New season brings new hope posted by David

Two thousand eleven was a difficult year for Major League Baseball.  There was no strike, no brawl in which a player grabbed an elderly coach and threw him to the ground, and no collision between players that proved to be career-ending for anyone.  (Buster Posey should be fine this season.)  On the field, things were good.  In the stands and outside the park, however, tragedy struck the baseball world.

Christina Taylor Green, the nine-year-old granddaughter of former Phillies GM Dallas Green and daughter of Dodgers scout John Green, was shot and killed in Tucson at the Gabrielle Giffords Congress on Your Corner event in January.

Bryan Stow, a San Francisco Giants fan, was beaten nearly to death outside Dodger Stadium on Opening Day.

Shannon Stone, a firefighter, fell 20 feet in front of his six-year-old son at Rangers Ballpark in July and was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.

Greg Halman, a 24-year-old Mariners outfielder, was stabbed to death in his native Holland in November, allegedly by his own brother.

Despite the tragedies that occurred in 2011 – both during the season and before it began, inside and outside the stadium, accident or intentional – it was heartening to hear about Barry Bonds’s offer to pay for Stow’s children to go to college.  I have personally never been a Bonds fan – and I’m still not – but I give credit where credit is due.  Detractors may say that it was just a publicity stunt to improve his image, and I can’t say for sure that it wasn’t, but does it really matter?  A wealthy athlete did something he didn’t have to do in order to help someone in need.

Jays' Santos brings the heat posted by Blue Jays Fan

The Blue Jays will not be going to need to face Sergio Santos this year and that’s a fantastic thing.

Monday a couple of in the Jays’ hitters got a firsthand look at Santos’ repertoire inside a live batting practice session as well as the new closer sent Brett Lawrie and Edwin Encarnacion away shaking their heads and grumbling under their breath.

Santos features a heavy mid-90s fastball, a sharp, biting slider and this year is dusting off a changeup that he neglected last year as Chicago’s closer.

"The a single thing we went back and looked at when he evolved into the closer function was that he became predominantly a fastball-slider pitcher," said manager John Farrell. "The year ahead of when he was inside a late-inning (setup) role his changeup was a true weapon for him.

"By his own admission in conversations throughout the off-season, he felt like he got away from that pitch. It is a darn great pitch, whether to righthanders or lefthanders, and when you are running within the mid-90s, having a wipeout slider and also you can throw another pitch in to the mix that they've to defend against, it makes him less predictable."

The Blue Jays will have some interesting mlb props this year, that's for sure.

A baseball read to hold you over until Opening Day posted by David

If you’re looking for a baseball book that will keep you entertained until Opening Day, check out Dirk Hayhurst’s The Bullpen Gospels: Major League Dreams of a Minor League Veteran.  The book details Hayhurst’s 2007 season at three different levels of the minors.  He describes long bus rides, living with host families, Kangaroo Court, and battling the urge to give up on a dream.  It’s an honest story about the arduous journey it takes so many ballplayers to reach their ultimate goal, knowing they may never achieve it.

Hayhurst has since made it to the majors, pitching in 25 games, making three starts, and compiling a 0-2 record and a 5.72 ERA for the Padres and Blue Jays.  The Kent State University graduate’s book received rave reviews from Bob Costas, Keith Olbermann, Tom Verducci and Tim Kurkjian, and made The New York Times Bestseller list.

Hayhurst also played for my hometown’s college summer league team, the Bethesda Big Train, back in 2001.  After missing all of 2010 with a shoulder injury, he signed a minor league contract with the Rays and will hope to spend this season in Tampa Bay.  Dirk Hayhurst, best of luck.

A big step in my career

After spending last season working for the Toledo Mud Hens, I’ll start a new job next month in the Research Department at MLB Network.  I’m thrilled for the opportunity to work with baseball people who love the game as much as I do.  The researchers support the on-air personalities by providing statistical and analytical information for each broadcast.  In addition to Bob Costas and Peter Gammons, MLB Network on-air personalities include retired ballplayers Sean Casey, Bill Ripken, Al Leiter, Kevin Millar, Harold Reynolds, and John Smoltz.  Since I’ll be living so close to New York City, hopefully I’ll make it to Citi Field and New Yankee Stadium this year for the first time.

"Time for the Giants to Focus on the Rockies and Not Wednesday's Disaster" posted by Michael McGauley

Okay Giants' fans, it's time to get over Wednesday's loss, and get ready for the Rockies Friday night. Hey, I can be just as greedy as anyone, especially when it comes to a potential three-game sweep of the defending N.L. Champion Phillies. Everything was looking good: Lincecum on the mound, a three-run lead in the top of the 9th, and Brian Wilson getting loose in the pen should Timmy run out of gas. Then, with one out, a four-pitch walk to Shane Victorino, Bochy yanks Lincecum after 106 pitches, and Wilson cannot close the door. Jayson Werth's bases-clearing bloop double down the right field line tied the game at 4-4. In my opinion, total fluke! Wilson had not allowed a single run all season, and actually retired the first batter he faced. There were two outs before Utley singled and Howard walked to load the bases. Listen, if Wilson had finished off the game as he usually does, we wouldn't be having this endless discussion about Bochy's ill-fated pitching change. If he had left Timmy finish the game and he blew it, the same people would be criticizing Bochy FOR NOT making a move. It's really an impossible position for the skipper. I don't mind seeing Lincecum throw 120 pitches, but you have to figure it will make a difference later in the season once he exceeds the 200-inning plateau. If Bochy can save him, and limit the pitch count here and there, it could keep him fresher into September, and that's really the big picture. Don't pound your horses into the ground in April. Yes, it would have been nice to see the complete game, but IT IS Wilson's job to slam the door, and Wednesday just wasn't his day.

Jason Heyward: Instant Hit posted by David

When the Atlanta Braves announced during the last week of spring training that Jason Heyward had made the big league roster, it made headlines in part because both Stephen Strasburg and Aroldis Chapman were being assigned to the minors.  However, after winning the starting right fielder’s job in Atlanta, the 20-year-old phenom wasted no time before impressing the baseball world by launching a three-run home run in his very first major league at-bat.  Batting seventh in the lineup behind Chipper Jones, Brian McCann, and others has limited the pressure on the 14th overall pick in the 2007 draft, but before long, you can expect to see Heyward taking his hacks in the cleanup spot.

How ‘bout that?

How about Albert Pujols?  Picking up where he left off at the end of the 2009 season, Pujols collected four hits – including two home runs – on Opening Day.  The Cardinals slugger has been nothing but superhuman in the batter’s box; unless he suffers an injury, he will likely win his third straight (and fourth overall) Most Valuable Player Award.

How about Vernon Wells?  Looking to bounce back from a disappointing season (.260/.311/.400), Wells has already hit four home runs and boasts a .600 batting average.  The centerfielder became the first Blue Jay in history to homer in the team’s first three games of the year and played a major role in Toronto winning its first series of 2010 over Texas.

How about the Giants?  Led by shortstop Edgar Renteria’s .727 batting average (eight hits in 11 at-bats), San Francisco has continued to play well, sweeping a three-game series in Houston following a 23-12 record in spring training.  Not only are the Giants the only team yet to lose a regular season game, they have not even trailed at any point.  Though it is far too early to call a winner, the Giants will hope their fast start is a sign of things to come as they eye their first division title since 2003.

The Big Unit hangs ‘em up posted by David

Big news from the Big Unit: 46-year-old Randy Johnson announced his retirement, concluding his career with a record of 303-166, a 3.29 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP.  His five Cy Young Awards – one with the Mariners and four in a row with the Diamondbacks – rank him behind only Roger Clemens, and his 4,875 career strikeouts are second only to Nolan Ryan.  He was a 10-time All-Star, starting the Midsummer Classic four times – twice for each league. Johnson made history in 2004 when he became the oldest player – at 40 – to throw a perfect game.

Johnson was a crucial member of his Diamondbacks team in the 2001 playoffs: after pitching well but losing his only start in the first round, he went 2-0 with 1.12 E.R.A. in the National League Championship Series against the Braves, including a 2-0 complete game shutout against Greg Maddux.  Then in the World Series, Johnson shut down the three-time defending champions from the Bronx with absolute dominance.  He picked up three wins, including a complete game shutout in Game 1 and back-to-back victories in Games 6 and 7, to end the Yankee Dynasty.  He surrendered only nine hits and three walks in 17.1 innings for a remarkable 0.692 WHIP to go along with a 1.04 E.R.A.  For his extraordinary performance, he was named co-MVP of the Series.  A fan attraction everywhere he went, Randy Johnson will surely be missed.

How ‘bout that?

How about Matt Holliday?  Christmas came late for the biggest name on the free agent market this offseason, as Holliday was rewarded for his huge numbers (.353/.419/.604) after his arrival in St. Louis with a very big payday – $120 million over the next seven years.  Though it was painful to watch as it happened, Holliday has been forgiven for his costly error in Game 2 of the NLDS against the Dodgers.  The slugging outfielder hopes to lead his team back to the playoffs in 2010, and with Albert Pujols, Chris Carpenter, and Adam Wainwright working together, expectations will be high once again for the Cardinals.

Another Defensive Outfielder for Oakland posted by Stan Walker

The Oakland As recently got a John Hancock from Former Red Sox brawler Coco Crisp, for a modest 1 -year, 4 and a half million dollar contract. With this latest Billy Beane brain storm the A's should give its fans one of, if not the best defensive out fields in baseball, if thats how it will play out. As the normal with the A's, they leave the winter meetings with questions all over the diamond. But the outfield, with the signing of crisp and deals for others are the most muddled. Crisp could join Rajai Davis and Ryan Sweeney to form that crew.

But what does this move really mean for the A's. Well for starters last season Oakland brass acquired Matt Holiday for stud outfield prospect Carlos Gonzales in a trade with the Colorado Rockies. They then showcased Holiday for all the true playoff contenders, to decide who would acquire the best bat available for the stretch run. That team ended up being the St. Louis Cardinals. Oakland would acquire thirdbase phenom (why is every flash in the pants considered a phenom. Remember Ben Grieve ? former Rookie of the year who was king of hitting into the double play? He has been out of baseball a long time . anyway,) Brett Wallace.

The A's now have essentially flipped prospects with the Toronto Blue jays by obtaining outfield genetic freak prospect, Mike Taylor, for Wallace. Taylor had just become a Blue jay days before this deal ,as he was a part of the squirrelly Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee trade.Being involved in a deal with two Cy Young Award winners, should speak for it self, but here is Taylors 2009 in fast forward. At 6-6 250 Taylor has a unique blend of speed and pop. In 2009 he compiled at double A and triple A a criminal record of 21 steals in 26 attempts. He then killed pitchers by posting a .320 average, 20 homers and 84 RBI's. Not overly gaudy numbers, some might even call them pedestrian until you add in his 48 walks and 33 other extra base hits which shot his OBP up to .977. .850 is great 900 is remarkable, 977 is God -like. Now im not saying that this kid is omni-potent, and I am not saying that this kid is the next in a long line of Oakland Rookie of the years. I am simply pointing out that this guy has scouts around the league calling him major league ready, and will push the kids that have had a chance like Travis buck, Aaron Cunningham, and Tommy Everidge for a spot. If these once heralded prospects don't step up for the millionth time, it could be waivers for these guys. This is also guys like Sweeney , Davis and Scott Hairston's chance to show that they can be reliable and healthy an entire campaign as well. Add in the fact that the Oakland A's also traded for stud OF/IF Jake Fox from the Chicago Cubs, and you can see that the A's don't even know how the roster will end up. Fox is a average outfielder at best but his bat is definitlywhat the team needs. Then there is the Desme factor. Grant Desme just finished Arizona Fall league where he hit ten homers in ten games. So again Athletic nation, I ask you. What does the signing of another outfielder, mean for the A's? Well it isn't to add pop to an already anemic offense. CoCo isn't exactly Matt Holiday ya know. So could it be to get some of his family ties into the stands, to help the ticket sales, that match last years team offense? They also got Antioch, California native Aaron Miles in the Fox deal, who can play any position on the field, so maybe his and crisp family can help fill some seats? Well I think the true reason and history with this ball club states the same, is so the A's can play "Billy Ball" as they always do and trade for more prospects. Sure guys like Crisp, Scott Hairston and Ryan Sweeney wont net Holiday caliber prospects but it will help with their already great farm system by adding more prospects and hopefully put a few more fans in the seats.

Checking In... And Talking Sox Shortstop Situation posted by Charles Bisbee

Oh man, it’s been a bit too long and I’d like to apologize, first and foremost, to my legion of loyal readers. Who still checks in on occasion? Rogers? You still out there? Bark twice if you’re in Milwaukee!  Slim Bob? Herman? Dalton? Petey? Reginald? David Lefort from the Boston Globe? 

Anyway, lets talk sports. Or perhaps, I will talk sports with myself. Either way, it should be a good time.

During the past week, the Sox allowed Alex Gonzalez to stroll north of the boarder via free agency and then nabbed the man A-Gon will be replacing in Toronto, Marco Scutaro. As far as shortstop swaps go, this move has been widely praised as a coupe. Not only is Scutaro, seemingly, a superior offensive player but he also comes with a pristine reputation as a team-first, winning player. (On another note, I find it equally amusing and sickening that the Sox will pay more money to Julio Lugo to NOT play for them next season than they will pay Scutaro).

Whatever the case, I am not as high on this move as many other supposed experts are and here is why: I believe Scutaro had an aberration season last year. Look at his career numbers and then tell me that his line from last season (.282, 12, 60) fits the mold. Sure, he was mostly a bit player during his time in Oakland but he still averaged 385 ABs a year. Scutaro’s average line during these four seasons was .261, 7, 40. Bottom line is, Scutaro, I believe is still a role player, albeit an above average one. One decent season should not earn a man a multi-year, generous contract from a championship caliber club.

Cliff Lee: Philly Fave posted by David

Cliff Lee was meant to pitch for the Phillies.  How else do you explain his ridiculous string of starts since joining the team last month?  In five games, Lee has a 5-0 record, a 0.75 WHIP, and a 0.68 E.R.A.  In 40 innings, he has struck out 39 batters and walked just six, surrendered a grand total of zero home runs, and looked like a true ace while averaging eight innings per start.  As if he weren’t contributing enough already, Lee is hitting .313, which, if it were over enough at-bats to qualify, would lead the team.  The southpaw has truly made the most of his time in the City of Brotherly Love.

How ‘bout that?

How about Carlos Pe ña?  Leading the American League in home runs but batting just .222, the Rays’ slugger actually has more homers (37) than singles (35).  If he finishes the season with that dubious achievement, he’d become the third such player to do so, following Barry Bonds (2001) and Mark McGwire (1995, 1998, 1999, 2000).

How about Jim Tracy?  Under his leadership since May 29, the Rockies have gone 54-28 – which translates to a winning percentage of .659 – and have nearly caught the first-place Dodgers, a team Tracy managed for five years during the first half of the decade.  Considering that each of the last three teams Tracy managed (the 2005 Dodgers, 2006 and 2007 Pirates) lost more than 90 games, the Colorado skipper has to be feeling good about his job security right now.

How about the Blue Jays?  After starting the season 27-14 and leading the favored Red Sox, Yankees and Rays in the American League East in mid-May, the Jays have tumbled to their current record of 58-67, an even 20 games back of the Yankees.  There’s no joy in Toronto; the mighty Blue Jays have fallen to their usual fourth place.

Championship: Make It Happen posted by Cameron Clow

The MLB trade deadline came and went without the biggest name on the market being moved. Often times Mid-July festers numerous rumors within the Majors. The largest topic of discussion this year was Toronto ace Roy Halladay. Other notable players moved (most of them left Cleveland), but Halladay stayed.

The world series contenders before the deadline (Dodgers, Red Sox, Yankees, Cardinals, Phillies) made a few moves to further separate them from the teams chasing them, but neither one separated themselves from the pack of championship contenders they merely stayed with the pace at best. The game is played to win championships! So why did none of these teams pay the price for Roy Halladay and put themselves in a prime position to win.

Right Now either of these teams could win it all, but if you add Halladay to any of these rosters that team immediately becomes the favorite. Hey Yankees give up Joba the Hut and Phill Hughes and get a guy that is more than a strong arm. Hey Boston give them Clay and Bowden and whoever else they want. Hey LaRussa give Toronto Colby Rasmus and Adam Wainwright. If any of these deals had happened I would go ahead and give that team a 75% chance to win the World Series. Heck even a team that is chasing these guys could gain Halladay and contend for championship.

I get why a team might not want to unload there farm system for a championship. Expecially the Cardinals, Phillies and Red Sox, who have won a World Series in the last seven years. Hey Dodgers and Yankees; News Flash you haven't won or even been a part of a World Series for quite some time and you're two of the best and historic franchises in American sports history. You should have made this move for the Championship, because that is what it's all about!

Jays' Lawrie in lineup a day after ump altercation (The Associated Press)

TORONTO (AP) Brett Lawrie is in the lineup for the Toronto Blue Jays a day after his altercation with an umpire. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Blue Jays' Lawrie banned four games for tirade (Reuters)

(Reuters) - Toronto Blue Jays third basemen Brett Lawrie was suspended four games and fined an undisclosed amount for his aggressive actions toward an umpire in Tuesday's game, Major League Baseball said on Wednesday. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Jays' Brett Lawrie suspended 4 games

Brett Lawrie of the Toronto Blue Jays has been suspended forfour games by Major League Baseball after he threw his battinghelmet and it bounced off an umpire. [read full article]

From FOXSports.com News for MLB

Ricky Romero’s tale of meeting Larry King (Big League Stew)

Scugog, Ontario, hello! You're on the line with Joe Carter and Felix Potvin. Go ahead! Well, isn't this something? While playing in Los Angeles earlier this week, Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Ricky Romero had the fortune of running into Stew … Continue reading → [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Pujols hears boos as Angels ahut out

Henderson Alvarez pitched his first major league shutout with a six-hitter, Jose Bautista homered and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Angels 4-0 on Friday night. [read full article]

From FOXSports.com News for MLB