This will get to the Yankees bullpen. For now, please forgive the scenic route.
The detour begins at Most Valuable Player. Until the award’s name is changed to Best Player, I am going to take “Valuable” seriously and part of value is rising when all around you is falling.
To use Joey Votto as an example. The Reds have not been a good team, but any long-shot chance they have to surprise needs to come with a good start. They have not had a good start and neither has Votto for a fourth straight year. I suspect as always his numbers will be there in the end.