The Red Sox acquired SP Chris Sale in a trade with the Chicago White Sox in 2016. His time in Boston has ended as the result of a trade sending him to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for 2B Vaughn Grissom. The 2016 Sox swap sent four Red Sox prospects to Chicago to attain Sale. Sale’s value in 2023 was one prospect, along with the Sox agreeing to pay $17 million of his $27.5 million salary for the 2024 season. Sale’s value has dropped because his time in Boston featured the good, the bad, and the injuries as well. He will always be remembered in Boston for his role in the historic 2018 season with a franchise record 108 regular season wins, an AL East title, and the World Series as well.

The Good

In his first two seasons in Boston, Sale was everything that the team could hope for. The games Sale started were must-watch television. He was an All-Star in 2017 and 2018, finishing 2nd and 4th in Cy Young voting. In 2017 Sale became the first Sox pitcher not named SP Pedro Martinez to record over 300 strikeouts in a season.  Speaking of Pedro, Sale also tied him for the most consecutive starts (8) with at least ten strikeouts. 2018 was another strong season, briefly interrupted by a visit to the Injury List (IL), which would become Sale’s home away from home in later years.

The postseason had more mixed results for Sale, but the good included a win against the New York Yankees in Game 1 of the ALDS.  A win against the Yankees is always a sweet one, and even more so in the postseason. Sale had a no decision in the ALCS against the Houston Astros and then started the first game of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The main thing Sale will be remembered for is ending the Series in Game 5 with three strikeouts. The last one was against 3B Manny Machado, who was disliked by many in Boston for his time with the Baltimore Orioles.

2019 did feature a few moments of greatness from Sale. He threw two immaculate innings and struck out a career best 17 in a game against the Colorado Rockies. An immaculate inning is no small feat since it is when a pitcher strikes out three batters in the inning, on three pitches apiece. A rare bright spot in the later Sale years was him throwing his 3rd immaculate inning against the Minnesota Twins in August 2021. These glimmers of the young Sale became few and far between.

The Bad

This article is shaping up to be like something in chronological order. That was not the purpose, but rather a reflection of how Sale’s time in Boston went. Like most movie series, Sale started strong, then fell off in the later editions. 2019 was a good year for Sale’s bank account but less so for his career. The Sox and Sale agreed to an extension that would kick in for the 2020 season, but neither side ended up getting much out of it.  2019 was the first season that Sale did not make the All-Star Game since 2011. 2011 was also Sale’s second season in the league.

The Sox as a team underperformed in 2019, so it was not only Sale’s fault that they missed the playoffs the year after one of the most dominant seasons in Red Sox history. Sale missed the entire shortened 2020 season and the majority of the 2021 season because of something to be elaborated on later. When Sale did return from injuries, he never consistently matched the dominance of his All-Star run. His first healthy start of 2023 featured giving up 7 runs to the Orioles. This began a season of 102.2 innings and a 4.30 ERA, a far cry from his glory days.

The Injuries

Some of the injuries that Sale sustained are common for starting pitchers. Being a pitcher that is 6’6″ and 183 pounds only made these injuries more likely to occur. Tommy John surgery in March 2020 was the costliest one in terms of time missed. There were red flags of an issue in 2019 when Sale ended the season on the IL with elbow inflammation.

Some of the injuries to Sale, though, were flat out odd. Potentially, they were a sign of the Curse of the Betts at work against the Sox. The first occurred in July 2022 when a line drive from OF Aaron Hicks broke his finger. That was unlucky enough, but more was in store for him. Sale broke his wrist after crashing on his bicycle in August, which ended his season. The Braves better hope there are safer bike paths in Atlanta for Sale. Maybe a set of training wheels could help or wrapping him in bubble wrap except when he is pitching.

Sale had a good run in Boston and reflected the Dave Dombrowski years well. He was a valuable part of a win-now juggernaut team in 2018, but then was extended with the joy of 2018 fresh in everyone’s heads. I wish him the best in Atlanta, and hope he gets the chance to start again in Fenway on June 4 or 5 when the Braves come to Boston.

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So much for change. A change in personnel and guard has brought nothing for the New York Mets. Maybe not yet. But yet is a long way off. The Mets 2023 offseason has been a complete disaster for both David Stearns and Steve Cohen. They’ve barely made a splash with any major signings or trades. Doubts are spreading about the moves the Mets have made so far and the loss of players like SP/DH Shohei Ohtani and especially SP Yoshinobu Yamamoto to both the Los Angeles Dodgers has made the Mets not only look foolish but also quite incompetent. This has become the worst offseason in Mets history with just less than three months until Spring Training. For Stearns and Cohen, this has been a no good, very bad, horrible, terrible December offseason.

Winter Failure

Both Stearns and Cohen had made it clear that they wanted to pursue high-end targets to sign to improve the team following the disastrous 2023 season. They have made a push. And that’s about it. The Winter Meetings came and went. Ohtani signed with the Dodgers for a mega deal at ten years, worth $700 million, making it the largest contract in professional sports history. The Mets, like every other team, wished to sign Ohtani. But what have the Mets done? So far, small contracts worth only minor league pay with invites to Spring Training and one or two-year deals. The majority are with pitchers.

Since December 1, the Mets have signed SP Luis Severino, RP Michael Tonkin, RP Jorge López, RP Kyle Crick, RP Andre Scrubb, RP Cole Sulser, RP Cam Robinson, minor league journeyman RP Victor Castaneda, and RP Chad Smith. Trades include RP Yohan Ramírez from the Chicago White Sox for cash considerations, RP Ryan Ammons from the Boston Red Sox for SP Justin Slaten, a Rule Five pick from the Rangers who was acquired and sent away within minutes on December 6, and SP Adrian Houser from Stearns’ previous team, the Milwaukee Brewers, which included OF Tyrone Taylor for minor leaguer SP Colman Crow.

Only one pitcher was signed in November: RP Austin Adams to a one-year deal on the 30th.

Yamamoto Out

The biggest loss for the Mets was Yoshinobu Yamamoto signing with the Dodgers for a twelve-year $325 million contract. Cohen made a big effort to get Yamamoto even by flying to Japan and meeting with him at Yamamoto’s home along with Stearns. This was the biggest move the Mets made and it blew up in their face. And yet, Cohen is happy about the effort. According to a report per the New York Post, Cohen stated, “I think the whole organization tried our hardest, and someone was going to win, and someone was going to lose, and that is the way it goes. I feel good about our efforts, and I left it all on the field.”

While unconfirmed, the Mets made the same offer to Yamamoto which he ended up taking from the Dodgers. Perhaps the only reason Yamamoto spurned the Mets was because of the Ohtani signing. You have to give L.A. credit as they have become the stars of the offseason. Effort means something but Cohen should know that it doesn’t mean anything if it doesn’t produce results. The Mets have nothing to show for it.

The Past is the Future

Maybe there was something else as to why Yamamoto or even Ohtani didn’t sign with the Mets. Past failures may have caught up with them. I’ll let Danielle McCartan from WFAN explain.

I’m worried the #Mets pursuit of Yamamoto has exposed them, in two ways…#LGM#MetsTwitter pic.twitter.com/4Tyw0rwsfZ

— Danielle McCartan from WFAN (@CoachMcCartan) December 24, 2023

Lack of Depth

Outside of the many pitchers, the Mets have not addressed the infield or the outfield. They non-tendered DH/IF Daniel Vogelbach and IF Luis Guillorme on November 15, alongside three relievers, RP Jeff Brigham, RP Sam Coonrod, and RP Trevor Gott. The only person they kept on this day was OF DJ Stewart to a one-year deal. Outside of the Tyrone Taylor deal, the team has either acquired position players on one-year deals, minor league deals, or waivers. IF Joey Wendle signed to a one-year, $2 million contract. Waivers have been C Tyler Heineman from the Toronto Blue Jays and C/OF Cooper Hummel from the Seattle Mariners. Minor league deals with RF Trayce Thompson, 3B Rylan Bannon, LF Taylor Kohlwey, SS Zack Short, and SS José Iglesias all have limited upside.

Now these players are not household names except maybe Wendle and Iglesias. None of these deals are exciting or giving Mets fans much hope. Hope is fading fast for expectations for 2024. And David Stearns is already facing backlash for being what Joe Beningo of WFAN referred to him as a “small market general manager.”

The team hasn’t gotten rid of the rest of the players from last year which is a step forward as the Mets do have plenty of range with both their infield and outfield. More players can’t hurt, and the Mets are in a better position than they have been in previous years in this regard.

Possible Reunion

And then there’s DH Justin Turner. Turner just turned 39 last month in November. He’s not a young man anymore. If the Mets are planning on reuniting with him, he may only end up being a DH. He was okay with the Red Sox hitting .276 with 23 home runs and 96 RBIs in 146 games. Not bad numbers for someone near his forties. The Dodgers declining his $16 million option for 2023 was for a reason. He can’t field as he once could.

Both sides have been talking for now. If Turner comes back to Queens, it would be great just for the memories that Turner provided for those three and a half years when he was with the team from 2010 to 2013. He was a fan favorite and the Mets letting him go at the end of 2013 has ended up as one of their worst moves of all time. At least they defeated him and the Dodgers during the 2015 NLDS.

Future Plans

SP Shōta Imanaga is being looked at by the Mets after losing Yamamoto. According to reports, Imanaga plans on visiting the U.S. after the start of 2024. Several teams are eying him and if the Mets get him, this can salvage the offseason before pitchers and catchers report to Florida. The Mets need to add to their starting rotation which has been weak since they traded away SP Max Scherzer and SP Justin Verlander.

The Mets are reported to be interested in SP Lucas Giolito. Giolito can provide depth in the rotation, however, 2023 was a bad year for him. After six starts, he had a 6.89 ERA with the Los Angeles Angels before he was waived and acquired by the Cleveland Guardians in August. He wasn’t any better with Cleveland only pitching in another six games with a 7.50 ERA.

Whatever the Mets do in response to 3B Ronny Mauricio’s injury, one thing is certain. The biggest payment the Mets have made has been to the biggest luxury tax in history.

The post Steve Cohen’s No Good, Very Bad, Horrible, Terrible December appeared first on Back Sports Page.

The Boston Red Sox have made numerous bad Betts over the years. As time goes on, the OF Mookie Betts deal continues to look worse and worse, similar to the trade of OF Babe Ruth. When investigating these two trades, there are similarities but also some differences. In a nutshell, the similarities are the quality of player, the motives to trade, and the success (or lack thereof) of the Boston Red Sox. The differences are marginal and, for the sake of argument, we’ll say irrelevant.

Here are some of the trade basics: The Sox traded Babe Ruth in January 1920. They traded Mookie Betts in February 2020. Both were the best player on a Red Sox team that won a title in ‘18 (1918 and 2018). Both men played in the outfield. Betts was 27 when he was traded and Ruth was 25, meaning both men were in their primes. Betts was the AL MVP in 2018, and Ruth likely would have been an MVP if the award had existed. 

Ownership Situation

Harry Frazee bought the Red Sox in 1917. When he traded Babe Ruth, he had one World Series title. The current Red Sox ownership group- Fenway Sports Group (FSG), lead by John Henry and Tom Werner- bought the Sox in 2002. They now have four World Series to their name. Complacency could be a cause for having agreed to trade a blossoming star, but the main cause for both seems to be a lack, or loss, of interest in the Red Sox. Frazee had an established career producing plays on Broadway and continued to do so while owning the Sox. FSG bought Liverpool F.C. in 2010 and then the Pittsburgh Penguins in November 2021. This last deal added the wrong black and yellow hockey team to the portfolio of an ownership group with a Boston landmark as its namesake. 

It is business 101 to have a diversified portfolio, but sports are not a typical business. This becomes a concerning thing for fans when investment in one area coincides with less investment in other areas. For a team to be competitive, there has to be buy-in throughout the organization, from top to bottom. This is something Frazee and FSG ceased to do when they made their trades.

The Motive

Money. One may argue that American business is the king of capitalism, so if the bottom line ain’t fine, you gotta whine. In Harry Frazee’s very literal case, Ruth was traded for $100,000. What was done with this money is up for debate, but a common Sox fan myth is that it was used to fund Frazee’s fledging investments in the theater world. Betts was traded along with SP David Price to get the Red Sox below the luxury tax threshold of $208 million for the 2020 season.

I’ll briefly play devil’s advocate and mention that Ruth and Betts were both clamoring for money since they were nearing the end of their contracts. Thus, both men are responsible, to a degree, for their leaving Boston.  However, hindsight makes any justification attempt seem foolish. One could even argue the trading of Betts was in the moment a more foolish move than the trade of Babe. At the time of the trade, Babe’s hitting was not fully established because he had one season of full-time hitting under his belt. Obviously, he went on to re-write the record books, but was not as known of an entity as Betts. Also, Babe was a headache off the field in a way that Betts never was.

It is unlikely that Betts will ever match the fame and reputation of Babe Ruth. Will anyone? Either way, the trade will still live in infamy in Boston. The fact that two of the three players traded for Betts–OF Alex Verdugo and INF Jeter Downs–are no longer with the Sox adds to the hurt and reinforces the idea that the trade was about money.

Baseball Karma

The main concerning parallel between the two trades is what it meant about the direction of the franchises involved. In both cases, Boston began losing and the other team began or continued to win. When Ruth was traded, the Sox became mired in an 86-year World Series drought, while the Yankees began their quest of winning the most World Series of any team in Major League Baseball. This was after they never made an appearance in the World Series prior to the trade for the Bambino.

Fast forward to today, the Dodgers were a contending team but not able to break through and win the Series until Betts arrived. The Dodgers have continued to be one of the most consistent teams in baseball the last five years and continue to spend money to maintain their winning ways. The Red Sox have finished last in the AL East three out of the last four years and have avoided spending money to return to their winning ways of earlier in the 21st century. 

Final Thoughts

The Yankees prioritized winning in a competitive league. The Yankees gambled on Ruth and were rewarded. I hate to admit it, but winning is a habit that they often continue to do. The OF Juan Soto trade means they are still willing to gamble as well. The Red Sox prioritized money over winning in a business where winning is all that really matters. The baseball gods frowned upon this act, jinxing the team. They also created a stigma around a franchise that took too long to reverse, going from the team to beat in the American League to loveable losers, at best, for the remainder of the 20th century. 

I know this may seem like the complaints of a spoiled sports fan. Some of this is exactly that but is it also necessary to acknowledge the problem in the franchise. You cannot solve a problem if you don’t acknowledge it. The Sox as a franchise must return to the more aggressive ways of the past. Fortune favors the bold, and the further removed the Sox get from the trade of Betts the more obvious it becomes that the trade was not made with 20/20 vision. Only time will tell if the franchise takes 86 years to atone for this mistake too. 

The post The Curse of the Betts? appeared first on Back Sports Page.

Amidst the breathtaking backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, the 2023 Colorado Rockies season unfolded as a challenging odyssey, culminating in a sobering 59-103 record. From the hopeful opening pitches to the final echoes of disappointment, the Rockies grappled with formidable adversaries on the diamond, navigating a landscape fraught with setbacks.

In the thin air of Coors Field, where dreams often soar, the Rockies faced a harsh reality. Early optimism yielded to a series of setbacks, and the promise of the season dwindled beneath the weight of losses. The campaign, once filled with aspirations of contention, metamorphosed into a stark chapter in the franchise’s annals.

Within this tale of adversity, however, whispers of potential renewal linger. The Rockies now find themselves at a crossroads, where the echoes of disappointment reverberate alongside the promise of redemption. As the sun sets on the 2023 season, the Rockies stand poised to rewrite their narrative, emerging from the shadows with newfound determination and a quest for resurgence.

Month By Month

Spring Training and March

The Rockies compiled a 13-19 record across Spring Training while working to build growth in the farm system. Colorado got off to an exciting 2-0 start to the season with a pair of opening wins over the San Diego Padres to finish out March.

April: A Rocky Start (7-20)

April marked a rocky start for the Colorado Rockies. With a dismal 7-20 record, their hopes plummeted fast as injuries piled up, including to SP German Marquez and 2B Brendan Rodgers. The promise of spring gave way to harsh realities, leaving fans and players in uncertainty about the long season ahead.

May: Fleeting Hopes (15-13)

May brought fleeting hopes. A 15-13 record teased resilience. Yet, inconsistency persisted, tempering optimism. Peaks and valleys defined the Rockies’ journey.

June: Ebb and Flow (11-15)

June showcased an ebb and flow. An 11-15 record revealed progress and struggle. Questions lingered about sustaining momentum, emphasizing a season in flux.

A Slow Grind to the End

July: Midsummer Struggles (9-13)

July saw midsummer struggles. With a 9-13 record, vulnerabilities emerged. A critical juncture tested the Rockies’ resolve amid pitching and hitting challenges.

August: Escalating Woes (7-20)

August brought escalating woes. A 7-20 record intensified struggles. A crucible moment pushed the Rockies to confront a slipping season, with a visit from the Atlanta Braves to pour salt into the open wound.

September: Lingering Shadows (9-19)

September cast lingering shadows. Despite a 9-19 record, late hopes flickered. The challenge: finish strong, salvaging a tumultuous campaign.

In reflection, the 2023 Colorado Rockies season became a tale of trials and tribulations, each month revealing its narrative. From a rocky April to fleeting hopes in May, the Rockies faced peaks and valleys. Midsummer struggles in July, escalating woes in August, and lingering shadows in September underscored challenges. As the season closed, the Rockies stood at a crossroads, contemplating lessons learned and the path ahead.

Analysis

The Rockies never expected to contend in the 2023 season. A division featuring the Los Angeles Dodgers and Padres looked too tall a task to compete with. Only this time it was the Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks, but the point still stands. Even so, they did not come close to owner Dick Monfort’s comments about playing “.500 ball”.

Colorado is in the midst of a lingering rebuild, with very little franchise results since the mid 2000’s. Denver is not exactly a baseball-first town and winning a World Series seems more like a pipe dream than anything right now.

The smaller-market teams are going to have their work cut out for them in the era of super contracts. As the Athletics move to Las Vegas, the task of retaining fans in the mountain time zone is only going to become more difficult.

You have to feel for Colorado, a team which continues to ride the basement of the stacked NL West. Things are only going to get tougher from here, as Arizona and Los Angeles retool and reload their juggernaut rosters.

However, I am fascinated by the Rockies’ unique home-field advantage.

Park Factors

At high altitudes, Coors Field wields a distinct and debated advantage. The thin air alters the dynamics of the game, creating an environment where baseballs travel farther and pitches behave differently. This elevation-induced effect is colloquially known as the “Coors Field Factor.”

Batters relish the opportunity to play at Coors Field, where the ball sails through the thin atmosphere, often turning routine fly balls into home runs. The expansive outfield becomes a playground for hitters, and the scoreboard reflects the high-scoring nature of games at this venue. Pitchers, on the other hand, face considerable challenges. Breaking balls may not break as sharply, and the lack of air resistance can turn routine pitches into long-distance targets for hitters.

The debate over the fairness of this ballpark advantage continues within the baseball community. While it undoubtedly benefits the Rockies at home, critics argue that it distorts statistical comparisons and makes evaluating player performance more challenging.

I predict slight improvement in 2024 for Colorado but have no true expectations for the team. To reach the 70-win mark would be an accomplishment after winning just 59 games in 2023.

With more consistency in the division, the Rockies can start to show life.

Prediction: Colorado Rockies (68-94)

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In a season that began with uncharacteristic struggles, the Houston Astros orchestrated a remarkable comeback to clinch a 90-72 record and a coveted American League Championship Series (ALCS) berth. Initially facing challenges below their usual standard, the Astros displayed remarkable resilience and adaptability. Their journey to the ALCS was highlighted by a sensational playoff series win over the Minnesota Twins.

Houston’s 2023 campaign evolved into a narrative of redemption as they rebounded from an unsteady start to secure a divisional triumph. The Astros’ resurgence not only showcased their unparalleled talent but also demonstrated their capacity to overcome setbacks, setting the stage for an electrifying continuation in the pursuit of baseball excellence.

Month By Month

Spring Training and March

The Astros compiled a 14-10 record in Spring Training after a successful season in 2022 which resulted in another World Series title. Houston lost SP Justin Verlander in the offseason, but still looked strong heading into the regular season. The Astros went 1-1 in regular season play in March, splitting a pair with the Chicago White Sox.

April: Steady Start (14-12)

The Houston Astros began the 2023 MLB season with a solid 14-12 record in April. Balanced performances, combining pitching strength and timely hitting, set the tone. Key players like 2B Jose Altuve and 3B Alex Bregman delivered, propelling the team forward. Pitchers held their ground, maintaining a respectable team ERA. While not extraordinary, the Astros positioned themselves well in a competitive league.

May: Momentum Builds (17-10)

May saw the Astros building momentum, finishing the month 17-10. The offense consistently delivered clutch hits, while the pitching staff found its rhythm. Key players maintained their high level of performance, and the team asserted itself as a force in the American League. This month set the Astros on a path as serious contenders.

June: Challenges Abound (13-14)

June brought challenges as the Astros navigated a 13-14 record. Stiffer competition and injuries to key players tested the roster’s depth. Despite setbacks, the Astros showed resilience, staying competitive. The month served as a learning experience, forcing the team to adapt and adjust strategies. While the record dipped below .500, Houston remained in the playoff picture.

Late-Season Comeback

July: Strong Rebound (15-10)

July marked a strong rebound for the Astros, finishing 15-10. The team addressed earlier issues, and key players returning from injuries bolstered both offense and pitching. The Astros showcased resilience and depth, positioning themselves well as the trade deadline approached. Strategic moves reinforced their postseason aspirations.

August: Competitive Edge (17-11)

August maintained the Astros’ competitive edge, finishing 17-11. The team jockeyed for playoff positioning with standout performances from veterans and emerging stars. The starting rotation remained consistent, and the bullpen stayed reliable. Offensive prowess remained constant, and the Astros entered the final regular season stretch with confidence, eyeing a postseason berth.

September: Playoff Positioning (12-14)

In September, the Astros faced a tougher stretch, ending the month 12-14. The final weeks tested their resolve as they battled for playoff positioning. Despite challenges, the Astros secured a postseason berth, with key players stepping up in critical moments. The month’s struggles highlighted areas for improvement, providing valuable insights for October baseball.

Postseason: ALCS Heartbreak in Seven Games

The Astros’ postseason journey culminated in a hard-fought American League Championship Series (ALCS) against the Texas Rangers. After a season of ups and downs, they faced a resilient Rangers team, and the two rivals played a classic series. The series reached a decisive Game 7 that had fans on the edge of their seats. Unfortunately for the Astros, the Rangers emerged victorious, ending Houston’s 2023 World Series quest.

Reflecting on the 2023 season, the Astros’ journey was a rollercoaster, filled with highs and lows. The team showcased resilience, adapting to challenges and earning a postseason berth. While falling short of the ultimate goal, the Astros’ season provided fans with memorable moments, setting the stage for future successes.

Analysis

The Houston Astros managed to put together a good, but not great regular season for the team’s recent standards. The season looked like it may end in a missed playoff berth for the first time since 2016, up until the final week of the regular season. Then, magic happened, as Houston caught fire to surpass the Seattle Mariners for a wild card spot and then Texas to maintain the division crown on the final day of the regular season. With the division, Houston earned a bye into the ALDS, turning the baseball world on its head.

Ultimately, Texas got its revenge though, winning the ALCS at the Astros’ ballpark in seven games before defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks in the World Series.

If anyone else beat Houston in the ALCS, I would tell you they somehow managed to have yet another great season. However, the pain of losing to your in-state rival erases just about all the glory a shocking division crown represents.

I fully expect the ‘Stros to come out firing on all cylinders from the jump next season, which is why I am picking them to repeat as AL West champions and reach the World Series.

Houston is too good a team to come up short yet again and with the pressure of back-to-back titles off, I think they get back to the Fall Classic.

Prediction: Houston Astros (95-67) make World Series

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In the unfolding narrative of the 2023 baseball season, the Pittsburgh Pirates (76-86) showcased a blend of promise and growth. Anchored by a young and talented core, the Pirates embarked on a journey defined by development and potential.

As the season commenced, April introduced the baseball world to the team’s burgeoning stars, each game a canvas upon which the future of the franchise will be painted. May and June saw the young core finding its rhythm, displaying glimpses of brilliance amid the ebbs and flows.

July provided a midsummer showcase, highlighting the progression of these emerging talents. Despite challenges in August, the youthful Pirates maintained their resilience, navigating the complexities of a major league season. September concluded the season, leaving fans with a sense of anticipation for what the talented core might achieve in the seasons to come.

Month By Month

Spring Training and March

Pittsburgh struggled in the preseason, while trying to develop young talent and build cohesiveness. The Pirates finished 9-18 in Spring Training, the second-worst record in the National League. Pittsburgh would go on to start hot in the regular season, picking up a win over the Cincinnati Reds on Opening Day. The Pirates finished 1-0 in the month of March before a dominant April.

April: An Unexpectedly Strong Start (19-9)

In a surprising twist, the Pittsburgh Pirates began the 2023 season with vigor, amassing an impressive 19-9 record in April. The young core’s dynamic performance set an optimistic tone, sparking early-season excitement and fostering hopes for an unexpectedly competitive campaign. OFs Bryan Reynolds and Jack Suwinski led a pleasantly fun team.

May: A Sharp Turn of Fortunes (8-18)

Yet May delivered a stark contrast, as the Pirates navigated a challenging month with an 8-18 record. The initial euphoria gave way to the inevitable rollercoaster nature of baseball, underscoring the team’s learning curve in this transitional phase.

June: Navigating Challenges and Embracing Growth (11-15)

As the calendar turned to June, the Pirates continued their journey, grappling with challenges and embracing growth. The young core’s resilience shone through, intermittent flashes of brilliance offering glimpses into their evolving potential with an 11-15 record.

Room for Improvement

July: Midseason Struggles and Valuable Lessons (8-16)

July unfolded as a chapter of midseason struggles, the Pirates concluding with an 8-16 record. The competitive landscape illuminated areas for improvement, providing valuable lessons for the team to address weaknesses and maintain competitiveness.

August: A Month of Strategic Adjustments (14-15)

Come August, the Pirates engaged in a month of strategic adjustments, concluding with a 14-15 record. The coaching staff and players collaborated to refine approaches, highlighting the team’s commitment to adaptability and growth in the face of evolving challenges.

September: A Strong Finish and Glimpses of the Future (14-13)

The Pirates closed the season in September with a strong finish, boasting a 14-13 record. The young core, having weathered the highs and lows of their inaugural season together, not only showcased growth but also provided glimpses of a promising future.

The 2023 Pittsburgh Pirates season unfolded as a narrative marked by unforeseen highs and challenging lows of a team in transition. April’s unexpectedly strong start fueled early-season optimism but May delivered a sharp turn. June became a pivotal chapter, as the Pirates navigated challenges. July marked midseason struggles, prompting a focused effort to address weaknesses. August saw strategic adjustments, underscoring the team’s commitment to adaptability. The season’s narrative concluded in September with a strong finish, offering tangible progress by the young core and glimpses into the future.

Analysis

The Pirates stunned the baseball world with a 20-9 start to the season in March and April, providing hope for a Cinderella story. However, expectations quickly plummeted with regression in May.

Pittsburgh’s strong start provides excitement for the future, but there is still a long way to go before contending.

In a division featuring the rising Chicago Cubs and a promising young Cincinnati Reds roster, the Pirates have their work cut out for them in 2024.

Shrewd drafting cultivates hope for a bright future. Well-chosen prospects inject optimism. Development is key, molding raw talent into future stars. Each pick carries potential, a building block for sustained success. We will see if C Henry Davis becomes a star or not.

The Pirates strategically invest in youth, fostering a foundation for competitiveness. Their scouting prowess identifies diamonds in the rough, offering promise for sustained excellence.

However, a bright future hinges on effective development, as young talents mature into the core of a formidable team. The draft becomes a pivotal factor, shaping the narrative of hope for the Pirates and their quest for sustained success.

I do not see Pittsburgh making the playoffs just yet. However, a surprise growth year can speed up the rebuild.

Strong draft classes and proper development ease the burden of playing in a small market, although there is likely a ceiling with limited free agent pull.

I expect an improved record for 2024, but do not see much on the horizon. A franchise riddled with bad luck, heartbreak and suffering, the Pirates have a long way to go before contending.

Pittsburgh improves in 2024, but steers clear of postseason contention.

Prediction: Pittsburgh Pirates (80-82)

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In a strategic move that aims to strengthen their pitching rotation and add depth to the outfield, the New York Mets have successfully acquired SP Adrian Houser and OF Tyrone Taylor from the Milwaukee Brewers. The Brew Crew, in turn, receive promising pitching prospect SP Coleman Crow, marking a significant trade in the Major Leagues.

Experience Addition

Houser, a 30-year-old right hander, brings a wealth of experience and versatility to the Mets pitching staff. Known for his impressive fastball and slider, Houser has been a reliable arm for the Brewers over the past few seasons. In 2o23, he posted a 4.12 ERA, demonstrating his ability to pitch effectively. Houser has a career ERA of 4.00, so the Mets are getting a very stable starter.

Adding Houser provides the Mets with a seasoned arm, offering new manager Carlos Mendoza greater flexibility in navigating the team’s pitching plans. With the ability to log significant innings, Houser adds a valuable asset to a Mets pitching staff filled with talent. He joins an interesting rotation behind ace SP Kodai Senga. Houser moves SP Joey Lucchesi or SP Tylor Megill down to the top depth option in case of injury. One of them will likely start the season in Syracuse alongside SP Jose Butto.

Dynamic Depth

Tyrone Taylor, a 29-year-old outfielder, has showcased his offensive strength over the years. He has reached double digits in home runs the past three seasons while playing part time. A .294 on-base percentage is light, but his .451 career slugging percentage shows his power capabilities. Beyond his contributions at the plate, Taylor is known for his defensive skills, which makes him a well-rounded player. Taylor has been an above-average defender each year of his career. He can make an impact on both sides of the ball.

The acquisition of Taylor addresses New York’s ongoing efforts to strengthen their depth. New President of Baseball Operations David Stearns has focused mostly on raising the team’s floor. He has made a number of one-year deals in the hopes that some guys like SS Joey Wendle, RP Jorge Lopez, and SP Luis Severino can bounce back. Taylor is safer than those players, and Mets fans can anticipate seeing his impact at the plate and in the field. He becomes an integral part of the team’s bid for success in the upcoming season.

With his new team, Taylor currently slots into the starting lineup. He will likely take a corner opposite OF Starling Marte while OF Brandon Nimmo roams center, of course. OF DJ Stewart also impressed late in the year, but he probably fits better as the designated hitter.

Promising Prospect

In exchange for these two seasoned players, the Brewers receive Coleman Crow, a 22-year-old, right-handed prospect. Crow had a brief stint with the Mets lasting all of six months. They acquired Crow from the Los Angeles Angels in June as part of the return for 3B Eduardo Escobar. Crow’s tenure with his new team was impaired by an elbow injury, preventing him from appearing on the mound. The serious injury led to Crow undergoing Tommy John surgery in August. According to MLB Pipeline, he held the 29th position among Mets prospects, making him an influential talent within the organization’s development rankings. Crow is now the #25 prospect in Milwaukee’s system.

The Brewers are good at developing pitchers on the farm, so they must feel comfortable letting Crow rehabilitate under their supervision. While getting a prospect is nice, the real reason they made this trade is to save some money. Taylor and Houser will start in Queens, but Milwaukee did not really need them. The Brew Crew have enough big-league quality starting pitchers, and they have tons of outfielders hanging around. As two players going through arbitration, Houser and Taylor will make more than the Brewers want to spend on complementary pieces.

Season Outlook

As the 2024 MLB season approaches on the horizon, the Mets front office continues to make strategic moves to position the team as a strong contender. The acquisitions of Houser and Taylor address specific needs and enhance the overall depth of the roster, setting the stage for an exciting and competitive season. The personnel cost to bring aboard two solid players is low, and the financial cost is peanuts for Steve Cohen.

Mets fans can anticipate an electrifying season ahead with the new additions as the team aims to make a deep playoff run and contend for a World Series title. Only time will tell how these acquisitions will impact the team’s performance, but one thing is for sure: the Mets are gearing up for a thrilling season.

The post Crow to Brewers, Houser and Taylor Join Mets appeared first on Back Sports Page.

The San Francisco Giants, who are two years removed from their best regular season in 2021, are struggling to find similar success. San Francisco also won two fewer games than their 2022 campaign in 2023. A 79-83 season was certainly disappointing for them.

It appears that management is getting an overhaul this offseason. Will the team follow suit with a change for offense or pitching? Signing OF Jung Hoo Lee is a good start.

Stats will be a part of the discussion later on in the piece, however. Looking back, at the mid-season report, San Francisco did not make much of an improvement, unfortunately. They hung around the wild card race but faded in the final weeks of September.

So, if the Giants want to reclaim their memories of success, they need to make some serious shake-ups. But what steps can they take to solidify their offseason goals and build some positive momentum?

Let’s go take a swing by the Bay. Here are the details of the offseason plan for the San Francisco Giants.

Offense: Scraping the Bottom of the Barrel

Looking at the mid-season stats, the Giants were part of the middle of the pack amongst National League teams for offense. Post All-Star break, the offense fell off. Badly.

For the final tallies of the season, San Francisco fell to the worst spot in the Senior Circuit. Overall, the Giants finished last in the NL in team batting average (.235), slugging percentage (.383), OPS (.695), and hits (1271). They also tallied second-worst numbers in runs (674), team on-base percentage (.312), doubles (256), and triples (13. Ouch).

2023 A Solid Season for Davis

But despite the poor showing overall, one player in particular who put together a decent season is 3B J.D. Davis. In his first full season in the Bay, Davis put together a respectable .248/.325/.413 slash line, with 18 home runs (six better than last year), 69 RBIs, and a career-high 23 doubles. Davis is showing himself to be a corner infielder who is not afraid to put some pop at the plate.

Flores Also Showing Signs of Power

A second guy who is turning heads with a rise in his power is utility infielder 1B Wilmer Flores. After a bit of a lackadaisical season in 2022, the Venezuela native broke out with a healthy 23 home runs and 60 RBIs in 2023, good enough to lead the squad in the former category. He also saw a major bump in his batting average (.284), on-base percentage (.355), and slugging percentage (.509), while also tallying a career-best .863 OPS.

With one more season left on his current contract, retaining Flores should be a key priority when the 2024 offseason rolls around.

Pitching Gives Out Mixed Results

Well, the pitching for the Giants ended up being all over the place. They had the third-best team ERA in the National League at 4.02, and their starters tossed the most complete games of any unit in the Senior Circuit with four. But they also gave up the fifth-most hits as a total staff with 1395 and struck out the fifth-fewest batters at 1359. When a pitching staff ends up providing a mix of good and bad, it’s hard to tell whether the team will be good or bad. As a result, the Giants were mediocre.

Injuries were also a bit of a factor for the Giants’ rotation in 2023, costing them two or three key starters. And when the starters aren’t available, the bullpen will have to pick up the slack.

Webb Cools Down After Hot Start

One pitcher in particular who looked to be potentially bound for Cy Young candidacy was SP Logan Webb at the mid-season point. While he did log a career-high in innings with 216 and finished second for the NL Best Pitcher, the record may show a bit of inconsistency.

However, despite the 11-13 mark, Webb posted personal-bests in strikeouts (194), WHIP (1.074), walks per nine innings (1.3), and strikeout-to-walk ratio (6.26).

Those statistics would make any pitching coach and manager happy, so records may be a bit of a misleading statistic.

Doval Continues to Assert Himself as Dominant Closer

When the San Francisco Giants need someone to turn to in shut-down situations, they can rely on their closer, CP Camilo Doval. After assuming the closing role in 2022, Doval had a breakout campaign in his third pro season in 2023. The 26-year-old Dominican Republic native finished with 39 saves in 47 opportunities. Those 39 saves tied for the National League lead and were second overall in the Majors.

In his career, Doval has converted 69 of 83 save opportunities, a better than 83% conversation rate. That puts him amongst some of the better closers in today’s game. For the most part, the bullpen is not an issue in San Francisco.

So… What Do the Giants Need to Do in the Offseason?

Well… that’s a good question. Of course, the first priority is to get everyone healthy and ready for the 2024 season. But after missing out on some key free agents, the goal should be to add a consistent bat who can hit for average and power. Lee may be the answer there, but it is tough to predict when signing someone from overseas.

Overall, it’s hard to tell what’s going wrong for the San Francisco Giants. But there is still time to figure things out. Will the Giants be able to capitalize?

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Nate Powalie is a contributor for Back Sports Page. A 2022 graduate of Ashland University (Ashland, Ohio), Nate has five years of sports writing experience, and has gotten the chance to call sporting events for radio and live stream. Nate also works as a cashier and can be found on Twitter (@PNate22) and Facebook (Nate Powalie).

The post San Francisco Giants: What’s Going Wrong? appeared first on Back Sports Page.

The Kansas City Royals endured a challenging 2023 season, concluding with a sobering 56-106 record. The campaign, marked by a series of setbacks and formidable opponents, left the Royals grappling with the harsh realities of a trying season. From the outset, the team faced hurdles, struggling to find a consistent rhythm on both the mound and at the plate.

Managerial decisions were scrutinized as the Royals navigated the demanding landscape of professional baseball. As the season concludes, the focus shifts to strategic reassessment and rebuilding, with the organization poised to address the deficiencies that contributed to the subpar performance. The 2023 season for the Royals stands as a stark chapter, prompting reflection and the determination to forge a more competitive future in the upcoming seasons.

Month By Month

Spring Training and March

To much surprise around the league, the Kansas City Royals compiled a 19-13 record in Spring Training, providing great optimism for future seasons ahead. The momentum did not carry over, though, as the Royals went 0-1 in the month of March with an Opening Day loss to the Minnesota Twins.

The post AL Central Review and Preview: The Kansas City Royals appeared first on Back Sports Page.

The Boston Red Sox have finished with a losing record the past two seasons. In order to get back to the playoffs, here is a holiday wish list to make Red Sox Nation happy.

Ownership Opens the Checkbook

The Red Sox were never going to sign SP/DH Shohei Ohtani. To go from the bargain bin to one of the most lucrative contracts ever signed by a professional athlete would be a change of character rivaling that of the Grinch. But is it too much to ask to sign someone that will make the All-Star Game? The only relevant name on the roster today is 3B Rafael Devers. After that there are players with potential and some names that thrived in the past. However, I fear the best days for SP Chris Sale and SS Trevor Story are behind them.

The Fenway Sports Group headed by John Henry and Tom Werner have gotten complacent in Boston. Four World Series this century is great but to be one of the most valuable sports teams in the world and have a payroll that ranks 13th in the MLB is borderline criminal. The New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers are the two MLB teams above the Red Sox in value. Both of these teams have spent this offseason, while the Sox have yet to make a splash. Complacency kills competitiveness, especially in the owners box. The Sox are not a mid-market team, so they should not try to play like one. Changing the boss in the front office will only take a team as far as the leash ownership gives them to work with.

Starting Pitching

Currently, the Sox need another arm (preferably two) to complement SP Brayan Bello. Chris Sale is no longer a realistic option in a starting rotation, more on him later.  Boston starters averaged under five innings pitched per start. There are some potential young arms to join Bello, but fans still desire some stable arms. Complete games have gone the way of the dodo bird, but a quality starter can still expect to cover at least 6 innings.

SP Jordan Montgomery is the creme of the crop but there are plenty of other options out there. Plus, SP Marcus Stroman is an option to generate outs. But SP Yoshinobu Yamamoto could very well be the best option available. The Sox spent on OF Masataka Yoshida last year, so maybe they will be willing to spend on Yamamoto too. After the up and downs Yoshida had last season, I for one would rather see an investment in a proven MLB starter.

Defense

OF Tyler O’Neil is a nice addition but the Red Sox need more changes than trades or free agency can make. For the players currently on the team from last year, it all comes down to three words… fundamentals, fundamentals, fundamentals. Outfielders throwing to the wrong base, poor throws on ground balls, and other miscues must be cut down to raise the Sox defense from 28th in MLB. Also, I don’t think it is a coincidence that the two teams in the World Series averaged the fewest errors per game last season. In the playoffs, defense and pitching win championships, two things the Sox sorely lack.

Offensive Firepower

Devers had a solid year but cannot be expected to hit a team to the playoffs when the pitching and defense are as poor as they were last year. As fan favorite DH David Ortiz has pointed out many times, the kid needs some protection in the lineup. DH Justin Turner and OF Adam Duvall were reliable bats last season, but they are free agents. 1B Tristan Casas should continue to develop as a hitter, so there is a chance for internal progress. A major signing to bolster the offense would go a long way to showing the clubhouse and the fans that the Red Sox are serious about competing in 2024. 

A Healthy Chris Sale

I am calling this a “Wish List” for a reason. A healthy Chris Sale could be a force to be reckoned with. Alas, it is more likely that Boston fans will have to remember the words of the local, small-time band Aerosmith and dream on when it comes to this hope. Sale had a five-year, $145 million contract begin in 2020. Since that signing, he has made just under $75 million while pitching 151 innings. This works out to a rate of about $496,076 per inning pitched. Not exactly a return-on-investment worthy of Wall Street.

Based on Sale’s injury history on and off the field, the best path moving forward may be using Sale out of the bullpen. A season worth of Sale would be a sight for sore eyes and likely a relief (pun intended) for a player that has struggled to stay on the field. Have Sale available out of the bullpen to throw two to three innings every few days may help him maintain his health. To work up to being a starter again for a season seems unrealistic. If he pulls it off, I will be the first to cheer, but maybe it’s time to re-evaluate his role in the organization.

Final Holiday Plea

Craig Breslow has said the right things but has yet to walk the walk. Does anyone else find it concerning that Breslow has the same initials (CB) as recently canned Chief of Baseball Operations Chaim Bloom? I fear the financial leash he is on is no longer than the one that led to Bloom’s firing. Maybe Red Sox ownership will join in the spirit of giving that is a part of the holiday season to give back to the fans that will follow the team through thick and thin. Until then, Sox fans will have to settle for being treated like we’re on the naughty list and gettin nuttin for Christmas this year.

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