The 2016 Major League Baseball Player Chatter, News and Fantasy Thread...

[EmpireMaker]

3:57pm: Quinn points out (links to Twitter) that Mondesi Jr. is the first player to receive a reduced suspension — a possibility that was added to the latest drug agreement. Had he tested positive for a stronger substance, the reduction wouldn’t have been possible, but Clenbuterol is specifically listed among the substances for which a substance can be reduced if lack of intent can be proven.
Meanwhile, MLB.com’s Jesse Sanchez reports that as part of the reduced punishment, Mondesi Jr. will still be eligible for the postseason (Twitter link).
3:45pm: Royals top prospect Raul Mondesi Jr. has received a 50-game suspension after testing positive for the banned substance Clenbuterol, the league announced today. The son of the former big league outfielder of the same name, Mondesi saw his suspension dropped from 80 games to 50 games after the league and the MLBPA showed that the substance was present in a cold medication which Mondesi had taken, tweets Joel Sherman of the New York Post. Royals GM Dayton Moore said in a statement today that the team believes that Mondesi did indeed unknowingly take the substance:
“This is an unfortunate incident that we believe to be an innocent mistake, but these are the consequences that players face when they do not adhere to the policies that have been collectively bargained. We have a protocol in place with our medical team should a player ever have questions about what they may be taking, even if an over-the-counter medication. In this particular case, the protocol was not followed and the consequences are such. We remain supportive of Raul Mondesi Jr.”
Mondesi Jr. himself has also commented on the punishment, via press release:
“Today I agreed to accept a 50 game suspension from Major League Baseball. It is by far one of the hardest moments I have had to face in my life, but it is a decision that I accept and one that I take full responsibility for as a professional. I took an over-the-counter medication (Subrox-C) which I bought in the Dominican Republic to treat cold and flu symptoms. I failed to read the labeling on the medication or consult with my trainer or team about taking it and did not know it contained a banned substance. … I apologize to my organization, my teammates, the fans and everyone who has supported me in my career. Never did I intend to take a substance that would give me an unfair advantage on the field. It is solely my mistake and there are no excuses for my carelessness in not being fully informed of what I put in my body.”
Mondesi Jr., 20, rated as the game’s No. 29 prospect entering the season, according to Baseball America. He also rated 33rd on MLB.com’s Top 100, 73rd on the Top 100 of ESPN’s Keith Law and 16th on the Top 101 of Baseball Prospectus. The toolsy shortstop began the season at Double-A — his second stint at the level — and was hitting .250/.304/.462 with five homers and 11 steals through his first 113 plate appearances. Mondesi, of course, famously made his Major League debut for the Royals not only in the playoffs last season, but in the World Series against the Mets (he was 0-for-1 with a strikeout). While he’s likely a ways from an everyday role with the Royals’ big league club, he’ll miss out on 50 days of developmental time as a result of the punishment. His presence on Kansas City’s 40-man roster means that the team will also free up a 40-man spot during Mondesi Jr.’s time on the restricted list.
Recent reports from ESPN’s T.J. Quinn indicated that further PED suspensions would be on the horizon following the 80-game suspensions dished out to Miami’s Dee Gordon, Toronto’s Chris Colabello and Philadelphia’s Daniel Stumpf. Mondesi Jr. isn’t necessarily a household name, but Quinn stated at the time that it’s unlikely any significant names would be involved.

[Chi_archie]

I'll never forget when Raul mondesi sr, gamed the Pirates and MLB to get out of his contract with them.


scum

[Cross]

Yeah, he was a pos, that's a fact.

[koz-man]

Bryce Harper has been suspended 1 game for confronting an umpire following his ejection on Monday.

[koz-man]

If Bryce Harper hadn't appealed his suspension, he would've been forced to miss tonight's game, which just so happens to be Bryce Harper MVP Bobblehead night at Nats Park (first 25,000 fans get one). That would've been awkward, to say the least.

[El Nino]

If Bryce Harper hadn't appealed his suspension, he would've been forced to miss tonight's game, which just so happens to be Bryce Harper MVP Bobblehead night at Nats Park (first 25,000 fans get one). That would've been awkward, to say the least.

Next season they can have a "Fukk You!" umpire Bryce Harper bobblehead day.

[Andy117]

Noah Syndergaard with 2 HRs and 4 RBI so far tonight. Jason Heyward still has 0. lol

[Cross]

Heyward with a major slow start.

[mr. leisure]

Noah Syndergaard with 2 HRs and 4 RBI so far tonight. Jason Heyward still has 0. lol

That`s crazy nice job Noah

[BigSpoon]

Thor having to one up Bartolo, what a jerk.

[El Nino]

Thor having to one up Bartolo, what a jerk.

His home run trot definitely wasn't slower than big Bartolo!

[EmpireMaker]

Mets need to have him DH when they play inter-league. The rest of the team is slacking off again.

[EmpireMaker]

Next season they can have a "Fukk You!" umpire Bryce Harper bobblehead day.

They should have Egg Harper Day give each fan an egg to throw at Harper at some point in the evening. It is bound to be a hit promotion.

[BarkingToad]

Heyward with a major slow start.

Heyward is off to his usual start.

[Chi_archie]

They should have Egg Harper Day give each fan an egg to throw at Harper at some point in the evening. It is bound to be a hit promotion.

that could be nice

[JAKEPEAVY21]

Syndegaard unleashed the boom stick last night

[BigSpoon]

They should have Egg Harper Day give each fan an egg to throw at Harper at some point in the evening. It is bound to be a hit promotion.

That would make baseball fun again imo.

[koz-man]

On this date in 2000,
Boston's Pedro Martinez tied an AL record set in 1968 for most strikeouts over two games (32).

[El Nino]

They should have Egg Harper Day give each fan an egg to throw at Harper at some point in the evening. It is bound to be a hit promotion.

I'd love that. Better than pretzel night.

[BarkingToad]

Wainwright has been a better batter than pitcher so far this season.

[EmpireMaker]

Wainwright has been a better batter than pitcher so far this season.

Wainwright gave up 6ER tonight but he did pick up a win (barely). Big day for AW

[Chi_archie]

Wainwright gave up 6ER tonight but he did pick up a win (barely). Big day for AW

not a great outing

guy has lost something

[koz-man]

Kershaw fans 13 in shutout victory

Clayton Kershaw surrendered just three hits en route to tossing a shutout in the Dodgers' 5-0 win over the Mets.

[Andy117]

Kershaw fans 13 in shutout victory

Clayton Kershaw surrendered just three hits en route to tossing a shutout in the Dodgers' 5-0 win over the Mets.

He's really on his way to being an all time great.

[EmpireMaker]

not a great outing

guy has lost something

Wainwright doesn't look good at all, he does look like he has lost it, and probably in a way he won't get it back.

[BigSpoon]

Chris Sale is now 8-0 on the season, as many wins as the Braves and Twins.

[koz-man]

Bush goes scoreless in debut

Former No. 1 pick in the 2004 MLB draft, Matt Bush, made his major league debut, striking out one over a scoreless inning in the Rangers' 5-0 loss to the Blue Jays.

[EmpireMaker]

In a piece that’s certainly worth a full read, James Wagner and Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post detailed how right-hander Stephen Strasburg’s mega-extension with the Nationals came to fruition. It helped the Nats’ cause that owner Ted Lerner has both an affinity for Strasburg and his agent, Scott Boras. “They have an incredible relationship,” said Ted Lerner’s son, Mark Lerner, regarding his father’s closeness with Boras. “Scott really respects my dad and what he’s built over the years from nothing.” Prior to inking Strasburg to a seven-year, $175MM deal, Lerner was using the free agent contracts awarded during the offseason to Jordan Zimmermann (five years, $110MM) and Johnny Cueto (six years, $130MM) as comparables. Boras countered with the bigger deals given in recent years to Clayton Kershaw, Zack Greinke and the Nats’ Max Scherzer, and sold Lerner on Strasburg’s similarly elite potential. Ultimately, the two settled on an accord resembling the ones inked by Justin Verlander and Felix Hernandez in past years. Strasburg gave Boras the thumbs up on the seven-year agreement in late April – two weeks and two starts before it was announced – and it was kept under wraps as language was drawn up and Strasburg underwent an in-depth medical exam. Strasburg found out the deal was done when a fan congratulated him after his start Monday. “The light bulb went off,” he said.
Here’s more from around baseball:

• Blue Jays first baseman/designated hitter Chris Colabello and Phillies reliever Daniel Stumpf both received 80-game suspensions in April after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs, and the two remain confused as to how PEDs entered their respective systems, writes Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. Colabello’s agent, Brian Charles, organized a conference call earlier this week with doctors, scientists and molecular biologists, all of whom are experts on steroid testing, as he tries to get to the bottom of his client’s positive test. Colabello, Stumpf and ex-UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir also partook in the call. All three tested positive for the banned anabolic steroid Turinabol, and each is without an answer as to how. The players association finds the cases of Colabello and Stumpf “puzzling,” sources tell Rosenthal. “The part that scares me the most is that I don’t know what to change for this not to happen again,” stated Stumpf, who said he only takes fish oil and doctor-prescribed medication. “It’s killing me,” added Colabello. “Everything I do in my life is thought out with careful attention and detail. I don’t do irresponsible things because I never want to make a mistake that could cost me my career.”
• Speaking of confusion, Mets right-hander Matt Harvey is perplexed by his early season struggles, per David Waldstein of the New York Times. “There’s a lot of unknowns,” he said. Harvey insists he’s physically fine and doesn’t believe his problems are related to his release point, with which he and pitching coach Dan Warthen have been tinkering. After allowing five runs on 11 hits in 5 2/3 innings Friday in Colorado, Harvey saw his ERA rise to 4.93 – more than two runs worse than his career mark of 2.76. His strikeout and walk rates have also trended downward this year, as has his velocity. It’s worth noting, though, that after striking out a meager 14 batters and walking eight during his first four starts (22 1/3 innings), Harvey has fanned 27 against just five free passes in the four outings since (23 1/3 frames).

[BarkingToad]

Chris Sale is now 8-0 on the season, as many wins as the Braves and Twins.

Wow, that's amazing. Talk about extremes.

[Chi_archie]

Bush goes scoreless in debut

Former No. 1 pick in the 2004 MLB draft, Matt Bush, made his major league debut, striking out one over a scoreless inning in the Rangers' 5-0 loss to the Blue Jays.

managed to keep that arm in shape in jail somehow

[koz-man]

Have a big day, Big Papi!

A walk-off double hit in extra innings? Check. A blast to pass some Hall of Famers on the all-time home run list? You bet. A clutch triple? You can put that on the list, too. David Ortiz did all of that and more on Saturday afternoon at Fenway.

600 doubles & 500 home runs career list...Big Papi, Barry Bonds, & Hamming Hank.

[Andy117]

In a piece that’s certainly worth a full read, James Wagner and Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post detailed how right-hander Stephen Strasburg’s mega-extension with the Nationals came to fruition. It helped the Nats’ cause that owner Ted Lerner has both an affinity for Strasburg and his agent, Scott Boras. “They have an incredible relationship,” said Ted Lerner’s son, Mark Lerner, regarding his father’s closeness with Boras. “Scott really respects my dad and what he’s built over the years from nothing.” Prior to inking Strasburg to a seven-year, $175MM deal, Lerner was using the free agent contracts awarded during the offseason to Jordan Zimmermann (five years, $110MM) and Johnny Cueto (six years, $130MM) as comparables. Boras countered with the bigger deals given in recent years to Clayton Kershaw, Zack Greinke and the Nats’ Max Scherzer, and sold Lerner on Strasburg’s similarly elite potential. Ultimately, the two settled on an accord resembling the ones inked by Justin Verlander and Felix Hernandez in past years. Strasburg gave Boras the thumbs up on the seven-year agreement in late April – two weeks and two starts before it was announced – and it was kept under wraps as language was drawn up and Strasburg underwent an in-depth medical exam. Strasburg found out the deal was done when a fan congratulated him after his start Monday. “The light bulb went off,” he said.
Here’s more from around baseball:

• Blue Jays first baseman/designated hitter Chris Colabello and Phillies reliever Daniel Stumpf both received 80-game suspensions in April after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs, and the two remain confused as to how PEDs entered their respective systems, writes Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. Colabello’s agent, Brian Charles, organized a conference call earlier this week with doctors, scientists and molecular biologists, all of whom are experts on steroid testing, as he tries to get to the bottom of his client’s positive test. Colabello, Stumpf and ex-UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir also partook in the call. All three tested positive for the banned anabolic steroid Turinabol, and each is without an answer as to how. The players association finds the cases of Colabello and Stumpf “puzzling,” sources tell Rosenthal. “The part that scares me the most is that I don’t know what to change for this not to happen again,” stated Stumpf, who said he only takes fish oil and doctor-prescribed medication. “It’s killing me,” added Colabello. “Everything I do in my life is thought out with careful attention and detail. I don’t do irresponsible things because I never want to make a mistake that could cost me my career.”
• Speaking of confusion, Mets right-hander Matt Harvey is perplexed by his early season struggles, per David Waldstein of the New York Times. “There’s a lot of unknowns,” he said. Harvey insists he’s physically fine and doesn’t believe his problems are related to his release point, with which he and pitching coach Dan Warthen have been tinkering. After allowing five runs on 11 hits in 5 2/3 innings Friday in Colorado, Harvey saw his ERA rise to 4.93 – more than two runs worse than his career mark of 2.76. His strikeout and walk rates have also trended downward this year, as has his velocity. It’s worth noting, though, that after striking out a meager 14 batters and walking eight during his first four starts (22 1/3 innings), Harvey has fanned 27 against just five free passes in the four outings since (23 1/3 frames).

Turinabol is a really old steroid, why would they be using that?

[Cross]

Yeah, get with the new juice.

[EmpireMaker]

Turinabol is a really old steroid, why would they be using that?

They use anything that they think they can get away with, anything they think will beat the tests.

[EmpireMaker]

At 22-15, the Phillies have been among the standings’ biggest surprises this season, but rookie general manager Matt Klentak isn’t losing sight of the fact that the team is in a rebuild, writes Matt Gelb of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Klentak also realizes that the Phillies have one of the majors’ worst run differentials and probably won’t be able to sustain their early success in the win column. “We’re not blind to the fact that our run differential is negative by a significant margin,” he said. “We’re well aware that there has been a lack of offensive production throughout much of the lineup.” Only the Braves’ historically anemic offense has been worse than Philadelphia’s thus far, but the good news on the offensive end is that the Phillies have seemingly found an enviable long-term piece in 24-year-old center fielder Odubel Herrera.
More from the National League:

• The Dodgers were considering promoting 19-year-old prospect Julio Urias to bolster their bullpen as of last weekend, and the left-handed phenom’s stock has risen even higher since. Urias fired six scoreless innings for Triple-A Oklahoma City on Saturday, extending his streak to 22 straight frames without allowing a run, according to Vince Lara-Cinisomo of Baseball America. Urias is laying waste to the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League, where he has a 1.25 ERA and 39 strikeouts against eight walks in 36 innings, and looks primed to jump to baseball’s highest level soon.
• Rockies shortstop Jose Reyes is still capable of being a “serviceable” option at the position, though he’s clearly on the downside of his career, a longtime scout told Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post. Reyes, who’s suspended until the end of May because of a violation of the league’s domestic violence policy, could be done in Colorado. A trade might be difficult, though, considering Reyes’ contract (he’s still owed roughly $41MM, including a $4MM buyout in 2018), off-field troubles and on-field decline, according to Saunders. That could lead the Rockies to release the 33-year-old, which is a possibility, some close to the team have told Saunders.
• The Cardinals have taken a tough-love approach with pitching prospect Alex Reyes – who’s nearing a return from a 50-game suspension for a second positive marijuana test – as Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch details. The Cardinals could have lifted Reyes’ 50-game ban at any point by putting him on their 40-man roster, but they elected against it and didn’t even invite the right-handed 21-year-old to Spring Training. “There are two things for him to take from this,” stated general manager John Mozeliak. “No. 1, he made a mistake and cannot make that mistake again. No. 2, because of this mistake he has to realize he was risking a lot because of what he can do with his talent. Time will tell the direction this sends him.” Reyes seems to have taken the discipline to heart, saying, “That day, I changed my mentality.”