Blog Archives
Who Owned Baseball July 7, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
CHARLIE RIEDEL/AP
Alex Gordon compiled 7 hits over the two games of a double header sweep by Kansas City. Game 1 he went 3 for 4 with a homer and 2 RBI as the Royals walked off against Tampa Bay 9-5. He singled 3 times and doubled, driving in 4 in the 7-1 night cap victory.
Andrew Heaney pitched into the 8th in Coors Field, allowing just 2 runs and walking no Rockies batter as the Angels took the 10-2 laugher.
Joey Votto singled, doubled and homered, scoring 2 and driving in 3 as the Reds beat the Nationals, 5-0.
Johnny Cueto threw a complete game 2 hit shutout, striking out 11 and walking 1 Washington batters as Cincinnati rolled, 5-0.
They all owned baseball on July 7, 2015.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball July 6, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
EZRA SHAW/GETTY IMAGES
Jon Niese shutout the Giants over 8 innings, allowing 3 hits and 2 walks and earned the 3-0 decision for the Mets.
Chris Sale‘s streak of double digit strikeout games ended. But he threw a complete game victory for the White Sox letting up 6 hits, 2 runs and no walks against 6 Blue Jays strikeouts in the 4-2 final.
Howie Kendrick doubled, tripled and hit two singles, scoring twice and driving in another as the Dodgers won an ugly 10-7 game over Philadelphia.
Preston Tucker celebrated his birthday with a 4 hit day, including a double and a homer, scoring 2 and driving in 2 and leading Houston past Cleveland, 9-4.
They all owned baseball on July 6, 2015.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball July 5, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
STEPHEN DUNN/GETTY IMAGES
Wilmer Flores gave the Mets offense a much needed spark, going 4 for 5 with a pair of doubles and 3 RBI in the 8-0 defeat of the Dodgers.
Lance Lynn went 7 strong innings, allowing 3 hits, an unearned run and striking out 8 Padres while getting the 3-1 decision for the Cardinals.
Kole Calhoun singled and hit a 3 run homer, driving in 4 in all, and helping the now explosive Angels offense take down the Rangers 12-2.
Erasmo Ramirez pitched 6 strong innings, allowing a 3 hits, a run on a solo homer and walked 3 Yankees in Tampa Bay’s 8-1 victory.
They all owned baseball on July 5, 2015.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball July 4, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
JIM ROGASH/GETTY IMAGES
Clay Buchholz went the distance, allowing 6 hits, 1 run and 8 strikeouts while walking no Houston batters giving the Red Sox a complete game 6-1 victory.
Jeff Locke threw 8 shutout innings, allowing 2 hits and walking no Indians to earn the razor thin 1-0 pitchers duel for Pittsburgh.
C. J. Cron singled, doubled and homered, driving in 6 runs, helping the Angels embarrass the Rangers 13-0.
Kris Bryant homered twice and drove in 6 runs as the Cubs routed the Marlins, 7-2.
They all owned baseball on July 4, 2015.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball July 3, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
JOE ROBBINS/GETTY IMAGES
Carlos Gomez collected 3 hits including a grand slam and 5 RBI as the Brewers took a 12-1 laugher in Cincinnati.
Erick Aybar went 5 for 5, including a doubles, scoring twice and driving in another pair, leading the Angels to an 8-2 victory in Texas.
Gio Gonzalez pitched 7 strong innings, allowing a single run on a solo homer, 5 hits and walking no San Francisco batters, earning the 2-1 decision for the Nationals.
Garrett Richards went into the 8th, finishing with 7 2/3 innings, 1 run, 1 walk and 6 hits and struck out 6 Rangers to earn the 8-2 win for the Angels.
They all owned baseball on July 3, 2015.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball July 2, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
Jeff Chiu – AP
Scott Kazmir pitched 8 shutout 2 hit innings, walking no Seattle batter while striking out 7, earning a 4-0 decision for the A’s.
Alejandro De Aza singled, doubled and tripled, scoring 2 and driving in 4 as the Red Sox blew out Toronto, 12-6.
Jake Arrieta held the Mets to 5 hits, no walks and 1 run while striking out 7 over 8 innings and getting the 6-1 victory for the Cubs.
Neil Walker had a 4 hit day, including a double, while driving in 3 in the Pirates 8-4 win in Detroit.
They all owned baseball on July 2, 2015.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball July 1, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
(AP Photo/Steve Nesius)
Carlos Carrasco came within one strike of completing a no hitter before allowing an RBI single. He finished with 8 2/3 innings, 1 hit, 2 walks, 1 run and struck out 13 Tampa Bay batters and giving the Indians an 8-1 win.
Robinson Cano singled twice, doubled and homered, driving in 3 and led the Mariners to a 7-0 victory in San Diego.
Johnny Cueto pitched 8 solid innings, allowing 4 hits, 1 run, 1 walk and struck out 8 Minnesota batters, earning the 2-1 decision for the Reds.
Neil Walker got 4 hits, including 2 homers, driving in 3 and slugged the Pirates past the Tigers, 9-3.
They all owned baseball on July 1, 2015.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball June 30, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
Matt York – AP Photo
Howie Kendrick got 4 hits, including a double and a go ahead 10th inning homer to lead the Dodgers to a 6-4 win in Arizona,
Mitch Moreland reached base 3 times including a pair of homers, driving in 4, as the Rangers topped Baltimore 8-6.
Jordan Zimmermann pitched 7 2/3 shutout innings, allowing 6 hits and no walks while striking out 6 Braves and earning the 6-1 decision for Washington.
Mike Montgomery took a no hitter into the 7th and finished with a complete game 1 hit shutout, his second complete game shutout in a row and in only 6 career games for Seattle, blanking the Padres 5-0.
They all owned baseball on June 30, 2015.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball June 29, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
(Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
Billy Hamilton reached base 4 times, scored 3 runs and stole four bases, helping the Reds win a wild 11-7 game against Minnesota.
Mike Trout walked, stole a base, homered and made a pair of highlight catches that prevented the Yankees from scoring at least 2 runs and led the Angels to a 4-1 victory.
Cody Anderson retired the first 19 Tampa Baybatters he faced and finished with 8 innings, 2 hits, 1 run on a solo shot and no walks for his first big league decision, 7-1 for Cleveland.
Manny Parra‘s 2 innings of perfect relief in the Reds 11-7 was the National League pitching highlight of the night.
They all owned baseball on June 29, 2015.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball June 28, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
KEN GOLDFIELD/NY DAILY NEWS
Steven Matz had a mind boggling major league debut. Not only did he pitch into the 8th inning, finishing with 7 2/3, allowing 2 runs on a pair of solo homers (including a leadoff shot) but he went 3 for 3 with a double and 4 runs batted in to get the decision and be the offensive star in the Mets 7-2 double header clinching victory over the Reds.
Matt Duffy missed the cycle by a single, which he almost got on a video reviewed play that went against him. He finished with a double, triple and homer, helping San Francisco top Colorado 6-3.
Ubaldo Jimenez pitched 8 shutout 4 hit innings, walking none and striking out 7 as the Orioles blanked the Indians 4-0 and won both games of their double header.
James McCann got 2 hits including a 9th inning walk off homer leading the Tigers to a 5-4 come from behind win against the White Sox.
They all owned baseball on June 28, 2015.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball June 27, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
(Darren Calabrese/The Canadian Press via AP)
Yovani Gallardo ran his scoreless streak to 23 innings as he took a shutout into the 9th. He finished with 8 1/3 innings, no runs, 3 hits and 2 walks while getting the 4-0 win for the Rangers in Toronto.
Torii Hunter doubled and hit a pair of homers to lead the Twins past the Brewers, 5-2.
Tom Koehler out dueled Kershaw with 7 innings of 6 hit and 2 run ball while walking none getting the Marlins 3-2 decision over the Dodgers.
Matt Duffy singled, doubled and homered, scoring 3 and driving in 2 as the Giants came from behind to top the Rockies 7-5.
They all owned baseball on June 27, 2015.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball June 26, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Edwin Encarnacion hit 2 homers, including a grand slam, and added another single, driving in 5 as the Blue Jays stampeded over the Rangers, 12-2.
Edinson Volquez pitched 7 innings, allowing 3 hits, 1 walk and 1 run, earning the 5-2 Royals win over Oakland.
Carlos Gonzalez went 5 for 5 with a double and a triple, scoring 3 and driving in another, helping the Rockies top the Giants, 8-6.
Noah Syndergaard pitched 8 strong innings, allowing 5 hits, 1 run and no walks, giving the Mets a much needed 2-1 win over the Reds.
They all owned baseball on June 26, 2015.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball June 25, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
Gene J. Puskar – AP
Brandon Phillips singled, tripled, stole a base, made a circus throw to start a double play and hit the game winning homer in the 13th inning to lead Cincinnati to a 5-4 victory in Pittsburgh.
Jose Altuve hit a single and 2 doubles and stole a pair of bases, scoring 3 of the Astros runs in their 4-0 win over the Yankees.
Jacob deGrom gave the Mets a desperately needed win with 8 shutout innings, allowing 4 hits and no walks while striking out 7 Brewers in the 2-0 final.
Dallas Keuchel wiggled out of a 9th inning jam to complete a masterful 6 hit, 1 walk shutout, striking out 12 Yankees as the Astros won 4-0.
They all owned baseball on June 25, 2015.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball June 24, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
(AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)
Marco Estrada, partially aided by some spectacular infield defense, pitched a perfect game until there was one out in the 8th when he allowed an infield hit. He finished 8 2/3 sparkling shutout innings, allowing 2 hits, no walks while striking out 10. He would get a no decision but the Blue Jays won in Tampa Bay, 1-0.
Brett Lawrie went 3 for 5 including a grand slam to lead the red hot A’s to an 8-2 blowout against Texas.
Jimmy Nelson allowed 2 hits, including a solo homer, and 1 walk over 8 innings, earning the 4-1 decision for Milwaukee over the Mets.
Yasmany Tomas collected 4 hits, drove in a run and scored the go ahead run in the Diamondbacks come from behind 9th inning rally to top the Rockies 8-7.
They all owned baseball on June 24, 2015.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball June 23, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
Erika Schultz / The Seattle Times
Mike Montgomery pitched a complete game 4 hit shutout, striking out 10 and walking no Royals batters as Seattle rolled, 7-0.
Carlos Correa singled, doubled, homered, scored 3 times, drove in 4 and provided sparkling defense, helping Houston crush the Angels, 13-3.
Jason Hammel pitched a shutout into the 8th inning, finishing with 7 2/3, allowing 2 hits and 2 walks. He got a no decision but the Cubs walked off against the Dodgers, 1-0.
Nolan Arenado homered twice, driving in 4, helping the Rockies top the Diamondacks 10-5.
They all owned baseball on June 23, 2015.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball June 22, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
Brad Penner – USA Today Sports
Maikel Franco got 4 hits including 2 homers and drove in 5 runs to help the Phillies top the Yankees 11-8.
Albert Pujols homered twice and walked, driving in 3 runs as the Angels snuck past Houston 4-3.
Travis Wood came out of the bullpen to throw 3 1/3 shutout innings, allowing 1 hit and striking out 4, earning the 4-2 decision for the Cubs over Kershaw and the Dodgers.
Hector Santiago threw 6 solid innings with 2 hits, 1 walk and 1 run. The bullpen blew his lead but the Angels would go on to beat the Astros 4-3.
They all owned baseball on June 22, 2015.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball June 21, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
Anthony Gruppuso USA TODAY Sports
J. D. Martinez crushed 3 homers, driving in 6 runs as the Tigers rolled against the Yankees, 12-4.
Yasmani Grandal got 3 hits, including a pair of homers, to help the Dodgers avoid a sweep and crush the Giants 10-2.
Scott Kazmir pitched a shutout into the 8th, giving the A’s 7 1/3 innings allowing a single run in a tense 3-2 win against the Angels.
Jake Arrieta threw a complete game 4 hit shutout with no walks and 7 strikeouts, leading the Cubs past the Twins 8-0.
They all owned baseball on June 21, 2015.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball June 20, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
Rob Carr, Getty Images
Max Scherzer came within one pitch of a perfect game, finishing with the second no hitter for the Nationals since moving from Montreal. He struckout 10 Pirates and walked none, hitting Tabata with 2 strikes and 2 out.
Randal Grichuk doubled and homered twice, driving in 4 as the Cardinals steam rolled the Phillies, 10-1.
Jesse Hahn pitched into the 8th, finishing with 7 2/3 innings, 1 run, 4 hits and 4 strikeouts getting the 4-1 decision over the Angels in Oakland.
Alex Rodriguez continued his magical weekend by driving in 5 runs, getting on base 3 times and homering in the Yankees 14-3 drubbing of the Tigers.
They all owned baseball on June 20, 2015.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball June 19, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
Mark J. Terrill – AP
Buster Posey reached base 4 times, stole a base and hit a go ahead grand slam as the Giants slugged past the rival Dodgers 9-5.
Albert Pujols doubled and hit a go ahead grand slam as the Angels stunned the A’s with a wild 12-7 come from behind victory.
Joe Ross stopped the red hot Pirates with 7 1/3 innings, allowing 1 run and 1 walk while striking out 11, earning the 4-1 decision for Washington.
Phil Hughes pitched 8 innings allowing 2 hits, one being a solo homer, and won the 7-2 game for the Twins over the Cubs.
They all owned baseball on June 19, 2015.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Who Owned Baseball June 18, 2015 (Daily AL/NL Pitcher + Hitter MVP’s) + 2015 #WOB Standings
Christian Petersen / Getty Images
C. J. Wilson threw 8 strong innings, allowing 1 run while striking out 9 and walking no Arizona batters for an Angels 7-1 win.
Zack Greinke pitched 7 shutout innings, striking out 8, 4 hits and no walks. He did not get the decision but the Dodgers got the 1-0 balk off win.
Preston Tucker doubled and homered, driving in 3 helping the Astros top Colorado 8-4.
Ryan Howard got 2 hits, including a 2 run homer that drove in all the Phillies runs, and made a diving stop in a 2-1 victory over Baltimore.
They all owned baseball on June 18, 2015.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings, plus see who gained 1/2 WOB’s – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON OR SCROLL DOWN.
Boston Red Sox Organization: 2013 Team Payroll, Depth Charts + Rosters, (MLB + MiLB)
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsThursday, June.27/2013
The Boston Red Sox started out the season 21 – 8 after their 1st 29 games, they have since gone 26 – 25, can they rectify their recent pedestrian play and hold off their 4 Division Counterparts to make the playoffs?
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 Red Sox Organization click here.
Anthony Ranaudo Interview: 2010 1st Round Draft Pick and Red Sox Uber-Prospect
Friday January 13, 2012
MLB reports – Jonathan Hacohen: Imagine that you were 6’7″, a chiseled 230 lbs and drafted in the first round (39th overall) in the 2010 MLB draft. Better yet, you were drafted by the Red Sox. This comes after you were drafted by Texas in 2007 but opted to play for a powerhouse school like Louisiana State. To top it all off, you show up to your first professional season of baseball as a 21-year old highly rated pitching prospect and you hold your own against the competition. Impossible dream? Not really…not if your name is Anthony Ranaudo. Going into 2012, Anthony is one of the top rated pitching (and overall) prospects in the game. While he has the resume and strong credentials already, Anthony is not letting anybody hand him anything in baseball. He is working hard to earn his chance and to prove that he belongs in the majors. Red Sox fans are absolutely giddy at the thought of having Anthony in their team’s rotation one day. Can you blame them? There are 29 other major league teams who would grab him for their system in a second. For a kid that grew up a Yankees fan in New Jersey, Anthony’s baseball story certainly took an interesting twist. Now a member of Red Sox nation, Anthony Renaudo is on track to land in Boston in the near future.
Featured today on MLB reports, we are proud to present Anthony Renaudo of the Boston Red Sox:
MLB reports: Welcome to MLB reports Anthony. First question: We have to know the truth. We understand that you grew up a Yankees fans. How did it feel to be drafted by the Red Sox? Was it difficult to give up the love for the pinstripes and join Red Sox nation?
Anthony Ranaudo: Haha… that is actually such a common question with all my family members and friends back home in New Jersey. But once I went to college and saw teammates and guys I played with making it to the big leagues, you become more of a fan of the game rather than of one specific team. So by the time the draft came, I was excited to be picked by the Sox and join the tradition and history behind the organization.
MLB reports: You got the call in 2007 that you were drafted by the Rangers. Was there ever a possibility of you signing with Texas or was it Louisiana State the whole way?
Anthony Ranaudo: There was a slight chance if they were willing to pay above slot. But I really had my mind-set on going to college, earning a part of my degree, and competing for a national championship at one of the best college programs in the country.
MLB reports: How did you enjoy your time in University? Do you feel you made the right choice in picking school over pro ball? (if you could go back in a time machine- would you have still made the same choice?)
Anthony Ranaudo: The time I spent at LSU was an amazing three years to say the least. I would not go back and change a thing, if I had the chance a million times over. The people I met, friendships I made, and the baseball experience I gained- is not something that I could ever replace. I am so thankful I was a part of it.
MLB reports: Not an easy subject I’m sure, but I was curious about your injury in 2010. You hurt your elbow prior the draft. How did you get injured and were you afraid that the injury would affect your draft status?
Anthony Ranaudo: It was actually a freak incident and a rare bone injury that no one really knows why it occurred. But it did happen and affected my performance and ultimately the draft. With that being said, during that time I can honestly say that I wasn’t as concerned with my draft status as I was with returning to my team and helping to defend our national championship in 09.
MLB reports: How is your health today? Any lingering issues?
Anthony Ranaudo: I am 100 percent healthy with no lingering issues.
MLB reports: Did you have a favorite player growing up?
Anthony Ranaudo: Even though he was before my time, I always idolized Nolan Ryan because he was the best pitcher of his time and always wanted to be the best. My dad would tell me stories about him and his work ethic and why he was the best. I used to collect his cards and want to be as successful as he was.
MLB reports: Which current MLB star do you most admire and why? Any current players that you pattern your game after?
Anthony Ranaudo: I respect a lot of the players in the major leagues because obviously they have put a lot of time, effort, and energy into their life as a baseball player. Many of them are very intelligent and have learned the game well and that is why they are so successful. I can’t really say there are too many guys that I pattern myself around. But I can say that whenever I am around a major league player, I listen closely and absorb as much as I can about his career and things he has gone through.
MLB reports: What are your goals going into the 2012 season?
Anthony Ranaudo: Personally, my goals for this season are simple. I want to have a focus of getting better each and every day to make myself more of a major league ready pitcher. I think the season will dictate more of my specific goals. But if I work as hard as I can and focus on getting better, I will eventually become the pitcher I know that I can be and hopefully be a major league pitcher helping my team win.
MLB reports: You were a first round pick by the Red Sox in 2010. How did you find out you were drafted? Big party that night?
Anthony Ranaudo: Actually the opposite. The night before the draft, we were eliminated from the postseason at UCLA and had a plane ride that day and night. I found out I was picked by the Sox after we landed back in Baton Rouge.
MLB reports: Did you expect to go to the Red Sox and as high as the 1st round? Your name was discussed for some time in baseball circles as a future 1st round selection- how much of the hype reached you?
Anthony Ranaudo: Well I had heard some rumors about the Sox drafting me, but there are a lot of things your hear all the time. From the time I was a kid it was my dream to play professionally. So just to be drafted was a great honor.
MLB reports: You start off your career as a Greenville Drive and then moved on to the Salem Red Sox last season. Tell us about your first two professional teams…and what the heck is a Greenville Drive?
Anthony Ranaudo: Honestly, I played there for two months and I have no idea. This year was a lot of fun and I really enjoying playing for both teams. I met a lot of good guys and made a ton of new friends that really made this first year of pro ball very memorable.
MLB reports: How did you feel going from school to professional baseball? What was the transition like?
Anthony Ranaudo: Playing at LSU really gave a great start to the transition. There were some minor things to make adjustments to, but overall it was pretty simple.
MLB reports: Do you see yourself long-term as a starter or reliever?
Anthony Ranaudo: I have always seen myself as a starter and I love being on the mound for seven or eight innings. With that being said, I also love having the ball in my hand when the game really matters the most in the late innings. So if it is my job to be a reliever or closer one day, I will really enjoy and embrace that role.
MLB reports: What do you consider your best pitch(es)? Any new ones that you plan to be working on this season?
Anthony Ranaudo: No new additions this year so far. I am trying to really focus on having great control and command of my three or four current pitches. To this day, my fastball and curveball are still my favorite pitches.
MLB reports: Who were the strongest baseball influences growing up? Any particular coaches that had a deep impact on your game?
Anthony Ranaudo: I would have to say my father had the greatest influence on my career. He was the one who taught me the game and was there for every step, even to this day. But without the support of my mother and father and my brothers and sisters, I would never have made it to where I am today.
MLB reports: What facets of your game do you most wish to improve upon?
Anthony Ranaudo: I need to refine my command of the strike zone and throw more quality strikes with greater consistency. Once I do that, I can focus on competing and hopefully moving up the ladder.
MLB reports: If you had to look into a crystal ball, when do you see your expected time of arrival in the big leagues and what do you think you need to do most to get there?
Anthony Ranaudo: I am glad I don’t have a crystal ball because that way I cannot worry about it. And that is the approach I take every day. Like I said earlier, I try to get better each and every day. If I can keep doing that while staying healthy, I think those decisions will be made for me, hopefully sooner rather than later.
MLB reports: Favorite baseball movie of all-time and why?
Anthony Ranaudo: For Love of The Game. No doubt. Literally tear up every time. It is the perfect description of the life of a pitcher, with the ending of a perfect game. Something that every competitive pitcher dreams of.
***Thank you to Anthony Ranaudo for taking the time to join us today on MLB reports! You can follow Anthony on Twitter (@anthony_ranaudo). Anthony enjoys speaking with his fans, so please feel free to send him any questions/comments you have. Or just wish him good luck on the season, as he works his way up to Boston!***
Jonathan Hacohen is the Lead Baseball Columnist & Editor for MLB reports: You can follow Jonathan on Twitter (@JHacohen)
Please e-mail us at: MLBreports@gmail.com with any questions and feedback. You can follow us on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook . To subscribe to our website and have the daily Reports sent directly to your inbox , click here and follow the link at the top of our homepage.
MLB Reports 
You must be logged in to post a comment.