Tag: Yu Darvish

Yu Is Worth A Lot More Than You!!

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

It’s finally here!!

Can you smell it??

No, not what the Rock is cookin’; BASEBALL!! It’s February 12th. It should smell like freshly cut grass and pine tar in your living room by now.

While pitchers and catchers start reporting to spring training today (Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Mets), some of those lockers may remain empty for the foreseeable future. By my count, 107 free agents remain unsigned. Unprecedented and wild.

****We now take a break from your regularly scheduled program to make fun of the Mets: How is it that the Mets report their pitchers, catchers, and position players (February 17th) EARLIER than the rest of the league, yet still suck so badly????

With this year’s free agent market so unbalanced, the MLBPA (Major League Baseball Player’s Association) has decided to host a spring training camp for free agents. I guess teams should be pleased players will be staying in shape, but I can’t imagine heads around MLB are sleeping soundly on pillows every night….

What caused this problem?? 

There are many theories floating around in the ether. Union chief, Tony Clark, believes teams are “racing toward the bottom”. MLB commissioner, Rob Manfred, thinks agents have “inaccurately assessed the market”. The bottom line is players want more money than they’re worth.

Worth is a funny thing. A player, like Carlos Santana, is worth $20 million per year in 2018. The same Carlos Santana may have been worth $22 million per year in 2017. Each year’s free agent market dictates a player’s worth. Regardless of the year, or market, one thing remains constant:

You are worth what someone is willing to pay you.

The Chicago Cubs decided Yu Darvish is worth $126 million (6 years). Contract incentives could push the deal as high as $150 million. Darvish’s new contract is the biggest of the offseason — so far. I, probably shouldn’t question Cubs’ president of baseball operations, Theo Esptein, but, ah, what the hell….

theoepstein-30744008

What is Theo Epstein thinking?!?! Yes, Yu Darvish is as talented a strikeout machine as anyone in MLB, but Yu can’t strike hitters out from the trainer’s room. Assuming 33 starts is a full season, Darvish has almost pitched 1 full season in his 5-year tenure in MLB (I know he pitched 31 games last year, but that doesn’t help prove my point). Darvish has started just 131 of a possible 165 games. Listen, not everyone’s Cal Ripken Jr., but I’d expect my 126 million dollar man to play more than 79% of the time.

And don’t forget his consecutive ‘blow-ups’ in the 2017 World Series. Both consisted of 4 earned runs in 1 and 2/3 innings, leaving a historically bad taste in ‘Dodger Nation’. Maybe Epstein thinks 1 World Series will override 6 injury plagued, inconsistent seasons.

I wish Yu luck.

 

Like, Love, or Hate Yu Darvish’s contract?? Tell me in the comment section below.

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

What Do You Mean ‘Double Check’ My Sources?!

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

jay bruce 2

The world has been waiting….

Waiting for the dominoes to start falling in Major League Baseball. Who knew that first domino would be a fake report?! Wednesday morning, multiple sources reported Gerrit Cole had been traded from the Pittsburgh Pirates to the Houston Astros. By Wednesday afternoon, we had learned this report was as make believe as the Easter Bunny. Sorry parents. Apparently, some journalists prefer being 1st and wrong over being 2nd and right.

See, this is a fun time for MLB; the offseason. The time when rumors fly, money gets tossed around, and players potentially relocate. Until Wednesday, this offseason had been notoriously slow. Just 30 of the 160 potential free agents had signed with their respective teams. Over the past 2 days, free agency has built up speed. It turns out, all it needed was a little nudge from a fake report.

These new deals are 1-year contracts in order to avoid arbitration:

  • Cody Allen – $10.575 Million (Indians)
  • Khris Davis – $10.5 Million (Athletics)
  • Patrick Corbin – $7.5 Million (Diamondbacks)
  • Miguel Gonzalez – $4.75 Million (White Sox)
  • Mike Zunino – $2.975 Million (Mariners)
  • Randal Grichuk – $2.6 Million (Cardinals)
  • Zach McAllister – $2.45 Million (Indians)
  • Jake Marisnick – $1.9 Million (Astros)
  • Tommy Kahnle – $1.3125 Million (Yankees)

Arbitration is a legal process used when a player (prior to becoming an unrestricted free agent) and team can’t come to terms on a 1-year contract. Both the player and team submit their proposed salary contracts to a 3rd-party, neutral arbitrator. The arbitrator then determines a fair salary based on the player’s statistics. Despite retaining the rights to said player, arbitration isn’t generally the 1st step in a long-term, healthy relationship.

While everyone’s attention turned to 1-year contracts, and a fake report, the New York Mets swooped in and ACTUALLY signed a contract paying out more than $12 per year. On Wednesday, the Mets came to terms with Jay Bruce on a 3-year, $39 million contract. While Bruce isn’t a hop on my back and ride to the playoffs type of guy, he’s a solid offensive outfielder. On a team (as cheap as the Mets) lacking offense, I like this deal for the Mets.

Only 2 bigger contracts have been signed, so far, than Bruce; Carlos Santana and Wade Davis. Santana signed a 3-year, $60 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies on December 20th. This makes the Bruce deal look even better. As for Davis, his 3-year, $52 million contract with the Colorado Rockies makes him the highest paid relief pitcher (per year) of all-time. We’ll see how he enjoys the “comfort” of pitching in Coors Field.

With just over a month until pitchers and catchers report, expect an avalanche of dominoes to fall in the near future. Here are the biggest, unsigned names:

J.D. Martinez, Jake Arrieta, Eric Hosmer, Lorenzo Cain, Mike Moustakas, and Yu Darvish.

MLB Free Agency, a time when wildly overpaying players has become America’s new pastime.

 

What do you think of the Jay Bruce contract?? Does Wade Davis deserve to be the highest paid reliever of all-time?? Post your thoughts in the comment section below.

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports .

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

 

And The Winner Is….

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

shohei-ohtani-updates-on-where-he-will-sign

Drumroll please!

 

And the winner, of the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes, is….

 

Nobody yet. But stay tuned. The answer to everyone’s question is coming soon. At some point in the next 15 days to be exact. Ohtani’s window to negotiate with Major League teams closes at 11:59 P.M. EST, on December 22nd. Christmas will come early for 1 lucky MLB franchise. As of now, Ohtani has narrowed his choice to 7 teams:

  • Los Angeles Dodgers
  • Los Angeles Angels
  • San Diego Padres
  • San Francisco Giants
  • Chicago Cubs
  • Texas Rangers
  • Seattle Mariners

This list speaks volumes about Ohtani’s thought process:

Proximity To Home

Yes, Shohei Ohtani will be relocating to the United States of America to play MLB. However, it appears he would like to reside as close to his homeland of Japan as possible. Outside of the Cubs and Rangers, his prospective teams are located on the West coast.

Who’s Missing?

In skimming this list, you’ll also notice something glaring: The New York Yankees are missing!! I’m not saying this because I’m a Yankees’ fan, but I thought the Yankees would’ve been a great fit for Japan’s Babe Ruth. Last time I checked, Babe Ruth played for the Yankees. What better way to follow in the footsteps of the greatest baseball player in MLB history than to play for the same team??

Lack of Companionship

As you dig a little deeper into these teams, you’ll realize they lack something. None of these teams have a notable, Japanese star. Yu Darvish is a free agent, so he doesn’t play for the Dodgers. My educated guess is he doesn’t want to play in the shadow of another Japanese star.

That’s A Surprise

I’m surprised the majority of this list is comprised of 4 National League teams. We all know Ohtani is a 2-way player. He’s a starting pitcher, an outfielder, and a designated hitter. I’m not inside the head of the 7 general managers/owners of Ohtani’s potential landing spots, but I figured he would pitch and strictly play DH. To allow Ohtani to pitch, hit, and play the field is extremely risky, and is something a National League team would be forced to do.

Show Me What You’re Made Of!!

I have to be honest. For a player to forego a potentially 9-figure contract (in just 2 years) by coming to MLB “early”, it would be nice if he’d land in a big market. Because nothing says ‘show me what you’re made of’ quite like the spotlight of Yankee Stadium, or Fenway Park, or CitiField. That’s why if he goes to any team not named the Dodgers, I’ll be slightly disappointed in the young man.

Prediction

I don’t think he’ll wind up in the National League, so cross the Dodgers, Cubs, Padres, and Giants off the list. I think he wants to be the best player on a bad team, so cross the Angels off too. This leaves the Rangers and Mariners. On Wednesday, the Mariners acquired an additional $1 million in International Bonus money, so they look more enticing. However, the Rangers are still the leaders in the clubhouse in terms of International Bonus money.

Ultimately, I believe Shohei Ohtani will end up playing for the Seattle Mariners next season. They’re a mediocre team, that plays on the West coast, in the American League. As long as they allow him to pitch once every 6 days, and play DH 4 times per week, the Mariners have this thing locked up.

 

What do you think?? Where will Shohei Ohtani play baseball next season?? Post your prediction in the comment section below.

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports .

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

 

 

Astros Claim 1st World Series Title In Convincing Game 7 Victory

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 2 Comments

astros win world series

The Houston Astros are World Series Champions!!

They can call themselves champions for the first time in their 55-year history.  Everyone on the 25-man roster (except Juan Centeno) contributed to the epic, 7-game victory. But no one did more than George Springer. Springer, who had a monster season, was A BEAST in the World Series. He was easily named World Series MVP.

Springer’s World Series: .379 batting avg., 5 home runs (tied record), 7 rbi’s, and 8 runs scored

As for Game 7, we got a clunker. The Astros started at 100 mph, while the Dodgers were standing still. The Astros scored 2 runs in the first 2 minutes, putting the game out of reach before my butt hit the couch. For good measure, the Astros added 3 insurance runs in the 2nd inning, running Yu Darvish from the game through just 1 and 2/3 innings. Darvish coincidentally pitched 1 and 2/3 innings in Game 3 as well. Bet the Dodgers are glad they traded for him.

I love when people leap from the shadows with revisionist history. “I wouldn’t have started Darvish, ” they say. Listen, in Game 7, the leash must be so short you can hear your starting pitcher breathe, but that doesn’t mean he shouldn’t have been given the opportunity. Yu Darvish should have been pulled from the game before he gave up 3 runs in the 2nd inning. He should have left with a 2-0 deficit, leaving a glimmer of hope, rather than burying his teammates with a 5-0 deficit. But that’s not Darvish’s fault, it’s Dodgers’ manager, Dave Roberts’. Ironically, Roberts was finally bitten by leaving his starting pitcher in too long. All postseason, Roberts routinely pulled his starters (who were pitching well) WAYYYY TOO EARLY.  If you’re bad, you’re bad, but at least be consistent.

I like to call out the overshadowed. Sometimes it’s for the good, sometimes (like today) it’s for the bad. No one is ripping Cody Bellinger to pieces. But they should be. Bellinger went 0-4 with 3 strikeouts in Game 7. He hit .143, breaking the record for most strikeouts in a World Series (17). When rookie sensation, Aaron Judge, was breaking dubious strikeout records the world lost their minds. When Bellinger does it, no one says a word. Bellinger, the son of former MLB pitcher, Clay Bellinger, was a rookie sensation too. What’s up with the double standard?!

Congratulations are in order. Not for the Astros!! We did that already. For Carlos Correa and his future wife, Daniella Rodriguez. The Astros’ shortstop decided to cram the 2 best moments of his life into 1 evening:

He proposed to his girlfriend, on the field, after the game!!

Carlos-Correa-874431

Awesome!! Well done young man!!

Mr. Correa has a bright future ahead of him. At just 23 years of age, the world is in his hands. The question is, how will he, and the young Astros, handle the pressure of being favorites next year??

 

What will you watch now that baseball is over?? Tell me all about it in the comment section below.

 

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports .

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

Nothing Better Than Game 7!!

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

dodgers-force-decisive-game-7-with-narrow-win-over-astros-1

Okay. So, you all got what you wanted: Game 7. Well, all except the Houston Astros and their fans. But everyone else, everyone else got what they wanted. Another do-or-die situation. It’s the best term in sports; Game 7.

Wednesday night’s Game 7 will stand as the 38th in World Series history, and the 2nd in as many years. The question is, will we get a clunker like 1956 or an unforgettable masterpiece like 1960??

To understand where we are, we must look at how we get here…. 

“Oh, now he’s a philosophizer.”

I feel bad for those who fell into a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup induced coma in the 5th inning. You missed yet another comeback by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Justin Verlander, with a 1-0 lead, had a 1-hit gem going.

Then, the 6th inning happened: Single, Hit By Pitch, Double, Sacrifice Fly.

And just like that, a 1-0 lead became a 2-1 deficit.

Verlander got through the inning but would be the end of his evening. Joe Musgrove was brought in to cough up a solo home run to Joc Pederson. 3-1 is where it would stay. Following Dave Roberts’ quick hook of starter, Rich Hill, the Dodgers went to the familiar combination of Brandon Morrow, Tony Watson, Kenta Maeda, and Kenley Jansen to slam the door on the Astros. This 4-man wrecking crew would allow just 1 hit and 1 walk through 4 and 2/3 innings. Jansen, aka Super-Closer, will be available for Game 7 despite a 2-inning save. All I have to say is, 2 innings, 19 pitches, and 18 strikes. Boom!

Game 7 will be played tonight at 8:20 P.M. EST on FOX. Lance McCullers Jr. will face off against Yu Darvish for all the marbles. I look forward to having a fist fight with my eyelids.

Who wins tonight?? Post your prediction, with the score, in the comment section below.

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Halloween was a busy day in the sports world. 4 P.M. EST marked the trade deadline in the NFL. A handful of names were on the move. Some trades were good, some were bad, and some may effect your fantasy football team. However, we must take this moment in history to make fun of the Cleveland Browns. I know, I know. They’re an easy target. But some things can’t be ignored.

Did you ever do something….but not actually do it?? Yeah I know that doesn’t make sense, but the Cleveland Browns figured out how to accomplish whatever it is I’m saying. The Browns traded for Cincinnati Bengals’ backup quarterback, A.J. McCarron on Tuesday. The Bengals would receive a 2nd and 3rd round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, and McCarron would receive a slow, painful death sentence otherwise known as the starting quarterback of the Cleveland Browns.

The Bengals sent all the necessary paperwork to the Browns as well as the NFL approximately 20 minutes prior to the deadline. The Browns sent paperwork to the Bengals, but left out the only part that matters….SENDING PAPERWORK TO THE NFL!!

No trade is official until it’s signed, sealed, and delivered to the NFL. Yeah, I went there. As dumb as my New York Jets are, I am confident that ONLY the Cleveland Browns can figure out how to make a trade without actually making a trade….

Notable Trades:

Carolina Panthers traded Kelvin Benjamin to the Buffalo Bills for a 3rd and 7th-round picks (2018)

Miami Dolphins traded Jay Ajayi to the Philadelphia Eagles for a 4th-round pick (2018)

Buffalo Bills traded Marcell Dareus to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a 6th-round pick (2018)

Are the Cleveland Browns the most poorly run franchise in sports history?? If not, please tell me in the comment section below.

 

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports .

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

 

 

Astros Bash Their Way To Game 2 Victory — World Series Tied At 1

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

World Series Astros Dodgers Baseball

Holy Crap!!!!

Game 2 of the World Series was a game for the ages — and record books. What started as a pitcher’s duel, ended as an extra inning, home run derby. Justin Verlander looked to continue his stellar postseason, entering the 5th inning with a no-hitter. There has only been 1 no-hitter thrown in World Series history (Don Larsen’s 1956 Perfect Game). Those hopes flew out the window alongside a solo home run by Joc Pederson with 2 outs in the bottom of the 5th inning. Verlander would depart after 6 innings, trailing 3-1.

The Dodgers’ Game 2 starter, Rich Hill, suffered a different fate. He was yanked from the game after just 4 innings. Hill had given up just 1 run on 60 pitches (42 strikes). Yes he had 3 walks, but Hill was sharp Wednesday night.

I don’t understand the mind of some MLB managers. How many times do they need to watch their bullpen implode before they leave their starter alone?? Hey everyone, watch me make this unprecedented move that probably won’t work. The 1 time it works, I’ll be a genius.

Major League Baseball managers must enjoy outsmarting themselves.

Dodgers’ manager, Dave Roberts, doesn’t live by the, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it credo.

Here’s the list of relief pitcher’s used upon Rich Hill’s early exit:

 Take a deep breath….

  • Kenta Maeda
  • Tony Watson
  • Ross Stripling
  • Brandon Morrow
  • Kenley Jansen
  • Josh Fields
  • Tony Cingrani
  • Brandon McCarthy

The Dodgers’ bullpen is tremendous, but that’s not how this thing (playoff baseball) works.

In the 8th inning, closer extraordinaire Kenley Jansen, was brought in for a 6-out save. Roberts, in his infinite wisdom, thought he’d let Brandon Morrow give up a leadoff double first. SMART!! Jansen, who hasn’t give up a run since 1792, gave up an rbi single in the 8th and a leadoff home run in the 9th, sending the game to extra innings (3-3). As if a game-tying home run, on the road, in the 9th inning wasn’t crazy enough, the 10th and 11th innings would send the sports world into overdrive.

Astros’ superstars, Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa, led off the 10th inning with back-to-back home runs, giving their team a 5-3 lead. The Dodgers would bounce right back with a 2-run, 10th inning of their own. Yasiel Puig hit a lead off home run, and with their 1st non home-run hit, Enrique Hernandez hit an rbi-single. On to the 11th (5-5). You guessed it. Another home run. This time it was George Springer with a 2-run blast, putting the Astros up 7-5. Charlie Culberson would hit a 2-out, solo home run in the bottom of the 11th, but it was too little too late. Puig struck out to end the game, as the Astros stole a crucial game, on the road, in dramatic fashion (7-6).

Today is an off day, as both teams travel to Houston. Catch Game 3’s action on Friday @ 8:09 P.M. EST. Yu Darvish and Lance McCullers Jr. will take the hill, each looking to give their team an edge in the series.

Who will win Game 3?? Who will win the series?? Post your predictions in the comment section below.

 

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports .

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

 

 

Heyyyy — My Record Book Is Covered In Smog!!

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

cody bellinger

Some would say the west coast is the best coast. I wouldn’t say that, nor would anyone with a brain, but it applies to the world of baseball — for now. The Los Angeles Dodgers have placed themselves firmly in the record books this season. They’ve accomplished something that hasn’t been done in 105 years. Before Sunday night’s game, the Dodgers were 43-7 over their last 50 games, matching the 1912 New York Giants for the best record over a 50-game stretch in MLB history.

The Dodgers beat the New York Mets (duh) last night, completing a 3-game sweep of the Mets. The Dodgers posted 2 shutouts in the series, outscoring the Mets 21-4. The Dodgers are now 44-7 over their last 51 games, and are in the midst of a 4-game winning streak. Along the path to the record books, they had 3 lengthy winning streaks of 9, 10, and 11 games. They currently have the best record in baseball and have a strangle-hold on the NL West division.

Their record of 79-32 gives them a winning percentage of .712. Since MLB expanded to a 162-game season, that is the 2nd best winning percentage only to the 2001 Seattle Mariners who finished with a record of 116-46 (.716). This is all the more impressive because the NL West is currently the best division in baseball. If the season ended today, the Arizona Diamondbacks (63-48) and Colorado Rockies (64-48) would be the 2 Wild Card Playoff teams in the NL. Side note: The Dodgers have also lapped the San Francisco Giants about 5,000 times on the racetrack, as the Giants stand 36 games back in the NL West. 36 GAMES BACK!! You’d have to try to be that bad.

Let’s meet the cast of characters on the Los Angeles Dodgers:

Cody Bellinger

Bellinger is the rookie sensation who, like Aaron Judge from the AL, is in the running for Rookie of the Year and MVP. He currently has 32 home runs, 75 r.b.i.’s while hitting .264.

Justin Turner

The bearded one is hitting .349. Need I say more?? Apparently leaving the Mets is the best career move anyone can make. Just ask Daniel Murphy….

Yasiel Puig

Just when you thought he was going to go Brady Anderson on us, and disappear into the sunset, Puig has had a nice resurgence this season. His 21 home runs are a career high, through just 111 games.

Pitching Staff

Despite being on the DL, Clayton Kershaw is having an incredible season. He stands at 15-2, with a 2.04 e.r.a. Yeah, he’s decent.

The Dodgers have as stable a closer as a team could hope for in Kenley Jansen. He has 28 saves in 29 chances. Oh yeah, and he throws 101 m.p.h!!

The most underrated starting pitcher in MLB is Alex Wood.  Wood started the year in the bullpen, but even the Dodgers injuries bring forth good fortune. Rich Hill’s early season blister problem opened up a rotation spot for Wood. Wood ran with the job and never looked back. He’s now the owner of a 13-1 record, and a fashionable 2.33 e.r.a.

And just over a week ago, the Dodgers traded for Yu Darvish. Sounds fair. Sounds totally fair.

 

Will the Los Angeles Dodgers win the World Series this season?? Post your World Series prediction in the comment section below.

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel called DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

 

 

 

 

 

MLB Trade Deadline Review (Winners and Losers)

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 8 Comments

sonny gray

While July usually starts with a bang, Major League Baseball made sure to end July with their own kind of fireworks. July 31st, also known as Trade Deadline Day, should be a National Holiday too — haha. Many teams were active buyers and sellers, while others sat on the sideline afraid to play ball. And of course, in any trade there must be a Winner and a Loser….

Winners:

New York Yankees

Los Angeles Dodgers

Washington Nationals

Losers:

Boston Red Sox

Baltimore Orioles

Texas Rangers

Let’s start with the Losers. The Boston Red Sox made 1 notable move yesterday. They acquired bullpen arm, Addison Reed, from the New York Mets. This move, on the surface, is decent. It bolsters the Red Sox weak bullpen and seemed necessary. So why are they losers Dave?? Well, I think we all know the answer to that!! But no, seriously, they aren’t competing with themselves. They are competing with the Yankees. And solely adding Addison Reed won’t be enough to keep up with the Yankees following their additions this past month.

The Baltimore Orioles seem like a lost puppy. They’re roaming the streets unsure of where their home is. The Orioles should have been sellers this year, however, they traded FOR Jeremy Hellickson and Tim Beckham. Hellickson is a mediocre starting pitcher from the Philadelphia Phillies and Beckham is a middle infielder from the Tampa Bay Rays. I don’t get it….

And then there’s the Texas Rangers. Sure, they traded Yu Darvish for prospects, but I can argue that haul was one-sided. They also traded Jonathan Lucroy to the Colorado Rockies. Again, while selling was the way to go for the Rangers, players shouldn’t be traded for a bucket of chicken (George Costanza style). When Lucroy was acquired by the Rangers, they gave up a major prospect (Lewis Brinson). Yesterday, they traded Lucroy, for a player to be named later. Nice work!!

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Now, we shall move on to the smart people, the Winners. We may as well start with my beloved New York Yankees. They’ve had an extremely successful season and it should only get better. They acquired Sonny Gray from the Oakland Athletics for 3 prospects (Dustin Fowler, James Kaprielian, and Jorge Mateo). These are all nice prospects, but when you add the uncertainty of a prospect to the major surgeries Fowler and Kaprielian are recovering from, you may as well close your eyes and swing. Gray has a career e.r.a. of 3.42 and is 44-36 in his 5-year career. He should help get the Yankees’ starters into the 8th inning for the first time in 1700 years.

The Los Angeles Dodgers also find themselves in the W column. While everyone is talking about Yu Darvish, I’m talking about Tony Watson. Watson is a very solid bullpen arm. This was the Dodgers most glaring need, and they plugged up that hole in 1 move. Yes, Yu Darvish is nice because he’s a household name, but Watson is the prize for the Dodgers. You’ll see what I’m talking about come October.

And last but certainly not least, the Washington Nationals. Talk about bolstering your bullpen. Reminiscent of the Yankees’ farm system in 2016, the Nationals bullpen went from worst to first overnight. They added Ryan Madson, Sean Doolittle, and Brandon Kintzler. All have closing experience, and all are having good seasons. The Nationals are my new World Series favorite. Hopefully, the Yankees have the honor of staring down that barrel.

 

What is your take on the MLB Trade Deadline?? Who were the biggest Winners and Losers?? Type your reaction into the comment section below.

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel called DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!