The first Wednesday after the All-Star break is in the books, and it was a good one. It’s been good to have baseball back every night. Yes, the All-Star Break isn’t all that long, but not having games on all day was tough. Especially after having it for a few months. So, I know I can speak for everyone when I say, I’m glad to have baseball on all the time again. So, let’s get into some of the fun stuff from Wednesday, shall we?
Run, Willy, Run
Since being traded from the Rays to the Brewers in May, Willy Adames has been a bright spot for the Brew Crew. He’s brought energy to the clubhouse, as he always does, but he’s been absolutely terrific at the plate. After being a top prospect and having some up and down years in Tampa Bay, he’s found a home in Milwaukee. However, we aren’t here to talk about his performance at the plate.
No, we are here to talk about how fun Adames is. He always has a smile on his face and he just looks like he is having a blast playing the game. Another piece of evidence came in Wednesday’s game.
Lol the way Willy got out of the way here pic.twitter.com/lnKDL1G0RW
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) July 21, 2021
On a fly ball to shallow left, Adames is called off by Christian Yelich. The way Adames gets out of the way isn’t exactly routine, though. Adames had some fun with it, looking like he was scared and scampering away from Yelich to avoid a collision. Of course, he had a laugh with Yelich afterward before throwing the ball in. He is a ton of fun.
Stro’s Reflexes
Marcus Stroman has been terrific in 2021 after opting out of the 2020 season. Not only did he shove on Wednesday, but he showed off some of his PFP work.
Stro: Gold. 🪙 pic.twitter.com/bR5zr2cbmZ
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 21, 2021
The reflexes to get out of the way just in time, and to throw his glove down to be able to deflect it and then make a play all in the same motion? It just shows that, yes, pitchers are athletes, too. This was probably the play I watched most from Wednesday. I’m sure you’ll be just as mesmerized as I was.
Rays Weirdness
We’ve seen weird Rays walk-offs, including the World Series, and we’ve seen some weird and bad Orioles baseball. On Wednesday, we got both in one game.
Not your everyday walk-off win scenario pic.twitter.com/TupSkfrfo4
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) July 21, 2021
There’s a lot to unpack here. Mountcastle had the best chance on the Arozarena popup. That much is clear. Did he call it? That isn’t clear, at least from this video. But, of course, this is something that would happen to the Rays. It’s also the weird defensive blunders we’ve seen from Baltimore this year. It was a weird play. But, that’s baseball. And that’s why we love it.
Second Half D-Backs
To say that the Diamondbacks have struggled this season is an understatement. It’s been a tough watch, and even tougher on the players. But, in the second half, they’ve already had their best win streak of the season at four games. After taking the last game of the series against the Cubs and a sweep of the Pirates, the team is feeling good. And with the Olympics coming up…
Heading to Chicago for the weekend or #Tokyo2020? pic.twitter.com/qCpBZS1bRr
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) July 22, 2021
The guys got festive. Clearly, the D-Backs swim team stands out, but I don’t think they could compete in Tokyo.
Aside from that, everyone on the team looks genuinely happy. After a tough season, a four-game win streak will do that. Good for the Diamondbacks.
Soto Does It All
Juan Soto is one of the brightest stars in baseball. He’s young, he’s one of the best hitters in baseball, he showed off in the Home Run Derby, and apparently, he has some fancy slides.
Soto swim move! 🏊♂️ pic.twitter.com/tfbGtkYckX
— MLB (@MLB) July 21, 2021
What can’t he do? Seriously? This is a great slide to avoid the tag. Granted, I’m a sucker for a good slide, but this is still a lot of fun from one of the most electric players in the game.
The first Wednesday post-All-Star break is in the books. I had fun, and I hope you did, too. Have a great Thursday.