All articles tagged with #sports baseball
The Cardinals traded Nolan Arenado to the Diamondbacks for salary relief and pitching prospect Jack Martinez, ending a long saga; reports say the Padres were the other major suitor but wouldn’t absorb more of Arenado’s contract, and Arizona’s deal will pay just $5 million in 2026 and $6 million in 2027, underscoring Arenado’s down-market valuation despite his name.
Tanner Houck delivers a stellar performance with 9.0 IP, 0 ER, 3 Hits, 0 BBs, 9 Ks against the Cleveland Guardians, solidifying his potential as a starting pitcher. Other notable performances include Cristopher Sánchez, Jake Irvin, and Michael King. The article also provides insights on various pitchers' performances and potential fantasy implications, with a focus on individual game analyses and future prospects.
MLB is facing a crisis as an increasing number of pitchers are suffering from torn ulnar collateral ligaments, requiring Tommy John surgery. Pitch counts and the emphasis on power and velocity are contributing to the rise in severe arm injuries. Baseball Hall of Famer Greg Maddux suggests reverting to an era of pitching focused on location and execution rather than velocity and spin rate as a solution to prevent these injuries. However, the current emphasis on power and strikeouts may make this solution challenging to implement.
Jackson Holliday is set to make his debut as the Orioles' second baseman, joining a lineup that includes top prospects like Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson. Wearing the number 7, previously associated with Orioles legends, Holliday's arrival adds excitement to the team's future prospects. With high hopes for his performance, fans anticipate his acclimation to MLB competition and potential to contribute to the team's success.
The Oakland A's plan to increase their payroll and attract free agents during their interim stay in Sacramento before moving to Las Vegas, but skepticism remains about owner John Fisher's willingness to spend. Players like Cody Bellinger and Justin Turner express reservations about joining the A's in Sacramento, citing concerns about facilities and the team's track record. Despite potential revenue increases, doubts persist about the A's ability to significantly boost their payroll in Sacramento and attract top free agents.
A recent surge in pitcher injuries, including those of Spencer Strider, Shane Bieber, and Eury Perez, has left the fantasy baseball landscape in disarray. The causes of these injuries are being debated, with theories ranging from rule changes to increased stress on pitchers' arms. The unpredictability of these injuries has led to questions about drafting strategies and the future of pitching in fantasy baseball.
The Oakland Athletics have trademarked the names "Sacramento Athletics" and "Sacramento A's" for their upcoming move to Sacramento, but it doesn't necessarily mean they will use those names officially. The move to Sacramento is temporary, as the team plans to relocate to Las Vegas in 2028. This will mark the fourth relocation in the franchise's history, making it a record for a Major League franchise.
ESPN's 2024 MLB Watchability Index ranks baseball teams based on star power, youth, baserunning, catches, 425-plus-foot home runs, and minutiae, with the Washington Nationals ranking as the least watchable and the Milwaukee Brewers as the 11th most watchable team. The index provides insights into each team's strengths and weaknesses, offering a unique perspective on the most exciting teams to watch in the upcoming season.
In the SP Roundup, Alec Marsh impresses with a strong performance for the Kansas City Royals, while other notable pitchers like Framber Valdez, Shane Bieber, and Zac Gallen also deliver solid outings. However, some pitchers, like Luis Castillo and Logan Webb, struggle in their starts. Overall, it was a mixed bag of performances from starting pitchers in Tuesday's games.
Josh Jung of the Texas Rangers had a strong hitting performance with a three-run home run and a stolen base before leaving the game with a fractured wrist, while Kyle Tucker, Mike Trout, and others also had standout performances in Monday's games. Spencer Steer, Brendan Donovan, Teoscar Hernández, Jarren Duran, and Jordan Westburg also made notable contributions at the plate, with Connor Joe and Christopher Morel showcasing their hitting abilities as well.
The Milwaukee Brewers are set to face the Minnesota Twins in a two-game series for their home opener, with both teams using their fourth and fifth starters. The Brewers are coming off a three-game win streak, while the Twins secured a series win but suffered a heavy loss in their last game. The Brewers' offense impressed in the opening series, and their bullpen strength gives them an edge, leading to a predicted two-game sweep in the series.
A series of bold predictions for each MLB team in the 2024 season includes breakout prospects, potential All-Stars, and statistical achievements, such as a rookie leading the Orioles in home runs, Triston Casas becoming an AL All-Star starter, and Logan Webb starting in the All-Star Game debut. Other predictions include Mike Trout hitting his 400th career home run, Freddy Peralta winning the NL Cy Young, and Mookie Betts winning an NL Gold Glove at shortstop.
On MLB Opening Day 2024, some teams projected to be the lousiest in baseball looked lousy, with the Rockies, Angels, Athletics, White Sox, Royals, and Nationals all suffering losses. Despite the small sample size, fantasy players and baseball analysts are already looking for soft landing spots and potential breakout players, such as Anthony Volpe, who showed promise in the opener. Additionally, the battle between Elly De La Cruz and Oneil Cruz, both with plus power and capable of highlights, is set to be an intriguing storyline for the season.
The Seattle Mariners lost their home opener to the Boston Red Sox, 4-6, despite a nostalgic and celebratory atmosphere at T-Mobile Park. Former Mariner Nelson Cruz threw out the first pitch, and Mitch Haniger received a warm welcome from fans upon his return. Haniger and Dylan Moore both hit home runs, but the Red Sox capitalized on pitcher Luis Castillo's struggles to secure the win. The game was also a poignant reminder of the passage of time, with the author reflecting on the absence of their late father and the enduring connections between past, present, and future on every Opening Day.
The Chicago Cubs are set to face the Texas Rangers on Opening Day, with the possibility of a successful season ahead. Despite not being a powerhouse, the Cubs are well-balanced and deep, with impactful veterans and developing young stars. The 2024 season offers a new shape to the group, and fans are ready to watch for the next 162 games.