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Should The Red Sox Extend Chris Sale For 3 Or More Years Right Now?
We will be delving a lot more into all team payrolls on the MLB Reports as part of our regular features from now on. One of the things that I have been thinking about a lot is the Red Sox Payroll. I wonder if they shouldn’t just extend Chris Sale for an additional 3 years. Yes it is risky with a guy who throws with a whipping motion, but you have a lot to consider on this. First you could offer him a 3 Year deal extension worth about $90 MIL total. It would be an awesome move to align Sale on the same years of service with David Price. IMAGE by Sports Mockery
Chris Sale will enter the year at age 28, and while his current deal will take him to age 31 before he hits Free Agency prior to the 2020 season, maybe the Red Sox could capitalize on him maybe seeking some security.
I am suggesting the starting point of a AAV of $30 MIL. Maybe the club adds a Mutual Option for the 4th and 5th year of the extension with a Buyout, but this is a smart concept from the Red Sox perspective.
Never in their long standing organization have they had such rich young superstars just entering the league at the same time.
Mookie Betts/Jackie Bradley Jr – and Xander Bogaerts are both under Team Control until 2021 and 202o respectively- with Betts/Bogaerts as perennial MVP contenders.
Even better than that are Andrew Benintendi (2023) and Blake Swihart (2022) rounding out a nice nucleus of talent held for cheap on the longterm. Read the rest of this entry
The Cleveland Indians Should Be The Favorite In The AL For 2017 With Encarnacion Signing
Cleveland was one inning away from winning the World Series in 2017, knocked out the Boston Red Sox (who are the odds favorite in the AL currently) and have now added slugger Edwin Encarnacion to their lineup for 2017. Cleveland will also see AL MVP candidate Michael Brantley back to the roster for a full healthy year = after playing the majority of 2016 without his services. A great Pitching Staff, all around defense, combined with a well adjusted lineup, and cupcake Division to play in – and the Tribe should be the favorite to win the AL Pennant next campaign and not the Red Sox.
With the news that Edwin Encarnacion signing a 3 Year Deal Worth $55 MIL< and a Team Option for a 4th season that is $25 MIL – or a $5 MIL Buyout, the Indians have put themselves back into the lead as the favorite in the Junior Circuit.
So far, the oddsmakers don’t agree with that last statement, as the Red Sox are currently +475 to win the World Series – while Cleveland is listed at +700 to win the Fall Classic, but lets look at what Cleveland has going for it.
Michael Brantley is coming back (potentially fully healthy, and was a legitimate AL MVP candidate in 2014 and 2015. Now to have him as a 3/4 tandem with EE, you are talking about a great heart of the lineup.
Jason Kipnis and Francisco Lindor are full value to kickstart the offense. Both guys are capable of playing all world ALL – Star campaigns upcoming.
Carlos Santana had a career year for HRs (34) RBI (87) OPS (.865) and will still bring in his 100 Walks a year.
Jose Ramirez can hit 6th for me any time. Tyler Naquin held an .886 OPS in half a years worth AB en route to finishing 3rd in Rookie Of The Year Voting.
The club can fend enough offense in RF a Catcher to hit 8th and 9th. Read the rest of this entry
Boston Throws Down A Hell Of A Haymaker To The Rest Of The American League With Acquiring Chris Sale
Chris Sale has been as about as dominant as a pitcher as there has been in the American League since he entered into the rotation. He is 74 – 50 with a clean 3.00 ERA over his career thus far – wtth 5 straight top 6 Cy Young Finishes and ALL – Star Appearances. Sale set career highs in Wins (17) CG (6) and IP (226.2) during the last campaign. He is only set to earn $38 MIL over the next 3 seasons total, so the cap hit is even better news for the Red Sox, who are already nearing the Luxury Tax Threshold Limit, and are subject to a 50% penalty as 3rd time abusers in 2017.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner)
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The Red Sox have landed an ace in the winter for the 2nd straight winter. Boston has acquired Chris Sale from the White Sox in exchange for Yoan Moncada, Michael Kopech – with two other prospects Alexander Basabe and Victor Diaz also heading to the Pale Hose.
This is the type of trade that brings a championship. For a MLB club that was right up against the Luxury Tax Threshold already of $195 MIL for 2017, having Sale only making $38 MIL over the next three years is the biggest plus to this pact going down.
Boston loses a young player like Moncada for sure. and he may be World Class in the future, but you have to give something up to get something. The Beantowners will still also be alright for their future with the likes of Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts and Jackie Bradley JR. just kickstarting their young careers, while they also held onto other great prospects like Andrew Benintendi and Blake Swihart.
They still have plenty of colorful veterans (with plenty of postseason experience) in talking of Dustin Pedroia, Hanley Ramirez – and yes even Pablo Sandoval. Read the rest of this entry
Dave Dombrowski’s Offseason Splashes will Make or Break October for Boston Red Sox
On the heels of finishing in the American League East basement three times in four years, the Boston Red Sox made a big change last summer by hiring Dave Dombrowski. He arrived with a certain reputation and has lived up to it thus far.
The biggest thing on his 2016 to-do list was getting the Red Sox back into the postseason before designated hitter David Ortiz rode off into the sunset. He officially crossed that off his list about a week ago, but it’s really just the beginning.
In October once again – and mostly with players from the last front office regime – two of Dombrowski’s biggest offseason moves from last winter will be crucial pieces to the team’s success or demise.
Boston’s greatest need following a disappointing 2015 was obvious: pitching. They needed an ace at the front of the rotation and shutdown relievers at the back of the bullpen. In typical Dombrowski fashion, he made big splashes to fill those needs by trading four prospects for Craig Kimbrel and throwing a bunch of money at David Price.
Risky moves? Yes. Moves the Red Sox hadn’t made in recent years? Yes. But with a win-now mentality, they had to be made. Every acquisition comes with risk, but Kimbrel and Price were as close to slam-dunks as it could possibly be with regard to production.
Throughout their respective careers, each hurler has been a consistent force when toeing the rubber. That’s why 2016 has been frustrating for fans.
Dave Dombrowski Living up to Reputation, Which is Exactly What the Red Sox Wanted
Following last-place finishes in three of the last four years prior to 2016, the Boston Red Sox decided it was time for a change in ideology with regard to baseball operations.
Nearly a full calendar year in his new position, Dave Dombrowski has made his impact felt with numerous moves, which is exactly what the Red Sox were looking for this year and the immediate future. Here’s a look at some notable acquisitions made since last winter:
- Signed David Price to a seven-year, $217 million deal.
- Traded Manuel Margot, Javier Guerra, Carlos Asuaje and Logan Allen for Craig Kimbrel.
- Traded Wade Miley and Jonathan Aro for Carson Smith and Roenis Elias
- Acquired Aaron Hill from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for Wendell Rijo andAaron Wilkerson.
- Acquired Michael Martinez from the Cleveland Indians for cash considerations.
- Acquired Brad Ziegler from the Arizona Diamondbacks for Jose Almonte and Luis Alejandro Basabe.
- Acquired Drew Pomeranz from the San Diego Padres for Anderson Espinoza.
It’s still pretty early in trade season with regard to the August 1 deadline, but Boston has undoubtedly been the most active team thus far.
This is exactly the reason why ownership pegged Dombrowski as their top choice for this role. As much as he has a reputation for balancing analytics with more traditional player evaluation, he’s also known for being unafraid of making a big splash.
Baseball’s Newest Rivalry: Boston Vs Detroit
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Move over Red Sox-Yankees, baseball’s got a new rivalry that’s full of drama. The Detroit Tigers versus the Boston Red Sox. You might be thinking how is an AL Central team vs. an AL East team a huge rivalry? Well, there’s a lot of history to support this, but let’s begin with the most recent event.
Longtime Tigers President and GM Dave Dombrowski was let go days after the 2015 Trade Deadline and eventually signed with the Red Sox to become their president. He’s provided the Tigers with plenty of success from a pair of World Series appearances in 2006 and 2012 and blockbuster trades that netted them MVPs and Cy Youngs.
And now he’s with Boston, and his longtime assistant GM Al Avila has become the GM of the Tigers. Avila has worked for numerous years under Dave, dating back to their time with the then-Florida Marlins. And now…
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Its Time For Boston To Break From Philosophy + Sign An Ace: Red Sox State Of The Union 2016
The Red Sox will need to spend some money on Starting Pitching this season – and preferably and ace.. They orchestrated a trade for Closer Craig Kimbrel on Friday. A bona fide shutdown guy with 225 Career Saves and an ERA of 1.63 lifetime. The winter has just started for the Beantowners. With many veterans currently aging, and the young nucleus all being under team control, the time to capitalize on the higher drafting as a result of finishing last in the AL East 3 times in 4 years is right now.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer) Follow @stokes_hunter21
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Okay, for years the Boston Red Sox would never pay for a #1 Starter on the Free Agent Market – even their owns. They traded away Jon Lester prior to trying to resign him in 2014, and it backfired on them when he hit the Free Agency market not having played his entire career in Boston.
For the most part, I have agreed with the idea of not paying a guy as an ace. Here is the problem..The team had finished last in the AL East 3 of the last four campaigns, and that is unacceptable.
You add in Ben Cherington doling out long term deals to Rick Porcello, Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval in the last year, and all had bad years. So the temptation may not be to sign anyway. Again, wrong.. You are the Boston Red Sox.
Well mired in the lower tiers of records the last 4 years (except for the 2013 season), the club has accumulated a great deal of talent in the Minor Leagues.
The franchise is in great shape heading forward, but this comes down to the right time to strike on the rest of the league. Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – August 23, 2015
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It is Sunday and time for the Sunday Request.
@sullybaseball I agree no sentimentality is good, but Ortiz will test that if he still wants to play, can they let him go elsewhere?
— Sully (@HookingFoul) August 19, 2015
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Eventually David Ortiz will have to say good bye. Chances are it will be awkward.
In other words, par for the course in Boston.
It is a “2 Sullys are Better than One” episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Paul Goldschmidt, Josh Donaldson, Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, Nick Swisher, Francisco Lindor, Sonny Gray and Mike Leake all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball
Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – August 20, 2015
Lauren Campbell, co host of the Red Sox Beat podcast for CLNS Radio, joins the podcast.
We talk about the Dombrowski signing, the state of the Red Sox and how spoiled Boston fans are now.
It is a “Love That Dirty Water” episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Yadier Molina, Stephen Strasburg, Jesse Chavez, Nick Castellanos, Kris Bryant, Julio Teheran, Michael Brantley and Jeff Samardzija all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball
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Max Scherzer’s $185 MIL Deal (Inflation Pro-Rated) Puts Him 11th In MLB History For Top Contracts
Scherzer’s 7 Year/$210 MIL deal is actually worth $185 against the cap, and we are giving him the same for the ALL-Time Contracts. This sum puts him just behind Derek Jeter for 11th in MLB History. Jon Lester and he are the only 2 men to enter the top 50 this year after 7 players made the cut last off year. Cabrera, Cano, Kershaw, Tanaka, Ellsbury, Trout and Choo all have made the chart since the end of the 2013 World Series. The deal called for a $50 MIL signing bonus. The 2013 former AL Cy Young winner, will make $15 MIL in deferred salary for the next 14 seasons. The 30 Year Old, will join the NL’s best club of 2014, as far as wins are concerned, bringing in a 96 – 66 record. The RHP has led the AL in wins the last 2 years (21 Wins and 18 Wins respectively), and has compiled a 55 – 15 (.786 Winning Percentage) since the start of the 2012 campaign.
The highest contracts in MLB history (Red means Active Contract)
1. Giancarlo Stanton, $325, 000, 000 (2015 – 2027)
*2. Alex Rodriguez, $275,000,000 (2008-17)
*** With A-Rod’s suspension in 2014, he forfeited $22.13 MIL bucks, so it will now end up 10 YRs/$252.87 MIL for the duration of his deal. You can’t tell me he will be worth 40% of what the Yankees will be paying him next year, and all the way till the end of 2017.
3. Alex Rodriguez, $252,000,000 (2001-10)
*4. Miguel Cabrera $248,000, 000 (2016 – 2023)
Go see #25. He has the 4th and 25th top contracts of ALL – Time. This contract doesn’t start until 2016.
*5. Albert Pujols, $250,000,000 (2012-21)
*6. Robinson Cano, $240,000,000 (2014 – 2023) Read the rest of this entry
Giancarlo Stanton Signs Record 13 YRs/$325 MIL Deal, Will He Be Worth It? + Top 50 Salary Deals ALL – Time
Giancarlo Stanton, who will turn just 25 in a few days, ended the year with the HR crown at 37 and added 105 RBI in just 539 AB before having his season ended with a Hit By Pitch. With the big slugger due for huge Arbitration awards in the next few years, the club started bargaining withe their young superstar towards a long-term contract once the year was over. They came up with a record breaking 13 Year Deal worth $325 MIL at the end of it. Stanton also holds his own ticket for the future as well, with a full no no-trade clause, and an opt year after the 2020 campaign.
Chuck Booth (Lead Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
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With the ink not even being finalized on the historic deal between the Marlins and Giancarlo Stanton, it has been confirmed the deal is for 13 years at a clip of $325 MIL.
Among the provisions includes a no-trade clause, and an opt-out after the 2020 season, which would be 6 years into the deal.
It will be interesting to see how the dollars are broken up per year. If I were Stanton, I would have wanted for the Annual Average money be even throughout the pact, otherwise I may be leery of the club trying to let him walk out after the 6 years – by not having a competitive club.
Although, if it is back end loaded the team would certainly have the flexibility to spend more cash on their current roster for the next 6 campaigns, Tough dilemma for sure to be in.
No matter how long the 2014 NL MVP runnerup stays in South Beach, this is a smart business transaction for the franchise, regardless of the outcome. It just may backfire from a baseball operational sense in terms of finances for signing other players too.
The Miami Marlins had to do this contract to save face from the 2012 break up of the squad. Now while the big blockbuster trade has given the team the ability to contend for a playoff spot in the near future – and was a smart organizational move, as the fans also have been sold a bill of goods from the Marlins ownership since day 1 of the teams existence.
This is a marketing plan as much as anything that will be brought forth by the baseball impact. Stanton is the marquee player on the team, and trading him away in the next 2 years would have had a devastating effect on the fanbase.
One isn’t sure whether they can sustain enough revenues to produce a winning product on the field for an extended period of time, however having the most dynamic power hitter in your lineup for the next 13 years will be a nice reason to come to the yard. Read the rest of this entry
Even With The Awesome Farewell To Jeter, There Are Others Who Are Hanging Up The Cleats This Year
Paul Konerko announced that the 2014 season will be his last. Konerko has 439 career HR, 1412 RBI, and 6 All Star appearances in his 18 year career. What will most likely not be a HOF career, will certainly go down as one of the best in White Sox history. Konerko was the direct replacement for Frank Thomas.He is only 16 HRs behind Thomas for the White Sox franchise record. Konerko, now 38, was a 1998 trade acquisition – with OF Mike Cameron going back the other way. while Cameron was a nice Major Leaguer in his time. Konerko should have his number retired by the club, and is the 2nd active leader for HRs hit for just one team.(432 HRs) to Albert Pujols (having hit 445 HRs with STL). His 3 Slash Line for his career is .279/.354/.487 – and he has collected 2340 hits.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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1st off, mad respect to Derek Jeter, for giving everyone a last night to remember on Thursday. He embodied what a class act superstar should be his whole career.
The MLB world is fully justified to praise him as much as they want. So the ‘hater’s’ will just have to suffer.
I am happy to see a lot of our brethren of website writers all chime in some of the other guys hanging them up too.
Paul Konerko is about us unheralded as their is for a near Hall of Famer these. days. He is second actively when it comes to HRs for a select team, with his total of 432 bombs for the White Sox. Only Albert Pujols‘s 445 HRs for the Cards is more.
Only David Ortiz has hit over 400 HRs for one active team besides Pujols and Konerko..
It is only too bad, that the big 2005 World Champion, saw a lot of his power evaporate before he passed Frank Thomas‘s career mark of 448 big fly’s for the franchise.
Still, #14 will be missed, and I definitely will be watching on my computer, with it being “Paul Konerko Day” today (Saturday Sept.27th) at Us Cellular Field. Read the rest of this entry
For The Most Part – The Top Salaried Players (#1 – #25 In The MLB Are Certainly Not Playing Like It!
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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Some of the highest paid athletes are really struggling to earn their keep. Even if A – Rod were playing, it is quite possible he would be a shell of his former self, and way overpaid.
You add in the horrific injury riddled years for Joey Votto and Prince Fielder, and you are talking about a lot of dough for players not even in uniform presently.
Then there is a productive hitter like Troy Tulowitzki, who can’t remain on the field, despite putting up world caliber numbers when he is in the lineup.
Joe Mauer and Matt Kemp have also dealt with injuries and timing issues at the plate, but they still could turn it around for the tail end of the season – and going forward.
Justin Verlander tops the list of the paying the man too late in the game, and this will not bode well for the Free Agent Max Scherzer.
You also have aging veterans that are helping their teams win games like Albert Pujols and Adrian Gonzalez, but they are also not where they were at the time all of that cash was thrown their way.
Miguel Cabrera and Mike Trout‘s deal don’t even start yet on this list, and somehow I think they will do alright.
Robinson Cano has looked decent in the 1st of a 10 year deal, but lets reassess this in 2018…
The Yankees have a huge problem on their hands with their representatives out of these players.
Mark Teixeira only has power left, and can hardly stay on the field, while CC Sabathia may be done as a top of the end starter.
Masahiro Tanaka was lights out in his time in New York this year, however he could be facing Tommy John Surgery soon, and may cost the franchise a lot of money to sit out.
Not even the Jacoby Ellsbury deal has reason for them to feel comfort. His numbers are similar to the ones he put up in Boston, yet he will see his speed evaporate over the years going forward.
This is part 1 of a 2 part blog series on player contracts. Tomorrow we address players 26 – 50. Read the rest of this entry
MLB Trade Deadline Breakdown 2014 + The August Aftermath
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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It was a flurry of action that baseball really needed. Half way through the day, I was amazed their was actually day games.
Oakland and Detroit pushed all of their chips in, and you have to think they are pretty much done with transactions, although one of them doing an August deal could prompt the other to do the same.
I am holding back reservations for judging the Pirates, Blue Jays and Royals….however they all must be the “MLB clubhouse leaders” in August acquisitions to challenge for playoff slots.
Although KC better have a better idea than having Raul Ibanez take regular AB at 1B..That is horrible..
It wasn’t like the club didn’t know Eric Hosmer was injured badly.
I am also about throwing Ruben Amaro‘s career about 10 second from a toe-tag (and those ten seconds are August), for standing pat on his 47 – 60 aging core.
Like I have said so many times on twitter and social media outlets. Someone teach this man some basic economics.
Take a lesson from Boston, and trade-off assets, to receive younger ones in the process, then you can turn around and spend every red cent in Free Agency in the offseason.. Read the rest of this entry
The Tigers Bullpen Has Had A Brutal Start For The 2014 Campaign
Even with his early season woes, Joe Nathan is still one of the best closers the game of baseball has ever seen. The 39 year old came off one of his best seasons in 2013, registering a WHIP of .90 and an ERA of 1.33 amidst his 43 Saves and 74 SO. Nathan will also bring plenty of playoff experience to Detroit. Lets just hope if the Tigers make it back to the playoffs, that he can improve in his career postseason ERA of 9.00 in 9 IP. Nathan was inked to a 2 YR Deal this past winter, worth $20 MIL, with a Team Option of $10 MIL for 2016. This doesn’t end all of the teams Relief problems, but it gave them the best Closer that was on the Free Agent Market. There is still plenty of work to do
By Matthew Lafave (Tigers Correspondent) Follow @MatthewLafave
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The bats are rolling, the starters are clicking, and the bullpen is failing.
It’s no secret that the Detroit Tigers bullpen is struggling. Through the first five games of the season they have allowed 9 runs. To make it even worse, all 9 have come in the 9th inning.
That’s 9 runs on 18 hits through only 13.1 innings for the bullpen. To put that into a harsher perspective, the starters have given up 8 runs on 20 hits through 32.2 innings.
Yes, the bullpen has given up more runs and almost as many hits through less than half the innings. Read the rest of this entry
What Miguel Cabrera’s New Contract Means To The Tigers And Him
Miguel Cabrera‘s new 8 YR/$248 MIL contract extension comes days after the club couldn’t come to terms with reigning AL Cy Young winner Max Scherzer.
The numbers are mind boggling.
He breaks the ALL – Time record for Average Annual Contract per year is at $31 MIL AAV (from 2016 – 2023), and also he is owed the most dollars at any given time by a contract at $292 MIL for the years of 2014 – 2023.
This man is the best pure offensive player in the game, and has only become better with age, but a lot of people are worried about the back end of this deal.
I fully understand that. Read the rest of this entry
Doug Fister Traded To The Nationals For A Meager Return
Doug Fister was acquired in a trade for Casper Wells, Charlie Furbush and Chance Ruffin back a few years ago. The Tigers have received a .615 Win Percentage (32 – 20, with a 3.20 ERA in 70 Game Starts) over his course of time in Detroit, Fister remains potentially the best #4 Starter in baseball. Included in his totals, was a 8 – 1 record down the stretch run in 2011, with a 1.79 ERA after joining the Motown boys. Fister has 2 years left of Arbitration Eligibility before he becomes a Free Agent in 2016. Look for his 2014 salary to be in the $7 – $8 MIL after his hearing. When you consider the 2 Yr deal that A’s just gave to Scott Kazmir, then you can understand how valuable known starters actually are, there must have been a better deal to made by the Tigers.
By Matthew Lafave (Tigers Correspondent) Follow @MatthewLafave
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In what can only be compared to the Curtis Granderson trade of 2009, the Tigers traded away fan favorite Doug Fister for three virtually unknown players on Monday night.
Although his ERA and WHIP has been on the rise, Fister saw moderate success the past two and half seasons in Detroit.
Tiger fans saw him compile a 32 – 20 regular season record and an impressive 2.98 ERA in 8 postseason games.
When the trade was announced, the fans outcry could be heard all around the world on social media.
Doug Fister Highlights – Mature Lyrics So parental guidance is advised
White Sox Offseason: Looking For Success In 2014
Rick Hahn made his first major move as White Sox GM. when he signed 26 year old Cuban defector Jose Abreu to a 6 year $68 million contract ;;st month. While most are surprised that the White Sox were able to sign Abreu, most are also happy with the signing. So fans are hoping that, along with Avisail Garcia, Abreu can be one of the Sox cornerstones for years to come.
By ‘White Sox Correspondent’ Brian Madsen Follow @brianm731
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Rumors are flying. This team wants that guy. That team wants this guy. The Major League Baseball GM Meetings in Orlando have come and gone.
The Winter Meetings in January are on the horizon. Trades have been proposed. Some trades have already been made. Ideas have been shared. Laughs have been had. Who’s going where?
Fans of every MLB team want answers all of these questions regarding their respective favorite team.
Sometimes, one team’s move directly affects a given move of their competitor. It’s uncanny how it can happen, without it being glaringly obvious.
Garcia Hits Another Double
Dissecting The Prince Fielder For Ian Kinsler Trade
In 39 games for Fielder’s Playoff Career, he holds a miniature .194 batting average with 5 home runs and 11 RBIs. This recent Playoff stretch of 11 Games in 2013 – there were no big flies and not even a solitary RBI. Fielder had 9 Hits out of 40 AB (.225) with just one Double. With this trade – it is a great chance for the big man to redeem himself in a hitter friendly ballpark, and a great lineup also surrounding him. Texas has put up 370 wins in the last 4 years. The Rangers will pick up $138 of the $168 MIL contract that Fielder is due from 2014 – 2020. Where will the Rangers play him defensively? More important will be to sit him down and ask him to relinquish his consecutive streak, and to lose some weight in going forward. Fielder brings a career 3 Slash of .286/.387/.916 – with 285 HRs and 870 RBI carried over his 9 years in the Major Leagues for the Tigers and Brewers.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
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After having a late phone call chat with our “Chief Writer” Hunter Stokes, I officially welcomed him to the world of being a sportswriter.
Hunter wrote an awesome piece on the Rangers State Of The Union yesterday. In the article found here, he explained that Jon Daniels needs a power bat, and must address the Jurickson Profar/Elvis Andrus situation.
Well, no more than 6 hours later, Daniels pulled off the trade for the big lugging 1B, and now we will have to add a part 2 to yesterday’s feature article.
I like the move for the AL West resident’s. Prince Fielder‘s Left Handed Bat will be a most welcomed addition to the foray in Texas.
Prince Fielder 2013 Highlights – Mature Lyrics so Parental Guidance Is Advised
How Would Detroit Move On If They Lost Jhonny Peralta? Perhaps Philly May Be The Answer!
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Follow @mlbreportsTuesday July 30th, 2013
Jhonny Peralta and the Detroit Tigers might be in for a little trouble. With a number of players being investigated for potentially breaking the leagues policy on power-enhancing substances by being involved in the biogenseis scandal, Peralta might find himself out for the rest of the regular season and the playoffs if the Tigers qualify.
By Dan Wanser (MLB Reports Writer) Follow @DanWanser
Jhonny Peralta is one of a number of players being investigated by Major League Baseball for potentially breaking the leagues substance abuse policy by being involved with biogenesis in Miami.
If Detroit loses their shortstop for the rest of 2013 they may be in for some trouble.
Peralta has been heating up offensively as the season has moved along and is also solid in the field.
So if he does find himself out for the season, who will the American League Central Division leaders call on to take his place? They have a few options.
If Peralta needs to be replaced, Detroit will need someone with some pop in the bat.
Jhonny Peralta Talks about Miguel Cabrera Potentially Repeating His Triple Crown Feat:
Tigers Acquire Astros Closer Veras To Address Anemic Bullpen Woes – And Are Not Done Yet
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Follow @mlbreportsMondday, July.29/2013
Jose Veras was acquired by the Tigers today, While clearly not the big name out their among Closers, he should add depth to a Bullpen that has had monumental struggles this season. This could also lead to the Tigers picking up yet another Closer in the next 48 – 60 hours like a Joe Nathan or Luke Gregerson. All of a sudden, a negative attribute could be a positive one for the team. Veras makes $1.85 MIL for 2013, and has a Team Option of $3.25 MIL for 2014 – or a Buyout of 150K. It is an inexpensive risk for Motown.
By Matthew Lafave (Tigers Correspondent) Follow @MatthewLafave
The Detroit Tigers have finally got there much needed bullpen help in the form of Astros closer Jose Veras. They sent outfielder Danry Vasquez and a player to be named later to the Astros.
Vasquez, 19-years-old, was batting .281 with Low-A West Michigan before the trade. The Tigers signed him as an international free agent out of Venezuela in 2010.
MLB 30 Team Power Rankings: Week 18: Trade Deadline Edition
Click The Link Below For A Great MLB Reports Podcast On The Trade Deadline
Triple Play Podcast Trade Speculation
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Follow @mlbreportsSunday July.28/2013
The Dodgers have won 25 out of their last 31, play in the weakest division in the MLB right now, and other than Arizona, do not have much competition. Solid Pitching and a revamped healthy lineup has led the charge. They climbed all the way up to 6th in this weeks rankings. The Dodgers have a 230 Million Dollar Plus payroll, and have no plans to slow down in this offseason. It may actually be a blessing in disguise if this team makes a long run in the playoffs. It has been speculated they will pursue Robinson Cano this winter. I have predicted they will offer him a 7 – 8 year deal worth $30 MIL per annum.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
The Detroit Tigers finds itself back on top of our rankings. It was a hard decision between them and the Atlanta Braves.
The prevailing thought is that I am more confident in the “Motown Boys” to make the World Series.
Since starting the year 12 – 11, the Braves have only gone 47 – 44. Lets just say the should finish the season with about 89 wins. That would force Washington to go 38 – 19 in their final 57 Games.
I fully expect the Nationals to take off at any part in the season, so this is not a foreign concept.
In contrast, I don’t believe in either the Indians or Royals to near 90 wins like the Tigers should have by seasons end.
With a bypass to eliminate the Wild Card Game, Detroit is our #1 team.
Clip is Francona talking about Fielder – (There are 2 more clips of C.Fielder + P.Fielder at end of this blog)
Tigers Are Rumored To Be Searching For A Closer: Papelbon Is High On The Hit List
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Follow @mlbreportsFriday, June.21/2013
It is starting to like familiar to the baseball world when it comes down to late Tigers Pitching in 2013. Dave Dombrowski simply can’t go into the Post Season with what he has on his current Roster – based on recent track record. This team needs to find a Premiere Closer via Trade – and be willing to mortgage some of the future – and take on even more salary if needed to accomplish this…otherwise the ramifications of a Bullpen Backfire would tarnish any success the club has had. It is paramount to have a shutdown Game Finisher at the end of a Pitching Staff. The Relief Core is a huge reason why Detroit has not run away with the AL Central already. They possess a 5 – 13 Record (Have also blown 9 Saves in 25 Chances) – while carrying a 3.99 ERA (22nd in MLB).
By Matthew Lafave (Tigers Correspondent) Follow @MatthewLafave
During the off-season Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski prematurely appointed rookie Bruce Rondon as the closer. It’s a lot of weight on a pitcher who has never thrown a pitch in the majors before that.
No surprise to anyone, it did not pan out and Rondon started the season with Triple-A affiliate Toledo Mud Hens.
The ‘closer by committee’ began the season but after 3 blown saves and Octavio Dotel to the disabled list, it was time for a certified closer to come to Detroit.
So in an act of desperation the Tigers signed Jose Valverde to a major league deal on April 23rd.
Shocking to most fans he was still cheered when he made his first appearance of the season and actually got the close. But his success came to an abrupt end and currently has 3 blown saves, a 5.59 ERA, and has given up 6 home runs.
Jose Valverde Blows A Save
MLB Power Rankings: Week 11
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Follow @mlbreportsTuesday June.11/2013
David Ortiz is providing the kind of difference at the DH position that is an automatic advantage for the Boston Red Sox. The 37 Year Old has hit for a 3 Slash Line of .314/.395/1.018 – accounting for 13 HRs and 48 RBI in his 46 Games. The DH position was created for one-dimensional players like ”’Big Papi”, however teams are not imploring awesome players for the slot. Most teams use the Designated Hitter for position players that are nursing injuries. The Red Sox have seen their best run in franchise history with the big man. Later in this article, I will post a link on how valuable DH’s have been in the last 20 years in Major League Baseball AL Pennant Winners. More often than not, you need a great DH. Ortiz is signed through 2014 at $13 MIL for the next 2 campaigns. One of the better deals signed in the offseason
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Another Week has come and gone in the MLB.
(MLB Reports) AL Hitter Of The Week – David Ortiz has come up clutch in leading the Bo Sox to a season – high 15 games over .500 with many game changing hits like last week.
Having the best offensive DH is a decisive difference compared to the rest of league. If everyone remembers, the 2012 Red Sox actually skirted near .500 until ‘Big Papi’ went down with his injury.
DH article from 1992 – 2011 here
Runners up were: Howie Kendrick, Josh Donaldson, Adam Lind, all had strong weeks – especially for Batting Averages, but Ortiz had late inning heroics that changed the outcome for his team out of his 3 HRs and 9 RBI.
(MLB Reports) AL Pitcher Of The Week – Jarrod Parker
The Oakland A’s Chucker went 2 – 0, with a 1.35 ERA. He has thrown 6 Straight Quality Starts – and has won 5 of his last 6 decisions after starting the year 0 – 5.
Runners Up were Jeremy Hellickson and Clay Buchholz,
MLB Monthly Power Rankings May 2013 (Podcast Version)
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The Triple Play Show will have 5 shows per month. Each show will be about 1 hour.
By The Big Ticket Show ( AKA Triple Play Podcast on http://www.mlbreports.com) Follow @bigticketshow
Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
One month down in the MLB season and that means it’s time for some Power Rankings! Chuck Booth the czar of MLBreports.com joins us in studio to rank every team from worst to first. Where does your team rank? Read the rest of this entry
Avisail Garcia Back To Baseball: Decision Possibly Looming For 4th OF Spot In Motown!
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Follow @mlbreportsTuesday, April.23/2013
Avisail Garcia made his Major League Debut during the last part of the Regular Season in 2012. The man hit for a 3 Slash Line of (.319/.373/.692) in 47 AB and played a role in the Tigers World Series Berth of 2012 . Garcia had 5 Hits and 3 RBI during 11 AB in the 2012 ALCS versus the New York Yankees.
By Matthew Lafave (Tigers Correspondent) Follow @MatthewLafave
The Detroit Tigers young Outfielder finally returned to baseball this past Saturday.
Avisail Garcia, 21-years-old, played in an Extended Spring Training – game and went 1 for 3, with 2 Walks, 1 Strikeout, and a Stolen Base.
He suffered a severely bruised right heel injury back on March 16th that has kept him sidelined until Saturday. His next step will be a Rehab Assignment, likely in Lakeland for a couple than up to Toledo.
The real decision is what the Tigers will do with him once he is ready for full duty.
Avisail Garcia – from Baseball Instinct:
Justin Verlander Makes Good On His 1st Start After Signing His Recent 5 Year Extension
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Justin Verlander paid immediate dividends for his new Salary Extension in the Tigers Season Opener on the road yesterday at Target field, throwing 5 scoreless Innings and fanning 7 batters. Verlander anchors a talented Detroit Pitching Rotation that features Max Scherzer, Doug Fister, Anibal Sanchez and Rick Porcello. Detroit GM Dave Dombroski is smart enough to realize that there is possiblu a small 3 year window with Fielder, Cabrera and the former AL Cy Young Award Winner all on the same team signed – and primed for another World Series Title push with this move.
By Matthew Lafave (Tigers Correspondent) Follow @MatthewLafave
No worries, the ‘Holy Grail’ of Detroit will be a Tiger through 2019. Last Friday afternoon, Justin Verlander inked a record-breaking 5-year contract extension.
He will earn $20 Million this season and next season, then a whopping $28 Million per year for the next five seasons.
In case math isn’t your strong suit, that’s a total of $180 Million. The deal also includes a vesting option for 2020 that’s worth $22 Million. So he could potentially earn $202 Million over the next 8 years.
What is a Vesting Option? It’s basically a clause that reassures teams from overpaying to declining players. While we don’t officially know the Vesting Option clause, it is said to be based on Cy Young Award balloting (as reported by Larry Lage, AP).
Justin Verlander Highlights – Highlights from 2012 – Mature Lyrics so Parental Guidance are advised.
Rondon’s Struggles Continue For Tigers, Valverde And Wilson Rumors Emerge
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Follow @mlbreportsSaturday, March.09/2013
Bruce Rondon is 1-1 in Spring Training so far with a 5.79 ERA. He has allowed 7 Hits (including 1 HR) and Walked 5 in 4.2 IP. Not such a hot start for the rookie phenom. With World Series Aspirations this year – can the Tigers afford to not enter the Regular Season with a proven Closer?
By Matthew Lafave (Tigers Correspondent) Follow @MatthewLafave
Panic in Motown?
Not quite yet.
But the Tigers ‘chosen’ Closer isn’t making things easy.
Bruce Rondon, 22-Years-Old, is expected to be the closer for this coming season and hopefully many more to follow. Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski and manager Jim Leyland have both made it known that it’s his job to lose this spring.
Losing it is just the path he is on. Through 4.2 IP, he has given up 7 Hits, 3 ER, 1 HR, and yielded 5 Walks..It’s early we know, but at what point does early become too late?
If he happens to pitch himself out of the Closer spot then who will be our fearless Closer?
Bruce Rondon hits 103 MPH!
Mike Morse Might Be A Fit For The Detroit Tigers
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Friday, January.11/2013
Mike Morse has a Career 3 Slash of .295/.347/.839 and could provide as a great replacement RHB for the departing Tigers DH/OF Delmon Young. Morse can play 1B/OF or DH.
By Matthew LaFave (Tigers Correspondent): Follow @MatthewLaFave
With the Washington Nationals locking up Adam LaRoche to a new 2-year deal on Tuesday, it leaves 1B/OF Michael Morse without a starting roster spot. As many as 11 teams have been said to already be inquiring on Morse.
The 30-Year-Old, born and raised in Florida, mainly played left field for the Nationals last season. A position that the Detroit Tigers just so happen to be looking for. The Tigers are currently sitting with a starting outfield of Andy Dirks, Austin Jackson, and newly signed Torii Hunter. Many feel that Dirks is not an everyday player but is better suited as a 4th Outfielder. He is able to play all 3 positions with above average defense.
Mike Morse Highlights “The Beast”:
MLB Reports 
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