Baseball Chat (BASEBALL)

[Eli's Gone]

Winner: Stephen Vogt, Cleveland Guardians

https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/42372887/2024-mlb-awards-mvp-cy-young-rookie-manager-year-predictions-results-analysis#MANAL

Final tally: Vogt 142 (27 first-place votes); Matt Quatraro, Royals 73 (2); A.J. Hinch, Tigers 41 (1); Joe Espada, Astros 6; Aaron Boone, Yankees 3; Mark Kostay, Athletics 3; Rocco Baldelli, Twins 1; Alex Cora, Red Sox 1

Experts' pick: Quatraro (5 votes); Hinch (3 votes); Vogt (1 vote)

Doolittle's take: Vogt did more than fill the shoes of Terry Francona -- he made it seem as if he'd been leading the Guardians for years. He led a Guardians club, not expected to contend, to the AL Central title.

Vogt did this while doing managerial things that catch your eye. He leaned heavily on the game's most dynamic bullpen to circumnavigate a slew of rotation injuries and underperformance. He also oversaw a transition in Cleveland's collective offensive approach, which mixed in a little more slugging from the same group of hitters than had been evident before.

It's a remarkable achievement, one recognized by a dominating showing in the balloting.

Alas, that spread in the final vote -- 27 first-place votes for Vogt to two for Quatraro -- is really hard to grok. The bottom line is that the Royals lost 106 games in 2023, then won 86 in 2024, a stunning turnaround, especially because it did not happen because of a sudden wave of prospects arriving at Kauffman Stadium. Quatraro is quiet, steady, consistent and a perfect fit in the lineage of successful Royals field generals. He is the epitome of what you think of when you think of someone who wins Manager of the Year.

The competition was steep. Hinch did perhaps the best managing job in a career that has been full of virtuoso performances. Vogt was fantastic. But the sheer scale of Quatraro's accomplishment with the Royals seemed too much to overlook. Yet, it was. This was a miss by the voters.

Here's how my EARL leaderboard had it:

1. Quatraro, Royals (105.3 EARL, finalist)

2. Vogt, Guardians (104.9, winner)

3. Kotsay, Athletics (103.9)

4. Hinch, Tigers (103.2, finalist)

5. Boone, Yankees (101.8)

Note: EARL is a metric that looks at how a team's winning percentage varies from expectations generated by projections, run differential and one-run record. While attributing these measures to managerial performance is presumptive, the metric does tend to track well with the annual balloting.

[Tree]

MLB is retarded. How in the world did Quatraro not win AL Manager of the Year or JJ Picollo not win Executive of the year? They both should have won. If not, at least ONE of them should have won. Someone had to have been responsible for the 36 game improvement this year!!!
Not have at least one of them win is just bleeping crazy.

[BullNBear52]

UPCOMING
Nov. 21: BBWAA MVP Awards
6 p.m. ET on MLB Network
Shohei Ohtani is considered the frontrunner to win his third MVP Award in four seasons -- albeit his first in the NL. On the AL side, Aaron Judge likely separated himself from the rest of the pack down the stretch, though it remains to be seen how the voters will evaluate the field in each league.

[BullNBear52]

Southpaws Skubal, Sale add Cy Young to mantel after Triple Crown seasons
November 20th, 2024
https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-cy-young-award-winners-2024

This was only the third time that lefties won both Cy Youngs in the same season. It also happened in 2002 (A’s Barry Zito and D-backs’ Randy Johnson) and 1977 (Yankees’ Sparky Lyle and Phillies’ Steve Carlton).

[Preciouslife1]

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/15MLCqT9bJ/?mibextid=6GsUZ4
WOW! Did not know this 

[Eli's Gone]

American League Cy Young

Winner: Tarik Skubal, Detroit Tigers

Final tally: Skubal 210 (30 first place votes); Seth Lugo, Kansas City Royals 93; Emmanuel Clase, Cleveland Guardians 66; Cole Ragans, Royals 48; Corbin Burnes, Baltimore Orioles 47; Logan Gilbert, Seattle Mariners 25; Framber Valdez, Houston Astros 17; Kirby Yates, Texas Rangers 2; Yusei Kikuchi, Astros 1; Cade Smith, Guardians 1

National League Cy Young

Winner: Chris Sale, Atlanta Braves

Final tally: Sale 198 (26 first-place votes); Zack Wheeler, Philadelphia Phillies 130 (4); Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates 53; Dylan Cease, San Diego Padres 45; Shota Imanaga 38; Logan Webb, San Francisco Giants 18, Michael King, Padres (14), Hunter Greene, Cincinnati Reds 5, Ryan Helsley, St. Louis Cardinals 4, Christopher Sanchez, Phillies 2, Reynaldo Lopez, Atlanta Braves 1, Sean Manea, New York Mets 1; Aaron Nola, Phillies 1

[BullNBear52]

It will be a shame if Sale doesn't win the Cy Young tonight.
https://www.mlb.com/news/case-for-2024-cy-young-award-finalists

[Eli's Gone]

American League Manager of the Year

Winner: Stephen Vogt, Cleveland Guardians

Final tally: Vogt 142 (27 first-place votes); Matt Quatraro, Royals 73 (2); A.J. Hinch, Tigers 41 (1); Joe Espada, Astros 6; Aaron Boone, Yankees 3; Mark Kostay, Athletics 3; Rocco Baldelli, Twins 1; Alex Cora, Red Sox 1

National League Manager of the Year

Winner: Pat Murphy, Milwaukee Brewers

Final tally: Murphy 144 (27 first-place votes); Mike Shildt, Padres 70 (1); Carlos Mendoza, Mets 35 (1); Torey Lovullo, Diamondbacks 8; Rob Thomson, Phillies 5 (1); Brian Snitker, Braves 4; Dave Roberts, Dodgers 3; Oliver Marmol, Cardinals 1

[Preciouslife1]

https://nypost.com/2024/11/18/sports/mets-expect-pete-alonso-sean-manaea-to-decline-qualifying-offers/

[Preciouslife1]

https://nypost.com/2024/11/19/sports/what-scares-michael-kay-in-yankees-pursuit-of-juan-soto/

[rocketeer357]

She'd get my vote ...at least over Wells!

[Preciouslife1]

https://www.mlb.com/news/mets-rumors-latest-trades-and-signings

[BullNBear52]

Skenes and Dunne will be named honorary Prom king and queen for LSU next spring.

[BullNBear52]

First time since 1981 2 starting pitchers won ROY.

It is the first time both Rookie of the Year winners have been starting pitchers since Fernando Valenzuela and Dave Righetti in 1981. The only other two instances were in 1976 (Mark Fidrych in the American League, Pat Zachry and Butch Metzger in the National League) and 1952 (Harry Byrd in the AL, Joe Black in the NL).

[Eli's Gone]

Yep---Livvy Dunne might have taken the AL as well...

[rocketeer357]

Tough year to be a great rookie in the NL. Chourio wins ROY easily if he's playing in the AL, not to mention Merrill.

[Preciouslife1]

https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/MLB/2024/11/18/Japan-Alex-Rodriguez-Shohei-Ohtani-basebal-MLB/6241731957726/

[Preciouslife1]

https://www.mlb.com/news/luis-gil-al-rookie-of-the-year-2024

[Eli's Gone]

AL ROY:
Winner: Luis Gil, New York Yankees

Final tally: Gil 106 (15 first-place votes); Colton Cowser, Orioles 101 (13); Austin Wells, Yankees 17; Mason Miller, Athletics 16 (1); Cade Smith, Guardians 12 (1); Wilyer Abreu; Red Sox 11; Wyatt Langford, Rangers 7

NL ROY:
Winner: Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates

Final tally: Skenes 136 (23 first-place votes); Jackson Merrill, Padres 104 (7); Jackson Chourio, Brewers 26; Shota Imanaga, Cubs 4

[Preciouslife1]

https://www.mlb.com/news/bold-predictions-for-mlb-offseason-2024-2025

[Preciouslife1]

https://www.facebook.com/reel/544170015184765?fs=e&fs=e&s=TIeQ9V  SOTO AND DODGEERS DISCUSSION 

[Preciouslife1]

https://www.mlb.com/news/juan-soto-rumors

[rocketeer357]

Haha. I heard that too. I can guarantee you that you won't see Soto in a Brewers uniform next season.

[fung_derf]

I've heard from some that Soto is not a good locker room guy. I don't think I'd want him on my team.

[Preciouslife1]

https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-executives-on-where-juan-soto-will-land-in-free-agency

[SSKILLZ1]

They need to bring in 3 starters in my opinion. They also need to bring in multiple quality Bullpen arms, and lets not go cheap there this time. It didn't work. All of the things the gm did well last year the bullpen wasn't one of them. And of course they will need some offensive help. The GM I think has more work to do than any GM this offseason, because he has so many free agents, he need to either add some of those guys back or add new replacements, and probably a combo of both. All is just my opinion of course.

[Preciouslife1]

https://www.mlb.com/news/mets-exploring-options-for-pitching-staff

[Preciouslife1]

https://www.mlb.com/news/2024-25-qualifying-offer-candidates-and-decisions

[Preciouslife1]

https://www.mlb.com/news/juan-soto-contract-projections-and-predictions-during-free-agency

[BullNBear52]

No they are not. Cole reversed himself on the opt out.
https://www.mlb.com/news/gerrit-cole-staying-with-yankees-on-existing-contract

[Preciouslife1]

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/Rfy1zWjzjDRFTAJp/?mibextid=6GsUZ4

[Eli's Gone]

extension talks are on the table

[SSKILLZ1]

Actually I misread the Article. Apparently the Yanks did well by not having to give up that extra year. Even better. But begs the question why to opt out to start with if that is the case. I thought they would have to give him that year to keep him, maybe so did the agent, and than realize nobody was giving a older pitcher a 5 year deal perhaps. And Yanks just said will Let you undo the mistake of wrongLY reading the market, so just gave him back the 4 year deal he had to start before he opted out. All is just my opinion, and I could always be wrong though.

[SSKILLZ1]

Well as I thought the Yanks will just give him the extra year. Yankees decide they can't risk it. I kind of agree as what signal does that give soto, if you don't even keep Cole over 1 additional year. I think that increase the chances of soto leaving if they don't bring cole back. And I Also think if they didn't pick the option up cole might simply get irritatted and just decide to leave. Yes that year is probably not gonna be good. But he still really good right now, so cole's don't grow on trees.

Of course at that point we allready seen a disasterous play by Judge and a bad play by Volpe and Rizzo takes some of the blame there, but so does cole. But he should of allready been out of the inning at that point if anyone with a glove knew how to field.

[Preciouslife1]

https://www.instagram.com/p/DBy0-hpg_j6/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

[Preciouslife1]

https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-gm-meetings-storylines-to-watch-2024

[BullNBear52]

It was Cole who didn't cover the bag in the 5th. Granted Cole thought Rizzo would make the play unassisted so he quit running to first.

Rizzo wants to stay on the east coast because of his connections to NJ. I suspect the Yankees are playing the Gardner game and will bring him back for a year at $10M.

[BullNBear52]

Cole is 34. Adding another year means he'll be pitching when he is 39 and we seen with Scherzer and Verlander it doesn't work.

He only pitched in 17 games this year due to injuries. If he thinks another team is going to pay him $36M a year for 5 let him test the waters.

As for Rizzo.
As for Rizzo he is always hurt at this point,

Christ he broke his arm and then 2 fingers just before the playoffs Even with the broken fingers he batted .267.

[rocketeer357]

Rizzo never turned into the anchor at first that the Yankees hoped for when he signed. I remember how he was supposed to crush HRs by the dozens into the short RF porch. Just didn't happen. And defensively, the disasterous 5th inning in the WS highlighted his limitations when it comes to moving. 'Long in the tooth" IMO, especially at the option price of 17 million. Can't feel too bad for the guy - 6 million $$ is a helluva payday to not play.

[SSKILLZ1]

It is pretty simple add the one more year or lose him because I think somebody might pay more. Time will tell. Maybe I will be wrong and his market will be soft. I think if they don't add the extra year he will get more on the FA market and he will leave.

As for Rizzo he is always hurt at this point, and don't know how much he has left. He has been a solid player in his career, but to be fair to the Yankees this is a business, and I don't know how much he is left and with his injury prone nature at this point. I agree with the call by the yankees.

Part of me with the payroll limitations the Yanks would be better off if soto signs elsewhere. Because they have numerous holes to fill, and if they pay soto 50 million+ a year will ownership continue to pay to fix those wholes.

Think about it, I wouldn't resign torres and I would move Jazz to 2b he will be better defensively there. But that means there is a hole at 3b, 1b, lf, and rf, and now your ace needs to be resigned. In addition you can use bullpen upgrades, and might need another starter in addition to getting cole back. Don't know if the yanks will spend that much in addition to 50 million+ for soto.

Will be interesting to see what they do. As a mets fan I want soto. But than again I think ownership will spend another 100-150 million left after securing soto (If they can) on 2025 salary to fill those holes. Time will tell. The soto chase is about to begin in my opinion.

[nelson1234]

didn't know they televised the Gold Glove awards... may take a look if I'm at home..

[BullNBear52]

That may be true but he didn't play CF only. He played LF, RF, and DH as well. Since he didn't play one position consistently all year he is not up for a Gold Glove.

Soto is up for RF.
ESPN To Exclusively Televise 2024 Rawlings Gold Glove Awards Show on Baseball Tonight November 3
https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2024/10/espn-to-exclusively-televise-2024-rawlings-gold-glove-awards-show-on-baseball-tonight-november-3/

[nelson1234]

amazing. Especially since Fangraphs ranks Judge as the third worst centerfielder defensively out of the 168 players who played that position during the year.

https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders-legacy.aspx?pos=cf&stats=fld&lg=all&qual=0&type=1&season=2024&month=0&season1=2024&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&startdate=2024-01-01&enddate=2024-12-31&page=6_30

[BullNBear52]

Cole opts out for free agency unless the Yankees pony up another $36M. I doubt the Yanks will add another year but they will work something out for the remaining 4.

Sad to see Rizzo leaving.

[Preciouslife1]

https://www.mlb.com/news/anthony-rizzo-option-declined