"WhiteFanposts Fanshots Red Sox StoriesScheduleRosterStatsYahoo Red Sox NewsYahoo Red Sox Team PageYahoo Red Sox ReportYahoo Red Sox Depth ChartYahoo Red Sox TransactionsYahoo Red Sox PhotosOdds About Masthead Community Guidelines StubHub 鉁昍ed Sox Game StoriesRed Sox 8 Devon Travis Jersey , Rays 0: That’s more like itNew,2commentsMost everything goes well for Boston on Thursday.EDTShareTweetShareShareRed Sox 8, Rays 0: That’s more like itGary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY SportsI said before the game that it was about time the Red Sox got things rolling, and while results this time of year don’t really matter it still would be nice to get a little bit of a roll going before the start of the regular season. Apparently my advice worked, because almost everything went well for Boston on Thursday. The offense was helped out by some rough defense on the other side, but they had good swings all night long. The pitching, meanwhile, featured almost entirely pitchers who are auditioning for roles in 2019. The lone exception to that was Matt Barnes, who obviously has a spot locked up. There’s little to complain about here.All eyes on the pitchingAs I said, Barnes was the only pitcher to appear in Thursday’s game that isn’t competing for a roster spot in camp. The righty is the favorite to close games for Boston in 2019, but he’s had some rough outings this spring as he tries to find his consistency. After his last appearance he mentioned he was tipping some pitches but fixed the issue midway through the outing. He certainly looked fixed here, striking out all three batters he faced.Other that Barnes, it was more of a mixed bag than the zero runs allowed would suggest Roy Halladay Jersey , but it was mostly good. Hector Vel谩zquez got the start, and the righty had been going through an awful spring prior to this game. He wasn’t perfect in his two innings of work, allowing a double in the first and a single with a wild pitch in the second, but it was a step in the right direction. Darwinzon Hernandez was next up, and he’s been getting some buzz to start the year in the majors. This was a good test for him coming in for the third inning while the major leaguers were still out there, and we saw why the team may not want to push him. The southpaw tossed a scoreless inning, but not before he loaded the bases with three walks. He has to work on finding a little more consistency, never mind the fact that they may still want to develop him as a starter. I certainly wouldn’t have him up for Opening Day, and I’d be surprised if the Red Sox decide to.After Barnes’ appearance, Tyler Thornburg got a chance to rebound after what’s been a rough spring. The righty has a built-in advantage for the Opening Day roster given that he’s out of options, but he has not made a case for himself at any point in a Red Sox uniform. He had a very similar outing as Hernandez, walking the bases loaded but working around it and getting through a scoreless inning. I think Thornburg makes the roster, but if he has a couple bad outings I would think long and hard about pulling him off the roster when Pedroia comes back from the injured list.Corey Brewer and Marcus Walden were the next two up http://www.bluejaysfanproshop.com/authentic-curtis-granderson-jersey , and by spring performance only (which is not how these things should be judged) they have a good case for the Opening Day roster. That continued on Thursday as each struck out three and allowed one hit with zero runs in their outings, though Brewer did it in one inning while Walden did it in two. The night ended with Durbin Feltman tossing a perfect ninth. Feltman is not a serious Opening Day roster candidate, but he is showing little reason for them not to be super aggressive with him.Other NotesThe pitching dominated the day, but the offense had some nice showings, too. J.D. Martinez had a double and a long fly out as his swing seems to be coming along. Rafael Devers also contributed a big triple.Blake Swihart got the start behind the plate amid rumors Sandy Le贸n was being discussed in trade talks. For what it’s worth, Le贸n did come in for the second half of the night. Swihart had a solid day with a base hit and a run scored, but he also struggled a bit keeping the ball in front of him behind the plate. It wasn’t entirely his fault as some of the pitchers really struggled with control, but this is a skill worth watching as spring continues.Dustin Pedroia looked good, going 2-3 with a run and an RBI.BOX The offenses were alive on the farm as each affiliate won on Wednesday, some by large margins. Player of the dayCody Thomas had his best performance to date with Tulsa in a win over..."WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections 2019 Spring TrainingProspectsCommentaryNews and NotesDodgers Minor League ReportWins and runs aplenty Wednesday on the farmNew,11commentsPDTShareTweetShareShareWins and runs aplenty Wednesday on the farmCody Thomas hit his first home run of the season to lead Tulsa to victory over Springfield.Steve SaenzThe offenses were alive on the farm as each affiliate won on Wednesday, some by large margins. Player of the dayCody Thomas had his best performance to date with Tulsa in a win over Springfield.Thomas hit his first home run of the season and his second triple in going two for three.Thomas also walked twice and drove in three runs.Cody Thomas upped his early Double-A slash line to .227/.308/.545 in six games. Triple-A Oklahoma CityOklahoma City had 13 hits in a rain shortened victory over the Omaha Storm Chasers (Royals) 7-5.Daniel Castro led the Dodgers with three hits in five at bats.Matt Beaty had a pair of doubles in three at bats, while Edwin Rios also went two for four with a double.Brock Stewart pitched just two and a third innings to start Roberto Osuna Jersey , surrendering two runs, one earned.Layne Somsen struggled in relief, walking four and allowing three runs while recording just two outs.Kevin Quackenbush held Omaha scoreless over two innings and struck out four to earn the win.Double-A TulsaThe Drillers jumped on the Springfield Cardinals early, pounding them for sixteen in a 12-6 victory.Cody Thomas drove in three runs as part of a big two for three performance.Omar Estevez hit his second home run of the season, going two for four, while Cristian Santana had three hits and two runs scored to up his average to .305 on the year.Dustin May followed his stellar opening start with a rough one, allowing four runs in four innings.Louis Head allowed one run in two innings and took the win, and Louis Vasquez struck out three over the final two innings to notch the save. Class-A Rancho Cucamonga The Quakes exploded for six runs in the tenth inning and held on to defeat Visalia Rawhide (Diamondbacks) 8-4.Devin Mann had a big pinch hit home run in the tenth inning, and also walked as the Quakes batted around.Connor Wong also hit his second home run of the season in the first inning, going one for four.Jeter Downs and Marcus Chiu each had a pair of hits in the win, with Downs also stealing a pair of bases. Edwin Uceta was strong at the start, allowing just one hit over four innings, striking out four.Ryan Moseley took the win despite allowing a pair of runs in the tenth inning http://www.bluejaysfanproshop.com/authentic-curtis-granderson-jersey , with Jordan Sheffield entering to strike out the final batter of the game, recording his second save.Class-A Great LakesThe Loons broke out the Camels moniker and the bats to club the South Bend Cubs 9-4.Hunter Feduccia had a hit and two doubles in four at bats to lead the offense.Dillon Paulson also doubled as part of a two for five game, driving in a pair of runs, and Leonel Valera walked twice and scored thrice from the seven spot in the order.Andre Jackson scattered five hits over four innings, surrendering just one run while striking out five.Joel Inoa pitched two and a third hitless innings to take the win in relief.TransactionsTriple-A: Los Angeles called up C Rocky Gale to replace the injured Russ Martin.C Jair Camargo was assigned to Oklahoma City in his place.SS Drew Jackson was also assigned to Oklahoma City after being returned by Baltimore, and RHP Layne Somsen was called up from Tulsa.Double-A:RHP’s Yordy Cabrera and Justin De Fratus were assigned to Tulsa.Class-A: Rancho Cucamonga placed LHP Leo Crawford on the disabled list, calling up RHP Yeison Cespedes to replace him. Wednesday scoresOklahoma City 7, Omaha 5 in 8 inningsTulsa 12, Springfield 6Rancho Cucamonga 8, Visalia 4Great Lakes 9, South Bend 4Thursday schedule3:05 p.m.: Great Lakes (Josiah Gray) vs. South Bend (Cam Sanders)4:35 p.m.: Oklahoma City (Daniel Corcino) at Omaha (Foster Griffin)5:10 p.m.: Tulsa (Yadier Alvarez) at Arkansas (Zac Grotz)7:05 p.m.: Rancho Cucamonga (Bryan Warzek) vs. Lancaster (Garrett Schilling)
CHICAGO (AP) — Daniel Palka led off the ninth inning with a home run Jorge Alfaro Jersey , Carlos Rodon matched a career high by throwing eight innings of scoreless four-hit ball and the Chicago White Sox beat the Cleveland Indians 1-0 on Friday night.Palka launched a 1-2 pitch from Neil Ramirez (0-2) six rows up into the left field seats for his 18th homer. The shot ended Chicago’s three-game losing streak.Jace Fry (1-2), the White Sox’s third reliever, got the last two outs for his first major league victory.Rodon and Cleveland rookie Shane Bieber tossed crisp scoreless ball deep into the game. Each was relieved after 106 pitches.Rodon was sharp for a sixth straight start and has a 1.27 ERA in the span. The left-hander struck out five and walked two — both in the first and the only time Rodon allowed two baserunners in an inning — before being replaced by Xavier Cedeno to start the ninth.Rodon allowed doubles with one out to Francisco Lindor in the third and Jose Ramirez in the sixth, but neither advanced.Bieber matched Rodon through 6 2/3 innings, yielding only three hits — including two doubles — while striking out eight and walking two in this first career start against the White Sox. The right-hander was replaced with two outs in the seventh by Oliver PerezThe White Sox managed two baserunners only once against Bieber, in the second with two outs.Yoan Moncada lined a double to the right-center wall to lead off the fifth, but didn’t advance as Bieber struck out Ryan LaMarre and Nicky Delmonico before getting Yolmer Sanchez to fly out.The White Sox used three relievers as they escaped a Cleveland threat in the ninth.Cedeno walked Melky Cabrera to lead off, then Juan Minaya got Brandon Guyer to ground into a force at second. Yonder Alonso greeted Jace Fry with a single, but Fry struck out Jan Gomes and got Jason Kipnis to pop out.AL Central Leading Cleveland is 35-17 against division opponents.TRAINER’S ROOM:Indians: DH Edwin Encarnacion left the game in the third with left arm discomfort and was replaced by Cabrera. .. Manager Terry Francona had no update on OF Leonys Martin, who was placed on the 10-disabled list on Thursday with an unspecified illness that’s not baseball-related. Francona, however, hinted Martin’s condition could be serious. “What I would say, if you are into saying prayers and things like that http://www.piratesfanproshop.com/authentic-josh-bell-jersey , keep him in your thoughts,” Francona said. “He’s at the (Cleveland) Clinic and getting good care.” … RHP Josh Tomlin (strained right hamstring) and RHP Nick Goody (right elbow inflammation) threw bullpen sessions in Cleveland on Friday. Tomlin is expected to throw a rehab start at Triple-A Columbus on Monday and Goody will head to the Arizona League for a rehab assignment.White Sox: Manager Rick Renteria said the team will know in the next couple of day if INF/OF Leury Garcia (left hamstring strain) will need a rehab stint. Garcia was injured on Sunday at Tampa Bay.UP NEXT: Indians RHP Trevor Bauer (11-6, 2.25) takes the mound against White Sox RHP James Shields (4-13, 4.50) on Saturday night. Bauer has won his last three starts, and is 4-0 in his last seven with a 1.76 ERA. TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Brad Ausmus will absolutely get in on the action during his first spring training as Angels manager. He has already caught a couple of bullpens and plans to jump right into more drills along the way to help his players prepare for a fresh season.“I get involved pretty good,” he said. “You might see me standing at a position with a glove on, covering a base or taking groundballs. That will happen.”Ausmus got back behind the plate to catch throwing sessions by Trevor Cahill and Matt Harvey at the Tempe Diablo Stadium complex.“It’s something I like to do. I did it in Detroit,” Ausmus said. “My frame of reference catching all those years was seeing a pitcher from that angle. It’s easier for me to see something in the delivery or the movement of the pitch from that as opposed to from the side or behind.”So, how’d they look?“Good. Think I’d tell you otherwise?” he said with a smile.Cahill figured Ausmus could still catch, then the right-hander let it rip to his manager with 15 two-seam fastballs away. He had never pitched to his manager previously.“I remember watching him growing up,” Cahill said Thursday. “Then he actually got his stuff on, and I was like Sean Rodriguez Jersey , ‘Hey, he’s going to do it, let’s do it.'”The 49-year-old Ausmus, who played 18 major league seasons, is charged with the task of getting the Angels back to the playoffs after a four-year absence and eight out of nine years without a postseason berth. Los Angeles got swept by the Royals in the 2014 AL Division Series.Any pressure as the franchise’s first new manager in nearly two decades with Mike Scioscia’s departure? Scioscia managed 19 major league seasons, wound up with 1,650 career victories and led the wild-card Angels to a World Series title in 2002.“I was in a similar situation in Detroit replacing Jim Leyland. Jim hadn’t been there as long as Sosh was here, but the bottom line is I’ve got to be me and I’ve got to run the camp the way I think the camp should be run,” Ausmus said. “Anything other than that would be seen as kind of fake by the players. So I’m just going to be me. Sosh obviously had a tremendous managerial career, probably of the likes that we will not see again in modern baseball unless something changes. But I can’t be Mike Scioscia.”Not that Ausmus is revealing how he might be different or details about how he will operate spring training.He insists most things aren’t that different from anywhere else around baseball at this time of year.“If you were to take a drone and fly it over all 30 teams, camps would look generally the same. We cover a lot of the same basics, the fundamentals that need to be covered. So I don’t know that I would point to anything specific and even if I knew of some specific things, I probably wouldn’t tell you. I feel like that’s state secrets. But you won’t notice much of a difference.”It helps that Ausmus is already familiar with his roster. He spent last season as special assistant to general manager Billy Eppler following four years as Tigers manager. Ausmus had a 314-342 record in Detroit.“Just in terms of knowing the guys Felipe Vazquez Jersey , with a new manager,” he said. “When I got hired in Detroit I came in and the vast majority of players I was meeting for the first time in spring training. There was a handful I met ahead of time. But the vast majority other than talking to on the phone I hadn’t seen or spoken to. These guys, going all the way down to the minor leagues because I traveled through the minor leagues as well, they’ve at least seen me. And a lot of them I’ve had conversations with, especially at the big league level where I spent most of my year.”His eyes up, Ausmus watches batting practice and takes in other drills early on while also monitoring the action to make sure his players don’t push too hard too soon.Oh, and off the diamond, Japanese two-way star Shohei Ohtani already made a keen observation.“He’s a very good-looking guy,” Ohtani said, then quickly added, “of course Scioscia was good looking, too.”
No Juan Samuel Jersey , he didn’t come home. But Machado became the latest free agent to sign a mega deal with a rebuilding franchise."The Marlins currently boast a middle-of-the-pack farm system, but they figure to move up following the upcoming MLB Draft where they hold the No. 4 overall selection and three picks inside the top 50. Combined with a bunch of solid controllable major leaguers (particularly on the pitching side), they truthfully aren’t that far away from relevance...if ownership spends to support that core with established talent.There are opportunities to substantially increase revenue through the renegotiation of their local television deal and finding a ballpark naming rights partner. This past offseason, the Marlins turned their focus toward enhancing the fan experience in an effort to attract crowds more consistently (worst MLB attendance in 2018).They certainly don’t need to invest $300 million in one player to be taken seriously—with the exception of Mike Trout, projected free agents over the next two offseasons won’t have the leverage to get that much, anyway.But there will come a point when Bruce Sherman has to back up his words by allocating more resources to keep pace in an increasingly tough National League. On Manfred’s reign, the mystery of three catchers,"WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections Diamondbacks Farm TeamsGameday ThreadsDiamondbacks NewsDiamondbacks Game ReportsFang FoodRandomnessD-Backs Potpourri: Solutions in Search of a ProblemNew,16commentsOn Manfred’s reign, the mystery of three catchers, EDTShareTweetShareShareD-Backs Potpourri: Solutions in Search of a ProblemSteve Mitchell-USA TODAY SportsRob Manfred has been commissioner for four years, but it somehow feels like a lot longer. Maybe it’s because the pace of his play has seemed so slow. Let’s find a way to speed that up, shall we? Let’s first give him an IV of espresso so that he’s full of energy. If that isn’t enough, we’ll make him inhale helium so that his voice is high and possibly faster. That’s fun!If that isn’t enough, we’ll upload Rob Manfred’s consciousness onto a supercomputer http://www.philliesfanproshop.com/authentic-pat-neshek-jersey , so that his tenure as commissioner can be processed at speed that are hard to comprehend. That will fix everything. Sure, this will require us to, in pedantic legal terms, “kill” him, but that’s the price you pay for pace of play.“Charlie, there’s no real good reason to give Rob Manfred a bunch of stimulants, chemicals, and then kill him and upload his brain on a computer, that’s not really fixing any of his problems!”You say that, and you’re probably right. However, I can think of no better tribute to the man whose tenure as commissioner has been trying to find solutions to things that aren’t really problems. Games are too long? Well, nobody who watches baseball actually cares about that and generally baseball games are on average shorter than pretty much any football game and- HOW BOUT SOME MOUND VISIT LIMITS, KIDS? The real problems facing Major League Baseball, dwindling in-person attendance, the cost of going to a game skyrocketing Robin Roberts Jersey , Byzantine TV blackout rules, a large percentage of the league deciding not to be competitive any given season, free agency coming to a screeching halt, etc. don’t seem to be on the radar of the commissioner’s office, probably cause they, personally, can still make money under any rock they can find it with all of this going on. Future consequence be damned. You like being able to watch highlights of games? Remember how that used to be really easy on MLB’s website? Try doing that now. Also: you like being able to go to any outlet and see highlights of minor league games? You think easy access to that would help build an online fan base? Have you noticed that free distribution of highlights in video or gif form is what the NBA allows and they’re doing fairly well now? Too bad.But hey, games might be three minutes faster on average. Let’s throw a party. With balloons. Hey, hand me that helium tank, Rob’s here.I don’t really watch D-Backs games with the sound on anymore, or I’ll listen on the radio. The booth, especially Brenly, saying weird, cringe-worthy stuff is a big part of it. And again it happened last night. Adam Jones is right. Why is it so necessary for the Diamondbacks to carry three catchers? Seems like two isthe ideal number. You can still manage time and rest pretty well with two of them. In 2017 the Diamondbacks handled this pretty well with Chris Iannetta and Jeff Mathis and made the playoffs. In 2018 the Diamondbacks decided to carry three catchers all year and didn’t make the playoffs. Ipso facto ergo etc. It’s odd too because the Diamondbacks traded for the person who was the presumptive catcher of the future. Carson Kelly. Remember him? Seems like a good kid. You might not quite remember him because he only has 19 plate appearances this season, split into a pretty an uneven third with Alex Avila (21) and John Ryan Murphy (16). He hit a walkoff hit last Saturday? Wears number 18? Ringing any bells?What’s funny is that there was a lot of chatter after the trade that this would be good for Kelly. He’s a highly-regarded catcher prospect Tug McGraw Jersey , but had the misfortune of being stuck behind Yadier Molina, an institution in St. Louis. So, if he’s on the Diamondbacks, he can probably get a lot more playing time and develop. Seems logical. Except, carrying three catchers seems to counteract all that. If the Diamondbacks are competitive for a playoff spot, it seems like carrying two guys would maximize both of them while giving enough rest and would give Kelly a lot of reps to see what he’s made of. If they aren’t competitive, they can carry two and give Kelly a majority of the reps and give him as much a chance to succeed individually now and in the future. When Avila went on the IL it seemed like a good opportunity to just keep Kelly and JRM around in the short-term, and then maybe call up a guy who could play corner outfield, the team is desperately short on them but, alas, welcome to the party Caleb Joseph. Have a seat! Don’t drink what I put in Rob Manfred’s punch!
WhiteFanposts Fanshots Red Sox StoriesScheduleRosterStatsYahoo Red Sox NewsYahoo Red Sox Team PageYahoo Red Sox ReportYahoo Red Sox Depth ChartYahoo Red Sox TransactionsYahoo Red Sox PhotosOdds About Masthead Community Guidelines StubHub ed Sox Game StoriesRed Sox 6 http://www.raysfanproshop.com/authentic-evan-longoria-jersey , Orioles 4: The young guys come back for a winNew,3commentsThe players who are going to matter in 2019 were pretty meh.EDTShareTweetShareShareRed Sox 6, Orioles 4: The young guys come back for a winButch Dill-USA TODAY SportsThe Red Sox travelled to take on the Orioles on Wednesday, with a good number of regulars making the trip, but not all of them. Mookie Betts, J.D. Martinez and Xander Bogaerts all had the day off. Without them, the offense struggled to get much going against Dylan Bundy. The minor leaguers who came on later in the game had a nice rally late (with the help of some miserable defense by Baltimore) to get the win, but the early performance was what matters more for our purposes. On the mound, Rick Porcello was solid even if he wasn’t spectacular while the bullpen was more of a mixed bag.Rick Porcello doesn’t overpower, but is fineAs I said, Porcello got the start for the Red Sox on Wednesday in what is expected to be his second-to-last outing of the spring. Boston was hoping to get him up to 75 pitches on the day, but he didn’t get up that high. Don’t worry, though, as it was actually because he was too efficient, and he finished up his work in the bullpen. Porcello needed only 58 pitches to get through five innings of work, and Alex Cora and company wanted to get a look at some of the relievers battling for roster spots. So, Porcello was pulled after five. Before that Christian Arroyo Jersey , he did give up a big home run to Cedric Mullins in the first at bat of the night for Baltimore, though he settled down some after that. He still wasn’t perfect, allowing some hard contact scattered around the outing, but he threw strikes all day. In all, he allowed the one run on the homer, three singles and a walk while striking out one. You’d obviously like to see an outing without a long ball from Porcello, but all things considered this is a fine step towards the end of camp.Bobby Poyner leads the way in the bullpenAs I mentioned above, the Red Sox wanted to get some work for their bullpen, which is why Porcello only went five innings. Three guys ended up working the last four innings, with two of them struggling a bit. Bobby Poyner was the third, though, and he looked good. It should obviously be mentioned that he had the last two innings of the game when Baltimore’s minor leaguers were in the game. So, we probably shouldn’t read too much into this performance. Still, Poyner is in the thick of the battle for one of the final two bullpen spots, and he tossed two scoreless innings with three strikeouts while allowing just a single. Prior to the lefty coming in to finish things off, Jenrry Mejia and Heath Hembree had the sixth and seventh innings, respectively. Mejia has had a somewhat eye-opening spring so far Nathan Eovaldi Jersey , but largely late in games against weaker competition. He was facing better hitters in this one, and he struggled. The righty allowed a pair of runs on two doubles and a single, though he did strike out two. I’d expect him to get another early-ish appearance before spring is over, though I still would be totally shocked if he made the Opening Day roster. Hembree, meanwhile, is a lock for the Opening Day roster and he made a big mistake to Dwight Smith Jr., who launched a solo home run. Hembree also gave up a single in his inning of work.Other NotesThere really isn’t a ton to note here from the offense. Andrew Benintendi had a couple of singles, which is nice to see after he struggled for much of the middle part of this month. Jackie Bradley Jr. also got on base twice with a single and a HBP. On the other end of the spectrum, Eduardo N ez, Mitch Moreland, Brock Holt and Christian V zquez all went hitless.That late-game rally was aided by weird defense, a passed ball and a wild pitch. The Red Sox also drew a couple of walks, Aneury Tavarez had a double to start the rally and Sandy Le n had a big single.BOX For the first time since becoming an every day player, Blackmon didn’t improve from the previous season"WhiteFanposts Fanshots Sections Scaling the RocksPebble ReportRockpileRockies Game ThreadsRockies Fan ExperienceRockies Player ReviewsRockies fans saw something new from Charlie Blackmon in 2018New,14commentsFor the first time since becoming an every day player, Blackmon didn’t improve from the previous seasonByEric Garcia McKinley@garcia_mckinleyNov4, 2018 http://www.raysfanproshop.com/authentic-evan-longoria-jersey ,7:00am MSTShareTweetShareShareRockies fans saw something new from Charlie Blackmon in 2018You’re reading the 2018 edition of Ranking the Rockies, where we take a look back at the season had by every player to play for the Rockies in 2018. The purpose of this list is to provide a snapshot of the player in context. The “Ranking” is an organizing principle that’s drawn from Baseball Reference’s WAR (rWAR). It’s not something the staff debated. We’ll begin with the player with the least amount of rWAR and end up with the player with the most. . 14, Charlie Blackmon (0.8 rWAR)We saw something new from Charlie Blackmon in 2018. For the first time since he became an every day player, he didn’t get better. In Blackmon’s first full season in 2014, he was a surprise All-Star selection as he laid claim to a full-time spot in the Colorado outfield. Then, in 2015, he made some changes to his approach at the plate, which resulted in swinging less and taking more walks. He took that to another level in 2016 by translating “not swinging as much” in to refined pitch recognition and more productivity at the plate. But his masterpiece came a year later, when everything from pitch recognition to making contact with authority came together. He led the National League in plate appearances, runs, hits, triples, total bases, and batting average, and he came in fifth in the MVP vote. It was one of the best seasons by an outfielder in Rockies history. He was rewarded with a contract extension that will keep him in Denver through at least 2021. Given how good he was in 2017, it’s not surprising that Blackmon didn’t get better during the first season of his extension. That would have required another MVP-caliber year. But we can’t let that get in the way of how valuable he was to the 2018 team. His season was somewhere in between his raw and improving 2014-2015 seasons and his peak 2016-2017 years. He hit .291/.358/.502 for an OPS+ of 115 in 2018, and he did it while leading the team in plate appearances with 696.Charlie Blackmon Matt Andriese Jersey , 2014-2018YearAVGOBPSLGOPS+YearAVGOBPSLGOPS+If 2018 is about where Blackmon’s offensive baseline will be for the remainder of his extension, the Rockies and Rockies fans should be pretty satisfied. He took a step back from his very high peak, but he was still one of the most valuable players on a very good team. At least at the plate. By Defensive Runs Saved, Blackmon was the worst defensive center fielder in all of baseball by a fair amount. His -28 DRS among ranked last among 32 outfielders to log at least 500 innings in center — number 31 was Adam Jones with -18. Blackmon has never had a positive DRS since he became a full time center fielder in 2015, but his previous worst was just -7. Additionally, if we do an apples to apples comparison and look at Blackmon’s defensive season center field alongside others in Rockies history, -28 DRS is also the worst since 2002, which is as far back as the stat goes. The second worst was Preston Wilson’s -19 in 2005. Offense and defense are two distinct aspects of the game, and just because Blackmon is poised to continue to perform well at the plate, it doesn’t mean he’ll be able to maintain his status as a solid center fielder. This past season showed that. Luckily the Rockies have options, and Blackmon is capable of playing either corner outfield spot. Blackmon may never have another year like 2017, but there was much more room to go down than up. But the work ethic, studiousness, and self-evaluation that played a role in his year-to-year improvements from 2014 to 2017 should also play a role in keeping his level of offensive productivity high, as it did in 2018, for the next several years.
According to Fancred'sJon Heyman Rickey Henderson Jersey , the New York Yankees are "not likely" to acquire the right-handed starter prior to Tuesday non-waiver trade deadline. Heyman explained it doesn't make "much sense" for the American League East second-place team to trade for him unless it moves Sonny Gray.Archer has a 4.31 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and 102 strikeouts in 96 innings this season after posting an ERA over 4.00 in each of the last two years. Despite the solid but unspectacular numbers, he is still just 29 years old and finished with a sub-3.50 ERA three straight seasons from 2013 through 2015.The two-time All-Star would also bring an element of team control that many deadline acquisitions don't,seeingas how he isn set to be an unrestricted free agent until 2022, perSpotrac.While the Yankees are 5.5 games behind the Boston Red Sox in the AL East and a middling 13th in the league in starting pitcher ERA Catfish Hunter Jersey , perESPN.com, the rotation has stabilized of late thanks to the emergence of Gray. He has allowed just two earned runs in his last 16.1 innings, giving New York a weapon alongside the newly acquired J.A. Happ, Luis Severino, Masahiro Tanaka and CC Sabathia.With Happ now in the rotation and Gray bouncing back Rollie Fingers Jersey , there is less need for Archer as New York pursues a spot in the postseason. The Washington Nationals have had at least two of their best players claimed on waivers by other teams.Per Chelsea Janes and Jorge Castillo of the Washington Post, Bryce Harper, Daniel Murphy and Matt Adams were claimed on waivers.Jon Heyman of FanCred reported the 48-hour deadline to work out a deal for Harper has passed, so he will finish out the season with the Nationals.MLB Network Radio's Grant Paulsen reported the Los Angeles Dodgers put in a waiver claim on Harper.Per SiriusXM radio host Craig Mish, the Chicago Cubs were awarded the claim on Murphy. The Athletic's Robert Murray reported the Cubs reached a deal to acquire the three-time All-Star.Jon Heymanof FanCred reported the Nationals will receive minor league second basemanAndruw Monasterio and cash or a player to be named later from the Cubs for Murphy.Per Yahoo Sports' Jeff Passan http://www.athleticsfanproshop.com/authentic-khris-davis-jersey , Adams is being traded to the St. Louis Cardinals. Heyman added the Nationals will receive cash considerations.Harper is the biggest name on the Nationals and was the subject of trade rumors prior to the July 31 non-waiver deadline before general manager Mike Rizzo said the 2015 National League MVP wouldn't be moved."Bryce is not going anywhere," Rizzo told Janes. "I believe in this team."The Nationals have gone 9-10 since the start of August and are 6.5 games out of a playoff spot in the NL.Harper, Murphy and Adams are among the Washington players eligible for free agency after this season, so a potential trade would allow the team to add future assets instead of possibly losing all three for draft-pick compensation in 2019.Named an All-Star for the sixth time in his career this season, Harper is hitting .246/.380/.511 with 30 home runs. Murphy has reached his stride with a .300/.341/.442 slash line in just 56 games after offseason knee surgery kept him out until June 12. The Cubs don't necessarily have an opening at second base with Javier Baez having his best season Dave Henderson Jersey , but he has the ability to slide over to third base.Kris Bryant has been out since July 23 with a shoulder injury, but is expected to face live pitching this week as part of his effort to come back.Adams is slugging .510 with 18 homers in 94 games. He has spent time in left field and right field this season. The Cardinals are currently playing without Dexter Fowler, who is on the disabled list was is hitting just .180/.278/.298 in 90 games. Adams can serve as a platoon hitter since his OPS against right-handed pitching (.882) is significantly higher than it is against lefties (.608).MLB's waiver wire works in reverse order with first priority going to teams in the same league. Since the Nationals are in the NL, those teams would have first chance to put in a claim before anyone in the American League.
CARLSBAD Avisail Garcia Jersey , Calif. (AP) — “This will be it,” the 38-year-old left-hander said in a video posted on Twitter on Wednesday after the New York Yankees finalized his $8 million, one-year contract.Sabathia and New York had reached the agreement Tuesday, subject to a successful physical.A six-time All-Star and the 2007 AL Cy Young Award winner, Sabathia went 9-7 with a 3.65 ERA in 29 starts this year. He had surgery on his right knee after the 2010 season, in July 2014, after the 2016 season and again last month. Sabathia pitches with a brace on the knee and needs periodic injections there during the season.He is 246-153 in 18 major league seasons with a 3.70 ERA and 2,986 strikeouts, including 129-80 in a decade with the Yankees. His new deal boosts his pay from New York to $229 million.Sabathia signed a $161 million http://www.whitesoxfanproshop.com/authentic-paul-konerko-jersey , seven-year contract with the Yankees before the 2009 season and led New York to its first World Series title since 2000, then used the leverage of an opt-out provision after the 2011 season to get a new deal that added a $25 million salary for 2016 with a $25 million team option for 2017.Sabathia took a cut to $10 million this year. He missed a $500,000 performance bonus by two innings when he was ejected in his last regular-season start for hitting Tampa Bay’s Jesus Sucre after Rays pitcher Andrew Kittredge threw up-and-in to Austin Romine. Sabathia was suspended the first five games of 2019 but has appealed.“At this stage of the game, we should know sooner or later whether we’ll be able to agree on something or not,” Yankees general manager Brian Cashman had said earlier Tuesday.“Last year we had to be really careful about every step we took in terms of financial commitments so it took longer because we were having to have that luxury-tax issue in the back of our minds.”New York dropped below the luxury-tax threshold for the first time in 2018. The Yankees’ projected rotation for 2019 also includes right-handers Luis Severino and Masahiro Tanaka, and Cashman says he intends to add several pitchers after the team went 100-62 only to finish second in the AL East and lose in the Division Series to Boston, the eventual World Series champion.Cashman said Luke Voit will head to spring training as the starter at first base, and it will be up to Greg Bird to earn the job back. Bird had ankle surgery in late March, returned in mid-May and hit .199 with 11 homers and 38 RBIs. Voit Bobby Jenks Jersey , acquired from St. Louis on July 28, hit .333 with 14 homers and 33 RBIs in 39 games.“He finished batting in the middle of our lineup in the postseason, so I don’t see why three weeks since that time would change our evaluation process,” Cashman said.“Somebody’s earned that right and somebody because of injuries has been derailed for a period of time, but I do think that Birdy will benefit from time off and he will have a chance to resuscitate and prove himself.”Both can be optioned to the minors next year.Cashman repeated he intends to trade pitcher Sonny Gray, just 15-16 since New York acquired him from Oakland in July 2017. A right-hander who turns 29 this week, Gray bristled at the rough reception by Yankees fans.“It’s been a year-and-a-half, I’m not going to be Sisyphus pushing the rock up a hill and having it roll back on top of me,” Cashman said. “It’s not working. I’m not going to be willing to continue to walk through the fire and expect it to be a different result. So I will reallocate his abilities to some other club for a yet-to-be determined price tag http://www.whitesoxfanproshop.com/authentic-paul-konerko-jersey , and he will be good again. Trust me. I think he’s a heck of a pitcher. He’s a very successful major leaguer, and it’s just going to happen somewhere else.” New York Mets star Yoenis Cespedes is likely headed right back to the disabled list, according to Mike Puma of the New York Post.The left fielder is reportedly "leaning toward season-ending surgery." That would presumably fix the calcification in both his heels, an injury he first discussed Friday. Per Steve Gelbs of SNY, the recovery time is eight to 10 months.Cespedes missed over two months with what was described as a hip injury and then sat out after playing just one game.He met with a foot specialist Monday, perAnthony DiComoof MLB.com, and it's clear the injury will require more attention.Considering the Mets are far out of contention with a 40-57 record entering Tuesday, there doesn't seem to be any reason to force Cespedes onto the field. That he is owed $58.5 million over the next two seasons only creates more reason for caution.If the injury requires almost a year of recovery, it's better to get it repaired sooner rather than later.The 32-year-old had been struggling Carlton Fisk Jersey , and his .262 batting average is by far his lowest in four years. He does have nine home runs and 29 RBI in just 38 games, but it wasn't enough to help the Mets much.Though he created some excitement in his return to the field Friday, finishing 2-for-4 with a home run against the New York Yankees, it seems that was just a cameo.Cespedes and the organization will hope the pending procedure can solve the problem and keep him on the field.
Tommy Giordano http://www.astrosfanproshop.com/authentic-justin-verlander-jersey , a longtime scout who played only 11 games in the major leagues but spent more than seven decades in a variety of baseball roles, died Thursday. He was 93.Known affectionately as “T-bone,” Giordano was stricken in December with a blood infection, said his daughter, Gail Przeclawski. He died at her home in Orlando, Florida, after the family decided against further treatment.his 71st in professional baseball. He had intended to come back for another year until he became ill.“I can’t wait to get up in the morning and go to the ballpark,” he said in a 2016 interview with The Associated Press. “I’m still in baseball, so I must have been doing a pretty good job.”Giordano, a slick-fielding middle infielder, played in the minor leagues for a dozen years. His only appearance in the majors came toward the end of the 1953 season, when he was called up by the struggling Philadelphia Athletics.He had a memorable debut at Connie Mack Stadium, homering off 20-game winner Virgil Trucks of the Chicago White Sox in his second career at-bat. But Giordano hit only .175 with two homers and five RBIs during that 11-game stint and never returned to the Show. The Athletics played just one more season in Philadelphia, moving first to Kansas City and eventually to Oakland.Giordano spent most of the 1953 season with Savannah in the Class A South Atlantic League, where he met future home run king Hank Aaron Tyler Clippard Jersey , then an up-and-coming prospect with Jacksonville. Aaron led the Sally League in almost every offensive category except one — Giordano hit 24 homers, two more than the Hammer.Giordano became a scout after his playing days were over, serving in that role for numerous teams beginning with the Kansas City Athletics in 1960. He relished the opportunity to comb the backwoods and backwaters for potential future stars.Two of his biggest prizes were Cal Ripken Jr. and Manny Ramirez.“Get in the house” was a scouting mantra that Giordano swore by, giving him a chance to check out a prospect’s family and any off-the-field red flags.“See what kind of furniture they have in the house. See how many cars they have. See what kind of dad he has. Does he drink? Does he smoke? Are there any problems in the house? Get to know that family. I love doing that kind of work,” he said.Over the course of his long career, Giordano served as a scouting director, player development executive and assistant to the general manager with the Baltimore Orioles, Cleveland Indians and Texas Rangers. He was selected by his peers as Major League Baseball’s East Coast scout of the year in 2007.Born Oct. 9, 1925 in Newark, New Jersey, Giordano’s baseball career almost ended not long after it started. His father, who owned a grocery store, believed young Tommy should focus on his schoolwork and devote any free time to working at the family business.When Giordano joined the high school team, he fibbed to his parents about his reason for coming home late.“I used to hide my spikes,” Giordano said. “Well, my dad got hold of them and put them on the butcher block. He cut them up. He cut everything up. My bat http://www.astrosfanproshop.com/authentic-justin-verlander-jersey , my glove, everything.”Eventually, though, his father came around. He even had a pregame ritual that gave his son a nickname, one that stuck with him through the rest of his life.T-bone.“I hit a couple of home runs one day,” Giordano recalled. “Someone made the statement, ‘Hey, where did you get all that power? What did you do?’ I told ’em, ‘Before every game, my dad fixes me a big T-bone steak.’ That’s where it all started.”Still vibrant into his 90s and determined to remain part of the game, Giordano was hired before the 2016 season as a special assistant by his protege John Hart, then serving as president of baseball operations for the Atlanta Braves.That would be Giordano’s final stop.“I love what I’m doing,” he said in 2016. “I’m going to do this until I die.”Hart was able to visit with Giordano in his final days, part of a steady stream of visitors who descended on his daughter’s home to say goodbye. Many others called, including Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson.In a text to the AP, Hart wrote that Giordano was “like a father to me Yuli Gurriel Jersey , and I have been so blessed to have him in my life.”Giordano is survived by two children, two grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and two brothers.His wife, Berenice, died almost a year ago. The couple was married for 70 years.A memorial service is scheduled in Orlando on March 10. The family also plans memorial services in Newark and on Long Island, where Giordano and his wife lived for many years before moving to Florida. Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Josh Hader won't be suspended by Major League Baseball after old racist and anti-gay Twitter messages surfaced during Tuesday night's 2018 MLB All-Star Game.On Wednesday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today provided the league's course of action, which includes sensitivity training and joining initiatives focused on diversity and inclusion:Bob Nightengale BNightengaleMajor League Baseball issues statement requiring #Brewers Josh Hader to enroll in diversity and inclusion initiatives. Hewill not be suspended wDpvfkDzlA"You know, it was something that happened when I was 17 years old," Hadertold reportersafter the game. "As a child, I was immature, and I obviously said some things that were inexcusable. That doesn't reflect on who I am as a person today, and that's just what it is."Brewers general manager David Stearns also released a statement:Milwaukee Brewers BrewersA statement from Brewers GM David Stearns: Whxhnt2P1QMilwaukee teammate Lorenzo Cain called Hader a "great guy" and a "great teammate" and said he's willing to give the reliever a second chance:Ryan Fagan ryanfaganLorenzo Cain, who said he spoke briefly to Josh Hader before talking with the media. UJKi1QBII7The 24-year-old Maryland native struggled in the All-Star Game, giving up four hits and three runs (one earned) while recording just a single out.Hader has been one of the league's best relievers since his 2017 debut with a 1.79 ERA and 0.89 WHIP across 66 career appearances.
NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Yankees have obtained a low-cost infield replacement Jason Motte Jersey , agreeing to a one-year contract with shortstop Troy Tulowitzki for the major league minimum $555,000, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. Wednesday because the agreement http://www.stlouiscardinalsteamshop.com/authentic-marcell-ozuna-jersey , first reported by ESPN, is subject to a successful physical.Tulowitzki idolized retired Yankees captain Derek Jeter and has worn No. 2 in his honor. A five-time All-Star who turned 34 in October, Tulowitzki has not played in the major leagues since July 2017 and was released by the Toronto Blue Jays last month. He was limited to 66 games in 2017 because of a hamstring and right ankle injury. The ankle required surgery last spring and he missed the entire season.Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius had Tommy John surgery on his right elbow on Oct. 17 and is not expected to return until summer. New York also has been talking with Manny Machado Brett Cecil Jersey , one of the top available free agents. Tulowitzki could slot in at shortstop, allowing Gleyber Torres to remain at second baseman and Miguel Andujar to stay at third.Tulowitzki was taken by Colorado with the seventh overall pick in the 2005 amateur draft, became a star with the Rockies and agreed after the 2010 season to a $157.75 million http://www.stlouiscardinalsteamshop.com/authentic-marcell-ozuna-jersey , 10-year contract that added $132 million over seven seasons. Colorado dealt him in July 2015 to Toronto in a deal that brought shortstop Jose Reyes to the Rockies.While Tulowitzki helped the Blue Jays reach that year’s AL Championship Series, he slumped the next year and then was derailed by injuries.Tulowitzki is owed $20 million for next year, $14 million for 2020 and a $4 million buyout of a 2021 team option. Toronto would pay all but the big league minimum in the Yankees deal Michael Wacha Jersey , which would be offset against his 2018 salary.Toronto will be paying Tulowitzki for many years: $5 million of his 2019 salary is deferred at 3 percent interest and is payable in 10 equal installments each Jan. 1 from 2025-34. In addition, the buyout is due in $2 million installments on July 1 in 2021 and 2022. NEW YORK (AP) — Boston Red Sox outfielder Mookie Betts has been chosen major league player of the year by Baseball Digest.Jacob deGrom of the New York Mets was picked as the pitcher of the year and Oakland closer Blake Treinen was selected as the top reliever.The awards were announced Thursday. A 15-person panel including broadcaster Bob Costas, former team executive Jim Duquette and ex-player Eduardo Perez chose the winners.Betts won the magazine’s 50th player of the year award. He led the majors in batting at .346 in helping the Red Sox to a franchise-record 108 wins. Betts hit 32 homers Ozzie Smith Jersey , stole 30 bases and scored 129 runs.DeGrom led MLB starters with a 1.70 ERA. He struck out 269 in 217 innings while going 10-9 for a Mets team that often provided little run support.Treinen posted an 0.78 ERA in 68 games for the A’s and had 38 saves.
Nationals and Baltimore Orioles over television rights fees returned to a committee of baseball executives Thursday after a lengthy court fight.The sides began arguing their cases before the Revenue Sharing Definitions Committee http://www.chicagocubsteamshop.com/authentic-david-ross-jersey , which now includes Milwaukee Brewers chairman Mark Attanasio, Seattle Mariners President Kevin Mather and Toronto Blue Jays President Mark Shapiro.In 2012, an RSDC that then included Pittsburgh Pirates President Frank Coonelly, Tampa Bay Rays principal owner Stuart Sternberg and New York Mets chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon ruled the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network owed the Nationals $298 million for the team’s 2012-16 television rights.The Orioles sued, and the RSDC decision in 2015 was thrown out by a New York State Supreme Court justice. The New York State Supreme Court Appellate Division voted 3-2 in 2017 to send the decision back to the RSDC.MASN was established in March 2005 after the Montreal Expos relocated to Washington and became the Nationals, moving into what had been Baltimore’s exclusive broadcast territory since 1972. The Orioles were given a supermajority partnership interest in MASN, starting at 90 percent, and Washington made a $75 million payment to the network for an initial 10 percent stake.The agreement called for the Nationals’ equity to increase 1 percent annually, starting after the 2009 season, with a cap of 33 percent. The network’s rights payments to each team were set at $20 million apiece in 2005 and 2006, rising to $25 million in 2007, with $1 million annual increases through 2011. PEORIA http://www.chicagocubsteamshop.com/authentic-david-ross-jersey , Ariz. (AP) — Manny Machado pulled on a dark blue San Diego hat and slipped a crisp No. 13 Padres jersey over his broad shoulders.“It’s finally over,” Machado said with a grin.Finally, indeed.Machado joined his new team on Friday, a day after finalizing a $300 million, 10-deal contract that signals the Padres think their loaded farm system is just about ready to help the club return to playoff contention. The blockbuster deal with spring training already in full swing is the highest ever for a free agent and second only to Giancarlo Stanton’s $325 million, 13-year agreement.After months of speculation that roped in Machado’s family and friends and tested the patience of fans in several cities, the All-Star slugger is headed for the sunshine and beaches of San Diego.“With the players, coaching staff and front office, you know it was just like a perfect fit for us,” Machado said.San Diego had just 66 wins last year in its eighth consecutive losing season. The Padres have never won the World Series, but they have a group of highly regarded prospects on the brink of the majors — led by shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. and left-hander MacKenzie Gore.Making room for Tatis, the 26-year-old Machado will play third in an infield that also includes first baseman Eric Hosmer http://www.chicagocubsteamshop.com/authentic-david-ross-jersey , who agreed to a $144 million, seven-year contract last February.Bryce Harper, Dallas Keuchel and Craig Kimbrel remain on the free-agent market, and general manager A.J. Preller isn’t ruling out another big addition.“We’re always open-minded to looking at improving our club,” Preller said. “We understand we want to be at the top part of the standings. We have a lot of work to do from that standpoint.”Machado hit .297 last year and set career bests with 37 homers and 107 RBIs. A four-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner, he has a .282 career average with 175 homers and 513 RBIs in seven big league seasons.Machado was traded from Baltimore to Los Angeles in July and helped the Dodgers to their second straight World Series appearance — and loss. But he caused a stir during the NL Championship Series when he failed to run out a grounder and later said: “Obviously I’m not going to change, I’m not the type of player that’s going to be ‘Johnny Hustle’ and run down the line and slide to first base.”Asked if his comments were brought up during free agency, Machado said it was the kind of stuff “you leave in the past.”“You address it at the moment and you just move forward from it,” he said.Machado shifted from third base to shortstop at the start of last season and had expressed a preference to stay at that position. But he maintained it was only one factor of his decision-making process.“Shortstop was a big key, but at the end of the day it’s always a matter of what team, what position, how would it be?” he said. “I’ve played third base my entire life Anthony Rizzo Jersey , moved over obviously because I’ve always wanted to, the spot was open, but coming here to come play third base, I saw a great opportunity to help out other guys, help out young guys, help out Tatis.”The Padres had been searching for a third baseman all offseason. Preller had been in contact with Machado’s camp, but the team got more serious in its pursuit about six weeks ago.The deal was finalized after team chairman Ron Fowler and general partner Peter Seidler had a two-hour lunch with Machado on Wednesday in San Diego.“They knew about the organization. They knew what our priorities were with family and I think that helped us sign them,” Fowler said. “Obviously 300 million didn’t hurt, but I think this is where they wanted to be.”Machado also was hotly pursued by the Chicago White Sox, another struggling club looking to add a marquee player to its strong farm system. Chicago’s offer was worth $250 million over eight years, with the potential to go even higher with options years that could become guaranteed. The White Sox also traded for Yonder Alonso, Machado’s brother-in-law http://www.chicagocubsteamshop.com/authentic-david-ross-jersey , and signed outfielder Jon Jay, one of Machado’s close friends.But Alonso and Jay also spent time in San Diego earlier in their careers, and Machado said they enjoyed the experience.“They talk great about San Diego. They never stop talking about it,” he said. “Yonder loves it, Jon Jay as well. So they’re just happy for me, for my family and for our situation.”The Padres took out insurance to cover the entirety of Machado’s deal, but Fowler declined to say how much it cost. He didn’t seem to mind the extra cash too much, either.“I guess my state would be I’m much happier as to where we are now than where the White Sox are,” Fowler said.
JUPITER http://www.marinersfanproshop.com/authentic-edgar-martinez-jersey , Fla. (AP) — free agents find jobs.While Bryce Harper and Manny Machado reached big-money deals, Verlander’s former Astros teammates Dallas Keuchel and Evan Gattis remain unsigned along with Craig Kimbrel, Adam Jones and several dozen others.“I hope that some of those names you see behind those guys that are big names that would definitely help ball clubs start to go now,” Verlander said Thursday. “These guys deserve jobs. They make everybody better around them and they make the team better.”Verlander is earning $28 million this year at age 36, part of a deal that includes a $22 million option for 2020 that would become guaranteed if he is among the top five in Cy Young Award voting this year. He is attempting to add a changeup to his repertoire this spring training, throwing seven of them on Thursday in a 4-1 win over Miami.“I saw the reactions I wanted on almost every one I threw,” Verlander said.Verlander allowed five hits in 3 1/3 scoreless innings, struck out five and walked two.The 2011 AL MVP has unsuccessfully attempted to add a changeup in the last. He’s altered the way he’s releasing the pitch Jay Buhner Jersey , which has him optimistic it will prove useful once the season starts.“He’s always evolved,” Houston manager A.J. Hinch said. “I watched him over the last 10 years, so it won’t surprise me if he makes it more of a part of his game, but I think he’s going to have to feel it and have some success to truly believe in it.”Verlander’s fastball reached 97 mph. He threw 60 pitches and left with the bases loaded.“I’m glad I went back out there for that last inning,” Verlander said. “Velo was where I’d like to see it. Got in a little bit of a jam so got some adrenaline going.”NOTES: 2B Jose Altuve from Thursday’s game because of general left side soreness. “Regular season he definitely could play,” Hinch said. “He has a scheduled day off tomorrow so we’ll see if he’s going to play tomorrow, but most likely it’ll be the weekend.” … 3B Alex Bregman didn’t play after leaving Wednesday’s game with back stiffness. Bregman may return to the lineup on Friday. BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) — Adam Frazier is getting to be a regular starter this year as the Pittsburgh Pirates‘ second baseman.Frazier spent the first three seasons of his career as a utility player Denard Span Jersey , making 95 starts at second, 61 in left, 20 in right, five in center, three at third base and one at shortstop.“I think it helps anybody coming to the yard every day and knowing where you’re going to be,” Frazier said. “My goal is to play as good as I can and be ready each and every day, give the team all I’ve got and win games.”He takes over at second from two-time All-Star Josh Harrison, who left as a free agent. Frazier is expected to hit leadoff for the Pirates http://www.marinersfanproshop.com/authentic-edgar-martinez-jersey , who were 19th among the 30 teams in runs last season with a 4.3 average.Frazier has a .280 career average with 18 home runs in 300 games.“I’d like to see us keep his legs underneath him, keep him strong, keep him fresh because we can use the offense, especially at the top of the order, where he has had most of his major league at-bats,” Pittsburgh manager Clint Hurdle said.Frazier had a .237 batting average and three homers in 55 games for the Pirates last year when he demoted to Triple-A Indianapolis last June. He returned to Pittsburgh six week later and hit .306 with seven homers in 57 games.“I worked on a few things, being more aggressive with my hands and my feet, so when I came back up Ben Gamel Jersey , I felt pretty good,” Frazier said. “I just continued to work, and things fell into place.”Frazier certainly made an impression on Hurdle.“He came back and put a foot down,” Hurdle said. “It was fun to watch. I think he found something that works, and he can replicate it.”Notes: The Pirates held their final workout at the Pirate City training facility and will move their camp five miles to their spring training ballpark for the exhibition season. The Pirates open Saturday against Philadelphia in Clearwater. LHP Steven Brault is scheduled to start for Pittsburgh. . County music singer Garth Brooks’ stay in camp ended Friday. He had been working out with the Pirates since pitchers and catchers reported Feb. 11. . C Elias Diaz missed his third straight workout because of illness.
[Ravens fans: Sign up for FanPulse Youth Nick Boyle Jersey , 3 poll questions every week]On a short week following a 47-3 victory over Buffalo, Baltimore traveled to Cincinnati to face the Bengals for Thursday Night Football. The Ravens had a horrendous start to the game. Joe Flacco and the offense went three-and-out on the first possession. On the next offensive drive, Flacco threw an interception to rookie safety Jessie Bates III intended for Michael Crabtree. The offensive line was bullied by Cincinnati’s defensive line, allowing three sacks in the first half. The defense did not start any better, allowing three touchdowns to A.J. Green in the first quarter. Tavon Young allowed the first two and Marlon Humphrey allowed the third. Baltimore was unable to get pressure on Andy Dalton all night long, finishing the game with zero sacks. Tyler Boyd also scored a touchdown. The defense suffered a major loss early on when C.J. Mosley was carted into the locker room with a knee injury. It has since been announced that Mosley suffered a bone bruise.The Ravens defensive line was manhandled on the ground with Joe Mixon rushing for 84 yards. Baltimore’s defense was unable to get off the field on several key third downs. Dalton had very little pressure and was able to stand in the pocket and deliver passes. Dalton finished the game 24/42 for 265 yards and four touchdowns. Meanwhile, Flacco was under constant pressure with the Bengals sacking him four times. Geno Atkins and Carlos Dunlap were constantly in the backfield. The Ravens had more success running the ball with Alex Collins James Hurst Jersey , however, he only received nine carries and finished with 35 yards. Javorius Allen had six carries for eight yards and a rushing touchdown. Baltimore’s receivers came alive late, particularly John Brown. Brown had four receptions for 92 yards and a touchdown. Crabtree finished with five catches for 56 yards and Willie Snead with five catches for 54 yards. Rookie tight end Mark Andrews scored his first touchdown. Flacco was able to rally late, throwing for two touchdowns. A tipped pass from Dunlap led to an untimely interception late in the game, however. Flacco finished the night 32/55 for 376 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Justin Tucker was 1/1, making a 55-yard field goal. Janarion Grant played despite being listed as questionable with a hand injury. Grant fumbled once again early in the game after fumbling the previous week as well. Grant’s fumbling issues could ultimately cost him the return job.Despite a hard-fought comeback http://www.ravenscheapshops.com/cheap-authentic-tavon-young-jersey , the Ravens fell short in the end with a final score of 34-23. Cincinnati now takes first place in the AFC North at 2-0 while Baltimore falls to 1-1. The Ravens now have a long week of rest before playing Denver in Week 3. It’s official. With Joe Flacco officially placed as inactive for the upcoming game, it is full-steam ahead on the Lamar Jackson hype train! After a bye week and some regrouping, the Ravens hope to turn things around from their three-game losing streak. Unfortunately, they must do this without their starting quarterback, Joe Flacco.With Flacco officially ruled out due to a right hip injury, many speculate rookie Lamar Jackson as the starter against the Cincinnati Bengals.This will be Jackson’s first NFL start. Fans are excited as ticket prices boosted 64% as news broke of Lamar’s first possible start in the NFL. While Ravens fans love and appreciate Flacco for bringing home a Lombardi trophy, fans are also excited to see what the future holds with the Heisman Trophy winning rookie out of Louisville.This game will also not be featuring WR A.J. Green http://www.ravensfootballauthentics.com/sam-koch-jersey-authentic , a known enemy of the franchise. This could open up possibilities for the Ravens to get back on track defensively, due to no longer focusing on the top-tier talent of Green and keeping a better eye on Joe Mixon and the run game.Either way, this will be an exciting contest for both teams as they get a glimpse of the future at quarterback for their franchise or their opponent.Social MediaAs always, I do ask for you to please follow and ‘like’ us on various social media outlets.Twitter: @BMoreBeatdownFacebook: Baltimore Beatdown: For Baltimore Ravens fansInstagram: baltimore_beatdownGo Ravens!
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15.05.2019 04:59