Topps chrome is the highlight of topps series 1 and topps series 2. The set has 200 cards and provides shining rookies and stars. There are also many refractor cards and autographs to chase. I usually buy some packs every year and try to find some rookie cards and refractor cards. This year, I got a Brusdar Graterol rookie card. At the beginning, I was wondering if his number was correct. He actually wears No. 48 in the Dodgers. He should have pitched for the Red Sox if the 3-team trade had been completed.
Tyler Kolek, 2nd overall pick in 2014
There were only 5 rounds in the 2020 Major League Baseball draft. In total, 160 players were selected and they all agreed to contracts. The Detroit Tigers that had the worst record in the 2019 season used the first overall pick to select Spencer Torkelson, an infielder from Arizona State University.
The St. Louis Cardinals are finally back on the field and will have a very intense schedule. However, some Reds players tested positive and the games between the Reds and Pirates were postponed. The 2020 season is truly full of unexpected things. In the shortened season, it is possible that we could see something happen.
A couple weeks ago, I used bases created average to see whether a team can score more or would be in the playoff. This time, I try to apply this idea to pitching.
Yoenis Cespedes had 2 home runs and collected 4 RBIs before he decided to opt out this season. He missed the 2019 season last year because of heel surgery. Before the 2020 season began, Cesepdes seemed to be ready and healthy for this full season, a shortened season. He was considered a strong candidate for NL Comeback player of the season. However, after playing 8 games, he decided not to come back this season.
It’s been two weeks since the 2020 season started. COVID-19 causes some chaos on MLB schedules. The Miami Marlins are officially back on the field after the coronavirus outbreak. However, the St. Louis Cardinals are still on pause and only played 5 games so far. For most teams, they have played around 15 games. The first 15 games in baseball usually mean nothing too important. But, this year, 15 games means 25% of the season is gone.
Mike Foltynewicz was drafted by the Houston Astros in the first round of the 2010 MLB draft. He made his major league debut with the Astros on August 2, 2014. In January 2015, Foltynewicz was traded to the Atlanta Braves. I watched him on the mound in the 2015 spring training. He was the starting pitcher, unfortunately, he couldn’t even complete one inning.
Shohei Ohtani made his MLB debut as a pitcher on April 1, 2018. He tossed 6 innings, struck out 6 batters and earned his first career win in the big league. In his rookie season, he made 10 starts and had a 4-2 record with a 3.31 ERA. His WHIP was 1.16 in 2018 and batters only hit .203 against Ohtani. However, he underwent Tommy John surgery after the 2018 season and did not pitch last season. After rehab, Ohtani is cleared to pitch in 2020 and it is believed that he’s an important part of the Angels rotation.
It’s indeed great to see baseball back. The opening week is truly full of excitement, tests and postponements. It seems that staying healthy and being tested negative are the most positive things in baseball. It’s really hard to tell if the 2020 season will be completed because of the COVID outbreak between some players and staff members. However, baseball returns after months-long wait, at least it’s back.
