Although the Atlanta Braves own the worst record in the National League at 25-48, they have been playing better of late, winning seven of their last nine games, including a sweep of the Mets in Queens.
The offense has been hot, averaging 4.9 runs per game over the nine game span. Freddie Freeman has led the assault, hitting .436 (17-for-39) with two home runs, four doubles and six RBIs over his last nine games. Freeman would be named NL Player of the Week for the week ending Jun. 19, after hitting .548 with three homers, two four-hit games and adding in the cycle. He has raised his batting average to .275, a 33 point raise since Jun. 12. Right fielder Nick Markakis has also begun to heat up, posting a .324 average with four doubles and five RBIs over his last nine games. If they can keep these two hot at the same time, the run scoring should continue to improve.
Pitching has been an ailment of the Braves this year, but they have had more consistency of late. Julio Teheran has found his old self, pitching to an ERA of 2.66 this season. In his last seven starts, Teheran is 3-3 with a 2.17 ERA and a 0.64 WHIP. The 25-year-old dazzled in his last start, throwing a complete-game, one-hit shutout against the Mets on Jun. 19. Matt Wisler, after struggling in his first two starts in June, has settled in, posting back-to-back starts of 6 2/3 innings and three or fewer earned runs. Teheran and Wisler will need to continue to be consistent for the Braves to be able to stay in ball games.
What to watch for
The Braves have two more games with the Mets this weekend, followed by home series with the Indians and the Marlins. They will then travel to Fort Bragg in North Carolina on Jul. 3 to finish their series with the Marlins. The game at Fort Bragg will be the first regular season game in sports to be played at an active military base. After Jul. 2, the Braves will not be back until after the All-Star Break when they play a weekend series with the Rockies beginning on Jul. 15.
Saturday, June 25, 2016
Sunday, June 19, 2016
The "Freak" is back
When you hear the name Tim Lincecum, you might think of the two National League CY Young Awards he won early in his career, the two no-hitters against the Padres or how he lead the Giants to their first World Series since 1954. You might also think of the recent adversity Lincecum has faced, posting an ERA of 4.13 or higher from 2012 to 2015.
Last fall, the 32-year-old right-hander underwent left hip surgery, and in November, elected free agency. The Giants opted not to re-sign the veteran, and he went without a team for the entire offseason. In May, Lincecum began working out for Major League teams, showcasing his stuff, and hoping for another chance to start at the Major League level. The Angels took a flyer on him, with their rotation having been decimated by injuries to Garrett Richards, Andrew Heaney and C.J. Wilson.
Lincecum sparkled in the Minors, going 0-2 with a 2.65 ERA over three starts with Triple-A Salt Lake. On June 18, he was recalled by the Angels and would make his first start in the Majors since June 27, 2015 against the Rockies. The three-time World Series Champion threw six innings of four hit ball, surrendering the only earned run of the game on an RBI single by Danny Valencia.
Although it was just his first start back, he showed good stuff and the ability to retire hitters. If he continues to pitch like he did, Lincecum has the opportunity to re-establish himself as a dependable starter.
Last fall, the 32-year-old right-hander underwent left hip surgery, and in November, elected free agency. The Giants opted not to re-sign the veteran, and he went without a team for the entire offseason. In May, Lincecum began working out for Major League teams, showcasing his stuff, and hoping for another chance to start at the Major League level. The Angels took a flyer on him, with their rotation having been decimated by injuries to Garrett Richards, Andrew Heaney and C.J. Wilson.
Lincecum sparkled in the Minors, going 0-2 with a 2.65 ERA over three starts with Triple-A Salt Lake. On June 18, he was recalled by the Angels and would make his first start in the Majors since June 27, 2015 against the Rockies. The three-time World Series Champion threw six innings of four hit ball, surrendering the only earned run of the game on an RBI single by Danny Valencia.
Although it was just his first start back, he showed good stuff and the ability to retire hitters. If he continues to pitch like he did, Lincecum has the opportunity to re-establish himself as a dependable starter.
Friday, June 17, 2016
All-Star worthy -- American League edition
The 2016 MLB All-Star Game is less than a month away, and players continue to build their cases for an All-Star game appearance. Last year, first time All-Stars was a theme, and this year could be a similar story. Here are the American League players worthy of a starting spot in the 2016 All-Star Game.
Catcher -- Salvador Perez -- Kansas City Royals
2016 stats: .295 average, 11 home runs, 32 RBIs and 13 doubles
Perez was the starter on last year's squad and has continued to hit. The postseason workload over the past two years has not affected his bat this year as he leads AL catchers in homers (11), average (.294) and RBIs (32). He is also first among catchers with 62 hits and is second to only Oakland's Stephen Vogt with 13 doubles. Perez is no stranger to All-Star games, having been selected the past three years, and he is very deserving of another appearance this year.
First base -- Eric Hosmer -- Kansas City Royals
2016 stats: .315 average, 12 home runs, 41 RBIs and 78 hits
First base was a toss up between Hosmer and Tigers' first baseman Miguel Cabrera. Hosmer is first among AL first basemen in hits (76), average (.315), and is second in RBIs (41) and doubles (13). He has been a key part to a Royals' lineup that has lost Alex Gordon and Mike Moustakas. Surprisingly, Hosmer has not been selected to an All-Star Game, so now is the perfect time for the 26-year-old to start on one of the biggest stages in baseball.
Second base -- Jose Altuve -- Houston Astros
2016 stats: .346 average, 10 home runs, 38 RBIs and 18 stolen bases
This year, second base is flooded with players having career starts to a season including Ian Kinsler, Dustin Pedroia and Robinson Cano. Altuve comes out on top, second in the league in average (.346) and hits (91) to only Xander Bogaerts. On the bases, he is 18-for-20 in stolen bases. Altuve has also flashed additional power this year, and at 10 homers is only five away from his season high of 15 set last year. A two-time All-Star, Altuve deserves to start for the second year in a row.
Shortstop -- Bogaerts -- Boston Red Sox
2016 stats: .352 average, eight home runs, 45 RBIs and 20 doubles.
While second base was a toss up, shortstop was a no brainer. Bogaerts currently leads the majors with 96 hits, and is second with a .352 average. He has started to look like the player that the Red Sox expected him to be, and has displayed five-tools throughout the 2016 season. The 23-year-old looks to be on his way to his first All-Star Game appearance of his career.
Third base -- Manny Machado -- Baltimore Orioles
2016 stats: .308 average, 17 home runs, 41 RBIs and 26 doubles
Machado has continued to grow into his power, currently second in the AL with 17 homers. It seems like the 23-year-old has been around for a while, currently in the fifth season of his career. Machado has had two previous All-Star Game appearances, and is looking for the first start of his career.
Left field -- Ian Desmond -- Texas Rangers
2016 stats: .314 average, 10 home runs, 44 RBIs and 18 doubles
Although Desmond has moved over to center field after starting the season in left, it is hard to leave him out after the start he has had. Desmond leads AL outfielders with 83 hits, is second with 18 doubles and tied third with 44 RBIs. He is also 12-for-14 in stolen base attempts. He has been a pivotal bat in the Rangers' lineup that has battled injuries. Desmond has also made a nice transition to the outfield from short and is certainly worthy of a starting spot in the American League outfield.
Center field -- Mike Trout -- Los Angeles Angels
2016 stats: .305 average, 13 home runs, 44 RBIs, 14 doubles
Although Jackie Bradley Jr. and Desmond are crafting great seasons of their own, it is hard not to go with the perennial MVP candidate Trout in center field. Trout is quietly putting up another great season hitting .305 with 13 homers and 44 RBIs. He is also 9-for-10 in stolen base attempts after swiping only 11 bags a year ago. Trout is definitely deserving of a fifth straight All-Star Game appearance.
Right field -- Mark Trumbo -- Baltimore Orioles
2016 stats: .283 average, 20 home runs, 49 RBIs and 11 doubles
This offseason Trumbo and C.J. Riefenhauser were traded from the Mariners to the Orioles in exchange for catcher Steve Clevenger. You can guess who has gotten the most out of that deal so far. Trumbo has been on a tear in 2016, returning to the player that he was back with the Angels. He leads the American League with 20 homers and is fourth in RBIs with 49. Trumbo was previously an All-Star in 2012, and should start in 2016.
Designated hitter -- David Ortiz --Boston Red Sox
2016 stats: .344 average, 18 home runs, 57 RBIs and 29 doubles
The 40-year-old Ortiz is off to one of his best starts, first with 29 doubles, second in the AL with 57 RBIs, and third with a .344 average. He is an MVP candidate as well, and is hoping to lead the Red Sox to a World Series Championship in his final season. The nine-time All-Star hasn't played in the All-Star Game since 2013, and another start would only solidify his Hall-of-Fame resume.
Catcher -- Salvador Perez -- Kansas City Royals
2016 stats: .295 average, 11 home runs, 32 RBIs and 13 doubles
Perez was the starter on last year's squad and has continued to hit. The postseason workload over the past two years has not affected his bat this year as he leads AL catchers in homers (11), average (.294) and RBIs (32). He is also first among catchers with 62 hits and is second to only Oakland's Stephen Vogt with 13 doubles. Perez is no stranger to All-Star games, having been selected the past three years, and he is very deserving of another appearance this year.
First base -- Eric Hosmer -- Kansas City Royals
2016 stats: .315 average, 12 home runs, 41 RBIs and 78 hits
First base was a toss up between Hosmer and Tigers' first baseman Miguel Cabrera. Hosmer is first among AL first basemen in hits (76), average (.315), and is second in RBIs (41) and doubles (13). He has been a key part to a Royals' lineup that has lost Alex Gordon and Mike Moustakas. Surprisingly, Hosmer has not been selected to an All-Star Game, so now is the perfect time for the 26-year-old to start on one of the biggest stages in baseball.
Second base -- Jose Altuve -- Houston Astros
2016 stats: .346 average, 10 home runs, 38 RBIs and 18 stolen bases
This year, second base is flooded with players having career starts to a season including Ian Kinsler, Dustin Pedroia and Robinson Cano. Altuve comes out on top, second in the league in average (.346) and hits (91) to only Xander Bogaerts. On the bases, he is 18-for-20 in stolen bases. Altuve has also flashed additional power this year, and at 10 homers is only five away from his season high of 15 set last year. A two-time All-Star, Altuve deserves to start for the second year in a row.
Shortstop -- Bogaerts -- Boston Red Sox
2016 stats: .352 average, eight home runs, 45 RBIs and 20 doubles.
While second base was a toss up, shortstop was a no brainer. Bogaerts currently leads the majors with 96 hits, and is second with a .352 average. He has started to look like the player that the Red Sox expected him to be, and has displayed five-tools throughout the 2016 season. The 23-year-old looks to be on his way to his first All-Star Game appearance of his career.
Third base -- Manny Machado -- Baltimore Orioles
2016 stats: .308 average, 17 home runs, 41 RBIs and 26 doubles
Machado has continued to grow into his power, currently second in the AL with 17 homers. It seems like the 23-year-old has been around for a while, currently in the fifth season of his career. Machado has had two previous All-Star Game appearances, and is looking for the first start of his career.
Left field -- Ian Desmond -- Texas Rangers
2016 stats: .314 average, 10 home runs, 44 RBIs and 18 doubles
Although Desmond has moved over to center field after starting the season in left, it is hard to leave him out after the start he has had. Desmond leads AL outfielders with 83 hits, is second with 18 doubles and tied third with 44 RBIs. He is also 12-for-14 in stolen base attempts. He has been a pivotal bat in the Rangers' lineup that has battled injuries. Desmond has also made a nice transition to the outfield from short and is certainly worthy of a starting spot in the American League outfield.
Center field -- Mike Trout -- Los Angeles Angels
2016 stats: .305 average, 13 home runs, 44 RBIs, 14 doubles
Although Jackie Bradley Jr. and Desmond are crafting great seasons of their own, it is hard not to go with the perennial MVP candidate Trout in center field. Trout is quietly putting up another great season hitting .305 with 13 homers and 44 RBIs. He is also 9-for-10 in stolen base attempts after swiping only 11 bags a year ago. Trout is definitely deserving of a fifth straight All-Star Game appearance.
Right field -- Mark Trumbo -- Baltimore Orioles
2016 stats: .283 average, 20 home runs, 49 RBIs and 11 doubles
This offseason Trumbo and C.J. Riefenhauser were traded from the Mariners to the Orioles in exchange for catcher Steve Clevenger. You can guess who has gotten the most out of that deal so far. Trumbo has been on a tear in 2016, returning to the player that he was back with the Angels. He leads the American League with 20 homers and is fourth in RBIs with 49. Trumbo was previously an All-Star in 2012, and should start in 2016.
Designated hitter -- David Ortiz --Boston Red Sox
2016 stats: .344 average, 18 home runs, 57 RBIs and 29 doubles
The 40-year-old Ortiz is off to one of his best starts, first with 29 doubles, second in the AL with 57 RBIs, and third with a .344 average. He is an MVP candidate as well, and is hoping to lead the Red Sox to a World Series Championship in his final season. The nine-time All-Star hasn't played in the All-Star Game since 2013, and another start would only solidify his Hall-of-Fame resume.
Monday, June 13, 2016
Top rookies in the American League
1. Nomar Mazara – Right field – Texas Rangers
Mazara, the No. 14 overall prospect in baseball in 2015
according to MLB Pipeline, was called up on Apr. 10 after a right calf injury
sent Shin-Soo Choo to the disabled list. In his Major League Debut, Mazara went
3-for-4 including a solo-homer off Angels’ righty Jared Weaver. Mazara, who is
known for his bat, has not slowed down, leading AL rookies with a .315 batting
average (minimum 100 at-bats) and 67 hits. He is also first among AL rookies
with 28 RBIs and is tied second with Dae-Ho Lee with 10 homers. His hot start
named him AL Rookie of the Month in April and in May. Even with Choo coming off
the DL soon, it seems that Mazara is here to stay.
2. Michael Fulmer – Starting Pitcher – Detroit Tigers
Acquired in the trade that sent Yoenis Cespedes to the Mets,
Fulmer immediately slid into the Tigers’ No. 1 prospect slot. He had a breakout
2015 season in which he went 10-3 with a 2.24 ERA between Class-A Adv (St.
Lucie) and Double-A (Binghamton and Erie). The 23-year-old Fulmer made his
Major League debut on Apr. 29 against the Twins, surrendering two earned runs
over five innings while picking up the win. Over his last seven starts, Fulmer
is 6-0 with a 1.65 ERA in 43 2/3 innings pitched, and he is 7-1 overall. The
Tigers, only 3.0 games back of the Indians in the AL Central, will need Fulmer
to continue to lengthen their rotation.
3. Dae-Ho Lee – First Baseman – Seattle Mariners
Lee is an unconventional rookie, migrating from the Japan
Pacific League to the Major Leagues as a 33-year-old. The Korean first baseman
has always hit for a high average, boasting a .303 career average in 15 seasons
between the Japan Pacific League and the Korean Baseball Organization. His
approach in the Majors has been no different as Lee is sporting a .296 average,
2nd among AL Rookies. He has also shown the power that allowed him
to hit 20 or more homers in 10 of his 15 seasons overseas. Lee is tied second
with Mazara in home runs with 10, but has almost half of the at-bats. He has
been a solid addition to the new-look Mariners, and although he may not receive
the at-bats to keep up in the AL Rookie of the Year race, he has certainly
impressed early in the 2016 season.
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
There is a new Ranger in town
Feb. 29, 2016, the day Ian Desmond officially signed a one-year, $8 million contract with the Texas Rangers. It was only two years after he reportedly turned down a seven-year, $107 million deal from the Washington Nationals. It was a surprise that a player with his track record signed so late. He won three-straight NL Silver Slugger awards from 2012-14, and tallied 19 or more homers from 2012-2015. After playing shortstop for 913 games, the Rangers, with Elvis Andrus at short, wanted Desmond to play the outfield. Prior to 2016, Desmond logged only 7 1/3 innings in the outfield in the Majors, and although he possesses the athleticism to play the outfield, only time would tell if he could make the transition.
Desmond has been one of the best signings of the offseason so far, hitting .310 with eight homers and 37 RBIs in 57 games. He has also smacked 15 doubles and has stolen 11 bases. In his last 30 games, Desmond is hitting .374 (49-for-131) with five homers and 25 RBIs. His presence in the lineup has been much needed with outfielders Shin-Soo Choo, Drew Stubbs and Josh Hamilton on the disabled list.
In the field, Desmond does have four errors, but has looked better of late, accruing three assists. He is taking better routes, and is continuing to get better each game.
The 30-year-old has been a leader in the clubhouse, adding to the likes of Adrian Beltre, Prince Fielder and Cole Hamels. If he keeps it up, Desmond will surely be in contention for an All-Star game appearance. The Rangers are atop the American League West at 36-22, and Desmond has been an instrumental part of the Rangers' success.
Desmond has been one of the best signings of the offseason so far, hitting .310 with eight homers and 37 RBIs in 57 games. He has also smacked 15 doubles and has stolen 11 bases. In his last 30 games, Desmond is hitting .374 (49-for-131) with five homers and 25 RBIs. His presence in the lineup has been much needed with outfielders Shin-Soo Choo, Drew Stubbs and Josh Hamilton on the disabled list.
In the field, Desmond does have four errors, but has looked better of late, accruing three assists. He is taking better routes, and is continuing to get better each game.
The 30-year-old has been a leader in the clubhouse, adding to the likes of Adrian Beltre, Prince Fielder and Cole Hamels. If he keeps it up, Desmond will surely be in contention for an All-Star game appearance. The Rangers are atop the American League West at 36-22, and Desmond has been an instrumental part of the Rangers' success.
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