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.

Unfortunate?

A couple of days ago, I was checking the standings. While looking at some stats, I saw a team with a run differential, which is positive, however, their winning percentage isn’t good. While seeing the standings, I was just wondering if there’s something wrong with this team. Perhaps, the team is unlucky? Maybe they just lost too many 1-run games?

Awesome August

August just came to an end. In August, several players had a great month. Before heading to September, let’s take a look at those players who had been dominant on the mound last month.