Participation Trophies

Last night in Seattle, the White Sox bullpen needed six outs to preserve a 4-1 gem by Erick Fedde. Instead, Michael Kopech and Jordan Leasure gave up a combined seven runs, capped by a grand-slam walk-off from Cal Raleigh off of Leasure. This is why the Sox record stands at an MLB-worst 17-50. At this point in their season, the ’62 Mets were 19-48. And what does manager Mickey Mouse say after the game about Kopech and Leasure? “Those two guys have battled for us all year. They’ve taken the ball in tough situations. Those guys are always pitching leverage, and that’s the job when you’re pitching on the back end.” [quote in story today on team website] I must’ve been watching a different game. This just in—MLB announces the Cy Young Award will be based on participation rather than performance. I mean, that’s how Mouse would have it, yes?