Out of Left Field - Week 8 - MLB is Back

March 31, 2023

Mar 31, 2023

Major League Baseball is back and I’m busy until late October.

Also, we’ve made it two months here *golf clap*.

As you are reading this, I am likely either on an airplane or teeing it up with some good friends.

Thanks to baseball, I will slice my first drive no less than 80 yards to the right. If you have played with me, you have witnessed this shot shape. It’s a (beautiful) problem.

It’s opening weekend, let’s ride.

Quote of the Week

“He just shows up ready to work. He’s prepared. Rarely do you see that at such a young age, usually, you see some — a little immature or a little unprepared, or the moment’s too big. But he’s seemed ready to go every single game”

Aaron Judge on New York Yankees OPENING DAY Rookie Shortstop, Anthony Volpe

Resource: Something You Should Know

We’ve covered the topic of Service Time Manipulation before and I am happy to report that I have good news: teams are saying “we don’t care” when it comes to manipulating players’ service time and focusing on putting the best product on the field from day one.

Jordan Walker, Age 20 - St.Louis Cardinals Good Article, Great Article

What were you doing at 20 years old? Jordan Walker, a first-round pick in 2020 by the Cardinals and has bullied his way into a call-up before he can have his first legal drink. Going into Spring Training, there was no room for Walker in the lineup. A crowded outfield of Carlson, O’Neill, Nootbar, and Yepez was no match for the dominance of Walker’s spring training.

For those of you who are new to baseball - you don’t call up players this young unless they are 100% going to play every day.

Anthony Volpe, Age 21 - New York Yankees

Where were you when Anthony Volpe was announced on the Opening Day Lineup? I was at the Boston College vs. NC State baseball game and I rejoiced like an elementary schooler getting out of Math class to go for an early recess. Volpe becomes the youngest opening day player for the Yankees since….Derek Jeter <3. I have not been able to control my joy. Volpe also taking #11 for the Yankees is so cool for me. I loved Gary Sheffield as a kid and loved Brett Gardner most recently so seeing that number get more use (hopefully for the next 20 years) is special for me. Kudos to Volpe for reaching out to Gardner to ask if it was okay to use that number. As my Dad said, that’s class.

Having youth in the game is fun! This is why people love the NBA. The Stars of the NBA are children! Walker and Volpe are the next waves of young talent in the big leagues and baseball NEEDS them to perform. As the great Sun Tzu once said:

While some teams are leading the charge for youth, others are holding their youth back. Let’s revisit our friend from Week 6 - Endy Rodriguez:

Kody Duncan @KodyDuncanPGH

Endy Rodriguez has been robbed of a roster spot from this organization. That’s all I have to say about that.

Things You Should Know: College Baseball

I spend almost every night watching college baseball while my wife lays beside me and reads her book(s). Sometimes I think its lame that I get real joy out of watching someone who is nicknamed “Tommy Tanks” hit a ball 450ft off of a guy who likely bombed a biology test earlier in the week (we all have bombed a biology test so I feel comfortable making fun of this unnamed player). Then I remember that it’s not lame. Your baseball-hating friends have never hit a home run before and for that, I feel some pity.

Home runs are awesome. Baseball is awesome. College baseball is awesome.

Did Nick Have Fun Watching Baseball Last Weekend?

Current Record: 6-2 (3-1 This Week)

#17 Miami at #2 Wake Forest G1: 11-0 (WF), G2: 4-1 (WF), G3: 4-1 (WF)
Prediction: Wake Forest sweeps, scores 10 runs a game, and Brock Wilken has the weekend of a lifetime
Reality: The only thing that Miami had going for them was their offense. A lineup of proven veterans with a superstar freshman in Blake Cyr. The Deacs embarrassed the ‘Canes. That plane ride home must have been BRUTAL.
#5 Arkansas at #1 LSU: G1: 9-3 (Ark), G2: 12-2 (7) (LSU), G3: 14-5 (LSU)
Prediction: LSU Sweep
Reality: Winning one game against LSU must feel like a playoff win. LSU is just that good. Huge Top 5 series for the Tigers. Even when they are up by 9 runs, I am glued to the game waiting for the next big moment
Rutgers at UCONN: G1: 9-8 (11) (UCONN), G2: 6-5 (UCONN), G3: 9-7 (UCONN)
Prediction: Rutgers takes the series and gets back on track on the mound.
Reality: Oof - this is what happens when I make predictions. These are heartbreakers for Rutgers. After being robbed of an NCAA playoff spot last year, the hopes for this team couldn’t have been higher coming into the season.
#22 Missouri at #11 South Carolina: G1: 9-8 (USC), G2: 8-1 (USC), G3: 5-4 (12) (USC)
Prediction: South Carolina takes two out of three in the series. Missouri gets a road win against a top-15 team to help their resume.
Reality: Missouri had two of these games. That flight home from South Carolina has to be a brutal scene for the Tigers. Is it significant that they stayed in the game against a National Championship contender? Sure. Big sweep for the ‘Cocks. Watching game 3 live had me on the edge of my seat. I love an extra-innings walk-off.

Division 1 College Baseball Games to Watch This Weekend

#5 Virginia at Virginia Tech: While this rivalry only exists in a few sports these days, the momentum in the baseball rivalry is at its peak. Virginia Tech has an elite offense but the pitching staff has been bleak. UVA is as hot as anyone in the country and while its pitching has almost no big names, its offense, and defense are top 5 in the country.
Prediction: UVA takes the series and Virginia Tech continues to find its footing.
Georgia Tech at # 14 Boston College: BC is the early candidate for the biggest turn-around from 2022 to 2023. Georgia Tech's offense rakes and BC’s pitching has been the only question mark. Bet the over and expect 15+ runs a game
Prediction: BC takes 2 out of 3 and we see 45 runs scored over the weekend
Charleston Southern at #15 Campbell: Mid-Majors need love too. Campbell is scary good. They scored 60 runs by themselves last weekend. Charleston Southern has won their first two conference weekends and gives Campbell their first real test in the Big South
Prediction: Campbell sweeps and works closer to the top 10 in the national rankings.
Maryland at #25 Iowa: This is the biggest “potential” matchup of the weekend. Both teams recruit well, and develop talent well, but are all over the place when it comes to performance. This series is just fun - teams that emphasize power pitching and power hitting. Expect a lot of runs, a lot of strikeouts, and high scores.
Prediction: Iowa takes the series and Brody Brecht throws a gem.

Things You Should Know: Major League Baseball

While you read this, we’re already one game deep into the season - and the Yankees won (I am writing this on Thursday morning and I will not update it if they lose).

Here is your starter pack for enjoying baseball this season:

Pick a team that intrigues you, and focus on them.
1. I am very intrigued by the Miami Marlins - I don’t think they’ll be any good but their best player’s name is Jazz and that’s fun.
Find a favorite/interesting player to follow.
1. Big baseball fans - follow one of these incredible rookies. Henderson, Rutschman, Walker, Volpe, etc.
2. Not a big fan - you have plenty of options too.
  1. Excitement: Let me introduce, again, to Randy Arozarena. He exudes excitement and swag, all while being one of the best hitters in the AL East.
  2. Feel Good: Liam Hendriks, White Sox relief pitcher was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma this offseason and is making great progress!
  3. Good Looks?: Have you ever seen how good-looking Blue Jays CF Kevin Kiermaier is? How about Gabe Kapler, the Manager of the Giants, he was a fitness model for a short time after his playing career came to an end.
There are too many games - don’t try and watch all of them
1. I will watch all of them and that doesn’t mean you need to. Watch what you care about and that’s it. Avoid 10 pm EST games like the plague.
Get MLB.TV - it is a very reasonable amount of money compared to NFL Red Zone or NBA League Pass and it gives you all the live video you want and more.
1. If you only want to watch your home team, do NOT get MLB.TV. Consult the blackout map to see if you can even watch your favorite team from your home.
Make some predictions and hold yourself to them throughout the season. Think March Madness Brackets - but for 6 months. Teams can surprise you and put it together in the second half. Think about the bracket madness the 2019 Nationals’ second half (46-27) of their seasons would have caused.
1. My predictions are below and I am going to hold myself way too accountable for them. While none of my predictions are insane - one of the teams I picked to finish last will undoubtedly finish at least third in their division (Baltimore and Colorado - I am talking about you)
If you want to make your own predictions - I got you: MLB Predictions
1. Download a copy and give it a go!

Hitting for the (News) Cycle

Anthony Volpe shares emotional family moment after Yankee’s shortstop nod: ‘He did it! (NY Post)
Experts predict this season's league leaders (MLB)
A new-look Red Sox team looks to exceed expectations (MLB)
Analyzing Spring Training Exit Velocity Leaders (Fangraphs)
Rhys Is in Pieces, and the Phillies Are Left To Pick Them Up (Fangraphs)
The Shift is dead in MLB. But is the ‘two-man outfield’ next? (The Athletic)
1 important thing we learned from each team this spring (MLB)
What the Yankees’ uniform number crunch could cost MLB’s managers and coaches (The Athletic $)
Braves To Extend Orlando Arcia (MLB TR)

Someone to Root For

It’s going to be cliche to tell others to root for someone who will break the record for the largest signing bonus ever and will likely never have to worry about money after the MLB Draft in July, but I am going to do it anyway.

Dylan Crews is the best player in the country at LSU. Not only is he the best player in the country, but he’s been in that conversation since he was 10 years old. Crews could’ve made a few million in the draft coming out of high school but removed his name from the MLB Draft to get the full college experience.

Dylan Crews @__dc4__

Orlando, FL —> Baton Rouge, LA

📊 @mason_mcrae

Somebody could’ve gotten Dylan Crews for $3.7M in 2020. Now he’s probably going to break the record for amateur signing bonus.

Nick, he’s good, we get it. Why on earth should I care?

Excellent question.

Here is what LSU’s Head Coach, Jay Johnson, had to say about Crews after his unbelievable weekend:

Let’s focus on the highlights:

Jay Johnson is one of the best college coaches in the country and has been for the better part of the last decade. When Paul Maineri (LSU’s old coach) retired, Johnson was a surprising fit as a California guy who had thrived at the University of Arizona. For those at home - California/Arizona is not Louisiana.
One of the deciding factors for Johnson to take the job was the OPPORTUNITY to coach 19-year-old Dylan Crews. Would you move across the country for the chance to impact a player/anyone’s career?
- Johnson and Crews make a good pair:
Johnson’s teams at Arizona were legit. He went 208-116 over his 6 seasons as Head Coach. He took his team to the College World Series twice, and the finals once. Those 14 players on MLB rosters include some decent MLB talent, Bobby Dalbec (Red Sox), JJ Matijevic (Astros), and Kevin Newman (Pirates). Plus there are some top prospects in the mix like Austin Wells (Yankees) and Daniel Susac (Athletics). Crews is better - substantially better, which is no knock to those five guys who have seemingly “made it”.
The bottom statement got me. Baseball is unlike other sports where coaches say “he’s a team guy”, and then you see them throwing helmets or yelling at officials. You can see it in baseball. Games are long, cameras just stare at players while they are in the box for those few minutes. Crews is all business. If you watch LSU games, he doesn't do any special dance on second base after he hits a double, when he hits home runs, he doesn’t make a big thing out of it.

For those interested, I’ll put my guess that Dylan Crews signs for $8.8 Million. The Nationals have the first pick of the draft and I truly hope they don’t overthink this