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.
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.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6_x8lQ6llk
Nolan Arenado 2018 Highlights from Sports Productions on You Tube
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.
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.
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.
Mike Schmidt (106.8)
Background
Mike Schmidt was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio. After graduating from Fairview High School, Schmidt attended Ohio University where he played shortstop.
He was drafted by the Phillies in the second round of the 1971 June Amateur Draft. Schmidt went straight to Double-A Reading after the draft where he was respectable, if not impressive.
He played the bulk of the 1972 season at Triple-A for the Eugene Emeralds. He was largely moved off of shortstop, instead splitting his time between second and third base. Offensively, he dominated the Pacific Coast League. Schmidt posted a .960 OPS and hit 26 homers. He earned his first taste of the big leagues with a September call up.
Phillies Career
Although he didn’t play until the team’s 11th game in 1973, Schmidt had played his last game in the minors. He quickly took over as the team’s regular third baseman, but struggled to adjust offensively. Schmidt finished his rookie year hitting just .196/.324/.373.
Breakout
At 24 years old in 1974, Mike Schmidt was heading for a breakout season. After averaging more than one strikeout per game as a rookie, Schmidt proved that the swing and miss in his game was not a fatal flaw.
Although he would lead the National League in strikeouts in each of the next three seasons, he more than compensated by leading the league in home runs each year as well.
A Golden Age
By 1976, the 26 year old Schmidt was universally recognized as one of the best players in baseball. He had been an All Star in 1974 while finishing 6th in the MVP race. After receiving down-ballot consideration again in 1975, it was easy to wonder what was next for the emerging young star.
With Schmidt leading an incredibly deep lineup, the Phillies were one of the most feared teams of the late 1970s. A solid starting rotation led by fellow Franchise Phenom Steve Carlton, and a deep bullpen, allowed the Phillies to win three straight National League East Championships from 1976-1978.
The Phillies were defeated in the NLCS each season. Despite setting a new franchise record with 101 wins in back-to-back seasons in 1976-1977, the Phillies failed to even reach the World Series. It seemed possible that the Phillies would waste this unprecedented run
When the Phillies slipped to fourth place in 1979, it seemed fair to wonder if they had missed their window for a World Series. The performances of several key players fell off considerably, but Schmidt remained excellent. He set a new career high with 45 homers, and led the league with 120 walks.
1980
The 1980 Philadelphia Phillies finished second in the NL in runs scored despite half of the regular players being below-average hitters. Mike Schmidt picked up the slack.
Schmidt led the league with career-highs in homers (48) and RBI (121). He also paced the circuit in slugging (.624) and OPS+ (171)– his second best marks in those categories. Schmidt made the All Star Team, and won both the Gold Glove and Silver Slugger at third base. He was the unanimous National League MVP.
The Phillies won the NL East at 91-71. Though Schmidt struggled in the NLCS, his teammates carried him to victory over the Houston Astros in five games.
The 1980 World Series pit the Phillies against the Kansas City Royals, themselves winners of 97 games. On baseball’s grandest stage, Mike Schmidt came back to life.
Philadelphia took the opener at home. Schmidt played the hero in Game Two. His one-out double off Dan Quisenberry in the bottom of the 8th broke a 4-4 tie and put the Phillies up for good.
The Royals tied the series at two games each back home in Kansas City. Schmidt’s solo homer broke a scoreless tie in the fourth inning of Game Five. It was his second of the series. The Phillies won 4-3 to retake the series lead.
Back home in Philadelphia for Game Six, Schmidt led the charge again. His RBI single in the bottom of the third put the Phillies ahead for good. After the game, Schmidt was named the World Series MVP. He hit .381/.462/.714 over the six games. His two homers, seven RBI, and six runs all paced the Phillies during the series.
In plain and simple terms, there is no way the Philadelphia Phillies win the 1980 World Series without Michael Jack Schmidt.
What do you do for an encore?
The Phillies returned the bulk of their 1980 championship squad in 1981. When the players went on strike on June 12, the Phillies were sitting atop the NL East at 34-21.
Mike Schmidt was still at the peak of his powers in 1981. He would finish the strike-shortened season as the NL leader in runs, homers, RBI, walks, OBP, slugging, and OPS+. Schmidt was one of the great casualties of the strike. He played 102 of Philadelphia’s 107 games and was on pace to challenge for career highs in just about every statistical category. Although it wasn’t unanimous this time, Schmidt was named NL MVP for the second straight season.
Play did not resume until August 10. For playoff purposes, the league announced that the season would be divided into two halves. The division leaders for each half of the season would play each other in an additional playoff round. The Phillies went 25-27 in the second half, finishing third in the east behind the Montreal Expos. The Division Series went the full five games, but the Expos defeated the Phillies, ending their championship defense.
In 1982, the Phillies missed the postseason for what would be just the second time in eight seasons. Schmidt led the NL in OPS+ for the third straight season at 161. He was also tops in walks (107), OBP (.403), and slugging (.547).
1983
The 1983 season was yet another vintage Mike Schmidt campaign. Now 33 years old, Schmidt once again put the Philadelphia offense on his back. He led the NL in OPS+ for the fourth straight season at 156. His career-high 128 walks fueled a .399 OBP– both marks were tops in the NL. His 40 homers also led the league.
The Phillies won 90 games, and the NL East, in 1983. Schmidt terrorized the Dodgers in the NLCS. He finished the series with a .467/.529/.800 line as the Phillies won in four games.
The World Series matched Philadelphia with a 98-win Baltimore Orioles team. The Baltimore pitching staff proved too much for the Phillies to handle. Schmidt struggled, and with his fortunes went those of the Phillies. Baltimore took the series in five games, winning three of them by just one run.
Final Stage
It would be a decade before the Phillies would return to the playoffs. In the final six seasons of Schmidt’s career, the Phillies had a winning record just once more, a second-place finish in 1986.
For his part, Schmidt remained excellent for much of that stretch. From 1984-1988, Schmidt posted a .279/.377/.520 line, good for 144 OPS+. He made the All Star team three more times in his mid-30s, and was the NL MVP for the third and final time in 1986.
Despite a sub-par start by his standards, Schmidt was selected to the All-Star team for the 12th and final time in 1989. Unfortunately, May 28 would be his last game of any kind.
Legacy
For a franchise whose overall track record has been pretty poor, Mike Schmidt was the driving force behind some of the best teams in Phillies history. Philadelphia made seven playoff appearances during Schmidt’s career. They also played in three World Series, including the first championship in franchise history.
Mike Schmidt is easily the best player in Phillies history. He is the franchise leader in games played (2404), runs (1506), total bases (4404), homers (548), RBI (1595), walks (1507), and times on base (3820).
Schmidt was, by any measure, one of the greatest players of his era. He led the NL in bWAR for position players four times. He paced the senior circuit in homers eight times, OPS+ six times, slugging five times, RBI and walks four times each, OBP three times, and runs once.
Schmidt received MVP votes in 12 different seasons. He finished in the top-three five times, and won the award in 1980, 1981, and 1986. He ranks 11th all-time in career MVP Shares. He was a 12-time All Star who won 10 Gold Gloves, and six Silver Sluggers.
At 25th all-time in bWAR, Schmidt is arguably the greatest third baseman in history. No player who played a majority of his games at the hot corner has more career WAR than Schmidt. His truly unique combination of power, patience, and elite defensive play at third base has no true parallel in the annals of our great game.
Mike Schmidt Highlights. Jack Rackham on YouTube
Robin Roberts (71.8)
Background
Robin Roberts was born and raised in Springfield, Illinois. After graduating from Lanphier High School, Roberts enrolled in Michigan State University. Initially a basketball player for the Spartans, Roberts walked on to the baseball team as a pitcher in 1946. By the end of 1947, Roberts had signed a contract with the Phillies.
Roberts began his professional career by going 9-1 with the Wilmington Blue Rocks in the Class-B Interstate League. From Delaware, he was summoned to the big club in June, 1948.
Phillies Career
Upon his arrival in Philadelphia, the 21-year-old Roberts was immediately inserted into the starting rotation. Over his first two seasons, he established himself as an effective pitcher, posting a 112 ERA+ in 373.1 innings.
Breakout
1950 was a big year in Phillies history, and Roberts was at the center of it. At age 23, Roberts took a step forward into the upper-echelon of National League pitchers. Roberts was second in the NL with 304.1 innings, second with 20 wins, and fifth in ERA+ at 133. His 7.4 bWAR was tops among NL hurlers.
With Roberts leading the way, the Phillies won the National League pennant with a 91-63 record. 1950 was just the second World Series appearance in Phillies history. In the series, the Phillies ran into a juggernaut in the New York Yankees. Roberts allowed just two runs in 11 innings during the series, but the Phillies offense only mustered five runs total. New York won three one-run games, and swept Philadelphia. It would be 30 years before the Phillies would return to the fall classic.
Peak Roberts
From 1950-1956, Roberts was regarded as one of the best pitchers in the National League. He averaged 319 innings per season at 125 ERA+ during this stretch to accumulate a 157-96 record. He was an All Star during each of the seven seasons. He received MVP votes each year as well, peaking at second place during his 28-win campaign in 1952.
Roberts was the definition of durable during his prime. His excellent control allowed him to pile up effective innings year after year. He led the league in games started six times, innings and complete games five times each, and wins four times. He also had the lowest walk rate, and highest strikeout/walk ratio, in the NL four times. Roberts paced the NL in strikeouts and FIP twice each, and had the lowest WHIP in the league once as well.
For all of his personal excellence, Roberts was unable to lead a Philadelphia return to the postseason after 1950. The club would finish no better than third for the remainder of his tenure.
Decline
Although Roberts made the National League All Star team for the seventh straight time in 1956, his decline had already begun. That season was his worst up to that point in his career, and marked the beginning of a decline from excellence to mediocrity.
In his final six seasons in Philadelphia (1956-1961) Roberts saw his yearly averages drop sharply from his peak. While he maintained his excellent control, he proved to be increasingly hittable. He averaged 238 innings at 94 ERA+ for some of the worst Phillies teams in history. Following a terrible 1961 campaign for Roberts, and the club, it was time for a change.
Post-Phillies Career
After the 1961 season, the Phillies sold Roberts to the Yankees. He was released by the Yankees in May without making an appearance for the club.
Baltimore signed him shortly after his departure from New York. In parts of four seasons with the Orioles, Roberts reestablished himself as an above average pitcher. He worked 761.1 innings at 115 ERA+ for Baltimore before they released him July, 1965.
The Astros brought him on board shortly thereafter. Roberts was excellent down the stretch for Houston in 1965. 1966 was a different story. Roberts was adequate, but below-average for Houston through early July. He was again released, this time hooking up with the Cubs to finish out the season, and his career with 48.1 final innings.
Legacy
While he isn’t the most famous pitcher in Phillies history, Robin Roberts produced more value over the course of his career than any other. What he lacked in dominance he made up for with control, reliability, and durability.
Roberts remains the franchise’s all-time leader in games pitched (529), innings (3739.1), and complete games (272). He was a seven-time All Star.
Roberts was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1976. Although he lacks the big strikeout numbers, or win totals of some of his fellow Hall of Famers, his career resume speaks for itself. Ultimately, he has a case to be included among the top 25-30 pitchers in big league history.
Robin Roberts biography from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
Steve Carlton (69.6)
Background
Steve Carlton was born and raised in Miami, Florida. After graduating from North High School in Miami, Carlton stayed in town and attended Miami-Dade College. In October, 1963 while still enrolled in college, Carlton signed as an amateur free agent with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Still just 19 years old, Carlton spent the 1964 season climbing the ladder in the Cardinals farm system. In a season split between three levels of the minor leagues, Carlton demonstrated his overwhelming stuff as he struck out 191 hitters in 178 innings. Although his control was still a work in progress (he had 102 walks), it was clear that he had big league stuff.
Cardinals Career
Carlton broke camp with the big club in 1965. He was effective, but used sparingly. The following season he opened up back at Triple-A Tulsa before returning to St. Louis in late July. He made the starting rotation for good in 1967, at the age of 22.
In seven seasons with the Cardinals from 1965-1971, Carlton proved to be one of the most tantalizingly talented left-handers in the game. Though he was a three-time All Star in St. Louis, the best was yet to come.
While demanding a pay raise in early 1972, Carlton held out. The Cardinals ownership, frustrated with their inability to make progress with the talented 27-year-old, traded him to Philadelphia.
In the type of deal you almost never see in the modern game, Carlton was dealt for 26-year-old right-hander Rick Wise, himself coming off an All Star campaign with the Phillies. Wise was an above-average starter for two seasons with the Cardinals– even making the All Star Team in 1973– but it was the Phillies who altered the direction of their franchise with this move.
Phillies Career
Carlton began his career in Philadelphia furious over having been traded. The motivation to prove his worth to the baseball world served to help elevate his game to a new level. Upon arriving in Philadelphia, Carlton immediately became the best pitcher in the league. Lefty won the pitching triple crown, leading the league in wins (27), ERA (1.97), and strikeouts (310). He also paced the circuit in innings (346.1) and complete games (30). Although the team limped to a sixth place finish, Carlton flourished. He was unanimously selected as the NL Cy Young winner and finished 5th in the MVP voting after the season.
From 1973-1976, Carlton remained a workhorse for the Phillies. He averaged 273 innings, 16 complete games, 16 wins, and 212 strikeouts per season during that stretch. At the same time, he was never quite as dominant as he had been in 1972. Although he won 20 games and finished fourth in the Cy Young in 1976, his ERA+ was just 113. His total ERA+ over these four years was just 108.
As a team, the Phillies were on the upswing. They finished second in the NL East in 1975 on the strength of an emerging core of talented hitters led by Mike Schmidt and Greg Luzinski. In 1976, the Phillies won 101 games, but were swept by the Reds in the NLCS.
Rebirth
In 1977, the 32-year-old Carlton was reborn. He led the NL with 23 wins, and finished third in ERA+ at 153. The Phillies won 101 games for the second straight season. As the ace of their staff, Carlton cruised to his second career Cy Young. He also finished 5th in the MVP voting. Unfortunately, his command abandoned him in two starts in the NLCS, and the Dodgers took the series in four games.
Lefty was excellent again in 1978, working 247.1 innings at a 126 ERA+. The Phillies won the NL East for the third straight year. Facing the Dodgers again, Carlton was better this time around. His complete game effort in Game Three was the only Phillies win in the series.
At age 34, Carlton had a bit of a down year in 1979. He worked 251 innings at 106 ERA+, still managing to win 18 games and make the All Star team. The Phillies finished fourth.
1980
In 1980, it seemed fair to wonder if the world had already seen Carlton’s best. Instead, the 35-year-old turned in one of the best seasons of his career. He led the NL in wins (24), innings (304), strikeouts (286), and ERA+ (162). The Phillies won 91 games, and returned to the playoffs. Carlton received all but one first place vote to win his third Cy Young.
Up to this point in his career, Steve Carlton had been a mixed bag in the postseason. Whether early in his career in St. Louis, or more recently with the Phillies, Carlton had often failed to live up to his reputation as one of the game’s best hurlers. All that was about to change in October, 1980.
In the NLCS, the Phillies were matched up with the Houston Astros. Carlton got the ball in the opener. He allowed just one run in seven innings to give the Phillies an early series lead. The Astros won the next two games, setting Carlton up for Game Four. He battled through 5.1 innings, allowing just two runs before turning the game over to the bullpen who eventually secured the win in 10 innings. The Phillies took Game Five, once again in 10 innings to secure their first National League pennant since Robin Roberts led the staff in 1950.
The 1980 World Series would pit the Phillies against a 97-win Kansas City Royals club. The Phillies won the opener, 7-6 at home, setting up Lefty for Game Two. Carlton fought his control all night, but battled through eight innings, allowing just three earned runs and striking out 10 to earn the win.
Back in Kansas City, the Royals took the next two games to even the series. In Game Five, the Phillies offense rallied for two runs in the top of the ninth off of AL saves leader Dan Quisenberry to retake the lead in the series. The table was set for Carlton back home in Philly.
In the biggest game of his career, Steve Carlton delivered. He went seven innings, scattered seven base runners, struck out seven, and allowed just one run before handing the ball over to fellow Franchise Phenom, Tug McGraw for the save. Steve Carlton had led the Phillies to their first World Championship in franchise history.
Age Is Just A Number
Although it seemed Carlton had slowed down in his early-thirties, 1980 proved he had something left in the tank. 1981-1982 proved he had plenty.
In 1981, the Phillies championship defense was caught up in the drama of that year’s players strike. In a seasoned shortened by the labor stoppage, Carlton proved he was still dominant. He led the NL with 8.5 K/9 and posted 151 ERA+ in 190 innings. For all his dominance during the regular season, he was less effective in the playoffs. Carlton suffered two losses in the NLDS as the Phillies lost to the Expos in five games. Carlton was again an All Star, finished third in the Cy Young voting, ninth in the MVP race, and won his only career Gold Glove.
1982 would serve as icing on the cake of a Hall of Fame career. At age 37, Carlton had one more Cy Young run in him. He led the league in wins (23), innings (295.2), complete games (19), and strikeouts (286). The Phillies finished second in the NL East.
Although he was nearly as good in 1983 as he had been the year before, Carlton received less recognition. Teammate John Denny exploded for a Cy Young of his own in a career year. With Denny and Carlton fronting the rotation, the Phillies won the NL East at 90-72. The veteran lefty shredded the Dodgers in the NLCS, allowing just one run in 13.2 innings to help propel the Phillies to another World Series. Unfortunately, the Philadelphia bats went quiet, and Baltimore took the series in five games.
Decline Phase
By the time he finished his age 38 season, Lefty had 4558.2 big league innings under his belt. Father time finally caught up with Carlton beginning in 1984. Although he had two more above-average seasons left in him, durability was a concern where it never had been before. Carlton averaged just 160 innings in 1984-1985.
When Carlton started 1986 with a 6.18 ERA in 16 starts, it was clear that his best days were well behind him. The Phillies released the most dominant pitcher in their history on June 24.
Carlton spent the remainder of 1986-1988 bouncing between the Giants, White Sox, Indians, and Twins. After four rough outings with the Twins in 1988, Carlton was done for good at 43 years old.
Legacy
Over his incredible 24 seasons in the big leagues, Steve Carlton cemented his place among baseball’s all-time greats. His combination of elite durability, dominance, and longevity puts him in special company.
Carlton should probably be considered one of the 15-20 greatest pitchers in big league history. Among his fellow southpaws, Lefty is probably in the top-five.
Carlton finished his career as a 10-time All Star with seven of those selections coming as a member of the Phillies. With four Cy Youngs, he is tied for third most in history. He ranks fifth all-time in Cy Young shares.
He ranks among baseball’s career top-10 in strikeouts (4th), games started (6th), and innings (9th).
Carlton still holds the Phillies franchise records for wins (241), strikeouts (3031), and games started (499). His 329 wins are 11th most in baseball history.
Steve Carlton Strikeout Montage. scottyballgame1 on YouTube
Chase Utley (61.8)
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 three 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.
Legacy
I suspect that many modern baseball fans have severely underappreciated Chase Utley. 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 all-time great 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.
Chase Utley’s career highlights from Major League Baseball
Our coverage of each franchise’s all-time greatest players began with the Chicago White Sox. This week, we continue with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Franchise Overview
The Phillies were founded in 1883. They are tied with the Giants as the sixth oldest franchise in big league history. They are one of the eight National League franchises that has existed longer than any American League team.
Their two World Series championships (1980, 2008) are the lowest total of any of the teams that predate the American League.
With a total franchise winning percentage of just 0.472, the Phillies rank fourth worst all-time.
When viewed through the lens of total playoff appearances, the Phillies fare only slightly better. They have appeared in the postseason in 10.3% of their total seasons, the seventh lowest mark in history.
It took the Phillies 98 seasons to win their first world championship. They only managed to win the National League two other times during that stretch (1915 and 1950).
To make matters worse, their crosstown rivals, the Athletics, won five World Series and eight total AL pennants during their years in Philadelphia from 1901-1954.
In the 38 years since they won their first championship, things have been considerably better in Philadelphia. Since 1980, the Phillies have made the playoffs nine times, winning five NL pennants, and the 2008 World Series.
Hitters
Starting Lineup
Name
Position
B/T
bWAR/650
OPS+
Years Played
1.
Bobby Abreu
RF
L/R
5.3
139
1998-2006
2.
Ed Delahanty
LF (1B/2B)
R/R
5.7
153
1888-89, 1891-1901
3.
Dick Allen
1B (3B/LF)
R/R
5.2
153
1963-69, 75-76
4.
Mike Schmidt
3B
R/R
7.0
147
1972-89
5.
Chase Utley
2B
L/R
6.3
122
2003-15
6.
Darren Daulton
C
L/R
3.6
114
1983-97
7.
Richie Ashburn
CF
L/R
4.7
111
1948-59
8.
Jimmy Rollins
SS
S/R
3.2
97
2000-14
9.
Pitcher
P
Bench
OF
Sherry Magee
LF/1B/CF
R/R
5.2
142
1904-14
OF
Sam Thompson
RF
L/L
4.2
144
1889-98
OF
Chuck Klein
RF/LF
L/R
4.0
139
1928-33, 36-38, 39-44
1B
Ryan Howard
1B
L/L
1.2
125
2004-16
IN
Scott Rolen
3B
R/R
5.4
126
1996-2002
C
Mike Lieberthal
C
R/R
2.3
102
1994-2006
Infield
Third Baseman Mike Schmidt is undoubtedly the greatest player in franchise history. Schmidt played his entire 18-year career in Philadelphia. With three MVPs, 12 All Star selections, 10 Gold Gloves, and six Silver Sluggers, Schmidt has a compelling case as the best third baseman in baseball history.
While Schmidt may be the only clear cut top tier all-time player, the rest of the Phillies position players are solid all around. The overall offensive production for the members of the Phillies All-Time Team has them pushing for the top-five among all franchises.
The Phillies won five straight NL East championships from 2007-2011. Not surprisingly, five members of those teams make the All-Time Phillies team. The Phillies pitching staff was dominant during that stretch, but nobody was more important to the team’s success than it’s double-play combination. The duo of Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins treated Phillies fans to a golden age of middle infield play for the better part of 12 seasons.
Even fans who follow the modern game closely might be surprised to find that second baseman Chase Utley crafted a solid Hall of Fame case during his 13 years in Philadelphia. He was a six-time All Star and won four Silver Sluggers.
Playing across the keystone from Utley, shortstop Jimmy Rollins was likewise one of the best all-around players of his day. The switch-hitting Rollins was a three-time All Star who won four Gold Gloves and a Silver Slugger for the Phillies. He was the National League MVP in 2007 as the Phillies won their first divisional championship in 14 years.
First baseman Dick Allen was among the most feared sluggers in baseball for the more than a decade. He spent the first seven years of his career in Philadelphia before returning for two more late in his career. Allen was the NL Rookie of the Year in 1964 when he led the league in runs, triples, and total bases. He also led the NL in OPS+ back-to-back seasons in 1966-1967. He was a four-time All Star for the Phillies. He went on to make three more All Star teams with the White Sox where he also won the 1972 AL MVP.
Outfield
Hall of Famer Ed Delahanty is the starter in left field. Although he played before the advent of MVP and All Star voting, he led the league in offensive bWAR three times as a member of the Phillies, and once more for the Washington Senators.
Fellow Hall of Famer Richie Ashburn gets the nod in center field. Ashburn played 12 seasons for the Phillies. An on-base machine who played the overwhelming majority of his career up the middle, Ashburn was a tremendously valuable player. He won batting titles for the Phillies in 1955 and 1958. He also paced the NL in OBP in those seasons as well as 1954. Ashburn made four All Star teams for Philadelphia.
Right fielder Bobby Abreu was among the most talented, and versatile offensive players of his generation. In nine seasons with the Phillies, Abreu made two All Star teams. He also won one Gold Glove, and a Silver Slugger. Abreu’s best seasons were right at the beginning of the sabermetric revolution, and at the end of the steroid era. His unique blend of power, speed, and on-base skills was largely undervalued during his career.
Darren Daulton starts at catcher. In 14 seasons with the Phillies, Daulton was a three-time All Star and won a Silver Slugger. In 1992, he was third among NL position players in bWAR, and led the league with 109 RBI. Amazingly, he is one of only two players (the only hitter) from the 1993 NL Championship team to make the Phillies All-Time team.
Bench
The Phillies have had a remarkable history of excellent outfielders. To reflect that distribution of talent, three outfielders were added to their bench.
Sherry Magee has a strong case to overtake Abreu as the starter in right field. He was an excellent offensive player over 11 years in Philadelphia. He led the NL in average, OBP, slugging, runs, and RBI in a fantastic 1910 season.
Joining Magee as extra outfielders are Hall of Famers Chuck Klein and Sam Thompson.
Klein had a stretch of three straight seasons finishing either first or second in the MVP voting from 1931-1933. He won the award in 1932. A two-time All Star, Klein was among the most feared sluggers in the NL throughout the early part of his career. He led the league in homers four times from 1929-1933.
Thompson played 10 years in Philadelphia before the turn of the century. He led the league twice each in hits, doubles, homers, RBI, and slugging during his years with the Phillies.
First baseman Ryan Howard spent his entire 13-year big league career with the Phillies. Howard burst onto the scene winning the Rookie of the Year in 2005. He led the NL in homers twice, and RBI three times. He was a three time All Star and won one Silver Slugger. In 2006 he hit 58 homers and drove in 149 runs to win the NL MVP.
Howard is difficult player to evaluate in a historical context because his career is a tale of two different players. From 2004-2011, Howard produced 138 OPS+, and was regarded as one of the most dangerous hitters in the game.
On the flip side, from 2012-2016 he played an additional 545 games in which he was a below-average hitter, and miserable defender. In total, the decline phase of his career cost him more than seven bWAR off his career total. In light of the terror he was at the start of his career, and the central role he played during arguably the best stretch in franchise history, I have opted to remember Howard at his best, rather than his worst.
As good as Philadelphia’s lineage of excellent outfielders has been, their legacy in the infield has been just as shallow. Third baseman Scott Rolen is the lone infielder on the Phillies bench. Rolen won the NL Rookie of the Year in 1997. He won four Gold Gloves and one Silver Slugger. He was selected as an All Star in 2002, just weeks before the Phillies would trade him to St. Louis. He remained a similarly excellent player for six seasons with the Cardinals.
Catcher Mike Lieberthal played 13 seasons for the Phillies. He was a two-time All Star and won one Gold Glove. He finished his career as a roughly average hitter at a premium defensive position.
Pitchers
Starting Rotation
Name
B/T
ERA+
Years Played
1.
Steve Carlton
L/L
120
1972-86
2.
Robin Roberts
S/R
114
1948-61
3.
Grover Cleveland Alexander
R/R
140
1911-17, 30
4.
Cole Hamels
L/L
124
2006-15
5.
Chris Short
R/L
105
1959-72
Bullpen
LR
Turk Farrell
R/R
114
1956-61, 67-69
RP
Ricky Bottalico
L/R
115
1994-98, 2001-02
RP
Mitch Williams
L/L
119
1991-93
RP
Tug McGraw
R/L
120
1975-1984
SU
Ryan Madson
L/R
122
2003-11
CL
Ron Reed
R/R
122
1976-83
As good as the Phillies position players have been throughout their history, the pitching staff has been decidedly mediocre for an organization with such a lengthy history.
The Phillies all-time rotation ranks 15th by average ERA+. They boast a trio of Hall of Famers at the front of the group.
The most iconic pitcher in Phillies history is Steve Carlton. “Lefty” earned 241 of his 329 career wins over the course of 15 seasons in Philadelphia. He won an incredible four Cy Young Awards during his Phillies career. He is fifth in big league history with 4.29 career Cy Young shares. He ranks fourth all-time in strikeouts. Carlton was a seven-time All Star for the Phillies, and was chosen 10 times overall. He was the ace of the 1980 World Series champions, winning two games in the series. Steve Carlton is probably among the five greatest left-handed pitchers in history.
Right-hander Robin Roberts pitched 14 seasons of his Hall of Fame career for the Phillies. Remembered for his exceptional control, Roberts was one of the best pitchers of the 1950s. He was a seven-time All Star, and received MVP votes in each of those seven seasons. Roberts led the league in bWAR for pitchers six times in his career.
Grover Cleveland Alexander began his exceptional career with the Phillies in 1911. A dominant pitcher of his day, Alexander led the league in both wins and strikeouts in five of his first seven seasons. He pitched the Phillies to 90 wins, and the pennant, in 1915. After the 1917 season, the Phillies traded Alexander to the Cubs. After missing most of 1918 while fighting in Europe during World War I, Alexander reestablished himself with the Cubs. This second act was a critical piece of his eventual Hall of Fame selection.
Cole Hamels was a consistently reliable force for the Phillies from 2006-2015. The lefty was a three-time All Star. He finished eighth, or better, in the Cy Young voting four times. In 2008, he led the National League with a 1.08 WHIP as the clear cut ace of a World Championship rotation. In the postseason, the Phillies won all five of his starts including two in the World Series.
Left-hander Chris Short rounds out the rotation. In 14 seasons with the Phillies, he helped anchor the pitching staff of some respectable teams. He was a two-time All Star, and received down ballot MVP votes in two seasons as well. He ranked in the top-five among NL pitchers in bWAR three times.
Bullpen
Despite a solid starting rotation, the bullpen of the All-Time Phillies is arguably the weakest unit in this entire exercise. The top three players on the organization’s all-time saves leader board were all placed on the rosters of other franchises. As a result, the Phillies unit that survived is a bit picked over.
Ron Reed gets the call at closer. An average starting pitcher for the first 10 years of his career with the Braves, Reed was reborn as a reliever. After he was traded twice in one season, he landed in Philadelphia. Reed was often dominant out of the Philadelphia bullpen. In 1980, he was one of manager Dallas Green’s most trusted relievers on the organization’s first World Championship team.
Ryan Madson managed an identical ERA+ to Reed in nearly identical bodies of work over the course of their Phillies careers. Like Reed, Madson was also one of the most trusted relievers on a Phillies World Series team (2008). Despite being frequently overshadowed by Brad Lidge, Madson was also a force over nine seasons with Philadelphia. He is third all-time in pitching appearances for the Phillies.
Left-hander Tug McGraw was among the game’s most accomplished relievers when the Phillies acquired him from the Mets after the 1974 season. In ten seasons with Philadelphia, he was mostly excellent, averaging 120 ERA+. Like Reed, he was relied upon heavily during the 1980 World Series run including nailing down saves in two of the four Phillies wins in the series. McGraw made one All Star team in Philadelphia, received Cy Young votes once, and MVP votes twice. He is fourth all-time in pitching appearances for the Phillies.
Mitch Williams was one of the most recognizable relievers of his generation. Wild Thing established his late-inning chops with the Rangers and Cubs before joining the Phillies in 1991. He was sixth in the Cy Young voting in his first season with the club. He then helped pitch them to the World Series in 1993. Although he only pitched three seasons in Philadelphia, he ranks fourth all-time in saves for the Phillies.
Ricky Bottalico played seven seasons over two stints in Philadelphia. He broke into the league with a bang. Over his first three full seasons, Bottalico posted a 139 ERA+, saved 69 games, and made the All Star team in 1996. The remainder of his career consisted of alternating respectability with struggles, and six different team changes.
The final spot in the bullpen went to Turk Farrell. Farrell played nine seasons over two stints with the Phillies. He was an All Star for Philadelphia in 1958. Between his stints in Philadelphia, he was a three-time All Star for Houston.
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.
Eloy Jimenez
Position: OF
2019 Age: 22
Career bWAR with Sox: 0
Although he has yet to make his big league debut, the legend surrounding White Sox outfield prospect Eloy Jimenez has already begun to grow.
Jimenez played the entire 2018 season at age 21, and dominated the upper minors all year. In a season split between Double-A Birmingham and Triple-A Charlotte, Jimenez established himself as the best outfield prospect in the minors. In 108 games he combined to hit .337/.384/.577 with 28 doubles, 22 homers, and 32 walks against just 69 strikeouts.
Although he was clearly ready for a promotion late in the summer, the White Sox opted to shut him down at the conclusion of Charlotte’s season. In the process, the Sox will secure an extra season of control over Jimenez during what figure to be his prime years.
Jimenez remains on track to be a standout hitter at the big league level as soon as next season. As a corner outfielder he may not provide much defensive value, but he should be able to hold his own on that front.
It remains to be seen if the present drama over his delayed promotion to the big leagues will factor into any future contract extension discussions. Regardless, Jimenez is as good a bet as any current player to have a long, dominant career on the South Side.
Outlook
The reserve outfielders on the White Sox All-Time Team are no slouches, but Jimenez clearly has the talent to perform at that level, or better, for years to come. Harold Baines has a lengthy career, and strong White Sox legacy to overcome. Meanwhile, Magglio Ordonez posted better rate numbers than Baines, but his White Sox career was significantly shorter. Jimenez could, theoretically, follow a similar career path to either player. In a perfect world, he would combine the best attributes of both to push for a spot among the Sox All-Time starting nine.
Jose Abreu
Position: 1B
2019 Age: 32
Career bWAR with Sox: 18.7
When Jose Abreu signed a free agent with the White Sox in October, 2013, nobody seemed to be sure exactly how his dominance in Cuba would translate to the highest level of the game.
Abreu proved to be an immediate impact player. In 2014, he led the AL in OPS+ (173) and slugging (.581) on the way to the All Star game, Rookie of the Year honors, and a 4th place finish in the MVP voting.
Unfortunately, 2014 has represented Abreu’s career year up to this point. Given that he was 27 years old at the time, it may stay that way.
On the other hand, Abreu has been remarkably consistent since. With about two weeks remaining in the 2018 season, Abreu sits with a career 138 OPS+, while averaging 3.7 bWAR/season.
Outlook
Abreu’s career to date demonstrates the potential to end up in the same category as Baines, Ordonez, and even starting first baseman Paul Konerko among the great sluggers in White Sox history.
At this point, Abreu’s greatest hurdle appears to be father time. He has a chance to be a free agent after the 2019 season. Were he to depart after next season, he would almost definitely fall short of the bar needed for inclusion on the All-Time Team. A contract extension appears to necessary for him to get there. In the event of an extension, he would probably need to remain a well above-average hitter into his mid-30s to secure his place.
None of that is impossible, but it’s hardly probable. Even still, the first five years of his career have produced enough of a foundation for Abreu to sit near the top of the White Sox Watch List.
Yoan Moncada
Position: 2B
2019 Age: 24
Career bWAR with Sox: 3.1
Like his countryman Abreu, Yoan Moncada is among the highest profile Cuban players in recent years. After signing as a free agent with the Red Sox in March, 2015, Moncada quickly established himself as one of the top prospects in the minor leagues. The White Sox acquired him from Boston in December, 2016 as part of the deal that sent Franchise Phenom Chris Sale to the Red Sox.
After a cup of coffee with Boston, the White Sox brough Moncada to the big leagues for good in July, 2017.
At this point, Moncada clearly has work to do in order to realize his considerable potential. He figures to finish the 2018 season with a little over 200 career games in the big leagues, and a career OPS+ on the low side of average. He is on pace to the lead the American League in strikeouts this year. His defense at second base is currently adequate at best.
While it’s fair to say that some of the shine has worn off of Moncada since his days as a top prospect, there is still reason to be hopeful. His loud tools, including 60-grade power, and 70-grade speed, landed him a massive $31.5 million signing bonus as an amateur. Despite his slow adaptation to the big leagues, those tools remain the basis for his potential to be an all-time great for the White Sox.
His current 162 game average clearly demonstrates a talented, but flawed player. The .228/.315/.397 line is carrying the heavy weight of 231 strikeouts. At the same time, he is averaging 74 walks, 28 doubles, 7 triples, and 20 homers.
Outlook
While the current version of Moncada is a far cry from an all-time great, there is hope. Moncada would hardly be the first player to consolidate his skills, and emerge as a much better player in his prime. Any meaningful improvement in his strikeout rate, for example, would beget tremendous improvements across the board on offense.
Similarly, there is significant room for improvement on defense. Improved focus and technique at second base, or perhaps even a position switch to the outfield, could suddenly make Moncada a much more valuable player.
At this point, the Sox control Moncada’s rights through the 2023 season. With the team in the middle of a massive rebuild, they remain heavily invested in his development. If he realizes his ridiculous potential, it will likely be in Chicago.
I’m willing to bet on the tools, and skills, he has already shown. I fully expect Moncada to be a star-caliber player at some point in his career. In order to have a chance to edge out Hall of Famers such as Luis Aparicio, and Nellie Fox, he will have to make those adjustments sooner, rather than later.
Michael Kopech
Position: RHSP
2019 Age: 23
Career bWAR with Sox: 0.1
Michael Kopech was the 33rd overall pick in the 2014 draft. The Boston Red Sox bet on Kopech’s impressive physical tools including elite arm strength, and a projectable frame.
In his methodical climb through the Boston system, Kopech’s projection slowly became reality. His velocity continued to climb, regularly reaching triple digits. The life on his heater helps make the pitch an elite offering. While Kopech struggled with the finer points of pitching including control and changing speeds in the low-minors, the talent was obvious.
By the end of 2016, Kopech was clearly making progress across the board. In December, Kopech joined Yoan Moncada as the headliners in the White Sox return for Chris Sale.
For much of 2017-2018, Kopech was largely the same pitcher. A flame-thrower with filthy stuff whose shaky control threatened to undermine the entire package as a starter.
Midway through 2018, Kopech’s command took a quantum leap. He mowed down Triple-A hitters in July and August before earning his first start in the big leagues on August 21. The command largely survived the trip to Chicago, and Kopech flashed moments of dominance in his first three starts.
After he was roughed up in his fourth outing on September 4, it was announced that Kopech had been diagnosed with a UCL tear. With Tommy John surgery lurking, Kopech now stands to face the long road to recovery while missing the entire 2019 season.
Outlook
I must confess that I am not particularly optimistic about Kopech’s chances to be an all-time great for the White Sox. While I expect that he will continue to show dominance when healthy, it remains to be seen how often he will be able to manage that. In any case, we won’t know anything new until 2020.
Wrapping Up
Despite all of the questions surrounding Kopech, his immense physical talent gives him the edge for the final spot on this list.
Starting pitchers Carlos Rodon, Lucas Giolito, and Reynaldo Lopez have all shown flashes, but due to lesser stuff, and shorter length of team control remaining, none of them are better bets than Kopech.
Reliever Nate Jones holds a career 137 ERA+, but has struggled to stay healthy the past two seasons. He probably needs 2-3 more healthy, and effective, seasons to be considered.
Shortstop Tim Anderson is not far from Moncada at this stage in their careers. He has been similarly inconsistent on defense, and his hacktastic approach makes it less likely he develops into a superstar than his double-play partner.
In Just A Bit Outside we examine the four best players who were not chosen for their franchise’s All-Time Team.
Wilbur Wood
Wilbur Wood signed with the Boston Red Sox as an amateur free agent prior to the 1960 season. He spent parts of four seasons with the Red Sox before he was sold to the Pirates in September 1964. Wood established himself as an effective reliever for Pittsburgh in 1965. The Pirates traded him to Chicago in October, 1966.
Wood relied on his knuckle ball to become a mainstay for the Chicago pitching staff from 1967-1978. He was incredible durable and versatile during his White Sox career.
Wood led the league in appearances three straight seasons from 1968-1970.
He shifted to the starting rotation in 1971. He immediately established himself as one of the best starters in the game, leading the AL with a 189 ERA+.
Wood also continued to eat innings at an elite level. During his White Sox career, Wood led the league in games started four times and innings pitched twice.
Beyond his durability, he remained an excellent pitcher for several seasons. He led the AL in wins twice with back-to-back 24-win seasons in 1972-1973.
Wood was a three-time All Star, finished in the top-five in the Cy Young voting three times, and received MVP votes in three seasons as well.
From 1967-1978, Wilbur Wood produced 50.3 bWAR, 7th best in franchise history.
With a career 116 ERA+ over 2524.1 innings, Wood is clearly among the best pitchers in White Sox history. He was the last player cut from the White Sox All-Time Team.
Eddie Cicotte
Eddie Cicotte signed as an amateur free agent with the Detroit Tigers before the 1905 season. He pitched just three games for the Tigers. His contract was then purchased by the Red Sox before 1908. He proved to be an effective starter during his five seasons with Boston. The White Sox purchased him from the Red Sox in July, 1912.
Cicotte broke out for the White Sox, posting a 186 ERA+ in 1913. His 7.5 bWAR was tied for third best among AL pitchers that year.
Cicotte remained a solidly above-average pitcher in his early 30s, averaging 123 ERA+ from 1914-1916.
1917 was his career year. He led the league in wins (28), ERA (1.53), and innings (346.2). His 11.5 bWAR was the best of his career, and tops in the American League that season. The 1917 White Sox won the American League, and defeated the New York Giants in six games to win the World Series. Cicotte was 1-1 with a 1.57 ERA in 23 innings during the fall classic.
1919
The White Sox returned to the World Series in 1919. Cicotte was again the team’s ace pitcher winning 29 games and finishing with a 176 ERA+ over 306.2 innings.
In the best-of-nine 1919 World Series, the White Sox took on the NL Champion Cincinnati Reds. The usually reliable Cicotte was drilled for six runs in 3.2 innings, and took the loss in the opener.
With the Sox trailing two games to one, manager Kid Gleason gave Cicotte the ball again in Game Four. This time it was two-unearned runs, resulting from his own fielding errors in the top of the fifth inning, that sealed his fate. The Reds won 2-0 to take a commanding 3-1 series lead.
In an attempt to redeem himself, Cicotte tossed a complete game gem in Game Seven, and the Sox won 4-1. Unfortunately, the team dropped the next game, and the series to the Reds.
In the aftermath of the series, rumors began to circulate that members of the White Sox team, including Cicotte, had conspired with gamblers to throw the series.
Cicotte won 21 games in 1920, his last season in the majors. As the season concluded, Cicotte became the focal point of an investigation into allegations that the 1919 World Series was a sham. Cicotte, and seven of his teammates, were indicted by a grand jury in Cook County Court for their role in the conspiracy. Although the players were acquitted in court, new MLB Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis banned the players from ever again playing big league baseball.
Legacy
Cicotte’s playing career alone would place him firmly in consideration for the White Sox All-Time team. His 50.3 bWAR ranks 8th in franchise history. His 133 ERA+ is 5th in Sox history.
Unlike his Black Sox teammate Shoeless Joe Jackson, Cicotte was not selected for the White Sox All-Time Team. While both players were banned from baseball following the 1920 season, some historians have questioned Jackson’s true role in the scandal.
Cicotte’s involvement is beyond dispute. He offered an official confession to his guilt that was later lost by court officials. Unlike Jackson, his record of play in the series, including two suspect loses, offers no argument for his overall innocence. As a result, one of the most dominant pitchers in White Sox history is Just A Bit Outside the All-Time Team.
Doc White
Doc White was signed out of Georgetown University by the Philadelphia Phillies prior to the 1901 season. White made 67 appearances, working to a 110 ERA+ in two seasons with the Phillies.
In 1903, the White Sox convinced White to jump to their club in the fledgling American League. White was an instant success in Chicago.
From 1903-1906, White was one of the best pitchers in the American League. He went 68-47 with a 142 ERA+ over his first 1007.2 innings with the White Sox.
1906
In 1906, the 27-year-old lefty had his career year. He posted league-best marks in ERA (1.52) and WHIP (0.90) over 219.1 innings. His 6.1 bWAR was the top mark for the pitching staff that led the White Sox to the World Series.
Along with Franchise Phenom, Ed Walsh, White anchored Chicago’s pitching staff against the crosstown rival Chicago Cubs.
In Game Two of the series, White was removed for a pinch-hitter after allowing four unearned runs in three innings. White was hung with the loss, and the series was tied after two games.
In Game Five, with the series tied at two games apiece, player/manager and Franchise Phenom, Fielder Jones rode Walsh and White to victory. Walsh battled through six innings, but shoddy White Sox defense (the team made six errors in the game), kept the Cubs chances alive. After surrendering a leadoff double in the bottom of the 7th, Walsh was pulled in favor of White. White allowed just one hit and a walk the rest of the way to earn the save, and secure the White Sox victory.
Back on the South Side the following day, Jones gave the ball to White yet again, this time to start. In a match-up of the best pitchers from their respective leagues, the Cubs countered with Mordecai “Three Finger” Brown. The Sox got to Brown early and often, jumping out to a 7-0 lead after two innings. White went the distance, scattering 11 runners, and allowing three runs. In just their sixth year of existence, Doc White helped pitch the White Sox to the first World Championship in franchise history.
After the Championship
White backed up 1906 with another solid season in 1907. He led the league in wins (27) and K/BB rate (3.71).
1908 was the first below-average season of White’s career at 90 ERA+, but he still won 18 games.
At age 30, White had one more strong season in him. He threw 177.2 innings at a 138 ERA+ in 1909.
Although he hung on for parts of four more seasons, he was slightly below-average overall during the final stretch of his career.
In 11 years for the White Sox, Doc White won 159 games, and pitched 2498.1 innings for an ERA+ of 114. His 37.6 bWAR is 14th in White Sox history.
George Davis
George Davis grew up near Albany, New York. He signed with the Cleveland Spiders of the National League before the 1890 season. In three seasons for Cleveland, he was a solid above-average regular, splitting his time between third base and the outfield.
In February, 1893, the Spiders traded Davis to the New York Giants for star slugger Buck Ewing. While Ewing’s best days were behind him, Davis would emerge as a star in New York.
From 1893-1901, Davis laid the groundwork for a Hall of Fame career with the Giants. He averaged .332/.394/.468, 132 OPS+, and 5.0 bWAR during that stretch.
White Sox Career
Like many players of his day, including Doc White, Davis became wrapped up in an emerging drama between the National League and the new American League. Despite the contractual reserve clause that bound players to their teams as long as the team chose to retain them, many players began jumping to teams in the other league whenever they wanted a new contract.
Davis jumped to the White Sox where he had a solid season in 1902. He attempted to return to the Giants in 1903, but the subsequent legal dispute limited him to just four games that season. He was returned to Chicago for 1904. The SABR Bio on George Davis outlines the drama well.
Davis then finished his career with Chicago from 1904-1909. Although his offensive production with Chicago slipped well below that of his peak with the Giants, Davis remained the regular shortstop for the bulk of his time with the Sox. Defensive metrics, applied retroactively to his career, view his work in the field very favorably.
From 1904-1907, bWAR paints the picture of a star shortstop who was among the league’s best at the position. Davis averaged 6.9 bWAR during that stretch, and was the best player on the 1906 World Champs.
All told, George Davis is one of the best shortstops in the histories of both the New York Giants, and the Chicago White Sox. His 33.0 bWAR is 16th in White Sox history. His 44.6 bWAR in New York ranks him 12th all-time for the Giants.
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.
Luke Appling (74.4)
Background
Luke Appling grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. He attended Fulton High School and Oglethorpe University in Atlanta before embarking on his professional career. He was acquired by the White Sox in August, 1930 when the team purchased his contract from the Atlanta Crackers of the Southern Association. He made his big league debut shortly after signing, and emerged as a semi-regular player the following season.
White Sox Career
Despite below-average offensive production in his first two full seasons, the White Sox continued to invest playing time in Appling.
Peak
In 1933, at age 26, Appling hit his stride as a big leaguer hitting .322/.379/.443. His 5.1 bWAR ranked ninth in the American League that season.
1933 began a stretch of 11 seasons where Appling averaged .320/.408/.410, 115 OPS+, and 4.9 bWAR. He was a five-time All Star during his prime years. He finished second in the MVP voting twice during this stretch.
In 1936, Appling was runner-up to Lou Gehrig. He hit .388 to win his first batting title, and finished fifth in the American League with 6.9 bWAR.
In 1943, Appling finished behind Spud Chandler. He hit .328 to win his second batting title. He also led the league in OBP at .419. His 7.6 bWAR was second in the league trailing only Lou Bodreau.
When Appling missed 1944 while serving in the Army during the late stages of World War II, it seemed his career might be over. He missed most of 1945 as well. He was discharged with enough time remaining to return to Chicago for 18 games.
As it turned out, Appling had four seasons of star-caliber play remaining. From 1946-49, Appling put an authoritative stamp on his Hall of Fame career. In his age 39-42 seasons, Appling averaged .308/.408/.384, 120 OPS+, and 4.8 bWAR. He made the All Star team two more times during this period, and received down ballot MVP consideration each year.
Appling was released by the White Sox at the conclusion of a 1950 season after just 144 plate appearances that year.
Legacy
Despite his status as one of the all-time great White Sox players, the teams that Appling played for were decidedly mediocre. Appling played on just five winning teams in 20 seasons. He never played in the postseason.
Appling remains the White Sox all-time leader in games played (2422), hits (2749), singles (2162), and times on base (4062).
Appling is among the most accomplished, and durable shortstops in big league history. He ranks among the top-10 shortstops in Major League history in games played (8th), putouts (7th), and assists (6th).
Luke Appling biography from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
Ted Lyons (71.5)
Background
Ted Lyons grew up in Louisiana. He attended Vinton High School before heading to Baylor University. Lyons was an excellent athlete who lettered in basketball and track at Baylor in addition to baseball. He signed with the White Sox in the spring of 1923 as he was finishing up school. He reported directly to the big club, and appeared in nine games that season.
White Sox Career
At 23 years old, Lyons made the team again out of spring training in 1924 and never looked back. He pitched 216.1 below-average innings in his first full season.
Lyons established himself as a legitimate star in 1925. He pitched 262.2 innings and led the league with 21 wins and five shutouts. His 5.4 bWAR was sixth among AL pitchers.
Lyons remained remarkably effective throughout the remainder of his career. In the 19 seasons he played from 1925-46, Lyons posted an ERA+ below league-average just twice (1933-34).
Peak
Lyons hit his peak in 1927. The 26-year-old right-hander led the league with 307.2 innings, 30 complete games, and 22 wins. His 143 ERA+ mark was only the fifth best season of his career by that measure, but he failed to clear 191 innings in the other four. The combination of excellent performance and a high volume of innings helped him produce a career-best 7.4 bWAR, fourth best in the AL that year. He finished third in the 1927 MVP race behind Lou Gehrig and Harry Heilmann.
In 1930, Lyons again led the league in innings (297.2) and complete games (29).
He made his only All Star team in 1939. At the age of 38, Lyons led the league in FIP (3.22), WHIP (1.09), and K/BB (2.50) while posting a career-best 173 ERA+.
He continued his “decline” phase by leading the league in ERA (2.10) and ERA+ (171) over 180.1 innings in 1942.
Duty Calls
Lyons joined the Marine Corps in 1943 and spent his age 42-44 seasons pitching for Uncle Sam.
He made five final appearances in early 1946 before being hired to replace Jimmy Dykes as manager of the White Sox. He managed through 1948, finishing with a career record of 185-245.
Legacy
Like Appling, Ted Lyons played through arguably the bleakest era in White Sox history. He played on just six winning teams in 21 seasons, and never played in the postseason.
Although he ranks second in career bWAR for the White Sox behind Appling, he is actually second in pitching bWAR to Red Faber who edged Lyons for inclusion in the team’s starting rotation. In an interesting twist, Lyons was a significantly better hitter than Faber during their careers, helping him to secure his spot on Chicago’s Mount RushWAR.
Lyons remains Chicago’s franchise leader in wins (260), innings pitched (4161), games started (484), and complete games (356)
Lyons was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1955. Known more for his control (he had the lowest walk rate in the AL four times during his career) and durability than his power stuff, Lyons is something of an odd Hall of Famer to be sure. Although he had excellent command of the strike zone, Lyons actually walked more batters (1121) than he struck out (1073) in his career. Despite that imbalance, he finished with a career 118 ERA+.
With the modern game increasingly dominated by power pitchers and power hitters, Ted Lyons serves as a reminder of how much the game has evolved in the past century.
Ted Lyons. Behind the Plaques from the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
Frank Thomas (68.3)
Background
Frank Thomas played his high school ball in Columbus, Georgia. He attended Auburn University where he played baseball for three seasons, and football for one. After going undrafted out of high school, Thomas was selected seventh overall by the White Sox in the 1989 draft.
White Sox Career
Thomas more than held his own in the Florida State League after signing in 1989. He then shredded the Double A Southern League for 109 games in 1990 before making his Major League debut in August. He immediately proved himself as an impact player, posting a 177 OPS+ in 60 games during his rookie year.
By his age 23 season, Frank Thomas was already the best hitter in the American League. In 1991, he paced the AL in walks, OBP, and OPS+. He finished third in the MVP voting behind Cal Ripken Jr. and Cecil Fielder, despite producing 4.2 more bWAR than the latter.
Over the course of the next decade, “The Big Hurt” would stake a claim to the title of best hitter in baseball.
From 1991-2000, Thomas averaged a line of .320/.439/.581, 168 OPS+, and 5.1 bWAR per season. He led the AL in walks and OBP four times, and OPS+ three times. He also led the league in runs, slugging, and doubles once each during that stretch.
In 1993, Thomas won the first of his back-to-back MVP’s. He hit .317/.426/.607 with 41 homers, 128 RBI, and 106 runs. He was the best player on one of the best teams in White Sox history. The Sox won the AL West with a 94-68 record. They were defeated in six games in the ALCS by the eventual world champion Toronto Blue Jays. Thomas was a monster in the series, hitting .353/.593/.529.
The 1994 Chicago White Sox were on track to deliver on the promise of the team’s near miss the season before. When the Players Association went on strike on August 12, the White Sox were leading the AL Central with a 67-46 record. In what would prove to be his career year, Thomas ran away with his second straight MVP after hitting .353/.487/.729, 212 OPS+, and 6.4 bWAR.
Much has been made of the impact of the 1994 strike on the fortunes of the Montreal Expos franchise. There is a case to be made that the White Sox franchise was impacted in a similar fashion. Both teams were legitimate World Series contenders with star caliber players whose fans were robbed of the opportunity to watch them compete in October.
Thomas continued to dominate the American League through the late 1990s, but the White Sox would not make the playoffs again until 2000.
The 2000 White Sox won the AL Central with a league-best 95-67 record. The Big Hurt was once again a driving force behind the team’s success. He hit .328/.436/.625, 163 OPS+, and produced 6.0 bWAR. As the best player on the best team in the league, Thomas finished second in the MVP voting behind Jason Giambi. In a stunning turn of events, the Sox were swept by the Seattle Mariners, winner of the AL Wilcard, in the ALDS.
Decline
As he entered his mid-30s, Thomas would have an increasingly difficult time keeping his massive body healthy. In his final five seasons with the White Sox, Thomas remained incredibly productive if increasingly unavailable.
From 2001-2005, Thomas averaged just 86 games per season. Despite an assortment of aches, and serious injuries, Big Frank still managed to produce a 135 OPS+ when he was in the lineup.
2005 would prove a bittersweet ending to his tenure on the South Side. Thomas limped through 124 productive plate appearances before playing his last game in late-July and succumbing to season-ending surgery. The White Sox went on to capture their first World Series since 1917 without the greatest hitter in franchise history. Thomas was visible with the team in October, and as thrilled as anybody when the team clinched in Houston.
After the White Sox
With his health in question, the White Sox allowed Thomas to depart via free agency after the 2005 season. He landed in Oakland where he finished fourth in the MVP voting in 2006. Thomas dominated as the AL West Champion Athletics swept Minnesota in the ALDS. He struggled badly in the ALCS when A’s were swept by Detroit to end their season.
He was productive again in 2007, this time for the Blue Jays. He was released by Toronto early in the 2008 season before hooking up with Oakland again for the final 55 games of his Hall of Fame career.
Legacy
In 16 seasons with the White Sox, the Big Hurt was a five-time All Star, four-time Silver Slugger, and two-time American League MVP. He is, without question, the greatest hitter in franchise history.
Thomas is the White Sox all-time leader in home runs (448), RBI (1465), OBP (.427), slugging (.568), runs (1327), doubles (447), walks (1466), OPS+ (161), and offensive bWAR (75.0).
His 1667 career walks are 10th most in Major League history. He also ranks among the top-20 in slugging (19th), home runs (20th), OBP (20th), and OPS+ (20th).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWrwOrjIkS4
Frank Thomas Career Highlights. Sports Productions on YouTube
Eddie Collins (66.7)
Background
Eddie Collins grew up in New York. He graduated from Irving High School in Tarrytown on the east bank of the Hudson River. Collins attended Columbia before signing to play for the Philadelphia Athletics in 1906. When he made his debut later that season, Collins became an exceedingly rare player in the annals of big league baseball: a teenager who was also an Ivy Leaguer.
Athletics Career
Collins appeared in the big leagues again in 1907, but spent most of his age-20 season in the minors. By 1908, he was a semi-regular player, and above-average hitter for Philadelphia. By 1909, he was a star.
From 1909-1914, Collins anchored the Athletics lineup. He averaged .345/.432/.447, 163 OPS+, and an incredible 8.9 bWAR per season. As a member of Connie Mack’s vaunted $100,00 infield, Collins was the best player on three World Series Championship teams in 1910, 1911, and 1913.
Collins finished sixth, or better, in the MVP voting three straight seasons before finally winning the award in 1914. After the A’s were swept by the Boston Braves in the 1914 World Series, Connie Mack and the Athletics agreed to sell Collins to Charles Comiskey’s White Sox for $50,000. It was the first time in history that a reigning MVP was traded in the off-season.
White Sox Career
With Chicago, Collins picked up right where he left off. 1915 was his third straight season of 9+ bWAR. He hit .332/.460/.436, 165 OPS+ and led the league in walks (119). Collins was the biggest piece in a lineup overhaul that helped the Sox win 93 games, a 23 game improvement from the previous year.
Collins was excellent again in 1916, posting 7.1 bWAR. The Sox won 89 games and finished just two back of the Red Sox in the AL.
World Champions
The White Sox hit their collective stride in 1917. Collins, “Shoeless” Joe Jackson, and Happy Felsch all finished among the top-10 hitters in the AL by bWAR. Eddie Cicotte was the best pitcher in the American League. The team won the AL by nine games with a 100-54 record. Their .649 winning percentage, and 100 wins are still the best marks in franchise history.
In the World Series, the Sox were met by another 100-win club, John McGraw’s New York Giants.
Collins was excellent in the series, leading the Chicago offense with a .409/.458/.455 line in the six games. His go-ahead single in the bottom of the 8th inning of Game 5 was among the most pivotal plays of the entire series.
The Sox won the 1917 World Series in six games behind the excellent pitching of Cicotte, and emerging Franchise Phenom, Red Faber who earned three of the four Chicago wins.
After the Series
With the core of the team returning, it seemed the White Sox were poised for another big year in 1918. Instead, the team struggled. Cicotte and catcher Ray Schalk took major steps backwards after excellent 1917 seasons. Jackson, as well as pitchers Faber and Lefty Williams missed huge chunks of the season after enlisting in the armed forces for the home stretch in World War I. Collins himself joined the Marines and missed the final few weeks of the season. The defending champions finished just 57-67.
1919
1919 would prove to be very different. Collins, Jackson, and Williams returned from the service and posted big seasons. Cicotte returned to form. The White Sox won the American League at 88-52.
The National League was represented by the Cincinnati Reds, themselves having won 96 games. In an unusual twist, the teams agreed to play a best-of-nine series in 1919.
While the White Sox were favored to win the series, tensions over salary issues, and personal hostilities, left the team susceptible to threats from the outside. The baseball world watched as a plot initiated by gamblers to pay several members of the team to lose the World Series unfolded in plain sight.
Although the details of the scandal remain somewhat murky, even in the present day, the plot was exposed in the year following the series. Despite his poor play (.531 OPS in the 1919 series), Collins himself was not implicated in the conspiracy. The fact that he managed to stay on the right side of the affair appears to be a result of the combination of his personal character, and the fact that he was not on particularly good terms with many of the conspirators.
Life After the Black Sox
The 1920 White Sox won 96 games, but finished two games behind Cleveland in the American League. Collins paced the offense with 7.9 bWAR. When the scandal went public following the 1920 season, the baseball world was rocked to its core.
As a franchise, it would be decades before the White Sox could put 1919 in the rear-view mirror completely. The team would not play in a World Series again until 1959. They would not win one until 2005.
Collins would play six more seasons for the White Sox after eight of his teammates were banned from baseball. From 1921-1926, he averaged .343/.434/.438, 128 OPS+, and 4.9 bWAR for teams that ranged from mediocre to bad.
Despite remaining productive as a 39-year-old in 1926, Collins was released by the White Sox that off-season.
After the White Sox
Collins spent the 1927-1930 seasons back with the Athletics as a coach and part-time player.
In 1933, Collins became the Vice President and General Manager of the Boston Red Sox. While with the Red Sox he oversaw the acquisition of a number of Boston’s great players of the next generation, including Ted Williams.
Legacy
It is possible that Eddie Collins is the most underrated great player in Major League history. With 124 career bWAR, Collins ranks 13th all-time ahead of Ted Williams, Lou Gehrig, Mickey Mantle, and countless other icons.
Collins is part of a small group of players who would easily qualify as a Franchise Phenom for two different organizations. In fact, his 57.3 bWAR amassed as a member of the Athletics places him 5th all-time, just outside of their Mount RushWAR.
Collins finished sixth, or better, in the MVP voting seven different times in his career including three straight seasons with the White Sox from 1922-1924. He is Chicago’s all-time leader in stolen bases (368).
Collins is the all-time Major League leader in games played (2650), and assists (7630), as a second baseman. He ranks 8th all-time in stolen bases (741), 10th in bWAR for position players (124) and times on base (4891). He also ranks among the top-20 in triples (12th), OBP (13th), runs (17th), and walks (19th).
Every week at Franchise Phenoms, I plan to release the all-time 25 man roster for a new franchise.
In addition to publishing the 25-man roster, there will be other content related to the history of the franchise’s best players.
I chose to begin with the Chicago White Sox. I have lived most of my life in Northwest Indiana, a short 40-minute drive from the ballpark on the South Side of Chicago. For better or worse, I was raised a White Sox fan, and that’s where we will begin.
Franchise Overview
The White Sox were founded in 1901 as a charter member of the American League. Only eight National League franchises have played more seasons than the White Sox.
Their three World Series championships (1906, 1917, 2005) have them tied for 10th most in history.
The White Sox are one of 13 teams to have a franchise winning percentage over .500. Their .503 mark puts them at 11th best in history.
Despite a long history of respectability, White Sox fans have struggled as often as not.
The Sox went without a World championship from 1917-2005. The club made just two World Series appearances in the meantime.
The 1919 club had the second best record of any team in Sox history before infamously conspiring with gamblers to throw the World Series. This cloud hung over the franchise for decades as the Sox made just one more World Series trip in the next 85 years.
The most telling statistic in White Sox history might be the fact that the percentage of the team’s seasons in which they have made the playoffs is the lowest of any team in history at just 7.63%.
For a franchise that has frequently fielded winning teams, the Sox have rarely rewarded their fans with a chance to see baseball in October.
Hitters
Starting Lineup
Name
Position
B/T
bWAR/ 650
OPS+
Years Played
1.
Joe Jackson
LF
L/R
3.6
159
1915-20
2.
Eddie Collins
2B
L/R
6.2
133
1915-26
3.
Frank Thomas
DH (1B)
R/R
5.3
161
1990-2005
4.
Minnie Minoso
RF (LF/3B)
R/R
4.7
133
1951-57, 60-61, 64, 76, 80
5.
Paul Konerko
1B
R/R
2.1
120
1999-2014
6.
Robin Ventura
3B (1B)
L/R
4.9
117
1989-98
7.
Luke Appling
SS
R/R
4.8
113
1930-50
8.
Fielder Jones
CF
L/R
4.3
112
1901-08
9.
Sherm Lollar
C
R/R
3.6
106
1952-63
Bench
OF
Magglio Ordonez
RF
R/R
4.0
127
1997-2004
OF
Harold Baines
RF
L/L
2.4
118
1980-89, 96-97, 00-01
IN
Luis Aparicio
SS
R/R
3.6
83
1956-62, 68-70
IN
Nellie Fox
2B
L/R
3.3
95
1950-63
C
Ray Schalk
C
R/R
3.1
83
1912-28
The White Sox careers of Frank Thomas, “Shoeless” Joe Jackson, and Eddie Collins place them among the elite in this entire exercise.
A two-time A.L. MVP, and Hall of Famer, Thomas would start at first base or DH for the all-time team of every single franchise without requiring much shuffling to make it work. Thomas is unquestionably one of the best hitters in history.
No team has three outfielders who were better hitters than Shoeless Joe was for the White Sox. It was a tough decision as to whether or not to include Jackson in this exercise given his involvement in the 1919 Black Sox Scandal. Considering his performance record in the games in question, and the fact that some historians dispute his guilt, I gave him the benefit of the doubt where others throughout history have not.
Collins is part of a rare breed of player who would be a lock to start for two different franchises if I permitted players to appear for more than one team. He was actually a better player on a rate basis with the Athletics, but accrued more playing time and total value for the White Sox.
For a team with such a long history, it’s not surprising to find that most of the starters for the Sox are approximately average at worst when compared to their counterparts on other teams.
At shortstop, Luke Appling is a Hall of Famer who spent his entire career with the franchise. His contact/on-base skills and above-average defense over a 20-year career put him in rarefied air among South Side greats. He was a seven-time All Star who twice finished second in the MVP voting.
Third baseman Robin Ventura was an extremely underrated player for his 10 seasons with the Sox. He won six Gold Gloves while providing consistently above-average offensive production.
As a solid hitter who provided no value defensively, or on the bases, Paul Konerko is among the 5-10 weakest starting franchise first baseman. Konerko became the face of the White Sox for the better part of a decade following the 2005 World Series. He was named the team’s captain, and was beloved by the organization’s fans. On a value basis, there is a case for his teammate, Magglio Ordonez to be inserted into the starting lineup. Given that Konerko is on the right side of the team’s improbable 2005 championship run, he gets the nod. Konerko was a six-time All Star.
Fielder Jones is the only member of the all-time Sox roster who played for the team during it’s inaugural season in 1901. Jones began his career with the Brooklyn Bridegrooms in the National League before posting eight seasons as an above-average hitter and solid outfielder for the Sox.
Cuban baseball icon Minnie Minoso gets the nod in right field. Minoso was an elite offensive player who was a seven-time All Star and two-time Gold Glover during his 12 seasons with the Sox. Minoso finished fourth in the MVP voting four different times with the Sox. He was famously brought back for cameo appearances with the club in 1976 and 1980 making him one of only two players to appear in the big leagues during five different decades.
Catcher Sherm Lollar played 12 years on the South Side. He was a six-time All Star, and won three Gold Gloves while playing for the Sox. He gets the starting nod over Hall of Famer Ray Schalk on the strength of a significantly better offensive career.
Bench
The Sox bench boasts three Hall of Famers who were excellent all around players over long careers with the club in Ray Schalk (C), Nellie Fox (2B), and Luis Aparicio (SS).
Schalk received MVP votes four different times in his 17 years with the Sox.
Fox was a 12-time All Star who led the league in hits four times. He added three Gold Gloves and is well-regarded for his defense. In 1959, as the best player on the American League Champion “Go-Go” White Sox, Fox was also the AL MVP.
Aparicio played 10 of his 18 seasons with the White Sox. He was a six-time All Star and seven-time Gold Glover in Chicago. He led the league in stolen bases for nine straight seasons to begin his career, seven of which were with the Sox. In 1959, he finished second to his double play partner Fox in the MVP race.
Organizational favorite Harold Baines was the first overall draft pick in 1977. He was a solid hitter, and four-time All Star in 14 seasons with the Sox. Some of his best offensive seasons were spent as a designated hitter in exile with other American League teams in the 1990s.
Venezuelan right fielder Magglio Ordonez rounds out the offense. Ordonez was a four-time All Star in eight seasons with the Sox. Terrible timing of a nasty knee injury in 2004 hastened his departure via free agency to Detroit the following winter. Maggs remained a productive hitter with Detroit including a second place MVP finish in 2007.
Pitchers
Starting Rotation
Name
B/T
ERA+
Years Played
1.
Ed Walsh
R/R
147
1904-16
2.
Billy Pierce
L/L
123
1949-61
3.
Mark Buehrle
L/L
120
2000-11
4.
Red Faber
S/R
119
1914-33
5.
Chris Sale
L/L
135
2010-16
Bullpen
LR
Ted Lyons
S/R
118
1923-46
RP
Bobby Thigpen
R/R
126
1986-93
RP
Bobby Jenks
R/R
136
2005-10
RP
Roberto Hernandez
R/R
154
1991-97
SU
Keith Foulke
R/R
166
1997-2002
CL
Hoyt Wilhelm
R/R
171
1963-68
The White Sox boast the sixth best starting pitching rotation of any all-time team by average ERA+.
Hall of Famer Ed Walsh spent 13 seasons with the Sox during which time he was, at times, arguably the best pitcher in baseball. He accumulated nearly all of his career value in Chicago. His 1.82 career ERA and 2.02 FIP are the best in baseball history.
Billy Pierce spent 13 seasons on the South Side. He was a seven-time All Star. He led the league in Wins, Strikeouts, and ERA at different times during his White Sox tenure.
Mark Buehrle is perhaps one of the more improbable all-time greats in history. A soft-tossing left-hander who first signed as a 38th round pick, Buehrle was a four-time All Star in 12 seasons for the Sox. He threw both a perfect game and a no-hitter with the Sox. He is one of just seven players to accomplish that feat in history.
Hall of Famer Red Faber pitched his entire 20-year career for the Sox. He led the league in ERA and Complete Games in back to back seasons (1921-22).
The most controversial selection to the White Sox pitching staff is probably Chris Sale. Sale pitched just seven seasons and 1110 innings with the Sox before being traded to Boston after the 2016 season. Sale was a five-time All Star with the White Sox, finishing sixth or better in the Cy Young voting in each of those seasons. He led the league in Strikeouts and ERA+ once each along the way. A quick Twitter Poll of my followers indicated most fans believe he had done enough to qualify for the list.
Bullpen
The White Sox have a long history of solid relief pitching as well. The average ERA+ of their relievers is third best of any all-time team.
As is my custom, most teams stash another elite starting pitcher in their bullpen. Hall of Famer Ted Lyons was bumped from the rotation to include Sale, but his 21-year White Sox career lands him in the pen. Lyons led the league in Wins and Innings twice each, and ERA once, during his career. He did make 110 career relief appearances.
Knuckleballer Hoyt Wilhelm gets the nod at closer. Wilhelm pitched for nine different teams in his career, but threw more innings for the Sox than any other. An old-school fireman who averaged nearly two innings per appearance for the Sox, Wilhelm was dominant during his six seasons on the South Side.
Like Wilhelm, change up specialist Keith Foulke spent six years with the Sox finishing 10th in the 1999 Cy Young vote.
Roberto Hernandez spent seven seasons with the Sox before bouncing around to nine other teams. He finished sixth in the Cy Young voting and was an All Star in 1996.
Bobby Jenks burst onto the scene for the Sox in 2005 before earning the closer’s role late in the regular season. His 100+ MPH heater helped him convert four of five save chances that October including the World Series clincher. He made the All Star team in 2006-2007 before departing as a free agent after the 2010 season.
Bobby Thigpen spent eight seasons with the Sox. He had a career year in 1990 making the All Star team and finishing in the top-five in both the Cy Young and MVP voting. His 57 saves that year stood as the single season record until 2008 when Francisco Rodriguez saved 62 for the Angels. He is Chicago’s franchise leader with 201 career saves.
