Week 12: Curtis Granderson

After choosing two rookies in a row as my MLBoyfriend, it's time to show a little appreciation for a veteran player. Curtis Granderson is the oldest player on the New York Mets at the ripe old age of 36.

To put it kindly, Granderson had a slow start to the season. His batting average was a measly .128 in April. By the end of May, he had raised it to .201--better but still hovering right at the Mendoza Line. He fought to stay in the Mets line up in June, and it has paid off.

On June 14, Curtis Granderson hit his 300th home run.



Last week, Curtis Granderson had his best week of the season hitting .455 with a 1.597 OPS. He had three home runs, seven runs and 5 RBIs. His best week ended with his best game. On Sunday, June 25, he reached base five times--including hitting a home run. While there may be rumors that the Mets will trade Granderson, it seems talk of his retirement remains premature.

Week 11: Jacob Faria

Last week, I chose the hottest rookie at the plate as my MLBoyfriend. It only seemed fair that this week I pick the rookie who is tearing it up on the mound. Jacob Faria has been the starting pitcher in just three major league games and has has notched up three wins--two of them in the last week.

To say Faria is a "rookie" is a bit of an understatement. This isn't his first year in the majors, it's his first month. We're not even through the month, and it has already been a very eventful one for Faria. On June 1st, he was still the ace for the Durham Bulls and pitched a humdinger of a game for them.

On June 5th, the Bulls manager informed Faria he should pack his bag because he would be starting the next night in Tampa Bay against the Chicago White Sox. It was supposed to be a one-and-done start to fill in for Rays' starter Matt Andriese who was on the 10-day disabled list. Despite pitching an impressive game in his major league debut--he went 6.1 innings with five strikeouts and just three hits and one earned run scoring a win and a quality start--he was, as planned, sent back down to Durham. Then, on June 12th, Andriese was put back on the DL and Faria was called back up to start the next day.

This brings us to last week. Faria's first start of the week was on Tuesday, June 13th, in Toronto. He threw another strong 6.1 innings with eight strikeouts, six hits and one earned run. He was now two-for-two in wins and quality starts. The Rays wisely decided not to send him back down and made him a permanent part of the rotation after his second game.

Week 10: Aaron Judge

Number 99 of the New York Yankees had a very good week.

Aaron Judge had a batting average of .500, a WHIP of 1.600, hit three home runs, had six RBIs, and scored 10 runs over the past seven days.

That's an amazing week in what is turning out to be an amazing rookie year. Aaron Judge has to be considered the top contender for the American League Rookie of the Year, and there's already serious talk that he is on the path to be the league's MVP for 2017.

The fact that Aaron Judge has done all this while wearing (and looking fantastic in) Yankees pinstripes is the icing on the cake in my book.

Speaking of looking great, Aaron Judge caught my eye wearing this off the field. Anyone who knows me knows I have a soft spot for guys who aren't afraid of to rock a shirt with a bold pattern.

Week 9: Edinson Vólquez

Throwing a no-hitter is a very good way to stand out in not just a week of baseball and become my MLBoyfried of the week. Edinson Vólquez threw the first no-hitter of 2017 on Saturday, June 3.

Finishing the game in the best way, Vólquez got the 27th out with a strike out.



Not coincidentally, June 3 is the birthday of Vólquez's friend and former teammate, Yordano Ventura, who died in a car crash in January. Prior to the game, Vólquez sent out posted in memory of "Ace" Ventura on Instagram.

Miss you broth HBD to Ace Ventura one love

A post shared by Edinson Volquez (@edinsonavolquez36) on Jun 3, 2017 at 10:06am PDT

Edinson Vólquez said that Yordano Ventura was in his thoughts as the possibility of a no-hitter became more real.

"After the seventh, I was like, 'Now you’ve got to do it. You’ve got to go for it. It’s a special day for you and the Ventura family.'"

Congratulations, Edinson Vólquez! Your extra-special no-hitter earned you the title of my MLBoyfriend of the week.