Blog Archives
Mets And Harvey Looking Great So Far
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Follow @mlbreportsTuesday April 16, 2013
Matt Harvey with his stellar outings so far this season may have just become the New York Mets “ace”. Harvey is now 3-0 with a 0.82 ERA. Harvey has pitched 22 Innings – only given up 6 Hits and 2 uns. “Matt Harvey with his stellar outings so far this season may have just become the New York Mets “ace”. Harvey is now 3-0 – with a 0.82 ERA. Harvey has pitched 22 Innings – only given up 6 hits and 2 runs. Not only has Harvey now become the Mets ace, the team is now winning games on a consistent basis. Winning is contagious and with Harvey pitching like he is the other pitchers want to try to match his performance every time they take the rubber. Harvey will be looking for an extension after this season as he is making the minimum of $499,000.
By Ryan Ritchey (Baseball Writer): Follow @BaseballAddicts
The Mets are off to 7-4 start – and the pitching is proving to be a huge factor so far this season.
Matt Harvey is leading the charge with three wins and an 0.82 ERA. He also has 25 Strikeouts in only 22 Innings! He is showing everyone that he wants to be an “ACE” on this staff.
He is Arbitration Eligible after this season and should be expecting a huge paycheck if he keeps pitching like he is right now. Mets have a bright future with Harvey and that is always a great thing for a franchise.
New York Mets 2013 Preview- MLB Network:
Nate Freiman: Beane Finds Yet Another Hidden Gem… And The A’s Next 1st Baseman
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Follow @mlbreportsFriday April 5th, 2013
All Nate Freiman did was carry the Country of Israel during the recent World Baseball Classic Qualifying Tournament. Can this First Base giant do the same in Oakland?
Jonathan Hacohen (Lead Baseball Columnist, Oakland A’s Correspondent and Website Founder): Follow @Jhacohen
Baseball is a funny game sometimes. One minute you’re crying the Chris Carter blues. Then before you know it, Nate Freiman appears. That is how Billy Beane works my friends. Just when you think he might be slipping, he pulls a magic rabbit out of his hat (better known as the waiver wire in baseball terms).
On February 11, 2013, I wrote an article outlining Billy Beane’s error in trading Chris Carter. While I have always endorsed the talents of Jed Lowrie, it was my opinion that giving up a future star in Chris Carter was too high of a price to pay.
The trade (which actually took place on February 4th) saw the Astros acquire yet another stud First Base prospect. I wondered out loud what the Astros would do with all their First Base talent (Brett Wallace, Jonathan Singleton, Nate Freiman and veteran Carlos Pena).
It seemed like too many bats and not enough positions in Houston, despite the newfound need for a Designated Hitter. A little over a month later, March 23rd to be exact- I had my answer. Nate Freiman was on his way to Oakland.
The star for Israel in this year’s World Baseball Classic qualifying tournament was going to get the opportunity of a lifetime.
While some felt the A’s were simply acquiring roster depth, I saw a different vision. The A’s had their replacement for Brandon Moss at First Base.
Billy Beane had an uncovered yet another gem that was going to thrive in Oakland. Remember Josh Reddick 2012? Meet Nate Freiman 2013.
Nate Freiman Interview:
Top Five Most Memorable Moments from the 2013 World Baseball Classic
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Monday, March.25 2013
The World Baseball Classic Ran from Mar.02 – Mar.19/2013.
By Sam Evans (Baseball Writer): Follow @RJA206
The 2013 World Baseball Classic was an amazing tournament that had its up’s and down’s; but for the most part, it provided a great opportunity to watch meaningful spring training games during the winter. Having watched almost every game, I can officially say that it exhausted me.
From cheering on the Americans to trying to pronounce all of the Japanese names, there was never a shortage of things going on at the 2013 WBC. There were a very few number of special moments that will stay with me until the 2016 WBC. Without further ado, here are my top five memories from the 2013 World Baseball Classic.
The Final 3 Outs of the World Baseball Classic:
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 20, 2013
Why don’t the White Sox get more love?
In the latest episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast, I go on one final anti WBC rant.
I invoke Top Chef, “USA For Africa”, Peter Pan and Smokey and the Bandit Part 3 along the way.
Then I wonder why the White Sox don’t get more love from the fans and the media.
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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 19, 2013
The WBC is like a scene from Ocean’s 11. A Sid and Marty Krofft reference concerning Aroldis Chapman. An unusual Dodgers jersey. All on today’s podcast.
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World Baseball Classic Week Two Recap
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Saturday, March 17th, 2013
Angel Pagan has led Puerto Rico to the 2013 WBC Championship Round.
By Sam Evans (Baseball Writer): Follow @RJA206
A lot has happened in the World Baseball Classic over the last week. For one, the four teams to play in the Championship Round have been determined. In the Second Round, Cuba, Chinese Taipei, the USA, and Italy were all eliminated. For some of those teams, it was an amazing accomplishment in itself to get as far as they did. For other teams, they fell way short of expectations in 2013.
Nonetheless, the four teams still in the running are exciting and all four have been playing a fantastic brand of baseball. The Netherlands, Puerto Rico, Japan, and the Dominican Republic are your 2013 WBC Final Four.
WBC 2009 Japan VS Korea Highlight:
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 16, 2013
In today’s edition of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast, I look for a new baseball glove and wish a happy birthday to my mom while at Dick’s Sporting Goods.
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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 15, 2013
On today’s edition of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast, I make the connection between the WBC and the band Gwar while driving home from the airport.
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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 10, 2013
Why is there a picture of a squirrel on this post? Listen to the podcast and find out.
On today’s Sully Baseball Daily Podcast, I complain again about the World Baseball Classic. But my solution for how to change it makes sense. So do my ideas for the All Star Game and the Hall of Fame ceremony.
What does this have to do with a squirrel? Better listen.
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World Baseball Classic Week One Update
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Saturday, March 10th, 2013
Orioles prospect Jonathan Schoop has helped the Netherlands become the most exciting team in the tournament.
By Sam Evans (Baseball Writer): Follow @RJA206
So far, the World Baseball Classic has been a great way for those of us drooling for baseball to take in some familiar sights. Even though some of the teams look very rusty and not exactly in mid-season form, others look primed to bring a championship home to their country. Group A and B have both finished their first round and have already moved on to Round 2, but Group C and D have yet to concluded their first round. Overall, the first week of the 2013 World Baseball Classic couldn’t have gone much better.
Complete World Baseball Classic Brawl – Canada VS Mexico March 9 2013
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 9, 2013
Bud Selig and MLB should be less concerned about the lame WBC and more concerned about pricing out little leagues for uniforms.
The WBC stinks, we can all agree on that right? The players going at 50%, the rules to make sure that they don’t work too hard and things like “Mercy Rules” and “Runners on base to start extra innings” show that it is lame with a capital lame.
But as Bud Selig and company try to sell this lemon, they are also pricing out little leagues to use their uniforms.
Is there ANYTHING more short sighted than that?
That is the topic for today’s Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
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Yoenis Cespedes: While Cuba Misses Their Star in the 2013 WBC – the A’s Slugger Looks to be an A.L. MVP Candidate
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Follow @mlbreportsFriday March 8th, 2013
From Cuba to A.L. MVP? Despite not being able to represent his native country in the WBC, Cespedes is a year older and wiser. The more he adjusts to North America life and baseball, opposing pitchers will shudder even more each time Cespedes comes to the plate.
Jonathan Hacohen (Lead Baseball Columnist, Oakland A’s Correspondent and Website Founder): Follow @Jhacohen
It’s pretty ironic if you ask me. The 2013 World Baseball Classic is here and Cuba is off to a huge start. I had to pick a winner and went with Cuba as my pre-tournament favorite. Considering that Japan has won both editions of the WBC, Cuba was definitely going to be in tough. To top it all off, they are starting off the first two rounds in Japan. Why is it ironic? For Cuba is missing its biggest star for the tournament. Yoenis Cespedes, the Oakland A’s star outfielder is in Arizona for Spring Training.
Far away from the bright lights of Japan, where Cuba finally beat its nemesis this week in WBC play after several failed attempts in the past. With that monkey off their back, Cuba has made the statement that they are ready to win it all. But yet without their biggest star. For when one defects from Cuba, they are forever banished from representing their country again in any baseball capacity.
I couldn’t help but think watching Cuba play in Japan this week that in fact Cespedes and the A’s opened their season last year in Japan. Cespedes actually started off his season with a bang out there and never looked back. On March 29th last year, Cespedes had a home run in the 2nd game of the A’s young season. That bomb in Japan was the start of the legend. Who knew that Cespedes would actually be in Japan a year too early? For all the success that Cuba has enjoyed thus far in the 2013 WBC, imagine if they had Cespedes anchoring that lineup?
Cuba may very still win the 2013 WBC. My money is on that happening. But if Cuba falls short yet again, the what if scenarios will endlessly get bounced around. What if the team had Aroldis Chapman? Alexei Ramirez? And most of all, Yoenis Cespedes? Until Cuba allows its defectors to come home again, the talent drain will continue to affect the country in international tournaments.
Yoenis Cespedes 2012 Highlights Mature Lyrics so Parental Guidance is Advised:
2013 WBC Group D Preview
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Saturday, March 2nd, 2013
Mets infielder David Wright will lead Team USA at the 2013 Classic..
By Sam Evans (Baseball Writer): Follow @RJA206
Group D of the 2013 World Baseball Classic will be the division most closely followed by North Americans. The USA will attempt to do something they have never done; win the WBC championship. However, teams like Mexico and Canada won’t go down easily. The USA, Canada, Mexico, and Italy make up this year’s Group D of the WBC. With games starting as soon as Thursday, here is the final installation in my series of WBC previews.
Justin Morneau And Joe Mauer In 2013: Is Team MNM In Its Last Year?
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Follow @mlbreportsThursday February 28, 2013
Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer are the heart of the Minnesota Twins. Between the two they have two MVPs, nine All-Star Game appearances, and six Silver Slugger Awards. It has shown in the past that with these either of these two out of the lineup that the Twins are in for a rough season.
By Kyle Holland (MLB Reports Writer): Follow @TheKHolland13
In the last 2 years, the Minnesota Twins have not lived up to what they did prior to 2011. Back in 2008, the Twins finished 88-74. They ended up losing a one game playoff to the Chicago White Sox – to just narrowly miss the playoffs and round out the summer at 88-75. Just one year later the Twins would again find themselves in a one game tiebreaker against the Detroit Tigers.
This time it was their turn to advance to October play – as they defeated the Tigers 6-5, to finish the regular season with a 87-76 record in 2009. Lady luck would not be on their side in the Postseason, being swept by the New York Yankees 3 games to none. In 2010, with a brand new stadium in Target Field, the Twins finished a brilliant season. They went 94-68 – to clinch their sixth playoff appearance in 10 years. The Yankees swept them again in the ALDS.
In 2011, the Twins fans and management expected big things for the team, especially out of First Basemen Justin Morneau and the MLB 11: The Show cover boy, Joe Mauer. All was not well in The Land of 10,000 Lakes. The Twins would not live up to expectations. The squad would wind up going from first-to-worst – finishing in last place in the AL Central, with a 63-99 record. So there was no way they would throw out back to back horrid seasons right? Wrong.. The Twins only improved on their record by 3 games. Now what exactly started this stroke of bad luck? That’s right, injuries to their two All-Stars. Justin Morneau and Joe Mauer.
Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau Tribute:
2013 WBC Group C Preview
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Sunday, February 24th, 2013
Miggy Cabrera will take his talents to the WBC (for Team Venezuela starting on Mar.2.
By Sam Evans (Baseball Writer): Follow @RJA206
Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, and Spain have produced some of the most talented baseball players in the world. All four of these countries will be will represented in Group C of the WBC starting on March 7th in Puerto Rico. From Miguel Cabrera to Robinson Cano, this division is filled with popular MLB superstars. Even though the Dominican Republic and Venezuela appear to be early favorites to advance from this division, don’t count out Puerto Rico or Spain to make a run at qualifying for the next round.
World Baseball Classic–Venezuela Vs Puerto Rico–Alejandro Toca Cuatro:
“The Bulldog” AKA Jake Peavy: Is He Set For A Dominant 2013?
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Follow @mlbreportsMonday February 18th, 2013
Jake Peavy was 58-33 (.637) between the years of 2004 – 2007 and lead the NL in ERA for the 2004 and 2007 years. Peavy won the NL CY Young in 2007. The Sox are hoping he can regain his ace like numbers in 2013.
By Brian Madsen (White Sox Correspondent): Follow @brianm731
What does someone do when they tear a muscle away from the bone? You immediately walk off the field and head to the locker room. That’s what Jake Peavy did in 2010 when he was pitching against the Angels at US Cellular Field. This was a first in MLB, a detached latissimus dorsi muscle. A little more than a week later, Peavy had surgery to re-attach the muscle, ending his 2010 season. Unfortunately, injuries have been a common theme for Peavy since he was traded to Chicago in 2009. He was still suffering from a strained tendon in his ankle when the Sox acquired him, and injury that allowed only him 3 starts with his new team. But, those 3 starts turned into 3 wins, and a sparkling 1.35 ERA.
This was supposed to be sign of things to come for Peavy in a White Sox uniform. But in 2010, he suffered the devastating muscle injury, and didn’t seem to be completely recovered until the 2012 season. In 2011, Peavy had probably the worst season of his career. He appeared in only 19 games, including one relief appearance, and had to be shut down before the season even ended. He battled through several different ailments, but always had a “never pull me out of the game” attitude, thus earning the nickname Bulldog from Sox broadcaster Hawk Harrelson. Peavy entered 2012 knowing that it could be his last season with the Sox.
Jake Peavy highlights in 2012 – Mature Lyrics so Parental Guidance is advised
2013 WBC Group A Preview
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Friday, February 9th, 2013
Sam Evans (Baseball Writer): Follow @RJA206
With the World Baseball Classic starting not too long from now, it’s time to preview all of the teams and their individual superstars. Group A is perhaps the most talented division. Japan, China, Cuba, and Brazil will make up the structure of Group A, which will begin play in Fukuoka, Japan on March 2nd. This division appears to be one of the strongest and definitely one of the most interesting.
2009 WBC Highlights from the final – Japan vs Korea:
MLB Teams Should Limit Their Pitchers In The WBC
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Follow @mlbreportsSunday, February 3rd, 2013
The WBC Tournament runs from Mar..2-19/2013.
Sam Evans (Baseball Writer): Follow @RJA206
Yovani Gallardo threw the most pitches in the National League last year, with 3,480 pitches thrown in his 33 starts. To imagine him throwing even more pitches, for a team other than the one that owes him just under $20 Million over the next two years, seems pretty far-fetched. Nonetheless, Gallardo will be pitching for Team Mexico in the 2012 World Baseball Classic this March. The issue of how Major League teams should react to their player’s decisions regarding their play in the WBC will be an underlying storyline throughout the next couple of months. It depends on the situation, but for the most part, it seems clear that by teams limiting their pitcher’s playing time in the WBC, they are making the best decision not only for the team, but for the pitcher as well.
Yovani Gallardo Highlights:
Yu Darvish: What Needs To Be Done For An Encore In 2013
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Follow @mlbreportsTuesday January 29th, 2013
Yu Darvish ended up with a 3.90 ERA at the end of the 2012 season, helping the Rangers into the Wild Card Game play in game. While Darvish went 10-2 before the ALL-Star Game – and then 6-7 afterwards, however the the ERA only went from 3.88 (1st half) – 3.92 (2nd half).
Bernie Olshansky (Baseball Writer): Follow @BernieOlshansky
Yu Darvish was up there with the most hyped players ever to sign out of Japan. There was a bidding war just to get the rights to negotiate with him, and the half-Japanese half-Iranian pitcher ended up signing with the Texas Rangers for over $50 Mllion and another 53.7 Million in a posting fee.. Darvish had what many would call a successful season with the Rangers in 2012, going 16-9 with a 3.90 ERA in 191.1 Innings Pitched. He was just what the Rangers needed in a front-of-the-rotation type pitcher who could eat up innings. Darvish signed a 6-year contract before 2012, so the Rangers will still get a minimum of five more years from him. In this feature, I will discuss what Yu Darvish needs to do in order to continue to be the successful starter the Rangers signed.
All in all, Yu Darvish had a great 2012 season. All of his numbers were right where they needed to be, and the pitcher did not have any major issues. Darvish struck out 221 and carried a 1.28 WHIP. The only statistic that was a bit eye-catching was the number of walks. Darvish walked 89 batters over the course of the season, and held a 2.48 K/BB ratio. Darvish’s control was the one part of his skillset that was rather questionable. There were games last season in which Darvish walked four, five, even six in a game. In fact, Darvish walked six in a game three times, and five in a game twice. He had no games in which he did not walk anyone. In his last seven starts, however, Darvish did not walk more than two in a game—which could possibly mean that Darvish worked out whatever was causing him to lose control.
Yu Darvish 2012 Highlights:
A Tribute To Milwaukee Brewers Great Teddy Higuera
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Follow @mlbreportsMonday January 14th, 2013
Teddy Higuera finished 2nd In Rookie Of The Year Voting in 1985, with a 15-8 Season for Milwaukee. He then followed that up by placing 2nd and 6th in AL Cy Young Voting in 1986 and 1987 respectively.
By Ben Dobson ( Brewers Correspondent): Follow @brewerpride06
Teodoro Valenzuela Higuera (born November 9th, 1958 in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico) was an All-Star Starting Pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers during the mid 80′s to early 90′s. Teodoro, better known as ‘Teddy”, began his career with the Brewers in 1983, when his contract was purchased from Indios de Ciudad of the Mexican League. Higuera spent a year in the Minor League’s before making his debut on April 23, 1985 at Comiskey Park in Chicago. In front of a massive crowd, (10,719 maybe not massive) Teddy produced the following line: 5.2 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 5 SO.
Pretty solid start to his rookie campaign. Higuera lost his first two career starts to the Tigers and White Sox before picking up his first win on May 3 at the California Angels. The Lefty pitched a Complete Game allowing, only 4 hits – en route to a Shutout performance. Higuera then had an amazing 2nd half to his Rookie season, going 11-3 in July, August, September and October combined. The season was stellar enough to place him 2nd in Rookie of the Year Voting – just behind Ozzie Guillen. Taking a look at Higuera’s Year by Year Statistics – it makes one wonder why he was only considered for (1) AL MVP Award and how he only made (1) Career All-Star Game Appearance?
MLB Bloopers: Teddy Higuera Milks a Cow!
