The Week Ahead in Major League Baseball August 4-August 11

I sit here in the beginning of August, feeling really bad for the Chicago White Sox. They have now lost 20 consecutive games and their record is 60 games under .500 at 27-87. I know we really shouldn’t feel bad for guys that are playing a kids’ game and earn a lot of money doing so. However, this has been one miserable experience for everyone involved, from the players, the front office and most importantly, the fans. They have a chance to be worse than the 2003 Detroit Tigers who finished the season with a record of 43-119. I really hope this is a one time occurrence and their deadline deals can provide at least a little hope for 2025.

On to the present and more positive things in Major League Baseball.

Series to watch: Philadelphia Phillies at Arizona Diamondbacks

The second rematch of the 2023 National League Championship Series takes place with a four game weekend series in the desert. In June, the Phils got the better of the Snakes with a 2-1 series victory. This set has personal implications for me with my daughter being a great Phillies fan and me once writing a blog about the D-backs. Philadelphia potentially righted the ship (and my daughter’s state of mind) with a 6-0 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Sunday. Meanwhile, Arizona, though sitting in the last wild card spot is actually within striking distance of first place, only five games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers. Bryce Harper has been slumping lately but his two home runs in Sunday’s victory makes us recognize the Harper we know and love. Ketel Marte is a legitimate MVP candidate. Despite not having 40% of their starting rotation for most of the season and severe regression by Corbin Carroll, the D-backs are in a playoff spot thanks to the outstanding season put together by their All-Star second baseman.

Player to Watch: Aaron Judge

I mean, I could put him as the player to watch each week. There is no better player in Major League Baseball right now. The youngest Lynch asked if he would win the Triple Crown this year. The batting title is out of the question but Judge will easily win the home run and RBI titles. His 41 home runs put him around the pace of his 62 homer campaign in 2022. To me, his most remarkable attribute is his ability to play both center field and right field at a Gold Glove level. Of course, all of these good vibes will evaporate in October should he struggle during another playoff run. That’s two months from now. Let’s enjoy another historic season from #99. Judge is a joy to watch and I am fortunate to view his greatness on a daily basis.

He’s back

Jackson Holliday returned to the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday. The highly touted prospect was called up for his Major League debut in April and struggled mightily. After going 2 for 34 in ten games, Holliday was sent back to Triple A Norfolk. In his first game back, Holliday smacked a grand slam (his first Major League home run), helping the Orioles to a 10-4 win vs. the Toronto Blue Jays. On Sunday, he hit his second home run as the O’s won their second contest in a row against the first place Cleveland Guardians. He is 7 for 18 since his return from Norfolk as Baltimore seems to have put their month long slump behind them. I am fairly certain that barring an injury that requires a rehab assignment, Holiday’s Minor League days are over.

A bright spot in Colorado

Once again, the Colorado Rockies are having a tough season. However, even the bad teams have standout players. Once such guy is center fielder Brenton Doyle. He was named the National League Player of the Month for July. He clubbed 11 home runs during the month, more than any other NL player. With 19 home runs and 21 stolen bases, Doyle has a chance to be the fourth player in club history to achieve a 30-30 season. Hopefully Doyle and rookie shortstop Ezequiel Tovar are building blocks for the Rockies as they look forward to 2025.