The profanity-laced video surfaced this week from a Dodgers-Mets game in May 2016 that Fox televised. Collins fumes after ace Noah Syndergaard is ejected in the third inning for throwing a fastball behind Chase Utley. In the 2015 playoffs Trysten Hill Jersey , Utley broke the leg of Mets infielder Ruben Tejada with a late, hard slide.
Umpire crew chief Tom Hallion is heard explaining the ejection to Syndergaard, Neil Walker and other Mets, then he breaks away to head off Collins. For many fans, the loud exchange between Collins and Hallion illuminated what actually gets said during heated disputes.
”We made a commitment to the umpires that if they would wear microphones, certain types of interactions that we all know go on the field would not be aired publicly,” Manfred said Thursday after the owners meetings ended.
”We promised them that. It’s in the collective bargaining agreement. We had no choice in a situation like that then to do everything possible to live up to our agreement. It is Labor Relations 101. To not do that is the kind of breach of trust that puts you in a bad spot over the long haul,” he said.
Manfred said there was conversation this week about how defensive shifts have affected the game. Batting averages are dropping, among other developments, and Manfred said MLB’s Competition Committee wanted to see ”whether it’s time for us to manage these trends a little more aggressively.”
A change that could occur as soon as next season: teams playing a two-game series on the weekend.
Normally, clubs meet for three games over the weekend. But in the case where marquee teams play just twice – say, Nationals-Yankees – those might be held on Saturday and Sunday.
Manfred said baseball was pleased with the pace of play. Games this year were averaging 2 hours, 59 minutes, 49 seconds through Wednesday; last year, they averaged 3:05:11.
Mound visits by catchers, coaches, managers and other teammates for nonpitching changes are down Connor McGovern Jersey , too, from 7.41 last year to an average of 3.92 this season.
Manfred said the owners had a long discussion about the ”sports betting landscape” after Delaware and New Jersey began legal betting on games.
As for the never-ending debate on the designated hitter and whether the National League would ever switch to the DH, Manfred said: ”I think that is a continuing source of conversation among the ownership group and I think that the dialogue actually probably moved a little bit.”
CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Indians are averaging a major league-best 5.9 runs per game at home, and that’s where they will be on Saturday, when they host the Detroit Tigers in the second game of their three-game series.
The Indians have won five games in a row and outscored their opponents 38-6 during the streak.
Cleveland’s offense is led by third baseman Jose Ramirez, who finished third in the MVP voting last season, and is having another monster year. Ramirez is in the top six in the American League in many of the key offensive categories.
Ramirez is third in home runs (22), fifth in on-base percentage (.398), fourth in slugging percentage (.609), sixth in RBIs (50), and fourth in walks (49).
“He wasn’t swinging the bat well in spring training, but once the season started — wow,” said Indians manager Terry Francona. “It’s his power. His consistent contact. He doesn’t strike out. He’s a good baserunner. It’s the whole package. He’s really exciting to watch.”
So is the Indians’ Saturday starter Trevor Bauer (6-5, 2.50 ERA), who had a career year last season, and seems intent on eclipsing it this year.
In his last start, a 6-2 win over the White Sox on Monday Foster Moreau Jersey , Bauer pitched seven scoreless innings on three hits, with eight strikeouts and two walks. That’s the latest in a two-month hot streak for Bauer. In his last seven starts he is 4-2 with a 1.99 ERA, and a .199 opponents’ batting average, while averaging 13 strikeouts per nine innings (72 strikeouts in 49 2/3 innings).
Saturday will be Bauer’s fourth start against the Tigers this year. In his first three he is 3-0 with a 1.17 ERA. However, Bauer’s career numbers against Detroit aren’t nearly as impressive: a 7-5 record and 5.95 ERA in 15 appearances, including 14 starts.
Indians pitchers have tossed an American League-high eight shutouts, including their last two games, 12-0 over the White Sox on Wednesday and 10-0 over the Tigers on Friday.
Although they are missing Miguel Cabrera, who is on the disabled list with a ruptured biceps tendon, the rebuilding Tigers are in second place in the AL Central, six games behind the division-leading Indians.
“It seems like they are playing with more energy,” Francona said. “Sometimes when a guy goes down, a team takes the mentality of ‘us against the world.’ You use whatever you can, and they are doing a good job using that.”
The Tigers on Saturday will start left-hander Francisco Liriano (3-2, 3.90 ERA), who will be activated off the disabled list, and will make his first major league start since May 26. The Tigers lost that game 8-4 Greedy Williams Jersey , to the White Sox.
Liriano, who took the loss that day, pitched five innings, allowing five runs on six hits, with eight strikeouts and three walks. Liriano was placed on the disabled list on May 30, with a right hamstring strain.
Saturday will be Liriano’s third start against Cleveland this year. The first two did not go well. In those two starts Liriano went 0-1 with a 6.10 ERA, having given up seven runs on 10 hits, three of them home runs, plus six walks in 10 1/3 innings.
In 22 career appearances (17 starts) against Cleveland, the 34-year-old Liriano is 5-7 with a 4.39 ERA.
The Tigers have struggled against the Indians in recent years. Detroit is 3-8 vs. Cleveland this year, and since June 24, 2015, the Tigers’ record against the Indians is 6-21.
The Dodgers’ season is over much earlier than expected Joe Mauer Jersey , and here is a look at the roster heading into the offseason. There are 46 players on the 40-man roster, including six on the 60-day disabled list, split into a few relevant groups.Free agents (7)Manny MachadoBrian DozierYasmani GrandalHyun-jin RyuJohn AxfordDaniel HudsonRyan MadsonThe Dodgers have a top-heavy group of free agents, though since Machado and Dozier were acquired midseason they are ineligible to receive a qualifying offer, which is set this offseason at $17.9 million for a one-year deal, per multiple reports. That’s up $500,000 over last year.A decision will have to be made whether to make a qualifying offer to Grandal, and possibly even Ryu, by the fifth day after the World Series ends. The player(s) have 10 days to accept or decline the offer, and if they sign elsewhere could net the Dodgers draft pick compensation.Options (2)Clayton Kershaw has two more seasons remaining on his contract, paying him $32 million in 2019 and $33 million in 2020. He can opt out of his deal and into free agency within three days after the World Series. Should Kershaw opt out, expect him to get a qualifying offer.“I haven’t made the decision yet,” Kershaw said Sunday night. “We have three days to talk, between us and the Dodgers, see what happens, and we’ll go from there.”David Freese has a $6 million club option for 2019, with a buyout of $500,000 if it is not exercised.Under contract (5)PlayerService Time2018 salary2019 salarySigned throughPlayerService Time2018 salary2019 salarySigned through*Jansen can opt out of his contract after 2019.The five under contract on the 40-man roster total $78.5 million for 2019 Glen Perkins Jersey , $74.625 million toward the competitive balance tax threshold which increases to $206 million next year.Chase Utley is technically still also under contract for 2019 but in July announced his retirement effective at the end of the season.Yaisel Sierra is still under contract through 2021, but remains off the 40-man roster, with his salary not counting toward the competitive balance tax.Arbitration eligible (13)PlayerService Time2018 salary2019 estimate*PlayerService Time2018 salary2019 estimate*2019 estimates from MLB Trade RumorsYasiel Puig’s contract is up but he still has a year before free agency, making this his first offseason eligible for salary arbitration. If somehow the Dodgers retain all 13 of these players and they earn the projected salaries above, the arbitration gang would total $45.7 million in 2019.The remainder of the roster is comprised of players with under three years of service time.Team control (18)PlayerService TimeOptions remaining (used)2018 salaryPlayerService TimeOptions remaining (used)2018 salaryThe minimum service time needed for Super Two status — defined as the top 22% in service time among players with at least two years but not quite three years — is reportedly at two years, 134 days per Jerry Crasnick of ESPN. Austin Barnes fell just 10 days shy of qualifying.Scott Alexander was optioned to the minors in 2018 but only for a total of 11 days, short of the requisite 20 days to count as using an option year. Ditto for Julio Urias, who was optioned for a total of 17 days.The 2019 major league minimum salary is $555,000.Important offseason datesThe day after the World Series ends: Free agency begins at 6 a.m. PT todayFive days after the World Series ends (Nov. 2): Free agents can sign with new teams beginning at 2 p.m. PT; also the deadline for teams to submit qualifying offers15 days after the World Series (Nov. 12): Deadline for free agents to accept or reject qualifying offers is 2 p.m. PTNovember 20, 2018: Deadline to set rosters in preparation for the Rule 5 Draft. Keibert Ruiz will be added to the 40-man roster, and other Dodgers minor leaguers who theoretically could join him this offseason include Yadier Alvarez, Edwin Rios, Matt Beaty, Connor Joe, Josh Sborz, Joe Broussard, Jake Peter and Drew Jackson.December 9-13, 2018: Winter Meetings http://www.twinsfanproshop.com/authentic-max-kepler-jersey , in Las Vegas (Rule 5 Draft is Thursday, Dec. 13)January 11, 2019: Deadline for players and teams to exchange numbers for salary arbitration.February 1-20, 2019: Arbitration hearings (scheduled as needed) The bullpen was a mess last year, do you feel better about this group?"To use a football metaphor, this year’s Royals bullpen is the backup quarterback of the club. It looks good, promising even on some level, because we’ve yet to see everything it has to offer. Or, we don’t have enough data to make an informed judgment about its effectiveness. It looks fine on paper, but a recipe for haggis would look better than the 2018 Royals bullpen. Last year’s Royals bullpen was dreadful. That’s being kind. Royals relievers punched out 7.3 batters-per-nine innings last summer, worst among all Major League bullpens. They posted a 4.2 walks-per-nine innings, the sixth-worst rate in baseball. Their collective ERA was 5.04 and their ERA- was 116. None of these numbers are good. None of these numbers inspire confidence. An overhaul was absolutely in order. Thus, the lone holdover from last year’s Opening Day bullpen at this point appears to be Tim Hill. (Brad Keller, of course, is the Opening Day starter.)Of course it’s not a complete overhaul. Last year’s second half closer, Wily Peralta, returns and appears primed to at least share ninth inning duties. Kevin McCarthy, who pitched the second-most innings of any Royals reliever last year Paul Molitor Jersey , is also likely back. Last year’s innings leader out of the bullpen, Brian Flynn, is still around but he last pitched on March 1, was shelled in two spring outings and is out of options. He’s a lock to open the year on the injured list. One of the themes of camp has been the openness of Ned Yost to not having set roles for his bullpen. The sixth inning belongs to who? Forget about it. Mix and match is the way to go, baby. It’s a new dawn. Color me skeptical this freewheeling style of bullpenning lasts long. Meanwhile, the Royals will set their 25 man roster for the opener on Wednesday. As of right now, there are still several candidates for what figures to be eight spots in the Royals bullpen. They are listed here in descending order of my own personal interest. Kyle ZimmerHe exists! And he’s been really, really strong this spring. The dude touched 97 mph in his final exhibition outing. He gave up a single run in over 12 innings of work in the Cactus League. This Driveline stuff vibes legit. He has the stuff. Does he finally have the health? At this point, who would be surprised if he was the closer by May?Jake DiekmanLeft-handed? Check. Hard thrower? Check. Smells like an eighth inning guy to me.Brad BoxbergerHe gets the whiffs (11.7 K/9 for his career), but issues plenty of free passes (a lifetime 4.6 BB/9). Boxberger has lost a tick off his fastball and averaged just under 92 mph on his heater last year. He still manages to miss bats around a league average rate. He’s not truly closer material, but on a rebuilding team, give him a few ninth inning opportunities and spin him into a prospect at the trade deadline.Wily PeraltaThe Closer In Residence has a tenuous hold on the job. His 9.2 SO/9 from last year is good, not great, for a ninth inning guy. The real concern would be his 6 BB/9. That’s鈥?quite awful, no matter what inning eventually belongs to him. He fought the control in the Cactus League with five free passes in just under nine innings.Tim HillThe LOOGY may be dying, but don’t tell Hill that. The lone leftover from last year’s Opening Day bullpen returns and, if used to his strengths, can be a weapon. Last year Tony Oliva Jersey , he limited lefties to .230/.288/.284. Right-handed batters added nearly 200 points to their OPS. If used properly, he qualifies as a legit relief weapon. Kevin McCarthyIf you need a double play, McCarthy is your guy. Nothing flashy. Just solid. That works.Michael YnoaHe’s faced soft spring training competition, with a 6.9 OppQual per Baseball-Reference, but he’s dominated. That’s something, particularly for a reliever who didn’t register a pitch in organized ball last year. The one time former top prospect from the Dominican could yet still have something in the tank. Could be worth it to find out.Ian KennedyMaybe the stuff plays up in relief. Maybe he can stay healthy coming out of the bullpen. The temptation will be to hang a Wade Davis comp on Kennedy. Don’t. Just don’t.Chris EllisWhen camp opened, the smart money was on fellow Rule 5 selection Sam McWilliams sticking with the club, while Ellis was probably the one who would be returned to his former team. Six weeks later, McWilliams is back in Tampa and Ellis is still around. Scott BarlowServiceable, but he’s always faced an uphill climb on the bullpen depth chart. I believe he’s still technically in camp. Although we never really hear about him, so who actually knows. We will see him at some point in Kansas City.Brian FlynnAs mentioned, he’s headed for the Injured List. He’s out of options, so the Royals will manage his return carefully.There aren’t a lot of power arms in the inventory and this lot comes with plenty of question marks. The upside exists for a solid, if unspectacular, back end. The downside is definitely in play, but we all know how bullpens are fungible creatures in their own right. At least on the surface this year’s version should be an improvement over last year. Every little bit helps.
Dylan Buell/Getty ImagesThe wife of Addison Russell Harold Baines Jersey , Melisa Reidy, said she was assaulted by the Chicago Cubs infielder in a blog post last week.Russell was then placed onpaid鈥?administrative鈥?leave by Major League Baseball, though according to a report by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the league had additional information beyond Reidy's post:"The post alone would not have been enough for baseball to force Russell off the field under its joint domestic violence policy with the players' union. The league had additional credible information, according to sources familiar with its investigation."The league's investigation includes interviews with Reidy and numerous other witnesses, and with officials gathering additional information since Russell went on leave, sources said."Reidy, who also accused Russell of emotional abuse, neglect and infidelity, didn't outline the details of Russell's physical abuse but did write that it occurred:"The first time I was physicallymistreated by my spouse, I was in shock. I couldn't wrap my head around what just happened鈥hy did he get so angry? What did I do for him to want to put his hands on me? Of course I forgave himassumed it would never happen again. I just thought he had let his emotions get the best of him, he loves me and he's sorry. I was deeply hurt that he could even be capable of this behavior towards me, I couldn't understand how the man I was so in love with, the FATHER of my child Paul Goldschmidt Jersey , the man I married just a few months ago could show such aggression towards me鈥?Reidy also suggested Russell physically abused her on her last visit to see him."But, as I expected our visit was a nightmare, I swore to myself it would be the last time he'd lay his hands on meit would be that last time I'd let my son be a witness to it," she wrote.As Rosenthal noted, Russell and the MLB Players' Union did not call for an emergency hearing to challenge the league's decision to place him on administrative leave, though he added that"Russell's camp is pushing back behind the scenes."It also appears likely that Russell will ultimately get suspended, with Rosenthal writing there was a "slim" chance of Russell rejoining the Cubs for the postseason and that every player previously placed on administrativeleave ultimately accepted a suspension without an appeal.Russell, 24, has spent the past four seasons as Chicago's shortstop. He denied the accusations in Reidy's blog post Friday."These allegations are completely false," he said in a statement. "I made that clear to Major League Baseball last year and reiterated it to the Cubs today. I'm confident any full and fair investigation will fully exonerate me. The protection of my children is foremost in my mind so I will have no further comment."Cubs manager Joe Maddon told The Score (h/tPaul Sullivanof theChicago Tribune)he hadn't read Reidy's post and was going to allow the investigation to run its course, while Cubs president Theo Epstein noted that "if you know someone in one context, you don't necessarily know them fully.""And, that said, he's a member of this organization who has been an active member of this club Willie Stargell Jersey ," Epstein continued. "His dealings with us have been certainly on the up-and-up. And I can't speculate as to things that occur beyond this, except to say that we certainly are concerned about the accusations." Cincinnati Reds (5-10, fifth in the NL Central) vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (10-8, second in the NL West)Los Angeles; Tuesday, 10 p.m. EDTPITCHING PROBABLES: Reds: Tyler Mahle (0-0, 0.82 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 12 strikeouts) Dodgers: Kenta Maeda (0-1, 4.77 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 15 strikeouts)LINE: Dodgers favored by 1 1/2 runs; over/under is 8 1/2 runsBOTTOM LINE:The Dodgers are 7-4 on their home turf. Los Angeles has hit 35 home runs this season, third in the majors. Cody Bellinger leads them with nine, averaging one every seven at-bats.The Reds are 0-5 on the road. Cincinnati’s team on-base percentage of .285 is the worst in their division. Tucker Barnhart leads the lineup with an OBP of .436. The Dodgers won the last meeting 4-3. Kenley Jansen secured his first victory and Joc Pederson went 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs for Los Angeles. Raisel Iglesias registered his third loss for Cincinnati.TOP PERFORMERS: Cody Bellinger leads the Dodgers with 14 extra base hits and is slugging .925. Pederson is 7-for-35 with a triple, four home runs and seven RBIs over the last 10 games for Los Angeles.Joey Votto leads the Reds with six extra base hits and has two RBIs. Eugenio Suarez has nine hits and is batting .310 over the last 10 games for Cincinnati.LAST 10 GAMES: Dodgers: 4-6 http://www.piratesfanproshop.com/authentic-josh-bell-jersey , .263 batting average, 4.92 ERA, outscored by two runsReds: 4-6, .235 batting average, 3.44 ERA, outscored opponents by 11 runsDodgers Injuries: Hyun-Jin Ryu: 10-day IL (groin), Rich Hill: 10-day IL (knee), Tony Cingrani: 10-day IL (shoulder), Cody Bellinger: day-to-day (knee), Russell Martin: 10-day IL (back).Reds Injuries: Alex Wood: 10-day IL (back), Sonny Gray: day-to-day (calf), Scooter Gennett: 10-day IL (groin), Alex Blandino: 10-day IL (knee).
Royals General Manager Dayton Moore said last fall he wanted to look for bargains in the reliever market to fill out a bullpen very much in flux. Having already signed veteran Brad Boxberger to a one-year deal Charlie Morton Jersey , and taking a flyer on a minor league deal with Homer Bailey, Moore could be setting his sights on former Nationals closer Drew Storen. According to reporter Jayson Stark, the 31-year old right-hander is “on the radar” for the Royals.Storen missed the entire 2018 season following Tommy John surgery. The former first-round pick out of Stanford spent the first six years of his Major League career in the Nationals bullpen, collecting 43 saves in 2011, just his second season. He had a 3.02 ERA and a 3.09 FIP with the Nationals, striking out nearly a hitter per-inning, and was a 2.5 rWAR pitcher as recently as 2014. He broke his thumb slamming a locker door in disgust, prematurely ending his 2015 season. That led to a trade to the Blue Jays, where Storen struggled, leading to a trade to the Mariners. In 2017 http://www.astrosfanproshop.com/authentic-justin-verlander-jersey , he signed a one-year deal with the Reds, posting a 4.45 ERA and a 4.88 FIP with 48 strikeouts in 54 2鈦? innings. Storen’s velocity in 2017 was down significantly from the mid-90s he threw during his prime, with a much less effective slider. He was shut down that year in September leading to surgery. He resumed throwing last fall to throw for teams. In addition to the Royals, the Cubs were recently said to be interested in him.Stark adds the Royals continue to look for “bargain bullpen options” and even as spring training opens this week for most clubs, there remains dozens of pitchers still unsigned. Send sleep and warmth."WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections Diamondbacks Farm TeamsGameday ThreadsDiamondbacks NewsDiamondbacks Game ReportsFang FoodSnake EDTShareTweetShareShareSnake Bytes 3/24: Jet LagMatt Kartozian-USA TODAY SportsI’ve got to give it to DC, and anyone else on an east coast/international time zone, for sticking with the D’backs year after year despite the time difference. I’m in New Jersey for the weekend, so I’ve got a greater appreciation for his, and others, sacrifice of sleep throughout the season. Although I’d likely have more energy had my flight not been delayed five hours.Arizona Diamondbacks News[D’backs.com] D-backs counting on Ray to return to form- Robbie Ray is tied for 2nd among all MLB pitchers in strikeouts this Spring at 32. The leader is Max Scherzer with 34 K’s Jose Cruz Jr. Jersey , but he has tossed 10 more innings than Ray. Arizona will need him to continue to miss bats, and pitch deep into games, to compensate for the loss of Patrick Corbin’s contributions in 2018.[AZ Central] As MLB draft bounty awaits, Arizona Diamondbacks’ scouts search for gems - [Mark] Ross is the Diamondbacks’ area scout for the four-corners region of the country. He is part of what Assistant General Manager Amiel Sawdaye refers to as the club’s first line of defense. In many ways, the weight of the future of the organization hangs on his shoulders, a burden spread among more than 25 full-time scouts and supervisors the club has bouncing around the country this spring. The Diamondbacks have before them a substantial opportunity this year. They have eight of the first 93 picks. They are expected to have more than $15 million to spend in bonus money, likely the second-highest total ever. Perhaps no team in the bonus pool era has had this combination of premium picks — they’ll pick four times in the Top 34 — and have deep pockets.[Arizona Sports] As spring comes to an end, everything ‘clicking’ for D-backs’ Robbie Ray - [D’backs.com] Greinke pitches in ‘B’ game, weighs cutting hair - D-backs right-hander Zack Greinke got in his final tuneup before his Opening Day start by pitching in a back-field game against Minor Leaguers in the Rockies’ organization Saturday afternoon. Greinke threw 92 pitches over 6 1/3 innings, and also made four plate appearances. One reason Greinke started in a “B” game was so that the team could control his outing Nolan Ryan Jersey , but another was so that the Giants, who the D-backs were playing at Scottsdale Stadium, would not get an extra look at him before the regular season. [AZ Central] Arizona Diamondbacks’ prospects entering critical, data-driven season - Every morning, Diamondbacks minor leaguers fan out on the backfields at Salt River Fields and start to provide hints of what they might become. And the club’s player development system — a sprawling web of coaches, executives, trainers and data — is there to help them. This could be a landmark year for Diamondbacks prospects. Many of those whose futures appear most promising will play at a full-season level for the first time. If they show they belong, it could go a long way toward opening up a new window of contention.Around the League[CBS Sports] Justin Verlander, Astros reportedly agree to record-breaking contract extension - The Houston Astros and ace Justin Verlander have agreed to a two-year contract extension worth $66 million. Mark Berman of Fox 26 was first to report a deal was done, and multiple reporters have since confirmed. The deal reportedly includes no deferred money http://www.astrosfanproshop.com/authentic-justin-verlander-jersey , which helps make this a record contract in terms of average annual value (i.e., annual salary).[MLB Trade Rumors] Scooter Gennett To Spend 8-12 Weeks On Injured List - Reds second baseman Scooter Gennett will be sidelined for the next 8-12 weeks due to a right groin strain, Bobby Nightengale of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports (Twitter link). Gennett suffered the injury yesterday during the second inning of the Reds’ Spring Training game, while making an awkward slide on a fielding play. The news is a major blow to a Reds team that had a busy offseason in preparation for a return to contention in the NL Central. Now, Cincinnati will have to wait until mid-May at the earliest to welcome back their All-Star second baseman.
Wow. Handing out candy is hard. I had forgotten. Sitting there doing the “one for you Marcell Ozuna Jersey , one for me, two for you, three for me” thing creates such a sugar high that coming down is worse than a tequila hangover. This country needs a new Halloween candy purchasing program. One where the residents can sign up for a return policy so that they don’t get tempted should the trick-or-treater traffic not measure up to forecasts.But that’s over. Awards are coming the way of Anaheim. On to the next holiday.Let’s kick off the Thanksgiving-Season-HaloLinks:A Little Bit Of Angels NewsCongratulations, Shohei Ohtani, Baseball Digest’s American League Rookie of the Year...............And congratulations, Andrelton Simmons, on winning his 6th Fielding Bible Award for Shortstop.............Hey, that Joe Hudson that was waived to make room for Kevan Smith?.....Hudson cleared waivers, so we have them both............Not a bad upgrade. Our new manager is far from the worst possible replacement player among all MLB skippers. Almost one of the best, actually..........Never forget, Mike Trout led all center fielders in double plays this year. That’s his cred for GG consideration..............I am going to keep this up here until the event, as a reminder. JeffJoiner directs us all to the annual opportunity for we fans to join the Halos in giving back to our community. The Groundskeepers are hosting their 12th Annual Canned Food Drive Friday, November 16th thru Sunday, November 18th at Angel Stadium.Everywhere In BaseballSure Miles Mikolas Jersey , sure. I know that I said I would not cover the BoSux victory parade. But then the whole thing went all Boston and we need a reminder as to why it’s so utterly normal to despise that whole thing. You gather too many of the Pink Hat Brigade into the same corner of the universe and you are destined to get the franchise blowing $300,000 in booze to celebrate before they even leave LA.....Alex Cora smugly offering up oral derogatories towards anybody who dared doubt.....you get drunken fans throwing beer cans at the team and damaging the hard-win trophy.........And let us contrast all that with the ongoing tale of Kang Jung-ho, one-time Pittsburgh Pirate rising infield star who has seen that star rapidly plummet as a consequence of his DWI episodes. Jung-ho has been converted into a Free Agent, as the Pirates declined his option..........And Dodger fans still own the reputation for cheap shot thuggery champs..........Not everybody who will be getting a ring got to ride on the duck boats.............The greatest pre-postseason prediction sheet ever published (after the postseason was all over)..........Ranking the post-season TV broadcast crews. What? Joe Buck comes in next to worst? What kind of crime is this? Red Sox + Dodgers + Joe Buck...what could go wrong??............ Free Agent signing season is officially open, with the Nationals signing of Trevor Rosenthal to be their new closer. That would be the same Trevor Rosenthal who held a showcase right here in Orange County, a showcase that reportedly went pretty damned well...........And now that signings have started, we are officially late with stack ranking the 2018-2019 FA roster. But here we go.............And with Manny Machado at the top of that list, how will teams react to how Machado performed in the playoff spotlight?.............But the Mets, now that could be a bigger story than I have been sniffing out. Sure, the hiring of a player agent to flip sides and become GM is not the end of the world. But there are real ongoing concerns that may never go away, and it will be interesting to observe how players and agents deal with it going forward. For example: “...when Van Wagenen was asked about his relationship with deGrom at the press conference, COO Jeff Wilpon answered for him, telling reporters that the team had put measures in place for Van Wagenen to recuse himself from negotiations with his former clients. He declined to elaborate on what those measures might be or how they’d work......Probably because his answer could not be more obviously horseshit. The two most important player personnel decisions the Mets have to make in the next few years are what to do with deGrom and Syndergaard—how can Van Wagenen possibly run the Mets’ baseball ops department without at least having input on those decisions? And if (when) he does make those decisions, his experience as an advocate for deGrom and Syndergaard will influence his decision-making as their employer. Van Wagenen might be a mercenary http://www.stlouiscardinalsteamshop.com/authentic-marcell-ozuna-jersey , but nobody’s mercenary enough to compartmentalize to that extent.”.............This is messed up. A collection of police officers from within the Baltimore Police Gun Trace Task Force are being prosecuted for drug trafficking. That’s horrible enough. But to use baseball as the code language for their criminal activity??.............The worst Minor League team, ever...........Damn. We lost Willie McCovey. Godspeed, Stretch. There are plenty of us still here to make sure you are remembered.............The Duffle BagOh thank you UniWatch! They gave us this tip for a cool 2019 vintage baseball calendar....So I went looking and found it for sale .............You know, the Cape Cod League is kind of a big deal. Most of the time I post job openings as a lark, not expecting any fit for the readership. But because all those Hallmark Holiday Specials exist for a reason, I figure I would keep throwing them out there just in case somebody needs a miracle. This one would be that sort of miracle for any readers in the New England area. Scouting, MLB scout Liaison, and Assistant GM? Holy balls I hope somebody is out there who can use this link............. The two biggest free agents — still on the market in February — would make even more sense for the Dodgers if the National League gets the designated hitter for 2019, or even 2020."WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections 2019 Spring TrainingProspectsCommentaryNews and NotesIf the NL adds the DH, Bryce Harper or Manny Machado make sense for DodgersNew,690commentsThey already make sense, but even more so with the DHPSTShareTweetShareShareIf the NL adds the DH, Bryce Harper or Manny Machado make sense for DodgersEvan Habeeb-USA TODAY SportsI’ve long been an opponent of the designated hitter being implemented in the National League. But it has long since been an inevitability — even more so with Ken Rosenthal’s report from last night.Contained within is the tidbit that the NL would adopt the DH for the 2019 season. Jeff Passan echoed that (sort of) by saying the MLB Player’s Association wants it adopted for the ‘19 season. While it still seems unlikely to happen for this season, let’s just assume it happens for the purposes of this article.Immediately Jason Motte Jersey , my mind went to Bryce Harper. While I’ve written — seemingly ad nauseam — about Harper and why the Dodgers should be in on him this winter, adding the designated hitter only cements that belief even more. Well, either him or Manny Machado.If the season began today, this would be the likely defensive alignment against right-handed pitching:C Austin Barnes/Russell Martin1B Max Muncy2B Kik茅 Hernandez/Chris Taylor3B Justin TurnerSS Corey Seager/TaylorLF Cody BellingerCF A.J. PollockRF Alex VerdugoThat’s not bad; it’ll win the division. But now, imagine if it looked like this:C Barnes/Martin1B Bellinger2B Hernandez/Taylor3B TurnerSS Seager/TaylorLF HarperCF PollockRF VerdugoDH MuncyAnd now, imagine it with Machado instead:C Barnes/Martin1B Turner/Seager2B Hernandez/Taylor3B Seager/TurnerSS MachadoLF BellingerCF PollockRF VerdugoDH MuncyEither way, adding the DH would allow the Dodgers the luxury of bringing in Harper or bringing back Machado.Look, I realize it’s probably not going to happen, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t. The Dodgers can afford it and adding a generational talent to the mix would go a long way to (hopefully) curing their offensive October blues (and would go a long way to helping them get back to the World Series).Missing is Joc Pederson. In both of these scenarios, I’d expect him to be traded because there’s simply not a clear path to playing time when everyone is healthy. He has two years of team control remaining and the Dodgers should be able to get something decent in return. Perhaps to use in a trade at the deadline or to strengthen the farm system.———It’s Feb. 6 and Harper and Machado are still unsigned. They should have been signed weeks ago, but MLB owners are doing a great job of not spending money this offseason. At this rate, all 30 teams should be in on both of them — you know, like the Phillies, White Sox and yes http://www.stlouiscardinalsteamshop.com/authentic-marcell-ozuna-jersey , the Padres, are. The addition of the DH to the NL should only improve the number of teams interested in both superstars.Even with the DH, the Dodgers probably won’t pigeonhole themselves into having a primary player to man that position. Muncy would get the bulk of the time, but there would be a rotation of players going through, with Muncy getting some time at first base, Bellinger in the outfield and so on. If anything, it would almost make the Dodgers more versatile than they already are.It may not take an 8- or 10-year commitment to get Harper or Machado at this point. If that’s the case, then that’s more up the Dodgers’ alley. Couple that with the fact the DH will likely be implemented by 2020 at the latest, and the team could set themselves up for sustained offensive success for a half-decade (or more) by taking advantage of this luxury.I’m not expecting it to happen, but it really, really should.
Funkhouser will miss the remainder of the 2018 season after suffering a foot injury.The Tigers announced Tuesday that Funkhouser fractured the fifth metatarsal in his right foot while walking on an uneven sidewalk.Funkhouser will have surgery and is expected to return for spring training next year.The 24-year-old Funkhouser was Detroit's fourth-round selection in the 2016 MLB draft. He started this season in Double-A with the Erie SeaWolves http://www.tigersfanproshop.com/authentic-joe-jimenez-jersey , posting a 3.74 ERA with 89 strikeouts in 89 innings.Detroit promoted Funkhouser to Triple-A on July 10. In two starts with the Toledo Mud Hens, the right-hander allowed six earned runs with 10 walks and seven strikeouts in 8.2 innings.The Tigers could have given Funkhouser an audition for their 2019 rotation with a September call-up. Instead, the former Louisville star will show up to camp next season hoping to earn a spot on the 25-man roster after rehabbing his injury. JUPITER, Fla. (AP) — Nonchalantly Alan Trammell Jersey , Washington manager Dave Martinez made official on Monday what most already assumed — ace Max Scherzer will be the first to get the ball for the Nationals.“I’m going to go out on a limb today and tell you that Max will be our opening day starter. How’s that?” Martinez said.That sets up a marquee matchup March 28 at Nationals Park: Scherzer vs. Jacob deGrom of the New York Mets.Between them, Scherzer and deGrom own four Cy Young awards, including the three most recent in the National League. Last year, the duo finished 1-2 in the voting http://www.tigersfanproshop.com/authentic-joe-jimenez-jersey , with deGrom claiming his first trophy.Martinez made the announcement after Scherzer surrendered three runs on six hits and a walk while striking out two in 6 1/3 innings against St. Louis. Scherzer advanced his pitch total to 75, facing 23 batters.The Nationals eschewed the designated hitter on Monday, allowing the 34-year-old Scherzer to bat for the second time this spring. This time, it nearly cost the Nationals dearly.In the fifth inning Lance Parrish Jersey , Jack Flaherty’s 3-2 inside fastball hit the nob of Scherzer’s bat and breezed along the fingers of his right hand. One pitch earlier, Scherzer glared at Flaherty following a high-and-tight fastball.“I can understand that,” St. Louis manager Mike Shildt said.Scherzer ultimately struck out, part of an 0-for-2 afternoon http://www.tigersfanproshop.com/authentic-joe-jimenez-jersey , ending the inning.He emerged to pitch the bottom of the fifth and started the sixth before being removed after reaching his desired pitch count.Scherzer posted an 18-7 record and a 2.53 ERA last season, striking out 300 in 220 2/3 innings. DeGrom’s 1.70 ERA made him the runaway choice for the Cy Young.
WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections Scaling the RocksPebble ReportRockpileRockies Game ThreadsRockies Fan ExperienceThis Week in PurpleThis Week in Purple: Are you a glass half empty or a glass half full person? New http://www.bluejaysfanproshop.com/authentic-curtis-granderson-jersey ,11commentsWhat was good for you this week? This Week in Purple: Are you a glass half empty or a glass half full person? This is an interesting week for This Week in Purple because the Rockies’ good and bad from the past week was fairly equal. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that what you focused on more over the Rockies’ first seven games indicates whether your a glass half full or glass half empty person. If you’re a glass half full person, you just can’t stop thinking about how dang good the pitching was. If you’re a glass half empty person, the fact that you’ve been satisfied when the Rockies get an infield hit keeps you up at night. We have a pretty clear good and bad, so let’s get into it. What was badThe offense. The offense was bad. And there’s a lot of startling evidence for the glass half emptyers to pull from. The Rockies, as a team, hit .197/.245/.283 over their first seven games George Bell Jersey , which amounts to a wRC+ of 28. The team’s wOBA is .234, 26th worst in baseball. And that all includes the two games in which the Rockies actually hit. In the final four games of the opening road series, the Rockies scored just two runs. They were lucky to go 1-3 in those contests. An incredible play by Nolan Arenado was all that stood between it being a single run scored in four consecutive losses. There are some caveats though. First and foremost, it’s only seven games! The Rockies also tend to play horribly in Florida. They don’t play in Tampa often, but of all the ballparks in which the Rockies have played at least 300 games, their team OPS at Marlins Park (.621) is second worst to Atlanta’s Fulton County Stadium (.613). The caveat to the caveat, however Dave Winfield Jersey , is that the offense was the team’s biggest weakness in 2018, and starting out this way can lead to legitimate worry about whether or not the Rockies’ starting rotation can be good enough to bail out the offense a second year in a row. What was goodSpeaking of pitching, it has been very good! Mostly! The team’s collective ERA is a respectable 3.54, which is 14th best in baseball as of Thursday afternoon. And the rotation has had more quality starts (4) than not (3). Even better, German M谩rquez and Kyle Freeland have pretty much picked up where they left off last season. They’ve combined to give up just five runs in 242鈦? innings pitched. Also, M谩rquez’s ERA+ is 652 right now. There’s a caveat here as well though. Both Chad Bettis and Tyler Anderson threw clunkers, which is a reminder that however good the top of the rotation is Jack Morris Jersey , it’s not so solid at the bottom. What else was goodLast week, I wrote about watching the first game of the series on my phone while at a hotel room in Chicago — it was a mix of good and bad. I’m traveling again this week, but this time it’s just away from one home and to another. I’m in Denver for opening weekend baseball, and it’s going to be above freezing! I’m also grateful for the chance to meet some of our readers at Purple Row’s Opening Day breakfast. This is all good. What was good for you this week? Everything is slow again :("According to LEN3 of the Star Tribune, the Twins are going to be boring for a bit longer here and wait for the market to develop further before making any more signings. I assume this means that the Twins will sign Nelson Cruz this afternoon to make everyone seem wrong. That’s fine, but it isn’t fun to write about. What about MY job Falvine???The same link talks about the Twins interest in relief pitcher Kelvin Herrera whom you’ll likely remember from his long time spent as a Kansas City Royal. Signing Herrera would be very very in-character for the Twinkies as he is almost kinda old (it hurts typing that sentence as he’s 28 and the same age as me.) and performed poorly last year before ultimately getting season ending surgery. Still he’s young enough to potentially regain old form and would be another low-risk high-reward pickup. Go 28 Year olds!The Twins did select someone in the Rule 5 Draft, it was just that it was during the AAA portion http://www.bluejaysfanproshop.com/authentic-curtis-granderson-jersey , which is perhaps the least interesting draft in the history of the various meanings of the word draft. Still his name is Dusten Knight and that’s a rad last name and I look forward to the opportunity to weave him into some Kyle Gibson fantasy world fan-fiction. You can read actual analysis over at Puckett’s Pond.This article about NBA player/video game icon Charles Barkley has nothing to do with baseball, but I enjoyed reading about him and his good friend, a Chinese immigrant and cat littler scientist. Should have been a buddy cop movie, really.Today’s soundtrack is the remixed theme from Space Jam that served as the title theme to Barkley Shut Up and Jam Gaiden, which is the best game ever written.
JUPITER Richie Ashburn Jersey , Fla. (AP) —r Molina first exhibition game appearance at catcher as the nine-time All-Star recovers from left knee surgery in December.The 36-year-old started limited catching of bullpen sessions on Wednesday and took batting practice. Molina will appear in games at first as a designated hitter, and manager Mike Shildt is hoping he can catch in that game against the New York Mets in two weeks.Molina is the only catcher on the Cardinals’ 40-man roster. Francisco Pena, last year’s primary backup, and Matt Wieters are at spring training with minor league contracts.“More than anything else, it was my first and only offer,” said the 32-year-old Wieters http://www.philliesfanproshop.com/authentic-pat-neshek-jersey , whose deal was announced Wednesday.A four-time All-Star with Baltimore from 2009-16, Wieters spent the past two seasons with Washington. He hit .238 with eight homers and 30 RBIs last year, when he was sidelined between March 31 and April 12 with a strained left oblique muscle and between May 10 and July 9 with a strained left hamstring.“It will be exciting because this will be the first time I’ve competed for a spot on a roster since 2009,” Wieters said. “I’m excited to kind of see what kind of adrenaline I get in spring training, which I haven’t had in a while.”Shildt expects Wieters to make his St. Louis debut behind the plate early next week.“First of all he’s got a lot of experience,” Shildt said. “I also like the fact he’s been on winning teams http://www.philliesfanproshop.com/authentic-pat-neshek-jersey , so he knows what that looks like.”Molina averaged 133 games behind the plate over the past three seasons.“I’ve watched him for a long as I can remember,” Wieters said. “There aren’t many catchers in this league I watched before I was playing in this league.” CINCINNATI (AP) — Reds closer Raisel Iglesias agreed Wednesday to a three-year contract guaranteeing $24,125,000, a deal that avoided arbitration.Iglesias reached a $27 million, seven-year agreement in 2014 that allowed him to void the remainder of the deal once he was eligible for salary arbitration. That agreement called for $5 million salaries in each of the next two seasons.He made $4.5 million this year Aaron Altherr Jersey , when he had a career-high 30 saves in 34 chances and a 2.38 ERA.Rather than having Iglesias eligible for arbitration each season, the Reds offered a restructured deal that gives both sides certainty.“If he does what we’ve seen him do over the next three years, there’s all sorts of ways he can outperform these numbers,” Reds president of baseball operations Dick Williams said. “Obviously both sides are taking on some risk here, and both sides getting paid to take on some risk.”The Reds are trying to emerge from a massive rebuild that’s left them with three straight 90-loss seasons. Last year, they added setup men Jared Hughes and David Hernandez to the bullpen and got significant improvement. Their priority this offseason is to add a couple of veteran starters.They also hired David Bell as their manager in the offseason. Williams said Bell and his staff are looking at different ways to use Iglesias Clay Buchholz Jersey , who isn’t limited to a ninth-inning role like many other closers. Over the last three seasons, Iglesias has 24 saves of more than one inning, the most in the majors.“He’s appeared in crucial situations in the middle of games,” Williams said. “Obviously he’s done it as well as anybody at the end of the game.“We want to be able to maximize the value of Iglesias.”
The Orioles have hired Cubs bench coach Brandon Hyde to be the 20th manager in O’s history."WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections Commentary & AnalysisOrioles ProspectsOrioles Game RecapsOrioles News and RumorsCamdencastOrioles News and RumorsOrioles announce Brandon Hyde hired as managerNew http://www.raysfanproshop.com/authentic-evan-longoria-jersey ,37commentsIt’s official this time. The Orioles have hired Cubs bench coach Brandon Hyde to be the 20th manager in O’s history.ByMark BrownDec 14, 2018,4:15pm ESTShareTweetShareShareOrioles announce Brandon Hyde hired as managerJayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY SportsThe Orioles found their manager after all, and it turns out to be the exact person who was reported on Tuesday night to be the next manager. The club announced officially on Friday afternoon that Cubs bench coach Brandon Hyde will be the 20th manager in O’s history. Hyde will be introduced in a press conference on Monday at noon at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. As with the conference for the hire of GM Mike Elias, this will be broadcast on MASN, 105.7 in Baltimore, and online at Orioles.com and on several social media platforms. If the general manager press conference is any indication, the full video will eventually be posted to YouTube even if you don’t get to watch it live.In the team’s press release announcing the hire, Elias had this to say about his manager:Hyde, 45 http://www.rangersfanproshop.com/authentic-matt-moore-jersey , was the Cubs first base coach during their 2016 World Series title. He has also served in a variety of roles across the minors and majors, including several years coaching and managing in the Marlins organization and a one-game interim MLB stint that has him in the books as a prior MLB manager. Other jobs have included minor league infield coordinator (Marlins) and director of player development (Cubs).Although only Elias and Hyde know for certain, the timing of the announcement combined with the earlier reports seems to suggest that they just wanted to wait until the winter meetings were over to confirm the reports and have a coordinated roll-out of the announcement. It does not matter much in the grand scheme that Hyde did not get to participate in the ceremonial winter meetings photo of all MLB managers. He already has something to look forward to next December.The O’s had been reported to be choosing from a pool of six candidates in this managerial search. Along with Hyde, reported names included: former Indians/Nationals manager Manny Acta, Diamondbacks director of player development Mike Bell, Royals quality control coach Pedro Grifol, Nationals bench coach Chip Hale, and Rockies bench coach Mike Redmond.There were some early indications that the O’s might be looking for someone with more MLB manager’s experience. Acta, Hale, and Redmond had all been managers. It seems that Elias was more impressed with the experience that Hyde was able to acquire throughout the minors and in different MLB coaching/development jobs. In Elias’s own introductory press conference Ivan Rodriguez Jersey , he sounded like he had a good idea of what he was looking for in a manager. The fact that he decided Hyde was the most impressive person is good enough for me to find this to be an exciting hire.Whether this means all that much for the fortunes of the 2019 Orioles is another story. A new GM and a new manager stuck with mostly the same roster, minus departing free agents, can’t fix a 47-115 squad on their own. Hopefully it’s a sign that the O’s can start getting more out of their young players and offer some encouragement that things will eventually get better. Joe Girardi made a surprising announcement that he was pulling out of the running for multiple vacant managerial positions so that he can wait till next off-season for a more desirable destination.According to Jon Heyman, Girardi was in the running for both the Cincinnati Reds and the Texas Rangers managerial positions. He reportedly informed the Reds organization on Friday that he was no longer pursuing their manager role.Girardi surprised reds by pulling out Friday. He had a chance to win job at that point but they never got to point of talking money with him. He also pulled out of rangers derby. Industry speculation: he鈥檚 waiting a year on Chicago— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) October 21, 2018It's being speculated around the industry, that Girardi's intentions are to pursue either of the Chicago Cubs or White Sox next offseason.advertisingHeyman also tweeted that the Rangers had informed Girardi that the team wasn't going to move forward in the interview process with him any further. But, it was unlikely that Girardi would have pursued the position any further as well.To clarify the rangers told Girardi they were going in another direction (tho JG did pull himself out of reds derby)— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) October 21, 2018It would be very interesting if the Cubs were not to bring back their current manager, Joe Madden after next season and replace him with Girardi. Under Madden, the Cubs have had three post-season appearances. They have 19 playoff victories which ranks first in Cubs franchise history.Madden also helped to end the 100 year-plus World Series curse. He has arguably been the Cubs best manager since Frank Chance http://www.rangersfanproshop.com/authentic-matt-moore-jersey , who managed the club from 1905 to 1912.advertisingWith that being said, Madden's current contract expires after next season. The Cubs and Madden have reportedly not even begun talks about any extension yet either. So, it wouldn't be out of the question to see Girardi as Madden's replacement after next season. CBS SportsGirardi definitely has a solid resume to back-up any future manager positions he may pursue. He managed the New York Yankees from 2008 to 2017. Under that time, he took them to the post-season four straight seasons in a row(2009-2012).In 2009, Girardi's second season with the Yankees he helped them win their 27th World Series. The Yankees also won three AL East division titles under Girardi.advertisingEven in Girardi's last season with the Yankees, he helped them to the American League Championship Series and they finished one game sort of making it to the World Series.Regardless of whenever Girardi decides he wants to return to the MLB, any team will be acquiring a reliable and proven manager who knows how to win in this league.
Robbie Ray got there this afternoon."Record: 12-15-2. Change on 2018: -0.5. 5-inning record: 12-12-5.The Arizona offense got off to a quick start against San Francisco in Scottsdale. CF Jarrod Dyson singled http://www.redsfanproshop.com/authentic-cliff-pennington-jersey , taking second on an error, and after another single by 3B Eduardo Escobar, Dyson came across for the first run of the game. The D-backs advantage was doubled in the third inning on LF David Peralta’s first homer, coming with two outs. Robbie Ray was looking good, striking out seven of the first ten Giants he faced. But he ran into trouble in the fourth, allowing four consecutive SF batters to reach Joe Morgan Jersey , as the Giants leveled the game, scoring twice. Still, Ray ended the day with 11 K’s over 5.1 innings, allowing two runs on five hits and a pair of walks. Yoan Lopez tidied up the sixth inning, but the Giants took the lead in the seventh on a solo home-run off Archie Bradley. That was the end of the day's scoring, neither side being able to do anything the rest of the way. Robbie Scott loaded the bases with one out in the eighth Dave Concepcion Jersey , but something called a Michael Kohn got a double play. Escobar had two of the D-backs nine hits, while C Alex Avila singled and walked. Tomorrow. the D-backs face the Brewers in the final game for the year at Salt River Fields, with a slightly earlier than usual start, at 12:10 pm. Zack Godley is the scheduled starter for Arizona. Second baseman Whit Merrifield will reportedly remain with the Kansas City Royals for the foreseeable future.According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, Merrifield and the Royals agreed to a four-year contract extension worth $16.25 million with $2 million in performance bonuses. Jon Heyman of Fancred noted the extension will include a fifth-year club option that could bring the deal to more than $30 million if it is completely maxed out. Merrifield is 30 years old but is relatively inexperienced seeing how he didn't break into the major leagues until 2016. He tallied a career-best 19 home runs in 2017 and was then one of the better offensive players in the league in 2018 when he slashed .303/.367/.438 with 12 home runs, 60 RBI and a league-best 45 stolen bases.He led the majors with 192 hits last year http://www.redsfanproshop.com/authentic-cliff-pennington-jersey , andLynn Worthyof theKansas City Starnoted he joined Dee Gordon and Ichiro Suzuki as the only three players to lead the majors in hits and stolen bases in the same year since World War II.It wasn't just his bat that stood out in 2018, though, as he played second base, first base and all three outfield spots as a versatile defender who allowed manager Ned Yost to mix-and-match the lineup on a daily basis depending on opponents and team needs.He was also particularly impressive at second base and was responsible for eight defensive runs saved above average, perFanGraphs.The fact that the Royals were able to lock up the player who led the majors in hits and stolen bases while playing plus defense in 2018 on a team-friendly deal is notable, especially as major free agents such as Bryce Harper and Manny Machado remain unsigned.Kansas City missed the playoffs the last three seasons and is looking to turn things around Ken Griffey Jersey , and it now has Merrifield as a centerpiece to build around for the next few years.
SURPRISE http://www.indiansfanproshop.com/authentic-b.j.-upton-jersey , Ariz. (AP) — after Tommy John surgery but even gaining velocity.Returning to form following labrum surgery is less likely. Just ask Mike Minor.“I started throwing, it hurt. I shut it down. I start throwing again, it hurt again,” the 6-foot-4 Rangers left-hander said of his two-year rehabilitation.All the rehab has been well worth it. He will open the season at home for Texas on March 28 against the Chicago Cubs.“It’s a cool thing, especially when I talk to my family and friends, talk about where I was a couple years ago,” he said. “From not pitching two years in a row and coming back, and having to go in the bullpen and last year trying to re-establish myself as a starter. And having a lot of people belief that I couldn’t do it Josh Tomlin Jersey , a lot of doubters.”A former Team USA and Vanderbilt star, Minor was selected in the first round (seventh overall) of the 2009 draft by the Atlanta Braves. He made his MLB debut in 2010 and became a reliable starter in 2012 and 2013.The torn labrum limited him in 2014 and the operation cost him the 2015 and 2016 seasons. Kansas City used him solely out of the bullpen in 2017. The Rangers acquired him as a free agent in 2018 and used him cautiously. He pitched 157 innings in 28 starts with a 4.18 ERA.“His expectations coming into this year were to kind of set the tone for the rest of the staff,” Rangers manager Chris Woodward said. “And when I told him he was the opening day guy, he was obviously excited. To be given the opportunity to be the ace, he’s not taking that lightly. He’s taken on that responsibility of being the No. 1 guy.”A quick learner who majored in sociology at Vanderbilt, Minor studies opposing hitters, looking to attack their weaknesses with his four-seam fastball, curveball Carlos Carrasco Jersey , slider, circle changeup.“He’s done it from Day One of spring training,” Woodward said. “That’s why I made him the opening day starter because I see that commitment to bringing that attitude and that idea to the rest of the staff.”Minor, 31, works closely with catcher Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who turns 24 on Saturday.“Being a young catcher, he makes my job easier,” Kiner-Falefa said. “I am just trying to get him to pitch his game. He’ll let me know how to get on the same page with him.”On a team that finished last in the AL West at 67-95 Cliff Pennington Jersey , Minor is asserting himself as a leader.“He brings everything you want in an opening day starter,” Kiner-Falefa said. “He brings fire, he attacks hitters. He’s not afraid. We feel his presence on the mound.”That comfort level extends to catcher Jeff Mathis, the former Diamondback who signed a two-year free-agent contract during the offseason.“I have been very impressed with Mike,” Mathis said. “He’s got really good stuff. I mean the slider is devastating. He’s able to locate his fastball.”They worked together for the first time on Monday, a Cactus League game against the Dodgers. Minor needed 35 pitches to get out of the first inning.“I had to make pitches in tough spots,” Minor said. “My fastball was off. It was cutting a little bit, and then no curveball. So Joey Votto Jersey , I was pretty much pitching with a slider and a changeup.”On the plus side, he held the Dodgers scoreless in 3 1/3, striking out three, allowing three hits and walking three.“He’s got great poise on the mound,” said Hunter Pence, the former Giants outfielder whose locker is right next to Minor’s.“He seems to be the same guy every day,” Pence added. “He goes about his business. Not a lot of talking really, I even asked him about it and he said http://www.redsfanproshop.com/authentic-cliff-pennington-jersey , ‘Yeah, I like to listen and kind of observe'”____ Miguel Sano will be back with the Minnesota Twins for their weekend series against the Boston Red Sox.Per Fancred's Jon Heyman, Sano was called up from Triple-A Rochester on Friday.Sano's promotion comes after Heyman reported the Twins traded Eduardo Escobar to the Arizona Diamondbacks.The Twins demoted Sano to the minor leagues on June 14 after he hit .203/.270/.405 with 66 strikeouts in 148 at-bats through 37 games.Sano started his stint in the minors at High-A Fort Myers where his .328/.442/.453 slash line in 19 games earned him a promotion to Triple-A. The 25-year-old posted an .889 OPS in just nine games from July 8-25.Bernie Pleskoffof Clubhouse Corner noted Sano lost 20 pounds during his time with Fort Myers. He showed up to spring training in February weighing a rumored 293 pounds, perPatrick Reusseof theStar-Tribune.Sano has shown prodigious power in the big leagues, including 18 homers in 80 games as a rookie in 2015 and 28 last season to help the Twins claim the second American League wild-card spot.Minnesota enters Friday's game against the Red Sox with a 48-53 record, seven games behind the Cleveland Indians in the AL Central.
Player name: Dane CruikshankH/W: 6’1 209School / Class: Arizona / RS SeniorPosition: DBMeasureables: 4.41 40 Jurrell Casey Jersey , 38.5” vertical jump, 10’01” broad jump, 25 bench press reps, 6.89 3 cone drillThe Tape2017 vs Purdue (#9)2017 vs Oregon (#9)2017 vs USC (#9)2017 vs Washington State (#9)Strengths- Athleticism - He tested very well athletically at the Combine. Top 5 in the 40 for safeties, sixth in vertical jump, fifth in the 3 cone drill. The 4.41 is not a joke. He frequently shows it on the field when chasing down the play from behind. He kept up stride for stride at corner against some of the faster receivers in the nation. Lateral agility is a plus. Well suited as a box safety. Plus athleticism off the edge. Can flip his hips on a dime to make the play. Cat like quickness. - Versatility - He came in as a cornerback and left as a safety. Can play both adequately with little drop off at corner. Well versed in nickel and dime defense as Zona ran the staple Rich Rod 3-3-5 defense. Primarily used as a box safety and slot corner during his senior season. The versatility will come into play during roster cut down day as he can save a valuable roster spot for someone else to make it. The Wildcats even had him as a fourth linebacker on the field due to their severe lack of talent there. - Physicality - Cruikshank is a physical marvel and has the frame for a in the box type of safety. He’s a big hitter that goes for the home run hit. The problem is, he has a lower batting average than Joey Gallo. Has all the tools to be a decent bet in help defense when covering backs and tight ends. He can play anywhere in the front or back of the defense, depending on the package. Rarely shies away from contact. - Production - It increased both years that he played for Arizona. A minor increase but an increase nonetheless despite playing only one more game. Weaknesses- Fundamentals - In a word, nonexistent. It appears that he solely relies on athleticism to get by but that will only take him so far. He’s a poor tackler that rarely shows any capability of wrapping up properly and goes for arm tackles frequently. He can keep up with receivers but is considered to be an automatic pass interference penalty. Doesn’t really know the sleight of hand that corners use to get away with PI and holding calls. - Instincts - Below average. Often seen not in the play. I don’t know what Arizona was doing on defense but it seemed like he was a few steps slower than everyone else trying to diagnose what was going on. Maybe it was the constant moving around that did him in. He needs to settle down and learn one position in my estimation. Even when he gets the play correct, the play is already essentially done. - Attitude / Ego - Let’s just say that it’s affected his team in a negative manner. In the Oregon game, he had an easy walk in pick six taken off the scoreboard because he was taunting the Ducks before he scored. Nearly every play that I saw him make, he celebrated like he just won the Super Bowl. The Titans team leaders will need to keep an eye on his brash behavior and coach him out of it. Dumb penalties often mean the difference between winning and losing. He has a penchant for being overeager to garner the ire of referees everywhere. NotesI specifically chose those linked games to watch because of the wide variance in offensive systems (and yes, Purdue is fun now with Jeff Brohm running things there). Cruikshank performed admirably but his weaknesses were present as well. He’s really inconsistent from play to play. He’s more of a strong safety than a free safety at this point and should be developed in that manner. The Oregon tape stood out to me the most. He was impressive in that contest. Another game that he stood out was the Wazzu tape. DC was a three star junior college recruit that signed for Arizona in 2015. Was the 29th ranked JUCO recruit in the state of California, 11th ranked at his position, and 99th ranked nationally. Native of Chino Hills, CA (the town made famous by another prideful and brash athletic family called the Lavar Ball Show). Funny note: He has picked off both Sam Darnold and Josh Rosen. Final SummaryI’m somewhat ambivalent on the pick. If it works out Cheap Rashaan Evans Jersey , then great. If it doesn’t, it’s not good but not a franchise altering disaster. Cruikshank is very raw and needs a ton of development time to even compete for a starting job in 2019. Fortunately, the current DC Dean Pees is well known for development. Not to mention to fact that he has great veteran secondary mates to learn from. He needs to settle down into one position and stick with it. Cyprien won’t have to worry about his job for the 2018 season but 2019 may be an entirely different story. At the least, he can be a decent bet to succeed on special teams. The best situation for him would be to sit and learn for the 2018 season. Athletically he profiles close to a former Titan DB in Michael Griffin. Another comp could be former USC safety Taylor Mays. Previous ReportsAlabama LB Rashaan EvansBoston College EDGE Harold LandryTitans, Marcus Mariota Return to Heinz Field November 16, 2017 marks the date of arguably the worst game of QB Marcus Mariota’s professional career. Last season the Titans entered that Thursday Night game with sights set on completing the sweep of the AFC North. The three previous weeks included an overtime win against the winless Browns, and two dogfights against the Ravens and the Bengals. The Titans earned wins in each game, but by no more than seven points combined. It took a game winning drive orchestrated by Mariota to squeak by Cincinnati, a drive that left the Titans QB a little banged up. The key play took place with a little over one minute left in regulation. On 2nd and 2, Mariota scrambled for a five yard gain and landed directly on his face. Initially, he appeared concussed and the Titans called a timeout following the play. After the game it was reported it was his non-throwing shoulder that was hurt. I still am of the belief his bell was rung - and it lingered into Pittsburgh.Prime Time SpotlightDefeating the Bengals had put the Titans on the map, as it was their best start in nearly a decade. In order to gain national respect, a win in Pittsburgh against one of the AFC powerhouses would help the Titans case.Instead, a nightmare performance ensued. It was the debut of the new “SkyCam” view as the primary angle. Through that view, Titans fans were left scratching their heads on errant Mariota throws and stuttering runs in open space by former RB DeMarco Murray. Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY SportsIn Mariota’s showdown against “Big” Ben Roethlisberger, he was on the wrong side of the stat sheet. Mariota threw four interceptions to Roethlisberger’s four touchdowns.Although the Titans defense was able to bottle up RB Le’Veon Bell on the ground http://www.titanscheapshops.com/cheap-authentic-josh-kline-jersey , he still did some damage as a receiver by adding 57 yards to his 103 total yards from scrimmage. The Steelers capitalized on the Titans turnovers, adding nine points following each interception. A quick score on the first play of the second half pulled the Titans within two points - which goes unnoticed when the final score makes the game look like more of a blowout than it truly was.Three consecutive Steelers touchdowns put the game out of reach and didn’t help the Titans build any respect as a contender in the AFC.The Steelers’ playmaking receiver - and current Madden cover guy - WR Antonio Brown carved up the Titans secondary , generating highlight reel catches with ease.Yes, Mariota doesn’t play defense, so how is he to blame for Brown’s monstrous night? The turnovers and inability to move the offense downfield or generate touchdowns is how.Mariota must demonstrate his decision making has improved.New Year, New OffenseMariota - in typical Mariota fashion - took all of the blame for the loss and cited making “bad decisions”. The third preseason game is holds the most weight in terms of importance. Not in terms of points, but in terms of reps. The starters typically see the most action in the third week of the preseason.Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY SportsMariota has played a total of three series. He marched the team down the field on the opening possession against Green Bay. It took him 12 plays against Tampa Bay to put points on the board. Overall, Mariota has looked like a quarterback who is finding comfort in the execution of a new offense, but still has room for improvement. Some of his passes have sailed and there may has been some miscommunication with his receivers, but overall I’d say his progress is natural.As Dan Orlovsky has already pointed out the process will take time, but once everything begins to click for Mariota, a “meteoric takeoff” should take place. This week, Mariota hopes to make some plays and more positive memories at Heinz Field. HC Mike Vrabel has indicated we may see more from the running game this week, but expect Mariota to have his share of opportunities to make plays through the air.
The Philadelphia Eagles released their second official injury report on Thursday in advance of their Week 3 game against the Indianapolis Colts.Today’s injury report is nearly identical to Wednesday’s version. The only difference is that backup linebackers/special teams contributors D.J. Alexander and Nathan Gerry returned to practice as full participants. They should be able to play on Sunday.Much more significantly Cheap Cameron Johnston Jersey , it’s looking like the Eagles will be without both Jay Ajayi and Darren Sproles this weekend. Neither player practiced for the second day in a row. With those guys out, Corey Clement figures to take the bulk of Philadelphia’s running back touches. The ever unimpressive Wendell Smallwood will also be involved and we may very well see Josh Adams get some playing time as well. Jason Peters and Alshon Jeffery were limited for the second day in a row. Doug Pederson confidently said Peters will start at left tackle on Sunday. Jeffery, meanwhile, seems to be at least a week or two away. The Eagles will likely enter this game with Nelson Agholor, Kamar Aiken, Shelton Gibson, and Jordan Matthews as their active wide receivers.Carson Wentz was a full participant in practice again and remains on track to start Sunday. The Eagles and Colts will release their third and final injury report on Friday. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES INJURY REPORT (THURSDAY)DID NOT PARTICIPATERB Jay Ajayi (back)RB Darren Sproles (back)LIMITED PARTICIPATIONOT Jason Peters (quad)WR Alshon Jeffery (shoulder)FULL PARTICIPATIONQB Carson Wentz (knee)LB D.J. Alexander (knee)LB Nathan Gerry (groin)INDIANAPOLIS COLTS INJURY REPORT (THURSDAY)The Eagles aren’t the only ones dealing with injury issues. The Colts were still missing five starters (Denico Autry, Anthony Castonzo http://www.eaglescheapshops.com/cheap-authentic-brandon-graham-jersey , Jack Doyle, T.Y. Hilton, Marlon Mack) during Thursday’s practice. Backup running back Christine Michael was added to Thursday’s report with an illness. The positive news for the Colts is that starting safety Clayton Geathers returned to practice as a full participant. Here’s Stampede Blue’s insight on the Colts’ injury situation.DID NOT PARTICIPATEDT Denico Autry (ankle)OT Anthony Castonzo (hamstring)TE Jack Doyle (hip)WR T.Y. Hilton (quad)RB Marlon Mack (foot, hamstring)DT Hassan Ridgeway (calf)CB Quincy Wilson (concussion)RB Christine Michael (illness)LIMITED PARTICIPATIONOT Denzelle Good (knee, wrist)FULL PARTICIPATIONS Clayton Geathers (knee, elbow)CB Chris Milton (concussion)Philadelphia Eagles work out 2 safeties and 2 linebackers The Eagles invited four free agent players to Philadelphia for tryouts on Monday; two safeties and two linebackers. Let’s take a closer look.S Robert GoldenGolden, 28, originally signed with the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2012. The Arizona alumnus (former teammate of Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles) spent six seasons in Pittsburgh Zach Ertz Jersey , starting in 12 of his 92 games played. Golden logged 80 tackles, seven passes defensed, two interceptions, one forced fumble, and one defensive touchdown from 2012 through 2017. Golden latched on with the Kansas City Chiefs after being cut by the Steelers earlier this year. He then somewhat surprisingly requested his release in August since he wasn’t “getting the opportunity to contribute the way he wanted to.” Golden seems like more of a depth player and special teams contributor than an instant fix to the Eagles’ safety problems.S Charlie MillerMiller spent most of the 2017 season on the Jaguars’ practice squad after first signing with Jacksonville as an undrafted rookie free agent. The Jags then brought him back for a two-week stint during the preseason this year. The Dartmouth alumnus has some limited punt and kickoff return experience. LB Dewey McDonaldThe 6-0, 229 pound McDonald entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2014. He’s logged 32 games played over four seasons with four different teams; the Colts, Patriots, Raiders Lane Johnson Jersey , and Seahawks. McDonald previously played safety before joining Seattle in 2016. He’s mostly been a backup/special teams contributor during his career. McDonald attended college at California University of Pennsylvania. LB Hayes PullardThe Browns selected Pullard in the seventh-round of the 2015 NFL Draft. After landing on Cleveland’s practice squad, the Jaguars signed him away to play for 24 games (two starts) for them over two seasons. Pullard was reunited with Gus Bradley in Los Angeles when the Jags waived him and the Chargers claimed him up. He started 10 games with the Bolts in 2017, logging 47 tackles and one interception along the way. Chargers fans seemed to think Pullard played well in the preseason, so they were a little surprised when the team waived him during final cuts last month. ...It seems to me like the Eagles could be looking add a depth safety/linebacker to help fill special teams snaps with Avonte Maddox potentially taking less of a role there as he sees more playing time on defense.
Houston Texans NewsTexans’ Bill O’Brien on trade market: ‘Lot of talking Youth Tyrann Mathieu Jersey , not a lot of action (Houston Chronicle)Texans QB Deshaun Watson has no travel restrictions, set to fly to Denver (Houston Chronicle)Texans’ Bill O’Brien doesn’t recall telling Broncos’ Case Keenum he was a third-stringer (Houston Chronicle)NFL NewsBrowns fire coach Jackson, elevate Gregg Williams (NFL.com)More changes in Cleveland: OC Todd Haley is fired (NFL.com)Josh Gordon set to be benched for Q1 against Bills (NFL.com)Lions seeking a mid-round pick for WR Golden Tate (NFL.com)Bucs to start Fitzpatrick over Winston this Sunday (NFL.com). Cowboys fire O-line coach Alexander after 3-4 start (NFL.com)Packers players shocked, angered over late fumble (NFL.com)Giants coach Pat Shurmur: Eli Manning is ‘our QB’ (NFL.com)Lincoln Riley on Browns opening: ‘I love Oklahoma’ (NFL.com)Houston & Collegiate SportsHarden My Take Podcast Episode 1: Sloppy Play & Floppy Trades (The Dream Shake)2019 Rotation: The Case for Collin McHugh (Crawfish Boxes) The Texans were facing 0-4 and a nine game losing streak. Then the heavens parted and the omnipresent football man in the sky shined light down on Houston’s football game. He put the thought in Frank Reich’s mind to go for it at their own 43 yard line with less than a minute to go in overtime. The ball skipped over to Chester Rogers with Johnathan Joseph in coverage. Houston ball. DeAndre Hopkins turned a simple slant into 24 yards Womens Tyrann Mathieu Jersey , which set up a 37 yard Ka’imi Fairbairn attempt. A Smirnoff in the bean pot. A kick attempt that didn’t exist. A made second attempt. The Texans win. They are now 1-3, tied with the Colts for last place in the division. Despite Bill O’Brien reverting back to his old offensive play calling and going conservative with a lead, bungling the clock at the end of the fourth quarter, and calling another useless screen pass in an integral situation Womens Nick Martin Jersey , the Texans finally won a one-possession game this year. Fortune is a funny thing. Next week the Texans play the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football in an attempt to start a winning streak.The floor is yours.
The Steelers’ Week Six victory over Cincinnati was the difference between being only .5 out of the AFC North Division lead instead of being a daunting 2.5 behind. With still a lot of games remaining Cheap Antonio Brown Jersey , the playoff contenders and pretenders aren’t Most of the time, Steelers fans know to root for. But here’s a guide to significant matchups and whose losses the Steelers would benefit more from this weekend.If the season ended today, the Steelers would be the eighth seed in the AFC, so there are plenty of teams to root for with the Steelers on the bye. Here are the current AFC playoff standings.Kansas City Chiefs 5-1 (Would win AFC West and get a First Round Bye)New England Patriots 4-2 (Would win AFC East and get a First Round Bye)Cincinnati Bengals 4-2 (Would win AFC West and host Wild Card Baltimore)Tennessee Titans 3-3 (Would win AFC South and host Wild Card Los Angeles Chargers)Los Angeles Chargers 4-2 (Would earn Wild Card and travel to Tennessee)Baltimore Ravens 4-2 (Would earn Wild Card and travel to Cincinnati)Miami Dolphins 4-2Pittsburgh Steelers 3-2-1Houston Texans 3-3Jacksonville Jaguars 3-3New York Jets 3-3Cleveland Browns 2-3-1Buffalo Bills 2-4Denver Broncos 2-4Oakland Raiders 1-5Indianapolis Colts 1-5Los Angeles Chargersat Tennessee Titans - Sun 9:30 AM (London)While both teams are ahead of the Steelers in the playoff rankings, the Titans are a half-of-a-game behind Pittsburgh. The Chargers are also on a roll and are a bigger threat in the WC race. Therefore, I’m pulling for Mike Vrabel’s team in this contest.Who to root for: TennesseeHouston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars - Sunday 1 PM The winner of this matchup could find themselves in first place in the AFC South. The loser will find themselves slipping down the rankings, with a lot of ground to make up. The Steelers recent history against the Jags has been disconcerting. Even though Pittsburgh plays Jacksonville in November, facing them in January again would be less than desired. Go Texans!Who to root for: HoustonNew England Patriots at Chicago Bears - Sunday 1 PMIt’s Brady. It’s Belichick. It’s Edelman, Gronk, Hightower and Hogan. It’s obvious. Da Bears.Who to root for: ChicagoCleveland Browns at Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Sunday 1 PMCleveland fell back to earth last week and a game behind the Steelers in the division. Another loss a week before their rematchwould be cool. But most of all, you always root against the AFC North. Plus it seems natural to bellow “Let’s go Bucs!”.Who to root for: Tampa BayDetroit Lions at Miami Dolphins - Sunday 4:05 PMI’m torn here. Wierd, huh. Typically you want AFC competition to lose interleague games. But I want to see the Dolphins overtake New England in the AFC East. While unlikely, a guy can dream about Patriot demise. The hope here is to make up WC ground later.Who to root for: Miami New Orleans Saints at Baltimore Ravens - Sunday 4:25 PMAnother no-brainer. Luv ya (the other) Black-and-Gold.Who to root for: New OrleansCincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs - Sunday 8:20The Chiefs finally lost for the initial time last week, but they are still miles in front of Pittsburgh. But most importantly, the Bengal are fast becoming Publuc Enemy #1.Who to root for: Kansas CityAFC Bye-Weekers: Oakland RaidersOther games featuring AFC teams:Buffalo Bills at Indianapolis Colts Sunday 1 PMMinnesota Vikings at New York Jets - Sunday 1 PM It wasn’t long ago—like, maybe two or three years ago—that the Arizona Cardinals looked like the deepest, most complete team in the entire NFL. They boasted a dangerous, multifaceted offense and a defense to match, one laden with amorphous playmakers at all three levels. Overseeing the whole operation was a charismatic and be-Kangol-ed offensive warlock, owner of two Super Bowl rings. Those Cardinals were a fun team. These Cardinals, who are currently 1-6 and have the best chance of securing the no. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, are not. They are a ghost ship sailing aimlessly toward inevitable doom. All-Pro cornerback Patrick has seen quite enough, and he’d prefer to take his talents elsewhere. This from ESPN’s Adam Schefter (emphasis my own): “Peterson feels as if the situation is deteriorating and continues to reaffirm to others that he desperately wants out, a source said. The Cardinals continue to insist that they won’t trade him, but Peterson keeps asking.”It’s hard to blame the guy. The Cardinals do have a handful of nice players on their roster (Peterson, edge defender Chandler Jones, all-purpose back David Johnson, safety Budda Baker, tight end Ricky Seals-Jones, rookie quarterback Josh Rosen, and, of course, the ageless Larry Fitzgerald) and it wouldn’t be unreasonable to suggest that, armed with the top pick in the draft and mountains of cap space after the wretched Sam Bradford comes off the books this March, they could field a competitive team as early as next season. Possible, too Cheap Le'Veon Bell Jersey , is that the 2019 version of the Arizona Cardinals look just as hopeless and despondent as the current iteration. Peterson’s likely betting on the latter outcome. The Pittsburgh Steelers, a team nearly bereft of skill in its secondary, should do whatever it takes to acquire Patrick Peterson, even if it means [Hot Take Trigger Alert] trading a first-round draft pick. Forgive the tangent, but hoarding draft picks is so, so dumb. The Browns have been cultivating draft capital for 10 years, and their strategy has just recently bore fruit. Their harvest? A 2-4-1 record. I’ll revise the aforementioned statement: Hoarding draft picks is not dumb in principle, but it’s dumb if you’re doing it at the expense of acquiring proven commodities. Like, what are the odds that either of the two first-round draft picks the Raiders obtained from Chicago in the Khalil Mack trade nets them a player who is even a fraction as skilled as Mack? The chances that your favorite team’s first-round draft pick becomes a five-year starter are a little better than 50/50, and the odds of them making the Pro Bowl are even slimmer. To uncover a player of Khalil Mack’s aptitude—a gameplan-altering, run-defending, quarterback-sacking, MVP-caliber, generationally-skilled defensive powerhouse—is to win the lottery. To trade that play away for draft capital is asinine, and I’m glad Jon Gruden has enabled the Raiders to reach a nadir they haven’t approached since the Jamarcus Russell era.Anyway, what I guess I’m getting around to asking is if you could’ve traded the pick that ultimately became Artie Burns for Patrick Peterson, would you have pulled the trigger? That question isn’t entirely fair, of course, because everything is crystal clear in retrospect and you can play the “what if?” game with most draft picks for most teams, so I guess I’ll rephrase this, too: Knowing that any first-round draft pick carries a more or less equal chance of yielding a player whose acumen ranges from Artie Burns to Patrick Peterson, would you be in favor of trading that pick—technically speaking at best a nebulous commodity—for a player whose current value is at least equal to that of the player you might find?Draft picks are critical components of the team-building process. This is inarguable. Many of the league’s most formidable squads—the Steelers, the Bengals, the Packers, and the Chiefs, among others—boast cores that are almost entirely homegrown. First-round picks are especially priceless commodities and are thus generally untouchable, which is why the Bears shipping two of them westward to acquire Mack was such a striking development. But the Patriots—to borrow the most glaringly obvious example—have remained a towering colossus for nearly two decades specifically because they have supplemented their draft classes (which, shockingly, are pretty suspect compared to other perennial contenders) by taking fliers on veterans who have fallen out of favor with their former squads. I don’t wanna understate Bill Belichick’s intellect, because I truly and begrudgingly believe that he is the greatest football coach ever, but it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that Josh Gordon, a former 1,600-yard receiver, is probably more valuable than whatever fifth-rounder from Missouri State A&T University they’d have drafted otherwise. The Rams, currently 7-0 and by far the best team in the NFL, have a similarly-hybridized core http://www.steelerscheapshops.com/cheap-authentic-jesse-james-jersey , one that’s nearly equal parts draft capital (Todd Gurley, Jared Goff, Aaron Donald, Lamarcus Joyner) and and hand-me-downs (Brandin Cooks, Marcus Peters, Ndamukong Suh, Andrew Whitworth). None of this is to necessarily suggest that the Steelers should fundamentally alter their paradigm. The build-through-the-draft thing has worked well for the Steelers during the Mike Tomlin era, but it’s led to only one Super Bowl victory (one the anti-Tomlin contingent are quick to remind you was won with Cahhr’s players). Perhaps what these Steelers need is a mercenary, and perhaps Patrick Peterson is a core component that help could keep them squarely in the Super Bowl picture this year, next year, and maybe even the year after (Peterson’s signed through 2020, his age-30 season). Peterson to the Steelers admittedly does not seem to be a likely outcome, and to even chart a course toward this eventuality would require the Steelers to first do some creative bookkeeping. They’re already pretty tight against the cap, and that’s without taking Le’Veon Bell’s eventual return into consideration. They could I guess maybe rescind Bell’s tag (dumb, but I don’t know, who knows) or trade Bell to clear some additional space. The Eagles have apparently expressed interest in Bell, so maybe Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Arizona could work out some kind of NBA-style deal that sends Bell to the Eagles, Peterson to the Steelers, and picks to the Cardinals. Alternatively, if the prorated portion of what Peterson’s new team would own him for the remainder of the 2018 season is less than the current amount of cap space the Steelers currently have, they could probably find a way to make a trade work. Doing so would require an extremely high pick, probably a first-rounder, but whatever. Defensive back is among Pittsburgh’s most obvious and immediate needs, and Peterson’s probably better than anything they would’ve found in the bottom-third of the draft. Furthermore, not only would trading for Peterson make the Steelers better, it would prevent another prominent contender (most notably the Chiefs or Patriots) from bolstering their secondaries and further goosing their Super Bowl odds. So, yeah, I think making a move for Peterson makes sense, practicality and future cap implications be damned. The finances will work themselves out eventually, probably. Or they won’t, whatever. At least the Steelers could have a Super Bowl to show for it.
The NFL announced a multiyear marketing deal with Pizza Hut on Wednesday, one day after the league and Papa John’s said that they mutually agreed to cut ties. The league’s relationship with Papa John’s frayed last year when the pizza maker’s founder John Schnatter criticized NFL leadership over national anthem protests by players.
The Louisville, Kentucky-based Papa John’s says it will remain in football through marketing deals with 22 of the league’s 32 teams.
Pizza Hut said its marketing partnership with the NFL will begin with the league’s April 2018 draft in Arlington, Texas, just miles from the pizza restaurant’s headquarters in Plano.
Pizza Hut is owned by Yum Brands Inc.
On May 16, St. Louis Cardinals infielder Matt Carpenter stood in the batter’s box at Target Field in Minneapolis. The career .275 hitter was batting an embarrassing .140 Matt Slauson Jersey , and St. Louis fans were calling for his benching.
What a difference six weeks make.
Going into Wednesday night’s series finale with the Cleveland Indians at Busch Stadium, Carpenter is now hitting .259. Since the middle of May, Carpenter has collected 53 hits and batted .349. His 16 doubles and 12 homers in that span rank second in the majors, and no hitter can equal his 1.115 OPS over that period, not even Mike Trout.
In Tuesday night’s 11-2 blowout of Cleveland, Carpenter did something no other Cardinal has ever done. He went 5-for-5 with five runs scored and belted a pair of solo homers. That’s a roll call not even Stan Musial or Albert Pujols can answer.
Included in that outburst was a leadoff homer off Indians ace Corey Kluber Braden Smith Jersey , a blast that cut a 2-0 deficit in half and restored energy in a dugout that could have gotten down after a quick deficit following a 90-minute rain delay.
“He’s one of the best in the game,” Carpenter said of Kluber. “That’s just an outstanding job by our team. We took a lot of good at-bats. I’m starting to put things together. We play a long, long, long season. I knew I could physically do it.”
A five-run second inning turned flames into an inferno, burning Kluber in the shortest start of his career. It also put the Cardinals (42-36) in position to sweep the American League Central leaders and gave them four straight wins after a stretch of eight losses in 10 games.
St. Louis will send Jack Flaherty (3-2, 2.50 ERA) to the mound in search of a sweep on Wednesday. Flaherty is coming off the best start of his young career Kemoko Turay Jersey , tying his career high with 13 strikeouts Friday night in Milwaukee. He took a no-hitter one out into the seventh inning before Jesus Aguilar golfed a breaking ball over the left-center-field wall.
But Flaherty had to settle for a no-decision that night in his team’s eventual 2-1 loss, although the performance may have made him a candidate for National League Rookie of the Year.
“He prepares beyond his years,” Cardinals pitching coach Mike Maddux told mlb.com. “If you saw him, you would think he’s been around the block.”
Flaherty has never faced Cleveland.
Flaherty’s resume does read like a grizzled veteran compared to Indians right-hander Shane Bieber (2-0, 2.45), who will make his fourth big league start. Bieber blanked Detroit over seven innings Friday night in a 10-0 victory Tyquan Lewis Jersey , allowing just four hits and walking one while fanning nine.
“I was saying before the game that I was excited to watch him pitch, and that’s why,” Cleveland manager Terry Francona said to mlb.com. “He pounded the zone with three different pitches. He changed speeds. That was fun to watch.”
Nothing about this series has been fun for the Indians, who in two games have managed just 10 hits, none for extra bases. That’s been a dramatic contrast after outscoring opponents by 54 runs during a seven-game winning streak.