MLB Free Agent Frenzy: Class Lead by Starting Pitching and Outfielders

WAYNE, N.J.- It is the most wonderful time of the year.  We can all stop looking out the window waiting for baseball because it is officially back!  Every team’s pitchers and catchers have reported to their respective team Spring Training facilities in Florida or Arizona, with position players joining them in the coming week.  Although the majority of the action comes between now and the Fall Classic, this off-season was filled with many intriguing transactions.  Here are my top five.

5) New York Mets re-sign OF Yoenis Cespedes 3 years/75 million

When the off-season began, the chances of the Mets re-signing the man who jolted the team to their first post-season berth since 2006 were not looking good.  Cespedes was seeking a big contract, this being his first time on the free agent market.  The team had planned on life after Cespedes signing OF Alejandro De Aza to join together with Juan Lagares in a platoon role.  A month later, things took a turn for the worst for the Mets when it looked like division rival the Washington Nationals were going to sign the Cuban All-Star.  Not so fast said the Mets who negotiated with Cespedes eventually agreeing on a 3 year 75 million with an opt out after the first season.

4) San Francisco Giants sign RHP Johnny Cueto 6 years/130 milion

After solidifying himself as one of the National League’s best arms, Cueto was dealt to the American League and the eventually World Series champion Kansas City Royals. After struggling a bit down the stretch for the Royals, Cueto turned in a successful post-season including a dominating performance in Game 2 of the World Series where he turned in a complete game, 2 hitter.  Cueto will help form what looks like what will be one of baseball’s best rotations alongside Madison Bumgarner, newly acquired Jeff Samardzija, Matt Cain, and Jake Peavy.  In an another even year, the Giants look poised for another World Series Championship thanks in large to the signing of Johnny Cueto.

3) Arizona Diamondbacks sign RHP Zack Greinke 6 years/206.5 million

The top arm of this year’s free agent pitching class, Zack Greinke remained in the NL West but leaving the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers for the darkhorse, Arizona Diamondbacks.  Greinke brings an exceptional resume to the Diamondbacks after going 51-15 with a 2.30 ERA, while finishing in the top 10 for the Cy Young Award over the past 3 seasons with the Dodgers.  Greinke will go into the season the undisputed ace of the young staff after spending his tenure with the Dodgers as “second fiddle” to Clayton Kershaw.  The move should put Arizona in a good spot to contend for the NL West division title.

2) Boston Red Sox sign LHP David Price 7 years/217 million

Another top arm of the free agent class, David Price is set to join his third AL East team after spending the majority of his career with the Tampa Bay Rays, and a brief stint with the Toronto Blue Jays last season.  After being dealt from the Detroit Tigers to Toronto at last seasons trade deadline, Price dominated going 9-1 in 11 starts leading the Blue Jays to their first post-season berth in 21 years.  Price finished the season a combined 18-5 with a 2.45 era and 225 strikeouts en route to a runner up finish in the AL Cy Young Award race.  Despite his career post-season woes, Price alongside Boston’s potent lineup look to close the gap in the competitive AL East.

1)  Chicago Cubs sign OF Jason Heyward 8 years/84 million and RHP John Lackey 2 years/32 million

This ranks as my top off-season transaction not only because of the talented players the Chicago Cubs acquired, but the fact they were able to weaken a division rival in the process.  Both Heward and Lackey who signed within a week of eachother, were essential parts to the St. Louis Cardinals club last season that edged out the Cubs by 3 games for the division title.  Heyward who will be transitioning from RF to CF for the Cubs is not your typical super-star with numbers that jump out at you, however the 26 year old is heading into what should be the prime of his career and should be a key part to the Cubs offense in addition to his stellar defense.  John Lackey is coming off the best season of his career where he stepped up for the Cardinals after they lost Adam Wainwright to an achilles injury for almost the entire 2015 campaign.  Lackey who paced the Cards in era (2.77) and innings pitched (218) will look to add a veteran presence, and depth to the Cubs staff.  The Cubs edged the Cardinals in the NLDS before falling to the eventual pennant winning New York Mets last season, and after stealing some of their thunder they are poised to do it again.

Top 10: 6) Aroldis Chapman (Trade CIN-NYY), 7) Jordan Zimmermann (FA-DET), 8) Craig Kimbrel (Trade SD-BOS), 9) Justin Upton (FA-DET), 10) Starlin Castro (Trade CHC-NYY)

Tis The Season

WAYNE, N.J.- Whether you are still in the season of giving, or beginning to celebrate the holiday season, the MLB award season is upon us, and the winners have been announced

American League MVP: Josh Donaldson Toronto Blue Jays: .297/41 HR/123 RBI

After being shipped North of the border from Oakland following a clash with GM Billy Beane, he took the next step in becoming a superstar for Canada’s team.  He lead the Jays to their first post-season appearance since 1993, and became the first player to win MVP in his first season with a new team since Vladimir Guerrero in 2004.

American League Cy Young: Dallas Keuchel Houston Astros: 20-8/2.48 ERA/216 K’s

The leader of the staff for the Houston Astros who made their first playoff appearance since 2005.  This year was the breakout year for Keuchel coming off a solid 2014 campaign.  He was the starting pitcher for the American League in the Mid-Summer classic in Cincinnati, and held off fellow southpaw David Price who made a second half push for the award after being dealt from Detroit to Toronto,

American League Rookie of the Year: Carlos Correa Houston Astros: .279/22 HR/68 RBI

After starting the season in Double-A, Carlos Correa was called up to the big leagues in June; and never looked back.  He was the youngest position player in the MLB, and helped jumpstart the Astros lineup who were in need of a consistent power bat from the right side.

National League MVP: Bryce Harper Washington Nationals: .330/42 HR/99 RBI

A Unanimous decision, Bryce Harper fulfilled the hype becoming the first MVP in  Montreal Expos/Washington Nationals franchise history, at the young age of 22. (4th youngest MVP in league history) The biggest difference for Harper was staying healthy, playing a career high 153 games.  He now has a ROY award (2012 age 19) and a MVP award (age 22)

National League Cy Young: Jake Arrieta Chicago Cubs: 22-6/1.77 ERA/266 K’s

The most controversial of this season’s awards consisted of 3 very deserving candidates.  The runner up, Zack Greinke of the Los Angeles Dodgers lead the league in ERA (1.66), WHIP (0.84), accumulated over 200 strikeouts, and had a win-loss record of 19-3.  Not to mention his ERA was never above 2.00 at any point in the season; absolutely remarkable.  The “3rd leg” of the race was the 3x winner and 2x reigning winner, Clayton Kershaw: also of the Dodgers.  He lead the league in strikeouts with a remarkable 301, K/9 (11.64), and shut outs.  He also compiled 16 victories compared to 7 defeats with a miniscule 2.13 ERA.  The winner Jake Arrieta lead the league in wins with 22 and was third in strikeouts with 266.  But, what won the award for Jake Arrieta was his second half that ranks among the best in MLB history.  His second half numbers: absolutely mind boggling.  0.75 post all-star break ERA, including a 0.86 ERA over his last 20 starts, and an even better 0.27 ERA over his last 9.

National League Rookie of the Year: Kris Bryant Chicago Cubs: .275/26 HR/99 RBI

After a controversial decision by Cubs management to keep Bryant off the Opening Day roster, he got his call up in mid April, lead all rookies with 26 home runs and was a big reason why the Cubs played October baseball for the first time since 2008.

Baseball Royalty: Royals crowned Kings of baseball in Queens

WAYNE, N.J.- The 111th edition of baseball’s Fall Classic featured the defending American League champions, the Kansas City Royals, and the New York Mets; a team built around a rotation with a plethora of power pitching; and hair.  This was the first World Series that featured two expansion teams; the Mets in 1962, and the Royals in 1969 respectively.  The series even saw Raul Mondesi Jr. of the Royals make his MLB debut, the first time in history a player debuted in the World Series.  The title, defending American League champions makes the Royals sound prestigious; something of the stature of the Oakland Athletics of the 70’s or more recently, the Bronx Bombers in the late 90’s-2000.  That is not the case with the Royals (at least not yet).  They do not have the flashy, superstar players.  Instead, these Royals are a great team that ranks 15th in the leagues payroll, hits extremely well with 2 strikes.  The Mets had the 20th ranked payroll in baseball this season, and were an average team at best for the majority of the season.  That was until the additions of utility players Kelly Johnson, Juan Uribe, relief pitcher Tyler Clippard, and the man himself, Yoenis Cespedes.  Upon joining the Mets, Cespedes went on a historic tear hitting .309 with 17 home runs and 42 rbi in his first 41 games with the club.  Despite playing just 57 games in the National League, he made his way into the MVP talks after he helped the Mets coast to their first division title since 2006.

The Mets had the advantage in all of the series pitching matchups running out a 4-man rotation consisting of Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, and Steven Matz.  The Royals however, are built around a dominant bullpen that tends to shorten games, and is a nightmare for their opponents.  Edinson Volquez opposed Harvey in game 1 in what was a phenomenal start to the series.  On the first pitch thrown in the bottom of the first, Alcides Escobar hit a deep fly ball to left-center field that was booted (literally) by Yoenis Cespedes putting the Royals on the board as Escobar had touched ‘em all; the hard way.  The Mets fought back to take a 4-3 lead in the 8th inning after an error by the usually surehanded Eric Hosmer.  The Royals were down to their final two outs, against the Mets closer Jeurys Familia.  Alex Gordon had other plans.  He blasted the 1-1 offering into deep center field to knot the game up at 4.  The game then became a battle of the bullpens highlighted by the game’s winning pitcher, 36 year old Chris Young for the Royals, and 42 year old Bartolo Colon for the Mets.  The game stayed tied long enough to tie the record for the longest World Series game (2005 Game 3 & 1916 Game 2) until the Royals first baseman, Eric Hosmer redeemed himself hitting a sacrifice fly to drive in the winning run, as well as pass Royals legend, George Brett for most post-season rbi in franchise history.

Game 2 featured the game that was supposed to be the best pitching matchup of the series, Johnny Cueto for the Royals, and Jacob deGrom for the Mets.  The game was completely one sided in favorite of Cueto and the Royals as they cruised to a 7-1 victory.  Cueto dominated throwing a complete game, 2 hitter on 122 pitches.  This was the first 2 hitter in a World Series game since Hall of Famer, Greg Maddux did the same in Game 1 of the ‘95 series.  Jacob deGrom, who had been so dominant all season turned in one of his worst starts at the worst time.  The statistic that really summarizes his start is the number of swings and misses by Royals hitters; just 3, a career low for deGrom.

As the series shifted back to New York the Mets were going to rely on Noah Syndergaard better known by his “stage name” Thor.  Sparks were flying from the first pitch of the game when Syndergaard gave Alcides Escobar some “chin music” but by know means were the Royals singing a “melody.”  The Royals took an early lead, but the Mets rebounded with a 2-run home run from their captain, David Wright in the bottom of the frame, and another 2 run home run by Curtis Granderson gave the Mets the lead for good with the final score being 9-3.

Game 4 was a pivotal game of the series, as the Mets looked to even the series up at 2 games a piece.  Neither starting pitcher, Chris Young for Kansas City or Steven Matz New York figured into the decision as there were more late game heroics in store.  The Mets held the lead until the 8th inning.  The Royals tied the game on a pivotal error by second baseman Daniel Murphy on what was a routine dribbler.  Kansas City capitalized further as Mike Moustakas and Salvador Perez contributed back to back rbi singles.  Royals fireman Wade Davis was able to complete a 6 out save to give the Royals a 3-1 series edge.

The Dark Knight.  Something Mets fans were chanting the entire night in support of the face of their franchise, Matt Harvey.  Ironically enough for them, the night finished in the same fashion.  The Mets jumped out to an early lead as Curtis Granderson lead off the bottom of the first inning with a solo home run off Kansas City’s Edinson Volquez.  Another run was tacked on in the 6th inning on a sacrifice fly by Lucas Duda, but the theme of the night was the brilliance of Matt Harvey.  Through 8 scoreless innings Harvey completely dominated.  He had fanned 9 hopeless Royals hitters, surrendering just 4 measly hits.  “No way!”  The infamous words from Harvey in between innings when his manager Terry Collins told him he was turning to closer Jeurys Familia for the 9th inning.  Collins listened to his super hero, and ran him back out for the 9th.  He walked the leadoff batter Lorenzo Cain on a 3-2 count.  No movement was made from Collins in the dugout; it was Harvey’s game to finish.  After Cain stole second, who else; but Eric Hosmer drove a double into the left field corner ending Harvey’s night.  Ultimately, Collins turned to Familia to try and preserve the lead the Mets were narrowly grasping on to.  After getting Mike Moustakas to bounce out to first; advancing Hosmer, he faced Salvador Perez.  Perez hit a routine ground ball to David Wright at third.  As he threw across the diamond, Eric Hosmer dashed from third on route to home for the tying run.  There was no play as Lucas Duda’s throw was wide right allowing Hosmer to tie the game.  The hearts of Mets fans sunk.  Their “Dark Knight” had supplied them just that, and their reliable closer had just blown his 3rd save of the World Series; a new record.  The Royals took the lead in the top of the 12th on Christian Colon’s rbi single, and piled on 4 additional runs for a 7-2 victory.

The Kansas City Royals; the comeback kids, and World Series champions for the first time in 30 years!  Series MVP was given to backstop Salvador Perez who hit .364, including driving in the game tying run in the clinching game 5.  Opening Day is April 4, 2016 where the New York Mets are scheduled to play at Kauffman Stadium against the Kansas City Royals; the first time the previous years World Series opponents will meet on Opening Day the following year.  But for now Kansas City…party like it’s 1985!

American League Wild Card Game 2015

WAYNE, N.J.-

October 6, 2015

Houston Astros (87-75) @ New York Yankees (88-74)

Dallas Keuchel (20-8 2.48) Masahiro Tanaka (12-7 3.51)

 

How they got here: Houston Astros

The visiting Houston Astros  are making their first post-season appearance since 2005; a team filled with established, talented veterans were swept by the Chicago White Sox in the World Series.  This year’s Astros are a completely different team; for starters this is the Astros first playoff appearance as a member of the American League after switching leagues in 2013.  On the field, they are composed of what seems like a never ending fountain of youth.  Like the Yankees, the Astros held possession of first place for the majority of the regular season; until a mid Summer surge by the Texas Rangers postponed ‘Stros winning their division for the first time since 2001 when they were members of the National League Central division.  The offense is paced by young talent such as second baseman Jose Altuve (.313 AVG/15 HR/38 sb) who finished 2015 with consecutive 200 hit seasons (225/200), outfielder George Springer (.276 AVG/16 HR), and mid-season call up, rookie phenom Carlos Correa (387 AB/22 HR/68 rbi) who’s 22 home runs lead all shortstops despite being in the minor leagues for the first few months of the season.  Key veteran acquisitions of Evan Gattis (27 HR/88 rbi), and Colby Rasmus (25 HR/61 rbi) added the necessary power to the lineup as they finished 1-2 in homeruns for the club.  The pitching staff was held together by tonights starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel (20-8/2.48 era/216 K’s).  It has been a year to remember for the Astros southpaw, starting the All-Star game for the American League, winning 20 games, and likely notching down the Cy Young award as well.  The dark horse of the staff was right-handed pitcher Collin McHugh (19-7/3.89 era/171 K’s) who finished the season right behind Keuchel with 19 wins, while pitching over 200 innings (203 ⅔).  One of the most talked about stories from the off-season regarding the Astros was the job they did adding key veterans to the back of their bullpen.  Experience is key, especially on a team of youngers like this Astros team but with guys like Chad Qualls (8.39 K/9), Pat Neshek (28 HLD/8.4 K/9), and Luke Gregerson (31 SV/7 W/8.7 K/9) who locked down 31 saves and pick up the slack on the days Keuchel and McHugh were not pitching.  The Astros however have limped to the finish line as well playing to an under .500 clip for the last month of the season.  No matter how this game fares, this will be looked at as a successful season by the Houston Astros who are in the post-season just two years after losing 111 games.

 

How they got here: New York Yankees

Post-season baseball will officially return to the Bronx after 2 seasons of absence from the Bronx Bombers.  This year’s team had many heads spinning as there were a lot of doubters who predicted any where from a first place to a last place finish.  Ultimately, the Yanks ended up in 2nd place in the American League East and secured the first Wild Card; giving them home field.Bounce back seasons from key players such as Brian McCann (26 HR/94 rbi), Mark Teixeira (31 HR/79 rbi), and of course Alex Rodriguez (33 HR/86 rbi) helped keep the Bombers afloat throughout the dog days of Summer.  Other contributions came from Masahiro Tanaka (12-7 3.51 era) who pitched this season with a partially torn UCL; after opting not to get Tommy John surgery last season, Carlos Beltran (19 HR/67 rbi) who really stepped it up after a miserable month of April, and the last being Didi Gregorius (.265/56 rbi) replacing Yankee legend Derek Jeter as the New York Yankees shortstop is no easy task.  However, Didi after a rough start to the season made a noticeable adjustment in his approach, and started playing phenomenal defense, and even with the bat.  Of course the bullpen had been the strength of this team has been the bullpen lead by setup man Dellin Betances (1.50 era/131 K’s), and closer Andrew Miller (36 SV/2.04 era/100 K’s) who both struck out 100 plus hopeless batters.  The Yanks held an 8 game lead over the Toronto Blue Jays before their deadline acquisitions of David Price, and slugging shortstop Troy Tulowitzki.  They were able to play respectable baseball, but were not able to hold off the red hot Jays for the division title.  As the season lingered help was on the way from emerging young talent in the likes of right-handed pitcher Luis Severino (8GS/5-3/2.89 era), first baseman Greg Bird (157 AB/11 HR/31 rbi) who provided the power when Mark Teixeira was ruled out for the season, and second baseman Rob Refsnyder (.302 AVG/13 h/5 Xbh) who will get the majority of the playing time as regular Stephen Drew (17 HR) is likely out for the Post-season with a lingering concussion.  The Yanks however limped to the finish line.  In the final week of the regular season, they dropped 6 of 7 games, which included 4 tries to clinch a post-season berth, and secure the franchise’s 10,000th win.  Overall, the Bombers did enough this season to secure the first Wild Card spot in the American League which is a feat they should be proud of, however if they cannot end their recent struggles tonight; it will be an awfully long off-season.

 

The Game: Both teams will heavily rely on their starting pitchers to lead them to victory in this one game playoff.  Dallas Keuchel has dominated the Yankees in the two starts he made against them in the regular season; with one at home and one at Yankee Stadium the site of tonight’s game.  Masahiro Tanaka gave the Yankees probably more than what they expected from him this season logging over 150 innings with a partially torn UCL.  Tonight though is where he will really be tested, a high pressure situation which is something he thrived in while pitching for the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles of the Japanese Nippon Professional Baseball Pacific League.  He has previously cited his enjoyment of being in the spotlight and pitching in big games his reason for signing with the New York Yankees so we will see if these characteristics have come along with him to the states.

 

X Factors

Houston Astros: Dallas Keuchel

What you are probably thinking is how can I guy who is the frontrunner for the Cy Young Award be considered an “X Factor”?  I can explain.  Keuchel just pitched on Friday against the Arizona Diamondbacks going 6 innings (99 pitches) on his way to notching his 20th win.  Therefore, he will be pitching on 3 days rest; something he has not done in his brief Major League career.  Another reason is his home/road splits.  They are rather startling.  Of Keuchel 20 wins, 15 of them have came at HOME where he has pitched to a 1.46 era.  On the road he is a rather concerning 5-8 with a 3.72 era.  Pitching in Yankee Stadium; a friendly hitters park will not help his cause.

 

New York Yankees: Carlos Beltran

The guy who has become known as Señor Octubre for his success in the playoffs over the years (with the exception of looking at called strike 3 to end the 2006 NLCS)  He is an overlooked part of the Yankees lineup, who has quietly had a very productive season.  Excluding the month of April where he hit a measly .162 with 0 home runs and 7 rbi, the 38 year old Beltran has been on top of his game hitting .295 with 19 home runs and 60 rbi in 410 at-bats.  If you think that is impressive his post-season stats are even more eye popping.  He is a career .333 (60/180) post-season hitter, with half of his hits going for extra-bases (16 HR, 13 2B, 1 3B).  He has slugged an unbelievable .683 with 40 rbi to add to his production.  The final factor is that Beltran is a switch hitter; giving him the option to hit right-handed against the lefty Keuchel.  This may take away from the abuse of ballpark’s short porch in right field but Beltran has shown he can put them out from both sides of the plate.  
The pick: The New York Yankees will win this game; their experience will prevail and they will continue their chase for title number 28.