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Cy Young Candidates: AL + NL
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Follow @mlbreportsWednesday July 17, 2013
Felix Hernandez has been the face of the Seattle Mariners since 2009 when he won 19 games for their club. He looks to be doing it again in 2013 as he has already won 10. It is the first time in his career that he has won 10 games before the All-Star Break. In 138.2 innings pitched he has struck out 140 batters and has an excellent 2.53 ERA.
By Ryan Ritchey (MLB Reports Writer) Follow @baseballaddicts
The Cy Young Award is always a fun award to predict. There are always three or four great pitchers from each league that could deserve the award. But in the end only one person can get that award and that is why it is so fascinating.
This season is no different. There are three players in my mind from the American League that deserve to be candidates for the Cy Young Award.
Those three players are Bartolo Colon of the Oakland A’s, Max Scherzer of the Detroit Tigers, and Felix Hernandez of the Seattle Mariners.
Who is the front runner? Here is who I have…
First is the King, Felix Hernandez. Every season since he came into the league at the age of 19 in 2005 he has gotten better mentally and physically.
As a young pitcher, he would get frustrated easily on the mound and it would go downhill from there. This season it looks as if he has got his emotions under control and just goes out and pitches.
Hernandez is 10-4 with a 2.53 ERA in an even 20 starts. This is the first season he has won 10 games before the All-Star Break in his nine year career.
Those numbers right there are a lot better than his 13-12 Cy Young season in 2010. He always seems to stay right around a .500 record but I think this is the season he breaks out and wins 20 games for the first time.
There is just one more player better than him that deserves the award more than the King.
Bartolo Colon 2013 Highlights: Mature Lyrics – Please Use Parental Guidance Here
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July14th) – Updated Yearly “WOB” Standings
Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images
Justin Verlander made a serious bid for his 3rd career no hitter. He held the Rangers hitless for the first 6 2/3 innings before Mitch Moreland doubled off of the wall. He finished with 7 innings of one hit ball, getting credit for the Tigers 5-0 victory.
Wily Peralta pitched 7 strong innings, letting up only 1 run, as the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Arizona Diamondbacks by a 5-1 score.
Josh Donaldson certainly hit like an All Star yesterday. He drove in all three Oakland runs including a 2 run game tying home run in the 7th and a walk off single in the 11th as the A’s topped Boston 3-2.
Michael Cuddyer went 2-5 with a homer and drove in all three Rockies runs in Colorado’s 3-1 victory over the Dodgers.
They all owned baseball on July 14th, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON
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To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July 13th) – Updated Yearly “WOB” Standings
Photo: Lenny Ignelzi – AP
Tim Lincecum threw the second no hitter of the year, striking out 13 Padres along the way. He even walked and scored in his masterpiece as the Giants won 9-0.
A.J. Griffin shut down the first place Boston Red Sox with 8 shutout innings. The A’s were triumphant 3-0 in a possible playoff preview.
The Diamondbacks came back from a 4-1 hole to Milwaukee with an attack led by Didi Gregorius. He smacked a solo homer in the 6th to start the come back. He then drove in the tying tun with a single in the 7th. Arizona would go on to win, 5-4.
Lonnie Chisenhall‘s grand slam was the difference as the Cleveland Indians defeated the Kansas City Royals, 5-3, and moved to within 1 1/2 games of first place.
They all owned baseball on July 13th, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – July 9, 2013
Photo: Paul F. Sullivan
This photo is a picture of my dad, reacting to the Giants’ miserable offense and defense during the gut wrenching 16 inning loss to the Mets last night.
How did the defending World Champs get to the point where they are 8 games under .500 approaching mid July? A little bit of arrogance was a factor.
I discuss that on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Zack Grienke, Bartolo Colon, Victor Martinez and yes Buster Posey all owned baseball on July 8, 2013.
To see the up to date tally of “Who Owns Baseball?,” click HERE.
Subscribe on iTunes HERE.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – July 9, 2013
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July.8th) – Updated Yearly “WOB” Standings
(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Zack Greinke allowed only 2 hits over 7 shutout innings and actually out hit the Diamondbacks as he went 3-3. The Dodgers won 6-1 and crept to within 3 1/2 games of first place.
Bartolo Colon was masterful over 7 innings, letting up only 1 walk and 1 run and 7 hits, leading the A’s to a air tight 2-1 victory of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Buster Posey did everything in his power to propel the Giants to a victory. He homered, got 2 doubles, collected 5 hits and was in scoring position throughout the game. Unfortunately for him, the rest of the Giants offense was dead and San Francisco lost a 16 inning heart breaker to the Mets, 4-3.
Victor Martinez scored in the first and then delivered a 2 out, 2 run, 10th inning tie breaking double that gave the Tigers a dramatic 4-2 triumph over second place Cleveland.
They all owned baseball on July 8th, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – July 8, 2013
Today’s episode The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast was recorded during the Oakland Athletics/Chicago Cubs game on July 2nd.
I went with my dad, my cousin and several friends of the family. It was a great game with great company in a not great stadium.
That’s 2 greats out of 3. Not a bad ratio.
Adam Jones, David Price, Clayton Kershaw and Josh Satin all owned baseball on July 7, 2013.
To see the up to date tally of “Who Owns Baseball?,” click HERE.
Subscribe on iTunes HERE.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – July 8, 2013
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (July 4th) – Updated Yearly “WOB” Standings
(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Dan Straily returned from the minors to throw 7 innings of 1 hit shutout baseball, winning a 1-0 thriller for the A’s over the Cubs.
Adrian Beltre clocked a pair of homers. The second homer began the Rangers 7th inning come from behind rally against the Mariners, resulting in a 5-4 Texas win.
Cole Hamels pitched 7 innings, letting up only one earned run and struck out 8 Pirates while walking none, giving the Phillies a much needed 6-4 win.
And Wil Nieves went 4-7 with a pair of RBI and got a 2 out single that helped the Diamondbacks set up the game winning rally in the 15th inning, 5-4 against the Mets.
They all owned baseball on July 4th, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (June 28th) – Updated Yearly “WOB” Standings
Photo: Chris O’Meara – AP
Miguel Cabrera was a triple short of the Cycle. He went 4-4 with a single, a double and a pair of homers. He drove in three and scored three as the Tigers beat the Rays, 6-3.
Delmon Young went 3-6 with a double and six runs batted in, leading the Phillies to a 16-1 embarrassment of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Bartolo Colon threw 8 innings of 1 run, 6 hit ball as the A’s beat the Mighty Cardinals handily, 6-1.
And Matt Harvey may have been ripped off by the Mets bullpen, but he was sensational. He threw perfect game into the 5th inning. He finished the game letting up just 3 hits, 1 run and no walks in 7 innings, striking out 11 along the way. The Mets relievers surrendered the lead and ultimately the game to the Nationals, 6-4. That doesn’t make Harvey’s start any less noteworthy.
They all owned baseball on June 28th, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (June 16th) – Updated Yearly “WOB” Standings
Photo: Robert Sabo, New York Daily News
Kirk Nieuwenhuis launched a 3 run, bottom of the ninth, come from behind walk off home run to cap off a 4 run rally as the Mets stunned the Cubs, 4-3.
Ricky Nolasco pitched 7 innings letting up 3 hits and 1 run as the Marlins beat the Cardinals 7-3 and the worst team in baseball won a series against the best team in the game.
Josh Reddick was a double short of the cycle as he went 4-5 with a homer and a triple, driving in two, leading the A’s to a 10-2 blow out of the Mariners.
And Corey Kluber pitched 8 innings of shutout ball, striking out 8 and walking none, getting the 2-0 win for the Indians over the Nationals.
They all owned baseball on June 16th, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – June 14, 2013
(AP Photo/Eric Risberg)
How bad has the Yankees offense been lately? Worse than you probably realize.
How good have the A’s been for the last 162 games? A lot better than you probably realize.
Those are the two main topics on today’s Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.
Chris Davis, Ben Revere, Matt Cain and Adam Warren all owned baseball on June 13, 2013.
David Cameron’s article on Fangraphs can be found HERE.
To see the up to date tally of “Who Owns Baseball?,” click HERE.
Subscribe on iTunes HERE.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – June 14, 2013
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (June.12) – Updated Yearly “WOB” Standings
(AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Brandon Moss homered twice, driving in 3 of the A’s 5 runs as Oakland beat the Yankees, 5-2.
Starling Marte got 4 hits and came around to score all four times and stole a pair of bases helping the Pirates defeat the defending champion Giants, 12-8.
Dillon Gee kept the Cardinals off the board for the first 5 innings and pitched into the 7th inning, letting up a single run to the best team in baseball. He got a rare win for the Mets as they beat St. Louis, 5-1.
And while his bullpen conspired against him and surrendered the lead and the game, 3-2 in 10 innings, Detroit’s Justin Verlander pitched wonderfully against the Royals. Seven shutout innings with 8 strikeouts is enough to win most games .
They all owned baseball on June 12th, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (June 7th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB” Standings
AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin
Paul Goldschmidt hit a 2 out, 3 run homer in the 8th inning to turn a 1-0 Giants lead into a 3-1 victory for the Diamondbacks.
Francisco Liriano pitched 7 inning of 2 hit shutout baseball, striking out 8 as the Pirates topped the Cubs, 2-0.
Rays starter Chris Archer pitched 7 innings letting up only 2 hits and one run as Tampa topped Baltimore, 2-1.
And Josh Donaldson changed the entire complexion of the A’s/White Sox game as his grand slam turned a 3-0 hole into a 4-3 win for Oakland.
They all owned baseball on June 7th, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – June 6, 2013
Today on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast, I talk to my dear friend Anna about her trip to Miller Park to see the Brewers play her beloved Oakland A’s.
Listen to the podcast and learn about a unicorn backpack and a certain dish at Miller Park called THE BEAST!
Carlos Gonzalez, R. A. Dickey, Julio Teheran and Kyle Seager (who did something NEVER done before in the history of Major League Baseball!) all owned baseball on June 5, 2013.
To see the up to date tally of “Who Owns Baseball?,” click HERE.
Subscribe on iTunes HERE.
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – June 6, 2013
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (June 3rd) – Updated Yearly “WOB” Standings
Harry How / Getty Images / June 3, 2013
Coco Crisp led off the game with a homer and got on base 5 times while going 4-5 in the A’s 10-2 thrashing of the Milwaukee Brewers.
Erik Bedard earned his first win of the year, going 7 innings letting up only one run and 5 hits (none by Albert Pujols) as the Astros finished their shocking 4 game sweep of the Angels in Anaheim.
Bronson Arroyo threw 8 shutout innings , letting up 4 hits and walking none as the Reds beat the Rockies 3-0.
And in his spectacular big league debut, Yasiel Puig led off with a hit, collected another hit and ended the game with a spectacular double play, throwing firing to first after a catch in the outfield to double off the runner and seal the much needed 2-1 victory over the Padres.
They all owned baseball on June 3rd, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May.26th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
Stephen Strasburg pitched 8 solid innings, letting up 5 hits and 1 run, striking out 9 against no walks as the Nationals beat the Phillies, 6-1.
Pete Kozma went 4-4 with 3 doubles, 3 runs batted in and scored the winning run as the Cardinals beat the Dodgers, 5-3.
Alex Cobb pitched a shutout into the 9th, finishing with an 8 1/3 inning star with 5 hits and 2 runs as the Rays beat the Yankees 8-3.
J. B. Shuck went 3-4, driving in the go ahead run in the 7th and a key insurance run in the 8th as the Angels won 5-2 and completed the 4 game sweep of Kansas City..
They all owned baseball on May 26th, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May 25th) – Updated Yearly “WOB” Standings
Josh Donaldson got on base 5 times with a homer, three other hits and a walk, scored twice and drove in two as the A’s won another slug fest in Houston, 11-5.
Jake Peavy pitched a complete game victory, letting up only 6 hits. He lost his bid for a shutout when he let up a game tying homer to Derek Dietrich. But Connor Gillaspie’s walk off hit gave Peavy and the White Sox a 2-1 victory over the Marlins.
Mike Minor pitched 7 1/3 shutout innings, letting up just 3 hits and striking out 10. He also went 2-4 at the plate, hitting a 2 out 2 run homer that helped Atlanta beat the Mets, 6-0.
And Angel Pagan helped wipe away a day full of frustrations and bad calls against the Giants with a 2 run, 1 out, walk off come from behind 10th inning inside the park home run. He went 2-6 as the Giants shocked the Rockies by a final of 6-5.
They all owned baseball on May 25th, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May 24th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Anibal Sanchez may have lost the no hitter, but he owned baseball on Friday, May 24, 2013. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Anibal Sanchez took a no hitter to one out in the 9th inning before Joe Mauer singled to center. He settled for a complete game one hit shutout with 12 strikeouts as the Tigers beat the Twins, 6-0.
Chris Young went 3-5 and launched a 3 run, 9th inning go ahead home run in front of his family as the A’s turned a 5-3 hole into a 6-5 victory over the Astros.
Jordan Zimmermann pitched 7 strong innings, letting up only 2 runs, as the Nationals kept the Phillies from gaining ground on them with the 5-2 victory.
Michael Cuddyer doubled home 2 runs in the first and then homered in the 6th as the Rockies beat the Giants in pitcher friendly AT&T Park, 5-0.
They all owned baseball on May 24th, 2013.
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – today click here Read the rest of this entry
Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (May 8th) + Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings
Paul Goldschmidt was a one man wrecking crew, smacking two homers and driving in all three Arizona runs as the Diamondbacks beat the Dodgers 3-2.
Mike Minor held the Cincinnati Reds to one run over 7 innings and striking out 7 as the Braves were triumphant, winning the series on the road.
Felix Hernandez pitched 8 solid innings letting up only one run and one walk as the Mariners held on to a 2-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
And Adam Rosales smashed a clutch 2 out game tying home run in the 9th inning for the A’s. He DID do that. Everyone saw it. Everyone saw the video. Just because Angel Hernandez botched the call doesn’t take away from the FACT that he hit that homer in that situation.
History will not record it as a home run and the A’s game tying rally was squashed even though it actually succeeded. I can not right that wrong and I can not change the past.
But I CAN increase the WOB total for Adam Rosales by one.
Rosales and the others all owned baseball on May 08, 2013
My explanation for “Who Owns Baseball” can be found here.
At the end of the year, we will tally up who owned baseball the most individual days and see how it compares to the final MVP and Cy Young vote.
To view the Yearly Leaders for Who Owned Baseball Standings – Click the READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY ICON.
To View The List of just the nightly winners (WOB dedicated Page) starting from Mar.31/2013 – click here Read the rest of this entry
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:
Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – April 11, 2013
On today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast, I talk about the different kinds of losses and why a blow out is always better than what the Red Sox endured last night.
Also I determined that Derek Holland, Jake Westbrook, Brandon Moss and Buster Posey owned baseball on April 10, 2013.
Subscribe on iTunes HERE.
Past the READ OF THE REST OF THIS ENTRY are players that owned the Day for Baseball Read the rest of this entry
Nate Freiman: Beane Finds Yet Another Hidden Gem… And The A’s Next 1st Baseman
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Follow @mlbreportsFriday April 5th, 2013
All Nate Freiman did was carry the Country of Israel during the recent World Baseball Classic Qualifying Tournament. Can this First Base giant do the same in Oakland?
Jonathan Hacohen (Lead Baseball Columnist, Oakland A’s Correspondent and Website Founder): Follow @Jhacohen
Baseball is a funny game sometimes. One minute you’re crying the Chris Carter blues. Then before you know it, Nate Freiman appears. That is how Billy Beane works my friends. Just when you think he might be slipping, he pulls a magic rabbit out of his hat (better known as the waiver wire in baseball terms).
On February 11, 2013, I wrote an article outlining Billy Beane’s error in trading Chris Carter. While I have always endorsed the talents of Jed Lowrie, it was my opinion that giving up a future star in Chris Carter was too high of a price to pay.
The trade (which actually took place on February 4th) saw the Astros acquire yet another stud First Base prospect. I wondered out loud what the Astros would do with all their First Base talent (Brett Wallace, Jonathan Singleton, Nate Freiman and veteran Carlos Pena).
It seemed like too many bats and not enough positions in Houston, despite the newfound need for a Designated Hitter. A little over a month later, March 23rd to be exact- I had my answer. Nate Freiman was on his way to Oakland.
The star for Israel in this year’s World Baseball Classic qualifying tournament was going to get the opportunity of a lifetime.
While some felt the A’s were simply acquiring roster depth, I saw a different vision. The A’s had their replacement for Brandon Moss at First Base.
Billy Beane had an uncovered yet another gem that was going to thrive in Oakland. Remember Josh Reddick 2012? Meet Nate Freiman 2013.
Nate Freiman Interview:
Marco Scutaro: From Underrated To Post Season Hero – To Multi Year Re – UP!
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Follow @mlbreportsFriday March 8, 2013
If it wasn’t for the Scutaro-Culberson trade in July, the Giants may not have played as well as they did. He hit .362 as a Giant and only swung-and-missed 59 times throughout the entire season. Trading a top prospect for the 36 year-old may have seemed crazy at first, but it without-a-doubt paid off in the end. As one of the best contact hitters in the MLB, he has a Career 3 Slash of .276/.340/731. Last year his 3 Slash Line with the Giants was .362/.385/.859 in 61 Games. The guy also hits well at AT & T for his Career (.322/.377/.827) – a park known to be extremely tough on Right Handed Batters.
By Kyle Holland (Giants Correspondent): Follow @TheKHolland13
2012 was certainly a season to remember for the NLCS MVP Marco Scutaro. After spending 8 years in the American League with the Oakland A’s, Toronto Blue Jays, and the Boston Red Sox, Scutaro made his return to the National League appearing in a Colorado Rockies uniform. Halfway through the season they shipped him out to San Francisco in return for Second Base prospect Charlie Culberson. This turned out to be probably the Giants most important move of the season.
When Scutaro made his return to the Bay Area he was only hitting .271, about average for the league. Colorado thought it would be a good idea to trade the 36 year-old for a top prospect and plan for the future. The Rockies weren’t the only team to benefit from gathering a solid prospect for a 36 year-old average ball player.
Marco Scutaro 2012 NLCS Highlights:
Yoenis Cespedes: While Cuba Misses Their Star in the 2013 WBC – the A’s Slugger Looks to be an A.L. MVP Candidate
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Follow @mlbreportsFriday March 8th, 2013
From Cuba to A.L. MVP? Despite not being able to represent his native country in the WBC, Cespedes is a year older and wiser. The more he adjusts to North America life and baseball, opposing pitchers will shudder even more each time Cespedes comes to the plate.
Jonathan Hacohen (Lead Baseball Columnist, Oakland A’s Correspondent and Website Founder): Follow @Jhacohen
It’s pretty ironic if you ask me. The 2013 World Baseball Classic is here and Cuba is off to a huge start. I had to pick a winner and went with Cuba as my pre-tournament favorite. Considering that Japan has won both editions of the WBC, Cuba was definitely going to be in tough. To top it all off, they are starting off the first two rounds in Japan. Why is it ironic? For Cuba is missing its biggest star for the tournament. Yoenis Cespedes, the Oakland A’s star outfielder is in Arizona for Spring Training.
Far away from the bright lights of Japan, where Cuba finally beat its nemesis this week in WBC play after several failed attempts in the past. With that monkey off their back, Cuba has made the statement that they are ready to win it all. But yet without their biggest star. For when one defects from Cuba, they are forever banished from representing their country again in any baseball capacity.
I couldn’t help but think watching Cuba play in Japan this week that in fact Cespedes and the A’s opened their season last year in Japan. Cespedes actually started off his season with a bang out there and never looked back. On March 29th last year, Cespedes had a home run in the 2nd game of the A’s young season. That bomb in Japan was the start of the legend. Who knew that Cespedes would actually be in Japan a year too early? For all the success that Cuba has enjoyed thus far in the 2013 WBC, imagine if they had Cespedes anchoring that lineup?
Cuba may very still win the 2013 WBC. My money is on that happening. But if Cuba falls short yet again, the what if scenarios will endlessly get bounced around. What if the team had Aroldis Chapman? Alexei Ramirez? And most of all, Yoenis Cespedes? Until Cuba allows its defectors to come home again, the talent drain will continue to affect the country in international tournaments.
Yoenis Cespedes 2012 Highlights Mature Lyrics so Parental Guidance is Advised:
Chris Carter: The Future Star That Will Make Billy Beane Regret His Trade Mistake
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Follow @mlbreportsMonday February 11th, 2013
Chris Carter: A career .283 hitter in the minors, with a .378 OBP and .535 SLG. The perfect combination of power and patience. He will prove to be the one that got away from Billy Beane.
Jonathan Hacohen (Lead Baseball Columnist, Oakland A’s Correspondent and Website Founder): Follow @Jhacohen
Mark down the date of February 4th, 2013. The day that Billy Beane broke my heart. In preparing for my latest A’s feature, the working title of the article was “Chris Carter: The Next Great A’s Superstar”. Then fate intervened. Or rather, Beane decided to pull off one too many trades. After a successful offseason that saw the A’s GM bolster significantly bolster his playoff squad, Beane decided that one more blockbuster move was in order. Jed Lowrie was headed to Oakland, with Chris Carter (the good one), Max Stassi and Brad Peacock going over to the Astros. For the purpose of this piece, I will be focusing on the loss of Carter. Stassi is a former 4th round pick of the A’s and a young 21 Year Old catching prospect. With Derek Norris ready to grab the A’s catching job for the next decade, I can see how he was expandable. Peacock was a 41st round pick of the Nationals. A 25 Year Old arm that may develop one day, but crashed and burned last season in AAA. With the A’s pitching depth, I can see how he could be ticketed out-of-town for a change of scenery. But Chris Carter? Really Billy??!! You worked your magic to get him in the first place from the Diamondbacks. I certainly hope that your return pans out (Jed Lowrie and Fernando Rodriguez). Right now, I simply cannot see the logic of this move.
Master Schedule For All 30 MLB Parks In Double Header Opportunities In 2013
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Follow @mlbreportsUpdated Last on March.25/2013
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Writer/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
Over the course of 4 years of massive baseball travel, I have attempted 28 MLB Doubleheaders – and completed 22 of them. I Every year I take a look at the new MLB schedule and the 183 days worth of games. In the list (after the youtube clip I post), will feature every doable double-header scenario for a fan to view baseball games. Keep in mind that if you have never seen a MLB Park before – that rushing a day is not advised at all in these journeys.
The most common doubleheader is Wrigley Field or US Cellular Field – to be combined with Miller Park as part of a day-night doubleheader. The Yankees and Mets do play a few games on the same day together and are listed. The o.Co Coliseum in Oakland and AT & T Park also have a few doubleheader chances this season.
Other great doubleheader partners include both Dodger and Angel Stadium – combined with Petco Park if there is a matinée contest involved. Progressive Field and PNC Park also lends itself to easily connected doubleheaders if one has a day contest. Also watch out for Sunday Night ESPN games as part of programming as Eastern teams feature that 8:05 PM EST start time – which will lend it available to double up with a day matinée. The Phillies are compatible with both New York teams Via Amtrak Train option – and also with the Baltimore Orioles.
These doubleheaders mostly are located in different cities and some might even include a doable flight in the middle.
https://mlbreports.com/2012/03/02/field-of-dreams-site/
Field of Dreams Has To Be Part Of Your Trip Link Up Top and Video Down Below:
Tim Hudson: Could 2013 Be His Final Year In Baseball?
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Tuesday January 22nd, 2013
Tim Hudson has been the definition of consistent over the past decade. His record with the Atlanta Braves is 105-68 (.618) with a 3.52 ERA. Hudson’s Athletics days included a 92-39 Record (.706) and a 3.30 ERA. At 37 Years old, how many years does he have left?
By Jake Dal Porto (MLB Reports Baseball Writer)
When we think of consistency, there are a handful of names that come to mind. No, I’m not talking about consistency over a brief period of time. Rather, over a good part of the last decade. One name that comes to mind quite quickly is Tim Hudson (3.37 ERA, 126 ERA+ since 2002). But the same Tim Hudson that’s been nothing short of rock solid since the beginning of 2002, is beginning to decline, which fashions only one daunting question.
Will 2013 be his final year in baseball?
Tim Hudson Highlight Reel:
Billy Beane Found His Catcher in Seattle: John Jaso is Ready to Lead the A’s Back to the Playoffs
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Follow @mlbreportsSunday January 20th, 2013
A .372 OBP in 2010. A .394 OBP last season. Can you blame Billy Beane for LOVING John Jaso?
Jonathan Hacohen (Lead Baseball Columnist, Oakland A’s Correspondent and Website Founder): Follow @Jhacohen
My name is Jonathan Hacohen. And I am a John Jaso fan. There…I have said it. Feels very good to get it out. Ok, so I don’t own any John Jaso t-shirts or jerseys. I wouldn’t recognize him if I hit him with my car. But when #27 (formerly #28 on the Rays) comes up to bat, I know that good things will usually happen. Remember that .372 OBP in 2010? I sure do. So do many Tampa Bay Rays fans. For you see my friends, John Jaso is a special breed of baseball player. He is a catcher with patience. He won’t hit for great pop, but he finds ways to get On Base. That is a skill that served him very well back in his aforementioned first full MLB season.
From that season on, I came to expect great things from Mr. Jaso. But then 2011 hit. Or actually, he didn’t. A .224 AVG with a .298 OBP was good enough for the Rays to dump Jaso on the Mariners for Josh Lueke. Remember him? Do I really have to say more? The Rays, for all the talk of their poor offensive showing and need for major league bats, decided that John Jaso just didn’t fit into their system. So Jaso was off to Seattle and Jose Molina was brought on board. The same Jose Molina who hit .223 last season with a .286 OBP. The same Jose Molina who got paid $1.5 Million last season. John Jaso on the other hand got paid $495,200 last year. What did he do? Only hit .276 with a .394 OBP. Plus a .456 SLG for good measure. His reward? A one-way ticket to Oakland with a 30 second stopover in Washington. The man can’t win. A good or bad season, either way MLB GM haven’t shown faith in this kid so far in his career. But then, most GMs are not Billy Beane. Despite being apparently set at the position for 2013, Beane proceeded to trade for Jaso and dump George Kottaras, to catch with Derek Norris. Beane said on record that he would have kept Kottaras unless Jaso was made available. So does Billy Beane know something that Andrew Friedman, Jack Zduriencik and Mike Rizzo don’t? The answer is yes. Beane knows which players he wants and usually, he will get them at the end. Now John Jaso is set to bring flair, leadership and of course, On Base skills to Oakland. The playoff picture just got much rosier for the A’s.
Bartolo Colon: Ready For One More “BIG” Season in Oakland
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Follow @mlbreportsSunday January 13th, 2013
Bartolo Colon saw his 2012 season end early due to a PED suspension. He is scheduled to return in April. Does he have one more big year left in the tank?
Jonathan Hacohen (Lead Baseball Columnist, Oakland A’s Correspondent and Website Founder): Follow @Jhacohen
Bartolo Colon (or Fatolo as he is known in inner-baseball circles), is set to make his major league return in April, 2013. Back in August, 2012 Colon received a 50-game suspension for the use of a Performance Enhancing Drug (PED). This suspension came a week after Melky Cabrera received his 50-game ban. With only 5 games left in his suspension, Colon will be back in early-April (health permitting). But as much as fans discuss his performance on the field, Colon’s weight always seems to be the center of attention. Generously listed at 5’11” and 265 lbs. on the Baseball Reference site, Colon won’t be winning modelling contests anytime soon. Billy Beane said it best in Moneyball, when he made it clear to his scouts that the team wasn’t trying to sell jeans. They were trying to win ballgames. Regardless of his weight and appearance, as long as Bartolo Colon can get the job done, I say hand him the ball every 5th game. Babe Ruth wasn’t a small guy, but he sure got the job done. Colon may not have the talent possessed by Ruth, but he can still be effective on most given nights. When baseball has 1-2 pitchers falling to Tommy John surgery on a weekly basis, there is something to be said for a pitcher that can go out there and give his team a good chance of winning. That is the Bartolo Colon that the A’s are hoping for in 2013. With a $3 Million salary this year and approximately $2 Million in incentives to be earned, Colon has all the incentives in place to give the A’s the workhorse they need this upcoming season.
Braves Selling Low on Hanson and Jurrjens: Moneyball Ain’t Alive in Atlanta People
Monday December 3rd, 2012
I was thinking back this week to one of my fave articles from this past year. Being an admirer of the Oakland A’s methods of building a ball team and the “Moneyball Movement”, this past July I published a Billy Beane article – focusing on the modern Moneyball movement. Back in 2011, many critics were quick to jump on Beane and the A’s, mocking the A’s GM and the release of the movie Moneyball. Panned as a historical piece, Beane was viewed as a dinosaur. His methods outdated. The rest of the baseball world had caught on to his sly ways and overtook him. I refused to buy into it and was unwilling to write-off Beane. But nobody, not even the A’s GM himself saw was to come in 2012. We know how the season went down- the A’s slipped in as the AL West champs and make a good run in the playoffs. Nobody was laughing anymore and Beane went from hack back to genius overnight. While in my last article I focused on Beane’s construction of a young and talented lineup, most analysts view Beane’s success in terms of being able to flip pitchers at their peak. Billy Beane is a master of this art and it has led to much success in Oakland. Compare this now to Atlanta, which has essentially lost Tommy Hanson and Jair Jurrjens for almost nothing. Not the Billy Beane way of doing business- and now the Braves will be paying the price. Read the rest of this entry
The Legacy of Chris Carpenter: Savior in St. Louis
Thursday October 18th, 2012
Chris Carpenter started his career in Toronto after being the 15th overall selection in the 1994 draft. After the 2001 season, the Toronto Blue Jays made a calculated decision not to offer Carpenter a major league contract. He elected for free agency, rather than pitching in the minors for Toronto, and his legacy in St. Louis began when the Cardinals picked him up.
Alex Mednick (Baseball Analyst and Writer):
The legend of Chris Carpenter started as a 19-year-old pitching for the Medicine Hat Blue Jays in 1994. He was the 15th overall pick by the World Series Champion Toronto Blue Jays in the 1993 draft. He was a physical specimen built to stand atop a 9.5” hill and stare down at hitters as they stared back at his 6 foot, 6 inch frame. Drafted out of Manchester, New Hampshire, the 19-year-old already had a plus fastball and a nice curveball. By 1997, at the age of 22, Chris Carpenter had broken into the Toronto Blue Jays rotation and was pitching against the best hitters in the world.
As a mid-season call up in 1997, Carpenter struggled in Toronto, hosting an ERA above 5.00 and a record of 3-7 over 13 games. His role in Toronto was mostly to eat innings, and he was there to gain experience and hopefully blossom into what the Blue Jays brass new head could be. He was in a rotation that consisted of the 1996 AL Cy Young winner Pat Hentgen, as well as the 1997 AL Cy Young winner Roger Clemens, so he had some serious mentors to help guide him on breaking into the big leagues. Despite his amazing talent, Carpenter struggled for most of his first season in Toronto and was eventually moved into the bullpen. In 1998 however, he emerged and gave everyone at least a glimpse of what would eventually come of Chris Carpenter, while proving himself to already be a competent starter capable of winning games. He led the Toronto Blue Jays (tied with Pat Hentgen) with 12 wins in 1998, and continued to pitch well into 1999…at least until he became cursed by a spell of injuries. Read the rest of this entry
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