11/29/14

Cubs Reliever Pedro Strop Involved in Car Accident

Chicago Cubs reliever Pedro Strop was involved in a car accident in the Dominican Republic. Not to panic, Strop did not suffer any significant injuries. He needed a few stitches on his left arm. The 29-year-old reliever has pitched in 246 career games with the Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles, and Chicago Cubs. He has a career record of (11-12) with a 3.41 ERA and six saves.

11/28/14

Athletics Designate Two for Assignment

The Oakland Athletics designated pitcher Josh Lindblom and outfielder Kyle Blanks for assignment. Lindblom, 27, has pitched in 110 career games with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, Texas Rangers, and Oakland Athletics. He has a career record of (5-8) with a 3.82 ERA and one save. Blanks, 28, has played in 260 career games with the San Diego Padres and Oakland Athletics. He has a career batting average of .234 with 30 home runs and 105 runs batted in.

11/28/14

Blue Jays Acquire Josh Donaldson

The Toronto Blue Jays acquired third baseman Josh Donaldson (left) from the Oakland Athletics in exchange for infielders Brett Lawrie (center) and Franklin Barreto, and pitchers Kendall Graveman and Sean Nolin (right). Donaldson, 29 on December 8, has played in 405 career games with the Athletics. He has a career batting average of .268 with 63 home runs and 228 runs batted in. He was selected to his first All Star Game in 2014. Lawire, 25 in January, has played in 345 career games with the Blue Jays. He has a career batting average of .265 with 43 home runs and 157 runs batted in. Barreto, 19 in February, spent the 2014 season with Class-A Vancouver. In 73 games, he hit .311 with six home runs and 61 runs batted in. Graveman, 24 on December 21, made his Major League debut with the Blue Jays in 2014. In five games, he did not register a decision, but he pitched 4.2 innings while giving up two earned runs, four hits, no walks, and he struck out four batters. He has a career ERA of 3.86. Nolin, 25 on December 26, spent parts of the 2013 and 2014 seasons with the Blue Jays. In two career games, he has a record of (0-1) with a 27.00 ERA.

11/28/14

White Sox Sign Tony Campana

The Chicago White Sox signed outfielder Tony Campana. The 28-year-old outfielder has played in 257 career games with the Chicago Cubs, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Los Angeles Angels. He has a career batting average of .249 with one home run and 16 runs batted in.

11/28/14

Marlins Acquire Aaron Crow

The Miami Marlins acquired pitcher Aaron Crow from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for pitchers Brian Flynn and Reid Redman. Crow, 28, has pitched in 254 career games with the Royals. He has a career record of (20-11) with a 3.43 ERA and six saves. He was a 2011 All Star selection. Flynn, 24, spent parts of the 2013 and 2014 seasons with the Marlins. In six career games, he has a career record of (0-3) with an 8.64 ERA. Redman, 26, split the 2014 season with Class-A Jupiter and Double-A Jacksonville. In 44 games pitched, he compiled a record of (5-1) with a 2.04 ERA and seven saves.

11/28/14

Royals Re-Sign Frasor

The Kansas City Royals re-signed pitcher Jason Frasor to a one-year contract with an option for the 2016 season. Frasor, 37, has pitched in 647 career games with the Toronto Blue Jays, Chicago White Sox, Texas Rangers, and Kansas City Royals. He has a career record of (34-35) with a 3.59 ERA and 36 saves.

11/26/14

Royals Acquire Ryan Jackson

The Kansas City Royals acquired infielder Ryan Jackson from the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for cash considerations. Jackson, 26, never suited up for the Dodgers, but he spent parts of the 2012 and 2013 seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals. He has a career batting average of .083 with no home runs or RBI in 20 career games.

11/26/14

Orioles Acquire Scott Barnes

The Baltimore Orioles acquired pitcher Scott Barnes from the Cleveland Indians in exchange for cash considerations. Barnes, 27, spent parts of the 2012 and 2013 seasons with the Indians. In 22 career games pitched, he has a record of (0-1) with a 5.20 ERA and one save.

11/26/14

Rays Sign Ernesto Frieri

The Tampa Bay Rays signed pitcher Ernesto Frieri to a one-year contract. Frieri, 29, has pitched in 276 career games with the San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Angels, and Pittsburgh Pirates. He has a career record of (10-13) with a 3.46 ERA and 71 saves.

11/26/14

Sporting Events Are a Great Way to Spend Your Birthday

Today is my birthday. I am now 20 years old. My favorite sport is baseball, but there are no Major League Baseball games in late November. What to do? Yes, go to a Pens game. Hockey is my second favorite sport. I have gone to one Pens game on my birthday and it happened to be my first game at Consol Energy Center. It was November 26, 2010. The Pens had a Black Friday 1:00 matinee against the Ottawa Senators. Marc-Andre Fleury got the start for the Pens and Pascal Leclaire got the start for the Senators. The Senators got on the board first when Jesse Winchester got his own rebound and put it past Fleury at 12:11 of the first period. After one period of play, the score was 1-0 in favor of the Senators. At 8:25 of the second period, the Pens were on the power play, as Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson was called for an interference penalty. The Pens capitalized, as Evgeni Malkin blasted a shot past Leclaire at 10:19 to tie the game at 1. After two periods of play, the score was 1-1. At 2:47 of the third period, Senators forward Chris Kelly was assessed a hooking penalty and a holding penalty. The Pens capitalized, as Alex Goligoski scored on the power play at 5:05 of the third period to take a 2-1 lead. The score held true and the Pens won the game 2-1. I will be going to the game tonight against the Toronto Maple Leafs, my second favorite team. I enjoy going to sporting events, but it is more fun when it is your special day. Have you gone to a sporting event on your birthday?

Rangers @ Penguins 4/27/08 Game 2

10/1/13: Pirates romp at raucous PNC, advance to NLDS

11/25/14

Playoff Games Are the Best

Going to regular season Pirates, Penguins, and Steelers games is fun, but going to playoff games is a whole different experience. I attended my first-ever playoff game in 2008. It was Game Two of the 2008 Eastern Conference Semifinals between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the New York Rangers. Mellon Arena was loud. It was so loud that it was a completely different atmosphere than what I was used to. After a one period of play in which seven minor penalties were called, there was no score. A little over halfway through the second period, the Pens were on the power play, as Rangers forward Chris Drury took a hooking penalty. The Pens scored at 13:55 of the second period, as Jordan Staal flipped the puck top shelf against Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist. After two periods of play, the score remained 1-0 Penguins. The score remained the same through most of the third period, but something crazy happened. Rangers forward Martin Straka shot the puck and it went under Pens goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury's pad. The referee blew the whistle, but right as the ref blew his whistle, the puck slid across the goal line. The officials deemed this as "no goal". The Pens put the game away, as Adam Hall scored an empty-net goal at 19:43 of the third period to give the Pens a 2-0 win and a 2-0 series lead over the Rangers. My first Steelers playoff game was in the 2010 season. The Steelers faced the Baltimore Ravens at Heinz Field on Saturday, January 15, 2011. The atmosphere was so intense. It was amazing. The Steelers took a 7-0 lead at 06:18 of the first quarter when Rashard Mendenhall scored a one-yard rushing touchdown. The Ravens tied the game at 01:20 of the first quarter when "he who shall not be named" scored on a 14-yard run. The Ravens took a 14-7 lead at 00:53 of the first quarter when Cory Redding recovered Ben Roethlisberger's fumble and ran it back for a 13-yard fumble recovery touchdown. The Ravens expanded the lead to 21-7 at 05:43 of the second quarter on a four-yard touchdown pass from Joe Flacco to Todd Heap. The score was 21-7 Ravens at halftime. The Steelers had something to prove in the second half. At 9:11 of the third quarter, Ben Roethlisberger found Heath Miller for a nine-yard touchdown pass to cut the Ravens' lead to 21-14. The Steelers tied the game at 21 when Roethlisberger found Hines Ward for an eight-yard pass at 01:21 of the third quarter. At 12:15 of the fourth quarter, Shaun Suisham kicked a 35-yard field goal to give the Steelers a 24-21 lead. That lead did not last long, as Billy Cundiff kicked a 24-yard field goal at 03:54 to tie the game at 24. The Steelers took the lead for good when Rashard Mendenhall scored on a two-yard run at 01:33. The score held true and the Steelers defeated the Ravens 31-24. The first playoff baseball game I went to was the 2013 National League Wild Card Game. The Pirates took on the Cincinnati Reds. After a scoreless inning and a half, the Pirates got on the board first when Marlon Byrd hit a solo home run off of Johnny Cueto to give the Pirates a 1-0 lead. Two batters later, Russell Martin hit a solo home run to increase the score to 2-0. In the bottom of the third inning, Pedro Alvarez hit a sacrifice fly to expand the lead to 3-0. In the top of the fourth inning, Jay Bruce hit an RBI single to put the Reds on the board and to make the score 3-1. The Pirates responded in the bottom of the fourth inning when Neil Walker hit an RBI double to make the score 4-1. Marlon Byrd hit an RBI fielder's choice in the bottom of the fourth inning to increase the lead to 5-1. Russell Martin hit his second solo home run of the game in the bottom of the seventh inning to increase the Pirates' lead to 6-1. Shin-Soo Choo hit a solo home run in the top of the eighth inning to cut the Pirates' lead to 6-2. The score held true and the Pirates defeated the Reds. These are some of my amazing experiences. What is your take on playoff games?

HOU@PIT: Giles hits a walk-off grand slam to win it

11/25/14

Two Former Pirates on the 2015 Hall of Fame Ballot

Former Pirates pitcher Jason Schmidt and outfielder Brian Giles are on the 2015 Hall of Fame ballot for the first time. Schmidt, no relation to me, pitched in 323 career games with the Atlanta Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Francisco Giants, and Los Angeles Dodgers. He has a career record of (130-96) with a 3.96 ERA. The 41-year-old pitched 20 complete games with nine of them being shutouts. Schmidt also was a three-time All Star selection. Giles, 44 in January, played in 1847 career games with the Cleveland Indians, Pittsburgh Pirates, and San Diego Padres. He has a career batting average of .291 with 287 home runs and 1078 runs batted in. He was a two-time All Star as a member of the Pirates. Though there are many other great players on the Hall of Fame ballot, congratulations and good luck to both players!

11/25/14

Jim Adduci to Japan

Outfielder Jim Adduci signed a deal with the Lotte Giants of Nippon Professional Baseball. Adduci, 29, split the 2013 and 2014 seasons with the Texas Rangers. Through 61 career games, the Canadian-born outfielder has a career batting average of .189 with one home run and eight runs batted in.

11/25/14

Lucas Harrell to Korea

Pitcher Lucas Harrell has signed a deal with the LG Twins of the Korean Baseball Organization. Harrell, 29, has pitched in 88 career games with the Chicago White Sox and Houston Astros. He has a career record of (18-33) with a 4.84 ERA. He pitched a complete game shutout in the 2012 season as a member of the Astros.

11/24/14

Rangers Sign Ed Lucas

The Texas Rangers signed infielder Ed Lucas to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. Lucas, 32, has played in 163 career games with the Marlins. In two Major League seasons, he has a career batting average of .255 with five home runs and 37 runs batted in.

11/24/14

Dodgers Acquire Juan Nicasio

The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired pitcher Juan Nicasio from the Colorado Rockies in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations. Nicasio, 28, has pitched in 88 career games with the Rockies. He has a career record of (21-22) with a 5.03 ERA.

11/24/14

Josh Willingham Retires

Former Major League outfielder Josh Willingham has retired. In 1147 career games with the Marlins, Nationals, Athletics, Twins, and Royals, the 35-year-old has a career batting average of .253 with 195 home runs and 632 runs batted in. He won a Silver Slugger Award in 2012 as a member of the Minnesota Twins.

11/24/14

Red Sox Sign Hanley Ramirez

The Boston Red Sox signed shortstop Hanley Ramirez to a four-year deal worth $88 million. The deal includes a fifth-year option. Ramirez, 31 in December, has played in 1223 games with the Red Sox, Marlins, and Dodgers. He has a career batting average of .300 with 191 home runs and 654 runs batted in. He is a three-time All Star, a two-time Silver Slugger Award winner, and was the 2006 National League Rookie of the Year.

Munenori Kawasaki Dancing Montage

Munenori Kawasaki surprise guest on Intentional Talk

I AM JAPANESE! - Munenori Kawasaki's Post Game Interview

11/23/14

Munenori Kawasaki

Right now, I think that Munenori Kawasaki is the funniest player in baseball. He always seems to have a smile on his face and he draws a lot of attention. He has been caught multiple times on camera dancing, even on the team airplane. When I went to some Blue Jays games in Toronto in 2013, the entire crowd went nuts every time he came up to bat. This guy is absolutely hilarious. I will post some videos of Munenori Kawasaki and his antics. Enjoy.

11/22/14

Professional Officiating

I felt like discussing this topic, as I pay a lot of attention to not only the game, but also the officiating. I feel that officiating in every professional sport is poor. In Major League Baseball, there have been many controversial calls made every year. For example, Jerry Meals has made one big terrible call in three consecutive seasons from 2011-2013. In 2011, his infamous "safe" call on Julio Lugo to give the Atlanta Braves a 19-inning victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates was the start of the Pirates' collapse that season. Replay clearly showed that Pirates catcher Michael McKenry did indeed tag Lugo on his leg. In 2012, Meals called New York Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira "out" at first base to end the game. Replay clearly showed that Teixeira was safe and that the run should have scored to tie the game. In 2013, Meals called Red Sox outfielder Daniel Nava "out" at home plate in a game against the Tampa Bay Rays. The problem? Nava clearly slid under Jose Molina's tag. This would have tied the game, but the Red Sox lost 2-1. In football, there are many problems with the officiating. One of the most famous was the Thanksgiving game in 1998 between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions. The game was in overtime. Steelers running back Jerome Bettis made a call of "tails", but referee Phil Luckett said that Bettis had called "heads". The Lions got the ball and ended up winning the game. In hockey, there are a lot of problems with the officials. I have gone to several hockey games and have seen the officials muff on several occasions. Refs miss penalty calls all of the time. I know it's human nature to make mistakes, but to happen as often as it does? No. Also, in Game 1 of the 2012 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers, Flyers forward Daniel Briere scored a goal in the second period to cut the Pens lead to 3-1. The problem? Briere was offsides. NHL linesman Tony Sericolo was right there and it was his call to make. His blunder eventually cost the Pens, as the Flyers ended up winning the game in overtime 4-3. Many people claim that Briere was not offsides and that it was a good goal. Even though I am well over that game, that belief angers me. As you see in my photo above, Briere was indeed offsides. Yes, I am well aware that mistakes are made, but these guys are professionals. They went through school to get the education they need. Since they are working at a high level, can't we get some quality officiating?

11/22/14

Rockies Sign Two to Minors Deals

The Colorado Rockies signed pitchers Brett Marshall and Aaron Laffey to minor league contracts with invitations to spring training. Marshall, 24, made his Major League debut with the New York Yankees in 2013 where he appeared in three games. In 12 innings pitched, he gave up six earned runs, 13 hits, seven walks, and seven strikeouts. He has a career ERA of 4.50. Laffey, 29, has pitched in 153 career games with the Cleveland Indians, Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, and New York Mets. He has a career record of (25-29) with a 4.45 ERA and one save.

11/22/14

Reds Sign Cisnero

The Cincinnati Reds signed pitcher Jose Cisnero to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. Cisnero, 25, spent parts of the 2013 and 2014 seasons with the Houston Astros. In 33 career games, he has compiled a record of (2-2) with a 4.66 ERA.

Danny Briere offside goal. Philadelphia Flyers vs Pittsburgh Penguins 4/...

11/22/14

Replay

Major League Baseball expanded replay prior to the 2014 season. I feel that it has helped fix the game, but the system is still flawed. I was at a Pirate game against the Chicago Cubs in September. Cubs outfielder Arismendy Alcantara attempted to steal. He was called "safe". Clint Hurdle challenged the call, but the call stood and Alcantara was safe. When umpires are looking over a play, the fans are also showed the same thing as the umpires. The replay clearly showed that Alcanatara was tagged just prior to touching second base. In May, the Pirates were playing a game against the Cincinnati Reds when pitcher Alfredo Simon came to the plate with bases loaded. Simon hit a ground ball back to the pitchers mound. Pirates pitcher Edinson Volquez threw home and Russell Martin touched home plate to get the out. Reds' manager Brian Price went out to challenge the call, as he felt that Devin Mesoraco was interfered with when he was sliding home. The umpires went to replay and overturned the call. This was incorrect because Mesoraco was out because of a force play. Replay failure does not only happen in baseball. The system is flawed in football as well. When the Steelers played against the New York Jets, the Jets appeared to fumble the ball and Steelers' defensive end Cam Heyward recovered the ball. The refs determined that there was no fumble on the play and the Jets punted the ball. On the punt return, Steelers' wide receiver Antonio Brown fumbled the ball and the Jets took over possession. In hockey, there is too little replay. In Game 1 of the 2012 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals between the Penguins and Flyers, Flyers' forward Daniel Briere scored a goal to cut the Pens' lead to 3-1. The problem? Briere was offsides. There are too many calls that are incorrect with all sports, but I feel that professional sports leagues need to fix their replay systems. In Major League Baseball, the system is helping to a point, but it still needs a lot of work. What is your opinion on replay in professional sports?

11/21/14

White Sox Sign Adam LaRoche

The Chicago White Sox signed first baseman Adam LaRoche to a two-year contract worth $25 million. LaRoche, 35, has played in 1478 career games with the Atlanta Braves, Pittsburgh Pirates, Boston Red Sox, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Washington Nationals. He has a career batting average of .264 with 243 home runs and 838 runs batted in. He also won a Rawlings Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger Award in 2012.

11/21/14

Pirates Sign Radhames Liz

The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed pitcher Radhames Liz to a two-year contract worth $3 million. Liz, 31, spent three seasons with the Baltimore Orioles. In 28 career games, Liz has compiled a record of (6-8) with a 7.50 ERA. Liz consistently throws 95-96 miles per hour. He also has not pitched in the Majors since 2009. He pitched in Korea for the last few seasons.

11/21/14

Angels Acquire Dan Robertson

The Los Angeles Angels acquired outfielder Dan Robertson from the Texas Rangers in exchange for cash considerations or a player to be named later. Robertson, 29, made his Major League debut with the Rangers in 2014. In 70 games, Robertson hit .271 with no home runs and 21 runs batted in.

11/21/14

Dodgers, Rays Make Four-Player Trade

The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired pitchers Joel Peralta and Aaron Liberatore from the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for pitchers Jose Dominguez and Greg Harris. Peralta, 38, has pitched in 556 career games with the Los Angeles Angels, Kansas City Royals, Colorado Rockies, Washington Nationals, and Tampa Bay Rays. He has a career record of (16-33) with a 3.92 ERA and 12 saves. Liberatore, 27, spent the 2014 season with the Durham Bulls, the Rays' Triple-A affiliate. The Blackhawk high school grad pitched in 54 games with the Bulls in the 2014 season where he compiled a record of (6-1) with a 1.66 ERA and four saves. Dominguez, 24, spent parts of the 2013 and 2014 seasons with the Dodgers. In 14 career games, Dominguez has received no decisions, but he has a 6.14 career ERA. Harris, 20, was drafted by the Dodgers in the 17th round of the 2013 MLB Draft. He spent the 2014 season with the Class-A Great Lakes Loons. In 22 games, he compiled a record of (7-6) with a 4.45 ERA.

11/20//14

Rays Designate Molina For Assignment

The Tampa Bay Rays designated catcher Jose Molina for assignment. Molina, 39, is the middle of three brothers with Bengie as the oldest and Yadier as the youngest. He has played in 947 career games with the Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Angels, New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, and Rays. Molina has a career batting average of .233 with 39 home runs and 223 runs batted in.

11/20/14

Wheeler to Japan

The New York Yankees have sold the contract of infielder Zelous Wheeler to the Rakuten Golden Eagles of Nippon Professional Baseball. Wheeler, 28 in January, made his Major League debut with the Yankees in 2014. In 29 games, Wheeler hit .193 with two home runs and five runs batted in.

11/20/14

Pirates Outright Morel

The Pittsburgh Pirates outrighted infielder Brent Morel to the minors. Morel, 27, played in 23 games with the Pirates in 2014. He hit .179 with no home runs and four runs batted in.

11/20/14

Pirates Designate Two For Assignment

The Pittsburgh Pirates designated first baseman Ike Davis and catcher Ramon Cabrera for assignment. Davis, 27, split the 2014 season with the Pirates and the New York Mets. In 143 games in the 2014 season, Davis hit .233 with 11 home runs and 51 runs batted in. Cabrera, 25, split the 2014 season with the Erie SeaWolves, the Double-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, and the Altoona Curve, the Double-A affiliate of the Pirates. In 119 games, Cabrera hit .273 with six home runs and 52 runs batted in.

11/20/14

Pirates Claim Pedro Florimon Off Waivers

The Pittsburgh Pirates claimed infielder Pedro Florimon off waivers from the Washington Nationals. Florimon, 28 in December, has played in 214 career games with the Baltimore Orioles and Minnesota Twins. He has a career batting average of .204 with 10 home runs and 57 runs batted in.

11/20/14

Tigers Claim Josh Zeid Off Waivers

The Detroit Tigers claimed pitcher Josh Zeid off waivers from the Houston Astros. Zeid, 27, has pitched in 48 career games with the Astros. He has a career record of (0-1) with a 5.21 ERA and one save. To make room, the Tigers designated outfielder Ezequiel Carrera for assignment. Carrera, 27, played in 176 career games with the Cleveland Indians, Philadelphia Phillies, and Detroit Tigers. He has a career batting average of .253 with two home runs and 28 runs batted in.

11/20/14

White Sox Make Multiple Moves

The Chicago White Sox claimed pitcher Onelki Garcia off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Garcia, 25, pitched in three games with the Dodgers in the 2013 season. In one and a third innings pitched, Garcia gave up two earned runs, one hit, four walks for a 13.50 ERA. He also struck out one batter. The White Sox also designated pitcher Ronald Belisario for assignment. Belisario, 32 in December, has pitched in 335 career games with the Dodgers and White Sox. He has a career record of (24-20) with a 3.75 ERA and 12 saves.

11/19/14

Braves Designate Two for Assignment

The Atlanta Braves designated pitcher Jonny Venters and infielder Ramiro Pena for assignment. Venters, 30 in March, pitched in 230 games in three seasons with the Braves and has compiled a record of (15-10) with a 2.23 ERA and six saves. Venters was a 2011 All Star selection. Pena, 29, has played in 311 career games for the Yankees and Braves. He has a career batting average of .244 with eight home runs and 53 runs batted in.

11/19/14

Red Sox Claim Juan Francisco Off Waivers

The Boston Red Sox claimed infielder Juan Francisco off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays. Francisco, 27, has played in 404 career games with the Reds, Braves, Brewers, and Blue Jays. He has a career batting average of .236 with 48 home runs and 152 runs batted in.

11/18/14

Athletics Sign Butler

The Oakland Athletics signed designated hitter Billy Butler to a three-year deal worth $30 million. Butler, 28, has a career batting average of .295 with 127 home runs and 628 RBI in 1166 games with the Kansas City Royals. Butler was a 2012 All Star selection and he won a Silver Slugger Award in the same year.

11/18/14

Nationals Release Solano

The Washington Nationals released catcher Jhonatan Solano. The 29-year-old Colombian catcher spent parts of the 2012 and 2013 seasons with the Nationals. He hit .217 with two home runs and eight RBI in 36 games.