| Stats | Jake Arrieta | Zack Greinke | Clayton Kershaw |
| Wins | 22 | 19 | 16 |
| Losses | 6 | 3 | 7 |
| Games | 33 | 32 | 33 |
| Innings Pitched | 229 | 222.2 | 232.2 |
| Strikeouts | 236 | 200 | 301 |
| ERA | 1.77 | 1.66 | 2.13 |
| Postseason Appearance | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| All-Star appearance | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| No-Hitter | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| WAR | 8.6 | 9.3 | 7.5 |
| Complete Games | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| Shutouts | 3 | 0 | 3 |
Month: June 2016
1961: Mickey Mantle or Roger Maris
Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle had one of the greatest season baseball history. They were both chasing Babe Ruth’s home run record. Roger Maris hit 61 home runs while Mickey Mantle hit 54. Roger Maris won the Most Valuable Player award that year. Even though Roger Maris had more home runs, Mickey Mantle had a slugging percentage of .687 while Roger Maris had a slugging percentage of .620. In the end, Mickey Mantle had a WAR of 10.2. As you can see, both Micke Mantle and Roger Maris had an incredible season in 1961.
Mickey Mantle or Roger Maris 1961 Breakdown
| Stats | Mickey Mantle | Roger Maris |
| Games | 153 | 161 |
| At-Bats | 514 | 590 |
| Hits | 163 | 159 |
| Doubles | 16 | 16 |
| Triples | 6 | 4 |
| Home Runs | 54 | 61 |
| Stolen Bases | 12 | 0 |
| Walks | 126 | 94 |
| Strikeouts | 112 | 67 |
| WAR | 10.2 | 6.7 |
| Batting Average | 0.317 | 0.269 |
| Slugging | 0.687 | 0.62 |
| Most Valuable Player | 0 | 1 |
Mike Trout or Mickey Mantle
Proclaimed on of the best players in their era, Mike Trout and Mickey Mantle have amazing stats in their first five seasons. Mike Trout hit more home runs, hit more doubles, and steal more bases than the ”Mick,” but Mickey drove in more RBIs, scored more runs, struck out less than Mike, and walked more. Mickey Mantle may have those great statistics but Mike Trout has more awards. He won the American League Rookie of the Year in 2012, an MVP award in 2014, and two All-Star game MVP awards in 2014 and 2015. Mike Trout was also the youngest player to hit for the cycle. One stat that Mickey Mantle and Mike Trout both share is that they have both been voted in to four All-Star games. Thanks in part to their WAR. Mike Trout’s WAR is an amazing 37.8 while Mickey Mantle’s WAR is 28.5. As you can see, Mickey Mantle and Mike Trout are both the greatest players of their era but I guess we will never find out who is better in their first five seasons.
Mike Trout or Mickey Mantle Stat Breakdown
| Stats | Mickey Mantle | Mike Trout |
| Home runs | 121 | 139 |
| RBIs | 445 | 397 |
| Runs | 510 | 477 |
| Stolen Bases | 33 | 113 |
| Doubles | 114 | 143 |
| Triples | 38 | 32 |
| Walks | 412 | 361 |
| Strike outs | 479 | 647 |
| Most Valuable Player | 0 | 1 |
| Rookie of the Year | 0 | 1 |
| All-Star appearance | 4 | 4 |
| All-star MVP | 0 | 2 |
| Games | 658 | 652 |
| Hits | 907 | 744 |
| Batting Average | 0.295 | 0.304 |
| WAR | 28.5 | 37.8 |
Steal Facts: Yogi Berra
Yogi Berra
- Yogi Berra was a Yankee superstar. He won 10 World Series with them.
- Yogi Berra won the Most Valuable Player award in 1951, 1954, and 1955.
- Yogi Berra caught Don Larsen’s famous World Series perfect game. He jumped into Larsen’s arms after the feat.
- Yogi made lots of iconic quotes such as “It ain’t over ‘til it’s over.”
- Yogi managed both the Yankees and the Mets. Yogi’s number 8 is retired by the Yankees.
Berra sadly died a natural death at the age of 90 in 2015.
Jimmy Rollins Designated for Assignment
The White Sox announced that Jimmy Rollins would be designated for assignment. Earlier in the week, fellow teammate Mat Latos got the DFA. Rollins hit two home runs with eight RBIs and five stolen bases. J-Roll also posted a .221 batting average.
James Loney Hits 100 Career Home Run
Recently, James Loney was released from the Tampa Bay Rays. He signed a minor league deal with the San Diego Padres, but was also released. The Mets gave Loney a third chance at the Majors. On Friday, James Loney crushed his 100 career home run. He did against the minors. This poves to not judge a book by its cover.
Mike Trout
Mike Trout is one of the young phenomes in the game with a great career. We now look into his legacy.
Mike Trout was drafted in 2009 by the Angels. The Angels knew that he would become a five tool superstar. What they didn’t know was how quickly this would come true. In 2012, as 20 year old rookie just turning 21, Mike drew comparisons to the baseball greats. In that season, Trout hit 30 home runs, lead the league in stolen bases with 49 and runs with 129. On top of those stats, he batted .326 with 182 hits and 83 RBIs. Mike also took his magic into the field. He made great plays and picked up 23 defensive runs saved. Mike carried his great 2012 line into 2013. In 2013, Mike lead the American League in walks with 110 and runs with 109. He hit 27 home runs and stole 33 bases. But what would happen in 2014 was considered Trout’s best season.
In 2014, Mike Trout was finally crowned American League Most Valuable Player after finishing behind Miguel Cabrera in 2012 and 2013. He became the youngest unanimous MVP. He hit 36 home runs and led the league in RBIs with 111, runs with 115, and WAR (Wins Above Replacement) with 7.9. Although most analysts agree 2014 was Trout’s worst season, he still deserved that MVP. Mike Trout’s 2015 season was another runner-up MVP season. Mike got 90 RBIs with 104 runs. He also got a career high in home runs with 41 jacks. Mike also picked up five defensive runs saved
Mike has had a great young career. At the age of 24, he has picked up a Rookie of the Year, two All-Star game MVP awards, an MVP award in 2014, becoming the youngest player to hit for the cycle and reach 100 home runs and 100 stolen bases, and much more. Mike is only growing and will get better over time. Thus, Michael Trout is one of the best players in Major League Baseball.
BLEACHER CREATURE UPDATE!
BIG NEWS! BIG NEWS! The Bleacher Creature has undergone a HUGE update! Instead of scrolling down looking for your favorite player, pages and tags are now added for your convenience! The Bleacher Creature, the unofficial site of the official fan!