If you take me out to a ballgame and buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack, I’ll be grateful. Now, if “Peanuts & Cracker Jack” is the name of some trendy craft brewery’s newest IPA, I’ll be your best friend. Baseball and booze are the perfect pairing. Apologies to Mr. Cracker, but I prefer my Jack in a cold glass of Coke.
So, it saddens me that two great pastimes— drinking and baseball— are dividing fan bases from coast to coast.
Traditionally, most MLB teams have cut off alcohol sales after the seventh inning, purportedly to allow fans an opportunity to sober up before exiting. With MLB instituting new rules aimed at speeding up play in 2023, some have argued that the new cutoff should take a step back, to the sixth inning.
Says Phillies pitcher Matt Strahm:
“So now, with a faster-pace game —and me just being a man of common sense— if the game is going to finish quicker, would we not move the beer sales back to the sixth inning to give our fans time to sober up and drive home?”
I get the logic at play here, but I disagree with the move. To be honest, I’m in agreement with the four teams that decided to EXTEND sales to the eighth (D-Backs, Twins, Rangers, Brewers). Now, let’s see if we can respectfully break this down without resorting to Covid-type arguments.
Remember when, if you didn’t wear a tightly-drawn N95 and surgical gloves to take your dog for a walk, you wanted everyone’s grandma to die? That was awkward. Now, in this case, over-served grandma is behind the wheel post-game, picking off children innocently playing stickball in the streets of downtown Milwaukee. It’s very simple to conjure these tragic correlations, especially in scenarios of recreational risk— situations where risk is assumed for a seemingly non-vital function. But, of course, recreational risk is part of life.
My problem with the sixth inning solution is that it doesn’t inherently solve the issue at hand. ANY alcohol consumption can be dangerous, and one inning— more or less— is not likely to move the needle in terms of negative correlative outcomes. If we all agree to accept that MLB is going to legally sell alcohol, the responsibility has to fall mainly on the consumer.
Personally speaking, the seventh and eighth innings of Phillies games are typically when I need a beer the most. At home, when the Phils go to the bullpen, I go to the fridge. I also stress eat, and make a plate of second-dinner (aka The AfterTizer), but I digress. Drinks get me through it. I’d do the same at the ballpark, right up to the final pitch if I could. In either scenario, I’m not getting behind the wheel of an automobile.
Don’t call me naive. I know that irresponsibility is as inextricably glued to the human experience as Cracker Jack is to his dog, Bingo (hey, you just learned something!). I’m just asking everyone to believe in their fellow fan.
Now, just as if this was an ad for the alcohol industry itself:
Any MLB Alumnus who is interested in participating, please reach out to me at rmspaeder@gmail.com or simply direct message me on twitter @theaceofspaeder. I have setup a backdoor page on my website where you can seamlessly cast your ballot, and it allows you the option to do so publicly or anonymously. The goal here is to fix a broken system and ensure that MLB Alumni have a say as to who goes into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
“On the field – we all knew who the Hall of Famers were.” – Joe Morgan
Ballot No. 23 – Anonymous MLB Hall of Famer
Carlos Beltran
Todd Helton
Andruw Jones
Scott Rolen
Gary Sheffield
Billy Wagner
Ballot No. 22 – Anonymous Ballplayer on Hall of Fame Ballot
Carlos Beltran
Andruw Jones
Scott Rolen
Gary Sheffield
Billy Wagner
Ballot No. 21 – Will Ohman
Todd Helton
Andruw Jones
Andy Pettitte
Manny Ramirez
Alex Rodriguez
Scott Rolen
Gary Sheffield
Omar Vizquel
Billy Wagner
“Shoeless Joe Jackson should be in the Hall of Fame – end the BS.
Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens should be in, too – It’s Hall of Fame, not the Hall of no-PEDs. These two were the best of the best. No amount of substances could have diminished their standing as such. And their “imagined” statistical drop-offs would not have changed their worthiness, perhaps their career longevities, but not worthiness.”
Ballot No. 20 – Anonymous Former Texas Rangers Ballplayer
Carlos Beltran
Todd Helton
Andruw Jones
Scott Rolen
Gary Sheffield
Billy Wagner
Ballot No. 19 – Chris Gimenez
Carlos Beltran
Todd Helton
Andruw Jones
Jeff Kent
Manny Ramirez
Alex Rodriguez
Francisco Rodriguez
Scott Rolen
Gary Sheffield
Billy Wagner
“I feel like you can def make a case for Jimmy Rollins! Guy was a gamer and one of the best switch hitters of all-time, he was an MVP and won multiple Gold Gloves!
I would also vote for Bonds, Clemens, and Schilling! Can’t tell the story of our game with out those guys whether it’s good or bad!”
Ballot No. 18 – Cody Asche
Todd Helton
Andruw Jones
Andy Pettitte
Manny Ramirez
Alex Rodriguez
Francisco Rodriguez
Jimmy Rollins
Gary Sheffield
Huston Street
Billy Wagner
Ballot No. 17 – Jason Hirsh
Carlos Beltran
Todd Helton
Andruw Jones
Jeff Kent
Andy Pettitte
Scott Rolen
Gary Sheffield
Billy Wagner
“Man, I feel old now! In prior years of this project, we voted guys I grew up watching, and now we are voting on guys I played with or against. While all of these guys were phenomenal baseball players, the HOF is reserved for the best of the best, elite of the elite, standouts in the history of the game.
I’ve been a critic in the past when writers who are given the option to select ten names, fail to select the full ten. Now I become the hypocrite because I have not completely filled out my ballot. Like I said, these were great ballplayers but are they HOFers? Most had great years, great years back-to-back, great moments, forever memorable plays but in my humble opinion they do not quite rise to the level of greatest ever.
My name will never appear on this ballot. No one will ever debate the merits of my unceremonious career. I respect the hell out of all of them, they accomplished what I could only dream of. It is an honor to even be considered and I hope they can forgive me for not voting for them.”
Ballot No. 16 – Mike Cameron
Carlos Beltran
Todd Helton
Andruw Jones
Jeff Kent
Manny Ramirez
Alex Rodriguez
Scott Rolen
Gary Sheffield
Billy Wagner
Ballot No. 15 – Anonymous Former Miami Marlins Ballplayer
Bobby Abreu
Todd Helton
Andruw Jones
Jeff Kent
Scott Rolen
Gary Sheffield
Ballot No. 14 – Anonymous Former Arizona Dbacks Ballplayer
Bobby Abreu
Carlos Beltran
Todd Helton
Andruw Jones
Scott Rolen
Billy Wagner
“I didn’t look at the numbers – just went from memory.”
Ballot No. 13 – Mark Knudson
Todd Helton
Andruw Jones
Jeff Kent
Manny Ramirez
Alex Rodriguez
Scott Rolen
Jimmy Rollins
Gary Sheffield
Billy Wagner
Mark would also like to include a vote for Dale Murphy who is no longer eligible on the BBWAA ballot, but he is eligible on the Contemporary Era Ballot.
“I’m with Jayson Stark. It’s a museum, not a cathedral. Tell the whole story of the game.”
Ballot No. 12 – Anonymous Former San Francisco Giants All-Star
Todd Helton
Jeff Kent
Manny Ramirez
Gary Sheffield
“Will Clark should not have been voted off on his first ballot, and he probably should be in the Hall of Fame.”
Ballot No. 11 – Rajai Davis
Todd Helton
Torii Hunter
Andruw Jones
Manny Ramirez
Alex Rodriguez
Francisco Rodriguez
Jimmy Rollins
Gary Sheffield
Omar Vizquel
Billy Wagner
Ballot No. 10 – Anonymous Former Philadelphia Phillies All-Star
Carlos Beltran
Todd Helton
Scott Rolen
Omar Vizquel
Billy Wagner
Ballplayer would have also voted for Pete Rose if he were on the ballot.
“Hard not to vote for Manny Ramirez, Alex Rodriguez, Gary Sheffield, and Andy Pettitte, but PED use kills it for me. I wish Buehrle would’ve played a few more years, he was elite.”
Ballot No. 9 – JJ Putz
Carlos Beltran
Andruw Jones
Francisco Rodriguez
Omar Vizquel
Billy Wagner
Ballot No. 8 – Seth McClung
Andruw Jones
Manny Ramirez
Alex Rodriguez
Gary Sheffield
Ballot No. 7 – Todd Greene
Mark Buehrle
Todd Helton
Andruw Jones
Jeff Kent
Andy Pettitte
Manny Ramirez
Alex Rodriguez
Scott Rolen
Gary Sheffield
Billy Wagner
Ballot No. 6 – Anonymous Former Minnesota Twins Ballplayer
Todd Helton
Andruw Jones
Manny Ramirez
Alex Rodriguez
Gary Sheffield
Billy Wagner
“In my opinion, I vote for the guys on this list who are deserving. Tough choices as there have been guys in the past who are MORE deserving – the Hall of Fame has lost its way!”
Ballot No. 5 – Ben Davis
Bobby Abreu
Todd Helton
Andruw Jones
Jeff Kent
Manny Ramirez
Gary Sheffield
Omar Vizquel
“Barry Bonds is the best baseball player ever to live, and it is not even debateable. Roger Clemens won seven Cy Young Awards – put him in!”
Ballot No. 4 – Anonymous Former Philadelphia Phillies Ballplayer
Todd Helton
Andruw Jones
Jeff Kent
Scott Rolen
Gary Sheffield
Omar Vizquel
Billy Wagner
Ballot No. 3 – Bob File
Todd Helton
Andruw Jones
Andy Pettitte
Manny Ramirez
Alex Rodriguez
Scott Rolen
Gary Sheffield
Omar Vizquel
Billy Wagner
Ballot No. 2 – Anonymous Former Cincinnati Reds All-Star
Carlos Beltran
Andruw Jones
Jeff Kent
Manny Ramirez
Alex Rodriguez
Scott Rolen
Gary Sheffield
Omar Vizquel
“The fact that Bonds and Clemens are off the ballot without being elected makes the Hall of Fame illegitimate in my eyes.”
Ballot No. 1 – Gregg Zaun
Manny Ramirez
Gary Sheffield
Greg would also vote for the following players who are not currently on the ballot:
Before Todd Helton and I mixed it up about baseball, I just had to ask – in hindsight, what it is like having had Peyton Manning, now a Hall of Famer and one of the greatest quarterbacks of all-time as his backup. To Todd’s credit, he was completely fair.
“Well, I mean, he was young – he was a freshman, I was a junior, I had some time on him, and honestly, I knew that I was just keeping the seat warm until he got ready, and he got ready pretty quickly. I actually ended up getting hurt, but not hurt badly – I tweaked my MCL, it was a blessing in disguise. Probably the best thing that ever happened to me. I got out of the SEC without ruining my body, and then that junior year baseball season, I was completely healthy and ready to go.”
I wondered if Helton thought he could have made it as an NFL quarterback. He responded with an emphatic “no.” Then he went on to say, “honestly, I don’t think I had an NFL arm.”
I had to take a shot, telling him, “well, we knew that, you were a first basemen.” Helton laughed, “hey, I played a little outfield too now!”
Photo Credit: Gary A. Vasquez at USA Today Sports
I will admit, I am just as guilty as most, and when Todd Helton beat out Moises Alou for the batting title in 2000, an 11-year, know-it-all me cried out “COORS!” echoing what I had heard on Baseball Tonight. But today, I am able to view the game through a different lens, and the fact of the matter is that not all is what it seems when it comes to the Coors Effect, and when gawking at the inverse relationship between home and road splits – we must also consider the Hangover Effect.
My co-author, Kevin, and I explain the Hangover Effect in depth in our book, Incredible Baseball Stats, Volume II, but taking a 5,200-foot overview as to what exactly it is, simply, the theory that while players indeed see a boost in their numbers at Coors Field, their numbers fall off on the road exponentially, a far more dramatic decline than a player who plays his home games in, say, Baltimore.
Also, to consider: beyond a baseball’s ability to carry at high altitude, a pitcher’s repertoire also changes, as he will generally lose his ability to effectively throw breaking pitchers when visiting Coors Field, thus the “home field advantage.” Then, when the Rockies travel, they could potentially see the very same pitcher, throwing and entirely different sequence of pitches, pitches that they are not seeing in half of their games; moreover, anyone who has ever traveled from high altitude back to sea-level can tell you, the exhaustion and sometimes even sickness you experience is real – road disadvantage.
I asked Todd about the Coors Effect and the Hangover Effect, and he responded in a similar vain as Larry Walker, “I mean, is playing at Coors viewed a little bit too harshly on the player? Maybe, but that isn’t really for me to decide, that is more for guys like you to decide – all I can do is go out and play the best that I can, whether that was at home or on the road, so that is what I aimed to do.”
Helton then took a different approach than I’ve heard from other ballplayers, “You know, one thing that might be overlooked is how much harder it is to play at altitude – at least for me, it was a lot tougher to get loose, it was a lot tougher to go out and play every day, and then going back to sea-level, and after a couple days of adjusting, your body feels ten times better.”
Don’t just take my word… or Todd Helton’s… or Larry Walker’s… on the matter. The numbers all but prove it.
Since the Rockies first season in 1993, they rank first in batting average, first in on-base percentage, and first in slugging percentage at home, batting .304/.368/.500. But, for every action there is an equal but opposite reaction, and the Rockies have batted .241/.305/.380 on the road during that same span – last, last, last!
At home, their .868 OPS is 49-points better than the second place Red Sox (.819). On the road, their .685 OPS is 17-points lower than the 29th best team, the Pirates (.702).
Overall, their OPS is 14.2 percent better than league average at home and 5.2 percent worse than league average on the road. So perhaps Newton was a bit off, but this definitely represents a strong inverse correlation. In the end, I contend that the boost players see in their overall numbers when playing their home games at Coors field is probably not much more – when combing with their road numbers – than playing in the hitter friend confines of, say, Yankees Stadium – especially with those baseballs – because those players do not have to manage The Hangover Effect.
Please note: I am well aware of the humidor’s implementation in 2002; however, the first, first, first, last, last, last phenomenon largely holds true for any decent sized period in Rockies franchise history. As I said when I published the Walker piece, I am working on a far deeper analysis, and I theorize that playing on the Rockies does not, in general, afford a given player’s numbers, overall, the best over bump and that other teams may offer a better overall offensive environment. Hot take…
I did ask Todd about the humidor and the fact that its use in Colorado was so well known, but no one talked about the fact that it was also used in Arizona – and now all 30 stadiums, though I personally have my doubts about Yankee Stadium, as you all well know. I asked him if the hitting situation was similar in Arizona or just completely different than Colorado.
“It’s not completely different, certainly not the same, but it was a good place to hit – roof open, roof closed, it didn’t matter, it was a good place to hit. I always enjoyed hitting there.”
When a player leaves the Rockies, especially an elite player, we are able to note that often times their splits normalize. The likes of DJ LeMahieu and Nolan Arenado are great examples of players who are better than “just their road splits,” both of whom had career years after leaving Colorado.
Last season, Larry Walker saw his plaque donned forever in Cooperstown’s hallowed halls, but even he had only played 30.0 percent of his career games in Colorado. Todd Helton, on the other hand, played 50.8 percent of his career games at Coors Field, and BBWAA seems to be holding that against him.
Helton and I addressed his Hall of Fame teammate and his success with other teams, and whether or not he thinks that he would have had similar success had he had the opportunity to play elsewhere – “it is hard to play baseball in hindsight, but I do think that I would have had similar success, and there are bunch of ballparks that I really enjoyed playing at, good hitter’s parks that you can really do some damage in.”
Coincidentally, Helton saw his most success on the road in Montreal, where he batted .357/.463/.663 with nine home runs to just nine strikeouts in 28 games – his 1.126 OPS at Olympic Stadium bests even his 1.048 OPS at Coors Field. He also bested his Coors slash-line at Minute Maid Park, Veterans Stadium, and Three Rivers Stadium – as well as Tropicana Field, but with only three games.
In doing so many of these Hall of Fame write-ups, I have learned that it is unwise to ask a ballplayer if he would vote for himself. In fact, I have a rule with the Ballplayer Ballot stating that they are not permitted to do so (though I do not penalize them for not being able to do so). But I did want to ask him about the ballot. I avoided asking questions about players, many of whom I believe belong in the Hall of Fame, with any stigma attached to their names. I instead honed in on two, both of whom I have done Hall of Fame articles in the past: Scott Rolen and Andruw Jones.
“I would vote for those two guys, yup.”
Both of whom would also vote for Helton.
As would Larry Walker, who Helton called “the best athlete I’ve ever played with – football or baseball. If you put him on a football field, he could have played multiple positions – tight end, linebacker. He was a big ‘ole boy… and yet, he is probably the best baserunner I’ve ever seen as well.”
I do not think where Helton or Walker played their home games should even be a matter of consideration. In addition to the aforementioned points about the Hangover Effect, Helton is not the first person in history, nor will he be the first Hall of Famer, to see these, somewhat, lopsided splits.
Todd Helton
Home:
BA – .345
OBP – .441
SLG – .607
R – 874
H – 1,394
XBH – 576
HR – 227
RBI – 859
TB – 2,452
Road:
BA – .287
OBP – .386
SLG – .469
R – 527
H – 1,125
XBH – 422
HR – 142
RBI – 547
TB – 1,840
Chuck Klein
Home:
BA – .354
OBP – .410
SLG – .617
R – 661
H – 1,163
XBH – 452
HR – 190
RBI – 725
TB – 2,031
Road:
BA – .286
OBP – .347
SLG – .466
R – 507
H – 913
XBH – 320
HR – 110
RBI – 479
TB – 1,491
Klein’s home field advantage?
He was a left-handed batter who played 61.0 percent of his career home games at the Baker Bowl, which measured just 280-feet to right field and 300-feet in the power alley in right-center. In fact, he batted .395/.448/.705 at the Baker Bowl and .277/.339/.451 everywhere else.
One thing you might note as you read through this piece, I did not, as I typically do, cite many adjusted statistics, and that reason is because of the environmental factor. Advanced statistics such as WAR, OPS+, etc. all use a ballpark factor, as they should; however, they fail to acknowledge the Hangover Effect, and for that reason, I do believe that Todd Helton’s 61.8 WAR and 133 OPS+, for example, should be quite a bit higher. More to come on this down the road…
If I have not sold you on the Hangover Effect or at least the fact that Todd Helton is not the only player in baseball, throughout history or even now, to have benefited from a “homefield advantage” then let’s take a look at some of his other numbers…
Todd Helton reached base safely 2,796 times during the 2000s, leaving…
Bobby Abreu – 2,785
Alex Rodriguez – 2,715
Derek Jeter – 2,659
Albert Pujols – 2,597
Lance Berkman – 2,582
Ichiro Suzuki – 2,486
Brian Giles – 2,467
Manny Ramirez – 2,459
Chipper Jones – 2,433
On this, Helton was shocked – “that is a pretty damn good list of names. I mean Ichiro alone. How many hits did he have?”
Helton batted .396/.481/.731 with 110 extra-base hits and 148 RBI over a 162-game span from Aug. 28, 1999 to Aug. 29, 2000 – the best 162-game stretch of his career.
Todd Helton faced the Hall of Fame trio of Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz a combined 123 times – batting .383/.447/.523 against them. Overall, he had 219 plate appearances against pitchers currently in the National Baseball Hall of Fame – batting .369/.425/.503.
Helton’s response to his slash-line was priceless – “Oh shit… here is another one I will be telling my wife about. I had no idea.”
Also worth noting, he hit .333/.390/.722 in 59 plate appearances against Curt Schilling, who might be in the Hall of Fame himself, if not for… reasons.
“I would argue Todd Helton was one of the best first basemen – offensively and defensively – in the last 50 years… he also hit like 1.199 off me.” – Curt Schilling
Todd Helton had 105 extra-base hits in 2001, trailing only Babe Ruth (119, 1921), Lou Gehrig (117, 1927), Chuck Klein (107, 1930), and Barry Bonds (107, 2001) for the all-time single season lead… he also had 103 extra-base hits in 2000, trailing only those four names and himself.
In 2000, Todd Helton had 216 hits, 103 extra-base hits, and 103 bases on balls, making him the first player with at least 200 hits, 100 extra-base hits, and 100 bases on balls in a season since Hank Greenberg in 1937. The only others to have done so are Jimmie Foxx (1932), Lou Gehrig (1927, 1930), and Babe Ruth (1921).
Todd Helton – 133 OPS+
Coors Field – .345/.441/.607
Other – .287/.386/.469
Wade Boggs – 131 OPS+
Fenway Park – .369/.464/.527
Other – .306/.388/.398
Todd Helton is the only player in history with consecutive 100 extra-base hit seasons.
The Rockies have scored 23,508 runs in franchise history, Todd Helton produced 10.4 percent of them. They have a franchise batting average of .272, without Helton, that drops nearly 2.5 points.
Todd Helton batted .404/.457/670 with 20 home runs and 391 RBI with a runner on third and less than two outs. He reached base safely, got a hit, or hit a sacrifice fly in 61.5 percent of his career plate appearances with a man on third and less than two outs. By comparison, Albert Pujols finished his career at 59.4 percent.
All of these great stats on Helton, many of which he was hearing for the first time, but he actually told me my new favorite Todd Helton factoid when we were discussing Greg Maddux’s efficiency – “I pitched in college, I once threw a 72-pitch complete game shutout.”
The very last thing we talked about, and Todd is a straight shooter, so I asked him bluntly, “do you give a shit about the Hall of Fame?”
“Yes, I do want to be in, but maybe not for the reasons you might think – you know, my Dad has passed, and I just cannot fathom how excited he would be, and how proud he would be. It would be for him. That is how it means something to me.”
Talking baseball with Todd Helton was a great honor, and I hope I am doing the future Hall of Famer justice in publishing this piece, and I hope that this is the last time that I ever have to call him a future Hall of Famer.
If Monday night’s downpour could play as fortuitously for the Phillies as it did for the 2016 Chicago Cubs, the Astros may be in some trouble.
It may seem like a stretch, but the clouds opening up on Monday may have opened up a chance for the Phillies to take a serious advantage in this World Series. Instead of Noah Syndergaard pitching in Game 3 of the series, who hasn’t thrown more than three innings in a game in one month, the Phillies can now turn to Ranger Suarez.
Suarez has been one of the most reliable arms for the Phillies during this run, and the postponement of Monday’s game allowed for Suarez to get three full days of rest following his relief appearance on Friday. For Houston, the rotation will remain the same as we still expect to see Lance McCullers Jr. in Game 3, Christian Javier in Game 4 and Justin Verlander back on the mound for Game 5.
Monday’s Game 3 of the 2022 World Series was postponed after rain in Philadelphia/Getty Images
This is where the Phillies are seeing the advantage. Because of the one day delay of every game, there is a chance Aaron Nola gets to start Game 4 as he will be on four days rest, while Zack Wheeler could potentially start Game 5. There is no guarantee that happens, and maybe manager Rob Thomson does spot start Noah Syndergaard and hope to piece together one of either Game 4 or 5, but the postponement gives the Phils more options.
Wheeler has been more effective on full rest or even extended rest in his career, and that could certainly effect the decision making process of Thomson and the Phillies’ staff. However, the extension of this series could now allow for the two aces of the Phillies’ rotation, the two pitchers that helped carry the team to the World Series, to each have two starts in the first five games of the series. That is a massive advantage for Philadelphia and a major problem for Houston.
Although Houston was able to handle both Nola and Wheeler in the first two games of the series, going into Philadelphia and having to face the opposition’s three best starters was not something the Astros could have forecasted at the onset of the World Series. However, due to conditions outside of anyone’s control, this could now be the case, and I’m sure nobody is running to the bat rack in order to face either of these two horses. In fact, it was just under a month ago when Nola went into Houston and allowed just two hits, no earned runs, no walks and nine strikeouts in what was the postseason clinching win for the Phillies.
Now, if we are being totally honest here… this is still Houston’s series to take. They are the deeper, more talented, better overall club. They have a roster chalk full of professional hitters, highly capable defenders and top-tier arms. All of these have been on full display in both games, and if it were not for J.T Realmuto’s performance in Game 1, we may be talking about a completely different series.
But, with the Phillies stealing Game 1 and now receiving a bonus rest day for their top end arms, the Astros are looking at a series that is seriously in danger. The rain has allowed for the Phillies to mask their rotational depth issues, and with that being one of the main strengths of Houston, you could make the argument that Monday’s precipitation could be much more vital to this series than either of the first two games.
If we take it back to Cleveland circa November 2016, we might all remember what a little rain did in that series, as well. The Cubs lost a late-inning lead after a Rajai Davis game-tying homer, and all of the momentum was in favor of Cleveland. Anyone watching that game could feel it, and it almost seemed inevitable that Cleveland would utilize their immense pitching depth, shut down the Cubs, and ride the momentous wave to walk-off a World Series title.
via The Athletic
Then came the rain. After a nearly 20-minute delay, the energy seemed different. The Cubs looked more relaxed and the pain that they were wearing on their faces just an inning prior was replaced with a look of confidence and eagerness. Meanwhile, that same energy that Cleveland possessed just a mere inning before was no longer as obvious, and the momentum had all of the sudden disappeared. Next thing you know, there was a ground ball to Kris Bryant that was thrown to first, and it clinched the first World Series championship for the Cubs in 108 years.
Was that rain a sign from the Baseball Gods? The world may never know, but without it, there is certainly a chance that the Cubs may still be searching to end the drought. The rain on Monday could both stunt the vibe following a Game 2 victory for Houston while propelling the confidence of an undermanned Philadelphia club. It’s plausible that Monday’s rain in Philadelphia may play just as big of a role as the droplets seen in Cleveland 6 years ago.
I wrote late last week about the idea of destiny, and how this year’s Philadelphia Phillies embody that principle. I’m not saying rain is necessarily a miracle, but in this circumstance, it might have come at just the right time for a destined team looking to take down a dynasty.
Tuesday night’s Game 3 is the most important game of the World Series so far, and historically, when the World Series is tied 1-1, the winner of Game 3 wins the series 65% of the time. Instead of Noah Syndergaard, the Phillies will take the field following their trusted lefty, the same guy who has been called upon in numerous vital moments this postseason, including Friday night. The Phils have been blessed with an advantage moving forward that gives them a legitimate chance to win this series, even potentially never letting it go back to Houston. The question is, can they take advantage of it?
(Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
With the off-season quickly approaching, one of the main storylines will be who will land one of the best pure power hitters this game has seen in years.
Will it be the Yankees, Dodgers, Mets, or Giants? It may be a team not listed, but these are the four teams with the most interest as of today.
Yankees:
(Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
Yes, if Aaron Judge returns as a Yankee, he very well could be named the captain — the first since Derek Jeter. Judge encompasses everything the Yankees are built on — Pure class.
Not only has Judge been a factor on the field, almost minutes after being called up he launched his foundation: All Rise. The mission statement is simple: We inspire children, and youth to become responsible citizens to reach unlimited possibilities.
Judge just had the best year in pinstripes over any other Yankee in history. 62 home runs — a feat no one else accomplished in the Bronx or the American League.
It was a Yankee team for more than half the team played less than .500, but with the heroic season of a man that made everyone rise, he made his case. Judge should remain a Yankee for life, but it will come at a price. A price Jeff Passan of ESPN believes is between $330-360 million dollars.
The Yankees don’t just need Judge to be legitimate contenders for a championship, they need him to ensure they can stay relevant in the league. Without Aaron Judge, the Yankees might have missed the playoffs in 2022 so how would that be different in ‘23?
Dodgers:
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Can’t perform when the games matter. That is the stereotype the Dodgers have set for themselves after once again being eliminated in the NLDS. Outside of the COVID-shortened 2020 playoffs, the Dodgers have not won a championship since 1988. Even after almost every year making the playoffs.
Just be happy you’re in the dance some may say, but the argument to that is simply flags fly forever. Championship years are moments that last lifetimes. If you are a Dodgers fan who witnessed greatness in ‘88, you know how special that is. Mauve even in ‘20, but it was different. There was no parade. No moment at Dodger Stadium.
A lack of atmospheric feeling in the suspense of the most beautiful moment in sports. A back and fourth battle for the World Series.
The fact the Dodgers could even pull this pursuit of Judge off should be shocking enough. However, it can be done. Yes, they are ‘The Dodgers’, but with Justin Turner, Cody Bellinger, Clayton Kershaw, and Trea Turner for example off the books, they have the flexibility. Just think… Mookie, Freddie, and Judge — all in the same lineup.
If the Dodgers want to put themselves as the best baseball team in the state of California, then you sign Aaron Judge. You build around three of the biggest generational stars the sport has produced in the last twenty years — two who already have experienced what it takes to win a championship — and one who is dying to know what it feels like.
Mets:
Yes, the Mets are even moving in the right field wall just for their pitch to get Aaron Judge to swap to the other side of the river. Ha.
You can make the jokes — or maybe is it logic at its finest? But the premise of the Mets moving in the fence could make a case for them to bring Judge in. The Mets are well aware of what they need to improve on in their 2023 season, and one of them is simply hitting more home runs.
Out of the twelve playoff teams this postseason, only two teams hit fewer home runs, the Guardians and the Padres. The Mets hit a total of 171 homers, while the league average sat at 174. For fun, let’s say Aaron Judge hit 62 home runs with the other team in New York. They would then have a total of 233 home runs — third most in MLB only behind the Braves and the Yankees.
While the Mets can afford Judge just simply because they have one of the wealthiest owners in the history of the sport, is it a contract they would want to take on? If they did so, they would most likely be forfeiting the reunion of a Jacob Degrom + Brandon Nimmo + Edwin Diaz reunion.
Giants:
Orlin Wagner/Associated Press
Who are the Yankees’ opening-day opponents? You guessed it. The San Francisco Giants. The team that won three World Series championships in five years. However, it’s been one year removed from a decade since the Giants have been back on top.
This team is in a weird spot. They had a magical regular season run in 2021 when they won 107 games, to lose to the Dodgers in the NLDS. The next season? The Giants won just 81 finishing right at .500.
This is a team that went 22-27 in one-run games that is in desperate need of a power hitter that can change those outcomes. What better hitter to add to the lineup than Aaron Judge then.
In games within 1 run, Judge’s slash line this year was: .291 AVG, 30 HR, 16 2B, 57 RBI, .418 OPB, 1.021 OPS
That is the difference maker the Giants need and just may well get.
Who do you think will land Aaron Judge this off-season? Will it be one of these four teams or perhaps a surprise entry to the Judge sweepstakes?
A tale as old as time. The team with all the history of winning versus the team who has defied logic and reason to get to where they are at. This isn’t David against Goliath, but something more complex. This isn’t just an underdog story because of a talent disparity or lesser expectations, but a story of overcoming history that sets a preemptive disadvantage. Even without a side of true fandom, the story engages us, as it forces us to decide who we root for. You either side with the dynasty, the winners, and the force that cannot be reckoned with. You respect their innate greatness and honor the consistency of success because it is so rare. Or, you throw all your chips in and are not afraid to be hurt. You play with fire and ride or die with the destiny, believing in the feel good story and knowing that if a sports team can defy odds and change the landscape, then maybe so can you. The realist versus the dreamer. The straight bet versus the parlay. The Destiny versus the Dynasty.
This story is not something we are unaccustomed to, though. In fact, it is one of the core rivalries in the storied history of both this nation and sports. Hell, the United States of America is built on a consortium of 13 unproven, unknown colonies who banded together in a revolution against the dynastic British Empire. In this case, destiny won.
Or maybe we turn the clock forward a bit to 1980, when the US Olympic hockey team shocked the world when its crew of college kids took down the four-time defending gold medalist Soviet Union hockey team. The Soviets hadn’t lost an olympic hockey game since 1968 before that day, and yet, again, the dynasty fell.
How about those 2017-18 Philadelphia Eagles? Led by a backup quarterback in Nick Foles, the birds rolled into the 2018 Super Bowl to face none other than Tom Brady, Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots. To say the Eagles were underdogs would be a misrepresentation of the word, as not only did they lack advantage in Vegas, but the belief in the team was solely for the hatred of the Patriots or the hope for history to be made. But, once again, destiny prevailed.
Surely, there have been other examples of this rivalry where destiny lost. The upstart Atlanta Falcons blew a 28-3 lead to the Patriots in the Super Bowl just one year prior to the Eagles run. The most recent NBA Finals saw the Boston Celtics return for the first time since 2010 to face the Golden State Warriors, who are widely considered as one of the greatest basketball dynasties ever assembled. The Warriors only cemented that legacy with a dismembering of Boston’s finest.
Nick Foles hoists Lombardi Trophy following 2018 Super Bowl victory-Sporting News
Even the 2014 Kansas City Royals, who helped define the new-age bullpen and moneyball tactics with their incredible run to the World Series, couldn’t get past the even-year juggernaut that was the 2010’s San Francisco Giants’ teams.
The moral of this story, though, is that both sides are remarkable because both sides are memorable. Teams of destiny are the building blocks of some of the wildest sports memories and they fill our cups with joyous, speechless and unforgettable moments. Dynasties are legacies cemented and provide us with the symbol of greatness, longevity, and sustainable success in sport. Is it inherently wrong to root for either one?
This brings us to the Phillies and the Astros. These two are the perfect main characters in yet another classic chapter of this never-ending novel.
The Phillies entered the 2022 MLB Postseason with as much uncertainty as any playoff team the sport has ever seen. As the first ever six-seed in the National League and the 2nd-worst record of any team to make the 2022 postseason, they were lucky to participate in the first place. The Phillies have endured a manager change, an injury to their best player, and beginning the month of June eight games below .500. Yet, here they are. Against all odds, Here. They. Are. They have taken down two different division champions, including the reigning World Series champions, and have now put themselves in the position to be four games away from claiming the crown.
Sporting News
The Astros entered the 2022 MLB Postseason with almost the exact opposite narration. They dominated the regular season, they dominated the AL West, and they dominated the American League. Their lone moment of serious doubt was in Game 1 of the ALDS, and that was immediately erased by Yordan Alvarez’s shot heard ’round the world. The Astros have appeared in the last six American League title rounds and now embark on their fourth World Series in those six seasons. The Astros have lost ONE game since the start of October and have won seven straight heading into the World Series, having yet to lose a postseason game.
This is the Phillies first trip to the World Series since 2008, their first trip to the postseason since 2009. They have two teams in their division who won north of 100 games and finished 14 games out of first place. Their 87 wins are tied for fifth-lowest of any team in MLB history to win a pennant. Their 19-win differential between them and the Astros is the largest differential between World Series opponents since 1906. The Astros will throw two starters who will both finish inside the top five in AL Cy Young Award voting along with a bullpen that has allowed two earned runs this entire postseason. And, don’t forget, that almost the entire Astros team has been in this moment and on this stage before. Everything tells you, logically, that the Astros SHOULD win this series. But…
That feeling in your gut tells you “What IF?”
What if Bryce Harper plays at a level never seen before by a superstar on this stage? What if Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler are the better starting pitcher duo in this series and not Justin Verlander and Framber Valdez? What if THIS Phillies team has some unexplainable, undeniable, majestic force that guides them like a well-timed gust of wind and no amount of logic and reason could stop this team from winning?
It can’t be explained. Yet, unless you are an Astros fan, it will be more painful than rewarding to root against the Phillies this series. Throw aside any allegations of cheating or any other notions one may have about this Houston Astros team. I promise you, that isn’t what this is about. This is about that feeling in your gut that you cannot deny. It’s the feel-good story that hits deeper than your traditional underdog plot-line. It’s about the reason why you cheered for the 2001 Arizona Diamondbacks to beat the Yankees. It’s about why you cheered for this exact same Houston Astros team back in 2017 before they became the juggernaut.
It’s the same reason why you cheered against the New England Patriots.
So, when it hits 8:03 ET on Friday Night, and you turn your TV on to watch this year’s rendition of the Fall Classic, you’ll be watching a story you have seen so many times before. It might look different, have different characters, even display some different colors. But, assure yourself this: this isn’t just Phillies and Astros, this is more. This is Nick Foles and Tom Brady. This is USA and the Soviet Union. This is the 13 Colonies and the British Empire.
Houston will win its first world series title since 2017. AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki
It has come down to this: Astros Vs. Phillies. For the first time in the World Series these two teams are facing off — and first time in the playoffs since 1980. With some time left before Game 1, I highly suggest you watch some highlights of that series. The Hall of Famers that took place in that series: Nolan Ryan, Joe Morgan, Pete Rose**, Steve Carlton, and Mike Schmidt.
While on the American League side, most expected the Astros to be back in the Fall Classic. They were the heavy favorites ever since the Braves won it a year ago. Now the Phillies? Exact opposite.
They have been defying all of the odds — they were +3500 at the start of the season, and you could have bet them +3000 at the beginning of the Wild Card round. The Fightin’ Phils are the ultimate underdog.
Keys to an Astros World Series win:
Houston will win its first world series title since 2017. AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki
Jose Altuve. He was a non-factor offensively during both the ALDS and ALCS but started to come around in Game 4 against the Yankees. Historically, he does not just perform in the World Series, he over-delivers. While he has struggled this postseason — 3 for 32 — he is still a force to be reckoned with. The fact the Astros still have not lost a single game this playoff run yet, but not even hitting above .100 is frightening if I’m the team from Philadelphia.
Lance McCullers will look to bring his fire to the mound for the Astros next week. Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images
The Bullpen: The dominance from the regular season has carried over to the postseason. No matter who Dusty Baker seems to call on when one of his elite starters is done, the relievers don’t just find outs, they embarrass hitters in the process. With not a single lefty in the bullpen, the Astros continue to prove that you don’t need ‘outsmart’ opponents, you need outs — and that’s exactly what they do.
New Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker smiles during a baseball press conference at Minute Maid Park, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2020, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
Dusty Freakin’ Baker: In one of my first articles on this site I wrote about the illustrious career of this unique baseball mind. Baker himself has earned himself a spot in the Hall of Fame whether he wins a ring or not. His resume speaks volumes – he was the first manager in major league history to lead five different teams to division titles, the ninth manager to win both an AL pennant and an NL pennant, and the first African American manager with 2,000 wins. Additionally, he has played or managed in 2.5 percent of all games in history, and he is one of just two ever with at least 1,900 hits as a player and 1,900 wins as a manager – the other being Hall of Famer Joe Torre (via theaceofspaeder/Twitter). If anyone on this list yearns to finally get a World Series championship, it is certainly Dusty Baker.
Keys to a Phillies World Series win:
AP Photo/Matt Slocum
Bryce Harper: He was HIM in the NLCS. In the words of the owner of the team that paid him $330 million over 13 years — maybe he should’ve paid him more. This will be Harper’s first World Series appearance, but he hasn’t been afraid of the spotlight at all so far this October. Harper not only brings the presence to the lineup — it’s the mojo. The Philly mindset is embodied starting from the face of the franchise.
Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Rotation: While the Astros also have one of the best rotations in baseball — the Phillies are not too far away. Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola are a legitimate 1-2 punch and have this mindset of being afraid of nothing this postseason.
Over 25.1 innings this postseason, Wheeler owns a 1.78 ERA and a 25:3 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Wheeler has a 1.38 ERA over his past seven starts, dating back to the regular season. Also, don’t you dare forget about Thor himself — Noah Syndergaard.
Creator: Mitchell Leff
Philly Rob: A baseball lifer. Rob Thomson has been coaching in pro ball since 1988. Since he has been the manager in Philly, he has gone 65-44 (.596), and the team now has the sixth-best record in baseball. In hindsight, what the Phillies did save their season, and led to a playoff berth for the first time since 2011 — first World Series since 2009. This is someone who the players want to win for—a special person.
So, my final prediction? The Astros are in 6. While Philly has yet to lose a game at Citizens Bank Park, the Astros have dominated all postseason without their best hitters performing — Alvarez and Altuve. Overall, this team wants to get Dusty Baker his first World Series championship — and their first championship without any ounce of controversy.
The city of Philadelphia is the most buzzing sports town in the world right now. The Eagles are the last remaining undefeated team in the NFL while the Phillies are headed back to the World Series for the first time since 2009. There is no better feeling than being a sports fan in the same city where the teams are hot and successful, and the fans in Philly are living the sports fan dream.
Now, imagine you grew up in the area, went to the games as a kid, tailgated in the parking lot and donned the jerseys and apparel to show your unwavering support. Then, imagine being so talented that you reach the pinnacle of athletics and become one of the highest paid athletes of all time. It would seem like a fair trade to make, and I honestly think I could trade my White Sox fandom for hundreds of millions of dollars from the Los Angeles Angels. But, I think I still feel bad for Mike Trout.
Trout has been a model of consistency and success over the last decade plus, and his reward for his stellar play over the course of his tenure in LA has been one playoff appearance totaling three games. In fact, if we want to do the math on that, just .2% of all games Mike Trout has played in his career have been postseason games, and he has played 914 straight games without playing in the playoffs.
Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
For comparison, Bryce Harper, with whom Trout was compared to for some time and has also had some difficulty getting into the postseason in his career, has 2.2% of all his career games played in the postseason.
That may not seem like much, but a two percent difference with a range of greater than 1300 career games played is significant. Harper, in his fifth career postseason appearance, has now gotten his chance to make his unforgettable moment in baseball history after years of his highly touted play had been unseen on baseball’s biggest stage. Unfortunately for Mike Trout, he hasn’t even gotten a sniff.
Trout has been the greatest baseball player on the planet for this generation, yet his lack of a postseason presence has left him off the list of most recognizable and popular names in the sport. The sad part is that it has nothing to do with Trout. Whether it be playing on the West Coast past the majority of the fans’ bedtimes or being a part of a team tied for the longest postseason drought of any MLB team (congrats Seattle, no longer your problem), Trout’s inability to be seen by the largest consortium of baseball watchers has little to do with anything he is in control of.
The other aspect of this is that Trout is now under his fourth general manager in 11 years with the reason being that none of them have been able to build a winning team around the game’s most consistent star. The ineptitude in the front office of the Angels has caused countless years of wasted production for Trout, and even with the addition of Shohei Ohtani, who has literally set records unseen in the sport, the club cannot win.
They have tried, and there is no question about that. The Angels have shelled out mega deals to stars such as Josh Hamilton and Albert Pujols, neither of which have worked out. They have spent big on hot names like Anthony Rendon and Justin Upton, neither of which worked out. They have even taken flyers on arms like Noah Syndergaard, Dylan Bundy, Alex Cobb and others, none of whom panned out the way they needed them too. All of these attempts to pair Trout with someone who could also propel the organization to the next step have failed, and have only set the Angels back further. Trout is the only reason the Angels have stayed relevant since the early 2010’s.
It has been a revolving door of below average play, money poorly spent, and end of the year disappointment for the Angels, and it has all occurred while Mike Trout continues to be the curriculum to modern baseball performance. I quiver as I await the same fate for Shohei Ohtani, as well.
Now, one could make the case that Trout should not have accepted his earth-shattering contract with the Angels, a deal that encompasses 12 years with a dollar amount that rides north of $400 million. This deal takes him through 2030, and at this point, he is getting paid to be as miserable as a super-millionaire could be. The reason for signing the deal is really simple though: Could you turn down 12 years of financial security that not only is enough to provide for you, but for generations of the Trout name to come? I would sign that contract in a heartbeat, and although the location and the organization may not be ideal, the numbers and the sense of safety are nearly impossible to turn down.
So, let’s bring this back to Philadelphia. Mike Trout has watched playoff baseball for the now eighth consecutive year, and this year should easily sting the worse. His Phillies are in the World Series, and his town of fandom is buzzing like a teenager at a house party. At the fault of everybody’s but his own, Trout is obligated to sit at home wonder what could have been. What if the rumors of Trout to Philly had been made to be true? What if he had put all his chips in and taken himself to free agency?
The world may never know, but I am sure of this: There is no current MLB player I feel for right now more than Mike Trout, because I am sure there is no place he’d rather be right now than in Philly, living the dream. Whether he would be at an Eagles tailgate getting ready to watch a seventh straight victory or at Citizens Bank Park ready to take the field in front of the sport’s craziest fanbase, Trout’s October will look eerily similar to the previous eight- somewhere he shouldn’t be.
Another year with another disappointing ending for the New York Yankees.. We all know that this is the team that used to be the unbeatable, the team everyone would fear to face. While that may be true to some teams, the one team that doesn’t fear them at all?
The Houston Astros.
Since the Wild Card game in 2015, the Astros have now sent the Yanks home on four different occasions, but this one was certainly the most humiliating way. A sweep, with the Astros celebrating in Yankee Stadium while singing New York, New York.
The first half of this season, media members were calling this Yankees team the best since ‘98. They were on pace to win 120 games. But yet, since the All Star break (including the postseason) the Yankees went 38-41. The first half? An unprecedented 64-28.
What changed? How did a team that was rolling through everyone with no sign of stopping all of the sudden stop winning? It is hard to tell. The ‘reinforcements’ that Brian Cashman traded for had the miss fortunes of being hurt.
Before you say “you can’t predict injuries”, which is a simple fact. However, we can make note of the significant factor of not having the main pieces the Yankees traded for at the deadline.
Andrew Benintendi was supposed to be the contact hitter. The leadoff guy. The player who would start the offense rolling when the ultimate opponent Stros’ came rolling through in October. However, after being hit by a pitch on September 2nd, Benintendi would not see another moment on the field for the Yankees — missing the entire postseason.
Frankie Montas was acquired from the Oakland A’s, and he was slated to be the number two in the Yankees rotation. After eight starts, he went 3-5 with a 6.35 ERA with opponents having a .363 OBP. After Luis Castillo was taken by the Mariners at the deadline, the Yankees knew they had to make a major move, which was the next best option.
Brian Cashman told reporters after the trade “Certainly, there were very few higher-end options that were available than Montas, so we were able to conclude our dialogue with the Oakland A’s. We’re excited about what he’s able to provide for us along with what we already had.” Montas did not make the ALDS roster, but did play for the ALCS. However, he only made one appearance and only pitched in 1 inning.
Scott Efross, another piece to the bullpen who was a high leverage arm, but when the ALDS roster was released, Efross was not on the roster. Why was that? Well, it was discovered that he had an elbow issue, and Jack Curry of the YES Network reported he then needed Tommy John surgery. Another trade acquisition that went wasted in the postseason.
Before joining the Yankees, Efross had a 2.66 ERA, 28.1% strikeout rate, 6.2% walk rate and 45.6% ground ball rate.
Who didn’t the Yankees have in their bullpen this postseason? Chad Green, Zack Britton, Aroldis Chapman, Michael King, Scott Efross, and Ron Marianccio. These weren’t just relievers, these are all high leverage bullpen arms, but the bullpen wasn’t the issue that resulted in the Yankees getting swept. It was a futile offense and a costly defense.
Sunday night’s loss by the Yankees, was the first postseason game the Yankees played in since October 8th, 2020 where they had more than six hits. Yes, the Yankees went ten straight playoff games without ending that streak, a stretch no other team has gone through in the history of MLB.
A look ahead.. Aaron Judge, Anthony Rizzo, Andrew Benintendi, Aroldis Chapman, Zack Britton, Jameson Tallion, Chad Green, and Matt Carpenter are the main free agents for the Yankees this off-season.
AP Photo/Frank Franklin II
While we know Chapman’s time with the Yanks is surely over, the others? All in play. Later this week we will have an in-depth plan for the Yankees off-season on how they can return to the championship scene.
In the midst of the sunshine, smiles, and good baseball in America’s finest city, Fernando Tatis Jr, and more notably his untimely and immature decisions, have moved from the limelight to the background this Fall.
It is impossible to ignore the electricity that is embedded in the sensational play of Tatis, but it is just as impossible to turn a blind eye to the miscues off the field that have plagued Tatis as well. It is important to note that Tatis is only 23 years old, but at some point, with this much stature, celebrity, and expectation, there has to be an uptick in maturity. In the past year, Tatis has been involved in multiple motorcycle accidents, per reports, along with the highly publicized positive test for PED’s in early August. The incidents themselves are loud enough to enunciate the habits and choices of the young phenom, but the details behind them only add to the disappointment.
Derrick Tuskan/AP Photo
The public actually only knew about the one motorcycle accident during the offseason/lockout prior to the 2022 season, and it was treated vaguely, as reports circled that the accident was minor and injuries sustained by Tatis Jr were not significant. However, when the lockout ended, Tatis met with the Padres and realized he would need to surgically repair his wrist, the same one that he reported as “something he could work through” and “just some bruises”. Also, when the superstar was questioned about the incident and when it happened, Tatis’ initial response was “which one“. Not a great look.
The motorcycle debacle, which did indeed result in a surgery on the wrist of Tatis, led to Tatis missing all games through July, as he was slated to come back in the middle of August prior to the suspension. However, even that was a serious point of concern for the Padres. AJ Preller said at the beginning of Spring Training following Tatis’ procedure on March 16th that the recovery was “up to three months”, indicating a return to the team sometime in June. By the end of July, Tatis had yet to even start a rehab assignment. Even with the indication that the injury could be slow-healing, Tatis’ timeline did not seem to align with what doctors and team personnel had predicted.
This leads into the current circumstance, the one where Tatis Jr watches from home as his teammates celebrate postseason baseball. The young star tested positive for Clostebol, a banned substance, on August 12th, and ended his season before it ever even started. The test itself was enough to spread discouragement and disappointment across the league, and the reaction to the news was certainly not miniscule. Whether it was media personalities, former players, current players or even current teammates of Tatis, there was plenty of criticism and fatigue shown with the decisions and repercussions of the choices made by “El Niño”.
Getty Images
It didn’t really stop there, though, as Tatis Jr tried to cover his mistakes with an excuse similar to a child caught with a hand in the cookie jar. He stated that he had ringworm and Clostebol was used in the medication to treat the skin issue. Whether that is believable or not is beside the point, as the real issue is that Tatis didn’t take the time or put in the necessary effort to care for himself, his teammates, or his organization enough to check what he was putting in his body.
The issues with Tatis have not been subtle, and, again, he is only 23 years old. I’m sure that there are WAY more people his age, including myself, who are doing stupider things than riding a motorcycle too fast or trying to get jacked. But, where there is great responsibility to be held, great responsibility must be shown. Tatis has not held up his end of the bargain to the Padres, MLB or its fans.
The positive test confirmed a lost season for the Padres’ star, but it also shed a dark light on more than just San Diego. Tatis has been paraded by MLB, the media, and fans for the least few years, including being the cover athlete for the league’s video game, MLB The Show (2021).
MLB The Show ’21 Cover Art
He was also one of the faces of the “Let the Kids Play” campaign run by Major League Baseball, the ad series aimed at showing the joys and energy that baseball has in order to grow the sport. It isn’t a good look when the headliner focused on showcasing the fun of playing baseball won’t play again until near May of 2023, a span of 575 days. Tatis is also one of the four featured players in the advertisement for MLB’s partnership with Dairy Queen.
The inability for Tatis to hem the off the field issues and get back to the field is hurting more parties than just himself. Other than the $3 million he will lose this year, he is potentially costing the Padres their best chance at a World Series in the history of the franchise.
There is simply no question about it: When Fernando Tatis Jr is on the field, he is one of the best players in the sport. Whether he is playing shortstop or gets moved somewhere else, his eccentric style of play mixed with his otherworldly baseball skills makes him a talent to be reckoned with. In the 130 games played last year, Tatis Jr posted a 7.3 WAR (led MLB), 157 wRC+ (4th in MLB), 42 HR (5th in MLB), and a base running value, BsR, of 9.3 (2nd in MLB). The value and attention he brings to the sport are immeasurable, and it is exactly why his lack of presence brings forth so much frustration. There is no single player that encompasses, on the field at least, exactly what Major League Baseball is looking to become more than Fernando Tatis Jr.
Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images
So, where does this leave the Padres? MLB? Fans? It truly is a puzzling question. If you are the Padres, how can you move on from arguably the most talented player in the history of the franchise? Yet, can you trust him to live up to the massive 14 year, $340 million contract? Is there more value in living and dying with the bouts of immaturity in the hope it balances out and Tatis becomes exactly what was promised in the terms of the deal? Or, is it worth more to ship him to an organization looking to make a splash and accruing as much talent as possible in return for the superstar?
What about Major League Baseball? Is it time to send in representatives, including some legendary special assistants, to talk to Tatis and lead him in the right direction before he potentially goes astray and completely diminishes a campaign based on his talent and popularity? Or, is it too risky to drive away the phenom who, if he comes back next year with his own rejuvenated mindset, could unleash a level of play the sport has never seen?
What are the fans supposed to do? Do you root for the kid because, well, he’s only 23 and all kids make mistakes? Do you continue to buy his jerseys, praise his talent, and hope that the shooting star we all witnessed returns to his exponential trajectory? Do we disregard the talent in favor of morals and look in the other direction as he returns to the field, unable to forget the lies and immaturity displayed?
Some of these may be far-fetched, I understand that. Some of these may be unfair, and I don’t disagree. In the society we live in, though, stars are the talking points. They dictate trends and influence our methods. Kids around the world saw Tatis’ batflip against the Cardinals in the 2020 Wild Card Round, and if they were like me as a little one, they were in the backyard mimicking it the next morning. I have no doubt that Tatis Jr could return in late April/early May of 2023 and take the league by storm, once again. But, for someone who was quoted as saying “Every time I go to the park and the game’s about to start, I tell myself: ‘It’s time to make history,'” it seems as if he’s more interested in making history long before he reaches the field.
