Trevor Bauer has become the first Cincinnati Reds pitcher to win the Cy Young Award. It’s natural for the media to push narratives about award-winners, giving fans an understanding of what so-and-so did and what his journey to the mountaintop was like.
So now we’ve arrived at Bauer’s Hero’s Journey, and it seems to be pointing in one direction: he’s the underdog. This is patently ridiculous.
Side note: it blows my mind that the Reds have never had a Cy Young winner in their 900-year history. But anyway…
Incredible amateur career
Underdogs come from humble beginnings, do they not? No one expected them to flourish once they started playing with the big boys, yet they found a way to excel. That ain’t Trevor Bauer, folks.
Bauer got a full ride to UCLA after an outstanding high school career. He was a Freshman All-American after his first season in ’09. He was named a Golden Spikes finalist after his sophomore season. Finally, he went 13-2 with a 1.25 ERA his junior season, good enough to be win the PAC-12’s Pitcher of the Year Award, the Golden Spikes Award, and be named Baseball America’s College Player of the year, among a slew of other accolades.
Big league organizations recognized his talents, and he was drafted third overall by the Diamondbacks in 2011.
That sound like an underdog to you? Sounds like a guy destined for greatness to me. Are we surprised a man with this résumé won a Cy Young?
Pro career, pre-Cy Young
Ok ok. Maybe Bauer had the look of a future star in college, but his career veered off course? Is he a Josh Hamilton-type guy who seemed like a lost cause for one reason or another, but was eventually able to hone all of his talents? Nah, not Bauer.
Finding his way
Bauer was excellent in the minors. He posted a 3.23 ERA and held hitters to a .241 AVG, striking out 350 men in 323.1 innings. Bauer made his big league debut in 2012 for the D-Backs and struggled across 16.1 innings. He was shipped off to Cleveland that offseason in a three-team deal that involved Didi Gregorius and Shin-Soo Choo, among others. Bauer had another cup of coffee in the Show the following year for the Indians, but again struggled (over 17 innings).
He held his own in 2014 and 2015, averaging 164 innings, a 4.38 ERA, a 94 ERA+, and 8.6 K/9. Hardly All-Star material, but somewhat respectable. Bauer showed some steady improvement over the next two seasons, averaging 183 innings, a 4.23 ERA, a 107 ERA+, and a 8.9 K/9. Still not an ace, but a solid 3-4 starter.
The next step
2018 was when Bauer showed what he was capable of. He finished with the fourth best ERA+ in MLB, at 196, and put up a minuscule 2.21 ERA. There was little luck involved in Bauer’s breakout season; his 2.44 FIP was the lowest in the league. He finished 6th in Cy Young voting, although he would have finished higher if not for an injury late in the season. Trevor Bauer became an ace in 2018.
2019 represented a reversion to the mean for Bauer. His ERA+ again hovered in the low 100s (106), although much of his struggles might have come from adjusting to the launching pad that is the Reds’ Great American Ball Park. Cincinnati traded for Bauer mid-season in the midst of a playoff push, but he got shelled across ten starts for them. Average that out with the first chunk of his season for Cleveland, which was excellent, and you have just a decent year.
Cy Young season
Now we arrive at Bauer’s 2020 Cy Young-winning season. What has he done up to this point? He’s been a collegiate legend, a top-5 pick, a top-100 prospect, an All-Star, and has received Cy Young votes. Bauer has accounted for 17.5 bWAR by age 29. Hall of Fame trajectory? Hardly. But an underdog? Get out of here with that.
Everything came together for Bauer in 2020, similar to his 2018 season. He led the league in ERA, CG, SHO, ERA+, WHIP, and H/9. You do that, you win the Cy Young Award. Trevor Bauer got 27 of 30 first place votes, which is appropriate when you were as dominant as he was. He will make lots of money for the next team he plays for.
So what’s with all the “underdog” talk?
He’s a different breed
Wanna know why some people seem to gravitate towards Trevor Bauer being an underdog? I’ll tell ya why. It’s because of his personality and approach to his craft, that’s why.
Bauer has long embraced an empirical approach to his performance, tirelessly collecting data and tinkering with his mechanics and strategies in order to maximize his output on the mound. He is not the only baseball player to use technology to its full effect, but he might be the one who trusts in it the most.
This makes the the old-heads of baseball BIG mad. This also helps create his underdog persona, since he is considered “anti-establishment.”
Trevor Bauer is also an abrasive fellow, both in real life and on social media. He is willing to spout his opinions no matter what the topic is. Many of his ideas are controversial, and his approach to expressing them can be a mixture of douchey, condescending, arrogant, and cruel. No one is safe from Trevor Bauer’s wrath when he disagrees with something.
People don’t like that. Stuff like that makes you the enemy, and no one wants the bad guy to win. When you’re not favored to succeed, that can contribute to becoming an underdog.
He’s not, though. Not a real one anyway.
Trevor Bauer is and always has been good at this sport
An underdog has to have a few qualifying factors in my mind: they have to be held back by physical limitations and/or environmental circumstances, but still succeed in spite of those hurdles. Trevor Bauer enjoys pointing out that he isn’t the most physically-gifted athlete, yet he still succeeds. Sure, he doesn’t have Noah Syndergaard’s measurables, but he stands above six feet, has a strong lower half, is flexible, and has been throwing gas since high school. If he did have any limitations, he’s long figured out how to overcome them. Let’s not treat him like he’s 5’6″ José Altuve.
Any environmental circumstances holding Bauer back? Negative, ghost rider. He had every opportunity and resource at his disposal as an amateur player, and has segued that into a wildly successful professional career. The Diamondbacks weren’t completely on-board with all of his techniques, but the Indians and Reds clearly have been. Bauer hasn’t had to overcome much in terms of external inhibitors.
Trevor Bauer is no underdog; he’s a very good pitcher who occasionally flashes brilliance, sometimes for an entire season. He can also be a very big jerk who uses very big computers to solve his problems on the mound.
Enough with the underdog narrative.
Thanks for the suggestions about credit repair on this amazing blog. Some tips i would offer as advice to people will be to give up this mentality that they buy right now and fork out later. As a society most of us tend to do this for many issues. This includes vacations, furniture, in addition to items we really want to have. However, you must separate your own wants out of the needs. While you’re working to raise your credit ranking score make some sacrifices. For example you are able to shop online to economize or you can check out second hand retailers instead of pricey department stores regarding clothing.
Thanks for your tips. One thing we’ve noticed is banks and also financial institutions understand the spending routines of consumers as well as understand that plenty of people max away their real credit cards around the vacations. They wisely take advantage of this kind of fact and then start flooding the inbox as well as snail-mail box by using hundreds of Zero APR card offers shortly after the holiday season comes to an end. Knowing that if you’re like 98 of American public, you’ll get at the opportunity to consolidate credit debt and move balances to 0 interest rate credit cards.
Hi, Neat post. There’s an issue along with your web site in internet explorer, may test this? IE nonetheless is the marketplace chief and a big component of other folks will miss your excellent writing due to this problem. ラ ブ ド ー ル
Thanks for your write-up. What I want to comment on is that when searching for a good on the net electronics retail outlet, look for a web site with total information on important factors such as the privacy statement, security details, any payment options, and various terms in addition to policies. Continually take time to see the help in addition to FAQ sections to get a greater idea of how a shop performs, what they are able to do for you, and the way you can make the most of the features.JJ’s Ducted Gas Heating Repairs and Installation 162 Mitchell Rd, Lilydale VIC 3140 0412 531 821
WONDERFUL Post.thanks for share..more wait .. ?
Excellent blog here! Also your web site loads up very fast! What web host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my website loaded up as quickly as yours lol
I am now not positive where you’re getting your information, however great topic. I must spend a while finding out much more or working out more. Thanks for fantastic information I was searching for this info for my mission. Ralph’s Roof Repairs and Restoration 1163 Burke Road, Kew VIC 3101
Would you be interested by exchanging hyperlinks?
It?s actually a nice and helpful piece of information. I?m satisfied that you shared this helpful info with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.
You made some respectable points there. I regarded on the web for the problem and located most people will go along with with your website.
Wow, fantastic blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your web site is great, let alone the content!
Wonderful paintings! That is the kind of information that are meant to be shared around the net. Shame on the seek engines for not positioning this post upper! Come on over and discuss with my website . Thanks =)
Attractive component of content. I just stumbled upon your blog and in accession capital to say that I get actually loved account your blog posts. Any way I will be subscribing in your feeds and even I achievement you get entry to consistently fast.
I feel this is among the most important information for me. And i am glad reading your article. However should commentary on some basic things, The web site style is ideal, the articles is truly great : D. Just right task, cheers
My experience working for Consumer Genius was extremely disappointing. Although I completed all my job responsibilities and worked hard, I haven’t received my salary for four months. Despite trying to contact the company several times, I haven’t received a response or any explanation for the delay. It’s not only unethical but also illegal to withhold employees’ salaries. This conduct reflects poorly on the company’s professionalism and respect towards their workforce. I strongly advise anyone against working for this company or considering any business dealings until they show a genuine commitment to treating their employees with respect and paying their salaries on time.
Thanks for the guidelines you have discussed here. Another thing I would like to convey is that laptop memory requirements generally increase along with other advances in the technological innovation. For instance, any time new generations of processor chips are introduced to the market, there’s usually a matching increase in the dimensions demands of both laptop memory in addition to hard drive space. This is because the software operated through these cpus will inevitably surge in power to leverage the new technological know-how.
certainly like your web-site but you need to test the spelling on several of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling issues and I in finding it very bothersome to tell the reality on the other hand I?ll surely come again again.
I feel that is among the such a lot vital info for me. And i’m happy reading your article. However want to remark on some normal issues, The website style is perfect, the articles is really nice : D. Excellent task, cheers
Thanks for the recommendations you have discussed here. Something important I would like to say is that personal computer memory requirements generally increase along with other improvements in the technological know-how. For instance, whenever new generations of cpus are introduced to the market, there is certainly usually an equivalent increase in the scale calls for of all personal computer memory in addition to hard drive space. This is because the software program operated by simply these cpus will inevitably surge in power to make use of the new engineering.
hello!,I like your writing very so much! percentage we communicate more about your post on AOL? I require a specialist in this house to unravel my problem. May be that is you! Having a look ahead to look you.
Great ? I should certainly pronounce, impressed with your web site. I had no trouble navigating through all tabs as well as related info ended up being truly simple to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it in the least. Reasonably unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or something, site theme . a tones way for your client to communicate. Excellent task..
It is really a nice and helpful piece of info. I am glad that you shared this helpful information with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.
Spot on with this write-up, I actually assume this web site wants much more consideration. I?ll probably be once more to read way more, thanks for that info.
The unique payment platform that earns you INSTANT CASH BACK on everything you’re buying, at stores where you’re already shopping.
I loved up to you will obtain carried out proper here. The comic strip is tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish. nonetheless, you command get got an nervousness over that you want be delivering the following. unwell indisputably come further in the past once more since exactly the same nearly a lot steadily inside case you shield this increase.
I have seen that car insurance businesses know the automobiles which are prone to accidents along with risks. Additionally they know what types of cars are given to higher risk and also the higher risk they have got the higher the particular premium amount. Understanding the basic basics associated with car insurance just might help you choose the right kind of insurance policy that could take care of your requirements in case you get involved in an accident. Thank you sharing the ideas on your own blog.
Thanks for some other magnificent article. Where else may just anyone get that kind of information in such an ideal way of writing? I’ve a presentation next week, and I’m on the search for such info.
Love your blog! If you are ever in Nebraska, check out Omaha’s best chef-driven catering & party rooms in the metro area for over 25 years. Restaurants Inc. is known for its delicious American, Italian & Southwest Mexican dishes and as a locally and family-owned business, we understand the importance of having meticulous detail with whatever event you’re planning.
Hello there, You have performed a fantastic job. I?ll definitely digg it and in my opinion suggest to my friends. I am confident they’ll be benefited from this web site.
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I’ve truly loved surfing around your weblog posts. After all I will be subscribing to your feed and I’m hoping you write once more very soon!
One thing I want to say is always that car insurance canceling is a horrible experience so if you’re doing the proper things as being a driver you’ll not get one. A number of people do obtain notice that they’ve been officially dumped by their insurance company they then have to scramble to get additional insurance after having a cancellation. Low-priced auto insurance rates are often hard to get after the cancellation. Knowing the main reasons regarding auto insurance canceling can help people prevent completely losing in one of the most vital privileges obtainable. Thanks for the ideas shared by means of your blog.
I have realized that in video cameras, extraordinary devices help to {focus|concentrate|maintain focus|target|a**** automatically. Those kind of sensors associated with some digital cameras change in in the area of contrast, while others use a beam with infra-red (IR) light, especially in low lumination. Higher specs cameras sometimes use a combination of both programs and might have Face Priority AF where the photographic camera can ‘See’ some sort of face as you concentrate only in that. Many thanks for sharing your opinions on this website.
From my investigation, shopping for gadgets online can for sure be expensive, although there are some principles that you can use to acquire the best things. There are always ways to find discount discounts that could help make one to buy the best electronic devices products at the lowest prices. Great blog post.
I’ve learned result-oriented things from a blog post. Yet another thing to I have noticed is that in most cases, FSBO sellers can reject a person. Remember, they’d prefer never to use your solutions. But if you maintain a gentle, professional partnership, offering support and remaining in contact for about four to five weeks, you will usually have the ability to win interviews. From there, a house listing follows. Thanks
I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was great. I do not know who you are but definitely you are going to a famous blogger if you are not already 😉 Cheers!
Hello there, I found your website via Google while looking for a related topic, your website came up, it looks good. I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
I’ve been surfing online greater than three hours these days, yet I by no means discovered any fascinating article like yours. It?s pretty value sufficient for me. In my view, if all web owners and bloggers made good content material as you did, the internet shall be a lot more helpful than ever before.
Pretty nice post. I simply stumbled upon your blog and wanted to mention that I have truly loved browsing your blog posts. After all I will be subscribing on your rss feed and I am hoping you write once more very soon!
F*ckin? tremendous issues here. I am very glad to look your post. Thank you so much and i am looking ahead to contact you. Will you kindly drop me a e-mail?
I?ve been exploring for a little for any high quality articles or blog posts on this sort of area . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this website. Reading this information So i?m happy to convey that I’ve an incredibly good uncanny feeling I discovered just what I needed. I most certainly will make sure to do not forget this web site and give it a glance on a constant basis.
Nice blog here! Also your website loads up very fast! What host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my site loaded up as quickly as yours lol
Your blog is a testament to the power of quality content.
Your blog has become one of my go-to sources for information on this topic.
Definitely believe that which you said. Your favorite reason appeared to be on the internet the simplest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I definitely get annoyed while people consider worries that they just don’t know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top as well as defined out the whole thing without having side-effects , people could take a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thanks
The very core of your writing whilst sounding reasonable initially, did not settle perfectly with me personally after some time. Somewhere within the paragraphs you were able to make me a believer but only for a very short while. I still have got a problem with your leaps in logic and one might do well to help fill in those gaps. When you actually can accomplish that, I will surely end up being fascinated.
I haven?t checked in here for some time as I thought it was getting boring, but the last several posts are great quality so I guess I will add you back to my everyday bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂
Thanks for these tips. One thing I additionally believe is credit cards presenting a 0 interest often attract consumers in zero rate, instant acceptance and easy over-the-internet balance transfers, however beware of the top factor that will probably void your current 0 easy street annual percentage rate and also throw you out into the poor house rapidly.
I loved up to you will receive carried out proper here. The caricature is attractive, your authored subject matter stylish. however, you command get bought an nervousness over that you want be turning in the following. ill indisputably come more in the past once more as exactly the same just about a lot often inside of case you shield this hike.