The Windup Newsletter, a daily MLB newsletter from The Athletic, recently discussed the NL MVP race, highlighting top contenders such as Shohei Ohtani, Ketel Marte, Elly De La Cruz, and Francisco Lindor. Ohtani, a generational talent at the plate, leads the NL in both bWAR and fWAR and is on track for a historic 40/40 season. Marte’s contributions to the Diamondbacks make him a strong contender as well.
In Ken Rosenthal’s Notebook, the story of Cade Smith, a Cleveland Guardians reliever with a background in pre-med and organic chemistry, was featured. Despite being undrafted in 2020, Smith has emerged as one of the league’s top relievers, showcasing a remarkable improvement in his skills since joining the Guardians organization.
Additionally, the newsletter highlighted the story of Art “Pinky” Deras, considered the greatest Little League player in history, and his remarkable achievements on the field. With the Little League World Series in focus, Deras’ legacy was revisited, shedding light on his impressive pitching performances during his youth.
The Baseball Card of the Week segment featured Frank Quilici, a former Twins player known for his versatile roles within the organization. The unique design of Quilici’s card and his career trajectory from player to coach and manager were discussed, showcasing his contributions both on and off the field.
The newsletter also included notable MLB highlights, including a player hitting for the cycle, updates on standings, and interesting tidbits from the league’s history. Overall, The Windup Newsletter provided a comprehensive overview of MLB news and insights for the day.
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