Over the course of the long year, a streak or a slump can arise at any time. But the occasion in which these events are magnified most — at least as far as the regular season is concerned — would have to be September. Thus, the players on this list should be exuding, or lacking, confidence entering this most important month.
Streaking
4. Ian Kennedy
Just as the Royals have heated up over the past four weeks, so has Kennedy. The veteran right-hander has long been plagued by the long ball, yet opposing batters are incapable of driving one out recently. They’ve also had trouble simply producing runs against him. Only eight have scored over his previous 38.2 innings. What once was a lost season for both he and his club is turning much more promising. By beating Boston on Aug. 26, Kennedy evened his record to 9-9, while Kansas City continued to increase its playoff chances.
3. Chicago Cubs starters
For all the headlines Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, and the other young Cub position players garner for the club’s dominant season, it’s been a trio of pitchers that’s most responsible for Chicago officially putting the NL Central out of reach – none of which is Jake Arrieta. John Lackey and Jon Lester, two steeped in playoff experience, have August ERAs of 1.66 and 1.71, respectively. Then there’s Kyle Hendricks, who on Tuesday made his 19th consecutive start without allowing more than three runs. By giving up just six runs over his past 42.1 innings, he’s lowered his ERA to a league-best 2.09.
2. Colorado Rockies sluggers
After a brief appearance in the Wild Card picture, the Rockies are in a familiar place: playing out the string in September. But if there’s a potential spoiler in the NL West race, Colorado is at the head of the list – headed by a potent lineup that collectively tallied 173 runs in August. Charlie Blackmon drove out 11 and drove in 21 while hitting .360. Nolan Arenado tallied 36 RBIs and ten home runs. By himself, Arenado has two-thirds of the NL Triple Crown – topping the league in homers and runs batted in. His teammate, D.J. LeMahieu has the other third. His NL-leading .345 average was aided by a .439 mark for the month.
1. Gary Sanchez
None of the many Yankee legends — not Lou Gehrig, not Joe DiMaggio, not Mickey Mantle — has enjoyed the kind of start to his career in pinstripes like Sanchez has. The 23-year-old catcher from the Dominican Republic quickly shook off any rookie jitters and displayed Ruthian power with 11 home runs in a 15-game span (from August 10-25). He also batted .389 for the month and reached base at a clip of 47 percent. His amazing offensive display hasn’t just given Yankee fans hope for the long-term, it’s made them believe they can still make this upcoming postseason.
Slumping
4. Jay Bruce
It’s challenging enough to try and please a demanding fan base in New York. It’s even more difficult placing added pressure on yourself. Acquired at the trade deadline from Cincinnati, Bruce’s arrival to the Mets came with the expectation of maintaining his run-producing ability at the plate. But two home runs, six RBIs, and a .183 batting average is vivid proof that the transition has been anything but smooth. Even Mets manager Terry Collins was quite open regarding Bruce’s mental state.
3. Josh Tomlin
There was a time not too long ago when Tomlin was considered a candidate for the AL Cy Young. His August put that conversation to bed. It began with two straight starts allowing seven runs in under five innings. It ended with a 1.2-inning effort against the Twins, in which he was tagged for seven hits and four runs – bringing his month’s ERA to a staggering 11.48. With five consecutive losses, his record went from 11-3 on July 30 to 11-8 on August 25. Now, he’s receiving a temporary demotion from the Cleveland rotation.
2. Josh Reddick
Bruce’s struggles with his new team pale in comparison to Reddick’s beginning with the Los Angeles Dodgers. By the time Reddick departed Oakland, he was batting around .300 — arguably the most consistent producer on a forgettable A’s offense. Upon joining L.A., the Dodgers have stepped it up — even if Reddick hasn’t. He failed to record a hit in each of his first three games wearing blue, then returned to form briefly, only to regress and finish August with just one RBI. A 2-for-4 showing on Wednesday at Coors Field might be an indication that his .161 average is simply an anomaly.
1. James Shields
When is the time going to come where baseball people understand James Shields isn’t good anymore? The Chicago White Sox wished they realized this in May – before they foolishly made the trade to acquire the 34-year-old right-hander from San Diego. His first start on the South Side came on June 8 against Washington. He allowed seven runs in 2.1 innings – a portent of things to come. If you thought his initial month with the White Sox was bad (1-2 with an 11.07 ERA), wait until you get a hold of how his August went. Over 26 ugly innings, Shields yielded 33 earned runs (and 12 homers!) as opponents batted .383. Oh, and the ERA was 11.42. The 2016 season can’t end soon enough.
