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MLB: ONE WEEK!

126K views 4K replies 126 participants last post by  DesolationRow 
#1 ·
The Cubs are so awful.

Discuss.
 
#3,007 ·
Trout came in 10 pounds heavier but said he lose it during spring training.
Sounds like Pablo Sandoval's game plan. :side:

Melky Cabrera getting his ring from the Giants. As he should.
 
#3,008 ·
First Bryce Harper interview of spring training: http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog...harper-has-lofty-goals-his-sophomore-season-/

VIERA, Fla. — By now, Bryce Harper seems like he’s used to it. He arrived at spring training on Thursday and was greeted by a room full of television cameras and reporters. He sat in front of the bright lights and answered the questions like a seasoned veteran.

His physique wouldn’t have you believe anything else, tipping the scales at what he said was roughly 230-pounds on his 6-foot-3 frame and cutting the type of muscled figure more likely found in a football locker room than a baseball field. As he threw on a t-shirt and shorts and ambled around the clubhouse chatting with his teammates he could’ve easily been mistaken for a guy with far more than 139 games in the major leagues to his name.

Leave it to Harper to deliver the reminder that, well, he’s still, as manager Davey Johnson calls him “the Kid.”

“I’m still 20,” he deadpanned in response to a question about whether he feels like he doesn’t have to play the rookie part this year and then pointing out the obvious. “So, I’m kind of young.”

“It’s going to be the same thing,” Harper continued. “I’m going to treat every single guy on our team with respect. I’m still that young guy out there. I’m still going to play the same game I play, 120 percent every single day I’m out there. If I’m hurt, on my deathbed, it doesn’t really matter. I’m going to go out there, work hard and play the game the right way.”

Ah, there he is. Perhaps a few months older than when we last saw him on a daily basis, but the same Bryce Harper. The one whose intensity and fire for the game is ever-present in his words and his ability combined with his youth is still something that makes him incredibly unique. Asked if he felt a little more comfortable this spring with a sure place on the team, Harper simply answered that he didn’t think you should ever be comfortable.

After a whirlwind rookie season that started in Triple-A Syracuse, made a pit-stop at the All-Star Game, helped lead the Nationals into the playoffs and was capped with the National League Rookie of the Year award, what Harper might do for an encore in his sophomore season is an entertaining thought exercise. If Harper could hit .270 with 22 home runs, 58 extra-base hits and 98 runs scored as a 19-year-old who spent the first month of the season in the minors, what could he possibly do at 20?

He’s thought about it, too. And the personal goals, well, they sound lofty. So lofty, perhaps, that Harper didn’t feel comfortable even sharing them.

“World Series,” Harper said when asked about his aspirations for this season. “That’s the biggest thing on my mind. I have things in my head, goals in my head but I’m not ready to share those because people are probably going to think I’m crazy.

“I like to exceed my expectations and those are the only expectations that really matter to me. But, you know, the World Series is the biggest thing on my mind. I want to take that back to D.C. and give it to this organization and everybody in D.C.” That fits in, of course, with the slogan his manager has given the team’s quest this season.

“It’s going to be a fun year,” Harper said. “The expectations on this team are really high. I don’t know if it’s World Series. Of course, everyone wants to win a World Series and things like that. But hopefully I can play for the next 10, 15 years and have another shot at winning a World Series. But having Davey Johnson in his last year, which I don’t want it to be his last year, but his last year, if we can make him go out on top and get him that World Series.”

As for where he’ll play and where he’ll hit, Harper seemed to slough off the questions easily. Not his responsibility to decide, not his issue to worry about. Jayson Werth may be giving Johnson plenty of input as to where he and Harper should play and hit, but Harper was staying out of it.

He liked hitting in the No. 2 spot last year and he said he’d like to stay there, but Johnson may have gotten a different impression. Either way, the lineup will be borne out during the spring.

“I know I’m not going to the bullpen,” he quipped. “(Left field) is just another spot, trying to make some plays, throw some guys out. And just hit. That’s the biggest thing. As long as I’m in the lineup, I’m hitting, doing anything I can do to help this team. That’s good for me. I think having Denard out there in center field is going to help us a lot, having a real leadoff hitter that gets on base and sees a lot of pitches and just does his thing at the plate and really helps us out and makes us a lot deeper in our lineup.”

After the Nationals’ season ended, Harper went home to Las Vegas. He spent time with his parents, his brother, Bryan, his girlfriend and his dog. He met his new nephew and visited with his sister and brother-in-law. He took a trip to Hawaii for vacation. He watched college football. Clearly, he bulked up and added back some of the weight he’d lost during the 2012 season.

He didn’t pay much attention to the rest of the MLB playoffs. He readied for his sophomore season.

“Bryce is Bryce,” Johnson said. “He’s a gamer. He’s all-in. But one thing, he’s smart. He’s a student of the game. I’m sure that’s not going to change. He knows what they’re trying to do and he studies film and he’s more prepared this year. I thought he went through a little down period and then came back and that kind of experience is invaluable.”
 
#3,011 ·
From GIANTS beat writer Andrew Baggarly: "Pagan looks forward to crazy times with Torres, Giants"...

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Giants clubhouse manager Mike Murphy doesn’t assign lockers at random, and there was no mistaking the designed decision to cluster Andres Torres, Ramon Ramirez and Angel Pagan.

How often do three guys traded for each other become teammates?

A year after trading them to the New York Mets for Pagan, the Giants signed Torres to a one-year, $2 million contract to be a platoon outfielder and Ramirez to a minor league deal. Once the right-hander sorts out his visa issue, he’ll try to win the last job in the bullpen.

But Pagan’s return was just as uncertain, though. The Giants stretched themselves to the limit to re-sign their center fielder and leadoff hitter, agreeing to a four-year, $40 million contract in early December.

He arrived in camp Friday with his familiar knit cap, and a fatter wallet.

[RELATED: Angel Pagan 2012 game logs | Andres Torres 2012 game logs]

“My bank account did change, but my hunger and focus for the game did not,” Pagan said. “I want to go out there and be the Crazy Horse each day and just leave my heart on the field.”

If Pagan is the Crazy Horse, what does that make Torres?

“My crazy brother,” said Pagan, as Torres broke into a grin two lockers down. “Another crazy horse in the house, yeah. We’ll be ready.”

They’ve known each other for years and were competitors in the Puerto Rican winter league, but never as teammates. They’ll be on the same side for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic, and you can expect them to meet in some jubilant, three-sided hip checks in the outfield when the Giants win games.

Pagan said once he signed his deal, he began lobbying second baseman Marco Scutaro to return as well because “I wanted this team to stay the same. I wanted everybody back.”

With Torres and Ramirez, the Giants have a couple of 2010 World Series veterans back, too.

“We need these types of guys,” Pagan said. “They know how to win.”

It certainly counted as a winning offseason for Pagan, 31, who signed his deal shortly after B.J. Upton set the market for center fielders. Pagan’s contract looks like an especially good deal after Michael Bourn, considered by many the top free-agent center fielder on the market, had to settle for a four-year, $48 million deal with the Cleveland Indians that he signed on Monday.

(You can’t say the Giants should regret signing Pagan over Bourn, though. They needed a center fielder and leadoff man, and couldn’t afford to wait out Bourn to put all their eggs in one basket.)

Last spring, Pagan felt pressure to establish himself with a new club. This spring, there will be the “really big” expectations that come with the new contract – especially after a terrific year in which Pagan’s 15 triples broke Willie Mays’ San Francisco-era club record.

And what about the team’s expectations? Pagan had his tongue in cheek while commenting on the perception that the Giants won’t be favorites despite winning two of the last three World Series.

“We’re going to get lucky again, like people say,” Pagan said. “We don’t want to be the favorites. We want to go out there and keep getting lucky like we are.

“When you don’t get the credit, that’s what makes you hungry to prove people wrong.”
 
#3,012 ·
I think this is one of the most intriguing stories in all of MLB this year. I'm sure LadyCroft agrees.

By The Associated Press: "Aroldis Chapman ready to start"... http://espn.go.com/mlb/spring2013/s...n-starting-vs-bullpen-do-cincinnati-reds-want

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Aroldis Chapman was getting ready to start for the Cincinnati Reds last spring when the bullpen got wiped out by injuries, forcing a different approach. The hard-throwing Cuban became one of baseball's best closers in his first try at it.

He's on the same course this spring, trying to win a spot in the rotation -- and his manager is keeping an open mind about where he'll end up eventually.

So is Chapman, who worked on his changeup over the winter to add another pitch in case he starts.

"I will prepare the same way I did last year," Chapman said, with trainer Tomas Vera translating. "I would like to start a season and throw as many innings as I can, but that's up to the team. When I was in Cuba, I threw 150 innings. I will prepare myself to throw as many innings as they want me to throw."

Chapman, who turns 25 on Feb. 28, was expected to develop into a starter when the Reds signed him in 2010. He struggled with his control in the minors, and the Reds used him as a reliever for the first time in his career to help them win the NL Central in 2010.

He was a setup man again in 2011, but had streaks of control problems. The Reds gave him a chance to do what's most familiar to him -- start games -- during spring training last season, and Chapman showed improvement.

When closer Ryan Madson tore a ligament in his elbow and the two setup men got hurt during spring training, manager Dusty Baker switched Chapman back into the bullpen, using him initially in a setup role and then as the closer. This time, Chapman excelled.

The left-hander didn't allow a run until his 16th appearance of the season. He didn't become the closer until May 20, yet tied for third in the NL in saves. From June 26 through Aug. 17, Chapman turned in 23 consecutive scoreless appearances. He converted a team-record 27 straight save chances.

The Reds told Chapman at the end of last season that they were planning to make him a starter. Their other five starters are right-handers, and Chapman -- whose fastball has been clocked at 105 mph -- would give the rotation a much different look.

"Chapman has the chance to be a top-flight starter," general manager Walt Jocketty said. "I always wanted to have a left-hander in the rotation."

Chapman threw mostly fastballs as a closer, mixing in an occasional slider. He has worked on his changeup in the offseason, knowing he'll need another pitch if he starts.

"He didn't throw the changeup too much, but it is better than his slider," Jocketty said. "He is a great athlete. You ought to see him hit. He is one of the fastest runners on the team."

The Reds signed Jonathan Broxton to a $21 million, three-year deal in November, giving themselves a closer and freeing Chapman to move to the rotation. Although they have faith in Broxton, it's a change that could have a big overall impact.

"It's kind of tough the way we had a shut-down bullpen last year," Baker said. "We had the guys lined up."

Baker wouldn't rule out moving Chapman back to the bullpen if injuries or other problems occur.

"That's a maybe," Baker said. "It's the same situation as last year. We started with Chapman as a starter, then Ryan Madson went down. We had no idea that Chapman would be as good as a closer. I don't think anybody did."

There's also the question of how many innings Chapman will be allowed to pitch as he moves into the new role. In his first season in the organization, he threw 109 innings. He totaled 71 2/3 innings last season.

Chapman has developed a tired shoulder on at least one occasion during his career with Cincinnati. The Reds will watch him closely to see how his shoulder handles the extra innings.

"It's a risk when you throw that hard anyway, you know?" Baker said.

Chapman is willing to do whatever the Reds ask. Although he was initially concerned about the move to the bullpen because he'd never done it before, he's now comfortable with closing games and wouldn't mind doing it again.

"I have never started in the big leagues," Chapman said. "I've had success as a reliever. If I had to choose, I would choose to do what I've had success with. But I will do whatever they want me to do."
Only real sore point (no pun intended) is those last few lines from Chapman himself. I'd love to know how he said it. Makes you wonder just a little bit.

That whole wacky delivery and the stunning velocity from a left-hander, might be something to watch as he attempts to shift from dominant closer to starter.

What do you think, LadyCroft?

Also Reds-related, from Jerry Crasnick: "Reds moving on without Rolen"... http://espn.go.com/blog/spring-training/post/_/id/414/reds-moving-on-without-scott-rolen

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- The Cincinnati Reds expect to compete for a National League pennant this year despite a roster that's young in several places. It got even younger this week when veteran third baseman Scott Rolen declined an invitation to come to spring training camp.

"He brought our average age down," said general manager Walt Jocketty. "I thanked him for that."

Rolen, 37, is the only third baseman in history with at least 2,000 hits, 500 doubles, 300 homers, 1,200 RBIs and six Gold Glove awards. But he’s been slowed by back and shoulder injuries in recent years. In a statement this week, Rolen said he wants to leave his options open, "without closing any doors."

The Reds are set up nicely without him. Todd Frazier, who finished third in NL Rookie of the Year balloting, slides in at third base, and former MVP Joey Votto is hoping to rediscover his old MVP form at first base after having the winter to recover from a knee injury.

The general consensus is that Rolen wants to slide into retirement with a minimum of hoopla or emotion. But Jocketty wouldn’t rule out the possibility that Rolen would get the itch and decide he wants to play again.

"He told me he’s at a place right now where he’s really enjoying the time with his family and he wasn’t ready to make the commitment to come in," Jocketty said. “He apologized for dragging it out so long. I told him, 'We’re prepared either way. If you come in, great. If you don’t, we’ll make adjustments.' We’ll just have to see where we are at that point.'

"He’s had such a great career. I told him no matter what happens, at some point he needs to be recognized. He’s not the type of guy who’s going to want to go out and tour the country like some guys do. But he ought to be recognized in Cincinnati."

The last time Jocketty spoke to Rolen, about a week ago, he got the impression that Rolen is still in excellent shape. The Reds confirmed that’s the case recently when the team’s strength and conditioning coach, Matt Krause, conferred by phone with Rolen’s personal trainer.

Rolen achieved the bulk of his career success in Philadelphia and St. Louis, and he collected only 36 of his 316 home runs and 304 of his 2,077 hits in Cincinnati. But the Reds remember him warmly for his competitiveness and his wry sense of humor.

According to Baseball-reference.com, Rolen earned about $117 million over 17 seasons. It was Jocketty, then St. Louis’ general manager, who signed Rolen to an eight-year, $90 million contract extension after the Cardinals acquired him from Philadelphia by trade in July 2002.

"He’s thanked me several times for making him a millionaire," Jocketty said with a laugh.
Okay, one more Reds-related story, because this is noteworthy...

"Reds, Homer Bailey avoid arbitration" from The Associated Press... http://espn.go.com/mlb/spring2013/s...innati-reds-agree-535-million-1-year-contract

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Homer Bailey and the Cincinnati Reds agreed Saturday to a $5.35 million, one-year contract, ensuring baseball will set a record low for salary arbitration hearings.

No cases have been argued before three-person panels this year among the 133 players who filed for arbitration last month and just one remains scheduled for a hearing next week: Baltimore reliever Darren O'Day.


O'Day and the Orioles have an agreement on a $5.8 million, two-year contract that is pending a physical. As long as that deal is completed, MLB will have no arbitration hearings this year for the first time since the process began in 1974.

Baseball's previous record low was three hearings, set in 2005 and matched in 2009 and 2011. The high was 35 in 1986.

Owners hold a 291-214 lead since arbitration began.

San Diego left-hander Clayton Richard had been scheduled for a hearing Tuesday before agreeing to a $5.24 million, one-year contract Saturday evening. Richard had asked for a raise from $2,705,000 to $5.5 million and was offered $4,905,000 after he went 14-14 with a 3.99 ERA in 33 starts covering 218 2-3 innings last year.

Bailey, who pitched a no-hitter at Pittsburgh last Sept. 28, had asked for $5.8 million and was offered $4.75 million when players and teams swapped proposed arbitration salaries last month.

His agreement was for the same amount as pitcher Jordan Zimmermann's settlement with the Washington Nationals a day earlier.

Bailey was 13-10 with a 3.68 ERA in 33 starts last year.
 
#3,013 ·
#REDS! :mark:


Okay first of all, if Chapman develops a slider MLB should seriously think about banning it. :side: How crazy would that be as a hitter? Wow

Rolan, what a great career. He really helped the Reds' in the last couple years. Frazier is a solid replacement for him though... not nearly as good with the glove, however, but not many are.

Bailey... hmmmm. If he performs this year he'll get fucking paid come next year. He shows signs of brilliance and then he'll make you wonder what the fuck he's thinking. He usually shows up more towards the end of the year and I wonder why that is.
 
#3,014 ·
Thanks for the comments, LadyCroft. Very good point about an Aroldis Chapman slider. Yeesh!

Are we truly certain that Triple H played no role in the Carl Pavano/shovel situation?

;)
 
#3,016 ·
Chapman does throw a slider. If he can develop an effective changeup, then he's gonna be tough to hit unless he mindfucks himself.

Not saying Chapman is Randy Johnson, but BIG UNIT made a Hall of Fame career of throwing lefty fastball/slider. Of course his fastball and slider were among the best pitches ever, but yeah.


In other news, what kind of ******* outlaw a dog?

http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/8921726/outlawed-pit-bull-keep-mark-buehrle-away-family

Oh Canada we stand on guard for thee!

They're outlawed in Miami too :lmao

It's a dog guys.
 
#3,021 ·
Sucks for him and the Cubs, hopefully he's alright. Chicago needs him as trade bait.

Looking back at the Rays/Cubs trade, I just realized how great it was for Tampa. Top prospects like Chris Archer and Hak-Ju Lee and guys who've contributed in the bigs like Robinson Chorinos and Sam 'GOAT' Fuld? Good shit. I do like Garza (brought the team its first no-hitter), but Tampa certainly doesn't miss him.
 
#3,023 ·
I might be the only Angels fan on here.
 
#3,048 ·
This year is make or break for the Angels (make the playoffs that is)
 
#3,031 ·
Is Derek Jeter the John Cena of baseball????

I mean other than yankee fanboys, most people hate him.

He always plays the un-charismatic babyface.

He is pushed as the top guy, even if he is not the top guy in the team (this has happened plenty of times).

Is he the John Cena of baseball???
 
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