The Topton Tornadoes sure know drama.
In 2020, it took some wild calculations just to figure out if Topton beat Choo or not for the division title.
Last year, the Tornadoes just missed the playoffs despite being 29 games over .500. It was only 1 game that separated him from the playoffs and a September off.
When you miss the playoffs by a game or two, there's always that lingering thought, "What could I have done differently to make up that game?"
"Was there a Sunday where you were too aggressive in April or May trying to get an extra win and it cost you two?"
These are the questions you ask yourself.
And after checking with Tommy, he certainly has been thinking about it.
"There was a Sunday that the Marlins were scheduled to do a bullpen game," he said. "Alcantara was scheduled for Monday. They last minute swapped and I didn’t catch in time. Alcantara pitched a QS with a win and enough strikeouts that I may have earned 2, 3 wins in pitching category from ties or losses. Would’ve have put me over the threshold."
Yes, it still stings.
But hey, this year could be different. Wander Franco will play a full season. Then again, for the second season in a row Fernando Tatis will miss at least a month.
"Wander, Vlad, Judge," Tommy boasted, "Tornadoes have to be the combined favorite to own the AL MVP. Well, either us or the Angels."
Rather bold for a fourth-place team, wouldn't you say?
Especially considering the offseason. Topton didn't make too many moves in the winter months, but his lineup was active for sure. Alonso walked away from a horrible car accident, Tatis apparently can’t ride bikes, Voit got traded to San Diego, Winker moved out West to Seattle, and Judge can play in NYY again, but not Toronto.
Quite the rollercoaster ride.
"What doesn’t kill you make you stronger?" Tommy said, showing no fear. "Let’s just hope I don’t jynx anyone..."
What's there to jinx?
Topton's offense looks solid. And the pitching looks even better. Frankie Montas, Sandy Alcantara, Lucas Giolito and Tarik Skubal are a solid foursome, and add in Mr. Fantrax 100, Adam Wainwright, and a darkhorse to be an ace, Triston McKenize, and you have a dangerous rotation.
But none of those are the pitcher that excites Tommy.
That man is...
"Taijuan Walker," Tommy said last week. "The dude now has deGrom and Scherzer to guide him. I’d be wary of any Mets pitchers who gets to watch those guys every 5 days."
Scherzer and deGrom? Every five days?
Oh, Tommy. What was that you said about jinxing?
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