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:

1. Miggy Cabrera - - the letters MVP gloss over numbers that may not currently lead the league
2. Albert Pujols - - power resurgence has been fun to watch
3. Jose Abreu - - batting average is starting to come around, his aptitude for multi HR games also

National League Selections are:

1. Paul Goldschmidt - - without him the Arizona Diamondbacks would be completely lost
2. 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.
3. Justin Morneau - - see "Joey Votto", at least this season Morneau is "earning" the vote  

Weird MLB Rule Explained, New Pop Flavour, Injury Thoughts and a Notso Daring Comparison

The Houston Astros offer Outfielder George Springer, the Astros' top prospect a 7 year 23 million dollar contract.  Springer declines the offer and is demoted to the minors.  Here's the real reasoning behind the demotion - - > If an uber-prospect debuts on Opening Day, he'll be a free agent in six years, presuming he remains on the big league club. However, by waiting one month, a team can push back his free agency an entire year.  Mr. Springer will be an Astro in May.


LeBron James now has is own flavor of Sprite.  My vote for a MLB player to have his own flavor of Sprite would be the Angels Mike Trout.  Somehow it's a sponsorship I don't see working!


Re-visiting the notion of "slips from grace", Hiroyuki Nakajima played his first two innings of exhibition baseball with Oakland A's recently.  Nakajima was projected to be the A's starting shortstop in 2013 after signing a two-year, $6.5 million contract before last season.  Today, Nakajima isn't even on the A's 40-man roster.  Must not drink Sprite.


Los Angeles Dodger 1B Adrian Gonzalez reportedly has a stiff lower back from walking around sightseeing.  Raise your hands if this excuse would earn you a day off of work.  Anybody?  This is exactly why some folks have a hard time respecting baseball players, suck it up buttercup!


The Miami Marlins posted a picture of Derek Dietrich and his nasty bruise after taking a baseball to the face on field. Cinncinati Red Aroldis Chapman only wishes he was that lucky.


You should be as worried about Derek Jeter’s spring training average of .132 in 41 plate appearances this spring as you are excited about Dustin Ackley's spring training average of .457 in 46 plate appearances.

Nifty MLB Finds

Example of dedication from the Pittsburgh Tribune Review: Pirates 2B Neil Walker is attacking the problems he had against left handed pitchers last season by going to minor league camp.  With a lack of left handed pitchers in the upcoming MLB pre-season schedule, Walker will pick up some games with Double-A Trenton Thunder when they play against lefties.


On the day Blue Jays Jose Bautista was in the final four of the "Face of the MLB" contest on Twitter, he hit a homerun and a double.  On the day after he signed his 1 million dollar arbitration contract,  Angels Mike Trout hit a grand slam.  In the wake of the news that he is a porn addict, Cardinals pitcher Carlos Martinez had a solid outing trying to lock down a spot in the starting rotation.


From the San Francisco Tribune: "He's worked as a volunteer fireman, has appeared in a popular TV show, is a wine connoisseur and does an immense amount of community work, much of it with no fanfare." Oakland A's fans, that's your new closer Jim Johnson.


One of the oldest rivalries in the MLB is the Red Sox versus the Yankees.  With Jacoby Ellsbury switching sides this past summer, it was nice to read the Red Sox blog article from "Brownie Points" showing that it was done civilly. Give it a click!


Check the "Sweet Tweets" for an addition from MLB Fancave care of Joba Chamberlain and his "happy face" tattoo PLUS check the "Words to live by" for an addition from Torii Hunter.