Too Much Braun and Not Enough Brains

Too Much Braun and Not Enough Brains

September 28, 2011 may well go down in Brewers history as the day that the organization made the biggest mistake it ever had in its history. That was the day the organization decided to let Prince Fielder walk out the door and build around Ryan Braun. Right now on July 23, 2013 if given the choice again the team wouldn’t be able to get away from Braun fast enough.

Braun was suspended yesterday without pay for the rest of the season, and like most others before him, looked like a pathetic liar, admitting guilt in a statement once caught, but continuously denying any wrongdoing before that point. Braun stated "As I have acknowledged in the past, I am not perfect, I realize now that I have made some mistakes. I am willing to accept the consequences of those actions. This situation has taken a toll on me and my entire family, and it has been a distraction to my teammates and the Brewers organization. I am very grateful for the support I have received from players, ownership and the fans in Milwaukee and around the country. Finally, I wish to apologize to anyone I may have disappointed -- all of the baseball fans especially those in Milwaukee, the great Brewers organization, and my teammates. I am glad to have this matter behind me once and for all, and I cannot wait to get back to the game I love."

Sorry Ryan, not even close to being good enough. If you were so sorry you wouldn’t have even thought to do it in the first place, and secondly, when confronted last season with elevated testosterone levels, you would have admitted guilt then instead of outright denials and accusations of sample tampering. What these players fail to understand is that the public is far more forgiving when faced with honesty and sincerity. Jason Giambi and Andy Pettitte admitted what they did, and although yes they will have to live with the stigma of being cheaters, face nowhere near the vitriol that players like Clemens, Bonds, and A-Rod do.

Considering the investment the organization made in Braun, from his contract to marketing campaigns making him the face of the franchise, he should be disgusted with himself. Cheating is bad enough but when you lie on top of it, there’s no forgiveness. I hope he feels all his accomplishments obtained while juicing were well worth bearing the scarlet letter for the rest of his career.

F. Scott Fitzgerald once said, “Show me a hero and I’ll write you a tragedy.” Well Mr. Fitzgerald, I present to you Ryan Braun, but unfortunately this tragedy will write itself and leave you with nothing to do.

Locke is Key: The Forgotten Cy Young Contender and the Pittsburgh Pirates

Locke is Key: The Forgotten Cy Young Contender and the Pittsburgh Pirates

The story with the Pittsburgh Pirates this year always revolves around their quest to end the drought of 20 years with a losing record or how outstanding their bullpen is. However, the much bigger story at hand, which gets no publicity or fanfare, is the season of Jeff Locke. Locke was always considered a top 10 organizational prospect, but no one could predict the season he is currently having.

Although A.J. Burnett is the seasoned veteran and leader of the staff, Locke will be the most important piece for the remainder of the season and the chase for a winning record and playoff spot. The way things are looking now, it seems like a foregone conclusion that the streak comes to an end and Pittsburgh finds itself in the postseason, but anything can happen. Burnett has always been inconsistent, Liriano, though having a great year, could come back to Earth at any time, and Charlie Morton is not the pitcher he once was. That leaves the young combo of Locke and Cole to carry this team.

Jeff Locke doesn’t get the publicity he deserves because he isn’t a “sexy” choice. Nothing about him really jumps out. Matt Harvey has the strikeouts, Clayton Kershaw has the hardware, Adam Wainwright doesn’t walk anybody, but Jeff Locke, he just gets guys out. He doesn’t have overpowering stuff that he can blow by hitters; he gives up his fair share of walks, but in the end he gets outs. He is currently on a streak of giving up 3 ERs or less in 16 straight starts. He has a 9-2 record with a 2.11 ERA yet most fans wouldn’t be able to pick this guy out of a photo array.

Something tells me that all of this is probably fine with Locke, as the team winning and having success is more important than his own personal accolades, but come October, on the biggest stage of his life, Locke will make his name known in the playoffs.

Catch and Release: Why it Makes No Sense for the Marlins to Trade Giancarlo Stanton Right Now

Catch and Release: Why it Makes No Sense for the Marlins to Trade Giancarlo Stanton Right Now

As is always the case around July 31^st, the MLB trade rumors are heating up. The biggest discussion seems to be whether the Miami Marlins will part ways with star outfielder Giancarlo Stanton. Well, I’m here to tell you that it would be a mistake. There are some who also feel this way, but trade rumors, like vampires, never die unless a wooden stake is driven right into the heart. There are way too many reasons for the Marlins to hold onto Stanton, and even someone like Jeffrey Loria has to be able to see that.

The most important reason is team control. Stanton is earning $537,000 this season, and will become a free agent until after the 2016 season. He does become arbitration eligible after next season and will see his salary increase for sure but the Marlins will still be retaining him at a less than market wage. For a penny pinching owner like Loria, why give up right now on a star player with that type of deal? The team needs someone to build around and be the face of the franchise and who better than Stanton.

The second reason to not trade him is the roster around him. Make no mistake the Marlins are no threat to be winning World Series but they have some good young pieces that have developed quicker than the team expected. Keep the core intact and see what they can do.

Once again, despite the penchant of Loria to hold these fire sales and unload anyone and everyone, there is precedent for him keeping young, team controlled talent. In 2003 after the Marlins won the World Series they got rid of every piece they could except for some guy named Miguel Cabrera, not sure if you’ve ever heard of him. When Loria knew he no longer had leverage and Cabrera would not be sticking around and signing a long term deal; that is when he pulled the trigger on a trade. I see the same situation occurring with Stanton. He will be traded but it won’t be until 2015-2016. By that time the Marlins will have developed the talent around him and will be in the hunt for the playoffs. Plus the haul they take in for Stanton at that point will most likely be greater than what they get now.

Another factor to consider when it comes to Stanton is that he is only 23 years old. He, like the rest of his teammates isn’t a fully developed player. He still has some learning to do and has a much higher ceiling to ascend to. The power is there for sure, as is the rocket for an arm in right field but his swing selection and understanding of the strike zone still need some improvement.

It is perfectly understandable for teams to feel like they can catch the big fish because a team like the Marlins is always willing to listen. However, let’s hope even Jeffrey Loria isn’t dumb enough to screw this up and doesn’t pull the trigger prematurely. My advice would be this: the lines will always be cast in the ocean, and it’s ok to nibble on all the worms, but wait for that one hook with the irresistible bait and let it reel you in.

Breaking Out the Crystal Ball for some Division and Award Predictions

Breaking Out the Crystal Ball for some Division and Award Predictions

Time sure does fly when you’re having fun. We’re past the midway point of the 2013 season and the All-Star Game is less than a week away. As with any season there have been surprises, disappointments, phenomenal rookies taking their place on the grand stage, and controversy. This column is more what lies ahead than what we’ve left behind, as I will take a chance on predicting division winners, a World Series champion, and award winners based on what’s happened so far.

 

AL EAST: Tampa Bay Rays

Before the season started I predicted Tampa to win the AL East and right now I see no reason to think otherwise. Because of injuries on Toronto and New York and lack of quality pitching for Baltimore I see this division ending up as a two team race between Boston and Tampa. Jon Lester has looked abysmal lately for Boston, where as Tampa is getting their ace, David Price, back from injury. The pitching is rounding into form, the bullpen is improving, and thanks to Desmond Jennings, one of the hottest players in the game, Tampa has fought their way back into contention. Their great play will continue and with Joe Maddon at the helm this team will be October bound.

AL CENTRAL: Detroit Tigers

The Indians and Royals have played well enough to hang around but Detroit has too much fire power and will pull away with a big second half run. Justin Verlander hasn’t quite been himself this season but Max Scherzer has more than made up for it. Scherzer is having a career year and proving just how good he truly is.

AL WEST: Oakland Athletics

The Oakland A’s are continuing to show that last season was no fluke. Despite their best pitcher being Bartolo Colon and a lineup of names a lot of casual fans wouldn’t recognize, they continue to play fantastic baseball. The key with Oakland is their depth. They truly are a 1-25 team as every guy contributes and plays a significant role. They will hold off the Rangers and claim their second division title in a row.

Wild Cards: Boston Red Sox and Texas Rangers

Based on their first half play and the fact that I don’t see a team from the AL Central contending for a wild card spot it will be these two teams in a one game showdown. The Yankees are too old and injured, the Orioles don’t have enough pitching, and the Angels, well, let’s not even get into that disappointment of a team. If Boston and Texas were to win their divisions I really don’t see any way that Tampa and Oakland aren’t the wild cards. So as far as I’m concerned these AL teams will be in the playoffs for sure, it’s just a question of whether they finish 1 or 2 in the East and West.

NL EAST: Washington Nationals

This prediction is based more on Atlanta being a .500 team after the hot start to the season then it is about Washington becoming a second half juggernaut. Even with one of the worst starters in baseball in Dan Haren, I see Washington making enough of a run and playing well enough to overtake Atlanta. The Braves can’t hit and there’s nothing to show that it’s going to change for them. Add in the fact that Fredi Gonzalez could very well over work his bullpen in the second half, I don’t think Atlanta will even make the playoffs.

NL CENTRAL: St. Louis Cardinals

The best team in baseball in the best top heavy division in baseball will continue to play fantastic baseball in the second half and earn the division crown. Led by a killer lineup and a pitching staff with more depth than an Olympic pool, the Cardinals have torn through the competition putting up offensive numbers that are unheard of. The Pirates are on their tails but there’s too much talent and experience here to lose the lead.

NL WEST: Los Angeles Dodgers

Thanks to rookie sensation Yasiel Puig and the 1-2 punch of Kershaw and Greinke, the Dodgers will taste the postseason again. The NL West is the mediocre division this year with every team playing just bad enough to keep all the others in the race, and lucky for them someone has to win the division. None of these teams should be allowed near the postseason given the records and performances of other divisions teams but thankfully for the Dodgers and their fans they will be the best of the worst.

Wild Cards: Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati Reds

Who would’ve thought a division could produce two wild cards this year and it not be the AL East. Pittsburgh and Cincinnati are clearly better than all the other NL teams and will be doing battle in the one game showdown when the playoffs start. For Pittsburgh it’s going to be a wild and crazy October as the 20 year drought will officially be coming to an end. Cincinnati has answered a lot of questions in the first half, mostly surrounding Shin Shoo Choo and his ability to leadoff and play centerfield, and will be rewarded with a postseason berth.

Playoff Predictions

Texas defeats Boston and Pittsburgh defeats Cincinnati in the one game playoffs.

ALDS/NLDS

Detroit defeats Texas in 4 games

Oakland defeats Tampa in 5 games

St. Louis defeats Los Angeles in 4 games

Pittsburgh defeats Washington in 4 games

ALCS/NLCS

Detroit defeats Oakland in 6 games

St. Louis defeats Pittsburgh in 5 games

World Series

St. Louis defeats Detroit in 6 games

 

AWARDS

 

AL MVP: Miguel Cabrera

Cabrera is having another season for the ages and will claim his second consecutive MVP. What he will not be doing however is claiming his second consecutive Triple Crown. Counting out Miguel Cabrera to do anything is usually not a smart move but I feel Chris Davis will just barely beat him out in the Home Run race. It will definitely be exciting though getting to watch the greatest hitter in the game chase history and take his place among the all-time greats.

 

NL MVP: Yadier Molina

Molina finally gets all the recognition and praise for being one of the best all-around players in the game today. He has been a huge reason for the Cardinals offensive success as well as managing a pitching staff that just continually throws arms out there. Defensively he has been the best catcher in baseball for years but he has taken his offensive game to another level and deserves to be rewarded.

 

AL Cy Young: Max Scherzer

The best pitcher on the best staff in the American League has run over the competition all year and he shows no signs of slowing down. This year he has been able to put it all together and finally show the complete package and what scouts have raved about for years. Whatever success Detroit achieves this year it will be because Scherzer pitched them through a lot of big moments and spots.

 

NL Cy Young: Adam Wainwright

With all due respect to guys like Matt Harvey, Clayton Kershaw, and Patrick Corbin this is Wainwright’s award to lose. Coming back from Tommy John Surgery the way he has and putting up the numbers he currently is, it’s remarkable. He has given up only 14 walks on the year so his command and control are extraordinary. Add in the fact he is 5^th in strikeouts, 3^rd in ERA, and tied for first in wins and he has the award locked up barring any setbacks or collapses.

 

AL Manager of the Year: Bob Melvin

Joe Maddon and Jim Leyland definitely deserve some consideration but as far as I’m concerned Melvin wins his second consecutive MOTY award. Last year it was won based on the surprise season and comeback the A’s made but this year it’s about their ability to continue that momentum and show it was no fluke. The A’s are one of the deepest teams in the league so for Melvin to be able to juggle lineups and keep everyone happy, should automatically give him the win.

 

NL Manager of the Year: Clint Hurdle

This award is the toughest to predict because there are two men who are more than deserving (Mike Matheny being the other). If Matheny were to win it over Hurdle no one would be disappointed. Being a second year manager and accomplishing what he has is unheard of but Pittsburgh breaking a 20 year drought of losing seasons and playoff appearances should give Hurdle that little bit extra in voting.

 

So there you have it. This is how I see things playing out for the remainder of the year, and if my prognosticating skills are anywhere near what they usually are, then it’s a safe bet none of this will happen.

Taking a Look at the MLB All-Star Selections

 

Taking a Look at the MLB All-Star Selections

It’s that time of year again, as the All-Star squads have been announced and surprises and snubs rule the day. This year like many others before it, is surrounded by the storyline of controversy. Who deserves a spot? Whose spot was robbed? The typical questions baseball fans and analysts ask themselves right after July 4^th every year. You could set a clock to it. Why does controversy always surround the proceedings? Well, the answer is simple, the voting process is flawed. Fans being able to vote for the starters, especially given the fact that online they can vote up to 35 times per E-Mail account, lets the bias shine through. We all know that people have multiple E-Mail accounts as is, never mind being crazy enough to set up new ones just to vote their favorite players in. The game will always need fan interaction, but the process and execution needs to change. Combine that with managers who will always show bias towards their own guys when rounding out the roster as well and you’re stuck with a flawed system. My suggestion would be to abolish the whole vote for the starters as step one of the process. Fans vote for All-Stars, it counts towards 50 % of the final total. Give managers and players 25% of the vote and you end up with a roster that is complete and locked in. From there, eliminate the final man fan voting. With the completed rosters set, then you turn it over to the fans to vote for who starts. Lessening the number of votes and the pool of players from which they get to choose would help fairly balance the process. Now, my theory, just like all others thrown out there can probably have holes poked in it but at the end of the day, anything is better than the current structure.

As far as the rosters go there are some definite problems. Let’s begin with the starters. In the American League, J.J. Hardy, while a fine player, deserves to be nowhere near the team. Jhonny Peralta, who was placed on the team, is having a better year, as is Jed Lowrie of Oakland, which also happens to be a first place team. How a first place team with the second best record in the American League only gets one representative, and that representative isn’t even close to being the most worthy on the team is criminal; more on that later though. In the National League there are a few more problems with the starters chosen. At first base, Joey Votto was voted in, and while he is deserving of an All-Star nod, Paul Goldschmidt should be the starter. He is doing better than Votto in basically every category other than walks and on base percentage. He should be rewarded for the season he is having. At second base, Votto’s Reds teammate Brandon Phillips got the starting nod, but unlike Votto, a case could be made for Phillips to not even be on the team. He started out the year hot and was putting up good numbers but has cooled down significantly since then. Matt Carpenter’s stats put Phillips’ to shame but since Phillips is very well liked because of his social media presence and interaction with fans, he wins the popularity contest. At shortstop, Troy Tulowitzki, another popular player and one deserving of a nod gets the start, but reserve Jean Segura should. The Brewers have not played well at all but Segura, along with Carlos Gomez, who should be starting in the outfield are the lone bright spots in a dark season. They should not be punished because their team is horrible and because no one knows anything about Milwaukee baseball other than Ryan Braun. Along with Gomez starting over Bryce Harper, some may argue that Carlos Beltran should not be starting in favor of Andrew McCutchen. I however, will not be making that argument. I personally feel that Beltran is deserving.

On the reserve side of things is where things get much more controversial as far as the American League is concerned. The Chicago White Sox have no business getting two pitchers into the game. Pick one, and the other spot should go to Matt Moore of Tampa Bay or even more deserving Grant Balfour of Oakland. Balfour hasn’t blown a save all year and again, IS ON A FIRST PLACE TEAM!!! His steadiness and reliability are a lot more important to game outcomes than Jesse Crain’s in Chicago. I’m not as upset about the three American League catchers as some may be because really there was nothing that could be done. Mauer is having a fine season and deserves to be on the team as does Salvador Perez. Add in the fact that Castro is as well plus someone needing to represent the Astros and it’s all good in my book. Torii Hunter is another player like Phillips in the NL who started out hot and has cooled significantly. I would take him off the team and go with one of the other three third baseman having great years (Donaldson, Longoria, or Beltre), or with Tampa first baseman James Loney. In the National League I really don’t have any complaints. Marco Scutaro caused a few rumblings but considering what that guy has done since coming to San Francisco he deserves the recognition.

In the fan vote I have one complaint on the National League side. Yasiel Puig is going to win in a landslide. I’ve already covered how I feel he is a deserving All-Star so that isn’t my gripe. I just feel that the guys he’s up against, when taking the casual baseball fan into account and not the hardcore watchers of the game, they stand no chance of winning. On the American League side I still feel like it’s going to be revealed that 5 right handed relievers is a joke. That honestly cannot be the 5 best choices to choose from. Where are the third basemen? Where is Loney? Where is Gardner? Where is Nava? I could go on and on. This may be the worst atrocity in All-Star history making people choose from these guys. Don’t get me wrong I have nothing against them and they are having fine seasons but again, as far as the casual fan, what the hell is the difference between 5 right handed middle relievers and why should they care? Considering that the voting process is so flawed and shows no signs of changing, the better question may be why should anyone care?

 

 

 

 

 

Taking a Tour Around Major League Baseball

Taking a Tour Around Major League Baseball

1) The Pittsburgh Pirates have their 9 game winning streak snapped

            - Last night in Pittsburgh the Pirates saw their 9 game winning streak come to an end at the hands of the Philadelphia Phillies. They still do however; have the best record in baseball at the halfway point of the season. I see this year being unlike 2012 in that the losing will end and this team will be a playoff team. Whether they win the division or grab a wild card spot they will make the playoffs. One thing is certain though; if they want to become a contender they need to add another bat, particularly a right handed power bat in the outfield. A lot of analysts have claimed the Pirates should make an “all-in” move and acquire Giancarlo Stanton seeing as how he fits every criteria they need and would be under team control for more than a season at a cheap price. I’m not sure they need to make that drastic of a move, but time will tell how the usually cautious and cheap Pirates decide to play the hand they’re being dealt this season.

2) Chris Davis and Steroids

            -On Saturday night with yours truly on hand to witness the carnage, Chris Davis smashed 2 home runs off Yankees pitching, giving him 30 on the season. He followed that up with another shot on Sunday night giving him 31 and the overall lead in the American League by a comfortable margin. Something else happened this weekend though in correlation with those nationally televised games. On Twitter, a fan asked Davis if he was using steroids. With the era we live in with social media and PED usage and suspensions, these questions are sure to come in regard to anyone having a season with great power numbers. Davis, who has every right to ignore these questions and not give any of these fans the time of day actually answered the tweet with a simple “No.” Part of me commends him for this because even with a simple one word answer he isn’t ducking the issue, but part of me also hopes it never comes out that he has or is currently taking any substances. There are enough Rafael Palmeiro’s and Alex Rodriguez’s in the game.

3) Alex Rodriguez begins his journey back to the Bronx

            -Speaking of Alex Rodriguez, he began his rehab assignment last night, playing in a game for the first time since last season and looking like the A-Rod we all know and loathe, striking out and grounding into a double play. This guy has not only worn out his welcome in the Bronx, evidenced by Brian Cashman’s statement that he needs to “just shut the f**k up,” but also in baseball as a whole. We’re all tired of this guy and his constant B.S. He has done nothing but lie and make himself look bad and his performance on the field, when he is actually on it, kills the team. Sadly though, he isn’t going away.

4) Jonathan Papelbon Runs His Mouth Once Again

            -On MLB Network Radio Jonathan Papelbon was asked about the All-Star Candidacy of Dodger phenom Yasiel Puig and to no one’s surprise Papelbon couldn’t just keep his mouth shut or offer up some prototypical cliché baseball speak. No, instead Papelbon not only insults Puig by calling him “pig or Puig or whatever” he says his candidacy is an absolute joke. Now, most players would probably agree with Papelbon, but almost all wouldn’t be disrespectful blowhards about the situation. Papelbon is no stranger to running his mouth and making an ass of himself, even going so far as to claim in 2008 that he should close the All-Star Game in Yankee Stadium over Mariano Rivera if the chance presented itself. He smartly backtracked but the damage was done. I would like to share some advice with Papelbon and anyone else who thinks Puig’s candidacy is a joke. The All-Star Game is about the fans and who they want to see. If they want to vote in a guy or lead outcries for his inclusion let them be. In all honesty, in just about a month in the big leagues the guy has outperformed all but about 5 outfielders who have played all year thus far anyway.

 

That just about brings to a close our wrap up of Major League happenings, so until next time, enjoy the games everyone.

The Atlanta Braves are the Luckiest Team in Baseball

The Atlanta Braves are the Luckiest Team in Baseball

 

 

The Atlanta Braves started the year on a red hot pace. Justin Upton was crushing home runs (despite almost all of them being solo shots) and looking like one of the better acquisitions of all time. Evan Gattis, or El Oso Blanco (The White Bear) as he was affectionately called in Venezuela, was also crushing home runs and filling in for Brian McCann better than anyone could have expected. Then everything came to a screeching halt. The whole outfield along with second baseman Dan Uggla became automatic outs. Andrelton Simmons, while wonderful defensively, showed that he could not be an everyday leadoff hitter. Since starting 12-1, the Braves have played just above .500 at 33-32. Yet, with all that being said, the Braves own a 6 game lead in the NL East.

The NL East was once always mentioned at the top of the list for most competitive divisions in baseball. This year was supposed to be no different. The Nationals were coming off the best record in baseball and were the World Series favorites of almost all writers. The Braves were coming off a playoff appearance and with the Upton brothers coming to town, were poised to follow it up with many more. The Philadelphia Phillies had the best three headed monster in the game with Lee, Halladay, and Hamels. The NL East was going to provide drama and suspense for the entire season. Fate had different plans for the division though.

The Nationals were hit with injuries and a case of the yips becoming one of the worst defensive teams in baseball. The Phillies dealt with injuries to Halladay, who looked like the worst pitcher in the game, as well as Utley and Howard, derailing their season out of the gate. The Braves rode a hot start to a huge division lead, and despite the cold bats, have held on to that lead thanks to the problems in the rest of the division.

The Braves have the potential to be the best team in baseball. All season their pitching has been spectacular, but there are two disappointments that come with that. The first disappointment being that cold bats lead to no run support, and the second being that Fredi Gonzalez is the manager. Never one to fear running arms into the ground, Gonzalez will put this team in more danger come playoff time even if the bats do heat up with the summer temperatures. Already this year Johnny Venters and Eric O’Flaherty, two major bullpen arms, have had to be shut down and needed Tommy John Surgery. Having to rely so heavily on the pitching staff if the bats do not come around will be the death knell for this team due to Gonzalez.

They may have been fortunate to skate on mediocrity thus far and possibly for the rest of the regular season, but come playoff time they will be one and done. Odds are they would have to face one of the three NL Central teams in the playoff hunt, and considering those three teams have three of the best records in baseball, they would be waiting in anticipation to face a team that can’t hit and has tired arms. Things need to turn around quickly or it will be a long winter in Atlanta and Gonzalez will find his head on the block ready to be tomahawk chopped.