Category Archives: MLB Teams: Articles and Analysis
From the Atlanta Braves to the Washington Nationals, Discussions on All 30 MLB Teams
Reds Outlook For The Rest Of May: And 5 Week Recap Thus Far
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsWednesday May.08, 2013
Tony Cingrani has been filthy dominant in his limited Major League outings. In 29 IP, he is 2 – 0, features a 2.48 ERA – and has blown away 42 Batters for a 13.0/Per 9 IP Strikeout Rate. The Reds wou.ld nb nuts to send this guy anywhere from the Starting Rotation (let alone back to the Minor Leagues) Cingrani was a 3rd Round Draft Pick of the Reds back in the 2011 MLB Amateur Draft. The 23 Year Old from Evergreen IL, is 14 – 6 with a 1.62 ERA during his Minor League Career. The Cincinnati franchise finds yet another young phenom Pitcher for its coffers!
Richie Devotie (Guest Baseball Writer): Follow @MrBaseballMan
Today were are going to take a look at the Reds first five week’s of play. The Reds have a 19-15 record. They sit two games back of the 20-12 St. Louis Cardinals for the NL Central Division. The Reds have five walk off victories out of their 13 home wins.
The 3 slash line for Reds at home is.264/.344/.427 and 22 Home Runs at Great American Ball Park. They have won all five series they have played at GABP. 2-1 vs LA, 2-1 vs WSH, 3-0 vs PHI, 3-1 vs MIA, 2-1 vs CHC.
Away from the Great American Ball Park is a different story for the Cincinnati Reds. They have a 3 slash line of .224/.312/.329. and only 9 Home Runs. The have a 6-10 Road Record. The Only Road series win came in Chicago where they swept the Cubs. 1-2 @STL, 0-3 @PIT, 1-3 @WASH, 1-2 @STL, 3-0 @CHC.
This is Reds Country – Mature Lyrics So Parental Guidance is Advised:
MLB Top Teams 1 – 30 + (Best 200 Stats of 2013)
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsMonday May.06/2013
Matt Harvey with his stellar outings so far this season – may have just become the New York Mets “ace”. Harvey is now 4-0 with a 1.66 ERA. Harvey has pitched 40.1 innings – only given up 21 hits, 12 Walks for a League Leading WHIP of .0818. For his awesome 5 weeks – we name him the MLB Reports NL Pitcher Of The Month
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Stats all Prior to May.06th games.
The time has come for the 1sy May Power Rankings. There will be one each for May, June, July, August, September – and then a special playoff edition Power Rankings will be done in October.
I will not do a weekly Power Rankings during this weeks, because in essence, these are the weekly rankings done on a much larger scale.
These Reports are done with a heavy thought to how the teams project by the end of the season – along with how the clubs have fared so far.
I will point out who has had great months for the all 30 MLB Teams. I reward the good performances in these rankings – and leave the poor ones for the Podcasts or future articles. CLICK THE READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON
Forget About The Ryan Howard Contract: Philly Fans Should Respect Him
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsMonday May.06, 2013
Ryan Howard will need to remain healthy – and be a force in the Phillies lineup for the club to make a charge in the next 5 months of the year. Howard is owed a Minimum of $105 MIL over 4 years (He is paid $20 MIL in 2013, and $25 MIL per year from 2014 – 2016 – with a $23 MIL Team Option – or a Buyout for $10 MIL).
By Chris Creighton (Phillies Correspondent via http://www.warrroomphilly.com – visit the website here) Follow @WARROOMPHLCHRIS
On Friday night, Phillies First Baseman, Ryan Howard, honored his favorite teacher as the Phillies celebrated Teacher Appreciation Night at Citizens Bank Park.
This is nothing out of the ordinary for “The Big Piece”, a nickname he acquired for obvious reasons other than its metaphor which tells us just how important he is to this team and this city.
After all, Ryan Howard is one of the team’s most charitable athletes and most visible volunteers in the community. His dedication to his adoptive city of Philadelphia has been felt through several charities such as Ryan Howard’s Celebrity Servers, his work with the Police Athletic League, and his pride & joy,The Ryan Howard Family Foundation.
The list of donations and events this charity has raised and participated goes on and on. Athletic equipment to city schools, scholarships to student athletes,Winter coats and warm meals for the hungry and indigent during the holidays just to name a few where Howard has touched the hearts of so many in our fine city, like this sweet, young boy this past Friday.
Chase Headley: Contract Talks Or Trade Bait?
Like us on Facebook here
Monday May 6th, 2013
Headley led the NL with 115 RBI in 2012 amongst 31 HRs, he will need to put up monster numbers for the Padres to compete with the NL West teams going forward Chase Headley actually fared well at Petco Park in 2012 – with a 3 Slash Line of .272/.357/.812. He added 13 HRs and 51 RBI. He could potentially hit a few more out this season with the fences newly drawn in.
Bernie Olshansky (Baseball Writer): Follow @BernieOlshansky
For the past few seasons, Chase Headley has been the one guy on the roster that the San Diego Padres can rely on. Last year, he put up MVP-like numbers, hitting 31 HR and driving in 115 runs.
This year, he is really the only guy in the lineup that can truly produce runs. Yonder Alonso has that capability, but he is still a bit raw. Headley is signed to a one-year $8.58 million contract.
He becomes Arbitration-eligible in 2014 and is a Free Agent in 2015. The Padres are faced with a conundrum: should they trade Headley?
This third baseman is 28 years old—about the time when most players enter their prime. With the season we saw from Headley in 2012, I think it is safe to say that he has already entered his prime, and probably has two or three more years similar to 2012 ahead of him.
If the Padres are building for the future, which I sure hope they are, they need to trade Headley right away.
The Mariners Are Playing Great Baseball In The Last 2 Weeks
Like us on Facebook here
Sunday, May 5th, 2013
Dustin Ackley has been hitting the ball with a lot more frequency during the last 2 weeks of play. Due partly to bad luck and partly to bad at bat’s, Ackley got off to a 5-for-49 start in 2013. Fast forward to the present, and the Mariners Second Baseman is hitting .255/.290/.314 with a grand slam off of R.A. Dickey on Saturday. He has hits in 9 of his last 10 games (13 – 36, .361 Batting Average in that time frame – raising him 55 Points overall in his season BA.)
Sam Evans ( Baseball Writer and Marlins, Mariners Correspondent): Follow @RJA206
Believe it or not, the Mariners are one of the hottest teams in baseball right now. After an ugly 8-15 start to the season, the Mariners have won six out of their last eight games, and are two games in front of the Angels in the A.L. West.
It’s unclear how long the Mariners will be able to continue to play this brand of baseball, but for the time being, Seattle is one of the most fun teams to watch in the Majors.
Thanks to young players like Dustin Ackley and Michael Saunders heating up and Hisashi Iwakuma and others shutting down other teams, the Mariners have become a much more dangerous team to face.
No Kyle Lohse In St. Louis – No Problem: Young Pitchers Are Thriving For The Cardinals
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsThursday, May 2nd, 2013
The Cardinals entered Spring Training in 2013 with an open spot for their fifth starter. Shelby Miller took full advantage of the opportunity, posting a record of 2-0 and an ERA of 3.94 in 16.0 IP. The Cardinals are definitely looking toward the future with Miller. At just 22 years of age, he is currently their fifth starter, but has the potential to become the ace of the staff in the matter of a couple of years.
By Landen Crouch (Cardinals Correspondent) Follow @LandenCrouch
If you are interested to know why the Cardinals would be so quick to let their best starter from 2012, Kyle Lohse just walk away to a division rival, you might be interested in this article.
The Cardinals made it very clear when the 2012 season ended that it was unlikely that Kyle Lohse would return to a Cardinal uniform in 2013.
In a year that had Chris Carpenter sitting for an injury and Adam Wainwright in his first year back from Tommy John Surgery, Kyle Lohse emerged in 2012 as the ace of the Cardinals pitching staff. He led the team with a (16-3) record and a 2.86 ERA.
But in the offseason, Lohse hit the Free Agent market asking for a hefty amount of cash. The Cardinals simply were not willing to pay that price. Why, you ask? Because the Cardinals ownership have restructured their Minor League affiliates over the years and are loaded with pitching prospects.
Shelby Miller’s dominant outing against Kyle Lohse and the Brewers:
The Mets Should Call Up Zack Wheeler Right Now!
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsTuesday April.30, 2013
Zack Wheeer was brought to the Mets via Trade for Carlos Beltran. This 6 FT 4 – 185 LB Right Handed specimen was ranked #8 by Baseball America in 2013. Last year, Wheeler was 12 – 8,with a 3.26 ERA. He fanned 148 Batters in 149 Frames with Binghamton (EL) and Buffalo (IL) combined. This year he has struggled in the PCL with hitter friendly parks. Mets fans should not worry, the man can pitch.
Stephon Johnson ( Baseball Writer and Mets Correspondent): Follow @stephonjohnson8
Forget what you heard about his last few starts in Triple-A Las Vegas. It’s time for the New York Mets to bring up pitcher Zack Wheeler.
Forget about the 5.79 Earned Run Average in Triple-A or the 15 Walks in 23.1 Innings playing in the notoriously hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League. Wheeler needs his shot in Flushing and he needs it now…and so do Mets fans.
Who Owns Baseball – Updated April.30/2013
It was a wild night of baseball with many heroes. But only four can own baseball.
Despite the heroics of Brandon Moss and the 19th inning “Stagger off” homer in Oakland, I am declaring that Carlos Corporan of the Houston Astros owned baseball. His double in the first put the Yankees on their heels and his home run helped put them away. And then he showed toughness by staying in the game at catcher after he looked injured trying to take third.
With all due respect to Joe Saunders of the Mariners and Ubaldo Jimenez of the Indians, Oakland’s Brett Anderson owned baseball last night. He came into the game in the 13th inning with a bad ankle and pitched into the 18th. On a night where he knew he had off, he wound up essentially pitching a quality start and all after 10:30PM!
Willin Rosario went 3-4 with a key home run as the first place Rockies blew out the Dodgers in Chavez Ravine 12-2.
And Brewers ace Yovani Gallardo not only pitched seven strong innings but he hit a home run in Milwaukee’s 10-4 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
They all owned baseball on April 29, 2013
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON
Read the rest of this entry
Boston Red Sox Payroll In 2013 + Contracts Going Forward
Like us on Facebook here
Tuesday April.30/2013
The Red Sox dumped about $250 Million in player salaries during the 2012 campaign and have put it to good use. The remarkable thing is, not only did they dump all that salary on the Dodgers, but they also acquired some solid arms that are now honing their skills in Pawtucket. The Red Sox payroll looks much better than it did a year ago.
By Ryan Dana (MLB Reports Writer and Red Sox Correspondent): Follow @ryandana1
As it stands now, the Red Sox payroll is at about $157 Million. Below I will show a list of player salaries which comprise most of the budget.
We must also remember that last summer’s blockbuster deal/salary dump on the Dodgers holds Boston responsible for $3.9 Million of the salaries in 2013 of players they traded away.
On top of that there is about $10 Million that must be figured in for benefits/incentive purposes. This list will be in descending order of salary (average annual salary to be more specific) among players on the Red Sox payroll.
David Ortiz: This Is Our —— city – Mature dialogue so Parental Guidance is a must.
Carl Crawford Is Off To A Surprisingly Hot Start As The Dodgers Leadoff Guy
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsTuesday Apr.30/2013
Outfielder Carl Crawford has been red hot offensively hitting .307 with team leading 4 HRs and 6 RBI. He has been a huge surprise in his comeback season. The former Rays and Red Sox player is hitting far above his Career 3 Slash Line of .293/.333/.706 – by posting a line of .308/.388/906 to date. More importantly than any other statistic – Crawford has crossed home plate 20 times in 25 Games Played in 2013. This would put him on pace for about 130 Runs this campaign. This is lieu of Matt Kemp’s slow start and Hanley Ramirez not being in the lineup at all.
By Enrique Rivera (Dodgers Correspondent) Follow @eriqwiththeq
When the Dodgers acquired Outfielder Carl Crawford last year, they definitely didn’t know what they were getting, it was a pretty much a gamble they were able to afford. With the Dodgers’ new ownership willing to spend the big bucks on big players, this trade seemed like the ideal move to do for General Manager Ned Colleti.
Crawford wasn’t able to perform at all right away after he got traded to the Dodgers as he was rehabbing from his Tommy John Surgery but he was able to get healthy just in time for Opening Day. He has been healthy ever since.
Dodgers’ skipper Don Mattingly right away decided to make Crawford the leadoff hitter since Opening Day and has not disappointed. Through April 29th, 2013, Crawford is hitting .307 with OBP. of .390 (obviously doing his job as Leadoff hitter) with 4 SB and has been caught twice. He has also walked nine times but perhaps the most impressive stat is his team leading 4 HRs.
Slow motion video of Carl Crawford’s Home Run swing
Anthony Rizzo: His Impact On The Chicago Cubs
Like us on Facebook here
Tuesday April 30th, 2013
Rizzo looks in 2013 to improve on his strong short 2012 campaign, in which he hit .285 with 15 HR and 48 RBI. He has struggled to carry a great Batting Average – but has launched 8 HRs and added 19 RBI in just 90 At-Bats heading into Monday Nights action, We at the ‘Reports,’ are calling him the NL Mendoza Line Masher. The AL Mendoza Line Masher is definitely Adam Dunn.
By Bernie Olshansky (MLB Reports Writer): Follow @BernieOlshansky
Over the past few years, Chicago Cubs fans have not had a lot to cheer about. Anthony Rizzo is starting to break this trend. Rizzo was acquired by the Cubs from the San Diego Padres in early 2012.
The team sent Andrew Cashner—most notably—to the Padres and got Rizzo in return along with minor league pitcher Zach Cates.
Rizzo is exactly what the Cubs need in a power-hitting first baseman, and should hold down the position in the years to come. Andrew Cashner was a prized prospect at the time of the trade, but the Cubs evidently thought Rizzo was more talented and held more value.
The Padres wound up with Yonder Alonso to man First Base, so they did not lose a significant amount in the trade.
Anthony Rizzo Highlights and the song “Go Cubs Go”
Bridging The Gap Or Fixing A Leake?
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsMonday, April.29/2013
Chris Heisey has struggled at the plate this season, only batting .173 in 23 games. Now with a hamstring injury, he is on the Disabled List He along with Xavier Paul have been filling the void left by Ryan Ludwick when he went to the DL after being injured on opening day.
by Matt Steinmann (Reds Correspondent) Follow @thesteinmann
Sometimes injuries can cripple a team and other times it can give players an opportunity. With Ryan Ludwick on the DL, Chris Heisey and Xavier Paul have been holding down the fort in Left Field. At the plate, Heisey is hitting .173, with 20 Ks in 23 games, and now finds himself with an injured hamstring.
In 20 games, Xavier Paul is hitting .297 with 10 Ks. On the mound, the Reds haven’t missed a beat with Johnny Cueto on the DL. Tony Cingrani, the 23 year old lefty, has stepped up, which will make the Reds decision even more difficult in when Cueto is ready to return.
So far this season, Mike Leake has a 4.34 ERA, and a 1-1 record. In 5 Game Starts, he’s gone 6 Innings twice, Seven Innings twice, with his last outing being his shortest, 3 Innings. He’s given up Earned Run totals of 4, 5, 0, 2, and 3 respectively.
He’s given up 3 HRs so far this season. Leake is in his 4th season with the Reds, and has won 8, 12, and 8 games in his first 3 season respectively. Those numbers are perfectly fine for any 5th starter in baseball.
Tony Cingrani Highlights April.25/2013 vs the Cubs
Good Start Gone Bad For The White Sox
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsMonday April.29/2013
Any fan of the Chicago White Sox knows that they hit a lot of HR’s. HR’s are a good thing, obviously. Although when it seems like the ONLY way a team can score, some consider it a problem. I wrote earlier in the season that the Sox had gotten of to a good start, going 4-2. They proceeded to get swept by the Washington Nationals, no shame in that, then have struggled ever since.Heading into last Monday, White Sox starting pitchers had 6 consecutive Quality Starts, consisting of a 1.63 ERA and a .201 OPP BA. Based on those stats alone, one would think the Sox went 4-2 in that span, maybe 5-1? Nope, 1-5.
By Brian Madsen (White Sox Correspondent): Follow @brianm731
The Club Struggles To String Together hits in 2013 season
Heading into play Monday night, the club has gone 10 – 14 to start this year – and currently sit behind the KC Royals by 4 1/2 Games right now for the AL Central Division Lead. It doesn’t get easy for the team having to face Darvish and the Rangers on Tuesday night – to kick off a 9 Game Road Trip, where they also visit Kansas City and the New York Mets.
So the White Sox are offensively challenged you ask? Absolutely. In the first game of what turned out to be only a 2 game series with the Minnesota Twins this last week due to cold, Jake Peavy pitched masterfully. But, he took a no-decision in a 2-1 Sox loss.
Game 2 of that series, Gavin Floyd had his best start all season. But, it was all for naught as the Sox offense could only muster 2 Runs, and lost 3-2.
Rewind back a week or so ago when the Sox lost 2 of 3 games in Cleveland. Jose Quintana pitched a gem, throwing 7 scoreless Innings, allowing only one hit, while Striking out 7.
But, the Sox offense was shut down by Justin Masterson, and lost in 10 innings, 1-0. Now, games like this are going to happen throughout a 162 game season.
MLB Power Rankings – Apr.29/2013
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsMonday Apr.29/2013
Papa Grande had led the AL in Games Finished during each of the last 2 seasons (70 in 2011 and 67 Last Year.) he also led the AL in Saves in 2011 with 49. It was a Sept/Oct swoon of a 5.02 ERA that started his troubles – before giving up 6 Earned Runs in 1 combined Inning Pitched between the ALCS and the World Series. He remained unsigned by everyone until the Tigers gave him an incentive laden 1 Year Deal. Valverde nailed down 2 Saves this week and the Tigers have won 4 out of 5 games – including sweeping the Atlanta Braves in Detroit this past weekend.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
With it coming up to the 4 week Report, the biggest mover this week where the Detroit Tigers. Jose Valverde came back to the club, looked trimmed down – and more like his 2011 self compared to when we last saw him. The Motown Boys pasting the Braves over the weekend speaks volumes about their talent.
The worst week went to the Giants – who plummeted from #1 to #11. It has to be concerning for the fans that Matt Cain and Ryan Vogelsong do not look right. Decent start by Tim Lincecum and Barry Zito have been wasted. The club may be lacking the hunger to repeat. I see the whole team having up and down campaigns.
The Toronto Blue Jays may not have plunged down the rankings that much this week, however they have free fallen the most out of any franchise from the start of the year. The projected AL favorite – have started 9 – 17 and are looking up at 4 good teams in the AL East now.
I am predicting they will have a good second half, yet they will not make the playoffs now based on the Jose Reyes injury mostly. John Gibbons also has to be on the hot seat.
Papa Grande’s Contract is purchased
Oakland Athletics Payroll In 2013: A’s Organizational Rosters + Depth Charts – (MLB + MiLB)
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsMonday, Apr.29/2013
How important was Cespedes to The A’s Lineup? They went 82-47 with him in the lineup and 12-21 without him. So far in 2013, the team has gone 10 – 2 with the big Cuban and 4 – 8 without him. Clearly he is the teams MVP.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 and welcome Jeff Kleiner (Salary, Roster and Depth Chart Expert for the MLB) – visit his website here Follow @prosportsroster
You guys are all in for a treat. Jeff Kleiner recently contacted me about a partnership merge for the website. He has developed a site (prosportsrosters.com) that covers all organizational affiliates in the Minors for all of the Major League Baseball Clubs. We are going to combine efforts to bring you the best look at salaries, current 25 Man Player Rosters and Depth Charts for all 30 teams.
Jeff is going to provide the documents in form of spreadsheets and I am going to accompany the posts with deep analysis of what the numbers tell us from my perspective. If you can’t wait for all of my assessments for each club, go and visit Jeff’s website over at http://www.prosportsrosters.com.
In Speaking with Jeff, he is one of the more passionate fans I have come across towards the game of baseball. He spends enough time in updating his MLB Facts for it to be a Full-Time Job. So after the usual Video Clip and READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY button, you will find some serious &*!@?!#!
Jeff updates this page below on a daily basis. After you click on it….Bookmark it. There is a 3 year salary forecast and stats not listed here on this page. Jeff updates these pages daily and these changes include any Roster moves!
For a Full 3 year Salary Outlook plus last years Stats for every player in the Athletics Organization click here
MLB Hard Talk 101 – Can The A’s Do It Again?
The Pitching Artist Formerly Known As Fausto Carmona Needs To Be DFA’d!
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsSunday, Apr.28/2013
Through 5 outings, Hernandez is 1-4 record with a 5.28 ERA in just over 30 IP of work. His kryptonite this season has been the long ball. In almost every start Hernandez gives up at least one long ball – giving up 18 ER in his time thus far in total. One good spot is that even though the sinkerballer is not getting many of those groundballs he is used to, he has been striking hitters out at a good rate. In three out of his five starts, Hernandez has fanned 7 batters and in the other two Game Starts – he punched out at least four per start. He is also walking an average of 3 hitters per start.
By Jake Bullington (Rays Correspondent): Follow @jakeyjake01
Roberto Hernandez, ( AKA Fausto Carmona), was supposed to be insurance for the Tampa Bay Rays this year. The club was supposed to have Jeff Niemann re-assume his spot in the Starting Pitching Rotation – along with David Price, Jeremy Hellickson, Alex Cobb and Matt Moore to round out the top 5.
James Shields and Wade Davis. were dealt away to acquire Wil Myers on the basis of this assumption. However, Niemann was been hurt – and we are still a few weeks away before Chris Archer is brought up for good. Thus the club has had to use the beleagured ex Indians chucker.
Roberto Hernandez lone good start for Tampa Bay:
Cleveland Payroll In 2013: Indians Organizational Rosters + Depth Charts – (MLB + MiLB)
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsSunday, Apr.28/2013
The Indians were one of the top franchises for organizational Drafts, signing players, making trades and having their core players locked up to long term contract during the 1990’s. In the early part of the millennium, they traded several of these players for a new core of players. This time, their return wasn’t as significant. The club prides itself on not making big mistakes on the Free Agent market and developing its own talent. For the first time in 2 decades, the management is really under scrutiny for team operations.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 and welcome Jeff Kleiner (Salary, Roster and Depth Chart Expert for the MLB) – visit his website here Follow @prosportsroster
You guys are all in for a treat. Jeff Kleiner recently contacted me about a partnership merge for the website. He has developed a site (prosportsrosters.com) that covers all organizational affiliates in the Minors for all of the Major League Baseball Clubs. We are going to combine efforts to bring you the best look at salaries, current 25 Man Player Rosters and Depth Charts for all 30 teams.
Jeff is going to provide the documents in form of spreadsheets and I am going to accompany the posts with deep analysis of what the numbers tell us from my perspective. If you can’t wait for all of my assessments for each club, go and visit Jeff’s website over at http://www.prosportsrosters.com.
In Speaking with Jeff, he is one of the more passionate fans I have come across towards the game of baseball. He spends enough time in updating his MLB Facts for it to be a Full-Time Job. So after the usual Video Clip and READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY button, you will find some serious &*!@?!#!
Jeff updates this page below on a daily basis. After you click on it….Bookmark it. There is a 3 year salary forecast and stats not listed here on this page. Jeff updates these pages daily and these changes include any Roster moves!
For a Full 3 year Salary Outlook plus last years Stats for every player in the Royals Organization click here
The 1st half of the Central Division winning Indians 2007
The Texas Pitching Staff In April
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsSunday, April.28/2013
Rookie RHP Nick Tepesch has had an impressive start to the season with 14 SO over 21 Innings Pitched. The 24 Year Old man from Kansas City, Missouri was drafted in the 14th round by Texas in 2010 (same as Grimm). After he spent two years in the Minor League system, never pitching above AA Frisco, he had a career ERA of 3.77, and had only recorded one shutout in his Minor League Career. Once LHP Martin Perez was set back by a hand injury, Tepesch was finally given his chance in the Majors.
By Brooke Robinson (Rangers Correspondent): Follow @bka_9
It’s the last weekend in April, we’re 23 games into the season, and the Texas Rangers are tied for the best record in baseball (16-7). Sounds a little bit like 2012 right?
The strange part is… they didn’t get there with the monster offense of the previous season. For about the first time since 1983- the Rangers have incredible pitching.
Tepesch’s Nearly unhittable on Apr.25/2013 Start
The Miami Marlins Are Clearly The Worst Team In Baseball
Like us on Facebook here
Sunday, April 28th, 2013
Nick Green, 34, has a career .303 OBP in the Majors. He has been forced into duty as the Marlins starting Shortstop with Adeiny Hechavarria on the DL. The Marlins continue to use journeyman Veteran players in many of their main positions. Along with the Houston Astros, Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres, all of them are nearly on pace to lose 100 games this year. This Marlins team might even approach the 1962 Mets for the worst amount of defeats ALL – Time. This club is not doing well at the turnstiles either – drawing just 19600 fans to an MLB Park that is in just its second year (down almost 8 K fans per game from last year.)
By Sam Evans (Baseball Writer): Follow @RJA206
The 2013 Marlins are the most painful team in baseball to watch. With a lineup filled with washed up Major Leaguers – and young players struggling to keep their heads above water in the big league, the Marlins have struggled to score any runs this year. Despite having played 24 games, the club has only managed to hit 7 Home Runs.
The Miami Marlins are without a doubt the worst team in the MLB right now – and the 2013 season is going to be unfathomable experience for even the most optimistic Miami fan, but there are signs of hope in their youth.
Kyle Kendrick Should Have Earned Your Respect By Now
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsSaturday April 27, 2013
Kyle Kendrick has a Career Record of 56-43 (.566) with a 4.22 ERA: He came onto the scene in the middle of the 2007 year and finished 5th in Rookie of the Year Voting, by posting a 10-4 record with 3.87 ERA. Kendrick had 4 straight winning seasons as the 5th man out of the rotation – before narrowly missing a 5th straight year last campaign (11 -1 2, 3.90 ERA). Kendrick has also seen some spot duty in the Bullpen for the franchise in his days.
By Chris Creighton (Phillies Correspondent via http://www.warrroomphilly.com – visit the website here) Follow @WARROOMPHLCHRIS
Kyle Kendrick is only 28 years old. Seems like he’s been here forever and probably unfairly to many fans, it’s kind of the same as when the office know-it-all or socially inappropriate joke-teller never gets fired and continues to work next to you for a few years.
It feels like an eternity because he just won’t go away and probably doesn’t plan to anytime soon, collecting his weekly paycheck and pouring the dollars on top of his 401k.
Naturally, the only thing left to do during every work day is to talk about that guy behind his back relentlessly or maybe mockingly doing an impersonation of him from time-to-time.
Kyle Kendrick Was Fake Traded to Japan!
Getting Healthy Could Catch Up To The Braves
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsFriday, April.26/2013
The Braves have weathered many injuries in the early season – and a slump of Jason Heywards 3 Slash Line of .121//269/.519 in 17 Games Played – with only 2 HRs and 5 RBI. Freeman just returned from a strained oblique on Apr.23rd. The First Baseman has had a better start to his year, clutching up for 1 HR and 8 RBI in just 8 Games Played. His 3 Slash so far is .321/.424./924.
By Bob McVinua (Special Guest Braves Writer – visit his website here): Follow @tomahawkchop95
It’s a very rare set of circumstances. One that not many teams in sports will ever experience. Something that appears so positive that it can’t possibly bring a negative or complicated outcome to your franchise. That circumstance is getting healthy.
Baseball teams worry about health from the moment Spring Training begins and they don’t stop worrying about it until the last pitch of October is thrown and a champion is crowned.
The Braves have had their fair share of injuries to begin this season (Jason Heyward – the latest to go down with an appendectomy) but fortunately we have plugged players in there that have been able to experience a great level of success and lead the team to what is now a 15-7 record to start the season, very impressive.
A lot of these injured players will have a home waiting for them when they return, a spot on the diamond and a place in the line up. Freddie Freeman had no trouble fitting back into the line up this nor will Jonny Venters when he returns to the Bullpen later this year.
Braves 2013 Preview Mature Lyrics so Parental Guidance is Advised:
Pittsburgh Pirates 2013 Team Salary, Pirates Roster + Organizational Depth Charts (MLB and MiLB)
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsFriday, Apr.26/2013
The Pittsburgh Pirates organization is looking a lot better over the last few years. They have had 20 Losing season in a row – and are one of the 3 teams to not make the playoffs since the 1994 Player Strike (KC and Toronto) and are the the only National League team to hold this distinction. The club were one of the best franchises around the game of the MLB in the 1970’s. The club has started 13 – 9 in 2013. This pattern has formed over the last few campaigns, – in the NL Central contention until just after the ALL – Star Break – before swooning in 2011 and 2012.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 and welcome Jeff Kleiner (Salary, Roster and Depth Chart Expert for the MLB) – visit his website here Follow @prosportsroster
You guys are all in for a treat. Jeff Kleiner recently contacted me about a partnership merge for the website. He has developed a site (prosportsrosters.com) that covers all organizational affiliates in the Minors for all of the Major League Baseball Clubs. We are going to combine efforts to bring you the best look at salaries, current 25 Man Player Rosters and Depth Charts for all 30 teams.
Jeff is going to provide the documents in form of spreadsheets and I am going to accompany the posts with deep analysis of what the numbers tell us from my perspective. If you can’t wait for all of my assessments for each club, go and visit Jeff’s website over at http://www.prosportsrosters.com.
In Speaking with Jeff, he is one of the more passionate fans I have come across towards the game of baseball. He spends enough time in updating his MLB Facts for it to be a Full-Time Job. So after the usual Video Clip and READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY button, you will find some serious &*!@?!#!
For a Full 3 year Salary Outlook plus last years Stats for every player in the Pirates Organization click here
Pittsburgh Pirates Look at Buc Nation 3 Videos:
Jose Valverde Returns To The Detroit Tigers: Rondon Also Called Up For The Bullpen
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsWednesday, April.24/2013
Valverde was the best option available for a club that is expected to win the American League Central Division – and possibly return to the 2013 World Series. The ‘Closer by committee’ had less than stellar results thus far- and Jim Leyland was not a fan of operating that way. The slimmer 35 Year Old from the Dominican Republic will assume the Finisher’s role immediately – and should be available for game action tonight in Detroit at Comerica Park.
By Matthew Lafave (Tigers Correspondent) Follow @MatthewLafave
Yes, Jose Valverde has returned to the Tigers and will be available as early as Wednesday night.
This all came quite quickly through the evening on Tuesday. After making three appearances for Class A Lakeland, Valverde was expected to join the Toledo Mud Hens to get some extra extended work before possibly joining the Tigers.
But Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski decided to skip some steps.
Jose Valverde 2011 Highlights – Mature Content so Parental Guidance is advised:
San Diego Padres 2013 Rotation: What To Make Of It?
Like us on Facebook here
Wednesday April 24th, 2013
Volquez is coming off an up-and-down year with the Padres. He went .500 with an 11-11 record and had an average ERA at 4.14. He should be prepared for the 2013 season as he threw against real competition in the 2013 WBC so he’ll already have all of his stuff developed for the duration of 2013.
Bernie Olshansky (Baseball Writer): Follow @BernieOlshansky
The San Diego Padres currently have one of the most boring Starting Rotations in all of baseball. I cannot think of a rotation with more average pitchers than the one the San Diego organization has.
If someone presented me with the statistics of each pitcher in the Padres rotation, I probably would not be able to discern between the number one and five starters. The ace of the Padres — if we can call him that — is Jason Marquis. So far this season in four games, he has a 4.63 ERA to go with a 1-2 record.
Now some pitchers do get off to rough starts, so we cannot judge him based on his ERA and record. But, after looking further into Marquis, I found that his career ERA is 4.60. Is this really the career ERA a team would want for their “ace”?
Tyson Ross, whom the Padres acquired from the A’s was penciled in and made three starts in the five-slot in the rotation. Ross recently went on the 15-day DL with a left shoulder subluxation.
This year, Ross made three starts, none of them more than 5.1 Innings. Although Ross has a solid 3.86 ERA through those starts, it is unlikely that he will keep this up.
Edinson Volquez at the 2013 WBC:
As Nats Battle Tough Sked – A New ? Arises: Who Will Be The Future 2B: Rendon Or Espinosa?
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsWednesday, Apr.24/2013
Danny Espinosa had best start producing for this talented Washington Nationals club – with the likes of Anthony Rendon looking for a position to overtake. The 25 Year Old has started the campaign at a 3 Slash Line of .176/.222/.556 -even though he has cutdown his SO so far.
During the course of a baseball season there are going to be ups and downs, and for the past week and a half I have written that reality far too much. The Nats started the season with a tough stretch that doesn’t end until June.
Consider for a moment that between April 1 and May 31 the Nats play 33 games against teams that were over .500 in 2012 – and only 22 afterwards. They play more games against team that had winning records the season before in the first two months of the season than they do in the final four.
That is an odd balance. Combine that with the unseemly amount of errors and irregular Bullpen play – and it is a recipe for a slow start, or exactly the start the Nationals are off to.
It was the effort by the Nationals in a while – and they ended up losing a one run game. During the course of the season those are the types of games that even out. It is unusual for a team, good or bad, to have a record much above or below .500 in one run games. Read the rest of this entry
Patrick Corbin’s Confidence Creates Success For Arizona’s Starting Rotation
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsTuesday, April.23, 2013
The Arizona Diamondbacks have great tandem in the 4th and 5th slots in their rotation.Wade Miley and Patrick Corbin have been as reliable as you can get with pitchers that are in the bottom part of their rotation.The two pitchers are undefeated this season – and look to be part of the future for Arizona. They provide some depth to the rotation.
By Chris Lacey (Baseball Writer) Follow @aecanada12
The Arizona Diamondbacks knew that their starting rotation was going to be a strength for the club this season, but there are two pitchers who have performed better than they were expected to. The front-end of the Starting Rotation includes; Ian Kennedy, Trevor Cahill, and Brandon McCarthy.
They have pitched good, but not great in their starts this season. These 3 Starters were expected to carry the rotation, and help Arizona reclaim the NL West Division Title. The three pitchers that Arizona has in the front part of their rotation have under-performed in their starts this season.
Diamondbacks’ Wade Miley Tells A Joke On Intentional Talk. Mature Lyrics – Parental Guidance Is Advised
Arizona Diamondbacks Third Week In Review
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsMonday, April.22, 2013
The Arizona Diamondbacks got off to a great start at 8-4, but have recently cooled off. They have struggled on offense in key situations late in ballgames. They are ale also missing some key members from their line up. The team has also encountered some hot teams and one of the tougher schedules in terms of playing team with winning records thus far. Arizona is 2 – 1 vs STL, 3 – 0 vs MIL, 1 – 2 vs PIT, 1 – 2 vs NYY and 1 – 2 vs the Colorado Rockies. All of these teams have a +.500 record. The only team is the LA Dodgers (who they are 2 – 1 against this year, 8 – 10 overall – and were above .500 when they played them.) The DBacks sit in 3rd in the NL West, 3 Games Behind the Colorado Rockies heading into play Monday night.
By Chris Lacey (Baseball Writer) Follow @aecanada12
The Arizona Diamondbacks started off the season great by going 8-4 in their first 12 games. They were going to face a challenge in the third week of the season by staring a nine game road trip.
They were going to face The New York Yankees, Colorado Rockies, and San Francisco Giants. These three teams each represent a different degree of difficulty for Arizona.
The Yankees can score plenty of runs in short time frame because of their ability to hit HRs. The Rockies have a lineup that is strong top to bottom. The Giants have a great bullpen with an offense that is improving each game.
Arizona Diamondbacks 2013 Intro Video. Mature Lyrics – Parental Guidance Is Advised:
MLB Weekly Power Rankings – Week 3
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsMonday Apr.22/2013
The Giants have gutted out a 12 – 7 record despite Matt Cain being 0 – 2 with a 7.15 ERA, and Ryan Vogelsong featuring an early season ERA of 5.89. Buster Posey is also off to a slow start. This team has so much depth and talent, I see nothing that will stop this club from taking their 3rd NL West Division crown now that the LAD have had severe injury problems to their Starting Rotation. The Giants take their rightful spot as #1 in the MLB Reports Weekly Rankings thids week.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
The Major League Baseball Season is roughly 10% over and we are seeing some trends and patterns. The next time you wonder why games are so long in the game right now, look no further than there are about 150 hitters that are currently on pace to Strikeout 100 plus times this season.
Other Notes:
The Cincinnati Reds won every game this past 7 days, after losing every day the week prior. This is simply why they shot up the rankings. I think the NL Central is the weakest Division this year. It was my prediction that the oldest professional baseball club would run away with this Division by at least 10 games.
Shin-Soo Choo and Joey Votto are on the Basepaths at all times – carrying an OBP of over .500 plus each. Votto is starting to drive the ball with authority too. Brandon Phillips, Todd Frazier and Zack Cozart are driving in Runs at an incredible rate.
Look for BP Follow @DatdudeBP to be a dark horse NL MVP candidate.
Brandon Phillips Talks about Winter Workouts:
Boston Strong
Like us on Facebook here
Monday, April.22/2013
While many people weren’t giving the Red Sox a chance in the AL East this season, the Red Sox were just taking a 2 game lead in the stacked division. I have a feeling this is a team you should never count out.
By Ryan Dana (MLB Reports Writer and Red Sox Correspondent): Follow @ryandana1 with an assist to Kyle Holland (Boston native) Follow @thekholland13
As I’m sure you can imagine, writing this weeks Red Sox article was a little difficult. Figuring out what to say after a tragedy like what Boston has experienced over the past week is no easy task. I’ll just roll with the theme of the City and the Team over the past week. Boston Strong.
The Red Sox have stuck by their city and the rest of baseball has been great amidst this week’s events. The Red Sox are giving a hurting community something to root for.
Outside of the Red Sox organization other teams have also showed their support for the City of Boston after the tragic events at the Boston Marathon.
Just one example would be the Red Sox’ biggest rivals, the New York Yankees, playing Red Sox favorite “Sweet Caroline.” It doesn’t stop there though.
Other teams including the Chicago White Sox, the Cincinnati Reds,the Oakland A’s, and the San Francisco Giants also played “Sweet Caroline.” A little stranger, but just as meaningful, the Milwaukee Brewers played the theme song from the Boston based show “Cheers.”
And perhaps the greatest gesture of them all, after the Red Sox beat the Indians 7-2 on Tuesday evening the staff at Progressive Field played “Dirty Water,” the song played at every Red Sox win at Fenway Park. That’s not all Boston fans are cheering about: Winning keeps Red Sox Nation cheering night after night.
The team has been off to a strong start this season leading the AL East with a record of 12-4 after play on 4/20 thanks to another masterful performance by Clay Buchholz and a clutch Home run by Daniel Nava. They’re currently riding a 7 game winning streak.
Neil Diamond shows up unannounced to sing “Sweet Caroline” to Boston fans:
The Astros Are Making Player Moves And Are 4 – 5 In The Last 9 Games
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsSaturday, April.20/2013
Brett Wallace had struggled something fierce to start this year before his most recent demotion to the Minor Leagues. At Age 26, he is nearing the end of his rope with the Astros. He has a Career 3 Slash Line of .243/.316/.682 – with 16 HRs and 66 RBI in 743 At-Bats. Not encouraging numbers. He was acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays during the 2010 season for OF Anthony Gose. At least Gose hasn’t accomplished much with the Canadian franchise yet.
By Richard Perez (Astros Correspondent visit the StrosBros Website here): Follow @yokorick
After seven games played, 17 Strikeouts, and one hit in 27 Plate Appearances, the Astros optioned First Baseman Brett Wallace to Triple-A Oklahoma City, and it comes a great news to me. I feel that Brett Wallace is on limited time in the Major Leagues and that he just isn’t going to pan out to be the highly touted prospect he once was.
He’s had somewhat of a successful tenure in Houston, but I feel compelled to believe that he was transferred around from one organization to the next while never making an appearance at the Major League level is one of the more pieces of condemning evidence from early on the Brett Wallace was doomed to be a dud
Astros Struggle in the 2013 Year:
MLB Reports 
You must be logged in to post a comment.