10/31/14

Dodgers Decline Billingsley's Option

The Los Angeles Dodgers announced that they have declined the option on pitcher Chad Billingsley. The 30-year-old right-handed pitcher missed the entire 2014 season due to Tommie John surgery in 2013. In his career, Billingsley has pitched in 219 games and has compiled a record of (81-61) with a 3.65 ERA. Billingsley has pitched four complete games, including two shutouts. He was also an All Star selection in 2009.

10/31/14

Rangers Decline Rios' Option

The Texas Rangers announced that they have declined the 2015 option for outfielder Alex Rios. Had the Rangers exercised the option, Rios would make $13.5 million in 2015. In 1586 career games with the Toronto Blue Jays, Chicago White Sox, and Texas Rangers, Rios has a career batting average of .278 with 165 home runs and 762 runs batted in. Rios was an All Star selection in 2006 and 2007 as a member of the Blue Jays.

10/31/14

Rockies Exercise Hawkins' Option

The Colorado Rockies announced that they have exercised the 2015 option for pitcher LaTroy Hawkins. Hawkins, 42 on December 21, will make $2.25 million in 2015. In 20 Major League seasons, Hawkins has appeared in 1000 games with the Twins, Cubs, Giants, Orioles, Rockies, Yankees, Astros, Brewers, Angels, and Mets. In his career, Hawkins has compiled a record of (72-93) with a 4.33 ERA and 124 saves.

10/31/14

Cubs Hire Maddon

The Chicago Cubs announced that they have hired Joe Maddon as their new manager. Maddon replaces Rick Renteria, who was fired earlier today. Maddon compiled a record of (754-705) as the Rays' skipper. He also lead the Rays to the World Series in 2008, but lost to the Phillies.

10/31/14

Rays Exercise Zobrist Option

The Tampa Bay Rays have exercised the 2015 option for utility player Ben Zobrist. The 33-year-old will make $7.5 million in the 2015 season. In his career, Zobrist has a career batting average of .264 with 114 home runs and 511 runs batted in. Zobrist was also selected to the All Star Game in 2009 and 2013.

10/31/14

Toronto Blue Jays Update

The Toronto Blue Jays have claimed outfielder Andy Dirks off waivers from the Detroit Tigers. Dirks, 29 in January, missed the entire 2014 season due to a back injury. In three Major League seasons with the Tigers, Dirks has recorded a .276 batting average with 24 home runs and 100 runs batted in. The Blue Jays have also signed pitcher Jeff Francis to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. The Canadian lefty spent time with the Cincinnati Reds, Oakland Athletics, and New York Yankees in the 2014 season. In 11 games pitched with the three organizations, Francis compiled a combined record of (1-1) with a 6.00 ERA and one save.

10/31/14

Cubs Fire Renteria

The Chicago Cubs announced that they have relieved manager Rick Renteria of his duties. In his only season as the Cubs skipper, Renteria lead the Cubs to a (73-89) record. The Cubs are expected to pursue Joe Maddon, the former manager of the Tampa Bay Rays.

10/31/14

Tigers Exercise Soria

The Detroit Tigers announced that they have exercised the 2015 option for pitcher Joakim Soria. The 30-year-old reliever will make $7 million in the 2015 season. In seven Major League seasons with the Kansas City Royals, Texas Rangers, and Detroit Tigers, Soria has compiled a record of (16-19) with a 2.58 ERA and 178 saves. Soria has also had trips to the All Star Game in 2008 and 2010.

10/31/14

Brewers Decline Weeks' Option

The Milwaukee Brewers announced that they have declined the 2015 option for second baseman Rickie Weeks. Weeks, who would make $11.5 for the option, appeared in 121 games in the 2014 season. He had a batting average of .274 with eight home runs and 29 runs batted in.

10/30/14

Cardinals Exercise Lackey

St. Louis Cardinals have exercised the 2015 option of pitcher John Lackey. Lackey split the 2014 season with the Boston Red Sox and Cardinals after being acquired in a trade for pitcher Joe Kelly and outfielder Allen Craig. In 31 games pitched, Lackey compiled a record of (14-10) with a 3.82 ERA. Lackey also pitched one complete game. Lackey also pitched two games in the playoffs and compiled a record of (1-0). The 36-year-old pitcher will make $500,000 in the 2015 season.

10/30/14

Diamondbacks Exercise Two Options

The Arizona Diamondbacks announced that they have exercised the 2015 options of pitchers Daniel Hudson and Matt Reynolds. Hudson appeared in only three games in the 2014 season. He compiled a record of (0-1) with a 13.50 ERA. Reynolds did not appear in the 2014 season. In his career, Reynolds has pitched in 195 games with the Colorado Rockies and Diamondbacks and has compiled a record of (5-5) with a 3.98 ERA and two saves.

10/30/14

Uehara Re-Signs

The Boston Red Sox signed closer Koji Uehara to a two-year extension through the 2016 season. The extension is worth $18 million. In his career, Uehara has appeared in 294 games with the Baltimore Orioles, Texas Rangers, and Red Sox. The 39-year-old has a career record of (15-15) with a 2.44 ERA and 61 saves. Uehara was a first-time All Star selection in 2014.

10/30/14

Two Stay, Two Go

The Baltimore Orioles announced that they have exercised the options on pitchers Wei-Yin Chen and Darren O'Day. Chen, 29, pitched in 31 games in 2014 and registered a (16-6) record with a 3.54 ERA. O'Day, 32, appeared in 68 games in 2014. The submarine-style reliever compiled a record of (5-2) with a 1.70 ERA and five saves. The Orioles also announced that they have declined the options of outfielder Nick Markakis and catcher Nick Hundley. Markakis, 31 on November 17, appeared in 155 games in the 2014 season. He registered a .276 batting average with 14 home runs and 50 runs batted in. Hundley split the 2014 season with the Orioles and San Diego Padres. In 83 games played, Hundley had a combined .243 batting average with six home runs and 22 runs batted in.

10/30/14

Cubs Decline Fujikawa's Option

The Chicago Cubs announced that they have declined the 2015 option on pitcher Kyuji Fujikawa. The 34-year-old reliever made his Major League debut with the Cubs in 2013. In his career, Fujikawa has appeared in 27 games and has compiled a record of (1-1) with a 5.04 ERA and two saves.

10/30/14

Los Angeles Angels Update

The Los Angeles Angels announced that they have exercised the 2015 option for pitcher Huston Street. Street, who will make $7 million, split the 2014 season with the Angels and the San Diego Padres. He appeared in 61 games and compiled a record of (2-2) with a 1.37 ERA and 41 saves. Street was also selected to the All Star Game in 2014. The Angels also announced that they have declined the option of pitcher Sean Burnett. Burnett, who would have made $4.5 million, only appeared in three games in the 2014 season. He did not register a decision, but had a 13.50 ERA.

10/30/14

Washington Nationals Update

The Washington Nationals announced that they have exercised the 2015 option for outfielder Denard Span. The 30-year-old outfielder played in 147 games in 2014 with the Nationals and recorded a .302 batting average with five home runs and 37 runs batted in. The Nationals have also announced that they have declined the options for first baseman Adam Laroche and pitcher Rafael Soriano. LaRoche, 35 next Friday, played in 140 games with the Nationals in 2014 while recording a .259 batting average with 26 home runs and 92 runs batted in. Soriano appeared in 64 games with the 2014 Nationals and compiled a record of (4-1) with a 3.19 ERA and 32 saves.

10/30/14

Youkilis to Retire

Former Boston Red Sox infielder Kevin Youkilis announced that he will retire. Youkilis, 35, played in 1061 games with the Red Sox, Chicago White Sox, and New York Yankees. Youkilis has a career batting average of .281 with 150 home runs and 618 runs batted in. He is a three-time All Star. Youkilis also won a Rawlings Gold Glove in 2007, as well as a World Series title with the Red Sox in the same year.

10/30/14

Phillies Decline Mike Adams' Option

The Philadelphia Phillies announced that they have declined the 2015 option on pitcher Mike Adams. Adams, who would make $6 million with the option, appeared in 22 games with the Phillies in 2014 where he compiled a record of (2-1) with a 2.89 ERA. Adams has appeared in 408 games with the Milwaukee Brewers, San Diego Padres, Texas Rangers, and Phillies. He has a career record of (21-20) with a 2.41 ERA and four saves.

10/30/14

Blue Jays Acquire Liam Hendriks

The Toronto Blue Jays have acquired pitcher Liam Hendriks from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for catcher Santiago Nessy. Hendriks, who had recently been designated for assignment, split the 2014 season with the Blue Jays and Royals. In nine games, Hendriks compiled a record of (1-2) with a 5.23 ERA. Nessy, 22 in December, spent the 2014 season in Single-A with Lansing and Dunedin. In 69 games, Nessy recorded a .231 batting average with one home run and 28 runs batted in.

10/30/14

A Look Back to the Wild Card Game

The Pirates played in the Wild Card Game on October 1 against the San Francisco Giants at PNC Park. Everyone in the stadium was excited for playoff baseball. Both teams were ready to play and what was the end result? A brutal 8-0 loss for the Pirates. Even though they lost, we, as Pirates fans, should look at the bright side. The Pirates had a second-consecutive winning season. They also made it to the playoffs for a second-straight year. Why be disappointed? The Pirates proved that they weren't ready. The bullpen had many flaws this season, the bench was bad, Pedro Alvarez struggled mightily, and many more occurrences. Many people kept putting the Wild Card Game loss on Clint Hurdle for deciding to start Gerrit Cole in the September 27 game against the Cincinnati Reds. Edinson Volquez got the start in the Wild Card Game and was the losing pitcher. Yes, Volquez could have pitched better, but something else that needs to be factored was the hitting. The Pirates bats weren't there. They were only able to muster four hits off of Giants pitcher Madison Bumgarner. I really do not believe that there would have been a different result if Gerrit Cole was starting. It was a bad loss, but all of us should be excited for the 2015 season. The past is the past and it's time to move on.

10/30/14

Pittsburgh Pirates 2014 Recap

After making it to the playoffs in 2013 for the first time since 1992, the 2014 Pirates were trying to prove that the 2013 season was not a fluke, but was a start of a string of consecutive winning seasons. I remember reading several articles and blogs with the writers believing that the Pirates would fall back. I do not mean fall back a little bit, I mean fall back a lot. I disregarded those opinions and kept to my belief that the Pirates would be headed back to the playoffs. The Pirates opened the season in a good way. For their first and only game in the month of March, the Pirates defeated the Chicago Cubs on a tenth inning walk-off solo home run hit by second baseman Neil Walker. The month of April was not very strong. Out of the 25 games that month, the Pirates were only able to win nine of them. In a series against the Brewers, the bullpen showed us that something was wrong. In the game on April 19, Pirates closer Jason Grilli was brought into the game for the save opportunity with a 7-6 lead. He blew it. With one out, he gave up a two-run home run to Brewers controversial outfielder Ryan Braun. The Pirates lost the game 8-7. The very next day was Easter Sunday. The Pirates had a 2-1 lead in the top of the ninth and Grilli was brought in for the save situation. Now let me say, I hate deja vu. Braun hit a solo home run off of Grilli to tie the game at 2 and the Pirates ultimately lost to the Brewers 3-2 in fourteen innings. The Pirates rebounded to go (15-14) in the month of May. After a winning month of May, the Pirates had a very strong month of June. The Pirates won 17 of their 27 games for the month to boost their record over 500. A major happening in the month of June was that the Pirates traded struggling closer to Jason Grilli to the Angels for their struggling closer, Ernesto Frieri. I questioned this move heavily, as I had know that Frieri was terrible in the first place, but he certainly looked awful when he appeared for the Pirates. The Pirates went (15-11) in July to boost their record to (57-51). August always seems to be a difficult month for the Pirates. Even though they went (14-14) for the month, the Pirates lost seven-consecutive games with two each coming against the Tigers and Braves and three against the Nationals. In September, the Pirates won 17 of their final 26 games to finish with a record of (88-74). This record propelled the Pirates to the first National League Wild Card spot. The Pirates faced the Giants in the Wild Card Game on October 1 at PNC Park. The Pirates lost to the Giants 8-0, as pitcher Madison Bumgarner threw a complete game four-hit shutout. Even though the Pirates had an early exit from the playoffs, they still proved to everyone that they are the real deal. I am very much looking forward to the 2015 season because I believe that 2015 is their year.

Walker blasts a walk-off homer in the 10th

Watson gets DP to clinch playoff berth

Pittsburgh Pirates Regular Season Highlights 2014

10/29/14

Pirates Fans: Don't Fret

The San Francisco Giants have won the World Series. Even though many of us were rooting for the Royals to win it all, we should not feel bad. The Pirates lost the Wild Card Game to the Giants back on October 1. Madison Bumgarner showed us that he is the real deal. He pitched a four-hit shutout against the Pirates. He also pitched a shutout in Game 5 of the World Series. Even though it is disappointing that the Pirates did not go as far as we wanted them to, it should be comforting knowing that they lost to the World Series Champions and that the 2015 season will be here before you know it. Even though we have to get through the entire off season, the 2015 season will serve as a fresh start for the Pirates. I am very much excited for the 2015 Pirates season and am confident that they will put on another good showing again.

10/29/14

That's All, Folks!

The World Series is over. The 2014 Major League Baseball season is over. Bud Selig's reign as commissioner is over. Even though many things have ended, many things have started. Players who are eligible for free agency are now free agents. The off season is now in session. Rob Manfred will now serve as the new commissioner. Even though the excitement from the past season is over, there will be even more excitement when the 2015 season starts.

10/29/14

2014 World Champion San Francisco Giants

The Giants have done it. 2010, 2012, and 2014. The Giants finished the 2014 regular season with a record of (88-74). Even though this was not enough to win the National League West Division, they claimed the second National League Wild Card spot. In the Wild Card Game, the Giants defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates by a score of 8-0. The Giants then moved on to the National League Division Series to face the Washington Nationals. The Giants won the series in four games to advance to the National League Championship Series to face the St. Louis Cardinals. After splitting the first two games of the series, the Giants were able to pull away by winning the next three games to advance to the World Series. The Giants and Royals split Games 1 and 2. When the series shifted the San Francisco, the Royals won Game 3 to give themselves a 2-1 series lead. The Giants responded by winning Games 4 and 5 to give themselves a 3-2 lead heading back to Kansas City. The Royals fought back and tied the series with a 10-0 win in Game 6 to force the crucial Game 7. The Giants proved that they were the true winners, as they defeated the Royals 3-2. This is the Giants' third World Series Championship since 2010. Congrats to the champions.

10/29/14

Game 7 Recap

It came down to one game: Game 7 of the World Series. Jeremy Guthrie versus Tim Hudson. The Giants were looking to keep their pattern of winning every even-numbered year and the Royals were looking to win their first World Series Championship since 1985. After a scoreless first inning, the Giants drew first blood in the top of the second inning. Michael Morse and Brandon Crawford hit back-to-back sacrifice flies to give the Giants a 2-0 lead. This lead would not last long, as the Royals tied the game in the bottom of the second inning when Alex Gordon hit an RBI double and Omar Infante hit a sacrifice fly. In the top of the fourth inning, Michael Morse put the Giants ahead for good when he hit an RBI single to give the Giants a 3-2 lead. The score held true and the Giants became the 2014 World Champions. Congratulations to both teams on a well-played World Series.

10/29/14

Cincinnati Reds Update

The Cincinnati Reds announced that they are exercising the 2015 club option for pitcher Johnny Cueto. Cueto, who will make $10 million in 2015, was a first-time All Star selection in 2014 and compiled a record of (20-9) with an impressive 2.25 ERA. The Reds also announced that they are going to decline the 2015 option on infielder Jack Hannahan. Hannahan, 35 in March, appeared in only 26 games with the Reds in 2014. In those 26 games, Hannahan recorded a batting average of .188 with no home runs and two runs batted in. Also, the Reds announced that they have declined the 2015 option on outfielder Ryan Ludwick. Ludwick appeared in 112 games with the Reds in 2014 and registered a .244 batting average with nine home runs and 45 runs batted in.

10/28/14

Jose Canseco

Former Tampa Bay Devil Ray Jose Canseco accidentally shot himself in the left hand. Canseco was cleaning his gun in his Las Vegas home when he hit the trigger, which shot one of his fingers on his left hand. Canseco was taken to the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada. Canseco, 50, played in 1887 games with the Oakland Athletics, Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, Devil Rays, New York Yankees, and Chicago White Sox. The six-time All Star has a career batting average of .266 with 462 home runs and 1407 runs batted in. Canseco was named the American League Rookie of the Year in 1986, American League MVP in 1988, and won four Silver Slugger Awards during his 17-year MLB career.

10/28/14

Game 6 Recap

After being shut out by the Giants in Game 5, the Royals looked to even the series to force the crucial Game 7. The Royals treated this game like any other game. After a scoreless first inning, the Royals took charge in the bottom of the second inning. Mike Moustakas hit an RBI double to give the Royals a 1-0 lead. Three batters later, Norichika Aoki hit an RBI single to double the lead to 2-0. Lorenzo Cain followed with a two-run single to increase the lead to 4-0. Eric Hosmer continued the big inning with a two-run double to increase the score the 6-0. Billy Butler finished off the seven-run inning with an RBI double. In the bottom of the third inning, Lorenzo Cain hit an RBI double to expand the lead by eight runs. Alcides Escobar hit an RBI double in the bottom of the fifth inning to expand the lead to 9-0. In the bottom of the seventh inning, Mike Moustakas hit a solo home run to make the score 10-0. The score held true and the Royals have forced Game 7, which will be played tomorrow night. Jeremy Guthrie, who pitched in Game 3, will get the start for the Royals. Tim Hudson, who also pitched in Game 3, will take the hill for the Royals. Who will win the World Series? It all comes down to one game. May the best team win.

10/28/14

Ross Ohlendorf Elects Free Agency

The Washington Nationals outrighted pitcher Ross Ohlendorf. Ohlendorf rejected the outright assignment and decided to become a free agent. Ohlendorf, 32, has pitched in 124 games with the New York Yankees, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Diego Padres, and Nationals. In his career, Ohlendorf has compiled a record of (22-33) with a 4.88 ERA. Ohlendorf last appeared in the Major Leagues with the Nationals in 2013.

10/28/14

Free Agency

Game 6 of the World Series is tonight. If the Royals would happen to win, Game 7 will be tomorrow. Whenever the World Series is over, it is the end of the 2014 season. Even though it is the end of the season, it is the start of something else: free agency. After the final out of the World Series has been recorded, all players who are eligible for free agency will become free agents. Free agents can start signing with different teams a few days later, but a lot the activity will occur during the Winter Meetings, which will be held in San Diego, California from December 8 to 11. The Pirates, among many teams, will have a lot of decisions to make. Will they be able to bring back Russell Martin? Will they be able to re-sign either Francisco Liriano or Edinson Volquez? Will they add an impact free agent this off season? While there is no definite answer for these questions, it will be very interesting to see where players will land this off season.

Here is a link for impending free agents: http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/02/2015-mlb-free-agents.html

10/28/14

Blue Jays Claim Justin Smoak Off Waivers

The Toronto Blue Jays have claimed first baseman Justin Smoak off waivers from the Seattle Mariners. Smoak, 28 on December 5, has played in 566 games with the Mariners and the Texas Rangers. He has a career batting average of .224 with 74 home runs and 234 runs batted in. This could be a good indicator that the Blue Jays will trade Adam Lind this off season.

10/28/14

Game 6 Preview

It's do or die.......for the Royals, that is. After being shutout by Madison Bumgarner and the Giants on Sunday, the Royals will look to even up the series to force Game 7. Yordano Ventura gets the call for the Royals and Jake Peavy will take the mound for the Giants. Both pitchers started Game 2. The Royals won the game 7-2 with Kelvin Herrera recording the win and Peavy suffering the loss. The baseball season will either end tonight of tomorrow. It will be interesting to see if the Royals can tie the series to force the crucial Game 7.

10/27/14

Jeff Robinson

Jeff Robinson, a former Major League pitcher, has died at the age of 52. Robinson made his Major League debut with the Detroit Tigers in 1987. In 141 career games with the Tigers, Baltimore Orioles, Texas Rangers, and Pittsburgh Pirates, Robinson compiled a career record of (47-40) with a 4.79 ERA. Robinson also had pitched ten career complete games with five of them being shutouts.

10/27/14

Brewers Claim Luis Jimenez Off Waivers

Milwaukee Brewers have claimed infielder Luis Jimenez off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels. Jimenez, 27 in January, has appeared in 52 games with the Angels between the 2013 and 2014 seasons. Jimenez has recorded a batting average of .234 with no home runs and seven runs batted in.

10/27/14

Athletics Sign Brad Mills

Oakland Athletics have signed pitcher Brad Mills to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. Mills, 30 in March, has pitched in 20 games with the Toronto Blue Jays, Los Angeles Angels, and Oakland Athletics. In his career, Mills has compiled a record of (4-4) with an 8.15 ERA.

10/27/14

Pirates Prospects Headed to Fall All Star Game

Pirates pitcher Adrian Sampson, catcher Elias Diaz, and first baseman Josh Bell were selected to the Arizona Fall League Fall Stars Game. Sampson, 23, was the Pirates' fifth round draft selection in 2012 Major League Baseball Draft. Sampson spent a bulk of the 2014 season in Double-A Altoona Curve, but was promoted later in the season to Triple-A Indianapolis Indians. In 28 games with the Curve and Indians, Sampson compiled a record of (11-6) and also recorded two complete games, one of them being a shutout. Elias Diaz, 24 on November 17, also spent 2014 with the Curve and Indians. In 101 games played, Diaz recorded a combined batting average of .312 with six home runs and 54 runs batted in. Josh Bell, 22, was the Pirates second round draft pick in 2011. Bell split the 2014 season with the Single-A Bradenton Marauders and Altoona Curve. In 108 games, Bell recorded a combined batting average of .325 with nine home runs and 60 runs batted in.