# MLB: September 2025

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-september-2025/1022775>\
**Category:** The Game Room\
**Tags:** baseball-mlb\
**Created:** [September 5, 2025, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-september-2025/1022775 "2025-09-05T17:08:54Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 9

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**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\
**Post date:** [September 25, 2025, 4:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-september-2025/1022775/161 "2025-09-25T04:14:38Z")

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I forgot to mention that this was Cal’s 11th multi-HR game of the year. That ties the record for MLB.

(I think it’s only fair to point out that Judge also shares that record from 2022.)

Cal repeated his f-bomb slogan on purpose this time on live TV. That scamp.

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**Author:** ![wguy123](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wguy123/32/3161_2.png) [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)\
**Post date:** [September 25, 2025, 4:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-september-2025/1022775/162 "2025-09-25T04:19:53Z")

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Might as well go win the whole fucking thing.

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**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\
**Post date:** [September 25, 2025, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-september-2025/1022775/163 "2025-09-25T04:30:37Z")

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I forgot to mention that the Astros lost 6-0 tonight.

They’re continuing their slide out of the postseason.

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**Author:** ![wguy123](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wguy123/32/3161_2.png) [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)\
**Post date:** [September 25, 2025, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-september-2025/1022775/164 "2025-09-25T04:36:32Z")

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Astros are praying the Tigers keep shitting the bed a bit more than they currently are.

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**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\
**Post date:** [September 25, 2025, 11:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-september-2025/1022775/165 "2025-09-25T11:47:31Z")

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I’m not sure why [MLB.com](http://MLB.com) is showing the Yankees #1 in the division and Toronto as the #1 wildcard team. Should be the other way around and you would think they would know that.

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**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\
**Post date:** [September 25, 2025, 11:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-september-2025/1022775/166 "2025-09-25T11:49:56Z")

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> [@wguy123](#):
>
> That was the wink. But, Cal does have the harder job, physically, day in and day out than Judge.
> 
> I’m looking forward to seeing at least one playoff game in person!

Cal has a harder job. Last year he was a great defender. They don’t go off last year’s stats. This year he’s a -1 defender and Judge is +3.

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**Author:** ![What\_Exit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/what_exit/32/10652_2.png) [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\
**Post date:** [September 25, 2025, 11:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-september-2025/1022775/167 "2025-09-25T11:57:44Z")

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Voters are going to give points to a catcher though as it is the toughest position.  
RF is not, probably considered the 2nd easiest, maybe 3rd.

But if you like WAR, Judge is #1 at 9.3 and Raleigh is only #5 at 7.2  
I prefer OPS for batters, Judge is #1 at 1.136 and Raleigh pulls up to #3 at .959

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**Author:** ![Railer13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/railer13/32/9742_2.png) [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\
**Post date:** [September 25, 2025, 12:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-september-2025/1022775/168 "2025-09-25T12:30:50Z")

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> [@Loach](#):
>
> I’m not sure why [MLB.com](http://MLB.com) is showing the Yankees #1 in the division and Toronto as the #1 wildcard team

That is baffling, as [ESPN](https://www.espn.com/mlb/standings) is showing the standings correctly.

There are 5 teams battling for the 2 final wild card spots. All 5 lost last night. (Detroit, Houston, NY Mets, Cincinnati, Arizona)

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**Author:** ![TroutMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troutman/32/6721_2.png) [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\
**Post date:** [September 25, 2025, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-september-2025/1022775/169 "2025-09-25T13:24:32Z")

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> [@wguy123](#):
>
> Astros are praying the Tigers keep shitting the bed a bit more than they currently are.

A bit more than they currently are? They are losing a game every day, they can’t easily lose more than that.

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**Author:** ![wguy123](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wguy123/32/3161_2.png) [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)\
**Post date:** [September 25, 2025, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-september-2025/1022775/170 "2025-09-25T15:13:07Z")

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I think you got the gist of what I was trying to say. Astros hope the Tigers continue to lose every game and they (Astros) can get a couple of wins.

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**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\
**Post date:** [September 25, 2025, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-september-2025/1022775/171 "2025-09-25T15:59:45Z")

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> [@wguy123](#):
>
> Might as well go win the whole fucking thing.

Yep.

What are people’s opinions on how much credit to give the manager? Is Dan Wilson a candidate for Manager of the Year? I wonder if his leadership helped stop the slide 3 weeks ago and turn it around. And I’ll give some credit to Edgar.

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**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\
**Post date:** [September 25, 2025, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-september-2025/1022775/172 "2025-09-25T16:02:11Z")

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Unlike other sports I tend to give very little credit to the manager in baseball. But sure give it to him.

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**Author:** ![Jasmine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jasmine/32/2964_2.png) [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\
**Post date:** [September 25, 2025, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-september-2025/1022775/173 "2025-09-25T16:03:13Z")

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Guardians 9-1 and Detroit 1-9 in the last ten games. Detroit is 3-16 this month, an epic September collapse.

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**Author:** ![wguy123](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wguy123/32/3161_2.png) [@wguy123](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wguy123)\
**Post date:** [September 25, 2025, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-september-2025/1022775/174 "2025-09-25T16:07:54Z")

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I watched the post game speeches and celebration and it’s obvious Dan loves his players and they love him right back.

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**Author:** ![BlankSlate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blankslate/32/80_2.png) [@BlankSlate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlankSlate)\
**Post date:** [September 25, 2025, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-september-2025/1022775/175 "2025-09-25T16:41:35Z")

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> [@Loach](#):
>
> Unlike other sports I tend to give very little credit to the manager in baseball. But sure give it to him.

I agree, except for Kevin Cash. What he accomplishes year in and year out is nothing short of amazing. The best manager in baseball.

Speaking as a Yankees fan, I’m cool with Raleigh winning the MVP. He’s had an amazing season and catching is brutal. Sure Raleigh is only average as a catcher, but it takes a toll, regardless.  
Judge is headed to the Hall of Fame no matter how many personal awards he wins going forward. And now that I think about it a little more, this MVP race ending in a tie might be the most pleasing outcome of all.

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**Author:** ![Railer13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/railer13/32/9742_2.png) [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\
**Post date:** [September 25, 2025, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-september-2025/1022775/176 "2025-09-25T16:41:51Z")

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> [@Loach](#):
>
> Unlike other sports I tend to give very little credit to the manager in baseball.

This topic could probably be the subject of its own thread, as most every baseball fan has an opinion. A manager is given little to no credit if his team wins, but he certainly is often blamed for a loss…he pulled the starter too soon, or left him in too long, or pinch-hit when he shouldn’t have, or didn’t pinch-hit when he should have, etc.

But as to the playing of the actual game, the manager has very little to do, unlike a football or basketball coach.

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**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\
**Post date:** [September 25, 2025, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-september-2025/1022775/177 "2025-09-25T16:51:00Z")

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> [@Railer13](#):
>
> But as to the playing of the actual game, the manager has very little to do, unlike a football or basketball coach.

Aren’t they making calls constantly; hit-and-run, steal, bunt, that sort of thing? Or are they just all naturally nervous and fidgety?

Has any Mariner ever won MVP before? I don’t know of that works in Raleigh’s favor, or means he’ll be overlooked because Seattle is so far from the center of the baseball universe.

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**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\
**Post date:** [September 25, 2025, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-september-2025/1022775/178 "2025-09-25T16:54:26Z")

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> [@Railer13](#):
>
> But as to the playing of the actual game, the manager has very little to do, unlike a football or basketball coach.

Yeah, my understanding is that the manager in baseball is like a manager in a company… They manage people, set a culture, make sure needs are addressed, but the everyday stuff is handled by other people. That’s why they don’t call them coaches in baseball, even though they are often thought of as the equivalent of a head coach.

> [@Robot\_Arm](#):
>
> Aren’t they making calls constantly; hit-and-run, steal, bunt, that sort of thing?

I know they make decisions of when to challenge, and when to pull a pitcher, but I’m not sure they do much more than that during a game.

> [@Robot\_Arm](#):
>
> Has any Mariner ever won MVP before?

Griffey in 1997 and Ichiro in 2001. That’s it.

> [@Robot\_Arm](#):
>
> I don’t know of that works in Raleigh’s favor, or means he’ll be overlooked because Seattle is so far from the center of the baseball universe.

I think it’s usually a valid complaint that Seattle sports teams are often overlooked, but I don’t think you can make that claim this year for the MVP conversation. Cal is absolutely getting plenty of attention. If he doesn’t get MVP, it’s not because of that. I see his name mentioned all the time in national baseball talk, and winning the HR Derby this year if nothing else really elevated his profile nationally (along with the story of his dad and brother being part of the Derby).

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**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\
**Post date:** [September 25, 2025, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-september-2025/1022775/179 "2025-09-25T16:55:26Z")

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Guardians have come back from 15.5 games behind the Tigers to overtake them and sit 1 game ahead atop the AL Central. Before the Guards won last night they were tied with the Tigers but had the season tie-breaker.

The Guards run differential is -2 right now. Last year when we made the playoffs our diff was +87.

Pitching has definitely stepped up in the month of September. Oddly enough, that’s just about when Corey Kluber came back to be on our coaching staff. We need that pitching more than ever because we’re not producing runs.

But we ARE back to getting hits when it counts. Tuesday’s game against the Tigers we had a string of hits that didn’t get out of the infield and it produced 2 runs (sadly, also produced a DH who got his face broken by a 99mph pitch (he’s doing ok)). Fans like to call this team “slap-hitting shit goblins.”

Our defense has locked in too.

Feels like the Guards are a fresh young team that found its groove late, while the other teams we’re blowing past are tired and worn out from a long season of winning.

Honestly I don’t suspect to go too far in the playoffs, but also I didn’t expect to have a .500 season either so I am sitting back enjoying the ride!

And yeah I see the Mariners winning the WS. They are smokin’ hot. I LOVE a good catcher and am really excited for Cal Raleigh!

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\
**Post date:** [September 25, 2025, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mlb-september-2025/1022775/180 "2025-09-25T17:00:03Z")

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> [@ZipperJJ](#):
>
> (sadly, also produced a DH who got his face broken by a 99mph pitch (he’s doing ok))

I’m glad to hear he’s doing okay. I saw video of him getting hit and that was terrifying. That has to be the scariest concern for anyone who even thinks about what it must be like to stand in a MLB batter’s box.

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