About these ads

Blog Archives

Red Sox 2013 Draft Recap

Like us on Facebook here

Monday, June.10/2013

A look into the Red Sox Draft Room

A look into the Red Sox Draft Room. The Red Sox were aggressive in drafting the best talent they could, and trying to get their bonus pool to lineup in order to sign some of this talent, but how much will they be able to actually sign? Some people also say they might have reached on 1st pick Trey Ball as he was considered by many as more of a middle 1st round talent, but if you believe in a player you have to take him where you are. There is no trading draft picks like in other sports. I think their best pick was Jon Denney, but they really did have a great all-around draft in my opinion.

By Ryan Dana (MLB Reports Writer and Red Sox Correspondent): 

The First-Year Player Draft in the MLB (also known as the “Rule 4 Draft”) can make or break organizations. Drafting well will provide sustainability for even the smallest market teams, but drafting poorly could leave any team in a drought of epic proportions.

The Red Sox have had some good and some bad picks in recent drafts, but the 2011 draft was the end of the draft as we previously knew it. 2012 was the 1st year of a new draft system.

So before I get into the 2013 draft I want to talk a little about the Red Sox 2012 draft because not only is that draft over, but the signing period is over and the prospects are all in the Minors developing, so you can see a team’s strategy and how is working out so far.

I won’t get too into the rules of the new system because that could warrant a whole article itself, but feel free to ask any questions about it that you have and I will answer. I’m easy to get a hold of via twitter usually.

Read the rest of this entry

About these ads

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (June 9th) – Updated Yearly “WOB” Standings

(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Dexter Fowler went 4-6, scored the tying run and drove in the walk off RBI as the Rockies came from behind to beat the Padres 8-7


Jordan Zimmermann pitched seven innings of 2 hit shutout innings, striking out 8, as the Nationals won 7-0, setting up a sweep of the Twins in a double header and climbed back to .500.


Jarrod Saltalamacchia homered twice, driving in four, as the Red Sox clobbered the Angels 10-5.


David Phelps may have been saddled with a no decision, but he was excellent over 6 innings of 3 hit ball, letting up a single run, as the Yankees went on to rally to a 2-1 victory over the Mariners.


They all owned baseball on June 9th, 2013.

My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.

At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.

To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry

New York Yankees: What Goes Up, Must Come Down

Like us on Facebook here

Wednesday, June.5/2013

It had been a fun two months of the season for the Yankees until the last week in May lead to series losses to the Mets and Red Sox.  No amidst more controversy and another injury, the Yankees must regroup and get ready for the heart of the summer.

It had been a fun two months of the season for the Yankees until the last week in May lead to series losses to the Mets and Red Sox. No amidst more controversy and another injury, the Yankees must regroup and get ready for the heart of the summer.  Heading into play Wednesday, they are 33 – 25 (.569) and 2.5 Games Behind the Boston Red Sox for the AL East.

By Nicholas Rossoletti (Yankees Correspondent/Trade Correspondent):

There is no one that wishes that I could stop typing the words “Disabled List” and “Injury Replacements” more than me.  It seems like each of my articles since I took over the Yankee Correspondent position for MLB Reports has focused on how the team would survive the first portion of the 2013 season after off-season and Spring Training injuries left the team without its most expensive and experienced pieces.

Thanks to elite pitching from almost the entire team as well as some timely hitting from some unlikely sources, the Yankees have not just managed to compete through injuries but succeed.

As May turns to June, the thought was that the regular Yankee bats would return, which is basically the same thing we were told as April turned to May.  

Now more than ever it seems necessary as the team has been regressing back to a fairly disturbing mean.  The team has lost five in a row and dropped to two (2) games back of the Red Sox.  

It is imperative that the team get healthy quickly. The first of the Yankee regulars to return was Curtis Granderson, who got all of 31 Plate Appearances before lightning struck twice.

The injury bug continues to bite the Yankees moving forward.  The offense will be without a bat that generated 84 Home Runs over the 2011 and 2012 seasons for a little while longer.

BIG TEX:

Read the rest of this entry

Buyer’s Remorse: The Failed Joel Hanrahan Experiment

Like us on Facebook here

 Thursday May.16/2013

It seemed like everyone was so much more excited about Hanrahan joining the Red Sox this offseason than any of their other acquisitions. Turns out his time in Boston was not only short, but memorable for all the wrong reasons. Where is Mark Melancon when you need him...Oh wait.

It seemed like everyone was so much more excited about Hanrahan joining the Red Sox this off-season than any of their other acquisitions. Turns out his time in Boston was not only short, but memorable for all the wrong reasons. Where is Mark Melancon when you need him…Oh wait.

By Ryan Dana (MLB Reports Writer and Red Sox Correspondent): 

While some people in Red Sox Nation have had concerns about the team’s offense recently, it is clear that the major worry at the moment is the bullpen.

Their starting rotation is no longer at the top of the league statistically, but it has still been good, and the offense is still at the top of the league in most categories. The Sox are 4th in the MLB in Runs Scored, and 2nd in Doubles, AVG, OBP, SLG, and OPS. They’re also 1st in Triples.

The Bullpen was supposed to be a strength for the Red Sox entering the 2013 season, but it has been in shambles recently. At the forefront of the mess is Joel Hanrahan who I will talk about in-depth in a moment. First let me run through some of the other pitchers.

The Red Sox are 26th in the Majors with a 4.47 ERA from their relievers. Their BAA is .250 which is 23rd in the Majors, and they have 6 blown saves which is tied for 6th most in the MLB.

Read the rest of this entry

The Sully – Erin Foley Interviews

Screen Shot 2013-05-15 at 10.38.37 PM

 

I interviewed comedian Erin Foley at my home. We were supposed to get a podcast recorded in 20 minutes.

We talked for over an hour.

I split our discussion into two different Sully Baseball Daily Podcasts.

The first one, which was first posted on May 13, 2013, discusses our fandom for the Red Sox and Yankees.

The second one, first posted on May 15, 2013, Erin talks about attending the Aaron Boone game while I remembered going to the Bloody Sock game.



Erin is a great comic. Check out her schedule, clips and links at her OFFICIAL SITE.

For the record Clayton Kershaw, Mitch Moreland, Neil Walker and Matt Moore owned baseball on May 14, 2013.

To see the up to date tally of “Who Owns Baseball?,” click HERE.

Subscribe on iTunes HERE.

Follow sullybaseball on Twitter

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – May 13, 2013

MEANDFOLEY

The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast features a special guest today. Comedian Erin Foley, as seen on Conan and all over TV, stopped by the Sully Baseball studios.

She was once a Yankee fan living in New England. I was once a Red Sox fan living in New York. We had a lot to talk about.

Erin is the co host of the podcast Sports Without Balls that is very funny and worth subscribing to.

Listen to THIS EPISODE to hear about Erin’s altercation with a Diamondbacks fan in Burbank Airport.

Chris Sale, Jorge de la Rosa, Marco Scutaro and Jose Bautista owned baseball on May 12, 2013.

To see the up to date tally of “Who Owns Baseball?,” click HERE

Subscribe on iTunes HERE.

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – May 13, 2013

Follow sullybaseball on Twitter

Yankees Current State Of The Union + The Phil Hughes Question

Like us on Facebook here

Wednesday, May.08/2013

As the Yankees enter May, they do so in second place trailing their rivals, the Boston Red Sox. This is a surprise for many who thought that Boston and New York would struggle in 2013.

As the Yankees enter May, they do so in second place trailing their rivals, the Boston Red Sox. This is a surprise for many who thought that Boston and New York would struggle in 2013

By Nicholas Rossoletti (Yankees Correspondent/Trade Correspondent):

As April came to a close and May began, the Yankees found themselves in an all so familiar place. The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox were atop the American League East.  It seems like this struggle between century old rivals has dominated the AL East for the better part of the last 15 years.  

This year was supposed to be different as New York and Boston were both expected to cede the division to the Baltimore O’s, Tampa Bay Rays and Toronto Blue Jays, and perhaps that will still be the case, but after five weeks of the season, it certainly seems like the demise of the Yanks and Sox was greatly overstated.

Part of the reason that the Yankees have managed to prove their naysayers incorrect has been their stellar starting pitching.  Each of the top four Yankee starters has pitched well to start the season, but as the title of the article suggests, there is one pitcher who has stood out especially in the last several weeks.

 His performance leads to this question: Is Phil Hughes finally becoming the pitcher he was always touted to be? Is the 26-year old right hander finally blossoming into a strong 1/2 starter? The numbers, at least early on, scream YES. 

The Phil Hughes Question:

Read the rest of this entry

Felix’s Flaw: The Boston Red Sox Starter May See Some Bullpen Time

Like us on Facebook here

May.08/2013

Felix Doubront had 167 K's in 2012 in just 161 IP, but he also had 71 BB's in that same span. His K/9 and BB/9 rates have both climbed slightly in the small sample size that has been his 2013 season to this point.

Felix Doubront had 167 K’s in 2012 in just 161 IP, but he also had 71 BB’s in that same span. His K/9 and BB/9 rates have both climbed slightly in the small sample size that has been his 2013 season to this point.  Surprisingly, Doubront was the clubs best pitcher in 2012.  He hasn’t been so lucky in his second go around of the Major Leagues.

By Ryan Dana (MLB Reports Writer and Red Sox Correspondent): 

Per usual, I had a good start on an article for the week that I had to put on hold. Something always seems to come up, and this week it is the Starting Pitcher from Friday night’s game.

Felix Doubront, 25 Year Old southpaw from Carabobo Venezuela, had a rough night this past Friday. He lasted just 3.2 IP and exited after surrendering 12 Hits, 6 Earned Runs, 1 Walk, and managing only 2 Strikeouts on the night.

Doubront now has a 5.67 ERA through 5 Starts this year. During his promising rookie campaign in 2012 his season ERA was only 4.86. 

Read the rest of this entry

Who Owned Baseball – Updated May 7th, 2013

minnesota-twins-v-boston-red-20130506-192906-857

Stephen Drew hit a game tying homer and a walk off double, going 4-5, as the Red Sox beat the Twins in extra innings, 6-5.

The Kansas City Royals lost in extra innings to the White Sox, 2-1. But don’t blame Royals starter James Shields. His 8 shutout inning performance where he let up only 2 hits and recorded nine strikeouts were enough to own baseball even if his bullpen couldn’t hold the 1-0 lead.

Andrelton Simmons homered twice and went 3-4 with 4 RBI in the Braves 7-4 defeat of the Cincinnati Reds.

Scott Feldman threw 7 shutout innings against the Texas as the Cubs beat the favored Rangers. The final score was 9-2.

They all owned baseball on May 06, 2013

My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.

At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.

To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – click here Read the rest of this entry

Who Owns Baseball – Updated May.02/2013

Screen shot 2013-05-02 at 7.29.00 AM

Clay Buchholz pitched 7 shutout innings, striking out 8 and collected his sixth win as the first place Red Sox man handled the Blue Jays 10-1.

The Kansas City Royals came from behind to beat the Tampa Bay Rays and took over first place thanks in part to Lorenzo Cain‘s 2-5 two RBI performance.

Brandon Belt‘s dramatic two out, two strike, 8th inning three run homer helped turn a Giants loss into a victory over Arizona.

And Washington’s Jordan Zimmermann dominated division rival Atlanta with 8 shutout innings, letting up only 2 hits, no walks and 8 strikeouts as the Nats squeaked by 2-0.

They all owned baseball on May 01, 2013

My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.

At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.

To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON. Read the rest of this entry

Boston Strong

Like us on Facebook here

Monday, April.22/2013

While many people weren't giving the Red Sox a chance in the AL East this season, the Red Sox were just taking a 2 game lead in the stacked division. I have a feeling this is a team you should never count out.

While many people weren’t giving the Red Sox a chance in the AL East this season, the Red Sox were just taking a 2 game lead in the stacked division. I have a feeling this is a team you should never count out.

By Ryan Dana (MLB Reports Writer and Red Sox Correspondent):  with an assist to Kyle Holland (Boston native)  

As I’m sure you can imagine, writing this weeks Red Sox article was a little difficult. Figuring out what to say after a tragedy like what Boston has experienced over the past week is no easy task. I’ll just roll with the theme of the City and the Team over the past week. Boston Strong.

The Red Sox have stuck by their city and the rest of baseball has been great amidst this week’s events. The Red Sox are giving a hurting community something to root for.

Outside of the Red Sox organization other teams have also showed their support for the City of Boston after the tragic events at the Boston Marathon.

Just one example would be the Red Sox’ biggest rivals, the New York Yankees, playing Red Sox favorite “Sweet Caroline.” It doesn’t stop there though.

Other teams including the Chicago White Sox, the Cincinnati Reds,the Oakland A’s, and the San Francisco Giants also played “Sweet Caroline.” A little stranger, but just as meaningful, the Milwaukee Brewers played the theme song from the Boston based show “Cheers.”

And perhaps the greatest gesture of them all, after the Red Sox beat the Indians 7-2 on Tuesday evening the staff at Progressive Field played “Dirty Water,” the song played at every Red Sox win at Fenway Park. That’s not all Boston fans are cheering about: Winning keeps Red Sox Nation cheering night after night.

The team has been off to a strong start this season leading the AL East with a record of 12-4 after play on 4/20 thanks to another masterful performance by Clay Buchholz and a clutch Home run by Daniel Nava. They’re currently riding a 7 game winning streak.

Neil Diamond shows up unannounced to sing “Sweet Caroline” to Boston fans:

Read the rest of this entry

Are The Red Sox Mismanaging Their Shortstop Position?

Like us on Facebook here

Thursday April.11/2013

Is Jose Iglesias the best fielding Shortstop in baseball? Maybe I'm biased but I believe he is. Keith Law called him the best defensive prospect he had ever seen. His defense has carried him thus far in his professional career, but I think his bat is ready for the Majors in 2013. It might not be at its full potential, but it is developed enough.

Is Jose Iglesias the best fielding Shortstop in baseball? Maybe I’m biased but I believe he is. Keith Law called him the best defensive prospect he had ever seen. His defense has carried him thus far in his professional career, but I think his bat is ready for the Majors in 2013. It might not be at its full potential, but it is developed enough.

By Ryan Dana (MLB Reports Writer and Red Sox Correspondent): 

The Boston Red Sox have been off to one of their best starts in recent memory so far in 2013. At this early juncture in the season they are still in 1st place in the AL East and for the most part are performing like a team with playoff aspirations.

A lot of this is due to the reemergence of veterans who had down 2013 campaigns but there are also a developing core of young players contributing such as Will Middlebrooks, Jackie Bradley Jr, and Jose Iglesias.

While batting .450 (9-20), Jose Iglesias couldn’t have done anything more to secure a spot on the 25-man roster. Despite his great start he was sent down to Pawtucket (AAA) to make room for Stephen Drew who is coming off injury (concussion).

Jose Iglesias Highlights: Mature Lyrics so Parental Guidance is advised:

Read the rest of this entry

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

Like us on Facebook here

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.

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): 

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 1st 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:

Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 30, 2013

IMG_5295

The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast had its first episode taped on an airplace.

While on an airplane, I sang the praises of the Astros and the Red Sox, two teams that I think will be lousy in 2013.

Subscribe on iTunes HERE.

The Mets Fans Have Good Reasons To Be Choked

Like us on Facebook here

Friday, Mar.29/2013

Johan Santana signed a 6 YR/$137.5 MIL deal with the Mets prior to the 2008 season.  He only managed to start in 109 Games for the franchise in his stint.  With a 2nd shoulder surgery coming - he is likely finished for his Career.  He will receive a $5.5 MIL Buyout for the team declining his 2014

Johan Santana signed a 6 YR/$137.5 MIL deal with the Mets prior to the 2008 season. He only managed to start in 109 Games for the franchise in his stint. With a 2nd shoulder surgery coming – he is likely finished for his Career. He will receive a $5.5 MIL Buyout for the team declining his 2014 Option.  That means he will have made $143 Million in his New York time.  This works out to be over $1.2 MIL per game.  If pro – rated on a 33 Start season, it equates to be about a $40 Million a year pitcher.  Santana is 46 – 34 – with a 3.14 ERA for his Met playing days.

By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner):

Today has to eb a frustrating day if you are a Mets fan with the news of Johan Santana being out for the year.  It is just another example of a deal gone awry from a superstar. 

Tom Glavine, Pedro Martinez, Mo Vaughn, Jason Bay and  Roberto Alomar….What do these ex – superstar players have in common with former Cy Young Winner Johan Santana??

How about all of them played at ALL – Star Caliber (even Hall of Fame Careers) before they entered a Mets uniform.   Once they arrived in the Big Apple, their careers basically fizzled out faster than a sparkler on the 4th of July.  They all made great money in their time with the New York club, yet failed to live up to expectations.

All 27 Outs of Johan Santana’s No Hitter:

Read the rest of this entry

To Cap Or Not To Cap? That Is The Question!

Like us on Facebook here.

Sunday Mar.24/2013

I was listening to my local sports talk radio station the other day and the show host, who, in my opinion, doesn't know what the heck he's talking about most of the time, actually said something that made sense.  He pointed out that in the leagues with the salary caps, the playing field is more level. Think about it for a second.  Who are always the teams that are in the playoffs year after year in the MLB?  You have the Yankees (large market), Red Sox (large market), California teams (the entire state is a large market).  Even Detroit, with all the economic struggles that the city has had of late, is still large market team.

I was listening to my local sports talk radio station the other day and the show host, who, in my opinion, doesn’t know what the heck he’s talking about most of the time, actually said something that made sense. He pointed out that in the leagues with the salary caps, the playing field is more level.
Think about it for a second. Who are always the teams that are in the playoffs year after year in the MLB? You have the Yankees (large market), Red Sox (large market), California teams (the entire state is a large market). Even Detroit, with all the economic struggles that the city has had of late, is still a large market team that can draw 3 Million plus fans.

By Robert Whitmer (MLB Reports Writer):

We have reached a crossroads in the game of baseball.

There is a poem by Robert Frost that goes as follows, ” Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, and sorry I could not travel both and be one traveler, long I stood and looked down one as far as I could to where it bent in the undergrowth; Then took the other, as just as fair, and having perhaps the better claim because it was grassy and wanted wear, though as for that the passing there had worn them really about the same, And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black. 

Oh, I marked the first for another day!  Yet knowing how way leads on to way I doubted if I should ever come back.  I shall be telling this with a sigh somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I, I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”

Should there be a Salary Cap in the MLB?:

Read the rest of this entry

Brian McCann To Rebound in 2013

Like us on Facebook here

Friday, February. 15/2013

Brian McCann has established himself as one of the best offensive Catchers in the game, but will he be able to hold such a title? An injury to his right shoulder seemed to derail his 2012 campaign, but after having surgery in October he is poised to get back to his old ways.

Brian McCann has established himself as one of the best offensive Catchers in the game, but will he be able to hold such a title? An injury to his right shoulder seemed to derail his 2012 campaign, but after having surgery in October he is poised to get back to his old ways.

By Ryan Dana (MLB Reports Writer):

Brian McCann, Catcher for the Atlanta Braves, has had a great amount of success playing baseball in Georgia his whole life — but could he finally be leaving the Peach State following the 2013 MLB season? McCann was born in Athens Georgia, went to Duluth High School in Duluth Georgia, and currently resides in Lawrenceville Georgia while playing baseball in nearby Atlanta. McCann hasn’t strayed far from his roots to this point in his life. He was drafted out of high school in the 2nd round of the 2002 MLB Draft by his hometown Braves, but his current contract with the team is up after the 2013 season. The Braves just invested a lot of money in the Upton brothers, and may not be so eager to throw a bunch of money at an offensive-minded Catcher whose production at the plate was the worst of his career in 2012. Add in the fact that they have a highly regarded Catching prospect named Christian Bethancourt – who may be ready to contribute to the big club by the start of 2014, or soon thereafter.

There is also Evan Gattis who, while most likely not a threat to steal McCann’s job behind the dish, could be a part of replacing him if need be. So while McCann is coming off surgery to repair a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder, and a career worst season at the plate, he needs to show the Braves, or any other potential suitor for that matter, that he is still a major asset to any lineup and will be for years to come.

McCann’s accolades are quite impressive for a soon to be 29 Year old. McCann reached the Majors in 2005 at just 21 Years of Age, and never looked back. He is a 6 time All-Star (2006-2011), and 5 time Silver Slugger (2006, 2008-2011). He is a career .279/.351/.475 hitter who has averaged 22 HRs and 83 RBI per year since his 1st full season in 2006. Prior to last season he had never hit less than .269 and never had an OPS of less than .772. Last season McCann hit .230/.300/.399 giving him an OPS of only .698. He added 20 HRs and 67 RBI, but overall his numbers were not what you would expect from Brian McCann.

2012 Brian McCann Highlights – Mature Lyrics may be present  so Parental Guidance is advised:

Read the rest of this entry

Pirates Payroll In 2013 And Contracts Going Forward

Like us on Facebook here

Friday, February.8, 2013

Pittsburgh GM Neil Huntington has found creative ways to help the Budget out - by taking risks on Wandy Rodriguez and A.J. Burnett.  They are both being paid portions of their contracts by their previous teams.

Pittsburgh GM Neil Huntington has found creative ways to help the Budget out – by taking risks on Wandy Rodriguez and A.J. Burnett. They are both being paid portions of their contracts by their previous teams.  Signing Andrew McCutchen to a long-term contract has also given the franchise the ability to add players in 2013 if need be.

By Brad Cuprik (Pirates Correspondent)

On August 8 of last season, the Pittsburgh Pirates were 63-47, 2.5 games back of the First-place Cincinnati Reds, securely into the second Wild-Card Spot – and had the fourth-best record in the National League. The wheels came off, the Bucs finished on a 16-36 slide, 18 games back of the Reds and with the 10th-best record in the NL. Reality could have caught up to a overperforming squad, or a youthful team took the next step in learning how to win. Either way, the Pirates enter 2013 with breaking a streak of 20 losing seasons on their minds.

General Manager Neal Huntington has been shrewd and active, signing MVP candidate Andrew McCutchen to a long-term deal in 2012 and getting other clubs to eat up significant chunks of their largest contracts when acquiring their top two starters. Starting pitching depth has been added and Huntington is even taking more high-priced risks, landing Catcher Russell Martin as a Free Agent.

Pittsburgh Pirates 2012 Highlights:

Read the rest of this entry

Seattle Mariners Roster in 2013: State Of The Union:

Like us on Facebook here

Thursday, January.31/2013

Felix Hernandez is still the Mariners best player without a doubt. Will he get some help shouldering the load in 2013? Either way, all of baseball should be watching when King Felix pitches, he is a true marvel on the mound.

Felix Hernandez is still the Mariners best player without a doubt. Will he get some help shouldering the load in 2013? Either way, all of baseball should be watching when King Felix pitches, he is a true marvel on the mound.

By Ryan Dana (MLB Reports Intern):

Seattle Mariners fans must be pretty amazing, Felix Hernandez sticking with their team through recent times. The Mariners were established in 1977 and have made the playoffs just 4 times in their history. They were the AL West champs 3 times (’95, ’97, ’01) and winners of the Wild Card once (’00). They have never won a World Series, or even an AL Pennant, and in 2012 they shipped off a fan favorite, Ichiro Suzuki, to the Yankees. The AL West is a tough division. The Rangers and Athletics made the playoffs last year, and the Angels just landed the prize of the off-season in slugger Josh Hamilton. I guess one bright spot is the Astros are moving to the AL West, so the Mariners won’t be rebuilding within the brutal division alone.

The Seattle Mariners hopes and dreams start where they have for years now, on the shoulders of King Felix. Felix Hernandez is no doubt an Ace. He has pitched 200+ innings every year since ’08, and had a sub 4.00 ERA every year since ’07. Hernandez won the AL Cy Young in 2010, and is a perennial contender for the award. Last year the Seattle fireballer threw his first Perfect Game. Hernandez will once again be atop the Mariners rotation, which as of now figures to include Hisashi Iwakuma, Blake Beavan, Erasmo Ramirez, and Hector Noesi.

Hisashi Iwakuma was a pleasant surprise for the Mariners in 2012. He wasn’t a greatly sought after oversees free agent last year, overshadowed greatly by fellow Japanese hurler Yu Darvish, but proved to be a great signing. Iwakuma started 2012 in the bullpen until he later earned a spot in the team’s rotation. Iwakuma managed a very respectable 3.16 ERA in the 125.1 innings he split between the rotation and the pen. This success is part of the reason the Mariners resigned the pitcher to a 2YR/14 Million Dollar deal this past November. He figures to hold down the 2nd spot in the rotation and should do just fine if 2012 was a sign of things to come.

Blake Beavan is still just 23 Years Old, but he already has 41 Major League Starts under his belt which gives the club hope he can hold down the 3rd or 4th slot in the rotation. Beavan clearly has the talent which is what made him a 1st Round draft pick out of high school for the Rangers, and the reason the Mariners made sure he was a part of the package they received in return for Cliff Lee in 2010. Beavan’s 2012 stats won’t impress a lot of people, but they were a good start for a young player like himself to build and improve upon.

Felix Hernandez Highlights:  Mature Lyrics so Parental Guidance is advised

Read the rest of this entry

Colorado Rockies Roster In 2013: State Of The Union

Like us on Facebook here

Friday Jan.25/2013

Todd Helton has to be the greatest Colorado Rockies player of All-Time. In what could very well be his last season of baseball, can he somehow push the team back into the playoffs?

Todd Helton has to be the greatest Colorado Rockies player of All-Time. In what could very well be his last season of baseball, can he somehow push the team back into the playoffs?

Ryan Dana (MLB Reports Intern): 

The Colorado Rockies finished 2012 with a 64-98 record – just escaping the dreaded 100 loss season. This record was bad enough to not only get them last place in the NL West, but also give them the 3rd worst record in the National League, only better than that of the Cubs and Astros. It was the Rockies worst season to date – and the 1st time in team history they failed to have a Winning Percentage of above .400. After having a season like the Rockies did in 2012, one would hope that the only place to go is up.

The franchise was established in 1993 – and have made the playoffs 3 times (’95, ’07, ’09). All of these were Wild Card births, and in ’07 they won the NL Pennant, before being swept by the Red Sox in the World Series.  2007 was a remarkable season though, as they won 21 of their last 22 regular season games just to get in the playoffs. It was one of the great runs in recent memory, maybe even more impressive than the ’02 Athletics 20 game win streak – since this streak propelled them into the playoffs seemingly out of nowhere. To get back to the playoffs in 2013 might be a little far-fetched considering they are in a division with the reigning World Series Champs (Giants), and a team with a seemingly infinite payroll (Dodgers). It isn’t far-fetched to say they will be better than last year, and could be contenders in the near future.

Carlos Gonzalez Highlights – Mature Lyrics so Parental Guidance is Advised:

Read the rest of this entry

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 18,253 other followers

%d bloggers like this: