Tagged: Opening Day
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
Derek | Jesse | John | Bernie | Kevin | Jason | The Winning Run | Reality |
Blue Jays (1) | Steinbrenners (2) | Yankees(2) | Yankees (2) | Maple leafs (2) | Yankees (2) | Yankees (2) | Orioles |
Yankees (5) | Devil Rays (5) | Blue Jays | Blue Jays (4) | Yankees (4) | Blue Jays (4) | Blue Jays (4) | Rays |
Rays | Canadians | Montreal Rays | Orioles | Devil rays (6) | Orioles | Rays | Blue Jays |
Orioles | Bean Eaters | Red Sux | Rays | Bmore | Rays | Orioles | Yankees |
Red Sox | Camden | Orioles | Red Sox | Red Sux | Red Sox | Red Sox | Red 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
Derek | Jesse | John | Bernie | Kevin | Jason | The Winning Run | Reality |
Guardians (3) | (Jeff) Bridges (3) | Guards | White Sox (3) | ChiSox (3) | Cleveland (3) | Guardians (3) | Twins |
White Sox | Twinkies (4) | Twinks | Twins | Flaming Rivers | Twins (5) | White Sox (5) | Tigers |
Twins | Southside | Chisox | Guardians | Twins | Royals | Twins (6) | Guardians |
Tigers | Kittehs | Royals | Tigers | Rawr | White Sox | Tigers | White Sox |
Royals | Monarchs | Tigres | Royals | KC | Tigers | Royals | Royals |
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
Derek | Jesse | John | Bernie | Kevin | Jason | The Winning Run | Reality |
Mariners (2) | Trashtros (1) | Cheaters (1) | Astros (1) | Trashtros (1) | Astros (1) | Astros (1) | Astros |
Astros(4) | Halos (6) | Rangers | Angels (5) | Kraken (5) | Mariners (6) | Mariners | Rangers |
Angels (6) | Submariners | Ohtanis | Rangers (6) | Rangers | Rangers | Angels | Mariners |
Rangers | Brett Marteeen | Mariners | Mariners | Halos | Angels | Rangers | Angels |
Athletics | White Elephants | Las Vegas | Athletics | Las Vegas | Oakland | Athletics | Athletics |
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
Derek | Jesse | John | Bernie | Kevin | Jason | The Winning Run | Reality |
Braves (1) | Braves (2) | Braves | Phillies (3) | Braves (1) | Braves (1) | Braves (2) | Braves |
Mets (4) | Amazins (4) | Mets | Braves (5) | Phillies (5) | Mets (5) | Mets (6) | Phillies |
Phillies | Follies (6) | Phils | Mets | Fish | Phillies | Phillies | Marlins |
Marlins | Fish | Marlins | Nationals | Amazings | Marlins | Marlins | Mets |
Nationals | Gnats | Nats | Marlins | Nats | Nationals | Nationals | Nationals |
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.
National League Central
Derek | Jesse | John | Bernie | Kevin | Jason | The Winning Run | Reality |
Cardinals (3) | Redbirds (3) | Cardinals | Cardinals (2) | Uncle Tickles (3) | Cardinals (4) | Cardinals (1) | Brewers |
Brewers (6) | Brewcrew | Cubbies | Brewers | Cubbies | Brewers (6) | Brewers (5) | Cubs |
Cubs | Harray Carrays | Beers | Cubs | Drunks | Cubs WIN | Cubs | Reds |
Pirates | Cin City | Dreds | Reds | Team of catchers | Reds | Reds | Pirates |
Reds | Buccos | Pirates | Pirates | Pirates | Pirates | Pirates | Cardinals |
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
Derek | Jesse | John | Bernie | Kevin | Jason | The Winning Run | Reality |
Dodgers (2) | Dodger Dogs (1) | Padres | Padres (1) | Dodgers (2) | Padres (2) | Dodgers (3) | Dodgers |
Padres (5) | McD’s (5) | Dodgers | Dodgers (4) | Friars (4) | Dodgers (3) | Padres (4) | Diamondbacks |
Giants | McCovey’s Cove | Dbacks | Giants (6) | Dbacks (6) | Diamondbacks | Giants | Padres |
Diamondbacks | Snecks | Giants | Rockies | Giants | Giants | Diamondbacks | Giants |
Rockies | Coors | Rockies | Diamondbacks | Decisional Front Office | Colorado | Rockies | Rockies |
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
- Kevin- 13
- Jesse- 10
- Jason- 9
- Derek- 8
- John- 8
- The Winning Run- 8
- 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
Derek | Jesse | John | Bernie | Kevin | Jason | The Winning Run | Reality |
Guardians | (Jeff) Bridges | Guards | White Sox | ChiSox | Cleveland | Guardians | Twins |
Angels | Halos | Twinks | Rangers | Devil Rays | Mariners | Twins | Blue Jays |
Astros | Twinkies | Jays | Blue Jays | Yankees | Blue Jays | Blue Jays | Rangers |
Yankees | Devil Rays | Rangers | Angels | Kraken | Twins | White Sox | Rays |
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
Derek | Jesse | John | Bernie | Kevin | Jason | The Winning Run | Reality |
Cardinals | Redbirds | Cards | Phillies | Uncle Tickles | Cardinals | Dodgers | Diamondbacks |
Brewers | Follies | Phils | Giants | Dbacks | Mets | Mets | Brewers |
Mets | Amazins | Dodgers | Dodgers | Friars | Dodgers | Padres | Phillies |
Padres | McD’s | Mets | Braves | Phillies | Brewers | Brewers | Marlins |
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
- Kevin- 17
- Jesse- 16
- John- 16
- Jason- 15
- The Winning Run- 14
- Bernie- 11
- 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
Derek | Jesse | John | Bernie | Kevin | Jason | The Winning Run | Reality |
Blue Jays | Trashtros | Cheaters | Astros | Trashtros | Astros | Astros | Astros |
Astros | Twinkies | Guards | Angels | Kraken | Blue Jays | Blue Jays | Twins |
Mariners | Steinbrenners | Yankees | Yankees | Maple leafs | Yankees | Yankees | Rangers |
Angels | (Jeff) Bridges | Jays | White Sox | Devil Rays | Cleveland | Guardians | Orioles |
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
Derek | Jesse | John | Bernie | Kevin | Jason | The Winning Run | Reality |
Braves | Dodger Dogs | Padres | Padres | Braves | Braves | Cardinals | Diamondbacks |
Padres | Amazins | Cards | Giants | Friars | Mets | Padres | Dodgers |
Dodgers | Braves | Braves | Cardinals | Dodgers | Padres | Braves | Phillies |
Cardinals | Follies | Dodgers | Braves | Dbacks | Dodgers | Dodgers | Braves |
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
- Jesse- 36
- Kevin- 33
- John- 28
- Jason- 27
- The Winning Run- 26
- Derek- 22
- 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
Derek | Jesse | John | Bernie | Kevin | Jason | The Winning Run | Reality |
Blue Jays | Trashtors | Cheaters | Angels | Maple Leafs | Astros | Yankees | Rangers |
Mariners | (Jeff) Bridges | Yankees | Yankees | Kraken | Yankees | Astros | Astros |
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
Derek | Jesse | John | Bernie | Kevin | Jason | The Winning Run | Reality |
Braves | Amazins | Padres | Padres | Braves | Braves | Braves | Diamondbacks |
Dodgers | Braves | Braves | Braves | Dodgers | Dodgers | Padres | Phillies |
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
- Jesse- 44
- John- 36
- Jason- 35
- Kevin- 33
- The Winning Run- 26
- Derek- 22
- 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
Derek | Jesse | John | Bernie | Kevin | Jason | The Winning Run | Reality |
Braves | (Jeff) Bridges | Padres | Yankees | Kraken | Astros | Braves | Rangers |
Blue Jays | Braves | Cheaters | Padres | Braves | Braves | Astros | Diamondbacks |
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
- Jesse- 44
- John- 36
- Jason- 35
- Kevin- 33
- The Winning Run- 26
- Derek- 22
- 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
Managerial Merry Go Round
Every offseason is filled with the managerial merry go round. Teams look for new leadership in the dugout for one reason or another. This offseason is especially busy as eight teams will have someone new filling out the lineup card on Opening Day in 2024. Over a quarter of teams in MLB changed leadership is obviously a lot.
In the past, managers have been given more time to show what they can do. When they were not successful, they were relieved of their duties after proving they were not right for the job. Ownership is no longer willing to wait, baseball is transitioning to a what have you done for me lately philosophy. Teams who want to win are not content with long rebuilds. The time to win is now. It is not better or worse to have a short leash with managers, it is just different. It is better to move on quickly when it becomes clear the wrong person was hired, but it also does not allow managers to reap the benefits of a rebuild. It is a mixed bag, but steady leadership is never a bad thing.
Two of the managerial openings were not shocking. The retirements of Dusty Baker and Terry Francona. Baker has dedicated his life to baseball. The grind takes a toll on people and he felt it was time to step off the diamond. Francona has had health issues the last few years. If you do not have your health, nothing else matters. The Astros search took them to their Bench Coach Joe Espada. The Guardians hired Stephen Vogt, who retired from playing in 2022 and spent last season as the Mariners Bullpen Coach. Houston and Cleveland look to continue their success moving forward, and their need for new managers was due to life happening, not the scoreboard.
The Mets looked unstoppable on paper in Spring Training. Then the season started and it all went wrong. The Mets finished in fourth place, six games under .500, and 29 Games Behind the Braves. Buck Showalter was fired and replaced by Yankees Bench Coach Carlos Mendoza. Can he bring winning back to Queens? Another marque team looking to return to their winning ways got their new manager in a surprising twist. Long time Brewers Manager Craig Counsell was suddenly hired by the division rival Cubs. The move came with the largest annual salary for a manager, $8 million per season. The move meant David Ross was suddenly unemployed and Milwaukee was scrambling to replace Counsell. The Brewers named their Bench Coach Pat Murphy, who coached Counsell in college, as their new manager.
In a similar move, Padres Manager Bob Melvin left San Diego for the division rival Giants. The relationship between Melvin and Padres General Manager A.J. Preller was bad. After a disappointing season for the Padres, with high payroll and even higher expectations, like the Mets, Melvin knew it was time for a change. The escape up the coast to the Bay Area was made possible by the firing of Gabe Kapler after only one trip to the Postseason in his four seasons managing in San Francisco. The Padres turned to Mike Schildt to guide San Diego to October. The managerial opening for the Angels is the most critical for baseball. This is not a dig at Phil Nevin, for whom the Angels declined their 2024 option, but the organization as a whole has failed. Los Angeles continues to waste prime seasons for Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani, if he returns. The best players in baseball should be showcased in October, instead Trout is in Philadelphia watching the Eagles and Ohtani is doing commercials for one of his endorsements. Hopefully the hiring of Ron Washington rights the Angels ship. Washington was terrific in Texas, guiding the team to two American League pennants. He is beloved in Atlanta. A baseball man through and through, Washington’s success in Los Angeles can only mean good things for baseball.
Teams want to win and win now. Call it dysfunction, bad hiring, or an unwillingness to be patient, but teams are not wasting seasons wondering if they hired the right manager. Baseball is a business and part of that business is putting a winning team on the field. This high turnover is a sign teams are trying to win, even if the turmoil extends into the front office. Looking at you White Sox and Marlins. Sustained dysfunction is a killer for any franchise. Even when everything and everyone works together, creating a winning baseball team is extremely difficult.
The 2023 season had some spectacularly disappointing teams. Perhaps some of the most disappointing of all time. Many of those teams are making changes this Winter. Time will tell if these changes create winners, or if the manager is the first of many changes. Around and around we go.
DJ
Predictions Sure To Go Wrong 8.0
We are getting a 162 game season after all. Despite the offseason drama, baseball is settling back into normalcy. The new CBA is in place and medical science is catching up with the pandemic, allowing baseball to continue uninterrupted. The offseason lockout meant the free agent and trade markets were condensed. This created a buzz around certain teams. Were these off season moves enough to bring them a World Series championship? Time will tell.
American League East
Derek | Jesse | John | Kevin | Bernie | The Winning Run |
Blue Jays | Poutine Commandos * | Yankees | Jays | Rays | Blue Jays |
Rays | Steve Irwin Hates This Team | Jays | Rays | Yankees | Rays |
Yankees | Evil Empire | Sox | Yankees | Red Sox | Yankees |
Red Sox | The Team With the Truest Fans | Rays | Red Sux | Blue Jays | Red Sox |
Orioles | Bean Town Bros | Orioles | Orioles | Orioles | Orioles |
Easily the toughest division in baseball. At least one of the Wild Card teams will come out of the American League East. Besides the Orioles, the other four teams all have a legitimate chance at the Postseason. Is there a more talented team than the Blue Jays? Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is a legitimate MVP candidate for the next decade. Bo Bichette, Cavan Biggio, and George Springer with the additions of Hyun Jin-Ryu, Matt Chapman, and Raimel Tapia add the firepower that could bring the World Series back to Canada. The American League East runs through Toronto. Only a fool would count out the Rays. Tampa Bay always finds a way to win on a budget. The Rays have Wander Franco under contract for the next decade. Can they attract talent at the Major League level, not just what they have stockpiled in the Minors? As always the expectations are sky high for the Yankees. The free spending days of George Steinbrenner are gone. Aaron Judge remains unsigned long term. He is the logical face of the franchise moving forward. Will Brian Cashman lock up Judge or face the wrath of the fanbase that is eager to make a serious run at a World Series? The other questions in the Bronx is can the pitching staff and Giancarlo Stanton stay healthy? The Red Sox added Trevor Story, moving him to Second Base as insurance if Xander Bogaerts leaves in free agency. Chris Sale is out with a stress fracture in his ribs. As great as Boston could be, they are in baseball’s toughest division. The expanded Postseason could help them reach October in a deep AL East, but we doubt it. Can the Orioles be eliminated before Opening Day?
American League Central
Derek | Jesse | John | Kevin | Bernie | The Winning Run |
White Sox | Daniel Tigers | Sox | White Sox | White Sox | White Sox |
Tigers | Spiders | Twins | Tigers | Tigers | Tigers |
Twins | South Side | Tigers | Twins | Twins | Twins |
Royals | Monarchs | Of The Galaxy | Guardians | Guardians | Guardians |
Guardians | Twinkies | Royals | Royals | Royals | Royals |
The White Sox did not mutiny against Tony La Russa last season. Perhaps the clash of old and new school was overblown. Chicago returns all of their stars including Jose Abreu and Tim Anderson. You can have all the style you want when you are winning, and the White Sox will do plenty of that. The Tigers have a chance to make a World Series push with Miguel Cabrera. The signing of Javy Baez and trading for Austin Meadows. The pieces are there. The question is can Detroit rise to its potential? The Twins look to bounce back from a last place finish. They added Carlos Correa and Chris Paddack, with the hopes of Byron Buxton staying healthy. Some pieces are in place, but climbing to the top of the Central is getting tougher. New name, but Cleveland will be a sad place to watch baseball in 2022. The Guardians have little to offer their fans beyond Jose Ramierez and Shane Bieber. This was not the beginning of the Guardians’ name Cleveland wanted. Kansas City has the old and the young. Zack Grienke is back and Salvador Perez never left. Bobby Witt Jr. is the next great Royal, it is assumed. Whit Merrifield continues to be quietly great. Things are turning around in Kansas City, but there is a long way to go.
American League West
Derek | Jesse | John | Kevin | Bernie | The Winning Run |
Mariners | Trouts * | Astros | Astros | Angels | Astros |
Astros | Trashtros | Halos | Angels | Mariners | Angels |
Angels | Elephants | Rangers | Marines | Astros | Mariners |
Rangers | Captain Ahabs | Kraken | Rangers | Rangers | Rangers |
Athletics | Dangers | Las Vegas | Athletics | Athletics | A’s |
Have the Astros finally come to the end of their incredible, but controversial, run. George Springer, Carlos Correa, and Zack Greinke are gone. Only Jose Altuve remains. Justin Verlander is back and Kyle Tucker continues to impress. Despite the departures, Houston is still in the hunt for the AL West crown. The Angels are the most difficult team to win team MVP. If Mike Trout stays healthy, he and Shohei Ohtani could be first and second for the American League MVP. The biggest question in Anaheim is can these two talents propel the Angels to the Postseason. 90 wins was not enough for the second Wild Card last season. Despite Seattle’s disappointment and Kyle Seager’s retirement, the young team gained valuable experience. Top prospect Julio Rodriguez will begin the season in Seattle. The Mariners traded for Adam Frazier, Eugenio Suarez, and Jesse Winker. The reigning American League Cy Young winner, Robbie Ray, signed with Seattle. Put these newcomers together with the core already in place and the Postseason drought could finally end. Texas has a beautiful new ballpark and a brand new Double Play combination in Marcus Semien and Corey Seager. The Rangers are still missing almost everything else to be a contender. Texas will be better this season, but will not even contend in the division. The foundation has been laid. Ranger fans need patience, winning will come soon. The Athletics are barely a Major League team. Can you actually name a player left in Oakland?
National League East
Derek | Jesse | John | Kevin | Bernie | The Winning Run |
Braves | Bravos * | Reigning | Phillies | Braves | Braves |
Phillies | Amazins | Phillies | Braves | Mets | Phillies |
Mets | Fish | Mets | Marlins | Phillies | Mets |
Marlins | Phollies | Marlins | Mets | Marlins | Marlins |
Nationals | Gnats | Nationals | Nationals | Nationals | Nationals |
The Braves will try to repeat after losing Freddie Freeman to the Dodgers. Losing the face of the franchise usually kills any World Series hopes. However, the return of Ronald Acuna Jr, and the best infield in baseball of Ozzie Albies, Dansby Swanson, and Austin Riley should help Matt Olson settle in as Atlanta attempts to defend. The City of Brotherly Love is ready to win. The additions of Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos creates a high powered Phillies offense. They already have a good rotation. If all the pieces click, Philadelphia will be a serious contender. If they do not, it could be a long, ugly season. The Mets are gonna Mets. Despite having Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer as baseball’s best one two starting pitching punch, the summer boils down to the health of the two aces. Scherzer has a small tweak, while deGrom could miss several months. The season is already hanging in the balance. Derek Jeter is gone. It seems like he walked away after it became clear Miami was not trying to win. The Marlins have their annual roster of good, young players. Year after year Miami has future stars, and this year is no different. The question is will this group, including Sandy Alcantara, mesh together before they are all traded away. The Nationals are rebuilding. They sold off almost everything for prospects. The biggest question in Washington is can the Nationals rebuild fast enough to convince Juan Soto to stay long term.
National League Central
Derek | Jesse | John | Kevin | Bernie | The Winning Run |
Brewers | Little Red Machine | Miller | Brewers | Cardinals | Brewers |
Cardinals | Et Tu Brew Crew? | Cards | Cardinals | Brewers | Cardinals |
Reds | Buccos | Reds? | Reds | Cubs | Reds |
Cubs | Harry Caray’s | Cubs | Cubs | Reds | Cubs |
Pirates | The only one I know is Votto | Roster spot | Pirates | Pirates | Pirates |
The National League Central is the weakest division in baseball. The Pirates, Cubs, and Reds are all rebuilding. The Cardinals are about to begin rebuilding. Only the Brewers are set up for success now and long term. Andrew McCutchen continues playing at a high level and adds more fire power to the Brewers lineup. Milwaukee has the best pitching staff from the rotation through the bullpen in baseball. If Christian Yelich bounces back there may not be a National League team that can stop the Brewers. Cardinals fans have one last season with Albert Pujols, Yadier Molina, and Adam Wainwright. It is more than a goodbye tour. St. Louis can contend for the National League Central crown and make a deep run in October. In baseball’s weakest division, the Reds can still contend. Cincinnati gutted itself. Eugenio Suarez, Jesse Winker, Sonny Gray, Tucker Barnhardt, and Amir Garrett are all gone. Spring Training for Joey Votto was full of new faces, like he was traded to a new team. He has been stuck on bad team after bad team, yet continues to build a possible Hall of Fame resume. The Cubs are at ground zero of their rebuild. The hope of keeping one or two of their championship pieces in Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, and Javy Baez is dead. They are all gone. The biggest draw on the northside of Chicago will be Wrigley Field. The Cubs are hoping it does not take 108 years to win their next World Series. Maybe the Pirates are rebuilding, but rebuilding means trying to win.
National League West
Derek | Jesse | John | Kevin | Bernie | The Winning Run |
Dodgers | McDoubles * | Dodgers | Dodgers | Dodgers | Dodgers |
Giants | Bigguns | Padres | Giants | Padres | Padres |
Padres | L7 Weenies | Giants | Padres | Giants | Giants |
Rockies | John Denvers | Diamonds | Rockies | Rockies | Rockies |
Diamondbacks | Why bother showing up | Sadness | Diamondbacks | Diamondbacks | Diamondbacks |
The Dodgers are the George Steinbrenner Yankees without the outspoken owner. They are willing to spend big money to win. They have been one of the best teams over the last several seasons before signing Freddie Freeman. They replaced Kenley Jansen with Craig Kimbrel. Los Angeles is an early World Series favorite for sure. San Diego is easily the team with the most talent in the National League. Fernando Tatis Jr. should be in the MVP conversation every year. Manny Machado is a veteran but has plenty of great years ahead of him. Last season the Padres wilted under the pressure. Can they play with the best teams this season or will they wilt again? Carlos Rodon adds more firepower to the Giants rotation that outpaced the Dodgers in the Regular Season in 2021. Buster Posey’s retirement and Kris Bryant’s departure in free agency hurts, but San Francisco remains dangerous. The New York and now California rivalry is as hot as ever. Kris Bryant should sell tickets. The Rockies are hoping his draw lasts all season, as there is little hope for October in Colorado this season. Rocktober is the shortest month of the year, but it will not happen this year. The puzzling moves by the Rockies Front Office continue. If only Nolan Arenado and Trevor Story still played at Coors Field. Improving is relative in Arizona. If the Diamondbacks can avoid 100 losses in 2022 the season should be considered a success. They locked up Ketel Marte long term, but the Diamondbacks need much more to even reach .500.
Postseason
The Postseason is the Wild West. The expanded Wild Card means a team can play average all season and then get hot in the last month of the Regular Season. They then carry that hot streak through October to the World Series parade. The beauty of October baseball is its unpredictability. Chaos reigns supreme.
American League Wild Card
Derek | Jesse | John | Kevin | Bernie | The Winning Run | |
AL Wild Card 1 | Yankees | Daniel Tigers | Chisox | White Sox | White Sox | Rays |
Blue Jays | Trashtros | BoSox | Tigers | Tigers | Angels | |
AL Wild Card 2 | Rays | Steve Irwin Hates This Team | Jays | Rays | Yankees | Tigers |
Astros | Evil Empire | Twins | Yankess | Mariners | Astros |
National League Wild Card
Derek | Jesse | John | Kevin | Bernie | The Winning Run | |
NL Wild Card 1 | Braves | Little Red Machine | Cards | Brewers | Cardinals | Braves |
Cardinals | Et Tu Brew Crew | Padres | Padres | Giants | Padres | |
NL Wild Card 2 | Phillies | Bigguns | Brewers | Giants | Mets | Cardinals |
Giants | L7 Weenies | Phillies | Braves | Padres | Phillies |
American League Divisional Series
Derek | Jesse | John | Kevin | Bernie | The Winning Run | |
ALDS 1 | Blue Jays | Poutine Commandos | Yankees | Jays | Rays | Blue Jays |
Mariners | Trashtros | Jays | Rays | Tigers | Rays | |
ALDS 2 | Rays | Trouts | Astros | White Sox | Angels | White Sox |
White Sox | Steve Irwin Hates This Team | Chisox | Astros | Yankees | Astros |
National League Divisional Series
NLDS 1 | Derek | Jesse | John | Kevin | Bernie | The Winning Run |
Brewers | Bravos | Dodgers | Dodgers | Dodgers | Dodgers | |
Braves | Bigguns | Brewers | Giants | Padres | Cardinals | |
NLDS 2 | Dodgers | McDoubles | Braves | Phillies | Braves | Brewers |
Giants | Et Tu Brew Crew | Cards | Brewers | Cardinals | Braves |
American League Championship Series
Derek | Jesse | John | Kevin | Bernie | The Winning Run | |
ALCS | Blue Jays | Poutine Commandos | Yankees | Rays | Rays | White Sox |
White Sox | Steve Irwin Hates This Team | Astros | White Sox | Angels | Rays |
National League Championship Series
Derek | Jesse | John | Kevin | Bernie | The Winning Run | |
NLCS | Brewers | Bravos | Braves | Dodgers | Dodgers | Dodgers |
Giants | McDoubles | Dodgers | Phillies | Cardinals | Braves |
World Series
World Series | Derek | Jesse | John | Kevin | Bernie | The Winning Run |
Blue Jays | Bravos | Yankess | Dodgers | Dodgers | White Sox | |
Brewers | Steve Irwin Hates This Team | Braves | Rays | Angels | Dodgers | |
Champion | Blue Jays | Bravos | Yankees in 7 | Dodgers in 6 | Angels | White Sox |
Congratulations to your 2022 World Series champions, the Chicago White Sox. We are for sure wrong with these predictions. Sure we nailed the Braves winning the 2021 World Series, but that was luck. Time will tell if our luck holds out in 2022.
Happy Baseball.
DJ, JJ, JB, BL, and KB
The Return
Baseball is back. Opening Day and the first week of the season have provided plenty of highlights. Albert Pujols returning to St. Louis. Seth Beer hitting a walk off Home Run on National Beer Day. Steven Kwan hitting out of this world. Hunter Greene making his long awaited debut.
The true beauty of baseball is it allows us, the fans, to suspend the daily stresses of life and just enjoy a game. The beginning of the season is full of hope. Anything is possible. Everyone has a chance to win, everything is perfect. Sure the weather is not always great, but plenty of fans have bundled to watch players ply their craft. Come July and August people will wish for the cooler weather. No matter how you enjoy baseball, the game is approachable for everyone. Whether you are an obsessive fan who lives and dies on each pitch, a casual fan who checks the scores and watches a game from time to time, or the passerby who knows baseball is happening and goes to socialize at a few games a season. However you enjoy it, baseball is great.
Life is better with baseball. Everyday you get up and do what you have to for yourself and family, and baseball is there for you. The game does not judge. It treats everyone the same. Fans and players enjoy the highs and endure the lows. Baseball, and life, can humble you in an instant. It is difficult to be successful in baseball. Even if you hit the ball well, you are not guaranteed success. A defender can make a great play to deny you a hit. You have to keep swinging, eventually you will find success.
Welcome back baseball.
DJ
Not Opening Day
Today should be Opening Day. For the second time in three seasons Opening Day is delayed. Opening Day 2020 was delayed because of a deadly global pandemic. Opening Day 2022 is delayed because of the greed and stupidity of the owners. Instead of working all winter to resolve the expired CBA, the owners waited until the last minute to put the screws to the players. The owners wanted 60 games in the 2020 season and they waited and stalled until they got it. The owners waited and stalled until the last possible minute to create a 162 game schedule this season. The CBA is in place and the owners and players still hate each other. Baseball’s labor goodwill is dead, but Opening Day is coming. Ultimately the week delay for Opening Day will be made up with doubleheaders and adding a few days to the end of the season. Preplanned doubleheaders should return to baseball, just ask Ernie Banks.
Opening Day is special. The season ahead is full of endless possibilities. Teams destined to finish last still have hope. Teams aiming for the World Series are full of optimism. Fans too believe anything is possible for their team and the season ahead.
Opening Day in March is always odd. Baseball should begin in April and end in October. Stretching the season into the last week of March and first week of October creates too much cold baseball. Snow is possible in many cities in early April, let’s avoid some of those March snow outs.
Knowing Opening Day is just around the corner is comforting. Baseball is returning. The best players in the world will soon take the field and provide us a summer of highlights, debate, and fun. Aside from the few tanking teams, baseball is unique in that the vast majority of teams have a chance to win a championship. Sure the Dodgers are favored, but they are not guaranteed. The addition of a Freddie Freeman, Carlos Correa, or Corey Seager does not instantly alter the fortunes of a team. They help, but if a baseball team was reliant on one or two superstars the Angels would have multiple World Series rings by now. Baseball is fickle, but this is also why it is the greatest game. Even on a day like today when we should be glued to our seats, TVs, and/or radios for Opening Day the wait is worth it, because baseball makes everything better.
DJ
Yadier Molina Marches On
The Opening Week of the baseball season was full of stories. The All Star Game being pulled from Atlanta, Miguel Cabrera’s Home Run in the snow, Yermin Mercedes going 8 for 8, benches clearing in Cincinnati, Joe Musgrove’s No Hitter, and so much more. What was lost in the excitement is Yadier Molina continues to catch for the Cardinals.
Molina has made 17 consecutive Opening Day starts for St. Louis, the most for one team. He tails only Ivan Rodriguez and his 20 consecutive Opening Day starts, but Rodriguez started for multiple teams during his Hall of Fame career. Making 17 consecutive Opening Day starts is an impressive feat, as only a select few players remain in the Majors for close to two decades. Every position has its own demands, but none demand more than catcher. The toll from squatting alone is enough to shorten plenty of careers. Then add in the abuse from blocking balls in the dirt, getting hit by foul balls, and rocked by bats on the follow through. Baseball did change the rules about running into the catcher, but Molina survived the first half of his career before Rule 7.13, the Buster Posey Rule, was instituted. Beyond the physical abuse, catchers also have the added responsibility of calling pitches. Catchers are a different breed.
Surviving the abuse has not made Molina timid. He never shies away from confrontation when he feels it is necessary. Molina came to the aid of his pitcher as Cincinnati’s Nick Castellanos stood over Jake Woodford after scoring on a Wild Pitch. It is not the first time Molina has defended his team against the Reds. He confronted Brandon Phillips after the Cincinnati second baseman had some less than flattering things to say about the Cardinals. That confrontation sparked an all out brawl. Molina is willing to fight anyone who disrespects him or his team, including Diamondbacks Manager Torey Lovullo. The St. Louis catcher never backs down.
There are numerous other examples of Molina standing up for himself and his team. He may not be loved across baseball, but every team wishes he had spent his career wearing their uniform. He remains a master of his craft in what could be his final season. Yadier Molina’s record setting Opening Day start did not garner all the headlines, but it is another line on his Hall of Fame resume.
DJ
Predictions Sure To Go Wrong 7.0
Baseball is back. The 162 game Regular Season grind is back. So too is the unpredictability of the season. No single player can dominate so completely that they carry their team to a World Series title. Baseball is different, the best player does not always come to bat with the game on the line. The Angels would love to send Mike Trout to the plate in every big moment, but that is not how baseball works. The game is back to normal and if we know anything our predictions will foretell what will not happen this season. Your guess is as good as ours for the 2021 season.
American League East
Derek | Jesse | John Moving Co. | Kevin | Bernie | The Winning Run |
Yankees | God’s Waiting Room | Yankees | Yankees | Yankees | Yankees |
Rays | Spankies | Dudein Jays | Rays | Poutine | Rays |
Snow Birds | Sorrys | Devil Rays | Florida Birds | Rays | Blue Jays |
Red Sox | Baltimore | Sad Birds | Red Sux | Racists | Red Sox |
Dead Bird | Sox | Fenways | Bmore | Oh Dear | Orioles |
The American League East is the Yankees to lose. Gerrit Cole makes any team better, but New York signed him to be the workhorse in October. If the training staff can keep the pinstripes healthy the rest of the division is in trouble. The Tampa Bay Rays seemed to get worse by trading away Blake Snell. However, it is hard to count the Rays out as they seem to find underrated players who exceed expectations and put Tampa in the thick of the Postseason race. The biggest question for Tampa is will they have a World Series hangover. The Toronto Blue Jays could be snow birds for the entire season. There has been no official word on when the team can return to Canada. They will play their home games in Dunedin, Florida for the foreseeable future. Cavan Biggio, Bo Bichette, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will provide plenty of excitement wherever they play. The Red Sox traded away Andrew Benintendi and lost Jackie Bradley Jr. to the Brewers in free agency to complete the teardown of one of the most exciting outfields in recent memory. Boston fans are still excited about the financial flexibility the Mookie Betts trade gave them. Baltimore is a great baseball town. The Orioles are in the middle of a painful rebuild. They will not contend this season, but Baltimore is on the rise…finally.
American League Central
Derek | Jesse | John Moving Co. | Kevin | Bernie | The Winning Run |
Black Sox | Twinkies | ChiSox | ChiSox | Twins | White Sox |
Twinkies | South Siders | Twinkletittes | Twinkles | White Sox | Twins |
Monarchs | Team to be named later | Quarter Pounders | Cleveland | Royals | Royals |
Spiders | Tigers | Cleveland Footbal team | Royals | Spiders | Spiders |
Motor City Kitties | Monarchs | Detroit Why Am I Heres | Tigers | Tigers | Tigers |
The South Side of Chicago will have plenty of fireworks. The reigning American League MVP in Jose Abreu. The always exciting Tim Anderson. A pitching staff that can compete with any team in baseball. Can Tony La Russa harness Chicago’s potential or will a clash between old school and new school derail the White Sox. The Minnesota Twins continue to be a great Regular Season team. Their signing of Andrelton Simmons might be the most underrated free agent move of the offseason. Can they figure out a winning formula in October? Kansas City has quietly built a solid team on a budget. Signing and trading for Mike Minor, Andrew Benintendi, and Carlos Santana with Whit Merrifield and Salvador Perez already on the roster will create plenty of wins for the Royals. Is it enough to compete with the White Sox and Twins for the division? Cleveland could be a very good team, but in a tough division good is not good enough. They still have Jose Ramirez and Shane Bieber, but the team needs more if they want to contend. The Detroit Tigers continue rebuilding. Miguel Cabrera’s continued ascent up the record books will draw fans. Wins will be difficult to come by, but the Tigers have a bright future ahead, but Detroit should not expect a trip to the Postseason in 2021.
American League West
Derek | Jesse | John Moving Co. | Kevin | Bernie | The Winning Run |
Moneyball | White Elephants | LA’s other team | A’s | Beane Ballers | Athletics |
Trout | Houston Astr-hos | Moneyball | Trash Cans | Angels | Angels |
Trash Cans | Angels | Cheaters | Angels | Cheaters | Astros |
Ranger Danger | Nolan Ryan Hot Dogs | Sea hags | Starbucks | Mariners | Mariners |
Mariners | Griffey Used to Play Here | Agent Zeros | Chuck Norris | Rangers | Rangers |
Could this be the year the Astros lose their grip on the division? George Springer is gone and Justin Verlander is out with Tommy John surgery. Houston is still a competitive team, but the division is catching up. Bang the trash can slowly. Oakland has a dynamic duo in Matt Olson and Matt Chapman. The young and hungry A’s are built to compete and the team is posed to deliver. Mike Trout deserves better. The best player in baseball for almost a decade has been stuck in Los Angeles as the Angels keep turning potential into disappointment. Shohei Ohtani is healthy and Albert Pujols can still hit. The Angels owe it to Mike Trout to finally deliver him to the Postseason, but he cannot do it alone. This was not the offseason Seattle wanted. The ire of an entire sport focused on the stupidity spewed by their now former President and CEO about the team’s young talent has not set the team up for success. The Mariners have not played in October since 2001. Seattle has drafted and signed prospects that appear set to be the future stars for the Mariners. The Robinson Cano signing told Seattle it cannot rely on a single player with a monster contract. Lesson learned, they are a few seasons away from winning. It will be a long hot summer in Texas. The Rangers have some good pieces, but not enough to matter. At least their new stadium has a roof so the players and fans do not cook in the Texas heat.
National League East
Derek | Jesse | John Moving Co. | Kevin | Bernie | The Winning Run |
Braves | Bravos | Atlanta Ballclub | Braves | Bravos | Bravos |
Mets | Gnats | Cohens | Marlins | Mets | Mets |
Nats | Fish | Florida Fish | Mets | Marlins | Marlins |
Marlins | Amazins | 2019 Champs | Nats | Nationals | Nats |
Phanatics | Phollies | Sad Harpers | Phillies | Phillies | Phillies |
The National League East is the toughest division in baseball. Atlanta was 1 game away from the World Series last year. Instead of hoping for better results the Braves got better by signing Charlie Morton and will get Mike Soroka back from his torn Achilles. Their offense is led by reigning National League MVP Freddie Freeman and future MVP Ronald Acuna Jr. The Amazin’s are a force to reckon with, especially after adding Francisco Lindor, Marcus Stroman, Carlos Carrasco, and Taijuan Walker. The question is can the Mets win enough. The Marlins have finally built a team internally. Miami bought two World Series championships but those were short term successes followed by fire sales and long rebuilds. The young Marlins will be fun to watch and are building towards October. The Nationals may have the best rotation in baseball. The keys for Washington are keeping everyone healthy and can the offense, besides Juan Soto, keep up with the pitching. Philadelphia has Bryce Harper, but one player cannot put an entire team on his back. The Phillies will be good, but in a deep division they could be the best last place team in baseball.
National League Central
Derek | Jesse | John Moving Co. | Kevin | Bernie | The Winning Run |
Red Birds | Cincy…..why not? | Arenados | Miller Time | Cardinals | Cardinals |
Red Legs | Cards | Drink pretty good | Cardinals | Brewers | Brewers |
Brew Crew | Brewcroods | Shitcago | Reds | Cubs | Reds |
Teddy Bears | Buccaroonies | Cincincincin….. | Cubbies | Reds | Cubs |
Burn the Ships | Northsiders | Nice stadiums | Bonds’ ex-gf | Jack Sparrows | Pirates |
Yadier Molina is an ageless wonder. 17 seasons behind the plate for the Cardinals and he is still among the best catchers in baseball. St. Louis is set at the corners with Paul Goldschmidt and the nearly acquired Nolan Arenado. The Central crown runs through St. Louis. Milwaukee got better by signing Kolten Wong away from their divisional rival Cardinals. The Brewers are one of the more underrated teams in baseball and have a real chance at the Postseason in an already tight division. Cincinnati made it back to the Postseason in the shortened 2020 season. The Reds have the pitching and offense to return this season. The division may be too difficult to win, but the Wild Card is within reach. This could be the final season of Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, and Javier Baez at Wrigley. Looming free agency makes it nearly impossible for Chicago to retain all three players long term. The Cubs will be good, but change is coming. The Pirates are barely a Major League team. It was a little surprising MLB did not cull them with the other Minor League teams this winter. They have a projected team payroll of $46 million, with nearly a quarter of it tied to Gregory Polanco. Ke’Bryan Hayes provides hope for the future but the Postseason is out of the question.
National League West
Derek | Jesse | John Moving Co. | Kevin | Bernie | The Winning Run |
Dodgers | You want a hot apple pie with that? | Betts | Dodgers | Padres | Dodgers |
Daddy | The over hyped LA team | Padres | Padres | Scullys | Padres |
Snakes | SILVER BULLET!!!!!!!! | Gents | Giants | Rattlers | Giants |
Jolly Greens | Scam Fram Bricso | Quarterbacks | Dbacks | Giants | Diamonbacks |
Rockie Mt High | I’m a snake | It Smoke Pretty Good | Rockies | Rock Bottoms | Rockies |
The reigning and defending World Series champions will return to October, but can they fend off the Padres. The championship team is back and will continue racking up wins. Clayton Kershaw is no longer the only pitcher Los Angeles can depend on in the Postseason, the Dodgers should make a deep run to defend their crown. San Diego is built for success now and in the future. Fernando Tatis Jr., Eric Hosmer, Manny Machado, and Chris Paddack are tough to beat every time they take the field. The race for the West will be fun to watch. The gap between the top and bottom of the division is huge. Few teams were as high as the Giants a decade ago, but that is the past now. The rebuild continues in the back end of Buster Posey’s career. How long will he continue playing is unknown, but he is already a San Francisco legend. Arizona is not a bad team, but can they compete with the titans on the coast? The Diamondbacks have plenty of good players, including an underrated Ketel Marte, but they lack a superstar to compete in October. The Rockies managed to enrage their entire fanbase with a single move, trading away Nolan Arenado. Every team makes tough roster decisions, but Colorado decided it was best to rid themselves of the best Third Baseman in baseball and keep a General Manager that has not shown any ability to put a winning team on the field. Yes Trevor Story is still on the team, but his impending free agency will see him shipped out before the season is over. Once Story is gone what is left to build around? Get ready for a long and brutal rebuild Colorado fans.
Postseason
The Poseseason is a roll of the dice. A team can come in hot and suddenly turn cold and be gone. A team struggling can suddenly find their footing and go on a tear. The beauty of October baseball is that it is more unpredictable than the Regular Season.
American League Wild Card
Derek | Jesse | John Moving Co. | Kevin | Bernie | The Winning Run | |
AL Wild Card | Rays | Yankees | Jays | Rays | White Sox | Twins |
Twins | Southsiders | Rays | Twinkles | Blue Jays | Rays |
National League Wild Card
Derek | Jesse | John Moving Co. | Kevin | Bernie | The Winning Run |
Mets | Gnats | Padres | Marlins | Dodgers | Padres |
Padres | The over hyped LA team | Mets | Padres | Mets | Brewers |
American League Divisional Series
Derek | Jesse | John Moving Co. | Kevin | Bernie | The Winning Run |
Rays | White Elephants | Yankees | Yankees | Athletics | Yankees |
Black Sox | Southsiders | Sox | Rays | White Sox | Rays |
Yankees | Twinkies | As | A’s | Yankees | A’s |
Moneyball | God’s Waiting Room | Jays | ChiSox | Twins | White Sox |
National League Divisional Series
Derek | Jesse | John Moving Co. | Kevin | Bernie | The Winning Run |
Dodgers | Bravos | Dodgers | Dodgers | Bravos | Dodgers |
Padres | Gnats | Cincy | Padres | Dodgers | Padres |
Braves | Cincy…..why not? | Padres | Braves | Cardinals | Braves |
Cardinals | You want a hot apple pie with that? | Cards | Miller Time | Padres | Cardinals |
American League Championship Series
Derek | Jesse | John Moving Co. | Kevin | Bernie | The Winning Run |
Black Sox | White Elephants | Yankees | Yankees | Yankees | Yankees |
Rays | Twinkies | ChiSox | ChiSox | White Sox | White Sox |
National League Championship Series
Derek | Jesse | John Moving Co. | Kevin | Bernie | The Winning Run |
Braves | Bravos | Dodgers | Braves | Cardinals | Braves |
Padres | You want a hot apple pie with that? | Padres | Padres | Braves | Padres |
World Series
Derek | Jesse | John Moving Co. | Kevin | Bernie | The Winning Run |
Black Sox | Bravos | Yankees | Yankees | Cardinals | Braves |
Braves | Twinkies | Dodgers | Braves | Yankees | Yankees |
Braves | Bravos | Yankees | Yankees | Cardinals | Braves |
Congratulations to the 2021 World Series Champions, the Atlanta Braves. We will find out just how wrong our predictions were in October. None of us have high hopes that we were right. Happy Opening Day!
DJ, JJ, JB, BL, and KB
The Fourth Lousy Day of Baseball Christmas
On the Fourth Lousy Day of Baseball Christmas the baseball gods sent to me: the most Innings Pitched without a Win or Save, the most Games Managed without finishing first, the most Home Runs without a Triple, and the most Complete Games without a Shutout.
Bob Moorhead made it to the Majors. Unfortunately his reward was pitching for the 1962 New York Mets. He was one of the intrepid men who struggled through that inaugural season, winning just 40 games. The return of National League baseball to New York City was far from grand. Moorhead pitched in 47 Games and 119.2 Innings for the 1962 and 1965 Mets and was never credited with a Win or Save. Saves did not become an official MLB stat until 1969, but the early Mets were looking for any good news. He holds the dubious honor of pitching the most innings without a Win or Save.
The 1962 Mets were a walking, talking disaster. Moorhead made the Opening Day roster for the Amazins. He appeared in 38 Games, with 7 Starts, 11 Games Finished, 105.1 Innings Pitched, 42 Walks, 63 Strikeouts, with a 0-2 record, 4.53 ERA, 1.519 WHIP, and 92 ERA+. The Mets went 6-32 when Moorhead pitched, including four wins in games he started. In those starts, Moorhead pitched at least 5 Innings and allowed 4 Earned Runs or less. The bumbling Mets trailed or were tied when he left the mound.
The summer almost had a silver lining for Moorhead. On August 30 Mets Manager Casey Stengel summoned him from the bullpen to protect a 5-3 8th inning lead. The bases were loaded for Don Demeter who promptly launched a 1-2 pitch beyond the Leftfield wall. Moorhead was pulled, having blown his only career Save opportunity. The Phillies won 8-7. Baseball can be cruel.
After two seasons in the Minors, Moorhead returned to Queens in 1965. He appeared in 9 Games in relief, with 3 Games Finished, pitched 14.1 innings, with 5 walks, 5 strikeouts, a 0-1 record, 4.40 ERA, 1.465 WHIP, and 82 ERA+. The Mets went 0-9, as he pitched mainly in blowouts. Moorhead’s Major League career was brief and largely unremarkable, yet his baseball legacy lives on.
Brief careers are routine in baseball. Injury or ineffectiveness are the usual culprits. Bob Moorhead finished his career after pitching in 47 Games, making 7 Starts, 14 Games Finished, 119.2 Innings Pitched, 47 Walks, 68 Strikeouts, with a 0-3 record, 4.51 ERA, 1.513 WHIP, and 91 ERA+. He reached the top of the game, but played for terrible Mets teams. A good pitcher can only help a bad team so much. Moorhead holds the record for most Innings Pitched without recording a Win or Save. Baseball is unforgiving.
Happy Fourth Lousy Day of Baseball Christmas.
DJ
Opening Day
Yesterday was Opening Night. Today is Opening Day. Baseball is back after an extremely long layoff thanks to Covid-19. MLB is attempting to play a 60 game Regular Season and Postseason. The return of baseball remains near the bottom of importance during a global pandemic. However, the distraction it can provide is welcome for everyone seeking a bit of normalcy during a chaotic time. Time will tell if MLB is able to make it through the full 60 games and Postseason or if the pandemic once again forces the game to stop. Baseball has done itself few favors since shutting down Spring Training. Issues about pay, safety, and negotiations for the new Collective Bargaining Agreement have been front and center for all the wrong reasons. Returning to the diamond is what the game needs. Baseball can be a source of relief for those dealing with Covid directly either having contracted the virus or those treating those with Covid, as well as those dealing with the fall out of Covid through the loss of income or a job. Baseball is just a game, but hopefully it can provide a brief respite from the challenges 2020 is presenting all of us. Enjoy the game. Like many things this year, there is no guarantee how long it will last.
Dr. Anthony Fauci’s first pitch was not a strike. We can forgive his lack of baseball skills since he has been focused on stopping Covid-19, which is far more important. (Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports)
DJ
Opening Day Where Are You?
Happy Opening Day! Wait…there are no games today?
This is the first time since 1995 with no games on what should be Opening Day. The reasons for no games in 1995 and 2020 are quite different. The Player’s Strike delayed the start of the 1995 season, while a global pandemic is delaying this season.
It is a sad day without baseball. However, there are more pressing issues at the moment. People are getting sick, some are dying, and our healthcare system could be overrun if we continued with business as usual. Baseball is far down the list of critical activities at the moment. No baseball on Opening Day is a strange feeling, but I completely understand why there are no games.
Josh Harrison showing everyone how to stop the spread of the Covid-19. (MLB)
Eventually Covid-19 will fade and the world will move on. We are not there yet. Listen to medical experts. Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands. Practice social distancing. This is a team effort. Pretend you are the winning run, but are caught in a run down. If they tag you we all lose. It is a great time to impersonate Josh Harrison.
DJ