New York Yankees

December 24, 2009

The Sportmeisters Top 10 Games Of The Decade: Game #7 – Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees – 2004 ALCS Game 4

Filed under: Alex Rodriguez, Anaheim Angels, Baseball, Bill Mueller, Boston Red Sox, Curt Schilling, Dave Roberts, David Ortiz, Derek Lowe, Doug Mientkiewicz, Ellis Burks, Esteban Loaiza, Florida Marlins, Gary Sheffield, Grady Little, Javier Vazquez, John Olerud, Keith Foulke, Kenny Lofton, Kevin Brown, Kevin Millar, MLB, Manny Ramirez, Mariano Rivera, Miguel Cairo, Mike Myers, Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees, Orlando Cabrera, Orlando Hernandez, Paul Quantrill, Ruben Sierra, Shane Spencer, Sports, Tanyon Sturtze, Terry Adams, Terry Francona, Tom Gordon, Tony Clark, World Series — Tags: Alex Rodriguez, Anaheim Angels, Baseball, Bill Mueller, Boston Red Sox, Curt Schilling, Dave Roberts, David Ortiz, Derek Lowe, Doug Mientkiewicz, Ellis Burks, Esteban Loaiza, Florida Marlins, Gary Sheffield, Grady Little, Javier Vazquez, John Olerud, Keith Foulke, Kenny Lofton, Kevin Brown, Kevin Millar, Manny Ramirez, Mariano Rivera, Miguel Cairo, Mike Myers, Minnesota Twins, MLB, New York Yankees, Orlando Cabrera, Orlando Hernandez, Paul Quantrill, Ruben Sierra, Shane Spencer, Sportmeisters, Sports, Tanyon Sturtze, Terry Adams, Terry Francona, Tom Gordon, Tony Clark, World Series — SportmeisterRyan @ 9:51 pm

Game #7 – Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees – 2004 ALCS Game 4

With the end of the decade nearing, Sportmeisters Derek and Ryan have decided to present their top ten games of the past decade. Today’s discussion is on the tenth best game from 2000-2009. What follows is a transcript of their discussion.

Sportmeister Derek: Ryan, today we are here to discuss something that will be debated for the next few weeks. With 2010 on the horizon, we are naming our top ten games of the decade.

Sportmeister Ryan: Absolutely Derek, these games will bring an enormous amount of discussion, as it did in just us figuring out our list. We may seem stuck on repeat, but it’s hard not to give the seventh spot to the 2004 ALCS Game 4 between the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees.

SD: We all remember, these two teams met in the 2003 ALCS, with the Yankees winning game seven in dramatic fashion. The Yankees would go on to lose the World Series in six games to the Florida Marlins.

SR: As is the case for good teams on the brink of success, they tinker with the formula to get them over the hump. With two free spending teams like Boston and New York, they did that, and then some.

SD: The Yankees acquired Starting Pitchers Javier Vazquez, Kevin Brown, and SS/3B Alex Rodriguez via trade and signed Relief Pitchers Paul Quantrill and Tom Gordon, Outfielders Ruben Sierra, Gary Sheffield and Kenny Lofton, 1B Tony Clark, and IF Miguel Cairo.

SR: It’s funny, but if you remember, the Red Sox initially had the deal to acquire Rodriguez, but the deal fell through. The Yankees ended up swooping in and grabbed the highest paid player in baseball.

SD: After the 2003 debacle, Grady Little was removed for Terry Francona as Manager, and the Red Sox would bring in SP Curt Schilling via trade, and signed RP Keith Foulke and DH/OF Ellis Burks.

SR: Schilling, coming over from the Diamondbacks, gave the Red Sox another formidable arm who had already pitched against New York in a playoff situation.

SD: As is the case, both teams bolstered up during the season as well. The Yankees acquired Starting Pitchers Esteban Loaiza and Tanyon Sturtze via trade and signed 1B John Olerud and OF Shane Spencer.

SR: Boston was also a mover at the trade deadline, bringing in SS Orlando Cabrera, 1B Doug Mientkiewicz, OF Dave Roberts, RP Terry Adams, and RP Mike Myers.

SD: Both teams found success again, with the combination of new players and seasoned vets. The Yankees again won the division with the American League’s best record at 101-61 and the Red Sox again won the Wild Card with a record of 98-64.

SR: In the ALDS, the Yankees then breezed past the Minnesota Twins winning 3 games to 1, while the Red Sox swept the Anaheim Angels.

SD: Once again, these two historical teams would meet to determine who would get to the World Series. The series appeared to be one sided as the Yankees stormed out on top with a 3-0 lead, winning game three in Boston by a crushing 19-8 score.

SR: Right there, 19-8. How does that not destroy any motivation left for Boston? To get crushed, at home, Yankee fans were swooping in for the kill in game four.

SD: No team in MLB history had ever come back from a 3-0 deficit and everyone thought that this series was over and the Yankees would go back to the World Series.

SR: Game four featured Derek Lowe vs. Orlando Hernandez. The Yankees wanted the sweep, while the Red Sox were just hoping to go one more game.

SD: New York took a 2-0 lead before Boston came back, going up 3-2. The Yankees would take a 4-3 lead in the sixth, and held the lead through the ninth.

SR: Boston came in the bottom of the ninth, going heads up against one of the most dominant playoff closers in baseball, Mariano Rivera. He had already taken down the three through six hitters in the eighth inning.

SD: Something must of happened to Mo in the dugout, because he started the ninth by walking Kevin Millar.

SR: Millar was 1-for-2 with a walk up to that point. He wasn’t someone the Yankees needed to pitch around. It ended up giving Boston life.

SD: Millar was pulled for pinch runner Dave Roberts, who promptly stole second on the first pitch.

SR: That play right there had to have been the turning point of the entire series. Roberts took second, putting the tying run in scoring position and removing a double play opportunity.

SD: In one of the few times, Rivera’s armor had been pierced. On the third pitch to Bill Mueller, Mueller smacked it straight up to centerfield, knocking in Roberts and tying the game.

SR: That was Rivera’s fourth blown save of his postseason career. When the Red Sox tied the game, at that moment, they had to have known the momentum was in their favor. Fenway Park was rocking, and the Yankees were reeling.

SD: Rivera ended up getting out of the ninth, and both teams worked a scoreless tenth and eleventh inning. In the twelfth, the Red Sox finally struck back.

SR: Relief Pitcher Paul Quantrill had the unfortunate task of facing the tandem of Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz. It’s no win there, avoid one, get the other. Face one, and you still have the other.

SD: Ramirez singled to left, followed by Big Papi blasting a two run walk off homerun. A walk off Home Run in extra innings between the Yankees and Red Sox, does that sound familiar?

SR: This game ended in dramatic fashion, setting the stage for the Red Sox to go on and complete one of the greatest comebacks in MLB history, as the Red Sox would win the next four in a row, a feat that had never been accomplished up to that point.

SD: This game had it all and that is why we have named it our number seven game of the decade. Stay tuned for the rest of our top ten coming up in the next few weeks. Any questions or concerns, feel free to email us at Derek@Sportmeisters.com or Ryan@Sportmeisters.com.

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December 22, 2009

The Sportmeisters Top 10 Games Of The Decade: #8 – Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees – 2003 ALCS Game 7

Filed under: AL East, AL Wild Card, Aaron Boone, Alan Embree, Anaheim Angels, Baseball, Bernie Williams, Boston Red Sox, Byung-Hyun Kim, Dan Miceli, David Ortiz, Derek Jeter, Gabe White, George Steinbrenner, Grady Little, Hideki Matsui, Jason Giambi, Jason Varitek, Jeff Nelson, Jeff Suppan, Jorge Posada, Kevin Millar, MLB, Mariano Rivera, Mike Timlin, Minnesota Twins, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics, Pedro Martinez, Roger Clemens, Ruben Sierra, Scott Sauerbeck, Scott Williamson, Sports, Subway Series, Theo Epstein, Tim Wakefield, Trot Nixon, World Series — Tags: Aaron Boone, AL East, AL Wild Card, Alan Embree, Anaheim Angels, Baseball, Bernie Williams, Boston Red Sox, Byung-Hyun Kim, Dan Miceli, David Ortiz, Derek Jeter, Gabe White, George Steinbrenner, Grady Little, Hideki Matsui, Jason Giambi, Jason Varitek, Jeff Nelson, Jeff Suppan, Jorge Posada, Kevin Millar, Mariano Rivera, Mike Timlin, Minnesota Twins, MLB, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics, Pedro Martinez, Roger Clemens, Ruben Sierra, Scott Sauerbeck, Scott Williamson, Sportmeisters, Sports, Subway Series, Theo Epstein, Tim Wakefield, Trot Nixon, World Series — SportmeisterRyan @ 11:48 am

Game # 8 – Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees – 2003 ALCS Game 7

Sportmeister Derek: Ryan, today we are here to discuss something that will be debated for the next few weeks. With 2010 on the horizon, we are naming our top ten games of the decade.

Sportmeister Ryan: Absolutely Derek, these games will bring an enormous amount of discussion, as it did in just us figuring out our list. Today we’re looking at our eighth best game of the decade, and that is the 2003 ALCS Game 7 between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox.

SD: Let’s rewind a bit to set ourselves up. The Yankees were trying to get themselves back to the World Series after a disappointing ending to what looked like a promising 2002 season. The Yankees had finished 2002 with a league best 103-58 record, but were ousted in the ALDS by eventual World Series Champions Anaheim Angels.

SR: New York had not won a World Series since 2000, when they beat the New York Mets in the Subway Series. After losing in Game 7 in 2001 (an honorable mention of ours, by the way), and 2002s failure, Yankee fans were getting irritated.

SD: Indeed, so as Owner George Steinbrenner is noted for doing, he made some moves, flashing his wallet to pick up necessary pieces. It started with the off-season signing of OF Hideki Matsui.

SR: Notable moves made during the season included the acquisitions of RP Dan Miceli, OF/DH Ruben Sierra, RP Gabe White, 3B Aaron Boone, and RP Jeff Nelson. Aaron Boone, that name strikes a chord, huh Derek?

SD: Yes, Ryan, but we’re not quite there yet. Boston made some moves as well after missing the 2002 playoffs for the third straight year. They were quite sick of being the constant number two to New York.

SR: Two huge moves that need to be mentioned themselves were the signings of 1B/DH David Ortiz and 1B/OF Kevin Millar by brand new GM Theo Epstein.

SD: Those moves definitely highlighted a shift for the Red Sox in years to come. They also made some solid in-season moves, stockpiling pitching with trades for RP Byung-Hyun Kim, RP Scott Williamson, SP Jeff Suppan, and RP Scott Sauerbeck.

SR: For the Red Sox though, they still finished number two to the Yankees, as New York won the AL East with a 101-61 record, and Boston claimed the AL Wild Card, finishing six games back of New York at 95-67.

SD: Both teams made it through the ALDS with relative ease, the Yankees defeating Minnesota Twins 3-1, and Boston going the distance against the Oakland Athletics 3-2 to setup the AL East ALCS showdown.

SR: Neither team really gained beyond a one game advantage in the series. Boston took games 1, 4, and 6 while New York took games 2, 3, and 5 to setup a 3-3 tie and a final battle in Game 7.

SD: This game featured each team’s ace as Pedro Martinez faced Roger Clemens in a rematch from Game 3, where Clemens got the win, pitching six innings, allowing just two runs, and Martinez took the loss, allowing four runs in seven innings.

SR: The Red Sox were looking to snap The Curse Of The Bambino in The House That Ruth Built, and they looked strong early, gaining a 4-1 lead on a Trot Nixon home run, Jason Varitek scoring on an error, and a Kevin Millar home run. After looking strong in Game 3, Clemens was removed after facing three batters in the top of the fourth.

SD: The only New York offense came from Jason Giambi, whose solo home run in the bottom of the fifth and seventh kept the Yankees in the game, albeight slightly.

SR: Newcomer David Ortiz would match that with a home run in the top of the eighth to widen the lead back to three runs, 5-2.

SD: The scene is set. Boston leads 5-2 in the bottom of the eighth inning. Pedro gets the first out and it looks like he has just enough left in the tank, but then he allowed a double to Derek Jeter and an RBI single to Bernie Williams and that brought then Red Sox Manager Grady Little to the mound.

SR: Now, Pedro had pitched a marvelous game, facing no more than four Yankee batters an inning since the first inning. However, he did get hit around in the seventh, and with one out in the eighth, he had already thrown 15 pitches. Clearly, it was time to turn to the bullpen.

SD: Amazingly though, Little decided to keep Martinez in the game, later stating it was the best option they had. If that was the best option, I wonder what he had in the bullpen.

SR: Now, Martinez did get to 0-2 on Hideki Matsui, before Matsui smacks a ground rule double, putting runners on second and third with one out.

SD: Jorge Posada then comes up to face Martinez, and after working the count to 2-2, on Martinez’s 23^rd pitch of the inning, and what would be his last of the game, Posada doubles to center, bringing in both Williams and Matsui, tying the game 5-5.

SR: We talk a lot about momentum switching sides, and it truly did right there. Yankee fans felt they were winning, and Red Sox fans were hoping for the best, but had to be truly prepared for the worst. Nevertheless, the game was still far from over.

SD: The next two and a half innings went scoreless with little happening as Alan Embree, Mike Timlin, and Tim Wakefield shut down the Yankees and Mariano Rivera stopped the Red Sox.

SR: I find it funny, Little says he didn’t have anyone better, but right there he had three pitchers, who effectively stopped the Yankees for a short time. Just a bad overall management call by Little, and I guess it explains why he was fired after the season.

SD: Then came the bottom of the 11^th. Little left Wakefield in the game to face Aaron Boone, who had come into the game in the eighth as a pinch runner and had yet to have a plate appearance in the game.

SR: Being a knuckleball pitcher that most batters don’t deal with, and a starter who, up to that point in the game, had thrown one inning in the game, Wakefield had plenty left in him, but one pitch ended that quickly.

SD: Boone, a 2 for 16 hitter entering that moment, hit the first pitch he saw into the left field stands. A walk off Home Run in extra innings, what a way to end such a great game.

SR: Boone has since been remembered during every Yankees postseason, and while he won’t go down as one of the best hitters, he did just enough on one night to be remembered in Yankee lore, and postseason MLB history.

SD: This game had it all and that is why we have named it our number eight game of the decade. Stay tuned for the rest of our top ten coming up in the next few weeks. Any questions or concerns, feel free to email us at Derek@Sportmeisters.com or Ryan@Sportmeisters.com.

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November 19, 2009

Ten Players To Watch During Free Agency

Filed under: Adam LaRoche, Adrian Beltre, Andy Pettitte, Baseball, Chone Figgins, Free Agency, Hideki Matsui, Jason Bay, John Lackey, Jose Molina, MLB, MVP, Matt Holliday, New York Yankees, Sports, Vladimir Guerrero, World Series — Tags: Adam LaRoche, Adrian Beltre, Andy Pettitte, Baseball, Chone Figgins, Free Agency, Hideki Matsui, Jason Bay, John Lackey, Jose Molina, Matt Holliday, MLB, MVP, New York Yankees, Sportmeisters, Sports, Vladimir Guerrero, World Series — SportmeisterRyan @ 10:19 pm

By Ryan of The Sportmeisters

The MLB Free Agency season is upon us, and after the New York Yankees excessive spending leading to a World Series title, will another season of open piggy-banks arise? Probably not, but there are still quite a few players that could break the bank, and teams that will shell the dough for their services. Let’s take a look at ten free agents and what they bring to the free agency table.

Please note, this is not an order of who is the best free agent, just a focus on ten players.

1.Jason Bay, OF

Bay has experience in both the National and American league, increasing his ability to play in either league. He’s 30, and still has many good years left, enough to grab possibly a five or six year contract now, then possibly move to the AL as a DH in the later stages of his career. Last season was his first full season in Boston, and he shined, hitting .267 with 36 home runs and 119 RBIs. His 36 home runs was good enough for third in the AL, and his 119 RBIs took second. He also earned his first Silver Slugger Award and third All-Star nomination. Bay is arguably the hottest free agent on the market, and will command at least $100 million on the market, requiring some teams to really break the bank on him.

2.Matt Holliday, OF

At 29, Holliday has an extra year in him, leading some to believe he is the hottest outfielder on the market. He spent the first half of the year in Oakland before being traded to St. Louis for the stretch run. He was a three time All-Star and three time Silver Slugger while in Colorado, and even though he was traded, he still finished with .313 batting average, 24 home runs and 109 RBIs. He also brings post-season experience, including a World Series appearance in 2007. Holliday will also be looking for a six or possibly seven year deal, well in excess of $100 million. Look for teams to offer both Bay and Holliday, with the two using each other’s potential deals as leverage.

3.Hideki Matsui, OF

Godzilla lives, but for how many more seasons? A combination of age (35) and injuries in previous years moved the outfielder to the DH role for the New York Yankees. He still played in 116 games in 2009, hitting .274 with 28 home runs and 90 RBIs. The 28 home runs were the most since he hit 31 in 2004, his second season. Matsui might not have gotten as much attention if it wasn’t for his phenomenal showing in the 2009 playoffs, specifically the World Series. In the six game series, Matsui hit .615 with three home runs and eight RBIs to earn World Series MVP honors. Due to his injury history and age, it is highly unlikely anyone from the National League will take a look. Rumors have floated of Matsui’s retirement, but I believe it will depend on whether or not he gets an offer he likes.

4.John Lackey, SP

Lackey is being touted as the top pitcher in free agency this season, with his youth (30 years old) and experience (five years with postseason play) being key factors. His strikeouts have tapered since his career high of 1999 in 2005, and he’s a far cry from his 2007 All-Star campaign (19-9, 3.01 ERA), but he still gets the batters out. His last two seasons have seen career lows in hits, runs, earned runs, and innings pitched since his rookie campaign. Lackey has the experience and ability to be a solid No. 2 or 3 pitcher, depending on the team. If he is looking for Ace money, he might scare away a few, but could still pull a big contract with the right team.

5.Adam LaRoche, 1B

Another young player (29) who has many years left, LaRoche has mostly NL experience with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Atlanta Braves, with the exception of a short stint in Boston. Despite that, he still managed to hit .277 with 25 home runs and 83 RBIs. He has yet to break .300 in a season, has toppled 30 home runs once, and has yet to break 100 RBIs in a season, but it his defensive skills that truly stand out. LaRoche had two errors last year, a career low, just a year after having eight, a career high. He is still young, and can improve on his power, and should grab somewhere in the six year, $80 million dollar range, unless some team decides to make a leap for him.

6.Jose Molina, C

Molina isn’t the best offensive bat in the free agency market, but he is arguably the top defensive catcher available. Used by the New York Yankees the past two seasons as a backup to starter Jorge Posada, Molina performed admirable in his backup role, despite missing half of 2009 with an injury. His value really shined in the playoffs, as he caught AJ Burnett primarily in his two World Series starts, including the Game Six clinching win. Defensively, he had a .997 fielding average, committing only one error in 2009. For his career, he has thrown out 40% of baserunners attempting steals. Molina will get another look as a backup catcher, potentially in the AL where the starter can still perform as a DH. Molina’s bat leaves questions, but his defensive value is still worth something.

7.Vladimir Guerrero, OF

Guerrero has started to slip, mainly due to an injury in 2009, but the 34 year old slugger can still put it up there. Not counting last season’s injury, where he hit .295 with 15 home runs and 50 RBIs, Guerrero had a streak of 11 .300 seasons (97-08). He also hit more than 30 home runs in a season eight times, and had 100+ RBIs nine times. He is an eight time all-star, the 2004 AL MVP, and a seven time Silver Slugger. His injury will scare some prospective teams, but he should still find work, most likely in the AL, where he can DH on an off day.

8.Chone Figgins, 3B

The utility speedster, who has spent time at every position except pitcher, catcher, and first base in his eight year career, is a nice find for any team. Since 2004, he has had over 30 steals per season, with a career high 62 in 2005. He is developing more patience, shown in the 101 walks he had, almost twice his previous career high. His batting average hovers right under .300 for the most part. He was a 2009 All-Star, and has playoff experience as part of the Los Angeles Angels. At 31, he still has wheels and the ability to get on base and put his team in a position to score. I forsee quite a few teams shelling out some decent dollars at a speed demon who can play multiple positions.

9.Adrian Beltre, 3B

The two time Gold Glove Winner (2007-08) already has twelve seasons under his belt at 31. He played in 111 games, hitting only .265 with eight home runs and 44 RBIs, his lowest since his rookie campaign. This was due to a groin injury that occurred, shelving the 2004 Silver Slugger since August. Despite this, he was looking to be on pace with his past performance since his breakout 2004 season. The injury risk is there, especially considering Beltre doesn’t wear a cup, but if he can get back to form, a team could steal him for two or three years.

10.Andy Pettite, P

Is there anything left in the tank for the 37 year old? After a stellar 14-8 campaign, not including his 4-0 2009 postseason, Pettite is back on the market. He has spent time on both National and American Leagues, and considering his age, moving back to the NL might be easier on his arm. He is a far cry from the 20 game winner in 2003, and rumors have been floating of his retirement. I wouldn’t see more than a one year contract for Pettite, but if he wants to return, I’m sure one team will give him a shot.

The crop isn’t as thick as last season, but there are still some decent prospects to help improve your favorite squad.

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October 27, 2009

World Series Preview

By Ryan of The Sportmeisters

About Philadelphia:

The defending champions are back again, this time after taking the NLCS over the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-1. In two of those games, the Phillies managed to flash their NL leading power, scoring double-digit runs. In the friendly confines of New York, power hitters such as Ryan Howard and Chase Utley should perform well. The Phillies led all NL teams in road home runs and runs scored on the road. Howard (.333, 2 home runs, 8 RBIs in NLCS) set the tone, but received contributions from Raul Ibanez (one home run, 4 RBIs), Carlos Ruiz (.385, home run, 4 RBIs), and Shane Victorino (.368, 2 home runs, 6 RBIs).

Defensively, the team will once again rely on mid-season pickup Cliff Lee, who threw eight innings of three hit ball with ten strikeouts in his one start. 2008 World Series MVP Cole Hamels started two games, winning one, but did get roughed up, giving up seven runs in the two starts. Brad Lidge has taken back the closer role, earning a win and a save in just under three innings of work. Hamel’s struggles is different from the composed pitcher of last season, and Philadelphia will have to adjust, risking some of their bullpen coming in earlier.

About New York:

The Yankees roll into their home-field advantage riding a 7-2 postseason record, including a perfect 5-0 at home. The AL leader in runs scored and slugging percentage, the Yankees know how to work a bat. They are led this postseason by the formerly struggling Alex Rodriguez (.429, three home runs, six RBIs in ALCS), and have received contributions from Johnny Damon (.300, two home runs, five RBIs), Melky Cabrera (.391, two doubles, four RBIs), and Derek Jeter (two home runs, three RBIs, seven walks). AL MVP candidate Mark Teixeira has struggled, hitting only .222 with four RBIs. His bat in front of A-Rod is a huge reason he has come on this season.

ALCS MVP CC Sabathia has earned his paycheck, throwing two huge games, going eight innings in both, giving up two runs and striking out twelve. Andy Pettitte is now the all-time postseason win career holder, getting his 16^th win in the convincing Game 6. Joba Chamberlain and Philip Hughes will need to be on top of their game to give Mariano River (two saves, 1.29 ERA. New York has the starters, but it’s the bullpen to keep an eye on.

About The Matchup:

The two teams met in an interleague matchup earlier this season, with Philadelphia taking two out of three. This is expected to be a high-scoring powerful series, so the team with the better pitching, especially in the later innings, should be crowned champions. New York manager Joe Girardi leads the Yankees back to their first World Series since 2003, but he has to keep from his constant overmanaging.

Game one will see CC Sabathia vs. former teammate Cliff Lee. Game two will see Pedro Martinez, the former Boston Red Sox Yankee killer, against A.J. Burnett, and game three will matchup Cole Hamels and Andy Pettitte.

The Pick:

The Broad St. vs. Broadway matchup, but the Yankees end the season where they wanted to at the beginning, as World Series Champions. Yankees in six.

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October 15, 2009

ALCS Preview: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim vs. New York Yankees

By Ryan of The Sportmeisters

About Los Angeles:

The Angels are in uncharted territory, as they usually see themselves on the losing end to the Boston Red Sox. That changed this year with a 3-0 sweep, and now a showdown with the other AL East competitor, the New York Yankees. For one of the teams that scored the most runs in the American League this season, they brought that mentality to the playoffs, scoring 16 runs in three games. They are an all around team, whether by hitting percentage (Bobby Abreu, .556, Erick Aybar, .364) or by power (Torii Hunter, one home run, three RBIs, Vladimir Guerrero, two RBIs). Defensively, P John Lackey is the stud, and proved it with a seven inning, four strikeouts, zero run effort in the ALDS. P Jered Weaver also threw seven strikeouts in seven innings during his Game Two victory. Brian Fuentes recorded two saves, and Darren Oliver gave up only one hit in 2.1 innings worked. The Angels are a stacked team from top to bottom.

About New York:

A year after missing the playoffs, the Yankees are back with a vengeance, and swept through Minnesota 3-0 to get to the ALCS. The Major League Baseball’s winningest record of 2009 also gets the home field advantage in the cozy confines on the new Yankee Stadium. The Yankees are led by the Captain, Derek Jeter, playing all-around ball (.400, four runs, two doubles, one home run, two RBIs), and the formerly slumping Alex Rodriguez (.455, two homeruns, six RBIs). All in all, the power packed Yankees have hit six home runs in three games. If the hitting isn’t working, usually, the pitching is, and it starts with the Ace, C.C. Sabathia. In his first postseason pinstripe performance, he threw 6.2 innings, giving up one run and striking out eight. A.J. Burnett threw six strikeouts and gave up one run in his win, and Andy Pettite took down seven in his ALDS victory. The team boasts a strong 7-8-9 pitching squad in Joba Chamberlain (1.2 innings, two hits, zero runs), Phillip Hughes, and Mariano Rivera (3.2 innings, one save, seven strikeouts, zero runs). The Yankees won two of their games in the seventh inning or later. If they can get the runs, this bullpen is lights out.

About The Matchup:

The series pits the two teams with the best AL record. In fact, these teams are so good, they split the season series 5-5. The Yankees were first in the AL in runs scored with 915, and the Angels were second with 883 , so both squads are able to put runs up. The Angels were also first in AL Batting Average, with .285, and the Yankees were second, at .283, so they get on base. Despite the Yankees having the lowest ERA of any playoff team (4.26), the Angels can be a distraction on the base path, with six players having double-digit steal totals. Chone Figgins leads the squad with 42, and former Yankee Bobby Abreu has 30. The Angels plan on going with a four man rotation, pitching John Lackey, Joe Saunders, Jered Weaver, and Scott Kazmir. The Yankees are hinting at a three man rotation, behind C.C. Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, and Andy Pettite. Should they go four starters, Chad Gaudin or Joba Chamberlain will get the start. Otherwise, look for Chamberlain, Phil Hughes, and Mariano Rivera to shut down the offense.

The Pick:

The Yankees boast a complete team, but the Angels hit better, and are quicker, and have a stud rotation. The Yankees are known best for their walk-off wins, and might need some late inning matchup to get the win. Nevertheless, the Yankees in 7.

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October 7, 2009

MLB American League Division Preview: Minnesota Twins vs. New York Yankees

Filed under: AJ Burnett, AL Central, AL East, Alex Rodriguez, Andy Pettitte, Brian Duensing, CC Sabathia, Derek Jeter, Detroit Tigers, Jason Kubel, Joba Chamberlain, Joe Mauer, Joe Nathan, Jorge Posada, Justin Morneau, MLB, Mariano Rivera, Mark Teixeira, Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees, Nick Swisher, Phil Coke, Phil Hughes, Robinson Cano, Scott Baker — Tags: AJ Burnett, AL Central, AL East, Alex Rodriguez, Andy Pettitte, Brian Duensing, CC Sabathia, Derek Jeter, Jason Kubel, Joba Chamberlain, Joe Mauer, Joe Nathan, Jorge Posada, Justin Morneau, Mariano Rivera, Mark Teixeira, Minnesota Twins, MLB, New York Yankees, Nick Swisher, Phil Coke, Phil Hughes, Robinson Cano, Scott Baker, Sportmeisters — SportmeisterRyan @ 4:58 pm

By Ryan of The Sportmeisters

About The Minnesota Twins:

A day after clinching the AL Central in a one-game playoff, the Twins travel to the Big Apple to take on the Yankees. At 87-76, the Twins closed a seven-game deficit, going 17-4 over the final month to tie the Detroit Tigers and force the playoff before clinching the AL Central. Their success will hinge on potential AL MVP Joe Mauer, who came back from an injury to hit .365 with 28 home runs and 96 RBIs. They are without Justin Morneau, but Jason Kubel (.300, 28 home runs, 103 RBIs) has filled in nicely for him. They have one of the better closers in baseball in Joe Nathan (2.10 ERA, 47 saves), but a weak pitching rotation, already made weaker by the one-game playoff, could see Nathan spend a lot of time in the bullpen.

About The New York Yankees:

The AL East Champions, and only 100+ game winner at 103-59, return to the playoffs after a one year absence snapped their playoff appearance streak. The Yankees opened a brand new Yankee Stadium, and have earned the rights to home field advantage throughout the LDS and LCS. It’s no surprise this team is loaded from top to bottom in both pitching and hitting. Offensively, it starts at the top with Derek Jeter (.334, 18 home runs), moving to the middle with Mark Teixiera (39 home runs, 122 RBIs) and Alex Rodriguez (.286, 30 home runs, 100 RBIs), and closes with Jorge Posada (.285, 22 home runs) and Robinson Cano (.320, 25 home runs, 85 RBIs), along with contributions from the rest of the team. The Yankees also boast a top rotation, but it does have some question marks. CC Sabathia is undoubtedly the game one starter, bouncing back from a rough opening to finish 19-7 in his rookie pinstripe debut. Behind him is A.J. Burnett, who had a less than stellar season, Andy Pettitte, who is getting up in age, and Joba Chamberlain, who is hot and cold. While the Yankees have a top bullpen, highlighted by closer Mariano Rivera (1.76 ERA, 44 saves), they need quality starts before they can turn to their late inning specialists.

The Matchup:

The Yankees had the Twins’s number in 2009, sweeping them 7-0 by a combined score of 41-25. Minnesota also comes in having just used seven pitchers, including their ace Scott Baker and Nathan, making them weak and vulnerable in that area in game one. Brian Duensing will get the start tonight, but having a rookie pitch in New York is not an ideal situation. The Yankees seem to forget to show up in October, highlighted by Alex Rodriguez’s disappearance. The emergence of Teixiera, and free-agent addition Nick Swisher, along with regular contributions, should allow for a blanket of coverage. While the Yankees have an optimal bullpen behind Phil Hughes and Phil Coke, they need quality innings from Sabathia, Burnett, and Pettite. Sabathia has over a 7.00 playoff ERA, Burnett went 0-4 in August, and Pettite is old. If Minnesota can wait them out, they could turn a head or two.

The Pick:

The Yankees starting this series on a Wednesday is advantageous to them, though Minnesota’s hitters will be fresh and ready to hit. Nevertheless, if the Yankees starting pitching is up to the challenge, then it’s the Yankees with a sweep.

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October 5, 2009

MLB National League Division Preview: Colorado Rockies vs. Philadelphia Phillies

Filed under: Aaron Cook, Baseball, Brad Lidge, Chase Utley, Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, Colorado Rockies, J.A. Happ, Joe Blanton, MLB, NL East, New York Yankees, Pedro Martinez, Philadelphia Phillies, Ryan Howard, Ryan Madson, Ubaldo Jimenez, Wild Card — Tags: Aaron Cook, Brad Lidge, Chase Utley, Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels, Colorado Rockies, J.A. Happ, Joe Blanton, MLB, New York Yankees, NL East, Pedro Martinez, Philadelphia Phillies, Ryan Howard, Ryan Madson, Sportmeisters, Ubaldo Jimenez, Wild Card — SportmeisterRyan @ 6:17 pm

By Ryan of The Sportmeisters

About The Philadelphia Phillies:

The Phillies clinched their third straight NL East Division Title with a record of 93-69. As defending World Series champions, they have a lot of targets on their back. However, they field a team that is strong in many areas. Offensively, they led the National League in runs scored and home runs, thanks to contributions from Ryan Howard (45 home runs, 141 RBIs), and Chase Utley (26 home runs, 93 RBIs, .282 average). They also boast one of the strongest pitching staffs, with two legitimate aces in mid-season acquisition Cliff Lee (7-4, 74 Ks, 3 Complete Games since the trade) and 2008 World Series MVP Cole Hamels (10-11, 4.28 ERA, 168 Ks). They are also deep, and could use mid-season replacement Pedro Martinez in the bullpen, allowing Joe Blanton or J.A. Happ to get the third game start. However, with 11 blown saves, closer Brad Lidge is not who he was in 2008. Happ or Ryan Madson could take the role from him in the playoffs.

About The Colorado Rockies:

It’s another season of Rocktober for the Rockies, who clinch the wild card spot with a 92-70 record after being left for dead earlier this season. The Rockies rely heavily on young pitching and defense, knowing full well that their offensive stats are inflated due to the high elevation of their field. The team finished sixth in the NL in ERA, a fine stat considering where they play. They are led by Ubaldo Jimenez (15-12, 3.98 ERA) and Aaron Cook (11-6, 78Ks). All five of their starters had ten or more wins, giving them great depth for the playoffs. They are a young team though, with no real power hitters, and spent a lot of energy getting themselves into the playoffs. It will be tough to keep that momentum up, but if anyone can do it, they can.

The Matchup:

The Phillies won their series 4-2, but Colorado won the previous two matchups. Colorado had one of the best home records at 51-30, and opponents usually claim extreme fatigue after a few days in the thin air. However, Philadelphia counters that with a major league leading 48-33 record on the road, and the fact they didn’t lose a single playoff game at home in 2008. Both teams boast strong pitching records, but Philadelphia easily has the power advantage, and can capitalize on one or two mistakes. However, if Philadelphia does not figure out their bullpen situation soon, they could open the door for a comeback or two from Colorado.

The Pick:

Philadelphia seems to have all the necessary tools (and a few extra ones) to give them a great shot at being the first repeat World Series winner since the New York Yankees (1998-2000). Philadelphia in four games.

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October 1, 2009

Did The New York Yankees Get A Positive Return On Investment?

Filed under: AJ Burnett, AL East, Alex Rodriguez, Baseball, CC Sabathia, Florida Marlins, Los Angeles Angels, MLB, Mark Teixeira, New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays — Tags: AJ Burnett, Alex Rodriguez, Baseball, CC Sabathia, Mark Teixeira, MLB, New York Yankees, Sportmeisters — SportmeisterRyan @ 4:22 pm

By Ryan of The Sportmeisters

Even in the recession America is facing today, the powerhouses of baseball, the New York Yankees still found a way to spend near $500 million dollars to three players, Pitchers CC Sabathia (7 years, $161 million) and AJ Burnett (5 years,$82 million) , and 1B Mark Teixeira (8 years, $180 million). Was it helpful? The Yankees did clinch the AL East and home-field advantage after missing the playoffs last season, but let’s go inside at each of the Big Three’s performance. Putting on my accountant’s hat, I’ll rate whether, in year one, each player has put the Yankees in the red or the black.

CC Sabathia

The signing of CC Sabathia was a huge moment for New York, giving it a young Ace in their pitching rotation. The 2007 Cy Young winner was traded mid-season in 2008, and when he became a free agent, the Yankees swooped in. But did he live up to his past performance?

His 2009 season started off rocky, but he quickly picked up steam, establishing himself in the rotation. Sabathia’s numbers echo his 2007 Cy Young award, right up to the record (19-7, tying his career high), ERA (3.21), and has thrown 194 strikeouts, his third highest.

He did have some slip-ups though, as he only threw two complete games, a far cry from the ten he flew the previous season splitting time in the NL and AL. He also hit eight batsmen, matching a career high.

Sure, we’re nit-picking here, and at the end of the day, the real concern is going to be how Sabathia performs in the post-season (he’s lost three straight decisions), especially being the number one starter for the Yankees. His post-season numbers will make the final decision, but for now, we’ll call this investment a positive return, placing it in the black.

AJ Burnett

Burnett came to New York after three years pitching in the AL East for the Toronto Blue Jays. His numbers have been up and down, but after setting career highs last season, has Burnett made the leap to elite starter?

Burnett had career performances last season in Toronto, which undoubtedly assisted in his contract negotiations. However, this season in New York has seen his pitching revert to a combination of his best seasons in Florida, with a mix of Toronto thrown in.

His 2009 numbers are a pedestrian 12-9, a far cry from the 18 wins he posted last season. His ERA is high, at 4.10, but he is pitching in the brand new Yankee stadium, a hitters park, and the AL has higher ERAs than in the NL. However, Burnett has struggled, throwing a career high 96 walks and 17 wild pitches.

Burnett has yet to pitch in the post-season in his 11-year career, and, much like Sabathia, his season won’t be fully determined until he pitches. At this point though, it would be hard to put Burnett in the black, due to his sub-par record and erratic pitching. For now, we’ll put Burnett in the red, but a strong post-season performance could change all that heading into year two.

Mark Teixeira

This journeyman has bounced back and forth between the AL and the NL, but spent the second half of the 2008 season helping the Angels towards the playoffs. He signed a huge contract in the off-season, with New York expecting him to be a huge bat in front of A-Rod, as well as a defensive specialist at first base. How did the Yankees fare?

Teixeira’s 39 home runs and 121 RBIs are slightly below his career high of 43 and 144, but are still good enough to lead the American League in 2009. His .294 batting average is off from his two straight .300 seasons, but his overall performance this season was enough to get him his second All-Star nomination.

This year’s post-season will only be Teixeira’s second, and with A-Rod’s penchant for falling apart in the post-season, he will need to be on his game nightly. Up to this point, we’ll put Teixeira in the black for his powerful performance.

So there you have it. Sabathia and Teixeira have lived up to their first season hype, while Burnett has had a good year, just not at the standards it could be. All of this is moot, if the Yankees don’t dominate in the playoffs, and these three will be key cogs in that engine.

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September 8, 2009

Talking Sports In The War Zone: The Passion Of The Fans

Filed under: Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns, College, Fans, Florida State, Football, Georgia Bulldogs, MLB, Miami, NCAA, NFL, New York Giants, New York Yankees, Sports, Tailgating, Texas Longhorns, USC Trojans, War Zone, Washington Redskins — Tags: Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns, College Football, Fans, FSU, Georgia Bulldogs, Miami Hurricanes, MLB, NCAA, New York Giants, New York Yankees, NFL, Sportmeisters, Sports, USC Trojans, War Zone, Washington Redskins — SportmeisterRyan @ 4:45 pm

By Ryan of The Sportmeisters

Ryan, founder and contributor to The Sportmeisters, is currently deployed to Afghanistan as a part of Operation Enduring Freedom. While there, he is writing about his experiences as a sports fan. This is his latest update.

One of the biggest concerns I had (besides my wife and my safety), was whether or not I was going to be able to follow my favorite teams. Turns out, there are plenty of opportunities, even when I’m eight and a half hours ahead of EST.

The catch to those opportunities is some early wake up calls. That became the most prevalent with the kickoff of College Football. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love all sports, and enjoy catching my Yankees after my morning workout. But with the NFL and College Football, the shortened schedule makes every game meaningful. This holds even more true in College Football, with the lack of a playoff system (an argument for another time.)

My first experience involving an early wake-up came thanks to the Labor Day showdown between my alma mater Florida State University and our rivals from Miami. An 8pm kickoff meant a 430am wakeup.

Now, I’ve watched FSU games from a variety of places. I went to all but one home game during my four years of college, and even traveled to a couple games. I’ve seen games on TV, and listened to them on the radio. I even caught one while stuck at work, and another one during a military exercise. Let me tell you, it’s difficult to cheer in a gas mask.

Nothing could have prepared me for this early wakeup. Instead of tailgating, drinking beers and throwing down burgers, I was trying to force myself awake enough to turn on the TV and my computer, so I could webchat with my wife (also an FSU alumni). In what messed up world do I live in that I can’t even wakeup before kickoff?

The great thing though, after I traveled into work much later in the day, is that I know my passion is felt alone. I work with an ecletic group of sports fans, those who root for the Georgia Bulldogs, USC Trojans, and Texas Longhorns for College Football, and the Washington Redskins, Atlanta Falcons, and Cleveland Browns of the NFL. Heck, the Browns fan is so passionate, he gets up at 330AM to catch a pre-season game! Maybe it’s because he doesn’t think the Browns will win much else, but regardless, he considers himself to be such a fan, that he ensures he is rooting for his team during all parts of the season.

The guys at work understand the passion that I exhibit, because they do so themselves. They willingly risk a few extra hours of sleep, to live and die by the success and failure of their favorite squad. I commiserated with my co-worker who is a UGA fan, getting up before dawn only to watch his team lose. Yet, he told me, he’d do it again in a heartbeat, and with UGA back on TV here next week, he’d gladly be up early to watch again.

So, I too, took the plunge into early wakeup and joined my fellow Seminoles, ready for a great game. Unfortunately, the early rise was for naught, as FSU lost a valiant battle to the hated Hurricanes. Yet after my head hurt and I was tired to the point that it reminded me of a bad hangover, I told myself, even knowing the outcome, I’d be up that early again in a heartbeat.

Every fan measures their passion in a different way. For some, its baring everything and painting their entire body head to toe in team colors. Others choose to spend ungodly amounts of money in memorabilia. For myself and the other sports fans deployed here in Afghanistan, our passion is derived from the three hours in darkness, huddled around a small television, rooting our teams to glory.

Those three hours mean a lot to us, as it allows us to get lost in a game and leave the situation we are brought here to handle for a short while. Eventually, the game ends, but we know, in just a week’s time, win or lose, we’ll be up rooting for our team.

My New York Giants play Sunday at 1230AM here in Afghanistan. It may not be in high-definition, and I won’t have a beer nearby, and I’ll be dead tired, but believe me when I say, that’s how deep my passion runs, all the way to the war zone.

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August 2, 2009

MLB Trade Deadline Fantasy Impact

By Derek of The Sportmeisters

It is now August and the MLB Season is winding down. Just a little over two months to go and then we hit the playoffs. Plenty of teams are making a surge for those final playoff spots and those teams made some moves at or before Yesterday’s Trade Deadline. Today, I am going to discuss the fantasy implications of those Deadline moves. These moves just may have a significant effect on your fantasy season, so let’s get started.

July 27^th – San Francisco Giants acquire 1B/OF Ryan Garko from Cleveland Indians

Garko moves from splitting time in Cleveland to a full time starting gig in San Francisco. That definitely helps his fantasy status. He was hitting .285 with 11 home runs and 39 RBI’s with Cleveland in 239 At-Bats. He is struggling so far with San Francisco, only getting one hit in his first 12 At-Bats, but has two walks and has yet to strikeout. He isn’t a great fantasy option, but could be someone to watch for a possible waiver wire wonder, as he is only owned in nine percent of Yahoo leagues.

July 29^th – Philadelphia Phillies acquire SP Cliff Lee and OF Ben Francisco from Cleveland Indians for four Minor League prospects

This was the first big trade after the Matt Holliday trade that made people start talking. The Phillies decided that they would have to give up too much to get Toronto Ace Roy Halladay and settled on Cleveland Ace Cliff Lee. Lee’s fantasy value rises because he moves to a team that has an offense. Lee made 22 starts for Cleveland and went just 7-9, mostly due to lack of run support. 11 of those starts were games in which he allowed three runs or less and got either a no decision or a loss because his team couldn’t produce any offense. He now goes to a team that can score runs and they proved it helping him win his first start on Friday 5-1. Lee continued to dominate, even with the change from the AL to the NL, pitching a complete game four hitter and only walking two while striking out six. He will continue to be a must start fantasy Ace. On the other side of things, Francisco’s value is extremely hurt by this trade. He goes from being a starter to being a backup. Philadelphia has a crowded Outfield, with LF Raul Ibanez, CF Shane Victorino, and RF Jayson Werth, so Francisco will mostly be limited to pinch hitting duty with the occasional spot start. He is no longer worth owning in any fantasy league unless someone gets injured and he gets some playing time.

July 29^th – Seattle Mariners acquire SS Jack Wilson and SP Ian Snell from Pittsburgh Pirates for SS Ronny Cedeno, C/1B Jeff Clement, and three Minor League Pitchers

It’s official, the Pirates front office has no clue what they are doing, but that’s another story for another time. Wilson steps into a much better situation in Seattle and has a bit of increased fantasy value hitting in a better lineup, but not much. He still isn’t a great fantasy option and you can find better fantasy options on the waiver wire. However, Snell could have some fantasy value. He started the year terribly with a 2-8 record and a 5.36 ERA and was subsequently sent down to the minors in late June. He was pitching well in the minors and was called up by Seattle to start on Sunday. If he can return to his 2006 and 2007 form where he went a combined 23-23, then he could be a nice, surprising waiver wire wonder. Cedeno and Clement have no value in Pittsburgh as Clement is in the minors and Cedeno is hitting under .200.

July 29^th – San Francisco Giants acquire 2B Freddy Sanchez from Pittsburgh Pirates

Yet another reason why the Pirates front office has no clue how to run a franchise, but, again, that’s another story. Sanchez moves into a decent situation as San Francisco is building a decent lineup to make a playoff push. His fantasy value goes up a bit, but not much. He will still hit for average with minimal power and a few stolen bases, but nothing spectacular. If you own him, continue to start him as his average will help your team.

July 30^th – Los Angeles Dodgers acquire RP George Sherrill from Baltimore Orioles for two Minor League players

This move helps the Dodgers bullpen, but destroys Sherrill’s fantasy value. He was the closer in Baltimore and was having a good year, with 20 saves and a 2.40 ERA, but now becomes Jonathan Broxton’s setup man. If your league gets points for holds, go ahead and keep him around as he will get plenty of those, with the occasional save, but, if not, you can feel free to drop him for a closer who will get you the saves. As for Baltimore, this actually increases value for RP’s Jim Johnson, Danys Baez, Chris Ray, and even newly acquired Cla Meredith, as they will all get the chance to close games. However, none of them should be owned until they start to actually close out games.

July 31^st – Detroit Tigers acquire SP Jarrod Washburn from Seattle Mariners for SP Luke French and a Minor League Pitcher

Washburn had been rumored to be on the trading block for a while now and he was finally dealt to the Tigers on Friday. He has pitched well this year and his fantasy value actually increases with this trade. He goes to a team with a better offense and a bigger ballpark, which will lead to fewer home runs allowed. Washburn was 8-6 with a 2.64 ERA in Seattle and will pitch in between Justin Verlander and Edwin Jackson next week. If he is available in your league, I would go ahead and grab him and if you own him already keep starting him and expect at least another 6 wins.

July 31^st – Minnesota Twins acquire SS Orlando Cabrera from Oakland Athletics

Cabrera was a man without a home before the season started and now he is moving yet again. He was having a decent year for Oakland, hitting .280 with 41 RBI’s and 11 stolen bases. His fantasy value goes up a little because he will be hitting in front of Justin Morneau and will score more runs. He will continue to hit for average and will throw in about 10 or 15 more stolen bases, so continue to use him if you own him.

July 31^st – Atlanta Braves acquire 1B Adam LaRoche from Boston Red Sox for 1B Casey Kotchman

This was one of those trades that made absolutely no sense to me. The Red Sox just traded for LaRoche 9 days ago and they trade him for another left handed hitting First Baseman? As much as the trade doesn’t make sense, it does have fantasy implications. LaRoche moves back into a starting role in a familiar ballpark and is known for his strong second half performances. He currently has 13 home runs and could hit at least 10 more by season’s end. If you need some power, grab him off the waiver wire, he is only owned in 28 percent of Yahoo leagues. As for Kotchman, this makes him basically useless in a fantasy sense. He goes from an everyday role to a backup role, where he will be a defensive replacement and pinch hitter, with the occasional spot start. Drop him if you have him.

July 31^st – Boston Red Sox acquire C/1B Victor Martinez from Cleveland Indians for SP Justin Masterson and two Minor League Pitchers

This could be a great move for the Sox, but this is terrible for fantasy owners that own players like C Jason Varitek, 3B Mike Lowell, and DH David Ortiz. With Martinez in the lineup at C that takes away Varitek’s At-Bats. With Martinez at 1B, that moves Kevin Youkilis to 3B and Lowell either to the bench or DH, in which case Ortiz goes to the bench. Either way you aren’t dropping any of these guys until we see how Boston uses them in the lineup. Martinez’s fantasy value stays the same as he is still an elite fantasy Catcher and should be started at all times. Lowell is still a good fantasy option, but watch for the time split. The same goes for Varitek and Ortiz.

July 31^st – Cincinnati Reds acquire 3B Scott Rolen from Toronto Blue Jays for 3B Edwin Encarnacion, RP Josh Roenicke, and a Minor League Pitcher

This move could be good for both players, but only one is really worth owning. Rolen has had a good season in Toronto, hitting .320 with eight home runs and 43 RBI’s. He isn’t a great fantasy option, but he is a good one. His value should stay the same in Cincinnati. Encarnacion was having a terrible year in Cincinnati, hitting just .209 with only five home runs and 16 RBI’s. He has power potential, so watch and see how he does and he may possibly turn up on my waiver wire wonder report in the future.

July 31^st – New York Yankees acquire OF/IF Jerry Hairston Jr. from Cincinnati Reds

Hairston provides the Yankees with some needed depth off the bench, but his fantasy value takes a hit. He will be a versatile backup for the Yankees, whereas he was an everyday player in Cincinnati. If you own him, feel free to dump him as he is virtually useless as a backup.

July 31^st – Florida Marlins acquire 1B Nick Johnson from Washington Nationals

This is a great move by my Marlins. It adds a gold glove caliber First Baseman and a great hitter. Johnson’s value will increase hitting behind or in between SS Hanley Ramirez and former 1B Jorge Cantu, who will be moving to 3B. However, this will hurt the value of 3B Emilio Bonifacio and 3B/OF Chris Coghlan. Bonifacio moves from a starter to a backup utility man, who will now split time between Third Base and the Outfield and Coghlan may lose some starts in Left to Bonifacio. You can drop both, but make sure you add Johnson. He is available, only being owned in 21 percent of Yahoo leagues.

July 31^st – Chicago White Sox acquire SP Jake Peavy from San Diego Padres for SP Clayton Richard, RP Aaron Poreda, and two Minor League Pitchers

So, I guess Peavy reconsidered and now wants to play in Chicago. The Padres tried to make this same deal back in May and Peavy declined to waive his no trade clause and voided the trade. He says that now it’s different and the Sox are contenders. The big difference is that Peavy hasn’t pitched since June 8^th, recovering from an ankle injury. However, when he is healthy, he is a must start fantasy Ace and remains so in Chicago.

Well Sports fans, that’s all for now. If you have any questions regarding my analysis of the Trade Deadline, please email me at Derek@Sportmeisters.com.

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