Spin more again?

The 2023 season was over. The year of 2023 is coming to an end soon. At the end of the year, I guess it might not be bad to review something. While thinking about reviewing, I began to think about a key policy.

Miss games

A month ago, I listened to a podcast show. In the show, the host mentioned a team’s problem. A great hitter just missed games over the last few seasons and his health will be a serious concern in the future as well.

Good to be back?

In late November 2023, Lance Lynn and the St. Louis Cardinals agreed to a one-year deal. With Adam Wainwright retiring after the 2023 season, it’s certain that the Cardinals will require a top arm in the rotation in 2024. However, is signing a deal with Lance Lynn a great decision?

Cy Young winners and free passes

In mid-November, unanimously, Gerrit Cole won the AL Cy Young award. After finishing 2nd in the AL Cy Young voting twice, Cole eventually got his first Cy Young award. At the same time, in the National League, Blake Snell received 28 of the 30 first-place votes to win the second Cy Young award in his career.

Just fastballs

A couple of months ago, I watched a baseball game on TV. It was the final of an international tournament. In that game, a starting pitcher frequently threw his fastball, and it worked very well. Opponents just couldn’t hit well against his fastball.

Struggle against the pitches in the zone?

A few weeks ago, I listened to a podcast show. In the show, the host and the guest were talking about some free agents and some teams that possibly will sign those players. Suddenly, the host mentioned a player. That player is an All-Star, however, the host indicated that the player just struggled against pitches in the zone during the regular season.

18 packs of 2023 Topps Pro Debut

Topps Pro Debut is a cool product to cover rising stars in the minors. It’s not a popular product, but it’s an interesting product. Previously, I bought some hobby packs of Topps Pro Debut and it’s pretty good to find some stars of tomorrow.

Counsell vs. Ross

In mid-November, the Chicago Cubs introduced Craig Counsell as Cubs manager and he will be the 56th manager in franchise history. The Cubs’ decision to ink a deal with Craig Counsell is surely a surprising one. While reading the news, I began to think about his time with the Brewers.

Combined wins

A month ago, I listened to one of my favorite podcast shows. In the show, the host mentioned an interesting stat. The Rangers-Diamondbacks World Series matchup is a rare one. During the regular season, the Rangers won 90 games and the Diamondbacks got 84 wins. In total, these two teams combined for 174 wins. The number is the fewest combined regular season wins in a World Series matchup without counting shortened seasons.

Votto, forever a Reds legend

A few weeks ago, I went to a sports card shop. The owner of the card shop is a very nice person and we always chat a lot. Additionally, I saw some folders where you can find some old baseball cards. I was flipping some folders, trying to see whether there were some cool cards.

Love to hit at Chase Field?

Again, Corey Seager was named the World Series MVP. In the 2023 World Series, Seager slashed .286/.375/.762 with 3 home runs and 6 RBI in 5 games. In particular, he crushed 2 home runs and collected 4 RBI at Chase Field in the 2023 World Series. Before inking a long-term deal with the Rangers, Seager had played for the Dodgers for 7 seasons. While seeing his great performance in the World Series and of course, at Chase Field, I was just thinking about a question.

2023 Topps Allen & Ginter

The 2023 Topps Allen & Ginter was released in September. It’s a popular product. When I passed by several sports card shops, this product was sold out. A few weeks ago, I went to a sports card shop and eventually saw that there were some hobby packs.

A good blaster box of 2023 Series 2?

In mid-June, I bought some hobby packs and jumbo packs of the 2023 Topps Series 2 baseball cards. For me, a key thing about this series is that it’s getting more expensive. In particular, a jumbo pack’s price increases dramatically. I really don’t know if this is good for the market.

Best reliever in the postseason?

A few weeks ago, I listened to a podcast show. In the show, the host mentioned a closer who was underrated, and the host indicated that the closer might be the most reliable one in the postseason over the last few years.

Best SS in the postseason?

A couple of months ago, I listened to a podcast show. In the show, a guest indicated that he remembers well that a shortstop hit a walk-off single in the postseason. It was a great podcast show and after listening to the show, I was thinking about a question.

A good manager?

The 2023 season is over. For the Dodgers fans, it might be an unsatisfying season. The team won 100 games during the regular season. However, in the NLDS, the Dodgers only scored 6 runs, 2 each game, and they were swept by the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Dodgers again fell short in the postseason and again, some fans are talking about Dave Roberts’ future.

Just love to hit in the postseason?

The 2023 season is over. The Rangers won the first World Series Championship. In the playoffs, several Rangers players had hit very well and great hitting performance certainly helped the team. Besides the Rangers players, this postseason, several players used their bats to contribute to the team as well.

2023 Topps Series 1 blaster box

A few weeks ago, I was browsing on the Amazon website. I found that there were 2023 Topps Series 1 blaster boxes available. Additionally, some vendors sold them at a good price.

HR leader at Truist Park in the postseason

The baseball season is over. The Rangers won first World Series title in franchise history and Corey Seager slashed .318/.451/.682 with 6 home runs and 12 RBI in the 2023 postseason. In particular, he crushed 3 home runs at Globe Life Field and by far in his career, he already blasted 10 home runs at this ball park in the playoffs. While seeing Seager’s great performance in the postseason, I began to think about a question.

100 mph, no problem?

In Game 4 of the NLDS, Spencer Strider threw a 100-mph fastball and Nick Castellano made a very solid contact, the ball just kept going. Gone, it was a home run. That’s October baseball. Lots of things could happen. Spencer Strider earned 20 wins during the regular season. However, he took 2 losses this postseason. That’s why watching October baseball is so entertaining. You can’t expect what will happen. A 100-mph four-seam fastball was crushed.

Something didn't work

For the Dodgers fans, it’s not an ideal way to end the 2023 season. The Dodgers won 100 games this year, however, they were swept by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the NLDS. Again, the Dodgers fell short in the postseason. And, this time, it might be even more bitter. The ace Clayton Kershaw couldn’t finish his job and only tossed 0.1 innings this postseason.

Johan Santana, Pablo Lopez and good changeups

In October, two-time Cy Young award winner Johan Santana was back to Minnesota, throwing the first pitch in Game 3 of the ALDS. Surprisingly, Santana wore a Pablo Lopez jersey. It was a great moment because Pablo Lopez indicated that Santana was his childhood idol.

Good choices in 2007?

A few weeks ago, I watched a video on YouTube. A player who used to play for the Atlanta Braves was interviewed and he mentioned the 2007 draft class. After watching the video, I went to check on the great baseball reference website to see which players were selected by the Braves in 2007.

Ohtani, the leader for

The 2023 season officially came to an end. Hence, several players are free agents now. On the free agent market, it is certain that so many baseball fans will pay a lot of attention to see where the top free agent Shohei Ohtani will go. Before he makes his decision, let’s take a quick look at his performances during these 6 seasons with the Angels.

Love to pitch in the postseason?

The 2023 Fall Classic just came to an end. The Rangers won the first World Series title in franchise history. It’s an interesting World Series, in particular, for the Rangers fans. A few days ago, a friend indicated that the key to winning the World Series is pitching. Well, that makes me think about a question.

2023 Topps Update Series

The 2023 Topps Update Series was released in mid-October. After this product was released, I went to a card shop to buy some hobby packs of the 2023 Update Series. For me, it’s necessary to buy some packs of this series. But, this year, the price of the Update Series increased a lot. Additionally, just a quick fact, in a hobby pack of the 2023 Topps Series 2, there are 14 cards. In the 2023 Update Series, there are 12 cards in a hobby pack. Well, it’s getting harder to collect baseball cards.

Offspeed pitch, crush it

A couple of months ago, I watched a baseball game on TV. The game was a pretty good one. In the game, the play-by-play guy indicated that a batter looked ready for offspeed pitches, then the pitcher threw an offspeed pitch and the batter crushed it. Boom! Without doubt, it was gone, a home run.

40 years young

A few weeks ago, I bought some lucky bags at a famous online sports card shop. In a lucky bag, an autograph baseball card is guaranteed. Well, sometimes, an autograph baseball card in a lucky bag doesn’t have much value. But, for me, it’s just fun to open some packs of baseball cards.

World Series preview

After a long season, the World Series matchup is finally confirmed. The Texas Rangers defeated the Rays in the AL Wild Card Series and swept the Orioles, which won 101 games in 2023, in the ALDS. In the ALCS, the Rangers beat the Astros. The Rangers clinched the first AL pennant since 2011. Meanwhile, in the NL, the Diamondbacks beat the Brewers in the Wild Card Series. In the NLDS, they swept the Dodgers and, in the NLCS, they defeated the Phillies. The Rangers and the D-backs have been fighting hard through the year, and now, it’s the last mile to win the World Series title. Before the World Series starts, let’s see what will be worth watching during the Fall Classic.

First 2 batters

Just a few weeks ago, I listened to a podcast show. In the show, the host mentioned the differences of lineup construction. For example, he indicated that Freddie Freeman and Aaron Judge are batting second. However, 10 years ago, things were not the same.

2022 Bowman Chrome

In September, I was browsing on a sports card website. Very interestingly, I saw lucky bags available. In the lucky bags, there are some Bowman products.

Redemption journey?

The story began in November 2020. I passed by a department store and saw a shop, where there were some hobby packs of the 2020 Topps Archives available. I like Topps Archives and the 2020 Topps Archives is probably one of my favorite series. I decided to buy 2 hobby packs of the 2020 Topps Archives in the shop.

Hit softly, but

A few weeks ago, I listened to a podcast show. In the show, an analyst mentioned a batter, who’s good at bat control. That batter can make contact, but he doesn’t hit the ball really hard. Moreover, the batter collects a lot of hits during the regular season. After listening to the show, I began to think about a question.

An ERA over 6?

Just a few weeks ago, I was browsing the MLB website and checking the starting pitchers. Suddenly, I found that, on that day, two pitchers, who were scheduled to start, had an ERA over 6. Well, seeing a pitcher with an ERA over 6 is certainly not a great thing for a team’s manager. After seeing 2 starting pitchers with an ERA over 6 to start on the same day, I began to think about a question.

After the blockbuster trade

In late August, Mookie Betts returned to Fenway Park for the first time since he was traded to the Dodgers. Without doubt, the return was EPIC and he got a standing ovation. In the 3-game series against the Red Sox at Fenway Park, Mookie Betts collected 7 hits. He surely likes to hit at Fenway Park. After watching Betts’ great performance at Fenway Park, I was thinking about a question.

Not easy to play 140 games in a single season?

It’s October. For the Angels fans, it’s another disappointing season. The last time that the Angels played in the postseason was in 2014. Moreover, they haven’t finished a season with a winning percentage of .500 or higher for quite a while. When was the last time that the team had a winning season? Well, it was 2015. Furthermore, again, Mike Trout missed a significant amount of time.

Division Series Preview

October baseball has already begun. The Wild Card Series just finished. The Phillies beat the Marlins and the Diamondbacks defeated the Brewers. So the Phillies and the Diamondbacks advanced to the NLDS. In the American League, the Twins and the Rangers are going to the ALDS.

Miller and Buehler

It’s October. It’s the most exciting month for baseball fans. Of course, the Dodgers fans are going to watch October baseball. The Dodgers have clinched a spot in the postseason for 11 consecutive years. And, very soon, Bobby Miller will take the mound to make his postseason debut.

Ready to shine in October?

Very soon, the 2023 regular season will come to an end. Hence, October baseball is just around the corner. This is always one of the most exciting moments in baseball. Before October baseball arrives, let’s quickly take a look at those players who had a great September.

Get on base in the playoffs

A couple of weeks ago, I read a book, which was written by a famous writer. In the book, the author indicated that a player didn’t have a high batting average in the postseason, however, he kept doing his job, which was getting on base.

So happy to be home?

Home field advantage is commonly mentioned in professional sports. In baseball, several factors contribute to a team’s success at home. For some players, they are just playing very well in home games. By far this season, there are several batters who have been outstanding in home games.

Fatigue after the HR Derby?

In August, I listened to a podcast show. In the show, an analyst indicated a player seemed to be tired in the second half of the 2023 season and the main reason why might be that he participated in the Home Run Derby.

The first, the best?

In 2008, I was very lucky to be able to go to the Beijing Olympics. Back then, I was thinking about a key thing, which was to watch a pitcher. The pitcher is called Stephen Strasburg and in 2008, he was an outstanding college pitcher, who already drew a lot of attention. The next year, without doubt, the Nationals selected him with the first overall pick. In total, Strasburg spent 13 seasons with the Nationals, posting a 3.24 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP through 1470 innings. Moreover, he earned 113 wins in the Nationals uniform.

Enjoy the second half?

A couple of weeks ago, I listened to a podcast show. In the show, a general manager demonstrated that his team has been hitting well after the All-Star break and that’s why the team becomes a playoff contender.

5+ hits in a game?

In August, I watched a baseball game on TV. In the game, a player who used to win the MVP award had a fantastic game. In that game, he collected 5 hits. He surely has played excellently in 2023. After watching the game, I began to think about a question.

Reach 30 stolen bases?

In August, I watched a baseball game on TV and a player stole 2nd base easily. During the regular season, he has more than 30 swipes. While seeing him steal bases easily this season, I began to think about a question.

Best changeup?

In mid-August, Clayton Kershaw was back from the IL. Without doubt, he’s one of the best pitchers in the majors. It’s always entertaining to watch him pitch. However, this time, things are getting more interesting. He threw changeups in the game. In the MLB, Kershaw’s slider and curveball are probably the 2 types of the most difficult pitches to hit. Now, he adds a changeup in his pitch arsenal. Well, he just begins to throw changeups. After watching the game, that makes me think about some questions.

2022 Topps Chrome Platinum Anniversary

In early August 2023, the 2022 Topps Chrome Platinum Anniversary was released. Yes, it’s another delay in release. Well, collectors might be used to it. But, anyway, this series is released. Once the 2022 Topps Chrome Platinum Anniversary was released, I went to a sports card shop to buy some hobby lite packs. No hits are guaranteed in a hobby lite box, however, I would like to see if there are some cool rookie cards.

Playing well in sophomore year?

A few weeks ago, I was chatting with a good friend, who is a big fan of the Seattle Mariners. We talked about Julio Rodriguez’s performance after winning the 2022 AL Rookie of the Year award. After the talk, I was thinking about a question.

Great pitching performance after All-Star break

In less than one month, the 2023 regular season will come to an end. There are several exciting moments during the regular season. For some players, they were off to a great start. However, some players need a little bit of time to heat up. After the All-Star break, there are several pitchers who are just outstanding on the mound.