Baseball Connection

End of April Notes | Surprise Division Leaders

With the first month of the season in the books, we have some surprise division leaders. Will the Giants really stick around the top of the NL East? How did the Royals begin to click all of a sudden? It's still early though. The season is a marathon, not a sprint.

White Sox Roll | Is Mercedes For Real? | Kikuchi's Strong Outing

So far this season, the White Sox have somehow found a replacement for the injured Eloy Jimenez. It's Yermin Mercedes, who also leads MLB in hits and batting average. Masterful pitching from Rodon and Cease led Chicago to a doubleheader sweep. Yusei Kikuchi flirted with a no-hitter. All this (and more) on today's episode.

Harper Takes 97 MPH To The Face | Wander Franco to AAA

Bryce Harper took a 97 mph fastball to the face. He walked off the field under his own power and shared a positive update after the game. Harper has been outstanding this season and the Phillies need him healthy. Wander Franco wil begin the minor league season in AAA. Willy Adames has struggled offensively, so there's some added pressure on him now. deGrom tossed a gem but lost - again. All this (and more) on today's episode.

Vlad's Hat Trick | Gary Sanchez Benched | Kluber Getting Comfortable

Vlad Jr. left the yard 3 times against the Nationals. That's something his Hall-of-Fame father never did. Gary Sanchez will see reduced playing time from now on. The Yankees got a strong start from Corey Kluber, who looks to be getting more comfortable.

Michael Kopech Has Arrived | Jesse Winker's Quiet Dominance

It's been 3 years since we saw him in the big leagues making his first appearances due to Tommy John surgery and a 2020 season opt-out, but Michael Kopech has finally arrived. His stuff looks even better than it did before and he is a real weapon for the White Sox. Jesse Winker has quietly put up strong numbers his whole career. Winker leads the NL in batting average and continues to deliver in big spots. Is he the most underappreciated player in baseball? All this on today's episode.

John Means Business | What Counts As a No-Hitter? | Ohtani's Bat

The Orioles snapped the A's win streak at 13 as John Means turned in yet another brilliant outing. Means is a legitimate ace and leads the American League with a 1.50 ERA. Madison Bumgarner allowed no hits in a 7-inning complete game, but it won't count as a no-hitter. Is that fair? Ohtani continues to rake. All this (and more) on today's episode.

Kent Emanuel's Heroic Debut | Dodgers Survive Tatis' Bombs | A's Streak at 13

Kent Emanuel pitched 8.2 strong innings for the Astros - in relief! Emanuel was called upon to make his MLB debut when Jake Odorizzi exited the game after just one batter. He did not disappoint. Fernando Tatis launched two more bombs, but the Dodgers rallied back to avoid their 3rd straight loss. The A's extended their win streak to 13 games. All this (and more) on today's episode.

deGrom Dazzles | Happ's Near No-No | Stanton Launches Missiles

Jacob deGrom was getting "M-V-P" chants at Citi Field as he did it all in the Mets victory over the Nationals. J.A. Happ carried a no-hitter into the eighth inning for Minnesota. Tatis and Stanton both launched 2-homer attacks - will that be the spark they each need to get on a roll? All this (and more) on today's episode.

Peralta Leads D-Backs | Twins Call-Ups | Weathers Impresses

David Peralta led the way for the D-Backs in a slugfest with the Reds. The Twins are calling up Alex Kiriloff and Nick Gordon (a former guest on this show)! Ryan Weathers made a statement with 5+ innings of one-hit ball as the Padres defeated the Dodgers. All this on today's episode.

The Beat Goes On In Oakland | Freeman's Contract

After it seemed like a certainty that they'd lose, Oakland squeaked out a victory to keep their streak alive. Offense was the theme in yesterday's game, and the usual suspects were at it for both the Twins and A's. Could this be Freddie Freeman's last year as a Brave? All this on today's episode.