MLBits: Breaking HR Record Today, Extreme Wild Card Chaos, Syndergaard, Stanton, More

Sep 19, 2017

The Cubs are making the rare visit to Tropicana Field later today, and are facing their old farm-hand Chris Archer in the process.

But before we saddle up for the last non-NL Central series of the year, let’s check out some news from around the league.

We’ve been expecting this for a while now, but today should mark the breaking of the MLB-wide single season home run record. There have already been 5,677 home runs hit as of this morning, which means the 2017 season is just 16 dingers short of the all-time record (5,693) set at the height of the steroid era, in 2000. I wonder if Anthony Rizzo will hit the decisive blast off Chris Archer later today.

At ESPN, Sam Miller writes that with this home run explosion, we’re entering into a strange new era where players can hit 30+ dingers and be an overall negative on offense. For example, before this season, no hitter had hit more than 26 long balls with an OPS+ lower than 80. But Rangers second baseman Rougned Odor has already hit 29 long balls in 2017, with an OPS+ of just 67! Odor’s 2017 slash line of .208/.251/.405 makes him the third-worst qualified hitter in baseball … and yet he’ll hit 30 home runs this year. Think about how crazy that is. For many more oddities and interesting facts about this new era, be sure to check out Miller’s piece. It’s quite good.

For years, fans and coaches have been getting angry at their players for sliding into first base on close plays instead of running through the bag. Aside from the obvious added risk of injury, general wisdom suggests that running through the bag yields a higher chance of being safe. But is that true? Statcast tackled the debate at MLB.com. I’d say you’ll be surprised by the answer, but 1) that really depends on what you think ahead of time, and 2) this study is (knowingly) far from conclusive. The super short version is that diving into first could plausibly be a benefit (and isn’t that much slower than running through, if at all).

Love chaos? Well, there’s a chance that there can be a seven-way tie at exactly 81 wins in the 2017 American League Wild Card race (also a six-way tie at 82, 83, and 84 wins, as well as a five-way tie at 85 wins, a four-way tie at 86 wins, and two-team ties at 87, 88, or 89 wins). Yup, the Twins, Angels, Mariners, Royals, Rangers, Rays, and Orioles might have some insanity to deal with at the end of the year, and you can bet that’s exactly what I’m hoping for (especially because MLB only has contingency plans for four-team ties (LOL)).

At FanGraphs, Dave Cameron asks if this is the end for Jose Bautista, who averaged 5.4 WAR/year from 2010 to 2015, before turning into a 1.4 WAR player last season and a negative value player (-0.1 WAR) in 2017. What’s hurting him this year? Well, almost everything. But notably, his contact rate has plummeted, the quality of his contact has disappeared, and his production on fly balls has evaporated. The visuals provided by the charts/graphs is true fascinating. A once mighty slugger has disappeared in an almost perfectly arcing decline.

The New York Mets are hesitant to send Noah Syndergaard back out to the mound this year, because they’ve got this crazy idea that they only want him to pitch if he’s 100% healthy, and yet he experienced soreness last week and didn’t pitch in a simulated game as planned. Let me just say, I obviously don’t have the whole picture, but if I were a Mets fan and Syndergaard picked up another baseball in an actual start this season, I’d be furious. The Mets have been eliminated from playoff contention altogether and there’s just two weeks left in the season. Why was this on the table in the first place, let alone after he had more soreness last week?

Giancarlo Stanton’s 55th home run was patently unbelievable:

Shots hit this low shouldn't go that far…@Giancarlo818's 455-foot laser is the longest HR #Statcast has tracked at 17 degrees or lower. pic.twitter.com/ehHr7JpIht
— #Statcast (@statcast) September 19, 2017

But also just in a long line of unbelievable things Stanton has done this year:

110+ mph homers, 2017:

1. @Giancarlo818, 30
2. @TheJudge44, 22

The previous single-season #Statcast record was 15. https://t.co/EZt711WBCX

— #Statcast (@statcast) September 19, 2017

With just twelve games to go, though, Stanton will have to average a homer every other game to catch Roger Maris – something I really, really hope he manages to do! Because it’s fun!

And finally, oh dear God this must’ve been painful:

Oof! Team Storms the Field to Celebrate a Championship They Didn’t Actually Win, Before Losing in 17 Innings https://t.co/VlG1LbmUqo pic.twitter.com/sD3nR31jSb
— Baseball is Fun (@flippingbats) September 19, 2017

written by

Michael Cerami

Michael Cerami began covering the Chicago Cubs for Bleacher Nation as a part-time contributor in 2015. One year later, he joined Bleacher Nation full-time, covering the Chicago Cubs and Major League Baseball. Today, Michael runs Bleacher Nation, contributing as a writer (Cubs, MLB) and an editor for all sections of the site, including the Chicago Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks, as well as MLB, NBA, NHL, and NFL. In 2019, Michael was the co-host of NBC Sports Chicago's Cubs Post-Game Show Outside the Ivy. You can find him on Twitter/X @Michael_Cerami

more cubs news

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Roster Moves: Wisdom and Taillon Are Back, Wesneski and Mastrobuoni Are Out

Even with tonight's rainout, the Chicago Cubs are still making some roster moves. When Patrick Wisdom was removed (perfectly healthy) from the I-Cubs game in the 4th inning on Wednesday, we had an idea of what was coming next. When...

Michael Cerami

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Tonight’s Cubs-Marlins Game Has Been Postponed

The weather wasn't going to cooperate for Jameson Taillon's season debut, and tonight's Cubs-Marlins tilt has been postponed. The game will instead be part of a split-doubleheader this Saturday, with the first game at 1:20pm CT and the second at...

Brett Taylor

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

MLBits: Paul Skenes Could Make His MLB Debut Any Day (But Probably Won’t), Red-Hot Orioles, Houck’s Maddux, More

If you're into tracking young pitchers with star potential like I am—as I watch Jack Leiter's debut while typing this column—then you're probably itching to see Pirates top prospect Paul Skenes make his way to Pittsburgh sooner than later. While...

Patrick K. Flowers

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Back to Wrigley: Cubs vs Marlins – Series Preview

Cubs vs Marlins — Whew! The Cubs got through their first West Coast road trip of the year, and did so with a winning record (5-4) against the Padres, Mariners, and Diamondbacks. They definitely let a couple games slip out...

Michael Cerami

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Taillon Coming Back, Busch’s Integrity and Success, Bad News for the White Sox, Wicks, Hendricks, and Other Cubs Bullets

As the father of a toddler who was sick for an entire week — the same week Brett was out from his back surgery and the Cubs were playing almost exclusively late-night ballgames on the West Coast — I was...

Michael Cerami

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cubs Farm Report | April 18, 2024: Caissie, Alcántara Go Yard, South Bend and Myrtle Beach Smoked, More

Kevin Alcántara hit his first home run of the season for the Tennessee Smokies last night, and Owen Caissie hit his first Triple-A home run for the Iowa Cubs as Iowa and Tennessee secured victories. The same can't be said...

Patrick K. Flowers

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Cody Bellinger Sticking With Scott Boras

Given the way the offseason played out for super agent Scott Boras's top available clients - Cody Bellinger, Matt Chapman, Blake Snell, and Jordan Montgomery - you wouldn't be shocked to see some unhappiness behind the scenes. Did Boras overplay...

Brett Taylor

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

You’ll Be Even More Impressed with Hayden Wesneski, When You Hear What it Took to Get Him to Arizona

Hayden Wesneski was the hero of yesterday's finale and series-win over the Arizona Diamondbacks, coming in to clean up Jordan Wicks' (little) mess in the 5th ... and then tossing 4 shutout innings to save an over-used bullpen and help...

Michael Cerami

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Offseason Cubs Target Robert Stephenson Now Out for the Year

Hand up, I really wanted the Cubs to sign reliever Robert Stephenson this offseason. I felt like they could use one more impact arm (accurate), and I felt like Stephenson was one of the best available (about that ... )....

Brett Taylor

Apr 18, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Rays Closer Pete Fairbanks With a Wonderful and Brutally Honest Line About His Performance

Rays closer Pete Fairbanks has been an extremely effective reliever the last four years, posting a 2.66 ERA from 2020 through 2023, with a 34.8% K rate and worth 4.1 WAR. But things have started out much more rough for...

Brett Taylor

Apr 18, 2024

NFL

Pittsburgh Steelers 3-Round Mock Draft: Exploring Potential Picks Along The Offensive Line

Pittsburgh Steelers 3-Round Mock Draft - The decision is far from easy. On the one hand, a strong offensive line is the bedrock of any successful team, and the long-term benefits are undeniable. On the other hand, a game-changing offensive weapon could breathe...

Ryan Noonan

Apr 18, 2024

How to Watch

Twins vs. Tigers: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Minnesota Twins (6-11), with Joe Ryan on the mound, host the Detroit Tigers (10-9) who will start Jack Flaherty, at 8:10 PM ET on Friday in a series opener.Keep scrolling to find out all the details on how to...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

How to Watch

Orioles vs. Royals: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

On Friday, in a series opener at Kauffman Stadium, Dean Kremer starts for the Baltimore Orioles (12-6) against Alec Marsh and the Kansas City Royals (12-7), with first pitch scheduled for 7:40 PM ET.Keep reading to see how to watch...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

How to Watch

Brewers vs. Cardinals: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

William Contreras and the Milwaukee Brewers (11-6) visit Brendan Donovan and the St. Louis Cardinals (9-10) at 8:15 PM ET on Friday.Keep reading to see how to watch the Milwaukee-St. Louis matchup below.When is Brewers vs. Cardinals and when does...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

NBA Picks

Pacers vs. Bucks Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets for NBA Playoffs Game 1 – Sunday, April 21, 2024

The Indiana Pacers are slight 1-point favorites heading into Game 1 of the opening round of the NBA Playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on Sunday, starting at 7:00 PM ET on TNT. The matchup's over/under is set...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

NBA Picks

Mavericks vs. Clippers Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets for NBA Playoffs Game 1 – Sunday, April 21, 2024

The Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Clippers meet to start the first round of the NBA Playoffs. The Mavericks are favored by 1.5 points in the contest, which will be broadcast on ABC at 3:30 PM ET. The matchup...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

NBA Picks

Knicks vs. 76ers Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets for NBA Playoffs Game 1 – Saturday, April 20, 2024

The New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers take the court to start the opening round of the NBA Playoffs. The Knicks are favored by 3 points in the matchup, which will be broadcast on ESPN at 6:00 PM ET....

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

NBA Picks

Heat vs. Bulls Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets for NBA Playoffs Game 1 – Friday, April 19, 2024

The Chicago Bulls are slight 1.5-point underdogs heading into Game 1 of the opening round of the NBA Playoffs against the Miami Heat at FTX Arena on Friday, tipping off at 7:00 PM ET on ESPN. The matchup's over/under is...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Phillies vs. White Sox: Live Stream or on TV

The Philadelphia Phillies (11-8), led by Trea Turner, host Gavin Sheets and the Chicago White Sox (3-15) on Friday at 6:40 PM ET.Keep reading to find out how to watch the Philadelphia-Chicago matchup in the article below.When is Phillies vs....

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

How to Watch

Braves vs. Rangers: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Atlanta Braves (12-5), who will give the start to Chris Sale, host the Texas Rangers (11-9) with Andrew Heaney on the mound, Friday at 7:20 PM ET.If you're trying to watch this game, keep reading for streaming and TV...

Data Skrive

Apr 18, 2024

MLBits: Breaking HR Record Today, Extreme Wild Card Chaos, Syndergaard, Stanton, More

Read More

more cubs news

Latest News

more cubs news

Most Popular

Most Popular

Latest News

Most Popular

Most Popular