Do You Love Baseball? 

How much do you love baseball? What are you willing to do to umpire the best game available? Seeing an umpire work a college game is the culmination of years of work. Studying, attending camps, working games in every type of weather, and on diamonds in every type of condition. 

Baseball requires dedication from players, coaches, and umpires. The biggest change off the field to umpire college games is the travel. I am not flying all over the country to umpire, but I am driving to work games at previously unknown colleges. The drives changed from 30 minutes or less to an hour or three each way. You have to get to the field earlier, an hour before first pitch instead of 30 minutes. The extra distance requires driving in the early morning and late at night. Many miles in parts of the Midwest I never thought I would see. I listen to audiobooks as the scenery passes. This time to “read” has been wonderful as life off the diamond has gotten busier, and limited the time I can sit and read a book. Mile after mile, watching the empty fields roll by. 

The grind of the college season is in the miles and the time away. If you have a family, having a spouse that both supports you and understands makes it possible. Without that support, and their taking on extra responsibilities, you could not work the games. Once you are on the diamond, life is simple, but not necessarily easy. Your focus is singular, making the correct calls. It is not the chaos of real life. 

It’s easy to love baseball from the stands, but how hard are you willing to work to be on the field. (The Winning Run/DJ)

The expectations are the same for each game. You show up and work the game to the best of your abilities. Some schools provide a locker room, or just a room, for the umpires to change in. Some provide food and/or drinks. Some cannot, or do not, provide anything. I fully expect to be provided with nothing and to change in my car. I am there to do my job, anything a college provides to the umpires is a bonus. 

College baseball starts in February. The weather in the majority of the country is less than ideal for baseball on Valentine’s Day. This year I umpired with the Wind Chill in the 20’s and had to suspend a game when a snow shower made the baseball disappear. You are bundled up, praying the wind is not too bad. Do you love baseball enough to have the cold wind sting your face for two and a half or three hours, take a 30 minute break, and do it again? Every umpire wants to work when it is sunny and 70°. Those are the games when the joy comes from simply being outside. Umpiring when you would rather be next to a fire teaches you a lot about your love for baseball. Are you willing to grind through the miles, weather, and tough games because you love the game? Only you can answer that question. 

DJ

Predictions Sure To Go Wrong 10.0 

The 2024 MLB season has begun. Little is certain in baseball, even a few weeks into the season. While we are super late getting our predictions posted this year, we nevertheless feel strongly that even with a small sample size we will continue our tradition of being terrible at predicting the future. Despite a decade of failure we continue on. Here are our predictions for the 2024 MLB season. 

American League East

DerekJesseJohnBernieKevinThe Winning Run
Orioles Camden CrushersYankeesOriolesBmoreOrioles
Blue Jays (5)God’s Waiting Room (5)Orioles (5)Blue Jays (5)Yankees (4)Yankees (5)
RaysFree HealthcareJaysYankees (6)Tampa Bay (5)Blue Jays (6)
YankeesAaron’s BoondoggleRaysRaysTorontoRays
Red SoxWe all went Red SoxRedSuxRed SoxRed SuxRed Sox

It will be a dreadful season at Fenway. Meanwhile in Baltimore, the future is arriving. The young, and hyped, Orioles could make a deep run if their young stars live up to expectations. The Yankees, Blue Jays, and Rays could have terrific or horrific seasons. Both are possible. The American League East is not the juggernaut it once was. 

Can the Orioles youth live you to the hype? (Mitch Stringer- USA TODAY Sports)

American League Central

DerekJesseJohnBernieKevinThe Winning Run
TwinsSouthsideTwinsTwinsClevelandTwins
TigersTwinkies (6)ChiSox (6)GuardiansTwinkiesGuardians
GuardiansBridge StatuesTigersTigersRoyalsWhite Sox
White SoxKate’s ReplacementsGuardiansRoyalsTigersTigers
RoyalsTony the TigersRoyalsWhite SoxWhite SuxRoyals

The American League Central remains the weakest division in baseball. Top to bottom there is not a single team capable of making a deep run in October. Minnesota should walk away with the division, but are they really a good team? The only surprise could be Detroit, where the improving Tigers could make a run at relevancy…maybe. 

American League West

DerekJesseJohnBernieKevinThe Winning Run
RangersWalker: TexasRangersAstrosRangersRangers
Astros (4)Trashtros (4)Astros (4)Rangers (4)Astros (6)Astros (4)
Mariners (6)Seamen of the PoopdeckMarinersMarinersMarinersMariners
AngelsRendon’s RascalsAngelsAthleticsAngelsAngels
ElephantsVegasPatheticsAngelsAthleticsAthletics

The Rangers and Astros will fight it out for the division and Wild Card. The Mariners need everything to go right to play meaningful baseball in September. The Angels should be thankful for the Athletics, otherwise they would finish last. The Oakland/Sacramento/Vegas A’s are a mess. 

National League East

DerekJesseJohnBernieKevinThe Winning Run
BravesBravosBraves BravesBravesBraves
Phillies (5)Phollies (4)Phillies (5)Phillies (5)Philly (5)Phillies (5)
MarlinsFish (6)MarlinsMetsFishMarlins
MetsAmazinsMetsMarlinsMetsMets
NationalsGnats (will face relegation)NationalsNationalsNatsNationals

The Phillies are a very good team, but the Braves are a great team. The division once again runs through Atlanta. Philadelphia will position itself for the Wild Card. The Marlins and Mets need to have a special season if they want their fans to watch beyond the All Star Break. This is the last year of the Nationals’ Cherry Blossom jerseys. 

National League Central

DerekJesseJohnBernieKevinThe Winning Run
RedsSkylinePiratesBrewersCubsReds
Cardinals (6)Red BirdsReds (6)CubsReds (6)Cardinals (6)
CubsHot Dog RaceCardinalsRedsBrewersCubs
BrewersBuccosCubsCardinalsCardinalsBrewers
PiratesWrigleyvilleBrewersPiratesPiratesPirates

The Cardinals look to bounce back from one of the worst, and surprising, seasons in franchise history. The Reds have a great young line up, but do they have the pitching? We picked the Cubs to finish literally everywhere, so your guess is as good as ours. The Brewers are on the way down. Are the Pirates finally on the way up? 

The Reds have the bats to compete. (www.bleacherreport.com)

National League West

DerekJesseJohnBernieKevinThe Winning Run
DodgersVince GullysDiamondbacksDodgersDodgersDodgers
Diamondbacks (4)Nope Ropes (5)Dodgers (4)Diamondbacks (4)Giants (4)Diamondbacks (4)
GiantsBig macsGiantsPadres (6)DBacksGiants
PadresAngre thePadresGiantsPadresPadres
RockiesCoorsRockiesRockiesRockiesRockies

The Dodgers should roll through the division, again. Arizona is hoping last season was not a fluke, but the start of sustained success. The Giants might hang around for a while before fading, but the real story is further south. Is this the year that San Diego finally plays up to their contracts or will this era of Padres baseball be loathed for their inability to compete? Just a friendly reminder, the Rockies are a Major League Baseball team. 

Postseason 

The Regular Season is chaotic, but the Postseason is unpredictable. The best team does not always win the World Series. Instead, teams look to get hot at the right moment. October is treacherous. The secret is simply, finding a way to win. The best players and teams do not always win, but will they in 2024? 

American League Wild Card

DerekJesseJohnBernieKevinThe Winning Run
TwinsSouthsideTwinsYankeesClevelandTwins
MarinersTwinkiesChiSoxTwinsAstrosYankees
Blue JaysTrashtrosAstrosBlue JaysYankeesAstros
AstrosGod’s Walking RoomOriolesRangersTampa BayWhite Sox

National League Wild Card

DerekJesseJohnBernieKevinThe Winning Run
RedsSkylinePiratesPadresCubsReds
CardinalsFishRedsBrewersRedsCubs
DiamondbacksPholliesPhilliesPhilliesGiantsPhillies
PhilliesNope RopesDodgersDiamondbacksPhilliesDiamondbacks

The Wild Card is a guessing game. The Astros could dominate the season and still be in the Wild Card. The Yankees, Phillies, and Diamondbacks might be a touch below the great teams, but that separation could force them to fight through the Wild Card. Unexpected teams can find themselves looking to continue their run through the Wild Card. This is what makes the Wild Card round the most chaotic and entertaining of the Postseason. 

American League Divisional Series

DerekJesseJohnBernieKevinThe Winning Run
AstrosSouthsideRangersRangersBmoreAstros
OriolesCamden CrushersAstrosOriolesAstrosOrioles
RangersTrashtrosYankeesYankeesRangersYankees
MarinersWalker: TexasTwinsAstrosYankeesRangers

National League Divisional Series

DerekJesseJohnBernieKevinThe Winning Run
DodgersVince GulleysBravesPhilliesDodgersDodgers
PhilliesNope RopesPhilliesDodgersGiantsPhillies
BravesBravosDiamondbacksPadresBravesBraves
RedsFishPiratesBravesRedsDiamondbacks

Is this the year the Astros begin to fade away or will their run of success continue? Texas attempts to win back to back World Series titles, but it is no easy task. The Orioles are on the rise, but can they play deep into October or will they have to wait until next year? The Dodgers and Braves are on a collision course yet again. 

American League Championship Series

DerekJesseJohnBernieKevinThe Winning Run
OriolesSouthsideYankeesYankeesBmoreOrioles
RangersTrashtrosRangersOriolesYankeesRangers

Experience matters in big games. Keeping calm allows teams to play their best in high stress situations. The Rangers have been through the fight before. Veteran leadership and poise keeps the noise down. Baltimore is coming. The Orioles have a bright future ahead, but their youth can only take them so far this season. 

National League Championship Series

DerekJesseJohnBernieKevinThe Winning Run
BravesBravosBravesBravesBravesBraves
DodgersNope RopesDiamondbacksDodgersDodgersDodgers

If ever there was a guarantee in baseball it is that the National League runs through the Braves and Dodgers. The other 13 teams must beat one or both of these talented and dominant teams if they want to win the National League pennant. The Diamondbacks played spoiler last season, can they do it again or will a new spoiler arise? 

The Braves look to win another World Series in 2024. (Rich Schultz/ Getty Images)

World Series

DerekJesseJohnBernieKevinThe Winning Run
RangersSouthsideYankeesOriolesBravesBraves
BravesBravosBravesDodgersYankeesRangers

The Braves and Rangers have the talent and experience to make it through the chaos of the Postseason. Both teams are filled with stars and role players that contribute to their team’s success. However, there can only be one World Series champion. 

Congratulations to the Atlanta Braves for winning their fifth World Series Championship. History says the Fall Classic will not follow our predictions, but time will tell. 

Happy Baseball.

DJ, JJ, JB, BL, and KB

United States of Baseball- Utah

Utah is pushing to someday have a Major League team. While they wait, the Beehive State continues to grow its baseball tradition. The United States of Baseball is important for baseball powerhouses like California and Florida, and for less prodigious baseball states like Utah and its 43 Major League players. The greatest pitcher born in Utah is Bruce Hurst. His 34.52 career WAR is the 42nd highest among state and territory pitching leaders. The greatest position player born in the Beehive State is Duke Sims. His 12.78 career WAR is the 51st highest among state and territory position player leaders. Utah has a combined 47.30 WAR, ranking the Beehive State 50th among all states and territories. 

There is always a first. The first player ever drafted from Utah was Bruce Hurst. The St. George native was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the 1st Round, 22nd overall, of the 1976 MLB Draft. The crafty Lefty pitched 15 seasons with 4 teams: Boston Red Sox (1980-1988), San Diego Padres (1989-1993), Colorado Rockies (1993), and Texas Rangers (1994). Hurst pitched in 379 career Games, made 359 Starts, 5 Games Finished, with 83 Complete Games, 23 Shutouts, 2,417.1 Innings Pitched, allowed 2,463 Hits, 1,143 Runs, 1,052 Earned Runs, 740 Walks, 1,689 Strikeouts, posted a 145-113 record, with a 3.92 ERA, 1.325 WHIP, and 104 ERA+. He has the second most Wins at Fenway Park with 57, behind only Mel Parnell’s 71. Hurst was the third pitcher to record 1,000 career Strikeouts with the Red Sox. He was inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2004. He left Boston in Free Agency after the 1988 season after the Front Office played hardball and told him to test the open market. This was during the Owner’s Collusion to stamp out free agency. Ultimately Hurst signed with the Padres. His 1987 All Star selection remains Utah’s only trip to the Mid-Summer Classic. He is also the Beehive State leader in Wins, Losses, Games Started, Complete Games, Shutouts, Innings Pitched, Hits, Runs, Earned Runs, Home Runs, Walks, and Strikeouts. After retiring he served as a coach and scout internationally for Major League Baseball in Italy and Latin America, and as the Pitching Coach for the Chinese National Baseball team in 2005-2006 and 2012-2013. 

Bruce Hurst enjoyed his best season in San Diego after Boston played hardball with him. (www.mlb.com)

The best season of Hurst’s career came with the 1989 Padres. He pitched in 33 Games, made 33 Starts, threw 10 Complete Games, including 2 Shutouts, in 244.2 Innings Pitched, allowed 214 Hits, 84 Runs, 73 Earned Runs, 66 Walks, 179 Strikeouts, posted a 15-11 record, with a 2.69 ERA, 1.144 WHIP, and 131 ERA+. Hurst led the National League in Complete Games. He also set career bests in Games Started, Innings Pitched, and ERA. The Padres finished just 3 Games Behind the San Francisco Giants for the National League West Division title. 

Hurst pitched in three Postseason series: 1986 and 1988 American League Championship Series and 1986 World Series. He pitched in 7 Postseason Games, made 7 Starts, threw 3 Complete Games, in 51 Innings Pitched, allowed 46 Hits, 14 Runs, 13 Earned Runs, 12 Walks, 37 Strikeouts, posted a 3-2 record, with a 2.29 ERA, and 1.137 WHIP. Hurst nearly pitched the Red Sox to a World Series title against the Mets. He Started Games 1, 5, and 7. He threw 8 Shutout Innings in the Red Sox Game 1 victory. He pitched a Complete Game victory in Game 5. In Game 7, Hurst pitched 6 Innings and allowed 3 Earned Runs. When he left the game the score was tied 3-3, before the Mets pulled away for an 8-5 victory. Boston needed to win one of the final two games, but The Curse of the Bambino was stronger than Hurst’s Left Arm. 

Duane “Duke” Sims made a career as a solid backstop. The Salt Lake City native played 11 seasons with 5 teams: Cleveland Indians (1964-1970), Los Angeles Dodgers (1971-1972), Detroit Tigers (1972-1973), New York Yankees (1973-1974), and Texas Rangers (1974). Sims played in 843 career Games, scored 263 Runs, collected 580 Hits, 80 Doubles, 6 Triples, 100 Home Runs, 310 RBI, 6 Stolen Bases, drawing 338 Walks, 483 Strikeouts, posting a .239 BA, .340 OBP, .401 SLG, .741 OPS, 112 OPS+, and 972 Total Bases. His most famous Home Run came on September 30, 1973 off of Fred Holdsworth. Sims hit the final Home Run at Yankee Stadium before the House That Ruth Built closed for two seasons for extensive renovations. Sims is Utah’s all-time leader in career Games Played, Plate Appearances, At Bats, Runs scored, Hits, Double, Home Runs, RBI, Walks, and Strikeouts. Career success is measured in many ways.  

Duke Sims hit the last Home Run at the original Yankee Stadium. (www.mlive.com)

The best season of Sims’ career came with the 1970 Cleveland Indians. He played in 110 Games, scored 46 Runs, collected 91 Hits, including 12 Doubles, 23 Home Runs, 56 RBI, drew 46 Walks, 59 Strikeouts, .264 BA, .360 OBP, .499 SLG, .859 OPS, 131 OPS+, and 172 Total Bases. Sims set career best in Hits, Home Runs, RBI, SLG, OPS, and Total Bases. That Winter, Cleveland traded him to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Alan Foster and Ray Lamb. 

Sims played in one Postseason series, the 1972 American League Championship Series with the Detroit Tigers. The Tigers lost in five games. Sims played in 4 Games, collected 3 Hits, 2 Doubles, 1 Triple, drew 1 Walk, 2 Strikeouts, with a .214 BA, .267 OBP, .500 SLG, .767 OPS, and 7 Total Bases. October can be a mystery for some teams. 

No Utah native has been elected to the Hall of Fame. Bruce Hurst appeared on the 2000 Hall of Fame ballot and received one vote (0.2%). Duke Sims appeared on the Hall of Fame ballot in 1980, but received no votes. As the state produces more Major League quality players, Cooperstown should eventually get its first member from the Beehive State. Next the United States of Baseball returns to New England and The Green Mountain State. Vermont is next. 

DJ

Missing #4- Kid Elberfeld

You can dedicate your life to baseball and have a dramatic impact on people and the game. However, this does not mean you are destined for Cooperstown. Norman Arthur Elberfeld grew up in Cincinnati, cheering for the Reds and made a name for himself on local diamonds. The Tabasco Kid, or Kid, played primarily Shortstop for 14 seasons with six teams: Philadelphia Phillies (1898), Cincinnati Reds (1899), Detroit Tigers (1901-1903), New York Highlanders (1903-1909), Washington Nationals (1910-1911), and Brooklyn Dodgers (1914). He spent the 1908 season as the Player-Manager for the New York Highlanders, guiding them to a 27-71 record, .276 WL%. Elberfeld was a much better Major League player than manager. 

Elberfeld appeared on the 1936 Hall of Fame ballot. This came after a career in which he played in 1,292 Games, scored 647 Runs, collected 1,235 Hits, including 169 Doubles, 56 Triples, 10 Home Runs, 535 RBI, 213 Stolen Bases, drew 427 Walks, 166 Strikeouts, posted a .271 BA, .355 OBP, .339 SLG, .694 OPS, and 106 OPS+. Elberfeld turned Hit By the Pitch into an art form. His 165 Hit By Pitches still ranks 19th all time. 

Defensively, Elberfeld played in 1,265 Games, made 1,196 Starts, 1,135 Complete Games, 10,835 Innings, had 6,993 Chances, made 2,681 Putouts, with 3,774 Assists, committed 538 Errors, .923 FLD%, 5.36 RF/9, and 5.10 RF/G. He was fearless, never shying away from confrontation. Elberfeld wore a whalebone shin guard after being spiked multiple times while turning Double Plays. His aggression towards opposing players and umpires, leading to multiple injuries, fights, and suspensions. 

Kid Elberfeld was ruthless in his pursuit of winning. (George Grantham Bain Collection- Library of Congress)

The best season of Elberfeld’s career came with the 1901 Detroit Tigers. He played in 121 Games, scored 76 Runs, collected 133 Hits, including 21 Doubles, 11 Triples, 3 Home Runs, 76 RBI, 23 Stolen Bases, drew 57 Walks, 18 Strikeouts, with a .308 BA, .397 OBP, .428 SLG, .825 OPS, and 125 OPS+. Elberfeld posted career bests in Triples, Home Runs, RBI, BA, SLG, and OPS. Despite the great start, Elberfeld failed to build a Hall of Fame career. 

The game continues to change so it is only appropriate to compare Elberfeld to his contemporaries who were elected to Cooperstown. There are 26 Hall of Fame Shortstops, of which six played during the Dead Ball Era. The average Dead Ball Era Shortstop played 19 seasons, 2,078 career Games, scored 1,253 Runs, collected 2,286 Hits, including 369 Doubles, 143 Triples, 47 Home Runs, 1,131 RBI, 463 Stolen Bases, drew 633 Walks, 499 Strikeouts, with a .290 BA, .350 OBP, .388 SLG, .738 OPS, 113 OPS+, and 69.4 WAR. These Shortstops played their way into the Hall of Fame. Kid Elberfeld did not. He was only better by having 333 fewer Strikeouts and a .005 higher OBP. It is not a close comparison.  

Kid Elberfeld was a true baseball man, spending time as a coach, scout, mentor, and teacher. He was good for the game, but not a Hall of Famer. On the 1936 ballot, Elberfeld received 1 vote, 0.4%. He was tied for the 39th most votes on the ballot. He would appear on the Hall of Fame ballot five times, peaking with 0.8% in both 1938 and 1945. The Hall of Fame voters got it right. Kid Elberfeld does not deserve to be enshrined in Cooperstown. Sometimes the value of an honor is shown through those not receiving it. 

DJ

A Dozen

A dozen years of baseball. The game has changed so much in just 12 years, yet it has also stayed the same. MLB has tinkered with some rules. Some have made the game better, some have made the game worse. While there are changes that we love, Ohtani Rule, and hate, runner on second in extra innings, what has not changed is our love for baseball. There are few sounds better than the crack of the bat and pop of the glove. Few better sights than the green grass against a blue sky. Baseball is poetry in motion. Not everyone understands the meaning, but most appreciate the game in their own way. 

How can you not be romantic about baseball? (The Winning Run/ DJ)

12 years is a long time to devote to anything. However, The Winning Run is a labor of love. I cannot devote as much time reading, researching, and writing about baseball as I would like, but the time I do have is always enjoyable. A dozen years ago I wrote about the retirement of Tim Wakefield (RIP). Since then I have written about hundreds of players individually and collectively. Every day I learn something new about baseball. What started as a side project became a passion. Thank you for reading along. I hope the love and devotion I have poured into The Winning Run has brought you joy and even helped you learn a thing or two along the way. 

Happy baseball. 

DJ

Predictions That Did Go Wrong 9.0 

What a shock! Few foresaw the Rangers defeating the Diamondbacks in the 2023 World Series. We certainly did not. Despite trying to predict the outcome of the last nine MLB seasons, we continue to know nothing. We were incredibly bad in 2023. The season was filled with great stories and terrible collapses. The Mets were the Mets and baseball was its usual unpredictable self. We may have been terrible at predicting the season, but how bad was it? 

Really bad. Our scoring system is designed to clearly show who is the best at predicting the baseball season before the first pitch is thrown. Points are scored in the following ways: a correct prediction of a team’s final divisional standings in the Regular Season is one point, two points for predicting the Wild Card, four for the Divisional Series, eight for the Championship Series, and 16 for the World Series and the Champion. A perfect score is 158 points. We were far from perfect. 

American League East

DerekJesseJohnBernieKevinJasonThe Winning RunReality
Blue Jays (1)Steinbrenners (2)Yankees(2)Yankees (2)Maple leafs (2)Yankees (2)Yankees (2)Orioles
Yankees (5)Devil Rays (5)Blue JaysBlue Jays (4)Yankees (4)Blue Jays (4)Blue Jays (4)Rays
RaysCanadiansMontreal RaysOriolesDevil rays (6)OriolesRaysBlue Jays
OriolesBean EatersRed SuxRaysBmoreRaysOriolesYankees
Red SoxCamdenOriolesRed SoxRed SuxRed SoxRed SoxRed Sox

Our predictions got off to a rough start. Jesse was the only one to have multiple correct predictions with the Rays in second and Blue Jays in third. Derek, Bernie, Kevin, Jason, and The Winning Run all knew it would be a bad season in Boston. John missed completely. Not a great start, but hope springs eternal.

American League Central

DerekJesseJohnBernieKevinJasonThe Winning RunReality
Guardians (3)(Jeff) Bridges (3)GuardsWhite Sox (3)ChiSox (3)Cleveland (3)Guardians (3)Twins
White SoxTwinkies (4)TwinksTwinsFlaming RiversTwins (5)White Sox (5)Tigers
TwinsSouthsideChisoxGuardiansTwinsRoyalsTwins (6)Guardians
TigersKittehsRoyalsTigersRawrWhite SoxTigersWhite Sox
RoyalsMonarchsTigresRoyalsKCTigersRoyalsRoyals

Again we knew who would be bad. The Royals never inspired us. Jason knew the White Sox would be only slightly better than last place. Bernie found the Guardians finishing third. He was the only one to have more than a single correct pick. John was now 0 for 2 divisions. A second straight division of bad predictions did not inspire confidence in the rest of our picks. 

American League West

DerekJesseJohnBernieKevinJasonThe Winning RunReality
Mariners (2)Trashtros (1)Cheaters (1)Astros (1)Trashtros (1)Astros (1)Astros (1)Astros
Astros(4)Halos (6)RangersAngels (5)Kraken (5)Mariners (6)MarinersRangers
Angels (6)SubmarinersOhtanisRangers (6)RangersRangersAngelsMariners
RangersBrett MarteeenMarinersMarinersHalosAngelsRangersAngels
AthleticsWhite ElephantsLas VegasAthleticsLas VegasOaklandAthleticsAthletics 

Finally we got on track. Derek for some reason decided the Astros were not going to win the division again. He was the only one. Everyone knew the poor A’s would be eliminated on Opening Day. Kevin and Jason had the end of the Ohtani era with the Angels again finishing fourth and out of October. Jesse had the Mariners falling back after a great 2022 season to third place. John had the Rangers finishing just behind the Astros. Everyone except Derek got back on track. How would we do in the National League? 

National League East

DerekJesseJohnBernieKevinJasonThe Winning RunReality
Braves (1)Braves (2)BravesPhillies (3)Braves (1)Braves (1)Braves (2)Braves
Mets (4)Amazins (4)MetsBraves (5)Phillies (5)Mets (5)Mets (6)Phillies
PhilliesFollies (6)PhilsMetsFishPhilliesPhilliesMarlins
MarlinsFishMarlinsNationalsAmazingsMarlinsMarlinsMets
NationalsGnatsNatsMarlinsNatsNationalsNationalsNationals 

Maybe it was our fandom, or just logic, but the Braves were the easy choice in the National League East. The Nationals were equally easy to finish in the basement. In between was more challenging. The Mets out Mets themselves to finish fourth. Kevin got the first perfect divisional prediction. Bernie whiffed because he had too much confidence in the Nationals. 

The Mets failed on so many levels in 2023 (John Bazemore/ Associated Press)

National League Central

DerekJesseJohnBernieKevinJasonThe Winning RunReality
Cardinals (3)Redbirds (3)CardinalsCardinals (2)Uncle Tickles (3)Cardinals (4)Cardinals (1)Brewers
Brewers (6)BrewcrewCubbiesBrewersCubbiesBrewers (6)Brewers (5)Cubs
CubsHarray CarraysBeersCubsDrunksCubs WINCubsReds
PiratesCin CityDredsRedsTeam of catchersRedsRedsPirates
RedsBuccosPiratesPiratesPiratesPiratesPiratesCardinals

The National League Central was a mystery. Jesse, Bernie, Jason, and The Winning Run all whiffed. Derek had the Pirates in fourth, while John and Kevin had the Cubs in second. We did not predict the disaster that was the Cardinals, as everyone had them winning the division. The Reds also surprised us with their third place finish. Brutal. 

National League West

DerekJesseJohnBernieKevinJasonThe Winning RunReality
Dodgers (2)Dodger Dogs (1)PadresPadres (1)Dodgers (2)Padres (2)Dodgers (3)Dodgers
Padres (5)McD’s (5)DodgersDodgers (4)Friars (4)Dodgers (3)Padres (4)Diamondbacks
GiantsMcCovey’s CoveDbacksGiants (6)Dbacks (6)DiamondbacksGiantsPadres
DiamondbacksSnecksGiantsRockiesGiantsGiantsDiamondbacksGiants
RockiesCoorsRockiesDiamondbacksDecisional Front OfficeColoradoRockiesRockies

The Dodgers in first and Rockies last were easy. The Diamondbacks surprised everyone with their surge to the National League Pennant. The slide that cost Gabe Kapler his job was easy to see coming. The Padres tried and failed to contend. Kevin only mixed up the Padres and Diamondbacks. Bernie whiffed again, striking out on the entire National League. Making predictions is hard, as we proved yet again. 

Standings after the Regular Season

  1. Kevin- 13
  2. Jesse- 10
  3. Jason- 9
  4. Derek- 8
  5. John- 8
  6. The Winning Run- 8
  7. Bernie- 5

At the end of the Regular Season only Kevin was halfway decent. It had been a long miserable Summer for everyone else. Bernie missed the Senior Circuit, but he was only three points behind Derek, John, and The Winning Run. Could things turn around for the better in October or were we doomed by our bad predictions? 

Postseason 

American League Wild Card

DerekJesseJohnBernieKevinJasonThe Winning RunReality
Guardians(Jeff) BridgesGuardsWhite SoxChiSoxClevelandGuardiansTwins
AngelsHalosTwinksRangersDevil RaysMarinersTwinsBlue Jays
AstrosTwinkiesJaysBlue JaysYankeesBlue JaysBlue JaysRangers
YankeesDevil RaysRangersAngelsKrakenTwinsWhite SoxRays

John found his groove in the Wild Card. He had the Twins, Blue Jays, and Rangers. Jesse, Bernie, Jason, and The Winning Run had two correct picks each in the Wild Card. Kevin’s good luck hit hard times, while Derek continued to show how little he knows about the future of baseball. This was a bad time to make bad predictions. 

National League Wild Card

DerekJesseJohnBernieKevinJasonThe Winning RunReality
CardinalsRedbirdsCardsPhilliesUncle TicklesCardinalsDodgersDiamondbacks
BrewersFolliesPhilsGiantsDbacksMetsMetsBrewers
MetsAmazinsDodgersDodgersFriarsDodgersPadresPhillies
PadresMcD’sMetsBravesPhilliesBrewersBrewersMarlins

Kevin reversed his fortunes with two correct picks. Everyone else had either the Phillies or Brewers. Bernie finally had a correct National League prediction. While it was good to have at least one correct prediction, it was not great that the majority of our picks were terrible. 

Standings after the Wild Card

  1. Kevin- 17
  2. Jesse- 16
  3. John- 16
  4. Jason- 15
  5. The Winning Run- 14
  6. Bernie- 11
  7. Derek- 10

The Wild Card round helped John and Bernie rebound from the Regular Season. Bernie was out of the basement. Derek was terrible as he took Bernie’s place. Kevin saw his lead shrink. The Wild Card created chaos, as predicted. 

American League Divisional Series

DerekJesseJohnBernieKevinJasonThe Winning RunReality
Blue JaysTrashtrosCheatersAstrosTrashtrosAstrosAstrosAstros
AstrosTwinkiesGuardsAngelsKrakenBlue JaysBlue JaysTwins
MarinersSteinbrennersYankeesYankeesMaple leafsYankeesYankeesRangers
Angels(Jeff) BridgesJaysWhite SoxDevil RaysClevelandGuardiansOrioles

The Astros were the easy pick, even Derek had Houston playing in the Divisional Series. Jesse also had the Twins, giving him points over everyone else. Otherwise our predictions were living in a fantasy land. 

National League Divisional Series

DerekJesseJohnBernieKevinJasonThe Winning RunReality
BravesDodger DogsPadresPadresBravesBravesCardinalsDiamondbacks
PadresAmazinsCardsGiantsFriarsMetsPadresDodgers
DodgersBravesBravesCardinalsDodgersPadresBravesPhillies
CardinalsFolliesDodgersBravesDbacksDodgersDodgersBraves

The Braves and Dodgers were easy picks. The National League ran through them. Only Bernie missed Los Angeles. Jesse with the Phillies and Kevin with the Diamondbacks had a third team in the Divisional Series. Jesse was making moves while the rest of us languished. 

Standings after the Divisional Series

  1. Jesse- 36
  2. Kevin- 33
  3. John- 28
  4. Jason- 27
  5. The Winning Run- 26
  6. Derek- 22
  7. Bernie- 19

Jesse launched past Kevin. Derek and Bernie were duking it out for last place. None of us were doing well. Our predictions were trash. 

American League Championship Series

DerekJesseJohnBernieKevinJasonThe Winning RunReality
Blue JaysTrashtorsCheatersAngelsMaple LeafsAstrosYankeesRangers
Mariners(Jeff) BridgesYankeesYankeesKrakenYankeesAstrosAstros

The Astros kept marching towards the World Series. Jesse, John, Jason, and The Winning Run knew this. Derek, Bernie, and Kevin did not get the memo. Derek and Bernie continued fighting in the cellar. Kevin’s whiff hurt his title chances. Besides Houston, we had no clue on the American League. 

National League Championship Series

DerekJesseJohnBernieKevinJasonThe Winning RunReality
BravesAmazinsPadresPadresBravesBravesBravesDiamondbacks
DodgersBravesBravesBravesDodgersDodgersPadresPhillies

We were terrible at the American League. We were clueless about the Senior Circuit. The Mets and Padres Regular Season failures haunted us. Both the Braves and Dodgers failed to live up to October expectations. What were we thinking? 

Standings after the Championship Series

  1. Jesse- 44
  2. John- 36
  3. Jason- 35
  4. Kevin- 33
  5. The Winning Run- 26
  6. Derek- 22
  7. Bernie- 19

Kevin plummeted down the rankings. Derek and Bernie readied for a futility throw down. Jesse’s lead looked hard to beat, but the Fall Classic awaited us. Kevin, Jason, and John were within striking distance if Jesse faltered. 

World Series

DerekJesseJohnBernieKevinJasonThe Winning RunReality
Braves(Jeff) BridgesPadresYankeesKrakenAstrosBravesRangers
Blue JaysBravesCheatersPadresBravesBravesAstrosDiamondbacks

We suck. None of us predicted either World Series team. A big swing and miss. There would be no last second change in the standings. Try as we might, we know nothing about the future of baseball. 

Final Standings

  1. Jesse- 44
  2. John- 36
  3. Jason- 35
  4. Kevin- 33
  5. The Winning Run- 26
  6. Derek- 22
  7. Bernie- 19

Congratulations Jesse, you are the best among us at predicting the 2023 MLB season. We were all terrible, but you were slightly less terrible. Maybe in 2024 we will be better…doubtful. 

DJ

Predictions Sure to Go Wrong 9.0

Reaching Your Goal

Are you part of the nearly half of New Year’s Resolutioners that have given up? Or are you one of the less than 10% who will be successful? Life is hard, keep working towards your dreams. Ron Wright never gave up. He fought for what he wanted. All of his hard work eventually paid off. 

Ron Wright was selected in the 7th Round of the 1994 MLB Draft by the Atlanta Braves from Kamiakin High School in Kennewick, Washington. He played two and a half seasons in the Braves minor league system. Wright spent 1994 with the Rookie Level Gulf Coast League Braves, 1995 with the Single A Macon Braves, and 1996 with the High A Durham Bulls and Double A Greenville Braves before an August trade to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Wright now set his sights on the Steel City. He finished 1996 with the Double A Carolina Mudcats and spent 1997 with the Triple A Calgary Cannons. 1998 was a lost season as Wright appeared in only 20 Games, 17 with the Triple A Nashville Sounds and 3 with the Rookie Level Gulf Coast League Pirates. 1999 was equally frustrating, playing only 24 Games for the Double A Altoona Curve. In October, the Cincinnati Reds selected Wright off waivers. His aim moved further down the Ohio River. Wright spent 2000 with the Double A Chattanooga Lookouts and Triple A Louisville RiverBats. In November, Wright signed as a Minor League free agent with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. He spent the season back with the Durham Bulls, now a Triple A team. Again a Minor League free agent, Wright signed with the Seattle Mariners for the 2002 season. He began the season with the Triple A Tacoma Rainiers. Ron Wright had played eight Minor League seasons with 12 different teams. 

Heading into the 2002 season Wright had played in 666 Minor League games. He hit .261 with 121 Home Runs, 453 RBI, and 361 Runs scored in 2,729 Plate Appearances. Wright had played at every level, Rookie Ball to Triple A. He fought through injuries and the ups and downs of professional baseball. Wright remained one step away from the Majors. The trip from Cheney Stadium to Safeco Field is only 35 miles, but Wright kept fighting to make that drive. 

The bad news in Seattle was future Hall of Fame Edgar Martinez was hurt running to First. Martinez’s injury put a damper on the Mariners early season success. Edgar’s injury was bad news for everyone except Minor League journeyman Ron Wright. He finally got the call to the Big Leagues. The years of toil had paid off. He was heading to the show. 

Ron Wright made to the Majors after a long road through the Minors. (Richard Trask)

It was a pleasant afternoon in Arlington, Texas. It was 76℉ and overcast. Ron Wright had made it to the Majors on Sunday, April 14, 2002. The Mariners were on the road, playing the Rangers at The Ballpark in Arlington. 32,866 fans watched as Seattle’s John Halama faced off against Texas’ Kenny Rogers. Ron Wright was the DH, batting 7th for the Mariners. All was right in the world. 

In the Top of the 2nd, Ron Wright strolled to the plate. This was the moment he had worked so hard for, his first Major League At Bat. Ruben Sierra was standing on Second after a lead off Single and a John Olerud Walk. Wright stepped in the Right Handed Batters Box looking to add to the Mariners 1-0 lead. Kenny Rogers rocked and fired. In the blink of an eye, Wright was walking back to the dugout. Striking out looking on three pitches was not how Wright envisioned his first At Bat in the Big Leagues, but he had stamped his name in the record books as playing in a Major League game. There would be more chances.

The next opportunity for Wright came in the Top of the 4th. Seattle still clung to its 1-0 lead, and Wright could extend the lead. He again came up with Sierra and Olerud on base. Sierra led off with a Double and moved to Third on Olerud’s Single. Wright worked the count to 2-2. On the fifth pitch he swung. The ball bounced to Rogers on the mound who fired to Alex Rodriguez coming over from Shortstop to cover Second for the first Out. Rodriguez then threw home to Catcher Bill Haselman who chased Sierra back towards Third. He tossed the ball to Third Baseman Hank Blalock who chased Sierra back towards Home. Blalock tossed the ball to Rogers who tagged Sierra for the second Out. During the rundown Wright reached First and was advancing towards Second. He was never known for his speed, just nine Stolen Bases in the Minors. After tagging Sierra, Rogers threw to Second Baseman Michael Young who tagged Wright coming into Second for the third Out. The 1-6-2-5-1-4 Triple Play killed the rally, and made Wright’s debut memorable for all the wrong reasons. 

Baseball is about dealing with failure. There are few failures like hitting into a Triple Play. Baseball does not give you long to dwell on your failures. In the Top of the 6th, Wright came up for the third time. He was patient in his first two At Bats, but not this time. The Mariners were trailing 2-1. Again Ruben Sierra was on Second and John Olerud on First. On the first pitch from Rogers, Wright hit the ball to Shortstop Alex Rodriguez to start a Double Play. Sierra moved to Third, but the rally was dead. The frustrating day continued.

Ron Wright never got that fourth At Bat. Manager Lou Piniella sent up Pinch Hitter Mark McLemore in the 7th Inning. His Major League debut was complete. Wright had three At Bats against Kenny Rogers. He saw nine pitches. Made six Outs.  The Mariners won 9-7. The game took 3 hours and 39 minutes. Before the Mariners returned to the field on Monday Ron Wright was back in the Minors. He never returned to the Majors. Wright’s Major League career took less time than it takes to watch Gone With The Wind. 

Was it worth it? Despite one of the worst possible debuts, Ron Wright can proudly say he was a Major League Baseball player. Only 18,039 players before him earned that title. While his career was not what he hoped, Wright made it to the top. He kept grinding. He kept going. The baseball gods rewarded his lifetime of work with one of the strangest days ever on a baseball field. Keep working towards your goals. 

DJ

Bucky: A Story of Baseball in the Deadball Era

Baseball is well covered in literature. The obsession with America’s Pastime has produced many great books. Bucky: A Story of Baseball in the Deadball Era by Fred Veil is no exception. The book is a work of fiction that uses the available historical record to follow Fred “Bucky” Veil through his professional baseball career. 

Bucky Veil found his way to the Major Leagues like many players in the early years of baseball, through skill and luck. Veil was skilled at getting batters out. Pitching for local teams his abilities were undeniable. He began moving up from local leagues to bigger and bigger leagues until the Pittsburgh Pirates signed him. 

The Pirates were coming off a dominant 1902 season in which they easily won the National League Pennant. Early in the season, Bucky felt like he did not belong among these great players. However, like most Rookies, this began to change the better he played. In 1903, Veil pitched in 12 Games, Made 6 Starts, Finished 6 Games, threw 4 Complete Games, with 70.2 Innings Pitched, 35 Runs allowed, 30 Earned Runs, 1 Home Run, 36 Walks, 20 Strikeouts, against 298 Batters Faced, while posting a 5-3 Record, 3.82 ERA, and 1.500 WHIP. Bucky made 1 Start between May 31 and August 2 due to illness. It looked like he was beginning a great career. 

Bucky Veil could have been great if not for illness. (Fred Veil)

Unfortunately, Malaria derailed Bucky’s career. Veil pitched in only one Major League game in 1904. Bad luck hinders many careers. After a year off the mound, Veil returned to pitch for the 1905 and 1906 Columbus Senators of the American Association. He did well, but his time in the Major Leagues was over. 

The story of Bucky Veil’s baseball career is presented in an unique way. Fred Veil writes about his grandfather’s baseball career. This familiar connection allows for a closer connection regarding Veil’s personal life away from the diamond. The humanizing of Veil as he meets and marries his wife and begins his life away from his hometown helps connect readers with the players. We face many of the same challenges, but ballplayers do it under an ever increasing microscope. 

Fred Veil mixes in accurate information with a fictionalized account of his grandfather’s life, including Bucky’s interactions with future Hall of Famers Honus Wagner, Fred Clarke, and Pirates owner Barney Dreyfuss. This blending of fact and fiction create an entertaining story about a player that could easily be lost to history. Readers can simply enjoy the story and fully immerse themselves in this baseball book that is written like so few others.

Bucky: A Story of Baseball in the Deadball Era by Fred Veil is an entertaining read. It helps baseball readers who may not venture into the fiction section very often, expand their literary horizons. Fred Veil has written an excellent book, for which his grandfather would be proud. Fred Veil gives baseball readers something new to enjoy. Bucky: A Story of Baseball in the Deadball Era earns a 7 out of 10, a Triple. 

DJ

Hall of Fame Class of 2024

The Hall of Fame Class of 2024 has been announced. Adrian Beltre, Joe Mauer, and Todd Helton will be joining Jim Leyland in Cooperstown this Summer. Beltre and Mauer are first ballot Hall of Famers, while it took Helton six ballots. Regardless how long it takes a player to reach 75% of the vote, they are a Hall of Famer. They are forever enshrined with the legends of baseball. 

Billy Wagner almost joined Leyland, Beltre, Mauer, and Helton falling just five votes short. 2025 will be Wagner’s 10th and final chance to reach Cooperstown. He should head to the Hall of Fame next Summer. He may not be Mariano Rivera, but he has earned his place among the greats of the game. 

Gary Sheffield will not be on the ballot next year. He is not heading to Cooperstown. He has exhausted his 10 years of Hall of Fame eligibility. Sheffield has the numbers to be a Hall of Famer. He played 22 seasons, 2,576 Games, scored 1,636 Runs, collected 2,689 Hits, including 467 Doubles, 27 Triples, 509 Home Runs, 1,676 RBI, with 253 Stolen Bases, drew 1,475 Walks, 1,171 Strikeouts, posted a .292 BA, .393 OBP, .514 SLG, .907 OPS, 140 OPS+, and 4,737 Total Bases. Sheffield is a nine time All Star, won five Silver Sluggers, the 1992 National League Batting Title, and the 1997 World Series. His wiggling bat is one of the most recognizable in baseball history. The one thing Sheffield could never shake is the connection to PEDs, which have haunted his candidacy. One of the great hitters in baseball history is not heading to Cooperstown and it is a shame. 

After outstanding careers Joe Mauer, Adrian Beltre, and Todd Helton are heading to Cooperstown. (Associated Press)

Reaching the Hall of Fame is not meant for everyone. Eight players failed to receive the 5% to stay on the ballot. Victor Martinez, Jose Bautista, Bartolo Colon, Matt Holliday, Adrian Gonzalez, Brandon Philips, Jose Reyes, and James Shields are not heading to Cooperstown, but these eight players were among the best players of their generation. Players like Bautista and Colon are beloved, but this does not warrant their enshrinement in the Hall of Fame. They fall into the Hall of the Very Good. 

The Class of 2024 will be inducted into the Hall of Fame on July 21 in Cooperstown. Get the tissues ready. Minnesota and Colorado fans have reason to celebrate. Beltre’s election is cause for celebration in Texas and the Dominican Republic. It will be a great day for baseball. 

DJ

The Winning Run 2024 Hall of Fame Ballot

The beginning of the new year means it is time for the annual debate about who is and is not a Hall of Famer. Ultimately only the opinions of Hall of Fame voters matter. They decide who goes to Cooperstown. The BBWAA is the sole voting body for the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Voters must be a member of the BBWAA and meet the following eligibility requirements.

Hall of Fame Voter Eligibility 

  1. Any member of the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA) who has been an active member for ten years.
  2. The BBWAA is limited to writers for newspapers only, including some internet newspapers. 

The BBWAA sets the following rules for how eligible voters can vote. 

  1. Vote for no more than 10 players.
  2. A player is eligible for election to the Baseball Hall of Fame if they meet the following criteria:
    1. They competed in ten seasons. A single game counts as a season played.
    2. The player has been retired for at least five seasons. The clock restarts if the player returns and plays in the Major Leagues.
    3. The player is not on the ineligible list; banned from baseball. 
  3. The player must receive 5% of the vote to remain on the ballot.
  4. The player is elected if they receive at least 75% of all ballots cast. 

In addition to the official voting rules for the Baseball Hall of Fame set forth by the BBWAA, The Winning Run has an additional rule for its ballot. 

  1. Known PED users are ineligible.

Every player dreams of reaching the Major Leagues and playing their way to Cooperstown. However, this dream is a reality for only 1% of Major Leaguers. Thousands of players begin their professional careers dreaming of the Hall of Fame and never spend a single day in the Major Leagues. Reaching the Major Leagues is extremely difficult. Appearing on the Hall of Fame ballot, even for a single year, is reserved for baseball’s elites. Making the ballot is an honor, even if the candidate does not receive a single vote.

The 2024 Hall of Fame ballot has 26 candidates. There are 14 returning candidates and 12 new candidates. The 14 returning candidates are:

  1. Todd Helton- 6th year (72.2%)
  2. Billy Wagner- 9th year (68.1%)
  3. Andruw Jones- 7th year (58.1%)
  4. Gary Sheffield- 10th year (55.0%)
  5. Carlos Beltran- 2nd year (46.5%)
  6. Alex Rodriguez- 3rd year (35.7%)
  7. Manny Ramirez- 8th year (33.2%)
  8. Omar Vizquel- 7th year (19.5%)
  9. Andy Pettitte- 6th year (17.0%)
  10. Bobby Abreu- 5th year (15.4%)
  11. Jimmy Rollins- 3rd year (12.9%)
  12. Mark Buehrle- 4th year (10.8%)
  13. Francisco Rodriguez- 2nd year (10.8%)
  14. Torii Hunter- 4th year (6.9%)

The 12 first time candidates are:

  1. Adrian Beltre
  2. Joe Mauer
  3. Chase Utley
  4. David Wright
  5. Bartolo Colon
  6. Matt Holliday
  7. Adrian Gonzalez
  8. Jose Bautista
  9. Jose Reyes
  10. Victor Martinez
  11. James Shields
  12. Brandon Phillips
Who will go to Cooperstown in July? (National Baseball Hall of Fame)

Following our own rule, 5 of the 26 candidates were removed from consideration due to their connections with PEDs. 

  1. Gary Sheffield
  2. Alex Rodriguez
  3. Manny Ramirez
  4. Andy Pettitte
  5. Bartolo Colon

The sad part of our PED rule is every one of these players posted the necessary numbers to be seriously considered for the Hall of Fame. Their decision to use PEDs has hampered their own election to Cooperstown and left them on the ballot for additional years. These extra years have siphoned votes away from other worthy candidates, harming their Hall of Fame chances through no fault of their own. 

Two players we voted for in 2023 were removed from the ballot. Scott Rolen was elected to the Hall of Fame. Jeff Kent failed to be elected in his 10th and final year of eligibility. This means our 2024 ballot has two open spots. None of the candidates we voted for last year received less than 5%, so the other eight candidates have returned. After much research and debate we arrived at our 10 candidates. 

Adrian Beltre could do it all on a baseball field. The Third Baseman played 21 seasons with 4 teams: Los Angeles Dodgers (1998-2004), Seattle Mariners (2005-2009), Boston Red Sox (2010), and Texas Rangers (2011-2018). He played in 2,933 Games, scored 1,524 Runs, collected 3,166 Hits, including 636 Double, 38 Triples, 477 Home Runs, 1,707 RBI, 121 Stolen Bases, drawing 848 Walks, with 1,732 Strikeouts, posting a .286 BA, .339 OBP, .480 SLG, .819 OPS, 116 OPS+, and 5,309 Total Bases. Beltre won five Gold Gloves, four Silver Sluggers, and was a four time All Star. If elected, Beltre will rank first among Hall of Fame Third Basemen in RBI. He will be second in Hits, Doubles, and RBI. Beltre will have the third most Home Runs. He is a clear cut Hall of Famer. Just make sure you do not touch his head. 

Joe Mauer never left Minnesota. The hometown boy made good. Mauer Caught 15 seasons with the Minnesota Twins (2004-2018). He played in 1,858 Games, scored 1,018 Runs, collected 2,123 Hits, including 428 Doubles, 30 Triples, 143 Home Runs, 923 RBI, 52 Stolen Bases, drawing 939 Walks, with 1,034 Strikeouts, posting a .306 BA, .388 OBP, .439 SLG, .827 OPS, 124 OPS+, and 3,040 Total Bases. He was a six time All Star, won five Silver Sluggers, three Gold Gloves, and three Batting Titles. Mauer was named the 2009 American League MVP. If elected, Mauer will have the most Walks among Hall of Fame Catchers. He will be third in Doubles, fourth in OBP, sixth in Hits, and seventh in BA. Mauer should easily reach Cooperstown. 

Chase Utley put together an outstanding career. He was one of the leaders for the great Phillies teams, including their 2008 World Series championship. The Second Baseman played for two teams in 16 seasons: Philadelphia Phillies (2003-2015) and Los Angeles Dodgers (2015-2018). He played in 1,937 Games, scored 1,103 Runs, collected 1,885 Hits, including 411 Doubles, 58 Triples, 259 Home Runs, 1,025 RBI, 154 Stolen Bases, drawing 724 Walks, with 1,193 Strikeouts, posting a .275 BA, .358 OBP, .465 SLG, .823 OPS, 117 OPS+, and 3,189 Total Bases. Utley was a six time All Star and won four Silver Sluggers. If elected, Utley would rank fifth among Hall of Fame Second Basemen in Home Runs and seventh in SLG and OPS. 

Our ballot has three additions this year. We filled our two open slots with Adrian Beltre and Joe Mauer. We had one player, Jimmy Rollins, replaced by a former teammate, Chase Utley. The choice of Utley over Rollins is extremely close, but Utley is a more deserving candidate. The real issue is both Rollins and Utley are deserving candidates, but the idiotic Rule of 10 once again costs a deserving Hall of Fame candidate votes. If the Rule of 10 was not in place, we would also include Omar Vizquel, Jimmy Rollins, and Torii Hunter on our ballot. Now we wait for the official results for the Hall of Fame class of 2024. Who is heading to Cooperstown in July?

DJ