The 2018 Major League Baseball Player Chatter, News and Fantasy Thread.

[JMobile]

Anybody think Kershaw is finally done?

[yisman]

Pretty awful timing for Kershaw if that's the case.

[El Nino]

Yikes, bad job by Osuna.

[batt33]

I think that they have been babying Kershaw so that he has innings left for the Post-Season.

3 innings this time.... 4 next?

[EmpireMaker]

With the Rangers sitting at 34-44 and well out of playoff contention, they’ve made third baseman Adrian Beltre, closer Keone Kela and reliever Jake Diekman available on the trade market, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports.
Even though Beltre is a franchise icon, this isn’t the first time the Rangers have put him on the market. They previously did so during the offseason, according to Grant, who adds that there wasn’t much interest in Beltre then. At the time, Beltre was coming off an injury-shortened season, though he still managed a lofty .312/.383/.532 batting line with 17 home runs and 3.1 fWAR across 94 games and 389 plate appearances.
This season – Beltre’s age-39 campaign – hasn’t gotten as well for the future Hall of Famer, but he has still drawn reported interest from at least two playoff contenders. Beltre has endured a pair of stints on the disabled list because of hamstring issues, thus limiting him to 47 games and 192 PAs thus far. He looks healthy now, but because there’s no designated hitter in the National League, injury concerns could limit Beltre’s market to mostly AL teams, Grant notes. Any club acquiring Beltre would be landing a still-useful hitter, as shown by his .314/.365/.456 line this year, though his power hasn’t been as evident (four home runs, .142 ISO).
While Beltre has remained a capable player despite his injury issues over the past couple seasons, there are other complications that could stand in the way of a deal. For one, Beltre has 10-and-5 rights which would enable him to block a trade anywhere. Beltre also isn’t cheap – the impending free agent’s still owed around $9.77MM through season’s end – and could be part of a market featuring other established third base options in Manny Machado, Mike Moustakas and Josh Donaldson, as Grant points out.
Unlike Beltre, Kela can’t prevent a deal from happening, nor is he expensive. The 25-year-old’s on a $1.2MM salary this season and comes with arbitration control through the 2021 campaign. In his first extensive action as a closer this year, the flamethrowing Kela has upped his value by converting all 17 of his save opportunities and posting a 3.67 ERA with 11.0 K/9 and 3.67 BB/9 over 27 innings. While Kela has only logged a 35.4 percent groundball rate, he has partially offset that with a 20 percent infield fly mark – good for a 13th-place tie among qualified relievers. Kela’s penchant for inducing harmless pop-ups has helped limit his home runs allowed to .68 per nine, which easily outdoes the league-average figure for relievers (1.01).
The 31-year-old Diekman has joined Kela in serving as a bright spot for Texas’ bullpen this season. Diekman’s performance has been especially encouraging after he missed most of last season following a procedure in which he had his colon removed. Diekman was an effective big league reliever prior to the surgery, and he has picked up where he left off this season. Thus far, the left-hander has notched a 2.96 ERA with 11.52 K/9 and a 50 percent grounder rate over 27 1/3 innings, though he has also walked 5.27 batters per nine. And Diekman carries a significant reverse platoon split, as lefties have slashed .303/.452/.424 against him and righties have limped to a .171/.256/.246 line. Struggles against lefties are unusual for Diekman, who has held them a .222/.319/.295 mark in his career.
Given his remaining team control, there’s no pressure on the Rangers to part with Kela if they’re unable to find a deal to their liking. But Diekman is an impending free agent, making the hard-throwing veteran an obvious trade candidate. Diekman’s on an affordable salary ($2.712,500), which seems to make a trade all the more likely by the non-waiver deadline on July 31.

[El Nino]

Anybody think Kershaw is finally done?

Kershaw's curve was still lookin' pretty wicked.

[koz-man]

The Dodgers got six RBIs from pinch-hitters in their 8-3 win as Matt Kemp hit a grand slam and Chris Taylor had a two-run double.

Also, Clayton Kershaw returned, Max Muncy stayed incredible with another home run and the Dodgers are 24-9 since that 16-26 start.

[Chi_archie]

The Dodgers got six RBIs from pinch-hitters in their 8-3 win as Matt Kemp hit a grand slam and Chris Taylor had a two-run double.

Also, Clayton Kershaw returned, Max Muncy stayed incredible with another home run and the Dodgers are 24-9 since that 16-26 start.

6 rbi

crazy

[JAKEPEAVY21]

Anybody think Kershaw is finally done?

lol what a fall from grace...best season of his career to finally done in a couple month span

[ApricotSinner32]

Good luck to everyone today...

[JMobile]

The Dodgers got six RBIs from pinch-hitters in their 8-3 win as Matt Kemp hit a grand slam and Chris Taylor had a two-run double.

Also, Clayton Kershaw returned, Max Muncy stayed incredible with another home run and the Dodgers are 24-9 since that 16-26 start.

Who is this Muncy guy? Never heard of him when he was the A's.

[Cross]

Muncy must have found some drugs, juicing up!

[batt33]

Anybody think Kershaw is finally done?

may not get back to dominating, but still has some expensive wins left.

[EmpireMaker]

• The Dodgers will continue to monitor Manny Machado’s availability, as L.A. still has interest in the star shortstop. Machado and the Dodgers have been linked in trade rumors ever since Corey Seager was lost for the season, and with Los Angeles getting back into the postseason hunt after an early-season slump, Machado continues to look like a logical trade candidate.
• The Indians are looking for the bullpen help, and they are one of multiple teams who have been in touch with the Marlins about Kyle Barraclough and Drew Steckenrider. Cleveland’s relief corps has been a major weak spot for the team, and though Andrew Miller will eventually be back from the DL, it isn’t any surprise that the Tribe is looking for further upgrades. Barraclough (who took over as Miami’s closer earlier this month) and Steckenrider are both having good seasons, though both have exhibited some control issues. The Marlins are “open for business” in discussing virtually everyone on the roster, though they’re less likely to deal young, controllable players like Barraclough and Steckenrider for anything but a large return. Beyond the bullpen, Heyman also thinks the Tribe could look for a right-handed bat for the bench.
• The Braves were one of the teams interested in Kelvin Herrera before the Royals dealt the reliever to the Nationals. Kansas City simply “saw the Nats as a better match” for a trade, and as Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos implied in a podcast appearance earlier this week, it seems like Atlanta wasn’t willing to meet the Royals’ asking price. It remains to be seen how this decision could impact the NL East race, as the Braves not only saw Herrera join a division rival, but their own closer (Arodys Vizcaino) on the disabled list today. Heyman does speculate about one silver lining for the Braves, however, as the fact that they’ve already had some talks with the Royals could help lay groundwork for a Mike Moustakas trade. Overall, Heyman notes that the Braves would prefer to wait before making any big deals, as the team still isn’t quite sure what will end up being its biggest deadline need.
• More on Herrera, as Heyman reports that the Astros didn’t make a play for the right-hander.
• There is “no chance” that the Pirates would trade Jameson Taillon, a source tells Heyman. Pittsburgh could yet decide to move some veterans at the deadline but Taillon seems untouchable, given his good season and four remaining years of team control.
• The Pirates had some discussions with Andrew McCutchen about a longer-term extension following the outfielder’s MVP season in 2013. At the time, McCutchen was just two years into what ended up being (thanks to a club option) a seven-year, $65.25MM deal with the Bucs. According to Heyman, McCutchen had some regret about signing that deal, which kept him from hitting the open market after the 2015 season and ended up being an enormous bargain for Pittsburgh. Further extension talks didn’t go far, however, as McCutchen and his team made mention of Joey Votto’s ten-year, $225MM deal with the Reds as a potential comparable.

[ApricotSinner32]

I never win betting against the redsox its insane.

[koz-man]

The Cubs announced 2012, 2nd round pick, Duane Underwood, will make his ML debut on Monday at Dodgers Stadium. Underwood is 3-7 with a 4.27 ERA at Triple-A Iowa. The righty has a career 3.79 minor league ERA.

[JAKEPEAVY21]

cubs get swept by the lowly Reds and the bullpen got hit hard...

poster Cross has likely had a few sleepness nights

[Chi_archie]

cubs get swept by the lowly Reds and the bullpen got hit hard...

poster Cross has likely had a few sleepness nights

youch

[Cross]

I’m not panicking, they will be fine.

[Otters27]

nice comback by the Nationals last night. I was the only sporting event on

[hotcross]

Who is this Muncy guy? Never heard of him when he was the A's.

might have something to do with motivation

Like when you hear the ol' saying "Half the game is mental" or whatever

[mr. leisure]

Edwin Jackson with a nice outing for the A`s .

[yisman]

Someone named Duane making his MLB debut for the Cubs at Chavez Ravine.

[JMobile]

Someone named Duane making his MLB debut for the Cubs at Chavez Ravine.

Never heard of him.

[batt33]

Never heard of him.

you and me both

[ApricotSinner32]

• The Dodgers will continue to monitor Manny Machado’s availability, as L.A. still has interest in the star shortstop. Machado and the Dodgers have been linked in trade rumors ever since Corey Seager was lost for the season, and with Los Angeles getting back into the postseason hunt after an early-season slump, Machado continues to look like a logical trade candidate.
• The Indians are looking for the bullpen help, and they are one of multiple teams who have been in touch with the Marlins about Kyle Barraclough and Drew Steckenrider. Cleveland’s relief corps has been a major weak spot for the team, and though Andrew Miller will eventually be back from the DL, it isn’t any surprise that the Tribe is looking for further upgrades. Barraclough (who took over as Miami’s closer earlier this month) and Steckenrider are both having good seasons, though both have exhibited some control issues. The Marlins are “open for business” in discussing virtually everyone on the roster, though they’re less likely to deal young, controllable players like Barraclough and Steckenrider for anything but a large return. Beyond the bullpen, Heyman also thinks the Tribe could look for a right-handed bat for the bench.
• The Braves were one of the teams interested in Kelvin Herrera before the Royals dealt the reliever to the Nationals. Kansas City simply “saw the Nats as a better match” for a trade, and as Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos implied in a podcast appearance earlier this week, it seems like Atlanta wasn’t willing to meet the Royals’ asking price. It remains to be seen how this decision could impact the NL East race, as the Braves not only saw Herrera join a division rival, but their own closer (Arodys Vizcaino) on the disabled list today. Heyman does speculate about one silver lining for the Braves, however, as the fact that they’ve already had some talks with the Royals could help lay groundwork for a Mike Moustakas trade. Overall, Heyman notes that the Braves would prefer to wait before making any big deals, as the team still isn’t quite sure what will end up being its biggest deadline need.
• More on Herrera, as Heyman reports that the Astros didn’t make a play for the right-hander.
• There is “no chance” that the Pirates would trade Jameson Taillon, a source tells Heyman. Pittsburgh could yet decide to move some veterans at the deadline but Taillon seems untouchable, given his good season and four remaining years of team control.
• The Pirates had some discussions with Andrew McCutchen about a longer-term extension following the outfielder’s MVP season in 2013. At the time, McCutchen was just two years into what ended up being (thanks to a club option) a seven-year, $65.25MM deal with the Bucs. According to Heyman, McCutchen had some regret about signing that deal, which kept him from hitting the open market after the 2015 season and ended up being an enormous bargain for Pittsburgh. Further extension talks didn’t go far, however, as McCutchen and his team made mention of Joey Votto’s ten-year, $225MM deal with the Reds as a potential comparable.

Good luck to everyone today.........

[Cross]

I don’t think most of the Cubs knew him, he actually did well.

[EmpireMaker]

JUNE 25: The expectation is that Wacha will be out until after the All-Star break, Cards GM Mike Girsch tells reporters including MLB.com’s Jenifer Langosch (via Twitter). Given the nature of the injury, it’s no surprise to hear that he has already more or less been ruled out for that duration.
What’s interesting about the timing is that the Cardinals may or may not have a clear picture of Wacha’s outlook when the trade deadline hits. If he’s close to full strength or back in the majors, perhaps rotation depth won’t be as much of a need. Any significant uncertainty surrounding Wacha would boost the likelihood of a move to add a starter, though it’s also possible the St. Louis organization will focus on other, more pressing roster needs regardless.
JUNE 21, 10:50pm: The Cardinals have termed the oblique strain to be “moderate,” per MLB.com’s Joe Trezza (Twitter link). While it’s obviously good news for the team that Wacha isn’t looking at a severe strain that’ll keep him out for months, Trezza notes that the team still expects to be without Wacha for “at least” a couple of weeks.
2:26pm: The Cardinals announced that they have placed righty Michael Wacha on the 10-day DL, as had been expected. He’s dealing with a left oblique strain.
Fellow righty John Gant will come up to take his place on the active roster. For the time being, Gant may move into the pen, though the Cards will ultimately have to fill in a rotation opening. At present, the team will rely on Carlos Martinez, Miles Mikolas, Luke Weaver and Jack Flaherty in the starting five. Gant could step into that role, though the team also has rotation options in the form of Austin Gomber and Daniel Poncedeleon.
The open question is just how long the St. Louis organization will go without Wacha. He has had a strong campaign to date, working to a 3.20 earned run average with 7.6 K/9 against 3.8 BB/9 through 84 1/3 innings. The Cardinals didn’t provide an immediate timeline, though even Grade 1 oblique strains have been known to keep players on the disabled list for upwards of a month. With Alex Reyes already out for the season and Adam Wainwright’s status still uncertain, the pressures on the rotation are mounting.

[koz-man]

Kenley Jansen converted his 18th consecutive save opportunity, helping the Dodgers improve to 42-35. But he got hit around a bit and it didn't seem like he had great command of his cutter. Opposing hitters had swung and missed on Jansen's cutter 13 percent of the time this year, down from 19 percent each of the last two years.

[JAKEPEAVY21]

Padres blowing late leads left and right lately

[Chi_archie]

Kenley Jansen converted his 18th consecutive save opportunity, helping the Dodgers improve to 42-35. But he got hit around a bit and it didn't seem like he had great command of his cutter. Opposing hitters had swung and missed on Jansen's cutter 13 percent of the time this year, down from 19 percent each of the last two years.

he's going good

[Otters27]

Watched Royals blank the Angels yesterday in a good pitchers dual

[BigSpoon]

Edwin Jackson with a nice outing for the A`s .

The A's are his 13th different team in his career. Guy has been around.

[JMobile]

Dodgers taking over the West.

[yisman]

Same old Dave Roberts.

Takes forever to put out a lineup, then pulls his starter at 85 pitches for no real reason.