Title: Fred McGriff Ignites Braves’ Turnaround, Enters Hall of Fame 30 Years Later
Subtitle: Twins Struggling Offensively Despite Positive Contributions from Position Players
Author: Levi Weaver and Ken Rosenthal
Publication: The Windup
Date: [Insert Date]
The Crime Dog Comes to Atlanta
Atlanta, GA – Fred McGriff, affectionately known as the Crime Dog, is set to be inducted into the prestigious Baseball Hall of Fame this Sunday. As we honor his illustrious career, let us not forget the fateful day in 1993 when McGriff joined the Atlanta Braves and sparked both figurative and literal fires.
On July 18, almost exactly 30 years ago, McGriff made his Atlanta debut and promptly made an impact, hitting a home run on his first night with the team. Little did he know that while his bat caught fire, an actual fire would wreak havoc in Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium.
A can of Sterno, a form of portable heat, was left unattended and started a fire in one of the suites, causing it to quickly spread to the radio booths and press box. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, but the incident prompted a delay that allowed McGriff some much-needed time in the training room. It proved beneficial as he went on to hit two more home runs the following day, solidifying his arrival as a turning point for the Braves’ season.
The Braves went on to win the NL West division that year, surpassing the San Francisco Giants. Although they fell short in the World Series, their fortunes turned the following year with a victorious championship in 1995.
Twins’ Offensive Woes and Need for Star Performances
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Twins find themselves struggling offensively despite positive contributions from their position players. With the team ranked only 17th in fWAR (Wins Above Replacement) and 21st in runs per game, the Twins need their star players, Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton, to step up and deliver performances akin to their past successes.
Interestingly, when comparing fWAR leaders across teams, Correa, Donovan Solano, Willi Castro, and Ryan Jeffers were tied for the team lead at a relatively low 1.2 fWAR. This highlights a clear need for offensive improvements, but the Twins face a dilemma in deciding which position to prioritize for upgrading.
Jorge Polanco, second baseman, and Royce Lewis, third baseman, are both recovering from injuries and may return in August. Despite lacking high-end offensive production from their stars, the Twins’ numerous position players have contributed positively, with 16 players registering positive fWARs. Ultimately, the Twins may seek an offensive upgrade and bullpen help as they strive for success in the AL Central.
Braves Extend Travis d’Arnaud
In other news, the Atlanta Braves secured the services of catcher Travis d’Arnaud by signing him to a contract extension worth $8 million for the 2024 season, with a club option for 2025. Despite initially acquiring Sean Murphy from the Oakland A’s in December, the Braves have successfully benefited from having two quality catchers, which sets them apart from the conventional starter and backup catcher approach.
Under the guidance of catching coach Sal Fasano, the Braves lead the league in home runs, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and OPS from the catcher position. The partnership between d’Arnaud and Murphy has allowed the team to maintain offensive firepower while keeping their catchers fresh and productive.
High-Scoring Night Across MLB
Tuesday night witnessed a flurry of high-scoring games across Major League Baseball. The Arizona Diamondbacks defeated the Atlanta Braves 16-13 in a wild game featuring a combined 27 hits, 7 walks, and 6 home runs. Three other games ended with 11-10 scores, with the New York Mets, Kansas City Royals, and Los Angeles Dodgers all emerging as victors.
Looking Ahead
As we eagerly await Fred McGriff’s induction into the Hall of Fame this Sunday, baseball fans can look forward to more thrilling games and potential trade deadline moves. The Windup will keep you updated on the latest news and developments in the world of baseball.