Author Archives: Jonathan Hacohen
Brian Wilson And The Detroit Tigers: A Better Fit Than You Think
From 2008-2011, Brian Wilson was one of the top closers in the Majors with 163 Saves. He Saved 48 Games with a 1.81 ERA only 3 years ago in 2010 for the World Champ Giants. He went through TJ Surgery for a 2nd time in April of 2012 – who will give him a chance in 2014, by signing the pending Free Agent? Tigers fans are hoping that he is the answer to the ailing Relief Core in Detroit.
By Matthew Lafave (Tigers Correspondent) Follow @MatthewLafave
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Not the Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys.
The other Brian Wilson, the crazy one with the creepy beard.
Some Detroit fans will remember him from one of his tantrums at Comerica Park. He went ballistic on a water cooler after blowing a save back in July of 2011.
Sad to report, the water cooler never recovered.
Brian Wilson loses it on watercooler
Stoking The Fire – Week 7: Bullet Version Of Free Agent Signings + Trades This Winter
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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2014 Winter Transactions
Dodgers Sign SP Dan Haren -1 YR/$10 MIL: Great Depth move for the probable 2014 NL West Division champs!
Rays Sign C Jose Molina – 2 YRs/$4.5 MIL: Great Defensive Catcher, club doesn’t spend a ton either.
Cards Sign SS/OF – Jhonny Peralta 4 YRs/$52 MIL: Hate the PED aspect of this – smart deal for Cards.
Angels Sign RP – Joe Smith 3 YRs/$15.75 MIL: The club still needs 4 more relievers and 3 starters.
Yankees Sign C – Brian McCann 5 YRs/$85 MIL (6th Year Option at $15 MIL): Great early strike for the Bombers!
Angels and Cards Trade OF Peter Bourjos for 3B David Freese: is Jerry DiPoto high? Fight at the trainers table next year.
Enough With PED Users Being Rewarded! Peralta Signs For 4 Years With St. Louis
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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For those fans that may not think about it very much, every time a PED user is gaining an advantage with the crap they are ingesting or shooting them, they are talking away another guys opportunity to make the big leagues.
The Cardinals signed Jhonny Peralta to a 4 YR/$52 MIL deal yesterday. I am not certainly not faulting the St. Louis for conducting business the way they have to. They are just following the rules.
What I am choked about is how an offender of the drug policy, can just resume his career, and double his last contract with no real consequences.
It is absurd on so many levels…
Dissecting The Peter Bourjos For David Freese Deal
Peter Bourjos was moved into CF – and the LA Angels then shifted Mike Trout over to LF, based on the range of Bourjos as an OF. He is fast, and has shown that he can be a catalyst in a lineup. His best year was in 2011, where he played a full season, 3 Slashing .271/.327/.765 – with 12 HRs, an AL leading 11 – 3B, 26 – 2B – and added 32 SB. The Cardinals will have him patrol CF with them in St. Louis. Bourjos has 3 years left of Arbitration, while Freese only has 2 years left. The Angels also swapped their top OF prospect in the deal – for help in Reliever (but trending down) Fernando Salas.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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It is funny how the complexion of a team can change with one deal. For right now, I want to be on record as saying I hate the deal that the Angels made yesterday for David Freese.
The deal came down to Peter Bourjos being sent to St. Louis with Randal Gruchuk (or Grichuck as baseballreference.com lists him as – for David Freese and Reliever Fernando Salas.)
I had thought all along (same with this website) that these two clubs should be trading partners.
But we were thinking of a heavy deal containing Mark Trumbo and Erick Aybar, for potentially Matt Adams, David Freese and/or a Starting Pitcher from the bountiful nest of the Cardinals Staff.
Peter Bourjos Inside The Park HR
Texas GM’ Jon Daniels Needs To Step His Game Up! Rangers State Of The Union Fall 2013
The Rangers have cobbled together 370 wins over the last four years, however they are now 2 years withdrawn from being a solitary strike away from winning the World Series. They have done a great job assessing their club over the last few campaigns, and with a great winter, the club’s competition window should be reset for many years to come. With Nolan Ryan leaving the franchise, the heat will be on Jon Daniels to administer such a daunting task. The Rangers have great attendance, and more National TV dollars are also being kicked their way for 2014, it is time to go and lure the top Free Agents in the game of MLB towards The Ballpark in Arlington!
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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Jon Daniels is more like the “Lone Ranger” now with the brass over in Arlington being astonishingly diminished by Texas native Nolan Ryan leaving.
He is effectively on the “hot seat” now.
His team is now 2 years removed from back to back World Series Appearances, followed up with an epic collapse down the stretch in 2012, and just falling short of the playoff bar in 2012.
The Rangers actually had a pretty decent season in 2013 at 91 – 72 (losing the play in game to Tampa Bay), when you consider they lost Mike Napoli and Josh Hamilton‘s services – and really only replaced them with “Fat Elvis” AKA Lance Berkman, who like Presley, has eaten themselves out of their careers at times.
Nelson Cruz Highlights Before Suspension 2013
Finally, Some Worth While Free Agents Sign In The MLB 2013 Winter!
With his career winding down and Tim Hudson being 38 years old, will he be able to recover from a gruesome ankle injury in 2014 with the SF Giants? Mr. Hudson was 114 – 72 (.611) in 9 seasons with the Braves – with a 3.56 ERA. He will make his return to the Bay Area in California, where he started his 1st 6 years with the Oakland A’s.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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After playing Baseball Stars 1 and 2 on my old Nintendo Entertainment System for 3 weeks, I was happy to receive my baseball fix from the MLB once again..
Yesterday, a slew of Free Agents signed.. Okay… not true….2 noteworthy players inked deals to prolong their careers.
I am talking about Tim Hudson signing a 2 YR/$23 MIL with the Giants, and Carlos Ruiz, signing a 3 Year Deal worth potentially $26.5 MIL, with a Team Option for a 4th year at $4.5 MIL.
Tim Hudson’s 2013 Season Ending Ankle Injury – Not for the weak of heart!
Stoking The Fire – Week 6: The ‘Royals’ MUST Sign James Shields To An Extension Right Away!
Shields was brought into do a job (via trade) in the 2013 year, and he did just that, leading the American League In Innings Pitched, Game Starts – and Batters Faced – en route to a 13 – 9 year, with a 3.15 ERA. The Royals have him for an exercised $12.5 MIL Team Option in 2014, but the ALL – Star Pitcher has expressed interest in signing an extension long – term. My question is – why are they not backing up the Brinks truck right now?
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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I have been writing for this fine website for a few weeks now. I must say that I have been bored with my bleeping mind since the World Series – from lack of excitement.
One of my 1st articles a few weeks back, also addressed the Kansas City Royals need to go for it in 2014. It is not time to sit back any longer. At the end of this post, I will provide a link to read that post too.
I was commuting to my business last week, and I heard that James Shields likes it in KC – and would be willing to stay long-term if possible.
Okay, so why aren’t David Glass and Dayton Moore at Shields house right now, hammering away on an extension deal?
James Shields 2013 HIghlights
Hey Nationals Fans: Don’t Forget About Danny Espinosa As A Utility Infielder!
In 2011 Danny Espinosa finished sixth in Rookie of the Year voting and was a 3.2 fWAR player. In 2012 he took a small step backwards offensively but was off the charts defensively and was a 3.4 fWAR player. As an offensive player his OPS was average to above for a second baseman and his defense was above average. He could also play short when needed and did so very well 2012 When Ian Desmond spent a month on the DL. Add it all up and for two seasons Danny Espinosa was a decent offensive middle infielder and played above average defense at two positions.
By David Huzzard (Nationals Correspondent via Citizens of Natstown.com – view website here): Follow @davidhuzzard
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The Nationals are currently in need of a utility infielder that can hit better and has more versatility than Steve Lombardozzi.
In 2013, the Nationals considered Lombardozzi such a below average short stop and third baseman that they started Anthony Rendon and Chad Tracy at those positions when giving the starters days off.
Rendon looked good at second base and the advanced stats agreed, but he is not a short stop.
Danny Espinosa 2012 Highlights – Mature Lyrics – Parental Guidance Is Advised
Stoking The Fire: Blog 5 – The Giants Should Move Posey To 1B, Belt To LF – And Sign Ruiz
Buster Posey is one of the best players in the game of baseball pure and simple. The 2010 NL Rookie Of The Year is the leader of the Giants offense and game caller for the pitching staff. In 2013, he had down year in respect to his incredible 2013 season. Posey still slashed .294/.371/.821 The two time champion signed a contract extension that will see him make $164 MIL from 2013 – 2021. In this article, I explain why I think the team has to move the Slugger to 1B. The 26 Year Old has a career slash of .308/.377/.864.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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The Giants are at a crossroads in their nucleus. When healthy and at optimum levels, the Giants can hang with any team in the MLB – as shown by taking home 2 out of the last 4 World Series Titles.
But here is the problem. This club needs two Starting Pitchers, potentially an OF, a Utility Infielder, meanwhile the franchise must address their long term goals.
The Twins were smart enough to make Joe Mauer a permanent 1B – and it is time for the San Francisco Giants to do the same with Buster Posey.
Milwaukee Should Put Ryan Braun On The Trading Block
Ryan Braun is coming back to start the 2014 year with the Brewers, but maybe the brass should be thinking about trading him to spread out the talent pool on their young squad? Chances are the Pirates, Reds and Cardinals are going to get the best of the you for the next few years, and you really have to take stock in the 2013 winter Free Agent’s. There is a huge need out there for an OF like Braun – if he were to be made available via trade. . One has to think whether or not he will be 100% ready to come back to Milwaukee – as that is a lot of baggage to go through initially. Read the rest of the piece to see who I think could be a potential suitor!
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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Okay, I maybe a little late on my thoughts of Ryan Braun, but I wasn’t writing for this website at the time the fiasco went down. I am not going to spend too much time talking about his suspension either.
My purpose of writing this piece is to say that the Brewers should trade the jaded superstar before they even start play in 2014.
Let’s face it, the man’s talents may be in question, however the dude put up monster numbers during 2012 – when the entire world had their sights set on him. Yet this is different.
Braun has been exposed for the ‘Fraud’ that he is. More than just setting a bad example, he lied to the fans of the Brewers, and to that entire town of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The Mets Should Be Careful Which Free Agents They Sign For 2014
Johan Santana is just another cautionary tale of why it is hard for teams to invest money long – term on Starting Pitching, There are just far too many ways for hurlers to be injured in comparison to Roster Players. The Mets will just have to bide time until 2014 when the team can finally take the former Cy Young winner of the teams payroll book. Santana signed a 6 YR/$137.5 MIL deal with the Mets after coming over from Minnesota. While he was good in his 1st year (leading the NL with a 2.53 ERA), he just started 109 Games for his New York Career.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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Lets face it, the Mets have had a poor track record of signing Free Agents lately.
Quickly to go over the list: Jason Bay, Luis Castillo, (4 YRs/$24.75 MIL and they released him following a 2010 year – where he ballooned in weight – and hit just .235), their own Free Agent in Oliver Perez, (3 YRs/ $36 MIL for 3 wins and a ERA near 7 in that time), and Johan Santana.
Lest we forget the horrible trades that ended the careers of Roberto Alomar (Made $13 MIL in a season and a half – before New York jettisoned him to the White Sox for hitting .265 in 2002 – 2003 combined where he was a .300 Career Hitter).
Mo Vaughn. could barely move by the time he made it to New York city. The Mets paid him almost $48 MIL to have only 567 AB.
Vaughn only played in 166 games for New York, and was out of league after 2003. At least Kevin Appier (the traded player for him) was done playing by 2004 as well, but at $20 MIL less cost.
While I agree that the New York (NL) franchise should spend some money they have finally been hoarding up, the brass have to be careful who they select to throw that dough on.
Jason Bay Hurt for the Mets in July 2010
The Phillies State Of The Union: Hitters Edition + They Should Give A Full Chance To Darin Ruf In 2014
The Phillies are to the NL what the Yankees are to the AL, and old and expensive team. They had their 1st losing campaign in over a decade, and are without a 3rd Baseman, Catcher and possibly an OF to fill the holes. That is if they end up resigning Doc Halladay. But 2013 wasn’t an entire loss. Performances by Domonic Brown and Darin Ruf have to give the management some hope. Playing guys under team control, low payroll deals will enable the franchise the flexibility to pursue high end talent in Free Agency. Today, I explain how the Phightins’ can do this. How will the team fare under 2nd year skipper Ryne Sandberg – after a 20 – 22 finish?
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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2014 was a tough year on the Phillies. For one, the fact that the MLB Reports is having an Awareness Day for them today, based on them having the 7th worst record (73 – 89) in the Majors during 2013 is mind – boggling.
We are talking about a team that had 5 Division Titles in a row (2007 – 2011), a huge payroll, and a bountiful nest of ALL – Stars to hit in the lineup, and in the Starting Rotation.
Much like the Yankees though, their core is all hitting their waning years. Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and Jimmy Rollins are having a tough time staying on the field to be productive.
2013 was always going to be about the team resurrecting its status as an NL Elite, instead they saw Roy Halladay blow up before their eyes, Cole Hamels struggle, and nobody was there to save them.
For all of the Rosters, Depth Charts, State of the Unions and Salaries Posts that we do, please visit our dedicated page link here.
Darin Ruf’s Towering Shot in Aug of 2013
Should MLB Have A Salary Cap? – “Hard Cheddar” With Steve Cheeseman Takes Another Crack At It
The MLB can talk about parity all they want in the new era of modern baseball, but ever since the mid 90’s the Yankees have 5 WS, Red Sox 3 WS, Giants 2 WS, Cardinals, Marlins 2 WS, White Sox 1 WS, Braves 1 WS, D-Backs 1 WS, Angels 1 WS, Philies – WS. That is 10 teams in the last 20 years of action. Out of those teams, only the 2002 Angels, 2003 Marlins, 2006 version of the Cardinals and 2010 version of the Giants had Payrolls that weren’t considered tops in the MLB. Baseball can talk about parity all they want, but with the Dodgers new rogue spending, the rich and poor difference is about to escalate.
By ‘Special Guest Writer’ Steve Cheeseman Follow @cheeseman_s
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“Hard Cheddar” – with Steve Cheeseman
Should MLB Have a Salary Cap?
During this years “fall classic”, a thought occurred to me. Other than the Pittsburgh Pirates, it seems like that for the most part, the same teams compete for the title of world champions each year.
What MLB introduced a salary cap? Would more teams gain the ability to compete on an even playing ground? Within all 30 teams of the NL and AL, payrolls for these clubs are drastically different.
Boston Red Sox World Champs in 2013 (3rd WS Title in 10 Years)
The Chicago Cubs Players, Organizational Affiliates, Prospects + Depth Charts (MLB + MiLB)
Rizzo followed up his short 2012 campaign, in which he hit .285 with 15 HR and 48 RBI with a lower Slash line of .233/.323/.742 – but still clubbed 23 HRs and added 80 RBI. If he maximizes his potential, you are looking at a perennial threat each year to lead the NL in HRs. Rizzo was traded from the Padres for Andrew Cashner, and it was the 3rd time Jed Hoyer had acquired the guy in his management life. The team signed him to a 7 YR/$41 MIL extension this year, that will see him in until at least 2019, and potentially til 2021.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @mlbreports and Jeff Kleiner (Salary, Roster and Depth Chart Expert for the MLB) – visit his website here Follow @prosportsroster
Theo Epstein and the Ricketts new the job was going to be a tough one. Replenishing the young talent in the organization, after much trepidation, will continue to be the focal point of the North Chicago franchise.
The most of the Veterans have left for prospects. Gone are; Matt Garza, Scott Feldman, Alfonso Soriano, Carlos Marmol, David DeJesus, Ryan Dempster, Geovany Soto, Ian Stewart, Reed Johnson, Paul Maholm.
In are a bunch of young players acquired for the services of the old guys.
Players such as Pedro Strop, Jake Arrieta, Mike Olt, Corey Black, Justin Grimm and a host of other youngsters in the Minor League Level.
The Cubs also have traded for lots of International Money limits, where they have brought in further assets to the organization.
For all of the Rosters, Depth Charts, State of the Unions and Salaries Posts that we do, please visit our dedicated page link here.
Qualifying Offers To Players 1 YR/$14.1 MIL: Who Should Take The Deal And Who Should Pass
The Red Sox made calculated Qualifying Offers to Stephen Drew and Mike Napoli, where they pretty much know that Ellsbury will decline. It is this writer’s opinion that both Napoli and Drew should accept their deals. Both of them would still be young enough in next year’s Free Agency Market, plus they would not be guaranteed to make much more money for their 2014 contracts, and are not guaranteed of being on a contender like the Boston franchise.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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When the list of Qualifying Offers first unfolded the other day, I have to admit, I was surprised to see that Stephen Drew was on the list.
By virtue of the Red Sox doing this move, they have made it impossible for any other team to bid on Drew, as the compensatory pick is probably too much to give up.
This is a smart move for Boston, who didn’t want to lose the guy, and were smart enough to only offer a year deal to him.
Obviously the cash is more than he is worth, but offsetting the cost is the mere fact it only a one year risk.
Curtis Granderson’s 3 HRs in 1st 4 Innings, April.19/2012
“Stoking The Fire” Week 4: Mariners State Of The Union: Spend Some $$$ This Winter Seattle!!
Life has not been so great for the fans of the PAC NW of late. The Mariners have regressed in the last decade of baseball – and are withering with the lowest attendance teams in the game of baseball. This followed the 1st 5 years of Safeco Field’s existence, where they were drawing over 3 Million fans – and competing in the AL West every year. It is imperative this team spends money on quality Free Agents this winter. Loaded with a multitude of young arms, and position players. this franchise should be seeking power bats in the OF and 1B/DH positions.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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Nothing is more a waste of time, than watching a premiere talent like Felix Hernandez, have to suffer in the haphazard city of Seattle, while the team has entered a new generation of futility.
This is a franchise that was abysmal from 1977 – until the time that Ken Griffey JR. came to the rescue.
A few years later, armed with some good drafting – and Randy Johnson from trading away Mark Langston, and the team was ready to compete.
Of course I can always quote “Seinfeld” – where Jay Buhner was also acquired for DH Slugger Ken Phelps.
But since Lou Pinella followed ALL – Stars out the door in 2004, Johnson, (1998) Griffey (1999) and Alex Rodriguez in (2000), the club has fallen on some hard times.
At first the team was stoic with the players leaving the nest, as Jamie Moyer and Ichiro Suzuki helped lead the charge for a record winning 116 Games in 2001.
Suzuki was the right infusion when the other guys left, and he stayed graciously with the team until mid 2012.
Raul Ibanez Highlights:
The Minnesota Twins Players, Organizational Affiliates, Prospects + Depth Charts (MLB + MiLB)
Ron Gardenhire and Tom Kelly have been the only 2 men to manage the Twins in the last 27 years. Having stability in the Manager and GM position lends itself for a proper run franchise in terms of on the field success. The Twins will give Gardenhire the chance to rebuild with this club yet again. Stocked with several young prospects, we could the club turn around to be a contender again in the next few years.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @mlbreports and Jeff Kleiner (Salary, Roster and Depth Chart Expert for the MLB) – visit his website here Follow @prosportsroster
The Minnesota Twins have had 3 – 90+ Losses Seasons in a row. This came right on the heels of the franchise having made the playoffs 6 out of 9 years.
All of those Post Season Appearances were made as Division Champions from the AL Central.
The Twins had enough smarts about them to understand where they were in the 1990’s. The management knew the club was better off building within – rather than spending via Free Agency.
From 1993 – 2000, the team never finished better than 4th in the Division they played. The club drafted really high for this time period, and had a nice renaissance by the time 2001 started.
For all of the Rosters, Depth Charts, State of the Unions and Salaries Posts that we do, please visit our dedicated page link here.
Joe Mauer 2013 Highlights
Chicago White Sox Payroll In 2014 + Contracts Going Forward to 2017
| Player | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OF Dayan Viciedo | 2,800,000 | – | ARB | ARB | ARB | ||
| RP Donnie Veal | 497,500 | ARB | ARB | ARB | – | ||
| RP Ramon Troncoso | 0 | ARB | ARB | ARB | – | ||
| C Blake Tekotte | 0 | – | – | – | – | ||
| RP Leyson Septimo | 493,000 | – | – | – | – | ||
| SP Hector Santiago | 505,000 | – | ARB | ARB | ARB | ||
| SP Chris Sale | 850,000 | 3,500,000 | 6,000,000 | 9,150,000 | 12,000,000 | ||
| CL Addison Reed | 520,000 | – | ARB | ARB | ARB | ||
| INF Alexei Ramirez | 7,000,000 | 9,500,000 | 10,000,000 | 10,000,000 | UFA | ||
| SP Jose Quintana | 500,000 | – | – | – | – | ||
| RP David Purcey | 0 | ARB | ARB | – | – | ||
| C Josh Phegley | 0 | – | – | – | – | ||
| RP Brian Omogrosso | 492,000 | UFA | – | – | – | ||
| 3B Brent Morel | 0 | ARB | ARB | ARB | – | ||
| RP Matt Lindstrom | 2,300,000 | 4,000,000 | UFA | – | – | ||
| DH/1B Paul Konerko | 13,500,000 | UFA | – | – | – | ||
| UT Jeff Keppinger | 3,500,000 | 4,000,000 | 4,500,000 | UFA | – | ||
| RP Nate Jones | 507,500 | – | ARB | ARB | ARB | ||
| Orlando Hudson | UFA | – | – | – | – | ||
| RP Duente Heath | 0 | – | – | – | – | ||
| 3B Conor Gillaspie | 490,500 | – | – | – | – | ||
| OF Avisail Garcia | 490,000 | – | – | – | – | ||
| SP Gavin Floyd | 9,500,000 | UFA | – | – | – | ||
| C Tyler Flowers | 510,000 | ARB | ARB | ARB | ARB | ||
| DH Adam Dunn | 15,000,000 | 15,000,000 | UFA | – | – | ||
| OF Alejandro De Aza | 2,075,000 | ARB | ARB | – | – | ||
| DP John Danks | 15,750,000 | 15,750,000 | 15,750,000 | 15,750,000 | UFA | ||
| RP Brian Bruney | – | – | – | – | – | ||
| INF Gordon Beckham | 2,925,000 | ARB | ARB | – | – | ||
| SP Dylan Axelrod | 493,000 | – | – | – | – | ||
| 1B/DH Jose Abreu | – | 8,666,666 | 8,666,666 | 11,666,667 | 12,166,667 | ||
| Buyouts | |||||||
| SP Jake Peavy | 4,000,000 | – | – | – | – | ||
| INF Kevin Youkilis | 1,000,000 | – | – | – | – | ||
| SP: Brett Myers | 3,000,000 | – | – | – | – | ||
“Stoking The Fire” Week 3: Kansas City Royals State Of The Union 2014 Part 1
James Shields turned in a workman like effort for the Royals (13 – 9, with a 3.15 ERA – AL leading 228.2 IP and 34 Game Starts) – only to have received little run support. With the Trade having going down seemingly to correct each other main ailments with the Rays needing offense and the Royals needing defense. It has worked for both teams. 2014 becomes the most pivotal year in the last 3 decades for the franchise – as it is “Big Game” James’ last year under contract. With them trading away Wil Myers for his services, the team needs to capitalize on this year. Ultimately the franchise should spend any amount of $$$ necessary in 2014 to compete with the big boys of the AL. With so many of their own core young players due to start receiving salaries increases, this next year has to be the time to go for it!!
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twiter Follow @mlbreports
I am officially calling out the Royals Management and ownership to buck up again for the 2014 season. If ever there was a year to spend the money it is now!
You have James Shields for one more year, and all of your core young players like Billy Butler, Eric Hosmer, Luke Hochevar and Mike Moustakas are heading for some payraises in the near future for Arbitration.
Wade Davis also will see his money bumped in 2015.
For all of the Rosters, Depth Charts, State of the Unions and Salaries Posts that we do, please visit our dedicated page link here.
The time to win is now!
Shields first inning as a Royal
“Hard Cheddar” Weekly Segment 2: MLB Heroes And Zeroes For 2013!
Yasiel Puig was signed as an International Free Agent in 2012. The 22 Year old phenom exploded onto scene in the National League – 3 Slashing .319/.381/.925 – with 19 HRs, 42 RBI and 66 Runs Scored in his 104 Games Played. He was a big part of the team winning the Division – and he will be a mainstay for years – being signed until 2018. Puig’s electrified the city of Los Angeles, and Dodger Stadium with his all out hustle, flamboyant play, and their flair for the dramatic. Once fellow teammate Hanley Ramirez joined him, the club went on a historic 42 – 8 run, which hadn’t happened in nearly 60 years for a 50 game stretch.
By ‘Special Guest Writer’ Steve Cheeseman Follow @cheeseman_s
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“Hard Cheddar” – with Steve Cheeseman
2013 Hero’s and Zero’s of MLB
Throughout the 2013 Major League Baseball season, there had been plenty to talk about. Lots of surprise players, as well as surprise teams.
This season in my opinion was as good as any. However, like any sport, there was also plenty to forget, but not necessarily forgive, as you’ll see.
Here are my hero’s and zero’s for the 2013 MLB season.
Yasiel Puig Highlights 2013 – Mature Content – Parental Guidance is Advised
When Can The Baseball Writers For The Hall Of Fame Consider Cheating Through PED Use, Or Not?
Barry Bonds once admitted to a Federal Jury that he used PED’s. As MLB’s ALL-Time HR King with 762 Round-Trippers, will the BBWAA ever consider looking past this and elect him into Cooperstown? —Photo by sportsagent.com.
Prof. Wes Reber Porter and Dan Dressman (Special Guest Writers): Follow @WRPspdADVOCACY and Follow @DannyDressman
When the 2014 MLB Hall of Fame Ballot is released in November, the heated discussion will begin about which controversial candidates, if any at all, would be inducted into Cooperstown (HOF).
While isolated athletes have come up in previous years, this year represents a first real tension between the modern era of baseball – the “steroid era” – and traditional standards for admission into the Hall.
The 575 baseball writers are, and should be, entrusted to weigh cheating and use of PEDs against the HOF’s criteria of “character,” “sportsmanship” and “upholding the integrity of the game” (the integrity standards).
These writers each will struggle, however, with a preliminary question that falls outside of their expertise:under which circumstances may a HOF voter consider, at all, a candidate’s connection to cheating and performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs)? Read the rest of this entry
Six Minor Leaguers Who Could Make An Impact In 2014 For The Nationals
Matt Williams will be announced as the teams new skipper upon the World Series finishing. The City of Washington will hope that Williams can press the right buttons at the helm of this ship. Included in his responsibilities,putting the right young players of the organization in a chance to succeed.
By Sean Hogan (Nationals Correspondent via Citizens of Natstown.com – view website here): Follow @seanhoganvt
Follow MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Much will be written this offseason about who the Nats should sign, trade for and hire. I’m not one to beat a dead horse, so I decided to look for an angle.
Since the minor leagues are what I know and love, I’ve compiled a list of players in the Nats organization who are not on the 40-man roster who I could see adding value to the 2014 Nationals.
I’ve also decided against including top prospects like Brian Goodwin or A.J. Cole, as both would be obvious picks.
Don Mattingly Would Be Perfect For The Nationals Or Tigers MGR Positions: Dodgers Skipper Is Still In Limbo
Don Mattingly has a Managerial Record of 260 -225 (.536) in his 1st 3 years as Dodgers Skipper. Among the totals in this year – was that he guided the club to a 62 – 30 record during the last 92 Games this year. The Dodgers were knocked out the NLCS Round versus the Cardinals. Mattingly’s $1.4 Vesting Option was picked up by that accord of being in the final 4 this season. The Dodgers are only offering the one year of 2014, and Mattingly believes he has done a great enough job to earn a multi-year deal.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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The Dodgers are making a mistake in not signing Don Mattingly to a multi – year deal. If you actually sit back and think about what he was able to do is a miracle this year.
Matt Kemp was 50% of himself – and also missed half of the year.
Hanley Ramirez played at an MVP caliber for the time he was in there, problem was – missed 74 games.
Carl Crawford was great, but he missed 45 Games.
Yasiel Puig came up – with 60 Games already taken off of the year.
Zack Greinke missed 2 months after Carlos Quentin charged him.
Brandon League was abysmal early as a Closer.
The 3rd base/Shortstop position featured an opening day of Luis Cruz and Justin Sellers.
Where Will Brian Wilson End Up?
Brian Wilson has a great comeback bid in the 2013 campaign. When you add up his Appearances in the regular season – and playoffs, he threw 19.2 IP – in which he entered 24 Games, and only gave up 1 ER in the process. Good for a cumulative 0.47 ERA. He also has yet to yield an ER in 17.2 Post Season Career Innings. Boston, New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers and the Los Angeles Dodgers should be his top suitors this winter.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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Perhaps nobody is happier than Brian Wilson, that Tim Lincecum resigned in San Francisco for 2 YRs/$35 MIL. While I think that is a bit of an overspend, it was what the Free Agency Market is dictating.
Having said this, the Relief Core of Pitchers available on the open market is quite interesting.
It is my contention, that Brian Wilson has the best value out there for clubs.
Forget about ‘lets wear my hat at a 45 degree angle’ Fernando Rodney, who was a world beater in 2012, before he almost cost the Rays a playoff spot in 2013.
Grant Balfour has a good case for a big raise, however he will be 36 years old in a few months. My guess is Billy Beane will find a way for him to sign a short term deal anyway.
BBA Awards 2013
As a member of the BBA, MLB Reports chooses the following for each award:
Please enter your choice for the Connie Mack Award: *
The Connie Mack Award is given to the top manager each year.
Please enter your choice for the Willie Mays Award: *
The Willie Mays Award is given to the top rookie each year
Please enter your choice for the Goose Gossage Award: *
The Goose Gossage Award is given to the top reliever each year.
AL: Koji Uehara, BOS NL: Craig Kimbrel, ATL
Please enter your choice for the Walter Johnson Award: *
The Walter Johnson Award is given to the top pitcher each year.
AL: Max Scherzer, DET – NL: Clayton Kershaw, LAD
Please enter your choice for the Stan Musial Award: *
The Stan Musial Award is given to the top player each year.
AL: Mike Trout NL: Paul Goldschmidt
“Hard Cheddar” Weekly Segment 1: The Toronto Blue Jays Of The NL East?
The Blue Jays have pretty much been a mediocre franchise in the league for the last 20 years. After winning back to back World Series in 1992 and 1993, the club has had some expensive and talented pieces, yet like so many of the ‘god awful’ teams have shown us recently, maybe the club should have tanked it for 7 – 10 years in order to stockpile Grade A level talent through the MLB Amateur Draft? Toronto has been caught in the middle of a building a team through the Draft, but never seem to be bad enough to receive high enough picks to select ultimate fortune changers for the organization. Maybe they should try another way.. Lets talk about that today.
By ‘Special Guest Blue Jays Writer’ Steve Cheeseman Follow @cheeseman_s
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“Hard Cheddar” – with Steve Cheeseman
Regardless if you’re a casual fan, or die hard Toronto Blue Jay fan, many things come into mind with regard to what should happen next after a terrible 2013 season.
Do Media/Cable giant Roger’s need to spend more money? Should they rebuild from the draft? Should they rent older, experienced players on short term deals?
How about a shift from the American League to the National League?
For the start of the 2013 season, the Houston Astros made the move from the NL to the west division of the AL. This was to equally balance the two leagues to contain 15 teams in each.
In terms of performance, it didn’t help. The 2012 NL Astros finished the season with a 55-107 record, which was good for last in all of Major League Baseball.
Montreal’s OIympic Stadium will host a Blue Jays Exhibition Game in 2014
“Stoking The Fire” Week 2: The MLB Should Change The 2 – 3 – 2 Format In The Playoffs!
MLB is the only sport having a best of 7 series that the home advantage is not given to the team with the best record in the league. Even worse is the 2 – 3 – 2 format!
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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I hate the 2 – 3 – 2 format for the ALCS/NLCS plus the World Series Formats.
To me it is complete lunacy that a team with a far better record in the regular season has to play 3 of their first 5 games on the road in the LCS matchups.
Oh.. yeah, if your league wins the ALL – Star Game in July, you also have to go on the road for 3 of the 1st 5 games…Don’t even get me started on that topic. Another time and another rant for that cupcake.
Mr. Fielder’s Name Might Be Prince, But He Is No King Of The Playoffs!
In 39 games for his Playoff Career, he holds a miniature .194 batting average with 5 home runs and 11 RBIs. This Playoff stretch of 11 Games in 2013 – there were no big flies and not even a solitary RBI. Fielder had 9 Hits out of 40 AB (.225) with just one Double.fans, we cannot blame Prince Fielder for wanting to play everyday. When you are going through personal issues, you may like to keep busy to stay away from the negative. You just have to wonder that if Fielder didn’t have an active consecutive games streak, would Leyland have rested him down the stretch when they had a commanding lead over the rest of the AL Central?. The bat points towards yes.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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I am still amazed that the Boston Red Sox won the ALCS. I mean they were leading Game #2 5 – 1 in the Bottom of the 8th, and the Red Sox players had a collective Batting Average – not much higher than their wives watching the game.
Cue in David Ortiz‘s Grand Slam HR to tie the game – and pesto, the fortunes of the Boston club were soon changed with a win in the 9th.
The Red Sox only managed to squeak a HR from Mike Napoli in Game #3 to top Justin Verlander. They had another crazy Grand Slam HR hit against them by Shane Victorino in the Bottom of the 8th in Game #6 to seal their playoff fate
I am also at a loss for words, that throughout the ALCS/NLCS, that Clayton Kershaw, Justin Verlander, Adam Wainwright and Max Scherzer failed to win a game this round, yet other than Kershaw’s poor performance in Game #6 of the NLCS, these Cy Young Pitchers were virtually unhittable, but couldn’t win buy some run support.
Then there is Prince Fielder. I have been friends with Chuck Booth for 20 years, and he nailed it perfectly with the Reports in their coverage on this guy for the 2013 year.
Prince Fielder 2013 Highlights – Mature Lyrics so Parental guidance is advised.
The Disaster That Was The Blue Jays 2013 Season: State Of The Union
Following the 2012 Major League Baseball season, Toronto Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos made some noticeable moves, to seemingly re-invent Canada’s team. Jay’s fans everywhere were ecstatic and pumped for the upcoming season, thinking that playoff baseball would finally return to Canada after 20 long seasons.
By ‘Special Guest Blue Jays Writer’ Steve Cheeseman Follow @cheeseman_s
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Another Season, Another Disaster.
The off-season started with a boom, with the signings of Maicer Izturis (3 yr-$9 million), and Melky Cabrera (2 yr-$16million). This was followed by acquiring hard throwing Esmil Rogers from Cleveland.
They weren’t done yet.
On November 14th, Anthopoulos completed a blockbuster trade with the Miami Marlins, receiving pitchers Josh Johnson (2-time All-Star)and Mark Buehrle (4-time All-Star), short-stop Jose Reyes (4-time All-Star, 2011 NL Batting Champion), catcher John Buck, utility man Emilio Bonifacio, and $8 million in cash in exchange for pitcher Henderson Alvarez, short-stop Yunel Escobar, catcher Jeff Mathis, and prospects.
It was a steal. Toronto then sent John Buck and prospects to the New York Mets, for reigning NL Cy Young winner R.A. Dickey, catcher Josh Thole and a prospect.
Odd makers out of Las Vegas named the Toronto Blue Jays as the favorites to win the 2013 World Series. Too good to be true right? Pretty much.
Munenori Kawasaki – See You Tomorrow
Brian Wilson Has Earned Himself Some $$$ With His 2013 Showing: And Is The Best Relief Pitcher Left In The Playoffs!
From 2008-2011, Brian Wilson was one of the top closers in the Majors with 163 Saves. He Saved 48 Games with a 1.81 ERA only 3 years ago in 2010 for the World Champ Giants. He went through TJ Surgery for a 2nd time in April of 2012. He has since made an awesome comeback with the Dodgers, only giving up 1 ER in his Dodgers 24 Appearances, including 6 Scoreless frames in the 2013 playoffs. Who will give him a chance in 2014, by signing the pending Free Agent? Dodgers fans are hoping he stays.
Hunter Stokes (Featured Baseball Columnist): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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I am big Brian Wilson fan. Part of me was devastated when the Giants won the World Series in 2012, because he was not on the team.
I was happy to learn that he bid his time this season, made sure he was fully healed up from his 2nd Tommy John Surgery, and made a triumphant return with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
He could have rushed back in the spring, signed with another club, and tried haphazardly to work through his pitching in game action, however the man knows his body tweaks.
Brian Wilson as Captain Highlander on George Lopez Show
MLB Reports 
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