The Toronto Blue Jays avoided a sweep Sunday night defeating the former manager John Farrell and his World Series Champion Boston Red Sox 7-1. Most impressive factoid about the win? For the first time this season, the Blue Jays pitching staff did not issue a walk! Apparently the group as a whole felt Brandon Morrow had given up enough on Saturday (8 in 2 2/3 IP).
Answer: Saturday April 12th, top of the 6th inning versus the Chicago Cubs.
Question: When was the last time St. Louis Cardinal starting pitcher Adam Wainwright gave up a run? Wainwright and the Cards would blank the Pittsburgh Pirates 7-0 on Sunday.
The weekend in baseball featured two sweeps. An internet high five to the NL East leading Atlanta Braves (17-7) sweeping the Cincinnati Reds (11-14) AND the NL West leading San Francisco Giants sweeping the Cleveland Indians (11-14).
Chicago White Sox rookie phenom Jose Abreu is crushing the baseball with 10 HR's in 26 games. Here's a video showing you how much force it would take to flatten a baseball.
The continued look at All Star balloting brings us today to third base. My votes for the American League went to Evan Longoria, Adrian Beltre, and Trevor Plouffe. My votes for the National League went to Juan Uribe, Nolan Arenado, and Aramis Ramirez.
Showing posts with label Atlanta Braves. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Atlanta Braves. Show all posts
Monday, 28 April 2014
Saturday, 26 April 2014
Random Collection of MLB Thoughts re April 25
Which 6-5 game ending was more exciting? The walk off grand slam by Jose Abreu lifting the Chicago White Sox over the Tampa Bays 9-6 OR the bases loaded, one out, great defensive solo doubleplay by Justin Smoak to preserve a 6-5 win for the Seattle Mariners over the Texas Rangers?
The Anaheim Angels did something Friday night they did not do all of 2013. In 2013, the Angels had 11 games where they scored 10+ runs, all of which featured at least one Mike Trout hit. Trout went 0-4 versus the Yankees while his Angels went on to win 13-1.
The last two big name pitchers to sign during the off-season are having very different starts to their 2014 seasons. On March 12th, the Atlanta Braves signed Ervin Santana to one year deal. After a win Friday night versus Cincinnati, Santana improved to 3-0 on the season with a 1.95 ERA and a 0.98 WHIP. On Feb 18th, the Baltimore Orioles signed Ubaldo Jimenez to a four year deal. After a loss Friday night versus Kansas City, Jimenez is now 0-4 on the season with a 6.59 ERA and a 1.83 WHIP.
The MLB has opened up its All Star Voting ballots. I figured it would be fun to fill out 3 ballots completely differently and share my votes one position at a time. Starting with first base, my American League selections are:
National League Selections are:
The Anaheim Angels did something Friday night they did not do all of 2013. In 2013, the Angels had 11 games where they scored 10+ runs, all of which featured at least one Mike Trout hit. Trout went 0-4 versus the Yankees while his Angels went on to win 13-1.
The last two big name pitchers to sign during the off-season are having very different starts to their 2014 seasons. On March 12th, the Atlanta Braves signed Ervin Santana to one year deal. After a win Friday night versus Cincinnati, Santana improved to 3-0 on the season with a 1.95 ERA and a 0.98 WHIP. On Feb 18th, the Baltimore Orioles signed Ubaldo Jimenez to a four year deal. After a loss Friday night versus Kansas City, Jimenez is now 0-4 on the season with a 6.59 ERA and a 1.83 WHIP.
The MLB has opened up its All Star Voting ballots. I figured it would be fun to fill out 3 ballots completely differently and share my votes one position at a time. Starting with first base, my American League selections are:
- Miggy Cabrera - - the letters MVP gloss over numbers that may not currently lead the league
- Albert Pujols - - power resurgence has been fun to watch
- Jose Abreu - - batting average is starting to come around, his aptitude for multi HR games also
National League Selections are:
- Paul Goldschmidt - - without him the Arizona Diamondbacks would be completely lost
- Joey Votto - - the problem with on-line ballot voting is that it allows for "ballot box stuffing", being Canadian, Mr. Votto always gets my first.
- Justin Morneau - - see "Joey Votto", at least this season Morneau is "earning" the vote
Wednesday, 16 April 2014
Random Collection of Thoughts re April 16 in the MLB
The Washington Nationals defeated the Miami Marlins Wednesday to improve their record versus Miami to 5-1 in 2014. The Nats have also swept the New York Mets but have gone 1-5 versus the Atlanta Braves, aka, the only team they have played with a legitimate playoff hope. Up next, the World Series runner ups the St. Louis Cardinals who just squished the Milwaukee Brewers 9 game winning streak by only allowing one run in their first two matchups against the Brew Crew. The first of four Cardinal pitchers the Nats will face is three time Cy Young Award finalist Adam Wainwright. Will the real Washington Nationals please stand up!?
Top of the 9th, Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cliff Lee gives up singles to the first two batters of the final frame and Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Julio Teheran is due up in a 1-0 game in favor of the Atlanta. This situation is the perfect example of why managing a team in the "designated hitter" American League is much easier.
Bottom of the 11th, Houston Astros down 2 runs with a man on and the most publicized rookie since Wil Myers steps into the batters box for the hometown team. George Springer falls behind 1-2 in the count. The count goes full at 3-2. Springer fouls off two balls and then...the strikeout. Springer would finish the night 1-5 with a walk and two strikeouts. For the record, the 2013 AL Rookie of the Year Myers started his pro career with an 0-4 at the dish.
This is what happens when a position player pitches in a MLB game - - 1 inning pitched, 1 hit, 2 walks and 2 runs against. With no other options available, the Chicago White Sox had to practically hand the game over to the Boston Red Sox in the 14th inning. Captain Obvious says both teams are very happy Thursday's game is NOT a matinee!
In this day of parity/mediocrity I try to always to acknowledge sweeps of a series. An internet high five to the New York Mets, New York Yankees and the Baltimore Orioles.
Here is a montage of Kendrys Morales' and Stephen Drew's 2014 season. The question is what is the true reason for their free agency? Is it
Top of the 9th, Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cliff Lee gives up singles to the first two batters of the final frame and Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Julio Teheran is due up in a 1-0 game in favor of the Atlanta. This situation is the perfect example of why managing a team in the "designated hitter" American League is much easier.
Bottom of the 11th, Houston Astros down 2 runs with a man on and the most publicized rookie since Wil Myers steps into the batters box for the hometown team. George Springer falls behind 1-2 in the count. The count goes full at 3-2. Springer fouls off two balls and then...the strikeout. Springer would finish the night 1-5 with a walk and two strikeouts. For the record, the 2013 AL Rookie of the Year Myers started his pro career with an 0-4 at the dish.
This is what happens when a position player pitches in a MLB game - - 1 inning pitched, 1 hit, 2 walks and 2 runs against. With no other options available, the Chicago White Sox had to practically hand the game over to the Boston Red Sox in the 14th inning. Captain Obvious says both teams are very happy Thursday's game is NOT a matinee!
In this day of parity/mediocrity I try to always to acknowledge sweeps of a series. An internet high five to the New York Mets, New York Yankees and the Baltimore Orioles.
Here is a montage of Kendrys Morales' and Stephen Drew's 2014 season. The question is what is the true reason for their free agency? Is it
- a) Teams waiting until after June 5 - 7 draft to avoid compensation pick OR
- b) Morales and Drew would rather earn no money rather than be "underpaid"?
Sunday, 13 April 2014
Random Collection of Thoughts re April 13 in the MLB
Sweeps and their ramifications will be the subject of the day.
The Los Angeles Dodgers swept the Arizona Diamondbacks making it a 5-0 regular season start against the NL West Kirk Gibson led foe. The D'Backs currently sit at 4-11 two days away from Jackie Robinson Day on Tuesday April 15th. I mentioned in an earlier post that if going into Jackie Robinson Day the Diamondbacks were still counting wins with only one hand that Manager Kirk Gibson likely does not make it through the month of May with his job. A 3 game series with the New York Mets may just be what the doctor ordered. Then again, it may be the iceberg that sank the Titanic.
Speaking of baseball managers doubling as crew members of the Titanic, Kansas City manager Ned Yost must be feeling sea sick after being outscored 21-6 whilst being swept by the Minnesota Twins. The Royals now have lowest scoring offense in the American League 0.02 less runs per game than the Houston Astros. The Astros happen to be their next opponent before an opportunity for redemption when the Twins visit Kauffman Stadium next weekend. For a trendy pick to win the division, the Royals are doing it wrong!!
Speaking of trendy picks to win the division, the Washington Nationals just got swept by the Atlanta Braves, the team they would have to overcome to win the NL East. The Braves scored 23 runs during the series doubling their season long production at the plate. Another Nats sweep of the Miami Marlins would likely keep them neck and neck with the Braves for 1st place but an abysmal showing in their 4 game set with the St. Louis Cardinals next weekend will help solidify their "pretender not contender" status.
Speaking of the Miami Marlins, anybody remember when they were 5-1? After being swept by the Philadelphia Phillies, the Marlins now sit at 5-8. I never thought they would keep pace with the Nationals and Braves but third place in the NL East is feasible. The Marlins will have to win these games back from the Phillies when they visit Miami May 20-22.
I ran out of "speaking of" tie-ins. The Milwaukee Brewers extended their winning streak to 9 games by sweeping the Pittsburgh Pirates. Now the real fun begins as they host the St. Louis Cardinals then fly to Pittsburgh for a three game re-match. The Cardinals were the gold standard last season beating the Brewers in the pennant race by 23 games. Can a full year of Ryan Braun and tweaked starting rotation really close that gap?
The Los Angeles Dodgers swept the Arizona Diamondbacks making it a 5-0 regular season start against the NL West Kirk Gibson led foe. The D'Backs currently sit at 4-11 two days away from Jackie Robinson Day on Tuesday April 15th. I mentioned in an earlier post that if going into Jackie Robinson Day the Diamondbacks were still counting wins with only one hand that Manager Kirk Gibson likely does not make it through the month of May with his job. A 3 game series with the New York Mets may just be what the doctor ordered. Then again, it may be the iceberg that sank the Titanic.
Speaking of baseball managers doubling as crew members of the Titanic, Kansas City manager Ned Yost must be feeling sea sick after being outscored 21-6 whilst being swept by the Minnesota Twins. The Royals now have lowest scoring offense in the American League 0.02 less runs per game than the Houston Astros. The Astros happen to be their next opponent before an opportunity for redemption when the Twins visit Kauffman Stadium next weekend. For a trendy pick to win the division, the Royals are doing it wrong!!
Speaking of trendy picks to win the division, the Washington Nationals just got swept by the Atlanta Braves, the team they would have to overcome to win the NL East. The Braves scored 23 runs during the series doubling their season long production at the plate. Another Nats sweep of the Miami Marlins would likely keep them neck and neck with the Braves for 1st place but an abysmal showing in their 4 game set with the St. Louis Cardinals next weekend will help solidify their "pretender not contender" status.
Speaking of the Miami Marlins, anybody remember when they were 5-1? After being swept by the Philadelphia Phillies, the Marlins now sit at 5-8. I never thought they would keep pace with the Nationals and Braves but third place in the NL East is feasible. The Marlins will have to win these games back from the Phillies when they visit Miami May 20-22.
I ran out of "speaking of" tie-ins. The Milwaukee Brewers extended their winning streak to 9 games by sweeping the Pittsburgh Pirates. Now the real fun begins as they host the St. Louis Cardinals then fly to Pittsburgh for a three game re-match. The Cardinals were the gold standard last season beating the Brewers in the pennant race by 23 games. Can a full year of Ryan Braun and tweaked starting rotation really close that gap?
Friday, 11 April 2014
One Series From Every Division to Look Forward to This Weekend
AL EAST - - Red Sox vs Yankees
The Yankees took the 1st game of the four game series on Thursday. If the Red Sox were not World Series champs, the nod for AL East series of the weekend would have went to the Blue Jays vs Orioles. I can't imagine the Red Sox not making the playoffs in 2014 but this weekend could start rubbing the sticks together to start that fire.
AL CENTRAL - - Indians vs White Sox
Remember to the 2012 Baltimore's Orioles and their improbable playoff berth? That's exactly how I feek about the Cleveland's run to the playoffs last season. Much like the O's failed to make consecutive post season appearances, the same fate awaits the Tribe. My bold prediction is that the White Sox that will challenge them for 3rd place in the division. The series began Thursday night with the Sox breaking a 14 game losing streak against the Tribe...a sign of things to come!
AL WEST - - A's vs Mariners
"To the man, you've gotta beat the man" Ric Flair The Mariners lost 2 of 3 in Oakland to the A's and (pardon the exaggerated tone in April) can ill-afford to do the same during this weekend's series at Safeco Field.
NL EAST - - Nationals vs Braves
The sexy pick last season to win the AL East was the Nationals. The sexy pick to possibly knock the Braves out of first place in 2014 is again the Nationals. The Nats lost 2 of 3 against the Braves in Washington. Sure it's their only two losses of the season but feasting on teams like the Miami Marlins and New York Mets only makes you pretenders not contenders.
NL CENTRAL - - Cubs vs Cardinals
The argument here is simple, the Cubs hold the power in the NL Central to decide who wins the division. The Cardinals play their first three of 19 games versus the Cubbies after seeing the Pittsburgh Pirates took 4 of 6 from Chicago. If Chicago finds a way to take two games this weekend...who am I kidding!
NL WEST - - Tigers vs Padres
This may not be an inter-divisional game but this series has me wondering, how do the Tigers not sweep the Padres? Porcello, Verlander, Scherzer pitching in the cavernous Petco Park against a team that has scored only 20 runs in 9 games this season. If the Padres find a way to take 2 of 3, Royals fans should cry if they don't take 2 of 3 from Twins and make up a game on the Tigers "the easy way".
The Yankees took the 1st game of the four game series on Thursday. If the Red Sox were not World Series champs, the nod for AL East series of the weekend would have went to the Blue Jays vs Orioles. I can't imagine the Red Sox not making the playoffs in 2014 but this weekend could start rubbing the sticks together to start that fire.
AL CENTRAL - - Indians vs White Sox
Remember to the 2012 Baltimore's Orioles and their improbable playoff berth? That's exactly how I feek about the Cleveland's run to the playoffs last season. Much like the O's failed to make consecutive post season appearances, the same fate awaits the Tribe. My bold prediction is that the White Sox that will challenge them for 3rd place in the division. The series began Thursday night with the Sox breaking a 14 game losing streak against the Tribe...a sign of things to come!
AL WEST - - A's vs Mariners
"To the man, you've gotta beat the man" Ric Flair The Mariners lost 2 of 3 in Oakland to the A's and (pardon the exaggerated tone in April) can ill-afford to do the same during this weekend's series at Safeco Field.
NL EAST - - Nationals vs Braves
The sexy pick last season to win the AL East was the Nationals. The sexy pick to possibly knock the Braves out of first place in 2014 is again the Nationals. The Nats lost 2 of 3 against the Braves in Washington. Sure it's their only two losses of the season but feasting on teams like the Miami Marlins and New York Mets only makes you pretenders not contenders.
NL CENTRAL - - Cubs vs Cardinals
The argument here is simple, the Cubs hold the power in the NL Central to decide who wins the division. The Cardinals play their first three of 19 games versus the Cubbies after seeing the Pittsburgh Pirates took 4 of 6 from Chicago. If Chicago finds a way to take two games this weekend...who am I kidding!
NL WEST - - Tigers vs Padres
This may not be an inter-divisional game but this series has me wondering, how do the Tigers not sweep the Padres? Porcello, Verlander, Scherzer pitching in the cavernous Petco Park against a team that has scored only 20 runs in 9 games this season. If the Padres find a way to take 2 of 3, Royals fans should cry if they don't take 2 of 3 from Twins and make up a game on the Tigers "the easy way".
Wednesday, 9 April 2014
Random Collection of Thoughts re: April 9 in the MLB
Three "first's" happened today that not many people would not have expected to wait over a week to see (or in the last example, expected at all). The Kansas City Royals hit their 1st homerun of the season and the Cincinnati Reds speed demon Billy Hamilton stole his first two bases of the season. Toronto Blue Jays catcher Dioner Navarro stole his first base since 2009.
Many people likely expected Ervin Santana to have some rust in his pitching debut for the Atlanta Braves. 8 innings played, 0 runs allowed, 3 hits against, no walks allowed, 6 strikeouts. It doesn't matter that it's against the 4th lowest scoring team in the NL because coming in, Atlanta themselves are the lowest scoring team. That's the real surprise, Atlanta is barely averaging 2 runs per game heading into Santana's debut.
Baltimore Oriole starter Miguel Gonzalez is set to earn $529,000 this season. New York Yankee starter Masahiro Tanaka just commenced a seven years, $155M contract. Both have almost identical lines from their meeting against each other, biggest difference, Tanaka was plus 7 in the strikeout category! The Orioles would win the game in the 9th with Tanaka out of the game and no option to put in Mariano Rivera or his "replacement" David Robertson for the Yankees.
Game of the night honors goes to the Miami Marlins/Washington Nationals! Marlins surge out to a 5-0 lead after two innings. After marching back to take a 6-5 lead in the 6th, the Nats leave the bases drunk which naturally means the Marlins tie it the first chance they get. The tying run came via the first uncontested homerun (first two were reviewed) of the game in the top of the 7th. Marlins would take the lead in the top of the 8th on an umpire reviewed home plate play. At this rate of reviews before reacting to anything on the field, you may want a minute or so.
I have professed my affinity for fantasy baseball in previous articles and through that affinity, I have learned that the last adjective to describe relief pitcher Carlos Marmol is reliable. Now pitching for the Marlins, the game of the night would effectively end when the Nats were able to load the bases against him in the bottom of the 8th and Jayson Werth would empty the bases with a (un-reviewed) grand slam.
Many people likely expected Ervin Santana to have some rust in his pitching debut for the Atlanta Braves. 8 innings played, 0 runs allowed, 3 hits against, no walks allowed, 6 strikeouts. It doesn't matter that it's against the 4th lowest scoring team in the NL because coming in, Atlanta themselves are the lowest scoring team. That's the real surprise, Atlanta is barely averaging 2 runs per game heading into Santana's debut.
Baltimore Oriole starter Miguel Gonzalez is set to earn $529,000 this season. New York Yankee starter Masahiro Tanaka just commenced a seven years, $155M contract. Both have almost identical lines from their meeting against each other, biggest difference, Tanaka was plus 7 in the strikeout category! The Orioles would win the game in the 9th with Tanaka out of the game and no option to put in Mariano Rivera or his "replacement" David Robertson for the Yankees.
Game of the night honors goes to the Miami Marlins/Washington Nationals! Marlins surge out to a 5-0 lead after two innings. After marching back to take a 6-5 lead in the 6th, the Nats leave the bases drunk which naturally means the Marlins tie it the first chance they get. The tying run came via the first uncontested homerun (first two were reviewed) of the game in the top of the 7th. Marlins would take the lead in the top of the 8th on an umpire reviewed home plate play. At this rate of reviews before reacting to anything on the field, you may want a minute or so.
I have professed my affinity for fantasy baseball in previous articles and through that affinity, I have learned that the last adjective to describe relief pitcher Carlos Marmol is reliable. Now pitching for the Marlins, the game of the night would effectively end when the Nats were able to load the bases against him in the bottom of the 8th and Jayson Werth would empty the bases with a (un-reviewed) grand slam.
Tuesday, 25 March 2014
MLB Stories: Shutter to Think, Shed a Tear, Celebrate and Ask
The Atlanta Braves have placed FIVE starting pitchers on the disabled list. Ask yourself, how would your team look if they were in this situation?
Cincinnati and Cleveland, Ohio baseball rivals, not many people will deny that. So when miscommunication was the word of the day in regards to the use of the designated hitter, you know what happened? A great father/son moment when Indians Manager Terry Francona gave the DH start to outfielder Nick Hamilton, his father watching from radio booth.
Many teams celebrate "Cinco De Mayo". None of them will top the Durham Bulls and their Star Wars jersey's the team will be wearing on May 4th. Picture from the Durham Bulls Twitter account.
The Pittsburgh Penguins Hockey Club attempted a simple social media concept. Using the Twitter hashtag #askNeal, fans could tweet a question to the star player. The results were many targeted questions about the players past transgressions. Imagine if you will #askARod or #askPierzynski or maybe #askBraun.
Cincinnati and Cleveland, Ohio baseball rivals, not many people will deny that. So when miscommunication was the word of the day in regards to the use of the designated hitter, you know what happened? A great father/son moment when Indians Manager Terry Francona gave the DH start to outfielder Nick Hamilton, his father watching from radio booth.
Many teams celebrate "Cinco De Mayo". None of them will top the Durham Bulls and their Star Wars jersey's the team will be wearing on May 4th. Picture from the Durham Bulls Twitter account.
The Pittsburgh Penguins Hockey Club attempted a simple social media concept. Using the Twitter hashtag #askNeal, fans could tweet a question to the star player. The results were many targeted questions about the players past transgressions. Imagine if you will #askARod or #askPierzynski or maybe #askBraun.
Sunday, 2 March 2014
MLB Fistpumps
Adam Dunn, 6 of 28, with 1 homerun, 6 walks and 12 strikeouts versus Jeremy Guthrie apparently has his respect as evidenced by Guthrie's "Sweet Tweet" just to the right of this article on the main page.
I must send a shout out to Reds Owner Bob Castellini. Having some experience with professional sporting teams and their relationships with the media, Mr. Castellini has taken it upon himself to say out loud the words many, if not all, owners mutter to themselves - - "It gets written in such a way – ‘Well, the Reds aren't doing anything' – that really does affect people buying season tickets. “Personally, I get a little ticked off." I respect for your speaking your opinions but look how far that got the late Marge Schott.
Grady Sizemore, coming back from duel micro fracture knee surgery, took a spill today in centerfield today. You know people are rooting for you to be healthy and complete the storybook comeback after two years away when the simple fact you got up, makes the local Boston blog story.
Now, I'm not one to really pay attention to exhibition game box scores but holy moly, the Braves and Nationals played to a 16-15 final score on March 1st. WOW, I'd love to see that happen in the regular season!!
I must send a shout out to Reds Owner Bob Castellini. Having some experience with professional sporting teams and their relationships with the media, Mr. Castellini has taken it upon himself to say out loud the words many, if not all, owners mutter to themselves - - "It gets written in such a way – ‘Well, the Reds aren't doing anything' – that really does affect people buying season tickets. “Personally, I get a little ticked off." I respect for your speaking your opinions but look how far that got the late Marge Schott.
Grady Sizemore, coming back from duel micro fracture knee surgery, took a spill today in centerfield today. You know people are rooting for you to be healthy and complete the storybook comeback after two years away when the simple fact you got up, makes the local Boston blog story.
Now, I'm not one to really pay attention to exhibition game box scores but holy moly, the Braves and Nationals played to a 16-15 final score on March 1st. WOW, I'd love to see that happen in the regular season!!
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