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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
Time To Elect Don Mattingly Into Cooperstown
Don Mattingly won 3 straight AL Sporting News Player of The Years – and was the best ALL-Around player in the game from 1984-1986 leading 13 Offensive Categories for the 3 years. His 145 RBI in 1985 was the most for a LHB since Stan Musial in 1949. He hit .340 with 656 Hits, 145 2B, 88 HRs, 368 RBI and only SO 112 times in 2131 PA’s. He also led the league in Doubles from 1984-1986. Mattingly’s 388 Total bases in 1986 had been the most in the Majors since Willie Mays back in the 1962 season. Mattingly won the first of 9 gold gloves in 1985.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
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Okay, it is time for me to make my argument for my favorite player of all time to be inducted into Baseball’s Hall of Fame.
There will be several people that will say that Don Mattingly’s career stats of: H-2154, HR-222, RBI-1099, AVG-.307 and 9 Gold Gloves are not enough in just 14 seasons.
I am not counting his 7 game-stint in 1982 with this. As a rookie in 1983, Don only .hit .283 with 4 HRs and 32 RBIs.
The Mark Trumbo Trade Watch Continues in LA: Could He Be Headed To STL, TB, MIA, PIT Or Other?
The Angels have spent almost a half of a billion in Free Agency over the last 3 years, and all they have to show for it, is back to back 3rd place finishes in the AL West. The team will lose Jason Vargas this year, and the Angels are expected to non-tender Tommy Hanson. The team also featured an anemic Bullpen in the 2013 campaign. If the Angels are wishing to trade Mark Trumbo, they best acquire 2 Pitchers that can fill in their weaknesses. Los Angeles have a surplus of OF/DH and 1B on the Roster with Hamilton, Pujols and Bourjos. Trumbo will be a heavy commodity sought after because he has 3 years of Team Control left with any aspiring club that brings him in.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
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The Angels have doled out nearly half a Billion in contracts over the last 3 winters of Free Agency and have nothing to show for it but heartache, misery – and a team that was once a perennial playoff favorite dropped under .500 for only the 2nd time in the last decade during the 2013 season.
Hemorrhaging funds for a club not competing can’t sit well with the team owner Arte Moreno. Amidst in all of this would be a contract for Mike Scioscia as manager for $5 MIL a year, that renders him unfireable, and even untradeable.
This team is loaded with talented players like Mike Trout, Albert Pujols, Josh Hamilton, Jered Weaver, C.J. Wilson, Howie Kendrick – and of course Mark Trumbo.
Mark Trumbo’s 1st 24 HRs of 2013
The Detroit Tigers Roster Tree Part 2: How All Of The Pitchers Were Acquired
Justin Verlander has been the best pitcher in the American League over the last 5 years. He is 137 – 77 (.640) with a 3.41 ERA in the 1st 9 years of his career. The 2011 AL Cy Young Winner and 2012 Cy Young runner up is signed with the club until at least 2019, and it could be 2020 with a Vesting Option. Verlander has thrown over 200+ IP each year since 2007. The Detroit Tigers are certainly lucky the San Diego Padres took Matt Bush with the 1st overall pick – . The 30 Year old has added a 7 – 5 record in 15 Career Post Season Games and a 3.28 ERA – among 0 – 3 with a 7.20 in 3 World Series Starts.
How All Of The Tigers Pitchers Were Acquired:
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
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At the MLB Reports, we intend to show you the Roster Tree for the Detroit Tigers – and how they assembled their current roster for hitting and Pitching. It will work in a six degrees of separation like format.
Once we figure out the origin of how many trades going back in time it takes to see where the tree started, it will be time to dissect how the team fared on the deals.
If a player has never left the organization at all, the tree will be easy – as it will just be the year they were drafted or signed.
For a couple of the Pitchers, they will be in the Hitters side of this Roster Tree – as they were traded with a hitter to become a member of the Tigers.
For the 1st part of the Roster Tree for the Tigers: The Hitters – click here
For all of the Rosters, Depth Charts, State of the Unions and Salaries Posts that we do, please visit our dedicated page link here.
Justin Verlander 2012 ALDS Game #5
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.
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.
Mike Napoli Is A Clutch Performer In The Post Season – And Is Potentially Earning A Nice New Contract!
Mike Napoli agreed to a 1 YR/$13 MIL deal prior to the 2013 season. While he struggled at various times in the regular season, he still Slashed for .259/.360/.842 – with 23 HRs and 92 RBI. It was his 6th straight season with 20+ HRs – and his 498 2013 ABs – still have left him without ever reaching 500 AB in any of his seasons. The man averages a HR for every 16.38 AB in his Career. (169 HRs in 2768 AB). He will turn 32 on Oct.31/2013.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
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If you have followed this website for very long, you will realize that we have made some great prognostications from the time of its inception.
We called the emergence of the Oakland A’s half way through the campaign last year. We also called Adam Dunn to be the bargain of the 2012 season.
We also stated that the Tigers would make the 2012 World Series.
We said the Dodgers were going to go nuts and spend like there was no tomorrow, probably make the World Series, sign Zack Greinke.
We called every aspect of the New York Yankees season this year, including trading for Mark Reynolds, Vernon Wells and for Alfonso Soriano to thrive back in pinstripes.
Then there was the predicting of Yasiel Puig, Yoenis Cespedes, Mike Trout and Wil Myers at the verge of breaking out.
Previous Owner Jonathan Hacohen also predicted the emergence of Mike Napoli in 2011, and thoroughly admonished the Blue Jays for trading him – after having the Catcher for about a week.
Mike Napoli Game #5 HR 2013 ALCS
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
Phillies 2014 Preview: How To Handle Halladay
Roy Halladay is still the Active Win Pctg Leader among Pitchers with a W – L Record of 203 – 105 (.659), and he also owns the most Complete Games at 67 Currently for guys still chucking. This is despite battling a litany of injuries in 2012 – 2013, posting a 15 – 13 Record, while carrying an ERA well north of 5 in the last 2 campaigns. Can he reinvent himself at 36 (about to be 37 in May of 2014)? It may just be the Phils can’t afford to give him a new contract?
By Chris Creighton (Phillies Correspondent via http://www.oldcitybaseball.com – visit his website here) Follow @phillybeerchris
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Uncertainty. It’s an extremely ominous word among Philadelphia baseball fans because throughout the Phillies organization, there seems to be plenty of it.
Sounding the word out syllabically slow brings about an uncomfortable feeling flooding through my brain and because its plague-like presence is felt when pondering the Phillies future, the reality sets in that it may be a few years before this team can rise to an elite level once again.
The starting staff, the bullpen, the first baseman, the closer, and the outfield are all enormous question marks as the 2013 season comes to a close today.
Roy Halladay’s Perfect Game 2009
Jayson Werth Has Led The Charge To The Nationals Fringe Playoff Chance
The Nationals have been compiling a bunch of Curly W’s lately. The team now sits at 77 – 69, and have an outside chance to put a scare into the Reds by only having a 5.5 Games Deficit for the 2nd Wild Card Slot. Washington has a 10 Game Home stand starting tonight vs PHI (3 gms), ATL (4 gms) + MIA (3 Games). The team will probably have to win 9 games, as then they head on the road for their last 6 games @ STL (3 Games) and ARI (3 Games), and will likely need 4 more wins there. If they go 13 – 3 in their last 16, then they better hope the Reds go 7 -8 (or worse) to force a playoff game.
By David Huzzard (Nationals Correspondent via Citizens of Natstown.com – view website here): Follow @davidhuzzard
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Back when Werth signed a seven year $126 million contract to come to Washington, one of the biggest criticisms was that he wasn’t a middle of the order bat. That he only succeeded in the Phillies line-up because he had Utley and Howard batting in front of him.
In the first year of the contract that appeared to be the case as Werth batted a disappointing .232/.330/.719, and looked more like a bottom of the order bat than anything else.
2012 saw Werth injure his wrist early on, return as the lead-off hitter, and do an excellent job in getting on base, but the power wasn’t there as he had an ISO of only .140. His lowest since 2005.
Jayson Werth Highlights – Mature Lyrics So Parental Guidance Is Advised
Pressure Building For Pirates; Cardinals Winning Again – But Face Tough Schedule Coming Up
The Cardinals are only (12-15) since the All-Star Break in mid-July, far off the pace from their Major-League leading (57-36) record in the first half of the season. However, the recent series win over the Pirates gives the fans hope that the Cardinals can overcome their tough month and still win the NL Central Division.
By Landen Crouch (Cardinals Correspondent) Follow @LandenCrouch
Early last week, the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates twice in a crucial mid-August three-game series.
It was most definitely a thrilling series that saw two extra-inning walk-off singles (one on Tuesday by Adron Chambers in the 14th inning, and one Thursday afternoon by Matt Holliday in the 12th inning).
The Cardinals definitely could have used a sweep in the series, but two out of three is the next best thing.
Over the weekend, the Cardinals took two of three on the road against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. And then they topped that off with a come-from-behind win at Miller Park on Monday night to beat the Brewers 8-5.
Cardinals Walk-Off On Pirates in 12th:
A Preview Of The 2014 San Francisco Giants Starting Pitching Staff
Matt Cain is struggling this season to say the least. He has games where he can be most dominant pitcher in baseball, then other games where he struggles to make it through five innings. He has a 4.35 ERA in 153 innings pitched while giving up 19 HRs. This mediocre season is cause for concern, since he now makes at least $20 MIL per year from 2013 – 2017, with a $7.5 Buyout in 2018, or one more year at $21 MIL. Perhaps winning 2 of the last 3 World Series, and logging over 600 + IP combined in that time frame is beginning to take its toll. I would bet on Cain to have a big bounce back campaign in 2014.
Bernie Olshansky (Baseball Writer): Follow @BernieOlshansky
At this point in the season, it is pretty safe to say that the San Francisco Giants will not be playing beyond September.
This year has been a big disappointment for the defending World Champs, collapsing big time before the All Star Break.
Coming into 2013, the Giants had basically the same team that won the 2012 World Series. The performance though, compared to 2012, was night and day.
The biggest difference in the team’s performance from 2012 is undoubtedly the pitching.
Matt Cain was the undisputed ace of the staff in 2012, throwing a perfect game and posting a 2.79 ERA.
Ryan Vogelsong and Madison Bumgarner both had a 3.37 ERA. Even Barry Zito had a tolerable season, going 15-8 with a 4.15 ERA – including a huge unbeaten streak – that carried through the 2013 Post Season..
This year, a 4.15 ERA would be acceptable for any pitcher in the rotation not named Bumgarner. Madison Bumgarner has been the one bright spot for the staff this year, carrying a 2.73 ERA.
Cain has a 4.35, Zito a 5.34, Vogelsong a 6.75 (he spent some time on the DL with a finger injury), and Lincecum a 4.38.
Prince Fielder’s Consecutive Games Streak Is Haunting The Team
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Prince Fielder was signed to a 9 YR/$214 MIL contract before the start of the 2012 season. With the Tigers thus far, he is not Slugging as much as his Brewers days, however his OBP is just slightly lower. Fielder has an opportunity to have a Hall of Fame Career. If he can bring a World Series to Detroit, he will enhance his chances. Heading into play today, He has played 461 games in a row – and has held the longest active streak since May.15/2012. He took over the ranks when Matt Kemp went out of the lineup for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Apparently, this streak is very important to Fielder, but at what cost can he hold it against Jim Leyland and Dave Domnbrowski if they want to have the big guy take a game off?
By Matthew Lafave (Tigers Correspondent) Follow @MatthewLafave
When Prince Fielder inked his monstrous 9 year/$214 million deal back in January of 2012, the Tigers knew exactly what they were getting: a very good hitter in his prime.
At the time of the signing, Fielder was hitting a career .282 with 230 home runs and 656 RBIs.
But the Tigers were also getting a little 181 consecutive game streak. Not too major at the time but following Tuesday night’s game against the White Sox, the streak now sits at 461 games.
Fielder once had a streak of 327 games but eventually ended due to flu-like symptoms on September 13, 2010. That was also the last game he missed.
A Look Back At Ken Griffey Jr.’s Time As A Mariner
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Former Mariners great, Ken Griffey Jr. walks in from center field as he is introduced during a ceremony inducting him into the Seattle Mariners Hall of Fame prior to the game against the Brewers at Safeco Field on August 10, 2013 in Seattle.
Sam Evans ( Baseball Writer and Marlins, Mariners Correspondent): Follow @RJA206
Ken Griffey Jr. is without a doubt the greatest player in the history of the Seattle Mariners. From his breathtaking defense in center field, to the 417 home runs he hit with the franchise,
“The Kid” truly was a five-tool talent and one of the most electrifying players in the game. While his career might not have ended perfectly, Mariners fans will never forget what he did to help bring playoff baseball to Seattle.
In honor of Griffey being just the seventh player inducted into the Mariners Hall of Fame on Saturday, here’s a look back at Griffey’s thirteen seasons in Seattle.
San Diego Padres In 2014: Maybe Without Headley And Volquez?
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Triple Play Podcast Special Trade Deadline Edition
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One trade that could be exemplary of what the Padres need to do is the Hunter Pence trade from the Astros to the Phillies. The Phillies had an abundance of young prospects, and the Astros were in a situation similar to that of the Padres. The Astros got Jarred Cosart, Jonathan Singelton, and Josh Zeid for Pence, cash, and a PTBNL. Headley might not carry the same value that Pence did at the time, but I’m sure that the Padres could get a similar deal to the one that the Astros got.
Bernie Olshansky (Baseball Writer): Follow @BernieOlshansky
After the San Diego Padres looked promising in the early months of 2013, the team has finally come back down to Earth.
The team looked like it might contend for an NL West title – or a Wild Card about 45 games into the season, but from then on, the season went downhill.
In this feature, I’ll discuss at what the team could look like next year if Chase Headley and Edinson Volquez wind up elsewhere.
This year, Chase Headley has not been anywhere close to what he was in 2012.
Last season, the Padres third baseman was a legitimate MVP candidate, driving in 115 runs (Led NL – and had 73 after the ALL – Star Game) and hitting 31 HR.
This season, he started off on the DL and came back to hit only 8 HRs with 33 RBI while only hitting .238. This performance is a far cry from 2012.
MLB Player Profile: Mariners Pitcher Erasmo Ramirez
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Erasmo Ramirez has a career 3.92 FIP in 69 MLB innings pitched. While he was putting together a decent campaign during the 2012 year (with a WHIP of 1.00 – and an ERA of 3.36). The 2013 has not been as kind – with an ERA of 8.71, based on his 2 Game Starts this season, despite yielding a 1 – 0 record thus far.
Sam Evans ( Baseball Writer and Marlins, Mariners Correspondent): Follow @RJA206
Aside from Felix Hernandez and Hisashi Iwakuma, the 2013 Seattle Mariners starting rotation has been far from consistent.
Fortunately for them, Erasmo Ramirez, who has just been recalled, should be able to provide quality innings for a team that is definitely in need of pitching.
Ramirez, 23, has already had ten career MLB starts but elbow soreness at the start of this season has prevented him from really taking off in the Majors.
With his outstanding control and four impressive pitches, Ramirez should turn into a valuable middle of the rotation arm for Seattle in years to come.
Felix Hernandez To Represent The Mariners In The 2013 All-Star Game
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KIng Felix is one of the main reason experts now pay more attention to Pitcher’s peripheral stats to decipher whether or not he is ‘CY Young Worthy’ based on his 2009 AL Cy Young Award Winning Season. Despite a 13 – 12 record, he lugged 249.2 IP, carried an ERA of 2.27 in the AL – and a WHIP of 1.057. His 13 Wins were the fewest wins ever by a Cy Young Winner. The 9 year veteran will be in New York City tonight for the ALL – Star Game.
The young Mariners roster has a lot of talented, exciting players competing at an All-Star type level at the moment, but almost all of those players haven’t been this way for long enough to be considered for the All-Star Game.
Felix Hernandez, 27, has been the same pitcher in 2013 that Mariners fans have loved watching over the past nine years. His 4.2 WAR and 138.2 outstanding innings pitched are numbers that can rival practically any pitcher in the game today
. For this reason, Felix Hernandez will be the Mariners lone representative, heading to his fourth All-Star Game.
Yasmani Grandal: Out For The 2013 Season
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Yasmani Grandal has been a big disappointment for the San Diego Padres. He was suspended for PED use in 2012 and was injured in 2013.
Bernie Olshansky (Baseball Writer): Follow @BernieOlshansky
When the San Diego Padres traded Mat Latos for Yasmani Grandal (among others), the team was hoping they would get a lot more out of him than they currently are. Grandal was suspended for PED use, and has only played in 28 games this year.
Unfortunately he will not play any more games in 2013 due to an injury to his ACL and MCL. In this piece, I will talk about the possible impact that Grandal’s departure has on the Padres.
When the Padres traded for him, they were hoping to get an everyday catcher with production down the road similar to that of Yadier Molina or Buster Posey. So far, it looks like that is very wishful thinking. Grandal is 24 years old.
In his two-year career, he has played in just 88 games. In a few years, the best-case scenario is the Padres looking back on this as a slow start. But for now, it hurts.
Five Cardinals Named To The National League All-Star Team
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All five of these Cardinals are absolutely well deserving of the honor to be called National League All-Stars. These five players are crucial to the success of the St. Louis Cardinals have lived up to the pressures that lie with being a St. Louis Cardinal. They always seem to find a way to get the job done and be respectable leaders in the club house. With these guys around, the future of the St. Louis Cardinals is very bright. The Major League Baseball All-Star Game can be seen on FOX, Tuesday night at 8:00 PM ET.
By Landen Crouch (Cardinals Correspondent) Follow @LandenCrouch
One week ago, Major League Baseball released the rosters for the 2013 MLB All-Star Game, which will be held in New York City. On the roster for the National League are five members of the St. Louis Cardinals, the most representatives by any single team for the 2013 mid-summer classic.
Catcher, Yadier Molina; First Baseman, Allen Craig; Second Baseman, Matt Carpenter; Outfielder, Carlos Beltran; and Pitcher, Adam Wainwright were among those selected to represent St. Louis Cardinals.
So far, 2013 has been a phenomenal year for the Cardinals, heading into the All-Star Break with the best records in all of baseball. So, obviously, some things have gone right for this team.
These five players have been crucial to the success of the St. Louis Cardinals in 2013 and are well deserving of their spots in the game.
National League All-Star Team Announced:
Top Five MLB All Star Game Snubs (AL + NL)
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Bernie Olshansky (Baseball Writer): Follow @BernieOlshansky
Every year there are a number of deserving guys who initially get snubbed out of the All Star Game.
For whatever reason, they just did not get picked. In this piece, I will cover the top five guys from each league that should have made the roster.
Could Manny Still Be Manny?
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Manny Ramirez was last sniffing around the MLB with Oakland last year in the Minors. Technically, he finished his PED suspension from the year before – accrued with the Tampa Bay Rays. Before that, he was with the White Sox, Wait a second??? When was the last time Manny was Manny on the field? You have to go all the way back to his LA Dodgers days. He was exciting that town like someone named Yasiel Puig is now – batting for a 3 slash line of .396/.485/1.232 in 62 Games Played – with 19 HRs and 63 RBI during the 2008 year Mannywood couldn’t lead the Dodgers past the Phils in back to back years for the NLCS. He then resigned in LA, tested positive for PED use, came back – and was traded to Chicago.
By Brooke Robinson (Rangers Correspondent): Follow @bka_9
Most baseball fans have spent the first half of the season watching their favorite teams, as well as getting a good laugh out of the constant YouTube videos coming from Taiwan.
Manny Ramirez, in his short term with the EDA Rhinos, starred in his own version of Mr. Baseball part 2 as a crowd favorite in the Chinese Professional Baseball League.
Ramirez hit 8 Homers, moonwalked to the dugout, and had a hilarious attempt to slide into 2B (and stopped about ten feet short).
But the joke was on Texas Rangers fans on Wednesday, whenever Ramirez signed a minor league contract and was optioned to AAA Round Rock Express.
Manny Ramirez: I’M BACK!
The Cardinals And Pujols Will Be On The Same Field Again
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Albert Pujols led the St. Louis Cardinals in nearly every statistical category for over a decade. He was well on his way to being touted the greatest Cardinal of all-time, which would be a substantial honor given the history of the franchise. But all of that changed when the man from Kansas City shocked the baseball world and packed his backs for Anaheim, California on December 8th, 2011. Since signing the 10 Year Deal with the Angels, Pujols has regressed both years in OPS (.859 in 2012, .752 in 2013 – which pales in comparison to his St. Louis Career OPS of 1.037 – or even his 2011 campaign of a .906 mark. It looks like letting Prince Albert go was a great decision!
By Landen Crouch (Cardinals Correspondent) Follow @LandenCrouch
After a year and a half, 243 regular season baseball games, and 13 Postseason games, the time has finally arrived. The St. Louis Cardinals and Albert Pujols will finally be on the same baseball field again.
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim will host the St. Louis Cardinals at Angel Stadium on Tuesday night at 10:05 ET.
I believe that at this point, Cardinals fans have moved on from the sting of the Pujols situation. This is not the same level of hatred as the LeBron James saga in his return to Cleveland. But, in a way, it is similar.
Pujols signing with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (of California of the United States of North America of the Northern Hemisphere…etc) shocked everyone. No one saw it coming. It was literally as if he packed his bags and snuck out in the middle of the night.
Pujols tells reporter “[St. Louis] is where I wanna be.”
Someone Should Take A 30 AB Flyer On Rick Ankiel: (Even For A 40 Man Sept Roster Spot)
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Rick Ankiel has hit for 76 HRs and a Slash Line of .240/.302/.724 in 1858 Career At-Bats. He is the 1st player to win at least 10 Games a Pitcher and hit 50 HRs in the Major Leagues since Babe Ruth. Ankiel could be used in any of the Outfield Positions as a PH/defensive replacement even if he is not in the starting lineup, he would help just about any MLB Team. This year the man hit .188/.235/.657 – but had 15 XBH (7 HRs, 1 – 3B and 7 2B – with 18 RBI in just 128 AB).
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Rick Ankiel was DFA’d recently by the New York Mets. Since he is one of my favorite players – I nicknamed him “Mr. Mission Impossible” – because he always seems to self – destruct after 30 – 35 AB with a new team.
Cast as one of the biggest underdogs/inspirational stories of ALL – time in the game of baseball I am here to give him his due. I don’t even care if he never plays another inning in the field….or has another AB in the Majors.
The former Pitcher has had a flair for some dramatic moments in his 13 year career as both a hitter and a pitcher.
Top Five MLB Holds Leaders In 2013
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Bernie Olshansky (Baseball Writer): Follow @BernieOlshansky
Depending on the year, we can usually say if it is pitcher-dominant or hitter-dominant. This year, it is very hard to say. One could make the case that the MLB is being dominated by hitters with Miguel Cabrera tallying over 70 RBI before July.
That argument could be helped by the facts that Cole Hamels already has 11 losses and Justin Verlander has a high three ERA. Either way, the season will still go on and pitchers and hitters will still record their statistics.
One statistic that is not looked at or talked about much is the hold. A hold is given when a reliever enters in a save situation, records an out, and leaves the game without having given up the lead, but also does not get a save.
Usually the guys that get the most holds are setup men. In this piece, I’ll take a look at the top five (with a bonus!) holds leaders for the year.
Mitchell Boggs (2012 Holds Leader in some lighter days)
Mariners 2B Nick Franklin Has Been Nothing But Amazing In The Majors
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Tuesday, June 25th, 2013
Nick Franklin’s 140 wRC+ is second among MLB second basemen with at least 100 plate appearances.
Sam Evans (Baseball Writer and Marlins, Mariners Correspondent): Follow @RJA206
Lost among the outstanding debuts MLB rookies like Yasiel Puig and Gerrit Cole has been the terrific play of the Mariners new second baseman Nick Franklin. Franklin has hit for power, played nearly flawless defense, and he’s demonstrated
his fantastic plate discipline. However, most of the baseball world has seemingly looked past what Franklin has done for the Mariners. It’s been quite a while since a shortstop comparable to Franklin has been promoted to the Majors and excelled right away.
Here’s a glance at what Franklin has done for the Mariners, what kind of a player he’ll be in the future, and what role he plays in the Mariners future.
St. Louis Cardinals: Mid-June Report
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Follow @mlbreportsWednesday, June 19th, 2013
The St. Louis Cardinals are 20 games over .500 in their first 70 games. In 2005, the last time the Cardinals won 100 Games in a season, the team also started 45-25. Even after dropping Game #71, the St. Louis team holds the best record in the MLB – and hold a 2.5 Games lead over the Cincinnati Reds in the NL Central.
By Landen Crouch (Cardinals Correspondent) Follow @LandenCrouch
Seventy games down. Twenty games over .500. A record of 18-9 against National League Central Division opponents. The St. Louis Cardinals have been a model of success thus far in 2013.
May was a record-setting month for the St. Louis Cardinals, tying the franchise record for most wins with a whopping 20 victories. So far this season, the St. Louis Cardinals are playing as good of baseball as they have played in years.
They are well on pace for a 100-plus-win season. For Cardinal fans everywhere, this season has been a ton of fun to watch.
Just how good are these St. Louis Cardinals, though?
Cardinals Mash 5 Home Runs In Route Over Diamondbacks:
Mike Carp(e) Diem
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Wednesday June 19th, 2013
Mike Carp was originally a 9th round pick of the New York Mets out of High School in 2004. He made his Major League debut in 2009 with the Mariners at just 22 Years of Age. Over the last 4 years. he has hit for a Career 3 Slash Line of .266/.336/.796 in 650 AB. This is basically a season worth of At-Bats for the man from Long Beach. CA. With those numbers, the LHB has 26 HRs, 38 Doubles and 96 RBI. This pickup by the Red Sox may turn out to be a real bargain of the year.
By Ryan Dana (MLB Reports Writer and Red Sox Correspondent): Follow @ryandana1
I knew I would be devoting an article to this player sooner or later, but what better time than now? From top prospect to not being good enough for The Seattle Mariners 40 man roster, Mike Carp has emerged as a steady contributor to the current 1st place team in the AL East, The Boston Red Sox .
The 6 FT 2, 210 LB OF has been perhaps the most underrated pick up of the past offseason for the Boston Red Sox. At the time there was speculation whether he would even make the team, but questioning his viability as a Major League hitter has been put to rest at this point.
As Spring Training rolled around, the Red Sox were looking for depth at 1st Base behind newly signed Mike Napoli. They got Lyle Overbay into camp to compete for the spot and started giving Daniel Nava reps at the position too.
Then, falling into the Sox laps, came Mike Carp via the Seattle Mariners, the solution to the Red Sox 1B depth. All that was asked in return is the famous ‘PTBNL’ or cash.
Milwaukee Brewers: Analyzing Yovani Gallardo’s Trade Market
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Follow @mlbreportsTuesday, June.18/2013
Gallardo has been a good pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers in his Career. He is 75 – 49 (.605) with a 3.70 ERA. He is coming off two seasons in a row during 2011 and 2012, where he was north of 200 IP. So far this campaign, he has lugged 87.2 IP in his NL Leading 15 Starts. The RHP is in the 4th year of a 5 YR/$30 MIL dollar contract. He will make $7.75 MIL in 2013, $11.25 MIL in 2014 – and there is a $13 MIL Team Option in 2015 – or a 600K Buyout. He will make roughly $15 MIL in his contract for the remainder of this year – and the duration of next years salary.
Jake Dal Porto (MLB Reports Writer) Follow @TheJakeMan24
The inevitable fire sale is looming for the last-place Milwaukee Brewers, and among their collection of tradable pieces, Yovani Gallardo will likely be their most sought out asset.
Gallardo has whirled 14 scoreless innings over his past two starts. The Brewers couldn’t be happier because his trade value is gradually increasing after a brutal start to the season. However, Gallardo’s value wasn’t as high as it once was. It will take a few more scoreless innings before he can get back to that point.
Milwaukee might be wise to hold onto him for another year to see if he can bolster his stock. But that approach also entails negative consequences. He ages a year older, and more importantly, there’s always the chance that his stock is further dented.
So, let’s see what Gallardo’s current market is for this year’s trade deadline:
Yovani Gallardo Highlights – Mature Lyrics so Parental Guidance is Advised.
San Diego Padres: Within Striking Distance
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Tuesday June 18th, 2013
Within the first 12 games of the MLB season, the baseball world, after watching the San Diego Padres struggle, knew the team was headed for yet another rough year. This still might be the case. But, currently, the club sits just one game back from the top of the National League West standings. The team carries a 36 -34 record —a record that many would deem impossible to achieve after watching the team start off 2-10. Bud Black has seen his time ascend to near the top of the NL West by going 34 – 24 in their last 58 games played.
Bernie Olshansky (Baseball Writer): Follow @BernieOlshansky
The NL West is not exactly living up to expectations, though. The Dodgers are having a disaster year with Matt Kemp, the team’s superstar, spending time on the DL. Hanley Ramirez, whom the Dodgers acquired last season to provide offense, has spent all but a few games on the DL. Carl Crawford, who the Dodgers expected to be healthy this year, has also caught the injury bug.
Anthony Rendon: The Nats New Second Baseman Is Proving A New MLB Thought Process About Fielding
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Follow @mlbreportsFriday, June.07/2013
There is some concern over Rendon’s defensive stylings at second. He did make two errors in three games, but minor league errors can be deceiving. Errors in general can be deceptive but minor league fields are not taken care of in the same way as major league fields and often times do not play true. It is also unknown how far he ranged to get to the balls that he made errors on or anything else about how they happened. What is known is that before he was recalled the Nats called AAA manager, Tony Beasley, and asked him if Rendon had the footwork to handle second base. The answer was yes.
By David Huzzard (of the Citizens Of Natstown Website, please visit here for an awesome Nats Website) Follow @davidhuzzard
There is a scene in the movie Moneyball where manager Art Howe refuses to play Scott Hatteberg at first base because he has a first baseman in Carlos Pena and Hatteberg is not a first baseman.
Anthony Rendon is not a second baseman and the Nats have a natural second baseman in Steve Lombardozzi .
The chances that the Nats situation goes the way of the A’s situation is unlikely as Rizzo and Davey have often been in step when it comes to moves.
There have been some recent signs that maybe Davey isn’t too keen on the new guys.
Anthony Rendon Spring Training HR:
MLB Reports 
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