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Schilling off ESPN for rest of season
ESPN released a statement on analyst Curt Schilling, saying: "At all times during the course of their engagement with us, our commentators are directly linked to ESPN and are the face of our brand. We are a sports media company. Curt's actions have not been consistent with his contractual obligations nor have they been professionally handled; they have obviously not reflected well on the company. As a result, he will not appear on ESPN through the remainder of the regular season and our Wild Card playoff game."Comment -
Curt might be a dark horse contender to be Trump's running mate next year. Trump-Schilling 2016 baby.Comment -
What happened with Curt Schilling? Why was he removed from the booth?Comment -
The Dodgers will be calling up top prospect Corey Seager to join the ballclub, Jon Heyman of CBS Sports has confirmed. Interestingly enough, it was Seager's high school baseball team on Twitter that broke the news.Former Trojan star Corey Seager was called up to the Show. He will meet the Dodgers in San Diego. Congrats Corey! #TrojanPrideNew media!
— NCHS Baseball (@TrojanPride1) September 3, 2015
So Seager is joining the club Thursday night in San Diego ahead of a four-game series against the Padres. What else is there to know here?
1. Seager didn't exactly light up Triple-A
Seager, 21, hit .276/.331/.450 with 29 doubles, 13 homers, 59 RBI, 63 runs and three stolen bases in 104 games with Triple-A Oklahoma City. He previously tore up Double-A (.355/.390/.583 in 58 games across two seasons).
This is a very good slash line in Triple-A, but it's not great and the Pacific Coast League is notoriously hitter-friendly.
2. He still has huge upside
There's a reason all the respected prospect outlets ranked Seager within the top 10 -- most in the top five -- in the preseason in this ridiculously stacked prospect class. It's that this kid has the chops to be a multi-time All-Star.
Let's also realize that whenever the Dodgers were attached to a highly coveted player via trade, what did we hear about Seager every single time? Let's use the Cole Hamels rumors as an example. We heard in every single report that the Phillies wanted either Seager or starting pitcher Julio Urias and every single time we, in turn, heard the Dodgers refused to part with either. They are a contender now and have seemingly unlimited funding for MLB players, so why are they hugging this prospect so hard?
He has that much upside. That's why.
3. Seager has family pedigree
Mariners All-Star and Gold Glove third baseman Kyle Seager is Corey's older brother.
4. His playing time situation is complicated
Where Seager fits will be interesting to watch. Had the Dodgers thought he was ready to dive in for everyday duty, it's likely they would have called on him earlier, given that they are in a pennant race (and please don't bring up "service time" when it comes to the Dodgers and their money). Thus, it looks like Seager is up with the expanded rosters to get his feet wet.
Then again, Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley up the middle aren't exactly getting it done offensively for the first-place Dodgers.
The 36-year-old Rollins is hitting just .222 with a .276 on-base percentage, both the lowest marks in his career. He's been better in the second half, but still .238 with a .294 OBP.
Seager is a shortstop by trade, so he could spell Rollins and maybe even take the job and run with it.
Seager can also play third base. No, he's not taking Justin Turner's spot in the lineup, but Turner has experience at second base. As the Dodgers take it slow with Howie Kendrick's hamstring injury, it's possible Turner swings to second for an occasional start. Such a move would spell Utley, who is hitting .200/.289/.400 since joining the Dodgers. We also must keep in mind that Turner is dealing with a hand injury.
Even if Seager doesn't start every day, expect him to get some pinch-hit and late replacement opportunities. There's no reason to bring him up to just ride pine, especially with five remaining games for Triple-A Oklahoma City.
As for postseason roster eligibility, Seager has a shot. He's not automatically eligible, since he wasn't called up before Sept. 1, but teams can replace injured players. Kike Hernandez has since gone down and given that Seager was with the organization on Aug. 31, he's a suitable replacement.
5. The prospect invasion continues
This has been an unbelievable year for prospect lovers.
Here's the Baseball America top 10 heading into the season:
1. Kris Bryant
2. Byron Buxton
3. Addison Russell
4. Carlos Correa
5. Corey Seager
6. Joey Gallo
7. Lucas Gilolito
8. Joc Pederson
9. Francisco Lindor
10. Julio Urias
We've seen all but Giolito and Urias promoted to the bigs this year. Further ...
11. Noah Syndergaard
12. Jorge Soler
13. Miguel Sano
15. Carlos Rodon
17. Blake Swihart
18. Daniel Norris
19. Kyle Schwarber
21. Rusney Castillo
24. Jon Gray
25. Archie Bradley
So 18 of the top 25 prospects have been called up during the season. That's absurd. Also, take a look at some of the names and the impact they've had on the pennant race this season. This truly is the golden age of prospects making an impact earlier and earlier in this careers.
Seager is just the latest to join the party.Comment -
Any chance LA Angels make playoffs? Keep waiting for them to make run but they never do. Having 2 great players, 1 good pitcher, and nothing else is leading to mediocrity.Comment -
A small chance but its doubtful. Not that many exciting pennant races this season, just the AL East and AL West and it looks like the losers of those will end up with the wild card spots anyways.
Every division and the wild card spots in NL look already decided barring a huge collapse by either the Mets or Dodgers.Comment -
From the box score you can tell that the Braves did not want to pitch to Red-Hot Bryce Harper.
Atlanta's Matt Wisler didn't even want to pitch to him in the 2nd inning with the bases loaded.Werth RF 4 2 1 0 0 0 14 .218 .297 .354 a-Moore PH-1B 2 1 1 0 0 0 11 .204 .256 .355 Rendon 2B 4 3 1 0 1 1 25 .269 .355 .368 Harper CF
0 4 0 1 4 0 20 .331 .464 .627
And walk him and Harper picked up an RBI. lolComment -
Schilling off ESPN for rest of season
ESPN released a statement on analyst Curt Schilling, saying: "At all times during the course of their engagement with us, our commentators are directly linked to ESPN and are the face of our brand. We are a sports media company. Curt's actions have not been consistent with his contractual obligations nor have they been professionally handled; they have obviously not reflected well on the company. As a result, he will not appear on ESPN through the remainder of the regular season and our Wild Card playoff game."
I actually liked listening to Schilling in the booth.
The Shulman-Kruk-Schilling trio was one of the best in recent memory.
ESPN has had some real duds in the past! Not mentioning any names... (Joe Morgan) (Rick Sutcliffe) (Harold Reynolds)Comment -
Only thing worse than watching a Brewers vs Reds game would be watching a Brewers/Reds doubleheader.Comment -
Report: Mets insist they will not shut down Matt Harvey
By Mike Axisa | Baseball Writer
September 4, 2015 6:44 pm ET
On Friday, CBS Sports MLB Insider Jon Heyman reported there is a "budding controversy" over Mets ace Matt Harvey and his workload coming off Tommy John surgery. Agent Scott Boras says doctors recommended a limit of 180 innings while the team has plans to let Harvey pitch deep into October.
According to ESPN New York's Adam Rubin, the Mets have no intention of shutting Harvey down and will instead proceed with their original innings plan, allowing him to pitch in the postseason. That plan includes limiting Harvey's workload in September. They will not shut him down after a certain number of innings, however.
Here's more from Rubin:The Mets skipped a start on Aug. 23 to conserve innings. They plan to skip another start this month and go to a six-man rotation to further shave Harvey's regular-season innings total, sources said.Harvey, 26, has thrown 166 1/3 innings this season after not pitching at all last season. He threw 178 1/3 innings before getting hurt in 2013. Boras contends the doctors do not want Harvey to exceed his previous career high innings total so soon after elbow reconstruction.
That plan would appear to give Harvey as many as four more regular-season starts. A source told ESPN's Britt McHenry that Harvey will pitch Tuesday against the Washington Nationals.
The Mets are stuck between a rock and a hard place now that the 180-inning number has been made public by Boras. If they were to shut Harvey down, they'd be losing arguably their best pitcher right before going to the postseason for the first time in nearly a decade. But, if they let him exceed 180 innings, they'll look reckless. No-win situation for a team that has enough doubters to begin win.
As explained last month, the Mets have more to worry about than Harvey's future health. They need to control his workload this month just to make sure he's fresh for the postseason. If he makes four more starts as suggested by Rubin, that could push Harvey up to 190 regular season innings. How much gas will be left in the tank come October?
Either way, the Mets will not shut down their ace before the postseason like the Nationals did with Stephen Strasburg in 2012. The team has a plan in place and the player's agent does not appear to agree with that plan. That's not a good combination.Comment -
Dodgers’ Corey Seager (2-for-4): 2nd player this season with multiple hits, runs and RBI in his major league debut, joining Joey Gallo
After his brother's MLB debut, Kyle Seager goes 3-4 with HR and 3 RBI. beat A's, 11-8Comment -
Crazy Stat of Day: Last night, Bryce Harper saw 20 pitches and didn't swing once.
Since 1920 there were 4 players to score 4 runs without an official at-bat...
2015..Harper.
1989..Rickey Henderson
1973..Joe Morgan
1951..Larry Doby
Funny how Morgan name appears after just posting about his broadcasting skills...
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Surprised peak PED Barry Bonds is not on that list. He had an OBP of over .600 in one of those seasons.Crazy Stat of Day: Last night, Bryce Harper saw 20 pitches and didn't swing once.
Since 1920 there were 4 players to score 4 runs without an official at-bat...
2015..Harper.
1989..Rickey Henderson
1973..Joe Morgan
1951..Larry Doby
Funny how Morgan name appears after just posting about his broadcasting skills...
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This story never changes for Hanley. What a frustrating season.
Red Sox placed INF/OF Hanley Ramirez on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to August 27, with fatigue in his right shoulder.
It's a curious move as with expanded rosters for September, they could have just continued to keep him on the active roster. Ramirez hasn't played in over a week and is expected to play first base exclusively once he does eventually return.Comment -
Yeah Larry doby!Comment -
Dodgers peppered with injuries
Also giantsComment -
Great find, k-m! Very interesting list! Yeah, a Joe Morgan mention two days in a row.Crazy Stat of Day: Last night, Bryce Harper saw 20 pitches and didn't swing once.
Since 1920 there were 4 players to score 4 runs without an official at-bat...
2015..Harper.
1989..Rickey Henderson
1973..Joe Morgan
1951..Larry Doby
Funny how Morgan name appears after just posting about his broadcasting skills...
Good point, Spoon. I was also thinking maybe Sosa and/or McGwire.Comment -
David Ortiz countdown to 500 homers: Hits No. 496 vs. Phillies
By David Brown | Baseball Writer
September 5, 2015 11:33 pm ET
David Ortiz of the Red Sox is trying to become the 27th player in major league history to reach 500 career home runs. He hit his 496th homer Saturday in a 9-2 victory against the Phillies at Fenway Park. A solo shot against Jerome Williams that sneaked just inside of the Pesky Pole in right field, it gave the Red Sox an 8-0 lead in the fourth inning.
As he rounded the bases, Ortiz's giant gold medallion looked like an Olympic medal:
It also gave Ortiz his 30th home run of the season, making him the seventh player in major league history to reach 30 home runs at age 39 or older. Here's the rest of the list, via the Boston Herald:Only Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron, Steve Finley, Darrell Evans, Willie Stargell and Cy Williams had accomplished the endurance-testing feat.Here's the entire home-run trot on video:
Alex Rodriguez, 40, could join the group soon. He has 27 homers this season with about four weeks left to play.
Your browser does not support iframes.
It's his ninth 30-homer season, the most in Red Sox history. Ted Williams had eight.
After struggling in the first half of the season, Ortiz came in slugging .684 in the second half. He also has 15 home runs in his past 41 games.Comment -
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On Sept. 6, 1995, the Baltimore Orioles' Cal Ripken Jr. broke Lou Gehrig's all-time consecutive games played record.
Twenty years ago this weekend, Cal Ripken Jr. played in his 2,131st straight game to become the all-time iron man on one of MLB's most unforgettable nights.
Players that came closest since Cal......
Migueal Tejada 1,152 (2000-2007)
Prince Fielder..... 547 (2010-2014)
A-Rod............... 546 (2000-2003)
Pretty safe to say Cal's record is safe.Comment -
Cal was an iron man indeedComment -
Mets ace Matt Harvey: 'I will pitch in the playoffs'
By David Brown | Baseball Writer
September 6, 2015 6:58 pm ET
So that settles it? Following three days filled with uncertainty, anger and hurt feelings, Matt Harvey declared Sunday afternoon that he "will pitch in the playoffs" -- provided the Mets get there, of course.
Harvey made his announcement in The Players' Tribune, Derek Jeter's venture where the athletes themselves break news, or just say what they want. Harvey, who has written for them before, calls himself the "NYC Bureau Chief." Ah, newspaper references.
Harvey's post should clear up (but who knows for sure?) the confusion over whether an innings limit on Harvey would prevent him from pitching in the postseason, which the Mets would make if the season ended today. They have a four-game lead on the Nationals in the NL East with 26 games to play. But would they be joined by Harvey? He had Tommy John elbow reconstruction in 2013, and there's been talk over the past several days that Harvey's season might be coming to an end in just a few starts.
On Friday, CBS Baseball Insider Jon Heyman reported that Harvey's agent, Scott Boras, said Harvey's surgeon, Dr. James Andrews, recommends a 180 innings cap on Harvey's season. Harvey has pitched 166 1/3 innings, and rough math shows that he's running out of appearances -- quickly -- if he's only got 180 with which to work. The Mets reacted with surprise at Andrews's number; general manager Sandy Alderson obviously had been planning to have Harvey available in the postseason, should the Mets qualify.
On Saturday, Harvey was non-committal about the playoffs, but implied (or perhaps everyone inferred) that he was going to listen to his doctors. Having expected him to defy authority again, some of the media overreacted, saying Harvey was getting himself traded, that he was turning his back on his team, etc. A bit much, but Harvey did make it seem like he might not pitch come October.
On Sunday, he expanded on his feelings:As an athlete, when your surgeon explains to you the risks of exceeding a certain number of innings, it can be alarming. You listen. I love to play baseball and I love winning even more. I would not give that up for anything. I also know I want to be able to play and win for a long time. But there has never been a doubt in my mind: I will pitch in the playoffs. I will be healthy, active and ready to go.Sure they are! Bureau Chief Harvey goes on to write that he and the team will come up with a compromise plan to make it all happen. Perhaps it will be related to how many pitches Harvey throws, rather than how many innings he accumulates? That would be smart(er) of everyone. No matter, Heyman writes Sunday, Harvey should be cut some slack -- by fans, media, everyone. Balancing one's future and the team's best interests is hard for an individual. He also mentioned that both sides were working on a compromise before Harvey announced his intentions to pitch in the postseason via Jeter's site.
I am communicating with my agent, my doctor, Sandy and the entire Mets organization. I can assure everyone that we're all on the same page.
So there it is. Matt Harvey, whose next scheduled start comes Tuesday, will pitch in the playoffs. Oh, if the Mets get there. It would be kind of funny if it didn't turn out that way. Kind of like how Bryce Harper and Jayson Werth insisted that everyone knew the Nationals were the team to beat. If all of this shows us anything, it's that it's preferable to just play, rather than talk. Talking gets you into trouble.Comment -
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All class, all the time!
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