All-Time Teams Archives - Franchise Phenoms

All-Time Orioles Team

We’re back with the All-Time Orioles Team.

Franchise Overview

One of the original American League franchises, Baltimore is actually the team’s third city. After a one season stint as the Milwaukee Brewers, and 52 years as the St. Louis Browns, the Baltimore Orioles joined the American League in 1954.

The Orioles .474 winning percentage ranks just 24th in history. Their 14 playoff appearances are tied for 13th all-time.

The Orioles have made playoff appearances in just 11.76% of their total seasons, a mark that is tied for 21st in history.

Their three World Series championships are tied for 10th most in history with five other teams.

The franchise’s golden age came while under the leadership of legendary manager Earl Weaver. After taking over midway through the 1968 season, Weaver led the Orioles to 1480 victories, an incredible .583 winning percentage, six playoff appearances, five American League pennants, and two world championships (1970 and 1983).

Recent years have been tougher. The Orioles have not made the World Series since their 1983 title. They have had just 11 winning seasons, and five playoff appearances in the last 36 seasons. In a particularly ugly stretch, Baltimore had 14 straight losing seasons from 1998-2011.

Hitters

Starting Lineup	Name	Position	B/T	bWAR/650	OPS+	Years Played
1.	Ken Singleton	RF (LF)	S/R	3.2	135	1975-84
2.	Ken Williams	LF (CF)	L/R	5.8	144	1918-27
3.	George Sisler	DH (1B)	L/L	4.8	131	1915-27
4.	Eddie Murray	1B	S/R	4.6	139	1977-88, 96
5.	Chris Hoiles	C	R/R	4.7	119	1989-98
6.	Cal Ripken Jr.	SS (3B)	R/R	4.9	112	1981-2001
7.	Brooks Robinson	3B	R/R	4.4	104	1955-77
8.	Bobby Wallace	2B (SS/3B)	R/R	5.2	103	1899-1916
9.	Paul Blair	CF	R/R	4.3	99	1964-76

Bench
OF	Boog Powell	1B/LF	L/R	3.4	135	1961-74
OF	Brady Anderson	CF/LF/RF	L/L	3.1	110	1988-2001
IN	Mark Belanger	SS	R/R	4.2	68	1965-81
IN	Harlond Clift	3B	R/R	3.9	118	1934-43
C	Rick Dempsey	C	R/R	3.4	89	1976-86, 92

The best teams in Orioles history were excellent all-around teams built around balanced offense, and pitching staffs supported by quality defenders. The Orioles all-time hitters rank just 23rd overall in OPS+.

Of course, position players do more than just swing the bat. The all-time Orioles roster is loaded with elite defensive players as well.

Legendary Left Side

Shortstop Cal Ripken Jr. is the best player in Orioles history. In 21 seasons with Baltimore, “The Iron Man” crafted a legacy that has endured long after he played his last game. There will never be another player quite like Cal Ripken Jr.

Ripken is best known for setting a seemingly unbreakable record of 2632 consecutive games played. In the process of setting that record, he unseated another all-time great in Lou Gehrig, and established a reputation as a beloved fan favorite.

Ripken was a 19-time All Star. He won eight Silver Sluggers and two Gold Gloves. In 1983, he won his first American League MVP while leading the league in runs, hits, and doubles. Ripken propelled the Orioles to a World Series title that year. He won his second MVP in 1991 while leading the league in total bases. He led the A.L. in bWAR in 1983, 1984, and 1991.

Ripken ranks top-10 all-time in assists (3rd), at-bats (4th), Defensive bWAR (4th), games at shortstop (5th), and games played (8th).

Joining Ripken on the left side of the Orioles infield is third baseman Brooks Robinson. Like Ripken, Robinson spent his entire career with the Orioles. In 23 seasons, Robinson made a case as the best defensive third baseman in history.

Robinson was an 18-time All Star, and won 16 Gold Gloves at the hot corner. He was a key player on six Orioles playoff teams, including four A.L. pennant winners, and two world champions (1966 and 1970). He was the A.L. MVP in 1964. Robinson was also the top A.L. position player by bWAR in 1962 and 1964.

Robinson’s 16 Gold Gloves are the most of any non-pitcher in history. He is the all-time leader in games, putouts, assists, and double plays at third base. He also leads third basemen in a variety of advanced defensive metrics. Robinson ranks third all-time in defensive bWAR.

The Rest of the Infield

Hall of Famer Eddie Murray mans first base on the all-time Orioles team. One of the best switch-hitters in history, Murray spent 13 seasons mashing in Baltimore. He was a seven-time All Star with the Orioles. Murray also won three Gold Gloves and two Silver Sluggers. Murray finished sixth, or better, in the MVP voting every season from 1980-1985. Like Ripken, he was one of the stars of the 1983 champions.

Hall of Fame first baseman George Sisler serves as the D.H. Sisler spent 12 seasons as one of the best hitters in the A.L. with the St. Louis Browns. Sisler won batting titles in 1920 (.407) and 1922 (.420). He is one of only three hitters to have multiple .400 seasons since 1900. He also had league-leading seasons in stolen bases (3x), hits (2x), doubles (2x), and runs. Sisler was the A.L. MVP in 1922.

Hall of Famer Bobby Wallace slots in at second base despite playing the bulk of his career at shortstop. Wallace starred for 15 seasons with the St. Louis Browns. He led the league in assists twice with the Browns. His 48.5 bWAR is fifth among position players in franchise history.

Catcher Chris Hoiles played his entire 10-year career with the Orioles. A solid all-around catcher, Hoiles was the primary backstop on Baltimore’s back-to-back playoff teams in 1996-1997. He received MVP votes in 1993.

The Outfield

Left fielder Ken Williams spent 10 seasons with the Browns. In 1922 he paced the A.L. in homers (39), RBI (155), and total bases (367). He received MVP votes in 1923-1924. Williams is the franchise’s all-time leader in OPS (.961) and slugging (.558).

Center fielder Paul Blair was an excellent all-around player over 13 seasons in Baltimore. Blair was a two-time All Star and won eight Gold Gloves. He received MVP votes four times. Like Robinson, Blair was part of the glue that held together six playoff teams, four pennant winners, and two world champions (1966 and 1970). He led the A.L. with 12 triples in 1967.

Ken Singleton plays right field and hits leadoff on the all-time Orioles team. Singleton was an offensive force for most of his 10 seasons in Baltimore. He was a three-time All Star and received MVP votes six times including a pair of top-three finishes. Singleton helped lead the Orioles to the World Series twice, including a key role as the DH on the 1983 champions.

Bench

Boog Powell spent 14 seasons in Baltimore. Powell was an integral player on six Orioles playoff teams including the 1966 and 1970 world champions. Powell won the MVP in 1970 and received votes for the award four other times with the Orioles. The hulking left-handed slugger made four straight All Star teams from 1968-1971. He led the league in slugging (.606) in 1964.

Brady Anderson spent 14 seasons roaming the Baltimore outfield. Anderson was a key cog in Baltimore’s back-to-back playoff appearances in 1996-1997. 1996 was his career year as he set highs in hits (172), homers (50), and RBI (110). Anderson was a three-time All Star who received MVP votes twice. A gritty player whose hard-nosed play endeared himself to Orioles fans, Anderson led the league in HBP three times in his career. He is Baltimore’s all-time leader in HBP (148) and Power-Speed # (248.7).

Shortstop Mark Belanger spent 17 seasons dazzling Orioles fans with his spectacular glove work. “The Blade” was an eight-time Gold Glover. He led the A.L. in defensive bWAR six straight seasons from 1973-1978. Belanger was the primary shortstop on six Orioles playoff teams including the 1970 world champions. He was a 1976 A.L. All Star. Belanger ranks second all-time in defensive bWAR trailing Ozzie Smith.

Third baseman Harlond Clift played 10 seasons for the St. Louis Browns. A solid defender, Clift led A.L. third basemen in assists twice and putouts three times. Clift led the A.L. with 111 walks in 1939. He made his only All Star team in 1937. No hitter in franchise history had more plate appearances (6354) with a higher OBP (.394). His 145 runs in 1936 is the highest mark in team history.

Rick Dempsey spent 12 seasons behind the plate for the Orioles. Dempsey was the primary backstop on two pennant winners including the 1983 world champions. Dempsey had a sterling defensive reputation. Modern metrics agree– more than half of his career value came from his work behind the plate.

Pitchers

Starting Rotation	Name	B/T	ERA+	Years Played
1.	Jim Palmer	R/R	126	1965-84
2.	Mike Mussina	R/R	130	1991-2000
3.	Urban Shocker	R/R	127	1918-24
4.	Dave McNally	R/L	108	1962-74
5.	Jack Powell	R/R	109	1902-03, 05-12

Bullpen
LR	Mike Flanagan	L/L	100	1975-87, 91-92
RP	Sammy Stewart	R/R	114	1978-85
RP	Eddie Watt	R/R	123	1966-73
RP	Dick Hall	R/R	125	1961-66, 69-71
SU	Zack Britton	L/L	130	2011-18
CL	Gregg Olson	R/R	176	1988-93

Baltimore’s all-time starting rotation is carried by a strong trio of aces. Overall, the starters rank 17th in average ERA+ at 120.

Starting Rotation

Baltimore’s all-time rotation is led by Hall of Famer Jim Palmer. Palmer spent his entire 19-year career with the Orioles. He is one of 10 pitchers in history to win three, or more, Cy Youngs. In addition to his three wins, he boasted five other top-five finishes. He is 10th all-time with 3.57 Cy Young shares.

Palmer was one of the greatest pitchers of his generation. A six-time All Star, he also won four Gold Gloves. Palmer compiled eight 20-win seasons in his career. He also led the A.L. multiple times in innings (4x), wins (3x), and ERA (2x).

Palmer is Baltimore’s all-time leader in pitching bWAR (67.5), wins (268), games (558), innings (3948), strikeouts (2212), complete games (211), and shutouts (53). He was part of eight Baltimore playoff teams, six A.L. pennant winners, and three world champions (1966, 1970, 1983).

Fellow Hall of Famer Mike Mussina represents perhaps the greatest regret of the all-time Orioles roster. Baltimore’s 1st round pick out of Stanford in 1990, Mussina debuted in 1991. He spent the first 10 years of his career with the Orioles. The team made two playoff appearances (1996-1997) during his tenure.

Mussina was a five-time All Star with the Orioles. He finished sixth, or better, in the Cy Young voting seven times while in Baltimore. He also won four Gold Gloves. Mussina paced the A.L. once each in wins, innings, and BB/9 with Baltimore.

Following the 2000 season, Mussina signed as a free agent with the division rival New York Yankees where he spent the final eight seasons of his storied career. Baltimore has not developed a pitcher of his caliber since.

Right-hander Urban Shocker pitched seven excellent seasons for the Browns. A noted spit-baller, Shocker had four straight 20-win seasons from 1920-1923. Shocker had excellent control, leading the league in K/BB ratio and BB/9 in 1922-1923. He received MVP votes in both seasons. He also led the league once each in wins, strikeouts, FIP, and saves with the Browns.

Southpaw Dave McNally pitched 13 seasons for the Orioles. McNally utilized one of the best breaking balls of his era to support Palmer in some of the best Orioles rotations of all-time. He contributed to six playoff teams, four pennant winners, and two world champions (1966 and 1970). A three-time All Star, McNally finished fourth, or better, in the Cy Young voting three times. He also received MVP votes four times. McNally had four straight 20-win seasons from 1968-1971. He led the A.L. in wins and WHIP once each.

Right-hander Jack Powell pitched 10 years for the Browns including two 20-win seasons. His 32.0 bWAR is fourth all-time among the franchise’s pitchers.

Bullpen

The bullpen’s average ERA+ is 128, ranking 21st among all-time teams.

Southpaw Mike Flanagan pitched 15 years in Baltimore, most often as a starter, though he did make 122 relief appearances. Flanagan won the 1979 Cy Young, leading the league with 23 wins and 5 shutouts. He was an All Star in 1978. He was also a key piece of the 1983 world championship starting rotation. Following his retirement, Flanagan served the Orioles as a broadcaster, pitching coach, and executive vice president of baseball operations.

Sammy Stewart pitched eight years for the Orioles. A versatile arm, Stewart started just 25 games, but pitched at least 93 innings seven times. He led the A.L. in ERA (2.32) in 1981. He was second in appearances during the 1983 championship season.

Eddie Watt pitched eight seasons in Baltimore. He was the team’s most effective reliever for most of his tenure. Watt was part of five playoff teams, four pennant winners, and two world champions (1966 and 1970).

Dick Hall began his career as an outfielder for three seasons with the Pirates before earning a new lease on life as a pitcher. He spent nine seasons with the Orioles. The 6’6″ Hall was a great athlete with excellent control. Hall is Baltimore’s all-time leader in WHIP (1.01), K/BB (3.96), and BB/9 (1.47). He was a key reliever on the 1970 champions.

Zack Britton spent the first eight seasons of his career with the Orioles. A top prospect as a starter, Britton shifted to the bullpen full time in his fourth season. The left-hander used his turbo sinker to become one of the most dominant relievers in baseball for a resurgent Orioles team in the mid 2010s. He made the All Star for the first time in 2015 before turning in an all-time great reliever season the following year. In 2016, Britton was again an All Star. In 67 innings he had a 0.54 ERA and led the A.L. with 47 saves. He finished 3rd in the Cy Young and 11th in the MVP voting.

Gregg Olson used a devastating curve ball to compile a franchise best 160 saves in six seasons with the Orioles. In 1989, Olson won the Rookie of the Year Award while also finishing 6th in the Cy Young and 12th in the MVP race. He was an All Star in 1990.

All-Time Pirates Team

After a break for some Hall of Fame chatter, we’re back to our series on All-Time Teams with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Franchise Overview

The Pittsburgh Pirates originated in 1882 as the Pittsburgh Alleghenys of the American Association. In 1887, the Alleghenys joined the National League. They changed their name to the Pirates in 1891. Only the Braves, and Cubs have played more big league seasons than the Pirates.

The Pirates .504 franchise winning percentage is 10th best in history. They also rank 10th in history with 17 playoff appearances.

Given their comparatively long history, however, the picture isn’t quite so pretty. The Pirates rank just 20th in playoff appearance percentage. They have reached the postseason in just 12.41% of their total seasons.

Only six teams have won more World Series championships than Pittsburgh’s five (1909, 1925, 1960, 1971, 1979).

The Pirates were once the class of the National League, making six playoff appearances in the 1970s.

Recent years have been tougher. The Pirates have made the playoffs just six times since their last World Series in 1979. They have only four winning seasons since their last NLCS appearance in 1992. From 1993-2012, the Pirates had 20 straight losing seasons, and were generally regarded as one of the worst teams in the game.

Hitters

Starting Lineup	Name	Position	B/T	bWAR/650	OPS+	Years Played
1.	Arky Vaughan	3B (SS)	L/R	6.9	141	1932-41
2.	Honus Wagner	SS (RF/3B/1B)	R/R	7.9	154	1900-17
3.	Willie Stargell	1B (LF)	L/L	4.2	147	1962-82
4.	Ralph Kiner	LF	R/R	6.2	157	1973-83
5.	Roberto Clemente	CF (RF)	R/R	6.1	130	1955-72
6.	Paul Waner	RF	L/L	4.8	136	1926-40
7.	Jason Kendall	C	R/R	3.9	108	1996-2004
8.	Bill Mazeroski	2B	R/R	2.9	84	1956-72
9.	Pitcher	P

Bench
OF	Fred Clarke	LF	L/R	5.0	136	1900-15
OF	Max Carey	CF/LF/RF	S/R	3.7	111	1910-26
OF	Andrew McCutchen	CF/RF	R/R	4.5	136	2009-17
IN	Pie Traynor	3B	R/R	2.9	107	1920-37
IN	Bob Elliott	3B/RF	R/R	3.4	119	1939-46
C	Manny Sanguillen	C	R/R	3.7	105	1967-76, 78-80

The Pirates have a long tradition of excellent offensive players. Their hitters have the eighth best average OPS+ among all-time teams.

The five best players in Pittsburgh history by bWAR are all position players, including two of the game’s inner-circle icons.

Swashbuckling Superstars

Shortstop Honus Wagner is arguably the best shortstop in baseball history. Wagner played 18 seasons in Pittsburgh during which time he established his legacy as one of the best all around players of all-time.

Wagner won eight batting titles. He paced the National League in a variety of categories at different points in his career including doubles (7x), slugging (6x), OBP (4x), RBI (4x), stolen bases (4x), triples (3x), hits (2x), and runs (2x).

Wagner’s 130.8 bWAR is 10th in history. He is also in the all-time top-10 in triples (3rd), putouts at shortstop (4th), hits (8th), doubles (9th), and stolen bases (10th). He was also a driving force behind the Pirates 1909 World Series championship.

Roberto Clemente starts in center field despite playing most of his career in right. Clemente played his entire 18-year career in Pittsburgh. He was a National League All Star in 12 different seasons, and won 12 Gold Gloves. He was one of the best players on two World Series teams more than a decade apart in 1960 and 1971.

Clemente won the 1966 NL MVP, and finished in the top-10 seven other times. He won four batting titles in addition to leading the league in hits twice, and triples once.

Clemente played more games in right field than any other player in history. He ranks second all time in assists and putouts at the position.

His tragic death on New Years Eve, 1972 cut short the career of one of the most spectacular players of his generation. It also established a lasting legacy of community service that lives on in the Roberto Clemente Award.

The Rest of the Infield

Hall of Famer Arky Vaughan would have a case to be the starting shortstop on virtually every other franchise’s all-time team. Here he defers to the best in history, and slides over to third base. In 10 seasons with the Pirates, Vaughan was an eight-time All Star who had two third place MVP finishes. He led the league in OBP, walks, runs, and triples three times each. In 1935, he paced the NL in every triple-slash category with a .385/.491/.607 line, good for 190 OPS+.

Hall of Famer Willie Stargell starts at first base. Pops played his entire 21-year career with the Pirates. One of the most feared sluggers of his generation, Stargell was a seven-time All Star. He paced the NL in homers and OPS+ twice during his career. He also led the league in slugging, doubles, and RBI once each. Stargell was the 1979 NL MVP and had six other top-10 finishes. He was regarded as one of the best players on Pittsburgh’s World Series winners in 1971 and 1979.

Second baseman Bill Mazeroski rounds out Pittsburgh’s Hall of Fame infield. Maz played his entire 17-year career for the Pirates. He made the All Star team in seven different seasons. One of the finest defensive second basemen in history, Maz won eight Gold Gloves. He ranks 5th in career assists at second base, and 7th in putouts. Like Clemente, he contributed to both the 1960 and 1971 championships.

Jason Kendall starts behind the plate. Kendall spent nine seasons in Pittsburgh, and was a three-time All Star for the Pirates. A gritty player who endeared himself to fans, he had 31 HBP in back-to-back seasons, leading the league in 1998.

The Rest of the Outfield

Hall of Famer Paul Waner starts in right field. He ranks third in Pirates history with 68.3 bWAR in 15 seasons. Waner was a four-time All Star who won three batting titles. He led the league twice each in runs, hits, doubles, and triples. He was the 1927 National League MVP and had four other top-10 finishes.

Hall of Famer Ralph Kiner gets the nod in left. Kiner’s entire career lasted just 10 years, eight of which were in Pittsburgh. Despite his relatively brief tenure, Kiner was truly dominate with the Pirates. He led the league in homers every season from 1946-1952. During that same stretch, he also led the league in OPS+, walks, and slugging three times each, and OBP, runs, and RBI once each. He was an All Star in six straight seasons, and had five straight top-10 MVP finishes.

Bench

Hall of Fame outfielder Fred Clarke narrowly missed the starting lineup. In 15 seasons with the Pirates, Clarke led the league in OPS+ twice as well as doubles, triples, walks, and slugging once each. Clarke was one of the best hitters on the 1909 championship team. As the club’s manager from 1900-1915, Clarke amassed 1,422 wins, a .595 winning percentage, four NL pennants, and the 1909 World Series, making him the most successful manager in franchise history as well.

Hall of Fame outfielder Max Carey played 17 seasons in Pittsburgh. He is 9th in history with 738 stolen bases. 688 of them came as a member of the Pirates, making him the franchise’s all-time leader. He received MVP votes three times, and was one of the best players on the 1925 World Series winner.

Andrew McCutchen rounds out the Pirates star-studded outfield corps. Cutch played nine seasons in Pittsburgh, and fueled three straight playoff teams from 2012-2015. He made five straight All Star teams while winning four Silver Sluggers and a Gold Glove, from 2011-2015. McCutchen finished in the top-five of the MVP voting every year from 2012-2015, winning the award in 2013. He led the league in OPS+, OBP, and hits once each during his career.

Hall of Fame third baseman Pie Traynor had six top-10 MVP finishes in 17 seasons with the Pirates. Traynor was an All Star in 1933-34. His 19 triples led the league in 1923. Like Carey, Traynor was a driving force behind the 1925 championship. Like Clarke, he also served as the club’s manager. From 1934-39, Traynor amassed a 457-406 record as the Pirates skipper.

Bob Elliott spent eight seasons playing third base and right field for the Pirates. He was a three-time All Star and finished in the top-10 for MVP thrice as well. Elliott made three more All Star appearances, and won the 1947 MVP after the Pirates traded him to the Boston Braves.

Manny Sanguillen spent 12 seasons behind the plate in Pittsburgh. He was a three-time All Star for the Pirates. Sanguillen anchored the great Pirates teams of the 1970s, including the 1971 champions. He was a role-player on the 1979 champs as well. Sanguillen ranks fourth all-time in bWAR among players born in Panama.

Pitchers

Starting Rotation	Name	B/T	ERA+	Years Played
1.	Wilbur Cooper	R/L	120	1912-24
2.	Sam Leever	R/R	123	1898-1910
3.	Babe Adams	L/R	118	1907-26
4.	John Candelaria	L/L	117	1975-85, 93
5.	Bob Friend	R/R	108	1951-65

Bullpen
LR	Roy Face	R/R	110	1953-68
RP	Al McBean	R/R	113	1961-68, 70
RP	Mike Williams	R/R	119	1998-2003
RP	Salomon Torres	R/R	120	2002-07
SU	Dave Giusti	R/R	121	1970-76
CL	Kent Tekulve	R/R	139	1974-85

Pittsburgh’s all-time pitching staff lacks the star power of its every day lineup. The average ERA+ of the Pirates starting rotation ranks just 20th among all-time teams. They are also the oldest team without a single Hall of Fame pitcher on its all-time staff.

Starting Rotation

Left-hander Wilbur Cooper spent 13 seasons with the Pirates. Cooper had four 20-win campaigns. He is Pittsburgh’s all-time leader in wins (202) and complete games (263).

Sam Leever spent his entire 13-year career in Pittsburgh. The 5-10 right-hander worked a league-leading 379 innings in 1899. In 1903, he won the ERA Title at 2.06; his 159 ERA+ was also best in the NL.

Curve ball specialist, Babe Adams spent 19 seasons in Pittsburgh. Between 1911-1922, Adams led the league in WHIP five times, FIP, BB/9, and K/BB four times each, and ERA+ once. He is the Pirates all-time leader in pitching bWAR (49.8), and shutouts (44). He was a member of the starting rotation for the 1909 World Champs, and hung around long enough to contribute to the 1925 team as well.

Lefty John Candelaria pitched 12 seasons for the Pirates. The “Candy Man” enjoyed a career-year in 1977. He went 20-5 and led the NL with a 2.34 ERA, and 169 ERA+. It was his only All Star season, and the only year in which he earned Cy Young and MVP votes. Despite the lack of league-wide recognition in subsequent years, he was the best pitcher on Pittsburgh’s 1979 championship team.

Right-hander Bob Friend made the All Star team in three of his 15 seasons with the Pirates. A consummate workhorse during his career, Friend is the Pirates all-time leader in starts (477), innings (3,480.1), and strikeouts (1,682). He led the league in innings twice, and wins, ERA+, FIP, and K/BB once each during his career. He finished third in the 1958 Cy Young voting. Friend was the ace of the 1960 World Series championship rotation.

Bullpen

Pittsburgh’s all-time bullpen is even less impressive than its starting rotation. The average 120 ERA+ of the team’s all-time relief corps ranks 29th overall.

Kent Tekulve is Pittsburgh’s all-time closer. In 12 seasons with the Pirates, Tekulve led the league in appearances, and games finished, three times. He finished fifth in the Cy Young voting in both 1978-79, and was an All Star in 1980. He earned saves in three of the four Pirates wins in the 1979 World Series. His 158 saves rank second in Pirates history.

After six seasons as a mediocre starter with Houston, right-hander Dave Giusti became one of the best relievers in baseball. In seven seasons with the Pirates, Giusti had three top-10 Cy Young finishes. In 1971, he led the league with 30 saves for the NL East champs. During the playoffs, Giusti hurled 10.2 scoreless innings, and earned three saves, to help the Pirates to a World Series title. He was an All Star in 1973.

Once a top prospect in the Giants system, Salomon Torres washed out of American affiliated baseball from ages 26-29. At 30, after a stint in Korea, he resurfaced with the Pirates. In six seasons with Pittsburgh, Torres was one of the most durable, and underrated, relievers in the National League. He led the league with 94 appearances in 2006.

Like Torres, Mike Williams took the long route to big league stardom. A 14th round draft pick in 1990, Williams was on his third organization by the time he emerged as a stellar reliever with the Pirates at age 29. Williams spent six seasons in Pittsburgh, including five as the primary closer. He was an All Star in 2002-2003.

Right-hander Al McBean spent nine seasons with the Pirates. Working primarily out of the bullpen, McBean hurled 1016 above-average innings. He is the most accomplished pitcher in history from the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Roy Face gets the final spot in Pittsburgh’s bullpen. An under-sized right-hander, Face spent 15 seasons in Pittsburgh. As a member of the Pirates, he led the league in games finished four times, saves thrice, and appearances twice. In 1959, he finished an incredible 18-1 without starting a game. He was an All Star each season from 1959-61. In 1960, Face helped pitch Pittsburgh to a World Series title, saving three of the four wins over the Yankees. He is Pittsburgh’s all-time leader in saves (186), and games finished (547).

Red Sox Mount RushWAR: Ted Williams

The Mount RushWAR series will allow us to take a more in-depth look at the careers of the four players with the highest bWAR in each franchise’s history.

Ted Williams (123.1)

Background

Ted Williams was born and raised in San Diego, California. A graduate of Herbert Hoover High School, Williams got his start in pro-ball right in his own back yard with the San Diego Padres, then members of the Double-A Pacific Coast League.

In 1937, while playing for the Padres, Williams was identified as a big league prospect. White Sox Mount RushWAR honoree, Eddie Collins, then the General Manager of the Boston Red Sox, acquired Williams from the Padres after his age-18 season.

Williams spent his age-19 season dominating the Double-A American Association for the Minneapolis Millers. He hit .366 with 43 homers, placing himself firmly on the big club’s radar for 1939.

Red Sox Career

Immediate Impact

Williams made the opening day roster for Boston in 1939. The 20-year-old outfielder was as good as advertised. Williams finished third in the league with 160 OPS+, and led the league with 145 RBI. He finished fourth in the MVP voting after his rookie season. Boston won 89 games, but finished second to the Yankees.

In 1940, Williams was again the third best hitter in the American League at 161 OPS+. He led the league with a .442 OBP, and 134 runs. Williams was selected for what would be the first of 17 seasons as an American League All Star. Boston finished in fourth place at 82-72.

.406

1941 would turn out to be among the most important years in United States history. With the nation drifting closer to eventual entry into World War II, baseball provided a welcomed distraction from world affairs. Ted Williams was right at the center of one of baseball’s most magical summers.

Williams got off to a slow start with just 19 plate appearances through the team’s first nine games in April. By the end of the month, he was playing every day, and on the verge of one of the hottest streaks of his career.

He hit .436/.540/.683 in the month of May. He finished the month in the midst of a 23-game hitting streak that would carry into June.

His season batting average crested on June 6 at .436. Although he couldn’t hold that pace, he was still hitting .404 at the end of the month.

July brought the “low point” in his season. His average dipped to .393 on July 19. He got back to .400 on July 25, and would seldom drop below that magic number the rest of the season.

From July 25 onward, Williams finished the season on a torrid pace. Over his final 64 games, he hit .417/.594/.804 with 19 homers, and an incredible 87 walks against just 15 strikeouts.

After a 4-17 stretch in late-September, his average dipped to .39955 on September 27. With the Red Sox eliminated from playoff contention, destined to yet again finish second to the Yankees, manager Joe Cronin gave Williams the option to sit out the final day and hang onto his rounded .400 average. Williams famously elected to play, finishing 6-8 on the day, and .406 on the season.

On some levels, Williams’s season is held in even greater esteem in modern times than it was as it happened. Joe DiMaggio’s record-setting 56-game hitting streak the same summer for the first-place Yankees stole some of Williams’s thunder. There have been 27 times a player ended his season with an average above .400. It had been 11 years since Bill Terry hit .401 for the New York Giants, and it was not apparent that Williams would be perhaps the last to accomplish the feat.

Before the War

1942 was yet another excellent season for Williams. Four seasons into his big league career, it was clear that Williams was one of the game’s greatest players.

From 1939-1942, Williams averaged .356/.481/.642, 190 OPS+, and 8.6 bWAR per season. He was a three-time All Star with two batting championships, and two home run titles to his credit. He had finished second in the MVP voting back-to-back seasons in 1941-1942.

World War II

With the United States military embroiled in the Second World War, Williams enlisted in the navy’s aviation program in 1943. He spent the next three years serving in the armed forces. Williams initially trained as a naval pilot before joining the Marine Corps. Upon joining the Marines, Williams was quickly assigned duties as a flight instructor during the late stages of the Pacific War.

Although Williams never served in combat, his commitment to the service of his country would become a hallmark of his legacy.

1946: Return to Baseball

The Red Sox struggled mightily without their star slugger from 1943-1945 and failed to finish above .500 during that stretch. Following the end of the War in 1945, Williams returned to the Red Sox for the 1946 season.

Now in his age-27 season, Williams proved he was still among the game’s best players despite his time away from the game. Williams was the best player in the American League in 1946. He led the league in runs (142), walks (156), OBP (.497), slugging (.667), OPS+ (215), and bWAR (10.9).

Williams joined fellow Red Sox Franchise Phenoms Bobby Doerr, and Dom DiMaggio, to form the core of a Red Sox offense that led the league by scoring 88 more runs than the next closest team. The Red Sox won 104 games to cruise to the American League pennant.

In the 1946 World Series, Boston faced the St. Louis Cardinals. Williams hit just .200/.333/.200, and the Cardinals took the series in seven games.

Ted Williams was the American League MVP in 1946. The Red Sox would never play another postseason game during the Ted Williams era.

1947-1951

Coming off a brilliant MVP season, Williams proved he had plenty left in the tank. Over the next five years, Williams averaged .340/.483/.619, 184 OPS+, and 7.7 bWAR per season. He won two more batting titles, and twice more led the league in homers during this stretch.

Williams was an All Star in each of the six seasons between his two stints in the armed forces.

He added his second MVP award in 1949 when he led the league in runs (150), doubles (39), homers (43), RBI (159), walks (162), OBP (.490), slugging (.650), OPS+ (191), and bWAR (9.1).

The Korean War

The Korean War began on June 25, 1950 when the North Korean Army invaded South Korea. With the government of the United States committed to combating the spread of communism even in foreign nations, American military involvement in the region quickly escalated.

As the war expanded, the Marines recalled experienced pilots to active duty. Williams got his orders just six games into the 1952 season. After training to operate the new planes, Williams headed to Korea on active duty in early 1953. Williams flew 39 combat missions in Korea and, on a few occasions, was lucky to return alive.

Williams was sent home in June after a series of illnesses. He was formally discharged when a cease-fire went into effect the following month. Williams was selected as an All Star in 1953 despite playing just 37 games after he returned home. In total, he had just 122 plate appearances in 43 games sandwiched around his time in the service in 1952-1953.

“The Greatest Hitter Who Ever Lived”

Ted Williams returned to the Red Sox full-time in 1954. Although he increasingly dealt with injuries and physical ailments into his late-30s, it was this stretch of his career where Williams cemented his place in baseball history.

In the final seven seasons of his career from 1954-1960, Williams was every bit the hitter he had always been. He averaged .337/.477/.624, 189 OPS+, and 5.3 bWAR per season. He made the All Star team in each season, and finished seventh, or better, in the MVP race five times. Even in his final season at age 41, Williams produced 190 OPS+ in 113 games.

Legacy

In 19 seasons with the Red Sox, Ted Williams was an All Star in 17 seasons.
A two-time MVP who twice won the Triple Crown, Williams is in a category all by himself in Boston lore.

He is Boston’s career leader in average (.344), OBP (.482), slugging (.634), homers (521), walks (2021), and OPS+ (190).

His advanced knowledge and understanding of the game served as the foundation of a legend that goes beyond being the very best at what he did. Williams literally wrote the book on hitting.

His career bWAR ranks 14th in history despite missing nearly five full seasons during his prime while serving in the military. Williams has the highest OBP in big league history, and ranks second in slugging. Any way you slice it, Teddy Ballgame is one of the greatest players in baseball history.

Remembering Ted Williams: A Marine Fighter Pilot

Ted Williams on SABR

American Masters: Ted Williams. Trailer from PBS

Chase Utley: Hall of Famer?

Philadelphia Phillies Franchise Phenom Chase Utley was released from his contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday. The move was meant to facilitate his retirement. To commemorate the end of his great career, we take a look back at one of the greatest players in Phillies franchise history. We will also explore where Utley’s legacy leaves him in the history of our great game.

For more on recently retired greats, check out my piece on Joe Mauer’s Hall of Fame case.

Background

Chase Utley was born and raised in Southern California. Utley was selected by his hometown team, the Los Angeles Dodgers in the second round of the 1997 amateur draft out of Polytechnic High School in Long Beach. Rather than sign with the Dodgers, he enrolled at UCLA. Following his junior season for the Bruins, Utley was selected 15th overall by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2000 draft.

Utley quickly rose through the Philadelphia farm system. By 2002, the 23-year-old infielder was in Triple-A, clearly among the best prospects in the minors.

Time Lost

The Phillies sent Utley back to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to begin 2003 in what would prove to be a foolish maneuver. He dominated the International League during his second stint in Triple-A while the Phillies received brutal production from a pair of veteran third basemen. Utley held his own in a 43-game trial, most of which was in August and September. The Phillies won 86 games, and finished five out of the postseason.

Inexplicably, the Phillies jerked him around again at the start of the 2004 season. Utley spent April back in Triple-A before finally earning a permanent place with the big club. David Bell was better at third than he had been the year before, and Placido Polanco was steady at second. Utley managed just 287 plate appearances in the big leagues in his age 25 season. The Phillies again won 86 games, this time finishing six out of the playoffs.

In light of the career that Utley went on to have, it is fair to wonder how much different Phillies history may have been if they had committed to him sooner. For a team in playoff contention for most of 2003-2004, an earlier emergence for one of the greatest players in franchise history could have swung the balance in their favor. Unfortunately, we will never know.

Phillies Career

The Phillies finally committed to Utley more completely in 2005.
Polanco was dealt to Detroit in June, and second base in Philadelphia belonged to Chase Utley. In 147 games, he hit .291/.376/.540, good for 132 OPS+. He received some down ballot MVP votes at the conclusion of the year. The team’s inexcusable decision to stick with David Bell through his second miserable season in three years probably cost them the playoffs. With 88 wins, they finished one game out of the Wild Card, and two games out of the Division lead.

2006 would be the sixth straight 80+ win season, none of which resulted in a playoff appearance. Utley made his first All Star team and led the league with 131 runs. He also won his first Silver Slugger, and finished seventh in the MVP voting. With 85 wins, the Phillies were three games out of the Wild Card.

Getting Over The Hump

Following an extended run of respectable mediocrity, better days were ahead for the Phillies starting in 2007. Chase Utley would be right at the center of things.

From 2007-2011, the Phillies won five straight division championships. Utley hit .290/.386/.583, 132 OPS+, and averaged 6.9 bWAR during that stretch. On teams littered with some of the greatest players in franchise history, Chase Utley was arguably the best of them all.

2008

The 2007 Phillies won the NL East, but were swept in the NLDS by the Rockies. With the roster largely intact, Philadelphia repeated as division champs in 2008. Franchise Phenoms Cole Hamels and Jimmy Rollins were excellent. Ryan Howard was still among the game’s most feared sluggers, and Brad Lidge was arguably the best reliever in baseball.

On a team loaded with talent, Chase Utley was clearly the best player on the roster. 2008 was Utley’s career year as his usual stellar offense was accompanied by perhaps the best defensive season of his career. He finished with a career best 9.0 bWAR.

2008 Playoffs

In the NLDS the Phillies were matched up with Wild Card team, the Milwaukee Brewers. Although Utley was the least productive regular in the Phillies lineup, his teammates carried him. Philadelphia won the series in four games and rolled into the NLCS.

In the NLCS, the Phillies had home field advantage over the NL West Champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers. With their ace Cole Hamels rested, and at the height of his powers, Philadelphia was at a decided advantage.

After a rough NLDS, Utley was excellent against the Dodgers.
Hamels controlled Game One, holding L.A. to two runs in seven innings. It was Utley’s two-run homer in the bottom of the sixth that tied the game. Left fielder Pat Burrell followed suit two batters later to put the Phillies on top for good.

Utley walked four times in five trips to the plate in Game Two. His teammates slugged out an 8-5 win to take commanding position in the series.

Out west, the Dodgers took Game Three. The Phillies answered back in Game Four. Utley had three hits and an RBI in the win. In Game Five, Utley was 0-4 but walked twice and scored. Hamels allowed one run over seven innings, and the Phillies clinched their first World Series trip since 1980. Utley hit .353/.522/.647 in the series to lead the offense.

2008 World Series

Coming off an incredible Game Seven victory over the Red Sox in the ALCS, the Tampa Bay Rays were riding hot. Themselves winners of 97 games in the regular season, the Rays were loaded with some of their own franchise greats.

Hamels was rested enough to start Game One. Utley delivered the first blow with a two-run homer off Scott Kazmir in the top of the first. Hamels allowed two runs in seven innings before turning it over to the bullpen. Philadelphia took the opener 3-2.

James Shields held the Phillies at bay in Game Two. Tampa won 4-2 to even the series.

Utley delivered again in Game Three. This time it was a solo homer off Matt Garza to lead off the bottom of the sixth to extend the Phillies lead to 3-1. They held on to win 5-4.

The Philadelphia offense exploded in Game Four behind Joe Blanton. Ryan Howard homered twice, and drove in five runs. Utley walked twice and scored a pair of runs. The Phillies won 10-2 to take a 3-1 series lead.

Game Five featured Hamels against Kazmir again. Hamels cemented his place as the World Series MVP allowing just two runs over six innings. In a game that was ultimately decided by the bullpens, Philadelphia won 4-3 to secure their second championship in franchise history. Utley hit just .167 in the series, but homered twice, walked five times, ultimately leading the Phillies with five runs scored.

Repeat?

The 2009 Phillies returned the core of their championship team. The additions of veterans Raul Ibanez and Cliff Lee as well as the emergence of J.A. Happ helped infuse the team with new blood as well. With 93 wins, the Phillies took their third straight NL East title.

For the fourth straight season, Chase Utley was an All Star and received MVP votes. His 8.2 bWAR was only slightly lower than his 2008 career year. His consistently excellent play was once again a driving force in the team’s success.

In a series that featured three one-run games, the Phillies defeated the Rockies in four games in the NLDS. Utley hit .429/.556/.643 to help lead the way.

For the second straight season, the Phillies met the Dodgers in the NLCS. Utley struggled, but still managed to reach base eight times in five games. The offense and starting rotation carried a suspect bullpen in blowout wins in the third and fifth games. The Phillies took the series in five to win their second straight National League pennant.

In the World Series, the Phillies were matched up with the New York Yankees. Utley was otherworldly. In six games, he hit .286/.400/1.048. His five homers, seven runs, and eight RBI were tops for the series. Unfortunately, the pitching staff was less impressive. The Yankees took the series in six to dethrone the defending champs.

Super Teams (2010-2011)

With their remarkable core of position players still under team control, and nearing the end of their respective primes, the clock was ticking after 2009. To their great credit, Phillies management went all in. In December 2009, they traded for another ace in Roy Halladay.

When the 2010 team made a late push to close the gap in the division to 3.5 games in late July, the front office acted again. They shipped three talented young players, including Happ, to the Astros for veteran ace Roy Oswalt.

With three of the best pitchers in baseball on their staff, the Phillies finally overtook the Braves in September. They finished the season with 97 wins and their fourth straight NL East title.

2010 Playoffs

Utley was yet again at the heart of things when the Phillies swept the Reds in the NLDS. His three runs, and four RBI led the way. When Roy Halladay tossed a no-hitter in Game One, it seemed the Phillies might be the favorites heading deeper into October.

Unfortunately, the Phillies ran into another loaded pitching staff in the NLCS. The San Francisco Giants matched the Phillies pitch for pitch. After three one-run victories, the Giants sent the Phillies home in six games.

2011

With the core of their offense returning, and one of the most talented starting rotations in modern history, the 2011 Phillies were a juggernaut. At 3.8 bWAR, Utley ranked just fifth on the team behind the trio of aces Lee, Halladay, and Hamels as well as center fielder Shane Victorino. Their 102-60 record is the best in franchise history.

When the most talented team in franchise history lost to the St. Louis Cardinals in five games in the NLDS, it was a crushing blow. A veteran team with dominant starting pitching, and a core of position players who had won rings just a few years before, the Phillies were widely considered the favorites in 2011. For his part, Utley was excellent leading the Phillies offense with a .438/.571/.688 line in the series.

It Ended Without Us Knowing

With the bulk of the team returning yet again in 2012, it seemed the Phillies were as good a bet as anyone to head back to the postseason. Then the season began, and it quickly became apparent that 2012 was a new year. By June 12, the Phillies were 9.5 games out. They never led the division after opening day.

Utley and catcher Carlos Ruiz were still solid on offense. Hamels and Lee were still among the games best starters. Unfortunately, everyone else struggled. The remaining core group of veterans looked significantly older. The optimism that persisted even after their disappointing loss in 2011 was quickly gone as the team had to confront the prospect of an expensive core of veterans aging in a less than graceful fashion.

Utley remained one of the top second basemen in the game in 2013-2014. Most efforts to patch the roster failed, however. The core of some of the greatest teams in Phillies history was depleted beyond repair.

In 2015, father time finally caught up to Utley as well. After 73 rough games, the Phillies traded one of the greatest players in their history to the eventual NL West champion Dodgers in an under the radar August deal.

After Philadelphia

After moving to the Dodgers, Utley instantly went from being the face of a franchise to just another player. He was acquired not to save the team, but to support it.

From 2015-2018, Utley served as a semi-regular player, platoon option, and veteran leader in Los Angeles. On a wonderfully deep and versatile roster, Utley was just one of the boys. Still, he contributed to four straight division champions. He even returned to the World Series in 2017 when the Dodgers were defeated by the Houston Astros.

Utley announced his intention to retire after the 2018 season before it concluded. The Dodgers made the World Series for the second straight season in 2018, but were defeated by the Boston Red Sox in five games. Utley was left off the playoff roster.

Legacy

I like Chase Utley as a Hall of Fame candidate. At the same time, I suspect that many modern baseball fans have severely underappreciated him. There are probably a variety of factors at play here.

His particular contributions were diverse and wide-ranging. Chase Utley was good at just about everything on a baseball field. At the same time, he was not elite at most of those things outside of the occasional peak season in one skill or another. Because he was above-average or better at just about everything, he was always great even when it wasn’t totally obvious.

Beyond his sneaky greatness, or perhaps because of it, Utley was often not identified as the best player on his own team. Howard and Rollins each won NL MVP awards in seasons when Chase Utley was actually the best player on the Phillies.

Finally, his delayed ascension to big league stardom is probably still a factor even after a stellar 16-year career. Utley didn’t debut until he was 24. He wasn’t an everyday player until he was 26. Most Hall of Fame players simply get started younger. That lost time cost him some important counting stats in the end.

Chase Utley was a six-time All Star and won four Silver Sluggers. He received MVP votes four times, but never finished higher than seventh. Viewing him in the context of his place among the all-time Phillies greats might be the most favorable light in which to appreciate his excellent career.

Utley is ranked as the 11th best second baseman in history by JAWS. He comes in right above the current average for Hall of Famers at the position. His peak was fairly short by Hall of Fame standards, but that shouldn’t detract from his case. As a great player on great teams, his intangibles should earn him any benefit of the doubt.

Chase Utley’s Career Highlights from Major League Baseball

Joe Mauer: Hall of Famer?

Minnesota Twins all-time great Joe Mauer announced his retirement on Friday. To commemorate the end of his great career, we take a look back at one of the greatest players in Twins franchise history. We will also explore where Mauer’s legacy leaves him in the history of our great game.

Background

Joe Mauer was born and raised in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. A legendary high school athlete for Cretin-Derham Hall High School in St. Paul, Mauer was highly accomplished in multiple sports. As a quarterback, Mauer was committed to play for Florida State. For all of his gridiron prowess, Mauer’s destiny was on the diamond.

With the first pick in the 2001 MLB draft, the Minnesota Twins were faced with a dilemma. The consensus top prospect in the draft was Southern California rigth-hander Mark Prior. A dominant arm assured to arrive quickly in the majors, Prior was at the top of virtually every evaluator’s list that spring. When the Twins balked at Prior’s contract demands, they turned to the elite prep catcher in their own backyard instead.

Drafted into a scenario fraught with potential downside, Mauer had much to prove. The reports on his tools included an elite swing, athleticism and plus, or better, tools on the defensive side. Still, the pick felt to many observers like little more than a penny-pinching maneuver from the Twins. Prior’s quick ascent to the big leagues less than a year after being drafted didn’t do Mauer, or the Twins, any favors either.

As Prior quickly became a household name, Mauer methodically worked his way through the minors. While Prior finished third in the Cy Young race in 2003, Mauer finished his age-20 season at Double-A New Britain.

Getting Settled In

Despite the fact that Mauer was Baseball America’s top prospect heading into the 2004 season, it was unclear whether he would ever live up to his draft position, or live down the reputation of being selected before Prior. Mauer made his debut in 2004, but struggled with injuries and played just 35 games at the big league level.

In 2005, Mauer was healthy and immediately proved himself to be an above-average big league catcher. He hit .294/.372/.411, 107 OPS+ and produced 2.8 bWAR. By this point, it was clear that even if the Twins had not taken the best player in the draft, Mauer would be a fixture in Minnesota for years to come.

Breakout and Prime

2006 was Joe Mauer’s coming-out party. Mauer hit .347/.429/.507, 144 OPS+ and won the American League batting title. At 5.8 bWAR, Mauer was the most valuable catcher in baseball. He was selected to the All Star team for the first time, and won his first Silver Slugger.

Mauer’s breakout was well timed with those of a number of his teammates. First baseman Justin Morneau won the MVP in 2006. Left-hander Johan Santana won his second Cy Young Award. 22-year-old lefty Francisco Liriano came out of nowhere to join the rotation. He posted an even better ERA+ than Santana. Closer Joe Nathan was arguably the best reliever in the game.

The Twins surged to 96 wins and the American League Central championship before being swept in the ALDS by the Oakland Athletics. Despite the heartbreaking end to an excellent season, the five best players on the 2006 Twins were under 30 and returning. The future was bright in Minnesota with Mauer leading the way.

In a regrettable twist of fate, 2006 was also the last time Mark Prior pitched in the Major Leagues. A series of injuries held him to just 43.2 innings that season, and kept him from ever returning to a big league mound. Prior was a brilliant supernova whose 16.6 career bWAR would still rank fourth best in his draft class despite not pitching after age 25. The top pick, Joe Mauer, would end up being the top player in the 2001 draft after all.

Mauer came back to earth a little in 2007. Although his underlying skills were well intact, his BABIP dropped 45 points and his overall line suffered. He finished the year at 118 OPS+ with 3.9 bWAR. Morneau and Santana regressed as well. Liriano missed the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery and was never quite the same again. The Twins finished 79-83.

Baseball’s Best Backstop

With Santana headed towards a mega-contract in free agency, Minnesota dealt him to the Mets in February, 2008. Joe Mauer was now, officially, the face of his hometown franchise. Mauer responded with a stretch that included some of the best baseball of his career.

Still just 25 years old, Mauer won his second batting title in 2008. He hit .328/.413/.451, 134 OPS+ and produced 5.6 bWAR. He made his second All Star team, won his second Silver Slugger, and his first Gold Glove. Still the preeminent catcher in the game, Mauer finished fourth in the MVP race. The Twins rebounded to win 88 games, but lost a Game 163 tiebreaker to the White Sox to narrowly miss the playoffs.

2009 MVP

Mauer’s career-year came the following season. In 2009, Mauer led the American League in each of the triple-slash categories with a .365/.444/.587 line. His 171 OPS+ was also tops in the league. For the second straight year, Mauer was an All Star, Silver Slugger, and Gold Glover. He received all but one first-place vote for MVP.

The Twins won 87 games, which was enough to win the Central this time around. Unfortunately, they were swept in the ALDS for the second time in four seasons, this time by the New York Yankees.

Back to the Playoffs

The 2010 Minnesota Twins repeated as AL Central champions, this time winning 94 games. Once again, Mauer was the best player on a division champion. He hit .327/.402/.469, good for 140 OPS+ and 5.9 bWAR. For the third straight season, Mauer was an All Star, Silver Slugger, and Gold Glover.

Still an OBP machine, Mauer was the 10th best hitter in the American League in 2010. Notably, his power output declined precipitously. The Twins had moved into their new home ballpark at Target Field, and Mauer was impacted more than any other player. After hitting 28 homers during his MVP campaign in 2009, he hit just nine in 2010.

For the second straight season, the Twins met the Yankees in the ALDS. For the second straight season, they were dispatched in three games.

A Dark Age in Minnesota

2011 marked the beginning of a brutal stretch for the Twins. Coming off back-to-back division championships, there was reason for optimism heading into the season, but it quickly faded. The team cratered in every facet of the game and finished with the worst record in the American League.

For his part, Mauer played just 82 games in 2011. Knee and shoulder injuries combined with a virus conspired to leave Mauer battling to get healthy all season. He was never quite right and produced just 102 OPS+.

Healthy again in 2012, Mauer proved he was still a star. He produced 140 OPS+ on the strength of a league-leading .416 OBP. He was selected to the All Star team for the fifth time. A healthy Mauer was not enough to save a brutal starting rotation, and the Twins were again the worst team in the American League.

2013 was more of the same for Mauer and the Twins. The 30-year-old backstop produced 142 OPS+, making him the eighth best hitter in the A.L. Mauer was once again an All Star and Silver Slugger. The Twins continued to struggle, winning just 66 games.

Decline Phase

Unbeknownst to the baseball world, Joe Mauer’s best days were behind him by the end of 2013. A concussion suffered during the 2013 season would mark the beginning of a difficult final five seasons for the franchise icon.

To ease the burden, and limit the physical risk to their superstar, the Twins moved Mauer to first base full-time in 2014. The move largely had the desired effect on his availability. Mauer averaged 136 games over his final five seasons after averaging just 123 over his previous five. He continued to battle injuries, but was mostly available.

It quickly became clear that Mauer’s was not the same player, however. The injuries, particularly the aftereffects of his concussions, took their toll. A career 135 OPS+ hitter through 2013, Mauer averaged just 105 OPS+ from 2014-2018. His contact and on-base skills, once elite, were now merely above-average. His power, initially dampened by the move to Target Field, all but evaporated.

The Twins averaged just 75 wins per season during this stretch. Outside of a surprise 85-win season that ended in a wild card game loss to the Yankees in 2017, Minnesota was seldom relevant during Mauer’s final years.

Joe Mauer announced his retirement in November, 2018 at 35 years old. He played his entire career for his hometown Twins.

Legacy

Through 2013, Mauer boasted a career line of .323/.405/.468, 135 OPS+, and averaged 6.2 bWAR per 650 plate appearances. He had 1414 hits, 105 homers, 634 RBI, and more walks than strikeouts for his career. Joe Mauer was a surefire Hall of Famer through his age-30 season.

Then the injuries set in. Every aspect of Mauer’s game was negatively impacted by the physical beating he took during his 20s. It is now clear that the concussions, especially, chipped away at one of the greatest talents of his generation.

Mauer’s Hall of Fame candidacy likely rests solely on the extent to which the voters consider him a catcher. With 921 career appearances behind the plate, Mauer played there more than anywhere else. He also made 913 appearances as a first baseman or designated hitter.

Considered solely as a catcher, Mauer should be viewed as a slam dunk. Notably, JAWS ranks him as the 7th best catcher in history and above the average for Hall of Famers at the position.

If voters even partially penalize him for his time spent at first base, dramatic decline, or overall short career, his candidacy could be in jeopardy. When compared with first basemen, Mauer falls well short of the overall standard required for enshrinement. While it would be unfair to consider him primarily a first baseman, it’s not clear whether the voters will consider him mostly a catcher.

For my money, Joe Mauer is a Hall of Famer. He was the best catcher in baseball for nearly a decade. While it would have been better for baseball to see him have a more just decline phase, it wasn’t in the cards. Given the choice, I like peak level heroics in my Hall of Famers, even if they don’t necessarily age all that well.

Rather than focus on what didn’t go right, I prefer to remember Joe Mauer as one of the greatest catchers of my lifetime.

Sixteen years after no. 1 pick, no regrets for Twins or Joe Mauer

Joe Mauer Lived Up to the Hype

Joe Mauer Career Highlights from Major League Baseball

All-Time Red Sox Team

Next up Franchise Phenoms is the All-Time Red Sox Team. Boston follows the White Sox, Phillies, and Rockies as fourth up in our series.

Franchise Overview

The Red Sox were founded in 1901 as a charter member of the American League. Only eight National League franchises have played more seasons than the Red Sox.

For much of the middle portion of their existence, Red Sox history was marked by disappointment and unfulfilled promise. Boston famously did not win a World Series from 1918-2004. They made the playoffs 10 times during that period, including four trips to the fall classic. Boston fans gradually became accustomed to having their hearts ripped out in the most dramatic and agonizing fashion.

The total picture of Red Sox history is actually much prettier than the heartache in the middle. The misery of Boston fans has been book-ended by two of the most impressive stretches of any franchise in history.

The Red Sox are tied for the third most World Series championships in history with nine (1903, 1912, 1915, 1916, 1918, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2018).

Their .519 winning percentage is the fifth best all-time mark of any big league franchise.

Boston has made the playoffs in 20.3 % of their seasons, the seventh highest percentage in history.

Red Sox fans may always measure their franchise against the long-term dominance of their rivals in New York. Viewed in that context, there is still work to do. At the same time, Boston’s history would be the envy of nearly every other fan-base in America. Context is fun.

Hitters

Starting Lineup	Name	Position	B/T	bWAR/ 650	OPS+	Years Played
1.	Wade Boggs	3B	L/R	6.5	142	1982-92
2.	Ted Williams	RF (LF)	L/R	8.2	190	1939-60
3.	Nomar Garciaparra	SS (1B)	R/R	6.3	133	1996-2004
4.	David Ortiz	DH (1B)	L/L	4.2	148	2003-16
5.	Carl Yastrzemski	CF (LF/1B)	L/R	4.5	129	1961-83
6.	Jim Rice	LF	R/R	3.5	128	1974-89
7.	Dwight Evans	1B (RF)	R/R	4.3	127	1972-90
8.	Carlton Fisk	C	R/R	6.0	126	1969-80
9.	Dustin Pedroia	2B	R/R	5.0	113	2006-Present

Bench
OF	Harry Hooper	RF	L/R	3.5	114	1909-20
OF	Dom DiMaggio	CF	R/R	3.3	110	1940-53
IN	Bobby Doerr	2B	R/R	4.2	115	1937-51
IN	Rico Petrocelli	SS/3B	R/R	4.2	108	1963-76
C	Jason Varitek	C	S/R	2.8	98	1997-2011

Fenway Phenoms

Not surprisingly, for a team that has had the long-term historical success of the Red Sox, the All-Time Red Sox Team is one of the most impressive rosters in the entire exercise. The All-Time Red Sox hitters have the seventh highest average OPS+.

Boston’s all-time starting nine is an impressive collection of talent and names.

“The Greatest Hitter Who Ever Lived”

Any list of the greatest Red Sox in history has to begin with Ted Williams. A two-time MVP who twice won the Triple Crown, Williams is in a category all by himself in Boston lore. He was an All Star in 17 of the 19 seasons he played for the Red Sox.

His career bWAR ranks 14th in history despite missing significant time in his prime while serving in the military. Williams has the highest OBP in big league history (.482) and ranks second in slugging (.634). Any way you slice it, Teddy Ballgame is one of the greatest players in baseball history.

Red Sox Royalty

Like Williams, Carl Yastrzemski holds a special place in the hearts of Boston fans. Yaz spent his entire 23-year career in Boston, earning All Star honors in 18 of those seasons. In 1967, he propelled the Red Sox to the World Series. He won the MVP and the Triple Crown that year, captivating Red Sox Nation. He is probably more responsible for reversing the fortunes of one of the game’s great franchises than any other player.

Designated Hitter, David Ortiz is a similarly mythical figure in Boston history. A 10-time All Star, Big Papi was one of the most feared sluggers of his generation. The slayer of Boston’s postseason demons, his clutch-hitting feats are the stuff of baseball legend. Ortiz has a chance to break the stigma against players who were primarily designated hitters making the Hall of Fame.

Hall of Famers Galore

Third baseman Wade Boggs was an eight-time All Star during his 11 years in Boston. Perhaps the greatest pure hitter and on-base machine of his generation, Boggs won five batting titles, and led the league in OBP six times during his Red Sox career. He was a solid defender as well, winning two Gold Gloves to boot.

Carlton Fisk is one of the great catchers in big league history. In 11 seasons in Boston, Pudge was a seven-time All Star as one of the best offensive catchers the game has ever seen. His homer in Game Six of the 1975 World Series is one of the most iconic moments in baseball history. He made the All Star team five more times as a member of the White Sox, where he can also lay claim to the title of best catcher in their franchise’s history.

Left-fielder Jim Rice developed a reputation as one of the most feared sluggers of his day. In 16 seasons with the Red Sox, Rice was an eight-time All Star. He led the league in homers three times, and won the AL MVP in 1978.

The Rest of the Starters

Shortstop Nomar Garciaparra burst onto the scene as the 1997 AL Rookie of the Year. Nomar was a two-time batting champion, and five-time All Star in Boston. Nomar’s nine years in Boston represent one of the best offensive stretches for a shortstop in big league history.

Dwight Evans gets the nod at first base. Dewey played 19 of his 20 seasons in Boston. An excellent outfielder who won eight Gold Gloves in Boston’s difficult right field, Evans moves to first to accommodate Boston’s wealth of great outfielders. He was a three-time All Star and two-time Silver Slugger as well. A well-rounded player, he led the league in walks three times and homers, runs, and OBP once each.

Second baseman Dustin Pedroia endeared himself to Red Sox fans the way few other players have. Listed at just 5’9″, 175 pounds, Pedroia’s “Laser Show” was one of the top attractions on two World Series teams. To date, Pedroia has made the All Star team four times. He has also won four Gold Gloves, and a Silver Slugger with Boston. He was the AL MVP in 2008 when he led the league in runs, hits, and doubles.

Bench

Hall of Fame right fielder Harry Hooper is part of a deep Boston bench. A speed/OBP oriented offensive player, Hooper spent 12 years in Boston. He received MVP votes in 1913-1914. He is Boston’s career leader in triples (130).

Center fielder Dom DiMaggio played his entire 11-year career with the Red Sox. He was a seven-time All Star despite missing his age 26-28 seasons in military service during World War II. DiMaggio received MVP votes six times, including a 9th place finish in 1946. He twice led the league in runs, and once each in triples and stolen bases.

Hall of Fame second baseman Bobby Doerr headlines the Boston bench. With more power than a typical middle infielder, Doerr racked up nine All Star selections in 14 seasons with Boston. He led the league in slugging in 1944. Doerr received MVP votes eight times, finishing third in 1946.

Rico Petrocelli spent 13 years in Boston, splitting his time between shortstop and third base. A well-regarded defensive player who as occasionally excellent at the plate as well, Petrocelli was one of the more underrated players of his generation. He was a two-time All Star, and received MVP votes three times. In 1969, he clubbed 40 homers en route to an incredible 10.0 bWAR to lead the American League, but finished just 7th in the MVP race.

Jason Varitek gets the nod as the backup catcher. As captain of the Red Sox for the final seven seasons of his 15-year career, Varitek was at the center of some of the best teams in Boston history including two World Series champions. The switch-hitter was a three-time All Star who also pulled in Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Awards in 2005. He received down-ballot MVP consideration three times.

Pitchers

Starting Rotation	Name	B/T	ERA+	Years Played
1.	Cy Young	R/R	147	1901-08
2.	Pedro Martinez	R/R	191	1998-2004
3.	Roger Clemens	R/R	145	1984-96
4.	Jon Lester	L/L	120	2006-14
5.	Luis Tiant	R/R	119	1971-78

Bullpen
LR	Tim Wakefield	R/R	106	1995-2011
RP	Bob Stanley	R/R	119	1977-89
RP	Derek Lowe	R/R	128	1998-2004
RP	Ellis Kinder	R/R	135	1948-55
SU	Dick Radatz	R/R	147	1962-66
CL	Jonathan Papelbon	R/R	197	2005-11

Starting Rotation

The Red Sox carry a truly elite collection of all-time pitching talent. The 144 OPS+ average of their five starting pitchers is the best of any all-time team’s rotation.

All-Time Greats

The Name

The man whose name is synonymous with pitching excellence fronts Boston’s rotation. Cy Young started his career with nine seasons for the now-defunct Cleveland Spiders, then two in St. Louis before coming to Boston in 1901. In eight seasons with the Red Sox, Cy Young solidified his status as a big league legend.

Young won the Triple Crown while pitching for Boston in 1901. Overall, he led the league in wins three times, innings twice, ERA and strikeouts once each for the Red Sox. Modern metrics view him favorably as well. He led the league in FIP three times, WHIP four times, and strikeout-to-walk ratio five times during his time in Boston. He eclipsed nine bWAR an incredible four times during his Boston years alone. Cy Young remains baseball’s all-time leader in wins (511), starts (815), complete games (749), and innings (7356).

The Force

Name recognition gets Cy Young the ceremonial top spot in Boston’s rotation, but Pedro Martinez has a legitimate claim to the title of best Red Sox pitcher in history. Pedro’s seven-year run in Boston is considered among the best stretches of any pitcher, in any era, in history. His pinpoint control of some of the best stuff the game has ever seen often made him unhittable.

Like Cy Young himself, Pedro has a Triple Crown to his credit with the Red Sox in 1999. Pedro was a four-time All Star in Boston. He won back-to-back Cy Youngs in 1999-2000 and finished in the top-five four more times. He also received MVP votes five times, including back-to-back top-five finishes in his Cy Young seasons.

Martinez led the league in ERA, ERA+, WHIP, FIP, and K/9 in the same season four times with the Red Sox. In a loaded pantheon of Boston starting pitchers, Pedro has the top strikeout and strikeout-walk rates in team history. While he may not have the longevity of some of Boston’s other pitchers, there is little debate that he was the most dominant.

The Rocket

Roger Clemens spent the first 13 seasons of his 24-year career in Boston giving him the longest tenure of any member of the rotation. With some of the most explosive stuff the game had seen in its history, Clemens became an icon nationwide. He would go on to forge one of the most remarkable, and controversial, careers in big league history, and it all began in Boston.

Clemens won the first of three Cy Young awards with Boston at age 23 in 1986 when he was also the MVP. He backed it up with another Cy Young season in 1987 before winning his third in 1991. Clemens also had three other top-six finishes with the Red Sox. He earned MVP votes four times in Boston. He was a five-time All Star for the Red Sox.

Clemens led the league in FIP six times as a member of the Red Sox. He also paced in the A.L. in ERA, ERA+, and strikeout-to-walk ratio four times, and wins, strikeouts, and WHIP twice each. Clemens leads Red Sox pitchers in wins, strikeouts, and shutouts for his career. With the most pitching bWAR of any Red Sox hurler, we will dig deeper into his career in the Mount RushWAR series.

The Lefty

Jon Lester spent the first nine years of his career in Boston. Although rarely recognized as among the very best pitchers in the game, his steadiness in big games proved invaluable on the road to two World Series titles in Boston. Lester was a three-time All Star in Boston. He finished fourth in the Cy Young voting in 2010 and 2014. He led the league in K/9 in 2010.

The Cuban

One of the best Latin pitchers in history, Luis Tiant began his career in Cleveland before coming to Boston at age 30 in 1971. At a time in his career when it appeared his best days were behind him, Tiant’s eight years in Boston were his renaissance. In Boston, he was a two-time All Star who finished sixth or better in the Cy Young voting three times while earning MVP votes in each of those seasons. Tiant led the league in ERA in 1972, and WHIP in 1973.

Bullpen

As good as Boston’s all-time starting rotation is, the bullpen isn’t far behind. The average ERA+ for Boston’s all-time relievers is tied for sixth best.

Jonathan Papelbon gets the nod at closer for the Red Sox. His 197 ERA+ over seven seasons in Boston is the fourth best mark of any Franchise Phenom reliever. Papelbon made four straight All Star teams from 2006-2009. He earned saves in three of Boston’s four World Series wins, including the clincher, in 2007. His 219 saves are the most in Red Sox history.

In five years with Boston, Dick Radatz was one of the most effective relievers in baseball. He was utterly dominant for his first three seasons, and led the league in saves twice during that stretch. He was a two-time All Star who twice finished in the top-10 in the MVP voting. Radatz still has the lowest Hit/9 rate of any pitcher in Boston history.

Ellis Kinder began his Red Sox career as a starter, including a 23-win season in 1949. He ultimately shifted to the bullpen, and was primarily a reliever for five of his eight years in Boston. Kinder led the league in saves, and appearances, in 1951 and 1953. He finished 11th, or better, in the MVP race three times.

Acquired from the Mariners in the same trade that brought fellow Franchise Phenom Jason Varitek to Boston, Derek Lowe would go on to be one of the best pitchers in Red Sox history. Lowe began his career as a versatile, mult-inning arm before becoming closer, and eventually shifting to the starting rotation for the second half of his Red Sox career. He was a two-time All Star, once as a reliever, and once as a starter. He led the league in saves in 2000, and finished third in the Cy Young as a starter in 2002.

Bob Stanley spent his entire 13-year career in Boston, primarily as a reliever. A versatile pitcher who regularly threw multiple innings out of the bullpen, Stanley was one of Boston’s most trusted arms for more than a decade. He was a two-time All Star who twice finished seventh in the Cy Young voting, and earned MVP votes three times. He led the league in ERA+ in 1982. Stanley remains Boston’s all-time leader in games pitched (637) and games finished (377).

Knuckleballer Tim Wakefield rounds out the Boston pitching staff. Although he was primarily a starter in his 17 seasons with Boston, he did make 160 relief appearances. Wakefield finished third in the Cy Young voting in his 1995 Red Sox debut. He would go on to be a critical piece of two World Series teams. He was an All Star in 2009. Wakefield is Boston’s all-time leader in games started (430) and innings (3006).

Rockies Watch List (2019)

In the Watch List series, we will examine four current players from each franchise with the best chance of one day cracking their All-Time Team.

Kyle Freeland

Position: LHSP

2019 Age: 26

Career bWAR with Rockies: 11.7

Kyle Freeland was the 8th overall pick in the 2014 draft. A Colorado boy who graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Denver, Freeland played his college ball in the Midwest for the University of Evansville. A three-year starter for the Purple Aces, Freeland established himself as a high-floor starting pitching prospect due to excellent command of solid stuff.

Despite his excellent performance as an amateur, there were questions about Freeland throughout his minor league career. Injuries limited him to just nine starts in 2015. He immediately fell from top-prospect status.

Although he was healthy enough to make 26 starts in 2016, his stuff did not grade out as well as it did before the injury-riddled 2015 campaign. With just 108 strikeouts in 162 innings, Freeland no longer had the look of a clear-cut top prospect.

In a surprising turn of events, Freeland made the Rockies roster to open the 2017 season. While he wasn’t dominant, he was healthy and effective. In 156 innings, he worked to a 123 ERA+ and 3.2 bWAR in his rookie campaign.

Freeland broke out in a big way in 2018. With a full big league season under his belt, he improved across the board. His pure stuff was largely similar to his rookie campaign, but the way he used it changed.

Freeland used more four-seam fastballs up in the zone rather than sinkers down to produce more swinging strikes. The change up, which had been perhaps his best pitch as an amateur, was once again his bread and butter. He threw the change twice as much as he had in his rookie year, mostly at the expense of fastballs, to devastating effect. His walk rate dropped by half a batter per nine-innings, and his strikeout rate increased 1.5 per nine.

Freeland was among the best starters in the National League in 2018. His 164 ERA+ and 8.4 bWAR both ranked fourth. He was particularly excellent down the stretch, including a masterful 6.2 scoreless innings to help defeat the Cubs in the NL Wild Card Game.

Outlook

With two excellent seasons to open his career, Freeland is tracking very well to make a run at the All-Time Rockies Team. With 66 appearances and 358.1 innings under his belt, Freeland already has a shockingly good case for inclusion.

The Rockies current fifth starter is Jason Jennings. Jennings produced 10.4 bWAR with a 103 ERA+ over 941 innings and six seasons in Colorado. Freeland has already surpassed Jennings in career bWAR in less than half the innings.

Freeland currently has a career 143 ERA+. The Rockies current number one starter, Ubaldo Jimenez, produced a Rockies career mark of 128.

For the present, I have opted to make Freeland earn his inclusion on the All-Time Team with a larger body of work. With that said, it’s hard to imagine a scenario in which Kyle Freeland is healthy in 2019 and doesn’t push for inclusion after just his third year in the big leagues.

German Marquez

Position: RHSP

2019 Age: 24

Career bWAR with Rockies: 8.1

German Marquez was born in San Felix, Venezuela. At the opening of the international signing period on July 2, 2011, the 16-year-old Marquez signed with the Tampa Bay Rays for a $225,000 bonus.

Marquez came to the U.S. in 2013. He got his first taste of full-season ball in 2014 at the age of 19. By the end of 2015, Marquez had succeeded at High-A. He showed a good mixture of command and arm strength, and was starting to look more like a legitimate prospect.

In January, 2016 the Rockies acquired Marquez as a secondary piece along with dominant left-handed reliever Jake McGee in exchange for outfielder Corey Dickerson and minor league infielder Kevin Padlo. The big leaguers, McGee and Dickerson, each ended up providing value within the range of reasonably expected outcomes for their new teams. The Rockies figure to win the trade on the strength of the emergence of Marquez as the best overall player in the deal.

Marquez had his best season in the minors in 2016. He was excellent in Double-A before late promotions to Triple-A, then the majors. Heading into 2017, Marquez was suddenly recognized as one of the top pitching prospects in baseball.

He started 2017 back at Triple-A Albuquerque before being recalled to Colorado in late-April. Marquez threw 162 innings with an ERA+ of 115 to produce 3.2 bWAR. With a mid-90s heater, and solid curve, it was clear that Marquez had the makings of a rotation building block.

Marquez took another step forward in 2018. In 196 innings, he had a 124 ERA+ and produced 4.7 bWAR. Improved usage of his devastating mid-80s slider transformed Marquez into one of the top strikeout pitchers in baseball. His 10.6 K/9 was fourth among NL starters. With Freeland and Marquez leading the way, the Rockies found their way into the postseason as a Wild Card team.

Outlook

Like Freeland, Marquez has a chance to stake a claim to a spot in the All-Time Rockies rotation in short order. He has the foundation of a solid resume, and four years of team control remaining.

Marquez has a chance to join Freeland in passing fifth starter Jason Jennings in Rockies career bWAR by the end of 2019. His career 118 ERA+, while not on Freeland’s level, would be behind just Ubaldo Jimenez and Jhoulys Chacin among the Rockies all-time starting pitchers.

Freeland is ahead of Marquez on the watch list at present, but not by much. The gap between the two could be closed within a year if things broke just so. Beyond that, the Rockies all-time fourth starter, Aaron Cook, has a similar resume to Jennings with more innings to separate the two. It is entirely possible that Freeland and Marquez could both force their way into the Rockies all-time starting rotation in the end.

Tyler Anderson

Position: LHSP

2019 Age: 29

Career bWAR with Rockies: 7.5

Tyler Anderson was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. A 2008 graduate of Valley High School, Anderson was a 50th round draft pick of the Twins, but elected to enroll at the University of Oregon rather than play professional ball.

Anderson was a three-year member of the starting rotation for the Ducks. Similarly excellent sophomore and junior seasons propped the left-hander up into first round consideration. The Rockies took Anderson with the 20th pick in the 2011 draft.

For an advanced college left-hander with a first round pedigree, Anderson’s climb through the Rockies system was hardly swift. He was typically solid when healthy, but injuries nagged at him year after year. By 2014, Anderson had made Double-A in his age 24 season, but still had not started more than 23 games in any single season of his career.

When elbow woes cost him all of 2015, Anderson’s stock plummeted. For a player who increasingly looked like a back-end starting pitcher at best, a lost season at age 25 was hardly something he could afford.

When Anderson returned to the mound healthy in 2016, it was clear he had been underestimated at his lowest point. It took him five starts in the upper minors to earn his first big league call up in June. In 19 starts, Anderson went 114.1 innings of 137 ERA+ to produce 3.2 bWAR.

Anderson struggled to stay on the mound again in 2017. He missed time in June, then all of July and August before returning in September. He finished the year with 86 innings at 105 ERA+ at the big league level producing 1.2 bWAR.

Anderson was surprisingly durable in 2018. He established new career highs with 32 starts and 176 innings. He worked to 103 ERA+ and produced 3.0 bWAR. Anderson combined with Freeland and Marquez to establish a new-look Rockies rotation capable of pitching the team into the playoffs.

Outlook

Anderson has now worked 376.1 innings at the big league level with a career ERA+ mark at 112. With three years of team control remaining, Anderson probably has enough time to accumulate the necessary innings to put him in the discussion to pass Jason Jennings for the final spot in the team’s starting rotation.

Health will remain a concern for Anderson going forward. While 2018’s durability represents significant progress, it’s hardly fair to call it a trend at this point. Additionally, Anderson has looked like a back-end starter more often than not over the past two seasons. If his effectiveness continues to drift closer to that of Jennings and Aaron Cook, his shorter track record would become a factor.

Beyond that, both Freeland and Marquez look like better bets to overtake Jennings and perhaps Cook at this point. Anderson could more or less do his part but still end up on the outside of the final picture. One or more of his current teammates could beat him to the punch, and raise the bar he has to clear. In that way, Anderson is aiming at a moving target sitting behind Freeland and Marquez.

Jon Gray

Position: RHSP

2019 Age: 27

Career bWAR with Rockies: 7.0

Jon Gray was born and raised in Oklahoma. A 2010 graduate of Chandler High School, Gray was a 13th round draft pick of the Royals.

Instead of signing a professional contract, Gray went the Junior College route, and enrolled at East Oklahoma State College. Gray continued to show excellent stuff, prompting the Yankees to take him in the 10th round of the 2011 draft. Gray again opted to stay in school rather than accept the Yankees offer of $500,000. Instead he transferred to the University of Oklahoma for his sophomore season.

Gray made an immediate impact in the Sooners rotation as a dominant power pitcher. His junior year was even better. Gray was arguably the most dominant college pitcher in the nation during the 2013 campaign. Gray’s stuff spiked– he was regularly touching triple-digits, with several reports that he hit as high as 102 for Oklahoma. A devastating slider, and improved control, made him nearly unhittable in college.

Desperate to develop an effective big league starting rotation, the Rockies took Gray with the third overall pick in the 2013 draft. After turning down $500,000 two years earlier, Gray received a Rockies-record $4.8 million signing bonus. After years of substandard big league pitching, the Rockies hoped that Gray’s elite power arsenal would finally be the antidote to pitching in Coors Field.

Gray spent the 2014 season doing solid work in his own back yard at Double-A Tulsa. He was sent to Triple-A Albuquerque to begin 2015. The Pacific Coast League is home to some of the most favorable offensive environments in baseball, and Gray would need the preparation for life in Colorado. After a respectable run in Triple-A, the Rockies gave Gray his first taste of the big leagues with a nine-game trial beginning in August. He was a little BABIP unlucky, but piled up 40 strikeouts in 40.2 innings to show he was ready for the big time.

In 2016, Gray worked 168 innings at 105 ERA+ to produce 2.0 bWAR. He was just 24 years old.

Gray took a step forward in 2017. Although he dealt with nagging injuries early in the year, Gray hit his stride late in the season. In 20 starts, Gray went 110.1 innings at 138 ERA+. He produced 3.1 bWAR in only about two-thirds of a season. Gray showed that if he could limit walks, he was capable of working at ace-caliber levels for the Rockies. His excellent late-season stretch helped the Rockies reach the NL Wildcard Game.

Although it appeared 2017 might be a sign of things to come for Gray, he found the going much tougher in 2018. Gray was hit harder than at any point since his 2015 debut. While he still put up strikeout and walk numbers inline with his overall career, he yielded 27 homers after allowing just 28 in the previous two years combined. He contributed 1.7 bWAR towards the Rockies second straight Wild Card team.

Outlook

Gray has now worked 491.1 innings in the big leagues with a career 104 ERA+. With three years of team control remaining, Gray is lumped into a similar category with Tyler Anderson in terms of his chances to make the All-Time Rockies Team. You can pretty easily argue that Gray actually has a better chance. He is younger, has better pure stuff, and a better track record of health.

Gray’s issues stem from his own inconsistency. An extended stretch along the lines of what we saw in 2017 would allow him to lay claim to being one of the best pitchers in franchise history. Unfortunately, 2018 is the most recent data we have. While I fully expect that Gray has better seasons than 2018 ahead of him, its unclear how often they will come, or whether they will be in Colorado, or elsewhere in his 30s.

Wrapping Up

Even with four members of the Rockies 2018 rotation on the Watch List, there are still a few other interesting names to track. Antonio Senzatela will be just 24 in 2019 and has already shown that he too can be an above-average big league arm. Reliever Scott Oberg was absurdly good in 2018, but as he enters his age 29 season, it’s unclear if he can repeat it. Outfielder David Dahl has tremendous natural offensive talent and will be just 25 next year. If he can stay healthy, it’s not hard to imagine him putting up some huge numbers in Coors Field.

In the minors, it’s harder to find more than a couple of players that fit the mold of potential franchise greats at this point. Former first-rounder Brendan Rodgers has long been a top prospect as a middle-infielder with big offensive potential. Rodgers has a solid season at Double-A under his belt. With Franchise Phenom D.J. LeMahieu heading for free agency, it’s entirely possible the Rockies will clear out second base to give Rodgers his shot. Rodgers has the type of offensive upside that could lead to a nice career in Colorado.

2016 first-rounder Riley Pint has the same type of unbelievable stuff as Jon Gray. At the same time, he has struggled to stay healthy and lacks Gray’s command. An eventual move to the bullpen could be in everyone’s best interests.

Rockies Mount RushWAR

The Mount RushWAR series will allow us to take a more in-depth look at the careers of the four players with the highest bWAR in franchise history.

Todd Helton (61.2)

Background

Todd Helton was born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee. After graduating from Central High School, he enrolled at the University of Tennessee. A phenomenal high school athlete, Helton was recruited to play two-sports for the Volunteers.

Despite being selected in the second round of the 1992 draft by the San Diego Padres, Helton elected to enroll at Tennessee. Unlike many two-sport collegiate players in recent years, Helton was a factor in both sports for the Vols. In football, he had a temporary spin as the starting quarterback before injury opened the door for Peyton Manning. In baseball, he was an offensive force for three seasons before a huge power surge in his junior year solidified his status as one of the best amateur players in the country.

The Rockies drafted Helton eighth overall in the 1995 draft. He opened his first full season in pro-ball with a thorough thrashing of Double-A New Haven before finishing the year with Triple-A Colorado Springs. Heading into 1997, Helton was ranked as the #16 prospect in baseball according to Baseball America.

After another excellent stint at Colorado Springs to begin 1997, the Rockies promoted Helton in August. He produced roughly league-average offense while often playing out of position in the corner outfield spots. Outside of some isolated rehab stints Helton would never return to the minors.

Rockies Career

Fellow Rockies Franchise Phenom Andres Galarraga signed as a free agent with the Braves after the 1997. Galarraga’s departure cleared Helton to return to his natural position, first base. He would remain the Rockies first option at the position for the next 16 seasons.

By the end of 1999, Helton had played 346 games at the big league level. He produced a .315/.384/.554 line, good for 119 OPS+, and 5.9 bWAR. He was an established above-average regular heading into his prime.

Breakout and Peak

As the Rockies entered a new century, 26-year-old Todd Helton was preparing to enter his magnificent prime years. Helton exploded on the National League in 2000. The sweet-swinging lefty led the league in all three triple-slash categories with a .372/.463/.698 line. His 216 hits, 59 doubles, and 157 RBI were all tops in the senior circuit. Helton made his first All Star team, won his first Silver Slugger, and finished fifth in the MVP voting. His 8.9 bWAR led the National League and would end up being a career high.

From 2000-2005, Helton was consistently one of the most feared offensive players in the game. Over that six-year stretch, he averaged .344/.449/.626, 158 OPS+, and 7.0 bWAR. He won all of his personal awards during this incredible run. Helton made five straight NL All Star teams from 2000-2004. He won four Silver Sluggers, and three Gold Gloves. Despite his incredible play, Helton never finished higher in the MVP race than the fifth place finish he managed in 2000.

Decline

As fate would have it, Todd Helton’s best baseball was behind him by the age of 32. After finishing his ninth season with the Rockies at a career mark of 148 OPS+, Helton would never approach that level of production again.

In the eight seasons of the second half of his career, Helton would average just 111 OPS+ and 1.6 bWAR. Outside of isolated excellent seasons in 2007 (133 OPS+, 4.5 bWAR) and 2009 (127 OPS+, 3.3 bWAR), Helton was seldom above-average in his final years.

2007

Not coincidentally, the Rockies best seasons during Helton’s tenure came in the second half of the 2000s. Although past his prime, Helton was finally receiving the support he never had during his best years. Notably, fellow Mount RushWAR honoree Troy Tulowitzki, and Franchise Phenom Matt Holliday were in their primes, and among the best players in the game during this stretch.

In 2007, Helton’s bounce back campaign was a critical supporting piece for Tulo and Holliday. The Rockies finished 89-73 in a tie with the San Diego Padres for the NL Wild Card. In a tie-breaking Game 163, the Rockies earned a trip to the postseason with a 9-8 win in 13 innings. Helton showed up big including a solo homer, two walks, and two RBI.

Although Helton wasn’t much of a factor, the Rockies swept the Phillies in the NLDS to advance in the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.

In the NLCS, Holliday was unconscious including two homers. Helton again struggled, but the Rockies received improbably solid pitching performances en route to a sweep of the Diamondbacks.

In their first World Series appearance in franchise history, the Rockies were matched up with the AL Champion Boston Red Sox. Themselves a 96-win juggernaut, the Red Sox proved too much for the upstart Rockies. Boston dominated the first and third games while holding on for one-run wins in the second and fourth to conclude the sweep. Helton was the Rockies best hitter during the series, posting a .333/.412/.467 line.

2009

After a brutal 2008 season, the Rockies dealt Holliday to Oakland in the off-season. In an unexpected turn of events, the Rockies rebounded from the loss of Holliday by winning 90 games, and the Wild Card, for the second time in three years. At 3.3 bWAR, Helton was the Rockies’ most productive position player aside from Tulo.

The 2009 postseason was not as eventful as 2007 had been. The Rockies won Game Two of the NLDS, but the Phillies took the series in four games.

The End

Aside from a 2011 season in which he was a roughly average starting first baseman, Helton struggled mightily through the final four years of his career. Todd Helton retired after the 2013 season as the clear-cut best player in Rockies history.

Legacy

In 17 seasons with the Rockies, Todd Helton climbed to the top as the greatest player in franchise history. No player in the team’s comparatively short history has better represented the organization. He won four Silver Sluggers, three Gold Gloves, and was a five-time All Star.

Helton is the Rockies all-time leader in games played (2247), runs (1401), hits (2519), doubles (592), homers (369), RBI (1406), and walks (1335).

Helton has a strong case for enshrinement in Cooperstown. By JAWS, Helton ranks as the 15th best first baseman in history. While that places him below the lofty average mark for the position, he is surrounded by Hall of Famers on the list.

Helton hits the ballot for the first time heading into the 2019 vote. Larry Walker’s voting results provide a potential guide for the way Helton’s candidacy may be viewed. Although modern metrics strip away ballpark context, baseball writers have long struggled to separate the Coors Field effect when evaluating Rockies players for awards. Hitters are often over-penalized and pitchers under-rewarded.

For a franchise still awaiting its first Hall of Famer, there is nobody better to end the drought than Todd Helton.

Todd Helton Career Highlights from Major League Baseball

Larry Walker (48.3)

Background

Larry Walker was born and raised in Maple Ridge, British Columbia. In November, 1984, just weeks before his 18th birthday, Walker signed as an amateur free agent with the Montreal Expos.

Walker spent most of 1985-1989 working his way up through the Expos minor league system. By the time he was 19 in 1986, it was clear that he had some of the best upside of any prospect in the system. He was in Double-A by age 20. By the end of 1989, Walker made his big league debut at 22 years old.

Expos Career

By 1990, Larry Walker was in the big leagues to stay. He quickly established himself as an above-average big leaguer during his rookie season. He averaged 3.4 bWAR during his first two full seasons.

Walker broke out in 1992. He hit .301/.353/.506, 141 OPS+ and produced 5.4 bWAR. He made the All Star team and won both the Silver Slugger and Gold Glove awards. With a fifth place MVP finish under his belt, it appeared that the 25-year-old Walker was on his way to superstardom surrounded by a talented young core in Montreal.

Although his offensive production slipped a bit in 1993, Walker still produced 4.4 bWAR to help lead the Expos to their second straight winning season. He won his second straight Gold Glove.

The strike-shortened 1994 season forever altered the course of Expos history. When the final game was played in August, the Expos were in first place with an incredible 74-40 record. Walker himself was leading the league with 44 doubles, and producing at new heights with 151 OPS+.

Walker hit the open market after 1994. When the strike ended, the dominoes began to fall. Fellow stars Ken Hill, then Marquis Grissom, were traded with just weeks before the delayed opening day. Two days after the Grissom trade, Walker signed as a free agent with the Rockies.

Walker finished his Expos career having produced a .281/.353/.483 line, 128 OPS+, and 21.1 bWAR. Dark days were ahead in Montreal but at age 28, Walker’s career was just getting started.

Rockies Career

Larry Walker made an immediate impact upon arriving in Denver. The star right fielder filled a gaping hole in the middle of the Rockies lineup with the same type of well-rounded offensive production he had shown in Montreal. Walker was immediately the best player on the team producing 131 OPS+ and 4.7 bWAR.

The 1995 Rockies finished 77-67 to win the National League Wild Card. Walker was solid in the NLDS, hitting .214/.389/.429 against the Atlanta Braves. Unfortunately, the Braves offense dominated the series. Atlanta won in four games. It would be Larry Walker’s first, and only, postseason series with the Rockies.

The Rockies finished above .500 again in 1996, but Walker played just 83 games. Although still productive when he was on the field, his unavailability for half the season was too much for the team to overcome.

Rocky Mountain Peak

Healthy again for 1997, the 30-year-old Walker was about to embark on the best stretch of his entire career. From 1997-1999 Walker averaged a preposterous .369/.451/.689 line, 167 OPS+, and 6.9 bWAR. Injuries continued to nag at him. He averaged just 137 games per year during this stretch. When he was on the field, it was clear that Walker was among the very best players in the game.

1997 was his clear-cut career-year. He led the league in homers (49), OBP (.452), slugging (.720), and bWAR (9.8). Walker was once again and All Star, Silver Slugger, and Gold Glover. He received 22 of 28 first place votes to win the National League MVP.

In 1998-1999, Walker won back-to-back batting titles hitting .363 and .379 respectively. He paced the league in OBP (.458) and slugging (.710) again in 1999 as well.

From 1997-1999 Walker made three straight All Star teams, won three straight Gold Gloves, and won two Silver Sluggers.

Turn of the Century

Walker’s salary more than doubled from 1999 to 2000. As he moved into his mid-30s, Walker’s critics increasingly pointed to his struggles with injury. 2000 was the worst season of his career up to that point as he played just 87 games and produced 110 OPS+.

Walker was largely healthy and again excellent from 2001-2003. He averaged 140 games, .325/.431/.583, 145 OPS+, and 6.1 bWAR. He won Gold Gloves in 2001-2002, and was an All Star in 2001. Walker won his third batting title, hitting .350 in 2001. Meanwhile the Rockies struggled to find pitching and won 73-74 games each season.

In 2004, the injury bug bit again. Walker did not debut until late June. Although he was productive when he returned, the Rockies were on the way to their worst season in a decade. Despite producing 166 OPS+ in 38 games after coming off the disabled list, Walker was in limbo. The Rockies weren’t in position to win, and his salary was increasingly a burden on a losing team.

After he cleared waivers in early August, 2004, the Rockies traded him to the St. Louis Cardinals.

Cardinals Career

Walker continued to mash upon arriving in St. Louis in August, 2004. He took over in right field immediately, and produced 144 OPS+ in 44 games down the stretch. The Cardinals won 105 games, and the NL Central.

Walker was a driving force behind their offensive success in the first two rounds of the 2004 playoffs, helping to propel St. Louis to the World Series. Although Walker continued to rake during his only trip to the Fall Classic, the Cardinals were swept by a team of destiny coming out of Boston.

When available, Walker was again the regular right fielder in St. Louis in 2005. In 100 games, he produced 130 OPS+. The Cardinals won 100 games and the NL Central. St. Louis was eliminated in the NLCS by the Houston Astros.

Walker’s contract expired after the 2005 season. Although he was probably capable of continuing to contribute to a big league team offensively, a 17-year big league career had taken its toll. Rather than return at age 39, Larry Walker hung them up for good.

Legacy

In 10 seasons with the Rockies, Larry Walker treated the fans to some of the most sublimely excellent play of that era. A true five-tool talent, Walker contributed in every facet of the game for a decade. In his career, Walker was a five-time All Star, won seven Gold Gloves, and three Silver Sluggers. He won three batting titles, and an MVP for the Rockies.

Todd Helton’s longer career has afforded him most of the records for counting stats in Rockies history. Walker’s absence of a notable decline phase leaves him the dominant player in rate stats. Walker is the Rockies all-time leader in average (.334), OBP (.426), slugging (.618), and OPS+ (147).

While Helton’s Hall of Fame candidacy has not yet truly begun, Walker’s is long since underway. 2019 will be Walker’s ninth year on the ballot. According to JAWS, Walker is the 10th best right fielder in history, and just above-average for Hall of Famers at the position.

Walker’s candidacy seems to have suffered from a combination of the aforementioned Coors Field effect, and the number of his seasons that were cut short by injuries. He did experience a surge last year, jumping from 21.9% of the vote in 2017 to 34.1% in 2018. With two years remaining, it’s unclear if he will be able to close the substantial gap to the 75% needed for enshrinement.

For those who saw him play, Larry Walker’s tremendous physical talent placed him among the game’s all-time great five-tool players. Larry Walker was a Hall of Fame player. Hopefully he receives the formal honors that go with it.

Legends of the Diamond: Larry Walker from Major League Baseball

Troy Tulowitzki (39.4)

Background

Troy Tulowitzki was born and raised in the South Bay area of California. A graduate of Fremont High School in Sunnyvale, Tulo headed south to play his college ball at Long Beach State University.

A three-year starter for the Dirtbags, Tulo improved each year. As a true shortstop with impact offensive potential as well, Tulo was a top prospect by the end of his junior year. The Rockies took him seventh overall in the 2005 MLB Draft.

In 2006, the Rockies sent Tulo directly to Double-A Tulsa in the Texas League. Still just 21 years old, he lived up to his reputation in his first full season in pro ball. By the end of August, the Rockies were ready to give him a trial at the big league level. Although he struggled a bit in his first 25-game cup of coffee, it was clear Tulo was ready for the big leagues.

Rockies Career

Tulo made an immediate impact on the Rockies fortunes in 2007. His stellar glove work and above-average offensive production immediately made him one of the best shortstops in baseball. The rookie sensation produced 109 OPS+ and 6.8 bWAR (still a career-high).

October, 2007

In a tie-breaking Game 163, Tulo was 4-7 with two doubles, a triple, three runs, and an RBI as the Rockies won a 13-inning thriller 9-8 in Denver.

In the NLDS, the Rockies swept the Phillies. Tulo doubled and homered in a 10-5 Game Two victory, but otherwise struggled at the plate.

Tulo’s offensive woes continued in the NLCS. Fellow Franchise Phenom Matt Holliday caught fire to carry the team to a sweep of the division-rival Diamondbacks.

Tulo fared better in the World Series, producing .718 OPS. Unfortunately, the Boston Red Sox took one-run wins in the second and fourth games of the series to complete the sweep.

2009

Tulo experienced a rather dramatic sophomore slump in 2008. He went from being one of the best players in the game the year before to barely above replacement-level as he was both injured and ineffective. The team struggled along with him, and dealt Holliday to Oakland in the off-season.

Entering 2009, it was unclear what Rockies fans could expect from their young shortstop, or the team as a whole. Tulo answered the bell emphatically. Although his defense would never again reach the lofty heights of his rookie year, Tulo proved he had another gear offensively. In 151 games, he produced 131 OPS+ and 6.5 bWAR. He finished fifth in the MVP voting.

In an improbable turn of events, the Rockies rebounded from the loss of Holliday by winning 90 games, and the Wild Card, for the second time in three years. Tulo was once again the best player on a playoff team.

The 2009 postseason was not as eventful as 2007 had been. The Rockies won Game Two of the NLDS, but the Phillies took the series in four games.

2010-2015

After making the postseason in two of his first three years, it appeared that a team built around Troy Tulowitzki might have a chance to be a perennial playoff contender in Colorado. As fate would have it, the Rockies would have just one more winning season, and never again made the playoffs, during Tulo’s tenure.

For his part, Tulo’s play was not the problem. He was a consistently above-average, and often excellent, hitter while remaining a plus defender. Tulo made the All Star team in five of the six seasons. He won the Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards in 2010-2011. He was arguably the best shortstop in the game for much of this period.

By 2015, the Rockies were in the midst of their fifth straight losing season. Now 30, Tulo was still productive when healthy, but had averaged just 88 games per season in the previous three years. The baseball world began to wonder if Colorado’s best chance to build a winner had to begin with trading the face of their franchise.

On July 28, 2015 the Rockies dealt the best shortstop in their history to the Toronto Blue Jays. Colorado accepted a package of three talented young arms headlined by Jeff Hoffman in the hopes that they could begin to build a better pitching staff. Although the team returned to the postseason in 2017-2018, the players acquired for Tulo had little to do with the team’s success. In the end, the financial resources regained by clearing the remaining five guaranteed seasons from Tulo’s contract were probably more important than the prospects.

Blue Jays Career

Although his offense never quite blossomed as Toronto hoped down the stretch, Tulo’s defensive play made him a welcomed upgrade at shortstop in 2015. The Jays finished the year with 93 wins to take the AL East.

On a star-studded roster, Tulo was more of a supporting player in October. In a drama-packed ALDS series, the Blue Jays defeated the Rangers in five games. The 2015 ALCS was probably the best postseason series of Tulo’s career up to that point. He posted .826 OPS, but the Blue Jays were defeated in six games by the Royals.

Tulo was above-average for the Jays again in 2016. Toronto finished 89-73, then defeated the Orioles in the Wild Card Game. Tulo hit .462/.462/.846 to help lead the offense as the Jays swept Texas in an ALDS rematch. The ALCS was a different story both for Tulo, and the Jays. Pitching dominated on both sides, but the Indians defeated Toronto in five games.

Injuries limited Tulo to just 66 games in 2017. He then missed the entire 2018 season while still working to get healthy. With two guaranteed seasons remaining, time will tell whether one of the great shortstops of this generation has anything left in the tank.

Legacy

In 10 seasons with the Colorado Rockies, Troy Tulowitzki cemented his status as the greatest shortstop in franchise history. Tulo was a remarkable defensive player at a premium position, who at times, was also among the game’s best hitters. He is a five-time All Star who won two Gold Gloves and two Silver Sluggers.

Tulo is the Rockies career leader in Defensive bWAR.

Up until the age of 31, Tulo had the look of a sure-fire Hall of Famer. Entering his age-34 season, there remains a two-part question:

How much baseball does Troy Tulowitzki’s body have left?
Has he done enough already to earn consideration for Cooperstown?

Only time will provide the answer to the first question. As for the second, the answer appears to be ‘probably not’. JAWS ranks him as the 26th best shortstop in history. While he would not be the least-accomplished shortstop to earn enshrinement in the Hall of Fame, there are also a few with better credentials who were not selected. He fares a little better when considering just his peak. Even then, he is probably below-average for Hall of Famers at the position.

Tulo’s candidacy appears to rest then on his ability to return to the field healthy for at least a few more seasons of above-average production. At this point, the probability of that is anybody’s guess.

Regardless of where he may end up among baseball’s all-time greats, Troy Tulowitzki will long be remembered as one of the best players the Rockies have ever had.

Troy Tulowitzki’s Greatest Moments with the Rockies from Major League Baseball

Nolan Arenado (33.1)

Background

Nolan Arenado was born and raised in Southern California. A graduate of El Toro High School in Lake Forest, Arenado was selected in the second round (59th overall) of the 2009 draft. Arenado was promoted a level at a time during a methodical climb through the Rockies system.

The early scouting reports on Arenado in the minor leagues portrayed a player who was likely to be a talented hitter with a good approach and above-average power. Questions persisted about his defensive skills and whether or not he would be able to be an adequate third baseman.

His offensive development in the minor leagues followed the early reports. He controlled the strike zone well and racked up doubles. By the time he was 22 years old, Arenado’s defense had improved dramatically. With that final piece of his development complete, Arenado was on on his way to the big leagues.

Rockies Career

Nolan Arenado made his big league debut at the end of April, 2013. In a surprising reversal from his early days as a pro, Arenado’s early value was mostly wrapped up in his glove work. A well below-average hitter in his first big league campaign, Arenado still produced 3.8 bWAR on the strength of his excellent defensive play. He won his first Gold Glove as a rookie.

Arenado’s power began to show up more consistently during 2014. He finished the year at 115 OPS+ and 4.1 bWAR despite playing just 111 games. He won his second Gold Glove.

Breakout

Arenado consolidated his skills in 2015. Now 24 years old, he was already regarded as perhaps the best defensive third baseman in baseball. 2015 brought the offensive breakout the Rockies had hoped for. Arenado produced 124 OPS+ and utilized the friendly environment of Coors Field to lead the NL in homers (42) and RBI (130). He won his third straight Gold Glove, and his first Silver Slugger. He was also an All Star for the first time and finished eighth in the MVP race.

2016 was a near carbon copy of the previous year. Arenado produced 129 OPS+. He led the league in homers (41) and RBI (133) for the second straight season. His 6.6 bWAR made him the second most productive player in the NL, although he finished fifth for MVP. For the second straight year he was an All Star, Gold Glover, and Silver Slugger.

Arenado was better still in 2017. He produced 130 OPS+, and his 7.2 bWAR established a new career-high. His 43 doubles were tops in the NL. For the third straight year he was an All Star, Gold Glover, and Silver Slugger. He finished fourth in the MVP voting.

The 2017 Rockies finished 87-75 to earn a spot in the National League Wild Card Game. Arenado hit a solo-homer and scored twice, but the Diamondbacks took the game 11-8.

2018

After a brief taste of postseason baseball in 2017, the Rockies were primed to take another step forward in 2018. Arenado had the best offensive season of his career, producing 133 OPS+ and winning his third NL homerun crown with 38. He made his fourth straight All Star team.

Arenado’s brilliance was complimented run for run by fellow Franchise Phenom Trevor Story at shortstop. The emergence of Kyle Freeland and German Marquez in the starting rotation gave the Rockies perhaps the best 1-2 punch in franchise history. The Rockies won 91 games, and finished tied for first place with the Dodgers in the NL West.

In Game 163, Arenado and Story hit back-to-back solo homers off Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen in the ninth inning, but the Dodgers held on for a 5-2 win.

The Rockies then hopped on a plane and flew overnight to Chicago for the NL Wild Card Game against the Cubs. Colorado struck early with a sacrifice fly from Arenado in the top of the first inning. The Cubs tied the game in the bottom of the eighth. The Colorado bullpen was tough as nails, and the Rockies left Chicago a 2-1 winner in 13 innings to advance to the NLDS.

In their first NLDS appearance in nine seasons, the Rockies offense was stifled by the deep and versatile pitching staff of the Milwaukee Brewers. The Rockies scored just two runs in the three-game Brewers sweep.

Looking Ahead

As one of the few Mount RushWAR faces across the league who is still active with the team he represents, Nolan Arenado’s Rockies legacy is unfinished. Arenado will be just 28 years old in 2019. The Rockies have one year of guaranteed team-control remaining.

Reports from the immediate aftermath of their NLDS loss to the Brewers indicate that there have been no formal extension talks between the Rockies and the best third baseman in their history. As one of the most consistently excellent players in baseball over the past five seasons, Arenado’s market value is through the roof heading into what could be his final year in Colorado.

While he has already established himself as one of the greatest players in Rockies history, a lengthy contract extension could allow him to challenge for a higher spot on the mountain. It’s not hard to imagine him passing Tulo in career WAR with the Rockies in 2019. Passing Walker and Helton represent increasingly tougher challenges, but they are both theoretically in reach under the right circumstances.

With a contract extension and continued good health, it’s entirely possible that Nolan Arenado could one day climb to the top of the Rockie Mountain version of Mount RushWAR.

Nolan Arenado 2018 Highlights from Sports Productions on You Tube

All-Time Rockies Team

Next up on Franchise Phenoms is the All-Time Rockies Team. Colorado follows the White Sox and Phillies as third up in our series.

Franchise Overview

The Colorado Rockies were founded in 1993. They joined the National League that season along with the Florida Marlins. Only the Diamondbacks and Rays are newer to Major League Baseball than the 1993 expansion teams.

The Rockies are one of seven teams that have never won an World Series.

The team’s 0.473 winning percentage is 25th all-time. The Rockies have had just nine winning seasons out of 26.

Despite all of their lean years along the way, Rockies fans have been fortunate in terms of playoff appearances. Colorado has made the playoffs in 19.2% of the team’s seasons, the eighth best mark in history.

Hitters

Starting Lineup	Name	Position	B/T	bWAR/650	OPS+	Years Played
1.	Ellis Burks	CF (RF/LF)	R/R	3.8	128	1994-98
2.	Larry Walker	RF	L/R	6.7	147	1995-2004
3.	Matt Holliday	LF	R/R	4.1	131	2004-08, 18
4.	Todd Helton	1B	L/L	4.3	133	1997-2013
5.	Troy Tulowitzki	SS	R/R	5.9	123	2006-15
6.	Nolan Arenado	3B	R/R	5.7	122	2013-Present
7.	Chris Iannetta	C	R/R	1.8	95	2006-11, 18-Present
8.	D.J. LeMahieu	2B	R/R	2.9	93	2012-18
9.	Pitcher	P

Bench
OF	Carlos Gonzalez	RF/LF/CF	L/L	3.1	116	2009-18
OF	Charlie Blackmon	CF/RF	L/L	2.5	116	2011-Present
1B	Andres Galarraga	1B	R/R	3.3	125	1993-97
IN	Vinny Castilla	3B/SS	R/R	2.6	106	1993-99, 2004, 06
IN	Trevor Story	SS	R/R	5.4	113	2016-Present
C	Jeff Reed	C	L/R	2.5	99	1996-99

Slugging at Altitude

Playing their home games in Denver has given Rockies hitters the benefit of arguably the most favorable hitting environment in big league history. The Rockies have an impressive history of offensive production.

On Top of the Mountain

First baseman Todd Helton is the historical face of the Rockies franchise. Helton played his entire 17-year career in Colorado. Helton was a five-time All Star who won four Silver Sluggers and three Gold Gloves in his career. Even after accounting for Coors Field, Helton was regularly one of the most dangerous hitters in baseball.

The Rockies have yet to have a player elected to the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame. At this moment, Helton probably has the best chance to be the first. He is probably among the top 15-20 first basemen in baseball history.

There is a case to be made that right fielder Larry Walker had an even better career than Helton. Walker was already one of the best outfielders in the National League when he left the Montreal Expos to sign as a free agent with the Rockies. Walker made four All Star teams in Colorado. He also won five Gold Gloves and two Silver Sluggers with the Rockies. Walker was the National League MVP in 1997 when he led the league in homers (49), OBP (.452), and slugging (.720). Hall of Fame voters have struggled with how to account for the impact of Colorado on his offensive production. As modern metrics help provide context, Walker may still have a late surge in support coming.

Current third baseman Nolan Arenado could find himself on the level of Walker and Helton before long. Arenado is crafting a case as one of the best defensive third basemen in history, winning the Gold Glove in each of his first five seasons. In addition to his glove work, Arenado has become one of the most feared hitters in baseball. He has made four straight All Star teams, won three straight Silver Sluggers, and finished eighth or better in the MVP voting three years running.

Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki seemed to be on a Hall of Fame trajectory for much of his 10 seasons in Colorado. Tulo is a five-time All Star with two Gold Gloves and two Silver Sluggers to his credit. One of the most well-rounded players in the game for the bulk of an eight-year period, Tulo finished eighth or better in the MVP voting three straight times. By age 30, injuries had taken their toll. He was frequently unavailable and less effective when he was. Now with the Blue Jays, and with two more guaranteed seasons left on his contract, Tulo will try to bounce back after missing all of 2018.

Smaller Peaks

Matt Holliday gets the nod in left field. Holliday earned a place among the all-time Rockies greats in his first five seasons. A three-time All Star and Silver Slugger winner, Holliday had a chance to join the upper tier of Rockies elite. Instead he was traded to Oakland heading into free agency and made four more All Star teams with the St. Louis Cardinals. In a great addendum, 11 seasons after he departed, Holliday came out of retirement late in 2018 to help the Rockies win a Wild Card spot and advance in the playoffs.

Center fielder Ellis Burks was a tremendously talented, and underrated, player for much of his 18-year career. Although he bounced around a bit, some of his best seasons were in Colorado. 1996 was his career year. He finished third in the MVP voting, made the All Star team, and won a Silver Slugger.

Current second baseman D.J. LeMahieu has crafted a unique path to the All-Time Rockies Team. On the strength of an excellent contact and on-base profile, LeMahieu made himself a respectable hitter despite minimal power. His solid glove work at second is the final piece to a fine package. He is a two-time All Star with two Gold Gloves. He won the NL batting title in 2016. He heads into free agency this winter leaving his Rockies future in limbo for the time being.

Chris Iannetta starts at catcher. A roughly league-average hitter over seven seasons and two stints with the Rockies, Iannetta was a contributor to three of the five playoff teams in franchise history. He is under contract for 2019 with a chance to add to his legacy.

Bench

Based on the total bodies of their work, either Carlos Gonzalez, or Charlie Blackmon, might have a case to start in center over Burks.

Cargo has three All Star selections under his belt along with two Gold Gloves and two Silver Sluggers. He won the batting title and finished third in the MVP voting in 2010. After signing a one-year deal to return for 2018, he is a free agent again this winter.

A late-bloomer, Blackmon was not a regular player until he was 27. He is a three-time All Star with two Silver Sluggers to his credit. He won the batting title and finished fifth in the MVP voting in 2017. With a contract guaranteed through 2021 with two player options at the end, Blackmon will have every opportunity to overtake Burks and enter the starting lineup.

Current shortstop Trevor Story has a steeper climb to catch Tulo. He was an All Star as a 25-year-old in 2018. Entering his prime with four years of team control remaining, Story could make it interesting with his solid all around game.

Teammates with the Rockies for the first five years of the franchise’s existence, Andres Galarraga and Vinny Castilla joined Walker, Burks, and Dante Bichette as the Blake Street Bombers in the organization’s heyday of absurd offensive production.

Galaragga came to the Rockies at age 32. The Big Cat took to altitude. He earned two All Star selections and won a Silver Slugger. He finished in the top-10 of the MVP voting four times with the Rockies including 1996 when he led the league with 47 homers and 150 RBI.

Castilla joins relievers Steve Reed and Curt Leskanic as the only players selected by the Rockies in the 1992 Expansion Draft to make the Rockies All-Time Team. The third baseman was a two-time All Star and won two Silver Sluggers with the Rockies.

Jeff Reed is the backup catcher. He came to the Rockies as a free agent at age 33. He was a league-average hitter over four seasons in Colorado.

Pitchers

Starting Rotation	Name	B/T	ERA+	Years Played
1.	Ubaldo Jimenez	R/R	128	2006-11
2.	Jhoulys Chacin	R/R	120	2009-14
3.	Jorge De La Rosa	L/L	106	2008-16
4.	Aaron Cook	R/R	106	2002-11
5.	Jason Jennings	L/R	103	2001-06

Bullpen
LR	Curt Leskanic	R/R	108	1993-99
RP	Bruce Ruffin	S/L	131	1993-97
RP	Rafael Betancourt	R/R	131	2009-15
RP	Adam Ottavino	S/R	136	2012-18
SU	Steve Reed	R/R	140	1993-97, 2003-04
CL	Brian Fuentes	L/L	144	2002-08

Pitching at Altitude

Just as the Rockie Mountain air has historically benefited Colorado’s hitters, it has traditionally had the inverse effect on their pitching staff. Although they have turned out some decent relievers (19th best All-Time Team), the starting pitching (25th) has consistently struggled to give the Rockies a chance to contend.

Starting Rotation

In six seasons with the Rockies, Ubaldo Jimenez turned in a handful of the best starting pitching seasons in franchise history. 2010 was his career year. He made the All Star team and finished 19-8 with a 161 ERA+. He was third in the Cy Young voting, the highest finish in Rockies history.

Like Jimenez, Jhoulys Chacin pitched six years in Colorado. Although not a prolific strikeout pitcher, Chacin mixed pitches effectively enough to be a consistently above-average starter in baseball’s least forgiving environment.

Left-hander Jorge De La Rosa is the Rockies all-time leader in wins (86) and strikeouts (985). In nine seasons with Colorado, De La Rosa posted above-average ERA+ marks six times.

In ten seasons with the Rockies, sinker-baller Aaron Cook had above-average ERA+ marks seven times. His reliability allowed him to set the Rockies career records for starts (206), and innings (1312.1). He was an All Star in 2008.

Fellow sinker-baller Jason Jennings gets the final spot. Jennings spent six seasons in Colorado finishing just above-average for his career. He was the NL Rookie of the Year in 2002.

Bullpen

Left-hander Brian Fuentes is the most successful closer in Rockies history. A consistently devastating force for seven years with the Rockies, his 115 saves are tops in franchise history. He made three-straight All Star teams from 2005-2007.

Steve Reed utilized a nearly submarine delivery to help keep the ball in the park for seven seasons with the Rockies. Although he was never the team’s full-time closer, his 140 ERA+ over 499 innings give him a strong case as the most effective right-handed reliever in Rockies history.

Current setup man Adam Ottavino has been a force for most of his seven seasons with the Rockies. Like Reed, he has seldom been called on to save games, instead using his explosive stuff to preserve leads and bridge the gap to the ninth inning. He is a free agent after 2018.

Rafael Betancourt spent six seasons in a rather specialized role for the Rockies. He worked just 275.2 innings over 309 games. His excellent command of nasty stuff proved to be a devastating combination. There is a strong case for his inclusion in the all-time bullpen of the Cleveland Indians as well.

Left-hander Bruce Ruffin signed a free agent deal to join the Rockies for their inaugural season. He saved 60 games in five seasons as one of the more underrated relievers of the mid-90s.

Another original Rockies player, Curt Leskanic pitched parts of seven seasons with the club. From 1995-1999 he averaged 66 games and 78 innings per seasons as the team’s most versatile reliever.

Phillies Watch List (2019)

In the Watch List series, we will examine four current players from each franchise with the best chance of one day cracking their All-Time Team.

Aaron Nola

Position: RHSP

2019 Age: 26

Career bWAR with Phillies: 16.

Aaron Nola was the 7th overall pick in the 2014 draft. Pitching for his hometown team, the LSU Tigers, Nola had proven to be a dominant collegiate pitcher in the SEC. Due to his advanced command and feel, Nola was viewed as a good bet to contribute to the big league rotation in short order.

Nola climbed through the Philadelphia system quickly. He reached Double-A by the end of his draft year. Half-way through 2015, he made Triple-A. He made his big league debut just over a year after he was drafted in July, 2015.

In his 13-game trial during 2015, Nola acquitted himself nicely. The rookie right-hander posted a 107 ERA+ while continuing to demonstrate advanced command.

2016 was somewhat less successful. While suffering through an elbow injury that threatened to derail his promising career, Nola struggled a bit. In 111 innings, his ERA+ was just 87. Some bad luck on batted balls gave the impression that some of the shine had worn off the promising hurler. His 3.08 FIP, combined with a strikeout rate that was up almost a full two K/9 from his rookie year, told a very different story.

In 2017, Nola again missed a handful of starts managing injury. When he was healthy, his BABIP corrected itself while his strikeout and walk rates held strong. By the end of the season, he was healthy and rolling. He finished the year with 122 ERA+ over 168 innings, and 4.3 bWAR.

Nola blew up in 2018. In 212.1 innings over 33 starts, he was 17-6 with a 3.01 ERA. His strikeout and walk rates held steady, and this time he was lucky on the batted ball front. He finished with 175 ERA+ and 10.5 bWAR, tops among NL pitchers. He also made his first All Star team.

Outlook

Nola’s monster 2018 campaign has set him on a favorable course to make a run at the Phillies All-Time Team. With 93 starts under his belt, he is tracking quite nicely. He is 41-28 with a 3.35 ERA, 124 ERA+, and continually strong strikeout and walk rates. He now has 16.5 career bWAR.

The Phillies current fifth starter is Chris Short. Short amassed 32.1 bWAR in 14 seasons with the Phillies. In terms of longevity, Nola has some work to do to earn true consideration.

At the same time, Short is clearly reachable for Nola on the dominance side of the equation. A two-time All Star who never received Cy Young votes, Short’s spot was earned with long-term reliability. Short’s ERA+ was 105.

Nola can be a free agent after the 2021 season, giving him three more years of team control. He probably needs something more like six or seven additional healthy and effective seasons in Philadelphia to surpass Short. A contract extension will be required, but as it stands, that certainly seems possible.

Seranthony Dominguez

Position: RHRP

2019 Age: 24

Career bWAR with Phillies: 2.4

Seranthony Dominguez was signed out of the Dominican Republic in October, 2011. He spent two seasons in the Dominican Summer League before heading stateside in 2014. He pitched just 33.2 innings from 2014-2015.

By the time he was 21, Dominguez still had not established himself as a particularly interesting prospect in the Phillies system. The organization’s patience began to payoff in 2016 as he was effective across two levels of A-Ball. He was promoted to High-A in 2017 where he continued to show the ability to miss bats with premium velocity and improving secondary pitches.

Dominguez was shifted to the bullpen full-time in 2018. He was dominant across 11 appearances in the upper minors before making his big league debut at the beginning of May. By the end of the month he had worked his way into the picture for saves. By the end of the season, he had a lock on the closer’s role.

In 58 innings, Dominguez finished with a 2.95 ERA, 11.5 K/9, 3.4 BB/9, and 16 saves. Although it’s just one season, his 142 ERA+ has him tracking towards a bullpen spot on the Phillies All-Time Team.

Outlook

With a fastball that averages 98 mph backed up by an effective slider and change up, Dominguez should have more good days ahead. His 2.85 FIP almost identically matched his actual ERA, indicating that a healthy Dominguez is a good bet to continue dominating the late innings and racking up saves for the foreseeable future.

The final three arms in the Phillies bullpen are all reachable for Dominguez. None of Turk Farrell, Ricky Bottalico, or Mitch Williams had a Phillies ERA+ better than 119.

As a player still working through his rookie contract who has already established himself as an effective late-inning force, Dominguez has a strong chance to crack the Phillies roster. General health concerns for all pitchers, and the particular volatility of relief pitchers, are the primary potential roadblocks going forward. Dominguez has work to do, but clearly has the tools, and opportunity, to be immortalized as a Phillies great.

Rhys Hoskins

Position: LF/1B

2019 Age: 26

Career bWAR with Phillies: 2.5

Rhys Hoskins was a fifth round draft pick out of Sacramento State University in 2014. A big-bodied slugger, Hoskins posted a 1.001 OPS during his draft year in the WAC. He was productive during his first full professional season, but as a right-handed hitter with limited defensive value, it was fair to be skeptical about his long term prospects.

In 2016, Hoskins mashed 38 homers in the hitter-friendly confines of Reading in the Double-A Eastern League. With the power starting to play in games, it was clear Hoskins was a bat to watch going forward.

After he hit 29 homers in 115 games to begin the 2017 season at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, the Phillies promoted him to the big leagues in August. The 24-year-old slugged another 18 homers in just 50 games, giving him 47 total for the year. Rhys Hoskins had arrived.

Hoskins split time between first base and left field during his debut. After the Phillies signed Carlos Santana in the off season, it was clear that Hoskins would have to spend more time in left going forward.

2018 was another solid season at the plate for Hoskins. Although he exhibited a little less control over the strike zone, and his torrid home run pace from 2017 inevitably slowed, he still posted 125 OPS+ with 34 homers and 87 walks.

Outlook

Through his first 203 games, Hoskins has posted an excellent 134 OPS+ and 2.5 bWAR. The disparity between his offensive exploits and overall value to the Phillies is wrapped up on the defensive side of the ball. An adequate first baseman, but below-average left fielder, Hoskins’s career WAR totals figure to be held down as a result of the Phillies playing him out of position.

His competition in the outfield is fierce with Hall of Famers and elite hitters littered across the roster. At first, he is well off the pace of Dick Allen, and likewise has a long way to go to match Ryan Howard‘s body of work in Philly.

Hoskins can be a free agent after the 2023 season. He probably isn’t a strong bet to be an all-time Phillies great. At the same time, his elite power production gives him a better chance than most to crack the roster of one of the game’s oldest franchises.

Jorge Alfaro

Position: C

2019 Age: 26

Career bWAR with Phillies: 1.7

Jorge Alfaro was signed by the Texas Rangers out of Colombia in January, 2010. During his climb through the Texas system, Alfaro earned the nickname “The Legend” for his prodigious physical tools highlighted by an 80-grade arm, and 70 power.

By the time Alfaro was 20, it appeared that he was on the fast track to super-stardom as an exciting two-way catcher. Instead, the upper-minors revealed that his control of the strike zone was problematic, and his defense needed refinement. The package was still attractive, but by the time he was 22, he was no longer untouchable.

With the Rangers working towards an AL West championship in 2015, the club pulled the trigger on a deal to acquire Phillies Franchise Phenom, Cole Hamels at the July 31 trade deadline. Alfaro was one of the headliners in the six-player return the Phillies received for one of the best pitchers in their history.

Alfaro made his debut in Philadelphia the next year with a cup of coffee. He spent most of 2017 languishing in Triple-A before showing signs of life in the majors during August and September.

In 2018, he was the primary catcher for the Phillies. In 108 games, he posted 95 OPS+ while playing respectable defense and contributing 1.2 bWAR.

Outlook

Alfaro remains under Phillies control through the 2023 season. Offensively, the strike zone remains an issue, but the power is still there. The tools to be an above-average defender remain as well.

The backup catcher for the Phillies, Mike Lieberthal, averaged less than two WAR/season even during his prime. Alfaro has already proven he can match that level of production while retaining the upside to be even better.

Given that Lieberthal played 1174 games over parts of 13 seasons in Philly, Alfaro will have to cash in on the promise of his prospect days to overtake him.

Wrapping Up

The 2018 Phillies boasted a foursome of additional pitchers who produced 2+ bWAR. Nick Pivetta, Victor Arano, and Zack Eflin probably lack the pure stuff and upside to be realistic candidates as starting pitchers. Vince Velasquez has some of the best stuff on the staff, but has yet to really put it all together heading into his age 27 season.

In the minor leagues, the Phillies system has some depth, but appears to be lacking in upside. Top-prospect Sixto Sanchez has the type of stuff you can dream on, but has yet to reach Double-A and fought through a balky elbow this year. Third baseman Alec Bohm was the third overall pick out of Wichita State in 2018. His pro debut was unimpressive, but the upside to be an impact corner bat remains.