Good Birthday Team today. I’m not a professional talent scout, but I think the ace starter may just have what it takes.

C: Ray Schalk (33.2 WAR)
1B: Don Hurst (12.7 WAR)
2B: Chris Owings (2.6 WAR)
3B: Harlond Clift (42.0 WAR)
SS: Zack Cozart (14.6 WAR)
LF: Ian Happ (4.6 WAR)
CF: Lew Ford (8.3 WAR)
RF: Jose Tabata (1.9 WAR)

SP: Christy Mathewson (106.5 WAR)
SP: Fred Hutchinson (26.0 WAR)
SP: Bob Buhl (21.9 WAR)
SP: Matt Clement (12.3 WAR)
SP: Ken McBride (6.9 WAR)
RP: Julio Urias (5.5 WAR)

Manager/GM: Minoru Murakami
Not a great last name for a pitcher: Kyle Lobstein
Fun names: Rusty McNealy, Pony Sager, Skinny Graham

Jose Tabata looked like a possible star when he hit .299/.346./400 as a 21-year-old for the Pirates in 2010, but he never really built on that at all. He's still kicking around the independent leagues and doing quite well for himself, hitting .354/.433/.585 for the West Virginia Power, in case anyone is looking for a fourth outfielder. He turns 33 today.

On the discord channel last night I said that Votto is going to end up leading the NL in OPS this year and I am sticking with that.

Up to .958, 4th in the NL, 2nd in HR, 3rd in slg%, top 10 in RBI (even with missing a month).

Since June 28:

38 games, 167 pa, .343/.437/.786, 17 hr and 40 rbi. Joey Votto, RBI machine! is about the last thing I expected of the 2021 season.

I’m not a professional talent scout, but I think the ace starter may just have what it takes.

He definitely knew how to pitch in a pinch.

#4 And the ace defensive catcher could help him realize his potential.

The first three starters include two very good hitting pitchers, and one very bad hitting one - Bob Buhl went 0-70 in 1962.

Another pitcher born on this day that deserves mention is Gene Basque. Basque never made the majors in the US, and had a losing record in the minor leagues, but became a major star in Japan in the 1960s, becoming the first American to win the Sawamura Award, given to the top NPB starting pitcher, in 1964. That season he went 29-9, 1.88, leading the league in both wins and ERA. He pitched seven seasons for the Hanshin Tigers, and one for the Kintetsu Buffaloes, from 1962 to 1969, making five All-Star teams and compiling a career NPB record of 100-80, with a 2.34 ERA.

Not a great last name for a pitcher: Kyle Lobstein

Worst last name for a pitcher? I say Bob Walk, but I imagine there are better ones.

Any suggestions for worst for a fielder and a hitter?

Josh Outman was a good name for a pitcher.

The best name for a pitcher has to be Josh Outman, doesn't it?

Edit: Coke to Tom!

The best name for a pitcher has to be Josh Outman, doesn't it?


Early Wynn disagrees.

Steve and Nick Swisher both had bad names for hitters. Mickey Klutts had a bad name for any kind of athlete.

Grant Balfour