Eventually, 2021 Topps Big League arrived in shops this April. This product was supposed to be released last May. Delays are normal, however, a 1-year delay is just so unbelievable. But, better late than never? When the 2021 Topps Big League became available, I went to a sports card shop to get some packs to see whether I could find something interesting.
Topps Big League is an entry-level product and it’s really hard to find autograph cards or low-numbered cards. However, luckily, this time, I got a rainbow foil card, which is numbered to 199.
It’s a Kyle Lewis highlights card. Kyle Lewis unanimously won the 2020 AL Rookie of the Year award. Nonetheless, due to injury, he hadn't been so productive last year and he's just back from the IL. That makes me think of those players who also received votes in the 2020 AL Rookie of the Year race. Are they playing well this year?
Luis Robert was one of Rookie of the Year favorites in 2020. However, he was only hitting .136/.237/.173 with 1 home run and 7 RBI in September 2020. The September slump really caused him to become second in the AL Rookie of the Year award. Luis Robert played 68 games last season, slashing .338/.378/.567 with 13 home runs and 43 RBI. By far this season, he’s batting .285/.319/.438 with 6 home runs and 17 RBI in 33 games.
Cristian Javier received 11 third-place votes in the 2020 AL Rookie of the Year Voting. He made 10 starts and 2 relief appearances in 2020, posting a 3.48 ERA and a 0.99 WHIP. Nevertheless, Javier often comes out of the bullpen these two seasons. Last season, Javier tossed 101.1 innings and posted a 3.55 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP. This season, he already made 4 starts and 4 relief appearances, owning a 2.87 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP over 31.1 innings.
In addition, Sean Murphy and Willi Castro each received a second-place vote and 4 third-place votes. Sean Murphy slashed .233/.364/.457 with 7 home runs and 14 RBI in 2020, nonetheless, he’s only hitting .203/.275/.366 with 4 home runs and 20 RBI by far in 2022. Meanwhile, Willi Castro hit .349/.381/.550 with 6 home runs and 24 RBI in 36 games in 2020. Nevertheless, he was only hitting .220/.273/.351 with 9 home runs and 38 RBI last year. Castro was called up by the Tigers in mid-April and he’s currently hitting .260/.313/.342 with 1 home run and 4 RBI.
Moreover, James Karinchak got 5 third-place votes. Jared Walsh received a second-place vote and a third-place vote. Karinchak made 27 relief appearances in 2020, posting a 2.67 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP. But, due to injury, he hasn’t pitched yet this season. Furthermore, Jared Walsh had a .293/.324/.646 slash line with 9 homers and 26 RBI across 32 games in 2020. And, he enjoyed a great 2021 season, batting .277/.340/.509 with 29 HRs and 98 RBI. This season, he’s hitting .243/.304/.466 with 9 home runs and 27 RBI thus far.
Finally, Ryan Mountcastle, Brady Singer and Jesus Luzardo each had a third-place vote in the 2020 AL Rookie of the Year voting. This season, Mountcastle slashed .264/.296/.403 with 5 home runs and 18 RBI thus far. Brady Singer already made 2 starts and 3 relief appearances for the Royals, posting a 1.83 ERA and a 0.97 WHIP. Additionally, the Oakland A’s sent Jesus Luzardo to the Marlins for Starling Marte last July. Luzardo is currently on the IL. Before being placed on the IL, Luzardo made 6 starts, owning a 4.03 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP.
Kyle Lewis won the 2020 AL Rookie of the Year award, however, injuries have limited his production last year and he just came back from the IL. Moreover, there are a few players who are currently on the injured list. Luis Robert missed significant playing time last season due to injuries and he has been placed on the Covid-related IL. Receiving votes in the Rookie of the Year race or winning awards shows that your efforts are recognized. But, it’s always important to stay healthy for the long season.
No comments:
Post a Comment