Proof's in the Pudding

Did I say something about Dylan Cease needing to prove himself if he wants to get paid big bucks once he hits free agency after 2025? Well… Cease went 1.2 innings in game four of the NLDS against the Dodgers, giving up three runs (all earned) on four hits and a walk while striking out one in a 8-0 LA win. Yes, Cease was starting on three days’ rest, and, for what it’s worth, he went 3.1 innings on Saturday, which doesn’t seem like a lot. On the other hand, Cease needed 82 pitches to get there. Any way you look at it, not a staff-ace performance. I hate sounding like a shill for management, but, if I’m the one shelling out the dough, I want performance in return. This doesn’t apply only to Cease, who’s still making a relatively modest $8 million this season. Look at the Phillies. Signing Kyle Schwarber; Bryce Harper; Trea Turner; and Nick Castellanos hasn’t translated into any World Series rings. In fact, it’ll be the Mets moving on to the NLCS after beating Philadelphia in four. Long story short—no matter the payroll or the hype surrounding a team or whatever Mickey Mouse told reporters in his postgame comments, wins and losses are what count, most of all in the postseason.