2021 Pre-Season Profile: New York Yankees

 #4

The New York Yankees once again bring a star-studded roster into the season, but they haven't found their way into Fall Classic in over a decade.  Will 2021 be the year they return to the World Series?

2020 Predictions

#5 - 2nd in AL East, WILD CARD, lose in ALDS

MIH - Giancarlo Stanton

MIP - James Paxton

PTW - Clarke Schmidt

2020 Results

#10 - 33-27, 2nd in AL East, lost in ALDS

The Yankees must be scratching their heads after spending all that money on all their superstars, and then they watch the small market Tampa Bay Rays win the division and knock them out of the playoffs.  Despite all their talent, the Yankees seem to be stuck and keep coming up short of the pennant, let alone a World Series championship.

Additions / Subtractions

This proved to be an interesting offseason in the Bronx as they tried to improve their team without being huge spenders.  They re-signed D.J. LeMahieu who has become the quiet heart and soul of the team.  On the pitching side, three veterans left the rotation in J.A. Happ and James Paxton signing elsewhere and mainstay Masahiro Tanaka returning to Japan.  They replaced them by signing former Cy Young winner and bounce back candidate Corey Kluber and by trading for Jameson Taillon.  In the bullpen, they traded Adam Ottovino to the Red Sox (what?!?) to save money (WHAT?!?!?!?) and replaced him with veteran Darren O'Day.

Most Important Hitter

Gleyber Torres

Gleyber Torres was anointed as the next Yankee superstar almost before he played a single game in the big leagues.  As a second baseman, he burst on the scene in 2018 and 2019, making the All Star Team both seasons.  In 2020, he moved to shortstop and his production took a dip.  Was it a young player having a down year?  Is Torres better suited to be a second baseman?  Well, he's back at short, but only entering his age 24 season.  If he bounces back, he is a really important weapon in that lineup.

Most Important Pitcher

Corey Kluber

The ace of the Yankees is Gerrit Cole.  That's a given.  What happens after him in the rotation is going to be fascinating to watch.  The Yankees are relying a lot on a guy like Corey Kluber that has only thrown 36.2 innings over the last two seasons to probably be their #2.  By all indications, the 34 year old starter is entering the season fully healthy for the first time in awhile, but the Yankees need him to be back to his old self, win double digit games, be an All Star candidate, and throw 150 innings.  Otherwise, their rotation runs the risk of being Gerrit Cole and that's it.

Prospect to Watch

Deivi Garcia

One pitcher that also might help with that rotation depth is Deivi Garcia.  He got a chance to start 6 games in 2020 for the Yankees with marginal success.  This 21 year old righty is the 87th best prospect in baseball entering 2021 and has the opportunity to add the depth the Yankees lost in free agency.  You don't normally see the Yankees rely so heavily on rookies, but you get the idea that the Yankees didn't work harder on filling holes in their rotation because they are counting on contributions from Deivi Garcia and fellow prospect Clarke Schmidt..

2021 Prediction

1st in AL East, lose in ALCS

The talent of the Yankees is undeniable.  I know the small-time Rays beat them out in 2020, but in a full season with that lineup, the Yankees are going to take the division.  With that said, the pitching is going to catch up with them in the playoffs and cost them a shot at returning to the World Series in 2021.

Fearless Prediction

Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton will hit 100+ home runs combined.

Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton are the big boppers (emphasis on "BIG") in the middle of the Yankees' lineup, however their storyline as teammates has been defined more by injuries than their on-field production.  Judge has only played one full season in his career, and Stanton has only played 41 games over the last two seasons.  When they play full seasons, their home run totals are some of the highest in baseball (Judge led the AL in 2017 with 52 as a rookie, Stanton led the NL in 2017 with 59 in his MVP year and last year in Miami).  I think this is the year they both finally play a full season together, and if they do, it could be scary.

2020 Pre-Season Profile: Texas Rangers

#23

The Texas Rangers might be more frustrated with the delayed start to the season than any other team as they have to delay the opening of their brand new stadium.  When the stadium finally opens, will it lead to greater success for the Rangers in 2020?

2019 Predictions

#26 - 5th in AL West

MIH: Elvis Andrus

MIP: Jose Leclerc

PTW: Jonathan Hernandez

FP: No pitcher for the Rangers will throw over 150 innings in 2019.

2019 Results

#17 - 78-84, 3rd in AL West

The Rangers had much greater success in 2019 than I anticipated behind first year manager Chris Woodward.  Almost reaching .500, the Rangers took great strides forward in getting back to the top of the division and the league.  One of the only holdovers left from the World Series team, Elvis Andrus feels like he has been around forever even though 2019 was only his age 30 season.  He was once again solid at shortstop finishing as the team's 5th best overall player in terms of WAR.  Jose Leclerc, on the other hand, followed up a career year in 2018 with a lackluster season in 2019.  He is a bounceback candidate in 2020.  My Prospect to Watch, Jonathan Hernandez, ended up not having any impact at all, only pitching 16 innings in 9 games as he struggled with control.  The real stars of the season for the Rangers were veteran starting pitchers Mike Minor and Lance Lynn.  Both completely resurrected their careers in their early 30's by becoming the two best players on the team and making my Fearless Prediction look foolish.  Both pitchers ended up not only over 150 innings, but they both finished at the same total of 208.1 innings.

Additions / Subtractions

The offseason for the Rangers was an interesting one as they are trying to keep on their current trajectory while still opening up their new stadium with a bang.  So they traded outfielder Delino DeShields for ace Corey Kluber and signed veteran Todd Frazier to man the hot corner after losing out on the Anthony Rendon sweepstakes.  Then they also traded their young slugging rightfielder Nomar Mazara to the White Sox for a prospect.  Then they rounded out their rotation with veterean arms Kyle Gibson and Jordan Lyles.  So it was combination of wanting to win now but also not giving up the future at the same time.

Most Important Hitter

Willie Calhoun

Once the centerpiece of the package the Rangers got from the Dodgers for Yu Darvish, Willie Calhoun has greatly struggled so far in his big league career.  Only playing in 131 games over the last 3 seasons, Calhoun has hit .269 with 21 homers and an OPS+ of 96, making him an average hitter.  He took some decent strides in 2019, but now he will be expected to start to show some of that promise as he enters his age 25 season, especially after the Rangers traded DeShields and Mazara.  He needs to be an everyday player while also showing the superstar sparks that made him a top 10 prospect in all of baseball at one point for the Rangers to really take great steps forward.

Most Important Pitcher

Corey Kluber

It is rare that I name a new addition as a team's most important player, but I really think Corey Kluber is that for the Rangers this season.  Mike Minor and Lance Lynn anchored this rotation last season and did an admirable job, but you can't really depend on the same performance.  Kluber is an ace that really makes this rotation borderline elite ... if he is healthy.  He missed most of 2019 with injury which allowed the Rangers to buy low on the two-time Cy Young Award winner.  They got him for a bargain because it is a risk that he returns to his elite form in his age 34 season.  It is also the last year of his deal before he is a free agent.  So best-case scenario, Kluber returns to elite form and leads the Rangers to a successful season and chooses to re-sign after the season.  Not-too-bad-case scenario, Kluber returns to elite form but the Rangers struggle so they trade him mid-season and get some decent prospects back.  Mediocre-case scenario, Kluber pitches good but not elite so the Rangers try to trade him if possible or just ride him out for the season.  Worst-case scenario, the entire season is cancelled due to the current pandemic, Kluber becomes a free agent without ever pitching an inning for the Rangers, and the team literally gets nothing for their trade.

Prospect to Watch

Nick Solak

The Rangers have two players in the Top 100 Prospects, but neither of them crack the top 50 or will be ready until at least 2021.  In fact, the highest prospect that has a chance at having a big league impact in 2020 is their 5th best prospect Nick Solak.  This utility man barely maintained his prospect status in 2019 after playing in 33 games for Texas with some success.  He hit .293 with 5 home runs and 17 RBI's in 116 at bats which was good for a 123 OPS+.  He should see time in the outfield, at second or third, or possibly at DH in 2020.  If he keeps hitting like he did in his short time last year, the Rangers will find room for him in the lineup.

2020 Prediction

4th in AL West

The Rangers are definitely an interesting team that is taking steps forward, but their offseason lacked the splash to really make them competitive in the AL West.  If they had landed Rendon instead of the Angels, I probably would have them higher and in the hunt for a playoff spot.  Since they missed out on him (to a division rival no less), they are a team to watch but won't be knocking on the door of the playoffs.

Fearless Prediction

Three players on the Rangers' Opening Day roster retire after the 2020 season.

This is a bit of a far-fetched prediction, but hear me out.  The most likely to retire is Shin-Soo Choo who is entering his age 37 season.  He is still an effective hitter, but he is reaching an age that the end is near.  The next potential candidate for retirement is new 3rd baseman Todd Frazier.  Entering his age 34 season, the Toddfather has really turned into quite the journeyman the last few seasons.  His bat remains legit, but I could see the end on the horizon if this season goes sideways and there isn't a job waiting for him somewhere in 2021.  The next candidate is Corey Kluber.  Also entering his age 34 season, if the injuries don't clear up and he can't return to peak form, I could see an elite player like Kluber calling it quits if he can't be elite anymore.  The chances all three of these guys retire after this season?  Probably pretty rare, but I am going for broke here.

2019 Pre-Season Profile: Cleveland Indians

#11

The Cleveland Indians have owned the AL Central over the last several years.  Will their young core of hitters and top-notch starters bring about another playoff run in 2019?

2018 Predictions

1st in AL Central, lose in ALDS

Corey Kluber will be the AL starting pitcher in the All Star Game.

2018 Results

91-71, 1st in AL Central, lost in ALDS

Yes, the Indians won 90 games, but they won the AL Central more by default being the only team to finish with a record above .500.  They have had a similar formula the last few seasons: pitch well behind Corey Kluber, Trevor Bauer, and Carlos Carrasco while scoring runs behind emerging superstars Jose Ramirez and Francisco Lindor.  Ramirez and Lindor almost had 8 win seasons, while Kluber (who made the All Star Team but didn't start) has a 5.8 and Bauer had a 5.7 WAR.  All this success did not lead to any postseason success as they still carry such a long championship drought.

Additions / Subtractions

The Indians had one of the more intriguing offseasons in the league.  The front office looked at the roster they had put together and started to question how sustainable their payroll would be moving forward.  They traded away slugger Edwin Encarnacion to the Mariners to bring back former Indian Carlos Santana.  They traded away catcher Yan Gomes and slugger Yonder Alonso.  They traded corner infielder Yandy Diaz to the Rays for Jake Bauers, who has much more flexibility.  Their top outfielders from a year ago, Michael Brantley and Melky Cabrera, left through free agency and really weren't replaced.  Some late minor league acquisitions that will obviously have a big league impact eventually were Hanley Ramirez and Carlos Gonzalez, but they really tried to cut salary.  They even tried to do more, with constant rumors of Kluber or Bauer being traded, but that came to no avail.

Most Important Hitter

Bradley Zimmer

One of the reasons the Indians did not work harder to find some outfielders in they believe in Bradley Zimmer.  Entering his third season in the big leagues, this 26 year old centerfielder had established himself as the everyday starter last year before he injured his shoulder and ended his season.  He is not expected to be ready by Opening Day, but he is being counted on as being a key piece of what the Indians do this year.  They need him to break out to justify their lack of movement in replacing their outfield production from a year ago.

Most Important Pitcher

Brad Hand

The Indians have one of the best rotations in baseball, but they also have been touting an elite bullpen as well.  However, over the last several seasons they have watched pieces from their World SEries bullpen slowly leave.  Bryan Shaw left via free agency before last season, and this season saw the departure of closer Cody Allen and super reliever Andrew Miller.  None of the main pieces of their World Series super bullpen of 2016 are left.  This makes Brad Hand, their new closer, extremely important.  Hand was acquired at the Trade Deadline last season from the Padres for top propect Francisco Mejia, and he showed why they paid such a big price for him.  He is an elite bullpen arm, but now he will not have the company in the bullpen the Indians are used to surrounding their closer with.  Hand cannot have a bad season if the Indians want to be great this season.

Prospect to Watch

Yu Chang

The Indians only have two prospects listed in MLB's top 100, and one of them (Triston McKenzie) might make his debut this season depending on what happens with the Indians rotation throughout the season.  However, the player most likely to make a big league impact this season is Yu Chang.  This 23 year old infielder is the Indians 6th best prospect and played his entire 2018 season in AAA to decent success.  The reason he has a chance to make a big league impact this season is the fact that second baseman Jason Kipnis, shortstop Francisco Lindor, and third baseman Jose Ramirez all will probably start the season on the injured list (formerly the disabled list).  The Indians are finding ways to fill these holes temporarily with big league names, but if some of these injuries linger and some of the big leaguers struggle, Chang will get his opportunity to prove himself and show he can be a young utility infielder behind their cast of All Stars.

2019 Prediction

2nd in AL Central

Being ranked 11th on my list means I see the Indians as the last team to miss the playoffs.  They still have all their talent, but I get the feeling this window is closing quickly.  If the Indians are talking about trading some of their All Stars in their prime because they can't afford it, this success is fleeting.  Their division also shouldn't be the pushover it was last season too.  By pure talent, the Indians have to be in the conversation, but combine injuries with potential disgruntled aces and this could be the beginning of the end for this Indians run.

Fearless Prediction

This will be Francisco Lindor's last full season in Cleveland.

Lindor is entering his age 25 season and is already a 3 time All Star.  He is one of the best emerging young superstars in the game.  When he hits the free agent market after the 2021 season, he will be looking to get a contract similar to Machado, Harper, Arenado, or even Trout.  If this offseason showed anything, the Indians will not be able to afford that.  That means Lindor's time in Cleveland has an expiration date.  If he is not a long-term Indian, they might want to maximize his value on the trade market.  Especially if they miss the playoffs this season, the Indians might realize they need to move on from their current core sooner rather than later.

2017-2018 MLB Wraparound Season

I am a sports junkie (probably even more so than a movie junkie).  I love watching sports, playing sports, and pretty much anything to do with sports.  My favorite might be stats.  I am a numbers guy, and I find all the stats fascinating.  This is one of the many reasons baseball season is possibly my favorite season as it is more stats-driven than any other sport.  The MLB All Star Break is one of my favorite parts of the summer.  It not only allows for baseball to take the sole sports spotlight for one of the only times in the year, but it also gives me the chance to do my yearly baseball stats deep dive.

Who have been the best baseball players over the last 12 months?  I call this the wraparound season.  I tabulate the stats from after the All Star Break last year and combine them with the stats from the first half of this season.  This helps see who might be key contributors in the upcoming playoff push.  It also might show who has been overworked and might fall off production down the stretch run.  I gathered stats for all hitters in the top 50 in hits, doubles, home runs, RBI's, and runs from last year's second half and this year's first half.  I did the same with pitchers, with the top 50 in wins, innings pitched, strikeouts, and the top 30 in saves.  Before we look at the 2017-2018 Wraparound Season, let's look back at who stood out in the 2016-2017 Wraparound Season.

Underrated Hitters

1.  Jose Ramirez - CLE

2.  Ender Inciarte - ATL

3.  Jedd Gyorko - STL

4.  Charlie Blackmon - COL

5.  Jose Abreu - CWS

Underrated Pitchers

1.  Ivan Nova - PIT

2.  Dan Straily - CIN / MIA

3.  Sean Manaea - OAK

4.  Ervin Santana - MIN

5.  Robbie Ray - ARZ

AL Wraparound MVP

1.  Jose Ramirez - CLE

2.  Jose Altuve - HOU

3.  Mike Trout - LAA

4.  Aaron Judge - NYY

5.  Nelson Cruz - SEA

NL Wraparound MVP

1.  Joey Votto - CIN

2.  Freddie Freeman - ATL

3.  Charlie Blackmon - COL

4.  Nolan Arenado - COL

5.  Daniel Murphy - WAS

AL Wraparound Cy Young

1.  Corey Kluber - CLE

2.  Chris Sale - BOS

3.  Justin Verlander - DET / HOU

4.  Chris Archer - TB

5.  Ervin Santana - MIN

NL Wraparound Cy Young

1.  Max Scherzer - WAS

2.  Clayton Kershaw - LAD

3.  Carlos Martinez - STL

4.  Kyle Hendricks - CHC

5.  Ivan Nova - PIT

Top Relievers

1.  Kenley Jansen - LAD

2.  Andrew Miller - NYY / CLE

3.  Craig Kimbrel - BOS

4.  Aroldis Chapman - NYY

5.  Wade Davis - KC / CHC

Of the 25 players to make the top lists last year, 13 made the lists this year.  Of the 10 players listed as underrated last year, two of them made a top list this year.

Batting Average

AL

Jose Altuve – HOU	.336
Mookie Betts – BOS	.309
Adrian Beltre – TEX	.306
Yuli Gurriel – HOU	.306
Manny Machado – BAL	.304
Avisail Garcia – CWS	.328
J.D. Martinez – DET / ARZ / BOS	.319
Matt Duffy – TB	.317
Lorenzo Cain – KC / MIL	.310

NL

Nolan Arenado – COL	.315
Charlie Blackmon – COL	.314
Jose Martinez – STL	.308
Scooter Gennett – CIN	.307
Joey Votto – CIN	.305
J.D. Martinez – DET / ARZ / BOS	.319
Lorenzo Cain – KC / MIL	.310

First, the list under each top 5 are players that would be on the list if they qualified.  Two things can disqualify you for these lists.  First, you need to have over 400 at bats to be considered.  Hitters like Avisail Garcia and Matt Duffy don't have enough AB's.  Second, you have to have played the last 12 months in one league.  So J.D. Martinez and Lorenzo Cain will not qualify for any list.  Jose Altuve topped the AL list last year as well, which is just more proof he is the best pure hitter int he game today (especially looking at how much better he is than everyone else).  Beltre continues to be a top hitter in the twilight of his career.  Machado, although now a Dodger, finished his time as an Oriole in pretty strong style.

In the NL, there are a lot of Rockies and, surprisingly, Reds on this list.  Arenado and Blackmon are showing they should be considered some of the top hitters in the league.  Jose Martinez is a surprise, showing the Cardinals have a good young core to build around.  Votto topped this list last year, but it is good to see a guy like Gennett hitting as well as he is.  Overall, all of these averages are down from last year.

Home Runs

AL

Aaron Judge – NYY	47
Francisco Lindor – CLE	44
Nelson Cruz – SEA	44
Mike Trout – LAA	42
Edwin Encarnacion – CLE	42
Joey Gallo – TEX	42
J.D. Martinez – DET / ARZ / BOS	60
Giancarlo Stanton – MIA / NYY	56

NL

Nolan Arenado – COL	43
Paul Goldschmidt – ARZ	37
Charlie Blackmon – COL	36
Kyle Schwarber – CHC	35
Trevor Story – COL	33
Eugenio Suarez – CIN	33
J.D. Martinez – DET / ARZ / BOS	60
Giancarlo Stanton – MIA / NYY	56

The most noticeable thing with these lists is the two best home run hitters of the last 12 months don't qualify because they spent time in both leagues.  J.D. Martinez followed up his crazy finish last year with the Diamondbacks with a great first half this year in Boston.  Giancarlo Stanton had an okay start in the Bronx, but he hit 33 second half home runs with the Marlins last year.  That alone puts him on the NL list.  Judge has shown no sophomore slump.  Lindor is not a name you consider a top home run guy, but he has shown some awesome power the last 12 months.  Names like Cruz, Encarnacion, and Gallo you expect to see.  Trout has been a beast as always.

Three of the six on this list are Rockies, showing they have possibly the best offense in the league.  Goldschmidt is still a premier hitter in the NL.  Schwarber has shown what he can do when he is healthy and in the lineup every day.  Suarez makes it three Reds that have made lists.  How are they so bad?  Oh yeah, they can't pitch (even though their manager was a pitching coach ... no wonder he got fired).

RBI

AL

Edwin Encarnacion – CLE	124
Khris Davis – OAK	114
Manny Machado – BAL	113
Eddie Rosario – MIN	112
Nicholas Castellanos – DET	111
J.D. Martinez – DET / ARZ / BOS	152
Giancarlo Stanton – MIA / NYY	129

NL

Nolan Arenado – COL	128
Trevor Story – COL	115
Javy Baez – CHC	114
Anthony Rizzo – CHC	114
Scooter Gennett – CIN	113
J.D. Martinez – DET / ARZ / BOS	152
Giancarlo Stanton – MIA / NYY	129

Once again, Martinez and Stanton would be the class of both leagues (and by a decent margin).  There are some names you are not used to seeing on this list.  Encarnacion and Machado you expect to see, but Khris Davis has quietly been one of the most productive power hitters of the last few years in Oakland.  Rosario helped lead the Twins to their playoff berth last year.  I am surprised more people aren't talking about trading for Castellanos at the Trade Deadline.  Recently moving from third base to right field, he can play either position and is a very productive bat.

If you are keeping track, this makes a Wraparound Triple Crown for Nolan Arenado.  Also, once again, a teammate takes second.  Two Cubs are tied for third.  It might be a surprise one of them is Baez.  Also, once again there is a Red popping up.

OPS

AL

Mike Trout – LAA	1.022
Jose Ramirez – CLE	.980
Mookie Betts – BOS	.955
Aaron Judge – NYY	.938
Francisco Lindor – CLE	.924
J.D. Martinez – DET / ARZ / BOS	1.073
Giancarlo Stanton – MIA / NYY	.958

NL

Nolan Arenado – COL	1.004
Charlie Blackmon – COL	.936
Eugenio Suarez – CIN	.921
Paul Goldschmidt – ARZ	.915
Joey Votto – CIN	.913
J.D. Martinez – DET / ARZ / BOS	1.073
Max Muncy – LAD	1.012
Giancarlo Stanton – MIA / NYY	.958
Jesus Aguilar – MIL	.918

As OPS is one of the stats that shows the true value of a hitter, it is not surprising when you see the list of names on the AL list (including Martinez and Stanton once again).  Trout, Ramirez (last year's Wraparound AL MVP), Betts, Judge, and Lindor are considered three of the top hitters playing right now, and this shows why.

Considering Arenado has a Triple Crown over this stretch, it is no surprise he tops the AL list in OPS.  Once again, a teammate is second.  Still, no one gives Charlie Blackmon enough credit for just how good he is.  Suarez and Votto show up again to remind us just how good Cincinnati could be.  Goldschmidt is expected to be on a list like this, and it is good to see he doesn't disappoint.  Muncy and Aguilar have had amazing first halves of 2018, but they don't have enough at bats to qualify for the full season stats.

Wins

AL

Corey Kluber – CLE	23
Luis Severino – NYY	23
Carlos Carrasco – CLE	19
Charlie Morton – HOU	19
Justin Verlander – DET / HOU	19

NL

Jon Lester – CHC	20
Aaron Nola – PHI	18
Max Scherzer – WAS	18
Zach Godley – ARZ	16
Jon Gray – COL	16
Zack Greinke – ARZ	16

Most stat guys in baseball call the win a useless stat in today's game.  I wouldn't quite go that far.  If your team wins when you take the mound, there is value there.  Looking at the names on these lists, they are exactly who you would expect to see as the top pitchers in the league (especially the AL list).  Kluber and Severino hit a total that hasn't been hit in an actual season since 2011.  Carrasco shows the strength of the Indians' starting rotation just like Morton and Verlander show the same about the Astros.  This is an impressive list, especially considering Kluber, Carrasco, and Dylan Bundy topped last year's list with 18.

Lester is the only NL pitcher to hit the 20 win mark.  Scherzer and Greinke show they are still elite.  Nola, Gray, and Godley show they are young aces in the making.

ERA (150 IP minimum)

AL

Justin Verlander – DET / HOU	2.15
Luis Severino – NYY	2.30
Corey Kluber – CLE	2.32
Trevor Bauer – CLE	2.54
Chris Sale – BOS	2.59

NL

Jacob deGrom – NYM	2.40
Max Scherzer – WAS	2.70
Aaron Nola – PHI	2.78
Jake Arrieta – CHC / PHI	2.86
Kyle Hendricks – CHC	3.20
Gerrit Cole – PIT / HOU	3.18

Two things strike me about these lists.  First, this shows pretty clearly that the AL has the best pitchers.  Only one of the NL pitchers would even crack the AL top 5.  Considering the AL also had the top stats when it came to hitting, and that AL lineups are harder to navigate with a DH instead of a pitcher, this is really impressive.  The second thing I noticed is how hard it was to find pitchers that pitched 150 innings.  With the emergence of super bullpens, this is getting harder and harder for starters to do.  Verlander has been insane, with Severino and Kluber showing their win totals aren't a fluke.  Bauer shows again that Cleveland's rotation is ridiculous.  Sale shows that he earned his All Star Game start.

Jacob deGrom has been a great pitcher on a bad team, being this year's best Met pitcher.  Scherzer, Arrieta and Hendricks show they are still among the league's best.  Once again, there is Aaron Nola popping up.  He has been awesome.

Overall ERA

AL

Lou Trivino – OAK	1.22
Craig Kimbrel – BOS	1.75
Aroldis Chapman – NYY	2.07
David Robertson – CWS / NYY	2.12
Justin Verlander – DET / HOU	2.15
Blake Treinan – WAS / OAK	1.47
Sean Doolittle – OAK / WAS	1.84

NL

Brandon Morrow – LAD / CHC	1.79
Trevor Rosenthal – STL	1.88
Kenley Jansen – LAD	2.10
Stephen Strasburg – WAS	2.32
Jacob deGrom – NYM	2.40
Blake Treinan – WAS / OAK	1.47
Sean Doolittle – OAK / WAS	1.84

Tops on this list for the AL is a recent call-up for the A's that has gotten off to a great start.  Next you have top closers Kimbrel and Chapman.  Robertson was the closer for the White Sox and is now part of the crazy bullpen for the Yankees.  It is always impressive when a starter makes this list, and Verlander has done it.

Morrow made an easy transition from Dodgers setup man to Cubs closer.  Rosenthal hasn't actually pitched this year after having Tommy John surgery.  He will be an interesting free agent next offseason.  Jansen is expected to be near the top of this list every year.  Strasburg had an insane finish to last year, but injuries have kept him below the innings limit.  Again, deGrom deserves better.  Ineligible for either list are Doolittle and Treinan, who were actually traded for each other last year.

Strikeouts

AL

Chris Sale – BOS	318
Justin Verlander – DET / HOU	293
Corey Kluber – CLE	274
Trevor Bauer – CLE	268
Luis Severino – NYY	250
Gerrit Cole – PIT / HOU	279

NL

Max Scherzer – WAS	277
Jacob deGrom – NYM	258
Aaron Nola – PHI	234
Patrick Corbin – ARZ	232
Jon Gray – COL	213
Gerrit Cole – PIT / HOU	279

Sale and Scherzer topped these lists last year, and topped them again this year.  Sale was able to reach that magical 300 strikeout total with Verlander coming very close.  Just like every NL hitting list needs at least two Rockies, each AL pitching list needs two Indians.  Severino rounds out the list, showing he is an emerging young ace for the Yanks.  Gerrit Cole has become the latest pitcher to show a career resurrection since joining the Astros.

After Mad Max, we see some familiar names.  Nola and deGrom keep popping up over and over.  Corbin shows the Diamondbacks have a strong rotation as well.  Gray, once he finds some consistency, will be a household name with the rest of these pitchers.

Innings Pitched

AL

Corey Kluber – CLE	244
Justin Verlander – DET / HOU	238 2/3
Trevor Bauer – CLE	220
Chris Sale – BOS	215 2/3
Luis Severino – NYY	215
Gerrit Cole – PIT / HOU	223 2/3

NL

Aaron Nola – PHI	216 2/3
Jacob deGrom – NYM	213 2/3
Clayton Richard – SD	211 1/3
Patrick Corbin – ARZ	210 2/3
Zack Greinke – ARZ	207 2/3
Gerrit Cole – PIT / HOU	223 2/3

This is always an interesting list to me.  It shows which pitchers might be overworked and due for a slump or an injury in the second half of this season.  Of the five on this list last year, only two have returned to the list (Verlander, Sale).  Kluber is a machine (Klu-bot), but 244 innings is a lot, especially considering this doesn't include the last two playoff runs.  Verlander is always on this list, and seems to one immune to breaking down under a heavy workload.  Bauer is such a strange and unusual modern pitcher.  I don't see him breaking down either.  Sale is such a skinny guy with a strange delivery.  He could be Randy Johnson and never break down, or he could be due for some problems.  I am worried about Severino.  He is such a young player, and 215 innings is a lot (again, not counting playoffs last year).

Of the 6 players on last year's list, none have returned to the list.  Nola is a surprise at the top, showing again that he has been the Phillies' workhorse.  It might be deGrom's turn to have arm issues, as every one of the Mets aces has had those issues.  Richard has quietly been a steady pitcher for the Padres the last few seasons.  Then we have the top two Diamondbacks pitchers.  It makes sense for these totals to be so much less than the AL totals since they have to worry about hitting and pinch hitters.

Saves

AL

Edwin Diaz – SEA	57
Craig Kimbrel – BOS	42
Aroldis Chapman – NYY	40
Alex Colome – TB / SEA	34
Cody Allen – CLE	34
Sean Doolittle – OAK / WAS	43
Fernando Rodney – MIA / ARZ / MIN	38
Blake Treinan – WAS / OAK	37

NL

Kenley Jansen – LAD	47
Brad Hand – SD	43
Wade Davis – CHC / COL	43
Felipe Vazquez – PIT	38
Corey Knebel – MIL	36
Sean Doolittle – OAK / WAS	43
Fernando Rodney – MIA / ARZ / MIN	38
Blake Treinan – WAS / OAK	37

By far, the leader in saves the last 12 months has been Diaz, who almost set the record for most saves before the All Star Break.  This has been greatly helped by all the close games the Mariners have played.  Kimbrel and Chapman are thought to be the old standards you expect to see on this list every year.  Colome was a top closer before he was traded to Seattle to be Diaz's setup man.  Allen has been the back end of a great bullpen for quite some time.  Not eligible are the trade brother in Doolittle and Treinan as well as the Fernando Rodney Experience.

If you were to pick one closer you want on the mound in the 9th of a must-win game, I think Jansen might be the most popular pick.  The second best NL closer over the last 12 months, Brad Hand, is now the second best lefty specialist in the Indians' bullpen.  It feels like everyone always forgets how good Wade Davis is.  One of the few bright spots for the Pirates has been their closer Vazquez.  Knebel is the great closer at the end of a great bullpen in Milwaukee.

Underrated Hitters

Scooter Gennett – CIN

Eugenio Suarez – CIN

Whit Merrifield – KC

Nicholas Castellanos – DET

Javy Baez – CHC

One of my favorite parts of this exercise is finding the guys whose stats far outweigh their current reputation.  After hitting a huge game-tying home run in the All Star Game, more people will now know Scooter Gennett's name.  Eugenio Suarez has been possibly a top 5 third basemen over the last 12 months.  Whit Merrifield should be a top trade option for many teams over the next few weeks.  I already talked about Castellanos and how he has flown under the radar.  Some might be surprised to see Javy Baez on this list, but I think he has been more known for his antics and his defense.  It is easy to miss how good he has become at the plate.

Underrated Pitchers

Aaron Nola – PHI

Trevor Bauer – CLE

James Paxton – SEA

Carlos Carrasco – CLE

Blake Snell – TB

On almost every list, Aaron Nola was there.  He is one of the best pitchers in the league, and if the Phillies make the playoffs, he will be known for what he is.  Trevor Bauer has been a key member of the Indians rotation, but it is easy to be overshadowed by Kluber.  This might just be because I am a Mariners fan, but I feel like all things Mariners are underrated.  James Paxton is an ace whose stats show he should be in the conversation with the top pitchers in the league.  If Bauer is overshadowed by Kluber, Carlos Carrasco is overshadowed by both.  Blake Snell has been one of the most dominant pitchers in the league, but he was even underrated by his fellow players, taking an injury to get him on the All Star Team this year.

The Ineligibles

J.D. Martinez – DET / ARZ / BOS

Giancarlo Stanton – MIA / NYY

Gerrit Cole – PIT / HOU

Before I get into the MVP's and Cy Young winners for the Wraparound Season, I have to mention a couple ineligibles.  J.D. Martinez has been the best hitter over the last 12 months, and it isn't even close.  Regardless of league, he tops almost every statistical category.  Giancarlo Stanton ended his time in Miami with one of the greatest second halves in MLB history.  It could be said his time in the Bronx so far has been disappointing, but when you are comparing it to 2017 (and his teammate Aaron Judge), it is really hard to exceed expectations.  Gerrit Cole seems to finally be turning into the ace everyone hoped he would be when he was a #1 pick in the draft.  It is like the Astros of the 2010's are like the Braves of the 1990's.  They make pitchers great.

AL Wraparound MVP

Mike Trout – LAA

Jose Ramirez – CLE

Mookie Betts – BOS

Francisco Lindor – CLE

Aaron Judge – NYY

For awhile, I thought Mike Trout's legacy was a result of the WAR era.  WAR was built for players like Trout.  However, he is a top hitter in the league, a top defender in the league.  He is the best player out there.  I am starting to agree with those that say he could go down as a top 5 player of all time.  Jose Ramirez topped my underrated player list last year, and now everyone is realizing how good he is.  Mookie Betts gets all the notoriety, but has definitely earned it with an outstanding first half.  Francisco Lindor might end up being the best of all the great young shortstops in the league right now.  Then there is Aaron Judge.  I keep waiting for something to show that he is too good to be true, but nothing has come up yet.

NL Wraparound MVP

Nolan Arenado – COL

Charlie Blackmon – COL

Paul Goldschmidt – ARZ

Freddie Freeman – ATL

Joey Votto – CIN

I think a Triple Crown is reason enough to get the MVP.  Nolan Arenado still needs to be given the credit he deserves for how good he has been.  The same could be said for Charlie Blackmon.  These two teammates (Trevor Story could be part of the conversation too) make the Rockies a team no one wants to face in the playoffs.  Paul Goldschmidt might be the most overlooked superstar of the last decade.  Freddie Freeman has been the leader of possibly the biggest surprise team of this season.  No list of the NL's best hitters is complete without Joey Votto.

AL Wraparound Cy Young

Justin Verlander – DET / HOU

Corey Kluber – CLE

Chris Sale – BOS

Luis Severino – NYY

Trevor Bauer – CLE

This list was the easiest to make as these five pitchers topped almost every single statistical category I tabulated.  Justin Verlander has found his form again and is cementing his case as a no-doubt Hall of Famer.  Corey Kluber anchors one of the best pitching staffs in the league.  Chris Sale is a freak that is one of only three pitchers to start three straight All Star Games on the mound.  Luis Severino might be the best young pitcher to come along in some time.  Trevor Bauer, again, deserves more credit than he gets.  By the way, the top three on this list is the same as last year.  Different order, but the same.

NL Wraparound Cy Young

Max Scherzer – WAS

Jacob deGrom – NYM

Aaron Nola – PHI

Patrick Corbin – ARZ

Zack Greinke – ARZ

One of the most significant parts of this list is who is missing.  Clayton Kershaw, thought to be one of the best pitchers of his generation, has been so injured and banged up over the last 12 months that he didn't even make my list of the top 156 pitchers statistically of the last 12 months.  Max Scherzer was number one last year, and is number one again.  Like Verlander, he seems to only get better.  There is a reason so many teams want Jacob deGrom this Trade Deadline.  He is really really good.  (On a side note, also missing the top 156 was deGrom teammate Noah Syndergaard.)  Aaron Nola will soon have the reputation that matches his skill.  Patrick Corbin and Zack Greinke show why the Diamondbacks made the playoffs last year and are in position to do it again this year.  They have put together a great starting rotation.

Top Relievers

Edwin Diaz – SEA

Kenley Jansen – LAD

Craig Kimbrel – BOS

Sean Doolittle – OAK / WAS

Brad Hand – SD

Although he joined the long list of closers to blow a save at the All Star Game, it is hard to deny the dominance of Edwin Diaz over the last 12 months.  Kenley Jansen and Craig Kimbrel might be the most trusted arms in each league because they have shown they can do it year after year.  Sean Doolittle has been filthy for several years now.  Being in DC might actually get him some recognition for it.  The Indians picking up Brad Hand has the potential to have just as much impact on the playoffs (maybe more) as the Dodgers picking up Machado.

To see all the stats gathered for the Wraparound Season, click the link below:

2017-2018 Wraparound Season Stats