It usually takes rookies a few games to muster up their first hit in the Majors, but that was not the case for Rockies outfielder David Dahl. Ranked by MLB Pipeline as the Rockies' No. 2 overall prospect, Dahl started his career off with a bang, recording a hit in each of his first 17 Major League games, tying a 75-year-old Big League record previously set by Reds rookie Chuck Aleno in 1941.
Although the streak ended on Aug. 12, Dahl found his way back into the hit column Saturday and Sunday, going 2-for-5 with two doubles and 1-for-3 with two walks, respectively. He has a .342 batting average with nine extra-base hits, 10 RBIs and six walks in 79 at-bats. Dahl, the No. 10 overall pick by the Rockies in 2012, was tearing up the Minors at the time of his promotion, having posted a .314/.394/.569 slash line between Double-A Hartford and Triple-A Albuquerque.
The 22-year-old should see consistent playing time down the stretch, and he will be a significant piece to the Rockies' team of the future, adding to an already impressive outfield consisting of Carlos Gonzalez, Charlie Blackmon and Gerardo Parra.
Monday, August 15, 2016
Saturday, August 13, 2016
The Kemp effect
On Jul. 30, the Atlanta Braves acquired outfielder Matt Kemp in exchange for Hector Olivera. This was a move to attempt to provide better protection for first baseman Freddie Freeman. So far, the plan has worked, with Kemp being just the right person behind Freeman. Since Aug. 3, Freeman is hitting .333 (11-for-33) with four homers, four doubles and 11 RBIs, while Kemp is hitting .235 (8-for-34) with four extra-base hits and five RBIs. Although Kemp is off to a slow start, his name alone has impacted the way pitchers handle Freeman.
The whole lineup has also benefited from Kemp's presence. Since Aug. 3, the Braves have averaged 5.2 runs per game, which is well above their season mark of 3.6 per game. The top of the lineup, led by Ender Inciarte and Erick Aybar, has gotten hot too. In the month of August, Inciarte is hitting .370, while Aybar is hitting .333. Behind Kemp, Nick Markakis and Adonis Garcia have had more opportunities to drive runners in. Since Aug. 2, Markakis is hitting .333 with 10 RBIs while Garcia is hitting .262 with six RBIs. Having Markakis and Adonis in the fifth and sixth spots in the order has created more depth for Atlanta's offense.
Overall, the lineup has benefited from the presence of Kemp, who takes the weight of hitting fourth off players who are better suited in the fifth through seventh spots. The Braves may not be able to sustain the offensive pace they have set of late, but they are in a better position for the transition to SunTrust Park in 2017.
The whole lineup has also benefited from Kemp's presence. Since Aug. 3, the Braves have averaged 5.2 runs per game, which is well above their season mark of 3.6 per game. The top of the lineup, led by Ender Inciarte and Erick Aybar, has gotten hot too. In the month of August, Inciarte is hitting .370, while Aybar is hitting .333. Behind Kemp, Nick Markakis and Adonis Garcia have had more opportunities to drive runners in. Since Aug. 2, Markakis is hitting .333 with 10 RBIs while Garcia is hitting .262 with six RBIs. Having Markakis and Adonis in the fifth and sixth spots in the order has created more depth for Atlanta's offense.
Overall, the lineup has benefited from the presence of Kemp, who takes the weight of hitting fourth off players who are better suited in the fifth through seventh spots. The Braves may not be able to sustain the offensive pace they have set of late, but they are in a better position for the transition to SunTrust Park in 2017.
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
Winner of the 2016 Trade Deadline
The non-waiver Trade Deadline is always a busy time of the year, and 2016 was no exception. There were a total of 48 trades completed from June 1 through the Deadline, five more than last year. Many contenders were loading up for October baseball, while other teams chose to rebuild. The Texas Rangers came out on top as the winner in my eyes because of the impact players they received.
It was only two weeks ago that there was concern surrounding the Rangers, who had dropped 15 of 19 from June 29 to July 22. Houston was creeping up on them, only 2 1/2 games back in the American League West on July 22. Texas has gone 7-3 since, extending its lead to 5 1/2 games. Their most glaring need was a starting pitcher, but with the elevated price of starters due to a barren upcoming free-agent class, the Rangers looked to improve elsewhere.
They made two significant moves, the first a trade for veteran Carlos Beltran from the Yankees to solidify their designated hitter spot due to the absence of slugger Prince Fielder. Beltran is having an excellent year at age 39, hitting .300 with 22 home runs and 64 RBIs. He is a professional hitter who makes those around him better. Beltran also carries an excellent postseason track record. In 52 postseason games, Beltran owns a .332 average with 16 home runs, 13 doubles and 40 RBIs. Texas is looking to make a run at the World Series, and adding a hitter of this caliber to a lineup only increases its chances.
The second major move was the acquisition of catcher Jonathan Lucroy and right-handed reliever Jeremy Jeffress from the Brewers. Lucroy was acquired by the Rangers a day after he nixed a deal to the Indians. The 30-year-old backstop is hitting .297 with 13 homers and 50 RBIs. His value goes beyond his offense. On the defensive side, Lucroy is rated as one of the best pitch framers in the game in addition to being one of the top game callers. His experience behind the plate can help a pitching staff tremendously. Jeffress is having a career, owning a 2.22 ERA to go along with 27 saves in his first season in the closer role. He bolsters a bullpen that is 28th in the Majors in bullpen ERA at 4.81. The 28-year-old Jeffress gives Texas the option of closing or setting up for Sam Dyson.
While many other teams acquired an impact player, the Rangers stockpiled three impact players who can make a difference in the quest for a World Series.
It was only two weeks ago that there was concern surrounding the Rangers, who had dropped 15 of 19 from June 29 to July 22. Houston was creeping up on them, only 2 1/2 games back in the American League West on July 22. Texas has gone 7-3 since, extending its lead to 5 1/2 games. Their most glaring need was a starting pitcher, but with the elevated price of starters due to a barren upcoming free-agent class, the Rangers looked to improve elsewhere.
They made two significant moves, the first a trade for veteran Carlos Beltran from the Yankees to solidify their designated hitter spot due to the absence of slugger Prince Fielder. Beltran is having an excellent year at age 39, hitting .300 with 22 home runs and 64 RBIs. He is a professional hitter who makes those around him better. Beltran also carries an excellent postseason track record. In 52 postseason games, Beltran owns a .332 average with 16 home runs, 13 doubles and 40 RBIs. Texas is looking to make a run at the World Series, and adding a hitter of this caliber to a lineup only increases its chances.
The second major move was the acquisition of catcher Jonathan Lucroy and right-handed reliever Jeremy Jeffress from the Brewers. Lucroy was acquired by the Rangers a day after he nixed a deal to the Indians. The 30-year-old backstop is hitting .297 with 13 homers and 50 RBIs. His value goes beyond his offense. On the defensive side, Lucroy is rated as one of the best pitch framers in the game in addition to being one of the top game callers. His experience behind the plate can help a pitching staff tremendously. Jeffress is having a career, owning a 2.22 ERA to go along with 27 saves in his first season in the closer role. He bolsters a bullpen that is 28th in the Majors in bullpen ERA at 4.81. The 28-year-old Jeffress gives Texas the option of closing or setting up for Sam Dyson.
While many other teams acquired an impact player, the Rangers stockpiled three impact players who can make a difference in the quest for a World Series.
Monday, July 25, 2016
Debut day
Three players have been called up to the Major Leagues and will make their Major League debut tonight -- Alex Bregman, David Dahl and Braden Shipley.
Bregman was the No. 2 overall pick by the Houston Astros in last year's draft, and was often overshadowed by Dansby Swanson and Brendan Rodgers. Bregman has begun to make a name for himself this year, posting a .306 average with 20 homers and 61 RBIs between Triple-A Fresno and Double-A Corpus Christi. He is ranked as MLB Pipeline's No. 18 overall prospect, and his best tool is his hit tool. With Correa at short, Bregman, being the athlete he is, should be seen all around the diamond, including third base and possibly left field.
Dahl, the Rockies' first round pick in 2012, was hitting .314 with 18 homers, 61 RBIs and 17 stolen bases between Double-A Hartford and Triple-A Albuquerque before his promotion to the Majors. The 22-year-old outfielder will play left field in his debut, and could make an impact immediately with Gerardo Parra still on the disabled list. He has solid tools all around, and can impact a game in many ways. Dahl's health has been an issue in the past, but if healthy, he can be a terrific player for the Rockies.
The 24-year-old Shipley was the Diamondbacks' first selection in 2013 out of the University of Nevada. He features a good fastball with an above average changeup and a power curveball. At Triple-A Reno, Shipley was 8-5 with a 3.70 ERA in 119 1/3 innings pitched. Ranked as MLB Pipeline's No. 58 overall prospect, Shipley projects as a future No. 3 starter, and if healthy can be even better. He will take the mound tonight against a Brewers team that has gone 3-7 in their last 10 games.
Bregman was the No. 2 overall pick by the Houston Astros in last year's draft, and was often overshadowed by Dansby Swanson and Brendan Rodgers. Bregman has begun to make a name for himself this year, posting a .306 average with 20 homers and 61 RBIs between Triple-A Fresno and Double-A Corpus Christi. He is ranked as MLB Pipeline's No. 18 overall prospect, and his best tool is his hit tool. With Correa at short, Bregman, being the athlete he is, should be seen all around the diamond, including third base and possibly left field.
Dahl, the Rockies' first round pick in 2012, was hitting .314 with 18 homers, 61 RBIs and 17 stolen bases between Double-A Hartford and Triple-A Albuquerque before his promotion to the Majors. The 22-year-old outfielder will play left field in his debut, and could make an impact immediately with Gerardo Parra still on the disabled list. He has solid tools all around, and can impact a game in many ways. Dahl's health has been an issue in the past, but if healthy, he can be a terrific player for the Rockies.
The 24-year-old Shipley was the Diamondbacks' first selection in 2013 out of the University of Nevada. He features a good fastball with an above average changeup and a power curveball. At Triple-A Reno, Shipley was 8-5 with a 3.70 ERA in 119 1/3 innings pitched. Ranked as MLB Pipeline's No. 58 overall prospect, Shipley projects as a future No. 3 starter, and if healthy can be even better. He will take the mound tonight against a Brewers team that has gone 3-7 in their last 10 games.
Saturday, July 23, 2016
Why Jose Altuve is one of the best overall players in the Majors
When you think of Jose Altuve, you might think of a man in a kid's body. It is no secret that Altuve doesn't possess the size we typically equate with success in baseball. Listed at a mere five foot, six inches, Altuve gets the most out of his frame. This year, Altuve is fourth in WAR (5.2) according to FanGraphs, and is establishing himself as one of the best players in baseball.
Altuve has taken off in a new dimension this year -- hitting for power. Prior to the 2016 season, he had 36 career home runs, and only reached the double-digit plateau with 15 homers in 2015. Altuve has already matched his 2015 total in 261 fewer at-bats. He is also hitting third on an Astros team that features sluggers such as Carlos Correa and George Springer.
While the power has gone up, the other aspects of his game have not diminished. Altuve currently leads the Majors in batting average (.358), hits (135) and OBP (.427). He is still the stolen base threat of years past, swiping 25 bags in 29 attempts. Even with the power surge, Altuve has kept his strikeout numbers down, and has more walks (44) than strikeouts (40).
On the defensive side, Altuve is second among AL second baseman with a .992 fielding percentage. He has committed only three errors this season, and has totaled only eight since the start of the 2015 season.
Altuve is more than just a contact hitter, he is the whole package as a player. He plays the game with a refreshing energy, and proves that size doesn't matter. He is on pace to have a career year, and with 66 games left in the season, only time will tell if Altuve will emerge as the 2016 American League MVP award winner.
Altuve has taken off in a new dimension this year -- hitting for power. Prior to the 2016 season, he had 36 career home runs, and only reached the double-digit plateau with 15 homers in 2015. Altuve has already matched his 2015 total in 261 fewer at-bats. He is also hitting third on an Astros team that features sluggers such as Carlos Correa and George Springer.
While the power has gone up, the other aspects of his game have not diminished. Altuve currently leads the Majors in batting average (.358), hits (135) and OBP (.427). He is still the stolen base threat of years past, swiping 25 bags in 29 attempts. Even with the power surge, Altuve has kept his strikeout numbers down, and has more walks (44) than strikeouts (40).
On the defensive side, Altuve is second among AL second baseman with a .992 fielding percentage. He has committed only three errors this season, and has totaled only eight since the start of the 2015 season.
Altuve is more than just a contact hitter, he is the whole package as a player. He plays the game with a refreshing energy, and proves that size doesn't matter. He is on pace to have a career year, and with 66 games left in the season, only time will tell if Altuve will emerge as the 2016 American League MVP award winner.
Saturday, June 25, 2016
Atlanta Braves' Update
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.
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.
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.
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