- Giancarlo Stanton led the postseason with 7 home runs, while the next closest player had only 5. Freddie Freeman hit 4, along with 4 other players.
- Fernando Tatis Jr boasted a .500 OBP in 7 playoff games, while Juan Soto achieved a .469 OBP over 14 postseason contests.
- Garrett Cole and Luke Weaver excelled during the postseason based on rate statistics (excluding xFIP for Cole).
- Shohei Ohtani amassed over 400 total bases with 411, significantly outperforming Judge who finished second with 392.
- Big News:
There is much to analyze here, so I’ll simply say there are still some uncertainties, but it appears to be progressing in the right direction. They acknowledge that many fans haven’t been watching recently due to various reasons and are introducing a direct option to bypass buying an entire TV service to watch baseball, eliminating local blackouts. Let’s hope this becomes a reality and Diamond Sports can deliver. Because local or internal options won’t be as readily available or prepared.
Food for thought: let’s add fuel to the fire:
What are your thoughts? Should the Cardinals trade the trio? Or is that the one element keeping Cardinals baseball enjoyable?
This week, I have less to offer, so I thought it would be an open-ended hot stove discussion. I’ll also list the articles I’ve written so far for anyone who may have missed them.
2024 Season Review
Focusing on defensive performances and discussing MLB historical postseason performances
Comparing and contrasting the two main WAR systems, fWAR and bWAR, and examining what things would look like if they were averaged together
Comparing and contrasting the Cardinals’ 3 catchers, with a surprising revelation about catching defense
Revealing how a rotation by committee produced many innings spread across 9 starting pitchers
***
Here’s also a link to some of VEB’s coverage of Willson Contreras moving to first base:
Album Hall of Fame
Keeping things brief this week and going with one of my all-time favorite albums from any band or genre: My Bloody Valentine’s ‘Loveless’. This album (if you haven’t heard it yet) is unlike anything else; you’ll either love it or be left scratching your head, or even laughing at it. You either fall into its strange world of sound or reject it. Band leader Kevin Shields’ innovative guitar walls of sound define the band, but the supporting cast is exceptional for this project.
Shields used multiple amps simultaneously and is renowned for utilizing an excessive number of guitar pedals…and nearly bankrupting a record label after hopping between studios for the perfect sound. Shields had a vision and relentlessly pursued it, using whatever was at hand to achieve his goal, at almost any cost. So there you have it, another inductee into my Perfect Album hall of fame—albums that are all killer, no filler. Next week I’ll come up with a new list.
Thanks for reading! Take it easy and let me know your ideas for next week’s topic. Let’s keep the hot stove burning.
Postseason Power Plays: Stanton’s Dominance, Tatis & Soto’s Clutch OBPs, and the Cardinals’ Future
## Giancarlo Stanton: A Postseason Beast Unleashed
When the regular season winds down and the MLB Playoffs ignite, certain players transcend their everyday performance. Giancarlo Stanton, for years a force to be reckoned with, has consistently risen to the occasion in October. His sheer power is undeniable, but it’s his unwavering focus and clutch hitting that truly define him as a postseason standout.
* **Home Run Prowess:** Stanton boasts an impressive array of playoff home runs, routinely putting teams on notice with towering blasts. His ability to launch baseballs into the stratosphere under pressure is a spectacle fans flock to witness.
* **Elevated Batting Average:** While his regular season batting average might fluctuate, Stanton typically elevates his performance in the playoffs. He becomes more selective at the plate, driving in crucial runs and delivering timely hits when his team needs them most.
## The Cardinals’ Future: A Foundation of Young Talent
Throughout their rich history, the St. Louis Cardinals have built a reputation for developing exceptional young talent. This trend continues with an exciting roster poised to make significant strides in the coming years.
* **Emerging Pitching Stars:** The Cardinals boast a pipeline of promising pitchers showcasing incredible potential. These arms possess both velocity and command, setting the stage for dominant performances in crucial games.
* **Dynamic Offensive Core:** A talented group of young hitters is steadily establishing itself as a force to be reckoned with. Their ability to make contact, drive in runs, and build momentum through exciting rallies will fuel the Cardinals’ offensive firepower.
### The Young Guns Shaping the Future
| Player | Position | Notable Accomplishments |
|————–|————-|———————–|
| Jordan Walker | Third Base | MLB Pipeline Top Prospect |
| Matthew Liberatore | Starting Pitcher | 2019 First Round Draft Pick |
| Nolan Gorman | Second Base | 2023 All-Star Selection |
## Tatis Jr. & Soto: The On-Base Magic Makers
Two of the game’s most feared hitters, Fernando Tatis Jr. and Juan Soto, possess an uncanny ability to get on base at a staggering rate. Their patient approaches and remarkable plate discipline create constant pressure on opposing pitchers.
* **On-Base Percentage Mastery:** Tatis & Soto consistently boast among the league’s highest On-Base Percentages (OBPs). This means they are adept at drawing walks, putting the ball in play, and finding ways to reach base, setting the stage for their teammates to drive them in.
* **Clutch Performances:** These stars shine brightest when the game is on the line. Their ability to stay calm under pressure and deliver timely hits with runners on base has cemented their reputation as clutch performers.
## The Impact of Analytics in Modern Baseball
In today’s MLB landscape, analytics have revolutionized the way teams approach the game. From player evaluation to strategic decision-making, data has become an invaluable tool for success.
* **Advanced Metrics:** Teams now utilize a wide range of advanced metrics like WAR (Wins Above Replacement) and wOBA (Weighted On-Base Average) to assess player performance beyond traditional statistics.
* **Data-Driven Decision Making:** General managers and coaches utilize data analysis to make informed decisions regarding player acquisitions, lineup construction, pitching rotations, and in-game strategy adjustments.
By embracing analytics and incorporating its insights into their operations, teams like the Cardinals are poised to build sustainable success for years to come.
