Betts is the choice.<br />
<span style="float: right;"><i>— Kevin Brewer</i></span><br />
<a name='more'></a>
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<b>Babe Ruth Award | Mookie Betts, Red Sox.</B> 32 HRs, 80 RBIs, .346/.438/.640, 129 runs, 47 doubles, 30 SBs.<br />
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<b>Walter Johnson Award | Blake Snell, Rays.</B> 21-5, 1.89 ERA, 221 Ks, 64 BBs, 180.2 IPs.<br />
<br />
<b>Pee Wee Reese Award</B> (or <a HREF="https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/redsox/2018/10/02/martinez-passion-spills-over-red-sox-teammates/J7PL1RrR00SfXjz6ltkKiJ/story.html">Teammate</A> of the Year) <b>| J.D. Martinez, Red Sox.</B> 43 HRs, 130 RBIs, <a HREF="https://deadspin.com/j-d-martinez-hit-so-well-this-year-he-won-two-silver-1830333198">.330/.402/.629</A>, 111 runs.<br />
<br />
<b>Connie Mack Award | Alex Cora, Red Sox.</B> 108-54<br />
<br />
2. Bob Melvin, Athletics<br />
3. Aaron Boone, Yankees<br />
<br />
<b>Jackie Robinson Award | Shohei Ohtani, Angels.</B> 22 HRs, 61 RBIs, .285/.361/.564 <i>and</I> 4-2, 3.31 ERA, 63 Ks, 22 BBs.<br />
<br />
2. Joey Wendle, Rays<br />
3. Gleyber Torres and Miguel Andujar, Yankees<br />
<br />
<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sevvlkBgDTg" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
The Red Sox and Cleveland dominate my American League All-Star team with four players each, while the Athletics add three, including the right side of their infield.<br />
<br />
<b>Catcher |</B> Yan Gomes, Cleveland<br />
<br />
<b>First base |</B> Matt Olson, Athletics<br />
<br />
<b>Second base |</B> Jed Lowrie, Athletics<br />
<br />
<b>Third base |</B> Alex Bregman, Astros<br />
<br />
2. Jose Ramirez, Cleveland<br />
3. Matt Chapman, Athletics<br />
<br />
<b>Shortstop |</B> Francisco Lindor, Cleveland <br />
<br />
2. Andrelton Simmons, Angels<br />
<br />
<b>Left field |</B> Andrew Benintendi, Red Sox<br />
<br />
<b>Center field |</B> Mike Trout, Angels<br />
<br />
<b>Right field |</B> Mookie Betts, Red Sox<br />
<br />
2. Mitch Haniger, Mariners<br />
<br />
<b>Designated hitter |</B> J.D. Martinez, Red Sox<br />
<br />
<b>Starting pitchers |</B> 1. Blake Snell, Rays<br />
<br />
2. Chris Sale, Red Sox<br />
3. Justin Verlander, Astros<br />
4. Corey Kluber, Cleveland<br />
5. Trevor Bauer, Cleveland<br />
<br />
<b>Reliever |</B> Blake Treinen, Athletics<br />
<br />
2. Edwin Diaz, Mariners<br />
<br />
<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g59FR48AJNM" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<b>Best offensive player |</B> Mike Trout, Angels<br />
<br />
2. Mookie Betts, Red Sox<br />
<br />
<b>Best defensive player |</B> Andrelton Simmons, Angels<br />
<br />
2. Francisco Lindor, Cleveland<br />
3. Matt Chapman, Athletics<br />
<br />
<b>Best baserunner |</B> Eddie Rosario, Twins<br />
<br />
<b>Best five-tool player |</B> Mookie Betts, Red Sox<br />
<br />
2. Mike Trout, Angels<br />
<br />
<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/B4qX6VWc9_4" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<b>Workhouse |</B> Corey Kluber, Cleveland<br />
<br />
2. Justin Verlander, Astros<br />
<br />
<b>Workhorse (reliever) |</B> Ryan Yarbrough, Rays<br />
<br />
<b>Best strikeout pitcher |</B> Chris Sale, Red Sox<br />
<br />
2. Gerrit Cole, Astros<br />
3. Justin Verlander, Astros<br />
<br />
<b>Best control pitcher |</B> Corey Kluber, Cleveland<br />
<br />
2. Justin Verlander, Astros<br />
<br />
<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3B_XQ10-n-s" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>Kevin Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683012690148976861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093601799313044734.post-16326938539615811062017-10-04T15:58:00.092-07:002022-12-08T21:05:03.812-08:00Judgement Day: Rookie sensations<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYjLI-SE5H1h-icsM7yMnUURFo3E-oXGt6khmfIEsvHnkLafNtORcqPXE5VB9j07_zOfcV5C7OXmPAgKyabrQ06Zf0qP9yv6eNm26QSaR6ciCdaUBrSWPU8Zu9tZrW9OZq5xMC_0exJWex/s0/aaronjudge.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYjLI-SE5H1h-icsM7yMnUURFo3E-oXGt6khmfIEsvHnkLafNtORcqPXE5VB9j07_zOfcV5C7OXmPAgKyabrQ06Zf0qP9yv6eNm26QSaR6ciCdaUBrSWPU8Zu9tZrW9OZq5xMC_0exJWex/s0/aaronjudge.jpeg"/></a></div>
<P>
Aaron Judge led the American League in home runs, runs, walks, <A HREF="http://m.mlb.com/news/article/239868480/aaron-judge-among-five-yankees-all-stars/">All-Star voting</A> and <A HREF="http://nypost.com/2017/06/15/aaron-judges-jersey-is-the-hottest-selling-item-in-mlb/">jersey sales</A>. He has his own <A HREF="http://ftw.usatoday.com/2017/05/new-york-yankees-aaron-judge-judges-chambers-mlb">cheering section</A> at Yankee Stadium: 18 seats in the back of Section 104, just behind where he plays right field. He appeared on the cover of <A HREF="https://www.si.com/vault/issue/1017795/1/2">Sports Illustrated</A> and <I>The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon</I> in May, <A HREF="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKXhSZjMYIk">disguised in glasses,</A> asking Yankees fans what they thought of him. He was charming and affable.<BR>
<BR>
Judge is a no-doubt rookie sensation, but rookie sensations have always been a lot like pornography. Hard to define, <A HREF="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_know_it_when_I_see_it">“but I know when I see it.”</A><BR>
<BR>
A Google search for “rookie sensation” returns 4 million results but not one definition. The first entry: “What does rookie sensation mean?”<BR>
<BR>
Indeed. The phrase is a sports writing trope used to connote excitement about a first-year athlete, particularly by headline writers. Sports Illustrated has employed it often.<BR>
<BR>
This is an attempt to sort through the cliché and quantify the unquantifiable. To define the intangible excitement. What does rookie sensation mean?<BR>
<BR>
There are five (or so) levels of rookie sensation status, each represented by various achievements. Some are clear like All-Star selections, MVP and Cy Young awards and playoff success. Others are completely unmeasurable like being one of the game’s eccentric characters. Then there’s my favorite — appearing on the cover of Sports Illustrated. It is both in and out of the rookie’s control, a combination of excellent play, hype and the news judgement of what used to be the sports publication of record in pre-Internet America.<BR>
<BR>
Clint Hurdle’s rookie season wasn’t anything special — seven home runs and 56 RBIs in 133 games — but he graced the cover of Sports Illustrated on March 20, 1978, because he was <A HREF="https://www.si.com/vault/issue/70772/1/2">“This Year’s Phenom.”</A> Deserved or not, Hurdle was a rookie sensation.<BR>
<BR>
There are four perfect rookie sensations, those who checked all the first-year boxes. Or almost all of them. Aaron Judge didn’t make the final cut, but he was close.<BR>
<a name='more'></a>
<BR>
A couple disclaimers: <BR>
<BR>
<B>1. The Rookie of the Year award does not matter.</B> It’s not that special. Two players win it every season. Buster Posey, Jeremy Hellickson, Will Myers, Jacob deGrom, Carlos Correa and Michael Fulmer all won the award this decade, but they were not rookie sensations. On the other hand, Wally Joyner was not the Rookie of the Year in 1986, but he was voted to start the All-Star Game. He was a rookie sensation.<BR>
<BR>
<B>2. The Rookie of the Year award matters.</B> Jackie Robinson won the first rookie award in 1947. That’s when rookies were first honored, so that’s when our study begins.<BR>
<BR>
<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Gw3pFHMM9fk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><BR>
<BR>
<B>ONE-STAR rookie sensations</B><BR>
<BR>
Rookies who were selected as All-Star Game reserves:<BR>
<BR>
<B>1940s |</B> Spec Shea (1947) and Don Newcombe (1949)<BR>
<BR>
<B>1950s |</B> Jim Busy (1951), Minnie Minoso (1951), Billy Hunter (1953), Harvey Kuenn (1953), Dean Stone (1954), Luis Arroyo (1955) and Jack Sanford (1957)<BR>
<BR>
<B>1960s |</B> Chuck Estrada (1960), Dick Howser (1961), Don Schwall (1961), Rich Rollins (1962), Tom Tresh (1962), Tommy Agee (1966), Tom Seaver (1967), Ron Reed (1968) and Carlos May (1969)<BR>
<BR>
<B>1970s |</B> Billy Grabarkewitz (1970), Dave Chalk (1974), Gary Carter (1975), Willie Randolph (1976), Butch Wynegar (1976), Ruppert Jones (1977), Matt Keough (1978) and Mark Clear (1979)<BR>
<BR>
<B>1980s |</B> Tim Raines (1981), Steve Sax (1982), Bill Dawley (1983), Ron Kittle (1983), Matt Young (1983), Alvin Davis (1984), Jose Canseco (1986), Matt Nokes (1987) and Kevin Seitzer (1987)<BR>
<BR>
<B>1990s |</B> Gregg Olson (1990), John Hudek (1994), Carlos Garcia (1994), Tyler Green (1995), Carlos Perez (1995), Jason Kendall (1996), Jason Dickson (1997), Rolando Arrojo (1998), Ben Grieve (1998), Scott Williamson (1999) and Jeff Zimmerman (1999)<BR>
<BR>
<B>2000s |</B> Jimmy Rollins (2001), Ben Sheets (2001), Francisco Liriano (2006), Jonathan Paplebon (2006), Dan Uggla (2006), Hideki Okajima (2007), Evan Longoria (2008) and Andrew Bailey (2009)<BR>
<BR>
<B>2010s |</B> Jason Heyward (2010), Aaron Crow (2011), Craig Kimbrel (2011), Michael Pineda (2011), Jordan Walden (2011), Ryan Cook (2012), Yu Darvish (2012), Bryce Harper (2012), Lance Lynn (2012), Wade Miley (2012), Jose Fernandez (2013), Jose Abreu (2014), Dellin Betances (2014) and Kris Bryant (2015)<BR>
<BR>
More than 100 rookies have been selected to play in the All-Star Game. Rookies have been selected more frequently over the years, because there are twice as many teams as there were in 1947 and every team is required to have at least one All-Star representative.<BR>
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<B>TWO-STAR rookie sensations</B><BR>
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Rookies who were selected to start the All-Star Game:<BR>
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Richie Ashburn (1948)
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Eddie Kazak (1949)
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Walt Dropo (1950)
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Frank Robinson (1956)
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Ron Hansen (1960)
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Rich Rollins (1962)
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Dave Stenhouse (1962)
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George Scott (1966)
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Rod Carew (1967)
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Wally Joyner (1986)
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Sandy Alomar Jr. (1990)
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<A HREF="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHkf3EknFJE">Hideki Matsui</A> (2003)
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<A HREF="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qV3HHc8Hxmw">Kosuke Fukudome</A> (2008)
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Geovany Soto (2008)
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Joc Pederson (2015)
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All-Star fan voting is a good measure of a player’s popularity, and popularity is a chief characteristic of rookie sensations.
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However, fans did not vote for the All-Star starters from 1958 to 1969, so Ron Hansen, Rich Rollins, Dave Stenhouse, George Scott and Rod Carew were selected by each league’s manager to start the game. Still impressive for a rookie.
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There were two All-Star Games a year from 1959 to 62, when Hansen, Rollins and Stenhouse started, which waters down the achievement a little.
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Cardinals third baseman Eddie Kazak was an unlikely All-Star selection. After suffering serious injuries in World War II and being told he would never play baseball again, the 28-year-old rookie hit .304 in the first half of 1949 and was 2-for-2 in the All-Star Game. A couple weeks later, he injured his ankle and lost his starting job. He was out of the game by 1952.
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Kazak, Hansen, Rollins, Stenhouse, Walt Dropo, Wally Joyner, Kosuke Fukudome and Geovany Soto were one-hit wonders. They made just one All-Star team. The idea of a rookie sensation never repeating his first-year greatness was once called <A HREF="https://www.si.com/vault/1999/05/17/260761/the-dropo-drop-off-a-hot-rookie-year-doesnt-ensure-a-brilliant-career">“The Dropo Drop-off.”</A>
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Fukudome and Soto of the Cubs are the only rookie teammates to start the All-Star Game.
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Tony Oliva, Mark Fidrych, Fernando Valenzuela, <A HREF="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMDqDC1JFBw">Hideo Nomo</A> and <A HREF="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fdPHMlAozE">Ichiro Suzuki</A> also started the All-Star Game, but they achieved higher rookie sensation status.
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<B>THREE-STAR rookie sensations</B>
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Rookies who were on the cover of Sports Illustrated:
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<A HREF="https://www.si.com/vault/issue/40846/1/2">Johnny Bench</A> (1968)
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<A HREF="https://www.si.com/vault/issue/70772/1/2">Clint Hurdle</A> (1978)
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<A HREF="https://www.si.com/vault/issue/70878/1/2">Kirk Gibson</A> (1980)
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<A HREF="https://www.si.com/vault/issue/43602/1/1">Kent Hrbek</A> (1982)
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<A HREF="https://www.si.com/vault/issue/43914/1/2">Bo Jackson</A> (1986)
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<A HREF="https://www.si.com/vault/issue/702888/1/2">Hideo Nomo</A> (1995)
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<A HREF="https://www.si.com/vault/issue/715635/1/2">Derek Jeter</A> (1996)
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<A HREF="https://www.si.com/vault/issue/722958/1/2">Jeff Francoeur</A> (2005)
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<A HREF="https://www.si.com/vault/issue/1004210/1/2">Bryce Harper</A> (2009)
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<A HREF="https://www.si.com/vault/issue/1012618/1/2">George Springer</A> (2014)
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<A HREF="https://www.si.com/vault/issue/43125/1/2">Carlton Fisk</A>, <A HREF="https://www.si.com/vault/issue/43298/1/2">Fred Lynn</A>, <A HREF="https://www.si.com/vault/issue/70940/1/2">Fernando Valenzuela</A>, <A HREF="https://www.si.com/vault/issue/43488/1/2">Dwight Gooden</A>, <A HREF="https://www.si.com/vault/issue/711016/1/2">Mike Piazza</A>, <A HREF="https://www.si.com/vault/issue/704265/1/2">Ichiro Suzuki</A>, <A HREF="https://www.si.com/vault/issue/1009552/1/2">Mike Trout</A> and <A HREF="https://www.si.com/vault/issue/1017795/1/2">Aaron Judge</A> also made the cover as rookies, but they achieved higher rookie sensation status.
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Most of these players were called “rookie sensations” on the cover or some variation on the theme. Ichiro was “Japanese sensation,” Jeff Francoeur “The Natural” and Mike Trout “The Supernatural.”
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Bo Jackson, who graced the cover in a Memphis Chicks uniform, became a rookie sensation when he chose baseball over football. Bryce Harper made the cover in high school — a rookie sensation three years before his rookie season. “The most exciting prodigy since LeBron,” the magazine said.
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Rookies who were compelling characters, either on the field or off:
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John Montefusco (1975)
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Joe Charboneau (1980)
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Chris Sabo (1988)
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Orlando Hernandez (1998)
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Dontrelle Willis (2003)
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The Count of Montefusco said he would shut out Atlanta, the Phillies and the Dodgers — and he did. He said he would record his 200th strikeout against Johnny Bench — and he did.
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The legend of Joe Charboneau is (supposedly) <A HREF="https://www.si.com/vault/1980/09/08/824954/super-joe-a-legend-in-his-own-time-joe-charboneau-is-the-leading-candidate-for-american-league-rookie-of-the-year-and-the-biggest-thing-in-cleveland-since-rocky-colavito">true</A>. He was 6-2, 200 pounds and impervious to pain. He bare-knuckled boxed on boxcars. He was stabbed three times by migrant workers. He pulled out his own sore tooth with a vise grip. One more thing: Charboneau was a direct descendant of Toussaint Charbonneau, who, along with his Native American wife, Sacagawea, guided Lewis and Clark on the second leg of their expedition. Joe, of course, played left field for the Indians.
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Reds third baseman Chris Sabo wore a crewcut and Rec Specs goggles and hustled just like his manager Pete Rose, another Reds third baseman. <A HREF="https://www.si.com/vault/1988/08/01/118096/a-guide-to-sabomania">Sabomania</A> ensued.
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Orlando Hernandez and Dontrelle Willis had those wild, wacky, old-school deliveries.
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<B>3.5-STAR rookie sensations</B>
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Rookies who were named World Series MVP:
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Larry Sherry (1959)
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Rookies who were named NLCS and World Series MVP:
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<A HREF="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Mvb8dolRfU">Livan Hernandez</A> (1997)
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Rookies who had a 34-game hitting streak:
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Benito Santiago (1987)
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Rookies who struck out 20 batters in one game:
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Kerry Wood (1998)
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<B>FOUR-STAR rookie sensations</B>
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Rookies who won the MVP or Cy Young award or were strong candidates for either one:
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Dick Allen (1964)
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Tony Olivia (1964)
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Carlton Fisk (1972)
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Fred Lynn (1975)
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Dwight Gooden (1984)
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Mark McGwire (1987)
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Mike Piazza (1993)
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Nomar Garciaparra (1997)
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Albert Pujols (2001)
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Mike Trout (2012)
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Corey Seager (2016)
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Aaron Judge (2017)
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Fred Lynn is one of just two rookies who have won the MVP award. Mike Trout should have been the third.
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Tony Olivia hit .323 to win the battling title.
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Dwight Gooden was 19 years old, the youngest All-Star in history. He had 276 strikeouts in 218 innings — plus three straight in the All-Star Game.
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Mike Piazza was selected in the 62nd round of the 1988 draft as a favor from Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda to Piazza’s father.
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Mark McGwire hit 49 home runs, <A HREF="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KDLWJfl62k">the rookie record</A> before Aaron Judge.
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Judge hit 52 home runs with 114 RBIs, 128 runs, 127 walks and a .627 slugging percentage. He was the second-best player in the league behind Jose Altuve, according to <A HREF="https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/2017-batting-leaders.shtml">WAR</A>.
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<B>FIVE-STAR rookie sensations</B>
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The Fab Four of superstar <A HREF="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43rxThjYWsE">Mach Five</A> rookie sensations. The Mount Rushmore of phenoms.
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Jackie Robinson (1947)
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Mark Fidrych (1976)
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Fernando Valenzuela (1981)
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Ichiro Suzuki (2001)
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Jackie Robinson was 28 years old, a black man from Cairo, Ga., a four-sport athlete from UCLA, a second baseman from the Negro Leagues, playing first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers. He broke baseball’s color barrier on April 15, 1947.
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Fernando Valenzuela was 20 years old, a round, left-handed pitcher from Mexico, the Opening Day starter for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He shut out the Astros on five hits and two walks. He won his first eight starts, five by shutout.
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Ichiro was 27 years old, a reed-thin right fielder from Japan, playing for the Seattle Mariners. On April 11, he made “The Throw,” throwing out Terrence Long, who had tried to advance from first to third on a single.
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Mark Fidrych was 21 years old, mostly limbs and curly hair, a right-handed pitcher from Worcester, Mass. He entered the Detroit Tigers rotation on May 15 and won nine of his first 10 starts, including a 5-1 victory over the New York Yankees on <A HREF="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SAavlR5ZVw"><I>Monday Night Baseball</I></A> that made him a national story.
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Fidrych and Valenzuela are still the two biggest <A HREF="http://grantland.com/the-triangle/mlb-top-10-single-season-starting-pitching-attractions/">single-season attendance pitching draws</A> since 1955. They both started the All-Star Game, and Ichiro was the first rookie to lead all players in All-Star voting. Valenzuela and Ichiro were on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Fidrych made <A HREF="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ux3-a9RE1Q">the cover</A> of the <A HREF="http://img.wennermedia.com/920-width/rs-96885-27558076-27558077-large.jpg">Rolling Stone</A>.
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Robinson hit .297 with 12 home runs and 125 runs, leading the league in stolen bases and sacrifice hits. He was fifth in the MVP voting and helped lead the Dodgers to the World Series. He won the first Rookie of the Year award, which is now named after him.
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Ichiro hit .350 with 242 hits, 127 runs and 56 stolen bases, the first player to lead the league in batting and stolen bases since Robinson. The Mariners won 116 games, tying the all-time record, and Ichiro became the second rookie win the MVP award.
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Valenzuela finished 13-7 with a 2.48 ERA, leading the league in strikeouts, innings, complete games and shutouts. He was 3-1 with a 2.24 ERA in the postseason, leading the Dodgers to their first World Series title since 1965. He is the only rookie to win the Cy Young Award.
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Fidrych was 19-9 with a 2.34 ERA in 250.1 innings. He led the league with 24 complete games and should have won the Cy Young Award instead of Jim Palmer. He was also one of the game’s all-time best characters.
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Dave Marsh came closest to capturing Fidrych’s mound idiosyncrasies in Rolling Stone:
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He is a bundle of twitches and tics. He runs — never walks — to the mound and back after each half inning. To landscape the mound, he will get down on his hands and knees, digging a bit here, filling in a bit there. After any better than average defensive play, he rushes around shaking his infielders’ hands. After a strikeout, rather than turning his back and rubbing the ball, gloatingly, he’ll leap from the mound, shaking his fist in triumph. When a ball is hit, he rejects it, as if to punish it: “It’s got a hit in it,” he explains. He jogs the 60 feet 6 inches to home plate to deliver the offending missile to the umpire: “Let it get back in the bag and goof around with the other balls.” And of course, when the ball is satisfactory or unproven, he chatters to it, convincing the sphere to work his will.
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That’s the best thing about rookie sensations. You had to be there. You look up in the middle of summer and see Valenzuela looking skyward in mid-delivery, Fidrych talking to the baseball, Ichiro beating out an infield hit or the 6-foot-7, 282-pound Aaron Judge with 30 home runs at the All-Star break.
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What does rookie sensation mean?
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It’s something you’ve never seen before. Or didn’t think you would ever see again.
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<I>This story originally appeared on Raleigh & Company.</I>Kevin Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683012690148976861noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5093601799313044734.post-3711797658873946862017-10-04T10:22:00.002-07:002022-08-03T15:27:00.676-07:002017 NL All-Star team<iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Bxmbw2SePuc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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The Washington Nationals lead my National League All-Star team with four players, including three starting pitchers, and nearly added a fifth in third baseman Anthony Rendon.<br />
<span style="float: right;"><i>— Kevin Brewer</i></span><br />
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<b>Catcher |</B> Buster Posey, Giants<br />
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<b>First base |</B> Joey Votto, Reds<br />
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2. Paul Goldschmidt, Diamondbacks<br />
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<b>Second base |</B> Daniel Murphy, Nationals<br />
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<b>Third base |</B> Nolan Arenado, Rockies<br />
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2. Anthony Rendon, Nationals<br />
3. Kris Bryant, Cubs<br />
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<b>Shortstop |</B> Corey Seager, Dodgers<br />
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<b>Left field |</B> Marcell Ozuna, Marlins<br />
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<b>Center field |</B> Charlie Blackmon, Rockies<br />
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<b>Right field |</B> Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins<br />
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<b>Starting pitchers |</B> 1. Max Scherzer, Nationals<br />
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2. Gio Gonzalez, Nationals<br />
3. Zack Greinke, Diamondbacks<br />
4. Stephen Strasburg, Nationals<br />
5. Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers<br />
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<b>Reliever |</B> Corey Knebel, Brewers<br />
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2. Kenley Jansen, Dodgers<br />
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The Nationals also take home two awards.<br />
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<b>Babe Ruth Award |</B> Joey Votto, Reds<br />
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2. Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins<br />
3. Charlie Blackmon, Rockies<br />
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<b>Walter Johnson Award |</B> Max Scherzer, Nationals<br />
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<b>Pee Wee Reese Award |</B> Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals<br />
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<b>Connie Mack Award |</B> Torey Lovullo, Diamondbacks<br />
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2. Dave Roberts, Dodgers<br />
3. Bud Black, Rockies<br />
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<b>Jackie Robinson Award |</B> Cody Bellinger, DodgersKevin Brewerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15683012690148976861noreply@blogger.com0