Daily Archives: February 10, 2017
Milwaukee Brewers Research Interview: Pat McBride and Rick Napholz
When I first started thinking I’d like to write a book about the Milwaukee Brewers franchise moving from Seattle in 1970, I kept coming back to a simple question: Who were the original players, coaches, executives, and stadium workers? Not just their names, but who were they personally and what did they experience when the Brewers were in their infancy.
I started by looking at names and faces on the 1970 team photo card and decided to pursue interviewing as many of these guys as possible. I was fortunate last year to interview one of the original team bat boys and one of the ball boys. Both had interesting perspectives and memories of not just the players, but also County Stadium, and what it was like to work at Green Bay Packers games as well.
5 MLB Teams That Could Be Real Contenders – Or Real Pretenders In 2017
Each year we are enlightened to a few surprises in the MLB we were not expecting. This year there are 5 teams that seem could flip either way based on the talent coming to fruition.
We tried to pick a club for each Division here, but simply couldn’t come out with a AL Central team.
Tampa Bay Rays:
With Alex Cobb potentially coming back healthy to the rotation that features Chris Archer and Jake Odorizzi already. the Rays will have decent chuckers to start this campaign.
Add Blake Snell, Matt Andriese and recently acquired Jose DeLeon (who should contribute quality innings this campaign and all of a sudden this club doesn’t look too shabby for depth.
The Relief Core is also solid if Brad Boxberger can reclaim his form, and see a similar year for Alex Colome.
Evan Longoria, and Brad Miller both put forth 30 HR seasons in 2016, and Matt Duffy may prove to be a decent Batting Average guy at Shortstop now.
The Rays Outfield will feature Kevin keirmaier, Mallex Smith, Corey Dickerson and Steven Souza, while one of those guys may also see some time at Designated Hitter. Read the rest of this entry
Christian Yelich Is an Under-the-Radar NL MVP Candidate in 2017
Making a name for yourself in the Miami Marlins outfield in recent years hasn’t been all that easy, but Christian Yelich has found a way to carve out some attention for himself in South Beach. Probably not enough yet, though.
It’s tough when Giancarlo Stanton grabs headlines every time he punishes a baseball, or when Marcell Ozuna‘s name is either swirling in trade rumors or being called out at the All-Star game.
Yelich quietly goes about his business on a daily basis, and while he may not generate the most headlines, he’s probably the most valuable outfielder on the Marlins’ roster.
After posting a 4.5-fWAR season in 2014, he didn’t progress like Miami hoped in 2015, producing just 2.4 fWAR. He flipped the script back in a positive direction last year, though.
He didn’t earn an All-Star selection, but posted a 4.4 fWAR, won his first Silver Slugger award and placed 19th in National League MVP voting. Climbing up the ranks in this award category won’t necessarily be a walk in the park — after all, that Kris Bryant guy is still pretty good, as is his teammate in Anthony Rizzo, along with other studs like Corey Seager and Freddie Freeman, just to name a few.
Although he’s fresh off a career year, Yelich is exactly the kind of player that can come out of nowhere to be a legitimate candidate for the award in 2017 because there’s still a ton of room for improvement in his game.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – February 10, 2017
Rob Foldy/Getty Images North America
Will Jeffrey Loria sell the Marlins? It looks like he might! And if it happens, maybe the Marlins will finally have a chance to grow a fan base.
I take my talents to South Beach on this episode of Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
MLB Reports 
You must be logged in to post a comment.