Pinstripe Alley: All Posts by Casey PetersonBig boi dinger enthusiastshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51961/pinstripe_alley_minimal.png2024-03-20T11:00:00-04:00https://www.pinstripealley.com/authors/casey-peterson/rss2024-03-20T11:00:00-04:002024-03-20T11:00:00-04:002024 Preview: Mariners
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<img alt="Texas Rangers v Seattle Mariners" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/lOJCaKaIHjOdm1BraEoaMWu2HKo=/0x0:3576x2384/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73220493/1707076398.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>An elite pitching staff leads a Mariners club looking to get back to the postseason.</p> <p id="Xq3e6M">The <a href="https://www.lookoutlanding.com/">Seattle Mariners</a> came agonizingly close to making the postseason in back-to-back years, finishing the 2023 season just one game back of the final Wild Card spot and two games back in the AL West. Buoyed by a rotation featuring both established veterans and elite young talent, the Mariners hope their offense can keep pace and make a run at a postseason birth in 2024.</p>
<p id="11GEUR"><strong>Seattle Mariners</strong><br><strong>2023 record: </strong>88-74 (3rd, AL West)<br><strong>2024 FanGraphs projection: </strong>85-77 (2nd, AL West)</p>
<p id="DXfH1w">Yes, Julio Rodríguez is a legit superstar — and we will get to him later — but this team’s engine is their pitching staff. Luis Castillo continues to be a stabilizing force at the top of Seattle’s rotation posting a 121 ERA+ and 10 K/9 in 2023. He made 33 starts last season, which included an All-Star appearance and a top-five Cy Young finish. Behind Castillo is a formidable duo of George Kirby and Logan Gilbert. Kirby followed up a strong rookie season with a 3.35 ERA and a 0.90 BB/9 — good enough for a 4.4 fWAR. Gilbert pitched to a 3.73ERA last season and like Castillo and Kirby, pitched 190+ innings. Any team would dream of having these three arms take the mound every five days. Bryce Miller got off to a great start last season, with a high-velocity fastball and a legit slider, but problems getting lefties out plagued him in 2023. A 24-year-old right-hander with a high 90s fastball is a good problem to have at the bottom of your rotation. This staff projects to be one of the best in baseball.</p>
<p id="jFKXCq">Unfortunately for the Mariners, it is clear that ownership was intent on keeping payroll at or below what it was in 2023. Trades involving Eugenio Suárez and Jarred Kelenic, amongst others, freed up around $30 million that would be needed to build this year’s roster on a budget. It left Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto in a tough spot. However, the Mariners were able to trade for Jorge Polanco and sign Mitch Garver this offseason, providing a boost to two areas of need — second base and the DH position. Catcher is also a position of strength for the Mariners, with Cal Raleigh posting back-to-back quality seasons behind the plate, including a 30 HR campaign in 2023. Overall, the Mariners will need some sustained offense from a few of these names to push their offense towards the top half of the league.</p>
<p id="ysqnmc">Luckily, the Mariners have two anchors to their lineup that can carry them at times. J.P. Crawford saw a major boost to his power numbers in 2023, hitting a career-best 19 home runs and posting a 134 wRC+, and he was second on the team with 4.9 fWAR. Given the penny-pinching from the Mariners, another big season from Crawford at a premium position is a necessity. </p>
<p id="Z4ced5">However, everyone knows the main attraction of the Seattle Mariners is Julio Rodríguez. The 23-year-old is coming off back-to-back All-Star appearances and Silver Slugger Awards. He finished top-10 in the majors amongst position players with a 5.9 fWAR. He hit 32 HR and collected 103 RBIs last season and finished top-four in MVP voting. Rodríguez is a legit MVP candidate and it’s clear that Seattle goes where he goes. Despite his good overall numbers, and a historically good August (slashing .429/.474/.724), a slow start to the season coincided with a slow start from the Mariners as a whole in 2023. It shows how much Rodríguez is tasked with boosting this offense throughout a full season. He does it in the field as well, only committing two errors all of last season. </p>
<p id="WJACvT">Despite supreme talent in certain areas, the Mariners still project to be a middle-of-the-road offense. You have to wonder if the approach this offseason will cost the Mariners a chance at the postseason, which would be a shame considering the foundation they have to build around. It may be tough to compete in a strong division like the AL West, but the pitching staff and the likes of Julio Rodríguez provide hope for this team. I think this team makes the playoffs this season.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="2SLIKa">
<p id="hD3V9p"><em>2024 PSA Team Previews</em></p>
<p id="OXsKav"><a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/2024/2/26/24083173/mlb-season-preview-2024-arizona-diamondbacks-corbin-carroll-gallen-kelly-rodriguez-lawlar-moreno"><strong>Arizona Diamondbacks</strong></a><br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/e/23848075"><strong>Atlanta Braves</strong></a><br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/e/23848410"><strong>Baltimore Orioles</strong></a><br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/e/23848726"><strong>Boston Red Sox</strong></a><br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/e/23848330"><strong>Chicago Cubs</strong></a><br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/e/23843704"><strong>Chicago White Sox</strong></a><br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/e/23847113"><strong>Cincinnati Reds</strong></a><br><a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/2024/3/4/24089485/mlb-season-preview-2024-cleveland-guardians-jose-ramirez-shane-bieber-triston-mckenzie-gimenez"><strong>Cleveland Guardians</strong></a><br><a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/2024/3/5/24090751/mlb-season-preview-2024-colorado-rockies-nolan-jones-kris-bryant-freeland-blackmon-nl-west"><strong>Colorado Rockies</strong></a><br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/e/23847145"><strong>Detroit Tigers</strong></a><br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/e/23855682"><strong>Houston Astros</strong></a><br><a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/2024/3/8/24090547/mlb-season-preview-2024-kansas-city-royals-bobby-witt-jr-cole-ragans-perez-wacha-lugo-pasquatino"><strong>Kansas City Royals</strong></a><br><a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/2024/3/9/24093979/ohtani-trout-projections-2024-mlb-preview-los-angeles-angels-aaron-hicks-nolan-schanuel-jo-adell"><strong>Los Angeles Angels</strong></a><br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/e/23859711"><strong>Los Angeles Dodgers</strong></a><br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/e/23862102"><strong>Milwaukee Brewers</strong></a><br><a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/2024/3/13/24098507/mlb-season-preview-2024-minnesota-twins-pablo-lopez-byron-buxton-royce-lewis-carlos-correa-central"><strong>Minnesota Twins</strong></a><br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/e/23860957"><strong>New York Mets</strong></a><br><a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/2024/3/15/24100248/mlb-season-preview-2024-oakland-athletics-zack-gelof-jp-sears-mason-miller"><strong>Oakland Athletics</strong></a><br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/e/23862018"><strong>Philadelphia Phillies</strong></a><br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/e/23861322"><strong>Pittsburgh Pirates</strong></a><br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/e/23862905"><strong>San Diego Padres</strong></a><br><a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/2024/3/19/24105079/mlb-season-preview-2024-san-francisco-giants-matt-chapman-lee-jung-ho-logan-webb-bob-melvin"><strong>San Francisco Giants</strong></a><br><a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/2024/3/20/24102822/mlb-season-preview-2024-seattle-mariners-julio-rodriguez-luis-castillo"><strong>Seattle Mariners</strong></a><br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/e/23865351"><strong>St. Louis Cardinals</strong></a><br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/e/23872127"><strong>Tampa Bay Rays</strong></a><br><a href="https://www.lonestarball.com/"><strong>Texas Rangers</strong></a><br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/e/23872813"><strong>Toronto Blue Jays</strong></a><br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/e/23874641"><strong>Washington Nationals</strong></a></p>
<p id="yzfBCc"><a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/2024/2/5/24060945/yankees-2024-roster-season-preview"><strong>2024 Yankees Roster Season Preview</strong></a></p>
https://www.pinstripealley.com/2024/3/20/24102822/mlb-season-preview-2024-seattle-mariners-julio-rodriguez-luis-castilloCasey Peterson2024-03-15T07:00:00-04:002024-03-15T07:00:00-04:002024 Preview: Athletics
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<img alt="San Diego Padres v Oakland Athletics" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/JwBVGXFQ3no6aT9LPlbDXbEOyL8=/0x0:4800x3200/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73208920/1689192891.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>A likely poor season on the field feels fitting for a franchise in limbo. </p> <p id="7OXnjv">The <a href="https://www.athleticsnation.com/">Oakland Athletics</a> are at the bottom of the baseball world. They racked up 112 losses last season — good for worst in baseball — while carrying the badge for the most dysfunctional organization in the league. Owner John Fisher has punted on this roster in an attempt to relocate his team to Las Vegas. And while his plan to relocate has been anything but smooth, it does still appear that his club will be playing in Vegas starting in 2028. </p>
<p id="vFnmUZ">A once-proud franchise has seen its payroll stripped to the bare minimum, its best players traded, and few resources to show for it. Keith Law ranked the A’s dead last in his 2024 farm system rankings, and while the Athletics promoting young talent last season certainly factors into that ranking, it is a bleak look for a team that is continuously in the cellar of the league. </p>
<p id="uSMC1C">To add to the fiasco off the field, this is likely the A’s last season in Oakland, as their stadium lease is up at the end of 2024. Plans of where to play the 2025-27 seasons are still in the works, with the Giants’ Triple-A affiliate in Sacramento emerging as the outside favorite. Yet even still, it’s so up in the air that <a href="https://www.athleticsnation.com/2024/3/14/24101270/as-negotiations-with-oakland-for-lease-extension-productive">there remains a chance</a> for the organization to continue playing at the Coliseum in 2025, if not only out of desperation to preserve their TV deal with limited alternatives.</p>
<p id="iYXy17">The A’s project to be at the bottom of the standings again, but even on a roster devoid of talent, there have to be some positives, right? Maybe not — let’s take a look.</p>
<p id="11GEUR"><strong>Oakland Athletics</strong><br><strong>2023 record: </strong>50-112 (5th, AL West)<br><strong>2024 FanGraphs projection: </strong>72-90 (5th, AL West)</p>
<p id="DzAv0J">The centerpiece of this team is 24-year-old second baseman Zack Gelof. After being called up last July, Gelof hit 14 homers and stole 14 bases in 69 games. Despite his limited number of games, Gelof led the A’s with a 2.9 fWAR last season. The A’s are hoping the young infielder can build on his short stint in the big leagues and reproduce his success for a full season. Unfortunately, the A’s don’t have a load of young talent to watch and the spotlight (if there is such a thing for the worst team in baseball) will be on how Gelof develops. </p>
<p id="36zKYG">The first year in the big leagues was also kind to first baseman Ryan Noda, who posted a 123 wRC+ in his rookie campaign. His strikeout rate was alarming, at 34.3 percent across 450 plate appearances, but he still projects to be one of the better hitters on this A’s roster. The remainder of the infield is suspect at best, with a multitude of players who would find it difficult to make other team’s rosters. The DH position is one bright spot for the A’s as Brent Rooker will likely be penciled into that spot most days — he hit 30 bombs last season with a 127 wRC+ and was named to the All-Star team. Another name to look out for is top prospect Tyler Soderstrom, who struggled in his first taste of big-league action last season, but will likely slot in as the backup catcher to start the year behind the prize of the 2022 Matt Olson trade, Shea Langeliers.</p>
<p id="debi88">The A’s were sixth in the league in stolen bases last season, which is impressive for a team whose on-base percentage ranked 29th. The A’s have center fielder Esteury Ruiz to thank after he finished second in the major leagues in stolen bases with 67. His athleticism is electric, but his bat leaves much to be desired. He was near the bottom in hard-hit rate last year, posted an 86 wRC+, and his on-base percentage was only .309. Right fielder Seth Brown is coming off his worst big league season but does provide some pop in the lineup, and while JJ Bleday does have a skill set that made him a top-four pick in the 2019 <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/mlb-draft">MLB Draft</a>, he has yet to put it together consistently in his major league career. He projects to be the starting left fielder, though old friend Miguel Andújar has found his way to Oakland as well.</p>
<p id="akTH1V">As for the pitchers, Mason Miller is one of the A’s top prospects and their liveliest arm. He battled an elbow injury last season that forced the A’s to start the young right-hander in the bullpen to begin 2024. It’s likely he will remain in that role for the entire season but projects to be a foundational piece for a team that lacks many.</p>
<p id="HKJrKb">Even if you are in full tank mode, you still need pitchers who can provide you with innings. The offseason acquisitions of Ross Stripling and Alex Wood do just that. The A’s lack a true No. 1 starter, which is not surprising, but these two pitchers provide a veteran presence within a young clubhouse. Former Yankee JP Sears threw 172.1 innings last year and — unlike the ailing <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/athletics-ken-waldichuk-opens-season-on-60-day-il/">Ken Waldichuk</a> and <a href="https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/03/athletics-luis-medina-grade-2-mcl-sprain-knee-injured-list.html?utm_source=twitter">Luis Medina</a> — will continue to get starts at the top of the rotation for the Athletics. Sears’ 4.54 ERA last season is uninspiring, but he gives them a consistent starter to run out there every five days. Overall the pitching is average at best, with intriguing arms like Joe Boyle and the aforementioned Miller something giving fans something to watch for this season. </p>
<p id="af8Ia6">Overall, this team is bleak. Maybe if everything goes right this team can push to win 70 games, but that scenario seems unlikely.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="6mynYZ">
<p id="hD3V9p"><em>2024 PSA Team Previews</em></p>
<p id="OXsKav"><a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/2024/2/26/24083173/mlb-season-preview-2024-arizona-diamondbacks-corbin-carroll-gallen-kelly-rodriguez-lawlar-moreno"><strong>Arizona Diamondbacks</strong></a><br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/e/23848075"><strong>Atlanta Braves</strong></a><br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/e/23848410"><strong>Baltimore Orioles</strong></a><br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/e/23848726"><strong>Boston Red Sox</strong></a><br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/e/23848330"><strong>Chicago Cubs</strong></a><br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/e/23843704"><strong>Chicago White Sox</strong></a><br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/e/23847113"><strong>Cincinnati Reds</strong></a><br><a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/2024/3/4/24089485/mlb-season-preview-2024-cleveland-guardians-jose-ramirez-shane-bieber-triston-mckenzie-gimenez"><strong>Cleveland Guardians</strong></a><br><a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/2024/3/5/24090751/mlb-season-preview-2024-colorado-rockies-nolan-jones-kris-bryant-freeland-blackmon-nl-west"><strong>Colorado Rockies</strong></a><br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/e/23847145"><strong>Detroit Tigers</strong></a><br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/e/23855682"><strong>Houston Astros</strong></a><br><a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/2024/3/8/24090547/mlb-season-preview-2024-kansas-city-royals-bobby-witt-jr-cole-ragans-perez-wacha-lugo-pasquatino"><strong>Kansas City Royals</strong></a><br><a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/2024/3/9/24093979/ohtani-trout-projections-2024-mlb-preview-los-angeles-angels-aaron-hicks-nolan-schanuel-jo-adell"><strong>Los Angeles Angels</strong></a><br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/e/23859711"><strong>Los Angeles Dodgers</strong></a><br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/e/23862102"><strong>Milwaukee Brewers</strong></a><br><a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/2024/3/13/24098507/mlb-season-preview-2024-minnesota-twins-pablo-lopez-byron-buxton-royce-lewis-carlos-correa-central"><strong>Minnesota Twins</strong></a><br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/e/23860957"><strong>New York Mets</strong></a><br><a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/2024/3/15/24100248/mlb-season-preview-2024-oakland-athletics-zack-gelof-jp-sears-mason-miller"><strong>Oakland Athletics</strong></a><br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/e/23862018"><strong>Philadelphia Phillies</strong></a><br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/e/23861322"><strong>Pittsburgh Pirates</strong></a><br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/e/23862905"><strong>San Diego Padres</strong></a><br><a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/2024/3/19/24105079/mlb-season-preview-2024-san-francisco-giants-matt-chapman-lee-jung-ho-logan-webb-bob-melvin"><strong>San Francisco Giants</strong></a><br><a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/2024/3/20/24102822/mlb-season-preview-2024-seattle-mariners-julio-rodriguez-luis-castillo"><strong>Seattle Mariners</strong></a><br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/e/23865351"><strong>St. Louis Cardinals</strong></a><br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/e/23872127"><strong>Tampa Bay Rays</strong></a><br><a href="https://www.lonestarball.com/"><strong>Texas Rangers</strong></a><br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/e/23872813"><strong>Toronto Blue Jays</strong></a><br><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/e/23874641"><strong>Washington Nationals</strong></a></p>
<p id="yzfBCc"><a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/2024/2/5/24060945/yankees-2024-roster-season-preview"><strong>2024 Yankees Roster Season Preview</strong></a></p>
https://www.pinstripealley.com/2024/3/15/24100248/mlb-season-preview-2024-oakland-athletics-zack-gelof-jp-sears-mason-millerCasey Peterson2024-03-09T08:30:00-05:002024-03-09T08:30:00-05:00An obscure deep-dive into final score combinations of Yankees wins
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<img alt="Baltimore Orioles v New York Yankees" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XE255kMpSZ7CqLC3bdHEY_hrV18=/0x0:3471x2314/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73193928/675632044.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>A look into the weird Yankees winning scores that have happened since 2011.</p> <p id="CmkgFS">You likely have never cared much about the winning final score of a <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">Yankees</a> game, other than the fact that it was a winning score. Whether it’s 2-0 or 22-0, they all count the same in the record books. But in 2011, the Yankees hit three grand slams in a game they were down 7-1 and came away with a 22-9 victory that <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/2022/4/5/23010556/yankees-best-games-three-grand-slams-2011-russell-martin-robinson-cano-curtis-granderson-mlb-record">easily ranked</a> among the team’s best games of the past 25 years. It was the most runs scored by the Yankees in a win since 2000, and they have not scored 22 runs since.</p>
<p id="OUR1cJ">With 22 runs as the ceiling, that leaves us with 253 unique final score combinations that could have occurred for Yankees victories since that August day in 2011. Of those 253, my dive into the numbers tells me that 61 have happened in the past two seasons (mostly eliminating your common final scores), while 147 haven’t happened at all (mostly eliminating the absurdly high-numbered scores).</p>
<p id="RzoUuw">That leaves 45 winning final scores that have happened at least once, but not in the last two seasons. Inspired in a sense by <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/2016/12/7/13856392/chart-party-scorigami">Scorigami</a>, let’s work our way backward through the 45 winning combos, listing their most recent occurrence, and hopefully, we find some fun games along the way.</p>
<h2 id="Yra2QI">2021</h2>
<p id="xrDkjM"><strong>Yankees 8, Royals 6 — August 9, 2021</strong></p>
<p id="gNTUjm">The Royals made a trio of errors and all runs by both teams were scored in the seventh inning or later. It turned out to be a sloppy 11-inning victory for the Yankees and a great way to start our list.</p>
<p id="4XoVQF"><strong>Yankees 13, Orioles 1 — August 3, 2021</strong></p>
<p id="fp57RN">The Luis Gil MLB debut game! Six scoreless innings for the youngster and a four-RBI day for Stanton led to a long day for the Orioles (which becomes a common theme throughout this list). </p>
<p id="LPQ39L"><strong>Yankees 12, Mariners 1 — July 6, 2021</strong></p>
<p id="baMgjs">Stanton hit a bomb in the first inning as the Yankees took it to one of their former top prospects Justus Sheffield. </p>
<div id="MtkTws"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/giancarlo-stanton-homers-15-on-a-line-drive-to-left-field-dj-lemahieu-sco" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="MesHIm"><strong>Yankees 9, Twins 6 — June 9, 2021</strong></p>
<p id="n8CQBB">The Yankees clubbed four home runs, including two from Stanton and one from Judge. This game wasn’t particularly close until the <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/2021/7/23/22587541/yankees-red-sox-game-score-recap-rain-extra-innings-wild-pitches-blown-save-kriske-green-montgomery#:~:text=Briefly%20given%20a%20lead%20thanks%20to%20Brett%20Gardner%E2%80%99s%20sacrifice%20fly">soon-to-be-infamous</a> Brooks Kriske gave up four runs in the ninth for the Yankees.</p>
<p id="Krz81T"><strong>Yankees 7, </strong><a href="https://www.crawfishboxes.com"><strong>Astros</strong></a><strong> 3 — May 4, 2021</strong></p>
<p id="xPhpHp">It was Houston’s first trip to New York since the sign-stealing scandal and Stanton powered the Yankees to victory with four hits, including a first-inning home run.</p>
<p id="Vpe9p0"><strong>Yankees 10, Tigers 0 — April 30, 2021</strong></p>
<p id="vBT1aV">Cole struck out 12 and Judge clobbered a grand slam for the homer-happy Yankees in the Bronx.</p>
<p id="KGm1lk"><strong>Yankees 7, Orioles 0 — April 5, 2021</strong></p>
<p id="tUCAKT">Jordan Montgomery threw six scoreless innings before Luis Cessa and Aroldis Chapman finished off the game for the Yankees.</p>
<h2 id="Vhk9wR">2020</h2>
<p id="ecnvV3"><strong>Yankees 11, Marlins 4 — September 26, 2020</strong></p>
<p id="zQGaBe">Ho-hum four-hit day for DJ LeMahieu, who hit a league-leading .364 in 50 games that year.</p>
<p id="CyycBT"><strong>Yankees 20, Blue Jays 6 — September 15, 2020</strong></p>
<p id="urmRfJ">2020 was a weird year so it is fitting we have our first 20-run game of the list. While the Yankees crushed six home runs, the one that stands out was LeMahieu’s, which was off a sub-50 mph pitch from infielder Santiago Espinal. </p>
<div id="Ll1TtU"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/lemahieu-s-hr-off-48-7-mph-pitch" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="7ScVE8"><strong>Yankees 10, Orioles 1 — September 11, 2020</strong></p>
<p id="xVMXnk">Old friend Luke Voit (league leader in HR that season) hit a pair of three-run HRs as the Yankees completed a doubleheader sweep of the Orioles. </p>
<p id="lAQrXP"><strong>Yankees 9, </strong><a href="https://www.overthemonster.com/"><strong>Red Sox</strong></a><strong> 7 — August 2, 2020</strong></p>
<p id="nvQB0L">If Judge hits a bomb in the eighth to break a 7-7 tie against Boston and no one is in the stands to see it, did it happen? Here is video proof:</p>
<div id="EfdjAj"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/aaron-judge-s-game-winning-homer" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<h2 id="oopl1k">2019 (a big year for unique scores)</h2>
<p id="zhI130"><strong>Yankees 14, Rangers 7 — September 27, 2019</strong></p>
<p id="H7LVey">Yeah, the Yankees scored a lot of runs but also this ...</p>
<div id="eHKZpf">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">James Paxton exited tonight's game with a tight left glute. He was removed as a precautionary measure.</p>— New York Yankees (@Yankees) <a href="https://twitter.com/Yankees/status/1177762611884183552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="bZ9WJg"><strong>Yankees 13, Blue Jays 3 — September 14, 2019</strong></p>
<p id="Q2QjG9">Sure, he left the previous game on this list with a tight left buttock, but prior to that mishap Paxton won his ninth straight start in this one.</p>
<p id="oj8yNp"><strong>Yankees 11, Orioles 8 — August 12, 2019</strong></p>
<p id="kZUOPw">This was the year that Gleyber Torres had a <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/2019/7/13/20692308/yankees-analysis-gleyber-torres-orioles-astros-mets">personal vendetta</a> against the Orioles. He hit three home runs this game, which contributed to his 13(!!) against the Orioles that season.</p>
<p id="cmmgPe"><strong>Yankees 9, Red Sox 2 — August 3, 2019</strong></p>
<p id="8KlZQc">After this score hadn’t appeared in a Yankees victory in four years, it showed up twice in 2019. The Yankees scored seven runs in the fourth and both Alex Cora and Chris Sale had a meltdown.</p>
<div id="vwPJ9v"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/cora-sale-ejected-in-the-4th" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="wYj7gx"><strong>Yankees 14, Twins 12 — July 23, 2019</strong></p>
<p id="u0pDT7"><a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/2022/4/13/23021089/yankees-best-games-twins-2019-didi-gregorius-aaron-hicks">One of the most exciting games</a> in recent Yankees memory. Aaron Hicks made a game-saving catch and Ryan Ruocco had an electric call for a game that featured five lead changes or ties in the final three innings. </p>
<div id="Rv7aha"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/max-kepler-lines-out-sharply-to-center-fielder-aaron-hicks" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="gFz5j5"><strong>Yankees 17 Red Sox 13 — June 29, 2019</strong></p>
<p id="eWDf4x">A Saturday night slugfest in London? That’s right, the Yankees and Red Sox combined for six home runs in a game that featured both teams in their home white uniforms. Weird. (Again, read the aforementioned PSA Top 25 Games series <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/2022/4/12/23019596/yankees-best-games-red-sox-london-tanaka-lemahieu-judge-betts">for more</a>.)</p>
<p id="KEeTEw"><strong>Yankees 10, Blue Jays 8 — June 24, 2019</strong></p>
<p id="KeEg0O">CC Sabathia pitched a gem and Jonathan Holder tried to give it away during a this-shouldn’t-be-this-close game in the Bronx.</p>
<p id="LUNZyH"><strong>Yankees 10, Astros 6 — June 20, 2019</strong></p>
<p id="obveux">The Yankees won their sixth straight game behind four home runs, including one from Edwin Encarnación.</p>
<p id="pJfQyv"><strong>Yankees 13, Rays 5 — May 19, 2019</strong></p>
<p id="cX5rRe">The Yankees offense was fueled by nine walks in this one. Hey, they can’t all be exciting.</p>
<p id="jg72k1"><strong>Yankees 15, Orioles 3 — April 7, 2019</strong></p>
<p id="lJVAiM">The Yankees continued to beat up the Orioles, tagging them for seven home runs, including a hat trick from Gary Sánchez. That was the first time the Yankees had hit seven home runs in a road game since 1961. It was quite the introduction to the most infamous of the Juiced Ball years.</p>
<div id="mN5wvv"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/yankees-go-yard-7-times-vs-o-s" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<h2 id="GhVMSw">2018</h2>
<p id="x4QE5D"><strong>Yankees 9, Orioles 0 — July 11, 2018</strong></p>
<p id="WFODq5">I felt surprised to see a 9-0 score this late on the list. Not common, but this uncommon? Even more uncommon was a 2018 Sonny Gray gem in a Yankees uniform, but he did just that in this one, going six scoreless innings strong with just three hits allowed. </p>
<p id="1Ygmyc"><strong>Yankees 11, Red Sox 1 — July 1, 2018</strong></p>
<p id="9tqTU5">The Yankees secured two 11-1 victories in 2018, but the most recent was a beatdown of David Price who gave up eight earned runs in 3.1 innings. Hicks went yard three times.</p>
<div id="8ZukOq"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/must-c-hicks-3-homer-game-c2222468783" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<h2 id="IuDmjI">2017 (Let’s get weird)</h2>
<p id="AMa2Vg"><strong>Yankees 16, Rangers 7 — September 10, 2017</strong></p>
<p id="8EBZOj">Judge hit his 40th HR of his remarkable rookie season, which traveled 463 feet to left center. </p>
<p id="50zuai"><strong>Yankees 14, Orioles 3 — June 11, 2017</strong></p>
<p id="Lx5sn2">This time Judge hit a home run that cleared the bleachers in left center ...</p>
<div id="nPaevA"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/statcast-judge-s-495-foot-homer-c1487867183" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="VJ37ZE"><strong>Yankees 16, Orioles 3 — June 10, 2017</strong></p>
<p id="9221KI">And then, get this, somehow on back-to-back days the Yankees and Orioles played a game with a score combination that has not been seen since in a Yankees victory...</p>
<p id="QsqMef"><strong>Yankees 11, Royals 7 — May 17, 2017</strong></p>
<p id="BykIyR">Please ignore this game and see below. Thank you.</p>
<p id="Fb7lxy"><strong>Yankees 12, Orioles 4 — April 29, 2017</strong></p>
<p id="nQj1wC">Remember when I mentioned that the Yankees and Orioles played to back-to-back games with score combinations that have not been seen since? Welp ...</p>
<p id="y3mCJv"><strong>Yankees 14, Orioles 11 — April 28, 2017</strong></p>
<p id="ChZzBg">They did it earlier in the season too! Am I so deep into this list that I’m becoming irrationally floored by this happening twice in a season, against the same opponent? Maybe, but let me have my fun, I’m 29 games in. </p>
<p id="8kcNpk">This also happens to be one of my favorite <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/2022/4/11/23019218/yankees-best-games-matt-holliday-walk-off-2017-orioles-comeback-win-aaron-judge-starlin-castro">regular-season Yankee games</a>. The Yankees erased an eight-run lead by the Orioles and Matt Holliday hit a three-run walk-off home run in the 10th to seal the win. </p>
<div id="RsTWyt"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/holliday-s-walk-off-home-run-c1333058683" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<h2 id="xfJ9sY">2016</h2>
<p id="7d8S0C"><strong>Yankees 14, Orioles 4 — August 26, 2016</strong></p>
<p id="zvnsjy">Rookie Gary was on a heater for the ages. Chase Headley and Ronald Torreyes also joined the hit parade and the Yankees once again routed the Orioles. </p>
<p id="Lb2O48"><strong>Yankees 13, Cleveland 7 — August 5, 2016</strong></p>
<p id="DSTfHx">These 2016 lineups are fun to look at: Jacoby Ellsbury, Mark Teixeira, Brian McCann. But it was Starlin Castro’s grand slam that propelled the Yankees in this one. </p>
<div id="HqRgGE"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/castro-s-grand-slam-c1013556983" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="TRnfWO"><strong>Yankees 16, Astros 6 — April 6, 2016</strong></p>
<p id="6sjlme">Starlin Castro was feeling comfortable as the new second baseman for the Yanks. He had five RBI on a cold day in the Bronx.</p>
<h2 id="A3me8c">2015</h2>
<p id="HjLjhT"><strong>Yankees 13, Red Sox 8 — September 2, 2015</strong></p>
<p id="gWTneE">The Yankees scored eight runs in the second inning, led by two Yankees who will certainly be remembered in Monument Park one day — Greg Bird and John Ryan Murphy.</p>
<p id="cJkLH8"><strong>Yankees 15, Braves 4 — August 28, 2015</strong></p>
<p id="52UNIg">McCann returned to Turner Field and collected a dinger while Masahiro Tanaka went seven strong against the Braves. Chris Young homered off Jonny Gomes. These were different times for Atlanta.</p>
<p id="kUHb9j"><strong>Yankees 13, </strong><a href="https://www.southsidesox.com/"><strong>White Sox</strong></a><strong> 6 — July 31, 2015</strong></p>
<p id="f9Cq9k">Was hoping since this was trade deadline day in 2015 that the Yankees would have made a significant move I could write about, but instead, they traded for Dustin Ackley ...</p>
<div id="6ulGod"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/must-c-teixeira-sets-mlb-record-c317936983" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="FyKhY0">... but Mark Teixeira did set a new MLB record.</p>
<p id="D4fvmG"><strong>Yankees 21, Rangers 5 — July 28, 2015</strong></p>
<p id="qM7Lz9">The second-highest run total on this list! Maybe I should have stopped here, but no one likes a quitter. </p>
<p id="owjLc2">The Rangers scored five runs in the first inning off of Chris Capuano and then did not get a hit the rest of the game thanks to Diego Moreno (5.1 IP) and Adam Warren (3 IP). The Yankees stormed back with a blackjack. Moreno would only appear in nine games in his entire MLB career. </p>
<h2 id="oSa5TV">2014</h2>
<p id="10PrmF"><strong>Yankees 12, Rangers 11 — July 29, 2014</strong></p>
<p id="11k0Me">The best stat of this game may be the seven RBI recorded by the Rangers’ J.P. Arencibia, but Brett Gardner’s four hits and a balanced Yankees offense stole the show. Also, 12-11 is a great score.</p>
<p id="LlewIN"><strong>Yankees 14, Red Sox 5 — April 24, 2014</strong></p>
<p id="mY1wZI">Following the announcement that Iván Nova was going to have Tommy John and the Michael Pineda I-swear-my-neck-shines-like-that pine tar game, CC went out and shoved against the Red Sox. </p>
<h2 id="EMtP4l">2013 </h2>
<p id="FbhLqy"><em>(none, and deservingly so for that team)</em></p>
<h2 id="rekgKj">2012</h2>
<p id="zaf8g5"><strong>Yankees 10, A’s 9 — September 22, 2012</strong></p>
<p id="PSpXw9">I’m surprised it took this long to get a 10-9 outcome. It was the final unique score combination to feature 10 runs or less by the Yankees in a win. The last one before this was the 9-0 contest against the Orioles in 2018. This marathon was <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/2022/4/7/23009235/yankees-best-games-athletics-raul-ibanez-home-run-2012-orioles-tigers-playoffs-comeback">quite the back-and-forth contest too</a>, as Raúl Ibañez foreshadowed his eventual playoff heroics by helping New York match Oakland’s four-spot in the 13th inning before an error ended it in the 14th.</p>
<p id="aybpkc"><strong>Yankees 15, Red Sox 9 — April 21, 2012</strong></p>
<p id="stTJUq">Yankees erase a nine-run lead. Check. Nick Swisher hits a grand slam. Check. The Yankees post back-to-back seven-run innings to beat the Red Sox. <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/2022/4/6/23010709/yankees-best-games-red-sox-comeback-2012-nick-swisher-mark-teixeira-derek-jeter">Checkmate</a>. </p>
<div id="zXXirq"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/recap-nyy-15-bos-9-c20821215" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<h2 id="Srz4UG">
<strong> </strong>2011 (We finish strong with where it all began)</h2>
<p id="4beDZe"><strong>Yankees 11, Orioles 10 — September 5, 2011</strong></p>
<p id="Il10Uv">Jesús Montero’s first career home run alert! He then added his second in the same game.</p>
<p id="rdYeQd"><strong>Yankees 18, White Sox 7 — August 3, 2011</strong></p>
<p id="RrIzcl">Derek Jeter has not been mentioned once in this article, but a 5-for-6 game will get you on the list.</p>
<p id="LYKhk2"><strong>Yankees 17, Orioles 3 — July 30, 2011</strong></p>
<p id="OHmmUa">The Yankees set a franchise record by scoring twelve runs in the first inning. Modest.</p>
<div id="MqgMfe"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/P_XNqrJX13M?rel=0" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="accelerometer; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="AJRiRv"><strong>Yankees 17, A’s 7 — July 22, 2011</strong></p>
<p id="2tIcDC">The A’s let poor Trevor Cahill give up 10 runs in two innings of work. Talk about laboring.</p>
<h2 id="VpJwk3">The Final Score </h2>
<p id="dajaOA"><strong>Yankees 22, A’s 9 — August 25, 2011</strong></p>
<p id="ClpSwH">I leave you with the game that started me down this crazy rabbit hole. One of the wildest games in franchise history, the Yankees set an MLB record by becoming the first team to hit three grand slams in one game. Jorge Posada <a href="https://twitter.com/pinstripealley/status/1765055315785986155">played second base</a>, on an all-around wacky, rainy day in the Bronx.</p>
<div id="DncBoG"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/yankees-three-grand-slams-c18442835" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="YqgGqT">If you made it this far, I appreciate you. I need a nap. </p>
https://www.pinstripealley.com/2024/3/9/24093879/yankees-win-scores-unique-combinationsCasey Peterson2024-03-01T07:00:00-05:002024-03-01T07:00:00-05:002024 Preview: Cubs
<figure>
<img alt="Chicago Cubs v Milwaukee Brewers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/X-phrDD_sGjaBb3jbAigt_wKTBo=/0x0:6996x4664/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73175189/1719002083.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Matt Dirksen/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>New leadership and some familiar faces lead a Cubs squad looking to compete for a NL Central title.</p> <p id="UfxUOT">The <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Chicago Cubs</a> finished one game out of a playoff spot last season. With a new coach at the helm and much of the core returning, the Cubs will look to compete in the NL Central and return to the playoffs for the first time since 2020. </p>
<p id="EAbJ7Z">The Cubs made the biggest non-player move of the offseason, inking former <a href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/">Brewers</a> manager Craig Counsell to a five-year, $40 million deal—making him the highest-paid manager in baseball history. The Cubs were looking for a fresh perspective after they fired first-time manager David Ross, with the front office emphasizing hiring a proven winner who could bring new ideas to the franchise. They got both in Counsell, who they hope will set the tone for their future on the North Side.</p>
<p id="11GEUR"><strong>Chicago Cubs</strong><br><strong>2023 record: </strong>83-79 (2nd, NL Central)<br><strong>2024 FanGraphs projection: </strong>81-81 (2nd, NL Central)</p>
<p id="GGmndx">The Cubs spent much of the offseason with a roster in limbo as Cody Bellinger continued to sit unsigned. Luckily, the Cubs were able to strike a three-year, $80 million deal with the former MVP who is coming off a resurgent season with the club, hitting .307 with a 133 OPS+. The signing solidified their lineup and should put the team in a spot to compete for the playoffs. </p>
<p id="vyEZdk">Besides Bellinger, the middle infield for the Cubs remains their focal point. In his first season as the starting shortstop for the Cubs, Dansby Swanson won a Gold Glove and made the All-Star team—not bad. His efforts were good enough for a 4.9fWAR, which was top-5 among major league shortstops. He is paired up the middle with fellow Gold Glove winner Nico Hoerner. The former first-round pick collected 43 steals last season while hitting .283. The tandem makes up one of the best fielding middle infields in baseball. These two are core pieces that the Cubs will lean on if they want to return to the playoffs. </p>
<div id="FIv3ih"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/william-contreras-grounds-out-shortstop-dansby-swanson-to-first-baseman-e" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="79fTYU">As for the other infield positions, it looks like Counsell is going to give Christopher Morel every chance to win the starting job at third base, but despite his power (26 homers in 107 games last season), his fielding remains a question mark. Speaking of question marks, the Cubs have yet to find a replacement for Anthony Rizzo at first base since they traded him to the Yankees in 2021. This offseason the Cubs traded for one of the <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a>’ top prospects in Michael Busch, whose offensive upside makes him an intriguing piece. He will be given an opportunity to win that first base job, but there is a logjam at both corner infield positions, particularly with the return of Bellinger, who appeared in 59 games at first last season. I think there is a lot to still be decided this spring when it comes to their infield. Will a few players separate themselves from the pack? It will be interesting to see how Counsell deploys his infield to start the season. </p>
<p id="vKy51p">Before the Bellinger signing, the Cubs were preparing for Pete Crow-Armstrong to make the Opening Day roster and play a significant role in their outfield plans. But things change quickly in this league, and the Cubs’ top prospect will likely begin the season in Triple-A. The outfield positions are locked with Ian Happ in left, Bellinger in center, and Seiya Suzuki in right. The versatile outfielder, and former Yankee friend, Mike Tauchman will serve as the fourth outfielder. Happ plays every day and is coming off back-to-back Gold Glove seasons, while Suzuki hit .285 with a 124 OPS+ last season. Even if a regression in Bellinger’s numbers is likely, this is a playoff-caliber outfield. </p>
<p id="s4dP6D">The Cubs lost starter Marcus Stroman to the <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">Yankees</a> in free agency this offseason. They went out and filled that hole when they signed Shota Imanaga to a $53 million contract. The Japanese free agent will look to make an immediate impact for a Cubs rotation that was looking for arms this offseason. He also had a great opening press conference clip, which I may have watched approximately 100 times. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Shōta Imanaga opened his Cubs introductory press conference in the best way possible <a href="https://t.co/pS6uNUg51u">pic.twitter.com/pS6uNUg51u</a></p>— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) <a href="https://twitter.com/JomboyMedia/status/1745901345054335427?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2024</a>
</blockquote>
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<p id="y2RDVF">The ace of the staff remains Justin Steele, who posted a 146 ERA+ and struck out 176 batters in 173.1 innings last season. Steele finished top-5 in NL Cy Young voting and the Cubs will need him to continue his success at the top of the rotation. Kyle Hendricks was solid last season and provides a veteran presence that is perfect for a middle-of-the-rotation role. Jameson Taillon also provides experience but is coming off a tough 2023 season in which he finished with a 4.84 ERA. The Cubs will need more from Taillon this season, particularly from a pitcher who signed on for $68 million last offseason. There is a battle for the fifth and final rotation spot but you have to think with Imanaga adjusting to the major league game that flexibility may be needed in that spot to work in extra rest for not only him but also the veterans in this rotation.</p>
<p id="GcmY48">The bullpen was a strength of the Cubs in the middle of the season, helping the team go on a run that positioned them to make the playoffs. But that strength soon began to show cracks, faltering down the stretch. Adding reinforcements became a priority this offseason and the Cubs did that when they signed Héctor Neris to a one-year deal. Neris is dependable, having appeared in 70 games in each of the last three seasons and had a 1.71 ERA in 2023. He adds a reliable late-inning arm to their bullpen. He will be paired with Adbert Alzolay, who took advantage of an opportunity and ran away with the closer’s job last season. Both players provide a flexible 1-2 punch for Counsell to use late in games.</p>
<p id="6pcAwG">Having a veteran catcher is never a bad idea, particularly on a team with aspirations of making a run at a division title. The Cubs have that in Yan Gomes, who the Cubs decided to keep around when they picked up his club option this offseason. In 2023 Gomes collected over 100 hits for the first time since his All-Star season back in 2018. He will continue to mentor Miguel Amaya, who looks to show he can be the catcher of the future for the Cubs. A position that was in flux a few seasons ago now has a solid foundation as the Cubs move forward into this season. </p>
<p id="VTg3mV">The NL Central does not look all that fierce, and the aggressive hiring of Counsell and signing of Bellinger indicate a team going after the Division this year. Right now they are projected to finish second behind the Cardinals, but questions remain about how the Cardinals will bounce back from a disappointing season. On paper, this team is talented enough to make the playoffs, and I think Counsell will get enough out of these players to get them there. However, depth is always an issue, particularly when it comes to pitching. Will the Cubs have enough arms to keep them in the race this season?</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="QB6UFl">
<p id="hD3V9p"><em>2024 PSA Team Previews</em></p>
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<p id="yzfBCc"><a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/2024/2/5/24060945/yankees-2024-roster-season-preview"><strong>2024 Yankees Roster Season Preview</strong></a></p>
https://www.pinstripealley.com/2024/3/1/24084289/mlb-season-preview-2024-chicago-cubs-bellinger-swanson-imanagaCasey Peterson2024-02-25T08:00:00-05:002024-02-25T08:00:00-05:00On Anthony Rendon, work-life balance, and blunt honesty
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<img alt="Los Angeles Angels Photo Day" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YojRdbAh8jODctcubPPqROhO_dY=/0x0:4981x3321/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73163130/2028647021.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Rendon made headlines this week with his honest comments about the game.</p> <p id="iQpojm">Earlier this week, Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon made some comments that were eye-opening. Rendon bluntly stated that baseball has “never been a top priority for me.” This remark sent ripple effects through the baseball community and created a firestorm in the media.</p>
<p id="q2DYJz">A majority of the commentary was negative towards Rendon—which typically is the case in these situations. I admit that my initial reaction swayed towards negative as well. Having a baseball player outwardly state, and in such a direct way, that baseball is just “a job” can hit deep into people who care about the sport. But even the most cut-and-dry answers have nuance to them, and the context surrounding the Rendon situation goes beyond a 30-second media clip. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Anthony Rendon on if baseball is a top priority for him: <br><br>"It’s never been a top priority for me. This is a job. I do this to make a living. My faith, my family come first before this job. So if those things come before it, I’m leaving."<br><br> : <a href="https://twitter.com/BallySportWest?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BallySportWest</a> <a href="https://t.co/T7VMYyi9F1">pic.twitter.com/T7VMYyi9F1</a></p>— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBONFOX/status/1759683043483320425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2024</a>
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<p id="lEg8gG">There is pent-up frustration with Rendon, who has suffered season-ending injuries each of the past three seasons. The former All-Star was one of the best third baseman in the game for several years in DC, culminating in a 34-homer campaign in 2019 that saw him post a 157 OPS+ and 7.1 rWAR as he finished third for NL MVP and the Nationals won their long-awaited World Series. Rendon had always been a little snarky with the media, but no one was complaining then, especially as he posted a 1.000 OPS that October and <a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/rendon-s-clutch-postseason-abs?q=PlayerId%20%3D%3D%20[543685]%20AND%20Season%20%3D%20[2019]%20Order%20By%20Timestamp%20DESC&cp=MIXED&p=0">came up big</a> in the most pressure-packed moments. Make no mistake: this was an outstanding player.</p>
<p id="q8m2X7">Unfortunately, Rendon has missed almost two-thirds of possible games played with the Angels since signing a seven-year, $245 million contract in December 2019. He couldn’t do anything about COVID-19 affecting his highly productive 2020, but in subsequent seasons? Hip surgery in 2021, wrist surgery in 2022, and a fractured tibia in 2023 have led to a disappointing tenure with the club, featuring a grand total of 1.0 rWAR across 148 games from 2021-23. The Halos had hoped he would combine with all-world talents Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout to bring them back to the postseason for the first time since 2014, but that dream is dead.</p>
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<img alt="Los Angeles Angels v Houston Astros" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pka40lJCyGB1qH3-qRmu1Tmz3RU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25302538/1495694551.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="9U6YSR">While many have focused on the “It’s a job” comment, the end of his interview gave a clearer understanding of the headspace that Rendon is in. He went on to say “You think I like going under the knife and being in pain the majority of the time? I can’t pick up my kids. I can’t walk. You think I enjoy that? I don’t want to do that.”</p>
<p id="rh2ieG">This sounds like a man exhausted — showing up to a job that is destroying his body and leaving him unable to be there properly for his family. We can all sit here and say that the paycheck would solve all of our problems, and that if he’s upset, he should just retire since he’s already made $178 million in his career. But I think it is OK for someone like Rendon to grow even more disenchanted with a game after all that he has been through physically. He just happens to be transparent about it. Continuously not reaching your goals on the field—particularly from a top player—has to start to weigh on you mentally. I’m not saying he deserves leeway, but when you frame his comments from that perspective, it changes the viewpoint drastically (and no matter how much you’ve made, it’s hard to leave $115 million on the table). Baseball is a grind, and it has chewed Rendon up the past few seasons. </p>
<p id="0qRJpW">The approach to his transparency is likely what sent many fans, <a href="https://twitter.com/FoulTerritoryTV/status/1760750510976520498">former players</a>, and members of the media into a frenzy. There was a smugness to his comments as if he was being bothered by legitimate questions from media members covering the team. Last season, he <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F4867689%2F2023%2F09%2F15%2Fangels-anthony-rendon-tibia-fracture%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pinstripealley.com%2F2024%2F2%2F25%2F24082005%2Fmlb-reaction-anthony-rendon-comments-angels-job-work-life-balance" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">dodged interviews</a> from reporters on multiple occasions who were simply looking to get a small update on his injury status. So maybe Rendon does not like baseball and considers it just a job, but members of the media also have a job to do. Basic media access for a top player is expected, and I do not think that the way Rendon treats the media has helped his cause. There was also a run-in with a fan last season that <a href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/36058867/angels-anthony-rendon-suspended-5-games-altercation-fan">got him suspended </a>for four games. In totality, the public perception is not good, but Rendon does not seem to care, stating “They don’t know me… They’re fans, right? They might know that I’m six feet tall and 190 pounds, but they don’t know who I am as an individual.”</p>
<p id="zQobAT">In fairness to the fans, has Rendon allowed them to know him? Maybe he doesn’t want them to know him, and that’s fine, but they will form opinions based on availability on the field and the public comments he makes. He could have done a better job at explaining that his prioritization of faith and family doesn’t exclude him from putting in effort. Rendon’s tone, and this lack of clarification, opened the door for people to use his words to attack the work he puts in.</p>
<p id="Q8BF1c">Unfortunately for Rendon, his honesty created a spotlight on him to start the season. The way he made his comments certainly came off as arrogant, but I don’t find his quote all that egregious. Most of us would agree that family comes before work, and signing a big contract does not disqualify you from prioritizing a work-life balance, even if you are playing a sport for a living. Honestly, if you took a poll of all MLB players, the vast majority would probably put some variation of faith and family ahead, too, and no one would say anything. That’s not a unique opinion.</p>
<p id="a9KaOi">Maybe fans don’t like hearing the truth that not everyone in baseball loves the game as much as they do. I certainly don’t, but it doesn’t change the fact that this is the reality. </p>
<p id="1FDyF2">Not everyone likes their job, even if they make a lot of money. </p>
https://www.pinstripealley.com/2024/2/25/24082005/mlb-reaction-anthony-rendon-comments-angels-job-work-life-balanceCasey Peterson2024-02-18T12:00:00-05:002024-02-18T12:00:00-05:00On appreciating the daily experience of being a fan
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<img alt="2024 Grapefruit League Spring Training Media Day" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0H_rF6aG7AV9198IS12Bs9tP0Hg=/0x0:3555x2370/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73148316/2006241924.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Mike Carlson/MLB Photos via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Trying to stay in the day-to-day mindset amongst the lofty expectations of winning championships can be difficult for fans.</p> <p id="kvbtYH">I have conflicting emotions at the beginning of spring training.</p>
<p id="EwAdbO">There is the natural excitement that comes with the beginning of a new season. Spring training is about new opportunities and a clean slate for your team. But there is also the realization of how long the journey takes for your team to get back in a spot to prove it in the postseason. It can be overwhelming to think how this team may ultimately be judged by a few games that will happen eight months from now. As the <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">Yankees</a> move further away from their last championship, the big picture has become the foremost thought for many fans (and rightfully so at times). But what about the day-to-day experience of being a fan? </p>
<p id="K7lTgx">The Yankees are in a title drought. Compared to other franchises, maybe that is not the case, but the organizational standard was set a long time ago by this franchise, and their messaging reflects that. What that means for fans is that the start of the new season brings the “goals” and “expectations” talk. Even on the first day back, we are hit with the reality of how long this season is, trying to conceptualize that the work put in today may not become fruitful until October. Every season is a grind, with a daunting amount of games ahead. I think the championship talk can put a fanbase on the defensive early, and this talk is not the fault of Aaron Boone or players for answering questions about season expectations. It’s just reflective of how difficult a full baseball season is, and how much harder it feels when it’s accompanied by championship expectations. I started to feel a bit anxious about the Yankees’ path ahead, but I soon snapped back to reality.</p>
<p id="jTsj4y">It’s February. I should be excited about seeing my favorite players on a baseball field again, the prospect of good weather on the horizon, and the return of the sport I love. These two contrasting emotions—the big picture vs. the day-to-day activities of your team—are natural when it comes to sports. I also think separating the two is important. </p>
<p id="yX69MP">There is a difference between being a fan and being a fan solely of the championships. The fans who show up every day and enjoy the process when it is going well—and are still plugged in even when things aren’t—are the ones who will get the most out of a championship when it does happen again. The truth is that most seasons do not end in a championship, and if you can’t find something to latch onto from the daily existence of your team, then you will end up feeling miserable. I’ve been there, admittedly more than a few times in the past few seasons. With that thought though, I have to advocate for embracing the day-to-day experience of being a fan as we start a new season. Maybe it is just my fresh-start mindset that is overtaking me right now, and the roller coaster will soon take me back into championship mode once again. But for now, we should enjoy spring training, where everyone is in the best shape of their lives and has extra life on their fastballs. </p>
<p id="3mF1uD">I’ll admit that there is a pressure on this team that feels greater than in years’ past. You could sense in Boone’s first-day presser that there was an edge to his words. That does not mean that the fanbase has to be on its edge as we enter another season—there will be plenty of time for that as the season moves along. </p>
<p id="nLlNis">The Yankees will prove themselves one way or another. Embrace the ride every day.</p>
https://www.pinstripealley.com/2024/2/18/24075881/yankees-spring-training-championship-expectations-aaron-booneCasey Peterson2024-02-11T12:00:00-05:002024-02-11T12:00:00-05:00Cole, Nestor, Mahomes, Purdy, and the ties that bind
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<img alt="Royals vs Yankees" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YDJRWsCQgxJDnEO-6L2HVdcklx4=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73130711/959973146.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>John Sleezer/Kansas City Star/Tribune News Service via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Both high-end talent and the underdog can shine on the biggest stage.</p> <p id="8VMbAy">The two quarterbacks in tonight’s <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a> have reached the pinnacle of their sport. However, the similarities between Patrick Mahomes and Brock Purdy end right there. It highlights the beauty of sports, that two vastly different athletic individuals can make it to the top of their game. When I think of Mahomes and Purdy, it reminds me of Gerrit Cole and Nestor Cortes.</p>
<p id="0G8JIJ">Gerrit Cole was selected first overall in the 2011 <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/mlb-draft">MLB Draft</a>. He was an elite prospect with top-end athletic traits destined to be a top-of-the-rotation starter. While Patrick Mahomes did not go first overall, his raw abilities and mega arm talent were enough for the <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com">Kansas City Chiefs</a> to move up and select him 10th in the 2017 <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a>. If you were asked to create a Cy Young Award winner in a lab you would end up with Gerrit Cole. Cole is a powerful pitcher with a high-90s fastball and an explosive slider, with the durability and reliability that any franchise would dream of. Speaking of fastballs, Patrick Mahomes can make every throw on the football field, but he has become known for his deep-ball ability. Like Cole’s durability, Mahomes has only missed three starts due to injury since he became the full-time starter in 2018.</p>
<p id="noM8Xb">Both he and Cole attack their opponents — not afraid to go after batters/defenders to make a big play. They both exhibit a competitiveness that has elevated them from really good to superstars.</p>
<div id="TlytdO"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/cole-s-complete-game-shutout" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="VBJSlt">It has been well-documented that Mahomes is a tireless worker who has an incredible memory. Cole is a deep thinker of the game — <a href="https://nypost.com/2021/03/30/inside-yankees-ace-gerrit-coles-complex-baseball-mind/">consistently tinkering and analyzing his pitching</a> — bringing the mental aspect of his repertoire to the mound with him. You don’t win MVP and Cy Young awards from talent alone. Now it cannot be ignored that Mahomes’ championship pedigree surpasses that of Cole — as the <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">Yankees</a> right-hander is still searching for the elusive <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/world-series">World Series</a> to add to the resume — but his 2.93 ERA over 17 postseason starts is nothing to scoff at. There are certainly levels to this, and I acknowledge that Mahomes has established himself already as one of the greatest QBs of all time, while Cole is looking to build on what could end up being a Hall of Fame career. No comparison across different sports is apples to apples, but they certainly carry themselves in similar ways. </p>
<p id="rUizue">Is it a stroke of fate that they also sound similar when they talk? </p>
<p id="fjUI4T">Nestor Cortes was selected 1,094th overall (36th round) in the 2013 MLB draft. The reality is that a player signing out of high school from that draft slot is not destined for Major League Baseball; in fact, that round and the 15 before it no longer exist. Nestor’s below-average fastball and overall stature were a concern, but the Yankees took a chance. That chance, however, was a very low one, as the incentive to keep a player of Cortes’ ilk around for a long period is low. Brock Purdy was the last pick in the 2022 NFL draft — “Mr. Irrelevant” as coined by the NFL, and for good reason considering players drafted that late, particularly at quarterback, don’t become starters in the NFL. Purdy’s small arms, overall build, and lack of elite arm talent are what landed him so low on draft boards.</p>
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<img alt="Super Bowl Opening Night" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kW6IpwJGAIhqyhYKHMpGDXiO6cU=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25278684/1991032226.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images</cite>
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<p id="CX8RGS">The path for Cortes was not streamlined: selected in the 2017 Rule 5 Draft by the Orioles, then returned to the Yankees in 2018, only to be traded to the Mariners in 2019 before being cut and signed again by the Yankees in 2021. A call-up in May of 2021 resulted in a few successful appearances out of the bullpen. The Yankees had multiple pitchers go down with injuries in July, opening the door for Nestor, who made 14 starts and pitched to a 2.90 ERA.</p>
<p id="unY7fC">While Brock Purdy’s track to become the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">49ers’</a> starter didn’t take as many winding turns as Nestor’s, he too seized an opportunity when given the chance. Purdy started training camp in 2022 as the fourth quarterback on the depth chart, which likely meant being cut or placed on the practice squad. However, the 49ers’ starter, Trey Lance, went down with an injury. Then backup, and proven veteran, Jimmy Garoppolo went down with an injury. Sensing a theme here? Brock Purdy went on to win seven straight games as a starter, including a pair of playoff victories before getting hurt in the NFC title game. </p>
<p id="P4r17A">Both athletes were not a flash in the pan. Cortes spent the 2022 season proving any doubters wrong, to the tune of a 2.44 ERA over 28 starts. He was named an All-Star and finished Top 10 in Cy Young Voting. Purdy spent this season, his first as a full-time starter, leading his team to a Super Bowl appearance and finishing in the Top 5 in MVP voting. </p>
<div id="KoLpbt"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/m/nestor-cortes-k-s-12" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="lZ5w9D">For athletes like Nestor Cortes and Brock Purdy, one chance may be all you get. Both players took advantage of their one chance and stuck, but how? Based on scouting reports, they were lacking in some way. For Nestor, he makes up for his lack of high-end fastball by keeping hitters off balance. I think batters are surprised by his ability to challenge them with his on-surface average arsenal of pitches, and his funky delivery and arm slots continuously disrupt timing. There is a rhythm to his starts when he is on a roll. It is a classic case of playing to your strengths and not deviating from what makes you great. Purdy makes up for his deficiencies by trusting the system around him and playing within himself. His play is predicated on timing, and accuracy, with a hint of creativity. They are both fearless — willing to take chances with high-risk plays — but not often enough to make them a liability. </p>
<p id="8MQC1a">The concern with non-prototypical athletes is durability. Purdy needed surgery to repair a torn UCL at the end of last season and Cortes missed much of 2023 with shoulder issues. Will availability be a concern long term? </p>
<p id="754suI">These comparisons across sports can be difficult. The point that I wanted to make is that athletes don’t have to fit a certain mold, which may be obvious, but also important to highlight. We can appreciate both expected superstars and underdogs who become great players. Whether it is on a baseball diamond this season or in tonight’s Super Bowl, let’s take a moment to appreciate the hard work and journey that these athletes have taken to reach this point. Some were expected to be here, while others were not. That is what makes sports great.</p>
https://www.pinstripealley.com/2024/2/11/24068432/super-bowl-patrick-mahomes-brock-purdy-gerrit-cole-nestor-cortes-yankees-startersCasey Peterson2024-02-03T10:00:00-05:002024-02-03T10:00:00-05:00Introducing the American League Sophomore of the Year Award
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<img alt="2018 BBWAA Awards Dinner" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/66QouQtW-QoQalHIghQHtKfYFoE=/0x0:3620x2413/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73109087/911874594.0.jpg" />
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<p>What if there was a trophy awarded to the best second-year player in the MLB?</p> <p id="Ds6vWP">What if I told you there used to be an award for Sophomore of the Year in Major League Baseball? Beginning in 1953, and discontinued due to lack of interest after the 1962 season, the award was given to the player who outperformed his counterparts during their second full season of action. After a promising rookie season from Anthony Volpe, the <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">Yankees</a> will be looking for him to take the next step. Is it common for Rookie of the Year vote-getters to perform just as well, if not better, in year two? </p>
<p id="VJp7X7">Cal Ripken Jr. won A.L. Rookie of the Year in 1982 and followed that up by winning MVP in 1983. He will be the namesake of this made-up, all-in-good fun, Sophomore of the Year award. To keep it simple, I will determine the hypothetical winners for the AL from the past handful of seasons. This is a one-man committee—me—now let’s have some fun.</p>
<h2 id="H2gVcW">2015</h2>
<p id="OLtA8f">We get off to a hot start with this list. José Abreu follows up his Rookie of the Year award by posting a 135 OPS+, collecting 30 HR and 101 RBI in the process. From a pitching perspective, Dellin Betances had an outstanding sophomore season with a 1.50 ERA over 84IP. Future All-Stars and MVPs littered this field, including strong seasons from George Springer and Xander Bogaerts.</p>
<p id="T5yggp"><strong>Winner: Mookie Betts</strong>. It was a tough decision between him and Abreu. After only playing 52 games his rookie season, Betts finished the 2015 season Top 15 in the AL in fWAR and posted a .820 OPS while collecting down-ballet MVP votes. He can now add the Ripken Jr. next to his 2018 MVP. </p>
<h2 id="fYGJ0T">2016</h2>
<p id="Gtdgg0">This was a battle of the shortstops, and some years are just easier than others. Carlos Correa was Rookie of the Year in 2015, and put up similar numbers in 2016 (124 OPS+, .274 average, and 20 HR) but…</p>
<p id="izreok"><strong>Winner: Francisco Lindor.</strong> His .301 BA and elite defense got him selected to his first All-Star game. He finished the season Top 10 in MVP voting and was awarded a Gold Glove. Not bad for a second-year shortstop. </p>
<h2 id="DtpD8t">2017 </h2>
<p id="Nob12i">I may have erased the Michael Fulmer 2016 ROY award from my memory, but it certainly happened. I was hoping we could get a pitcher into the mix, but 2017 will not be the year. This committee of one struggled to piece through these candidates. You have Gary Sánchez and his 33HR, an All-Star appearance, and a Silver Slugger award. You have the Gold Glove-winning season of Byron Buxton. And finally, you have the overall game of Alex Bregman.</p>
<p id="3to7ID"><strong>Winner:</strong> I went with <strong>Bregman</strong> here. Sometimes you need to let fWAR do the talking, and Bregman just squeaked past the other two players in that category. He posted 39 doubles and a 125 OPS+ during his 2017 campaign. The home run crowd and Sánchez stans (of which there are probably few) might not be happy with my pick.</p>
<h2 id="rnEgtG">2018</h2>
<p id="E62I8F">Andrew Benintendi put together a respectable sophomore season after finishing second behind Aaron Judge in Rookie of the Year voting the year prior. Benintendi hit .290 with a 123 OPS+ but I think we all know who the winner is.</p>
<p id="W4kuxl"><strong>Winner: Aaron Judge.</strong> Despite only playing 112 games he still hit 27HR and had a .392 OBP. He was Top 10 in fWAR amongst position players in the AL and finished with a 150 OPS+. Add the Ripken Jr. to the mantel. </p>
<h2 id="10PXZf">2019 </h2>
<p id="2Tqz1w">Shohei Ohtani burst onto the scene in 2018, capturing the Rookie of the Year Award, but elbow surgery in 2018 and knee surgery in 2019 derailed his sophomore campaign. So with him off the board, who does that leave from the 2018 Rookie class? Gleyber Torres had a career year (All-Star selection, 38HR) and so did Ramón Laureano (.288 BA, 129 OPS+). But the long-awaited time for a pitcher has come.</p>
<p id="ZFddIA"><strong>Winner: Shane Bieber.</strong> He finished Top 4 in Cy Young award voting, backed by a 114 ERA+ and 259 strikeouts, eclipsing 200 IP in the process. He also led the sophomore class with a 5.4 fWAR. It would be a precursor to his Cy Young win the following year. </p>
<h2 id="y5nxzr">2020 </h2>
<p id="TS7DfI">We start getting into funky territory over the next two seasons. The shortened 2020 season throws a wrench into some of the statistics, but MLB handed out awards so I will too. The 2019 Rookie of the Year was Yordan Álvarez, and even though he has blossomed into one of the elite power hitters in the game, he only appeared in two games in 2020 due to a knee injury. This left the door wide open for this award, and I think that door is still open. Not many candidates jumped off the page. It came down to players who were able to stay on the field for the majority of the season. Eloy Jiménez hit 14HR in 55 games, which led to a 139 OPS+. He won the Silver Slugger for his efforts. </p>
<p id="4xNhGb"><strong>Winner: Brandon Lowe.</strong> He finished top 10 in MVP voting after finishing third in Rookie of the Year voting the year prior. He matched Jiménez’s HR total of 14 while tallying an OPS of .916 over 56 games. He was top 10 in many major statistical categories among AL batters and finished with an fWAR of 2.3, also top 10 in the AL. </p>
<h2 id="BNzyjc">2021</h2>
<p id="HgxQNf">Kyle Lewis won Rookie of the Year in 2020 and then battled injuries that have derailed his career. That fact should set the tone for how this award was handed out for this season (reluctantly). The candidates were so unappetizing that I felt like I must be missing something. Luis Robert Jr. only played 68 games but hit 13 HR and 22 doubles. Sean Murphy’s offensive numbers were underwhelming but he was the best defensive catcher in the A.L. </p>
<p id="DLfA2A"><strong>Winner:</strong> Let’s go with <strong>Murphy</strong> here. He led AL catchers with 10 defensive runs saved and his pitch framing ranked at the top of American League catchers. I’m glad a catcher with a great defensive skillset snuck his way onto this list. </p>
<p id="IMRPst">But seriously am I missing someone here?</p>
<h2 id="xgl9QL">2022</h2>
<p id="5M8LT1">I was worried that pitchers were not getting enough love for this award until I stumbled upon the candidates for 2022. If 2016 was a battle of the shortstops then 2022 was the year of the pitcher. Randy Arozarena took home the Rookie of the Year in 2021 but it was three pitchers who also received votes—Alek Manoah, Shane McClanahan, and Emmanual Clase—who shined in year two. There can only be one winner though.</p>
<p id="5zQFEY"><strong>Winner: Alek Manoah.</strong> In the end, it wasn’t a very difficult decision. Manoah made 31 starts and posted a 172 ERA+ and 180 strikeouts in 196.2IP. It was good for a Top 3 Cy Young finish and one of the better sophomore seasons by a pitcher in MLB history. </p>
<h2 id="vwfS9R">2023</h2>
<p id="KCwxO6">Our final Ripken Jr. award comes down to two budding superstars who battled it out for Rookie of the Year honors in 2022: Julio Rodríguez (1st) and Adley Rutschman (2nd). Rodríguez smacked 32 HR and stole 37 bases to go along with his 103 RBI. He was selected to his second straight All-Star game, won a Silver Slugger award, and cemented himself as one of the best players in baseball. Rutschman hit 31 doubles with a 127 wRC+. His 5.1 fWAR was good for Top 15 in the American League and the Orioles have certainly found a stalwart behind the plate for years to come.</p>
<p id="i3TVG1"><strong>Winner: Julio Rodríguez. </strong>You don’t finish Top 4 in MVP voting and in fWAR (5.9) for nothing. </p>
<p id="mdARj3">Will Gunnar Henderson repeat his success in 2024 to take home this completely fictional award, or will someone like Volpe emerge to take home the crown? Only time will tell. </p>
https://www.pinstripealley.com/2024/2/3/24058603/yankees-mlb-rookie-of-the-year-sophomore-award-aaron-judge-cal-ripken-jr-volpeCasey Peterson2024-01-27T16:00:00-05:002024-01-27T16:00:00-05:00An iconic baseball film and the clothes that defined it
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<figcaption>Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>How the clothing of “The Sandlot” influenced the film and a generation of kids.</p> <p id="2Kb78Z">“The Sandlot” taps into the true essence of being young. The iconic sports film represents a carefree spirit, friendship, and simpler times. Set in suburban Los Angeles during the 1960s, the movie oozes with nostalgia. Anyone can relate to summers with your friends, being outside, and enjoying baseball. For this ragtag group of baseball misfits, their individuality shines throughout the film. But one overlooked aspect of the movie is the role that fashion plays throughout the film. The simple, mid-century style perfectly represents the time, and the outfits still permeate a generation that grew up with these characters. </p>
<p id="aX3f3O">The group is a single unit, sporting a “uniform” without wearing matching jerseys or socks. Their simplistic, working-class attire was an effortless silhouette for children of the middle class. Their jeans were rugged, cuffed, and worn. Jeans at that time represented the rebellious nature of a group — and the movie leans into the youthful hijink aspect of being a kid. Those jeans were often paired with a nonchalant top: horizontal striped t-shirts with muted tones, unbuttoned baseball jerseys, or two-tiered summer shirts. This movie is a snapshot of small-town America (or what we always wished it would be). The outfits enhance the yearning for an opportunity to experience unapologetic youth again. Grab your most beat-up clothes and go play ball.</p>
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<p id="bgseUw">The worn-in jeans and simple tops created a canvas that allowed their personalities to be represented by other aspects of their outfits. And when you think of a baseball uniform, the hat always stands out. There is a central focus in this movie about hats and individuality. “Smalls” starts the film wearing a fishing hat with a comically oversized brim. The brim perfectly represents the outsider that Smalls is to start the film. The shy, new-in-town, nerdy kid, rocking a brim that could block any ray of sunshine that so dared come near his face. Smalls’ transition in the film — from nerdy homebody to baseball equal — begins when Benny “The Jet” Rodriguez gifts him a new hat after suggesting he ditch his khaki shorts and short-sleeve button-up for a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. The <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">Yankees</a>’ iconic interlocking NY makes an appearance on “Ham” Porter and others, while Kenny DeNunez rocks a clean 1942 Kansas City Monarch cap. Of course, the player that was always destined for greatness — Benny — sports a classic blue and white LA <a href="https://www.truebluela.com/">Dodgers</a> hat. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">my summer fashion is centered entirely around ‘the sandlot’ <a href="https://t.co/sPwPwtksBL">pic.twitter.com/sPwPwtksBL</a></p>— joe greer (@ioegreer) <a href="https://twitter.com/ioegreer/status/1141453935166795776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2019</a>
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<p id="Ypqzcn">But in the pivotal scene, the defining moment of the film, when Benny is tasked with pickling the beast, his shoes become the story. The worn-out, everyday, canvas shoes sported by ‘The Jet’ were not enough for this special occasion. He needed a shoe guaranteed to make any kid run faster and jump higher: the PF Flyers. The black canvas with the subtle white and green logo — those shoes fresh out of the box felt ready for action — and were the epitome of cool. The complete look of Benny: fresh shoes, crisp hat, and an understated pant and top resonate beyond a 90’s coming-of-age film. It is an aesthetic that still echoes within fashion circles today. Blue-collar brands such as Levis and Carhartt are at the forefront of everyday wear. Essential, logo-free basics are the baseline for any good wardrobe. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Sandlot was released 28 years ago today! <a href="https://t.co/uqsVrRpKxu">pic.twitter.com/uqsVrRpKxu</a></p>— Sandlot (@SandlotBambino) <a href="https://twitter.com/SandlotBambino/status/1379790311669571584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2021</a>
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<p id="qicaN4">As fashion trends come and go, I have found it interesting that style has reverted to a look that I wanted to mimic when I was a child, based on a movie that had been set in a period 30 years earlier. There is a fine line when attempting to pull off a look that appears both unintentional and tasteful. Somehow the production of a 90’s cult classic was able to mix baseball history and time-period staples to create a movie that still pulls at the heartstrings for a generation of kids. </p>
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https://www.pinstripealley.com/2024/1/27/24051235/the-sandlot-baseball-fashion-1960s-1990sCasey Peterson2024-01-21T10:00:00-05:002024-01-21T10:00:00-05:00When “Don Mattingly, 3B” fueled a wild comeback in 1986
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<figcaption>Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Faced with injuries and a playoff race, Lou Piniella deployed a unique strategy to spark a rally for the Yankees.</p> <p id="moONI2">It is not every day that you see a lefty-throwing fielder play an infield position other than first base. But on August 29, 1986, the <a href="https://www.pinstripealley.com/">Yankees</a> were faced with a hole that only one man could fill.</p>
<p id="psPryt">By late August of 1986, the Yankees were in a fight to stay in the AL East race, trailing the <a href="https://www.overthemonster.com/">Boston Red Sox</a> by six games in the standings. Time was running out on the ball club, making every game crucial. A few days prior the Yankees got routed by the Oakland A’s 11-4, but the bigger loss came when starting third baseman Mike Pagliarulo came up lame with a hamstring injury in the eighth inning. The injury came at an inopportune time for a struggling Yankees offense that was heading out west for a road trip. </p>
<p id="NhxOga">Down a starter in the infield, the new-look Yankees defense included starting shortstop Wayne Tolleson shifting to third and backup infielder Mike Fischlin starting at shortstop. Don Mattingly and Willie Randolph manned their usual positions on the right side of the infield as the Yankees got set to take on the <a href="https://www.lookoutlanding.com/">Seattle Mariners</a> at the Kingdome.</p>
<p id="04aEkd">The Yankees offense got off to a hot start, posting three runs in the first inning on a Mattingly home run. Rickey Henderson followed that up with a two-run blast of his own in the second off of Mark Langston. Unfortunately for the Yankees, Ron Guidry failed to make it out of the second inning, surrendering five runs in just 1.1 innings of work. Seattle tacked on another three runs when Brian Fisher relieved Guidry in the second. Bob Shirley did not fare much better against Seattle’s offense, which posted four more runs in the fourth against the lefty reliever. The Yankee’s promising start had vanished, and a team fighting for their place in the playoffs saw themselves down 12-5 heading into the fifth inning. </p>
<p id="cjqs2D">With the Yankees in desperate need of offense, it was clear that manager Lou Piniella would scratch and claw to get back into the game by any means necessary. He did just that in the fifth. The Yankees would start off the inning with a Ricky Henderson home run. That at-bat sparked a rally that included three big hits, two walks, and two errors by Seattle. All in all, the Yankees put six runs on the board, cutting the Mariners lead to one. However, the Yankees were in a peculiar spot, as Piniella had used a pinch-hitter three times in the inning to keep the rally alive, including for starting shortstop Mike Fischlin. </p>
<p id="pBL0Dn">Already faced with limited infield bodies in the infield, Piniella calculated a plan to fill out his defense for the remainder of the game. Shift Wayne Tolleson back to shortstop, put Dan Pasqua at first base, and move Don Mattingly to… third base.</p>
<p id="sBBIAJ">You read that correctly, the nine-time Gold Glove-winning, left-handed, slick-fielding first baseman was asked to play third. It was the first time in his career playing the hot corner. And sure enough, in the bottom of the fifth, Jim Presley hit a groundball to Mattingly, who ranged to his left and fired to second to start an inning-ending double play. The call by Phil Rizzuto says it all. </p>
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<p id="csEbz6">Mattingly was continuously tested throughout the game, tallying two more assists in the sixth inning and again in the eighth. Dan Pasqua homered for the Yankees in the seventh to tie the game at 12-12. Then Juan Espino (who also entered in the fifth inning as part of the pinch-hitting barrage) doubled in the ninth to drive in Dave Winfield and give the Yankees the lead. A fitting end to the game saw Mattingly make another play in the ninth to seal the game for the Yankees. Despite Mattingly’s play at third, Rickey Henderson was critical of the move by Piniella, saying, “I thought it was a joke”, citing the importance of every game heading down the stretch.</p>
<p id="u4Lyc6">Mattingly would finish the game with six assists and six putouts between first and third base. It would be one of only three times that Mattingly would appear at third base—all of which occurred within that same series against Seattle. The Yankees would ultimately fall short of the division that season, finishing 5.5 games behind the Red Sox.</p>
<p id="q5ZwXu">It is fun to find unique nuggets like this game within a long and plentiful career such as Mattingly’s. This one-off moment showed how athletic he was and the trust that Piniella had in his ability to get the job done no matter what. </p>
<h3 id="I5zXKm">References</h3>
<p id="rPCLQ7"><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/1986/08/30/sports/mattingly-plays-3d-in-victory.html">New York Times</a></p>
<p id="voLUIO"><a href="https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SEA/SEA198608290.shtml#all_play_by_play">Baseball Reference</a> </p>
https://www.pinstripealley.com/2024/1/21/24045375/don-mattingly-third-base-yankees-lou-piniella-rickey-hendersonCasey Peterson