MLB Bullets Is An All-Time Great

Last time, I wrote that I wanted to just post a random picture of Billy the Marlin. At least I’ve got one Marlins story today to justify it. But really, I just wanted to scare small children.

• Richard Justice notes that Angels outfielder Mike Trout is having another terrific season and is on-pace to be one of the all-time greats. As in “better than everyone but Babe Ruth”-great.
• Another player having a great season is Diamondbacks first baseman Paul Goldschmidt. Michael Beller looks at Goldschmidt’s chances to be a 40/40 player this year, something no one has done since 2006 and something no first baseman has ever done.
• Then there’s Bryce Harper, who is looking at his upcoming free agency after 2018. Cliff Corcoran estimates how much money Harper projects to be worth. Is he worth a lot? That’s a clown question, bro.
• Another pair of great young players is Astros shortstop Carlos Correa and second baseman Jose Altuve. David Schoenfield believes that the two have the chance to be the greatest double-play combination in history. (Looking over that list, I’d say that Jackie Robinson and Pee Wee Reese have that title at the moment.)
• Grant Brisbee notes that the Yankees have an “absurd number” of players having unexpectedly good seasons, which is why they’re winning so many games, I suppose.
• Claire McNear thinks it is time we stop saying “but” around Brandon Belt. As in “Belt is a good enough player, but . . .” At least we don’t have any need for a “Free Brandon Belt” campaign anymore.
• Travis Sawchik notes that the Twins’ Miguel Sano is having a breakout season because he’s become more selective at the plate.
• On the downside, Zach Kram notes that players over 35 years-old are having a historically-bad season this year, and no one seems to know why. I don’t know. David Ross made the Dancing With The Stars finale.
• Evan Davis examines whether there really is such a thing as a “World Series hangover.” No, but the Giants “even/odd” curse is absolutely real and the Cubs may have caught it. (I’m kidding.)
• Eduardo Perez has a great essay on what baseball means to Puerto Rico, as well some general thoughts on the state of the game on the island today.
• Meanwhile, Pirates catcher Francisco Cervelli is leading an effort to get Venezuelan baseball players to support the protests against the government in their home country. (h/t Hardball Talk)
• “Captain America” Adam Jones talks to Jeff Passan about why he won’t stop speaking out about race and society. Also about playing for Team USA and why he loves playing for Buck Showalter.
• Here’s my Marlins link! Ken Rosenthal writes that the Marlins need a tear down, no matter who ends up owning the team. I hope they don’t trade Billy or that moving sculpture in center field. I’d hate to have another team have to deal with them.
• Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano went on the disabled list for the first time since 2006.
• Giants outfielder Hunter Pence went on the DL for the first time since 3:00 pm. fifth time in the past three years.
• Rangers outfielder Carlos Gomez went on the DL and he’s expected to miss four-to-six weeks with a hamstring strain.
• Say what you want about Mets minor leaguer Tim Tebow (and believe me, I have), it is undeniable that he is having a huge positive effect on attendance in the South Atlantic League.
• The Indians promoted their top prospect, outfielder Bradley Zimmer, to the majors.
• The Nationals have moved their top pitching prospect, Erick Fedde, to the bullpen in hopes that he might help the team’s beleaguered pen later this season.
• A young woman knuckleballer, Claire Eccles, will pitch in the collegiate West Coast League this summer. This is one of those many summer leagues open to college players. She talks to MLB.com.
• Jesse Spector has a weird argument for why MLB needs a draft lottery like the NBA. Not because it would stop tanking (it certainly hasn’t in the NBA) but rather because he thinks it would be a great show.
• Eno Sarris gets Bronson Arroyo to reveal why he has that signature leg kick.
• Indians manager Terry Francona likes to tease Rays manager Kevin Cash with some interesting facts about Cash on the video board.
• The US Postal Service is releasing some round stamps that supposedly feel like the balls from major sports.
• Dodgers fans unfurled a Dodgers flag in the stands at AT&T Park. Sounds like a soccer fan move.
• Young Yankees star Aaron Judge went on the Tonight Show to prank some Yankees fans who didn’t recognize him.
• Judge said the whole bit made him nervous, but that the editors made him look really good.
• We’re used to Javier Baez’s amazing moves to avoid tags, but I don’t think we’ve seen this particular move that Josh Harrison used to avoid a tag at second base.
• And finally, this isn’t something you hear out of a baseball broadcaster enough. New Twins broadcaster (and former Twin, Cub, and a bunch of other teams) LaTroy Hawkins said that White Sox reliever Tommy Kahnle was “one of the worst teammates I’ve ever had in my life, and I’ve had a lot of teammates.” I like that kind of honesty.

And tomorrow will be a better day than today, Buster.