Blog Archives
Looking Back At Some Of The Highlights From The Marlins 2013 Season
The Marlins season has gone as planned, in the sense that they have been absolutely terrible; however, that’s not to say there haven’t been some memorable highlights and played some tremendous games.
Sam Evans ( Baseball Writer and Marlins, Mariners Correspondent): Follow @RJA206
Follow MLB Reports on Twitter Follow @mlbreports
No matter how bad anyone thought the Marlins would be at the start of the season, things have managed to turn out worse.
With proven players like Giancarlo Stanton and Logan Morrison failing to perform at the levels they are capable of and the organization starting a laughable infield for the majority of the season, 2013 has been one of the worst seasons in franchise history.
However, that’s not to say there haven’t been memorable, enjoyable, and even unforgettable Miami games and performances that have taken place in the 2013 regular season.
Here’s a look at the few unforgettable games and bright young names that will be remembered in years to come.
Marlins Outlast Mets in 20-innings
Four Things To Watch For On The Marlins This Month
Jake Marisnick plays tremendous defense out in center field but his bat has been far from impressive in his limited time in Miami this season.
Sam Evans ( Baseball Writer and Marlins, Mariners Correspondent): Follow @RJA206
Follow @mlbreportsIt’s not exactly easy to get excited about the average Marlins game this late in the season.
With the Marlins struggling to give their pitchers any run support and finding seemingly different ways to lose everyday, it would be easy to give up on the Marlins and just wait for next year.
However, thanks to topics like Jose Fernandez‘s quest for the N.L. Rookie of the Year Award and lefty Brian Flynn‘s recent promotion, there still are reasons to watch the Marlins in 2013.
Here are what I consider to be the top four things to watch for on the Marlins in the final month of the regular season (in no particular order).
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.
Looking Back At Christian Yelich And Jake Marisnick’s First Month In The Majors
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsSunday, Aug 16th, 2013
Jake Marisnick plays tremendous defense out in center field for the Marlins.
Sam Evans ( Baseball Writer and Marlins, Mariners Correspondent): Follow @RJA206
It’s been almost an entire month since the Miami Marlins called up star prospects Christian Yelich and Jake Marisnick from Double-A. Since then, the two outfielders have seen plenty of playing time for the Major League Club.
The two have posted very different and interesting results facing the best pitchers they’ve ever seen.
Both of them have struggled with strikeouts and walks, but Yelich has been able to hit for average and Marisnick has not.
While they both have under 200 combined at bat’s, the Marlins have been able to get a close-up look at both players and start to see how they will fit into their future outfield.
A Look Back At Ken Griffey Jr.’s Time As A Mariner
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsTuesday, Aug 13th, 2013
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.
Ranking The Marlins Starting Rotation By Trade Value
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsTuesday, Aug 6th, 2013
Just two years ago, Marlins SP Jose Fernandez was pitching for Alonso HS in Tampa, Florida. His story of how he came to the United States is absolutely astonishing and incredible as he defected from Cuba via boat , and then ultimately was part of a rescue effort in the water to save his mom’s life, when she fell overboard in 2008 as a teenager. He is 20 years old now, and one of the premier Starting Pitchers in the NL.
Sam Evans ( Baseball Writer and Marlins, Mariners Correspondent): Follow @RJA206
Even though the trade deadline has already passed, it’s always interesting to evaluate pitchers based on their trade value.
Using age, experience, potential, contract, and reputation as guidelines, I ranked the current Miami Marlins starting rotation.
Tom Koehler, Jose Fernandez, Henderson Alvarez, Nate Eovaldi, and Jacob Turner are the Marlins starting five and Miami has no real reason to trade any of them in the near future.
However, if they were to consider trading one of these pitchers, here’s how I feel other teams would rank these pitchers’ trade values.
San Diego Padres In 2014: Maybe Without Headley And Volquez?
For Great Deadline Chat Click the Next LIne
Triple Play Podcast Special Trade Deadline Edition
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsMonday July 29th, 2013
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
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsSunday, July 28th, 2013
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.
Should The Pirates Make A Deal? Huntington Should At Least Pick Up A Reliever!
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsWednesday, July.24/2013
The trading deadline has been an exciting time of year for Pittsburgh Pirates fans the past two seasons and this year looks to be bordering on an extravaganza for the city, as the Bucs will be hosting the division-leading St. Louis Cardinals for a five-game series as the deadline approaches and passes. Although GM Neal Huntington will likely be active, the sound advice might be to hold onto prospects, do not mortgage the future and go with what got you a couple games back of the Cardinals in the NL Central and for the best record in all of MLB.
By Brad Cuprik (Pirates Correspondent) Follow @bradcuprik
If you read the newspapers in Pittsburgh or listen to talk show radio, the expectation is that Huntington is going to make a significant deal to upgrade the Pirates’ hitting, outfield, bullpen, and even starting pitching.
Realizing that baseball in October is a lot different than baseball in May, June and July, if the Bucs needed upgrades in all those areas, how are they winning about 60 percent of their games so far?
The Pirates have posted one of the best records in baseball so far in 2013.
Top Five Marlins Storylines To Watch In The Second Half
Like us on Facebook here
Sunday, July 21st, 2013
Jose Fernandez has a 0.60 HR/9 in 2013, which is first among all qualified rookie starters.
Sam Evans ( Baseball Writer and Marlins, Mariners Correspondent): Follow @RJA206
Believe it or not, the Marlins are going to be one of, if not the most interesting rebuilding team in the Majors during the second half of the 2013 regular season.
From the performances of their inconsistent young pitchers (Jacob Turner and Nate Eovaldi) to the record shattering rookie season of their young ace Jose Fernandez, this Marlins team truly has it all.
The Marlins could potentially make a franchise altering trade before the deadline or stand pat and surprise some possible trade suitors.
With the young, talented outfielders that are in the Majors or on the way, the Marlins seem destined to score more runs in the second half of the season and overall play much better baseball.
Here are the top five storylines to watch on this Marlins team in the second half of the 2013 regular season.
Felix Hernandez To Represent The Mariners In The 2013 All-Star Game
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsTuesday, July 16th, 2013
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
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsMonday July 16th, 2013
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.
Top Five MLB All Star Game Snubs (AL + NL)
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsTuesday July 9th, 2013
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.
Miami Marlins Trade Ricky Nolasco to the Dodgers
If you want to listen to the audio podcast we did for our Monthly 30 Team Rankings, we have the links below to download or just listen
Triple Play Podcast Ep #15 Monthly Rankings For All 30 Teams
Like us on Facebook here
Monday, July 8th, 2013
Ricky Nolasco had been in the Miami organization since the Marlins traded Juan Pierre to the Cubs for him and others in 2005.
On Saturday afternoon, the Marlins made a move they have actively been trying to make for quite some time. Miami finally was able to trade 30-year-old starting pitcher Ricky Nolasco.
The Los Angeles Dodgers, sitting at third place in the N.L. West at 41-45, surrendered three pitching prospects to acquire him; two relievers and one highly touted starter in High Class A.
The move makes sense for the Dodgers because they need an innings-eater like Nolasco and he has always been very successful in the N.L. West.
The Marlins dump part of a huge contract and acquire a few interesting prospects. Considering that a move like this was inevitable for the Marlins, they didn’t do all that bad.
Top Five MLB Holds Leaders In 2013
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsTuesday June 25th, 2013
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
Like us on Facebook here
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.
San Diego Padres: Within Striking Distance
Like us on Facebook here
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.
The Top Five Things To Watch On The Mariners Before The All-Star Break
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsMonday, June 17th, 2013
Will Tom Wilhelmsen be the Mariners closer by the time the 2013 All-Star break rolls around?
While they might not be a very successful baseball team, the Mariners are definitely a very attention-grabbing baseball team. From top prospects aligning in the Majors, to a nasty closer dilemma, the 2013 Mariners have numerous storylines swirling around.
This year’s Mariners ballclub will be intriguing over the next month or so, even though they might not be a winning baseball team. Here are the top five things to watch for on the Mariners before the All-Star Break.
The Future of the Miami Marlins Outfield
Like us on Facebook here
Sunday, June 16th, 2013
Double-A OutfielderJake Marisnick could be the next top prospect to see playing time in Miami this year.
Sam Evans (Baseball Writer and Marlins, Mariners Correspondent): Follow @RJA206
The Miami Marlins are probably going to have one of the best outfields in the National League in a matter of years. Whether or not one of the best young power hitters in the league, Giancarlo Stanton, will still be in Miami remains to be seen.
Nonetheless, with young superstars like Christian Yelich and Jake Marisnick on the verge of breaking into the Majors this season, it won’t be long before Miami has a star studded group of outfielders patrolling the green at Marlins Park. Here are a couple of quick notes on players that will have an impact on the future Marlins outfield.
Why Is He Hitting Second? – The MLB Has Had A Changing Of What The 2 Hitters Role Is
Like us on Facebook here
Tuesday June 4th, 2013
Bautista, hitting second for the Toronto Blue Jays this year, is hitting .268 with 12 HR and 29 RBI.These are not exactly the numbers that a person expects to come out of the two-hole hitter. In a lineup, the two-hitter should have some pop and should be able to drive in runs, but is really supposed to just get on base. The team is really sacrificing him some RBI chances. Why not flip him to the 3rd spot, move EE to 4th with – and put a hot – hitting Lind (.323/.410/.937) in the 2 hole?
Bernie Olshansky (Baseball Writer): Follow @BernieOlshansky
Why is [insert name of team’s best hitter] in the two-hole?—a question many confused fans are asking about their team’s lineup. It is interesting. A few teams—the Yankees for some time, the Blue Jays, the Twins, and the Angels are slotting a player who people would normally see in the three-hole as the number two hitter. I’ll take a look at the Blue Jays first.
One can make the case that Jose Bautista is the best hitter on the Toronto Blue Jays. Edwin Encarnacion had a great year last year and is staying on that pace, but ‘JoeyBats’ has been consistent for the past few years.
The two-hitter should mostly make contact and move runners over if needed. Them also being Left-Handed enhances the chance to hit one through the hole created by the First Baseman holding on the Leadoff hitter – if on base.
He also needs some speed. Bautista definitely has the pop part, but you will not see him lay down a bunt to get the leadoff guy over. I know the Blue Jays are struggling, but should he really be hitting in the two-hole?
Five Players The Mariners Could Target In The Upcoming MLB Draft
Like us on Facebook here
Follow @mlbreportsSunday, June 2nd, 2013
D.J. Peterson, a potential Mariners first round selection, is hitting .410 with 18 HR for the University of New Mexico.
Sam Evans ( Baseball Writer and Marlins, Mariners Correspondent): Follow @RJA206
With the #12 pick in the 2013 MLB Amateur Draft, the Seattle Mariners will have numerous future superstars to choose from.
Whether they decide to go the route of a talented but raw high school athlete or a tested and experienced college player, General Manager Jack Zdurencik will be making a decision that could save his job. J.P. Crawford and Austin Meadows are two very athletic high school players that the Mariners could target.
Or, they could choose to go the route of D.J. Peterson, Hunter Renfroe, or Ryne Stanek, three experienced college players. No matter what route they decide to take, this pick is going to be extremely important for the future of the Seattle Mariners.
Toronto Blue Jays: All Offense?
Like us on Facebook here
Tuesday May 28th, 2013
Melky Cabrera, Jose Reyes and Edwin Encarnacion. 3 of the first 4 hitters in the 2013 Toronto Blue Jays lineup, and all from the Dominican Republic Dominican slugger Jose Bautista is missing from this photo, but is the 4th piece of what was supposed to be a dazzling 1-4 combination this year. But Jose Reyes was hurt and the Jays’ offense has been a completely different story. Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion, the two leading hitters on the team, have 11 and 13 HRs, respectively. Bautista is hitting .291 and Encarnacion is hitting .247, which is not the best, but his power makes up for it. EE has also driven in 38 runs while Bautista has driven in 27. Melky Cabrera has not been the same person as he was last year with the Giants, but he is still hitting a respectbale .287.
Bernie Olshansky (Baseball Writer): Follow @BernieOlshansky
When Alex Anthopoulos and the Blue Jays set out last winter to improve the team, no one could have predicted what is happening currently.
Anthopoulos brought in R.A. Dickey, the reigning NL Cy Young, Josh Johnson, and Mark Buehrle. Ricky Romero struggled in 2012, so he started the season in the minors, and Brandon Morrow remained in the rotation.
The Jays also had a tremendous hitting lineup to build on with Jose Bautista, Edwin Encarnacion, and Brett Lawrie.
Jose Reyes arrived as part of the Marlins trade and Melky Cabrera was signed through free agency. Although the Blue Jays are saddled with being in one of the strongest divisions in baseball, they were the favorite on paper.
Over the course of a few games, all this was thrown out the window. Josh Johnson and Jose Reyes got injured, Melky Cabrera got off to a slow start, R.A. Dickey was not in his Cy Young form, and the team was not playing the way everyone had expected. Now, some could say, the Blue Jays are all offense.
On the Alex Sanabia Spitball Controversy
Like us on Facebook here
Monday, May 27th, 2013
Alex Sanabia has a 4.88 ERA and 5.85 FIP in ten starts on the season.
Sam Evans ( Baseball Writer and Marlins, Mariners Correspondent): Follow @RJA206
The Alex Sanabia spitball controversy has dominated the Miami baseball headlines over the last week. Video shows Sanabia clearly spitting on a ball after giving up a homer against the Phillies.
After the game, Sanabia said some hard to believe things that may come back to bite him. Sanabia has struggled all year in Miami, and he will need to pitch more like he did against the Phillies if he wants to keep his spot in the rotation when others get healthy.
After an odd, contentious outing, Alex Sanabia has become one of the most interesting players on the Marlins right now.
Marlins Pitcher Blatantly Spit on Baseball for Everyone to See
Mariners Lose Two Tough Games in a Row To Cleveland: But They Are Still Playing a Good Brand Of Baseball
Like us on Facebook here
Sunday, May 19th, 2013
One bright spot for the Mariners over the past couple of days has been first baseman Justin Smoak, who has reached base eight times in the last three games.
Sam Evans ( Baseball Writer and Marlins, Mariners Correspondent): Follow @RJA206
The last two days have to have been extremely rough for the Seattle Mariners. Coming off a series win in New York, the Mariners were sitting comfortably in second place in the A.L. West. However, after two straight walk-off losses to Cleveland, the Mariners have slipped to third in the West.
Having deserved to win at least one of their last two games, the Mariners have likely just ran into some bad luck and they have a great opportunity to get back on track Sunday, with King Felix on the mound.
Tom Hamilton Calls Jason Kipnis Walk Off Home Run 5/17/13:
Mark Reynolds And Asdrubal Cabrera: What To Make Of The Club In Cleveland
Like us on Facebook here
Wednesday May 15th, 2013
was Arbitration Eligible in 2013 and could have been offered it by the Orioles, instead they let him walk, He was great insurance for First and Third Base and they should have kept him for one more year.” Mark Reynolds was Arbitration Eligible in 2013 and could have been offered it by the Orioles, instead they let him walk, He was great insurance for First and Third Base and they should have kept him for one more year. He likely would have made in the 1 YR/$11 MIL Range. Instead the club opted to try Nolan Reimold and a cast of others for the positions available. The Orioles DH slot is hitting well under the Mendoza Line at the time of this article.
Bernie Olshansky (Baseball Writer): Follow @BernieOlshansky
The Cleveland Indians are off to a hot start, sitting just one game back of the Detroit Tigers atop the AL Central. In their last 10 (through Tuesday) they are 7 – 3. Most of this is due to Mark Reynolds.
So far this year, he is hitting .272 with 11 HRs and 32 RBI. This puts him on pace to hit 50 HRs and drive in close to 15o Runs. Of course, there is no way that he drives in 151 runs, but I think it is possible that he could hit 40+ HRs.
He would have to stay hot the entire season and not get injured, so I would say there is about a three percent chance that he does so. His career highs in HRs and RBI came in 2009 when he hit 44 and drove in 102.
With the Indians lineup the way it is with Jason Kipnis (whom I will talk about later), Asdrubal Cabrera and Nick Swisher hitting in front of him, it seems like Reynolds will have plenty of RBI chances.
Reynolds is also on pace to strike out about 176 times, which is a little bit lower than his career average. Needless to say, if he keeps up his current performance throughout the entire season, he will be the MVP (although I would not count Miguel Cabrera out just yet with the season he is having thus far).
The Marlins Should Promote Christian Yelich Now
Like us on Facebook here
Sunday, May 12th, 2013
“After being ranked as the No. 1 prospect in the Marlins farm system by Baseball America coming into 2012, Yelich hit .330 in High-A with a .922 OPS. Most scouting reports have him again as either the No. 1 or No. 2 prospect in the Marlins system. Yelich cracked both Baseball America and Keith Law’s top 50 prospects coming into 2012 and by mid-season Yelich had jumped into Law’s top 15 prospects (No.12). If he cmarcellan stick in centerfield, he could be a huge asset for the Marlins as they build a foundation around an outfield of Stanton, Yelich and Jake Marisnick, who was acquired in the Reyes deal. He could offer a very steady compliment to Stanton right now based on his performance at Double-A He is not a power hitter as of yet, but his body projects as one that can fill out over time and gain strength.” Nicholas Rossoletti – (MLB Reports Writer)
Sam Evans ( Baseball Writer and Marlins, Mariners Correspondent): Follow @RJA206
The Marlins have turned heads all over baseball for their controversial promotions of young, inexperienced prospects over the last couple months. So far, the clubs decisions couldn’t have turned out much better. Marcell Ozuna is holding back at the plate, and it’s led to 13 hits in 45 at bat’s in 11 games.
Jose Fernandez looks like a serious N.L. Rookie of the Year candidate with his 3.15 FIP in seven starts and 39 strikeouts in only 37 innings. So with these two top prospects shining at the Major League level, why wouldn’t the Marlins bring up another elite prospect that will keep fans coming to the ballpark and plays a position of need?
Christian Yelich has proven he’s ready for the Majors and the Marlins would be silly not to call him up in the next week or two.
Inside the Mind of Casey Bond: From Moneyball to Ring the Bell, Is Portraying Josh Hamilton on the Silver Screen Next for the Hollywood Star?
Like us on Facebook here
Wednesday May 8th, 2013
Slick, big-city sports agent Rob Decker has it all. But on his latest mission to sign a high school baseball superstar, Rob becomes stranded in a small town where the simplicity of life—and the faith of the people—stands in stark contrast to his own fast-paced, win-at-all-costs mindset. Torn between these two worlds, will Rob have the courage to let faith transform his life? Sometimes the next big thing isn’t what you expect.
Starring Ryan Scharoun and Ashley Anderson McCarthy, RING THE BELL features Christian music artists Casting Crowns, Steven Curtis Chapman, and Matthew West, along with baseball legends Rick Sutcliffe, John Kruk, and Ben Zobrist. This heartwarming story of redemption will entertain and inspire the whole family.
Jonathan Hacohen (Lead Baseball Columnist, Oakland A’s Correspondent and Website Founder): Follow @Jhacohen
They say once you go Hollywood, you never go back. So appears to be the case with our very good friend, Casey Bond. From life as a professional baseball player to Hollywood actor, Bond has done it all and seen it all when it comes to the many worlds of baseball.
I originally interviewed Casey Bond during the release of Moneyball. Destined to become a baseball movie classic, Moneyball was nominated for an Academy Award. Also included an actor that you may have heard of, a guy by the name of Brad Pitt.
Moneyball was a tremendous opportunity for Bond, who portrayed pitcher Chad Bradford in the film. Since Moneyball, Bond has been acting on both the big and small screens, as well as producing. But given the baseball roots he comes from, Casey Bond – Baseball – and Hollywood certainly go hand-in-hand. Evidence? Bond’s latest project, the baseball film “Ring the Bell”.
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.
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”
![[Video] This is the first ever 3-3-5 triple play in MLB History](https://i0.wp.com/mlbreports.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/ryan-zimmerman.jpg?resize=40%2C40&ssl=1){kind=small}
MLB Reports 
You must be logged in to post a comment.