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Yankees Update: Bad News On El Capitan While The Team Keeps Winning
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Derek Jeter. The Yankee Captain. A future Hall of Famer. Last October, Jeter broke his ankle during the American League Championship Series. All off-season, it was reported that Jeter would be ready for Opening Day. After a series of set-backs, it has now become clear that due to a small crack in his ankle, Jeter will not be ready until after the All-Star Break. Can the Yankees survive without their captain? Only time will tell.
By Nicholas Rossoletti (Yankees Correspondent/Trade Correspondent): Follow @nross56
Transitions are rarely easy. People, generally, are creatures of habit and routine. Change is almost always seen as a scary thing for most. Yankee fans are no different. The transition from the old guard is an overwhelming theme to this season for the Yankees.
As Week Three of the Major League season moved along, the Yankees received more bad injury news on their shortstop, Derek Jeter. The Yankee captain suffered a significant setback in his recovery from a broken ankle when it was reported that a small crack had emerged in the same location as the injury.
Reports had indicated that Jeter’s surgery would prevent such a re-occurrence. Obviously, this is not the case, and now, the Yankees will be without their shortstop until at the very least the All-Star break.
Yankee fans’ reaction was obvious as the news broke. For the better part of two decades, Jeter has been the constant in the Yankee lineup, and this injury reminds Yankee fans, again, that the times, they are a changing.
The Captain:
Avisail Garcia Back To Baseball: Decision Possibly Looming For 4th OF Spot In Motown!
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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:
Arizona Diamondbacks Third Week In Review
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The Arizona Diamondbacks got off to a great start at 8-4, but have recently cooled off. They have struggled on offense in key situations late in ballgames. They are ale also missing some key members from their line up. The team has also encountered some hot teams and one of the tougher schedules in terms of playing team with winning records thus far. Arizona is 2 – 1 vs STL, 3 – 0 vs MIL, 1 – 2 vs PIT, 1 – 2 vs NYY and 1 – 2 vs the Colorado Rockies. All of these teams have a +.500 record. The only team is the LA Dodgers (who they are 2 – 1 against this year, 8 – 10 overall – and were above .500 when they played them.) The DBacks sit in 3rd in the NL West, 3 Games Behind the Colorado Rockies heading into play Monday night.
By Chris Lacey (Baseball Writer) Follow @aecanada12
The Arizona Diamondbacks started off the season great by going 8-4 in their first 12 games. They were going to face a challenge in the third week of the season by staring a nine game road trip.
They were going to face The New York Yankees, Colorado Rockies, and San Francisco Giants. These three teams each represent a different degree of difficulty for Arizona.
The Yankees can score plenty of runs in short time frame because of their ability to hit HRs. The Rockies have a lineup that is strong top to bottom. The Giants have a great bullpen with an offense that is improving each game.
Arizona Diamondbacks 2013 Intro Video. Mature Lyrics – Parental Guidance Is Advised:
MLB Weekly Power Rankings – Week 3
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The Giants have gutted out a 12 – 7 record despite Matt Cain being 0 – 2 with a 7.15 ERA, and Ryan Vogelsong featuring an early season ERA of 5.89. Buster Posey is also off to a slow start. This team has so much depth and talent, I see nothing that will stop this club from taking their 3rd NL West Division crown now that the LAD have had severe injury problems to their Starting Rotation. The Giants take their rightful spot as #1 in the MLB Reports Weekly Rankings thids week.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
The Major League Baseball Season is roughly 10% over and we are seeing some trends and patterns. The next time you wonder why games are so long in the game right now, look no further than there are about 150 hitters that are currently on pace to Strikeout 100 plus times this season.
Other Notes:
The Cincinnati Reds won every game this past 7 days, after losing every day the week prior. This is simply why they shot up the rankings. I think the NL Central is the weakest Division this year. It was my prediction that the oldest professional baseball club would run away with this Division by at least 10 games.
Shin-Soo Choo and Joey Votto are on the Basepaths at all times – carrying an OBP of over .500 plus each. Votto is starting to drive the ball with authority too. Brandon Phillips, Todd Frazier and Zack Cozart are driving in Runs at an incredible rate.
Look for BP Follow @DatdudeBP to be a dark horse NL MVP candidate.
Brandon Phillips Talks about Winter Workouts:
Boston Strong
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Monday, April.22/2013
While many people weren’t giving the Red Sox a chance in the AL East this season, the Red Sox were just taking a 2 game lead in the stacked division. I have a feeling this is a team you should never count out.
By Ryan Dana (MLB Reports Writer and Red Sox Correspondent): Follow @ryandana1 with an assist to Kyle Holland (Boston native) Follow @thekholland13
As I’m sure you can imagine, writing this weeks Red Sox article was a little difficult. Figuring out what to say after a tragedy like what Boston has experienced over the past week is no easy task. I’ll just roll with the theme of the City and the Team over the past week. Boston Strong.
The Red Sox have stuck by their city and the rest of baseball has been great amidst this week’s events. The Red Sox are giving a hurting community something to root for.
Outside of the Red Sox organization other teams have also showed their support for the City of Boston after the tragic events at the Boston Marathon.
Just one example would be the Red Sox’ biggest rivals, the New York Yankees, playing Red Sox favorite “Sweet Caroline.” It doesn’t stop there though.
Other teams including the Chicago White Sox, the Cincinnati Reds,the Oakland A’s, and the San Francisco Giants also played “Sweet Caroline.” A little stranger, but just as meaningful, the Milwaukee Brewers played the theme song from the Boston based show “Cheers.”
And perhaps the greatest gesture of them all, after the Red Sox beat the Indians 7-2 on Tuesday evening the staff at Progressive Field played “Dirty Water,” the song played at every Red Sox win at Fenway Park. That’s not all Boston fans are cheering about: Winning keeps Red Sox Nation cheering night after night.
The team has been off to a strong start this season leading the AL East with a record of 12-4 after play on 4/20 thanks to another masterful performance by Clay Buchholz and a clutch Home run by Daniel Nava. They’re currently riding a 7 game winning streak.
Neil Diamond shows up unannounced to sing “Sweet Caroline” to Boston fans:
2 And A Hook Podcast Ep #3: Wil Myers, Mets + Baseball’s Importance To The World
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MLB reports and The Benchwarmers Show present 2 and A Hook Podcast
People in this Podcast:
Chuck Booth – Guest (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
By James Acevedo – Host (Podcast Veteran) Follow @yankeeman1973
In the Clutch Guys from 90.3 FM Tuesday Show In Long Island NY
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On today’s show, brought to you by MLB Reports (www.mlbreports.com )& yours truly (The Bench Warmers Show), I talk about the horrible bombings that happened in the Boston Marathon & how sports especially baseball unites us in this great country! Also I told to Chuck Booth who is the lead analyst and owner of MLB Reports on the world of baseball! Read the rest of this entry
Maybe A Managerial Trade Between The Angels And Dodgers Would Shake Things Up!
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The Los Angeles clubs will surpass the New York Clubs for combined Payroll in 2013. The Dodgers will spend between 225-250 Million and the Angels will spend in the range from 150-175 Million. I have predicted a Freeway World Series for 2013 based on the talent for both clubs. With a slow start for each club (LAA 4 – 10 and LAD 7 – 8) Perhaps they should consider trading skippers.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
It is no secret to anyone out there that I predicted the California Freeway Series for the Fall Classic this year. At the 10 % clip of the regular season, I am not going to confuse anyone with the Amazing Kreskin.
I still have faith that the LA Angels will start tearing it up soon. plus the Dodgers will begin to play to their own water level.
Both clubs have amassed too much talent to be wallowing in the bowels of mediocrity for too long.
I thought entered my brain this morning as I worked. One of the many things I am able to do working at nights is think about the game of baseball
Then it came to me… Trade Mike Scioscia to the Dodgers for Don Mattingly!!
Don Mattingly Post Game comments on Carlos Quentin:
Mike Scioscia speaks on Jered Weaver and Josh Hamilton:
The Rays Need To Call Up Wil Myers Pronto!
2 And A Hook Podcast Talks About Calling UP Wil Myers – 25 Minute Mark
download the episode here
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Myers ascended onto the PCL scene last year and ripped out 24 HRs in just 99 Games at Omaha. The Rays will be counting on him for their offensive future for many years to come. The club has featured a futile attack with the bats – hitting for a 3 Slash Line of .204//284/.588. They have scored only 39 Runs – while allowing 59 Runs through 13 Games.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
First off, I wanted to say that I completely respect the Tampa Bay Rays – and especially am an avid supporter of the head office – including GM Andrew Freidman. I will get to all of this in this article.
It is time to call up Wil Myers to the big club!
The club is mired in a slow start at 4 – 9 and are already 5 Games Behind the AL East Division Leaders ‘Boston Red Sox.
The team traded away Veteran Pitchers James Shields and Wade Davis to Kansas City in order to acquire the top hitting prospect.
Here is why the time makes sense.
Service time for Super 2 Arbitration Status and Free Agency Year aside, this clubs current offense is abysmal despite having great pitching ability.
Wil Myers Highlight Reel:
Down On The Farm – New York Yankees Update
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Almonte is showing his stuff at Triple-A, Particularly, his plate patience is something to keep an eye on and may land him in the Bronx sooner than originally expected. In Scranton, Zolio Almonte has begun to separate himself from Melky Mesa as the more advanced outfield prospect. The Most exciting thing about Almonte is how he is managing Triple A Pitchers He Has worked out 10 Walks – while putting up a very impressive .512 OBP.
By Nicholas Rossoletti (Yankees Correspondent/Trade Correspondent): Follow @nross56
Yankees Report From Down on the Farm:
As of the writing of this paragraph, Almonte had worked another two Walks to further improve that On Base Percentage. The ability to control the strike zone and force pitchers to throw strikes may be the most important factor in promoting a ball player.
In the pre-season, we talked briefly about Almonte as a potential replacement for an injured Curtis Granderson. While Vernon Wells has obviously filled the ranks of the Yankee Outfield, should there be regression from Wells or further injury, Almonte is beginning to show himself as a real option to get Major League At-Bats.
Zolio Almonte HRs:
The Rockies Record Is Misleading
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Last year, position hitters (1-8) hit for a .315. Batting Average at home. The team played at Coors Field and Miller Park during week 1, pasting the Brewers and the Padres . Week 2 saw the Giants sweep them at AT and T Park, before they returned the favor to San Diego at Petco Park. The team will host 16 of the next 22 games in Denver – and will need to make some hay because they haven’t played well on the road in the past few years .
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner and Rockies Correspondent): Follow @chuckbooth3024
If you take a look at the Standings in the NL West, you would see that the Colorado Rockies are among 4 teams over .500 right now. They are tied with the Arizona DiamondBacks at 8 – 4 – and 1 game behind the defending World Series Champion Giants.
Judging by a lot of other publications placing the Rockies so high on their MLB Rankings, I am guessing these place do not give out much credence to Strength of Schedule. at http://www.mlb.com – the club is listed #9 on the Power Rankings.
The Rockies are 6 – 0 this year already versus the hapless San Diego Padres and 2 – 1 versus the Milwaukee Brewers ( a team that is 3 – 8 itself and not looking so great). The Rockies played the San Francisco in a 3 game set at AT and T Park – and were swept, surrendering 23 Runs Scored, while only scoring 9 Runs themselves.
2013 Rockies Commercial:
MLB (R) Weekly Power Rankings – Week 2
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Billy Beane has seen his club roar out of the gates – leading in most offensive and defensive categories so far. This year’s team is 9 – 4 (Leading the AL West) – and have put up a 81 – 40 Record since starting last year 23 – 32. The Tigers seem to be the only toxic for the franchise. The Athletics at least played in front of decent crows at 0.co Coliseum on Saturday drawing 35K – with the team trying to go for a 10th straight win. Justin Verlander stopped the streak.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Well, the Atlanta Braves are the toast of the MLB right now, Prince Fielder is the hottest hitter on the planet, John Buck is doing his best Johnny Bench impersonation – while Chris Davis is giving new definition to the nickname ‘Crash’.
The Mets and Rockies have had the biggest ‘Cupcake Schedules’ thus far in the Major Leagues – and I am still not buying stock in these teams.
The Angels pulled out a couple of wins versus the Houston Astros to end the week 5 – 8 (You guys are supposed to beat Houston whenever you play them this year!
The Yankees rode a 4 – 1 week among a schedule that was blown apart by weather induced cancellations in Cleveland, to climb the standings.
To quote Joe Pesci in (‘ My Cousin Vinny” when Fred Gwynne tells him he is in contempt of court) in response to Jose Reyes being injured. “There is a f—— surprise!
Triple Play Podcast Ep #4 – Week 2 MLB Breakdown
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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
On this weeks episode we talk with James Acevedo of the Bench Warmers showFollow @yankeeman1973 and mlbreports.com’s 2 and A Hook podcast. We run down the past present and future of baseball’s Evil Empire and James gives us his Mt Rushmore of greatest Yankees.
In the Around the Horn segment JP Hoornstra of the LA News Group fills us in on the goings on in La La Land’s baseball universe.
Finally we put it to you Padres, Rays, Rockies, Marlins, Nationals, Astros, D’Backs fans we don’t think they deserve a Mt Rushmore , convince us otherwise and tweet us whyFollow @bigticketshow Best submission wins a Big Ticket T-Shirt.
Click on The Video Player/or Download to your favorite listening is right after the READ THE REST OF THE ENTRY – or past the Triple Play Podcast Logo. Read the rest of this entry
The Baseball Struggles of Tall/Heavy Players After 30: Is Prince Next?
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Prince Fielder will turn 29 in May. Throughout my studies of some extremely tall – or heavy playera, the time of deterioration in ones ability seems to seep in about the 34 Year Old Age range. In my opinion, the club should move to trade Victor Martinez and shift Fielder over to the DH position ASAP, so they can preserve his body for the next 8 years of his contract. He will be 37 when his big deal ends. Fielder has a Career 3 Slash Line of .287/.393/.931. The second generation Fielder, has clubbed 262 HRs and added 774 RBI in 1168 Games Played. Will he suffer the same fate as the others in this article (including his dad) – or will he buck the trend?
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
I am still astounded when I see that Prince Fielder has not been turned into a Full – Time DH – and can still man the position of First Base. The Tigers were lucky enough to sign him last year.
So when should the club decide to take the glove out of Fielder’s hand?
Victor Martinez is there at the Designated Hitter position now, however they should convert Prince Fielder to DH the second V-Mart vacates the club after the 2014 season.
When I thought about this a little more I realized that tall/heavy hitters really have a tough time keeping their productivity up once they are near the second half of their career. It is really not that hard to figure out.
A player that is taller also carries a larger Strike Zone, where the overweight players will only lose any speed they had as their career starts winding down.
For this particular article, I choose 4 players to study this exact scenario. Those players are: Richie Sexson, Tony Clark, Mo Vaughn and Cecil Fielder.
Prince Fielder wins the 2012 HR Derby:
Opening Week Jitters For The Yankees
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Opening Week was what many suspected, but as the Yankees come out of that leg of the marathon, they are alive and kicking. The question will be as it always was: Can the pitching keep the team in the game?
By Nicholas Rossoletti (Yankees Correspondent/Trade Correspondent): Follow @nross56
As winter turns to spring, anyone who loves the game of baseball begins to become anxious. The season is almost here becomes a rallying cry for those fans who spend the cold winter missing the boys of summer.
Opening Day is a borderline holiday for we baseball fans. It marks the beginning of our six (6) month journey. A time of renewal and rebirth. A time of hope as spring turns to summer and our favorite teams return to their ballparks. The Yankees headed north to begin the season and immediately entered their traditional role in the spotlight of New York.
For over 100 years, there has been no bigger ticket in sports in the Big Apple than the Yankees. Sadly enough opening day was as bad as many of the naysayers expected. CC Sabathia, a traditional slow starter, was beaten badly by the Red Sox.
Sabathia’s largest weakness was the frequency with which runners reached base. Allowing 12 base runners over the course of only five innings, Sabathia provided the Red Sox with opportunity after opportunity.
Much has been made of Sabathia’s decreasing velocity. It was the hot topic after the outing. Sabathia topped out at around 92 MPH on his fastball, which seemed ultimately much more hittable.
Equally worrisome to the loss in velocity is the inability to control the strike zone with 4 Walks during the start. All in all, it made for another horrid opening day from a pitcher that has traditionally been poor on opening day.
Ivan Nova: Back When It Was Working:
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – April 9, 2013
From ESPN.com
Today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast deals with unusual math.
You don’t really start following teams until you turn 8 years old.
That means 10 year old Yankee fans have no memory of a World Series title.
Kids getting their driving license in New England can say the whole “Curse” thing was before their time.
And 26 year old have never experienced anything other than labor peace in baseball.
It sure makes ME feel old.
Also I determined that Brandon Phillips, Matt Harvey, Ervin Santana and especially Robinson Cano owned baseball on April 8, 2013.
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Players who owned baseball for a Day
Clayton Kershaw – 2
Robinson Cano – 1
Shin-Soo Choo – 1
Alex Cobb – 1
Zack Cozart – 1
Yu Darvish – 1
Chris Davis – 1
Jacoby Ellsbury – 1
Prince Fielder – 1
Adrian Gonzalez – 1
Carlos Gonzalez – 1
Gio Gonzalez – 1
Bryce Harper – 1
Matt Harvey – 1
Felix Hernandez – 1
Adam Jones – 1
Cliff Lee – 1
Jed Lowrie – 1
Justin Maxwell – 1
Bud Norris – 1
Gerardo Parra – 1
Andy Pettitte – 1
Brandon Phillips –
Albert Pujols – 1
CC Sabathia – 1
Ervin Santana – 1
Drew Smyly – 1
Justin Upton – 1
Adam Wainwright – 1
Barry Zito – 1
MLB Weekly Rankings Week 1: MLB Reports
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The Nationals won a Major League leading 98 Games Last Year. They have the best roster in the Major Leagues in 2013 – and have started the year 4 – 2. The team receives a narrow edge for me over the Reds for the #1 Spot in the MLB reports 1st installment of the MLB Rankings. Check back weekly for updated rankings!
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
This is the first installment of my weekly Rankings for all MLB Teams. There are no real surprises here, I picked the Nationals just slightly over the Reds from top to bottom based on their current roster depth.
Really, the Reds may have an easier path to the playoffs playing in the NL Central -as opposed to the NL East lineup the Nationals would face.
I am not sold on the Rockies quick start because they beat up the Padres and Brewers. The DiamondBacks also look great, so look for them to possibly keep climbing the ranks
The AL East is already beating each other up.
The Braves might charge up the ranks again next week.
The White Sox have looked great so far with their pitching.
Oakland and Texas have ended the week on a hotstreak each by way of fattening up on the Houston Astros.
Washington Nationals On Opening Day:
An American Hobby: Baseball Memorabilia – Eddie Mathews 1952 Topps Card
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Eddie Mathews held the record for HRs by a 3rd Baseman until it was broken by Mike Schmidt. The man is tied for 12th in ALL – Time HRs for one given teams (The Braves – (493) with Lou Gehrig of the New York Yankees. ) He was a 9 Time ALL – Star and finished 2nd in MVP Voting for the years of 1953 (Campanella) and 1959 (Banks). It was those same two years in which he led the NL in HRs. The man from Santa Barbara California also led the NL in Walks for a year on 4 separate occasions. His 3 Career Slash Line was .271/.371/.885 in 17 years with the Braves, Astros and Tigers.
By Lee Edelstein (‘Baseball Memorabilia Enthusiast’ – visit his website here) Follow @chinmusicstory
MLB Reports: We are pleased to present you with Baseball Author Lee Edelstein as the newest writer with us at the Reports. Lee will be providing us with great stories about baseball memorabilia on a regular basis.
MLB Reports
An American Hobby
Blog 8
Eddie Mathews
Trivia question: who is the only person to play for the Braves franchise in all three of its locations – Boston, Milwaukee, Atlanta? That’s right, Eddie Mathews. And what a Brave he turned out to be – a Hall of Famer, the second greatest Brave of all time (behind Aaron), and the person who redefined the position of Third Base.
Eddie Mathews reached the majors as a twenty-year-old, in 1952. It was the franchise’s final year in Boston and he hit 25 Home Runs, three in one game, and finished third in Rookie-Of-The-Year voting. They should have given him the award – he followed his freshman campaign by smacking 47 HRs to lead the Majors – while driving in 135 RBI. He would hit 30+ Home Runs for nine straight years.
Eddie Mathews Tribute:
Athletes vs. Actors – PEDs vs. Plastic Surgery
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Alex Rodriguez is an admitted PED user – and claims to only have done this while playing for the Texas Rangers. With the new Biogenesis scandal surrounding him – how much more would his legacy be tarnished if he was found to have cheated in New York City? It is clear that the penalties enforced by MLB for such violations are not enough of a factor – to prevent their players from trying to gain an advantage. While MLB has adopted increasingly higher suspensions for positive tests than prior to 2005, they are still not high enough to prevent kids from trying out these enhancers, because the rewards still outweigh the risk.
By Lori Martini (Senior Reporter and Baseball Writer): Follow @LoriMartini
As an actor, especially being female it is very tough competition. There are fewer roles for women and more female actors than men. To make matters worse, nobody wants you when you get older, which makes our time frame as a working actor very slim if one is even lucky enough to be a successful working actor.
Some women turn to plastic surgery to try to obtain roles for parts that really should be played by 30 or 40 somethings, yet the casting notices dictate that you must look 20’s.
Not only are there these unrealistic roles, but lately I’ve been seeing more and more degrading roles out there for women such as being topless, OK with performing simulated sex acts – even as far to be OK with being peed or defecated on.
Seriously, how much more are they going to push the envelope, yet not expect men to do the same?
Alex Rodriguez Admits To Steroid Use:
Trust In Cash: Vernon Wells And Getting Through Early 2013
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Our own Chuck Booth predicted that Mr. Wells could be wearing pinstripes this season and lo and behold, Chuck was right. Now, to see if Wells can bridge the gap for the Yankees until Curtis Granderson returns.
By Nicholas Rossoletti (Yankees + Trade Correspondent) Follow @NRoss56
There have been few moments as divisive for Yankees fans over the past year than last weekend’s trade for Vernon Wells. While I will get to the trade analysis of the Wells deal, I find it incredibly interesting the conversations and general disdain Yankee fans are currently showing for the management team in the Bronx.
The Yankee universe took to social media after the announcement of the trade. A large contingent were calling for Brian Cashman’s job, which I’m sure is not anything unusual for the General Manager of the Yankees. It did get me thinking about where the team is coming into the season.
Vernon Wells Highlights – Parental Guidance is Advised:
The Mets Fans Have Good Reasons To Be Choked
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Johan Santana signed a 6 YR/$137.5 MIL deal with the Mets prior to the 2008 season. He only managed to start in 109 Games for the franchise in his stint. With a 2nd shoulder surgery coming – he is likely finished for his Career. He will receive a $5.5 MIL Buyout for the team declining his 2014 Option. That means he will have made $143 Million in his New York time. This works out to be over $1.2 MIL per game. If pro – rated on a 33 Start season, it equates to be about a $40 Million a year pitcher. Santana is 46 – 34 – with a 3.14 ERA for his Met playing days.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Today has to eb a frustrating day if you are a Mets fan with the news of Johan Santana being out for the year. It is just another example of a deal gone awry from a superstar.
Tom Glavine, Pedro Martinez, Mo Vaughn, Jason Bay and Roberto Alomar….What do these ex – superstar players have in common with former Cy Young Winner Johan Santana??
How about all of them played at ALL – Star Caliber (even Hall of Fame Careers) before they entered a Mets uniform. Once they arrived in the Big Apple, their careers basically fizzled out faster than a sparkler on the 4th of July. They all made great money in their time with the New York club, yet failed to live up to expectations.
All 27 Outs of Johan Santana’s No Hitter:
LA Dodgers Organizational Depth Charts, Rosters And Salaries (Majors And Minors)
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When Magic Johnson and his ownership group spent 2 Billion Dollars on acquiring the Franchise, that should have been a red-flag that they were going to outspend every club when it came to payroll. Get ready for it baseball world! With the MLB not having a Salary Cap – and a whimsy penalty for 1st time offenders for the 1st violation of the Luxury Tax Threshold – how high will the LA club go?
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024 and welcome Jeff Kleiner (Salary, Roster and Depth Chart Expert for the MLB – visit his website here Follow @prosportsroster
You guys are all in for a treat. Jeff Kleiner recently contacted me about a partnership merge for the website. He has developed a site (prosportsrosters.com) that covers all organizational affiliates in the Minors for all of the Major League Baseball Clubs. We are going to combine efforts to bring you the best look at salaries, current 25 Man Player Rosters and Depth Charts for all 30 teams.
Jeff is going to provide the documents in form of spreadsheets and I am going to accompany the posts with deep analysis of what the numbers tell us from my perspective. If you can’t wait for all of my assessments for each club, go and visit Jeff’s website over at http://www.prosportsrosters.com.
In Speaking with Jeff, he is one of the more passionate fans I have come across towards the game of baseball. He spends enough time in updating his MLB Facts for it to be a Full-Time Job. So after the usual Video Clip and READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY button, you will find some serious &*!@?!#!
For a Full 3 year Salary Outlook plus last years Stats for every player in the Dodgers Organization click here
LA Dodgers Great Moments:
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 24, 2013
How worthless is the New York Yankees farm system? They can not seem fill in a single spot on an injury plagued team even on an interim basis.
Why not give the likes of Addison Maruszak a shot?
Meanwhile, I remember my Weston, Massachusetts Little League teammate Huckleberry Keys on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
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The Yankees Prospects Going Into 2013
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The Tampa Yankees are the High-A affiliate for the Yankees and served as the home for Gary Sanchez, Mason Williams, Tyler Austin and Slade Heathcott during the 2012 season.
By Nicholas Rossoletti (Yankees Correspondent/Trade Correspondent): Follow @nross56
Heading into the 2013 season, few things in the Yankee universe have been more controversial than the organizations goals to get under the $189 million salary mark after the season. It has been largely debated as to whether such a goal is realistic for an organization known for spending wildly in its never-ending pursuit of championships.
It is also hotly debated whether the goal will have the desired effect of taking some of the Yankee millions out of the revenue sharing arena and placing them back into the Steinbrenner family pockets. I won’t spend much time discussing the benefits or negatives of a team sticking to a 189 million payroll, but I will say that it is very possible to build a world champion well within that budget.
The first step to building a future champion regardless of how much money the Yankees spend is to follow the formula that brought the Yankees success over the past two decades: build a base around young talent. So with this article we will take a look at the prospects that Yankees fans have to hope pan out and begin heading for the Bronx.
Slade Heathcott showing off how to slide in the AFL:
Andrew Of The “Baseball Romine’s” – The Next Maicer Izturis?
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Andrew Romine was drafted in the 5th Round of the 2007 MLB Amateur Draft. He comes from a baseball pedigree with his dad (Kevin Romine having played for the Boston Red Sox from 1985 – 1991) and his brother Austin Romine Catching for the New York Yankees this year – after having a cup of coffee for the Bronx Bombers in 2011. This family has played in every defensive position in the Major Leagues except for the First Base position. Kevin and Austin have even played a game at the Designated Hitter.
Josh Jones (Angels Correspondent): Follow @joshjones4
While he has not made the roster yet, Utility Infielder Andrew Romine might already be atop of Manager Mike Scioscia’s go to weapons. Angel fans know how important recently departed Maicer Izturis was for the Angels, just as one-time fan favorite Chone Figgins, with the manager putting him in the lineup nearly every day at any of the three Infield positions.
Izturis gave a steady switch-hitting bat who had a quality batting eye, the ability to put the ball in play on hit-and-runs, and a steady glove. He looks and feels like a mirror image of Izturis, possessing all of the traits that the former Angels Infielder brought to the table except the fact that Romine now only bats exclusively from the left side.
Andrew Romine bunting for a base hit in 2009:
An American Hobby: Baseball Memorabilia – Mickey Mantle: “The Mick” Card
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Mickey Mantle is the ALL – Time HR leader amongst switch hitters. He was a 3 Time AL MVP with 6 other top 5 finishes. He won the Triple Crown in 1956 for the Yankees. In an era that was not known for Stealing, he held himself back – or he could have been Baseballs first 40/40 Man. Mantle slugged over 1.000 OPS in 8 years and held a Career 3 Slash line of .298/.421/.977. Mantle won 7 World Series and appeared in a total of 12 Fall Classics – hitting 18 HRs (a record that stood for 3 decades by a Post Season Career and still is a WS Record.) Mantle made just over $1 MIL in earnings for his 18 years.
By Lee Edelstein (‘Baseball Memorabilia Enthusiast’ – visit his website here) Follow @chinmusicstory
MLB Reports: We are pleased to present you with Baseball Author Lee Edelstein as the newest writer with us at the Reports. Lee will be providing us with great stories about baseball memorabilia on a regular basis.
MLB Reports
An American Hobby
Blog 5
Just as Joe DiMaggio was winding down his career in 1951, a nineteen-year-old wunderkind burst upon the MLB scene. His name was Mickey Mantle, he hailed from Commerce, Oklahoma, and he was the walking, talking personification of the All-American boy. The Mick was boyishly handsome, strong, sleek, and fast as the wind.
And he could hit Home Runs further than anyone in the game. When he won the Triple Crown in 1956 he captured the hearts and souls of an entire generation of youngsters who would go on to be known as the Baby Boomers. But just like Roy Hobbs, The Natural, in Bernard Malamud’s 1952 story, his personality flaws along with injuries, would keep Mantle from realizing his full potential.
The Yankees seemed to be blessed with sterling talent that showed up at just the right time. As Babe Ruth’s career with the Bronx Bombers wound down, Lou Gehrig was there to carry the team forward. When Gehrig’s career came to an abrupt and tragic end, Joe DiMaggio was just establishing himself as the preeminent Center Fielder of his day.
Mickey Mantle’s 500th HR(3rd one in) is amongst these 7 Mantle videos :
Brian Roberts: Can He Stay Healthy In Baltimore This Year?
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Brian Roberts was one of the best Lead – Off hitters in baseball from 2004 – 2009. He Scored 604 Runs (100 per year), Stole 212 Bases (average of 35 per year and clobbered 278 Doubles (average of 46 per year). He is the ALL – Time Leader for Doubles in a Single Year by a Switch hitter (56 in 2009 – Led AL) He also hit 51 2B’s in 2004 and 50 in 2008. Roberts also is one of three other players (Stan Musial, Tris Speaker and Paul Waner) to have 50 + Doubles in 3 years of his Career). At 278 Career SB, he is still 15th on the Active Players List. He Led the AL in SB in 2007 (50).
Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Writer): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Once upon a time in Baltimore there was this speed demon, 40 2B+, 40 SB and 100 Runs a Year guy that played for the Baltimore Orioles. He was the best player on a team that hadn’t been competitive in quite some time. The team rewarded the player with a 4 YR/$40 Million Dollar Contract. I am talking of course about Brian Roberts.
Earlier this week I wrote a similar column about how Grady Sizemore and Travis Hafner were also world – beaters amongst AL hitters before a rash of injuries had grinded their careers down to a halt. Read that blog right here .
It must have been bittersweet for Roberts to see his teammates celebrate with a champagne bubble bath – after clinching the clubs first Post Season Birth in 15 years. Heck, it was only a few years later (in 1999) that the Second Baseman was taken in the 1999 Amateur Draft (5oth pick overall).
Brian Roberts speaks about Post Concussion Recovery:
Baltimore Orioles Payroll In 2013 And Contracts Going Forward Mar.15/2013
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Buck Showalter had one of the best managerial season in recent vintage with the 2012 version of the Baltimore Orioles, will the fans and management turn on him if there is a small regression in 2013?
Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Writer): Follow @chuckbooth3024
I believe that 2013 will be a regressive season for the Baltimore Orioles. Much like the 2011 Arizona DiamondBacks in the National League, all of the bounces and luck went the Orioles way to have a magical year of a playoff berth in 2012. A crazy amount of 1 run wins, extra inning wins and a brilliant bullpen defied the odds in the American League in order to compete.
I still think the Baltimore Orioles will be competitive in 2013, I just don’t see a 90 win team. The team is not saddled with many outrageous contracts left, however it is a shame that Brian Roberts (10 Million Dollars Per Year) can’t stay healthy. They will need repeat years from Adam Jones and Chris Davis, plus significant increases in production from J.J. Hardy, Matt Wieters and Nick Markakis will need to hit his .300+.
This team has to take a run at a few players via trade or a remaining Free Agent. The need for a power hitting DH and another OF with Pop to play LF would be a wise decision. The ownership will need to extend the payroll for this very option. Also, they will need to plunk down some dough to sign an ace on the Free Agency market. You can’t tell me that a guy like Kyle Lohse won’t help the club!
2012 Winning Mix Highlights:
Baltimore Orioles Player Roster In 2013: State Of The Union Updated Mar.15
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The Orioles defied the odds with a 29 – 9 One run games record and a record streak of Extra Innings Wins that reached the teens. In a vaunted AL East – Vegas has only predicted them as about a 77 win team this year. They used 12 Starting Pitchers and none of them are clear – cut Aces. Might they call Dylan Bundy up in May? Will the management pull the trigger on a proven #1 Starting Pitcher to help them out? Will Brian Roberts be able to stay healthy?
By Kyle Holland (MLB Reports Writer): Follow @TheKHolland13
2012 was a breakout year for the Baltimore Orioles and the start of something new. They finished the season with a 93-69 record, a record good enough to land themselves a spot in the Wild Card playoff game. This marked the first time since 1997 they were playing October baseball.
The Orioles took down the Rangers in that very game to advance to the ALDS against AL East foe, the New York Yankees. They gave the Yankees a run for their money sending the series to 5 games, only to lose a heart-breaker 3-1 finale of the matchup. All of this happening with the Orioles having the 18th largest payroll in the MLB.
Orioles Wild Card Celebration:
Burnett’s Career Comes Full Circle With 1st Opening Day Start
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The Yankees Dealt Burnett to the Bucs prior to the 2012 season. NYY ate 20 of the 33 Million Dollars remaining for 2012 and 2013 years. Burnett was was 10-2 in the 1st half for the Bucs.
By Brad Cuprik (Pirates Correspondent) Follow @bradcuprik
It’s hard to believe that in just a couple weeks time, Arkansas native A.J. Burnett will be making his first Opening Day start on the mound. The 36-year-old Burnett has been in the Major Leagues since 1999, pitching for the Marlins, Blue Jays, Yankees and now enters his second season with the Pirates. It also happens to be the last year of a 5-Year, $82.5 Million Contract he signed in December 2008.
His tenure in the Bronx was simply put, a disaster. When a player signs a contract of that magnitude and then posts an ERA nearly a run over his career mark for a ballclub like the Yankees, you can forgive a player for wanting to fade into obscurity. That’s not Burnett. He did not want to leave the Yanks, stating he had unfinished business but his trade to Pittsburgh and a return to the National League has been a blessing.
AJ Burnett takes a bunted ball to the face in 2012:
The Washington Nationals Franchise Part 6 of 6: 2013 Team Payroll And Contracts Updated Mar.8
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Stephen Strasburg is eligible for Arbitration after the 2013 season. He originally signed a 4 Year/14 Million Dollar Entry Level Deal after he was drafted in 2009.
Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst / Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Perhaps no team will have more of a chance to win the 2013 World Series with Harper and Strasburg will be another year older, while both Zimmerman’s can both have been healthy for the year. They have two Mutual Options for them to re-sign which I mention on the next page. They do have several Arbitration Eligible Players including Super ‘2’ Free Agents Jordan Zimmerman and Tyler Clippard. The Nationals should try to lock most of these guys up as long as they can. Especially guys like Desmond, Espinosa and Storen.
Their price shall only skyrocket as they become older. The Nationals will not have to worry about their starting outfield of Morse, Werth and Harper as they are all signed for next year. Strasburg enters the final year of this entry-level deal and Gio Gonzalez also has a nice value deal for the salary part of it.
Kurt Suzuki had a strong finish in 2013, so you could see the club maybe trading away he or Wilson Ramos before 2013 Trade Deadline. I suspect the Phillies to be stronger this year, so major improvements by Harper and rejuvenated play from both Zimmerman’s will be crucial to the clubs success. Micheal Lerner has made it abundantly clear he wants a championship for this club ASAP. He will spend any amount of money . The rest of the lineup looks set and ready to mash in 2013!
For Part 1 of the Article Series, The Expos Hitters: click here
For Part 2 of the Article Series, The Expos Pitchers: click here
For Part 3 of the Article Series, The Demise of the Montreal Expos: click here
For Part 4 of the Article Series, The Washington Nationals Franchise 2005-2012: click here
For Part 5 of the Article Series, The Nationals top 25 Man Roster from 20o5-2012 click here
MLB 13 The Show – Bryce Harper Interview:
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