Austin Wells is making a name for himself as a solid everyday catcher in his first full season in the big leagues. With a strong July performance that included five home runs and a .941 OPS, he has earned the cleanup spot in the New York Yankees’ lineup. While the 25-year-old catcher may not be the next Yogi Berra or Bill Dickey, his performance is still noteworthy.
In the current iteration of the Bronx Bombers, hitting in the cleanup spot means following Juan Soto and Aaron Judge in the lineup. Is it easier or harder to hit behind players who are potential Hall of Famers? Wells shared his thoughts on the matter during a recent conversation at Fenway Park.
“I think it depends on the pressure you put on yourself,” Wells, who was drafted 28th overall by the Yankees in 2020 from the University of Arizona, replied. “If you feel like you have to match their performance, then there will be a lot of pressure. But staying focused on your strengths can help ease that pressure.”
While he acknowledges that he may not reach the same level as Judge and Soto, Wells is not ruling out the possibility of hitting more home runs in the future. With eight home runs, a 116 wRC+ over 253 plate appearances, and 2.5 WAR this season, he is showing promise.
Baseball analyst Eric Longenhagen is optimistic about Wells’s potential. Describing his swing as “beautifully connected,” Longenhagen sees a strong combination of barrel control and power in Wells’s hitting. Despite concerns about his defense, Wells has shown improvement behind the plate.
In his own words, Wells believes in his ability to continue improving as a catcher and contributing to the team’s success. His defensive skills have already shown progress, and he hopes to build on that momentum.
RANDOM HITTER-PITCHER MATCHUPS
Bobby Richardson went 1 for 17 against Eli Grba.
Doug Gwosdz went 1 for 11 against Steve Carlton.
Mark Grudzielanek went 9 for 11 against Tim Hudson.
Doug Mientkiewicz went 7 for 11 against Bronson Arroyo.
Jarrod Saltalamacchia went 7 for 15 against Jeremy Guthrie.
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Recently, a pitcher shared the story of his worst pitch of the season, leading to an interesting conversation about the impact of baseball differences in performance. Tarik Skubal recounted a pitch he regretted throwing, acknowledging the influence of baseball variations on his changeup performance.
Skubal explained how the changeup’s effectiveness can be affected by different baseballs, with some providing better seam effect than others. Reflecting on a pitch that turned out differently than expected, Skubal emphasized the importance of consistency in performance.
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QUIZ:
Who is the second Canadian-born pitcher with the most career wins after Fergie Jenkins?
(Hint: He won a World Series ring in the current century.)
Answer: Ryan Dempster, with 132 wins. Dempster won a World Series with the Boston Red Sox in 2013.
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When the Seattle Mariners acquired Justin Turner at the trade deadline, they added a seasoned hitter with extensive experience in the major leagues. Turner’s reputation as a hitting guru has made him a valuable asset to his new team and a mentor to younger players.
Mariners manager Scott Servais emphasizes the positive influence veterans like Turner can have on young hitters in a team. Drawing on his own experience with pitcher Robbie Ray’s impact on other players, Servais highlights the importance of experienced players in guiding and inspiring their teammates.
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FOREIGN AFFAIRS
In the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO), the Kia Tigers boast the best record at 61-42-2, while the Kiwoom Heroes have the worst record at 45-57. Hyun Jin Ryu, a former MLB pitcher, is performing well for the Hanwha Eagles with a 6-6 record and a 3.91 ERA in 115 innings.
In the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league, Shugo Maki is having a strong season with the Yokohama BayStars, hitting .274/.333/.482 with 16 home runs. Fellow NPB team Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks lead the league with a 62-31 record.
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Hiroto Takahashi of the Chunichi Dragons is showcasing dominant pitching in the NPB, with an impressive record of 8-1, a 0.48 ERA, and 89 strikeouts in 93 innings. His exceptional performance has drawn praise from his teammates and observers, highlighting his potential for success in the future.
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RANDOM OBSCURE FORMER PLAYER SNAPSHOT:
Don Leshnock, a southpaw pitcher, made his only MLB appearance for the Detroit Tigers in 1972, retiring notable batters like Nolan Ryan and Vada Pinson. Prior to his brief MLB stint, Leshnock threw a no-hitter for the Carolina League’s Rocky Mount Leafs in 1970.
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FARM NOTES
Travis Bazzana hit his first professional home run for the High-A Lake County Captains, marking a milestone in his career. Walker Jenkins, a highly-rated prospect for the Minnesota Twins, was promoted to High-A Cedar Rapids after a strong performance with the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels.
Cole Carrigg, a promising infielder/outfielder for the High-A Spokane Indians, has shown impressive hitting and baserunning skills this season. Keiverson Ramirez, a young right-hander from the Dominican Summer League, has displayed remarkable pitching abilities with a 4-1 record and a 0.71 ERA.
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TRADE INSIGHTS:
Ben Cowles and Jack Neely, two prospects traded from the New York Yankees to the Chicago Cubs, have garnered attention for their potential. Cowles has shown versatility in the infield positions and consistent performance, while Neely is viewed as a reliable back-end reliever with a powerful fastball and slider combination.
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INSIGHTS ON NICK YORKE:
Former teammates of Nick Yorke, who was traded from the Boston Red Sox to the Pittsburgh Pirates, shared their thoughts on his strengths as a player and as a teammate. Yorke’s solid hitting, fielding skills, and overall character have earned him praise from those who have played alongside him.
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Thank you for reading! These were the highlights and insights from the baseball world. Stay tuned for more exciting news and updates in the world of baseball!
