In recent years, didn't ESPN have a lot more than Friday's two telecasts on their Fourth of July schedule?
No matter. I still got to watch parts of ESP's pair, plus two others -- Cubs-Nationals and Rangers-Mets. While out running errands, I also had a chance to hear a couple of innings of Phillies-Pirates on the car's satellite radio.
Cubs RHP Jason Hammel looked very good in beating Washington. Who knew then that by the end of the day he'd be Athletics RHP Jason Hammel?
Bigger news than victories by the Yankees over the Twins, or the Pirates over the Phillies, or the Mets over the Rangers, was Oakland's trade that picked up Hammel and RHP Jeff Samardzija for the low current price of RHP Dan Straily, prospects SS Addison Russell and OF Billy McKinney and a player to be named.
The Athletics already were the best team in the American League. By turning not enough able-bodied starters into what could be a surplus, they also have a chance to trade to improve themselves in other areas such as the outfield and middle infield.
The Cubs? Well, they'll muddle through another season. In the off-season, they'll hope their minor league prospects aren't overhyped in the way virtually all of the prospects have been in their recent history. And that at least two prospects from the Athletics organization haven't been oversold.
A couple of today's starters left their game early because of injury. Mets LHP Jonathan Niese went out in the first inning because of a back injury that is being considered minor. Pirates RHP Gerrit Cole left because of a strained latissimus muscle that could be more problematic.
Cole pitched five scoreless innings for the win over Philadelphia. That shouldn't be a surprise. I found out from the Phils' broadcast that it was the 25th time in their first 86 games that they've been held scoreless for at least the first five innings.
Another interesting tidbit from the Yankees-Twins game: Minnesota C Kurt Suzuki, a patient hitter, went more than 140 plate appearances last season without swinging at a first pitch. He apparently learned that patience while with the Athletics.
Showing posts with label Kurt Suzuki. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kurt Suzuki. Show all posts
Friday, July 4, 2014
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Don't believe hype about Dodgers' bullpen
Trying to shore up their bullpen to facilitate a postseason berth, the Dodgers reportedly have reached agreements to sign RHPs Chris Perez and Jamey Wright and LHP J.P. Howell.
Does that improve LA's relief pitching. There's a better than even chance.
Do the moves guarantee a playoff berth. Hardly.
Perez was shaky during the latter part of 2013 for the Indians, as they tried out alternatives as their closer.
Howell is a good role-playing lefty, but overpriced at a reported $5 million-plus.
Wright will be 40 years old. I remember from his Rangers days as a good dude. He was very excited about finally reaching the postseason last fall in his 18th season. One of the reasons why he hadn't been was that he has spent most of his lengthy career on the fringes, pitching -- even starting -- for losing teams and frequently toiling in losing situations for winning teams. His days may be numbered, but he did pitch well for the 2012 Dodgers before moving on to the Rays. But he's hardly a sure thing.
For that matter, is hard-throwing RHP Kenley Jansen a sure thing as a closer? No, but that's probably why LA signed a former Giants closer, RHP Brian Wilson.
The Twins' contracts with RHP Mike Pelfrey and C Kurt Suzuki are now official.
Speed-demon sensation Billy Hamilton is likely to take over from free-agent OF Shin-soo Choo as the Reds' center fielder and leadoff batter.
* * *
Other sports. This is like the winter version of baseball's All-Star break. There won't be any NFL games until Sunday. The NHL is off until Friday. The NBA will have some games Wednesday, probably just so TV will have some sports to broadcast on Christmas.
Important key. For the NFL's last week, you have to take into account which teams -- and star players -- have something to play for. If not, they might not even play at all, and therefore would be useless to your fantasy team. Eighteen teams do have a a playoff berth or seeding on the line: Denver, New England, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Miami, Baltimore, San Diego and Pittsburgh in the AFC, and Seattle, Carolina, San Francisco, Arizona, New Orleans, Dallas, Philadelphia, Chicago and Green Bay in the NFC. Notice that the Chiefs aren't on the list, because win or lose they would be the AFC's No. 5 seed. That's why I'm leaning toward starting inferior RB Ray Rice instead of KC RB Jamaal Charles, the league's best for fantasy purposes this year.
I'm tied 4-4 through the first day of this week's fantasy basketball competition. With a short week, it will be important to stay on top of who's playing well, and especially who's playing at all on a particular day.
In part because Flyers G Steve Mason had his best game since he has been on my roster, I'm within seven points of second place in my fantasy hockey league. I can pick and choose whom I'd want to start on Friday when the league is back in full swing. I have set my lineup already, but I'll reexamine it before Friday's games to see if there are injuries or other issues to consider.
No NFL games to consider until Sunday, but I will be at Valley Ranch on Christmas afternoon to do a Kyle Orton story -- just in case QB Tony Romo doesn't play for the Cowboys Sunday night. At this point, I think Jason Garrett's public statements are the only indication that Romo might do as much as put on his uniform.
Does that improve LA's relief pitching. There's a better than even chance.
Do the moves guarantee a playoff berth. Hardly.
Perez was shaky during the latter part of 2013 for the Indians, as they tried out alternatives as their closer.
Howell is a good role-playing lefty, but overpriced at a reported $5 million-plus.
Wright will be 40 years old. I remember from his Rangers days as a good dude. He was very excited about finally reaching the postseason last fall in his 18th season. One of the reasons why he hadn't been was that he has spent most of his lengthy career on the fringes, pitching -- even starting -- for losing teams and frequently toiling in losing situations for winning teams. His days may be numbered, but he did pitch well for the 2012 Dodgers before moving on to the Rays. But he's hardly a sure thing.
For that matter, is hard-throwing RHP Kenley Jansen a sure thing as a closer? No, but that's probably why LA signed a former Giants closer, RHP Brian Wilson.
The Twins' contracts with RHP Mike Pelfrey and C Kurt Suzuki are now official.
Speed-demon sensation Billy Hamilton is likely to take over from free-agent OF Shin-soo Choo as the Reds' center fielder and leadoff batter.
* * *
Other sports. This is like the winter version of baseball's All-Star break. There won't be any NFL games until Sunday. The NHL is off until Friday. The NBA will have some games Wednesday, probably just so TV will have some sports to broadcast on Christmas.
Important key. For the NFL's last week, you have to take into account which teams -- and star players -- have something to play for. If not, they might not even play at all, and therefore would be useless to your fantasy team. Eighteen teams do have a a playoff berth or seeding on the line: Denver, New England, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Miami, Baltimore, San Diego and Pittsburgh in the AFC, and Seattle, Carolina, San Francisco, Arizona, New Orleans, Dallas, Philadelphia, Chicago and Green Bay in the NFC. Notice that the Chiefs aren't on the list, because win or lose they would be the AFC's No. 5 seed. That's why I'm leaning toward starting inferior RB Ray Rice instead of KC RB Jamaal Charles, the league's best for fantasy purposes this year.
I'm tied 4-4 through the first day of this week's fantasy basketball competition. With a short week, it will be important to stay on top of who's playing well, and especially who's playing at all on a particular day.
In part because Flyers G Steve Mason had his best game since he has been on my roster, I'm within seven points of second place in my fantasy hockey league. I can pick and choose whom I'd want to start on Friday when the league is back in full swing. I have set my lineup already, but I'll reexamine it before Friday's games to see if there are injuries or other issues to consider.
No NFL games to consider until Sunday, but I will be at Valley Ranch on Christmas afternoon to do a Kyle Orton story -- just in case QB Tony Romo doesn't play for the Cowboys Sunday night. At this point, I think Jason Garrett's public statements are the only indication that Romo might do as much as put on his uniform.
Monday, December 23, 2013
Balfour still in demand
Now that the Shin-soo Choo thoughts are off my chest, I'll catch up some on other baseball Hot Stove activity and update my running-in-place, if not futile, efforts in other fantasy sports.
RHP Grant Balfour's deal with the Orioles fell through because of something Baltimore didn't like about his physical exam, but other teams looking for a closer supposedly still are interested in him.
OF Carlos Beltran and the Yankees made his 3-year, $45-million contract official. No problems with his physical, but he did fade at the end of last season.That's not a good sign for a 36-year-old.
My recent posts have had a number of references to age. It's a huge factor in assessing player performance. I hope to write more about the topic, and hope to resurrect something I've done in the past, an age chart that will help you tell at a glance which players should be in optimum stages of their career, and which could be in danger zones.
RHP Brad Ziegler re-signed with the Diamondbacks with a contract that guarantees 2 years and $10.5 million.
The Twins signed C Kurt Suzuki for a year at $2.75 million. That makes it easier for them to use C Joe Mauer at first base and DH.
The Athletics avoided arbitration with 1B Daric Barton by signing him to a 1-year contract.
LHP Mark Mulder, whom you've probably seen wearing a business suit on ESPN, is attempting a comeback. He hasn't pitched in the majors since 2008. Comebacks after such a long absence rarely, if ever, work out.
Aside from Balfour, the most significant current story is Japanese RHP Masahiro Tanaka. According to Baseball America, his team, the Rakuten Golden Eagles, is expected to decide by Christmas Day whether to post him and enable him to sign with a North American team. Tanaka was 24-0 (not a typo) with a 1.37 ERA in 27 starts this year. If he is posted, that will mean a lot of baseball writers sitting by the tree tweeting from their cell phones.
The Golden Eagles, by the way, also signed 1B/3B Kevin Youkilis to a 1-year contract.
Former Giants OF/1B Brett Pill has signed a 1-year contract to play in Korea next season.
* * *
Football.
In case you haven't been keeping up with your playoff scenarios ... An NFC team with at least 10 wins will not make the playoffs. It's possible that an 11-win team won't get in. At least every division winner will have a winning record. Every AFC division champ will have at least 10 wins, but it's conceivable that an 8-8 team would get the second wild card.
Important key: These are the teams with something to play for, either a playoff berth or better postseason seeding: Eagles, Cowboys, Bears, Packers, Panthers, Saints, Seahawks, 49ers, Cardinals, Dolphins, Ravens, Chargers and I think Jets. This information is important to know for your fantasy lineup so that you can be aware of which players might be in action and not resting for the playoffs. The biggest problem is that you might not know for late games which teams have been eliminated or assured of playoff position.
Speaking of playoffs, it's official now that I'll be in the top division of the postseason playoffs for the AMFL, my scoring-only fantasy league. I'm still in third place, and possibly could move up to second by winning this week. A loss also could put me in fourth, but I have a two-game lead over the teams tied for fifth.
I'm ahead in the first week of my two-week consolation consolation playoff for seventh place in my scoring-plus-yardage ESPN league. I have a 65-47 lead with Frank Gore and the Niners' defense playing tonight. My opponent has K Phil Dawson going. In addition to being for seventh place in a 10-team league, this playoff is unsatisfying because my opponent's lineup includes two players who aren't even playing.
Another Important key: You can improve your position just by staying active longer than others who give up on your team. You also owe it to the other team owners to continue making an effort.
* * *
Hockey.Third place with 63 points, 8 1/2 out of second, 12 ahead of the fourth-place team. I have a full lineup going tonight. Even my bench players' teams are playing tonight. It appears that the NHL is taking Christmas Eve off. Henrik Zetterberg and Alexander Steen are injured. Dustin Penner, Brenden Dillon and Jean-Sebastien Giguere are my healthy scratches. The skaters are sitting primarily to keep my ATOI up. It's a very close competition for points in that category. My only defenseman with a negative plus/minus is Keith Yandle, but he also is averaging more than 23 minutes a game and had 13 power play points. Thomas Vanek is minus-2 but he's moving up. Somehow, I can't get my team plus/minus out of its rut. My goalies' season averages all are better than average, but they have been sliding lately. I'm hoping I can figure out an answer to this problem. Trade a defenseman for a goalie?
* * *
Basketball. Wrapped up a 5-3 victory last night. I was hoping for a good shooting night that could pick me up another win in field goal percentage, but that wasn't happening. I'm starting the new week with seven of my 10 lineup spots filled. I'm not going with Joe Johnson, who missed Friday's game because of a personal issue. If I have time -- there is Christmas shopping to do, you know -- I'll check before the Nets' game to see whether he's playing and if the personal matter has been resolved.
The good news is that I'm over .500 (32-31-1) after coming out of the draft, three weeks into the season, already 13 games under .500. I even moved up out of last place to fourth in the my division, but remained seventh overall in the 10-team league because a team from the other division passed me.
This week's opponent is the team directly ahead of me in my division. By winning 6-2, I could move into third place.
RHP Grant Balfour's deal with the Orioles fell through because of something Baltimore didn't like about his physical exam, but other teams looking for a closer supposedly still are interested in him.
OF Carlos Beltran and the Yankees made his 3-year, $45-million contract official. No problems with his physical, but he did fade at the end of last season.That's not a good sign for a 36-year-old.
My recent posts have had a number of references to age. It's a huge factor in assessing player performance. I hope to write more about the topic, and hope to resurrect something I've done in the past, an age chart that will help you tell at a glance which players should be in optimum stages of their career, and which could be in danger zones.
RHP Brad Ziegler re-signed with the Diamondbacks with a contract that guarantees 2 years and $10.5 million.
The Twins signed C Kurt Suzuki for a year at $2.75 million. That makes it easier for them to use C Joe Mauer at first base and DH.
The Athletics avoided arbitration with 1B Daric Barton by signing him to a 1-year contract.
LHP Mark Mulder, whom you've probably seen wearing a business suit on ESPN, is attempting a comeback. He hasn't pitched in the majors since 2008. Comebacks after such a long absence rarely, if ever, work out.
Aside from Balfour, the most significant current story is Japanese RHP Masahiro Tanaka. According to Baseball America, his team, the Rakuten Golden Eagles, is expected to decide by Christmas Day whether to post him and enable him to sign with a North American team. Tanaka was 24-0 (not a typo) with a 1.37 ERA in 27 starts this year. If he is posted, that will mean a lot of baseball writers sitting by the tree tweeting from their cell phones.
The Golden Eagles, by the way, also signed 1B/3B Kevin Youkilis to a 1-year contract.
Former Giants OF/1B Brett Pill has signed a 1-year contract to play in Korea next season.
* * *
Football.
In case you haven't been keeping up with your playoff scenarios ... An NFC team with at least 10 wins will not make the playoffs. It's possible that an 11-win team won't get in. At least every division winner will have a winning record. Every AFC division champ will have at least 10 wins, but it's conceivable that an 8-8 team would get the second wild card.
Important key: These are the teams with something to play for, either a playoff berth or better postseason seeding: Eagles, Cowboys, Bears, Packers, Panthers, Saints, Seahawks, 49ers, Cardinals, Dolphins, Ravens, Chargers and I think Jets. This information is important to know for your fantasy lineup so that you can be aware of which players might be in action and not resting for the playoffs. The biggest problem is that you might not know for late games which teams have been eliminated or assured of playoff position.
Speaking of playoffs, it's official now that I'll be in the top division of the postseason playoffs for the AMFL, my scoring-only fantasy league. I'm still in third place, and possibly could move up to second by winning this week. A loss also could put me in fourth, but I have a two-game lead over the teams tied for fifth.
I'm ahead in the first week of my two-week consolation consolation playoff for seventh place in my scoring-plus-yardage ESPN league. I have a 65-47 lead with Frank Gore and the Niners' defense playing tonight. My opponent has K Phil Dawson going. In addition to being for seventh place in a 10-team league, this playoff is unsatisfying because my opponent's lineup includes two players who aren't even playing.
Another Important key: You can improve your position just by staying active longer than others who give up on your team. You also owe it to the other team owners to continue making an effort.
* * *
Hockey.Third place with 63 points, 8 1/2 out of second, 12 ahead of the fourth-place team. I have a full lineup going tonight. Even my bench players' teams are playing tonight. It appears that the NHL is taking Christmas Eve off. Henrik Zetterberg and Alexander Steen are injured. Dustin Penner, Brenden Dillon and Jean-Sebastien Giguere are my healthy scratches. The skaters are sitting primarily to keep my ATOI up. It's a very close competition for points in that category. My only defenseman with a negative plus/minus is Keith Yandle, but he also is averaging more than 23 minutes a game and had 13 power play points. Thomas Vanek is minus-2 but he's moving up. Somehow, I can't get my team plus/minus out of its rut. My goalies' season averages all are better than average, but they have been sliding lately. I'm hoping I can figure out an answer to this problem. Trade a defenseman for a goalie?
* * *
Basketball. Wrapped up a 5-3 victory last night. I was hoping for a good shooting night that could pick me up another win in field goal percentage, but that wasn't happening. I'm starting the new week with seven of my 10 lineup spots filled. I'm not going with Joe Johnson, who missed Friday's game because of a personal issue. If I have time -- there is Christmas shopping to do, you know -- I'll check before the Nets' game to see whether he's playing and if the personal matter has been resolved.
The good news is that I'm over .500 (32-31-1) after coming out of the draft, three weeks into the season, already 13 games under .500. I even moved up out of last place to fourth in the my division, but remained seventh overall in the 10-team league because a team from the other division passed me.
This week's opponent is the team directly ahead of me in my division. By winning 6-2, I could move into third place.
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