The 2020 Major League Baseball Player Chatter, News and Fantasy Thread.

[EmpireMaker]

Jason Heyward was removed from tonight’s game prior to the fifth inning due to illness, and Cubs manager David Ross told The Athletic’s Patrick Mooney (Twitter links) and other reporters that Heyward was sent to hospital for precautionary reasons. “He’s not a guy that you ever have concerns about, so when he says he is having trouble breathing and (feeling) light-headed, I just want to make sure everything’s all right,” Ross said.

It seems probable that Heyward will miss at least a game or two due to this situation even if everything checks out with doctors, though obviously the chief concern is that Heyward is healthy and well. The 31-year-old Heyward is enjoying by far the best of his five seasons in Chicago, entering tonight’s play with a superb .306/.421/.551 slash line and five home runs over 121 PA.
Some more items from around baseball…

• A rib/side injury has kept Marcus Semien out of action since August 29, though the Athletics shortstop could take batting practice on the field tomorrow, manager Bob Melvin told MLB.com’s Martin Gallegos and other reporters. That could be a precursor for an impending return for Semien, who can return whenever he is ready since he wasn’t placed on the injured list — the A’s had a team-wide break in the schedule due to a positive COVID-19 test. Semien is still looking to get on track this season, hitting only .229/.285/.379 over his first 151 plate appearances.
• Giants hurlers Jeff Samardzija and Drew Smyly each threw around 50 pitches in simulated game action on Saturday, manager Gabe Kapler told reporters (including Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle). Smyly has been out of action since August 2 due to strained left index finger, while Samardzija hit the 10-day IL on August 8 with a shoulder impingement. It isn’t yet clear when either pitcher could return, or in what roles they could be deployed in upon their returns. Kapler’s mention of relief work as a possible route for Samardzija is notable, given that “The Shark” has worked exclusively as a starter since the start of the 2012 season.
• Justin Verlander has begun throwing off a mound, Astros GM James Click said today during a pregame interview with Astros Radio (hat tip to The Athletic’s Jake Kaplan). A forearm strain has kept Verlander sidelined for all but one start of the 2020 season, though his latest rehab update provides some hope that Verlander could potentially still return at some point in the regular season or postseason.

[JAKEPEAVY21]

Tatis is not human.

He's from the future...The Predator..."Get to the Choppah!"

[Chi_archie]

Hope heyward doesn't have the rona

[Cross]

Who would have thought that Heyward is a key member of cubs lineup, 2020 is crazy.

[stevenash]

Who would have thought that Heyward is a key member of cubs lineup, 2020 is crazy.

He's like Pujols, never says die.

[JMobile]

So are the Yankees going downhill?

[batt33]

Jason Heyward was removed from tonight’s game prior to the fifth inning due to illness, and Cubs manager David Ross told The Athletic’s Patrick Mooney (Twitter links) and other reporters that Heyward was sent to hospital for precautionary reasons. “He’s not a guy that you ever have concerns about, so when he says he is having trouble breathing and (feeling) light-headed, I just want to make sure everything’s all right,” Ross said.

It seems probable that Heyward will miss at least a game or two due to this situation even if everything checks out with doctors, though obviously the chief concern is that Heyward is healthy and well. The 31-year-old Heyward is enjoying by far the best of his five seasons in Chicago, entering tonight’s play with a superb .306/.421/.551 slash line and five home runs over 121 PA.
Some more items from around baseball…

• A rib/side injury has kept Marcus Semien out of action since August 29, though the Athletics shortstop could take batting practice on the field tomorrow, manager Bob Melvin told MLB.com’s Martin Gallegos and other reporters. That could be a precursor for an impending return for Semien, who can return whenever he is ready since he wasn’t placed on the injured list — the A’s had a team-wide break in the schedule due to a positive COVID-19 test. Semien is still looking to get on track this season, hitting only .229/.285/.379 over his first 151 plate appearances.
• Giants hurlers Jeff Samardzija and Drew Smyly each threw around 50 pitches in simulated game action on Saturday, manager Gabe Kapler told reporters (including Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle). Smyly has been out of action since August 2 due to strained left index finger, while Samardzija hit the 10-day IL on August 8 with a shoulder impingement. It isn’t yet clear when either pitcher could return, or in what roles they could be deployed in upon their returns. Kapler’s mention of relief work as a possible route for Samardzija is notable, given that “The Shark” has worked exclusively as a starter since the start of the 2012 season.
• Justin Verlander has begun throwing off a mound, Astros GM James Click said today during a pregame interview with Astros Radio (hat tip to The Athletic’s Jake Kaplan). A forearm strain has kept Verlander sidelined for all but one start of the 2020 season, though his latest rehab update provides some hope that Verlander could potentially still return at some point in the regular season or postseason.

Can't see samardiza throwing relief but I guess you never know

[jrgum3]

So are the Yankees going downhill?

I think it's a legitimate question whether or not they make the playoffs at this point as hard as that is to fathom. Their pitching is craptastic as evidenced by that 10 run inning they surrendered today to piss away a 6-2 lead. I thought my bet on the Blue Jays was toast but they had an epic 6th inning. It would be something if the Yankees missed the playoffs though I'm sure heads would roll in New York.

[BigSpoon]

I think it's a legitimate question whether or not they make the playoffs at this point as hard as that is to fathom. Their pitching is craptastic as evidenced by that 10 run inning they surrendered today to piss away a 6-2 lead. I thought my bet on the Blue Jays was toast but they had an epic 6th inning. It would be something if the Yankees missed the playoffs though I'm sure heads would roll in New York.

Very generous bullpen from the Yanks last night.

[EmpireMaker]

The Padres announced that they’ve called up outfield prospect Jorge Ona. They optioned righty Luis Patino to their alternate training site in a corresponding move. Ona will debut as the Padres’ designated hitter against Colorado on Monday, per AJ Cassavell of MLB.com.
As Cassavell notes, the hope is that Ona will give the Padres more power from the right side of the plate. They were counting on high-end prospect Luis Campusano, whom they promoted Friday, to provide that. However, Campusano went on the injured list on Sunday after three at-bats (and a home run) because of a left wrist sprain.
Unlike Campusano, Ono is not a top 100 caliber prospect, though the Cuba native did join the club for a pricey $7MM bonus in 2016. Ona was obviously regarded as an international gem at the time, but he hasn’t quite lived up to the hype yet. Still, four years after signing, he remains a promising part of the Padres’ loaded farm system, ranking as one of their top 30 prospects at MLB.com (No. 24), FanGraphs (30) and Baseball America (30). The 23-year-old was dominant last season in Double-A, where he slashed .348/.417/.539 in 102 plate appearances, but Ona saw his campaign come to an end in July when he underwent right shoulder surgery.

[Chi_archie]

The Padres announced that they’ve called up outfield prospect Jorge Ona. They optioned righty Luis Patino to their alternate training site in a corresponding move. Ona will debut as the Padres’ designated hitter against Colorado on Monday, per AJ Cassavell of MLB.com.
As Cassavell notes, the hope is that Ona will give the Padres more power from the right side of the plate. They were counting on high-end prospect Luis Campusano, whom they promoted Friday, to provide that. However, Campusano went on the injured list on Sunday after three at-bats (and a home run) because of a left wrist sprain.
Unlike Campusano, Ono is not a top 100 caliber prospect, though the Cuba native did join the club for a pricey $7MM bonus in 2016. Ona was obviously regarded as an international gem at the time, but he hasn’t quite lived up to the hype yet. Still, four years after signing, he remains a promising part of the Padres’ loaded farm system, ranking as one of their top 30 prospects at MLB.com (No. 24), FanGraphs (30) and Baseball America (30). The 23-year-old was dominant last season in Double-A, where he slashed .348/.417/.539 in 102 plate appearances, but Ona saw his campaign come to an end in July when he underwent right shoulder surgery.

another prospect!

[JAKEPEAVY21]

Hosmer broke his finger on a 2 strike bunt attempt. Tough loss and a bonehead decision by him.

[stevenash]

^
Ouch.
Knowing Hos, he'll be back in 2 weeks.

http://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=29834762

[JAKEPEAVY21]

^
Ouch.
Knowing Hos, he'll be back in 2 weeks.


http://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=29834762

Good thing they traded for Moreland. Cronenworth can also play 1st very well so hopefully they can hold down the fort for awhile.

[batt33]

Can't believe the giants are in the playoff hunt...

[koz-man]

Atlanta Braves put ace Max Fried on 10-day IL with back spasms

The Atlanta Braves placed ace left-hander Max Fried on the 10-day injured list Tuesday because of muscle spasms in his back. The move was made retroactive to Sunday.
Fried is 6-0 with a 1.98 ERA in seven starts this season, with 47 strikeouts in 50 innings pitched.

[JMobile]

Can't believe the giants are in the playoff hunt...

Unreal how that new rule is.

[BigSpoon]

Can't believe the giants are in the playoff hunt...

I can't believe my Jays are in a playoff spot now. Thank you Yankees for going 5-15 in their last 20 games.

[Cross]

Braves rotation keeps getting injuries.

[jrgum3]

Can't believe the giants are in the playoff hunt...

I actually placed a couple of wagers on the Giants the last two nights after mostly avoiding betting on their games this season. They do swing the bats you got to give them that. Even tonight when they were down 5-1 they believed the could come back and sure enough they did to beat the Mariners. It's going to be a wild ride down the stretch as they have to play 7 against the Padres so their path to a playoff berth won't be easy even though they don't have any more games against the rival Dodgers.

[EmpireMaker]

The Atlanta Braves announced a number of roster moves this morning, the most consequential of which was placing ace Max Fried on the injured list, retroactive to September 6th, the team announced. Also, Kyle Wright was recalled and Jacob Webb reinstated from the injured list. Fan favorite utility man Charlie Culberson was designated for assignment.
Fried might be the single most important player on the Braves roster right now as the only reliable high-end arm in the rotation. In the wake of Mike Soroka’s season-ending injury, Mike Foltynewicz’s demotion, and Cole Hamels’ injury, Fried has ably stepped up and developed into an ace for the Braves. He’s currently a top contender for the Cy Young in the National League with a 6-0 record through 9 starts, 50 innings, a 1.98 ERA/2.47 FIP, and zero home runs allowed.
A worrying drop in velocity hit a season low in his last start on Saturday, as illustrated here by PitcherList.com (via Twitter), averaging just 91.7 mph after being as high as 94.1 mph for his first two starts of the year . The injury listed is a left-side muscle spasm of the lumbar spine, aka back spasms. The Braves are obviously hopeful that some rest and treatment can get him back on the hill.
In the meantime, Hamels is on the comeback trail, and he could be activated as soon as next Monday, per Baseball America’s Gabe Burns (via Twitter). For now, Wright will return from their alternate training site in Lawrenceville to re-join the rotation. The Braves will hope for better results this time around for the 24-year-old, who was hit with a 7.20 ERA/6.48 FIP while going 0-3 in 4 starts earlier this season – though The Athletic’s David O’Brien reports that Wright is just up for a spot start. Still, Wright is highly regarded, their 4th ranked prospect by Fangraphs, Baseball America, and MLB.com.

The 27-year-old Webb could provide boost to Atlanta’s right-side relief corps. Webb has yet to appear in 2020, but he put up a 1.39 ERA in 39 games in 2019 – his first big league experience. The 6’2″ right-hander brings a 95 mph heater buttressed by a curveball and 86 mph change that generated a 40% Whiff% in 2019.
Culberson, 31, only appeared in 9 games this season going 1 for 7 with a double and RBI. The utlilty man has mostly been used as a pinch-runner this season. Culberson had some big hits for the 2019 Braves, but he took a Fernando Rodney fastball to the cheek on a bunt attempt in Washington which broke his cheekbone and ended his season. Culberson hasn’t seen regular playing time since the injury.

[Otters27]

Can't believe the giants are in the playoff hunt...

Everybody is in the playoffs hunt. Well not really but .500 ball and you are in it

[JAKEPEAVY21]

San Diego scored 2 touchdowns and hit another grand slam..14-5 final after being down 3-0 early

[Chi_archie]

San Diego scored 2 touchdowns and hit another grand slam..14-5 final after being down 3-0 early

very potent offense

[stevenash]

Good thing they traded for Moreland. Cronenworth can also play 1st very well so hopefully they can hold down the fort for awhile.

I loved, not liked the Moreland move.

22 -8 after five innings.

https://www.espn.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=401226319

I hate arena ball.

[JMobile]

San Diego scored 2 touchdowns and hit another grand slam..14-5 final after being down 3-0 early

Padres have good offense. They are becoming clutch hitters.

[jrgum3]

Lot of games where the offenses exploded for a boatload of runs today. I'd blame the pitchers but I think some of it is the managers forcing the bullpens to get taxed by not letting their starters go that long into games.

[Otters27]

Two crazy games last night.

[EmpireMaker]

The Diamondbacks have placed second baseman Ketel Marte on the 10-day injured list with wrist inflammation, Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic tweets. They also recalled infielder/outfielder Josh VanMeter and right-hander Joel Payamps, and optioned lefty Joe Mantiply.
The Diamondbacks are arguably the majors’ most disappointing team at an NL-worst 15-28, and with their playoff hopes all but dead, it’s possible we have seen the last of Marte in 2020. His presence was among the reasons Arizona was a popular pick as a contender entering this year. After all, just a season ago, Marte posted an MVP-level 7.1 fWAR with a .329/.389/.592 line and 32 home runs and 10 stolen bases in 628 plate appearances.
On the heels of last season’s tremendous performance, there wasn’t much reason to believe Marte would fall off dramatically this year. But he, like his team, has. Thanks in part to a significant decrease in walk percentage (8.4 to 2.9) and a massive drop in power (.264 ISO versus .117), he has hit a relatively underwhelming .290/.342/.407 with two homers and a single steal over 173 PA. Marte has also endured a roughly 6 percent decrease in hard-hit rate, per FanGraphs, and has seen his expected weighted on-base average fall from .379 to .327.

[JAKEPEAVY21]

I loved, not liked the Moreland move.

22 -8 after five innings.

https://www.espn.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=401226319

I hate arena ball.

Really. Up until last night, Moreland has looked awful on both offense and defense. Honestly, I'd prefer Crononworth at 1st. He spelled Hosmer for a few games and made some amazing plays on defense.

[koz-man]

Braves' 29 runs against Marlins second most in MLB since 1900

The Atlanta Braves scored 29 runs against the Miami Marlins on Wednesday night, falling one short of tying the major league record for most runs in a game.
Adam Duvall's seventh-inning grand slam gave host Atlanta a 29-9 lead, which ended up being the final score.
The 29 runs are tied for the second most in a game in the modern era (since 1900), just shy of the Texas Rangers' 30 against the Baltimore Orioles in 2007. The 1950 Red Sox and 1955 White Sox also scored 29 runs in a game.

[BigSpoon]

Packers 19
Lions 0

Falcons 29
Dolphins 9

[Chi_archie]

Braves' 29 runs against Marlins second most in MLB since 1900


The Atlanta Braves scored 29 runs against the Miami Marlins on Wednesday night, falling one short of tying the major league record for most runs in a game.
Adam Duvall's seventh-inning grand slam gave host Atlanta a 29-9 lead, which ended up being the final score.
The 29 runs are tied for the second most in a game in the modern era (since 1900), just shy of the Texas Rangers' 30 against the Baltimore Orioles in 2007. The 1950 Red Sox and 1955 White Sox also scored 29 runs in a game.

freaking amazing

[stevenash]

Really. Up until last night, Moreland has looked awful on both offense and defense. Honestly, I'd prefer Crononworth at 1st. He spelled Hosmer for a few games and made some amazing plays on defense.

I'm up here in Red Sox land (Connecticut)
I don't love the Sox per se but I respect almost everything they mean to baseball.
Any-hoo, I married into a Red Sox family and I love going to Boston and Fenway.
I've seen Moreland play live dozens of times, I study players.
I love the way he played in Boston, you'll learn to love him too.
He's got Hosmer qualities mental wise.
I think he's still a useful lefty stick and a good fill in for Hos.
Oh sure he's getting up in age, but he's still got pop.

When he was in his prime (2013-2017) he was guaranteed 22 homers.
Look at these homer run totals below, pretty damn consistent huh?


I left out 2014 because he barely played due to that ankle problem.


Not for nothing I was looking at his Texas 2014 team, a lot of those guys are still producing still.
Darvish in Chicago now, Choo still has game, there's a good half dozen players from that 2014 squad still producing. Beltre was still a force i 2014 also, but he;s out of the game and on to the Hall of Fame.
If Beltre doesn't get elected to the Hall something is wrong.
Speaking of wrong, that 2014 Texas team had a lot of talent but a dismal record.
That was the year Ron Washington resigned as manager, yeah right resigned, too funny, I can't prove it but I say Washington was shit canned. He had personal problems, he cheated on his wife which was a big shit storm then, he admitted to his infidelity, there were rumors he was shoveling coke up his nose, etc. etc. oh yeah, he lost 87 of the Rangers first 140 games that year, he was on pace for 100 or so losses I like to think that had something to do with it.

Tim Bogar took over, did a very good job too.
Bogar is a solid baseball dude, he was assistant to Maddon in 2008 when the Rays won the AL.
Learned a shit load from Maddon.
He was one of Francona's go to coaches in Boston.
When that train wreck Bobby Valentine took over Valentine got rid of all Francona's men.
Valentine did not like Francona.
Bogar played a big role last year for the Nats championship, he's the bench coach now.


Check out the RBI totals though for 2013 and 2016.
Who hits 23 homers and drives in 60?
Man, at least 14 of those taters had to be solo shots.
I love researching shit, but not today, but I bet if I went to Mr. Database at least 14 of those home runs those two years had to be solo jobs.

Like I said, oh sure he has flaws, and you know this as well as I do, he can't hit lefties for shit (but neither could I so I can relate)
And his OBA is terrible, he doesn't like drawing walks but that's not the hitter he is, he loves to swing that stick.

MITCH MORELAND IN HIS PRIME

Year	Tm	G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS	OPS+
2013	TEX	147	518	462	60	107	24	1	23	60	45	117	0.232	0.299	0.437	0.736	99
2015	TEX	132	515	471	51	131	27	0	23	85	32	112	0.278	0.33	0.482	0.812	116
2016	TEX	147	503	460	49	107	21	0	22	60	35	118	0.233	0.298	0.422	0.72	87
2017	BOS	149	576	508	73	125	34	0	22	79	57	120	0.246	0.326	0.443	0.769	99

[JAKEPEAVY21]

^^

Beltre is probably a 1st ballot HOFer.

I like having Moreland as an insurance policy, hopefully he starts hitting more. They are saying Hosmer is trying to get back in 2-3 weeks. I don't realistically see that happening but holding out a bit of hope.