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

• 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"?

MLB Bonanza Items for March 31

Interesting comparison after Day One of two players traded for each in one of the most controversial trades in recent memory.  Miami Marlins shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria 3-4, Blue Jays shortstop Jose Reyes 0-1, 15 Disabled List.


Only reason to smile on opening day if you are a Blue Jay fan, now Cub Emilio Bonifacio went 4-5 with a double and a stolen base and an outfield assist BUT  was picked off at first base during the top of the 10th inning.  Classic Emilio!


The Phillies and Rangers combined for 24 runs in their season opener.  The game featured a player who had a great summer that amidst all the offence went 0-4 in Shin-Soo Choo.  The game also featured a player who had arguably the rockiest of off-seasons smash a Grand Slam in the 2nd inning in Jimmy Rollins.


Detroit Tigers shortstop Alex Gonzalez 2-4.  Free Agent Stephen Drew...well...suppose it's better making no money than it is playing for "under market value".


Cincinnati Red fans hope that rookie Billy Hamilton learned a valuable lesson in today's opener.  You can't steal first base!  Hamilton struck out all four of his at-bats.


Pablo Sandoval started his "contract year" with a strikeout and a fielding error, he's doing it wrong!

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.

Right Idea's for the MLB

MLB has a rule, if the original team extends a qualifying offer to an upcoming eligible free agent, then if another team signs them during the off-season (up until the June draft) they have to give up a draft pick as compensation.  The free agents complain about how this restricts their movement...bullfritters!!  The only restriction to free agent movement is ridiculous contract demands.  People live happily on $60,000/year so don't freakin tell me you can't make it by on only a measly $9Million/year!  I'm looking at you Stephen Drew and Kendrys Morales.


The owner of a Vancouver bar Score on Davie  has instituted an optional turn in your cell phone for the evening program.  The idea is simple, to bring us back to a simpler time (early 1990's) when an evening out meant talking to whomever you were spending the evening with.  I would love to see an MLB club adopt this optional program.


The San Diego Padres on Saturday March 15th are running a little contest.  The Padres will have 1000 fans take one swing for a homerun at the cavernous Petco Park.  Successful batters will win 2014 season tickets.


First, Ian Kinsler wishes his former team a winless season, now new Brewer Matt Garza expresses the following sentiment toward his former club the Chicago Cubs, ""I wish them the best but I like where I'm at, and I'm going to try to kick their teeth in every time I get a chance.""


What would you do if you were Carl Crawford: go to Australia with your LA Dodger teammates or stay home with "any day now" pregnant girlfriend?  Do the right thing Mr. Crawford, stay home!