We will start with an internet high five to the two teams who accomplished sweeps this past weekend, the Oakland A's and the Miami Marlins. The A's swept the Houston Astros, a team with a total payroll of 45 million and a fat chance to make the playoffs. The Marlins swept the Seattle Mariners, a team that pays Robinson Cano 24 million per year and has a slim chance to make the playoffs. Makes you realize that a slim chance and a fat chance at the playoffs really are the same.
In a world we have noses that run and feet that smell, having your team get their collective butt kicked one game is not to be taken too seriously. The New York Yankees lost to the Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday 16-1 - - Yanks would win Sunday 5-1. The Chicago White Sox would lose to the Texas Rangers by a combined 18-3 score from their Friday and Saturday matchups - - the Sox would win 16-2 on Sunday. The Milwaukee Brewers would open their four game series in Pittsburgh against the Pirates with an 11-2 loss - - it would be the only game in the series the BrewCrew lost.
Speaking of the Brewers, this is how Carlos Gomez made headlines on Sunday April 20. This is how Carlos Gomez made headlines on Wednesday September 25, 2013. For the 2015 season, I'd like to put $20 that the Carlos Gomez induced brawl will be the final week of August.
The San Francisco Giants played two more one run games this past weekend making it 11 of their 19 games decided by only one run this season. Both the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays have played only two one run games each thus far in 2014. I'm accepting witty comments about beer sales because I know they are there for the sharing.
With two National League games going to 14 innings on Sunday, one of them including the New York Mets, I came across this fascinating tidbit of knowledge. Did you know that 14 innings is the NL record for Opening Day longest game? The record has been tied 7 times with the New York Mets being involved in the last two times it has happened. Here is the source to the obscure find.
Showing posts with label Miami Marlins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Miami Marlins. Show all posts
Monday, 21 April 2014
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?
Thursday, 10 April 2014
Random Collection of Thoughts re: April 10 in MLB
Does anybody play ESPN's Streak for Cash? Were you like me and swearing up a storm when the Pittsburgh Pirates fell behind 4-0 to the Chicago Cubs? The Bucs can't possibly lose back to back games to the Cubs could they? The "luvable loser" Cubs sent four pitchers to the mound in the 7th inning, two of them would give up homeruns to the first batter they faced and my streak extends to 7.
Whenever one of my favorite teams opens up a 3 game series, the hope is that they take two of three. The thought of finishing a season with a winning percentage is .667 is absurd but it helps break up the marathon that is the MLB season. As (most) teams head into their fourth series this weekend, only 2 AL teams and 4 NL teams are producing at that clip.
Sweeping a series is always the fans desire. Brewers fans are full of desire as their Milwaukee Brewers just swept their second straight series ON THE ROAD. The Oakland A's also just completed a road sweep of the Minnesota Twins. I predicted the Washington Nationals would sweep the upstart Marlins, and they did just that with another chance to do so next week on the road in Miami.
Arizona Diamondbacks Paul Goldschmidt extended his hitting streak to 31. Goldy is 25 shy of tying Joe DiMaggio's record. I have to be honest, since the Undertaker lost his streak at Wrestlemania last Sunday, I need something to get behind and believe in. For the next week, I will chose Goldy as my MLB Beat the Streak batter. If he loses his streak, blame Brock Lesnar!
Whenever one of my favorite teams opens up a 3 game series, the hope is that they take two of three. The thought of finishing a season with a winning percentage is .667 is absurd but it helps break up the marathon that is the MLB season. As (most) teams head into their fourth series this weekend, only 2 AL teams and 4 NL teams are producing at that clip.
Sweeping a series is always the fans desire. Brewers fans are full of desire as their Milwaukee Brewers just swept their second straight series ON THE ROAD. The Oakland A's also just completed a road sweep of the Minnesota Twins. I predicted the Washington Nationals would sweep the upstart Marlins, and they did just that with another chance to do so next week on the road in Miami.
Arizona Diamondbacks Paul Goldschmidt extended his hitting streak to 31. Goldy is 25 shy of tying Joe DiMaggio's record. I have to be honest, since the Undertaker lost his streak at Wrestlemania last Sunday, I need something to get behind and believe in. For the next week, I will chose Goldy as my MLB Beat the Streak batter. If he loses his streak, blame Brock Lesnar!
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, 8 April 2014
Random Collection of Thoughts re: April 8 in MLB
The San Francisco Giants won their game this afternoon. Professional reporters will tell you it was in part because of a good outing from Tim Hudson and other valid baseball reasons. I'm telling you they won from the good karma they promoted when they brought back "Batkid" to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. If you do not know the story of "Batkid", please re-new your faith in humanity by clicking this link
How does Cincinnati Red Joey Votto break out of an 0-13 slump? He wears a Mountie uniform on the show "Intentional Talk". Votto was hit by a pitch in his first at bat and hit singles in the 3rd and 5th inning.
The New York Yankees won their home opener then got shellacked today in game two of the series. Game 3 versus Baltimore features Masahiro Tanaka's 2nd MLB start. For those fans who want to believe the Yankees will finish higher in the AL East than the Baltimore Orioles, Wednesday's game is about as "must win" as the series opener celebrating the home kickoff of Derek Jeter's farewell tour.
The Miami Marlins impressively built a 5-2 record versus two clubs that finished 2013 with 74 wins and 76 wins respectively. Their first game of 2014 versus an opponent with a winning record from 2013, a 5-0 loss to the Washington Nationals. If the Marlins get swept by the Nationals during these three games in Washington then again next week in the re-match series in Miami, all playoff prognostications for the Fish should read, "nope, not happening".
Going into this three game series in Colorado, the Chicago White Sox had a 5-1 lifetime record at Coors Field. The Sox got hammered on Monday but Tuesday night put enough air miles on the baseball to almost fly around the world. SIX HOMERUNS including Jose Abreu's first two in the Majors.
How does Cincinnati Red Joey Votto break out of an 0-13 slump? He wears a Mountie uniform on the show "Intentional Talk". Votto was hit by a pitch in his first at bat and hit singles in the 3rd and 5th inning.
The New York Yankees won their home opener then got shellacked today in game two of the series. Game 3 versus Baltimore features Masahiro Tanaka's 2nd MLB start. For those fans who want to believe the Yankees will finish higher in the AL East than the Baltimore Orioles, Wednesday's game is about as "must win" as the series opener celebrating the home kickoff of Derek Jeter's farewell tour.
The Miami Marlins impressively built a 5-2 record versus two clubs that finished 2013 with 74 wins and 76 wins respectively. Their first game of 2014 versus an opponent with a winning record from 2013, a 5-0 loss to the Washington Nationals. If the Marlins get swept by the Nationals during these three games in Washington then again next week in the re-match series in Miami, all playoff prognostications for the Fish should read, "nope, not happening".
Going into this three game series in Colorado, the Chicago White Sox had a 5-1 lifetime record at Coors Field. The Sox got hammered on Monday but Tuesday night put enough air miles on the baseball to almost fly around the world. SIX HOMERUNS including Jose Abreu's first two in the Majors.
Saturday, 5 April 2014
Random Collection of Thoughts re: April 5th in MLB
Pennants are not won in April, they are lost. Cincinnati Reds I'm looking at you! Starting out the season having the St. Louis Cardinals taking two of three from you at home is forgivable. Going into New York and having the Mets take the first two games from you almost inexcusable. I will assume the Reds can avoid the sweep at the hands of the Mets but going into St. Louis for the next series, the feeling has to be that one out of three won't be enough.
In the dogfight that the NL Central will be for playoff seeding, the Pittsburgh Pirates were gifted two series with the Chicago Cubs with the St Louis Cardinals sandwiched in the middle. Anything less than 6-3 for the Pirates should be considered a failure to start the season. I would have waited until then before I extended the contracts of General manager Neal Huntington and manager Clint Hurdle.
Tonight's pitching lines from the Mariners Felix Hernandez (8.1 IP 6 hits 1 run 8 K's) and the Marlins Jose Fernandez (6.2 IP 3 hits 0 runs 8 K's) make me really hope the two pitchers face off against each other when their respective teams play a three game series April 18 through 20th.
The Boston Red Sox page on MLB.com only allows me to go back to 2000. This is the first time in the new millennium that the Red Sox have lost their 1st two home games of a season.
The last undefeated team in the MLB is the Detroit Tigers. That in and of itself is not that shocking. The fact they are only 4-0 and are the last perfect team is the surprising part.
In the dogfight that the NL Central will be for playoff seeding, the Pittsburgh Pirates were gifted two series with the Chicago Cubs with the St Louis Cardinals sandwiched in the middle. Anything less than 6-3 for the Pirates should be considered a failure to start the season. I would have waited until then before I extended the contracts of General manager Neal Huntington and manager Clint Hurdle.
Tonight's pitching lines from the Mariners Felix Hernandez (8.1 IP 6 hits 1 run 8 K's) and the Marlins Jose Fernandez (6.2 IP 3 hits 0 runs 8 K's) make me really hope the two pitchers face off against each other when their respective teams play a three game series April 18 through 20th.
The Boston Red Sox page on MLB.com only allows me to go back to 2000. This is the first time in the new millennium that the Red Sox have lost their 1st two home games of a season.
The last undefeated team in the MLB is the Detroit Tigers. That in and of itself is not that shocking. The fact they are only 4-0 and are the last perfect team is the surprising part.
Friday, 4 April 2014
Random Collections of Thoughts re: April 4th in MLB
My last entry highlighted the New York Yankees, Anaheim Angels, Miami Marlins and Colorado Rockies as the teams to watch going into this weekend. Friday night the four teams won by the average margin of a touchdown!
Masahiro Tanaka gave himself two innings to figure out the MLB then threw five solid innings to guide the Yankees to victory. All nine starters for the Anaheim Angels collected at least a hit ensuring they did not need to rely on pitching for their victory. The Miami Marlins have apparently all become hitting machines and led by Charlie Blackmon's 6 for 6 evening the Colorado Rockies dismantled the Arizona Diamondbacks. I linked Blackmon to his career stats so you wouldn't have to Google him.
Official prediction, if the Arizona Diamondbacks can count their season total of wins on one hand come Jackie Robinson Day, Tuesday April 15, Kirk Gibson will be the first manager fired in 2014. The D'Backs are currently 1-6.
Pittsburgh 12 St Louis 2. Six months ago to the day, the Pirates beat the Cards 7-1 in Game 2 of the NLDS. We all know how that ended.
I have heard all spring that the Los Angeles Dodgers outfield is over-crowded. I remember reading comments from Matt Kemp saying "he is no fourth outfielder". Why not trade Yasiel Puig? Seriously, an upgrade at second base and someone to inherit third base from Juan Uribe is not a ridiculous trade demand for a 24 year old causing more trouble than a wolf in a chicken coop.
Masahiro Tanaka gave himself two innings to figure out the MLB then threw five solid innings to guide the Yankees to victory. All nine starters for the Anaheim Angels collected at least a hit ensuring they did not need to rely on pitching for their victory. The Miami Marlins have apparently all become hitting machines and led by Charlie Blackmon's 6 for 6 evening the Colorado Rockies dismantled the Arizona Diamondbacks. I linked Blackmon to his career stats so you wouldn't have to Google him.
Official prediction, if the Arizona Diamondbacks can count their season total of wins on one hand come Jackie Robinson Day, Tuesday April 15, Kirk Gibson will be the first manager fired in 2014. The D'Backs are currently 1-6.
Pittsburgh 12 St Louis 2. Six months ago to the day, the Pirates beat the Cards 7-1 in Game 2 of the NLDS. We all know how that ended.
I have heard all spring that the Los Angeles Dodgers outfield is over-crowded. I remember reading comments from Matt Kemp saying "he is no fourth outfielder". Why not trade Yasiel Puig? Seriously, an upgrade at second base and someone to inherit third base from Juan Uribe is not a ridiculous trade demand for a 24 year old causing more trouble than a wolf in a chicken coop.
4 MLB Teams to Watch Going Into the First Weekend
New York Yankees: If the Yankees aging lineup has any aspirations of making the playoffs, two 25 year olds hold their fate. Masahiro Tanaka and Micheal Pineda are scheduled to pitch the next two games for the Bronx Bombers. If both struggle and lose, especially after the Astros took two of three, the focus of many Yankee fans will shift from the marathon the season is to the sprint each individual series becomes.
Anaheim Angels: After allowing the 2nd most runs in baseball during their opening season series, the Angels now face the "built for the future" Houston Astros. Yes the Astros took two games from the Yankees but if Anaheim drops the first two games and slips to 0-5 to start the season, a mayday should be put out for Manager Mike Sciosica's job. As in, any day in May he should lose his job.
Miami Marlins: League leader in runs scored and their ace gets the ball on Saturday. Chase Headley, aka the straw that stirs the drink for their opponent San Diego Padres, has started out hitting .083. A Marlins sweep is quite feasible which would move them to 7-1 putting their win total at 11% of what they accomplished all of 2013.
Colorado Rockies: You have a healthy Tulo and CarGo and got outscored almost 2 to 1 (27 to 15) in your first series. Leading into the season looking at the Rockies schedule, fans had to be excited to see that the first seven series were against teams .500 and lower in 2013. For a 74 win team, this was as "cupcake" of a schedule as possible. So far, you're doing it wrong!
Anaheim Angels: After allowing the 2nd most runs in baseball during their opening season series, the Angels now face the "built for the future" Houston Astros. Yes the Astros took two games from the Yankees but if Anaheim drops the first two games and slips to 0-5 to start the season, a mayday should be put out for Manager Mike Sciosica's job. As in, any day in May he should lose his job.
Miami Marlins: League leader in runs scored and their ace gets the ball on Saturday. Chase Headley, aka the straw that stirs the drink for their opponent San Diego Padres, has started out hitting .083. A Marlins sweep is quite feasible which would move them to 7-1 putting their win total at 11% of what they accomplished all of 2013.
Colorado Rockies: You have a healthy Tulo and CarGo and got outscored almost 2 to 1 (27 to 15) in your first series. Leading into the season looking at the Rockies schedule, fans had to be excited to see that the first seven series were against teams .500 and lower in 2013. For a 74 win team, this was as "cupcake" of a schedule as possible. So far, you're doing it wrong!
Monday, 31 March 2014
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!
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!
Thursday, 20 March 2014
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.
Tuesday, 11 March 2014
Baseball Blog Entry for the Casual Baseball Fan
Headline from MLB.com "(Grady) Sizemore passing all tests, could win starting job". Even if you are a Yankees fan, this news from Boston should put a smile on your face. Two years removed from the game to possible opening day Red Sox center fielder, I wonder what size Cinderella slipper Mr. Sizemore wears?
Cris Carter, the Houston Astro and MLB league leader in strikeouts last season (212), has been given some sound advice by manager Bo Porter: " Swing at more pitches he can hit, and swing at fewer he can't." My official guess for 2013, based on 145 games, 190 strikeouts.
Staying with the theme of making an "official guess" here come two more! 1) The Miami Marlins, who stroked out 19 hits in one game versus the Mets, will require three full regular season games versus the Rockies to get 19 hits. 2) The 2013 NL West last place Colorado Rockies will finish over .500 in 2014.
C.J. Wilson of the LA Angels: “I need to learn to be more efficient. Today was a good example of that. I didn’t walk anybody, so I was popping apple-cider ginger ale in the dugout for that one.” Yup, that's making the "Words to Live By" column! Quote provided by Alden Gonzalez blog.
Having watched the Marlins/Red Sox situation go from disrespecting each other to having one of the hottest trade rumours around, I'm waiting to see the trade rumour that comes from the "Twitter Battle" going on between the New York Mets, Kansas City Royals, and Cleveland Indians mascots.
Cris Carter, the Houston Astro and MLB league leader in strikeouts last season (212), has been given some sound advice by manager Bo Porter: " Swing at more pitches he can hit, and swing at fewer he can't." My official guess for 2013, based on 145 games, 190 strikeouts.
Staying with the theme of making an "official guess" here come two more! 1) The Miami Marlins, who stroked out 19 hits in one game versus the Mets, will require three full regular season games versus the Rockies to get 19 hits. 2) The 2013 NL West last place Colorado Rockies will finish over .500 in 2014.
C.J. Wilson of the LA Angels: “I need to learn to be more efficient. Today was a good example of that. I didn’t walk anybody, so I was popping apple-cider ginger ale in the dugout for that one.” Yup, that's making the "Words to Live By" column! Quote provided by Alden Gonzalez blog.
Having watched the Marlins/Red Sox situation go from disrespecting each other to having one of the hottest trade rumours around, I'm waiting to see the trade rumour that comes from the "Twitter Battle" going on between the New York Mets, Kansas City Royals, and Cleveland Indians mascots.
Monday, 10 March 2014
Mount Roidmore, Skidmarks, Cubans, Short Memories, Curses & Runaway Strollers MLB-Style
Barry Bonds has started his "return" to baseball. Eric Chavez says thank you to one of the heads of Mount Roidmore. "A lot of players are outspoken about it," Chavez told USA TODAY Sports on Sunday morning. "They just forget how many riches, for lack of a better word, that all of us have enjoyed. Ownership, MLB, those guys brought baseball to a whole new level as far as popularity is concerned. That's something I'll never forget." - See more at: http://www.prosportsdaily.com/articles/as-bonds-returns-one-player-thanks-him-for-riches-294549.html#sthash.hLREPGyd.dpuf
So if you are Kyle Drabek, Drew Hutchinson, Dustin McGowan or Esmil Rogers of the Toronto Blue Jays how do you not feel like a skidmark on underpants when it's widely reported that right fielder Jose Bautista, shortstop Jose Reyes and first baseman Edwin Encarnacion are actively pursuing Ervin Santana?
Coming into pre-season, the 3 Cuban names I heard a lot of: Jose Abreu of the Chicago White Sox, Alex Guerrero of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and recently signed Aledmys Diaz of the St Louis Cardinals. Abreu likely the one to be in the starting lineup come the season opener. That's a lot of freakin money to be sitting on bench (possibly in the minors).
I laugh every time I heard the rumour of Giancarlo Stanton being to the Red Sox. Apparently the Marlins organization have short memories, or don't read Twitter (check front page "Sweet Tweets" to see what I'm talking about).
NY Mets 3B David Wright run the #faceofMLB contest leading into the exhibition season. He has started 0-7 at the plate. If Wright starts the regular season 0-7, can I coin the overdramatic phrase "Curse of faceofMLB"?
Now, I admit, sometimes when the game is on, my kids don't receive enough of my attention. I'm very glad to report that my attention span has never faltered as badly as this parent in the funny linked video - - > http://wapc.mlb.com/cutfour/2014/03/10/69054142/fan-leaves-baby-in-runaway-stroller
So if you are Kyle Drabek, Drew Hutchinson, Dustin McGowan or Esmil Rogers of the Toronto Blue Jays how do you not feel like a skidmark on underpants when it's widely reported that right fielder Jose Bautista, shortstop Jose Reyes and first baseman Edwin Encarnacion are actively pursuing Ervin Santana?
Coming into pre-season, the 3 Cuban names I heard a lot of: Jose Abreu of the Chicago White Sox, Alex Guerrero of the Los Angeles Dodgers, and recently signed Aledmys Diaz of the St Louis Cardinals. Abreu likely the one to be in the starting lineup come the season opener. That's a lot of freakin money to be sitting on bench (possibly in the minors).
I laugh every time I heard the rumour of Giancarlo Stanton being to the Red Sox. Apparently the Marlins organization have short memories, or don't read Twitter (check front page "Sweet Tweets" to see what I'm talking about).
NY Mets 3B David Wright run the #faceofMLB contest leading into the exhibition season. He has started 0-7 at the plate. If Wright starts the regular season 0-7, can I coin the overdramatic phrase "Curse of faceofMLB"?
Now, I admit, sometimes when the game is on, my kids don't receive enough of my attention. I'm very glad to report that my attention span has never faltered as badly as this parent in the funny linked video - - > http://wapc.mlb.com/cutfour/2014/03/10/69054142/fan-leaves-baby-in-runaway-stroller
Sunday, 9 March 2014
Friends and Foes Within MLB
Friends - Toronto Blue Jays and Tampa Bay Rays
In advance of their exhibition game Friday March 7th, Rays Manager Joe Maddon called up Cameron Seitzer. Cameron is the son of Blue Jays Batting Coach Kevin Seitzer. To enhance the special father/son moment, Jays Manager John Gibbons moves Papa Seitzer over to be first base coach. Cameron is a first baseman.
Foes - Boston Red Sox and Miami Marlins
Thursday March 6, the Marlins host the Red Sox in exhibition play. The Red Sox did not dress the minimum amount of MLB vets. Marlins complain to everyone who will listen. The response from the principal owner of the Red Sox made "Sweet Tweets" on the front page of the blog.
In advance of their exhibition game Friday March 7th, Rays Manager Joe Maddon called up Cameron Seitzer. Cameron is the son of Blue Jays Batting Coach Kevin Seitzer. To enhance the special father/son moment, Jays Manager John Gibbons moves Papa Seitzer over to be first base coach. Cameron is a first baseman.
Foes - Boston Red Sox and Miami Marlins
Thursday March 6, the Marlins host the Red Sox in exhibition play. The Red Sox did not dress the minimum amount of MLB vets. Marlins complain to everyone who will listen. The response from the principal owner of the Red Sox made "Sweet Tweets" on the front page of the blog.
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