The 2015 Major League Baseball Player Chatter, News and Fantasy Thread

[koz-man]

Satchel Paige makes MLB debut

On this date in 1948, Paige became the first African-American pitcher in major league baseball. He was 42 years old ... and played another 4 seasons in MLB. To cap off a storied career, he tossed three shutout innings for Kansas City at the age of 59.

[Chi_archie]

Satchel, what a legend

[BigSpoon]

Huge loss for the Royals with Gordon out for an extended period.

[Andy117]

NEW YORK -- New York Mets rookie left-hander Steven Matz has been diagnosed with a partial tear of the lat muscle on his left side and will refrain from throwing for three weeks.


It's really depressing to be a Mets fan, they have such a dark cloud hanging over them.

[Robber]

Wow Mets/matz already out

[MexicanStallion]

It's only the Reds, but Fernadnez looking sharp early in his return from TJ.

Jose Fernandez struck out nine over seven innings as the Marlins topped the Reds 2-0 on Thursday.

It's not so shocking to see Fernandez come back with such impressive stuff. What is pretty amazing though is that he's gone his first 13 innings without walking a single batter, especially considering that command is usually the last thing to come back after Tommy John surgery. It looks like he'll be a top-10 fantasy starter from here on in.

[Shortstop]

Satchel Paige makes MLB debut

On this date in 1948, Paige became the first African-American pitcher in major league baseball. He was 42 years old ... and played another 4 seasons in MLB. To cap off a storied career, he tossed three shutout innings for Kansas City at the age of 59.

Absolutely staggering facts! God Bless Satchel Paige!

[Shortstop]

NEW YORK -- New York Mets rookie left-hander Steven Matz has been diagnosed with a partial tear of the lat muscle on his left side and will refrain from throwing for three weeks.


It's really depressing to be a Mets fan, they have such a dark cloud hanging over them.

Huge loss for the Royals with Gordon out for an extended period.

Wow Mets/matz already out

Significant injuries, no doubt!

Honestly, I thought it was going to be TJ for Matz. Not if, but when...

[MexicanStallion]

Feliz must feel good about signing with somebody to forfeit $2 million. Could be a cheap closing option instead of a trade for a team out there.

Chris Cotillo of SB Nation reports that Neftali Feliz has elected free agency.


The right-hander was designated for assignment by the Rangers and passed through waivers unclaimed. By electing free agency, he is forfeiting over $2 million guaranteed from the Rangers the rest of the season. He should generate plenty of interest on the open market from teams in need of bullpen upgrades.

[EmpireMaker]

Greinke extended his career-high scoreless streak to 35 2-3 innings and lowered his major league-best ERA to 1.39 in the Los Angeles Dodgers' 6-0 victory. Greinke hasn't allowed a run since June 13 at San Diego, when Justin Upton hit a go-ahead solo homer in the eighth inning to help the Padres beat him 2-1. His longest scoreless streak prior to this season was 24 innings in April 2009 with Kansas City, when he won the AL Cy Young Award with a 2.16 ERA and 16 wins.
''The things he's been doing so far have been great. He's almost been perfect,'' batterymate Yasmani Grandal said. ''You can't ask for anything else. If it wasn't for the base hit that Howard got, it probably would have gotten him close to a no-hitter.''

[Chi_archie]

It's only the Reds, but Fernadnez looking sharp early in his return from TJ.

Jose Fernandez struck out nine over seven innings as the Marlins topped the Reds 2-0 on Thursday.

It's not so shocking to see Fernandez come back with such impressive stuff. What is pretty amazing though is that he's gone his first 13 innings without walking a single batter, especially considering that command is usually the last thing to come back after Tommy John surgery. It looks like he'll be a top-10 fantasy starter from here on in.

amazing

im sure he will hit some rough patches though

[BigSpoon]

Greinke extended his career-high scoreless streak to 35 2-3 innings and lowered his major league-best ERA to 1.39 in the Los Angeles Dodgers' 6-0 victory. Greinke hasn't allowed a run since June 13 at San Diego, when Justin Upton hit a go-ahead solo homer in the eighth inning to help the Padres beat him 2-1. His longest scoreless streak prior to this season was 24 innings in April 2009 with Kansas City, when he won the AL Cy Young Award with a 2.16 ERA and 16 wins.
''The things he's been doing so far have been great. He's almost been perfect,'' batterymate Yasmani Grandal said. ''You can't ask for anything else. If it wasn't for the base hit that Howard got, it probably would have gotten him close to a no-hitter.''

Read an interesting article the other day revisiting the Greinke trade in 2010. Won't spoil it but they dodged a bullet with the potential trade that the Yankees turned down, wow.

http://kingsofkauffman.com/2015/07/08/kc-royals-dumb-luck-saved-zack-greinke-trade/

[koz-man]

Royals' Gordon out 8 weeks with strained groin

The Royals placed All-Star outfielder Alex Gordon on the disabled list Thursday with a strained left groin and expect him to miss eight weeks.

[koz-man]

Marlins' Fernandez ties consecutive wins mark

Jose Fernandez pitched seven innings and tied the modern record for most consecutive home (14) victories by a starter to begin a career, helping the Miami Marlins beat the Cincinnati Reds 2-0.


MIAMI -- Jose Fernandez sometimes looks into the stands at Marlins Park and trades grins with the fans, many of whom have never seen him lose in person.
He wants to keep it that way.

Fernandez pitched seven innings Thursday and tied the modern record for most consecutive home victories by a starter to begin a career, helping Miami beat the Cincinnati Reds 2-0.


Fernandez won for the second time in two outings since his return from Tommy John surgery. He allowed six hits, struck out nine and improved to 14-0 in 22 career starts at Marlins Park.


The only other pitcher since 1914 to win his first 14 home decisions as a starter was Johnny Allen of the Yankees in 1932-33, according to STATS. Fernandez lowered his home ERA to 1.17.


On the road he's 4-8 with an ERA of 3.93. Does he get more amped pitching at home?

[Robber]

Rockies claimed Germen a few days ago and start him tonight

[MexicanStallion]

This is the ultimate comeback. As I enjoyed the Braves for so long, I am hoping Beachy sticks around.

Dodgers manager Don Mattingly confirmed Friday that Brandon Beachy will start on Saturday against the Brewers.


It has been a long road back for Beachy as he is recovering from a second Tommy John surgery. He has posted a 2.41 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 12/10 K/BB ratio over 18 2/3 innings on his minor league rehab assignment. He's worth a look in deeper mixed leagues.

[Chi_archie]

let's go beachy!

[EmpireMaker]

Todd Frazier favored to win Home Run Derby by oddsmakers

By Mike Axisa | Baseball Writer

July 10, 2015 12:40 pm ET

• 
  

The Home Run Derby has a new format this year, and earlier this week MLB announced the eight participants who will take their swings at the Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati next Monday.
The oddsmakers at Bovada have now chimed in, and they say Todd Frazier of the hometown Reds is favored to win the Home Run Derby. Here are the odds:

Todd Frazier, Reds: 7/2
Kris Bryant, Cubs: 5/1
Prince Fielder, Rangers: 11/2
Albert Pujols, Angels: 6/1
Anthony Rizzo, Cubs: 13/2
Josh Donaldson, Blue Jays: 7/1
Joc Pederson, Dodgers: 7/1
Manny Machado, Orioles: 7/1

Frazier comes into Friday hitting .281/.337/.586 (149 OPS+) with 24 doubles and 25 home runs. He leads baseball with 50 extra-base hits, three more than Brian Dozier and Nolan Arenado.
Pederson at 7/1 seems like great odds to me. He leads baseball in average home run distance at 427.32 feet -- three feet more than any other player! -- according to Baseball Savant, you know (min. 10 homers).
Here are some more fun Home Run Derby factoids from the Reds:

TOP 10 PROJECTED DISTANCES – (HRD PARTICIPANTS ONLY)
1. 481' Josh Donaldson, TOR (4/23)
2. 477' Kris Bryant, CHI (5/26)
3. 477' Joc Pederson, LAD (6/2)
4. 472' Joc Pederson, LAD (6/2)
5. 458' Joc Pederson, LAD (6/29)
6. 454' Albert Pujols, LAA (5/30)
7. 451' Joc Pederson, LAD (5/1)
8. 449' Kris Bryant, CHI (5/12)
9. 449' Joc Pederson, LAD (6/1)
10. 449' Joc Pederson, LAD (6/20)
TOP 10 EXIT VELOCITY HR (MPH) – (HRD PARTICIPANTS ONLY)
1. 112.51 Josh Donaldson, TOR (4/23)
2. 111.23 Joc Pederson, LAD (5/2)
3. 110.99 Albert Pujols, LAA (6/2)
4. 110.93 Kris Bryant, CHI (5/12)
5. 110.78 Anthony Rizzo, CHI (6/19)
6. 110.70 Joc Pederson, LAD (6/20)
7. 110.45 Josh Donaldson, TOR (6/10)
8. 110.15 Josh Donaldson, TOR (5/25)
9. 109.62 Joc Pederson, LAD (4/29)
10. 109.49 Prince Fielder, TEX (5/25)

See what I was saying about Pederson? He owns three of the top five and six of the top 10 home runs among Derby participants in projected distance this season. Projected distance means how far the ball would have traveled unimpeded, without seats or fans or anything else in the way to stop it.
Here is the 2015 Home Run Derby bracket:
The eight players are seeded in order of their regular season home run totals and are competing head-to-head. The 2015 Home Run Derby will be held Monday, July 13 in Cincinnati.

[koz-man]

Rockies claimed Germen a few days ago and start him tonight

He only pitched 3 innings.

Did he get hurt or they starting him slow.

Germen	3.0	1	0	0	1	1	0	34-22	5.00

numbers don't look to bad...

[koz-man]

Pirates selling Tarp Monster T-shirts

A Pirates grounds crew member had an unfortunate incident with the tarp earlier this week, and Pittsburgh is finding the humor in the situation: The team started selling "I Survived The Tarp Monster" shirts Friday.

This is some funny shit

[koz-man]

Ryan Express in uncharted territory

On this date 30 years ago, Nolan Ryan became the first pitcher to reach 4,000 strikeouts. He would retire with the most in history: 5,714.

[MexicanStallion]

Pirates selling Tarp Monster T-shirts

A Pirates grounds crew member had an unfortunate incident with the tarp earlier this week, and Pittsburgh is finding the humor in the situation: The team started selling "I Survived The Tarp Monster" shirts Friday.

This is some funny shit

I love this. That is funny. Poor Pirates crew member.

[Shortstop]

Uh-oh! Is the collapse most have been predicting?

LA Angels	47	39	.547	-	-	8-2	W1	25-18	22-21	7/10 @ SEA, W 7-3	7/11 @ SEA, 10:10 PM
Houston	49	41	.544	-	-	3-7	L5	28-16	21-25	7/11 @ TB, L 0-3	7/12 @ TB, 1:10 PM
Texas	42	44	.488	5.0	5.0	4-6	W1	16-24	26-20	7/10 vs SD, W 4-3	Live vs SD
Seattle	40	47	.460	7.5	7.5	5-5	L1	19-26	21-21	7/10 vs LAA, L 3-7	7/11 vs LAA, 10:10 PM
Oakland	40	50	.444	9.0	9.0	5-5	W1	18-26	22-24	7/11 @ CLE, W 5-4	7/12 @ CLE, 1:10 PM

[Shortstop]

Pirates selling Tarp Monster T-shirts

A Pirates grounds crew member had an unfortunate incident with the tarp earlier this week, and Pittsburgh is finding the humor in the situation: The team started selling "I Survived The Tarp Monster" shirts Friday.

This is some funny shit

I love this. That is funny. Poor Pirates crew member.

Classic!

[Robber]

Braves can't score at coors .

[Andy117]

Ryan Express in uncharted territory

On this date 30 years ago, Nolan Ryan became the first pitcher to reach 4,000 strikeouts. He would retire with the most in history: 5,714.

I remember watching that game, Danny Heep was #4000 if I remember right.

[Shortstop]

RAISE IT!!!! Fukk Yeah!!!!

[EmpireMaker]

Braves closer Jason Grilli was diagnosed with a ruptured left Achilles, and is likely out for the rest of the season. Grilli suffered the injury while attempting to cover first base on a groundball on Saturday.
Barring a trade, Jim Johnson figures to see the bulk of the save opportunities moving forward with Grilli sidelined.

[BigSpoon]

Braves closer Jason Grilli was diagnosed with a ruptured left Achilles, and is likely out for the rest of the season. Grilli suffered the injury while attempting to cover first base on a groundball on Saturday.
Barring a trade, Jim Johnson figures to see the bulk of the save opportunities moving forward with Grilli sidelined.

Could see them trading Johnson to a contending team if they slip any further from contention after the All-Star break.

[MexicanStallion]

Marlins might have dodged a bullet overall with Gordon.

Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports Dee Gordon did not break his thumb or suffer any ligament damage.

Gordon left Saturday's game with a dislocated left thumb after sliding into first base. He's already been ruled out of the All-Star Game and could be headed to the disabled list. The Marlins added some infield depth by calling up Donovan Solano from Triple-A New Orleans. Miguel Rojas could also see time at second base during Gordon's absence.

[EmpireMaker]

Could see them trading Johnson to a contending team if they slip any further from contention after the All-Star break.

They are only 6 games behind the Nats right now.

[EmpireMaker]

I added Jim Johnson in a couple deep leagues

[EmpireMaker]

Are the Cubs going with a 3 man committee ? Is it Motte, Strop, or Rondon? or 2 of 3 ? or all 3 ?

[Otters27]

Rockies claimed Germen a few days ago and start him tonight

Guy did alright in emergency start. Rockies won 3 in a row vs. Braves

[koz-man]

I remember watching that game, Danny Heep was #4000 if I remember right.

You are correct sir...
July 11, 1985

At age 38, Houston's Nolan Ryan still can bring it. With 3,999 strikeouts and two strikes on the Mets' Danny Heep in the sixth inning, the Astrodome crowd of 20,921 rises, cheering wildly. The place gets even noisier when Ryan fools Heep, who misses badly at the curve in the dirt.
Reaching the magical 4,000 strikeouts, the first pitcher to ever achieve this feat, Ryan gets a two-minute standing ovation from the crowd and tips his cap several times.
Named to the National League All-Star team earlier in the day, Ryan is clocked as fast as 97 mph. During the Astros' 4-3, 12-inning victory, he strikes out 11 Mets in seven innings, the 158th time he fans at least 10, and has 4,004 strikeouts for his career.

The Ryan Express doesn't stop here. He will continue to pitch through the 1993 season and will retire with a record 5,714 strikeouts on his way to the Hall of Fame.