It usually takes rookies a few games to muster up their first hit in the Majors, but that was not the case for Rockies outfielder David Dahl. Ranked by MLB Pipeline as the Rockies' No. 2 overall prospect, Dahl started his career off with a bang, recording a hit in each of his first 17 Major League games, tying a 75-year-old Big League record previously set by Reds rookie Chuck Aleno in 1941.
Although the streak ended on Aug. 12, Dahl found his way back into the hit column Saturday and Sunday, going 2-for-5 with two doubles and 1-for-3 with two walks, respectively. He has a .342 batting average with nine extra-base hits, 10 RBIs and six walks in 79 at-bats. Dahl, the No. 10 overall pick by the Rockies in 2012, was tearing up the Minors at the time of his promotion, having posted a .314/.394/.569 slash line between Double-A Hartford and Triple-A Albuquerque.
The 22-year-old should see consistent playing time down the stretch, and he will be a significant piece to the Rockies' team of the future, adding to an already impressive outfield consisting of Carlos Gonzalez, Charlie Blackmon and Gerardo Parra.
Monday, August 15, 2016
Saturday, August 13, 2016
The Kemp effect
On Jul. 30, the Atlanta Braves acquired outfielder Matt Kemp in exchange for Hector Olivera. This was a move to attempt to provide better protection for first baseman Freddie Freeman. So far, the plan has worked, with Kemp being just the right person behind Freeman. Since Aug. 3, Freeman is hitting .333 (11-for-33) with four homers, four doubles and 11 RBIs, while Kemp is hitting .235 (8-for-34) with four extra-base hits and five RBIs. Although Kemp is off to a slow start, his name alone has impacted the way pitchers handle Freeman.
The whole lineup has also benefited from Kemp's presence. Since Aug. 3, the Braves have averaged 5.2 runs per game, which is well above their season mark of 3.6 per game. The top of the lineup, led by Ender Inciarte and Erick Aybar, has gotten hot too. In the month of August, Inciarte is hitting .370, while Aybar is hitting .333. Behind Kemp, Nick Markakis and Adonis Garcia have had more opportunities to drive runners in. Since Aug. 2, Markakis is hitting .333 with 10 RBIs while Garcia is hitting .262 with six RBIs. Having Markakis and Adonis in the fifth and sixth spots in the order has created more depth for Atlanta's offense.
Overall, the lineup has benefited from the presence of Kemp, who takes the weight of hitting fourth off players who are better suited in the fifth through seventh spots. The Braves may not be able to sustain the offensive pace they have set of late, but they are in a better position for the transition to SunTrust Park in 2017.
The whole lineup has also benefited from Kemp's presence. Since Aug. 3, the Braves have averaged 5.2 runs per game, which is well above their season mark of 3.6 per game. The top of the lineup, led by Ender Inciarte and Erick Aybar, has gotten hot too. In the month of August, Inciarte is hitting .370, while Aybar is hitting .333. Behind Kemp, Nick Markakis and Adonis Garcia have had more opportunities to drive runners in. Since Aug. 2, Markakis is hitting .333 with 10 RBIs while Garcia is hitting .262 with six RBIs. Having Markakis and Adonis in the fifth and sixth spots in the order has created more depth for Atlanta's offense.
Overall, the lineup has benefited from the presence of Kemp, who takes the weight of hitting fourth off players who are better suited in the fifth through seventh spots. The Braves may not be able to sustain the offensive pace they have set of late, but they are in a better position for the transition to SunTrust Park in 2017.
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
Winner of the 2016 Trade Deadline
The non-waiver Trade Deadline is always a busy time of the year, and 2016 was no exception. There were a total of 48 trades completed from June 1 through the Deadline, five more than last year. Many contenders were loading up for October baseball, while other teams chose to rebuild. The Texas Rangers came out on top as the winner in my eyes because of the impact players they received.
It was only two weeks ago that there was concern surrounding the Rangers, who had dropped 15 of 19 from June 29 to July 22. Houston was creeping up on them, only 2 1/2 games back in the American League West on July 22. Texas has gone 7-3 since, extending its lead to 5 1/2 games. Their most glaring need was a starting pitcher, but with the elevated price of starters due to a barren upcoming free-agent class, the Rangers looked to improve elsewhere.
They made two significant moves, the first a trade for veteran Carlos Beltran from the Yankees to solidify their designated hitter spot due to the absence of slugger Prince Fielder. Beltran is having an excellent year at age 39, hitting .300 with 22 home runs and 64 RBIs. He is a professional hitter who makes those around him better. Beltran also carries an excellent postseason track record. In 52 postseason games, Beltran owns a .332 average with 16 home runs, 13 doubles and 40 RBIs. Texas is looking to make a run at the World Series, and adding a hitter of this caliber to a lineup only increases its chances.
The second major move was the acquisition of catcher Jonathan Lucroy and right-handed reliever Jeremy Jeffress from the Brewers. Lucroy was acquired by the Rangers a day after he nixed a deal to the Indians. The 30-year-old backstop is hitting .297 with 13 homers and 50 RBIs. His value goes beyond his offense. On the defensive side, Lucroy is rated as one of the best pitch framers in the game in addition to being one of the top game callers. His experience behind the plate can help a pitching staff tremendously. Jeffress is having a career, owning a 2.22 ERA to go along with 27 saves in his first season in the closer role. He bolsters a bullpen that is 28th in the Majors in bullpen ERA at 4.81. The 28-year-old Jeffress gives Texas the option of closing or setting up for Sam Dyson.
While many other teams acquired an impact player, the Rangers stockpiled three impact players who can make a difference in the quest for a World Series.
It was only two weeks ago that there was concern surrounding the Rangers, who had dropped 15 of 19 from June 29 to July 22. Houston was creeping up on them, only 2 1/2 games back in the American League West on July 22. Texas has gone 7-3 since, extending its lead to 5 1/2 games. Their most glaring need was a starting pitcher, but with the elevated price of starters due to a barren upcoming free-agent class, the Rangers looked to improve elsewhere.
They made two significant moves, the first a trade for veteran Carlos Beltran from the Yankees to solidify their designated hitter spot due to the absence of slugger Prince Fielder. Beltran is having an excellent year at age 39, hitting .300 with 22 home runs and 64 RBIs. He is a professional hitter who makes those around him better. Beltran also carries an excellent postseason track record. In 52 postseason games, Beltran owns a .332 average with 16 home runs, 13 doubles and 40 RBIs. Texas is looking to make a run at the World Series, and adding a hitter of this caliber to a lineup only increases its chances.
The second major move was the acquisition of catcher Jonathan Lucroy and right-handed reliever Jeremy Jeffress from the Brewers. Lucroy was acquired by the Rangers a day after he nixed a deal to the Indians. The 30-year-old backstop is hitting .297 with 13 homers and 50 RBIs. His value goes beyond his offense. On the defensive side, Lucroy is rated as one of the best pitch framers in the game in addition to being one of the top game callers. His experience behind the plate can help a pitching staff tremendously. Jeffress is having a career, owning a 2.22 ERA to go along with 27 saves in his first season in the closer role. He bolsters a bullpen that is 28th in the Majors in bullpen ERA at 4.81. The 28-year-old Jeffress gives Texas the option of closing or setting up for Sam Dyson.
While many other teams acquired an impact player, the Rangers stockpiled three impact players who can make a difference in the quest for a World Series.
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