Colton Cowser Emerging as Top Rookie-of-the-Year Candidate
Colton Cowser is making a name for himself as a potential American League Rookie of the Year contender, thanks in large part to his impressive power numbers. The 24-year-old outfielder for the Baltimore Orioles has hit 20 home runs this season while maintaining a solid .240/.321/.431 slash line and a 115 wRC+. While San Diego’s Jackson Merrill holds the lead for home runs among rookies in both leagues, it’s clear that Cowser is making waves with his exceptional performance.
Cowser’s ability to clear fences comes as no surprise given his sturdy 6-foot-2, 220-pound frame. However, when he was initially featured here at FanGraphs in February 2022, there were uncertainties regarding his future prospects as a hitter. Despite only hitting two home runs in 149 plate appearances at lower levels, Cowser’s performance has significantly improved since being drafted fifth overall out of Sam Houston State University. Notably, his walk-to-strikeout ratio and approach to contact hitting have evolved to prioritize power.
In his transition to the majors, Cowser’s batting style has changed significantly. While his collegiate and early professional career focused on making contact, he now faces a higher strikeout rate with more power-hitting tendencies. His adjusted stance, improved hand positioning, and refined swing mechanics have contributed to his increased power and greater ability to hit balls in the air.
When asked about his evolving approach to hitting, Cowser expressed a desire to maintain his bat-to-ball efficiency while occasionally taking calculated risks. He acknowledged the need for adjustments to dial back his strikeout rate in the offseason while focusing on finishing the current season strong.
Despite the challenges that come with increased strikeouts, Cowser remains a valuable asset to the Orioles and continues to contribute to their success throughout the season.
RANDOM HITTER-PITCHER MATCHUPS
- Craig Biggio vs. Brandon Duckworth: 2 for 15
- Norm Siebern vs. Jim Duckworth: 2 for 15
- Duke Kenworthy vs. Ducky Yount: 2 for 4
- Ducky Detweiler vs. Carl Hubbell: 2 for 7
- Ducky Holmes vs. Addie Joss: 2 for 26
AL Cy Young Award Contenders: Skubal vs. Clase
Comparing Tarik Skubal and Emmanuel Clase as potential AL Cy Young Award winners, Skubal’s impressive 16-4 record with a 2.53 ERA and 2.54 FIP over 174 innings has garnered significant attention. However, Clase’s 43 saves with a remarkable 0.68 ERA and 2.27 FIP over 66 innings highlight his dominance as well. A recent Twitter poll revealed overwhelming support for Skubal, with 83.1% of votes favoring him over Clase.
When examining their performances in comparison to past Cy Young winners like Eric Gagne and runner-up Jason Schmidt in 2003, it’s clear that both Skubal and Clase are strong contenders for this year’s award, despite the remaining weeks of the season.
Insights from A.J. Hinch on In-Game Decision-Making
Drawing on his experiences managing in the MLB, A.J. Hinch shared insights on balancing in-game decisions and post-game analysis. He emphasized the complexities and challenges of decision-making during critical moments and the importance of explaining those decisions based on their outcomes. Hinch’s discussions with players like Tarik Skubal and former manager Jim Leyland offer valuable perspectives on the intricacies of managing a baseball team.
Trivia: Montreal Expos/Washington Nationals Stolen Base Record
The answer to the quiz regarding the Montreal Expos/Washington Nationals franchise record for stolen bases in a single season is Ron LeFlore. LeFlore swiped 97 bases in 1980, leading the franchise in steals during his lone season with Montreal while also dominating the statistic for the Detroit Tigers in preceding years.
News and Updates
- Ed Kranepool, a New York Mets legend, passed away at the age of 79, leaving behind a lasting legacy in his 18-season career with the team.
- Tyler Murray, a Worcester Red Sox broadcaster, has been announced as the new radio play-by-play voice of the NBA’s New York Knicks, highlighting the success of the former Pawtucket pipeline in MLB and the NFL.
- SABR will host a live oral history interview with Ken Singleton on Wednesday, September 18, offering fans an in-depth look at the career of the baseball icon.
