We are entering the end of August. Thus, the final month of the regular season is coming. Several teams are fighting hard for a spot in the postseason. Taking a look at the last few seasons, we might have a clue to see which teams actually had played well in September.
Just a few days ago, we reviewed some hitters’ performances after being traded. Now, let’s shift our focus to the mound. Before the trade deadline, several pitchers were traded. And how have they pitched in a uniform?
It’s been almost a month since the 2025 trade deadline. Before the trade deadline, several teams decided to acquire hitters to enhance the lineup depth. Do those trades make an instant impact?
In early August, I listened to a podcast show. A pitcher was interviewed by a long-time reporter. The pitcher was quite honest. He indicated that he threw a lot of sinkers while he was playing for the Pirates. After being traded, his sinker usage dropped significantly.
It was a couple of weeks ago, I was in Japan and passed by a sports card shop. I found some 2025 Topps Heritage hobby packs available. Well, I only bought a blaster box of the 2025 Topps Heritage previously. When I saw some hobby packs of the 2025 Topps Heritage, I was just thinking it would be fun to buy some.
The 2025 Topps Chrome was released in late July. This set is always a popular one that attracts many collectors. Each year, I bought some hobby packs or jumbo packs of this product. A few weeks ago, I was in Japan and I found that there was a sports card shop near the hotel where I stayed.
The 2025 deadline was just a couple of weeks ago. Before the trade deadline, several teams decided to acquire relievers to enhance their bullpens. Moreover, I listened to a podcast show a few days ago. In the podcast, an analyst indicated the importance of the bullpen in the postseason.
Before the 2025 trade deadline, the Cleveland Guardians decided to trade former Cy Young award winner Shane Bieber to the Blue Jays and acquired Khal Stephen from the Blue Jays. Sending an ace to another team isn’t easy. When I look at this trade, I’m just thinking about a question.
It was a few weeks ago, I was watching a baseball game. In the late innings, a reliever gave up a home run and the game was tied. Suddenly, in a chat group, a friend indicated that the team shouldn’t sign him for a long-term deal.
In late July, the Dodgers visited Fenway Park. This time, it’s a special moment for Walker Buehler because he got the ring of the 2024 World Series Champion. He recorded the final out of the 2024 World Series.
On July 2, 2025, in the top of the 6th inning, Clayton Kershaw threw a slider, which was his 100th pitch in the game. The batter didn’t swing, but Kershaw located it well. It was a strike. Kershaw struck out the batter to end the inning and it’s the 3000th strikeout in his great career.
All right, we have seen strikeout leaders via different pitches from 2008 to 2024. However, I’m just thinking about another thing. How about something different?
July just came to an end. Last month, several teams played very well. With great performance in July, some teams now have become postseason contenders.
