Blog Archives
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – September 3, 2016
Ralph Freso/Getty Images North America
Evidently the Dodgers and Brewers were discussing a Ryan Braun for Yasiel Puig swap.
Why didn’t that happen?
It would have been great for both sides!
It is a “Pull the Trigger Already!” episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Jon Lester, Carlos Carrasco, Matt Kemp, Miguel Cabrera, J.T. Realmuto, Noah Syndergaard and Mike Trout all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball yesterday.
See the updated listing of WOB on MLB Reports
ORDER SPACEMAN ON iTUNES BY CLICKING HERE
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – August 27, 2016
Getty Images
The Dodgers seem obsessed with getting EVERYONE from the 2008 Phillies… except Cole Hamels.
It is a Tinsel Town episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast
Justin Smoak, Kris Bryant, Justin Verlander, Braden Shipley, Chris Sale, Manny Machado, Luis Sardinas and Brandon Finnegan and Brandon Moss all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball yesterday.
See the updated listing of WOB on MLB Reports
ORDER SPACEMAN ON iTUNES BY CLICKING HERE
Los Angeles Dodgers Were Supposed to Crumble Without Clayton Kershaw, But the Opposite Has Happened
Baseball sure is a fickle game, isn’t it?
Through his first 16 starts of the 2016 season, Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw was creating a whole new meaning to the word “ace”. In just 121 innings of work, the southpaw posted an 11-2 record with a 1.79 ERA, 0.73 WHIP, 145 strikeouts and just nine walks allowed.
Whenever Kershaw took the mound, the Dodgers were basically guaranteed a win. That was helpful because it was awfully tough for Los Angeles to come out on top when he wasn’t pitching. Manager Dave Roberts saw his club post a 14-2 record with his ace in control of things, but they were just 27-34 while anxiously waiting for his turn in the rotation to come around again.
After losing his last start on June 26, the Dodgers were just a half game out of a Wild Card spot, but were struggling to find a groove at 41-36, leaving them eight games behind the first-place San Francisco Giants.
The Giants got off to a hot start, it’s an even year and Kershaw had just gone on the DL – all were valid reasons to think the NL West race was over before the calendar even flipped to July. That’s why they play the game, though. LA’s starting rotation hasn’t gotten a whole lot healthier since then, but the entire roster has done nothing but come together as a group and rise to the occasion.
Los Angeles Dodgers Acquire Rich Hill and Josh Reddick From The Oakland A’s
It’s the most wonderful time of the year!! The trade deadline will end at 4 PM EST today, so that means we will see plenty of trades in baseball. The first big trade of the day includes the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Oakland A’s. The Dodgers will acquire starting pitcher, Rich Hill, and outfielder, Josh Reddick. Considering the Dodgers are only two games out of first place in the National League West, this is a huge move to win now. Both players are rentals since their contracts are up at the conclusion of the season.
SEE THE REST OF THE ARTICLE
Cincinnati Reds Have A Trade Partner For Jay Bruce, But Who Is It?
The trade deadline is quickly approaching, but Jay Bruce is still on the Cincinnati Reds, which is a surprise to many baseball fans. Many teams have expressed interest in the Reds’ outfielder, so it is expected that there will be a trade within the next few hours. It was reported this morning that the Reds have a deal in place with a National League organization, but who could it be?
As of right now, it is rumored that the New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, and San Francisco Giants have the best chance at landing the Reds’ outfielder. All of those teams could drastically improve their lineup with the addition of Bruce. In 2016, Bruce is currently batting .265, with 25 home runs, 80 RBIs, 60 runs, .316 OBP, and a .559 slugging percentage. His impressive season led to his third all-star appearance in nine years.
SEE THE REST OF THE ARTICLE
Midseason Top 100 MLB Prospect Rankings Analysis (11-20)
Below you can find my analysis for the prospects ranked between 11-20 for the 2016 midseason top prospect list. If you want to see the full top 100 list, please visit the following link: SEE THE TOP 100 PROSPECT RANKINGS. I will be posting daily analysis of every player listed in the top 100, so please follow my blog and other social media for updates.
- Alex Reyes (STL, 21 Years Old, RHP): If you are looking for a frontline starter, look no further. Reyes has the upside of a top-10 pitcher in the next few years. He has an elite fastball-breaking ball combination and his changeup has developed quite nicely. He has been known to touch 102-103 MPH with his fastball, so that speaks for itself. He has struggled this season at Triple-A, but that doesn’t take away from his potential. In 55 innings pitched, he owns a 5.07 ERA, 51 hits against, 79 strikeouts, and 27 walks. He has an elite strikeout rate, but his walk rate does scare me. He was just scratched from his most recent start in the minors, so many people believe the Cardinals are preparing to call him up to the big leagues.
SEE THE REST OF THE ARTICLE
Midseason Top 100 MLB Prospect Rankings Analysis (51-60)
Below you can find my analysis for the prospects ranked between 51-60 for the 2016 midseason top prospect list. If you want to see the full top 100 list, please visit the following link: SEE THE TOP 100 PROSPECT RANKINGS. I will be posting daily analysis of every player listed in the top 100, so please follow my blog and other social media for updates.
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ANALYSIS OF THE PROSPECTS RANKED 61-70
51. Jake Bauers (TB, 20 Years Old, 1B): Bauers has improved his game a lot in 2016. Last season, he hit .272, with 11 home runs, eight stolen bases, .342 OBP, and a .418 slugging percentage in 534 plate appearances. In only 368 plate appearances this season at Double-A, Bauers is batting .285, with 10 home runs, seven stolen bases, .373 OBP, and a .430 slugging percentage. He also has very advanced plate discipline, which should serve him well in his career. Bauers has one of the prettiest left-handed swings you will see, so it is no surprise that he is hitting so well this year.
SEE THE REST OF THE ARTICLE
The Most Recent Cycle Hit For All Teams (Updated for Freddie Freeman, 6-15-2016)
KEVIN C. COX/GETTY IMAGES
The First Cycle of the Year!
And true to 2016 Atlanta Braves style, the team almost lost the damn game. It took extra innings, but Freddie Freeman made the list. This might be the highlight of Atlanta’s season!
Here is the list, updated for today’s action!
New Dodger Bullpen Arm?
Emily Siskin-Toy (Featured BBBA Fantasy Baseball Writer/Owner –behindenemylines32.blogspot.com)
Follow @3BugBooks Follow @mlbreports
The Dodger bullpen could soon be cutting off one beleaguered arm and replacing it with that of the team’s hot #4 prospect. I’m talking about Frankie Montas, the 23-year-old flame-thrower the Dodgers acquired from the Chicago White Sox last winter.
Montas seems well-recovered from his February rib bisection surgery, and looks ready to make the jump from AAA Oklahoma City when he is eligible to come off the 60-day D.L. the first week of June. In nearly two weeks split between AA Tulsa and OKC, Montas has compiled a 0.88 WHIP, struck out 9, walked 1, and has throw some high 90s heat (even hitting triple digits a few times).
It has been a small sample-size of only 4 games and 5.2 innings, but with the way Chris Hatcher and Pedro Baez have been throwing this year, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Dodgers cut one of these guys and give Montas a shot at helping revive the struggling bullpen. Hatcher should be on the chopping block first with his constant inability to get outs and his head looking totally out of order, but Baez is likely to get the bad news since he still can be optioned to the minors and Hatcher would have to be cut altogether (really, would this be so bad?).
READ THE REST OF THIS POST
MLB Trade Rumors: Andrew Miller To The Texas Rangers
Trey Rose (Featured BBBA Fantasy Baseball Writer/Owner – dynastydigest.sportsblog.com)
Follow @dynasty_digest Follow @mlbreports
Let me preface this article by saying that this deal will only be made if the New York Yankees are out of the playoff race near the trade deadline. As of right now, the New York Yankees are 22-24, and 6.5 games behind the Boston Red Sox.
Considering how competitive the American League East is, there is a good chance the Yankees will be out of contention near the trade deadline, which means they will be sellers in the trade market.
The Yankees’ number one asset to move will be one of their three elite relief pitchers, Dellin Betances, Andrew Miller, or Aroldis Chapman.
Of the three, Andrew Miller is the most likely to be dealt. Miller is under contract until 2018 (signed a four-year/$36 million contract in 2015), which is what makes him so valuable to a contending team. So far in 2016, Miller has appeared in 19 games, with a 2-0 record, 0.96 ERA, 33 strikeouts, and one walk in 18.2 innings pitched.
READ THE REST OF THE ARTICLE
Phenom Prospect, Julio Urias, Called Up To The Big Leagues And Ready To Shine
Trey Rose (Featured BBBA Fantasy Baseball Writer/Owner – dynastydigest.sportsblog.com)
Follow @dynasty_digest Follow @mlbreports
The Los Angeles Dodgers have called up top prospect, Julio Urias, to pitch against the New York Mets on Friday. Urias is ranked as the #2 overall prospect my MLB.com.
This left-handed pitcher is only 19 years old, which makes him the youngest pitcher to start in an MLB game since Felix Hernandez in 2005.
Urias might be 19 years old, but he pitches with the maturity of a 10-year veteran. His future for the Los Angles Dodgers and fantasy baseball owners should be very bright.
READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY
Stephen Strasburg Ties Felix Hernandez For 17th On The MLB’s ALL – Time Top 50 Contract List With Extension
Ed Zurga/Getty Images North America
Chuck Booth (MLB Reports Majority Owner/Lead Analyst)
Follow @chuckbooth3024 Follow @mlbreports
Stephen Strasburg shocked he baseball world the other day – by inking a 7 year extension worth from $175 – $180 MIL. It ties him for 17th All – Time with Felix Hernandez to start with, but he can earn an additional $7 MIL with $1 MIL per year bonuses for reaching 180 IP.
The deal pays him $15 MIL annually from 2016 – 2023, and then the deferrals kick in from 2023 – 2030, in 7 installments of $10 MIL each.
Some will say his deal is worth more like $162 MIL in present day dollars, however we do not operate our top 50 contracts list like that. The deal is guaranteed at $175 MIL for now, and we will change it if bonuses are hit.
With this contract, the Nats have 4 current players that are on this ALL – Time List with Scherzer (10th), Strasburg (T 17th), Zimmerman (37th) and Werth (Tied 44th).
This signing is a great move to open a 3 year window for Washington, as they also have Bryce Harper under team control until after the 2018 season, however it also may seal the fate the of the young reigning NL MVP to move elsewhere for 2019.
Werth’s contract does end at the end of the 2017 year. but Zimmerman is still on the books until at least 2020.
It will be tough to come up with the dough necessary to drop a 11 – 13 years contract worth $35 – 40 MIL per annum when it comes to Harper.
Even with Scherzer’s and Strasburg’s deals both containing a ton of deferred money- all of them will still run simultaneously to Harper’s deal – even if they are not on the roster each after the 2023 season.
I think you couldn’t risk trying to outbid everyone for Harper’s services, yet to pay Strasburg market value makes sense.
This club could even save some payroll by trading Gio Gonzalez, as they have Joe Ross and Tanner Roark starting in the rotation for depth, and Lucas Giolito has not started his time service clock. Read the rest of this entry
Trade Rumor: Will The Los Angeles Angels Flip Mike Trout?
Trey Rose (Featured BBBA Fantasy Baseball Writer/Owner – dynastydigest.sportsblog.com)
Follow @dynasty_digest Follow @mlbreports
As of right now, the Angels only have 3 starting pitchers listed on their depth chart (Jared Weaver, Hector Santiago, and Nick Tropeano).
This team is falling apart and it could be time to make a drastic move.
They are currently 13 – 18, but they are expected to continue to drop in the standings considering their team can’t stay healthy. Just to make matters worse, their farm system is widely considered to be the worst minor league system in baseball.
With that said, is it time for the Angels to consider trading Mike Trout to restock their farm system and focus on building their team for the future?
To read the rest of the article, click the link below:
READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY
Tim Lincecum Could Be A Difference Maker For A Rotation In 2016
Trey Rose (Featured BBBA Fantasy Baseball Writer/Owner – dynastydigest.sportsblog.com)
Follow @dynasty_digest Follow @mlbreports
Tim Lincecum will pitch in front of upwards of 15 to 20 teams on Friday. He has been sidelined since last season due to arthroscopic hip surgery. He has been rehabbing for the last few months, and it looks as if he is finally ready to showcase his talents in front of scouts.
There are reports that he is already throwing in the low 90’s, which is great news for the right-handed pitcher.
As of right now, some of the reported teams who will be in attendance on Friday include the San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, Oakland A’s, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Texas Rangers, Houston Astros, Miami Marlins, Washington Nationals, and the Baltimore Orioles.
READ THE REST OF THE ARTICLE
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – May 3, 2016
Score
The Dodgers were in a position to build on a World Series title like never before in 1989. It looked like they were going to. Then the roof caved in with Kiki Jones.
It is a “What could have been” episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Bartolo Colon, Brandon Crawford, A.J. Griffin, Robinson Cano, Jon Gray, Jordy Mercer, Edinson Volquez and Mike Trout all added to their totals for Who Owns Baseball yesterday.
See the updated listing of WOB on MLB Reports
MLB Fantasy Daily (DFS) Picks For FanDuel – 4/30/16 + Bonus 2nd Lineup
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner)
Follow @stokes_Hunter21 @mlbreports
The Tigers have definitely heated up their lineup in the last week – and are perhaps still vastly underrated on FanDuel right now. Looking to capitalize on low values for Miguel Cabrera, Justin Upton and J.D. Martinez.
I also believe in the NY Yankees getting the better of Rick Porcello on Saturday with LHB Brett Gardner and Brian McCann. I added Starlin Castro to the fold at Fenway Park.
For some reason, the Yankees do well at Fenway for batting anyway. Plus I can’t think that Porcello will keep up his success either.
There is a lot of frontline pitchers throwing on Saturday, so I am steering clear of a a ton of cash on FanDuel. I do love Francisco Liriano vs the Reds. Heck, I love anyone against the Reds – who are starting their freefall.
The Yankees and Tigers are kind of an old unconventional duo for a couple of stacks, and that is what I am hoping for. I may play a Chase Field lineup as well – and just call it a day. Read the rest of this entry
The Most Recent No Hitter For Each Franchise (Updated for Jake Arrieta, April 21 2016 )
John Minchillo – AP
FIRST NO HITTER OF THE YEAR!!
Evidently Jake Arrieta and Max Scherzer are the only pitchers allowed to throw no hitters! Well, Arrieta was given plenty of run support and earned it with his second masterpiece in less than a year.
Who knows? Maybe it will be a magic year for the Cubs.
It is time to update my list!
Strong Player Starts (And Not) From Around The League: National League West
CARGO’s battering mate Nolan Arenado emerged as the premiere 3B in the National League in 2015 3 Slashing .287/.323/.575 – with a league leading 42 HRs and 130 RBI. At 24 next year, he is coming off both a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger year. Can he hold on until the club becomes competitive before losing his patience with the organization? He is off to another torrid start this season – after being conamed MLB Player of the week 2 for the NL – clubbing 6 HRs in a full weeks worth of games.
Shane Kay (Featured BBBA Baseball Writer/Owner – sonsof84tigers.mlblogs.com) Follow @sonsof84tigers Follow @mlbreports
Moving on from both the National League and American League Central divisions yesterday, we focus on the west today, starting with the NL West, where some unlikely trends are starting to form and surprise players are carrying teams.
Colorado Rockies
Hot
Trevor Story, SS – Story is coming back down to earth after homering in 4 straight to start the season and in 5 of his first 6 games. Teams are starting to figure him out, although he’s still hitting .274 with 2 doubles, 2 triples, and 8 homers to go with 1.071 OPS. The downside; however is that pitchers have found holes and have struck Trevor out 25 times
Carlos Gonzalez, OF – Nolan Arenado could go here with his 6 dingers and 16 RBI, however CarGo’s average of .367 is what gets him in to this spot, which includes 5 doubles, a triple, 4 homers, and 11 RBI to go with the 1.099 OPS
READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY
FanDuel DFS Picks 4/14/16
Josh Robbins (Featured Fantasy Writer/60ft6in.com) Follow @Qualcomm98
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Hi, my name is Josh Robbins. I would like to share my Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) strategy with you throughout the MLB season during weekdays. Fanduel is my preferred game of skill.
Welcome to the 2nd week of the 2016 MLB season.
3-Strikes: Here’s what you expect from my daily articles:
My Top 3 Starting Pitchers (aces, mid-level, bargain)
My Top 3 Stacking Options (multiple players from the same team)
My Top 3 BVP (Batter vs. Pitcher) Options
APRIL 14, 2016…
Starting Pitchers
1. Marcus Stroman ($8100) vs. New York Yankees
2. Jason Hammel ($7900) vs. Cincinnati Reds
3. Ross Stripling ($7600) vs. Arizona Diamondbacks
Player Stacks/Team Offense
I’m a huge fan of stacks especially deep lineups maximizing the four players allowed per team.
- Texas Rangers vs. Chris Tillman
- Kansas City Royals vs. Doug Fister
3. Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Robbie Ray
BVP (Minimum 10 AB)
1. Adrian Beltre vs. Chris Tillman (6-12/ 1 HR/ 1.417 OPS)
2. J.J. Hardy vs. Cole Hamels (4-12/ 1 HR/ 1.135 OPS)
3. Eric Hosmer vs. Doug Fister (8-23/ 1 HR/ 0.988 OPS)
If you’re not familiar with the points breakdown, here’s the format utilizing a $35 million salary cap.
Scoring System: https://www.fanduel.com/spring-training?t=lobby
1 Starting Pitcher (SP)
1 Catcher (C)
1 First Baseman (1B)
1 Second Baseman (2B)
1 Third Baseman (3B)
1 Short Stop (SS)
3 Outfielders (OF)
Game Types: https://www.fanduel.com/how-it-works
50-50s
If you’re interested in playing DFS games, please use my Fanduel referral link to signup.
Please use the Referral Link for a signup bonus:
https://www.fanduel.com/?invitedby=bobadney&cnl=da
*** The views and opinions expressed in this report are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of mlbreports.com and their partners***
***Josh Robbins is a Video-Journalist and Baseball Historian who is originally from Poughkeepsie, NY (so grew up a Yankees/Don Mattingly fan).. In 2010, he earned a Master’s Degree in Sport Management from CSU-Long Beach.
From June 16 to July 11, 2008, he watched a game in all 30 MLB stadiums in a world record 26 days by car. Please email Josh at robbinsjosh@hotmail.com or visit 60ft6in.com for more information about the Factor12 Rating.***
To Subscribe and listen daily to ‘Our Lead Personality’ Sully’s 20 Minutes Daily (every day since Oct.24, 2012) Podcast click here. Guaranteed listening to the Sully Baseball Daily Podcast will be the best time you invest in online!
2016 MLB Team Salaries Links Page here.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – April 9, 2016
Ross Stripling took a no hitter into the 8th and all Hell broke loose. Dave Roberts watched a logical managerial move blow up in his face as an exciting night of baseball turned bananas in San Francisco.
And that is the word of the day… bananas.
It is a padded room level crazy episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast
Jordan Zimmermann, Brock Holt, Jacob deGrom, Starling Marte, Ervin Santana, Trevor Story. Tyler White and the incredibly unlucky Ross Stripling all added to their total of Who Owned Baseball.
See the updated listing of WOB on MLB REPORTS
Read the rest of this entry
Yasiel Puig: No Bravado, Just Baseball + Off To A Quick Start
Yasiel Puig is 6 for his 10 AB, with 1 HR, 2 Triples, 4 RBI and 5 runs scored through his 1st 3 games. His club outscored the Padres 25 – 0 in sweeping San Diego. This is somewhat reminiscent of 2013, when the Cuban player took the league by storm when he first made his debut. The better part if that he is doing it quietly. The 4th year player leads the league in BA, SLG and OPS through his 1st 3 games played.
Emily Siskin-Toy (Featured BBBA Writer – Owner Of The Website – behindenemylines32.blogspot.com) Follow @3BugBooks
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
The Dodgers have come blasting out of the opening gates, and the “Wild Horse,” Yasiel Puig, is leading the charge. In the first three games, Puig has been on base in 9 out of 13 Plate Appearances, including a Little League home run as well as an easy three-bagger, two walks, and a hit-by-pitch where he didn’t even so much as glance at the pitcher (first time ever?).
He has also knocked in 4 runs and scored 5. Puig showed us this explosiveness when he first hit the scene in 2013, but there is something different about this Puig and it could be the key to the Dodgers’ season…
This post was done before yesterday’s game, so the full article will have information prior to.
READ THE REST OF THIS ARTICLE
FanDuel Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) Baseball Selections For MLB Action – Apr 6, 2016
Josh Robbins (Featured Fantasy Writer/60ft6in.com) Follow @Qualcomm98
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Hi, my name is Josh Robbins. I would like to share my Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) strategy with you throughout the MLB season. Fanduel is my preferred game of skill.
APRIL 6, 2016…Late Slate (7:05 PM ET Fanduel Games)
Starting Pitchers
It’s not a deep slate for starting pitchers today.
1. Sonny Gray (10400) vs. Chicago White Sox
2. Collin McHugh (8900) vs. New York Yankees
3. Kenta Maeda (7200) vs. San Diego Padres Read the rest of this entry
National League Rookie Of The Year Odds In MLB 2016 Action
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Corey Seager is not even in the lineup to open the season but he is the overwhelming favorite to the win the NL Rookie Of The Year Award in 2016 MLB Action.
Update: I was wrong, Seager is was in the lineup for the opener. Having said this, there is no value to bet on him at the odd given, even though he is the overwhelming favorite.
Like we said the American League odds list, there is never a real need to play a whole season to win this award. That is unless you have to compete against a 2015’s winner in Kris Bryant, who was brought up in mid April last year.
Really this is Seager’s spot to lose.
I hate the odds for a guy who is injured to begin the campaign, nonetheless he would still be my pick for the Award.
Steven Matz has dubbed the 2nd favorite – along with Kenta Maeda. Both of these guys broke camp with the big club, and could make 26 – 30 starts this year.
I love the odd better for Maeda, who is slotted higher in the rotation than Matz. These odds are not glamorous to wager on either.
Perhaps the most intriguing guy on the list is Trevor Story. He is the starting shortstop while Jose Reyes is still on the inactive list – awaiting a resolution (suspension) for his part in a domestic dispute in Hawaii over the winter.
Loss Of Pollock Wont End The D’Backs Chances In 2016
Arizona Diamondbacks’ A.J. Pollock, left, slaps hands with Paul Goldschmidt (44) after Pollock scored a run against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning of a baseball game Wednesday, April 8, 2015, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Jen Rainwater (Featured BBBA Writer/Owner – bbstmlb.com) Follow @OakAsSockGrl
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Now, the fact that I have a second favorite team may surprise many of you. Sometimes when I really think about it – it’s surprising to me as well. That team would be the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Over the years, I’ve had known players traded there, been friends with some and am still friends with others. I’ve watched the team prosper but mostly flounder and this was looking like a year where they could beat the San Francisco Giants and even the Los Angeles Dodgers appear to be beatable in 2016.
The DBacks beat out two of their division rivals to get the great Zack Greinke. They’ve got one of the classiest, not to mention best players in the league in first baseman Paul Goldschmidt. And until yesterday they had an up and coming star center fielder, an All-Star last year, in A.J. Pollock.
Now Pollock is out for an unknown amount of time with a broken elbow that will require surgery. That’s a big loss to the Diamondbacks, but it shouldn’t kill their postseason chances ….
READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY
Dodgers Closing In On 2016 Roster
Who will make the 2016 Dodgers Opening Day Roster
Emily Siskin-Toy (Featured Baseball Writer – Owner Of The Website – behindenemylines32.blogspot.com) Follow @3BugBooks
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
As the Dodgers are getting ready to break camp on Wednesday and head home to begin the annual Freeway Series with the Angels, it is a perfect time to speculate on the final 25-man roster.
Team officials are surely losing sleep over all of the injuries the team has endured throughout spring training and are crossing fingers the blood-letting is over. The 14-car pile-up that is the Dodgers current injury list (yes, that many) could make for some interesting roster decisions.
Starting Pitching Staff (5 spots)
One through four is an easy call with ace Clayton Kershaw (great spring, raring to go as usual) leading the way, followed by Scott Kazmir (luckily his abdominal issue turned out only to be a dehydration cramp the other day), then a very solid looking Kenta Maeda, an ever-improving Alex Wood, followed by, drum roll, please…the insert-a-new-name-every-five-days-guy.
I am only half-kidding. Due to injuries to #5 frontrunners, Mike Bolsinger (left oblique), and Brandon Beachy (left arm soreness), and no clearcut winner for the job between Carlos Frias and Zach Lee, it looks like we will get a combination of the two depending upon match-ups.
Then when Bolsinger and Beachy are ready, they, too, will probably join the #5 parade. This sounds a lot like last year’s “drive to find number five,” which was pretty much a disaster…
READ THE REST OF THIS ARTICLE
Will The San Francisco Giants’ Aggressive Winter Lead To Big Results?
Matt Musico (Featured BBBA Writer/Owner – chinmusicbaseball.com) Follow @mmusico8
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Throughout any given winter, it’s sometimes difficult to figure out what certain MLB front offices are trying to accomplish. The San Francisco Giants were definitely not one of them this past offseason.
After all, it’s an even year. They have a reputation to uphold. Following an 84-78 record in 2015, San Francisco was one of the winter’s biggest spenders, which doesn’t happen very often.
With so many major acquisitions made by the Giants, Diamondbacks and Los Angeles Dodgers, the NL West was undoubtedly one of baseball’s busiest divisions this past winter. On paper, the Giants are a favorite to return to the postseason and keep the even-year trend alive. However, these moves are the epitome of high risk, high reward.
READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY
Dodgers Dropping Like Flies In Spring Training
Elsa/Getty Images
(Featured Baseball Website – behindenemylines32.blogspot.com) Follow @3BugBooks
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
Dodgers are feeling the pain.
If you’re a Dodger fan and you’re squeamish, you might want to avert your eyes. As Opening Day approaches, the injuries are coming in at a freakish clip, which is not something a club wants to see this close to breaking camp.
All the depth the front office has been stockpiling might very well get tested earlier than expected.
Candidates for the fifth spot in the rotation are on a downward spiral.
Training camp barely began when the Dodger pitching staff started taking a hit. First to go down was Brett Anderson with back surgery.
So Alex Wood moved up to occupy Anderson’s fourth slot, and then promptly felt tightness in his left forearm. He missed one start and then returned, but it’s hard to tell if he’s really healthy since he revealed he was secretly playing with a sore ankle pretty much from the day he arrived last season in the trade with the Braves. Fishy.
Then the Hyun-Jin Ryu setbacks started up, and it’s deja- vu, you know, that feeling when the team keeps on pushing back his return timetable until it finally announces he needs surgery…again. Let’s hope not.
The team says it will be at least June before Ryu sees a major league mound, so the fifth slot, just like last season, is a black hole.
In the early-going, it was fun watching guys compete for the #5, now it’s just scary.
READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY
Carlos Correa, Corey Seager And Others Could Be Ushering In The Next Golden Age at Shortstop
Carlos Correa was the 1st overall pick in the 2012 Amateur Draft for the Houston Astros. He came up in early June and proceeded to win the American League Rookie Of The Year Award with a 3 Slash of .279/.345/.512 with 22 HRs (led all shortstops in the MLB) and 22 Doubles in just 99 Games. This type of production will change the complexion of the team for the next 6 years. He is just going to be 21 for all of next season – and he looks exactly like a young Alex Rodriguez. In his 1st postseason action, Correa smacked 2 HRs in that pivotal game 4 of the ALDS for Houston, staking them to a 6 – 2 lead before the Bullpen gave up the game.
Matt Musico (Featured BBBA Writer/Owner – chinmusicbaseball.com) Follow @mmusico8
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
What’s the most important position on a baseball diamond? The answer you get will likely depend on whom you ask.
It’s no secret that championship-caliber teams must be strong up the middle – catcher, pitcher, center field, shortstop and second base – to be successful. While I think having a quality catcher is a team’s most important asset, it’s tough to argue against shortstop being next in line.
As many people in fantasy baseball circles know, finding a player that can be an elite hitter without being a defensive liability at this position is difficult to find.
Over the past few years, it’s basically been Troy Tulowitzki and then everyone else. Tulo is still around and will be a great option with the Toronto Blue Jays, but there are already some young big-league shortstops – along with others on the cusp of getting promoted – that will make this position deep with elite options.
READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY
Did The Yankees Make A Mistake Trading For Aroldis Chapman?
Trey Rose (Featured Fantasy Baseball Writer/Owner – dynastydigest.sportsblog.com) Follow @dynasty_digest
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
On December 29th, 2015, the New York Yankees completed a trade with the Cincinnati Reds that solidified what could be one of the best bullpens in Major League Baseball history.
The Cincinnati Reds sent closer, Aroldis Chapman, to the New York Yankees for prospects Rookie Davis, Caleb Cotham, Tony Renda, and Eric Jagielo.
Prior to the trade, Jagielo was ranked as the Yankees 6th best prospect and Davis as the 10th best prospect in their system by MLB.com.
It is worth noting that prior to this trade, it was reported that the Los Angeles Dodgers completed a trade with the Cincinnati Reds, which involved top prospect Jose Peraza, but this trade fell through after some shocking news was released about Aroldis Chapman.
Mark Ellis And Mark Kotsay Together Again At A’s camp
Ellis, still a fan favorite to this day, came up with the team as a rookie in 2002 and was a big part of the Athletics 2002 20-game win streak, which set an AL record. He was the A’s second baseman from 2002 until 2011 when he was traded to the Colorado Rockies. During his tenure with Oakland, Ellis hit .266/.331/.337. He was most impressive on defense however and he has been brought in to work with the middle infielders. Photo courtesy of GETTY IMAGES
Jen Rainwater (Featured Baseball Writer/Owner – www.bbstmlb.com) Follow @OakAsSockGrl
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
This is exciting news! My favorite Marks are back together again, for spring training at least, and that is good enough for me because it means I will likely be able to catch a glimpse or two or more of both Mark Kotsay the A’s new bench coach and Mark Ellis who will be a guest instructor for the team during the spring.
Ellis and Kotsay’s careers with the Athletics overlapped from 2004 (although Ellis was injured for the entire season) to 2007.
They were part of the team that defeated the Minnesota Twins in the American League Division Series in 2006, taking the A’s to the American League Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers.
They lost of course as almost everyone knows the A’s can’t seem to get past the Tigers in the postseason. Yet that 2006 team broke the curse of the first round and took the A’s farther than they had been in the postseason since 1992.
MLB Reports 
You must be logged in to post a comment.