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August 31th, 2023 Week 22: MLB News and Rankings

WEEK 22: MLB News and Rankings

Welcome, valued members of our newsletter community! As we embark on yet another captivating week of MLB showdowns, our dedication remains unwavering in delivering you the most current and relevant information. 
 

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Race for AL West Title

The AL West division is where the action truly unfolds this season, offering a thrilling three-way competition among the Mariners, Astros, and Rangers. Unlike other divisions, this race is tighter than ever, with all three teams jockeying for the top spot. The Mariners have surged with an impressive winning streak, the defending champions Astros remain formidable, and the Rangers, despite recent stumbles, hold a strong position. However, none of these contenders can rest easy, as the Blue Jays and the Red Sox are hot on their heels for a Wild Card spot.

Key Points:

  1. Mariners (Record: 75-57)

    • Recent Performance: On fire! The Mariners have clinched victory in seven consecutive games and 12 out of their last 14.
    • Standout Player: Julio Rodríguez is a force to be reckoned with, hitting an astounding .429 in August and maintaining a slugging percentage of .724.
    • Team Resilience: Despite pitching injuries, the Mariners' bullpen and rotation are proving their mettle.

  2. Astros (Record: 76-58)

    • Recent Performance: The Astros, although not dominating like their championship year, have remained consistently competitive throughout the season.
    • Neck and Neck: Tied with the Mariners and Rangers in the standings, the Astros are just a game behind in the loss column, with fewer games to play down the stretch.

  3. Rangers (Record: 75-57)

    • Recent Performance: The Rangers started August strong but have since faced a setback, losing nine of 12 games and relinquishing their lead.
    • Reasons for Confidence: A deep rotation, star players like Corey Seager and Marcus Semien, and a resourceful bullpen still give the Rangers a fighting chance.
    • Determination: Despite a recent slide, the Rangers possess the resilience and talent to rebound and remain in contention.

As the AL West division unfolds, every game holds immense significance, as the difference between clinching the top spot and missing the playoffs entirely is razor-thin. Stay tuned as these teams battle it out for a chance at the postseason glory.

 

Week 22 - Power Rankings

  1. Atlanta Braves (86-45) 
  2. Baltimore Orioles (83-50)
  3. LA Dodgers (82-49)
  4. TB Rays (81-52) 
  5. Seattle Mariners (76-57)
  6. Texas Rangers (75-57)
  7. Houston Astros (76-58)
  8. Toronto Blue Jays (73-61)
  9. Philadelphia Phillies (74-59)
  10. Chicago Cubs (71-62)

Record Alert - Freddie Free

In the realm of baseball's celebrated achievements, the spotlight often fixates on home runs, taking us on an enthralling ride as players inch closer to that revered 60th homer. Yet, amidst this fervor, an equally captivating phenomenon remains obscured: the scarcity of seasons boasting an astounding 60 or more doubles. Remarkably, these distinctive seasons actually outnumber their 60-home run counterparts, albeit by a slim margin. The annals of history showcase a mere six players who etched their names by achieving this extraordinary feat, and incredibly, all these milestones unfolded within a decade, nearly a century ago.

Stepping into the Realm of 60-Double Seasons in AL/NL History:

  1. Earl Webb, BOS, 1931: A staggering 67 doubles
  2. Joe Medwick, STL, 1936: An impressive 64 doubles
  3. George Burns, CLE, 1926: A noteworthy 64 doubles
  4. Hank Greenberg, DET, 1934: An impressive 63 doubles
  5. Paul Waner, PIT, 1932: A remarkable 62 doubles
  6. Charlie Gehringer, DET, 1936: A solid 60 doubles

Adding an extra layer of grandeur to this exclusive club is the fact that four out of these six players – Gehringer, Greenberg, Medwick, and Waner – have cemented their legacies within the hallowed halls of the Hall of Fame. The illustrious company they share underscores that achieving a 60-double season represents an extraordinary blend of skill and unwavering consistency.

Shifting our gaze to the contemporary, a modern-day luminary of the Major League stands on the precipice of joining this venerable lineage. Freddie Freeman, an indispensable force in the formidable Dodgers' lineup, recently notched his 50th double of the 2023 season. This is a continuation of his league-topping 47 doubles from the previous year. With his unyielding performance and ample opportunities, Freeman's voyage toward the 60-double milestone could soon carve his name alongside baseball's most storied legends, penning yet another extraordinary chapter in his illustrious career.

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