The 2014 Major League Baseball Player Chatter, News and Fantasy Thread

[koz-man]

No doubt, Arch!

PNC was electric! What a scene for a Monday night in mid August!

Snider was a stud, Marte had a day, Martin hit an absolute bomb, Ike went yard.

Locke did his job and the pen closed strong!

LET'S GO BUCS!!!

Agree with arch.

You picked a great game to attend!!!!

[Chi_archie]

Pirates might break attendance record this year

it would be a crime if they don't, if they stay in the playoff hunt

[Andy117]

Baseball really needs to fix the home plate collision rule, it's not called consistently at all.
See Chicage - SF and Wash - NY from today.

[yisman]

Pirates might break attendance record this year

it would be a crime if they don't, if they stay in the playoff hunt

They probably will fall short this year.

[EmpireMaker]

I had Tulo and Cargo on a team that is currently 16-2, those two out for the year hurts me and I have Tanaka on the DL, but the rest of the team is still quite strong.

[Chi_archie]

They probably will fall short this year.

in attendance or the playoffs?

[Shortstop]

Pirates might break attendance record this year

it would be a crime if they don't, if they stay in the playoff hunt

They probably will fall short this year.

The Pirates averaged 30,839 in their inaugural year at PNC. (2,436,290)

This is the current high in attendance since the park opened.

Through 63 home games this year, the average attendance at PNC is 29,069. (1,831,367)

If my math is correct, the Bucs would have to draw 604,924 over their last 18 home games.

To average 33,607 per game the rest of the season is very achievable since they're very much in the playoff race.

[yisman]

in attendance or the playoffs?

I'd have to say both.

[MexicanStallion]

I had Tulo and Cargo on a team that is currently 16-2, those two out for the year hurts me and I have Tanaka on the DL, but the rest of the team is still quite strong.

Those are quite the losses and they are all done for the season basically. Must be a strong team.

[Chi_archie]

The Pirates averaged 30,839 in their inaugural year at PNC. (2,436,290)

This is the current high in attendance since the park opened.

Through 63 home games this year, the average attendance at PNC is 29,069. (1,831,367)

If my math is correct, the Bucs would have to draw 604,924 over their last 18 home games.

To average 33,607 per game the rest of the season is very achievable since they're very much in the playoff race.

nice breakdown!

if they stay in it, it would be a shame for the Pirate fans to not come out for those games.

although School will be back in session and tough to take the fam to a 7:05 game on a school night

[Shortstop]

nice breakdown!

if they stay in it, it would be a shame for the Pirate fans to not come out for those games.

although School will be back in session and tough to take the fam to a 7:05 game on a school night

Good point about school starting back up.

With that comes high school Friday night football. As you know this is religion in western PA.

Regardless what happens, September will be a lot of fun here again this year!

[EmpireMaker]

Yankees right-hander Masahiro Tanaka, who is looking to avoid Tommy John surgery, is a week and a half into his throwing program after receiving a platelet-rich plasma injection in his elbow roughly one month ago. He will get back on the mound for the first time on Saturday.
Watch the Wyndham Championship streaming LIVE Saturday-Sunday on CBSSports.com.




Masahiro Tanaka scheduled to throw off a mound for first time since injury

By Mike Axisa | Baseball Writer

August 15, 2014 4:50 pm ET

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Masahiro Tanaka's throwing program is going well so far. (USATSI)

Yankees right-hander Masahiro Tanaka, who is looking to avoid Tommy John surgery, is a week and a half into his throwing program after receiving a platelet-rich plasma injection in his elbow roughly one month ago. He will get back on the mound for the first time on Saturday.
Tanaka was diagnosed with a partially torn elbow ligament early last month. He has reported no pain during his throwing program as has progressed from throwing at 60 feet to 90 feet to 120 feet. If all goes well, he will be able to return to the team sometime in September.
Before getting hurt, the 25-year-old Tanaka went 12-4 with a 2.51 ERA and an insane 135/19 K/BB in 18 starts and 129 1/3 innings. He signed a seven-year, $155 million contract with the Yankees over the winter.
The Yankees just welcomed Michael Pineda back from the disabled list, though they are still without Tanaka, CC Sabathia (knee) and Ivan Nova (Tommy John surgery). Three-fifths of their Opening Day rotation remains on the disabled list.

[EmpireMaker]

second baseman Brandon Phillips is going to begin his Triple-A rehab stint Friday, the Louisville Bats (Reds' Triple-A affiliate) announced. Phillips has been sidelined since July 10 with a left thumb injury that required surgery to repair the torn ligament.

[Shortstop]

Yankees right-hander Masahiro Tanaka, who is looking to avoid Tommy John surgery, is a week and a half into his throwing program after receiving a platelet-rich plasma injection in his elbow roughly one month ago. He will get back on the mound for the first time on Saturday.
Watch the Wyndham Championship streaming LIVE Saturday-Sunday on CBSSports.com.




Masahiro Tanaka scheduled to throw off a mound for first time since injury

By Mike Axisa | Baseball Writer

August 15, 2014 4:50 pm ET

Masahiro Tanaka's throwing program is going well so far. (USATSI)

Yankees right-hander Masahiro Tanaka, who is looking to avoid Tommy John surgery, is a week and a half into his throwing program after receiving a platelet-rich plasma injection in his elbow roughly one month ago. He will get back on the mound for the first time on Saturday.
Tanaka was diagnosed with a partially torn elbow ligament early last month. He has reported no pain during his throwing program as has progressed from throwing at 60 feet to 90 feet to 120 feet. If all goes well, he will be able to return to the team sometime in September.
Before getting hurt, the 25-year-old Tanaka went 12-4 with a 2.51 ERA and an insane 135/19 K/BB in 18 starts and 129 1/3 innings. He signed a seven-year, $155 million contract with the Yankees over the winter.
The Yankees just welcomed Michael Pineda back from the disabled list, though they are still without Tanaka, CC Sabathia (knee) and Ivan Nova (Tommy John surgery). Three-fifths of their Opening Day rotation remains on the disabled list.

That's an awesome photo!

Wow! They're without Tanaka, Sabathia and Nova yet they're only 4.5 GB in the Wild Card race.

Just imagine if all three of these guys stayed healthy this year?

In my opinion, they'd be sitting atop of the AL East for sure...

[Chi_archie]

second baseman Brandon Phillips is going to begin his Triple-A rehab stint Friday, the Louisville Bats (Reds' Triple-A affiliate) announced. Phillips has been sidelined since July 10 with a left thumb injury that required surgery to repair the torn ligament.

oh man i've not missed that guy this year

[koz-man]

second baseman Brandon Phillips is going to begin his Triple-A rehab stint Friday, the Louisville Bats (Reds' Triple-A affiliate) announced. Phillips has been sidelined since July 10 with a left thumb injury that required surgery to repair the torn ligament.

Boy,, do the Reds need him and Votta back ASAP....

[EmpireMaker]

Yankees rookie ace Masahiro Tanaka of course hasn't pitched since July 8 because of a slightly torn ulnar collateral ligament. In a continuing effort to avoid the worst-case scenario (i.e., Tommy John surgery), Tanaka threw 25 fastballs in his first bullpen session -- and first time throwing from a mound -- since suffering the injury of note.
The results? Very promising. Here's a summary from Chad Jennings of the LoHud Yankee blog:

Masahiro Tanaka said he's encouraged and still pain-free after today's bullpen session. He's hoping to start throwing off speed pitches next time around.
“I think we're heading in the right direction,” Tanaka said. “So I feel really good about it.”
Girardi has been reserved on Tanaka's progress, but he seemed genuinely excited re: Tanaka today. "This is a lot more than playing catch."

Obviously, we'll need to see how Tanaka feels when he wakes up on Sunday, but this is definitely an encouraging sign.
Before getting hurt, the 25-year-old Tanaka went 12-4 with a 2.51 ERA and a stellar 7.11 K/BB ratio in 18 starts and 129 1/3 innings. He signed a seven-year, $155 million contract with the Yankees over the winter.

[Chi_archie]

Tanaka should just calm down

Yanks invested too much to be trying to miraculously come back

[Shortstop]

The Yankees are currently 7 GB in the AL East and 4 GB in the AL Wild Card hunt.

Not saying they have no chance at the postseason, but why not sit out Tanaka as long as necessary and come back fully loaded next spring? They're paying this guy way too much money to risk another serious injury this year and the Yanks will probably fall short of the playoffs regardless...

[MexicanStallion]

Boy,, do the Reds need him and Votta back ASAP....

What a double header. JJ Hoover

This has to bee the most frustrating Cincinnati team in years.

[MexicanStallion]

What a double header. JJ Hoover

This has to bee the most frustrating Cincinnati team in years.

^Sad thing is I posted this once The Rockies tied up the game. Before there mini meltdown in Game 2. What a joke.

[EmpireMaker]

Chapman walked his first 4 batters in a row, don't know what his problem was today.

[MikeTizzy]

oh Stalion, how are all your big debts coming along?!

[Shortstop]

What a double header. JJ Hoover

This has to bee the most frustrating Cincinnati team in years.

^Sad thing is I posted this once The Rockies tied up the game. Before there mini meltdown in Game 2. What a joke.

Chapman walked his first 4 batters in a row, don't know what his problem was today.

Yeah, definitely not a good weekend for both the Reds and the Pirates.

Both bullpens have simply imploded recently...

[Chi_archie]

Chapman walked his first 4 batters in a row, don't know what his problem was today.

fukin killed a great day I was about to have finished off

[koz-man]

The Yankees are currently 7 GB in the AL East and 4 GB in the AL Wild Card hunt.

Not saying they have no chance at the postseason, but why not sit out Tanaka as long as necessary and come back fully loaded next spring? They're paying this guy way too much money to risk another serious injury this year and the Yanks will probably fall short of the playoffs regardless...

Agree 100%

[koz-man]

What a double header. JJ Hoover

This has to bee the most frustrating Cincinnati team in years.

Yes Sir... There are broken things in my house because of those 2 games!!!!!!!

[Robber]

Finally
Pitt line bet up for tuesday

[EmpireMaker]

fukin killed a great day I was about to have finished off

It cost me a little too, it was a brutal way to lose, 4 straight walks. WTF

[EmpireMaker]

Worley had a rough first inning today, I think he will come back and be OK though.

[Chi_archie]

Worley had a rough first inning today, I think he will come back and be OK though.

settled in afterwards

[BigSpoon]

Tanaka should just calm down

Yanks invested too much to be trying to miraculously come back

They should have just gone with the TJ surgery, they are just delaying the inevitable by trying to rehab it w/o surgery.

[koz-man]

Good News for you Pirate fans....

PITTSBURGH -- Andrew McCutchen's fractured rib is healed. The reigning National League MVP is hoping his return will have the same effect on the reeling Pittsburgh Pirates.
[+] EnlargeFrank Victores/USA TODAY SportsAndrew McCutchen is back in the Pirates lineup after being activated from the DL on Tuesday.


The Pirates activated the star center fielder off the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday. McCutchen will bat third as Pittsburgh tries to end a season-high six-game losing streak against Atlanta.

[Shortstop]

Maybe this is the spark the Bucs need but I'm not sure anything will help at this point.

I'm afraid this current 7-game losing skid has ended the Pirates postseason hopes...

[EmpireMaker]

Six teams seen as serious players for Castillo with deal coming soon

August 19, 2014 1:52 pm ET

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Rusney Castillo worked out for the Yanks, BoSox, Tigers, Phillies, Cubs and M's. (USATSI) More MLB: Top 10s | Heyman blogs | Latest news & notes | Fantasy news
Cuban star Rusney Castillo is sifting through offers from multiple teams, and officials with interested teams say they expect a decision soon, perhaps by the end of the week.
One of a half-dozen teams -- the Red Sox, Tigers, Phillies, Cubs, Yankees and Mariners -- who all worked out Castillo privately -- is expected to win the services of the compact and powerful Castillo who is generally viewed as an outfielder by most but is apparently being considered as a possible second baseman by the Yankees.
Considering his workouts, which are said to have been impressive, plus the stark successes of Cuban stars Jose Abreu, Yasiel Puig and Yoenis Cespedes, bidding is expected to be spirited for the 27-year-old Castillo.
He was seen in some circles as mostly a speed player entering his open workout, but he popped several very long home runs in the initial exhibition at the University of Miami that he is viewed as having very good powerful potential. "He isn't Abreu or Cespedes in terms of power, but he has above average major-league power," one official with an interested team said. (Keep in mind, too, that not being Abreu or Cespedes for power isn't necessarily a put-down, as Abreu is third in MLB with 31 homers homers and Cespedes is the two-time Home Run Derby winner.)
Castillo's other tools received similar praise, and while most teams view him as an outfielder ("he can play center, no doubt," one scout said), the Yankees are said to be considering him for second base. "He has the actions of an infielder," one scout said.
It's anybody's guess who'll win the Castillo derby, and many are indeed making guesses. One interested executive guessed that the Red Sox or Tigers, who both have outfield needs, could be in the lead. Another said he believed the Phillies, another team with outfield questions, are being "coy" and may ultimately land Castillo -- though Philly hasn't unloaded much salary in trade this summer and has been close to the luxury-tax threshhold, without going over it, for years.
The Mariners, which forged a $240-million deal with Robinson Cano, who like Castillo is represented by the Roc Nation/CAA partnership, could be a player in the eyes of some due to that relationship plus Seattle's possible need for an outfielder -- though others wonder whether their extra look might be a courtesy call considering the Mariners had seemingly little money to spend at the deadline. The reason he doesn't fit the Yankees as an outfielder is that he is seen as too much like Jacoby Ellsbury and Brett Gardner, though Castillo showed more power than those two established stars in his workouts.
Estimates have ranged from $35 million to $55 million for Castillo, though early estimates have tended to be low on some of the Cuban stars. There is a possibility Castillo could possibly be ready to help a contender this year if he signs soon, which is another reason a deal could happen in the coming days.