AL East Projections
by: Andrew Wilson
When you think of the MLB, you may think of top tier teams like the Cubs, Nationals, or Rangers. The greatest story in baseball right now, however, is not the superteam assembled in Chicago, or Bryce Harper’s quest to make baseball fun again. The most intriguing story regarding America’s national pastime is the American League East. The best division in baseball has had three division leaders in the past month, and those same three teams have all been separated by less than three games for over two weeks. As of August 25rd, the Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox are tied for first with an impressive 71-55 record, while the previously dominant Baltimore Orioles have slipped two games behind. As a Boston Red Sox fan, I have paid close attention to each and every game played by each of these teams, and the Sox seem to be in prime position to win this division.
The sox are in the midst of an eleven game road trip, which started with the redo of opening day in Cleveland, and ends with a four game series against the miserable Tampa Bay Rays. They have taken seven of the first ten games on the trip, with their only losses coming in a four game split with the Detroit Tigers, and a walkoff loss to the Rays. Big Papi and company have leaned on a prolific offense heading into the home stretch, one that leads the MLB in almost every major offensive category. However, the offense is no longer being let down by disappointing pitching. Rick Porcello picked up a league leading seventeenth win last week, and David Price has shifted into his typical late season turnaround, picking up two wins while only allowing only six hits and one run in 14 innings pitched. The Sox rotation is by no means elite, but with Price’s improvement and Porcello’s continued dominance, Boston is a serious threat to win the AL pennant. Although I would expect the red hot Red Sox to take the division crown, don’t sleep on the Blue Jays or Orioles.
The Orioles boast the only top tier bullpen in the division, as well as a solid number one starter in Chris tillman. Just like Toronto and Boston, the Orioles have a top ten offense, but their offensive ranking reflects their standing in the division, just like their counterparts up north. Boston has the league’s best offense, so naturally, they share the number one spot with the Blue Jays, who, led by Edward Encarnacion, have the number six offense in the MLB. The Orioles have been slipping in the standings as of late, but I would still expect them to be in the October fourth wild card game against their rivals from Ontario.
The Blue Jays share the number one spot with Boston, but they seem to be the worst of the three teams. Their offense is worse than that of Boston and barely better than Baltimore’s, and their rotation is probably the worst of the three contenders on the east coast. Somehow, despite these seemingly glaring disparities between them and their divisional counterparts, they have retained the top spot among the teams for some time now. I expect all three of these teams to make the playoffs, but the Blue Jays will have the shortest postseason run, losing to Baltimore in the wild card game.
I strongly believe that all three of these teams will make the playoffs, and the wild card game between the Orioles and Blue Jays will be a good one. The Red Sox, however, are the only team that poses a real threat to the Rangers and Indians, and possibly the Cubs when the time comes.
The sox are in the midst of an eleven game road trip, which started with the redo of opening day in Cleveland, and ends with a four game series against the miserable Tampa Bay Rays. They have taken seven of the first ten games on the trip, with their only losses coming in a four game split with the Detroit Tigers, and a walkoff loss to the Rays. Big Papi and company have leaned on a prolific offense heading into the home stretch, one that leads the MLB in almost every major offensive category. However, the offense is no longer being let down by disappointing pitching. Rick Porcello picked up a league leading seventeenth win last week, and David Price has shifted into his typical late season turnaround, picking up two wins while only allowing only six hits and one run in 14 innings pitched. The Sox rotation is by no means elite, but with Price’s improvement and Porcello’s continued dominance, Boston is a serious threat to win the AL pennant. Although I would expect the red hot Red Sox to take the division crown, don’t sleep on the Blue Jays or Orioles.
The Orioles boast the only top tier bullpen in the division, as well as a solid number one starter in Chris tillman. Just like Toronto and Boston, the Orioles have a top ten offense, but their offensive ranking reflects their standing in the division, just like their counterparts up north. Boston has the league’s best offense, so naturally, they share the number one spot with the Blue Jays, who, led by Edward Encarnacion, have the number six offense in the MLB. The Orioles have been slipping in the standings as of late, but I would still expect them to be in the October fourth wild card game against their rivals from Ontario.
The Blue Jays share the number one spot with Boston, but they seem to be the worst of the three teams. Their offense is worse than that of Boston and barely better than Baltimore’s, and their rotation is probably the worst of the three contenders on the east coast. Somehow, despite these seemingly glaring disparities between them and their divisional counterparts, they have retained the top spot among the teams for some time now. I expect all three of these teams to make the playoffs, but the Blue Jays will have the shortest postseason run, losing to Baltimore in the wild card game.
I strongly believe that all three of these teams will make the playoffs, and the wild card game between the Orioles and Blue Jays will be a good one. The Red Sox, however, are the only team that poses a real threat to the Rangers and Indians, and possibly the Cubs when the time comes.
predicting the final 2 wild card spots
by: owen noland
With just a little over a month to play in the 2016 MLB regular season their are many playoff spots up for grabs and none more so than the wildcard spots in each league.
In the American League as of today (August 21, 2016) the Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles hold the two wildcard spots but Seattle is only 1 game back and Detroit is three games back. Other teams that are still in the hunt are the New York Yankees (4 GB) the Kansas City Royals (4 GB) and the Houston Astros (4.5 GB). Now the question is of these teams who will claim the wildcard spots?
The Red Sox have one of the best offenses in baseball led by David Ortiz in his final season. As for the Orioles they too have a great offense but their pitching has been average at best and doesn't look like a staff that could make a deep playoff run. The Yankees already said they were sellers and dismantled their bullpen. They probably won't make a run especially without as good of a bullpen. The Royals have a good team but have been plagued by injuries this year but have been hot these past couple of weeks and could make a run for a wildcard spot. The Astros really aren't the same team they were last year after digging themselves into such a big hole to start the season. The Mariners have the best chance sitting at one game back. Their bullpen has been better than expected and their offense is solid. I think that they will claim the second wildcard spot with the Red Sox getting the second.
As for the National League it is an even closer race for the wildcard spots. Currently the Dodgers and Giants are tied for the division and wildcard spot with the Cardinals holding the second spot. Other contenders include the Marlins (1.5 GB) Pittsburgh (3 GB) New York (5 GB) and Colorado (7 GB). It is likely that the Dodgers or Giants will get the first spot with the other winning the division. The Marlins are good but the loss of Stanton absolutely kills them offensively. The Cardinals are a proven commodity in the playoffs and I think they will ultimately get the second wildcard spot. All around the Cardinals have more depth than the Marlins and could make a run in the playoffs.
Of course their is still plenty of baseball to play and anything can happen. The pennant races are heating up and it will always be fun to watch every game that has an impact on the pennant race coming down the stretch.
In the American League as of today (August 21, 2016) the Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles hold the two wildcard spots but Seattle is only 1 game back and Detroit is three games back. Other teams that are still in the hunt are the New York Yankees (4 GB) the Kansas City Royals (4 GB) and the Houston Astros (4.5 GB). Now the question is of these teams who will claim the wildcard spots?
The Red Sox have one of the best offenses in baseball led by David Ortiz in his final season. As for the Orioles they too have a great offense but their pitching has been average at best and doesn't look like a staff that could make a deep playoff run. The Yankees already said they were sellers and dismantled their bullpen. They probably won't make a run especially without as good of a bullpen. The Royals have a good team but have been plagued by injuries this year but have been hot these past couple of weeks and could make a run for a wildcard spot. The Astros really aren't the same team they were last year after digging themselves into such a big hole to start the season. The Mariners have the best chance sitting at one game back. Their bullpen has been better than expected and their offense is solid. I think that they will claim the second wildcard spot with the Red Sox getting the second.
As for the National League it is an even closer race for the wildcard spots. Currently the Dodgers and Giants are tied for the division and wildcard spot with the Cardinals holding the second spot. Other contenders include the Marlins (1.5 GB) Pittsburgh (3 GB) New York (5 GB) and Colorado (7 GB). It is likely that the Dodgers or Giants will get the first spot with the other winning the division. The Marlins are good but the loss of Stanton absolutely kills them offensively. The Cardinals are a proven commodity in the playoffs and I think they will ultimately get the second wildcard spot. All around the Cardinals have more depth than the Marlins and could make a run in the playoffs.
Of course their is still plenty of baseball to play and anything can happen. The pennant races are heating up and it will always be fun to watch every game that has an impact on the pennant race coming down the stretch.
Judgement day
by: jj glaser
As the Yankees traded away Carlos Beltran there was speculation on who would play RF. Would Hicks start everyday or would the possible future of the Yankees Aaron Judge get a chance to show Yankees fans what he got. Judge suffered an injury trying to make a spectacular play in AAA which made his call up delayed. After Arods last game in pinstripes the Yankees decided to call up the 24 yr old Aaron Judge.
In AAA Judge was nothing but spectacular. He's 6 foot 7 and weighs 275 LBS which is huge. Standing in the box some compare him to Giancarlo Stanton. He has power to all sides of the fields and is a threat all the time. Judge hit 270 with 47 WALKS in 352 at bats. Before this year Judge would barely walk. That was his weakness but he has improved on that so much. From a glimpse of him in pinstripes he always works the count and never gets cheated up there. He makes pitchers throw him strikes and isn't anxious. In his first at bat he showed Yankees fans and baseball fans just what he can do he hit a towering shot off the restaurant in CF which is the deepest part of the ball park. Al Leiter has even said Aaron Judges power has reminded him of the Greats.
Verdict : Judge is just a monster and not your typical power hitter. He has an eye of a hawk and won't bite at pitchers garbage. What makes him different from other power hitters is his patience at the plate.
Why the trevor story injury Isn't that bad for the rockies
By: Owen noland
On August 2nd it was announced that the Colorado Rockies rookie shortstop Trevor Story would be out for the season with a torn ligament in his thumb. In his rookie season Story hit 27 home runs while driving in 72 runs and hitting .272. Many people around baseball think that this is a devastating loss for the Rockies who are currently sitting at 54-53 3 games back of the second wildcard spot in the National League. They say that the Rockies are now out of it and have no chance at making the playoffs this year without Story. I disagree with the experts. I say they are very much still alive in the playoff mix.
Daniel Descalso who will be the everyday shortstop for the Rockies is hitting .318 although it is only in 110 at bats. Of course he doesn't provide the middle of the order bat that Story is but .318 is nothing to be taken lightly. Also have people forgotten that the two all stars are still healthy in Nolan Arenado and Carlos Gonzales all be it Gonzales will probably take a day or two off after spraining his ankle in last nights 12-2 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Rockies also have DJ LeMahieu and Charlie Blackmon two former all stars at the top of the order and David Dahl has emerged from triple A and done nothing but hit safely in his first nine career games in the big league games.
Although the offense isn't even the biggest reason the Rockies will stay in contention. It is their pitching staff. Jon Gray is emerging as the ace of the staff sitting at 8-4 with a 3.77 ERA. Tyler Anderson has come up from Triple A and pitched very well with a 3.25 ERA and Tyler Chatwood has a 3.50 ERA this year. Chad Bettis and Jorge De La Rosa both started the season struggling but have pitched well as of late. Since the All Star break the entire staff is sixth in all of baseball with an ERA of 3.18.
If the Rockies can keep up the good starting pitching it might not be the end of the story for Trevor as he could make a return if the Rockies make it to the Playoffs.
Daniel Descalso who will be the everyday shortstop for the Rockies is hitting .318 although it is only in 110 at bats. Of course he doesn't provide the middle of the order bat that Story is but .318 is nothing to be taken lightly. Also have people forgotten that the two all stars are still healthy in Nolan Arenado and Carlos Gonzales all be it Gonzales will probably take a day or two off after spraining his ankle in last nights 12-2 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Rockies also have DJ LeMahieu and Charlie Blackmon two former all stars at the top of the order and David Dahl has emerged from triple A and done nothing but hit safely in his first nine career games in the big league games.
Although the offense isn't even the biggest reason the Rockies will stay in contention. It is their pitching staff. Jon Gray is emerging as the ace of the staff sitting at 8-4 with a 3.77 ERA. Tyler Anderson has come up from Triple A and pitched very well with a 3.25 ERA and Tyler Chatwood has a 3.50 ERA this year. Chad Bettis and Jorge De La Rosa both started the season struggling but have pitched well as of late. Since the All Star break the entire staff is sixth in all of baseball with an ERA of 3.18.
If the Rockies can keep up the good starting pitching it might not be the end of the story for Trevor as he could make a return if the Rockies make it to the Playoffs.
Mark TIExiera announces retirement
by Zach Bricker
So finally Mark Tiexeira announces his retirement. Mark Tiexeira was a three time all star ,five time golden glove winner and a sliver slugger. He was a very good baseball player. In my opinion,he is a top seventy five player, and I'm sad he retired,because he was on the Yankees and they are my favorite team.
In a five-game span around the All-Star Game, Teixeira hit five home runs with 13 RBI's. He finished July with 13 home runs and 30 RBI's and was named the American League Player of the Month. Overall, Teixeira batted .301 with 43 home runs and 144 RBI's in the 2005 season. That by far was his best season
In December 2008, Teixeira agreed preliminarily to a deal with the New York Yankees worth $180 million over 8 years, and he was formally introduced as a Yankee on January 6, 2009. The contract included a full no-trade clause, plus a $5 million signing bonus.
Mark Tiexeira made a big statement in this career,especially in his prime.And Mark Tiexeira will go down one of the best Yankees ever.
In a five-game span around the All-Star Game, Teixeira hit five home runs with 13 RBI's. He finished July with 13 home runs and 30 RBI's and was named the American League Player of the Month. Overall, Teixeira batted .301 with 43 home runs and 144 RBI's in the 2005 season. That by far was his best season
In December 2008, Teixeira agreed preliminarily to a deal with the New York Yankees worth $180 million over 8 years, and he was formally introduced as a Yankee on January 6, 2009. The contract included a full no-trade clause, plus a $5 million signing bonus.
Mark Tiexeira made a big statement in this career,especially in his prime.And Mark Tiexeira will go down one of the best Yankees ever.
MLB TRADE DEADLINE
BY VANN NOLAND
Yet another trade deadline has come and gone in the MLB. Teams in contention gather last minute players to help them in October and teams out of contention sell there good players to acquire prospects to begin a rebuilding process.
It started when Jonathan Lucroy appeared to be headed to the Indians. However because in his contract he has a no trade clause to certain teams he decided he didn't want to play for Cleveland and used the no trade clause. Then on August 1 with less than an hour left until the trade deadline he was dealt to the Texas Rangers along with teammate Jeremy Jeffress. In return the Milwaukee Brewers got top centerfield prospect Lewis Brinson and RHP Luis Ortiz. This is an interesting deal because with the crazy market for relievers I thought that the Brewers could have shipped Jeffress off for more prospects. If that was the case however I do not think that the Rangers would have given up there top prospect.
The Rangers also acquired outfield help getting Carlos Beltran from the Yankees. The Yankees got some really high upside guys in the deal in RHP Dillon Tate who was the top 5 pick in the 2015 MLB draft. This year Dillon Tate was 3-3 with a 5.12 era in 65 innings for the class A Hickory Crawdads.
In addition to unloading Beltran the Yankees also unloaded star relievers Aroldis Chapman and Andre Miller. Chapman was traded to the Chicago Cubs for a number of top prospects including top shortstop prospect Gleyber Torres. Andrew Miller went to the Indians for a handful of top prospects. The most notable one being OF Clint Frazier, Justus Sheffield LHP and RHP's Ben Heller and JP Feyereisen.
The Yankees were not the only team to sell their relievers. The Pirates also traded Mark Melancon for LHP's Felipe Rivero and Taylor Hearn. This trade gives the Nationals a better closer to replace Papelbon.
One of the biggest trades of the deadline was Jay Bruce to the Mets in exchange for Dilson Herrera and Max Wotell.This gives the Mets 4 corner outfielders and no true center fielder. I heard the Curtis Granderson and Brandon Nimmo would split time in center field. This would mean the Cespedes and Bruce will play right and left.
Of course there were many more trades that had lesser named players but some of those can have a big impact in October. Some of those trades include: Josh Reddick and Rich Hill to the Dodgers from Oakland, BIlly Burns also went from Oakland, he went to Kansas City. Matt Moore was one of a few rays to be sent out, he was sent to the San Francisco Giants. Steven Pierce Moore's former teammate is now a member of the Baltimore Orioles.
It started when Jonathan Lucroy appeared to be headed to the Indians. However because in his contract he has a no trade clause to certain teams he decided he didn't want to play for Cleveland and used the no trade clause. Then on August 1 with less than an hour left until the trade deadline he was dealt to the Texas Rangers along with teammate Jeremy Jeffress. In return the Milwaukee Brewers got top centerfield prospect Lewis Brinson and RHP Luis Ortiz. This is an interesting deal because with the crazy market for relievers I thought that the Brewers could have shipped Jeffress off for more prospects. If that was the case however I do not think that the Rangers would have given up there top prospect.
The Rangers also acquired outfield help getting Carlos Beltran from the Yankees. The Yankees got some really high upside guys in the deal in RHP Dillon Tate who was the top 5 pick in the 2015 MLB draft. This year Dillon Tate was 3-3 with a 5.12 era in 65 innings for the class A Hickory Crawdads.
In addition to unloading Beltran the Yankees also unloaded star relievers Aroldis Chapman and Andre Miller. Chapman was traded to the Chicago Cubs for a number of top prospects including top shortstop prospect Gleyber Torres. Andrew Miller went to the Indians for a handful of top prospects. The most notable one being OF Clint Frazier, Justus Sheffield LHP and RHP's Ben Heller and JP Feyereisen.
The Yankees were not the only team to sell their relievers. The Pirates also traded Mark Melancon for LHP's Felipe Rivero and Taylor Hearn. This trade gives the Nationals a better closer to replace Papelbon.
One of the biggest trades of the deadline was Jay Bruce to the Mets in exchange for Dilson Herrera and Max Wotell.This gives the Mets 4 corner outfielders and no true center fielder. I heard the Curtis Granderson and Brandon Nimmo would split time in center field. This would mean the Cespedes and Bruce will play right and left.
Of course there were many more trades that had lesser named players but some of those can have a big impact in October. Some of those trades include: Josh Reddick and Rich Hill to the Dodgers from Oakland, BIlly Burns also went from Oakland, he went to Kansas City. Matt Moore was one of a few rays to be sent out, he was sent to the San Francisco Giants. Steven Pierce Moore's former teammate is now a member of the Baltimore Orioles.
Andrew miller to cleveland
by:JJ Glaser
As the non-waiver trade deadline is almost past the Cleveland Indians made a HUGE splash by landing top closer Andrew Miller from the New York Yankees. In return the Yankees got prospects Clint Frazier, Justus Sheffield, Ben Heller, and J.P. Feyereisen. After the city of Cleveland not winning a championship in 52 years it is possible they can win 2 in 1 year. With the new addition of Andrew Miller this team is not that far from a championship. I wouldn't be surprised of another big trade so they become a favorite for the Fall Classic. Currently they sit at 60-42 leading their division by 4 and a 1/2 games.
Andrew Miller was nothing but outstanding for the New York Yankees this year. This year alone he has a 1.39 ERA with 9 saves. In New York he was primarily the set up man because of Aroldis Chapman, but in Cleveland he will be the star closer they wanted. Miller had 77 strikeout in 45.1 innings pitched this year while opponents only have 28 hits off of him. He also only walked 7 batters, so Miller averages 11 Strikouts per walk. Those stats are just mind boggling. Teams are going to have a hard time scoring in late innings against this team with the addition of Miller.
The Yankees won't admit it, but they basically waved the white flag. After trading Chapman and Miller they have given up hope. After getting Gleyber Torres the Cubs #1 prospect and others for Chapman. They then shopped Andrew Miller and got a magnificent haul including Frazier who is almost MLB ready and is extremely young. The Yankees have decided to build up their farm system to became a great team like they used to be. After acquiring tons of prospects for Miller and Chapman they have one of the top farm systems in baseball. It's loaded with future stars such as Frazier, Torres , Mateo, Sanchez , Judge , Sheffield, Kaprelian , Rutherford , and others.
Winner: I consider the Yankees and Indians both winners of this trade. The Indians won this trade as of today because Miller is going to help them make a deep playoff push. The Yankees won this trade for the future because the prospects they received have tons of potential and can possibly turn into Big league stars.
Andrew Miller was nothing but outstanding for the New York Yankees this year. This year alone he has a 1.39 ERA with 9 saves. In New York he was primarily the set up man because of Aroldis Chapman, but in Cleveland he will be the star closer they wanted. Miller had 77 strikeout in 45.1 innings pitched this year while opponents only have 28 hits off of him. He also only walked 7 batters, so Miller averages 11 Strikouts per walk. Those stats are just mind boggling. Teams are going to have a hard time scoring in late innings against this team with the addition of Miller.
The Yankees won't admit it, but they basically waved the white flag. After trading Chapman and Miller they have given up hope. After getting Gleyber Torres the Cubs #1 prospect and others for Chapman. They then shopped Andrew Miller and got a magnificent haul including Frazier who is almost MLB ready and is extremely young. The Yankees have decided to build up their farm system to became a great team like they used to be. After acquiring tons of prospects for Miller and Chapman they have one of the top farm systems in baseball. It's loaded with future stars such as Frazier, Torres , Mateo, Sanchez , Judge , Sheffield, Kaprelian , Rutherford , and others.
Winner: I consider the Yankees and Indians both winners of this trade. The Indians won this trade as of today because Miller is going to help them make a deep playoff push. The Yankees won this trade for the future because the prospects they received have tons of potential and can possibly turn into Big league stars.
Big fish in a small pond
by: vann noland
All signs are pointing up for the Miami Marlins as the all star logo was unveiled for the 2017 all star game, they are second in the National League wild card standings, and Dee Gordon is coming back on July 28. Currently the Marlins are trailing the Los Angeles Dodgers by 2 games and are tied with the Cardinals for the second playoff spot heading into action on July 31, 2016.
Some may say that getting Dee Gordon back from his suspension is equivalent to acquiring a bat at the deadline. However also included in the 80 game PED suspension is a playoff suspension. Since coming back Dee Gordon is 3 for 12 at the plate. Miguel Rojas who replaced him during his suspension will likely get the majority of the starts if the Marlins make it to the playoffs. On the date of Gordon's suspension the Miami Marlins were 11-11 in fourth of the NL East. I remember on an episode of Extra Innings Owen and I were discussing this and I said something to the extent of "I don't see this team being able to compete for a playoff spot without him in there lineup." Giancarlo Stanton struggled for the majority of the first have and I really didn't see them making the playoffs. So how exactly have they done this?
Well there bullpen which is among the best in baseball got even better on June 30th when they acquired all star Fernando Rodney from the Padres. Their bullpen consists of Mike Dunn, David Phelps, Fernando Rodney, and closer AJ Ramos. They have a bullpen era of just 3.56 which is 9th best in baseball. However the starting pitching has been just as good posting a 4.12 era which is also ninth in baseball among starters. Andrew Cashner and Collin Rea also will help the starting rotation for the Marlins in the second half as they were recently acquired from the Padres.
Some may say that getting Dee Gordon back from his suspension is equivalent to acquiring a bat at the deadline. However also included in the 80 game PED suspension is a playoff suspension. Since coming back Dee Gordon is 3 for 12 at the plate. Miguel Rojas who replaced him during his suspension will likely get the majority of the starts if the Marlins make it to the playoffs. On the date of Gordon's suspension the Miami Marlins were 11-11 in fourth of the NL East. I remember on an episode of Extra Innings Owen and I were discussing this and I said something to the extent of "I don't see this team being able to compete for a playoff spot without him in there lineup." Giancarlo Stanton struggled for the majority of the first have and I really didn't see them making the playoffs. So how exactly have they done this?
Well there bullpen which is among the best in baseball got even better on June 30th when they acquired all star Fernando Rodney from the Padres. Their bullpen consists of Mike Dunn, David Phelps, Fernando Rodney, and closer AJ Ramos. They have a bullpen era of just 3.56 which is 9th best in baseball. However the starting pitching has been just as good posting a 4.12 era which is also ninth in baseball among starters. Andrew Cashner and Collin Rea also will help the starting rotation for the Marlins in the second half as they were recently acquired from the Padres.
Melancon Heads to dc
by:jj glaser
As we are only two days away from the end of the non-waiver trade deadline for Major League Baseball. The Pirates are shipping Closer Mark Melancon to the Washington Nationals. The Nationals are giving the Pirates Felipe Rivero and prospect Taylor Hearn. Wow! What a deal the Nationals are finally getting a closer they can actually rely on.
The former closer Johnathan Papelbon was nothing worse than a nightmare for the Nationals. Starting with his incident with Bryce Harper on the bench to his blown saves. Papelbon had a horrifying ERA of 4.48 for the Nats this year. While having an 86.4 save percentage and having the 3rd highest ERA among closers. Due to his inconsistency he wasn't getting the job done for the Nationals this year.
Mark Melancon hasn't been everything but spectacular in his career. He is not the type of closer to get guys out by over powering them, but opponents only hit .205 off of him. Melancon also has a 1.51 ERA which is outstanding. Also Melancon hasn't blown a save since April 21 2015.
The Nationals are now looking like contenders this year to win the fall classic with the addition of Mark Melancon. Who is going to make a difference in his first game for Washington. On the other hand , the Pirates get Rivero a player who is locked up for another 5 years but has a 3.67 career ERA and Taylor Hearn who has a 3.27 career ERA in the Minors. For the Pirates it made total sense to make this trade because Melancon was a free agent and it didn't look like he was coming back. They sit 3 games out of a wild card spot and let's face it they wouldn't have won it all. Pirates at least get something in return for Melancon as he was bound to walk. Now the Nationals get Melancon and didn't have to give up #1 prospect Lucas Giolito and yes they didn't give up Giolito. There was trade rumors that they were going to send Giolito to the Yankees for Andrew Miller, but somehow get Melancon without giving him up. This trade meant total sense for Washington to make.
Winner : Washington Nationals they get one of the best closers in baseball without giving up Giolito
The former closer Johnathan Papelbon was nothing worse than a nightmare for the Nationals. Starting with his incident with Bryce Harper on the bench to his blown saves. Papelbon had a horrifying ERA of 4.48 for the Nats this year. While having an 86.4 save percentage and having the 3rd highest ERA among closers. Due to his inconsistency he wasn't getting the job done for the Nationals this year.
Mark Melancon hasn't been everything but spectacular in his career. He is not the type of closer to get guys out by over powering them, but opponents only hit .205 off of him. Melancon also has a 1.51 ERA which is outstanding. Also Melancon hasn't blown a save since April 21 2015.
The Nationals are now looking like contenders this year to win the fall classic with the addition of Mark Melancon. Who is going to make a difference in his first game for Washington. On the other hand , the Pirates get Rivero a player who is locked up for another 5 years but has a 3.67 career ERA and Taylor Hearn who has a 3.27 career ERA in the Minors. For the Pirates it made total sense to make this trade because Melancon was a free agent and it didn't look like he was coming back. They sit 3 games out of a wild card spot and let's face it they wouldn't have won it all. Pirates at least get something in return for Melancon as he was bound to walk. Now the Nationals get Melancon and didn't have to give up #1 prospect Lucas Giolito and yes they didn't give up Giolito. There was trade rumors that they were going to send Giolito to the Yankees for Andrew Miller, but somehow get Melancon without giving him up. This trade meant total sense for Washington to make.
Winner : Washington Nationals they get one of the best closers in baseball without giving up Giolito
White sox PerpleXing season
By: Owen Noland
The Chicago White Sox 2016 season has been one of the craziest MLB seasons in recent memory. It started in Spring Training when the team announced that Drake Laroche son of beloved White Sox 1B/DH Adam Laroche was no longer allowed to be in the clubhouse. Drake Laroche was beloved by the players including Chris Sale who voiced his displeasure with the decision. Chris Sale also was suspended 5 games for cutting up the teams throwback jerseys.
As of May 9th the White Sox held the best record in the AL (23-10) and the second best record in all of baseball trailing only their cross town rival the Cubs. Since then the White Sox have gone 27-40 2nd worst in the MLB.
On June 4th the White Sox made a move that would suggest they would be buyers come the August 1st non-waiver trade deadline: The white sox acquired James Shields from the San Diego Padres in exchange for Erik Johnson and Fernando Tatis Jr.. On June 4th the White Sox were still in contention despite losing 8 of their last 10 games. Although James Shields had struggled with the Padres he was a proven veteran that the White Sox needed if they were to stay in contention, at least that is what they hoped for when acquiring Shields from San Diego. However the White Sox have gone 21-23 since Shields joined them. James Shields has an ERA over 5 since coming to the White Sox although he has pitched better in his last 7 sporting a 2.11 ERA.
Now the White Sox sit at 50-51 8 games back of the first place Indians in the American League Central. Now rumors are swirling about possibly trading Shields to a team who could use his services. These rumors combined with the Chris Sale incident of cutting up the jerseys in the clubhouse could mean a complete fire sale in Chicago in the coming days. According to the White Sox the jersey incident was an isolated incident and had nothing to with the potential that he would be traded although it could seal