Four years in baseball seems like an eternity these days. I wondered what would have become of the players from a pack of Opening Day from 2014. I wasn't too surprised but take a look.
Coming off a 2013 season that saw him lead the team with 28 saves Jim was on the Brewers Opening Day roster in 2014 but soon went on the DL and did not return. He last pitched in 2016 for the Mets.
A-Rod was not allowed to play in 2014 so he wasn't on the Opening Day roster. Alex's career came to an end on August 13, 2016 when he was released by the Yankees. I'm a strong anti-PED guy but I have to admit I was impressed by his skills as a TV analyst.
Andrelton was on the Braves Opening Day roster in 2014. He went 2 for 3 in a loss to the Brewers. He was on the Angels Opening Day roster this year and collected a hit and a walk in 5 plate appearances.
Big Papi was, of course, the Red Sox Opening Day DH in 2014. He had a single in the 3rd inning. David retired after the 2016 season.
Middlebrooks also started (at 3rd base) for the Red Sox on Opening Day 2014. He was 0-3 but reached on a HBP in the 9th. The Orioles won the game 2-1. Will was in the Phillies Spring Training camp this year but broke his fibula on February 25.
Carlos was 1-4 for the Yanks on Opening Day 2014 in a 6-2 loss to his former team, the Astros. Beltran retired after winning a Championship with those Astros last year.
Kyle went 1-3, an RBI double and walked twice and scored a run in Seattle's 10-3 win over the Angels on Opening Day 2014. Still with the Mariners, Kyle went hitless in this year's Opening Day but his team held on to beat Corey Kluber and the Indians by a score of 2-1.
So lets tally things up. Of the seven players, six were on their team's Opening Day roster in 2014. Four years later only two were left and only one on the same team.
I've only watched A-Rod in action during last year's World Series, but I felt that he held his own.
ReplyDeleteI think this was a solid break. I enjoy the Opening Day cards. I too like A-Rod as an announcer. I didn't see that coming. Good post.
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