Author: Tom Lynch

Family is everything to me. Baseball is a close second. What better way to combine my two favorite passions than to write about them! My three children each have a different baseball team, hence the title, "Three Unassisted". I write about not only my thoughts but also the musings of Ryan (Yankees), Caitlyn (Phillies) and Matthew (Mets). I may have grown up a Yankees fan but since family is greater than ball, I also root for the Phillies and Mets. I love talking about my kids. I love talking about baseball. That lethal combination will keep you coming back for more. Happy reading!

This is the Rivalry I Miss

I am a firm believer, or at least have the perception, that sports were were better when we were younger. Maybe it’s because we had less responsibilities. Maybe it’s because the world was less chaotic. I don’t think I am the only one that feels this way. How many times growing up did we hear our parents say things were better when they were kids? That being said, I always try to conceptualize that instead of saying sports were better when I was younger, I like to say they have evolved. However, I still miss certain things about my baseball childhood.

Chris Chambliss breaks the Royals’ hearts in 1976. Photo from Newsday

This brings me to the rivalry between the New York Yankees and the Kansas City Royals, who play each other four times in Kansas City this week.

Growing up, I didn’t look at the Boston Red Sox as the Yanks’ biggest rivals. The Yankees and Royals to me was much more intense. New York and Kansas City played each other in the American League Champions Series four out of five years. Though I was too young to actually remember the first three, I knew that whenever they played one another, it was a big deal. Some of their regular season games were on national television. The 1976-1978 ALCS were loaded with memorable highlights such as Chris Chambliss’s series clinching home run at Yankee Stadium in ’76 and the brawl in Kansas City one year later. One of my earliest memories was the 1980 ALCS when the Royals finally slayed the Yankee dragon and advanced to the World Series. I distinctly remember going to bed with the Yankees winning game three only to wake up and find out George Brett smacked a three run homer to give KC the series. To add more gas to the fire, Dick Howser was the Yankee manager in 1980. He was fired by George Steinbrenner after that season and became the Royals’ manager the following season. Howser got the Royals over the hump once and for all in 1985, directing the team to its first World Championship. Of course, who can forget the most famous moment of all in this epic rivalry? That would be Brett’s Pine Tar home run in 1983, that was first disallowed and then allowed less than a month later.

For one of the rare instances over the last 30 years, both teams are playoff contenders at the same time. One big difference between all of those epic clashes years ago and today is the size of the payrolls. In its heyday, there was no talk of big market-small market and luxury taxes. It was just two well-run organizations vying for American League supremacy. I’d love nothing more than to see the Yankees and Royals meet once again this Fall for the right to go to the World Series.

The Week Ahead in Major League Baseball June 10-June 16

Next week is Father’s Day. What better present for Dad than treating him to a day of doing……..nothing. OK, watching the day’s action in Major League Baseball ranks a close second, particularly if it is a rainy day. At least fans of the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets won’t be watching baseball during breakfast. Most kids, including my own, will be done with school this week. Time to start letting them stay up late to watch some West Coast action.

Bryce Harper and company head to Camden Yards this weekend. Photo from The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Here is what is coming up this week:

Series to watch: Philadelphia Phillies at Baltimore Orioles

This past weekend bought the hype of a possible World Series preview with the Los Angeles Dodgers playing at the New York Yankees. The Phils-O’s matchup can be deemed as such, too. It wouldn’t be the first meeting between the clubs in the Fall Classic as in 1983 the Orioles were victorious in five games, their last World Series appearance. Philadelphia owns the best record in baseball while Baltimore is tied with the Cleveland Guardians with the third best mark. Gunnar Henderson already has 20 home runs for the Orioles, the most in either league. Kyle Schwarber has been quiet so far this month, a stark contrast to his previous June. Will the friendly confines of Camden Yards wake up his sleeping bat?

Player to watch: Francisco Alvarez

The Mets were 12-8 when their young catching star suffered a thumb injury. They are now 28-36. It’s impossible to attribute the total meltdown to Alvarez’s absence. However, a telling stat appeared on SNY, home of the Mets, a couple of weeks ago. The pitching staff’s ERA is two runs lower with Alvarez behind the plate. The lineup, which has been showing signs of life, could use his big and dramatic bat in the order. Despite the bad record, the Mets are only three games out of a playoff spot. All signs point to Alvarez returning to Queens over the weekend.

Last Stand for the Blue Jays?

The Toronto Blue Jays are a game under .500, and in fourth place in the American League East. Cavan Biggio, once a part of a core of youngsters that was to make the Jays annual contenders, was designated for assignment. Alek Manoah will miss the rest of the season. Vladimir Guerrero, Jr and Bo Bichette are due to be a free agents after 2026. It almost feels as though if Toronto misses out on the playoffs this year, there will be a major teardown of the team. I think management will add, rather than subtract at the trade deadline.

National League West woes

The NL West was seen as a very strong division at the start of the season. Today, four of the five teams are under .500. Even the Los Angeles Dodgers are not immune, playing .500 ball over the last two weeks. The Colorado Rockies are the only team that is hopeless while the other three teams are within a game and a half of one another. Despite the miserable starts, I expect two of the three teams bundled together to make the playoffs.

MLB Week Ahead June 3-June 9

We’ve arrived at the first full week of June and London is calling. The New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies will be playing two games in jolly old England. Here is hoping these Saturday and Sunday contests will be the best the game has to offer. On paper it doesn’t look appetizing as the Phils lead the Amazins’ by 16.5 games in the National League East. However, Philadelphia will most likely be without Ranger Suarez as the Cy Young candidate hurt his pitching hand on a comebacker over the weekend.

The Twins head to Yankees Stadium for a big series vs. the Bronx Bombers. Photo from Fox 9.

Let’s see what else is happening this week.

Series to watch: Seattle Mariners at Kansas City Royals

Two of the premier teams in the American League square off in Kansas City this weekend. The Mariners, winners of seven of their past eight games, are starting to put distance between themselves and the rest of the American League West. They are four games ahead of the Texas Rangers and took three of four games from the Houston Astros last week, dropping the ‘Stros 7.5 games out of the top spot. The Royals were nearly opposite, going 2-5 last week. KC also has to go on the road for three games in Cleveland against the first place Guardians prior to coming home. Two starts from Seth Lugo and his 1.88 ERA would be optimal for the second place Royals.

Player to watch: Rhys Hoskins

One of the most beloved players in recent Phillies’ history returns to Philadelphia. Unfortunately, the last visual of Hoskins in a Philly uniform is him going off the field in Spring Training 2023 with a torn ACL. Now with the Milwaukee Brewers, he is tied for the club lead in home runs with nine. Hoskins has seven hits in his last 20 at bats with six RBI’s. He has been the Crew’s primary DH, helping them open up a seven game lead in the National League Central. Expect a warm ovation and a touching video on Monday night.

Trade Deadline Chatter

Now that the trade deadline is officially next month, talk surrounding potential deals with intensify. However, with so many teams still in realistic playoff contention, any talk prior to June 20 is premature. Even the Oakland A’s, at 24-37 are on the fringes of the Wild Card chase. The early talk asks the question of whether or not Oakland would trade their Rookie of the Year candidate, reliever Mason Miller. Check back in three weeks to see where teams are in the standings.

The AL Central is No Longer a Joke

What a difference a year makes.


Look at the 2023 Major League Baseball standings and turn slowly toward the order of the American League Central. The Minnesota Twins, the only team to finish over .500, captured the division crown with a mere 87 victories. The Chicago White Sox and Kansas City Royals each lost more than 100 games. In 2022, the Cleveland Guardians were the only club to finish over .500, winning 92 games. The division has long been derided for its lack of quality teams year in and year out.

Seth Lugo is the ace of the revitalized Kansas City Royals. Photo from Yahoo

Now?

The AL Central is the only division to have three teams with at least 30 victories. The Guardians are #1 and the Royals #2 in runs scored in the American League. Kansas City has been particularly impressive, stockpiling a group of veteran pitchers such as Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha to supplement their young, positional core, headed by Bobby Witt, Jr. Salvador Perez is as good as he was nine years ago when the Royals won it all. If Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton can remain healthy for the remainder of the year, the Twins’ lineup will give pitchers headaches all season. On the pitching side, Jhoan Duran is one of the most electric closers in baseball. Despite losing one of the best managers in Terry Francona, Cleveland has thrived under first time manager Stephen Vogt. More help will arrive for the Guardians in the near future as they own the #1 pick in July’s draft. The Detroit Tigers, though one game under .500, remain dangerous with two studs in the rotation: Reese Olson and Tarik Skubal. Only the White Sox will not figure into this discussion this year and next as they are literally starting from scratch.

The top four teams are set up for success beyond 2024. The vast majority of core players, both in the everyday lineup and on the mound are south of 30. The Baltimore Orioles receive much fanfare for their impressive collection of young talent. Teams like the Guardians and Royals do not have the names but they are just as prolific. The organizations in the AL Central generally are of smaller markets with lower payrolls. Drafting wisely and being smart in free agency is a must for the group, lest they revert to being nicknamed “Comedy Central”.

Hats Off to John Pacella

I guarantee that 95% of you that saw this title have no idea who John Pacella is. I can forgive you for that. I’m not sure if even the most hardcore of New York Mets’ fans have heard of John Pacella. He was a pitcher that played in seasons ranging from 1977 to 1986 primarily for the Mets but he also had brief stints with the Yankees, Twins, Orioles and Tigers. He appeared in a grand total of 71 games with a career ERA of 5.74. Yet, he holds a special place in my heart for one, distinguishing characteristic:

The magic of John Pacella. Photo from my personal collection

His cap would fall off after he threw a pitch. I mean every, single pitch.

If you don’t believe me, the back of his 1981 Topps card, pictured above, reads as follows:

“John has unique habit of losing his cap each pitch”.

He appeared in 32 games in 1980 for the Mets. Though I was first six, then seven years old that season, I distinctly remember seeing this during Pacella’s outings. I remember thinking how and why does that happen? I would imitate many things done on the field by Major Leaguers. Losing my batting helmet while running? I couldn’t do it in actual Little League games because of those tight helmets. But it was possible in the backyard with those plastic ones I would win at the fair. Cap falling off while running down a ball? No problem. How cool was that, showing off to everyone how hard you were running and how much you cared? But losing your cap while throwing a pitch? No chance.

These days, many players express themselves after a big play. Usually, it is after a hit or a strikeout. John Pacella, even though it wasn’t a form of self expression, was a man ahead of his time. He was memorable even if the totality of his career was not.

The Week Ahead in Major League Baseball May 27-June 2

It’s hard to believe the Major League Baseball season is already two months old. The warm weather is finally here and school is almost done. We are starting to get an idea of which teams are serious contenders, which are headed for a long Summer and the rest, well, they teeter between slightly below or slightly above average. There is a World Series rematch this week as the Arizona Diamondbacks will visit the Texas Rangers for two games. We will also see how the Atlanta Braves fare with Ronald Acuna, Jr beginning a stint on the Injured List. Here is what else will be going on this week around the league.

Aaron Judge goes to San Francisco for the first time since Arson Judge appeared. Photo from Fox News.

Series to Watch: Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee Brewers

It’s a battle for early control of the National League Central as the second place Cubs visit the first place Brewers. The Crew is a feisty bunch; Sunday against the Boston Red Sox was the third time this year Milwaukee was involved in a benches-emptying encounter. Cubs’ fans always make a Milwaukee their home away from home. Aces battle on Wednesday when Shota Imanaga pitches agianst Freddy Peralta. The two teams face each other for the second time in 2024. The Cubs won two out of three games at Wrigley Field during the first weekend in May.

Player to Watch: Aaron Judge

Since a slow April, Judge has been near impossible to get out. He is hitting .359 over his last 30 games with 13 home runs. On Tuesday, he goes to San Francisco for the first time since he came oh-so-close to signing with the Giants after the 2022 season (remember Jon Heyman’s Arson Judge tweet?). I’m sure the venom Giants’ fans have for the Los Angeles Dodgers will come out during Judge’s plate appearances. The Yankees then travel to Anaheim for the weekend; Judge owns 11 home runs vs the Angels in 31 career games.

Turnaround for the Cincinnati Reds?

Things are looking up in Cincinnati. The Reds are coming off a home weekend sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers and now have a chance to make up ground in the National League Central. Up next are three games against the visiting St. Louis Cardinals followed by a weekend set in Chicago vs. the Cubs. Nick Lodolo makes his return this week from a groin injury and Alexis Diaz picked up back-to-back saves against the Dodgers, showing signs he is out of his early season funk.

Hot in Cleveland

The Guardians are riding a nine game winning streak. Up next is a trip to Colorado to take on the Rockies, one of the worst teams in the National League. The weekend brings a visit from the Washington Nationals who are better but still below .500. Despite the streak, the Guardians are still only 2.5 games ahead of the Kansas City Royals. These next two series offer the opportunity for Cleveland to increase their lead in the American League Central.

MLB Highlights Review May 19-May 25

I’d like to add another new feature to my blog. Each week, I want to showcase five plays from this week’s games that are worthy of extra love. Some you may have seen, some you may not. There is a plethora of clips to choose from and honestly, it could take me a week to say which are the top five. Instead, what I will present each week are five great plays, in no particular order.

Let’s get the party started!

Fittingly enough, the very first highlight presented will be from a game I attended. Check out Corey Julks robbing Jose Trevino of a home run.

Lars Nookbar pulls off a nifty double play, you know, the routine 9-3 kind.

Matt Chapman with the throw and Lamond Wade, Jr with the pick to win the game for the San Francisco Giants.

Ceddanne Rafaela with the big time stretch.

Seiya Suzuki slides perfectly.

Immaculate Grid Superstar: Joe Morgan

When playing Immaculate Grid, there are a number of “go to guys” I use whenever I am stuck on a particular box. Guys that have bounced around like Edwin Jackson, J.D. Martinez and any left-handed reliver with a pulse are good options when trying to go Immaculate. One surprising player that I have used frequently over this past year is in the Hall of Fame, and arguably the best player ever to have played second base: Joe Morgan.

Joe Morgan checks many boxes for Immaculate Grid. Photo from CBS News.

The two-time Most Valuable Player winner started his career with the then Houston Colt 45’s in 1963 before shockingly getting dealt to the Cincinnati Reds in 1972 where he had his best seasons. After his time with the Reds was complete, he went back to Houston for the 1980 season before hopping to the Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants and the Oakland A’s to close out his legendry career after the 1984 campaign. Not only does Morgan check a number of team boxes, he also fills out categories such as MVP, played one game at second base and All-Star. You don’t think of Hall of Famers as options from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s when playing Immaculate Grid. However, I seem to use Morgan to fill out my grid at least once every ten days.

If there was an Immaculate Grid for baseball announcers, Morgan would fill in nicely there as well. He has worked with broadcasting icons John Miller and Bob Costas on ESPN and NBC. He’s a Hall of Fame player and one of the great Immaculate Grid superstars. He’s Joe Morgan.

A Beautiful Day at Yankee Stadium

The Lynch family ventured out for our first baseball game of the year on Sunday, May 19. We saw the New York Yankees take on the Chicago White Sox with the Bronx Bombers looking for the sweep. I would describe the game as a ho hum affair as the Yanks are really good and the White Sox, not so much. New York would win 7-2 thanks to home runs by Aaron Judge and Jon Berti and six solid innings pitched by Carlos Rodon.

It was a picture perfect day at Yankee Stadium. After what seemed to be an endless array of cool and rainy weather, we were treated to a gorgeous, sunny 72 degree day. We sat in Section 331, first row, near the left field foul pole, pretty high up but able to see all the action on the diamond. It really is my happy place: my family with me watching the great game of baseball. Even transportation, long the bane of a sports fan’s existence, was a good time. Taking the train to the Stadium is super quick and convenient and for entertainment, we were treated to a drunk fan passing out on the ride home. The one odd sight, though common in the new Yankee Stadium, is the scores of empty seats as many fans opted to indulge in the restaurants and bars on the lower level. I understand wanting to shelter on a cold day in April but a picturesque Sunday afternoon? No place better than outdoors.

We have two other games to go to on our calendar: Philadelphia at the end of June and Citi Field in mid-July. We hope that, just like the Yankees, the home teams win both of those contests. No matter the result, going to a ballpark with the family is always a beautiful day.

The Week Ahead in Major League Baseball (May 20-May 26)

This is the start of a weekly feature looking at the following week’s activities in Major League Baseball. I will look at the series I feel you should pay attention to as well as focusing one one specific player. Beyond those two items, the rest of the post will feature anything that pops into my scattered but fertile baseball mind. Like this blog, I am sure it will be ever changing and, over time, will be improved with each entry. Enjoy the maiden voyage of this new feature!

Catch Shota Imanaga this weekend against the Cardinals. Photo from the Chicago Sun Times.

Series to Watch: Chicago Cubs at St. Louis Cardinals

The Cubs are two games out of first place in the National League Central while the Cardinals are six games under .500. Fans of both teams will tell you this is the best rivalry in baseball. We’ve never had a true two team pennant race between the clubs since the switch to three divisions thirty years ago. They will have tough early week matchups prior to their clash over the weekend with the Cubs visiting the Atlanta Braves and the Cards hosing the Baltimore Orioles. The first series matchup of the season between them features a national audience on Sunday Night Baseball.

Player to Watch: Shota Imanaga

Paul Skenes is getting all the hype and Ranger Suarez has been the best pitcher on the best team in baseball. Somehow, the Cubs’ Imanaga has been slightly overlooked despite an ERA of less than 1 through nine starts. He is due to start on Friday, getting his first taste of the storied Cubs-Cardinals history. The St. Louis offense has been terrible in 2024 so it will be interesting to see how the rookie deals with them.

Ugly Alert:

It could get nasty in Chicago this weekend. The American League worst White Sox host the Orioles, led by home run leader Gunnar Henderson. Chicago’s pitchers have allowed a Majors-worst 63 homers not exactly a good recipe when facing a team that has hit the most round-trippers. The White Sox would prefer to see a different AL East team, the Tampa Bay Rays as they took four of six from them earlier in the year. After getting swept by the New York Yankees this weekend and then traveling to Toronto for a series against the Blue Jays before hosting the O’s, the Sox could fall further into the abyss by this time next week.

Underachiever Series: Miami Marlins at Arizona Diamondbacks

These two playoff teams from 2023 are a combined 21 games under .500. The Marlins have already punted on 2024 with their trade of Luis Arraez. Arizona has a date with the Los Angeles Dodgers starting on Monday, who would love to inflict more damage on the team who eliminated them last postseason. Though Miami is too far gone to dream of October baseball, this series may represent the start of the last chance for the D-backs to defend their National League crown. After the Marlins depart, Arizona has a stretch until June 21 of playing teams .500 and under.