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The Pittsburgh Pirates Payroll In 2016 + Roster That Could Have Been
Jason Rollison (Featured BBBA Writer/Owner – piratesbreakdown.com)
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After a second consecutive exit from the playoffs by way of the wild card game, the Pittsburgh Pirates promised a bigger payroll this season, but could they have done better?
In December, Neal Huntington and Frank Connelly both hinted the Pirates target payroll would be approximately $105 million for opening day. As it stands, the Pirates opening day payroll was about $100 million.
That wouldn’t be so bad if the team’s pitching staff wasn’t off to a rough start, the first base platoon partner wasn’t gone after two weeks, and the Cubs weren’t the center of the baseball universe at the moment. The saying goes, “hindsight is 20/20,” but we consider what could have been if the Pirates had spent their money a little differently.
Let’s start with the breakdown of the opening day payroll broken down by position: (Note: Only players included on opening day 25-man roster/DL are included below.)
The rules for this little experiment are simple. We cannot exceed $105 million, and our payroll has to include 28 players due to Jared Hughes, Elias Diaz, and Jung-Ho Kang starting the season on the major league disabled list.
If we choose any players the Pirates did not sign, we will assume the Pirates could have signed said player(s) to the same terms. Knowing what we know now, here’s a look at what the Pirates roster could have been.
READ THE REST OF THIS ENTRY
MLB Power Rankings 2016: Week 4 – April
One is the #1 club in the whole MLB right now, and the other was the biggest mover and shaker of the week for week 3 of MLB action. Both are leading the Central Divisions in their respective leagues behind awesome starting pitching and timely power.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer/Part Owner) Follow @stokes_Hunter21
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Disclaimer: We based these rankings on best strength to win the World Series. Therefore some teams that have an easier division to play in, with the least path of resistance to the postseason overall may be ranked a lot higher than a club who is equally talented, yet may play in a juggernaut of a division.
Game Records were before the results of the ESPN Sunday Night Game was played.
After a crazy week in which we saw our 1st no hitter, and massive long 16 inning game in Washington, we have for you the MLB Power Rankings.
There was no movement from the top 3 clubs. The NL West saw the Dodgers take a decent lead on the Giants – and that is major critical, as that is the team most likely to give them trouble in their quest for a 4th straight Division crown.
Bryce Harper has pulverized the Phillies, Marlins, Braves and Twins thus far. His late inning heroics are taking him to the next level.
The biggest mover and shaker this week was the White Sox, who climbed up 7 slots. The Giants dropping 8 positions was the biggest decline.
Bad weeks were had by the Tigers, Red Sox, Yankees and Astros. All clubs in the AL who are supposed to contend for a playoff slot.
The Mariners won their 3rd straight road series against the Angels (after beating the Yankees and Tribe 1s), and sit just a half game back in the AL West.
Oakland had started 7 – 0 on the road, before yielding 15 runs over the last 2 losses to the Blue Jays. They are tied with the Rangers for the lead in the Division, but it is just a matter of time before they are bounced out in my opinion.
Cleveland had a nice week of 4 – 2 to jump up 5 spots in the rankings. and are that much closer to bringing back Michael Brantley.
Gaining only one spot but having an awesome week were the New York Mets. All the boys are hitting now, and they are 8 – 2 in their last 10 contests. Read the rest of this entry
Is Matt Joyce The Answer To The Pirates’ 4th Outfielder Spot?
Matt Joyce had a down year in 2015, but his history as a starter in the outfield could make him the Pirates’ best fourth outfielder option come Opening Day.
Jason Rollison (Featured Baseball Website Writer – piratesbreakdown.com) Follow @pbcbreakdown
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The final signing of the Pirates’ off-season might have happened last week when the team signed outfielder Matt Joyce to a minor league contract.
The move wasn’t a major one, but it may have filled one final need the Pirates had before heading into spring training: the fourth outfielder position.
He’ll be competing with Sean Rodriguez, Jason Rogers, Mike Morse, and Jake Goebbert for playing time, and to be the primary outfielder off the bench come Opening Day. Out of the available choices, is Joyce the best option the Pirates have for that role?
I’d argue yes. As a fourth outfielder, a player is the first option off the bench to give either Andrew McCutchen, Starling Marte, or Gregory Polanco a day off, and would also be used as a pinch-hitter and possibly a late game defensive replacement.
Joyce has by far the most major league experience in the outfield (5163.0 innings) compared to the next closest in Morse (3061.2) and Rodriguez (662.1).
He also has a higher career WAR at 9.0, the next closest being Rodriguez at 7.3. He’s the only one of the group to be an All-Star may be arguably the best overall offensive player of the group (Morse has more power, but has fallen off since his career 2012 campaign).
With V – Mart’s 4 YR Deal For $68 MIL, The Market Threshold Is Set For Nelson Cruz
Victor Martinez has thrived offensively in Detroit hitting behind Miguel Cabrera. Aside from the 2012 injury where he missed the whole season to a broken ankle. V-Mart’s 3 Slash Line for the Tigers is .321/.381/.487 – with 58 HR and 289 RBI in 1706 AB for the squad. 2014 was the last year of the 35 year old’s 4 YRs/$50 MIL deal. There was no guarantee the Tigers could afford to bring him back for 2015 or beyond because of the chance they would move Cabrera to DH in a few years. However, the “Motown Boys” will have the best Designated Hitter in the game right now, back in the fold for the next 4 campaigns. The one person who may not like the $ portion of the contract is Nelson Cruz, who is seeking a deal of 5 years at above the dollars per year V-Mart just reeled in.
Chuck Booth (Lead Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
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Yesterday Victor Martinez finalized re-signing with the Detroit Tigers for 4 YRs/$68 MIL. This both was a great deal for the “Motown Boys” and also set a likely threshold for Free Agent DH slugger Nelson Cruz.
The Orioles DH/OF must not be happy with the amount of cash that V-Mart signed with, because there is no way he should reach that stratosphere.
2014 Stats
Victor Martinez (35): .335/.409/.565, with 32 HRs 103 RBI and only 42 SO in 561 AB.
Nelson Cruz (34): .271/.333/.525, with 40 HRs 108 RBI and 140 SO in 613 AB.
Career
Martinez: .306/.373/.475
Cruz: .268/.328/.501 Read the rest of this entry
HR Streaks Of 2 Or More In MLB – 2014: A-Gon, Miggy + Anthony Recker With Active Steaks
Through Sept 7, 2014
All Streaks Of 2 or more in 2014.
*** Denotes Active Streak
5 Games
Jose Bautista – Blue Jays – Aug 26 – Aug 31`
3rd HR streak for Joey Bats!
Devin Mesoraco, Reds, June 18 – June 24
2nd HR Steak For Mesoraco Read the rest of this entry
HR Streaks Of 2 Or More In MLB – 2014:
Through Sept 7, 2014
All Streaks Of 2 or more in 2014.
*** Denotes Active Streak
5 Games
Jose Bautista – Blue Jays – Aug 26 – Aug 31`
3rd HR streak for Joey Bats!
Devin Mesoraco, Reds, June 18 – June 24
2nd HR Steak For Mesoraco Read the rest of this entry
HR Streaks Of 2 Or More In MLB – 2014: (Ike Davis + Joey Bats Only Guys With Active Ones)
Chris Carter is bashing his way to the top of all HR charts again in 2014 – after a sub par start to the campaign. He has 6 streaks of 2 or more HRs, and has added 6 multiple HR affairs to his resume – and all done in the last 100 days or so. Carter sits tied for 2nd in the AL with 33 HRs on the year, but don’t be surprised if he takes a run at the lead by years end. Carter, 27, belted 29 HRs last campaign – and could well surpass with 40 is he keep his pace up.
Through Aug 28, 2014
All Streaks Of 2 or more in 2014.
*** Denotes Active Streak
5 Games
Devin Mesoraco, Reds, June 18 – June 24
2nd HR Steak For Mesoraco Read the rest of this entry
HR Streaks Of 2 Or More 2014 In The MLB
Rizzo leads the MLB with 7 Home Run Streaks on the year. The Cubs 1B is also 2nf in the NL with 29 big fly’s on the campaign.
Through Aug 23, 2014
All Streaks Of 2 or more in 2014.
*** Denotes Active Streak
5 Games
Devin Mesoraco, Reds, June 18 – June 24
2nd HR Steak For Mesoraco Read the rest of this entry
All Streaks Of 2 Or More Straight Games With Home Runs In 2014 MLB: Stanton Setting Pace Since ASG
Stanton with 4 different HR streaks since the ALL – Star Break already. He has the NL lead, and is tied with Nelson Cruz and Jose Abreu fro the Major League Lead in 2014 bombs, Stanton also fared well in this year’s HR derby. May I remind everyone that this guys is still only 24.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
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Through Aug 18, 2014
All Streaks Of 2 or more in 2014.
*** Denotes Active Streak
5 Games
Devin Mesoraco, Reds, June 18 – June 24
2nd HR Steak For Mesoraco Read the rest of this entry
HR Streaks Of 2 Games Or More – 2014 MLB: Joseph’s Historic HRs, Davis On Track, Carter Underrated!
Caleb Joseph is putting up a historic HR run this week, setting a new franchise mark for hitting a long ball in his last 5 straight games, and is throwing out over 50% of the baserunners on the basepaths as a defensive Catcher. The 28 Year Old RHB is giving the management a lot to think about for the future, with the Catchers, First Base and Designated Hitters positions all featuring players who will become Free Agents in the next 1 – 2 years.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
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There Is 1 active streak of 5 Games: Caleb Joseph, who is the 2nd player this year to carry a 5 consecutive tilts with a HR ( the other was Devin Mesoraco.
The only other current streak is Adrian Gonzalez ( who is in his 4th streak right now, with the other 3 being at least 3 games, and one of them a 4 games.
Several Catcher flexed their muscles during this particular week.
1 for one, would love to see Joseph tie the club record set by Chris Davis (who was the last MLB to crank HRs in 6 straight (last week of 2012).
Speaking of the Home Run Ball, the Orioles have been obliterating baseball into orbit versus the Cardinals the last few nights. Baltimore has outscored St. Louis 22 – 5, with hammering 9 jacks over the wall. Read the rest of this entry
HR Streaks Of 2 Or More 2014
Harrison may very well have not deserved his NL ALL – Star selection last month, but he is totally on fire now – playing awesome baseball. The Utility man for the Bucs is the latest MLB’er to hit Home Runs in 4 straight contests this year. Harrison also went yard again last night, after a brief 2 game hiatus from smacking a long ball. The Pirates have rode his tear into a tie for the Wild Card spot.
Through Aug 2, 2014
HRs Streaks (Games Consecutive in MLB)
0 active streaks of HRs more than 1
All Streaks Of 2 or more in 2014.
5 Games
Devin Mesoraco, Reds, June 18 – June 24
2nd HR Steak For Mesoraco Read the rest of this entry
HR Streaks Of 2 Or More In 2014
Through July 19, 2014
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
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HRs Streaks (Games Consecutive in MLB)
2 Active 2 Game HR streaks: Paul Goldschmidt (3rd Steak) Giancarlo Stanton (1st streak), Last player with 3 HRs (Conor Gillaspie), 4 HRs (George Springer), 5 HRs (Devin Mesoraco). Streaks not of this year: Last 6 HR streak (Chris Davis – 2012), 7 HR streak (Kevin Mench – 2006) and last 8 HR streak (Ken Griffey JR. in 1993)
8 Games (Last Done in 1993)
Ken Griffey JR, Mariners, July.20 – July.28
7 Games (Last Done in 2006)
Kevin Mench, Rangers , April.21 – Apr.28
6 Games (Last Done in 2012)
Chris Davis, Sept.25 – Oct.3, 2012 Read the rest of this entry
2014 Home Run Leaderboards + HR Streaks Of 2 Or More In 2014
THE LONG BALL In 2014
TOP 5 HRs AL/NL @ The ASG Break
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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For Games Played Through July 13, 2014
Top 5 HR Leaders AL
Jose Abreu, White Sox – 29 (Last Homered July 12)
Nelson Cruz, Orioles – 28 (Last Homered July 7th)
Edwin Encarnacion, Blue Jays – 26 – Injury Report: (15-day disabled list (July 6, strained right quadriceps.)
Mike Trout, Angels – 22 (Last Homered July 11)
Brandon Moss, A’s – 21 (Last Homered July 13)
Victor Martinez, Tigers – 21 – Injury Report – Day to Day. (Last Homered July 3)
Top 5 HR Leaders NL
Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins – 21
Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies – 21 (Last Homered July.11)
Anthony Rizzo, Cubs – 20 (Last Homered July.9)
Todd Frazier, Reds – 19 (Last Homered July.13)
Marlon Byrd, Phillies – 18 (Last Homered July.6) Read the rest of this entry
Multi HR Games + Consecutive HR Streaks in 2014
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For Games Played Through July 7, 2014
Multi HR Games in MLB 2014
For Games Played Through July 7, 2014 ( Steve Pearce with Last 2 HR game – June 30th, Lonnie Chisenhall last with 3 HRs – June 9th, Last 4 HR game – Josh Hamilton – May 8, 2012)
Last 4 HR Game
Josh Hamilton, Rangers (4) – May 8, 2012
Last 3 HR Game
LM Otero/AP
Lonnie Chisenhall (3 HR Game) June 9th
Chris Davis, Orioles (3 HR Game) May 20th
Ryan Braun – Brewers (3 HR Game) – April.8th Read the rest of this entry
There Was A Power Outage In The MLB SAT, But Not At Camden Yards: HR Leaderboards 2014
There were just 20 HRs hit in 17 games played worth of action on Sat. June 28th, 2014, or 0.59 Bolts per team.
Added to that, were that no one hit 2 in a game, and none of the 15 players currently in the top 5 of either the AL or NL hit a big fly yesterday either.
Among the HRs hit, was a 5 HR contest held at Orioles Park At Camden Yards in Baltimore on Saturday.
It was not Chris Davis, Nelson Cruz or even Evan Longoria doing the deed, but Manny Machado, Nick Markakis for the O’s – and Desmond Jennings, newcomer Kevin Keirmaier – and Logan Forsythe also hit his 1st blast of the year.
Darin Mastrorianni also went yard for his 1st long ball with the Blue Jays (2nd game) and first for the season.
Seldom used David Ross – and Dayan Viciedo are the only 2 players in the MLB carrying a HR streak, after no one entered Saturday’s play with a consecutive streak.
Really other than C.J. Cron‘s and Jose Abreu‘s 2 tater trots, it hasn’t been a banger weekend for the power bats.
For those that love the long ball we have updated our list on Multi HR Game to add the last 4 HR game in the Majors, along with the fellas that have the last 3 HR and 2 HR contests.
We have done the same with consecutive HR list, where we have 2 games through 8 listed as the last streaks.
Devin Mesoraco is the only one to have a 5 gamer in 2014, where 6, 7, 8 vary from 2012, to 2006, to 1993 respectively. Read the rest of this entry
Devin Mesoraco Hits A Homer For The 5th Straight Game: ALL Streaks Of 2 Or More 2014
Devin Mesoraco is hitting HRs at a record pace this year, with 14 HRs in just 150 AB. He is among the leaderboards in all of the Catchers offensive categories despite a heavy DL stint. Heading into play today, he has 3 Slashed .320/.387/.667 – and added 40 RBI in his 43 Games Played this campaign. He has also hit a HR in 5 consecutive games. If he can hit a HR in the next game he plays, Mesoraco will be entering extremely rarified air. Only 20 MLB’ers have ever hit a long ball in 6 straight games. The last time the feat was done in the MLB – was by Chris Davis back in 2012. Don Mattinglty, Dale Long and Ken Griffey JR. all share the record – with blasts in 8 straight.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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Devin Mesoraco has finally arrived for the Reds.
The Catcher is completely on fire, homering for his 5th straight game on Tuesday night, and giving him 14 on the year in just 150 AB (1 HR/10.72 AB).
The 26 Year Old Catcher is now trailing just Evan Gattis for the NL and MLB lead for the position despite playing in just 43 Games.
He is also in 2nd for RBI with 40 (2nd to Miguel Montero‘s – 43) which is almost a man knocked in per game.
Mesoraco was drafted in the 1st round (15th) of the 2007 MLB Amateur Draft.
The franchise has thought so much of his potential, they have traded away Ramon Hernandez, Yasmani Grandal and Ryan Hanigan to clear a spot for him to thrive.
Kevin Mench is the last MLB’r to have a 7 game HR Streak. He did this in April of 2006
2014 Multi Home Run Efforts + HR Streaks Of 2 Or More In the MLB
George Springer was the last man to hit HRs in 4 games this year..
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For Games Played Through June 16, 2014
Multi HR Games in MLB 2014
For Games Played Through June 16, 2014 Donnie Murphy Last 2 HR effort – June 16)
LM Otero/AP
Lonnie Chisenhall (3 HR Game) June 9th
Chris Davis, Orioles (3 HR Game) May 20th
Ryan Braun – Brewers (3 HR Game) – April.8th Read the rest of this entry
The Long Ball, HR Leaders, Multi HR Gms, Consecutive Streaks MLB 2014
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
Follow The MLB Reports On Twitter Follow @mlbreports
For Games Played Through June 9, 2014
Top 5 HR Leaders AL
Nelson Cruz, Orioles – 21
Edwin Encarnacion. Blue Jays – 20 (Homered June 9th)
Jose Abreu, White Sox – 18 (Homered June 9th)
Josh Donaldson, A’s – 17
Brandon Moss, A’s – 16 Read the rest of this entry
2014’s Top Home Run Hitters (MLB): HR Streaks (3 Active) (Puig, Dozier, Crawford) + Goldy’s Big Night)
Paul Goldschmidt carried the offense for the whole season in 2013 and also played stellar defense at first base for the DBacks. . He had a .302/.401/.952 triple-slash with 36 HRs and 125 RBIs – and this also included him having 332 Total Bases. He also led the National League in Extra-Base hits with 75 and was third in runs scored at 103. He finished 2nd in NL MVP Voting for his efforts. . In 2014, he has continued his assault on NL pitching, despite the club not faring as well. Heading into Sunday, he has a slash line of .324/.375/.571 – and leads the NL in GP (45) PA (202) AB (182) H (59) 2B (18) XBH (27) and TB (104) and is tied for 4th in HRs with 9.
Paul Goldschmidt absolutely obliterated Dodgers Pitching on Saturday night, touching them up for 2 HRs, 2 – 2B, 6 RBI 5 Runs, Added 12 Total Bases, and even walked once for good measure.
Goldschmidt also was the only MLB’er to smack 2 big flies yesterday. Furthermore he entered a logjam of players that are now tied for 4th place in the NL with Charlie Blackmon, Carlos Gomez, Brandon Belt, Justin Upton Adrian Gonzalez and Yasiel Puig.
Speaking of Puig, he hit a HR for a 2nd straight game, and his 4th smash over the fence of the week. He finds himself back in the top 5 in several offensive categories.
Troy Tulowitzki enjoyed home cooking again, with his 3 – 4 night, with his 12th HR to stay tied with other NL Leader Giancarlo Stanton.
Both Jose Bautista and Brian Dozier did yard work yesterday, to draw themselves in a tie for 3rd place each with Nelson Cruz of the Baltimore Orioles.
Current HR streaks that ended yesterday were Derek Dietrich at 2, and Josh Donaldson at 3 games straight, although the A’s 3B hit a Triple and added 3 RBI in the win versus the Indians in Cleveland Saturday. Read the rest of this entry
2014’s Top Home Run Hitters (MLB): HR Streaks (2 Active) (Donaldson-3,Dietrich-2) + Reddick WHAMS 2 Dingers FRI
Last year Josh Reddick was struggling mightily early in the year before he crushed a 3 HR game and a 2 HR game versus the Toronto Blue Jays at SkyDome in 2 straight days. .The LHB is a streaky hitter, but he has yet to duplicate his sustained success in the 2012 year, where he mashed 32 HRs for the whole season. If you look at his 2014 Slash Line, it looks a lot alike last campaign. 2013 – .226/.307/.379 – with 12 HRs and 56 RBI in 385 AB. HIs 2014 #s now are .236/.297/.386 – with 4 HRs and 18 RBI, which is just about a 1/3rd of the totals pace from last year in a 1/3rd of the Games Played..
Josh Reddick has broken out of his slump and pasted the ball over the last 3 games. His Grand Slam and 2 run HR effort last night, coupled with his HR a few nights ago, now give him 3 HRs on the year.
Reddick must continue his assault on pitching, as the team just picked up Kyle Blanks, and they are already armed with Coco Crisp, Yoenis Cespedes, Craig Gentry and Brandon Moss, all rotating through OF/DH/1B.
While Moss will see more action at the First Base Position, likely in a platoon with Blanks, both have capable ability to play RF like him.
Still for one night, it was good to see him rake the ball again, and all the Oakland fans are now bringing back the song ” Careless Whisper” by Wham, as it is the slugger’s walkup song.
Yeah, baseball players are not very superstitious are they? Read the rest of this entry
2014’s Top Home Run Hitters In The MLB: HR Streaks (3 Active): (Donaldson, Cruz, Morse) + EE IS Mashing!
Encarnacion has put together back to back great seasons in the middle of the Jays lineup, bashing out 42 HRs in 2012, and then knocking out another 36 in 2013. At just a contract extension of 3 YRs/$29 MIL for 2014 – 2016, the Jays MGMT can be happy with the sluggers value. EE started off slow in April with just one HR, although he has exploded for 7 in May already, and he has vaulted into the RBI race with 30 knocked in as well. Encarnacion is third in the Majors In HRs since the start of the 2012 season. Last night, he had his 2nd 2 HR game in 8 days. EE also has a 3 game HR streak this month as well.
Edwin Encarnacion had his 2nd Multi HR game of May already, and now after a slow start, has clubbed 8 HRs and added 30 RBI for the year.
Double EE has been one of the most consistent HR hitters in the MLB from the start of the 2012 campaign, as he trails only Miguel Cabrera (94 HRs) and Chris Davis (88 HRs) – with hit total tally of 86 Homers in that time frame.
Encarnacion hit 42 HRs in 2012, and nailed 36 of them last season.
In addition to his 2 Multi HR games, he also had HRs in 3 straight games earlier in this month.
Juan Francisco and he are carrying the club, with teams seemingly pitching around Jose Bautista.
Francisco himself as done yard work 7 times in just 82 AB this year. The new Blue Jays 3B has given them an infusion of offense.
It is kind of weird that the Brewers gave up on him – after this 27 Year Old, (who can play 1B/3B and PH) cracked 13 HRs and 32 RBI in his 240 AB for the 2013 Year.
The Brew Crew opted for Mark Reynolds, who was more expensive, but could potentially draw more walks. Both of them strike out a ton.
Anyways, Francisco had hit 20 HRs and added 50 RBI in his last 322 AB in the big leagues. This will suit the Canadian franchise just fine, even if his whiff rate his high.
It is funny how names continue to pop out within this organization. There was Juan Encarnacion, then Edwin Encarnacion.
Then you have Frank Francisco, Ben Francisco – and now Juan Francisco, which is a mix for Ben Francisco and Juan Encarnacion.
Of course they already have two Jose’s in Bautista and Reyes, and they also had Perez’s last year.
And I digress. Read the rest of this entry
2014’s Top HR Hitters In The MLB: HR Streaks (3 Active): (Ortiz, Solarte, Donaldson) + Abreu’s Monster Start In 2014
For the 2nd straight game David Ortiz clubbed 2 HRs against his former team the Twins. The big Red Sox DH now is tied for 2nd in the AL with 11 HRs (with Nelson Cruz). The 38 Year Old Designated Hitter is pulverizing the ball of late, and has shown no signs of slowing down. This bodes well for Boston, who can use the automatic advantage Ortiz gives them at a position that is struggling to find players that thrive in. The LHB has sipped champagne after winning 3 World Series with Boston, and with the way he is slugging of late, the Beantowners will be back atop the AL East Division rather shortly
David Ortiz not only hit jacks in 2 consecutive games, the ALL – Time DH HR leader hit 2 of them, in both Tuesday and Wednesday’s game.
For his efforts, he has tied for 2nd in AL HRs. The man keeps on ticking even at the age of 38.
Nelson Cruz blasted a shot that almost brought the O’s back in a game they trailed the Tigers 6 – 0. The O’s may have lost 7 – 5, but they continue to receive great play from this man.
Cruz was a bargain basement deal at 1 YR/$8 MIL, for a guy who is currently on pace to smash over 40 HRs, and drive in well over 120 RBI.
These are the kind of numbers the 33 Year Old was posting for the Rangers in 2013, before being placed on 50 game suspension for his part in the Biogenesis PED mess. Read the rest of this entry
2014’s Top Home Run Hitters In The MLB: AL/NL, HR Streaks (1 Active) + Multi HRs Games
Brandon Moss has unleashed some serious power in the Bay Area since becoming a member of the A’s. He has clubbed 59 HRs and added 172 RBI in just 844 AB. This means he is averaging a big fly for every 14.3 AB, and about an RBI every 4.90 AB. This is outstanding production. In 550 AB, he would club about 38 HRs and add about 112 RBI. Oakland has him under team control for 2015 and 2016 in Arbitration before he can hit Free Agency in 2017. Moss has 8 HRs (2 last night) and knocked in 33 this season – while carrying a 3 Slash of .286/.364/.526 – which is close to his .894 Lifetime OPS with the A’s,
Brandon Moss continued to raise his stock in the realms of the power hitting players pantheon Tuesday by doing yard work twice.
David Ortiz did all he could to help Boston win with a 2 HR effort. There you go, looking at his year numbers for 2014, as they bare resemblance to his career 3 Slash.
The only active MLB’er to carry HRs in consecutive games this day is Mets OF Curtis Granderson.
This fine gentlemen showed the New York fans what they are missing, as he has clubbed shots over the wall in back to back games.
Granderson had back to back 40+ HR campaigns with the Bronx Bombers, and will always be compared to Carlos Beltran in the next 3 years. They both have 5 HRs – and Granderson has 4 more RBI, while Beltran has better averages.
Beltran is also hurt now with a bone spur. The Yankes felt his postseason pedigree was the deciding factor of signing him over Granderson.
Both Ortiz and Victor Martinez climbed into the top 5 in HRs last evening.
All 5 HR streaks ended for the guys who had walked into the night from previous games – including C.J. Cron losing his consecutive games bid via pinch hitting against the Phillies. Read the rest of this entry
2014’s Top Home Run Hitters: AL/NL, HR Streaks (5 Active) + Multi HRs Games
There were a lot of HRs hit for how few games there were on a shortened Monday schedule last evening. Yasiel Puig hit a mammoth HR to erase a 2 run deficit into a lead.
The 2nd Year Dodger is on fire right now, and has hit back to back HRs in the last few games.
After a slower start, the 23 Year Old is now resembling the player he was last year, featuring a .318/.408/.551 3 Slash Line for the campaign – with 7 HRs and 29 RBI.
These totals put him on pace for about 33 HRs and 120 RBI for the year if he keeps it up. He will quickly be reengaged into the NL MVP Voting if his is the case. Read the rest of this entry
2014’s Top Home Run Hitters: AL/NL, HR Streaks (3 Active) + Multi HRs Games
For the 3rd straight weekend, Mark Teixeira has hit HRs in back to back games. He has begun his 2014 season with power we haven’t seen from him in a few years. Tex has 7 HRs in just 79 AB – with having knocked in 16 RBI. He is on pace to crack about 40 HRs and add about 100 RBI. Don’t think he will maintain that pace, but a 25 – 30 HRs campaign, with 80 RBI is not out of the question.
Yesterday, Derek Norris hit 2 HRs to lift the A’s to a sweep over the Nationals. He also had back to back games of HRs early last month, and is featuring an OPS of nearly 1.100.
John Jaso, he is Catching tandem partner, had back to back games with dingers over the weekend.
Dustin Ackley hit HRs in both Saturday and Sunday games to put himself on our board of HRs. On Sunday, the guy clobbered two balls over the wall to give him 4 on the year.
Joey Votto, Troy Tulowitzki and Mark Teixeira all have been hit big HRs over the last 20 calendar days, all featuring 3 different stints, where they carried HR streak of 2 or more games.
Victor Martinez is also creeping up on the leaderboard with his recent power surge.
Finally, Charlie Blackmon did some yard work giving him 9 HRs and 29 RBI on the young season. He is tied for 5th in NL HRs. Read the rest of this entry
2014 Top Home Run Hitters: AL/NL, HR Streaks (5 Active) + Multi HRs: The Heavy Hitters Are Finally Awake
The 2012 and 2013 AL MVP finally is putting it all together. Miguel Cabrera has helped bash Detroit to an 8 game wining streak, and has finally hit HRs in back to back games.After hitting for a decent average for a few weeks, the 31 Year Old 1B has been racking up RBI, and is adding power back to his repertoire. Miggy now has 25 RBI in 29 Games Played despite just cranking 4 HRs. But this writer feels a hot HRs streak coming from the RHB. Cabrera is coming off back to back 44 HR campaigns.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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I picked him to lead the AL and Giancarlo Stanton to lead tie him for the most in the MLB with 49 each. I think the guy could still do it. He blasted 44 HRs last year, when he couldn’t even hit for power during the last 6 weeks of 2013.
Also effectively off the snide is Adrian Beltre, who clubbed a Round Tripper in the last 2 games the Rockies have obliterated the Rangers. It may come as little solace to the now 17 – 17 Texas team, but your Silver Slugger 3B is starting to mash.
Now only if you could have the real Prince Fielder stand up and do the same! Read the rest of this entry
2014 Top Home Run Hitters: AL/NL, HR Streaks (3 Active) + Multi HRs: Myers + Stanton W/Big Days
Giancarlo Stanton is healthy, motivated and when he is on, no ballparks can hold his behemoth blasts. Of his 10 HRs, 9 of them have traveled further than 400 Feet. In the young season, Stanton leads the NL with HRs (10), the Majors with RBI (36) and Total Bases (NL – 74). The 24 Year Old from Panorama, CA has Slashed .285/.362/.603 – and is a major reason why the Marlins are just a game and a half behind the NL Division Leading Braves.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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It was quite the day yesterday for the Tater Trots in the MLB. Giancarlo Stanton hit 2 big thunderous HRs – to take sole possession of the NL HR lead, in carrying his team to a series win versus the Dodgers, and the Marlins are now 14 – 5 at New Marlins Ball Park this year.
George Kottaras came off the scrap heap to paste 2 shots over the fence. These HRs represented the only two big flies of the year for the Catcher.
Brandon Crawford hit 2 HRs in the GIants sweep of the Atlanta Braves. Where Pablo Sandoval has failed for power so far, the INF tandem of “Team Brandon, Belt, Hicks and Crawford” have combined for 16 HRs in 277 AB from the 1B/2B and 3B.
When you throw in Buster Posey‘s totals, then it is 23 HRs in 382 AB. “Kung Fu” 3B needs to get off the snide in his contract year.
Wil Myers continues his ownership of the Yankees, with an Inside The Park 3 run HR, and adding an RBI Double – keying a 5 -1 win over the Bronx Bombers and CC Sabathia, clinching the series 2/3.
It was the 2nd straight game in which Myers did some yard work, and he also had a 2 HR game against the Pinstripers on Apr.19.. Read a Captioned picture at the end of this article to see his prowess over the Yanks thus far in his short career.
Jonathan Villar of the Houston Astros hit a HR for the 2nd straight contest.
Jose Abreu added to his MLB lead in HRs with his 12th Roundtripper. Read the rest of this entry
The Top 5 Home Run Hitters AL/NL in 2014, HR Streaks (6 Active) + Multi HR Games
Desmond Jennings was counted on to fill the void left by B.J. Upton when he took over the CF position in 2013. It wasn’t a banner year – although he still stole 20 bags and scored 82 Runs – with a .748 OPs.. With him hitting a HR for the 2nd straight game in a 10 – 5 14 Inning marathon tilt versus the Yankees, it vaulted the Rays to a 3 game winning Streak. 2014 has been a kinder campaign to the 27 Year Old originally from Birmingham, AL – as he has slashed .277/.378/.463 – with 16 Walks, 6 SB and 16 Runs Scored in his 28 Games Played. That is great production for the 5 year Veteran.
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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Last night we had a nice complement of big flies – so that we have 6 streaks active going into today’s play.
There is one Carlos Gonzalez who is still active on his HR streak, but is out of the Rox lineup.
We have not had a multiple HR game since last Sunday when Jhonny Peralta went yard twice. That Cards SS went deep last night, joining Mike Morse, and a bevy of other NL hitters tied for 5th place with 7 HRs.
Other movers were Nelson Cruz grabbed a share of third place by smacking his 8th HR – and Jose Abreu clubbed his 11th HR to open up a 2 Tater lead on Albert Pujols. Read the rest of this entry
The Top 5 Home Run Hitters AL/NL in 2014, HR Streaks (3 Active) + Multi HR Games: Markakis Smacks 2 + Miami On Fire
The HR contraption that is the CF wall in MIA. Could the club be relaying signals from opposing catchers by having the fish illuminate during play at New Marlins Ball Park. “Oh Bull Durham” on that. The huge device goes spiraling around once a Marlins jacks a ball that goes over the wall for a Homer. While the 1st 2 years the device never saw much action, it is being worn out by Miami this year. This has teams like Atlanta speculating on some “TomFoolery.”
Hunter Stokes (Chief Writer): Follow @stokes_hunter21
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The Braves had themselves a weird 3 game set in Miami, where they lost 3 games, gave up 23 runs, and have accused the Marlins of stealing signs for pitches.
It is a weird phenomenon how devastating the Miami squad has bashed at New Marlins Ballpark, but for young guys on their team to figure out cadences and relays from the Braves backstoppers is a little bit too far fetched,
I love how the Home Run monstrosity in CF may be the culprit of sending the secret codes out to the hitters.
Miami has added several (3TO guys this year like Garrett Jones and Jarrod Saltalamacchia.) 3TO stands for 3 True Outs, either via a BB/SO or you round the Bases without having the ball touch the field inside the playing surface.
Also, Florida has been one of the only places not to be plagued by weather in the MLB. Bash on Miami, you are an entertaining team to watch – and have joined your 4 other teams in the NL East at .500 or better – at least for one day. Read the rest of this entry
Home Run Leaders In 2014, HR Streaks (3 Active) + Multi HR Games: Tulo Keeps On Fire – Stanton Ties For NL Lead!
Giancarlo Stanton tied the NL For the lead with 8 HRs yesterday, when he went deep in the Marlins 9 – 0 romp of the Atlanta Braves. Stanton also leads the NL in RBI with 32. He is one of each a HR and an RBI behind Jose Abreu for the MLB lead. Is this the year Stanton finally reaches projections? The MLB Reports picked him to lead the MLB in HRs all the way back in FEB of this year.
By Chuck Booth (Lead Baseball Analyst/Website Owner): Follow @chuckbooth3024
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Troy Tulowitzki is on fire. He homered for the 2nd consecutive game, and is now just 1 Roundtrip behind Giancarlo Stanton and Adrian Gonzalez for the NL Lead.
TULO is also tied with teammate Justin Morneau, for third in RBI this season at 22.
His efforts help the Rockies win last night in Arizona, and the club is now 16 – 12 on the young season, just 0.5 Games behind the Giants.
Mark Teixeira hit a HR for the second straight contest, and has now clubbed 3 HRs in the week he has been back from injury.
While the rest of the teams pitching is struggling or be hurt outside of Masahiro Tanaka, having the 1B hitting like this bodes well for the lineup.
Carlos Santana must be giving fantasy players a collective sigh of relief after putting forth another HR and 3 RBI effort for the 2nd time in as many games in Los Angeles, too bad they were both losses to the Angels. Read the rest of this entry
