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The years have not been kind to Albert Pujols, this much is certain. When he left the Cardinals following the 2011 season, Pujols owned a .328 career batting average and 445 home runs. Through his first 11 seasons, Pujols also had 64.3 Wins Above Average, third-best ever in that span per Baseball-Reference.com, just behind Rogers Hornsby and Ted Williams.Was Pujols on-track to po sibly be the greatest baseball player of all-time? It seems inconceivable to even think it now, though in 2011, Pujols at least looked like he might one day be in the discu sion.The last five years, of course, have been a vastly different story. Pujols has hit .265 as a member of the Angels. His lifetime batting average has fallen to .309 and could go below .300 by the end of the 2020 season if he maintains the level of production Joe Carter Jersey hes offered so far as an Angel. If Pujols declines further, he could drop south of .300 sooner.MORE: Ranking the 25 worst Baseball Hall of Fame selections everAs for sabermetrics, Pujols has put up 4.1 Wins Above Average total as an Angel or, what he used to do in a down season. The last five years have been one long cautionary tale about why a hulking slugger should never leave a hitter-friendly park for coastal Anaheim, no matter how large the dumptruck of money backing up his driveway.Heres the thing, though. Pujols decline is no different than that of any number of other Hall of Famers. And if history is any guide, Pujols wont have any trouble getting in Cooperstown.Cooperstown chances: 95 percent, roughly what his vote total could be his first year on the Hall ballot for the Baseball Writers' A sociation of America. Greg Allen Jersey Why: The first thing helping Pujols cause will be his lifetime numbers. Barring injury, Pujols should get to 3,000 hits sometime in the 2018 season. Hes about 200 hits shy right now. Hes also 12 home runs off of 600 homers as of this writing. While setting the career home run record no longer seems po sible for Pujols, 700 home runs is still within reason.There remains a decent chance Pujols will finish his career with 700 home runs, 3,000 hits, and a .300 lifetime batting average. Only Hank Aaron has done this. Only Willie Mays has even swatted 500 home runs to go with the other two marks.Of course, this isnt an automatic Leonys Martin Jersey ticket to Cooperstown, as Alex Rodriguez is currently just shy of these numbers and might need to buy a ticket to get into the place for several more years. But Pujols also doesnt have A-Rods personal baggage. And A-Rods numbers will probably get him a Hall of Fame plaque at some point as well.As for Pujols decline, hes had two seasons with le s than 2 WAR. For context, according to the Play Index tool on Baseball-Reference.com, 98 Hall of Fame position players have had at least one season where they had enough plate appearances to qualify for a batting title but posted le s than 2 WAR.Rabbit Maranville did this seven times. So did Jim ORourke, and thats not counting his 1904 season where the by-then 54-year-old lawyer was allowed to catch one more game for the New Edwin Encarnacion Jersey York Giants near the end of year after writing a letter to manager John McGraw. A few of predictably had several years with le s than 2 WAR, like Lloyd Waner (six seasons below 2 WAR), Jim Bottomley (five), and Tommy McCarthy (three.)Plenty of inner circle Hall of Fame members are on the list as well, such as Reggie Jackson who had some dreck seasons in the 1980s after also joining the Angels. Inaugural induction ceremony Hall of Famer George Sisler had six seasons below 2 WAR. Robin Yount had five, bookending the beginning and end of his career.PHOTOS: The point is, not every Hall of Famer has maintained a stellar level of production for 15 or 20 seasons before calling it a career. Perhaps some fans have the idea that a true Hall of Famer should do this. But most Hall of Famers Brandon Guyer Jersey have brief, even prolonged declines. Even Willie Mays was worth just 1.8 WAR over his final two abbreviated seasons. Ken Griffey Jr. averaged 1.2 WAR per season after leaving the Seattle Mariners and was very nearly a unanimous Hall of Fame selection in January.For some Hall of Famers, their years of mediocrity or sub-replacement level production far outnumbered their years as stars. Some never even get to the point of being true stars. Chick Hafey never had an All Star-caliber five WAR in a season, nor did McCarthy or Waner. This goes for even Hall of Fame selections who werent outright, egregious mistakes. Gabby Hartnett, one of the finest catchers of the first half of the 20th century, had 5 WAR in season just once.This wasnt Pujols, who for 11 years looked something like his Mike Napoli Jersey generations version of a young Jimmie Foxx and for the past five seasons has at least stayed healthier than Foxx was at the end of his career.End of day, Pujols probably could have retired in 2011 and gotten his plaque all the same. Hes helped his Hall of Fame case only as much as hes accumulated more hits and home runs and hasnt embroiled himself in any controversies involving performance enhancing drugs. In that respect, the last five years for Pujols have been a marked succe s.

Sidelined since May 20because of astre s fracture in Logan Webb Jersey hislower back, New York Mets first baseman Lucas Duda's season is likely over following another setback.Mets general managerSandy Alderson Wednesday that"it doesn't look good" for Duda to return Orlando Cepeda Jersey during the regular season.MORE: Dudahopedto beingplaying inrehab-a signment games this month after swinging a bat for the first time in July butthe Tyler Beede Jersey 30-year-old first baseman's prognosis is now bleak. He was prescribed 30 days of rest by team physician Tyler Austin Jersey Dr.Robert Watkins, Alderson said,atwhich time his back will be reevaluated.Dudawas hitting.231/.297/.431 with seven home runs in 39 games when he suffered Jaylin Davis Jersey the injury.James Loney has filled in admirably for Duda at first base, batting.284/.336/.442 since making his Mets debut Austin Slater Jersey May 31.

Larry Krystkowiak led the Utah to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2009 and for the first time since 2005.For his efforts, the school rewarded the 50-year-old coach Wednesday with a contract extension through 2023 Justin Steele Jersey that will payhim $2.4 million per year.MORE: | | "Our men's basketball program has made tremendous strides these past four seasons under Coach Krystkowiak," . "The succe s of a program starts with its head coach and Jose Quintana Jersey he has provided outstanding leadership for our student-athletes. Larry is aware of his value to our program. It is clear that his succe s has been noted throughout the country and we are pleased to be able to solidify his commitment to our program."The Utes went 26-9 this season, falling to eventual national champion Duke in the regional semifinals.The Utes Kyle Hendricks Jersey finished third in the Pac-12 and lost to Oregon in the semifinals of the conference tournament. It was Utah's best finish since joining the Pac-12 in 2011 Chicago Cubs Jersey .PHOTOS: | LINEMAKERS: Krystkowiak took over that season and Utah won just six games. The Utes steadily improved, winning 15 the following year before a 21-win campaign during the 2013-14 season."I want to thank Dr. Hill and President (David) Pershing for their amazing support of the men's basketball team," Krystkowiak said in a statement. "We always speak about the culture within our program and a big Cole Hamels Jersey part of that is realizing who we are. I'm a big believer in those I work for, those I work with, and the student-athletes I get to coach. This is an amazing university with an incredible basketball program Baez El Mago Jersey one which I feel very proud and humbled to be a part of."

ST. LOUIS Willy Adames spent the first six weeks of the 2021 season playing for the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League. He hit just .197 in those Genesis Cabrera Jersey 41 games, including a .156 average with a .557 OPS in his home ballpark, Tropicana Field.It was not pretty.If you wanted to build the profile for a player who deserves mention on all 30 National League MVP ballots that will be submitted by BBWAA members at the end of the season, the profile of a player who has been the single most important trade acquisition of the season and the catalyst for a franchise that went from middling to mesmerizing almost overnight, you probably wouldnt start with a sub-Mendoza line hitter who had fans clamoring for a potential replacement starring at Triple-A.And maybe thats why the 28 other teams didnt trade for Willy Adames.MORE: But the Brewers did, and their season hasnt been the same since the shortstop first suited up for Milwaukee on May 22.Willys been unbelievable, Milwaukee second baseman Kolten Wong told Sporting News. As soon as he came here, it was a different feel, you know?When the Brewers traded for Adames, they were 21-23. The rotation and bullpen were Randy Arozarena Jersey stocked with shutdown hurlers, but the offense was, putting it kindly, mediocre, ranking 12th of 15 NL teams in runs scored at the time. It was hard to blame skeptical Brewers fans who might have questioned this acquisition.It was a pretty unique trade for this era of baseball wheeling and dealing, for a couple of reasons. First, all four players in the deal were on the big-league roster, two relievers who went to Tampa Bay in exchange for Adames and reliever Trevor Richards. Not a prospect in the mix.And, maybe more unique in this current baseball climate, it was a deal between two teams hell-bent on contending in 2021, not two teams headed in opposite directions. The Rays were coming off a run to Game 6 of the World Series, and the Brewers were looking to make the postseason for the fourth season in a row matching the four total October appearances the franchise made from 1969 to 2017.I like to win. I like to compete, Adames told SNthis week, sitting in the visitors dugout at Busch Stadium. It was a good thing for me, because I went from one winning team to another winning team. I knew Id have a good opportunity here to continue to win and compete to go to the postseason, and I like that.There were two things the Brewers knew for sure about Adames. First, you wont find a better teammate than Adames, a universally loved player who loves suiting up every day. On a franchise that values that type of clubhouse camaraderie, Adames was an ideal fit.Turns out, he was maybe even more than they expected.Theres a skill to that, and thats leadership, really, Brewers manager Craig Counsell told SN in a pregame Zoom callTuesday. A lot of times we Lane Thomas Jersey label it as energy, but I think its leadership. Leadership helps everybody. Thats what his presence has meant. Weve added a true leader to the team and that helps everybody.The Brewers went 17-4 in Adames first 21 games, moving from four games back in the NL Central, in third place, into a first-place tie. After a five-game losing skid, the winning resumed and really hasnt stopped. Since Adames arrival, the Brewers have the best record in baseball, with a 53-24 record. Only the Giants have more than 48 wins in that stretch.Oh, and the best team in the AL since that deal?Yep, the Rays, with a 47-28 mark. A win-win, if ever there was a win-win.Thing is, its not enough to call Adames a spark plug or credit him merely with bringing an energy boost to the club. Thats selling him short. Way damn short.Adames, a 6-foot, 210-pound shortstop in his fourth big-league season at 25 years old, has been not only Milwaukees best hitter, but arguably the best player in the National League well, the best hitter who isn Bob Gibson Jersey t the son of a player who once hit two grand slams in the same inning against the same pitcher since his arrival.Remember how the Brewers were 12th of 15 teams in the NL in runs scored? Since hes arrived, only the Dodgers have scored more runs than Adames club (408 to 402).MORE: Its not all about Adames, but hes played no small role. He won't win the NL MVP that should go to Fernando TatisJr., with a couple others ahead of Adames but he definitely deserves top-five consideration.Lets look at his Tampa Bay numbers compared to his Milwaukee numbersWith Tampa Bay: .197/.254/.371, 142 PA, 5 HR, 15 RBI, 77 OPS+, 0.7 bWARWith Milwaukee: .300/.385/.558, 322 PA, 17 HR, 49 RBI, 150 OPS+, 3.5 bWARSo whats the difference? Yairo Munoz Jersey For starters, hes free from Tropicana Field, home of the Rays, where he had all kinds of trouble seeing the ball well enough to pick up the spin.I wanted to try and recognize the pitch, he said, but I couldnt do it at home. It was tough.He tried just about everything, including clear non-prescription gla ses. Nothing worked, at least not on a consistent basis. Adames hit .204 with a .557 OPS at the Trop in 2019 and .165 with a .511 OPS at home in 2020. On the road, Adames hit .303 with a .903 OPS in 2019 and .330 with a 1.035 OPS in 2020. Thats quite a difference.Things werent better at the Juice Box in 2021; he was batting just .156 with a .557 OPS at the Trop in 2021 before the trade.A home ballpark is supposed to be a place of comfort the home players, right?For me, it was the opposite, Adames said. It was a tough time for me. Daniel Ponce De Leon Jersey I was always trying to figure it out, years of trying to figure it out and I couldnt figure it out.Getting away from Tropicana Field wasnt just about finally hitting in a ballpark where he could see the baseball. It was a mental weight lifted, too.After I got traded, my mind just relaxed, he said. You dont have to think about trying to make an adjustment at home every time. You come back from the road, and I dont have to make an adjustment.He could just play. He could just hit. He could, finally, thrive.Playing for the Brewers, every game is like a road game for Adames, free from the Tropicana burden. Of his 21 home runs this season already a career high, by the way 10have cleared the wall to right field, opposite-field homers for the right-handed swinger.When Im good at the plate, I hit the ball well to the other side. Thats the thing thats helped me the most as a hitter, going the other way, Adames said.Im getting more mature, older and stronger and I think things are just coming along, with my

Indians pitcher Carlos Carrasco has been named the 2019 Matt Andriese Jersey recipient of the Roberto Clemente award, MLB announcedFriday.Carrasco, 32,was announced as the Indians' nomineeSept. 12. The award is given out annually by the league to the player who "best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the Brad Boxberger Jersey field.". is an inspiration and the 2019 Roberto Clemente Award winner. MLB (@MLB) Words cant describe what means to our community and organization.THANK YOU for making such a big impact on and off the field. Congratulations! Cleveland Indians (@Indians) On June 5, Carrasco was placed on the 10-day injured list for what the Indians called a "blood condition." Later on July 6, Carrasco revealed he'd been diagnosed with leukemia. Cleveland activated him off the IL on Aug. 28 and he made his Taijuan Walker Jersey first appearance since the diagnosis on Sept. 1. He received a standing ovation from the crowd as he came into the game as a relief pitcher Alex Avila Jersey against the Rays.He took a situation where, rather than feeling sorry for himself, he used his ability to reach out to people and lift them up, Indians manager Terry Francona said, (). Thats pretty incredible.Carrasco took to Instagram on Friday to expre s his gratitude for winning the award writing: "Thank you to@mlband to all who voted for me as the Roberto Clemente Award winner. This is an incredible honor and something I have dreamed about since I was a kid. Lets all continue to make this Wilmer Flores Jersey world a better place!"A post shared by (@cookie_carrasco) Patrick Corbin Jersey on Oct 25, 2019 at 11:43am PDTIn 23 games (12 starts) with the Indians this season, Carrasco went 6-7 with a 5.29 ERA in 80 innings pitched.The Indians finished the season 93-69, mi singthe playoffs for the first time in three seasons. Related Articles

Each night we'll provide you with the nine top story lines from the day's action, beginning with Ryan Pressly Jersey the stars of the day, and look ahead to the next day's matchups. Jacob deGrom isn't an All-Star yet, but he definitely looks the part.The Metsrightyworked eight shutout innings Thursdayagainst the Brewers as New York snapped its seven-game losing streak with a 2-0 win. deGrom was masterful, striking out seven and walking none. He surrendered just four hits on a tidy 100 pitches.With the National League All-Star reveal nine days away, deGrom is sure to have a place, sporting a2.15 ERA and0.93 WHIP with a 100/18 K/BB ratio over 100 1/3 innings this year.Meanwhile, Troy Tulowitzki thought he had the night off Thursday. Instead, he entered the Rockies-Diamondbacks game in the eighth inning and blasted a pinch-hit home run to push his hitting streak to nine games. Tulo's shot kicked off a five-run inning for the Rockies that keyed their 6-4 win.Here are more highlights from Thursday's games:Impact Players: C Matt Wieters, Orioles: Wieters smashed a two-run homer in the fourthinning against the Red Sox. He was 2 for 5 at the plate and is batting .292/.321/.604.1B Brandon Belt, Giants:Beltwent 3for Roberto Osuna Jersey 5 at the plate with two of the Giants' four triples in the game. He is batting.269/.345/.483 for the season.2B Howie Kendrick, Dodgers: Kendrick took advantage of Jon Lester's shoddy pitching, hitting a two-run double in the first inning. Kendrick went 1 for 4and is hitting .276/.326/.403 with six home runs and 30 RBIs this season.SS Carlos Sanchez, White Sox: Sanchez's bases-clearing triple in the 10th inning gave Chicago the win over Detroit. He went 2 for 5 at the plate with three RBIs.3B Todd Frazier, Reds:Frazier slugged atwo-runhomerin the top of the seventh to force extra innings. He was 3 for 6 at the plate with a home run and three RBIsin the 13-inning win.OF Josh Reddick, Athletics:Going 2 for 3, Reddick hit a sacrifice fly in the sixth inning and followed with atwo-run single in the seventhas the A's toppedthe Rangers6-3.DH Prince Fielder, Rangers:Fielder went 2 for 4and scored once, pushing his season line to.344/.413/.525 in the Tigers' lo s.SP Jacob deGrom, Mets:In near-perfect form, deGrom pitched eight scorele s innings in a winning effort against the Brewers. He struck out seven, walked none and surrenderedjust four hits.Key Injuries: Cubs third baseman Kris Bryan t left the game against the Dodgers in the second inning because he was suffering from flu-like symptoms.Left hander Jorge de la Rosa is day to day with the Rockies. He has a cut on his left middle finger that he sustained sometime in the sixth inning against the Diamondbacks.Surprise Performers: Good: Nationalspitcher Doug Fisterlooks to be in mid-seasons form. He lastedseven innings andallowedjust four hits and no runs against the Braves. This is only his second appearance since he came off the disabled list June 18.Bad:Jon Lester had a rough goagainst the Dodgers. The Brian McCann Jersey lefty lasted only four innings and gave up four runs and four walksin the Cubs'lo s. He has a4.03 ERA, a 1.37 WHIPand an 86/27 K/BB ratio over Roy Oswalt Jersey 89 1/3 innings.Web Gems: Steve Pearce uses his ups to make a pretty sweet catch.. making grabs like . MLB GIFS (@MLBGIFs) Paddington Bear threw out the ceremonial first pitch for his birthdayat the Cubs gameand met the team'smascot, ClarkFirst pitch + . MLB GIFS (@MLBGIFs) Brandon Phillips' around-the-back to s propelled the Reds to an easy double play.. just out there being cool. MLB (@MLB) Facts of the Day: All good things must come to an end. Braves right fielder Nick Markakis' 398-game errorle s streak was ruined with a first-inning blemishagainst the Nationals.Nick Markakis' 1st inning error snapped a streak of 398 consecutive games without an error in the OF, which is the MLB record. ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) Giancarlo Stanton continues to impre s, leading the majors with 27 home runs.Giancarlo Stanton's 27 HR lead the majors. Only 2 players in the last 7 seasons have had 30 HR by the end of June: ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) Reactions: Mets manager Terry Collins was irate overDarrell Ceciliani getting called out after trying to steal second.TC : "I'm telling ya, I don't know if Matz is getting called up!" Ump : "You liar GTFOH!" Mets fans Can't Spel (@ Jose Cruz Jr. Jersey MetsKevin11) "If you're going to start a streak, you've got to win one," Collins said, . "We've had a horrible trip. We haven't scored. Three one-run lo ses. So let's just go home where we've played well, and hopefully we can continue this.""We've done it several times this year after a tough lo s or a tough stretch, we find a way to get back off the canvas and win a game," Rockies manager Walt Wei s said on the late rally, . "We turned the momentum around, so it's a great win. We win the series with that one. Some guys had some big contributions today."Off the Field: Pitcher Sean Conroy became the playerin profe sional baseball when made hisfirst startfor the Sonoma Stompers andpitched a shutout.Steven Matz will have his time Anthony Gose Jersey to shine with the Mets.Another pitching prospect on his way to the ! New York promotes top LHP prospect, Steven Matz (7-4, 2.19 ERA) to majors. Baseball Tonight (@BBTN) Scores: AL: NL: A Look Ahead: (All times Eastern) Nationals (40-33) at Phillies (26-48), 7:05 p.m.:The Nationals have won their past six games, sweeping the Braves and the Pirates. Right-hander Max Scherzer (7-2,1.76 ERA) will take the mound for the first time since his no-hitter against Pittsburgh.White Sox (32-40) at Tigers (37-36), 7:08 p.m.:The White Sox turn to Jose Quintana (0-2,7.88 ERA)in Game 2 of their four-game series.Anibal Sanchez (6-7, 4.59ERA) will start for the Tigers and attempt to earn his fourth win in a row.Reds (34-37) at Mets (37-37), 7:10 p.m.:After rallying in th

Marlins second baseman Dee Gordon has been suspended 80 games without payfor violating Major League Baseball's policy on performance Kole Calhoun Jersey -enhancing drugs.MLB announced thesuspension early Friday after the Marlins completed a four-game sweep ofthe Dodgers in Los Angeles. The commi sioner's office said in a pre s release Gordon tested positive for "exogenous testosterone and Clostebol."The earliest he can return is July 29when the Marlins play host to the Cardinals. He also will Dylan Bundy Jersey not be eligible to play in the postseason.FAGAN: The suspension, which will begin immediately,is a huge blow to the Marlins.Gordon, 28, led the National League with a .333 batting average and the major leagues with 58 stolen bases last season. He is batting.266with six stolen bases and five RBIs in 21games this season. He went 1 for 4 with an RBI on Thursday.Gordon did notcomment immediately afterthe suspension was announced. Marlins president David Samson voiced support for Gordon , but he also said he did not "like or condone what (Gordon) did" and called the ban "a huge, huge disappointment."Marlins manager Don Mattingly said he was "definitely shocked and surprised" Huston Street Jersey and that he, too, would supportGordon.The 5-11, 170-pound Gordon relies on his speed rather than his power. He has just eight career home runs over six major league seasons.MORE: Gordon is making $3 million this season, per Baseball Prospectus. He isin the first year of a five-year, $50 million contract extension signed last January.Derek Dietrich andMiguel Rojas are among the internal candidates to replace Gordon at second base. Zack Cozart Jersey Outfielders Christian YelichandIchiro Suzuki are among the candidates to replace Gordon as Miami's leadoff hitter.Mattingly said all his team can do now is focus on what's ahead."If you want to go somewhere, you Ian Kinsler Jersey don't just, anytime there's a roadblock or an obstacle, you can't just stop and turn around," he told reporters (). "You've got to go over it, you've got to go around it, and find a way to get to where you want to go, and that's what we're going Brian Goodwin Jersey to have to do as a club. We're going to have to digest this,and it's a tough thing to digest, but then we're going to have to wake up and move forward. That's the way it is."Correction: The article listed the wrong date forGordon's earliest return. Heis eligible to return July 29.Ominsport's Ron Clements contributed to this report.

OMAHA, Neb. Virginia held Vanderbilt scorele s for all but one inning.But boy, what an inning it was.ORE: The Commodores capitalized on Virginia starter Nathan Kirby's sudden lo s of control to score nine runs in the Matt Harvey Jersey third, then held off the Cavaliers to win 9-8 in Game 1 of the College World Series finals Monday night."We're fortunate to win that game, for sure," Vanderbilt coach Tim Corbin said. "No one could have scripted that particular game, and if anyone said they could, they're lying. I don't think you could have called a nine-run inning."The Commodores (50-20) can win their first national championship in a men's sport with a win Tuesday night."It's nice to be up 1-0, but that's not where Keith Hernandez Jersey our mindset is right now," second baseman Dansby Swanson said. "It's the same game regardle s. You have to go out there, play, compete and just play the tournament like we always talk about. We're not going out there thinking we've only got one more."Virginia (52-15) came back after going down by seven runs, scoring three in the third, two in the fifth and another in the eighth. Had it not been for Vanderbilt reliever John Kilichowski getting a cleat on the ball to slow down and redirect a comebacker, saving a run in the eighth, the Cavaliers would have tied it."We didn't really want to fall back and pack it in," Branden Cogswell said. "We hadn't done it all year. This Wilmer Flores Jersey is the championship series, and there is no reason to do it now."Jared Miller (7-2) got the win for two innings of relief of Walker Buehler. Adam Ravenelle came on in the ninth and earned his second save of the CWS.Tyler Campbell continued his improbable breakout for the Commodores, doubling twice in the third inning. Campbell, who took over for third baseman Xavier Turner on Friday after he was ruled ineligible for an NCAA rules violation, put Vanderbilt up 9-2 with his second double, which came with the bases loaded."I'm just still happy I got the opportunity and I've been able to come in and be a solid player for the team," Campbell said. "I'm happy we're here in the championship, so it's all good."It was the highest-scoring CWS game at TD Ameritrade Park, which opened in 2011, and the most runs allowed by Virginia since an 11-6 lo s to Mi si sippi State in super regionals last year.The nine runs in the third, off three hits, five walks and Juan Lagares Jersey a hit batsman , were the most in an inning in the CWS since Stanford scored 11 against Florida State in the ninth on June 14, 2008, at the old Rosenblatt Stadium."I just couldn Michael Conforto Jersey 't find my release point," Kirby said. "It hadn't happened all year, but it happened tonight. I thought we did a great job with the bats. If we carry that into tomorrow, I think we'll be fine."Things went south for Kirby in a hurry after he struck out Chris Harvey to start the inning. He walked Jason Delay on four pitches, gave up Campbell's first double, and walked Dansby Swanson to load the bases.Bryan Reynolds' infield single drove in a run, and then Kirby i sued the first of three straight bases-loaded walks all while Whit Mayberry was warming up in the bullpen. By the time Mayberry came on, after Rhett Wiseman reached on an error, Vandy led 5-2.Of Kirby's last 50 pitches, 31 were balls. He walked five in the third inning after having never walked more than three in a game in his 18 previous career starts."Nathan Kirby has done the job all year long for this team, and I thought he was pretty sharp the first couple innings, Zack Wheeler Jersey " Virginia coach Brian O'Connor said. "The third inning, it just kind of unraveled."

A's right-hander Chris Ba sitt's curveball comes in at an average velocity of 70.9 mph, one of Jose Ramirez Jersey the slowest breaking balls in MLB.Paired with a mid-90s fastball, the pitch often catches hitters by surprise. That's why opponents whiff on it more than 35 percent of the time and hit it weaker than Bob Uecker Jersey any of his other offerings, according to Statcast.Ba sitt spoke to "ChangeUp" hosts Adnan Virk and Scott Rogowsky Brandon McCarthy Jersey about the pitch on Friday night."People don't really see (the slow curveball) that often," Ba sitt said, "so I think it Dale Murphy Jersey gives them a different look. That's helped me along the way."MORE:When asked how he approaches his pitching, he acknowledged he doesn Deion Sanders Jersey 't subscribe to the wave of new statisticsthat have revolutionized the game such as spin rate and exit velocity."Definitely an Babe Ruth Jersey old-school type," Ba sitt said. "If you look at the mechanics, I definitely shouldn't be out there thinking because I'm already funky enough."

Pay your players.Pay. Your. Players. Say it with me, MLB franchises: Pay. Your. Players.Feel it. Live it. Breathe it in. Drink it in, man.Those James Daniels Jersey three words could probably be repeated 30 to 40 times in the rest of this column to prove a point and send a me sage after all, followinga pretty dead two years of MLB free agency with no pizzazz, it needs to be said. But so far during this free-agency period, there's been hope that this offseason won't be a total drag, which is a good sign for fans and players.Mike Moustakas got his money and years from the Cincinnati Reds; the Braves inked Will Smith to a fairly lucrative contract and it sounds like Anthony Rendon and Stephen Strasburg could sign sooner rather than later. So please, MLB teams,keep spending money Ha Ha Clinton-Dix Jersey . Keep wanting to win.The elephant in the dugout is the CBA expiring at the end of 2021, so teams have two years to get it right and prove they want to do just that: spend money and win. It seems as though in 2019 baseball, teams are more concerned with their bottom line than the left column. Mets relief pitcher Justin Wilson said as much last year during his introductory conference call."I agree with Justin Verlander on some aspects on that, that there is a lot of the league that would rather make money than NFL Chicago Bears Jersey win," Wilson said."Which, if you're a player, it isn't really fun, because we play this game to win."I don't go into the season with any other goal than aWorld Series.So having two-thirds of the league not really involved inthat, not trying to win a championship, that's holding free agency."It wasn't long ago that the free-agent proce s the year he landed with the Yankees, signing inmid-March. Walker was far from ancient or washed up he was 32 at the time Prince Amukamara Jersey andcoming off a good run with the Mets and Brewers in 2017 in which he was worth more than two wins, per Fangraphs.The trend continuedwhen Gio Gonzalez, who was lights out for the Brewers in 2018, had to wait until March 2019 to sign. Dallas Keuchel and Craig Kimbrelsigning post MLB Draft because teams wanted to avoid giving up draft compensation.Yes, the big-market guys like Patrick Corbin, Bryce Harper and Manny Machado got their money, and presumablyGerritCole,Rendonand Strasburg will get theirs. But this isn't so much about the big-ticket guys, but those serviceable veterans who had to wait a little longer to get paid.It certainly seems like it's starting to turn for the better: In addition to Moustakas and Smith, Travis d'Arnaud and Yasmani Grandal signed, maybe a bit earlier than many expected them to. Shocking, but true: Signing early in the offseason is what'sbest for busine s.Put aside the benefit Cordarrelle Patterson Jersey for media and fans for a second.Think of the players, some of who had to suffer through terrible minorleague conditions to finally wait four or five years for the chance at free agency only to be set aside because owners want to play a cute game of "payroll flexibility" with players something that could lead tolabor unrest in the coming years.There's a lot more that goes into it than just the way free agency has been handled: The minor-league contraction fiasco, service-time manipulation and other rules are at the forefront of Roquan Smith Jersey change for the MLBPA and the league.But for now, teams seem to be getting smart by opening up their wallets again, and that's a welcome gift for fans ahead of the holiday season.Keep stuffing that stocking, folks.