Last year Josh Reddick was struggling mightily early in the year before he crushed a 3 HR game and a 2 HR game versus the Toronto Blue Jays at SkyDome in 2 straight days.  .The LHB is a streaky hitter, but he has yet to duplicate his sustained success in the 2012 year, where he mashed 32 HRs for the whole season. If you look at his 2014 Slash Line, it looks a lot alike last campaign. 2013 – .226/.307/.379 – with 12 HRs and 56 RBI in 385 AB.  HIs 2014 #s now are .236/.297/.386 – with 4 HRs and 18 RBI, which is just about a 1/3rd of the totals pace from last year in a 1/3rd of the Games Played..

Josh Reddick has broken out of his slump and pasted the ball over the last 3 games.  His Grand Slam and 2 run HR effort last night, coupled with his HR a few nights ago, now give him 3 HRs on the year.

Reddick must continue his assault on pitching, as the team just picked up Kyle Blanks, and they are already armed with Coco Crisp, Yoenis Cespedes, Craig Gentry and Brandon Moss, all rotating through OF/DH/1B.

While Moss will see more action at the First Base Position, likely in a platoon with Blanks, both have capable ability to play RF like him.

Still for one night, it was good to see him rake the ball again, and all the Oakland fans are now bringing back the song ” Careless Whisper” by Wham, as it is the slugger’s walkup song.

Yeah, baseball players are not very superstitious are they?

Donaldson is one of the best third baseman that no one knows about besides the people in Oakland. He finished 4th in AL MVP Voting last year. He ended up hitting 24 HRs and 93 RBI with a .883 OPS. He was much better than these numbers for the majority of the season. Donaldson, 28, should be a player the team tries to extend for the long-term. Last night, he belted a Tater Trot for his 3rd straight contest, and now sits in a 4 way tie for 4th in AL HRs with 10.

Reddick’s teammate Josh Donaldson clubbed a HR for the 3rd straight contest, and launched himself into a tie for a four way tie for 5th place overall in the AL.

Brian Dozier continues to be a pleasant surprise for the Twins.  He did yard work for the 10th time this season, to tie Albert Pujols, Donaldson and Jose Bautista with 10 HRs.

Derek Dietrich is among 5 guys for the Marlins that are making contributions to the big team as part of the assets acquired in the 2012 winter trade of the Marlins and the Blue Jays. Desclafini and Alvarez in the rotation currently, and Hechavarria is playing 2B. Dietrich was traded from Tampa to Miami for Yunel Escobar (who came over in the deal as well) and Backup Catcher Jeff Mathis. The team also has Jake Marisnick and Justin Nicolino in the Minors.  Marisnick played in 40 games for the ‘Fish’ last year. Blue Jays have just Buehrle and Reyes left. John Buck was considered a minor part of the RA Dickey deal too. So the knuckleballer is somewhat connected, but Miami looks better for the move than the Canadian club.

Derek Dietrich, a most unlikely power force for Miami, launched a ball over the fence for the 2nd straight game last night in San Fran’s AT @ T Park.

The team has done well with the long ball – as he joined teammate Christian Yelich, Garrett Jones, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Marcell Ozuna and of course Giancarlo Stanton as guys who are on pace to smack 20+ HRs this season.

Perhaps the Marlins can contend all year – with a better overall offense – even if they have lost Jose Fernandez to TJ Surgery yesterday.

Dietrich, now 24, has hit for a 3 Slash Line of .250/.353/.455 – with 5 HRs and 14 RBI in 80 AB so far out of the 2nd base position.  This is nice production.

For Games Played Through May.16, 2014

Top 5 HR Leaders AL

Jose Abreu, White Sox – 15

Nelson Cruz, Orioles – 12

David Ortiz, Red Sox – 11

Jose Bautista, Blue Jays – 10

Albert Pujols, Angels – 10

 Josh Donaldson, Athletics – 10

Brian Dozier, Twins – 10

Top 5 HR Leaders NL

Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins – 11

Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies – 11

Mike Morse, Giants – 9

Adrian Gonzalez, Dodgers – 9

Justin Upton – Braves – 9

Brandon Belt, Giants – 9

Carlos Gomez, Brewers – 9

Charlie Blackmon – Rockies – 9

Multi HR Games in MLB 2014

Ryan Braun – Brewers (3 HR Game) – April.8th

Ryan Braun – Brewers (2 HR Game) – April.19th

Josh Reddick, A’s – May 16th

Edwin Encarnacion. Blue Jays (2) – May 15th

2nd Multi HR Game of the year.

David Ortiz, Red Sox (2) – May 14th

2nd Multi HR game, second consecutive day.. Impressive 4 HRs in 2 days.

David Ortiz, Red Sox (2) – May 13th

Brandon Moss, A’s (2) – May 13th

Dustin Ackley, Mariners (2) – May 11th

Derek Norris, A’s (2) – May 11th

Corey Dickerson, Rockies (2) – May 10th

Jedd Gyorko, Padres (2) – May 9th

Edwin Encarnacion. Blue Jays (2) – May 8th

Adam Jones, Orioles (2) May 7th

Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies (2) May 5th

Brandon Crawford, Giants (2) – May 4th

Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins (2) – May 4th

2nd Multi HR Game of The Year

George Kottaras, Indians (2) May 4th

Jhonny Peralta, Cards (2) – Apr.27th

Kyle Seager, Mariners (2) – Apr.27th

2nd Multi HR game of the year

Starlin Castro, Cubs (2) – Apr.27th

Jose Abreu, White Sox – (2) Apr.25th

3rd Multi HR game of the year for Abreu

Josh Donaldson, Athletics (2) – Apr.24th

Nelson Cruz, Orioles, (2) – Apr.23rd

Mike Morse, Giants (2) – Apr.23rd

Kyle Seager, Mariners (2) – Apr.23rd

Hector Santiago, Giants (2) – Apr.23rd

Albert Pujols, Angels (2) including 500th HR Apr.22

Charlie Blackmon – Rockies – Apr.21

Wil Myers, Rays (2) April.19th

Ryan Hanigan, Rays (2) April 19th

6th teammates to do the feat this year

Howie Kendrick, Angels (2) – Apr.19

Neil Walker, Pirates (2) – Apr.14th

Gaby Sanchez, Pirates (2) – Apr.14th

5th teammates to do 2 HRs in a same game

Evan Gattis, Braves (2) – Apr.14th

Dan Uggla, Braves (2) – Apr.14th

– 4th teammates to both do it this year in the same game.

Ben Zobrist, Rays (2) – April 13th

Brian McCann, Yankees (2) – Apr 12th

Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins (2) – April 12th

Jose Abreu, White Sox (2) – April 10th (2nd time this year.)

Justin Upton – Braves (2) – April.10th

Russell Martin – Pirates (2) – April.9th

Pedro Alvarez, Pirates (2) Multi HR Game Apr.9th

3rd teammates to do this in the same game

Corey Hart – Mariners (2) – April 8th

Avisail Garcia, White Sox (2) – April 8th

Jose Abreu, White Sox (2) – April 8th

2nd teammates to do this in the same game.

Jason Castro, Astros (2) – April.8th

Matt Kemp, Dodgers – (2) Multi HR Game Apr.06

Hanley Ramirez, Dodgers – (2) Multi HR Game Apr.06

1st teammates to do this in the same game this year.

Nolan Arenado, Rockies (2) Multi HR Game Apr.5

Pedro Alvarez, Pirates (2) Multi HR Game Apr.4

Lucas Duda, NY Mets (2) Multi HR Game Apr.4

Todd Frazier, Reds, (2) Multi HR Game Apr 3rd.

Jose Bautista – Blue Jays (2) Multi HR Game Apr 2nd

Brad Miller, Mariners – (2) Multi HR Game Apr 1st

Freddie Freeman – Braves (2) Multi HR Game Apr 1st

Alejandro De Aza – White Sox (2) – Multi HR Game Mar.31st.

HRs Streaks (Games Consecutive in MLB)

***Denotes Active Streak.

4 Games

Adrian Gonzalez, Dodgers Apr.09 – Apr.13

Mark Trumbo, D’Backs – 4 Games – Apr.03 – Apr.08

Melky Cabrera, Blue Jays  – 4 Games – Apr.04 – Apr.08

3 Games

***Josh Donaldson, Athletics – May 13 – May.14

2nd streak for Donaldson

Mike Olt, Cubs – May.07 – May.09

Edwin Encarnacion. Blue Jays – May.06 – May.08

Desmond Jennings, Rays, May.01 – May.03

Anthony Rizzo, Cubs, Apr.30 – May.03

Adrian Gonzalez, Dodgers Apr.24 – Apr.26

Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies – Apr.22 – Apr.25

Andrew McCutchen, Pirates – Apr.21 – Apr.23

Charlie Blackmon, Rockies – Apr.20 – Apr.23

Torii Hunter, Tigers –  Apr.04 – Apr.06

Carlos Beltran, Yankees, April.12 – Apr.16

2 Games

***Derek Dietrich, Marlins – May 15 – May 16

Nelson Cruz, Orioles – May 14 – May 15

3rd Streak For Cruz.

Mike Morse, Giants – May.14 – May.15

3rd Streak for Morse.

David Ortiz, Red Sox (2) – May 14th

Yangervis Solarte, Yankees, – May.13 – May.14

Curtis Granderson, Mets May 12 – May 13

Charlie Blackmon , Rockies May 10 – May 11

2nd streak for Blackmon

Yasiel Puig, Dodgers, May 11 – May.12

Christian Yelich, Marlins, May.11 – May.12

Ian Kinsler, Tigers, May.11 – May.12

C.J. Cron, Angels, May.10 – May.12

Mark Teixeira, Yankees, May.10 – May.11

3rd HR streak for Tex this year

Dustin Ackley, Mariners May 10 – May 11

Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies – May.09 – May 10th

3rd streak for TULO.

Joey Votto, Reds, May.09 – May.10

3rd HRs Streak for Votto.

John Jaso, A’s May .09 – May.10

Yoenis Cespedes, A’s – May.08 – May.09

Steve Pearce, O’s – May.08 – May.09

Asdrubal Cabrera, Indians -May.08 – May.09

Victor Martinez, Tigers – May.07 – May.08

Paul Goldschmidt, Dbacks – May.06 – May. 07

Miguel Cabrera, Tigers – May.06 – May.07

Adrian Beltre, Rangers – May.06 – May.07

Gordon Beckham, White Sox – May.06 – May.07

Yasmani Grandal, Padres – May.05 – May.06

Wil Myers, Rays, May.03 – May.04

Jonathan Villar, Astros, May.03 – May.04

Mike Morse, Giants – May.02 – May.03

Mark Teixeira, Yankees, May.02 – May.03

Colby Rasmus, Blue Jays, May.01 – May.02

2nd HR streak for Rasmus of 2 games this year

Marlon Byrd, Phillies, Apr.30 – May.02

Angel Pagan, Giants, May.01 – May.02

Nick Markakis, Orioles, May.1 (Doubleheader)

Carlos Gonzalez, Rockies, Apr.30 – May.01

Brayan Pena, Reds, Apr.30 – May.01

Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies Apr.28 – Apr.29

Mark Teixeira, Yankees  Apr.27 – Apr.29

Carlos Santana, Indians Apr.28 – Apr.29

Brandon Hicks, Giants Apr.27 – Apr.28

Kyle Seager, Mariners Apr.26 – Apr.27th

Juan Francisco, Blue Jays, Apr.25 – Apr.26

Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Apr.25 – Apr.26

Justin Upton – Braves, Apr.25 – Apr.26

Josh Donaldson, Athletics – Apr.24 – Apr.25

Mike Morse, Giants – Apr.23 – Apr.25

Adam Dunn, White Sox – Apr.22 – Apr.24

Jose Abreu, White Sox – Apr.22 – Apr.23

Nelson Cruz, Orioles, – Apr.22 – Apr.23

Brett Lawrie, Blue Jays – Apr.22 – Apr.23

Mike Moustakas, Royals – Apr.22 – Apr.23

Chris Colabello, Twins – Apr.22 – Apr.23

Chris Carter, Astros – Apr.22 – Apr.23

Mike Napoli, Red Sox – Apr.21 – Apr.22

Nolan Arenado, Rockies – Apr.21 – Apr.22

Matt Dominguez, Astros – Apr.21 – Apr.22

Ryan Howard, Phillies – Apr.20 – Apr.21

Michael Brantley, Indians – Apr.20 – Apr.21

Mark Reynolds,  Brewers – Apr.19 – Apr.20

Ryan Braun – Brewers – April.19th – Apr.20

Albert Pujols, Angels – Apr.18th – Apr.19th

3rd consecutive streak for Pujols (2 games each time for all 6 HRs)

Sean Rodriguez, Rays – Apr.17 – Apr.18

Zach Walters, Nationals – Apr.15 – Apr.16

Evan Gattis, Braves – Apr.14 – Apr.16

Brett Lawrie, Blue Jays – Apr.13 – Apr.15

Neil Walker, Pirates – Apr.14 – Apr.15

Todd Frazier, Reds – Apr.14 – Apr.15

Jhonny Peralta, Cardinals – Apr.14 – Apr.15

Juan Uribe, Dodgers – Apr.13 – Apr.15

Ryan Howard, Phillies, Apr.13 – Apr.14

Andrelton Simmons, Braves, Apr.13 – Apr.14

Garrett Jones, Marlins, Apr.13 – Apr.14

Joey Votto, Reds, Apr.13 – Apr.14

Devin Mesoraco, Reds, Apr.13 – Apr.14

Wilin Rosario, Rockies, Apr.13 – Apr.14

Albert Pujols, Angles, Apr.13 – Apr.14

-2nd consecutive streak for Pujols.

Yoenis Cespedes, Athletics, Apr.13 – Apr.14

Colby Rasmus, Blue Jays, Apr.12 – Apr.13

Josh Donaldson, Athletics, April.12 – Apr.13

Raul Ibanez, Angels, April.12 – Apr.13

Freddie Freeman, Braves, Apr.12 – Apr.13

Alfonso Soriano, Yankees, Apr.11 – Apr.12

Justin Upton, Braves, Apr.10 – Apr.11

Albert Pujols, Angels – Apr.08, Apr.09

Brian Dozier, Twins – Apr.09, Apr.10

 Travis Snider, Pirates – Apr.09, Apr.10

Pedro Alvarez, Pirates – Apr.09, Apr.10

Jayson Werth, Nationals – Apr.09, Apr.10

 Kelly Johnson, Yankees – 2 Games Apr.08, Apr.09

Derek Norris, Athletics – 2 Games – Apr.08 – Apr.09

Josh Hamilton, Angels – 2 Games – Apr.04 – Apr.05

Chase Utley, Phillies – 2 Games – Apr.04 – Apr.05

Jay Bruce, Reds – 2 Games – Apr.03 – Apr.04

Nelson Cruz, Orioles – 2 Games Apr.1 – Apr.03

Seth Smith, Padres  – 2 Games Mar.30 – Apr.1

Brandon Belt, Giants – 2 Games – Mar.31 – Apr.1

Brian Dozier has consistently put up great power and leadoff numbers for the Minnesota Twins thus far in the 2014 campaign. The 27 Year Old (8th RD pick from the 2009 Draft for Minny) , leads the AL in AB (195) and Runs Scored (38). This goes nice with 10 HRs (T-4th AL), 30 BB (3rd AL), 12 SB (3rd AL) and 22 RBI. Dozier’s line is .250/.369/.463 heading into play May 17th.. If he keeps this up, he may join Joe Mauer at the ALL – Star Game at Target Field in mid July.

*** The views and opinions expressed in this report are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of mlbreports.com and their partners***

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