Saturday, April 30, 2016

Christian Bethancourt traded to Padres

Christian Bethancourt was traded by the Atlanta Braves to the San Diego Padres on December 10, 2015. The Braves in exchange received Casey Kelly and Ricardo Rodriguez. 

Bethancourt is a catcher who split 2015 between Triple A Gwinnett and the Braves. He hit .327/.359/.480 with 4 HR, 31 RBI, 25 R, 5 SB in 52 games at Gwinnett and .200/.225/.290 with 2 HR, 12 RBI, 16 R, 1 SB in 48 games with the Braves. Over three MLB seasons with the Braves he hit .219/.245/.283 with 2 HR, 21 RBI, 23 R, 2 SB in 80 games. His MLB caught stealing rate is 33%. He originally signed with the Braves in 2008 as an amateur free agent out of Panama. Bethancourt will be 25 on September 2nd.

RHP Kelly split 2015 between Double A San Antonio, Triple A El Paso and the Padres. He was 1-8, 4.94 ERA, 60 K, 1.56 WHIP, .281, 1 SV in 82.0 IP over 27 games with 14 GS, at SAn Antonio 1-2, 6.32 ERA, 14 K, 1.60 WHIP, .317 BAA in 15.2 IP over 4 games with 3 GS at El Paso and 0-2, 7.94 ERA, 7 K, 1.94 WHIP, .365 BAA in 11.1 IP over 3 games with 2 GS with the Padres. Over two MLB seasons with the Padres he was 2-5, 6.69 ERA, 33 K, 1.76 WHIP,.330 BAA in 40.1 IP over 9 games with 8 GS. He was originally drafted by the Red Sox with the 30th pick of the first round in 2008. Kelly will be 27 on October 4th.

Yunel Escobar traded to Angels

Yunel Escobar was traded by the Washington Nationals to the Los Angeles Angels on December 10, 2015 along with cash. The Nationals in exchange received Michael Brady and Trevor Gott. 

Escobar is a third baseman who hit .314/.375/.415 with 9 HR, 56 RBI, 75 R, 2 SB in 139 games with the Nationals in 2015. Over 10 MLB seasons with the Angels, Nationals, Rays, Blue Jays and Braves he has hit .280/.350/.386 with 81 HR, 456 RBI, 588 R, 33 SB in 1236 games. He was originally drafted by the Braves in the second round in 2005. Escobar turned 33 on November 2nd.

RHP Brady pitched in 2015 a Double A Arkansas where he was 7-7, 3.77 ERA, 113 K, 1.14 WHIP, .267 BAA in 119.1 IP over 32 games with 19 GS. He was originally drafted by the Marlins in the 24th round in 2009. Brady turned 29 on March 21.

RHP Gott split 2015 between Arkansas, Triple A Salt Lake and the Angels, He was 1-0, 3.20 ERA, 20 K, 1.32 WHIP, .268 BAA, 8 SV in 19.2 IP over 18 games at Arkansas, 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 10 K, 1.44 WHIP, .241 BAA in 8.1 IP over 7 games at Salt Lake and 4-2, 3.02 ERA, 27 K, 1.24 WHIP, .242 BAA in 47.2 IP over 48 games with the Angels. He was originally drafted by the Padres in the sixth round in 2013. Gott will be 24 on August 26,

Jabari Blash traded to Padres

Jabari Blash was traded by the Oakland Athletics to the San Diego Padres on December 10, 2015 to complete an earlier deal. The Athletics had selected him in the Rule 5 Draft earlier in the day from the Mariners. The outfielder split 2015 between Double A Jackson and Triple A Tacoma. He hit .278/.383/.517 with 10 HR, 34 RBI, 38 RBI, 5 SB in 60 games at Jackson and .264/.355/.640 with 22 HR, 47 RBI, 41 R, 3 SB in 56 games at Tacoma. He was originally drafted by the Mariners in the eighth round in 2010. Blash will be 27 on July 4th.

Luis Perdomo traded to Padres

Luis Perdomo was traded by the Colorado Rockies to the San Diego Padres on December 10, 2015 in exchange for cash or a PTBNL. The Rockies had selected him in the Rule 5 Draft from the Cardinals earlier in the day. The RHP had split 2015 between Class A Peoria and Class A Advanced Palm Beach. He was 5-9, 3.68 ERA, 100 K, 1.34 WHIP, .265 BAA in 100.1 IP over 17 games at Peoria and 1-3, 5.13 ERA, 18 K, 1.41 WHIP, .301 BAA in 26.1 IP over 6 games at Palm Beach. He was originally signed by the Cardinals in 2010 as an amateur free agent out of the Dominican Republic. Perdomo will be 23 on May 9th.

Manny Pina traded to Brewers

Manny Pina was traded by the Detroit Tigers to the Milwaukee Brewers on December 10, 2015 to complete an earlier deal. The catcher played at Triple A Toledo in 2015 where he hit .305/.379/461 with 7 HR, 39 RBI, 28 R, 2 SB in 77 games. His minor league caught stealing rate is 37%. He does have two seasons of limited MLB experience with the Kansas City Royals hitting .188/.235/.313 with 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2 R, 0 SB in 5 games. He originally signed with the Ranger in 2004 as an amateur free agent out of Venezuela. Pina will be 29 on June 5th.

Garin Cecchini traded to Brewers

Garin Cecchini was traded by the Boston Red Sox to the Milwaukee Brewers on December 10, 2015 for cash. The third baseman split 2015 between Triple A Pawtucket and the Red Sox. He hit .213/.286/.296 with 7 HR, 28 RBI, 34 R, 9 SB in 117 games at Pawtucket and hitless in four at bats in two games with the Red Sox. Over two MLB seasons with the Red Sox he hit .229/325/.400 with 1 HR,  4 RBI, 6 R, 0 SB in 13 games. He was originally drafted by the Red Sox in the fourth round in 2010. Cecchini turned 25 on April 20.

Will Lamb traded to White Sox

Will Lamb was traded by the Texas Rangers to the Chicago White Sox on December 10, 2015. The Rangers in exchange received Myles Jaye.

LHP Lamb split 2015 between Double A Frisco and Triple A Round Rock. He was 1-1, 3.12 ERA, 24 K, 1.46 WHIP, .260 BAA in 26.0 IP over 22 games at Frisco and 2-3, 5.52 ERA, 27 K, 1.52 WHIP, .260 BAA in 31.0 IP over 25 games at Round Rock. He was originally drafted by the Rangers in the second round in 2011. Lamb will be 26 on September 9th.

RHP Jaye pitched at Double A Birmingham in 2015 where he was 12-9, 3.29 ERA, 104 K, 1.23 WHIP, .244 BAA in 147.2 IP over 26 games. He was originally drafted by the Blue Jays in the 17th round in 2010 and traded to the White Sox in 2012. Jaye turned 24 on December 28.

Tanner Banks South Atlantic League PiOW 041816 to 042416

Tanner Banks of the Kannapolis Intimidators was selected the South Atlantic League Pitcher of the Week for the span of April 18, 2016 through April 24, 2016. For the week he was 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 1 GS, 9.0 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 0 HBP, 1 BB, 5 K, 1 CG and 1 SHO. This season the LHP is 4-0, 2.13 ERA, 19 K, 0.91 WHIP, .185 BAA in 25.1 IP over 4 games. Kannapolis is the Class A team of the Chicago White Sox. He was originally drafted by the White Sox in the 18th round in 2014. Banks will be 25 on October 24.

Ryan Helsley Midwest League PiOW 041816 to 042416

Ryan Helsley of the Peoria Chiefs was selected the Midwest League Pitcher of the Week for the span of April 18, 2016 through April 24, 2016. For the week he was 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 1 GS, 6.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 1 HBP, 2 BB, 11K. This season the RHP is 1-1, 2.42 ERA, 25 K, 1.07 WHIP, .200 BAA in 22.1 IP over 4 games. Peoria is the Class A team of the St Louis Cardinals. He was originally drafted by the Cardinals in the fifth round in 2015. Helsley will be 22 on July 18.

Tom Eshelman Florida State League PiOW 041816 to 042416

Tom Eshelman of the Clearwater Threshers was selected the Florida State League Pitcher of the Week for the span of April 18, 2016 through April 24, 2016. For the week he was 1-0, 1.29 ERA, 1 GS, 7.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 0 HBP, 0 BB and 9 K. This season the RHP is 1-1, 1.80 ERA, 22 K, 0.76 WHIP, .148 BAA in 25.0 IP over 4 games. Clearwater is the Class A Advanced team of the Philadelphia Phillies. He was originally drafted by the Astros in the second round in 2015 and was traded to the Phillies in December 2015. Eshelman will be 22 on June 20.

Pedro Fernandez Carolina League PiOW 041816 to 042416

Pedro Fernandez of the Wilmington Blue Rocks was selected the Carolina League Pitcher of the Week for the span of April 18, 2016 through April 24, 2016. For the week he was 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 2 GS, 12.0 IP, 8 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 0 HBP, 5 BB and 14 K. This season the RHP is 2-0, 1.21 ERA, 23 K, 1.03 WHIP, .200 BAA in 22.1 IP over 4 games. Wilmington is the Class A Advanced team of the Kansas City Royals. He originally signed with the Royals in 2011 as an amateur free agent out of the Dominican RepublicFernandez will be 22 on May 25.

Andrew Moore California League PiOW 041816 to 042416

Andrew Moore of the Bakersfield Blaze was selected the California League Pitcher of the Week for the span of April 18, 2016 through April 24, 2016. For the week he was 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 1 GS, 7.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 0 HBP, 1 BB and 3 K. This season the LHP is 1-1, 1.52 ERA, 23 K, 0.98 WHIP, .208 BAA in 29.2 IP over 5 games. Bakersfield is the Class A Advanced team of the Seattle Mariners. He was originally drafted by the Mariners in the second round in 2015. Moore will be 22 on June 2nd.

Alex Blackford Texas League PiOW 041816 to 042416

Alex Blackford of the Arkansas Travelers was selected the Texas League Pitcher of the Week for the span of April 18, 2016 through April 24, 2016. For the week he was 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 1 GS, 5.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 0 HBP, 2 BB and 8 K. This season the RHP is 2-1, 1.27 ERA, 27 K, 0.80 WHIP, .137 BAA in 21.1 IP over 4 games. Arkansas is the Double A team of the Los Angeles Angels. He was originally drafted by the Angels in the 37th round in 2013Blackford turned 25 on November 16.

Paul Blackburn Southern League PiOW 041816 to 042416

Paul Blackburn of the Tennessee Smokies was selected the Southern League Pitcher of the Week for the span of April 18, 2016 through April 24, 2016. For the week he was 2-0, 0.00 ERA, 2 GS, 15.0 IP, 9 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 0 HBP, 1 BB and 4 K. This season the RHP is 3-0, 0.35 ERA, 11 K, 0.85 WHIP, .207 BAA in 26.0 IP over 4 games. Tennessee is the Double A team of the Chicago Cubs. He was originally drafted by the Cubs with the 56th pick in the first round in 2012. Blackburn turned 22 on December 4th.

Ben Lively Eastern League PiOW 041816 to 042416

Ben Lively of the Reading Fightin Phils was selected the Eastern League Pitcher of the Week for the span of April 18, 2016 through April 24, 2016. For the week he was 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 2 GS, 13.0 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 0 HBP, 0 BB and 11 K. This season the RHP is 3-0, 1.55 ERA, 30 K, 0.90 WHIP, .189 BAA in 29.0 IP over 5 games. Reading is the Double A team of the Philadelphia Phillies. He was originally drafted by the Reds in the fourth round in 2013 and was traded to the Phillies in 2014. Lively turned 24 on March 5th.

Dillon Overton Pacific Coast League PiOW 041816 to 042416

Dillon Overton of the Nashville Sounds was selected the Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Week for the span of April 18, 2016 through April 24, 2016. For the week he was 1-0, 1.29 ERA, 1 GS, 1 CG, 7.0 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 0 HBP, 0 BB and 5 K. This season the LHP is 1-1, 3.05 ERA, 18 K, 1.35 WHIP, .291 BAA in 20.2 IP over 4 games. Nashville is the Triple A team of the Oakland Athletics. He was originally drafted by the Athletics in the second round in 2013.  Overton will be 25 on August 17.

Aaron Blair International League PiOW 041816 to 042416

Aaron Blair of the Gwinnett Braves was selected the International League Pitcher of the Week for the span of April 18, 2016 through April 24, 2016. For the week he was 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 1 GS, 7.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 0 HBP, 1 BB and 10 K. This season the RHP is 3-0, 1.42 ERA, 22 K, 0.79 WHIP, .156 BAA in 19.0 IP over 3 games at Gwinnett.  Gwinnett is the Triple A team of the Atlanta Braves. He was originally drafted by the Diamondbacks with the 36th pick of the first round in 2013 and traded to the Braves in 2015. Blair will be 24 on May 26.

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Yermin Mercedes South Atlantic League POW 041816 to 042416

Yermin Mercedes of the Delmarva Shorebirds was selected the South Atlantic League Player of the Week for the span of April 18, 2016 through April 24, 2016. For the week he hit 13 for 25, .520/.500/1.000 with 5 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 6 R, 1 SB and 0 BB in 6 games. This season the catcher is hitting .420/.434/.740 with 1 HR, 13 RBI, 9 R, 1 SB in 13 games. Delmarva is the Class A team of the Baltimore Orioles. He originally signed with the Orioles in 2014 after playing in the Independent Leagues. Mercedes turned 23 on February 14.

Will Maddox Midwest League POW 041816 to 042416

Will Maddox of the West Michigan Whitecaps was selected the Midwest League Player of the Week for the span of April 18, 2016 through April 24, 2016. For the week he hit 11 for 18, .611/.480/.792 with 2 2B, 2 RBI, 3 R, 2 SB and 1 BB in 5 games. This season the first baseman is hitting .412/.434/.510 with 0 HR, 4 RBI, 6 R, 2 SB in 13 games. West Michigan is the Class A team of the Detroit Tigers. He was originally drafted by the Tigers in the 18th round in 2014. Maddox will be 24 on June 11. 

Mark Payton Florida State League POW 041816 to 042416

Mark Payton of the Tampa Yankees was selected the Florida State League Player of the Week for the span of April 18, 2016 through April 24, 2016. For the week he hit 7 for 18, .389/.520/.778 with 1 2B, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 4 R, 1 SB and 6 BB in 6 games. This season the outfielder is hitting .302/.424/.509 with 3 HR, 13 RBI, 11 R, 2 SB in 16 games. Tampa is the Class A Advanced team of the New York Yankees. He was originally drafted by the Yankees in the seventh round in 2014. Payton turned 24 on December 7th.

Ian Happ Carolina League POW 041816 to 042416

Ian Happ of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans was selected the Carolina League Player of the Week for the span of April 18, 2016 through April 24, 2016. For the week he hit 9 for 21, .429/.600/.905 with 3 HR, 9 RBI, 7 R, 1 SB and 9 BB in 7 games. This season the 2B\OF is hitting .309/.440/.529 with 3 HR, 15 RBI, 11 R, 3 SB in 19 games. Myrtle Beach is the Class A Advanced team of the Chicago Cubs. He was originally drafted by the Cubs with the ninth pick of the first round in 2015. Happ will be 22 on August 12.

Luke Tendler California League POW 041816 to 042416

Luke Tendler of the High Desert Mavericks was selected the California League Player of the Week for the span of April 18, 2016 through April 24, 2016. For the week he hit 11 for 25, .440/.517/1.000 with 3 HR, 10 RBI, 9 R, 0 SB and 3 BB in 6 games. This season the outfielder is hitting .387/.449/.694 with 4 HR, 18 RBI, 16 R, 0 SB in 16 games. High Desert is the Class A Advanced team of the Texas Rangers. He was originally drafted by the Rangers in the 29th round in 2014. Tendler will be 24 on August 25.

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Ryan Cordell Texas League POW 041816 to 042416

Ryan Cordell of the Frisco RoughRiders was selected the Texas League Player of the Week for the span of April 18, 2016 through April 24, 2016. For the week he hit 9 for 21, .429/.435/.810 with 2 2B, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 6 R, 0 SB and 1 BB in 6 games. This season the outfielder is hitting .361/.403/.705 with 4 HR, 18 RBI, 15 R, 1 SB in 16 games. Frisco is the Double A team of the Texas Rangers. He was originally drafted by the Rangers in the 11th round in 2013. Cordell turned 24 on March 31.

Chesny Young Southern League POW 041816 to 042416

Chesny Young of the Tennessee Smokies was selected the Southern League Player of the Week for the span of April 18, 2016 through April 24, 2016. For the week he hit 12 for 25, .480/.520/.606 with 1 2B, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 4 R, 7 SB and 7 BB in 7 games. This season the second baseman is hitting .382/.506/.529 with 2 HR, 6 RBI, 10 R, 10 SB in 19 games. Tennessee is the Double A team of the Chicago Cubs. He was originally drafted by the Cubs in the 14th round in 2014. Young will be 24 on October 6th.

Mike Yastrzemski Eastern League POW 041816 to 042416

Mike Yastrzemski of the Bowie Baysox was selected the Eastern League Player of the Week for the span of April 18, 2016 through April 24, 2016. For the week he hit 14 for 32, .438/.455/.813 with 3 2B, 3 3B, 9 RBI, 7 R, 1 SB and 1 BB in 7 games. This season the outfielder is hitting .292/.370/.477 with 3 HR, 11 RBI, 14 R, 3 SB in 16 games. Bowie is the Double A team of the Baltimore Orioles. He was originally drafted by the Orioles in the 14th round in 2013. Yastrzemski will be 26 on August 23.

Hunter Renfroe Pacific Coast League POW 041816 to 042416

Hunter Renfroe of the El Paso Chihuahuas was selected the Pacific Coast League Player of the Week for the span of April 18, 2016 through April 24, 2016. For the week he hit 9 for 21, .429/.500/1.048 with 1 2B, 4 HR, 6 RBI, 7 R, 1 SB and 3 BB in 7 games. This season the outfielder is hitting .333/.382/.651 with 4 HR, 10 RBI, 12 R, 1 SB in 16. El Paso is the Triple A team of the San Diego Padres. He was originally drafted by the Padres with the 13th pick of the first round in 2013. Renfroe turned 24 on January 28.

Josh Bell International League POW 041816 to 042416

Josh Bell of the Indianapolis Indians was selected the International League Player of the Week for the span of April 18, 2016 through April 24, 2016. For the week he hit 12 for 30, .400/.438/.767 with 3 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 6 R, 1 SB and 2 BB in 7 games including hitting for the cycle on April 22 against Louisville. This season the first baseman has hit .281/.395/.516 with 3 HR, 15 RBI, 9 R, 1 SB in 17 games. Indianapolis is the Triple A team of the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was originally drafted by Pirates in the second round in 2011. Bell will be 24 on August 14.

Monday, April 25, 2016

Colby Rasmus AL Player of Week 041816 to 042416

Colby Rasmus of the Houston Astros was selected the American League Player of the Week for the span of April 18, 2016 through April 24, 2016. For the week he hit 6 for 19, .316/.458/1.000 with 1 2B, 4 HR, 10 RBI, 5 R, 1 SB and 5 BB. This season the outfielder is hitting .293/.440/.707 with 7 HR, 18 RBI, 11 R, 1 SB in 19 games. Over eight MLB seasons with the Astros, Blue Jays and Cardinals he has hit .245/.316/.447 with 148 HR, 431 RBI, 487 R, 31 SB in 949 games. He was originally drafted by the Cardinals with the 28th pick of the first round in 2005, was traded to the Blue Jays in 2011 and signed as a free agent with the Astros in 2015. Rasmus will be 30 on August 11.

Jake Arrieta NL Player of Week 041816 to 042416

Jake Arrieta of the Chicago Cubs were selected the National League Player of the Week for the span of April 18, 2016 through April 24, 2016. The RHP pitched a no hitter in a 16-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on April 21, 2016. His line for the game was 9.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 0 HBP, 4 BB and 6 K in 119 pitches. This season he is 4-0, 0.87 ERA, 26 K, 0.68 WHIP, .147 BAA in 34.0 IP over 4 games. Over six MLB seasons with the Cubs and Orioles he is 60-38, 3.59 ERA, 743 K, 1.16 WHIP, .224 BAA in 826.1 IP over 140 games with 134 GS. Last season he pitched a no hitter against the Dodgers. He was originally drafted by the Orioles in the fifth round in 2007 and was traded to the Cubs in 2013. Arrieta turned 30 on March sixth.

Sunday, April 24, 2016

Brett Lawrie traded to White Sox

Brett Lawrie was traded by the Oakland Athletics to the Chicago White Sox on December 9, 2015. The Athletics in exchange received J.B. Wendelken and Zack Erwin. 

Lawrie is a 3B\2B who hit .260/.299/.407 with 16 HR, 60 RBI, 64 R, 5 SB in 149 games with the Athletics in 2015. Over six MLB seasons with the White Sox, Athletics and Blue Jays he has hit .264/.317/.420 with 60 HR, 223 RBI, 238 R, 35 SB in 512 games. He was originally drafted by the Brewers with the 16th pick of the first round in 2008, traded to the Blue Jays in 2010 and traded to the Athletics in 2014. Lawrie turned 26 on January 18.

RHP Wendelken split 2015 between Double A Birmingham and Triple A Charlotte. He was 6-2, 2.72 ERA, 56 K, 1.09 WHIP, .220 BAA, 5 SV in 43.0 IP over 27 games and 0-0, 4.50 ERA, 13 K, 1.19 WHIP, .226 BAA in 16.0 IP over 12 games. He was originally drafted by the Red Sox in the 13th round in 2012 and was traded to the White Sox in 2013. Wendelken turned 23 on March 24.

LHP Erwin split 2015 between Rookie Great Falls and Class A Kannapolis. He was 2-0, 0.84 ERA, 15 K, 0.94 WHIP, .210 BAA in 21.1 IP over 8 games at Great Falls with 4 GS and 0-2, 1.89 ERA, 15 K, 1.00 WHIP, .224 BAA in 19.0 IP over 7 games at Kannapolis with 3 GS. He was originally drafted by the White Sox in the fourth round in 2015. Erwin turned 22 on January 24.

Shelby Miller traded to Diamondbacks

Shelby Miller was traded by the Atlanta Braves to the Arizona Diamondbacks on December 9, 2015 along with Gabe Speier. The Braves in exchange received Ender Inciarte, Aaron Blair and Dansby Swanson.

RHP Miller was 6-17, 3.02 ERA, 171 K, 1.25 WHIP, .238 BAA in 205.1 IP over 33 games with the Braves in 2015. Over five MLB seasons with the Diamondbacks, Braves and Cardinals he is 32-36, 3.36 ERA, 493 K, 1.25 WHIP, .237 BAA in 590.0 IP over 106 games with 100 GS. He was originally drafted by the Cardinals with the 19th pick of the first round in 2009 and traded to the Braves in 2014. Miller will be 26 on October 10.

LHP Speier pitched at Class A West Michigan in 2015 where he was 4-2, 2.86 K, 36 K, 1.18 WHIP, .240 BAA in 44.0 IP over 33 games. He was originally drafted by the Red Sox in the 19th round in 2013, traded to the Tigers in 2014 and traded to the Braves in November 2015. Speier turned 21 on April 12.

Inciarte is an outfielder who split 2015 between Rookie Arizona and Double A Mobile while rehabbing and the Diamondbacks. He hit .400/.500/.400 with 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1 R, 0 SB in 2 games at Arizona, .300/.391/.600 with 1 HR, 1 RBI, 3 R, 0 SB in 5 games at Mobile and .303/.338/.408 with 6 HR, 45 RBI, 73 R, 21 SB in 132 games with the Diamondbacks. Over two MLB seasons with the Diamondbacks he hit .292/.329/.386 with 10 HR, 72 RBI, 127 R, 40 SB in 250 games. He originally signed with the Diamondbacks in 2008 as an amateur free agent out of Venezuela. Inciarte will be 26 on October 29.

RHP Blair split 2015 between Mobile and Triple A Reno. He was 6-3, 2.70 ERA, 64 K, 1.12 WHIP, .231 BAA in 83.1 IP over 13 games at Mobile and 7-2, 3.16 ERA, 56 K, 1.22 WHIP, .236 BAA in 77.0 IP over 13 games at Reno. He was originally drafted by the Diamondbacks with the 36th pick of the first round in 2013. Blair will be 24 on May 26. 

Swanson is a shortstop who played in 2015 at Class A Hillsboro where he hit .289/.394/.482 with 1 HR, 11 RBI, 19 R, 0 SB in 22 games. He was originally drafted by the Diamondbacks with the first overall pick in 2015. Swanson turned 22 on February 11.

Justin Wilson traded to Tigers

Justin Wilson was traded by the New York Yankees to the Detroit Tigers on December 9, 2015. The Yankees in exchange received Chad Green and Luis Cessa. 

LHP Wilson was 5-0, 3.10 ERA, 66 K, 1.13 WHIP, .223 BAA in 61.0 IP over 74 games in 2015. Over five MLB seasons with the Tigers, Yankees and Pirates he is 14-5, 2.92 ERA, 204 K, 1.19 WHIP, .218 BAA in 206.2 IP over 218 games. He was originally drafted by the Pirates in the fifth round in 2008 and was traded to the Yankees in 2014. Wilson will be 29 on August 18.

RHP Green pitched at Double A Erie in 2015 where he was 5-14, 3.93 ERA, 137 K, 1.43 WHIP, .287 BAA in 148.2 IP over 27 games. He was originally drafted by the Tigers in the 11th round in 2013. Green will be 25 on May 24.

RHP Cessa split 2015 between Double A Binghamton, Triple A Las Vegas and Triple A Toledo. He was 7-4, 2.56 ERA, 61 K, 1.22 WHIP, .261 BAA in 77.1 IP over 13 games at Binghamton, 0-3, 8.51 ERA, 24 K, 1.81 WHIP, .354 BAA in 24.1 IP over 5 games at Las Vegas and 1-3, 5.97 ERA, 34 K, 1.62 WHIP, .307 BAA in 37.2 IP over 7 games at Toledo. He originally signed with the Mets in 2008 and was traded to the Tigers in July 2015. Cessa will be 24 on April 25.

Neil Walker traded to Mets

Neil Walker was traded by the Pittsburgh Pirates to the New York Mets on December 9, 2015. The Pirates in exchange received Jonathon Niese.

Walker is a second baseman who hit .269/.328/.427 with 16 HR, 71 RBI, 69 R, 4 SB in 151 games with the Pirates in 2015. Over seven MLB seasons with the Pirates he hit .272/.338/.431 with 93 HR, 418 RBI, 405 R, 26 SB in 836 games. He was originally drafted by the Pirates with the 11th pick of the first round in 2004. Walker will be 31 on September 10.

LHP Niese was 9-10, 4.13 ERA, 113 K, 1.40 WHIP, .280 BAA in 176.2 IP over 33 games with 29 GS in 2015 with the Mets. Over eight MLB seasons with the Mets he was 61-61, 3.91 ERA, 826 K, 1.36 WHIP, .272 BAA in 1068.1 IP over 182 games with 177 GS. He was originally drafted by the Mets in the seventh round in 2005. Niese will be 30 on October 27.

Adam Lind traded to Mariners

Adam Lind was traded by the Milwaukee Brewers to the Seattle Mariners on December 9, 2015. The Brewers in exchange received Carlos Herrera, Daniel Missaki and Freddy Peralta. 

Lind is a 1B\OF who hit .277/.360/.460 with 20 HR, 87 RBI, 72 R, 0 SB in 149 games with the Brewers in 2015. Over 11 MLB seasons with the Mariners, Brewers and Blue Jays he has hit .274/.331/.464 with 166 HR, 608 RBI, 506 R, 6 SB in 1117 games. He was originally drafted by the Blue Jays in the third round in 2004 and was traded to the Brewers in 2014. Lind will be 33 on July 17.

RHP Herrera pitched in 2015 in the Dominican Summer League where he was 4-2, 3.26 ERA, 73 K, 1.01 WHIP, .228 BAA in 80.0 IP over 14 games. He originally signed with the Mariners in 2014 as an amateur free agent out of the Dominican Republic. Herrera will be 19 on October 26.

RHP Missaki pitched in 2015 a Class A Clinton where he was 1-2, 3.41 ERA, 34 K, 1.05 WHIP, .244 BAA in 34.1 IP over 6 games. He originally signed with the Mariners in 2013 as an amateur free agent out of Japan. Missaki turned 20 on April 9th.

RHP Peralta pitched in 2015 at Rookie Arizona where he was 2-3, 4.11 ERA, 67 K, 1.05 WHIP, .242 BAA in 57.0 IP over 11 games. He originally signed with the Mariners in 2013 as an amateur free agent out of the Dominican Republic. Peralta will be 20 on June 4th.

Friday, April 22, 2016

Mitch Keller South Atlantic League PiOW 040716 to 041716

Mitch Keller of the West Virginia Power was selected the South Atlantic League Pitcher of the Week for the span of April 7, 2016 through April 17, 2016. For the week the RHP was 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 2 GS, 10.0 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 0 HBP, 0 BB and 13 K. West Virginia is the Class A team of the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was originally drafted by the Pirates in the second round in 2014. Keller turned 20 on April 4th.

Justin Donatella Midwest League PiOW 040716 to 041716

Justin Donatella of the Kane County Cougars was selected the Midwest League Pitcher of the Week for the span of April 7, 2016 through April 17, 2016. For the week the RHP was 2-0, 0.00 ERA, 2 GS, 12.0 IP, 7 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 1 HBP, 0 BB and 10 K. Kane County is the Class A team of the Arizona Diamondbacks. He was originally drafted by the Diamondbacks in the 15th round in 2015. Donatella will be 22 on September 16.

AJ Ladwig Florida State League PiOW 040716 to 041716

A.J. Ladwig of the Lakeland Flying Tigers was selected the Florida State League Pitcher of the Week for the span of April 7, 2016 through April 17, 2016. For the week he was 2-0, 0.00 ERA, 2 G, 10.0 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 0 HBP, 0 BB and 8 K. Lakeland is the Class A Advanced team of the Detroit Tigers. He was originally drafted by the Tigers in the 11th round in 2014. Ladwig turned 23 on December 24.

Max Povse Carolina League PiOW 040716 to 041716

Max Povse of the Carolina Mudcats was selected the Carolina League Pitcher of the Week for the span of April 7, 2016 through April 17, 2016. For the week the RHP was 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 2 GS, 13.0 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 0 HBP, 2 BB and 14 K. Carolina is the Class A Advanced team of the Atlanta Braves. He was originally drafted by the Braves in the third round in 2014. Povse will be 23 on August 23rd.

Brock Stewart California League PiOW 040716 to 041716

Brock Stewart of the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes was selected the California League Pitcher of the Week for the span of April 7, 2016 through April 17, 2016. For the week RHP was 2-0, 0.82 ERA, 2 GS, 11.0 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 0 HBP, 2 BB and 10 K. Rancho Cucamonga is the Class A Advanced team of the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was originally drafted by the Dodgers in the sixth round in 2014. Stewart will be 25 on October 3rd.

Daniel Mengden Texas League PiOW 040716 to 041716

Daniel Mengden of the Midland RockHounds was selected the Texas League Pitcher of the Week for the span of April 7, 2016 through April 17, 2016. For the week the RHP was 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 2 GS, 12.0 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 0 HBP, 6 BB and 16 K. Midland is the Double A team of the Oakland Athletics. He was originally drafted by the Astros in the fourth round in 2014 and was traded to the Athletics in 2015. Mengden turned 23 on February 19.

Austin Brice Southern League PiOW 040716 to 041716

Austin Brice of the Jacksonville Suns was selected the Southern League Pitcher of the Week for the span of April 7, 2016 through April 17, 2016. For the week the RHP was 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 2 GS, 11.0 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 2 HBP, 4 BB and 8 K.  Jacksonville is the Double A team of the Miami Marlins. He was originally drafted by the Marlins in the ninth round in 2010. Brice will be 24 on June 19.

Aaron Wilkerson Eastern League PiOW 040716 to 041716

Aaron Wilkerson of the Pawtucket Red Sox was selected the Eastern League Pitcher of the Week for the span of April 7, 2016 through April 17, 2016. For the week the RHP was 1-0, 0.54 ERA, 3 GS, 16.2 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 0 HBP, 3 BB and 22 K. Pawtucket is the Double A team of the Boston Red Sox. He was originally signed with the Red Sox in 2014 after starting in the Independent Leagues. Wilkerson will be 27 on May 24.

Jonathan Dziedzic Pacific Coast League PiOW 040716 to 041716

Jonathan Dziedzic of the Omaha Storm Chasers was selected the Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Week for the span of April 7, 2016 through April 17, 2016. For the week the LHP was 1-1, 0.00 ERA, 2 GS, 12.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 0 HBP, 1 BB and 14 K. Omaha is the Triple A team of the Kansas City Royals. He was originally drafted by the Royals in the 13th round in 2013. Dziedzic turned 25 on February 4th.

Zach Eflin International League PiOW 041116 to 041716

Zach Eflin of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs was selected the International League Pitcher of the Week for the span of April 11, 2016 through April 17, 2016. For the week the RHP was 2-0, 0.64 ERA, 2 GS, 14.0 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 0 HBP, 2 BB and 8 K. Lehigh Valley is the Triple A team of the Philadelphia Phillies. He was originally drafted by the Padres with the 33rd pick of the first round in 2012 and was traded to the Dodgers in 2014 and traded to the Phillies the next day. Eflin turned 22 on April 8th.

Jake Arrieta pitches no hitter vs Reds 042116

Jake Arrieta of the Chicago Cubs pitched a no hitter in a 16-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on April 21, 2016. His line for the game was 9.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 0 HBP, 4 BB and 6 K in 119 pitches. The Cubs bats provided ample offense led by Kris Bryant who had a two run home run in the first and a grand slam in the seventh. This season RHP Arrieta is 4-0, 0.87 ERA, 26 K, 0.68 WHIP, .147 BAA in 34.0 IP over 4 games. Over six MLB seasons with the Cubs and Orioles he is 60-38, 3.59 ERA, 743 K, 1.16 WHIP, .224 BAA in 826.1 IP over 140 games with 134 GS. Last season he pitched a no hitter against the Dodgers. He was originally drafted by the Orioles in the fifth round in 2007 and was traded to the Cubs in 2013. Arrieta turned 30 on March sixth.

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Andy Ibanez South Atlantic League POW 040716 to 041716

Andy Ibanez of the Hickory Crawdads was selected the South Atlantic League Player of the Week for the span of April 7, 2016 through April 17, 2016. For the week the second baseman hit 18 for 41, .439/.489/.732 with 7 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 9 RBI, 8 R, 2 SB and 4 BB in 10 games. Hickory is the Class A team of the Texas Rangers. He was originally signed with the Rangers in 2015 as a free agent. Ibanez turned 23 on April 3rd.

Austin Allen Midwest League POW 040716 to 041716

Austin Allen of the Fort Wayne TinCaps was selected the Midwest League Player of the Week for the span of April 7, 2016 through April 17, 2016. For the week the catcher hit 22 for 34, .647/.675/.853 with 4 2B, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 10 R, 0 SB and 5 BB in 10 games. Fort Wayne is the Class A team of the San Diego Padres. He was originally drafted by the Padres in the fourth round in 2015. Allen turned 22 on January 16.

Mitch Walding Florida State League POW 040716 to 041716

Mitch Walding of the Clearwater Threshers was selected the Florida State League Player of the Week for the span of April 7, 2016 through April 17, 2016. For the week the third baseman hit 11 for 34, .324/.400/.824 with 2 2B, 5 HR, 11 RBI, 9 R, 0 SB and 5 BB in 10 games. Clearwater is the Class A Advanced team of the Philadelphia Phillies. He was originally drafted by the Phillies in the fifth round in 2011. Walding will be 24 on September 10.

Mike Papi Carolina League POW 040716 to 041716

Mike Papi of the Lynchburg Hillscats was selected the Carolina League Player of the Week for the span of April 7, 2016 through April 17, 2016. For the week the outfielder hit 11 for 35, .314/.457/.800 with 5 2B, 4 HR, 9 RBI, 9 R, 0 SB and 9 BB in 10 games. Lynchburg is the Class A Advanced team of the Cleveland Indians. He was originally drafted by the Indians with the 38th pick of the first round in 2014. Papi will be 24 on September 19.

Travis Demeritte California League POW 040716 to 041716

Travis Demeritte of the High Desert Mavericks was selected the California League Player of the Week for the span of April 7, 2016 through April 17, 2016. For the week the second baseman hit 14 for 37, .378/.415/1.027 with 2 2B, 2 3B, 6 HR, 11 RBI, 10 R, 2 SB and 2 BB in 9 games. High Desert is the Class A Advanced team of the Texas Rangers. He was originally drafted by the Rangers with the 30th pick of the first round in 2013. Demeritte will be 22 on September 30.

Alex Bregman Texas League POW 040716 to 041716

Alex Bregman of the Corpus Christi Hooks was selected the Texas League Player of the Week for the span of April 7, 2016 through April 17, 2016. For the week the shortstop hit 16 for 40, .400/.467/.800 with 1 2B, 5 HR, 13 RBI, 10 R, 1 SB and 4 BB in 10 games. Corpus Christi is the Double A team of the Houston Astros. He was originally drafted by the Astros with the second pick of the first round in 2015. Bregman turned 22 on March 30. 

Bijan Rademacher Southern League POW 040716 to 041716

Bijan Rademacher of the Tennessee Smokies was selected the Southern League Player of the Week for the span of April 7, 2016 through April 17, 2016. For the week the outfielder hit 11 for 25, .440/.576/.750 with 1 2B, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 6 R, 0 SB and 8 BB in 10 games. Tennessee is the Double A team of the Chicago Cubs. He was originally drafted by the Cubs in the 13th round in 2012. Rademacher will be 25 on June 15.

Jorge Alfaro Eastern League POW 040716 to 041716

Jorge Alfaro of the Reading Fightin Phils was selected the Eastern League Player of the Week for the span of April 7, 2016 through April 17, 2016. For the week the catcher hit 18 for 36, .500/.526/.750 with 4 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 7 R, 0 SB and 1 BB in 8 games. Reading is the Double A team of the Philadelphia Phillies. He originally signed with the Rangers in 2010 as an amateur free agent out of the Columbia and was traded to the Phillies in 2015. Alfaro will be 23 on June 11.

Mike Zunino Pacific Coast League POW 040716 to 041716

Mike Zunino of the Tacoma Rainiers was selected the Pacific Coast League Player of the Week for the span of April 7, 2016 to April 17, 2016. For the week the catcher hit 15 for 34, .441/.444/.882 with 3 2B, 4 HR, 11 RBI, 9 R, 0 SB and 1 BB in 8 games. Tacoma is the Triple A team of the Seattle Mariners. He was originally drafted by the Mariners with the third pick of the first round in 2012.  Zunino turned 25 on March 25.

Trea Turner International League POW 041116 to 041716

Trea Turner of the Syracuse Chiefs was selected the International League Player of the Week for the span of April 11, 2016 through April 17, 2016. For the week the shortstop hit 13 for 30, .433/.500/.633 with 3 2B, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 6 R, 2 SB and 4 BB in 7 games. Syracuse is the Triple A team of the Washington Nationals. He was originally drafted by the Padres with the 13th pick of the first round in 2014 and was traded to the Nationals in 2015. Turner will be 23 on June 30.

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Jose Altuve n Mark Trumbo AL Players of Week 041116 to 041716

Jose Altuve of the Houston Astros and Mark Trumbo of the Baltimore Orioles were selected the American League Co-Players of the Week for the span of April 11, 2016 through April 17, 2016. 

For the week Altuve hit 11 for 27, .407/.484/.852 with 3 2B, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 8 R, 2 SB and 4 BB. This season the second baseman is hitting .296/.377/.593 with 4 HR, 8 RBI, 13 R, 6 SB in 14 games. Over six MLB seasons with the Astros he has hit .305/.344/.418 with 40 HR, 234 RBI, 354 R, 175 SB in 681 games. He originally signed with the Astros in 2007 as an amateur free agent out of Venezuela. Altuve will be 26 on May 6th.

For the week Trumbo hit 8 for 25, .320/.346/.960 with 1 2B, 5 HR, 11 RBI, 8 R, 0 SB and 0 BB. This season the outfielder is hitting .383/.420/.723 with 5 HR, 11 RBI, 11 R, 1 SB in 12 games. Over seven MLB seasons with the Orioles, Mariners, Diamondbacks and Angels he has hit .253/.302/.463 with 136 HR, 420 RBI, 327 R, 21 SB in 701 games. He was originally drafted by the Angels in the 18th round in 2004. Trumbo turned 30 on January 16.

Bryce Harper n Nolan Arenado NL Players of Week 041116 to 041716

Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals and Nolan Arenado of the Colorado Rockies were selected the National League Co-Players of the Week for the span of April 11, 2016 through April 17, 2016.

For the week Harper hit 9 for 26, .346/.400/.846 with 1 2B, 4 HR, 12 RBI, 6 R, 2 SB and 3 BB. This season the outfielder has hit .333/.429/.867 with 7 HR, 20 RBI, 11 R, 3 SB in 13 games. Over his five MLB seasons with the Nationals he has hit .290/.386/.525 with 103 HR, 264 RBI, 338 R, 40 SB in 523 games. He was originally drafted by the Nationals with the first over all pick in 2010. Harper will be 23 on October 16.

For the week Arenado hit 9 for 27, .333/.333/.852 with 2 2B, 4 HR, 12 RBI, 7 R, 0 SB and 0 BB. This season the third baseman is hitting .281/.328/.649 with 6 HR, 16 RBI, 12 R, 0 SB in 14 games. Over four MLB seasons with the Rockies he has hit .282/.319/.507 with 76 HR, 259 RBI, 216 R, 6 SB in 414 games. He was originally drafted by the Rockies in the second round in 2009. Arenado turned 25 on April 16.


Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Jedd Gyorko traded to Cardinals

Jedd Gyorko was traded by the San Diego Padres to the St Louis Cardinals on December 8, 2015. The Padres in exchange received Jon Jay.

Gyorko is a 2B\SS\3B who split 2015 between Triple A El Paso and the Padres. He hit .279/.362/.492 with 4 HR, 9 RBI, 8 R, 0 SB in 16 games at El Paso and .247/.297/.397 with 16 HR, 57 RBI, 34 R, 0 SB in 128 games with the Padres, Over three MLB seasons with the Padres he hit .236/.293/.395 with 49 HR, 171 RBI, 133 R, 4 SB in 364 games. He was originally drafted by the Padres in the second round in 2010. Gyroko will be 28 on September 23.

Jay is an outfielder who split 2015 between Class A Peoria and Triple A Memphis while rehabbing and with the Cardinals. He hit .000/.091/.000 with 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0 R, 0 SB in 3 games at Peoria, .385/.429/.615 with 1 HR, 1 RBI, 3 R, 2 SB in 4 games at Memphis and .210/.306/.257 with 1 HR, 10 RBI, 25 R, 0 SB in 79 games with the Cardinals. Over six MLB seasons with the Cardinals he hit .287/.354/.384 with 29 HR, 227 RBI, 325 R, 43 SB in 757 games. He was originally drafted by the Cardinals in the second round in 2006. Jay turned 31 on March 15.

Evan Scribner traded to Mariners

Evan Scribner was traded by the Oakland Athletics to the Seattle Mariners on December 8, 2015. The Athletics in exchange received Trey Cochran-Gill.

RHP Scribner was 2-2, 4.35 ERA, 64 K, 1.03 WHIP, .251 BAA in 60.0 IP over 54 games with Athletics in 2015. Over five MLB seasons with the Athletics and Padres he was 5-2, 4.21 ERA, 134 K, 1.15 WHIP, .247 BAA, 1 SV in 147.2 IP over 125 games. He was originally drafted by the Diamondbacks in the 28th round in 2007, traded to the Padres in 2008 and selected by the Athletics off waivers in 2011. Scribner will be 31 on July 19.

RHP Cochran-Gill split 2015 between Class A Advanced Bakersfield, Double A Jackson and Triple A Tacoma. He was 2-1, 1.37 ERA, 18 K, 0.56 WHIP, .129 BAA, 2 SV in 19.2 IP over 10 games at Bakersfield, 4-3, 5.43 ERA, 30 K, 1.72 WHIP, .292 BAA, 4 SV in 53.0 IP over 34 games at Jackson and 0-1, 0.00 ERA, 3 K, 1.88 WHIP, .273 BAA in 2.2 IP in 1 game at Tacoma. He was originally drafted by the Mariners in the 17th round in 2014. Cochran-Gill turned 23 on December 10.

Starlin Castro traded to Yankees

Starlin Castro was traded by the Chicago Cubs to the New York Yankees on December 8. 2015. The Cubs in exchange received Adam Warren and a PTBNL. 

The SS\2B hit .265/.296/.375 with 11 HR, 69 RBI, 52 R, 5 SB in 151 games with the Cubs in 2015. Over six seasons with the Cubs he hit .281/.321/.404 with 64 HR, 372 RBI, 394 R, 75 SB in 897 games. He originally signed with the Cubs in 2006 as an amateur free agent out of the Dominican Republic. Castro turned 26 on March 24.

RHP Warren was 7-7, 3.29 ERA, 104 K, 1.16 WHIP, .236 BAA, 1 SV in 131.1 over 43 games with 17 GS in 2015. Over four MLB seasons with the Yankees he was 13-15, 3.39 ERA, 245 K, 1.24 WHIP, .243 BAA, 5 SV in 289.1 IP over 147 games with 20 GS. He was originally drafted by the Yankees in fourth round in 2009. Warren will be 29 on August 25.

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Wade Miley traded to Mariners

Wade Miley was traded by the Boston Red Sox to the Seattle Mariners on December 7, 2015 along with Jonathan Aro. The Red Sox in exchange received Carson Smith and Roenis Elias. 

LHP Miley was 11-11, 4.46 ERA, 147 K, 1.37 WHIP, .265 BAA in 193.2 IP over 32 games with the Red Sox in 2015. Over six MLB seasons with the Mariners, Red Sox and Diamondbacks he is 49-46, 3.97 ERA, 653 K, 1.33 WHIP, .265 BAA in 838.1 IP over 139 games. He was originally drafted by the Diamondbacks with the 43rd pick of the first round in 2008 and traded to the Red Sox in February 2015. Miley turned 29 on November 13.

RHP Aro split 2015 between Double A Portland, Triple A Pawtucket and the Red Sox. He was 3-2, 2.82 ERA, 19 K, 1.03 WHIP, .181 BAA in 22.1 IP over 8 games at Portland, 0-1, 3.14 ERA, 53 K, 1.03 WHIP, .225 BAA, 2 SV in 51.2 IP over 26 games at Pawtucket and 0-1, 6.97 ERA, 8 K, 1.84 WHIP, .341 BAA in 10.1 IP over 6 games with the Red Sox. He originally signed with the Red Sox in 2011 as an amateur free agent out of the Dominican Republic. Aro will be 26 on October 10.

RHP Smith was 2-5, 2.31 ERA, 92 K, 1.01 WHIP, .194 BAA, 13 SV in 70.0 IP over 70 with the Mariners in 2015. Over two MLB seasons with the Mariners he was 3-5, 2.07 ERA, 102 K, 0.97 WHIP, .183 BAA, 13 SV in 78.1 IP over 79 games. He was originally drafted by the Mariners in the eighth round in 2011. Smith will be 26 on October 19.

LHP Elias split 2015 between Triple A Tacoma and the Mariners. He was 4-2, 7.34 ERA, 47 K, 1.60 WHIP, .310 BAA in 61.1 IP over 12 games at Tacoma and 5-8, 4.14 ERA, 97 K, 1.30 WHIP, .245 BAA in 115.1 IP over 22 games with the Mariners. Over two MLB seasons with the Mariners he was 15-20, 3.97 ERA, 240 K, 1.31 WHIP, .247 BAA in 279.0 IP over 51 games. 

Jose Ramirez traded to Braves

Jose Ramirez was traded by the Seattle Mariners to the Atlanta Braves on December 4, 2015 for a PTBNL and cash. RHP Ramirez split 2015 between Triple A Scranton/Wilkes Barre, the New York Yankees, Triple A Tacoma and the Mariners. He was 3-0, 2.90 ERA, 56 K, 1.27 WHIP, .217 BAA, 10 SV in 49.2 IP over 32 games at Scranton/Wilkes Barre, 0-0, 15.00 ERA, 2 K, 3.33 WHIP, .400 BAA in 3.0 IP over 3 games with the Yankees, 1-1, 9.00 ERA, 10 K, 1.77 WHIP, .308 BAA in 13.0 IP over 9 games at Tacoma and 1-0, 11.57 ERA, 3 K, 3.21 WHIP, .375 BAA in 4.2 IP over 5 games with the Mariners. Over two MLB seasons with the Yankees and Mariners he was 1-2, 10.53 ERA, 19 K, 2.64 WHIP, .344 BAA in 19.2 IP over 18 games. He originally signed with the Yankees in 2007 as an amateur free agent out of the Dominican Republic and was traded to the Mariners in July 2015. Ramirez turned 26 on January 21.

Monday, April 11, 2016

Trevor Story NL Player of Week 040316 to 041016

Trevor Story of the Colorado Rockies was selected the National League Player of the Week for the span of April 3, 2016 through April 10, 2016. The rookie started his MLB career rewriting the record books as he hit 9 for 27, .333/.357/1.111, 7 HR, 12 RBI, 7 R, 0 SB and 1 SB in 6 games. He was originally drafted by the Rockies with the 45th pick of the first round in 2011. Story turned 23 on November 15.

Tyler White AL Player of Week 040316 to 041016

Tyler White of the Houston Astros was selected the American League Player of the Week for the span of April 3, 2016 through April 10, 2016. The rookie started his MLB career in grand fashion as he hit 10 for 18, .556/.591/1.167 with 2 2B, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 3 R, 0 SB and 2 BB in 6 games. He was originally drafted by the Astros in the 33rd round in 2013. White will be 26 on October 29.

Sunday, April 10, 2016

Tony Cruz traded to Royals

Tony Cruz was traded by the St Louis Cardinals to the Kansas City Royals on December 2, 2015. The Cardinals in exchange received Jose Martinez.

Cruz is a C\3B who hit .204/.235/.310 with 2 HR, 11 RBI,  6 R, 0 SB in 69 games with the Cardinals in 2015. over five MLB seasons with the Cardinals he hit .220/.262/.310 with 5 HR, 58 RBI, 49 R, 0 SB in 259 games. His MLB caught stealing rate is 27%. He was originally drafted by the Cardinals in the 26th round in 2007. Cruz will be 30 on August 18.

Martinez is a SS\2B who split 2015 between Rookie Burlington and Rookie Idaho Falls. He hit .243/.306/.284 with 1 HR, 24 RBI, 27 R, 4 SB in 57 games at Burlington and .273/.333/.409 with 1 HR, 5 RBI, 2 R, 0 SB in 6 games at Idaho Falls. He originally signed with the Royals in 2013 as an amateur free agent out of Venezuela. Martinez will be 20 on August 15.

Hank Conger traded to Rays

Hank Conger was traded by the Houston Astros to the Tampa Bay Rays on December 2, 2015 for cash. The catcher hit .229/.311/.448 with 11 HR, 33 RBI, 25 R, 0 SB in 73 games with the Astros in 2015. Over seven MLB seasons with the Rays, Astros and Angels he has hit .225/.298/.373 with 28 HR, 104 RBI, 88 R, 0 SB in 329 games. His MLB caught stealing rate is 19%. He was originally drafted by the Angels with the 25th pick of the first round in 2006 and traded to the Astros in 2014. Conger turned 28 on January 29.

Collin Cowgill traded to Indians

Collin Cowgill was traded by the Los Angeles Angels to the Cleveland Indians on December 2, 2015 for cash. The outfielder split 2015 between Class A Advanced Inland Empire, Triple A Salt Lake City and the Angels. He hit .167/.286/.167 with 0 HR, 0 RBI, 2 R, 0 SB in 2 games at Inland Empire, .364/.404/.500 with 1 HR, 4 RBI, 5 R, 0 SB in 12 games at Salt Lake City and .188/.233/.290 with 1 HR, 2 RBI, 10 R, 2 SB in 55 games with the Angels. Over six MLB seasons with the Indians, Angels, Athletics and Diamondbacks he has hit .235/.297/.331 with 12 HR, 57 RBI, 83 R, 14 SB in 312 games. He was originally drafted by the Diamondbacks in the fifth round in 2008, traded to the Athletics in 2011, traded to the Mets in 2012 and traded to the Angels in 2013. Cowgill will be 30 on May 22.

Francisco Pena traded to Orioles

Francisco Pena was traded by the Kansas City Royals to the Baltimore Orioles on December 2, 2015 in exchange for cash. The catcher split 2015 between Triple A Omaha and the Royals. He hit .251/.305/.430 with 13 HR, 48 RBI, 42 R, 4 SB in 95 games at Omaha and .143/.143/.143 with 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0 R, 0 SB in 8 games with the Royals. Over two MLB seasons with the Royals he hit .143/.143/.143 with 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0 R, 0 SB in 9 games. His minor league caught stealing rate was 31%. He originally signed with the Mets as an amateur free agent in 2006. Pena will be 27 on October 12.

Steve Clevenger traded to Mariners

Steve Clevenger was traded by the Baltimore Orioles to the Seattle Mariners on December 2, 2015. The Orioles in exchange received Mark Trumbo and C.J. Riefenhauser.

Clevenger is a C\1B who split 2015 between Triple A Norfolk and the Orioles. He hit .305/.375/.393 with 4 HR, 32 RBI, 28 R, 0 SB in 75 games at Norfolk and .287/.314/.426 with 2 HR, 15 RBI, 11 R, 0 SB in 30 games with the Orioles. Over six MLB seasons with the Mariners, Orioles and Cubs he hit .227/.278/.325 with 3 HR, 41 RBI, 38 R, 0 SB in 149 games. His MLB caught stealing rate is 15%. He was originally drafted by the Cubs in the seventh round in 2006 and traded to the Orioles in 2013. Clevenger turned 30 on April 5th.

Trumbo is a 1B\OF who split 2015 between the Diamondbacks and Mariners. He hit .259/.299/.506 with 9 HR, 23 RBI, 23 R, 0 SB in 46 games with the Diamondbacks and .263/.316/.419 with 13 HR, 41 RBI, 39 R, 0 SB in 96 games with the Mariners. Over seven MLB seasons with the Orioles, Mariners, Diamondbacks and Angels he has hit .251/.302/.458 with 131 HR, 409 RBI, 319 R, 21 SB in 694 games. He was originally drafted by the Angels in the 18th round in 2004, traded to the Diamondbacks in 2013 and traded to the Mariners in June 2015. Trumbo turned 30 on January 16.

LHP Riefenhauser split 2015 between Class A Advanced Charlotte, Triple A Durham and the Rays. He was 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 1 K, 2.00 WHIP, .000 BAA in 1.0 IP in 1 game at Charlotte, 4-2, 2.86 ERA, 34 K, 0.92 WHIP, .200 BAA, 1 SV in 34.2 IP in 29 games at Durham and 1-0, 5.52 ERA, 7 K, 1.50 WHIP, .283 BAA in 14.2 IP in 17 games with the Rays. Over two MLB seasons with the Rays he was 1-0, 6.30 ERA, 9 K, 1.55 WHIP, .284 BAA in 20.0 IP over 24 games. He was originally drafted by the Rays in the 20th round in 2010 and traded to the Mariners in November 2015. Riefenhauser turned 26 on January 30.

Patrick Kivlehan traded to Rangers

Patrick Kivlehan was traded by the Seattle Mariners to the Texas Rangers on December 2, 2015 to complete an earlier deal. He is a 3B\1B\OF who played in 2015 at Triple A Tacoma where he hit .256/.313/.453 with 22 HR, 73 RBI, 58 R, 14 SB in 123 games. He was originally drafted by the Mariners in the fourth round in 2012. Kivlehan turned 26 on December 22. 

Yonder Alonso traded to Athletics

Yonder Alonso was traded by the San Diego Padres to the Oakland Athletics on December 2, 2015 along with Marc Rzepcynski. The Padres in exchange received Drew Pomeranz, Jose Torres and a PTBNL.

Alonso is a first baseman who split 2015 between Class A Advanced Lake Elsinore and Triple A El Paso while rehabbing and the Padres. He hit .167/.444/.167 with 0 HR, 0 RBI, 1 R, 0 SB in 2 games at Lake Elsinore, .231/.412/.306 with 0 HR, 2 RBI, 3 R, 0 SB in 4 games at El Paso and .282/.361/.381 with 5 HR, 31 RBI, 50 R, 2 SB in 103 games with the Padres. Over seven MLB seasons with the Athletics, Padres and Reds he hit .272/.338/.390 with 32 HR, 185 RBI, 169 R, 17 SB in 514 games. He was originally drafted by the Reds with the seventh pick of the first round in 2008 and traded to the Padres in 2011. Alonso turned 29 on April 8th. 

LHP Rzepcynski split 2015 between the Indians and Padres. He was 2-3, 4.43 ERA, 24 K, 1.62 WHIP, .280 BAA in 20.1 IP over 45 games with the Indians and 0-1, 7.36 ERA, 17 K, 1.43 WHIP, .309 BAA in 14.2 IP over 27 games with the Padres. Over eight MLB seasons with the Athletics, Padres, Indians, Cardinals and Blue Jays he is 11-24, 3.93 ERA, 327 K, 1.37 WHIP, .252 BAA, 1 SV in 347.2 IP over 352 games. He was originally drafted by the Blue Jays in the fifth round in 2007, traded to the Cardinals in 2011, traded to the Indians in 2013 and traded to the Padres in July 2015. Rzepcynski will be 31 on August 29. 

LHP Pomeranz split 2015 between Class A Advanced Stockton while rehabbing and the Athletics. He was 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 3 K, 0.00 WHIP, .000 BAA in 2.0 IP in 1 game at Stockton and 5-6, 3.66 ERA, 82 K, 1.19 WHIP, .226 BAA in 86.0 IP over 53 games with 9 GS with the Athletics. Over six MLB seasons with the Padres, Athletics and Rockies he is 15-24, 4.07 ERA, 268 K, 1.34 WHIP, .241 BAA, 3 SV in 296.2 IP over 108 games with 50 GS. He was originally drafted by the Indians with the fifth pick of the first round in 2010, traded to the Rockies in 2011 and traded to the Athletics in 2013. Pomeranz turned 27 on November 22. 

LHP Torres split 2015 between Class A Beloit and Class A Advanced Stockton. He was 4-5, 2.69 ERA, 80 K, 1.06 WHIP, .212 BAA, 8 SV in 73.2 IP over 44 games at Beloit and 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 4 K, 0.27 WHIP, .000 BAA in 3.2 IP over 3 games at Stockton. He originally signed with the Athletics as an international free agent in 2010 out of Venezuela. Torres will be 23 on September 24. 

Allen Webster traded to Pirates

Allen Webster was traded by the Arizona Diamondbacks to the Pittsburgh Pirates on November 25, 2015 for cash. The RHP split 2015 between Triple A Reno and the Diamondbacks. He was 4-6, 8.18 ERA, 62 K, 1.86 WHIP, .350 BAA in 77.0 IP over 15 games at Reno and 1-1, 5.81 ERA, 17 K, 1.68 WHIP, .271 BAA in 31.0 IP over 9 games with 5 gs with the Diamondbacks. Over three MLB seasons with the Diamondbacks and Red Sox he was 7-6, 6.13 ERA, 76 K, 1.60 WHIP, .277 BAA in 120.1 IP over 28 games with 23 gs. He was originally drafted by the Dodgers in the 18th round in 2008, traded to the Red Sox in 2012 and traded to the Diamondbacks in 2015. Webster turned 26 on February 10.

Jed Lowrie traded to Athletics

Jed Lowrie was traded by the Houston Astros to the Oakland Athletics on November 25, 2015. The Astros in exchange received Brendan McCurry. 

Lowrie is a SS/3B/2B who split 2015 between Double A Corpus Christi while rehabbing and the Astros. He hit .214/.267/.286 with 0 HR, 2 RBI, 0 R, 0 SB in 5 games at Corpus Christi and .222/.312/.400 with 9 HR, 30 RBI, 35 R, 1 SB in 69 games with the Astros. Over nine MLB seasons with the Astros, Athletics and Red Sox he has hit .257/.327/.408 with 65 HR, 321 RBI, 328 R, 7 SB in 718 games. He was originally drafted by the Red Sox with the 45th pick of the first round in 2005, traded to the Astros in 2011, traded to the Athletics in 2013 and signed with the Astros as a free agent in 2014. Lowrie will be 32 on April 17.

RHP McCurry split 2015 between Class A Advanced Stockton and Double A Midland. He was 1-2, 1.94 WHIP, 56 K, 0.88 WHIP, .182 BAA, 21 SV in 46.1 IP over 36 games at Stockton and 0-1, 1.62 ERA, 26 K, 0.90 WHIP, .155 BAA, 6 SV in 16.2 IP over 14 games at Midland. He was originally drafted by the Athletics in the 22nd round in 2014. McCurry turned 24 on January 7th.

Rex Brothers traded to Cubs

Rex Brothers was traded by the Colorado Rockies to the Chicago Cubs on November 25.2015. The Rockies in exchange received Wander Cabrera.

RHP Brothers split 2015 between Triple A Albuqurque and the Rockies. He was 5-2, 4.46 ERA, 61 K, 1.68 WHIP, .181 BAA, 3 SV in 42.1 IP over 45 games at Albuquerque and 1-0, 1.74 ERA, 5 K, 1.65 WHIP, .243 BAA in 10.1 IP over 17 games with the Rockies. Over five MLB seasons with the Rockies he was 16-11, 3.42 ERA, 278 K, 1.49 WHIP, .243 BAA, 20 SV in 242.1 IP over 286 games. He was originally drafted by the Rockies with the 34th pick of the first round in 2009. Brothers turned 28 on December 18.

LHP played in the Dominican Summer League in 2015 where he was 4-3, 2.34 ERA, 47 K, 1.25 WHIP, .199 BAA in 42.1 IP over 14 games with 7 GS. He originally signed with the Cubs in 2015 out of the Dominican Republic. Cabrera turned 18 on November 7th.

LJ Hoes traded to Orioles

L.J. Hoes was traded by the Houston Astros to the Baltimore Orioles on November 25, 2015 for cash. The outfielder split 2015 between Triple A Fresno and the Astos. He hit .295/.383/.400 with 3 HR, 53 RBI, 69 R, 26 SB in 99 games at Fresno and .267/.313/.267 with 0 HR, 1 RBI, 1 R, 0 SB in 8 games with the Astros. Over four MLB seasons with the Astros and Orioles he hit .237/.289/.328 with 4 HR, 22 RBI, 37 R, 7 SB in 112 games. He was originally drafted by the Orioles in the third in 2008 and traded to the Astros in 2013. Hoes turned 26 on March 26.

Kirby Yates traded to Indians

Kirby Yates was traded by the Tampa Bay Rays to the Cleveland Indians on November 25, 2015 for cash. The RHP split 2015 between Class A Advanced Charlotte, Triple A Durham and the Rays. He was 0-0, 9.00 ERA, 2 K, 1.50 WHIP, .250 BAA in 2.0 IP over 2 games at Charlotte, 1-2, 5.33 ERA, 34 K, 1.54 WHIP, .265 BAA, 6 SV in 25.1 IP over 23 games at Durham and 1-0, 7.97 ERA, 21 K, 1.48 WHIP, .274 BAA in 20.1 IP over 20 games with the Rays. Over two MLB seasons with the Rays he was 1-2, 5.27 ERA, 63 K, 1.39 WHIP, .258 BAA, 1 SV in 56.1 IP over 57 games. He originally signed with the Rays as an amateur free agent in 2009. Yates turned 29 on March 25.

Tommy Kahnle traded to White Sox

Tommy Kahnle was traded by the Colorado Rockies to the Chicago White Sox on November 24, 2015. The Rockies in exchange received Yency Almonte.

RHP Kahnle split 2015 between Triple A Albuquerque and the Rockies. He was 1-3, 4.67 ERA, 28 K, 1.15 WHIP, .196 BAA, 6 SV in 27.0 IP over 21 games at Albuquerque and 0-1, 4.86 ERA, 39 K, 1.77 WHIP, .250 BAA, 2 SV in 33.1 IP over 36 games with the Rockies. Over two MLB seasons with the Rockies he was 2-2, 4.41 ERA, 102 K, 1.38 WHIP, .220 BAA, 2 SV in 102.0 IP over 90 games. He was originally drafted by the Yankees in the fifth round in 2010. Kahnle will be 27 on August 7th.

RHP Almonte split 2015 between Class A Kannapolis and Class A Advanced Winston-Salem. He was 8-4, 3.88 ERA, 71 K, 1.27 WHIP, .256 BAA in 92.2 IP over 17 games at Kannapolis and 3-3, 2.42 ERA, 39 K, 0.90 WHIP, .179 BAA in 44.2 IP over 7 games at Winston-Salem. He was originally drafted by the Angels in the 17th round in 2012 and was traded to the White Sox in February 2015. Almonte will be 22 on June 4th.

Saturday, April 9, 2016

My Draft 2016

We held our draft last weekend in our keeper league and I went in with deeper pockets than the previous few years. Yet in typical fashion the majority of the other owners had dismantled their teams and had much bigger bankrolls available. We have a $300 cap and I had $104 available to fill 22 spots.

Last season I finished in third as my pitching collapsed to drop me out of second in the last month.. I finished at the top of three of the five offensive categories. Most of my core offense remains intact and I didn't have to worry about that in the draft.

Going into the draft my core team was Paul Goldschmidt at first, Jose Altuve at second, Kris Bryant at third, Carlos Correa at short, Jacob Realmuto at catcher, Bryce Harper, Giancarlo Stanton, Delino DeShields, Randall Grichuk and Anthony Gose in the outfield, CJ Cron for CI, Dee Gordon for MI, and Kyle Seager for flex. The only pitching staff I retained was Jose Fernandez, Michael Wacha, Jake Odorizzi and Shawn Tolleson.

The broad strokes goals of the draft was to build a pitching staff and to add catcher and outfield depth. The specific goal was to attempt the Clayton Kershaw gambit since he was available. If Kershaw was secured it would mean shopping in the bargain bin the remainder of the draft. That was something I was used to. My top prospect target would be AJ Reed and I planned on making an attempt while I still had the funds.

The first round was typical with some high dollar players and a few owners trying to throw early curve balls. Andrew McCutchen went first for $38 followed by Jonathan Lucroy ($13), Russell Martin ($5), Clayton Kersaw ($45). Felix Hernandez ($28), Eric Hosmer ($21), Johnny Cueto ($20), Justin Verlander ($12), Yan Gomes ($7), Byung-ho Park ($7), Jeff Samardzija ($16) and Troy Tulowitzki ($24).  It was surprising to see so many catchers and pitchers go in the first round but in a keeper league each team has their own agenda to add to their roster.

I had been the one that grabbed Kershaw at $45. It was one of the highest amounts played for a player in the history of our league. I was willing to go as high as $51 to get the number one elite pitcher in the MLB.

With my third pick I did snag Reed for ($10) and was willing to go as high as $12 because I think he will be Paul Goldschmidt minus the speed. My fourth and fifth pick ups were catchers  Alex Avila ($1) and JR Murphy ($3). With my 15th and 21st picks I got outfielders Avisail Garcia ($3) and Tyler Naquin ($3). My 22nd and last pick of the draft landed me the Royals top prospect Raul Mondesi for $1. Reed and Mondesi will be starting the season on my farm team with Joey Gallo, Trea Turner, Peter O'Brien, Matt Davidson, Richie Shaffer, Steven Moya and Rob Refsnyder.

I had picked up Joe Kelly with my second pick for $2 to start assembling my bargain bin pitching staff. The rest picked up in the sixth thru 20th range were John Danks ($1), Robbie Ray ($1), Sean Manaea ($4), Brandon Morrow ($4), Anibal Sanchez ($1), Kevin Quakenbush ($1), Gavin Floyd ($2), Phil Hughes ($1), Kendall Graveman ($1), Keone Kela ($3), Nathan Eovaldi ($2), Shae Simmons ($1), Matt Cain ($2) and Derek Holland ($5). Some may only be place holders until someone on the waiver wire is available but some may turn out to be hidden gems. Maneaea will also be starting the season on the farm.

I didn't go into depth on each individual player like in previous year but that would have made this extremely long with 22 picks. The 2016 season is under way and in six months we'll see which moves paid off.