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Opening Series Win: Red Sox vs. Yankees – A Sign Of Things To Come For Boston?

Posted by kdana2012

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Sunday April.07/2013

Dustin “Laser Show” Pedroia is the most vital part of this Red Sox team if not for his play on the field, for the hustle and tenacity he plays every game with. Hopefully Don Orsillo is yelling “to the moon” a lot this season. The man has started the year with a 2 Slash Line of .318/.400/.764 with 7 hits in the 1st 5 games. The 2008 AL MVP has a Career 3 Slash of .303/.369/.830. His average season (per 162 Games) is 194 Hits, 17 HRs, 43 Doubles and 77 RBI. His most important stat of this column is his 106 Runs Scored mark for a full year.

By Ryan Dana (MLB Reports Writer and Redsox Correspondent): Follow @ryandana1

I dare you to find a more exciting way to start a season than facing your bitter rivals? Taking 2 of 3 games from them on their field is even better. The start to the 2013 Boston Red Sox season has been good all things considered; much better than the starts to their past 2 seasons.

They spent the start of 2012 getting swept by the Tigers in 3 games, then losing 2 of 3 to the Blue Jays (This was before the Blue Jays had talent on their roster). The year prior, in 2011, the Red Sox came in with high expectations only to start the season 0-6 with series sweeps at the hands of the Rangers and Indians.

To take a quote from rap legend turned sports agent, (hint: he just stole Robinson Cano away from Scott Boras, uh-oh) “moral victories is for Minor League coaches.” Yes that would be Jay-Z.

In the Major Leagues it is all about where you stand in your division. After the 1^st series of play for Major League teams the Red Sox were tied with Baltimore atop the AL East. I know I’m getting carried away; it is after all, only 3 games into the season, (Now a little bit further). In the end a win is a win, and a loss is a loss.

However, I want to look at how the Red Sox won (and lost). I want to do this because I think it sheds light on what they are poised to do in 2013.

Red Sox vs. Yankees Opening Day Recap:

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Tags: red sox, yankees, shane victorino, phil hughes, vernon wells, travis hafner, andrew bailey, cc sabathia, brett gardner, ichiro suzuki, kevin youkilis, david ortiz, dustin pedroia, robinson cano, hiroki kuroda, stephen drew, francisco cervelli, mike napoli, lyle overbay, clay buchholz, andy pettitte, jacoby ellsbury, alfredo aceves, will middlebrooks, josh johnson, john farrell, Jay-Z, joel hanrahan, ryan dempster, jarrod saltalamacchia, andrew miller, junichi tazawa, david ross, clayton mortensen, Jackie Bradley Jr., jonny gomes, @ryandana1 on twitter, ryan dana, koji uehara, Jose Iglesias, opening day, john lester, juan nieves

The Yankees Prospects Going Into 2013

Mar 23

Posted by nross56

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Saturday, March 23, 2013

The Tampa Yankees are the High-A affliate for the Yankees and served as the home for Gary Sanchez, Mason Williams, Tyler Austion and Slade Heathcott during the 2012 season.

The Tampa Yankees are the High-A affiliate for the Yankees and served as the home for Gary Sanchez, Mason Williams, Tyler Austin and Slade Heathcott during the 2012 season.

By Nicholas Rossoletti (Yankees Correspondent/Trade Correspondent): Follow @nross56

Heading into the 2013 season, few things in the Yankee universe have been more controversial than the organizations goals to get under the $189 million salary mark after the season. It has been largely debated as to whether such a goal is realistic for an organization known for spending wildly in its never-ending pursuit of championships.

It is also hotly debated whether the goal will have the desired effect of taking some of the Yankee millions out of the revenue sharing arena and placing them back into the Steinbrenner family pockets. I won’t spend much time discussing the benefits or negatives of a team sticking to a 189 million payroll, but I will say that it is very possible to build a world champion well within that budget.

The first step to building a future champion regardless of how much money the Yankees spend is to follow the formula that brought the Yankees success over the past two decades: build a base around young talent. So with this article we will take a look at the prospects that Yankees fans have to hope pan out and begin heading for the Bronx.

Slade Heathcott showing off how to slide in the AFL:

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Tags: @nross56 twitter, ben francisco, bernie williams, Brennan Boesch, brett gardner, curtis granderson, dellin betances, derek jeter, gary sanchez, ian kennedy, ichiro suzuki, joba chamberlain, joe girardi, jorge posada, jose campos, kevin youkilis, manny banuelos, mark teixeira, mason williams, michael pineda, new york yankees, nicholas rossoletti, phil hughes, Tampa Bay, tampa bay yankees, trenton thunder, ty hensley, tyler austin, yankee stadium

Granderson Is Out For 10 Weeks: What Can Cashman Do?

Feb 25

Posted by chuckbooth3023

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Monday, February.25, 2013

Granderson has back to back 40 HR years with the Yankees. New York can ill afford to be without a productive LF for the 1st quarter of the year. I believe they should make a trade to bolster their team. When Granderson comes back, you could always have an extra player for depth still.

Granderson has had back to back 40 HR years with the Yankees in 2011 and 2012. New York can ill afford to be without a productive LF for the 1st quarter of this season. I believe they should make a trade to bolster their team. When Granderson comes back, you would always have an extra player for depth still.

Chuck Booth (Yankees Correspondent/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024

The start of the season is starting to look extremely bleak for the Yankees so far. Derek Jeter is coming off of a broken ankle, A-Rod is out indefinitely with (insert whatever ailment here) until after the ALL-Star Game, Mariano Rivera is 43 – and trying to make it through one more season after tearing up his ACL last year, Phil Hughes is having back spasms, Joba Chamberlain seems healthy – (but you never what freak injury is going to happen to him next,) Michael Pineda is still recovering from shoulder Surgery, so what else was going to happen? Add Curtis Granderson and a fractured right forearm to the walking wounded list.

This injury should alarm the Yankees and their fans. The team is not strong depth-wise, as they have been in decades, so “The ‘Grandy Man’ not being able to play until early May should cause New York GM Brian Cashman to explore all of his options. Like I have said in previous articles – ‘Financial Armageddon’ is coming for the club in 2014, plus the team is rapidly becoming older by the year. It is safe to say that this year might be the last kick at a championship for some time. What may the Yankees do to replace Granderson for the 1st quarter of the season?

Juan Rivera hits a Walk-Off for the Dodgers:

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Tags: Adam Eaton, AL East, alex presley, alex rodriguez, alfonso soriano, anaheim stadium, Andrew McCutchen, andy pettitte, arizona diamondbacks, boone logan, brett gardner, brian cashman, bryce harper, Carlos lee, carlos zambrano, chicago cubs, clay rapada, cody eppley, cody ross, david aardsma, david robertson, dellin betances, derek jeter, garrett jones, gerardo parra, ichiro suzuki, ivan nova, jason kubel, jayson werth, joba chamberlain, Jose Tabata, juan rivera, los angeles angels of anaheim, manny banuelos, mariano rivera, mason williams, melky mesa, michael pineda, new york yankees, peter bourjos, phil hughes, pittsburgh pirates, ryan madson, steve lombardozzi, the bronx bombers, Tommy John Surgery, top 100 2013 MLB prospects, travis hafner, travis snider, twitter @chuckbooth3024, vernon wells, yankee stadium

Top Base Stealers Projected For The 2013 MLB Baseball Season

Feb 20

Posted by bernieolshansky

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Wednesday February.20/2013

Trout must find a way to stay selective at the plate -to keep walking in 2013 – especially if his average dips. He can wreak havoc on the base paths once he makes it there.

Bernie Olshansky (Baseball Writer): Follow @BernieOlshansky

Workouts for all teams are in full swing and Spring Training games will start this weekend. Baseball season is here. In the past few weeks, I have projected saves and HR leaders for this upcoming season. In this week’s installment of projections, I will predict the SB leaders for the year (in descending order).

1. Mike Trout, 50

Last year, Trout caught the baseball world by storm after being called up nearly a month after the season started. The young superstar stole 49 bases en route to an MVP-like season. If it were not for Miguel Cabrera winning the Triple Crown, Trout would have been the MVP. The Angels outfielder stole 49 bases in less than a full season. I believe that Trout will steal roughly the same amount of bases due to the Angels’ acquisition of Josh Hamilton. The Angels will want Trout in scoring position as much as possible. This year, there is no way the Angels will not make the playoffs with Trout, Hamilton, and Albert Pujols.

Mike Trout Highlights 2012 – Mature Lyrics so Parental Guidance is advised:

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Tags: 2013, @bernieolshansky, Al East Division, albert pujols, American league, anaheim angels, angels, baseball, bernie olshansky, brett gardner, buster posey, detroit tigers, everth cabrera, jose reyes, josh hamilton, los angeles angels, miami marlins, michael bourn, miguel cabrera, Mike Trout, mlb, MLB Fantasy Baseball, national league, new york yankees, philadelphia phillies, projections, san diego padres, shane victorino, stolen base leaders, stolen bases, toronto blue jays, Triple crown, yankees

Ichiro Suzuki: Returning Yankee Is On His Way To 4000 Pro Hits And Maybe Rose’s 4256 Mark

Jan 7

Posted by chuckbooth3023

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Monday, January.07/2013

Ichiro Suzuki is tied with Pete Rose for most 200-Hit Seasons a MLB Career with 10. Suzuki accomplished the feat in consecutive years from 2001-2010. Ichiro holds the Single Season Record for hits in one year – when he smacked 262 base knocks during the 2004 Season. He Broke George Sisler’s previous mark of 257 – set in 1920.

By Chuck Booth (Yankees Correspondent/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024

3884 hits into his professional career, Suzuki starts his 13th Career in the Major Leagues and his 22nd season overall in 2013, only 116 hits shy of 4000. He is 308 short of passing Ty Cobb (4191) and 372 hits behind Pete Rose (4256) for the ALL-Time Professional Baseball Hits Lead. Suzuki just re-inked a 2 YR/13 Million Dollar Contract with the Bronx Bombers. He has a serious chance to chase down these legendary players in this time frame. The spry Right-Fielder has 2606 hits on this side of the water – including 10 straight 200+ hit seasons to start his career between 2001-2010. The last 2 campaigns have seen him regress to only 184 and 178 hits respectively. These are still decent hit totals, however not really Ichiro-like. His 3 months in New York has given fans optimism that he can still be a very productive top of the lineup hitter.

Suzuki had a 3 Slash-Line of .320/.340/.794 in New York with 73 hits in 67 games. The veteran even had 14 SB. Playing in the Bronx will keep him motivated to play to his fullest potential, as he has never been to a World Series in 12 years. The Yankees were swept by the Detroit Tigers in last years ALCS, although Suzuki went 6-17 (.353) in the series. Amongst those hits, was a 4-6 effort in Game #1. The man just knows how to hit. He has averaged 221 base knocks a year since coming over from Japan. He has a .322 Batting Average for his Career and has nailed down 2 Batting Titles, while he has led the American League in hits on 7 different occasions.

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Tags: 2012 ALCS, @chuckbooth 3024 on twitter, AL Batting Average Champ, albert pujols, alex rodriguez, ALL-Time Hits Leaders, baseball hall of fame, brett gardner, derek jeter, detroit tigers, eddie collins, george sisler, gold glove award winner, hank aaron, honus wagner, ichiro suzuki, joe mauer, NPBL, paul molitor, pete rose, rookie of the year, safeco field, seattle mariners, silver slugger award winner, stan musial, tris speaker, ty cobb, world series, yankee stadium

Melky Cabrera: Fourth Time is the Charm – Giants Slugger Breaks Out in 2012

Jul 29

Posted by rwhitmer99

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Monday July 30th, 2012

Photo Courtesy of bleacherreport.com

Robert Whitmer: Opportunity is knocking, are you going to answer? That is the question that is most used to say when we should be ready for any good thing when it comes our way. Let me tell you a little story from my own life. I was the ripe old age of 20 and had just gotten home from some time doing missionary service. I had just started a new job and was working on starting my college education in either education or journalism. I got a call on my normal day off to come in and work for a girl who called in sick. I agreed, of course, because I needed the money. It was that night when my beautiful wife walked in to work and we talked for the first time. The rest is history. Opportunity is a funny thing. You may or may not recognize it when it comes.

As my very first boss always used to tell me, “it’s better to be prepared and seize an opportunity, then not be prepared and miss one.” Such is the case for players in Major League Baseball. The window of opportunity is so amazingly small, a cockroach couldn’t even fit through it. It often takes an injury for players to really get a chance to show their stuff in the big leagues. Either that or they play their butts off and show that they can play better than who they already have. Again, it’s better to be prepared for the opportunity when it presents itself. Thus we review the career of Melky Cabrera. Read the rest of this entry →

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Tags: all-star, Atlanta Braves, baseball, bernie williams, Bobby Abreu, brett gardner, jonathan sanchez, kansas city royals, melky cabrera, mlb, new york yankees, ryan verdugo, san francisco giants

The Yankees Should sign Vlad Guerrero

Jun 13

Posted by chuckbooth3023

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Wednesday June.13, 2012

Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Writer and @chuckbooth3024 on twitter)- The events that happened yesterday with the Blue Jays and Vlad Guerrero are strange and totally warranted for further review. In my opinion, the Blue Jays dropped the ball on this one. Guerrero lit up the Minor Leagues for a couple of weeks and should have been called up when Edwin Encarnacion was hurt on June.4th. It was the perfect opportunity to have Vladdy come up and replace EE in the lineup. It should have prompted a return to first base for Encarnacion when he came back from his injury just 5 days later.

The top average on the team actually belongs to EE, who is hitting .281 currently. Vlad Guerrero has never hit worst than .290 in the last 15 years. He tore it up in the minor leagues, and was said to have showed up in decent shape. The Blue Jays had to know that Vladdy would be upset when he was bypassed on in favor of David Cooper or Yan Gomes. I give full credit to the agent for Guerrero in this case, he negotiated a verbal contract with Alex Anthopoulos that the slugger could opt at any time and request to be released from his player contract with the club. In the only thing that makes the Jays look okay on this, they never had to go through with letting Vladdy out of this contract. Really it is a shame that the two sides could not work out something to have Vlad stay with the club. It may actually work out better for both sides in the long run.

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Tags: alex anthopoulos, alex rodriguez, andruw jones, blue jays, brett gardner, brett lawrie, brian cashman, Chuck Booth, colby rasmus, curtis granderson, david cooper, derek jeter, edwin encarnacion, jose bautista, mark teixeira, new York, nick swisher, raul banez, russell martin, the fastest 30 ballgames, vladimir guerrero, yan gomes, yankees, yunel escobar

Ask the Reports: ATR Answers Your Baseball Questions – April 15th, 2012

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Sunday April 15th, 2012

Jonathan Hacohen: Posted every Weekend: Your top baseball questions from the past week are answered. E-mail all questions to mlbreports@me.com, message us on Twitter and post on our Facebook Wall!

Let’s get to your top questions of the week: (there are MANY great ones this week…better jump right in!)

Q: How many triple plays were turned last year? Wayne

MLB reports: Nice way to start off ATR Wayne. Four. Can you believe it? Four triple plays turned last year. Three in 2010, five in 2009, two in 2008 and four in 2007. Surprised? Me too. I thought they were more rare! Last year’s triple plays took place as follows:

(1) Indians turned a 3P against the White Sox on April 3rd

(2) Brewers turned a 3p against the Dodgers on August 15th

(3) Red Sox turned a 3p against the Rays in the 2nd game of a DH on August 16th (a day later!)

(4) The miracle Rays came back on September 27th to turn their own 3p against the Yankees.

Q: Is it worth picking up Aroldis Chapman as a third reliever?!? William

MLB reports: Without a doubt. Yes. Are you kidding me? Grab him. Right now. Don’t wait. Now. Right now! As you can tell, I am high on Chapman. Long term, I see him as a starter. But for now, he is a reliever. I see him having some great save opportunities this year. Madson is done for the year. A ton of money is invested in Chapman and he has been nothing short of brilliant this season. In 4 games he has a 0.00 ERA. 11 strikeouts. 0 walks in 6 innings. Yes. As a third relieve, you cannot go wrong with Chapman. He has already vultured 2 wins. He can help you in so many ways. There will be ups-and-downs this year with Chapman, no doubts. But with pitchers around baseball dropping like flies, when you have a talented pitcher with huge upside, make sure he can find his way onto your team. (more…)

Posted on April 15, 2012 | Image

The Grandy Man Interview: Curtis Granderson Talks Pizza, Wrestling and Choosing Your Friends

Dec 9

Posted by smilowfamily

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Friday December 9, 2011

Playing in his second season with the New York Yankees, Curtis Granderson had one of the best seasons of his career, which entered him into MLB records books. This season, Granderson was voted to the American League All Star game as starting center fielder. The left-handed hitter has home run power, a great glove, speed, along with athleticism on the field. His efforts off the field are as remarkable as his play on field. Curtis represented MLB at the White House in their anti-obesity effort and created the Grand Kids Foundation, focused on improving the educational experience for youth nationwide. Ten-year-old Haley had a chance to sit down with Curtis Granderson before a game in July, and talk baseball, but discovered the Yankees center fielder is an avid WWE fan along with being a published author and all- around nice guy.

Haley: In August my family is following the Yankees to US Cellular Field, Kauffman Stadium, Target Field and Camden Yards with stops at Miller Park, Wrigley and Busch Stadium. Do you have a favorite ballpark and why? Is there a ballpark where you feel you always play well other than Yankee Stadium?

Granderson: I like the Anaheim Angles Stadium because it has good weather to play in and the playing surface is well taken care of, making it a nice place to play ball. I also enjoy the Rally Monkey because he is fun to watch but as a player it means that the Angels are doing well. Other stadiums that I like to play in are Mariners Safeco Field and of course at home in Chicago at US Cellular Field and Wrigley.

Haley: Since I am going to be in Chicago, who has the best Pizza in Chicago? Who in New York? Do you like Deep Dish or Thin Crust Pizza?

Granderson: My favorite Pizzerias in Chicago are Lou Malnali’s, Giordanos and Gino’s and in New York Artichoke Basille’s. Sometimes I like Dominos thin crust pizza, because I like my crust crunchy. If I am really hungry, I will order deep dish.

Haley: Coney Island Hot Dogs or Nathan’s Hot Dogs?

Granderson: Since I played in Detroit, I would have to say Coney Island Hot Dogs.

Haley: What is your favorite meal?

Granderson: I really love Thanksgiving dinner because you get to eat a little bit of everything and you can go back over and over for more helpings.

Haley: My little brother is a fan of WWE, I heard you are as well. Who are some of you favorite wrestlers of today?

Granderson: Of course I like CM Punk because he is a great wrestler and from Chicago. Jon Cena is another favorite. I also like the Divas because they work hard and are as good as the guys.

Haley: Do you have any brothers or sisters?

Granderson: I have an older half-sister, Monica.

Haley: In your book All You Can Be: Dream It, Draw It, Become It, you share the lessons that you learned growing up. What is one lesson you would tell the Baseball Youth readers if they haven’t read the book?

Granderson: The selection of friends, good and bad, positive or negative and the people you surround yourself with, will shape your whole life.

Haley: I also know you are an ambassador for MLB and have traveled to England, Italy, South Africa, China, and New Zealand. Is there any place you would really like to go and represent MLB?

Granderson: I have never been to South America so that would be amazing. I would also like to go to Japan and Australia, those would be on my top-3 list.

Haley: Why did you choose the #28 in Detroit and #14 in New York?

Granderson: I was given the #28 in college, which was great because the numbers 2 and 8 are my favorite numbers, so it was both of them together. When I became a Yankee, Joe Girardi was #28 so I chose #14 because that was my number from high school.

Haley: I get to go to a lot of Yankees games and have noticed that you have two rituals can you to explain them?

Haley: 1) When you step up to the plate you tap it with the bat from left to right then the top. Why?

Granderson: No particular reason. I guess it is just a habit.

Haley: 2) When you are leading off from first and the pitcher makes a move you always walk around first base same way every time. Why?

Granderson: Because I don’t want to get picked off or called out.

Haley: Do you have any other rituals or superstitions?

Granderson: I only chew sugar-free bubble gum. (Curtis asked Haley: “Do you like gum?” Make sure you take a hand full when you leave the dugout.)

Haley: What is it like in the Dugout before and after a game?

Granderson: It is a fun place filled with energy and lots of handshakes. We are always meeting people before games. After the game it depends if we won or lost. If we win everyone is happy and celebrating and if we lost we need to move on to the next game.

Haley: When you are on the road do you share rooms with your teammates?

Granderson: In the majors we get our own rooms. In the minors we share rooms. I used to share with Ryan Raburn, Joel Zumaya and David Espinosa.

Haley: A.J. Burnett has created a celebration for a walk off win, a pie in the face. Have you ever gotten pied?

Granderson: No, I have not been pied. If I get pied it means we won but I am afraid it will burn. (The pies are Shaving Cream)

Haley: Who is the biggest practical joker you have ever been on a team with? Have you ever been the victim of a practical joke?

Granderson: Brandon Inge on the Tigers will do funny pranks, silly ones and even some gross ones. We had a little battle going when I played for Detroit. Once I opened his car and filled it with paper and construction tape, making it a big mess inside the car and out. Jorge Posada is a real joker as well.

Haley: In 2007 you became just one of four players in MLB history to record 20 doubles, 20 triples, 20 home runs & 20 stolen bases in a single season. What are some of your other accomplishments you are proud of?

Granderson: Graduating from University of Illinois-Chicago and that I am 1 of only 37 players with college degrees. Making it to the 2006 World Series.

Haley: Do you have any other favorite sports besides baseball?

Granderson: I like basketball, especially college ball. I also like hockey, football and bowling and I used to run cross-country.

Haley: What’s your favorite team?

Granderson: The Kansas City Jay Hawks.

Haley: Who would you consider your closest friends on the Yankees?

Granderson: Of course I have special bond with my fellow outfielders Nick Swisher and Brett Gardner. But I also like to hang out with C.C. Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Russell Martin we go out to dinner and movies together.

***Reproduced with permission from Baseball Youth Magazine. This interview originally appeared in the Nov/Dec 2011 edition of Baseball Youth Magazine***

https://www.facebook.com/baseballyouthmagazine
http://www.baseballyouth.com/

Curtis Granderson Social Networking links:

http://grandkidsfoundation.org/

http://www.facebook.com/cgrand14

http://twitter.com/cgrand14

Haley Smilow Social Networking Links:

http://www.wix.com/smilow/home-field-advantage

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Home-Field-Advantage/108037172615547

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