Vladimir Guerrero Debut, Brewers Sign Gio, Anderson Bat Flip, Kate Smith Controversy, Scherzer Strikeouts

by FT Staff | April 28, 2019

Like Father…

Vladimir Guerrero, Jr made his highly anticipated debut for the Toronto Blue Jays. “Vladito” has been considered the top prospect in baseball for the last couple years. His call to the Majors has been delayed by some small injuries as well as the team’s financial considerations. But he was finally given clearance to play by the team’s medical staff and accounting staff.

Strange Brew…

The Brewers signed Gio Gonzalez to help shore up their faltering pitching staff. Gonzalez was previously with the Yankees on a minor league deal, but he opted out and Milwaukee snatched him up in desperation. At this time of year, normally you can’t find a soft-tossing left-hander available in free agency. “Dude, I’m right here,” said Dallas Keuchel.

History Lessen…

The Yankees announced that they have stopped playing Kate Smith’s rendition of “God Bless America” at games because of reports that she performed songs in the 1930s that were racially insensitive towards African-Americans. If the team thinks that’s troubling, wait until they hear about what the Yankees were up to before Jackie Robinson debuted in 1947.

Flipping Out…

In his return from a one-game suspension, Tim Anderson spiked his bat in celebration after a walk-off homer for the White Sox. The suspension was the result of a dust up with the Royals when Anderson got hit by a pitch after he spiked his bat on a home run. Clever, Tim. You can’t get hit by a pitch on your next at bat if you end the game.

To the Max…

The Nationals’ Max Scherzer became the third-fastest pitcher to reach 2,500 career strikeouts. Only Nolan Ryan and Randy Johnson reached the mark faster. Scherzer got there in 344 games which averages out to about 7.5 strikeouts per game – so, basically a typical Chris Davis game.