Back to the pitchers this week after two weeks focused on hitters. The three in the spotlight are Major League players Guillermo Moscoso and Bruce Chen plus minor league player Boone Whiting. All are under the radar players that are heating up as the season winds down.
Moscoso is a RHP with the Oakland Athletics in his first full season in the majors. His performance has been much better when pitching at his large home field where he is 4-2 with a 2.81 ERA, 28 strikeouts, 1.04 WHIP and .207 average against in 48 innings over eight games. Compare that to his road stats where he is 2-6 with a 4.82 ERA, 24 strikeouts, 1.44 WHIP and .257 average against in 46.2 innings over 10 games. He showed the ability to dominate in the minors while in the Tigers and Rangers organizations. In 2007 at Class A and A advanced he was 8-2 with a 2.18 ERA, 79 strikeouts and 1.08 WHIP in 90.2 innings over 16 games. In 2008 at Class A advanced and Double A he was 5-4 with a 2.70 ERA, 122 strikeouts and 0.94 WHIP in 86.2 innings over 21 games. Until he develops Moscoso appears safe at home and has the promise to be a good power arm in future seasons. He originally signed with the Tigers as an amateur free agent in 2003 out of Venezuela.
Chen is a LHP with the Kansas City Royals and has been their most consistent pitcher this season. He was won his last five decisions to run his record to 10-5 while posting a 3.94 ERA with 74 strikeouts and 1.36 WHIP in 114.1 innings over 18 games. In his hot August he is 5-1 with a 3.19 ERA, 27 strikeouts and 1.15 WHIP in 36.2 innings over six games. While he is not the most dominating pitcher it is always good to ride a hot streak when you can. He originally signed with the Braves as an amateur free agent in 1993 out of Panama.
Whiting is a RHP in the St Louis Cardinals organization playing at the Class A level. For the season he is 4-2 with a 2.13 ERA, 118 strikeouts and 0.85 WHIP in 114.1 innings with 13 starts among his 29 games. His WHIP currently leads the minors while his average against of .182 ranks second. I have a feeling he may get on the fast track next season through the minors. He was originally drafted by the Cardinals in the 18th round in 2010.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Jim Thome traded to Indians
Jim Thome was traded by the Minnesota Twins to the Cleveland Indians on August 25, 2011 in exchange for a player to be named later. Thome returns to the team he started his career with. Before the trade he was hitting .248/.347/.485 with 12 home runs, 40 RBI, 21 runs and zero steals in 70 games. For his career he has hit .277/.403/.557 with 601 home runs, 1664 RBI, 1555 runs and 19 steals in 2462 games. He was originally drafted by the Indians in the 13th round in 1989.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Aaron Hill traded to Diamondbacks
Aaron Hill was traded by the Toronto Blue Jays to the Arizona Diamondbacks along with John McDonald on August 23, 2011. In exchange the Blue Jays receive Kelly Johnson.
Hill is a second baseman in his seventh season with the Blue Jays. Before the trade he was hitting .225/.270/.313 with six home runs, 45 RBI, 38 runs and 16 steals in 104 games. For his career he has hit .265/.318/..413 with 96 home runs, 409 RBI, 436 runs and 39 steals in 875 games. He was originally drafted by the Blue Jays with the 13th pick in the first round in 2003.
McDonald is a utility player that has played second, third and short in 13 seasons with the Blue Jays, Tigers and Indians. Before the trade he was hitting .250/.285/.345 with two home runs, 20 RBI, 19 runs and 2 steals in 65 games. For his career he has hit .240/.276/.330 with 21 home runs, 177 RBI, 246 runs and 33 steals in 865 games. He was originally drafted by the Indians in the 12th round in 1996.
Johnson is a second baseman who has played six seasons with the Diamondbacks and Braves. Before the trade he was hitting .209/.287/.412 with 18 home runs, 49 RBI, 59 runs and 13 steals in 114 games. For his career he has hit .260/.342/.442 with 89 home runs, 326 RBI, 422 runs and 55 steals in 758 games. HE was originally drafted by the Braves with the 38th pick in the first round in 2000.
Hill is a second baseman in his seventh season with the Blue Jays. Before the trade he was hitting .225/.270/.313 with six home runs, 45 RBI, 38 runs and 16 steals in 104 games. For his career he has hit .265/.318/..413 with 96 home runs, 409 RBI, 436 runs and 39 steals in 875 games. He was originally drafted by the Blue Jays with the 13th pick in the first round in 2003.
McDonald is a utility player that has played second, third and short in 13 seasons with the Blue Jays, Tigers and Indians. Before the trade he was hitting .250/.285/.345 with two home runs, 20 RBI, 19 runs and 2 steals in 65 games. For his career he has hit .240/.276/.330 with 21 home runs, 177 RBI, 246 runs and 33 steals in 865 games. He was originally drafted by the Indians in the 12th round in 1996.
Johnson is a second baseman who has played six seasons with the Diamondbacks and Braves. Before the trade he was hitting .209/.287/.412 with 18 home runs, 49 RBI, 59 runs and 13 steals in 114 games. For his career he has hit .260/.342/.442 with 89 home runs, 326 RBI, 422 runs and 55 steals in 758 games. HE was originally drafted by the Braves with the 38th pick in the first round in 2000.
Kevin Kouzmanoff traded to Rockies
Kevin Kouzmanoff was traded by the Oakland Athletics to the Colorado Rockies on August 23, 2011. In exchange the Athletics will receive a player to be named later or cash. He is in his sixth season playing third base for the Athletics, Padres and Indians. Before the trade he was hitting .221/.262/.353 with four home runs, 17 RBI, 13 runs and 2 steals in 46 games. For his career he has hit .255/.300/.421 with 82 home runs, 345 RBI, 254 runs and 6 steals in 645 games. He was originally drafted by the Indians in the sixth round in 2003.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Proposed statue in Arlington
I have written another article for the Population We blog. I revisit the death of Rangers fan Shannon Stone and address the proposed memorial statue the Rangers have planned. Check it out:
http://population-we.blogspot.com/2011/08/pop-we-baseball-highlights-rangers.html
updated: January 27, 2012
Here is the article I wrote for Population We in August:
The Texas Rangers announced that a statue is in the works that will memorialize Shannon Stone who died after an accident at their stadium earlier this season. The statue will depict Stone and his son Cooper and will likely be placed outside the home plate entrance to Rangers Ballpark in Arlington by the start of the 2012 season. The Rangers will pay for the bronze artwork which Stone's wife Jenny and other family members will help design and create.
In a statement by Jenny Stone she said "Shannon and Cooper had a special relationship, and we are touched and grateful that it will be memorialized at one of their favorite places, Our hope is that this statue will not be a symbol of our family tragedy but rather a reminder of the importance of a family's love -- love of each other, love of spending time together, and love of the game."
Rangers President and CEO Nolan Ryan said that the statue will be a tribute to all baseball fans. "We feel that this statue will be a most fitting tribute," Ryan said. "It will not only serve to honor Mr. Stone's memory, but also to recognize Rangers fans and baseball fans everywhere."
Shannon Stone attended the Rangers game on July 7 with his son Cooper. He died after reaching over a railing and falling more than twenty feet as he attempted to catch a ball tossed by Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton. After the accident the Rangers increased safety measures at the ball park which included raising the height of the rails, placing new warning signs, a pre-game announcement and active security guards offering friendly reminders not to lean on the railings.
Stone was a true hero who served as a firefighter in Brownwood, Texas since 1993. He had twice been voted firefighter of the year and had risen to the rank of lieutenant. He had been involved in the disaster relief efforts following Hurricanes Katrina and Ike in addition to fighting wildfires.
The statue will serve as memorial, tribute and symbol. The relationship Stone shared with his son Cooper as baseball fans will be immortalized in bronze. That bond has been passed along by countless fans who have spent time at ballparks with their children. Generation after generation have shared baseball one season to the next.
Baseball season spans the best seasons of the year. Its part of the baseball lexicon. Spring training. Boys of summer. Fall classic. Three seasons for a father and child to share the sunshine and hot dogs while rooting for their favorite player to get a hit.
The most important message offered by the completed statue will be to cherish your time with your children.
http://population-we.blogspot.com/2011/08/pop-we-baseball-highlights-rangers.html
updated: January 27, 2012
Here is the article I wrote for Population We in August:
The Texas Rangers announced that a statue is in the works that will memorialize Shannon Stone who died after an accident at their stadium earlier this season. The statue will depict Stone and his son Cooper and will likely be placed outside the home plate entrance to Rangers Ballpark in Arlington by the start of the 2012 season. The Rangers will pay for the bronze artwork which Stone's wife Jenny and other family members will help design and create.
In a statement by Jenny Stone she said "Shannon and Cooper had a special relationship, and we are touched and grateful that it will be memorialized at one of their favorite places, Our hope is that this statue will not be a symbol of our family tragedy but rather a reminder of the importance of a family's love -- love of each other, love of spending time together, and love of the game."
Rangers President and CEO Nolan Ryan said that the statue will be a tribute to all baseball fans. "We feel that this statue will be a most fitting tribute," Ryan said. "It will not only serve to honor Mr. Stone's memory, but also to recognize Rangers fans and baseball fans everywhere."
Shannon Stone attended the Rangers game on July 7 with his son Cooper. He died after reaching over a railing and falling more than twenty feet as he attempted to catch a ball tossed by Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton. After the accident the Rangers increased safety measures at the ball park which included raising the height of the rails, placing new warning signs, a pre-game announcement and active security guards offering friendly reminders not to lean on the railings.
Stone was a true hero who served as a firefighter in Brownwood, Texas since 1993. He had twice been voted firefighter of the year and had risen to the rank of lieutenant. He had been involved in the disaster relief efforts following Hurricanes Katrina and Ike in addition to fighting wildfires.
The statue will serve as memorial, tribute and symbol. The relationship Stone shared with his son Cooper as baseball fans will be immortalized in bronze. That bond has been passed along by countless fans who have spent time at ballparks with their children. Generation after generation have shared baseball one season to the next.
Baseball season spans the best seasons of the year. Its part of the baseball lexicon. Spring training. Boys of summer. Fall classic. Three seasons for a father and child to share the sunshine and hot dogs while rooting for their favorite player to get a hit.
The most important message offered by the completed statue will be to cherish your time with your children.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
baseball gods down Eli
Believe in karma? San Francisco Giants catcher was itching for a fight in the Shane Victorino\Phillies brawl and wasn't suspended for his role even though he was very physical and tackled Placido Polanco. Less than two weeks later he give himself a concussion sliding into second base at Atlanta. Brilliant!!
Baseball management also showed once again they have no teeth when they dropped Victorino's suspension from three games to two. Has any player actually served the original punishment handed out? The players union shows they have the real muscle.
While I'm at it I have one more rant. The other night on MLB network Harold Reynolds confirmed something I have long suspected. He said there is an understanding that if a play is close the umpires will call the player out. If a player makes a swipe tag and is in the general area it is an out. I've noticed it on several plays at first. Reynolds claimed that if players made max effort it would lead to more injuries. C'mon! He is actually taking it down to the level of Sunday league softball and neither side is really doing their job. Please don't make baseball a joke!
Baseball management also showed once again they have no teeth when they dropped Victorino's suspension from three games to two. Has any player actually served the original punishment handed out? The players union shows they have the real muscle.
While I'm at it I have one more rant. The other night on MLB network Harold Reynolds confirmed something I have long suspected. He said there is an understanding that if a play is close the umpires will call the player out. If a player makes a swipe tag and is in the general area it is an out. I've noticed it on several plays at first. Reynolds claimed that if players made max effort it would lead to more injuries. C'mon! He is actually taking it down to the level of Sunday league softball and neither side is really doing their job. Please don't make baseball a joke!
Tim Wood traded to Rangers
Tim Wood was traded by the Pittsburgh Pirates to the Texas Rangers on August 18, 2011. In exchange the Pirates will receive a player to be named later.
Wood is a RHP and in his three seasons has pitched for the Pirates and Marlins. Before the trade he was 0-3 with a 5.63 ERA, two strikeouts and 2.00 WHIP in eight innings over 13 games. For his career he is 1-4 with a 4.50 ERA, 28 strikeouts, 16.65 WHIP and one save in 58 innings over 57 games. He was originally drafted by the Marlins in the 44th round in 2002.
Wood is a RHP and in his three seasons has pitched for the Pirates and Marlins. Before the trade he was 0-3 with a 5.63 ERA, two strikeouts and 2.00 WHIP in eight innings over 13 games. For his career he is 1-4 with a 4.50 ERA, 28 strikeouts, 16.65 WHIP and one save in 58 innings over 57 games. He was originally drafted by the Marlins in the 44th round in 2002.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Two Major One Minor 081811
This week I'm going to talk about three players that hit the turbo on the base paths. The two Major League players Tony Campana and Craig Gentry have made the most of limited opportunities to swipe bases at a high rate. Jeremy Hazelbaker has been doing the same in the minors.
Campana is a rookie outfielder with the Chicago Cubs who has 15 steals while only having 103 official at bats. On the season he is hitting .282/.315/.340 with one home run, five RBI and 16 runs in 65 games. That one home run was an inside the park gem. He showed that speed in the minors with 66 steals in 2009 and 48 in 2010. I grabbed him off the waiver wire this season the week that he had four steals in one game and placed him on my farm team. If given the opportunity to become the Cubs regular lead off hitter next season he could start terrorizing catchers for years. He was originally drafted by the Cubs in the 13th round in 2008.
Gentry is an outfielder that has split the last three seasons between the minors and with the Texas Rangers. In terms of stolen base rate his 13 steals with only 87 at bats is impressive. For the season he is hitting .262/.344/.321 with zero home runs, seven RBI and 15 runs in 43 games. He had two productive season on the base paths in 2007 with 42 steals and 2009 with 49. Honestly as stocked as the Rangers are in the outfield his best chance to breakout is to be traded. He was originally drafted by the Rangers in the 10th round in 2006.
Hazelbaker is an outfielder at the Double A level in the Red Sox organization after starting the season at Class A advanced. While in Class A advanced he had 12 steals in 122 at bats and has 28 in 288 Double A at bats. For the season combined he is hitting .261/.348/.416 with 12 home runs, 43 RBI and 78 runs in 106 games. In 2009 he had 63 steals in 116 games. He was originally drafted by the Red Sox in the fourth round in 2009.
Campana is a rookie outfielder with the Chicago Cubs who has 15 steals while only having 103 official at bats. On the season he is hitting .282/.315/.340 with one home run, five RBI and 16 runs in 65 games. That one home run was an inside the park gem. He showed that speed in the minors with 66 steals in 2009 and 48 in 2010. I grabbed him off the waiver wire this season the week that he had four steals in one game and placed him on my farm team. If given the opportunity to become the Cubs regular lead off hitter next season he could start terrorizing catchers for years. He was originally drafted by the Cubs in the 13th round in 2008.
Gentry is an outfielder that has split the last three seasons between the minors and with the Texas Rangers. In terms of stolen base rate his 13 steals with only 87 at bats is impressive. For the season he is hitting .262/.344/.321 with zero home runs, seven RBI and 15 runs in 43 games. He had two productive season on the base paths in 2007 with 42 steals and 2009 with 49. Honestly as stocked as the Rangers are in the outfield his best chance to breakout is to be traded. He was originally drafted by the Rangers in the 10th round in 2006.
Hazelbaker is an outfielder at the Double A level in the Red Sox organization after starting the season at Class A advanced. While in Class A advanced he had 12 steals in 122 at bats and has 28 in 288 Double A at bats. For the season combined he is hitting .261/.348/.416 with 12 home runs, 43 RBI and 78 runs in 106 games. In 2009 he had 63 steals in 116 games. He was originally drafted by the Red Sox in the fourth round in 2009.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Doug Fister trade player named
RHP Chance Ruffin has been named as the player to complete the Doug Fister trade. This season Ruffin has split time between the minors and the Tigers. In Double A and Triple A he was a combined 3-3 with a 2.03 ERA, 60 strikeouts, 1.21 WHIP and 19 saves in 48.2 innings over 44 games. In two games with the Tigers he was 0-0 with a 4.91 ERA, three strikeouts and 1.36 WHIP in 3.2 innings. He will join the Mariners bullpen. He was originally drafted by the Tigers with the 48th pick of the first round in 2010.
Delmon Young trade player named
RHP Lester Oliveros has been named as the player to complete the Delmon Young trade. He split time between the minors and the Tigers bullpen. Between Double A and Triple A he was a combined 3-3 with a 4.20 ERA, 54 strikeouts, 1.53 WHIP and five saves in 45 innings over 32 games. With the Tigers this season he is 0-0 with a 5.63 ERA, four strikeouts and 1.50 WHIP in eight innings over nine games. He will now be on the Twins Triple A team Rochester Red Wings. He originally signed with the Tigers as an amateur free agent in 2005 out of Venezuela.
Hunter Pence trade player named
Minor league outfielder Domingo Santana has been named as the player that completes the Hunter Pence trade. He is 19 and played at the Class A level in the Phillies organization and now is with the Astros Class A team Lexington Legends. Before the trade he hit .269/.345/.434 with seven home runs, 32 RBI, 45 runs and four steals in 96 games. He originally signed with the Phillies as an amateur free agent in 2009 out of the Dominican Republic.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Jim Thome reaches 600
Jim Thome became only the eighth player to reach the 600 home run milestone yesterday. He powered a pitch into the bullpen just beyond the left field wall off Daniel Schlereth of the Detroit Tigers in the seventh inning as two were on base. It was his second home run of the game to help the Twins to a 9-6 victory.
Thome is a powerful man. I like the term country strong. Mitch Williams uses the term "hay hauler strong". He is thick with muscles and built like a bear. In the era of performance enhancers you can tell that Thome is a natural. His father was there to join in the celebration after the game and he has the same build. I seriously doubt that Papa Thome is juicing.
The Hall of Fame will have a spot reserved for Thome. Twenty one seasons in the majors with time on the rosters of the Twins, Dodgers, White Sox, Phillies and Indians. He reached the 40 home run mark six times with his personal best in 2002 when he hit 52 for the Indians. For his career he has hit .277/.403/.558 with 600 home runs, 1662 RBI, 1553 runs and 19 steals in 2456 games. While he did lead the league in strikeouts in 1999, 2001 and 2003 he was able to counter that by leading the league in walks in 1997, 1999 and 2002. He was originally drafted by the Indians in the 13th round in 1989.
Thome is a powerful man. I like the term country strong. Mitch Williams uses the term "hay hauler strong". He is thick with muscles and built like a bear. In the era of performance enhancers you can tell that Thome is a natural. His father was there to join in the celebration after the game and he has the same build. I seriously doubt that Papa Thome is juicing.
The Hall of Fame will have a spot reserved for Thome. Twenty one seasons in the majors with time on the rosters of the Twins, Dodgers, White Sox, Phillies and Indians. He reached the 40 home run mark six times with his personal best in 2002 when he hit 52 for the Indians. For his career he has hit .277/.403/.558 with 600 home runs, 1662 RBI, 1553 runs and 19 steals in 2456 games. While he did lead the league in strikeouts in 1999, 2001 and 2003 he was able to counter that by leading the league in walks in 1997, 1999 and 2002. He was originally drafted by the Indians in the 13th round in 1989.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Delmon Young traded to Tigers
Delmon Young was traded by the Minnesota Twins to the Detroit Tigers on August 15, 2011. In exchange the Twins receive minor league player Cole Nelson and a player to be named later.
Young is an outfielder in his sixth season having played for the Twins and Rays. Before the trade he was hitting .266/.305/.357 with four home runs, 32 RBI, 26 runs and one steal in 84 games. For his career he has hit .289/.322/.426 with 63 home runs, 376 RBI, 314 runs and 34 steals in 689 games. He was originally drafted by the Rays with the first pick of the first round in 2003.
Nelson is a LHP at the Class A Advanced level of the minors and is 22. This season he has split time starting and in the bullpen and is 5-11 with a 4.87 ERA, 87 strikeouts, 1.64 WHIP and 17 starts in 105.1 innings over 26 games. He was originally drafted by the Tigers in the 10th round in 2010.
Young is an outfielder in his sixth season having played for the Twins and Rays. Before the trade he was hitting .266/.305/.357 with four home runs, 32 RBI, 26 runs and one steal in 84 games. For his career he has hit .289/.322/.426 with 63 home runs, 376 RBI, 314 runs and 34 steals in 689 games. He was originally drafted by the Rays with the first pick of the first round in 2003.
Nelson is a LHP at the Class A Advanced level of the minors and is 22. This season he has split time starting and in the bullpen and is 5-11 with a 4.87 ERA, 87 strikeouts, 1.64 WHIP and 17 starts in 105.1 innings over 26 games. He was originally drafted by the Tigers in the 10th round in 2010.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Two Major One Minor 081411
This week the three players I'm covering are all short stops. The two Major League players are Jhonny Peralta and Yuniesky Betancourt while the minor league player is Hak-Ju Lee. It also gives a glimpse how international this game is.
Peralta is having one of the better seasons of his career with the Tigers. I picked him up in our draft this year and he is one of the top performing shortstops in MLB. He is hitting .309/.352/.503 with 16 home runs, 62 RBI, 50 runs and zero steals in 107 games. His power numbers are a clear trade off for his lack speed. He is on track to better his best years of 2005 when he hit .292/.366/.520 with 24 home runs and 78 RBI and 2008 when he hit .276/.331/.473 with 23 home runs and 89 RBI. His production will be counted on as the Tigers try to keep their hold at the top of the American League Central. He was originally signed by the Indians as an amateur free agent in 1999 out of the Dominican Republic.
Betancourt is one of those players that traditionally doesn't put up great numbers. He has a passable .271 career average but doesn't offer much in power or speed and his range at short has been dropping off. Over the past ten games with the Brewers he is on a hot streak hitting .390 with one home run and eight RBI. That home run was the lone run in a 1-0 victory over the Pirates. The hot streak is unlikely to continue as his nearly identical season .270/.289/.397 and career .271/.295/ .394 lines show. I had high hopes for Betancourt when he initially came to the Royals in 2009 and then lauded Dayton Moore as a quasi genius when he was able to unload him to the Brewers in the Greinke trade after the 2010 season. He originally signed with the Mariners as an amateur free agent in 2005 out of Cuba.
Lee was recently promoted to Double A in the Rays organization and represented the team in the 2010 and 2011 Futures Games. He does offer up the ability to hit for average along with speed on the base paths. At Class A advanced he hit .317/.389/.442 with four home runs, 22 RBI, 81 runs and 28 steals in 96 games. In his three Double A games he is hitting .167/.267/.167 with zero home runs, two RBI, three runs and one steal. Lee is 20 and has a bright future. He originally signed with the Rays as an amateur free agent out of South Korea.
Peralta is having one of the better seasons of his career with the Tigers. I picked him up in our draft this year and he is one of the top performing shortstops in MLB. He is hitting .309/.352/.503 with 16 home runs, 62 RBI, 50 runs and zero steals in 107 games. His power numbers are a clear trade off for his lack speed. He is on track to better his best years of 2005 when he hit .292/.366/.520 with 24 home runs and 78 RBI and 2008 when he hit .276/.331/.473 with 23 home runs and 89 RBI. His production will be counted on as the Tigers try to keep their hold at the top of the American League Central. He was originally signed by the Indians as an amateur free agent in 1999 out of the Dominican Republic.
Betancourt is one of those players that traditionally doesn't put up great numbers. He has a passable .271 career average but doesn't offer much in power or speed and his range at short has been dropping off. Over the past ten games with the Brewers he is on a hot streak hitting .390 with one home run and eight RBI. That home run was the lone run in a 1-0 victory over the Pirates. The hot streak is unlikely to continue as his nearly identical season .270/.289/.397 and career .271/.295/ .394 lines show. I had high hopes for Betancourt when he initially came to the Royals in 2009 and then lauded Dayton Moore as a quasi genius when he was able to unload him to the Brewers in the Greinke trade after the 2010 season. He originally signed with the Mariners as an amateur free agent in 2005 out of Cuba.
Lee was recently promoted to Double A in the Rays organization and represented the team in the 2010 and 2011 Futures Games. He does offer up the ability to hit for average along with speed on the base paths. At Class A advanced he hit .317/.389/.442 with four home runs, 22 RBI, 81 runs and 28 steals in 96 games. In his three Double A games he is hitting .167/.267/.167 with zero home runs, two RBI, three runs and one steal. Lee is 20 and has a bright future. He originally signed with the Rays as an amateur free agent out of South Korea.
Friday, August 12, 2011
5 off CC and Z
CC Sabathia and Carlos Zambrano each gave up five home runs in their respective games tonight. Sabathia went eight innings and gave up five solo shots in his 5-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays. Zambrano was ejected in the fifth inning of his 10-4 loss to the Atlanta Braves for attempting to plunk Chipper Jones after Dan Uggla hit the fifth in the previous at bat.
Both pitchers are imposing figures on the mound with Sabathia listed at 6-7, 290 while Zambrano is shown to be 6-5, 270. That didn't matter tonight. The batters got the best of them as nine hit 10 home runs. Against Sabathia Casey Kotchman, Kelly Shoppach, Johnny Damon, Elliott Johnson and Evan Longoria all hit one out for the Rays. Against Zambrano Uggla went deep twice while Chipper Jones, Jose Costanza and Freddie Freeman each added one for the Braves.
It is also reported that after the game Zambrano cleared out his locker and declared that he is retiring. Yet another temper tantrum in a career of many? I've often said that Zambrano puts the Z in crazy.
Both pitchers are imposing figures on the mound with Sabathia listed at 6-7, 290 while Zambrano is shown to be 6-5, 270. That didn't matter tonight. The batters got the best of them as nine hit 10 home runs. Against Sabathia Casey Kotchman, Kelly Shoppach, Johnny Damon, Elliott Johnson and Evan Longoria all hit one out for the Rays. Against Zambrano Uggla went deep twice while Chipper Jones, Jose Costanza and Freddie Freeman each added one for the Braves.
It is also reported that after the game Zambrano cleared out his locker and declared that he is retiring. Yet another temper tantrum in a career of many? I've often said that Zambrano puts the Z in crazy.
Say Hey Wily Mo
Wily Mo Pena is proving that he can dominate at the Triple A level. Yet when he gets to the majors that darn curve ball proves to be too elusive. The Diamondbacks brought him up to DH during inter league play and I temporarily picked him up and benefited from three of his five home runs while with the team. Yet when the team sent him back down and ultimately cut him I cut him too.
For the sake of Wily Mo I hoped that an American League team would pick him up to DH. The Yankees gave him a shot years ago but he never quite clicked. Now the Seattle Mariners may give him that shot again because they signed him and he is crushing the ball again on their Triple A team. In 12 games with Tacoma he is hitting .354/.456/.688 with 4 home runs and 14 RBI. That is a continuation of what he did with Arizona's Triple A team in Reno where he hit .363/.439/.726 with 21 home runs and 63 RBI in 63 games. With the way Pena crushes the ball the cavernous home field in Seattle won't be much of a problem. If only he can improve on his all or nothing approach at the plate while in the majors as displayed by his .196/.196/.522 line in 17 games with the Diamondbacks when he hit five home runs and seven RBI.
Whether it be a new hitting coach, extra practice time or a new approach at the plate I hope that Pena finally gets it to click because I think he has what it takes to be a prolific power hitter. There are only so many "one last attempt" opportunities left.
For the sake of Wily Mo I hoped that an American League team would pick him up to DH. The Yankees gave him a shot years ago but he never quite clicked. Now the Seattle Mariners may give him that shot again because they signed him and he is crushing the ball again on their Triple A team. In 12 games with Tacoma he is hitting .354/.456/.688 with 4 home runs and 14 RBI. That is a continuation of what he did with Arizona's Triple A team in Reno where he hit .363/.439/.726 with 21 home runs and 63 RBI in 63 games. With the way Pena crushes the ball the cavernous home field in Seattle won't be much of a problem. If only he can improve on his all or nothing approach at the plate while in the majors as displayed by his .196/.196/.522 line in 17 games with the Diamondbacks when he hit five home runs and seven RBI.
Whether it be a new hitting coach, extra practice time or a new approach at the plate I hope that Pena finally gets it to click because I think he has what it takes to be a prolific power hitter. There are only so many "one last attempt" opportunities left.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Alfredo Amezaga traded to Marlins
Alfredo Amezaga was traded by the Colorado Rockies to the Florida Marlins on August 6, 2011. In exchange the Rockies receive minor league player Jesus Merchan.
Amezaga is a super utility player who in nine seasons has played first, second, third, short and outfield for the Rockies, Marlins, Pirates and Angels. Before the trade he was hitting .242/.297/.273 with zero home runs, two RBI, five runs and zero steals in 20 games. For his career he has hit .251/.310/.339 with 12 home runs, 108 RBI, 172 runs and 49 steals in 565 games. He was originally drafted by the Angels in the 13th round in 1999.
Merchan is also a utility player who has played second, third and short at the Triple A level on the minors this season. For the season he has hit .268/.313/.328 with one home run, 17 RBI, 22 runs and zero steals in 58 games. He originally signed with the Twins as an amateur free agent in 1999 out of Venezuela.
Amezaga is a super utility player who in nine seasons has played first, second, third, short and outfield for the Rockies, Marlins, Pirates and Angels. Before the trade he was hitting .242/.297/.273 with zero home runs, two RBI, five runs and zero steals in 20 games. For his career he has hit .251/.310/.339 with 12 home runs, 108 RBI, 172 runs and 49 steals in 565 games. He was originally drafted by the Angels in the 13th round in 1999.
Merchan is also a utility player who has played second, third and short at the Triple A level on the minors this season. For the season he has hit .268/.313/.328 with one home run, 17 RBI, 22 runs and zero steals in 58 games. He originally signed with the Twins as an amateur free agent in 1999 out of Venezuela.
Slash Line
I'll admit as much as I like stats I had been a bit old school on how I presented them. I've started to appreciate the slash line more because it gives a better representation on a hitter than just the batting average alone. The on base percentage shows the players ability to get on base whether it be by hit, walk, hit-by-pitch or error increases their chances to score runs. The slugging percentage gives you a better idea of how much a power hitter they are. Going forward I will be using the slash line when discussing hitters much like I've added the WHIP for the pitchers.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Two Major One Minor 080611
This week I'm covering three pitchers that are having good seasons with their ERA. The two Major League players are Ricky Romero and Hiroki Kuroda while the minor league player is Joseph Wieland. Romero and Kuroda are on pace to have career bests in the category.
Romero has been a Jekyll and Hyde type pitcher this season but has still managed to post a 2.98 ERA to go with his 9-9 record. In his third season with the Toronto Blue Jays this RHP has a career 3.71 ERA as he has progressively improved from 4.30 his first season and 3.73 last year. Over his last 10 games Romero is 4-4 with a 2.78 ERA which shows he is still on track to finish strong. He started his pro career after he was drafted by the Blue Jays with the sixth pick in the first round in 2005.
Kuroda is a RHP having a hard luck season as his 2.96 ERA compared to his 7-13 record showcases. The Dodgers have only given him 2.8 runs per game over 22 games and Kuroda had to dominate the Padres his last outing to escape with a 1-0 victory. In his four year career with the Dodgers he has a 3.46 ERA after going 3.73, 3.76 and 3.39 in his previous seasons. Before the Dodgers he pitched for 11 seasons for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp and only had three better seasons: 13-6 with a 1.86 ERA in 2006, 12-8 with a 3.03 ERA in 2001 and 15-12 with a 3.17 ERA in 2005. He still appears to be pitching at a high level as he enters the twilight of his career.
Wieland is a RHP on the other end of the spectrum as he fast tracked through the Texas Rangers minor league system before being traded to the Padres last week. I actually mentioned him in my post on the Mike Adams trade but his performance warrants extra time in the spot light. At Class A advanced he was 3-2 with a 2.14 ERA, 62 strikeouts and 0.55 WHIP in 54.2 innings over nine games and he was 5-2 with a 4.32 ERA, 61 strikeouts and 1.20 WHIP in 66.2 innings over 11 games with the Rangers Double A team. In his first game with the Padres Double A team he had 7 strikeouts and no walks over six innings in a no decision to start with a 1.50 ERA and 0.50 WHIP. Between the three teams combined his 1.79 ERA is second in all the minors and his 0.97 WHIP is fifth best. His future may get an additional bump if these skills translate to the majors and he joins the Padres rotation and play in their pitcher's haven.
Romero has been a Jekyll and Hyde type pitcher this season but has still managed to post a 2.98 ERA to go with his 9-9 record. In his third season with the Toronto Blue Jays this RHP has a career 3.71 ERA as he has progressively improved from 4.30 his first season and 3.73 last year. Over his last 10 games Romero is 4-4 with a 2.78 ERA which shows he is still on track to finish strong. He started his pro career after he was drafted by the Blue Jays with the sixth pick in the first round in 2005.
Kuroda is a RHP having a hard luck season as his 2.96 ERA compared to his 7-13 record showcases. The Dodgers have only given him 2.8 runs per game over 22 games and Kuroda had to dominate the Padres his last outing to escape with a 1-0 victory. In his four year career with the Dodgers he has a 3.46 ERA after going 3.73, 3.76 and 3.39 in his previous seasons. Before the Dodgers he pitched for 11 seasons for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp and only had three better seasons: 13-6 with a 1.86 ERA in 2006, 12-8 with a 3.03 ERA in 2001 and 15-12 with a 3.17 ERA in 2005. He still appears to be pitching at a high level as he enters the twilight of his career.
Wieland is a RHP on the other end of the spectrum as he fast tracked through the Texas Rangers minor league system before being traded to the Padres last week. I actually mentioned him in my post on the Mike Adams trade but his performance warrants extra time in the spot light. At Class A advanced he was 3-2 with a 2.14 ERA, 62 strikeouts and 0.55 WHIP in 54.2 innings over nine games and he was 5-2 with a 4.32 ERA, 61 strikeouts and 1.20 WHIP in 66.2 innings over 11 games with the Rangers Double A team. In his first game with the Padres Double A team he had 7 strikeouts and no walks over six innings in a no decision to start with a 1.50 ERA and 0.50 WHIP. Between the three teams combined his 1.79 ERA is second in all the minors and his 0.97 WHIP is fifth best. His future may get an additional bump if these skills translate to the majors and he joins the Padres rotation and play in their pitcher's haven.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Erik Bedard traded to Red Sox
Erik Bedard was traded by the Seattle Mariners to the Boston Red Sox along with minor league player Josh Fields in a three team deal on July 31, 2011. The Red Sox also received minor league player Trayvon Robinson from the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Red Sox then sent Robinson and minor league player Chih-Hsien Chiang to Seattle and minor league players Tim Federowicz, Juan Rodriguez and Stephen Fife to Los Angeles.
Bedard is a LHP who has played eight seasons for the Mariners and Orioles. Before the trade he was 4-7 with a 3.45 ERA, 87 strikeouts and 1.17 WHIP in 83 innings over 16 games. For his career he is 55-48 with a 3.69 ERA, 888 strikeouts and 1.31 WHIP in 913.1 innings over 160 games. He was originally drafted by the Orioles in the sixth round in 1999.
Fields is a RHP who has pitched at the Double A and Triple A levels of the minors this season. Before the trade he was 1-2 with a 2.77 ERA, 26 strikeouts, 1.39 WHIP in 26 innings over 20 Double A games and was 0-0 with a 6.23 ERA, 13 strikeouts, 1.85 WHIP in 13 innings over nine Triple A games. He was originally drafted by the Mariners with the 20th pick of the first round in 2008.
Robinson is an outfielder at the Triple A level of the minors. He was hitting .293 with 26 home runs, 71 RBI, 70 runs and 8 steals in 100 games. He was originally drafted by the Dodgers in the 10th round in 2005.
Chiang is an outfielder at the Double A level of the minors. He was hitting .340 with 18 home runs, 76 RBI, 68 runs and 6 steals in 88 games. He originally signed with the Red Sox as an amateur free agent in 2005 from Taiwan.
Federowicz is a catcher at the Double A level of the minors. He was hitting .277 with eight home runs, 52 RBI, 46 runs and one steal in 90 games.He was originally drafted by the Red Sox in the seventh round in 2008.
Rodriguez is a RHP at the Class A level of the minors. This season he is 2-4 with a 5.19 ERA, 88 strikeouts and 1.51 WHIP in 59 innings over 32 games. He originally signed with the Red Sox as an amateur free agent in 2008 out of the Dominican Republic.
Fife is a RHP at the Double A level of the minors. This season he is 11-4 with a 3.66 ERA, 70 strikeouts and 1.39 WHIP in 103.1 innings over 19 games. He was originally drafted by the Red Sox in the third round in 2008.
Bedard is a LHP who has played eight seasons for the Mariners and Orioles. Before the trade he was 4-7 with a 3.45 ERA, 87 strikeouts and 1.17 WHIP in 83 innings over 16 games. For his career he is 55-48 with a 3.69 ERA, 888 strikeouts and 1.31 WHIP in 913.1 innings over 160 games. He was originally drafted by the Orioles in the sixth round in 1999.
Fields is a RHP who has pitched at the Double A and Triple A levels of the minors this season. Before the trade he was 1-2 with a 2.77 ERA, 26 strikeouts, 1.39 WHIP in 26 innings over 20 Double A games and was 0-0 with a 6.23 ERA, 13 strikeouts, 1.85 WHIP in 13 innings over nine Triple A games. He was originally drafted by the Mariners with the 20th pick of the first round in 2008.
Robinson is an outfielder at the Triple A level of the minors. He was hitting .293 with 26 home runs, 71 RBI, 70 runs and 8 steals in 100 games. He was originally drafted by the Dodgers in the 10th round in 2005.
Chiang is an outfielder at the Double A level of the minors. He was hitting .340 with 18 home runs, 76 RBI, 68 runs and 6 steals in 88 games. He originally signed with the Red Sox as an amateur free agent in 2005 from Taiwan.
Federowicz is a catcher at the Double A level of the minors. He was hitting .277 with eight home runs, 52 RBI, 46 runs and one steal in 90 games.He was originally drafted by the Red Sox in the seventh round in 2008.
Rodriguez is a RHP at the Class A level of the minors. This season he is 2-4 with a 5.19 ERA, 88 strikeouts and 1.51 WHIP in 59 innings over 32 games. He originally signed with the Red Sox as an amateur free agent in 2008 out of the Dominican Republic.
Fife is a RHP at the Double A level of the minors. This season he is 11-4 with a 3.66 ERA, 70 strikeouts and 1.39 WHIP in 103.1 innings over 19 games. He was originally drafted by the Red Sox in the third round in 2008.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Michael Bourn traded to Braves
Michael Bourn was traded by the Houston Astros to the Atlanta Braves on July 31, 2011. In exchange the Astros receive Jordan Schafer and minor league players Juan Abreu, Paul Clemens and Brett Oberholtzer.
Outfielder Michael Bourn is in his sixth season and has played for the Astros and Phillies. Before the trade he hit .303 with one home run, 32 RBI, 64 runs and 39 steals in 105 games. For his career he has hit .271 with 12 home runs, 140 RBI, 333 runs and 212 steals in 664 games. He was originally drafted by the Phillies in the fourth round in 2003.
Schafer is an outfielder who has split time between the minors and the Braves the past three seasons. Before the trade he hit .256 with one home run, 21 RBI, 21 runs and 6 steals in 42 Triple A games and hit .240 with one home run, seven RBI, 32 runs, and 15 steals in 52 games with Atlanta. He was originally drafted by the Braves in the third round in 2005.
Abreu is a RHP who was at the Triple A level of the minors at the time of the trade. He was 4-2 with a 2.25 ERA, 68 strikeouts, 1.27 WHIP and one save in 48 innings over 41 games. He originally signed with the Royals as an amateur free agent in 2003 out of the Dominican Republic.
Clemens is a RHP at the Double A level of the minors. This season he is 6-5 with a 3.73 ERA, 93 strikeouts and 1.35 WHIP in 108.2 innings over 20 games. He was originally drafted by the Braves in the seventh round in 2007.
Oberholtzer is a LHP at the Double A level of the minors. This season he is 9-9 with a 3.74 ERA, 93 strikeouts and 1.26 WHIP in 127.2 innings over 21 games. He was originally drafted by the Braves in the eighth round in 2008.
Outfielder Michael Bourn is in his sixth season and has played for the Astros and Phillies. Before the trade he hit .303 with one home run, 32 RBI, 64 runs and 39 steals in 105 games. For his career he has hit .271 with 12 home runs, 140 RBI, 333 runs and 212 steals in 664 games. He was originally drafted by the Phillies in the fourth round in 2003.
Schafer is an outfielder who has split time between the minors and the Braves the past three seasons. Before the trade he hit .256 with one home run, 21 RBI, 21 runs and 6 steals in 42 Triple A games and hit .240 with one home run, seven RBI, 32 runs, and 15 steals in 52 games with Atlanta. He was originally drafted by the Braves in the third round in 2005.
Abreu is a RHP who was at the Triple A level of the minors at the time of the trade. He was 4-2 with a 2.25 ERA, 68 strikeouts, 1.27 WHIP and one save in 48 innings over 41 games. He originally signed with the Royals as an amateur free agent in 2003 out of the Dominican Republic.
Clemens is a RHP at the Double A level of the minors. This season he is 6-5 with a 3.73 ERA, 93 strikeouts and 1.35 WHIP in 108.2 innings over 20 games. He was originally drafted by the Braves in the seventh round in 2007.
Oberholtzer is a LHP at the Double A level of the minors. This season he is 9-9 with a 3.74 ERA, 93 strikeouts and 1.26 WHIP in 127.2 innings over 21 games. He was originally drafted by the Braves in the eighth round in 2008.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Brad Ziegler traded to Diamondbacks
Brad Ziegler was traded by the Oakland Athletics to the Arizona Diamondbacks on July 31, 2011. In exchange the Athletics receive Brandon Allen and Jordan Norberto.
Ziegler is a RHP who was in his fourth season with the Athletics. Before the trade he was 3-2 with a 2.39 ERA, 29 strikeouts, 1.35 WHIP and one save in 37.2 innings over 43 games. For his career he is 11-13 with a 2.49 ERA, 154 strikeouts, 1.35 WHIP and 19 saves in 231.1 innings over 233 games. He was originally drafted by the Phillies in the 20th round in 2003.
Allen has played first base and outfield in Triple A and with the Diamondbacks. This season he has hit .306 with 18 home runs, 66 RBI, 75 runs and 7 steals in 83 games in Triple A and he hit .172 with three home runs, seven RBI, five runs and one steal in 11 games with Arizona. He was originally drafted by the White Sox in the fifth round in 2004.
Norberto is a LHP who was in his first season with Arizona. He was 0-2 with a 5.85 ERA, 15 strikeouts and 1.90 WHIP in 20 innings over 33 games. He originally signed with the Diamondbacks as an amateur free agent in 2004 out of the Dominican Republic.
Ziegler is a RHP who was in his fourth season with the Athletics. Before the trade he was 3-2 with a 2.39 ERA, 29 strikeouts, 1.35 WHIP and one save in 37.2 innings over 43 games. For his career he is 11-13 with a 2.49 ERA, 154 strikeouts, 1.35 WHIP and 19 saves in 231.1 innings over 233 games. He was originally drafted by the Phillies in the 20th round in 2003.
Allen has played first base and outfield in Triple A and with the Diamondbacks. This season he has hit .306 with 18 home runs, 66 RBI, 75 runs and 7 steals in 83 games in Triple A and he hit .172 with three home runs, seven RBI, five runs and one steal in 11 games with Arizona. He was originally drafted by the White Sox in the fifth round in 2004.
Norberto is a LHP who was in his first season with Arizona. He was 0-2 with a 5.85 ERA, 15 strikeouts and 1.90 WHIP in 20 innings over 33 games. He originally signed with the Diamondbacks as an amateur free agent in 2004 out of the Dominican Republic.
Ryan Ludwick traded to Pirates
Ryan Ludwick was traded by the San Diego Padres to the Pittsburgh Pirates on July 31, 2011. In exchange the Padres with receive a player to be named later or cash,
Ludwick is an outfielder who has played nine seasons with the Padres, Cardinals, Indians and Rangers. Before the trade he hit .238 with 11 home runs, 64 RBI, 42 runs and 1 steal in 101 games. For his career he has hit .262 with 115 home runs, 439 RBI, 352 runs and 17 steals in 752 games. He was originally drafted by the Athletics in the second round in 1999.
Ludwick is an outfielder who has played nine seasons with the Padres, Cardinals, Indians and Rangers. Before the trade he hit .238 with 11 home runs, 64 RBI, 42 runs and 1 steal in 101 games. For his career he has hit .262 with 115 home runs, 439 RBI, 352 runs and 17 steals in 752 games. He was originally drafted by the Athletics in the second round in 1999.
Mike Adams traded to Rangers
Mike Adams was traded by the San Diego Padres to the Texas Rangers on July 31, 2011. In exchange the Padres receive minor league players Robbie Erlin and Joseph Wieland.
RHP Mike Adams has pitched for seven seasons for the Padres and Brewers. Before the trade he was 3-1 with a 1.13 ERA, 49 strikeouts, 0.73 WHIP and one save in 48 innings over 48 games. For his career he is 11-9 with a 2.11 ERA, 295 strikeouts, 1.01 WHIP and two saves in 285.2 innings over 270 games. He originally signed with the Brewers as an amateur free agent in 2001.
Erlin is a LHP at the Double A level of the minors after starting the season at Class A advanced and is 20. At Class A advanced he was 3-2 with a 2.14 ERA, 62 strikeouts and 0.55 WHIP in 54.2 innings over nine games and he was 5-2 with a 4.32 ERA, 61 strikeouts and 1.20 WHIP in 66.2 innings over 11 Double A games. He was originally drafted by the Rangers in the third round in 2009.
Wieland is a RHP at the Double A level of the minors who also started the season at Class A advanced and is 21. At Class A advanced he was 6-3 with a 2.10 ERA, 96 strikeouts and 0.96 WHIP in 85.2 innings over 14 games and he was 4-0 with a 1.23 ERA, 36 strikeouts and 1.05 WHIP in 44 innings over seven Double A games. He was originally drafted by the Rangers in the fourth round in 2008.
RHP Mike Adams has pitched for seven seasons for the Padres and Brewers. Before the trade he was 3-1 with a 1.13 ERA, 49 strikeouts, 0.73 WHIP and one save in 48 innings over 48 games. For his career he is 11-9 with a 2.11 ERA, 295 strikeouts, 1.01 WHIP and two saves in 285.2 innings over 270 games. He originally signed with the Brewers as an amateur free agent in 2001.
Erlin is a LHP at the Double A level of the minors after starting the season at Class A advanced and is 20. At Class A advanced he was 3-2 with a 2.14 ERA, 62 strikeouts and 0.55 WHIP in 54.2 innings over nine games and he was 5-2 with a 4.32 ERA, 61 strikeouts and 1.20 WHIP in 66.2 innings over 11 Double A games. He was originally drafted by the Rangers in the third round in 2009.
Wieland is a RHP at the Double A level of the minors who also started the season at Class A advanced and is 21. At Class A advanced he was 6-3 with a 2.10 ERA, 96 strikeouts and 0.96 WHIP in 85.2 innings over 14 games and he was 4-0 with a 1.23 ERA, 36 strikeouts and 1.05 WHIP in 44 innings over seven Double A games. He was originally drafted by the Rangers in the fourth round in 2008.
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