MrElyminator Productions

2012 MLB All-Star Game Live Blog

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 18:21:24 -0400

2012 MLB All-Star Game Live Blog:

Watching the All-Star Game tonight? Keep my live blog open on your web-enabled device for analysis, highlights and hilarious embedded tweets. And if you aren’t following the action on FOX, that’s all the more reason to catch my updates.

Longest MLB Home Runs of 2012

Sun, 10 Jun 2012 17:35:10 -0400

Longest MLB Home Runs of 2012:

To hit a home run in Major League Baseball is an impressive feat.

We’ve been treated to countless blasts in 2012, which is why I consulted the ESPN Home Run Tracker to determine the 30 longest bombs.

2012 MLB Draft: When Will Byron Buxton debut for the Minnesota Twins?

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 10:28:02 -0400

The Minnesota Twins chose outfielder Byron Buxton (Appling County HS, Ga.), arguably the nation’s most talented amateur baseball player, with the No. 2 overall selection in the 2012 First-Year Player Draft.

So when will he arrive in the big leagues?

Not this season, I assure you.

The 18-year-old Buxton is a five-tool prospect. So far, though, only his speed and throwing arm are MLB-ready. His swing is still pretty raw and he’ll need to add more muscle to become a legitimate power hitter.

Still, his ceiling is incredible.

He has been closely compared to established outfielders Justin Upton and Adam Jones. Both were also drafted out of high school and debuted in the majors a few weeks shy of their 20th and 21st birthdays.

If Buxton begins his professional career in the coming months, Minnesota would likely assign him to the Gulf Coast League Twins (a rookie league). That’s where they placed fellow teenage outfielder Ben Revere after selecting him in the first round in the 2007 draft.

Starting in 2008, Revere spent one season apiece at Single-A Beloit, High-A Fort Myers and Double-A New Britain prior to earning regular playing time with the Twins in 2011.

I see no reason why Buxton will require the same three-plus years in the farm system. Already 6’2” and 190 pounds, he is a superior physical specimen to Revere (5’9”, 170).

In speculating his estimated time of arrival, the minor-league journeys of Upton, Jones and Revere must all be taken into consideration. Upton’s and Jones’ because their skills are so similar to his, and Revere’s because he was developed by the same franchise that will groom Buxton into a potential superstar.

The Twins could logically—and this is assuming that Buxton stays healthy—play him at Beloit in 2013, Fort Myers and New Britain in 2014, and give him a final, brief trial at Triple-A Rochester in 2015 before adding him to the 25-man roster early that summer (first week of May, let’s say).

But this is just one possibility. Leave a comment with your own projection.

With 6-Man Starting Rotation, Washington Nationals Can Win NL East, Protect Stephen Strasburg

Tue, 22 May 2012 08:52:00 -0400

Haraz N. Ghanbari/AP

Stephen Strasburg (biceps tightness) is fine. Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post reports that he will make his next scheduled start.

This was just a false alarm, but as a precaution, the Washington Nationals ought to adopt a six-man starting rotation for the remainder of 2012. With it, they can finish atop the National League East.

Spacing out each individual’s appearances reduces the likelihood of serious injury for all rotation members.

Also, it would allow the franchise’s prized 23-year-old—who will be shut down upon reaching an unspecified innings limit—to pitch in meaningful games through September.

And he would be more effective, too. Baseball-reference.com provides this comparison of his career numbers on regular, four days’ rest versus his success when given five-plus days to recover.

Obviously, the current starting five—Ross Detwiler, Gio Gonzalez, Edwin Jackson, Jordan Zimmermann and Strasburg—would be included in the expanded group. They have contributed greatly on a pitching staff that surrendered an MLB-low 138 runs through its first 42 contests.

Chien-Ming Wang would round it out.

The 32-year-old is completing his rehab from a badly strained hamstring.

Julio Cortez/AP

His stats in five outings against minor-league competition were typical of the Taiwanese right-hander: 3-0, 3.52 ERA, 30.2 IP, 18 SO, 6 BB, 2 HR allowed, 1.27 WHIP.

Wang didn’t miss many bats, but he consistently attacked the strike zone and induced harmless contact.

He has always had a reputation for working efficiently and providing length to spare the bullpen. I do not doubt that he still possesses such ability.

The take-away is that Wang—a former 19-game winner with the New York Yankees—would give the Nationals opportunities to win.

But are his services worth the trouble of altering everybody’s routines?

A recent trial of the six-man rotation takes us to the Windy City. Ozzie Guillen experimented with it in 2011 as manager of the Chicago White Sox.

With half a dozen starting pitchers on the active roster between May 11 and June 25, the team went 24-17 (.586).

Now that’s worth noting. Consider the club’s overall record of 79-83.

Washington needs every possible advantage to compete with the first-place Atlanta Braves and the surging Miami Marlins in the NL East.

A sixth starter would help the Nationals in both an immediate and future capacity.

This video recognizes the 17 members of the 2012 College...

Fri, 18 May 2012 15:54:31 -0400

This video recognizes the 17 members of the 2012 College Football Hall of Fame class. It also features former players who were snubbed by voters and previews enshrinement, which is scheduled for July 20-21 in South Bend, Indiana.

MLB Players on the Chopping Block

Thu, 17 May 2012 11:05:42 -0400

MLB Players on the Chopping Block

While many of the nation’s top men’s basketball...

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:24:04 -0400

While many of the nation’s top men’s basketball players (Anthony Davis, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, etc.) are taking their talents to the NBA this summer, other highly-touted prospects have passed on the 2012 draft. C.J. Leslie and Cody Zeller highlight this group of underclassmen who are returning to school and putting their professional careers on hold.

Best Leadoff Hitters in Baseball History

Fri, 11 May 2012 17:33:14 -0400

Best Leadoff Hitters in Baseball History:

Switching it up with a historical piece.

MLB Deadline Deals to Satisfy Fans of Every Team

Fri, 04 May 2012 08:42:49 -0400

MLB Deadline Deals to Satisfy Fans of Every Team:

Dealing during the days, hours and seconds before 4 p.m. ET on July 31 is a famous MLB tradition. “Midsummer Madness,” if you will. If completed before that deadline, each of these potential trades is guaranteed to satisfy the die-hards of its respective organization.

Holes That Each MLB Team Needs to Fill

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 19:46:12 -0400

Holes That Each MLB Team Needs to Fill:

The MLB trade market unofficially opened in April when Marlon Byrd was dealt from the Chicago Cubs to the Boston Red Sox. Read about potential deals that each of the league’s 30 teams should consider to address their weaknesses.

Anibal Sanchez, Underrated Gems Headed for Free Agency

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 11:20:48 -0400

Anibal Sanchez, Underrated Gems Headed for Free Agency:

The upcoming MLB free-agent class of 2012-2013 is deeper than you might think! Miguel Montero, Colby Lewis, Angel Pagan and Anibal Sanchez are among the less recognizable of players who will be available.

Most Painful Baseball Collisions

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:47:17 -0400

Most Painful Baseball Collisions:

Don’t think baseball is a contact sport? Think again! Brutal injuries have resulted from on-field collisions. Watch video of the most recent ones from around the major leagues.

MLB Free Agency: Talented Players Choking in Their Contract Years

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 05:24:02 -0400

MLB Free Agency: Talented Players Choking in Their Contract Years:

Solid MLB players who are approaching free agency, but performing far below expectations in 2012. They won’t make bank on the open market without breaking out of their slumps.

Wildest Fan-on-the-Field Moments in MLB History

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 19:40:41 -0400

Wildest Fan-on-the-Field Moments in MLB History:

Fans occasionally go crazy at MLB games. Watch hilarious highlights of the best security chases and riots ever!

A look inside the life of Malcolm Grant, former University of...

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 16:10:39 -0400

A look inside the life of Malcolm Grant, former University of Miami point guard with NBA aspirations. He’s an undercover singer/rapper and genuinely kind individual.

College football spring games were played across the nation on...

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:38:55 -0400

College football spring games were played across the nation on Saturday, April 14! Watch this for HIGHLIGHTS of the afternoon’s stars & top performers. More exhibitions will be played on April 21 and April 28.

10 MLB Players Already on the Trading Block

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 13:38:12 -0400

10 MLB Players Already on the Trading Block:

Whether because they’re overpaid or under-performing, these 10 players are being actively shopped by their MLB clubs.

Had the opportunity to film graduating University of Miami guard...

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 13:34:51 -0400

Had the opportunity to film graduating University of Miami guard Malcolm Grant, my favorite college athlete. He’s got rap skills you’d never believe! He can knock down three-pointers and do some much more. Check out this Nicki Minaj impersonation. Full profile of him goes online on April 24.

Fantasy Baseball 2012: Who Among MLB's Hottest Players are Legit?

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 21:31:43 -0400

Early in the season, it is difficult to distinguish hot players from truly talented ones.

We’re left wondering which of the league’s leading producers will sustain their production throughout 2012.

By identifying fantasy frauds now, you’ll be able to sell them while their stock is high.

Giving up on a rising superstar could haunt you all summer. But sticking with a scrub as he regresses from excellence to his actual playing ability can also be tough to stomach.

The following 10 individuals are enjoying off-the-charts success through the regular season’s second weekend.

None have ever been considered extraordinary fantasy options.

I’ll tell you whether any are finally emerging as legitimate stars.

C Yadier Molina (St. Louis Cardinals)

St. Louis Cardinals starting catcher Yadier Molina had somewhat of a breakout year in 2011.

He finished with career highs in batting average (.305), home runs (14), runs batted in (65) and runs scored (55).

Now—with Albert Pujols gone and his ownfuture taken care of—Molina has become one of fantasy baseball’s elite backstops.

The first-place Cards lead the majors in scoring despite an injury to Lance Berkman and negligible contributions from Matt Holliday. The offense promises to be a potent one when those two get going.

Expect Molina to have ample opportunities to bat with runners in scoring position this season.

He always posts a sparkling strikeout-to-walk ratio and he’s completely capable of a batting average akin to 2011’s.

I’m only skeptical about his slugging.

He’s currently on pace for 300-plus total bases. That isn’t sustainable for a ninth-year player whose previous best is 221.

2012 Stats through April 15: .353 AVG, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 9 R, 1 SB, 4 BB, 6 K

3B David Freese (St. Louis Cardinals)

Teammate David Freese is nearly the National League’s top batter.

It’s as if the World Series never ended for him!

His early-season power numbers cannot realistically be maintained over six months (he’s averaging more than an RBI per game).

Although the St. Louis Cardinals third baseman won’t produce like Evan Longoria or Jose Bautista, he won’t be far behind, either.

The late-bloomer has been successful at every level of professional baseball, including in the big leagues for much of 2011.

Impatience at the plate will limit his on-base percentage and consequently, his runs scored. His line-drive swing won’t deliver more than 20 home runs.

Still, there is no shame in starting David Freese. He—like Yadier Molina—will reap the benefits of batting amid a great lineup.

2012 Stats through April 15: .406 AVG, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 6 R, 1 BB, 8 K

SP Lance Lynn (St. Louis Cardinals)

Rest assured, this is a league-wide article, but the St. Louis Cardinals have achieved a 7-3 record because of three, first-time fantasy studs.

Lance Lynn has already defeated two division rivals in 2012, the Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago Cubs. He surrendered just one run to each.

He will stay in the rotation indefinitely with Chris Carpenter sidelined.

Mid-90s fastball velocity and a filthy curveball could contribute to countless strikeouts for the talented right-hander.

However, he will need to prove that his slider—abandoned a year ago when he was relieving—can be an effective third pitch.

Lynn is not an MLB ace, but he’ll continue to dominate lineups that are devoid of lefty power.

Pay close attention to his matchups.

2012 Stats through April 15: 2-0, 1.50 ERA, 12.0 IP, 13 K, 0.75 WHIP

LF J.D. Martinez (Houston Astros)

Outfielder J.D. Martinez has been a steady producer for the Houston Astros with at least one hit in every 2012 game.

But his success as a second-year outfielder is hardly surprising. Martinez was a .342 career batter in the Minor Leagues.

Veteran first baseman Carlos Lee has started strong, too. With him in the cleanup spot, Martinez should keep seeing hittable pitches.

However, he isn’t exactly the second coming of Hunter Pence, who—now with the Philadelphia Phillies—complements power-hitting with double-digit base-stealing.

The Astros frankly don’t have a deep batting order.

As a result, Martinez won’t touch home plate as often as somebody of his talent should.

2012 Stats through April 15: .371 AVG, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 5 R, 4 BB, 7 K

LF Shelley Duncan (Cleveland Indians)

Shelley Duncan has forever been a platoon player. That hasn’t changed despite his hot start.

Free agent Johnny Damon was just signed by the Cleveland Indians, a transaction that demotes Duncan from starting left fielder to his usual role.

Something of this ilk was inevitable.

When healthy, Grady Sizemore uproots center fielder Michael Brantley and shifts him to left.

Also, Matt LaPorta is wreaking havoc at Triple-A Columbus. He could see time at the position if recalled.

Duncan has exhibited uncharacteristic plate discipline through eight games while still hammering extra-base hits.

Alas, he’ll lose value with a lack of plate appearances.

2012 Stats through April 15: .320 AVG, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 7 R, 8 BB, 6 K

2B Omar Infante (Miami Marlins)

Omar Infante is off to an atypical start.

He has been on MLB rosters since 2002, but fantasy baseball owners may not be familiar with him.

Before last year, he had never held down a starting job. Even then, he was a nondescript middle infielder who couldn’t crack single digits in home runs or stolen bases.

Through Jackie Robinson Day, he inexplicably leads the NL East with four bombs. That puts him on pace to match the cumulative total of his first 10 seasons!

He obviously won’t.

Infante is a singles hitter who bats out of place on the Miami Marlins. Jose Reyes, Emilio Bonifacio and Hanley Ramirez are staples atop the lineup.

He’ll cool off soon and return to being an unexciting second base option.

At least he contributes a good batting average.

2012 Stats through April 15: .343 AVG, 4 HR, 6 RBI, 9 R, 1 BB, 1 K

SP Matt Garza (Chicago Cubs)

Overlooking his 2011 win-loss record and taking the Chicago Cubs brutal defense into account leads to the revelation that Matt Garza (left) is terrific.

Seriously. Put him in the same class as Matt Cain and Cole Hamels.

Unfortunately, his franchise began the rebuilding process this winter.

The lineup sans Carlos Pena and Aramis Ramirez will be pretty anemic. The bullpen has also thinned out with Jeff Samardzija in the starting rotation and Sean Marshall on the Cincinnati Reds.

Garza will be hard-pressed to exceed his 10 victories from last summer…unless every outing is like April 12.

Use him strictly for whiffs and WHIP.

He could ascend to fantasy ace status, though, if contract extension talks break down.

Then, the Cubs might trade Garza somewhere with a better surrounding cast.

2012 Stats through April 15: 1-0, 1.23 ERA, 14.2 IP, 14 K, 0.75 WHIP

LF Josh Willingham (Minnesota Twins)

The Minnesota Twins threw a lot of guaranteed money at free-agent outfielder Josh Willingham this winter ($21M through 2014).

It’s looking like a wise investment.

The club is struggling, but Willingham is constantly reaching base and not striking out nearly as often as most general managers feared he would.

The first thing to drop will be that astronomical batting average (his name is Willingham, not Williams).

However, his power is legitimate. He could finally surpass 30 home runs after exceeding 25 twice before.

One walk for every two strikeouts is a given considering the non-threatening hitters who follow him in the lineup.

Overall, Willingham is poised for a strong year.

2012 Stats through April 15: .419 AVG, 4 HR, 7 RBI, 7 R, 1 SB, 4 BB, 6 K

SP Chad Billingsley (Los Angeles Dodgers)

Chad Billingsley barely qualifies for this list.

He tossed 200 innings, punched out 201 batters, won 16 times and kept his earned run average low in 2008.

It would have been an ”extraordinary” campaign had his WHIP been slightly better.

Now in his age-27 season, he appears to have developed the command necessary to co-lead the Los Angeles Dodgers pitching staff.

Granted, his first two 2012 opponents—the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Diego Padres—didn’t have reputable offenses.

But Billingsley threw nearly 68 percent of his pitches for strikes against them.

If he can stay in that neighborhood, his tremendous stuff will take care of the rest.

2012 Stats through April 15: 2-0, 0.63 ERA, 14.1 IP, 15 K, 0.63 WHIP

CF Austin Jackson (Detroit Tigers)

The Detroit Tigers pay many of their position players to focus on hitting. Austin Jackson among them.

Still pre-arbitration eligible and banking only half a million dollars in 2012, Jackson has earned the everyday center field job with his fielding prowess.

An embarrassing strikeout rate and low batting average estranged him to fantasy baseball owners in 2011.

Fresh off that sophomore slump, he has been incredible this April.

Swing-and-misses are part of his game. Getting on base at a .512 clip surely isn’t.

But even after a slight reggression to realistic numbers, Jackson will emerge as a stud.

2012 Stats through April 15: .412 AVG, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 10 R, 1 SB, 7 BB, 10 K

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MLB Opening Day Power Rankings

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 11:30:15 -0400

MLB Opening Day Power Rankings:

Already it looks like I was off the mark on a few MLB teams…