Jackie Robinson Foundation’s Post

One thing we do at SIS is try to find some of the lesser-known factors behind a baseball team's success. One example of this - the Dodgers and their defensive positioning, specifically behind their new pitcher, James Paxton We explain what good positioning looks like and give examples of the team's positive results. #baseballanalytics #losangelesdodgers #sportsanalytics https://lnkd.in/ezhBGwju

Title: ⚾️ MLB Trade Deadline: Top Players Likely to Fuel Playoff Contenders! As we near the MLB Trade Deadline, the buzz is all about potential moves that could shape the postseason landscape. Here are some standout players whose stocks are on the rise and may very well find themselves contributing to a World Series run this year! 🌟 **Brandon Nimmo** - His knack for versatility in the outfield and a strong .274 average with an .843 OPS has set him up as an enticing option for any team looking to bolster their outfield. 🔥 **Luis Castillo** - Dominating the mound with a 2.66 ERA and 139 Ks, Castillo is a top target for clubs craving a commanding starter. 🔄 **Jose Quintana** and **J.D. Martinez** bring experience and a rare consistency crucial for the playoff atmosphere, making them prime candidates for teams looking to strengthen their pitching and offensive lineups, respectively. ⚡ **Trea Turner** has been phenomenal for the Dodgers, showcasing an impressive blend of speed and skill, which makes him highly desirable for teams looking to tighten their infield. 💥 **Tyler O'Neill** and **Ian Happ** have shown exceptional power and adaptability, attributes that are greatly valued among teams looking to deepen their offensive arsenal. 🚀 **Noah Syndergaard** and **Frankie Montas** could be excellent additions for teams seeking depth and experience in their rotation. Their potential on the mound could make a decisive impact in crucial games. 🎯 **Carlos Rodon** emerges as another gem with an incredible 2.37 ERA and 132 strikeouts, eyed by many as a transformative piece for a contending team’s rotation. 🤔 Which of these players do you think will make the biggest impact with a new team? Are there any other players you’re keeping an eye on as the deadline approaches? Let’s discuss below! And feel free to share your insights, especially if you’ve been closely following any of these players. ⬇️ #MLB #Baseball #TradeDeadline #SportsManagement #PlayerPerformance

Cheat sheet to 28

Check out our latest MLB power rankings to see which teams are struggling the most this season.

MLB’s biggest rookie phenom is headed to the All-Star Game, and is perhaps helping change how the entire sport thinks about its young talent in the process. Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes was named to the NL squad Sunday, less than two months after being called up to the major leagues. The 22-year-old Skenes is also the first player in league history to be selected No. 1 in the MLB draft in one year and be named an All-Star in the next. Such a rapid ascent is almost unheard of in baseball, a sport in which even the biggest prospects typically require multiple years of development in the minor leagues—creating a heightened challenge for the league to market its up-and-coming stars. But at every level of competition, Skenes has proved himself even bigger than the hype that precedes him. Since joining the Pirates, Skenes has amassed a 5–0 record with 78 strikeouts in 59⅓ innings—the eighth-highest total ever for an MLB pitcher since 1901 in their first 10 starts. Since the July 16 All-Star Game at Globe Life Field lines up with Skenes’s normal pitching schedule, there is also rising chatter that he could even start the event for the NL. Such a designation would provide an entirely new level of national attention to Skenes, as the Pirates are still toiling with a losing record and in one of MLB’s smallest markets. https://lnkd.in/e5DPU5xj #paulskenes #pittsburghpirates

Celtics Dominate Bulls in Convincing Victory In an impressive display of skill and teamwork, the Boston Celtics defeated the Chicago Bulls 123-98 on the road in Chicago. This commanding win showcased the Celtics offensive prowess and solidified their position as one of the top teams in the league. Jayson Tatum Shines Bright Leading the charge for the Celtics was Jayson Tatum, whose stellar performance once again underscored why he is considered one of the premier talents in the NBA. With precision shooting, exceptional ball-handling, and relentless energy, Tatum spearheaded the offense and inspired his teammates throughout the game. The chemistry between the Celtics players was evident, as they executed plays with seamless efficiency and supported each other on both ends of the court. Defensive Dominance Not only was their offensive execution exceptional, but the Celtics also dominated defensively, stifling the Bulls' ability to convert key opportunities. Their defensive intensity forced the Bulls into tough shots and turnovers, which the Celtics converted into fast-break points and momentum-shifting plays. It was an all-around team effort that demonstrated their readiness to take on any challenge this season. What’s Next? As the Celtics continue their campaign, fans are undoubtedly thrilled by their current form. This victory doesn’t just bolster their win-loss record; it serves as a statement to the rest of the league about their championship aspirations. With performances like this, the Celtics are turning heads and proving that they are a force to be reckoned with. #BostonCeltics #NBA #Basketball #CelticsWin #Teamwork #SportsHighlights #JaysonTatum #NBASeason

https://lnkd.in/efvyVfiV Here’s my latest article I wrote surrounding Josh Donaldson and his decision to retire from Major League Baseball. Go check it out. #backsportspage #mlb

Elly De La Cruz and Oneil Cruz. Oneil is 6’7” and Elly is 6’5”. Unusual for infielders not playing first base. Both play shortstop with the abilities to also play 3rd base. They are not related, and the tallest ever regular starters at shortstop. Besides the stolen base, the statistical comparisons are uncanny. Both possess incredible arms and baseball intelligence quotients. Exit velocities off the meter. Elly De La Cruz could become the first since Vince Coleman in 1985 (109)to steal 100 bases. He has 30 already — which leads the league. Very few had him as the potential season stolen base leader. Crazy considering what the force multiplier has done this season. Cincinnati has the most stolen bases with 79. I’ve said many times over that baseball was missing the stolen base re: entertainment value, total runs and pressuring defenses simply to think more. In 2023, there were 3,503 stolen bases in MLB. That was the most since 1987, and 40% more than 2022 (2,486). Ronald Acuña Jr. led MLB with 73 steals in 2023 — the most since José Reyes’ 78 in 2007. Teams scored 9.2 runs per game in 2023 vs. 8.6 per game in 2022. Rules changes restricting defensive shifts, and the aforementioned rise in base thefts, contribute mightily to that run increase. Elly De La Cruz is doing his part to change that, and he and Oneil Cruz are the physical prototypes for generations of infielders to come: tall, powerful, fast and fun — whether offensively or defensively. Finally, the game seems to be more than the bomb or the K. Great riddance. About time. #fypシviralシ2024 #foryouシ #MLB #dominicanrepublic #infielder #ellydelacruz #oneilcruz #reds #pirates #trending #explore #StolenBases #ronaldocuna

🌟 The World Series is Back, and its Epic! Dodgers vs. Yankees: The Rematch We All Needed 🌟 Last Night, history unfolded as the iconic Los Angeles Dodgers take on the legendary New York Yankees in the much-anticipated World Series rematch since 1981. Hollywood meets the Big Apple in a clash of baseball titans, transcending sports to become a cultural phenomenon! Game One did not disappoint. Dodgers with a Grand Slam to win the game in the 10th. Why This Year Is Special: The inclusion of the legendary Shohei Ohtani in the Dodgers’ lineup has shattered viewership records in Japan. With soaring postseason ratings, Fox is poised to hit a grand slam in viewership and beyond. The Buzz Is Real! Beyond a mere game, it's a celebration of teamwork, talent, and enduring rivalries that resonate with millions worldwide. From marketing masterminds to the players' unwavering dedication, everyone involved has paved the way for a potentially record-breaking World Series. Let’s Go, Dodgers! Let’s Go, Yankees! Let’s Go Baseball! ⚾ Tag your team below, share your predictions, and make sure to tune in – this is a World Series you can't afford to miss!

Scully’s Spikes of the Day Why Are the Texas Rangers Struggling? It has been no secret that the reigning champs have not gotten the start to the 2024 MLB season as they would have liked. We are over a third of the way through the season, and the Rangers are sitting at 29-31, 4.5 games back from the nearest wildcard spot. So, what exactly is the problem for the champs, and what do they need to improve on to make a playoff push? The Rangers’ offense hasn’t necessarily been bad, but it hasn’t lived up to the output they were putting up last season. So far this season, the Rangers rank: 13th in BA (.243) 15th in SLG (.384) 14th in OPS (.697) 13th in HR (63) 13th in BB% (8.5%) For the most part, the same applies to their pitching. So far this season, the Rangers rank: 14th in ERA (3.91) 21st in FIP (4.19) 17th in WHIP (1.28) 14th in K% (22.7%) However, the main thing that is hurting the Rangers the most is their bullpen. When we sample data for just relief pitching in the MLB, this is where we see the Rangers fall off. So far this season, Rangers’ relief pitchers rank: 28th in ERA (4.58) 25th in FIP (4.41) 24th in WHIP (1.37) 28th in BB% (11.6%) It is evident that if the Rangers want to make a run, they need to acquire a reliever or two to strengthen their bullpen at the deadline. A staff that consistently ranks in the lower part of the league, especially in relief pitching in today’s game, will continue to hold you back. It will be interesting to see whether the reigning champs will be buyers or sellers at the deadline, and if they can figure things out to make another immaculate postseason run. via TruMedia #sports #mlb #mlbnews #rangers