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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – March 28, 2017

Jurickson+Profar+World+Baseball+Classic+Pool+Powf45W8zW2l

Matt Roberts/Getty Images AsiaPac

A few years ago, Jurickson Profar was the consensus best prospect in baseball.

Now he is a man without a position with the Rangers.

Jurickson Profar could still be a star shortstop… maybe not in Texas but in San Diego

Proposing moves on this episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

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Daily Fantasy MLB DFS Picks For DraftKings 8/11/16

P- Jameson Taillon (vs. San Diego Padres): $8,600. Taillon has been the definition of consistent. Over his last five starts, he has thrown exactly six innings, with a 2.40 ERA, and 28 strikeouts. Each one of those outings led to a quality start. He will be facing the Padres on Thursday, who doesn’t have a very impressive lineup.

P- Matt Garza (vs. Atlanta Braves): $5,700. In 120 career at bats against Garza, the Braves’ lineup is batting .217, with a .280 OBP, and a .331 slugging percentage. Garza has been very effective in his last three starts, which is a great sign for hopeful success against the Braves on Thursday. Over those starts, he is 2-0, with a 3.12 ERA, and 10 strikeouts.

 

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Texas Rangers Acquire Jonathan Lucroy and Jeremy Jeffress From Milwaukee Brewers For Two Top Prospects

Wow, the Texas Rangers have been busy today. The Texas Rangers are all in ladies and gentleman. They have acquired Jonathan Lucroy and Jeremy Jeffress from the Milwaukee Brewers in a deal that is headlined by top prospects, Lewis Brinson and Luis Ortiz. This deal is a win-win deal for both the Texas Rangers and the Milwaukee Brewers. Lets jump into the analysis of this deal.

 

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Texas Rangers Acquire Carlos Beltran From The New York Yankees

The Rangers have been great all year, but they just got even better. It has been reported that they have acquired Carlos Beltran from the New York Yankees. Beltran will be an impact bat in the Rangers lineup for the rest of 2016. The Rangers will send Dillon Tate to the Yankees, which is another huge addition to the Yankees system. Lets jump into the analysis of this deal.

 

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Which Team Will Sign Ian Desmond To A $100 Million Contract This Offseason?

After turning down a seven year/$107 million contract from the Washington Nationals two years ago, people thought Ian Desmond made a huge mistake. The following year, his contract year, Desmond folded under pressure. He hit .233, with 19 home runs, 62 RBIs, 69 runs, 13 stolen bases, and a .290 OBP. After that tough year, that $107 million contract extension that Desmond declined looked like a very bad decision.

 

Following Desmond’s tough 2015 campaign, the Texas Rangers decided to take a chance on the shortstop and sign him to a one-year, $8-million-dollar deal. The Rangers already had a starting shortstop, so they moved the former all-star to the outfield. While many people thought Desmond’s career was doomed, he is proving everyone wrong in 2016. If he continues at this pace, he could be looking at another $100 million contract offer.

 

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Daily Fantasy MLB DFS Picks For DraftKings 7/30/16

P – Anthony DeSclafani (vs. San Diego Padres): $9,400. DeSclafani has been incredibly reliable this season when he is healthy. He is 6-0 on the year, with a 3.09 ERA, and 46 strikeouts in 55.1 innings pitched.

He is pitching in San Diego’s home stadium, which is a much better pitcher’s park than what DeSclafani is used to in Cincinnati. If this righty continues to pitch like he has over the last two months, the Padres’ offense shouldn’t pose a problem on Saturday..

P – Jeremy Hellickson (vs. Atlanta Braves): $8,900. Now is Hellickson’s time to shine if he wants to get dealt to a competing team. Over his last seven starts, he has a 2.20 ERA, which is obviously very appealing to teams looking to acquire pitching around the trade deadline.

He will be facing one of the worst offenses in baseball, so this should be a great matchup for the righty.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE REST OF THE PICKS

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.

 

  1. 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.

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Midseason Top 100 MLB Prospect Rankings Analysis (41-50)

Below you can find my analysis for the prospects ranked between 41-50 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 51-60

 

  1. Jason Groome (BOS, 17 Years Old, LHP): Well, this ranking won’t mean anything if the Red Sox don’t sign Groome after drafting him 12th overall in the 2016 MLB Draft. The Sox and Groome are still in negotiations, but nothing as been finalized yet. At only 17 years old, Groome is incredibly advanced on the mound. He throws a mid-90’s fastball from the left-side, which has great late movement. He also shows a great feel for his breaking ball and changeup. To go along with his great repertoire, Groome has showed great command for a kid his age. Many people expected Groome to go first overall in the draft, but he started to trend downwards due to maturity questions and sign-ability issues. If the Red Sox sign Groome, he has the upside of a frontline starter.

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Daily Fantasy MLB DFS Picks For DraftKings 6/16/16

P- Tanner Roark (vs. San Diego Padres): $10,300. Roark is by far the best pitching matchup on the slate for Thursday. He is facing a San Diego Padres offense that has struggled all season, and more importantly, recently. Over the last seven games, the Padres are batting .229 (25th overall), with 23 runs (26th overall), and a .286 OBP (28th overall). He will also be pitching at PetCo Park, which is known as a pitchers’ park. In 2016, Roark owns a 5-4 record, with 73 strikeouts, and a 2.93 ERA.

 

P- Dan Straily (vs. Atlanta Braves): $9,200. Honestly, I think any pitcher is a good start against the Atlanta Braves. Unless I’m stepping on that mound, you should feel comfortable that any MLB pitcher has a good shot at taking care of the Atlanta offense. In Straily’s last 10 starts, he has gone at least six innings in nine of those starts. He has gone at least seven innings in three of his last four starts. So far this season, he is 4-2, with 64 strikeouts, and a 3.15 ERA.

 

To see the rest of the picks, click the following link:

 

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ALL – Time Tommy John Surgery Tracker, Updated For Tyler Chatwood

For all the talk of baseball players (pitchers mostly) that will be undergoing Tommy John Surgery, we will be keeping a running list!  E-mail us at mlbreports@gmail.com if you have any names to add to our totals.

How many players are having or had TJ in history? You are about to find out: Read the rest of this entry

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – December 28, 2013

Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images

Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images

With Masahiro Tanaka posting soon, there will be a feeding frenzy for the services of a pitcher who has yet to pitch in the majors.

The Yankees, Mariners and Cubs will be desperate for him.

The Rangers and Dodgers would probably be the best landing spot for him.

The reasons and more on today’s episode of The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast.

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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – December 28, 2013

Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 26, 2013

TOPPS

TOPPS


Today on The Sully Baseball Daily Podcast I look at those players who almost became Gods.

Players like Marty Barrett, Mike Napoli and Sandy Alomar Jr. would have become World Series MVPs and worshipped by their fan bases if only their team got the finals outs to win it all.

An updated WOO tally can be found HERE.
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Sully Baseball Daily Podcast – October 26, 2013

The Most Recent No Hitter For Each Franchise (Updated After Henderson Alvarez)

(AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

Henderson Alvarez through the 1st NO – Hitter in the franchise versus the Tigers, the same team that currently has the last guy to have thrown a NO – Hitter (Anibal Sanchez in 2006) Pitching for them. The Marlins still lost 100 Games in 2013, but what a way to go out. t(AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

Henderson Alvarez threw the 6th no hitter in Marlins history on Sunday, his teams last game of the season. He needed help from a run scoring wild pitch to end the game which he won and put himself in the history books, 1-0.

It was the 3rd NO – HItter in the MLB this year, and was the 1st time ever (out of 182 games), that the NO – hitter was ended on a Wild Pitch.

It is time to update my list!

NO Hitter Highlights – Henderson Alvarez

Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (September.29th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

(AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

(AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

Henderson Alvarez threw the 6th no hitter in Marlins history. He needed help from a run scoring wild pitch to end the game which he won and put himself in the history books, 1-0.

Hunter Pence brought the Giants back into the game with a 2 run single in the 7th then ended it with a walk off single in the 9th, polishing off a 7-6 win over the Padres.

Ubaldo Jimenez pitched into the 7th, giving up just one run and walking one while striking out 13. He led the Indians past the Twins, 5-1 and clinched a playoff spot for the Tribe.

Geovany Soto hit a tie breaking double in the 6th and smacked a home run for insurance in the 8th as the Rangers topped the Angels 6-2 and forced a tie breaker.

They all owned baseball on September 29, 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 OR SCROLL DOWN.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (September.23rd) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

 (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

 

Alex Rios hit for the cycle, finishing a 4-4 night with 3 runs scored and 4 RBI as the Rangers kept up in the Wild Card race with a 12-0 pounding of the Astros.

Wade Davis entered a game with the winning run on third and the Royals season on the line in the 10th. He wiggled out of the jam with some help from his outfield defense and pitched a 1-2-3 11th and got the decision in Kansas City’s 6-5 potential season saving win against the Mariners.

Shin-Soo Choo went 3-6 with 2 RBI, a pair of stolen bases and the walk off hit that put the Reds into October as they squeaked past the Mets, 3-2.

Charlie Morton was brilliant over 7 shutout innings, letting up only 3 hits and walking 1. He did not get the decision but his dominating performance set up the Pirates 2-1 victory over the Cubs, clinching at least a Wild Card for Pittsburgh.

They all owned baseball on September 23, 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 OR SCROLL DOWN.

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Who Owned Baseball Yesterday (September.17th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press

Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press

R.A. Dickey dominated the Yankees over 7 shutout innings, getting out of a bases loaded jam and striking out 8 as the Blue Jays prevailed, 2-0.

Ian Kinsler homered on the first pitch and gave the Rangers a lift right away. He finished 2-5 with 2 runs scored and 3 RBI, leading Texas to a crucial 7-1 victory over Tampa.

Tanner Roark threw 7 innings of 2 hit shutout ball, walking just one as the Nationals topped the Braves 4-0 and completed a double header sweep.

Matt Holliday collected 4 hits including a homer, missing the cycle by a triple, and got on base 5 times as the Cardinals beat the Rockies, 11-4, and moved back into first place by themselves.

They all owned baseball on September 17, 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 (August.19th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images

Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images

Jarrod Parker pitched a complete game victory with no room for error. He let up just one run and walked none, but needed a 9th inning homer to get the A’s a win over Seattle, 2-1.

A.J. Pierzynski demolished the Astros, collecting a pair of RBI singles in the third inning alone. His 7th inning homer capped the scoring for Texas’ 16-5 laugher.

Nate Schierholtz homered twice and smacked an RBI double, driving in 6 runs all together, leading the Cubs to an 11-1 humiliation of the Nationals.

Francisco Liriano continued his marvelous season with 7 shutout innings in San Diego, striking out 13 in the process. His 4 hit performance earned him his 14th win for the Pirates, 3-1 over the Padres. 

They all owned baseball on August 19, 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 (August.12th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

AP Photo: Matt York

AP Photo: Matt York

Adam Eaton singled home a run and then crushed a walk off homer in the 9th ending a wild game for the Diamondbacks over the Orioles, 7-6.

Cole Hamels tamed the best team in baseball, the Atlanta Braves, with a complete game victory. The Phillies’ left hander let up only 6 hits and one run while striking out 9, getting the decision 5-1.

Alberto Callaspo doubled home the go ahead runs in the 9th inning to break open a tense match up with the Blue Jays, giving the A’s a 5-1 win. 

Yu Darvish  threw a no hitter into the 8th inning, finishing with 1 hit (a solo homer), struck out 15 and walking only one as the Rangers topped the Astros, 2-1 .

They all owned baseball on August 12, 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 (August.4th) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

AP Photo/Ben Margot

AP Photo/Ben Margot

Derek Holland threw 8 shutout innings, striking out 10 and walking only 2, giving the Rangers a 4-0 victory against the A’s, pulling them a game closer to first place.

A. J. Burnett went the distance, scattering 8 hits and giving up only 1 run as the Pirates topped Colorado, 5-1 and maintained a game and a half lead over St. Louis.

Mike Moustakas broke up a scoreless tie with a 5th inning homer. He would get on base three times in the Royals beat the Mets, 6-2. 

David Freese went 3-4 with a homer and three runs scored, leading the Cardinals attack in their 15-2 blow out on the road in Cincinnati.


They all owned baseball on August 4, 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 (August.2nd) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Gail Oskin - Getty Images

Gail Oskin – Getty Images

Cody Ross went 4-5 against the Red Sox, his former team, including a go ahead home run as the Diamondbacks held on to win in Fenway, 7-6.

Jose Fernandez snapped the Indians 8 game winning streak by throwing 8 shutout innings, striking out 14 and driving in a run himself, earning the 10-0 win for the Marlins.

A. J. Pierzynski drove in a run in the third and two more in the seventh as the Rangers won and picked up a game head to head against Oakland, 8-3. 

Doug Fister threw only 88 pitches in 8 innings to make quick work of the White Sox and win the game, 2-1.


They all owned baseball on July 31th, 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 (August.1st) – Updated Yearly ‘WOB’ Standings

Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images

Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images

There were so many Red Sox heroes to count in last night’s stunning 9th inning rally against the Mariners. Daniel Nava drew a lead off walk and scored to start the rally, then launched a 1 out walk off RBI double to end the game.

Yu Darvish struck out 14 batters and walked none over seven shutout innings. He got the win as the Rangers topped the Diamondbacks, 7-1.

Justin Upton launced a pair of homers, driving in 5 as the Braves increased their Division lead and beat the Rockies, 11-2.

Matt Cain threw 8 terrific innings against the Phillies. He walked 2 and let up only 1 run and kept the Giants in the game long enough to stage a ninth inning game inning rally, 2-1.


They all owned baseball on July 31th, 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 (July 4th) – Updated Yearly “WOB” Standings

 (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

(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 17th) – Updated Yearly “WOB” Standings

AP Photo/John Amis

AP Photo/John Amis

Dillon Gee was brilliant pitching 8 1/3 innings after a rain delay and before a double header. His bid for a shutout was cruely ended by Freddie Freeman‘s 2 strike, 2 run walk off homer. But that does not diminish his brilliant effort.

Giancarlo Stanton had 2 of the Marlins 3 hits and drove in all three runs with a pair of homers. One was in the 9th inning and broke the tie as the Marlins beat the Diamondbacks 3-2.

Josh Johnson may not have received a decision, but his 7 1/3 innings of shutout ball with 10 strikeouts against 2 walks helped set up the Blue Jays 2-0 win over the Rockies.

And Nelson Cruz clubbed a double and pair of homers, driving in 4 as the Rangers squeaked past the A’s, 8-7.

They all owned baseball on June 17th, 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

Astros Opening Day Dilemma At Minute Maid Park

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Thursday, March.14/2013

Minute Maid Park is jacking prices for Opening Day

Minute Maid Park is jacking up ticket prices for Opening Day.

By Richard Perez (Astros Correspondent):

A recent flame war has started on the web recently, Twitter to be specific, and people are upset about the Astros Opening Day ticket prices have been doubled. Why would they do that, you ask? Because this night is going to be the biggest night for the Houston Astros baseball club as far as marketing goes.

This, quite honestly, is much more than just another Opening Day baseball game. ESPN is going to broadcast it on national television; furthermore, if you asked yourself “why in the world would ESPN want to air an Astros game on national TV” when it first was announced, I’ll explain why.

As I just stated, this is MORE than just a baseball game, this is the very first game of the Astros’ inaugural season in the American League. A historic event for the franchise regardless of the product out on the field. This is about the franchise as a whole, not just what the analysts deem a team destined for a third straight one hundred loss season.

For those casual fans who want to just see a cheap baseball game, there will be 80 more games played this year in Minute Maid Park, go see one of those games.

Minute Maid Park Roof Opening:

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Seattle Mariners Roster in 2013: State Of The Union:

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Thursday, January.31/2013

Felix Hernandez is still the Mariners best player without a doubt. Will he get some help shouldering the load in 2013? Either way, all of baseball should be watching when King Felix pitches, he is a true marvel on the mound.

Felix Hernandez is still the Mariners best player without a doubt. Will he get some help shouldering the load in 2013? Either way, all of baseball should be watching when King Felix pitches, he is a true marvel on the mound.

By Ryan Dana (MLB Reports Intern):

Seattle Mariners fans must be pretty amazing, Felix Hernandez sticking with their team through recent times. The Mariners were established in 1977 and have made the playoffs just 4 times in their history. They were the AL West champs 3 times (’95, ’97, ’01) and winners of the Wild Card once (’00). They have never won a World Series, or even an AL Pennant, and in 2012 they shipped off a fan favorite, Ichiro Suzuki, to the Yankees. The AL West is a tough division. The Rangers and Athletics made the playoffs last year, and the Angels just landed the prize of the off-season in slugger Josh Hamilton. I guess one bright spot is the Astros are moving to the AL West, so the Mariners won’t be rebuilding within the brutal division alone.

The Seattle Mariners hopes and dreams start where they have for years now, on the shoulders of King Felix. Felix Hernandez is no doubt an Ace. He has pitched 200+ innings every year since ’08, and had a sub 4.00 ERA every year since ’07. Hernandez won the AL Cy Young in 2010, and is a perennial contender for the award. Last year the Seattle fireballer threw his first Perfect Game. Hernandez will once again be atop the Mariners rotation, which as of now figures to include Hisashi Iwakuma, Blake Beavan, Erasmo Ramirez, and Hector Noesi.

Hisashi Iwakuma was a pleasant surprise for the Mariners in 2012. He wasn’t a greatly sought after oversees free agent last year, overshadowed greatly by fellow Japanese hurler Yu Darvish, but proved to be a great signing. Iwakuma started 2012 in the bullpen until he later earned a spot in the team’s rotation. Iwakuma managed a very respectable 3.16 ERA in the 125.1 innings he split between the rotation and the pen. This success is part of the reason the Mariners resigned the pitcher to a 2YR/14 Million Dollar deal this past November. He figures to hold down the 2nd spot in the rotation and should do just fine if 2012 was a sign of things to come.

Blake Beavan is still just 23 Years Old, but he already has 41 Major League Starts under his belt which gives the club hope he can hold down the 3rd or 4th slot in the rotation. Beavan clearly has the talent which is what made him a 1st Round draft pick out of high school for the Rangers, and the reason the Mariners made sure he was a part of the package they received in return for Cliff Lee in 2010. Beavan’s 2012 stats won’t impress a lot of people, but they were a good start for a young player like himself to build and improve upon.

Felix Hernandez Highlights:  Mature Lyrics so Parental Guidance is advised

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The Best DH of All-Time

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Saturday, January 5th, 2013

Martinez had a 3 Slash line of .312/.418/.933. He smacked 309 HRs. 514 Doubles and had 1261 RBI Will he be the 1st ever Primary DH to be inducted into the Hall? Or will 2247 Career Hits or suspicions of PED Use prevent him from being elected?

Martinez had a 3 Slash line of .312/.418/.933. He smacked 309 HRs. 514 Doubles and had 1261 RBI. Will he be the 1st ever Primary DH to be inducted into the Hall? Or will 2247 Career Hits and suspicions of PED Use prevent him from being elected?

Ryan Dana (MLB Reports Intern): 

In my previous article examining the decline of the DH position in the AL, I briefly touched on a few great DH’s. Now I will exert my focus on examining who the best DH of all time was. While the DH position may be in a decline, it has experienced good times. To be truly great at one of the hardest things to do in sports, (hit a baseball) is quite an accomplishment whether you play in the field or not. The Top 4 DH’s off all time have to be Harold Baines, Edgar Martinez, Frank Thomas, and David Ortiz. (The ordering just goes from 1st to enter the MLB to last, not who was the best. I will order them in that way later in the article.)

Harold Baines was somewhat of a pioneer of the DH position, as he was one of the early greats. His 22 Year Career started in 1980 with the Chicago White Sox, and ended for the same team in 2001, although he had stints with the Rangers, Athletics, Orioles, and Indians in between. Baines was a regular Outfielder for the White Sox until the ’86 season – where knee problems all but ended his fielding career. With Baines well-rounded, Left-hHanded stroke at the plate, he etched out a place in baseball history that will leave him remembered by many.

Frank Thomas Highlights:

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The Rangers (And Especially Their Fans) Will Miss Mike Napoli

Wednesday, December 5th, 2012

a  a mike napoli

Brooke Robinson (Guest Baseball Writer and Rangers Correspondent):

In the early months of 2011 when Mike Napoli was traded to Texas, most fans welcomed him with open arms (especially the women). After all, Napoli had given the fans in Arlington headaches when playing against him so the Rangers did exactly what they did with Vladimir Guerrero– added him to their own roster. His defense was incredible, and he opened up a side of his offense that Anaheim never got to enjoy as a full-time player  . He hit .320, with 30 homers in his first season with Texas, but his most incredible performance was during October of 2011. His Game 5 two-run double in the bottom of the eighth inning to deliver the win and the World Series lead to 3-2 was honored by Ranger fans and ultimately put him on a fan pedestal. Read the rest of this entry

The Most Important Offseason of Josh Hamilton’s Future

Tuesday, November 27th, 2012

Sam Evans (Baseball Writer):

Whether he deserves it or not, Josh Hamilton is one of the most controversial players in baseball. Pretty much everyone thinks that Hamilton is a good guy, but he has made some mistakes off the field that lead to public questioning. With Hamilton hitting free agency this winter, his new contract will show how much interested teams read into his problems. Speaking of interested teams, are the Seattle Mariners a legitimate landing spot for Hamilton? If not, then who?

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Josh Hamilton Ready to Return to the Tampa Bay Rays?

Thursday November 1st, 2012

Bernie Olshansky:  What a great story it would be to see Josh Hamilton return to the team that drafted him. As a free agent this offseason, there is a possibility that this could be the case. Hamilton never played a Major League game with the “Devil Rays”. After he was drafted, he was the number one prospect in the Devil Rays’ organization. He had an extremely bright future, but unfortunately the money from the signing bonus combined with injuries sent Hamilton down the wrong path leading to his drug abuse and decline, eventually sending him out of baseball. Hamilton spent time on the restricted list and was suspended, and was eventually picked by the Chicago Cubs in the Rule 5 draft, subsequently being purchased by the Cincinnati Reds. Hamilton played part of a season with the Reds before being traded to the Rangers, where he was very successful, making the All Star team every year and winning the MVP in 2010.

The Rangers most likely will not pursue Hamilton, leaving him open for any other club. Hamilton would be great for the Rays. With B.J. Upton most likely leaving to free agency, the Rays will need to fill the center field position. Hamilton would bring a lot of excitement to Tampa Bay and would help bring the team back to the playoffs. A former MVP would tremendously improve the Rays’ potent lineup already including Evan Longoria, Ben Zobrist, and Carlos Pena. Acquiring Hamilton would make a large statement to the rest of the AL East. With the Yankees as the only real threat, the Rays would be sending the message that they are ready to win. The Red Sox are rebuilding, so they probably will not be of worry to the Rays, and the Blue Jays are coming off a disappointing season in 2011. The Orioles could be playoff bound, but with Hamilton, the Rays would have an advantage. With the new Wild Card in play, the Rays will have a good shot of reaching the playoffs even if they do not sign Hamilton. But, signing Hamilton would make the Rays a powerhouse and could give the Yankees a run for their money. Read the rest of this entry

2012 MLB Postseason Preview: Every Pitch Counts

Thursday, October 4th, 2012

October is the time when there is a quiet current of electricity surrounding baseball. There is an intensity in every second between pitches, and the players really zone in. This is the reason they played 162 games through the regular season. They are all after one thing: A World Championship.

Alex Mednick (Baseball Analyst and Writer):

With the last games of the 2012 regular season being officially completed yesterday I get the same feeling I do every season…it’s a sickening pain in my stomach, that makes me want to hibernate and not wake up until April comes around.  For baseball lovers, we are all very familiar with this feeling.  We find solace in the fact that with the exception of the month of November, we can still follow  baseball transactions all year-long.  Furthermore, we cannot get too upset; baseball isn’t really over.  In fact, some might argue that it is just beginning!

The boys of summer play all those games in the summer heat for one reason.  The grueling 162 game schedule sees many ups and many downs, and all of these challenges are met with a firm resolve:  to do whatever it takes to get to the postseason.  October is the time when the weather turns cold, and ball players become unshaven warriors duking it out to be the victorious few who have the honor to take a championship ring home this offseason. Read the rest of this entry

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