2010 Braves Outlook: Glaus the key (UPDATE)

article

2010-03-11T07:36:29-05:00

Playerpress

Yes

427 7724 <img height="194" width="300" alt="" src="/uploads/Image/slideshow_1437844_5.jpg" /> The 2010 Atlanta Braves are faced with a distressing task that no major league team would ever want set in front of them: dethroning the two time National League champs, the Philadelphia Phillies.Now, for the Braves to do this many things must go right, but most of all Troy Glaus needs to return to World Series MVP form. Glaus, who is coming off arthroscopic right shoulder surgery, signed a 1 year incentive laden deal worth up to $4 million last off season. A lot of factors will play into whether Glaus can return to form, whether he can adjust to 1st base as quickly as the Braves need him to and whether he can stay healthy the whole season. If Glaus can be successful and return to form, I see no reason why the Braves won’t be able to take out the Phillies.   Glaus was brought in by Braves manager Bobby Cox, who managed Glaus during the World Baseball Classic.  When asked if there are any health concerns for Glaus, Cox said "None. Absolutely no restrictions on anything. Just a little common sense, that's all.” Glaus said "I feel good, the thing about it now is to get up to speed and get the game going at the right pace.'' Now when healthy Glaus is one of the best power hitters in the game. Glaus has hit 27 or more homers in eight of his 11 seasons. He led the American League with 47 homers with the Angels in 2000 and added 41 the next season. This power would certainly be welcomed by the Braves who were 22nd in the majors only hitting 149 homers during the 2009 campaign.   Glaus is projected to hit in the cleanup spot between Chipper Jones and Brian McCann. McCann led the team in homers and RBI’s while hitting 4th this past season, McCann said he wouldn’t mind hitting behind Glaus. "When Troy is healthy, you look at what he's done,'' McCann said.”He produces year in and year out when he's healthy. He's still young. We expect him to have a good year hitting behind Chipper and in front of me. It makes for a great lineup.” Glaus does not just want to be thrust right into the 4th spot he wants to earn it. "Look, I'll bat wherever Bobby wants me to hit,'' Glaus said.”Obviously I'd like to earn that spot and feel that Bobby and everybody is comfortable with me hitting there.''   Glaus hitting 4th would help the Braves tremendously, not just because of his power butt McCann statistically has hit better in the 5th spot.   Since 2005 Hitting 4th - 168 games, .276 average, 27 homers and 129 RBI’s   Since 2005 Hitting 5th - 222 games, .312 average, 41 homers and 166 RBI’s.   If Glaus is healthy the Braves 3-4-5 of their lineup will be tough to face.   Braves projected lineup   1.      McLouth 2.      Prado 3.      Chipper 4.      Glaus 5.      McCann 6.      Escobar 7.      Diaz/Cabrera 8.      Heyward   *Glaus is 9-for-12 with one double, three walks and no k's, a .750 average, also he is 8 for his last 8 at the plate this spring. 69.180.1.59

2010-03-11T07:36:30-05:00

2010-braves-outlook-glaus-the-key-update

Yes 74.190.195.123, 142.166.170.101, 174.37.205.76, 123.125.66.93, 66.249.68.236, 173.60.111.16, 174.37.205.85, 142.166.170.100, 88.162.35.120, 68.158.5.74, 206.74.233.55, 24.30.107.180, 75.91.107.223, 67.173.0.141, 76.97.224.74, 74.254.43.133, 67.195.115.214, 208.54.90.67, 71.229.41.27, 66.249.67.250, 216.96.199.96, 174.129.157.195, 174.129.180.142, 75.101.176.194, 76.87.1.131, 71.67.120.6, 174.96.167.241, 92.105.208.230, 83.149.199.55, 206.53.153.126, 66.191.197.196, 76.125.31.67, 76.122.80.117, 97.81.70.30, 76.192.140.131, 66.249.67.120, 68.32.41.61, 174.129.139.3, 75.101.191.46, 173.49.144.151, 75.130.158.145, 72.193.169.218, 38.99.96.233, 166.137.10.103, 70.68.182.137, 97.87.24.153, 75.101.249.213, 66.240.108.42, 83.149.199.54, 66.249.68.111, 24.99.6.193, 75.101.195.195, 67.166.176.182, 69.126.110.13, 67.205.247.188, 67.195.114.230, 129.252.127.58, 85.114.136.243, 216.24.142.45, 174.129.58.57, 216.24.142.46, 89.151.116.60, 67.202.5.6, 70.37.70.228, 75.101.170.136, 75.101.232.231, 72.13.91.40, 142.166.170.104, 208.74.66.36, 208.74.66.62, 75.101.147.15, 76.97.188.228, 174.129.90.99, 204.236.198.91, 89.151.84.35, 67.202.7.134, 70.37.70.230, 65.52.26.149, 79.99.6.106, 68.217.55.222, 64.13.147.187, 142.166.170.103, 216.129.119.81, 173.70.55.58, 68.60.145.213, 75.131.193.6, 85.131.223.21, 75.101.139.240, 174.129.152.40, 74.232.47.156, 86.179.53.164, 98.113.196.230, 174.129.95.55, 211.43.152.54, 216.24.142.47, 91.121.85.14, 211.43.152.57, 208.74.66.61, 68.158.33.50, 89.151.116.54, 166.137.8.147, 66.219.58.44, 65.12.179.187, 67.167.153.96, 68.34.198.17, 206.53.153.40, 68.219.110.137, 75.22.125.71, 38.99.186.6, 68.187.192.248, 72.218.133.15, 67.81.175.156, 222.255.28.54, 152.23.212.109, 128.241.112.231, 174.55.100.82, 98.71.149.21, 76.111.219.183, 75.101.174.137, 199.91.37.33, 68.35.111.23, 67.191.179.4, 70.126.29.117, 74.166.118.12, 67.85.178.193, 74.86.227.226, 174.37.93.230, 166.137.8.45, 166.137.11.224, 98.21.206.70, 68.196.200.233, 166.137.8.34, 72.204.192.18, 199.254.206.4, 140.180.2.220, 68.217.59.85, 123.204.70.65, 166.137.10.73, 65.0.118.182, 71.125.232.75, 70.90.252.89, 209.249.53.187, 166.137.9.249, 68.28.251.125, 74.53.28.82, 85.25.124.132, 87.250.252.241, 173.49.236.145, 174.120.246.34, 173.18.103.189, 174.129.93.123, 123.125.66.122, 66.177.17.55, 198.51.16.3, 71.192.102.58, 64.13.222.190, 66.172.194.105, 72.3.223.26, 66.249.68.184, 119.63.198.38, 71.86.205.67, 84.80.153.143, 76.181.233.213, 70.43.199.77, 67.195.113.247, 66.249.68.43, 66.249.68.178, 71.75.184.48, 198.245.254.124, 38.98.19.68, 66.249.68.233, 173.49.245.171, 85.17.171.225, 218.28.29.236, 63.116.24.68, 71.177.75.26, 206.53.153.209, 173.6.25.90, 216.129.119.11, 74.243.183.60, 67.218.116.131, 216.129.119.40, 95.24.251.28, 116.252.191.96, 222.216.71.126, 66.237.234.66, 67.166.216.227, 195.113.214.213, 71.95.178.68, 66.249.67.238, 72.48.211.34, 64.12.116.10, 63.215.202.234, 85.17.226.119, 174.129.237.157, 76.15.239.126, 217.128.239.137, 98.117.182.177, 216.248.174.73, 74.98.160.244, 69.180.1.59, 166.137.11.45, 64.19.87.21, 24.126.213.171, 216.189.209.130, 76.122.78.10, 204.236.241.80, 98.67.57.175, 66.0.124.66, 76.20.249.146, 24.30.31.66, 173.77.184.220, 24.99.200.162, 74.60.217.139, 166.137.10.31, 216.240.247.251, 98.17.150.179, 69.180.21.190, 72.37.171.76, 208.87.234.180, 98.248.67.89, 174.131.0.86, 216.163.254.1, 72.29.32.213, 192.138.53.36, 98.87.71.203, 64.234.30.39, 24.99.24.69, 74.184.186.212, 71.30.239.134, 76.123.247.237, 173.20.61.59, 66.147.54.49, 216.165.95.70, 74.202.145.66, 12.144.146.206, 65.202.125.122, 38.117.149.83, 69.73.76.64, 68.184.92.16, 96.38.251.174, 96.32.180.80, 64.222.69.10, 76.105.69.137, 204.235.145.62, 65.111.135.66, 158.71.44.94, 216.152.175.101, 74.176.209.193, 70.154.78.170, 76.7.184.233, 75.150.22.241, 174.50.113.171, 71.251.180.234, 68.215.177.19, 68.171.235.204, 70.129.197.15, 65.222.202.204, 205.173.105.210, 68.217.8.173, 64.74.69.5, 222.231.72.77, 24.218.4.13, 208.11.8.10, 170.185.232.19, 76.190.238.68, 76.17.106.108, 207.171.199.137, 168.11.168.2, 70.146.163.70, 75.117.23.93, 153.26.241.6, 69.85.235.3, 72.16.178.195, 206.53.147.24, 77.12.21.169, 170.17.165.131, 173.20.80.239, 74.138.241.19, 168.8.212.125, 71.120.170.209, 208.83.127.130, 166.137.8.114, 209.172.240.61, 74.175.128.38, 71.207.199.164, 66.190.120.50, 166.82.26.86, 76.164.41.242, 207.157.91.128, 72.145.119.116, 166.137.9.168, 24.196.21.65, 205.145.16.20, 75.106.192.36, 64.12.117.68, 141.165.110.158, 74.7.5.50, 157.127.124.15, 67.131.29.254, 192.154.54.11, 98.67.33.9, 99.26.112.58, 166.137.11.185, 64.129.88.26, 69.130.80.189, 174.129.21.207, 74.191.67.11, 72.159.146.131, 75.52.175.27, 192.138.72.196, 75.90.100.243, 75.202.43.38, 98.230.65.126, 98.244.152.229, 76.97.179.242, 74.231.186.152, 168.9.26.2, 166.137.11.170, 208.105.115.50, 216.152.175.73, 74.133.145.74, 82.73.175.60, 79.228.46.191, 66.32.184.86, 66.6.146.60, 139.62.151.210, 72.18.101.82, 144.195.4.2, 76.97.13.209, 69.199.67.18, 76.120.195.193, 143.165.8.50, 66.102.227.191, 98.192.75.9, 13.13.16.2, 66.42.177.162, 66.195.250.227, 56.0.84.24, 24.99.153.9, 208.5.44.21, 74.39.233.74, 128.192.48.32, 74.232.81.153, 24.178.71.250, 67.16.94.2, 69.19.14.24, 207.171.253.181, 12.193.65.4, 71.207.242.83, 98.231.1.243, 165.2.186.10, 167.230.104.94, 148.87.67.132, 168.9.36.2, 98.21.223.138, 70.46.227.90, 204.49.124.15, 71.56.112.136, 207.216.178.226, 97.81.80.74, 68.32.71.156, 152.2.34.33, 163.246.163.179, 68.213.36.210, 63.71.120.26, 205.174.22.27, 68.53.9.141, 167.192.150.19, 74.162.33.61, 72.54.65.166, 69.173.100.249, 207.255.0.27, 98.18.246.177, 24.177.227.60, 71.30.236.161, 24.144.26.175, 76.168.95.249, 168.215.131.238, 24.126.252.24, 67.134.131.131, 65.183.97.113, 75.32.76.112, 173.95.147.203, 173.67.237.196, 79.112.98.194, 166.137.11.109, 66.21.26.162, 65.37.232.106, 68.214.217.130, 167.199.240.78, 132.32.201.8, 69.77.144.198, 69.15.45.230, 67.235.99.164, 72.30.161.246, 70.153.113.232, 74.190.194.29, 24.99.96.162, 96.14.33.126, 74.192.3.150, 64.61.84.93, 69.130.148.212, 38.105.83.13, 166.183.18.52, 166.137.11.156, 66.249.65.36, 69.63.178.251, 68.219.248.15, 166.137.8.190, 71.56.4.162, 24.98.94.15, 174.36.241.155, 174.37.205.91, 74.232.73.234, 166.137.11.215, 38.98.19.111, 76.237.183.131, 96.246.117.182, 70.189.228.143, 216.104.15.130, 166.137.11.234, 123.125.66.72, 174.127.132.157, 174.36.241.149, 142.166.170.102, 38.101.245.26

2010 Braves Outlook: Glaus the key

No Atlanta Braves, Brian McCann, Troy Glaus

2010 Braves Outlook: Glaus the key (UPDATE)

280

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article

2010-03-11T02:58:00-05:00

Playerpress

15 7903   <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">Great players stand out from the rest. Usually it’s because of amazing statistics or the high level of consistency that separates them from their peers.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">But ask a Red Sox fan what they recall about shortstop Nomar Garciaparra, and the first characteristic they mention is Nomar’s at-bat routine.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">Before stepping into the batter’s box, Nomar adjusted his batting gloves: he tugged the elastic cuffs towards the elbow, he’d push down on the webbing between the fingers, pull on the cuffs again, but from the palm side, and Garciaparra repeated it what seemed like several times in the span of about 20-30 seconds. And in the batter’s box, Nomar danced, tapping his toes as he rocked back and forth.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">The routine was bad enough as-is. But between every pitch, Garciaparra stepped out of the box and repeated his obsessive-compulsive adjustments, whether he swung or left the bat on his shoulder, to ensure a snug fit. And it was the same two-step as he starred down the pitcher.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">Call it annoying, call it ridiculous, but it worked. For nine years, Garciaparra established himself as one of the best hitters in baseball, changing how shortstops were viewed offensively.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">Nomar batted like a fidgety four year old boy, impatient for every pitch, rarely waiting for the right ball to swing at. It wasn’t a Moneyball approach that’s so popular today that stresses quality at-bats and taking walks to get on base. No one swung at more first pitches than Garciaparra, and no one got more first pitch hits than Nomar. It was a backwards approach to hitting like the name Ramon. But to Nomar, he was in the batter’s box to hit, not walk.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">This aggressive style resulted in seven of nine seasons in Boston with better than a .300 average and two batting titles. Consistency was half of Garciaparra’s greatness, as he hit for power as well, stroking more than 20 homeruns six times for the Red Sox.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">What ties Nomar to Boston so strongly is he came up through the Sox’s farm system. Fans knew who he was and were anxious for Garciaparra’a promotion to full-time starter. He didn’t let the fans down in 1997, as he wowed the majors with a .303 average, 30 homers, and voted AL Rookie of the Year.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">As great as he was, Nomar was overshadowed by the New York Yankees’ Derek Jeter and Seattle/Texas’ Alex Rodriguez. Jeter won championships as a precocious leader for the Yanks. And no matter the power numbers Garciaparra put up, it was nowhere close to A-Rod’s bombs in either frequency or distance.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">But Nomar made his mark in Boston. I still remember Nomar’s confidence in the 1999 ALDS after the Sox fell behind 0-2 to Cleveland and game three in Fenway Park on the horizon. When asked by a reporter if the team was nervous, he replied, “Nervous? No…we got them right where we want them.”</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">True to his word, the Red Sox rallied and won the next three games by outscoring the Indians 44-18 in the final three games.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">But a World Series remained out of reach for Nomar and the Sox. Or maybe it was within reach, but Boston’s defense held the team back. Hobbled by Achilles tendonitis that Garciaparra needed to rest for it to heal, Boston sent their child to Chicago for healthy shortstop Orlando Cabrera and first baseman Doug Meintkiewicz as part of a four team trade.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">Even though Nomar was bothered that the team tried to replace him with A-Rod before the season, he said goodbye with, “…hopefully we [the Cubs] see them in the World Series.”</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">Sacrificing Nomar brought the Sox their first World Series since 1918, ending an 86-year curse. It might be bittersweet for Garciaparra, but he got a ring for that championship and deserves it.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">As the years passed, Nomar’s body betrayed him as he missed more and more time. He missed 385 of 810 games over the next five years. Moving from shortstop didn’t help keep him on the field either. With no team interested in signing him to play this year, Nomar went back home.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">Time healed the wound caused by Boston’s A-Rod flirtation, and with no animosity, the man called “Nomahhh” signed a one day contract to retire as a Boston Red Sox.</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">It was a great nine years in Boston for Garciaparra. He was selected to five All-Star games (six total). He won two batting titles. He even met his wife, soccer legend Mia Hamm, while filming a commercial. Nomar won’t make the Hall of Fame. He might be forgotten as one of the shortstops that changed the game during his prime. But Boston will remember him as a professional on the field and a class act off it (he never got in a late night car accident returning from The Foxy Lady).</div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt"> </div> <div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt">And, of course, Boston will remember Nomar’s at-bats. We’ll be looking to see if Nomahhh can sit still behind the ESPN desk.</div>   Read Randolph Charlotin's New England Patriots blog at <a href="http://www.randolphc.com">www.randolphc.com</a>. Send any questions or comments to <a href="mailto:talktome@randolphc.com">talktome@randolphc.com</a>. 76.119.26.39

2010-03-11T02:58:00-05:00

welcome-back-and-goodbye-nomahhh-

Yes 123.125.66.122, 76.119.26.39, 63.215.202.234, 66.249.65.36, 67.195.115.214, 69.63.178.250, 174.36.241.148, 142.166.170.104, 174.37.205.76, 206.53.153.41, 66.249.65.40, 67.195.113.247, 24.34.106.91, 123.125.66.58, 38.99.98.102, 173.9.12.233

Welcome Back and Goodbye, Nomahhh.

No Nomar Garciaparra, Boston Red Sox, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Orlando Cabrera, Doug Mientkiewicz, Chicago Cubs, Cleveland Indians, New York Yankees, Fenway Park

Welcome Back and Goodbye, Nomahhh.

writer

article

2010-03-10T14:05:00-05:00

Playerpress

Yes

37 7890 Today Nomar Garciaparra signed a one day contract and officially retired as a member of the Boston Red Sox. This prompted the debate on who is the better of the two all time great shortstops. Before getting in to the Numbers game its best to note that since 2006 Nomar only played 31 games at the position and Jeter has played 1 more season than Nomar.   <img width="396" height="118" alt="" src="/uploads/Image/NG1.JPG" />   Durability is clearly the key in this argument as Jeter, since his rookie year has played less than 148 games only once and has only one major stint on the DL. Garciaparra has not been so lucky and has played more than 148 games only 3 times. It's easy to speculate the monster numbers Nomar would have put up if as healthy as Jeter but the bottom line is this he wasnt and Derek Jeter is still going strong. To be blunt Jeter has the edge in this argument if not for statistics then in Championships and awards. Jeter is an elite player and as much as Bostonians hate to hear that it is fact. Nomar was no doubt an amazing player and did so much for the Red Sox but sorry Soxnation your argument falls short.   It is believed however, that Nomar will take a job at ESPN as a member of Baseball tonight. 76.97.188.228

2010-03-10T14:05:00-05:00

the-dereknomar-debate-falls-short

Yes 123.125.66.88, 67.195.115.214, 174.37.205.87, 66.249.68.236, 142.166.170.103, 75.101.176.194, 174.37.205.91, 142.166.170.100, 76.97.188.228, 67.195.113.247, 66.249.65.36, 174.121.2.2, 38.99.98.102, 66.249.65.40, 173.2.221.18, 76.119.26.39, 74.201.117.226, 174.129.155.45, 216.24.142.46, 204.236.198.91, 216.24.142.47, 64.13.147.187, 75.101.191.46, 67.202.5.6, 67.207.201.140, 72.30.142.237, 65.52.25.231, 216.129.119.81, 174.129.141.17, 83.149.199.55, 72.44.44.14, 76.237.183.131, 174.129.50.27, 75.101.195.195, 174.129.155.116, 123.125.66.68, 174.127.132.155

The Derek/Nomar Debate Falls Short

No Yankees, Red Sox, New York, Boston, MLB, Derek Jeter, Nomar

The Derek/Nomar Debate Falls Short

1111

writer

article

111

2010-03-09T19:33:00-05:00

Playerpress

41 7874 <div class="slide-description"> While the Reds have made plenty of bad trades over the years, historically they haven’t gotten torched for signing the wrong free agents. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t five worthy candidates.   Willy Taveras   The following players have sucked money out of the Reds wallets like a vacuum while giving the team next to nothing on the field. Highway robbery indeed.   Yeah he was only with the Reds for a year, but his awful performance gave Reds fans nightmares all last summer. His prediction of swiping 90 stolen bases before the season excited Red fans. Cincinnati hasn’t had any speed in the lead off position in years. Finally a guy that could get on base, cause havoc on the base paths, and a solid center fielder was going to play at Great American Ballpark. That was the idea anyway.   Instead he was one of the absolute worst everyday players in all of baseball last year. Speed is great when you can get on base, but Taveras couldn’t figure out the first part. His OPS (.275) and 18 walks were abysmal for a guy batting in the eight hole—let alone a lead off hitter.   Dusty had plenty of excuses for the guy since he convinced management to drop 6.25 million over two years on Taveras. But even he backed off after the All-Star break. Taveras was shelved with a bogus hamstring injury and was a spot starter for the rest of the season.   The Reds were forced to play a rookie fresh off the farm prematurely in Drew Stubbs just to ensure they could cut ties with this small market money killer. He was traded to the A’s in the off-season. Good riddance.   Jimmy Haynes   The Georgia native actually pitched pretty well with his first year as a Red in 2002. He went 15-10 while posting a 4.12 ERA (which is excellent for Reds pitchers during this time frame).   Once again a free agent, the Reds re-upped on Haynes. Whoops.   Haynes got absolutely rocked throughout the ’03 campaign—to the tune of a 2-12 record with an eye-popping 6.3 ERA. His 1.8 WHIP was down right frightening, until he pitched again in 2004.   How do you follow up a 14 winning percentage? How about a 9.6 ERA and win less record? Needless to say, this was Haynes last season in the majors.   Joey Hamilton   After posting a 5.89 ERA with the Blue Jays in 2001, the Reds took a stab at him, and was named the opening day starter in ’02. What high hopes G.M. Jim Bowden had.   A 4-10 and 5.27 ERA later—the Reds still refused to give up on the one time solid hurler. Once again Hamilton disappointed the Reds, getting rocked to the tune of a 12.66 ERA before the Reds said enough is enough and released him.   How bad was the ’02 Reds rotation for this guy take the hill for opening day? No wonder the playoff drought is 19 years and counting.   Corey Patterson   Dusty Baker’s first big move as manager of the Reds was to severely over pay a player that had never lived up to expectations. The sad thing was, Baker witnessed Patterson’s terrible bat as head honcho of the Cubs.   Dusty saw something in him that clearly nobody else had seen. The Reds threw $3M to the guy right before spring training began. If he was still available right before the season, clearly his phone is not ringing off the hook. They could have had him for a fraction of the cost.   And how did Patterson return the favor? The opening day lead off man mustered a comedic .205 average, 16 walks (nine caught stealing), and a .238 OBP in 366 plate AB’s. He failed in every single offensive category. The stats speak for themselves.   What you don’t know from the back of his baseball card is the comedic reactions Dusty received anytime he was asked if Patterson was playing just because he was dating his daughter at the time. He was the ’08 Taveras. Will somebody please stop Dusty from making any more decisions on lead off hitters!   Eric Milton   A fly ball pitcher in Great American “Small” Park? Not exactly a match made in heaven. The 2004 Reds pitching staff was abysmal. Jose Acevedo (5-12 5.94 ERA) was the third starter!   So G.M. Dan O’Brian figured he needed to make a splash in his first full off-season with the team. He threw $25M small market dollars to Milton.   Too bad it turned out to be a tidal wave of disappointment. In ’05, Milton was the equivalent of a pitcher throwing to hitters at the home-run derby. He gave up 40 dingers and 134 total runs. His 8-15 record matched his 6.47 ERA and 1.55 WHIP.   In his three year stint with the Reds Milton went 16-27 with a 5.83 ERA. The Reds shelved him after going 0-4 only six starts in ’07 as common courtesy to a guy that was getting beat to a pulp. The Reds released him as soon as the ’07 season came to an end.   Congrats Milton, you are the worst signing in the 140 plus years of the Reds franchise. </div> 76.97.188.228

2010-03-09T19:33:00-05:00

red-in-the-face-cincinnati-s-five-worst-free-agent-signings

Yes 123.125.66.123, 174.37.205.87, 174.37.205.85, 66.249.68.236, 66.249.67.238, 67.195.115.214, 142.166.170.102, 142.166.170.103, 142.166.170.21, 76.97.188.228, 72.44.61.86, 128.242.241.134, 64.13.147.187, 216.24.142.46, 67.207.201.153, 70.37.66.48, 89.151.116.60, 67.202.5.6, 208.74.66.61, 208.74.66.42, 65.52.26.149, 72.44.48.172, 75.101.238.112, 83.149.199.55, 38.99.98.102, 72.44.54.68, 67.195.113.247, 174.129.90.99, 67.195.110.158, 74.101.241.65, 66.172.194.105, 184.73.226.116, 174.129.139.3, 174.129.176.154, 66.249.65.41, 66.249.65.36, 174.132.169.2, 142.166.170.63, 142.166.170.101, 174.36.70.157, 87.250.252.241

Red in the Face: Cincinnati's Five Worst Free Agent Signings

No Cincinnati, Corey Patterson, Eric Milton, Jimmy Haynes, Joey Hamilton, MLB, Reds, Willy Taveras

Red in the Face: Cincinnati's Five Worst Free Agent Signings

912

writer

article

2010-03-05T12:47:00-05:00

Playerpress

57 7816  Toronto has been home to the Blue Jays for years. Boston is becoming the home for the Red J's.   It starts with the pitching, where Boston has three pitchers, each one capable of being an ace on any big league staff. Jon Lester and Josh Beckett will be joined by new addition John Lackey from the Angels. All three have first names that start with the letter J. So does the captain, catcher Jason Varitek, who has been replaced by starter Victor Martinez, but still could be on the all J team. So could colorful closer Jonathan Papelbon.   The Sox have more J players on the bench, including infielder Jed Lowrie, and outfielders Josh Reddick and Jeremy Hermida. Sox starting outfielders Jacoby Ellsbury and J.D. Drew brings the total number to 10 of players who start with the letter 10. This could be 40% of the Red Sox roster.   Now the Blue Jays have Jose Bautista in the outfield  and John Buck at catcher, but in a competition of players with first names that start with J, but the Red J's may outnumber the Blue Jays. 74.98.182.2

2010-03-05T12:47:00-05:00

the-red-j-s

Yes 123.125.66.61, 174.36.241.149, 142.166.170.100, 174.36.241.148, 66.249.68.210, 67.195.113.247, 98.115.106.250, 66.249.67.165, 38.98.19.111, 67.195.115.214, 142.166.170.102, 66.172.194.105, 174.129.141.17, 75.101.238.112, 71.95.178.68, 76.97.188.228, 174.129.95.55, 64.13.147.187, 216.24.142.47, 67.202.63.158, 184.73.20.47, 72.13.91.40, 174.129.70.181, 65.52.26.149, 70.37.70.228, 208.78.245.2, 208.74.66.36, 208.74.66.38, 89.151.84.35, 75.101.191.46, 83.149.199.55, 174.129.90.99, 63.240.53.69, 38.99.96.233, 142.166.170.62, 123.125.66.126, 74.124.195.29, 63.215.202.234, 67.195.111.157, 69.204.39.41, 72.48.211.34, 85.17.226.119, 68.101.66.156, 216.129.119.11, 184.73.226.116, 174.129.139.3, 72.44.33.181, 81.94.206.226, 81.94.194.34, 74.86.229.204, 87.250.252.241, 67.218.116.164, 75.101.195.195, 64.13.222.190, 67.16.94.2, 122.144.99.98, 67.218.116.131

The Red J's

No Red Sox, Blue Jays, Players with J names

The Red J's

793

writer

article

111

2010-03-03T18:10:00-05:00

Playerpress

Yes

69 7788 Cincinnati Reds' manager Dusty Baker has announced that Aaron Harang will once again take the ball for the first game of the regular season in 2010.   He has been has starter the opener every year since 2006.  Harang's fifth consecutive Opening Day ties the team record set by Pete Donohue (1923-27) and Mario Soto (1982-87).   You really have to pitch well the previous year to receive this honor right?    Wrong.   Harang is coming off consecutive six-win stinkers.  His record the past two season is 12-31 with a 4.50 ERA.  Does that look like the numbers of an "ace"?  He has battled various injuries ever since Baker pitched him four innings on three days rest in an 18-inning game against the San Diego Padres in '08.   Last year the Reds best starting pitcher was clearly Bronson Arroyo.  He won 15 games with a 3.84 ERA.  He has been the model of consistency during Harang's struggles, pitching at least 200 innings all four seasons he has been with the Reds.  In fact, Arroyo hasn't missed a start since high school.   Baseball is America's pastime.  It has been in the DNA of U.S. citizens since 1869. The fans of the game care deeply about legacies, stats, and pride.  The same simply can't be said about football, basketball, and hockey in this country.   Being named the opening day starter for your team is considered the highest of honors for a starting pitcher.  It means that the manger wants YOU to have the chance to pitch the most innings for the team. The manager trusts YOU with going up against the other teams best.  The opening day starter is considered the "ace" of the entire pitching staff.   But I think this old tradition certainly doesn't mean as much as it used to.   With so many off days, rain-outs, injuries, and minor league call-ups—the No. 1 will only face the other teams No. 1 a hand-full of times throughout the marathon season.   The allure of being the opening day starter has to do with the traditionalists of the game. Sure it's an honor, but it means next to nothing come May.   And this is why Dusty went with Harang.  He is rewarding him for his long tenure as a Red (entering his eighth season, by far the most of any current player).  He knows it's a pride thing for Harang, while Arroyo could care less:   “I’d rather enjoy that day and soak in all the festivities,” Arroyo said.   “It’s not a big deal for me to pitch in the one hole.  I pitched in the five hole in Boston. I ended up throwing against five No. 1s in one season.  Once you get a rain-out, one off day, somebody’s a little sore and they get bumped back a day, match-ups don’t matter—until you get to the playoffs."   Well that and the night owl Arroyo is MUCH more comfortable pitching at night than during the day—in 2009 to the tune of 13 night wins versus two during the day and over a run difference in ERA.  Too bad Baker has slotted Arroyo third after the young hurler Johnny Cueto.  Guess what time game three is... 12:35 p.m.  So much more that logic, Dusty.    As spring training rolls on, remember that this whole naming a opening day starter thing is really not important.  It certainly wont have an impact on anything that happens in the fall.  Even Baker agrees:   "After day one it doesn't really matter anyway." 76.97.188.228

2010-03-03T18:10:00-05:00

aaron-harang-and-the-significance-of-starting-opening-day

Yes 123.125.66.72, 67.195.115.214, 67.202.38.107, 174.36.241.148, 142.166.170.102, 67.195.113.247, 174.37.205.67, 142.166.170.103, 66.249.68.233, 66.249.67.186, 75.101.176.194, 76.97.188.228, 67.202.11.49, 128.242.241.134, 89.151.116.60, 216.24.142.47, 174.129.142.69, 67.207.201.142, 75.101.197.164, 184.73.30.105, 70.37.70.228, 65.52.26.149, 208.74.66.38, 174.129.90.99, 75.101.195.195, 75.101.227.15, 67.202.48.186, 208.109.14.124, 174.129.139.3, 66.249.67.205, 38.99.96.233, 66.172.194.105, 174.37.80.239, 66.249.68.155, 204.11.238.208, 119.63.198.28, 123.125.66.58, 65.241.51.2, 74.98.182.2, 66.249.67.165, 63.215.202.234, 174.129.161.74, 87.250.252.241, 71.95.178.68, 38.105.83.13, 67.195.110.158, 98.233.236.101, 66.249.68.236, 72.48.211.34, 85.17.226.119, 96.246.186.6, 166.137.8.237, 66.249.67.10, 98.197.19.55, 64.13.222.190, 184.73.226.116, 207.38.211.17, 81.94.194.34, 81.94.206.226, 66.193.93.3, 66.235.124.57, 67.218.116.131, 66.249.68.8, 67.16.94.2, 69.58.178.29, 142.166.170.21, 216.129.119.11, 142.166.170.101, 66.249.65.36

Aaron Harang and the Significance of Starting Opening Day

No MLB, Cincinnati Reds, Dusty Baker, Aaron Harang, Bronson Arroyo

Aaron Harang and the Significance of Starting Opening Day

912

writer

article

-1

2010-03-02T15:20:00-05:00

Playerpress

Yes

69 7767 As spring training and the baseball season is rapidly approaching, so is fantasy baseball season. Below, I have written a few questions and thoughts to keep in mind as you approach your fantasy baseball draft.   Keeper Selection   Keepers can be as easy or as difficult to choose as you want to make it. It can be as simple as keeping the top 3 ranked players (or however many keepers your league requires) on your roster for the upcoming season. Or your top points-producers from the past season. But, it can also be a difficult desicion. Should I keep one position over another due to scarcity at one position? Is the player I'm keeping going to be a key component throughout the year, or will he battle injuries and slump through the year? Is it worth it to keep the required amount of keepers, or not keep as many players and stock up on picks in the draft? These are all potential questions to ask yourself before you embark on this draft season. Desicions made before the games start often have the greatest impact on the games themselves. So, don't just rush through to the draft and not take a moment to consider small things like this. Who you decide to keep and let go may have the biggest impact on your chances at success down the stretch this season.     In keeper leagues, there is always the option of trading away a 1st rounder for a collection of mid-round picks. A move like this may seem irrelevant. But, believe it or not, a move like this dictates the outcome of the league. If the person with two 1st rounders hits home runs on both picks, he will most likely ride those two all the way to fantasy glory. On the other hand, stocking up on mid-round selections can be beneficial as well. These are the rounds that decide championships. Year after year, we see a player who has seemingly fallen by the wayside have a surprising standout year (there are too many to name, but the one that comes to my mind from last season is Raul Ibanez) and help build a solid nucleus for the remainder of the year. And thats what it comes down to. You can have a star-heavy team, which relies on big time production, but can end a season with one injury. Or, you can go with a more balanced approach, spreading the point production more evenly, acquire plenty of depth, and ultimately become a more consistent team down the stretch.   Preparing for the draft   First, always keep in mind the positions and statistics that will be scarce for the upcoming season. What do I mean by scarcity? I mean is a certain position extremely top-heavy (3B, SS), or is it more evenly balanced throughout the player pool? (See 1B, maybe 2B?) That is a very important factor that should play heavily into a 1st round selection. That pick sets the tone for the entire season. Similarly, statistics can have a heavy influence on potential draft picks. Is there a lack of high batting avg. guys? Only a few 35 base stealers? How many saves are there to be had by the top closers? These are all important options to mull over. As I've always said, the 1st-round pick sets the tone for the year, but the mid-round pick sets teams apart.     In the end, it comes down to understanding your league rules, knowing what stats provide the biggest points, and taking advantage of them. For instance, I'm a huge fan of steals. Any time I can grab a guy who is going to steal bases, I'm all for it. Carl Crawford, Jimmy Rollins, and Michael Bourn are just a few of the top stealers out there, but there are others to be found. There are other stats to decide from as well. Do you prefer low ERA, or more strikeouts from your pitchers? Are you a batting avg. believer, or do you fall for the homers and RBIs? It is all preference, but the preference is something you need to decide on BEFORE the draft, rather than scrambling in the later rounds. Preparation pays huge dividends when it comes to any fantasy draft, not just baseball. Always keep that in mind.   I hope that you found this information helpful, and good luck this March as drafts occur across the nation. (All the information above can also be found on my blog, which is posted on my page) 76.97.188.228

2010-03-02T15:20:00-05:00

fantasy-baseball-preparing-for-your-draft

Yes 71.75.184.48, 38.98.19.111, 66.249.68.178, 123.125.66.82, 174.36.241.148, 142.166.170.103, 96.246.107.221, 76.97.188.228, 64.13.147.187, 89.151.116.54, 204.236.198.91, 174.129.142.69, 67.202.7.134, 184.73.20.47, 70.37.70.228, 208.74.66.42, 208.74.66.38, 216.24.142.46, 212.92.18.15, 67.195.115.214, 83.149.199.55, 174.129.155.45, 64.135.129.82, 128.241.112.231, 66.249.67.186, 67.189.195.149, 72.44.54.68, 186.137.24.219, 67.195.113.247, 195.50.194.102, 67.218.116.131, 174.36.117.106, 218.28.29.236, 216.129.119.11, 66.249.68.233, 66.172.194.105, 71.121.238.210, 66.172.20.57, 38.99.96.233, 119.63.198.57, 204.11.238.208, 70.116.134.168, 24.4.164.247, 201.254.110.36, 63.215.202.234, 89.149.253.172, 142.166.170.104, 71.95.178.68, 87.250.252.241, 174.129.139.3, 174.129.176.154, 142.166.170.63, 85.17.226.119, 24.205.145.173, 64.13.222.190, 184.73.226.116, 24.251.33.234, 66.249.68.236, 216.220.216.152, 216.220.216.183, 75.101.195.195, 205.166.218.70, 128.164.102.1, 66.249.68.8, 98.231.1.243, 66.249.67.238, 68.38.69.175, 65.199.189.6, 66.249.65.36

Fantasy Baseball: Preparing for your draft

No Fantasy Baseball

-1

Fantasy Baseball: Preparing for your draft

2369

writer

article

-1

2010-03-01T16:20:00-05:00

Playerpress

75 7748 On Monday Red Sox righthander, Diasuke Matsuzaka had a throwing session today. He started by throwing from a distance of approximately two hundred feet, and then threw thirty pitches off a mound to a standing catcher.Dice-K may get a bullpen session in by the end of the week and the righthander thinks that that day will be Thursday.   Matsuzaka wiil likely not be ready for Opening Day, but Boston has three off days in the first ten days of the season. This means that Boston could go with a four man rotation for a time. If Dice-K is not ready in that time Michael Bowden could take his spot in the rotation for a time. Terry Francona had this to say"That was about as good a day,I think,as you could have.I don't think you can throw the ball like that and not be totally healthy.So probably start thinking about toward the end of the week,getting him some real mound work where he's throwing some sides and throwing to hitters and going through that progression. But that was a real,real good day." Will Matsuzaka return to form in 2010? Only time will tell. 71.232.142.175

2010-03-01T16:20:00-05:00

dice-k-has-a-great-day

Yes 71.250.205.62, 66.249.67.250, 123.125.66.125, 38.99.96.233, 174.37.205.76, 142.166.170.21, 66.249.68.236, 142.166.170.103, 67.195.115.214, 75.101.249.213, 75.101.176.194, 66.172.194.105, 75.101.195.195, 174.129.176.154, 64.135.129.105, 66.249.68.184, 216.176.9.246, 66.249.67.154, 67.195.114.230, 174.129.139.3, 76.97.188.228, 65.52.25.231, 216.24.142.46, 204.236.198.91, 184.73.20.47, 89.151.116.56, 64.13.147.187, 70.37.70.228, 75.101.227.15, 75.101.197.164, 72.13.91.40, 174.129.77.106, 208.74.66.39, 208.74.66.62, 72.44.60.250, 184.73.15.10, 83.149.199.55, 75.101.139.240, 174.129.95.55, 74.86.229.201, 174.36.60.17, 206.83.86.2, 128.241.112.231, 142.166.170.61, 174.120.116.194, 67.227.197.25, 67.195.113.247, 67.195.111.157, 67.218.116.131, 216.129.119.11, 218.28.29.236, 91.205.175.4, 66.249.68.248, 123.125.66.122, 95.24.251.28, 87.250.252.241, 209.51.153.170, 67.218.116.164, 64.13.222.190, 119.63.198.61, 69.204.39.41, 69.63.178.248, 72.48.211.34, 142.166.170.104, 74.98.182.2, 66.249.67.238, 38.98.19.111, 66.249.67.49, 66.249.68.98, 209.112.147.117, 66.249.68.8, 68.0.219.94, 66.249.65.36, 76.119.26.39

Dice-K Has a Great Day

No Diasuke Matsuzaka,Terry Francona,Boston Red Sox

Dice-K Has a Great Day

2310

writer

article

-1

2010-02-27T19:21:00-05:00

Playerpress

98 7730 Last season, a number of talented young players busted out and had a huge impact on the major leagues. <o:p> </o:p> Justin Upton developed into the league’s next big star. <o:p> </o:p> Andre Ethier, Matt Kemp, and Jonathan Broxton helped lead the Dodgers to the playoffs. <o:p> </o:p> Pablo Sandoval emerged as one of the game’s brightest and most likable young talents. <o:p> </o:p> Adam Lind gave the fans in Toronto something to cheer about. <o:p> </o:p> Additionally, 2009 marked the emergence of other young stars like Wandy Rodriguez, Ben Zobrist, and Billy Butler to name a few. <o:p> </o:p> So, who are the names to know in 2010?  Take a look to find out. <o:p> </o:p> Andrew Bailey<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> The A’s young closer is quickly emerging as one of the league’s better closers.  The reigning AL Rookie of the Year posted 26 saves last season while keeping his ERA at a minuscule 1.84 and his WHIP at a phenomenal 0.88. <o:p> </o:p> The A’s aren’t likely to be very good in 2010, but don’t think Bailey won’t get a lot of saves opportunities.  The young A’s pitching staff will keep them in a lot of games, and the games they do win are likely to be close.  Expect Bailey to close out 35-40 games in 2010. <o:p> </o:p> A few years down the road, Bailey is likely to be one of the league’s elite stoppers.  He started his minor league career as a starter, but the A’s are likely to keep him in the closer position long term after his 2009 success. <o:p> </o:p> Carlos Gonzalez<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> What’s most impressive about Gonzalez’s 2009 stat line is that he hit just .236 in his first 106 at bats, before turning it on and hitting .314 over his final 172 at bats.  Gonzalez, the prize of the Matt Holliday trade, finished the 2009 season at .284 with 13 homeruns and 16 stolen bases in only 278 at bats. <o:p> </o:p> The Rockies have too many quality options in the outfield, which may suggest that the lefty swinging Gonzalez is headed for a platoon, but Gonzalez hits lefties nearly as well as righties.  The bottom line is that he is just too talented to sit on the bench, and a season of 25 homeruns and 25 stolen bases is not out of the question for 2010. <o:p> </o:p> In time, Gonzalez will emerge as one of the league’s premier power/speed threats.  I like his chances to one day join the 30/30 club, and he has the potential to post MVP quality seasons. <o:p> </o:p> David Price, Jeff Niemann, and Wade Davis<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> I am counting these three young Rays starters as one, and all show a world of promise.  Price is the phenom we remember from a couple of years back during the Rays' World Series run, Niemann is the big righty who led Rice to a college baseball championship, and Davis is the less heralded youngster who may actually end up being the best of the three. <o:p> </o:p> Price’s impact on the Rays down the stretch and in the playoffs during their 2008 World Series run has been well documented.  This season the Rays are ready to fully unleash Price after a year of seasoning, and the sky is the limit. <o:p> </o:p> By some accounts Niemann has been a disappointment.  Out of college he was touted as an elite prospect, but never posted fantastic minor league numbers.  However, his 2009 season, in which he posted a 3.95 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP, showed a ton of promise, and the talent within is starting to come to the surface. <o:p> </o:p> Davis entered the Rays system with a lot less buzz than Price and Niemann, but quickly made a name for himself.  He has five excellent minor league seasons behind him, and is ready to make an impact at the big league level.  He has a very good chance to be the 2010 AL Rookie of the Year. <o:p> </o:p> Andrew McCutchen<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> McCutchen got the call after the Pirates dealt Nate McLouth to Atlanta and never looked back.  In 433 at bats he hit .286, scored 74 runs, slugged 12 homeruns, collected 54 RBI, and stole 22 bases.  That’s pretty incredible for a 22-year old. <o:p> </o:p> McCutchen could very well bust out in a huge way in 2010.  The Pirates won’t be good, but McCutchen will hit at the top of the order, meaning he will score his share of runs.  He could steal 30 bases in his sleep, and could easily pop 15 long balls.  He walks enough, but will have to cut down on his strikeouts to maintain an average around his 2009 total. <o:p> </o:p> McCutchen’s long term outlook depends on how his power develops.  He definitely has the potential to develop into a 25 homerun or more guy, but power potential is hard to project out.  At worse, he’s a .285, 100 run, 15 homerun, 75 RBI, 40 stolen base guy in his prime. <o:p> </o:p> Matt Wieters<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Before the 2009 season, Wieters was all but given the AL Rookie of the Year award, and the title of the league’s next big star.  Things didn’t exactly go as planned.  Sure, Wieters hit .288 and collected 9 homeruns in 354 at bats, but he fell far short of expectations. <o:p> </o:p> So is Wieters a bust?  Not even close.  He was 22-years old at the start of the 2009 season, and he just wasn’t quite ready yet.  With another year of time to develop, Wieters is ready for a monster 2010, even if it is a year late. <o:p> </o:p> Five years from now, Matt Wieters may be the best catcher in baseball not named Joe Mauer.  He has 30 plus homerun potential, and could easily develop into the Mike Piazza of this generation. <o:p> </o:p> Colby Rasmus<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Rasmus had a very good rookie season for the Cards in 2009.  He finished with a poor .251 average, mainly because he struggled against lefties.  However, the Cards are committed to letting him play everyday, which will give him the opportunities he needs to figure out southpaws.  In 474 at bats last season, he scored 72 runs, hit 16 homeruns, and drove in 52 runs. <o:p> </o:p> Rasmus’s average probably won’t jump drastically as he continues to work on hitting lefties, but he should score a ton of runs hitting in front of Albert Pujols and Matt Holliday.  His power should continue to develop, and we should see him steal more bases in his sophomore season. <o:p> </o:p> The former Little League World Series participant has a world of talent.  Assuming he becomes at least adequate against lefties, he has the potential to post numbers around .280, 100 R, 25 HR, 80 RBI, 20 SB. <o:p> </o:p> Brett Anderson<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Like many rookie starters, Anderson did not have a spectacular first big league season.  He won 11 games, posted a 4.08 ERA, collected 150 strikeouts, and had an 1.28 WHIP.  While that is a solid stat line, it’s not reflective of the ace in the making that the A’s believe they have in Anderson. <o:p> </o:p> Like many second year starters, Anderson is likely to take a huge step in 2010.  At only 22, Anderson seems likely to win 15 games this season, while posting an ERA below 3.50 and striking out 175.  <o:p> </o:p> Anderson is a few years away from reaching his potential, but when he does, watch out.  He could easily become one of the big league’s best starters, and compete for Cy Young awards year in and year out.  <o:p> </o:p> Nolan Reimold<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Reimold made his big league debut at 25 in 2009.  While he may have been later to the party than some of the others on this list, he proved to be a tremendous talent.  He collected 15 homeruns in 358 at bats, and posted a .279 average. <o:p> </o:p> The Orioles will play Reimold everyday in 2010, which should give us a great idea of what the young man is really capable of.  He is likely to get 500 plus at bats, slug 20 plus homeruns, and could steal double digit bases. <o:p> </o:p> At 6’4” and 205 pounds, Reimold has the size and strength to develop into a 30 plus homerun per season guy.  He is likely to perennially drive in 100 runs, and is surprisingly fleet footed for a big guy. <o:p> </o:p> Tommy Hanson<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Hanson may not have been the NL Rookie of the Year in 2009, but he was certainly the league’s most impressive rookie.  In 21 starts he went 11-4 with a 2.89 ERA, 116 strikeouts, and a 1.18 WHIP.  Incredible numbers for a guy who was 22-years old for the majority of the season. <o:p> </o:p> Hanson will get a full season’s worth of starts and emerge as a true ace in 2010.  The Braves could be a lot better than people think, and Hanson could win as many as 18 games, and post an ERA around 3.00.  A jump in strikeouts is also likely. <o:p> </o:p> Sooner than later, Hanson will be one of the league’s best starters.  He has all the tools to be a perennial Cy Young candidate, and will carry on the tradition that Greg Maddux, John Smoltz, and Tom Glavine started in Atlanta. <o:p> </o:p> Gordon Beckham<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Beckham may be the most talented guy on this list, and may possess the most long-term upside.  He showed signs of what’s to come in 2009 when he batted .270 with 58 runs, 14 homeruns, 63 RBI, and 7 stolen bases in 378 at bats. <o:p> </o:p> A huge step forward is in line for Beckham in 2010.  At 23, he could easily emerge as an one of the league’s premier second basemen, the position he’ll play in 2010 after spending 2009 at third base.  Don’t be surprised if he hits .280 with 90 runs, 25 homeruns, 90 RBI, and double digit steals in 2010. <o:p> </o:p> Long term, the sky is the limit.  He could hit for an average well over .300 and hit 30 plus homeruns year after year.  Five years from now, he may to second base what Chase Utley is to second base today.    75.24.121.56

2010-02-27T19:21:00-05:00

tomorrow-s-stars-ten-young-mlb-players-you-need-to-know-about

Yes 66.249.68.236, 75.101.176.194, 123.125.66.61, 174.37.205.85, 142.166.170.101, 72.44.54.68, 76.97.188.228, 72.44.61.86, 85.114.136.243, 216.24.142.45, 89.151.116.59, 216.24.142.47, 211.43.152.54, 174.129.58.57, 211.43.152.57, 174.129.104.29, 64.13.147.187, 67.202.5.6, 75.101.197.164, 208.74.66.62, 74.208.125.5, 67.202.56.119, 65.52.26.149, 67.202.10.201, 70.37.70.228, 216.129.119.81, 75.101.195.195, 75.101.212.118, 67.189.195.149, 66.249.67.250, 67.195.115.214, 174.129.139.3, 38.99.96.233, 67.195.114.230, 72.44.48.172, 74.98.182.2, 98.233.236.101, 174.120.56.237, 87.250.252.241, 68.180.194.242, 129.82.88.55, 204.27.60.140, 75.101.219.151, 66.172.20.57, 75.101.233.125, 66.38.203.91, 98.174.197.38, 142.166.170.61, 64.115.161.226, 220.181.94.231, 38.115.176.132, 208.105.158.162, 99.173.137.85, 76.120.79.135, 66.172.194.105, 64.135.129.105, 98.222.21.237, 71.49.84.170, 96.246.107.221, 142.166.170.103, 85.17.171.225, 206.83.86.2, 84.80.153.143, 70.148.0.149, 64.13.222.190, 67.195.113.247, 206.169.226.74, 38.98.19.66, 66.224.21.233, 66.249.68.233, 218.28.29.236, 75.126.164.18, 216.129.119.11, 74.67.19.108, 66.249.68.66, 67.218.116.131, 76.84.21.117, 143.235.185.121, 24.59.23.31, 142.166.170.104, 138.162.8.58, 66.249.67.165, 72.48.211.34, 173.56.34.5, 72.187.208.119, 158.57.45.246, 72.152.200.68, 68.122.68.16, 66.249.67.238, 98.67.57.175, 138.32.80.20, 24.188.9.17, 66.190.120.50, 82.73.175.60, 63.71.120.26, 70.153.113.232, 147.126.95.167, 65.199.189.6

Tomorrow's Stars: Ten Young MLB Players You Need to Know About

No MLB, 2010 Baseball, Andrew Bailey, Carlos Gonzalez, David Price, Jeff Niemann, Wade Davis, Andrew McCutchen

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Tomorrow's Stars: Ten Young MLB Players You Need to Know About

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2010-02-27T15:06:00-05:00

Playerpress

84 7726 <meta content="text/html; charset=utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type" /> <meta content="Word.Document" name="ProgId" /> <meta content="Microsoft Word 12" name="Generator" /> <meta content="Microsoft Word 12" name="Originator" /> <link href="file:///C:\Users\Kerri\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List" /> <link href="file:///C:\Users\Kerri\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_themedata.thmx" rel="themeData" /> <link href="file:///C:\Users\Kerri\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_colorschememapping.xml" rel="colorSchemeMapping" /><style type="text/css">  </style> When famous (and even not so famous) musicians comply to play certain venues, it often comes with a large list of somewhat bizarre demands. Whether they require staying at a certain hotel, a carton of cigarettes or a cold Strawberry Kiwi Snapple, it is always something. It is not so different for baseball players.   The average player requests seats for their family members, while Carlos Beltran requires a special pitching machine, Troy Glaus requires equestrian lessons for his wife, and overseas players necessitate a translator. The caliber of the player is often correlated with the list of demands. With that said, Johan Santana can ask for all of the hot dogs at Citi Field, if he so fancied Nathan’s hot dogs.   Instead, Santana is giving relevance to a somewhat irrelevant Henry Blanco. When the Mets signed a myriad of sub-par catchers this off season, I was confused and annoyed, but now at least one of them makes sense.   Santana pitched to Henry Blanco for one season in 2004, which just happened to be one of his Cy Young seasons. If the New York Mets pitchers are anything, they are mental, so whatever works for Santana works for me. In 2004, Santana was 20-6 with a 2.61 ERA and 265 strikeouts—arguably his best season.   Johan Santana has his best numbers with battery mate Joe Mauer, but to my dismay, I do not think the Mets will be getting him until 2040. Santana’s SO/BB ratio has gone down, while his Homeruns have gone up since coming to the Mets, so if Santana wants a personal catcher, he has my blessing.   Here are Santana’s stats by catcher: <img height="143" width="490" src="/uploads/Image/Santana.jpg" alt="" /> The New York Mets organization lied to its fan base by claiming light hitting Brian Schneider was a great defensive catcher. Well, it’s not the first time they deceived us. 76.127.162.99

2010-02-27T15:06:00-05:00

santana-wants-blanco-as-his-personal-catcher

Yes 123.125.66.72, 174.36.241.155, 142.166.170.100, 75.101.238.112, 66.249.68.236, 76.97.188.228, 174.129.155.45, 204.236.198.91, 216.24.142.46, 216.24.142.47, 174.129.58.57, 174.129.104.29, 89.151.116.60, 67.202.5.6, 75.101.197.164, 75.101.191.46, 70.37.70.230, 79.99.6.106, 208.74.66.61, 208.74.66.42, 142.166.170.104, 174.37.205.91, 64.13.147.187, 65.52.26.149, 216.129.119.81, 74.190.195.123, 66.249.67.250, 83.149.199.55, 186.137.24.219, 174.129.139.3, 75.101.139.240, 68.81.166.28, 76.127.162.99, 75.101.195.195, 75.24.121.56, 72.44.54.68, 67.189.195.149, 67.195.115.214, 174.127.132.112, 24.10.71.222, 38.99.96.233, 74.98.182.2, 123.125.66.80, 207.237.160.143, 87.250.252.241, 67.195.114.230, 216.129.119.11, 66.224.21.233, 67.189.194.53, 75.146.5.241, 71.250.205.62, 64.13.222.190, 66.172.194.105, 206.83.86.2, 64.236.128.62, 66.249.68.233, 142.166.170.102, 67.218.116.131, 218.28.29.236, 67.195.115.167, 67.218.116.130, 85.17.171.225, 95.24.251.28, 66.249.68.66, 24.168.123.99, 66.249.68.142, 38.124.9.42, 140.233.203.137, 99.160.189.206, 195.113.214.213, 216.255.122.106, 63.215.202.234, 38.100.41.113, 72.48.211.34, 64.12.117.66, 66.249.68.171, 67.195.113.247, 142.166.170.63, 91.205.96.13, 24.188.9.17, 216.152.175.73, 66.249.67.238, 75.32.76.112, 76.25.77.197, 174.129.237.157

Santana Wants Blanco as his Personal Catcher

No Johan Santana, henry Blanco, personal catcher, new York mets 2010, contracts

Santana Wants Blanco as his Personal Catcher

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