Tuesday, July 15, 2014

The Daily Dozen - 2014 All-Star Game Edition

THE DAILY DOZEN
(Twelve Takeaways from Tonight's Game - 2014 All-Star Game Edition)

1. Derek Jeter is 40 and Still Hits Like He's 20.  I don't care what Wainwright may be saying...the double to lead off the game was classic Jeter.  He was the obvious pick for MVP and he deserved it to be honest.  According to Baseball Tonight, Jeter finished his All-Star Game career with a .482 average.  The crowd at Target Field game him a great sendoff.
The Great One...Derek Jeter...The Great One
2. Mike Trout is the best player in baseball hands down.  No question about it.  The best hitter in baseball is Miguel Cabrera, but the best overall player is Mike Trout...did you SEE that triple...just saying.

3. Jon Lester really sucks and I hate him. *Unless he becomes a Yankee.

4. How the heck does Milwaukee have so many All-Stars and one of them isn't Ryan Braun?  I smell a rat...could it be the next guy I talk about?

5. Bud Selig resembles a robot.  Since he is retiring I am officially throwing in my name to be the next Commissioner of Baseball up there with Bob Costas, Mike Greenberg, Pete Rose, and Daniel Burch.
"I assure you, I am NOT a robot..."
6. Yasiel Puig does not impress me at all.  Just in case you missed it...this guy acts like Jose Canseco and bats in clutch situations like Mike Gallego.  I can't wait until he gets busted for using PEDs.

7. The American League had a double, triple, and home run in the 1st inning by Jeter, Trout, and Cabrera.  According to the Elias Sports Bureau the last time that happened in an All-Star Game was in 2004 by the AL off of Roger Clemens, then with Houston.

8. Tulowitzki needs to be a Yankee by Friday.  Send the Farm...the whole farm.  He WANTS to be a Yankee...let's make that happen, shall we Mr. Cashman?  He could play 3rd base for the rest of the season and take over for his hero at SS next season.
Yeah...he'd look good in Pinstripes.  Source: Fox Sports
9. Dee Gordon is really, really, really fast.

10. I can actually stand Harold Reynolds.  This is a bit of an oddity because for the most part broadcasters in general get on my nerves, especially when they repeatedly say RBIs on the air.  IT'S FREAKING RUNS BATTED IN! RBI...get it right Joe Buck!

11. How do the Dodgers ever lose?  With a rotation of Kershaw, Greinke, Ryu, Beckett, and Haren?  Of course both Beckett and Billingsley (remember that guy?) are on the DL.  Seriously...Mattingly better get these guys deep into the playoffs or he may be let go...which would be great for the Yankees since he should be the next Manager...just saying...
Sure...he could use a haircut, but a straight-up trade of Kershaw
for A-Rod would look really nice right about now!
#GetGreedy
12. Jim Caple of ESPN.com predicted the American League would win 5-3 and that Derek Jeter would be named the MVP.  He may have come in contact with Marty McFly in Back to the Future II in my humble opinion.  He is now the only source there I can reliably trust.  Yes, I know...Mike Trout got the MVP award...but we all know who deserved to get it. #RE2PECT
Seriously...this guy needs to play the lottery!


85th Edition MLB All Star Game Open Thread



American League

Derek Jeter
Mike Trout
Robinson Cano
Miguel Cabrera
Jose Bautista
Nelson Cruz
Adam Jones
Josh Donaldson
Salvador Perez

P. Felix Hernandez

National League

Andrew McCutchen
Yasiel Puig
Troy Tulowitzki
Paul Goldschmidt
Giancarlo Stanton
Aramis Ramirez
Chase Utley
Jonathan Lucroy
Carlos Gomez

P. Adam Wainwright

Troy Tulowitzki Hints At Wanting To Be A Yankee


We are trend setters here at The Greedy Pinstripes and we also like to think outside the box. For example, we had Martin Prado being a trade target before he showed up really anywhere else. We had Alfonso Soriano being designated for assignment before a lot of people, although this one was pretty obvious, and begged for the likes of Shane Greene, Jose Pirela, and Kyle Roller to be called up. We brought you a post that thought about bringing Dan Uggla to the bench for this season and next. We also had Troy Tulowitzki replacing Derek Jeter next year, CLICK ME, and playing second and third base this season and we even went as far as to predict a lineup, CLICK ME,  for 2014 and 2015 with Tulo, and the rumors are starting to heat up.

Now let me be honest, I'm not crazy about the New York Post, I'm not, but Ken Davidoff had a great piece about Mr. Tulo today in the Post. Tulo, in the interview, said that he would be willing to be the man to try and fill the massive shoes of the Yankee captain. And I quote:

"... hinted Monday he would be open to leaving the struggling franchise that drafted and developed him. He also didn’t hide his enthusiasm over the idea of replacing Jeter, who of course intends to retire following this season, with the Yankees.

When The Post mentioned the Yankees would have a shortstop opening in 2015, Tulowitzki responded, “No doubt, I think everybody knows that. Everybody wants that perfect story, whoever it may be. Whether it’s me or somebody else who took over for Derek, no doubt, it makes for a great story."

Luis Severino Promoted To Double-A Trenton


Luis Severino has been promoted to Double-A and will join the Trenton Thunder to pitch on Saturday. Severino put on a showcase this week at the MLB Futures Game and was rewarded with the promotion. I can't say I see Severino ending this season anywhere else but the way this guy is pitching the sky is the limit. The Yankees are finally being semi-aggressive with their prospects and it's definitely a sight for sore eyes.

All Star Game Predictions: Daniel Burch


I am totally lost most of the time when it comes down to predictions so why not take another stab at it tonight with the All Star Game. I can't be wrong 100% of the time, can I? Anyway..

The American League has a deeper lineup in my opinion while the National League is absolutely stocked at pitching, both in the rotation and the bullpen. Pitching wins most of the time so I have a hard time going against Mike Matheny and the National League.

Who wants to pitch to Yasiel Puig, Giancarlo Stanton, and the rest of the NL offense? Who can score off Clayton Kershaw, Zach Greinke, Adam Wainwright, Aroldis Chapman, and the rest of the NL pitching staff?

My prediction: NL beats AL 6-4.

Robertson, Yankees Have Had "Zero Talks" About a New Contract

While David Robertson has had a couple of bad games this season, for the most part he's been exactly what the Yankees needed.

The veteran right-hander, who originally served as the Yanks' set-up man before becoming their closer this year, has successfully converted 23 of his 25 save opportunities, a big reason why the team's .500 going into the All Star Break instead of anything worse.

Still, as of now Robertson and the Bombers have apparently not had any talks about a new contract, something that could turn out to be damaging in the coming months due to #30's impending free agency. 

“There’s just been zero talks," Robertson recently told the NYDN's Anthony McCarron. "When the offseason comes, it comes and we’ll hear what other teams and everybody else wants to say.”

In the past, the longtime Pinstripes' reliever has gone on record saying he wants to stay in New York, the only positive sign that seems to be coming from this story.

During the upcoming offseason, the Yankees will already be busy looking for another shortstop and probably some more starting pitching, making where Robertson fits into the 2015 club a mystery, as guys like Dellin Betances will obviously come at a cheaper price.

The History of The All Star Game: Venues


Tomorrow night Major League Baseball will host the 85th edition of the All Star Game at Target Field, the home of the Minnesota Twins. This will be the fifth time the Twins have hosted the All Star Game in their history and this is the first time Target Field will be the hosting venue for the game. The Twins are tied with three other teams for the most All Star Games hosted and will be joined by the Cincinnati Reds next season as they host their fifth All Star Game.

The New York Yankees have hosted four All Star Games, which seems a little low to me, including the goodbye to the old Yankee Stadium in 2008. Before 2008 the Yankees had not hosted an All Star Game since the 1977 season, ouch.

The first ever All Star Game was played on July 6, 1933 as the Chicago White Sox and Comiskey Park hosted the game. The All Star Game was not held in 1945 due to World War II. The biggest attendance for an All Star Game was 1981 with the Cleveland Indians and Cleveland Stadium hosted a staggering 72,086 fans on August 9th.

There are four active stadiums that have hosted All Star Games including Wrigley Field (1947, 1962, and 1990), Fenway Park (1946, 1961, and 1999), Angel Stadium (1967, 1989, and 2010), and Kauffman Stadium (1973 and 2012). Tropicana Field (Rays), Great American Ballpark (Reds), Citizens Bank Park (Phillies), PETCO Park (Padres), Nationals Park (Nationals), Yankee Stadium III (Yankees), Target Field (Twins), and Marlins Park (Marlins) have never hosted All Star Games. Target Field obviously will host their first tomorrow and Citizens Bank Park will host the game in 2015.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have not hosted an All Star Game since the 1980 season, Washington Nationals have not since they were the Montreal Expos in 1982, The Twins haven't since 1985 before tomorrow, The Athletics have not hosted one since 1987, the Reds have not hosted one since 1988, and the Chicago Cubs have not hosted a game since 1990.

When Will Yankee Stadium III Get An All Star Game?


The answer is obviously a tough one to answer but my best guess is not going to be a popular one with Yankees fans. In short, it's going to be a long, long time before the Yankees see another All Star Game at home if history is any indicator. The Los Angeles Dodgers have not hosted an All Star Game in 34 years and could not before at least 2017 while the Yankees held an All Star Game six seasons ago.

Even back in the 40's when there were not 30 stadiums to choose from we went at least 15 seasons in between All Star Games in the same venue. I couldn't see the Yankees getting an All Star Game before 2020 unfortunately, and that may be pushing it.

Of course this is all speculations, with the new stadium in the Bronx Major League Baseball may want to jump on the newness of the building and host an All Star Game there sooner, but I doubt it.

The History of The All Star Game: Yankee Stadium


The New York Yankees have hosted the Major League Baseball All Star Game four times in their storied history, the latest being in 2008. The city of New York has hosted a record nine All Star Games in the 84 games that have been played in the history of the game.

The first Yankees hosted All Star Game happened on July 11, 1939 at Yankee Stadium followed by a wait until July 13, 1960. Back in 1960 two All Star Games were held, the other coming in Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, and the Yankees hosted the second game that year. The Yankees then again hosted in 1977 on July 19th and had to wait until Yankee Stadium II's final season in 2008 to host another. Yankee Stadium III, which opened in 2008, has yet to host an All Star Game.

The Yankees have had some success in years they host the Mid-season Classic, reaching the World Series three times and missing the playoffs in 2008. New York won the 1939 World Series and lost the 1960 World Series but won the 1977 World Series to hand George Steinbrenner his first ring.

When will Yankee Stadium III get it's chance? So glad you asked....

Coming To The New York Yankees, Dan Uggla?


Is the next member of the New York Yankees on his way in Dan Uggla? Uggla has fallen out of favor with the Atlanta Braves and was benched in favor of rookie prospect Tommy La Stella. Uggla was seldom used off the bench and now may be on his way out of all together as the Braves called up another prospect in Phil Gosselin. No corresponding roster move has been announced that I have heard about but many rumors point to Uggla, who was already suspended this week by the team for one game, being designated for assignment or traded. Should the Yankees pounce?

Uggla's best season came four years ago in 2010 when he hit .287 with 33 home runs and 105 RBI's with the Marlins before being flipped to the Atlanta Braves. Uggla strikes out a lot, a ton actually, but has always possessed adequate defense and home run pop. For some reason that pop has disappeared in Atlanta this season and the defense has gone from adequate to downright atrocious.

Uggla has hit 36, 19, and 22 home runs before this season with Atlanta so the pop is still there although Uggla has been reduced to a part time player in 2014. The problem with Uggla is in those same seasons he batted .233, .220, .179, and .162 this season. In those same seasons Uggla has struck out 156, 168, 171, and 40 times in 48 games this season.

Uggla is owed $13 million for the 2015 season and the Braves are likely to eat all of that in a trade or if he is designated for assignment. Uggla would come for next to nothing so why not? I would love to have a power bat that could come off the bench late in games but I would love Robert Refsnyder more, pass.

The Daily Dozen - Home Run Derby Edition

THE DAILY DOZEN
(Twelve  Takeaways from Tonight's Game - 2014 Home Run Derby Edition)

1. Jose Bautista is incredibly talented...can you believe he bounced around the league from Baltimore to Tampa Bay to Kansas City to Pittsburgh (all in 2004) before making his mark in Toronto in 2010 with his amazing 54 home run campaign.  He came over to Toronto in 2008 as a journeyman having never hit more than 16 homers in a season.  Since 2010, he has hit 54, 43, 27, 28 and 17 this season so far.  The guy didn't even use all 7 outs in the 1st round hitting 10 to advance to the AL finals...guess he should have used that last out.  Only 4 in the AL Final...possibly due to being off the field for 2 hours.

2. Yasiel Puig needs to just shut his mouth and drop the antics from now on...how embarrassing for him being shut out in the 1st round!  I saw a tweet tonight that read as follows: "Jose Cano has a 0.00 ERA in the last 2 Home Run Derbies"....CLASSIC.  ESPN had to keep bleeping out Puig as he cussed on "live" television.  CLASSLESS.
"Man, maybe next time I should shave some planets into my hair..." Source: Getty Images
3. Giancarlo Stanton absolutely raked in the 1st round.  The longest home run of the night projected at 510 feet.  Did you see the kid that caught it?  He didn't expect to catch one way up there.  Once again Stanton was thrown off kilter by the long layoff from the new format.
This guys is an absolute beast.
4. Welcome back to Minnesota Justin Morneau!  Barring his concussions he is still a great talent.  He probably tried a little too hard tonight coming back to his "home".

5. There have been several pairs of teammates in the Home Run Derby.  I know this because Burch and a few of our followers reminded me #TGPResearchDept.  Here is the complete list in case you were wondering:

1985 - Eddie Murray and Cal Ripken, Jr (Baltimore) -- was won by Dave Parker with SIX home runs total.  It was a different format with 2 innings total between leagues.  Not many home runs...but with only 6 outs per squad, this was actually impressive.
1990 - Mark McGwire and Jose Canseco (Oakland) combined for 1 home run at Wrigley Field
1991 - Paul O'Neill and Chris Sabo (Cincinnati) -- um Cal Ripken, Jr. hit an unheard of 12 homers at the SkyDome that year.  The previous record was 6 in the very first.  Pauly had 5.
1992 - Gary Sheffield and Fred McGriff (San Diego) -- McGwire hit 12 that year matching Ripken
1995 - Ron Gant and Reggie Sanders (Cincinnati) vs. Albert Belle and Manny Ramirez (Cleveland)...OH v OH.  Belle hit 16, a new record.
1998 - Chipper Jones and Javy Lopez (Atlanta)
2003 - Albert Pujols and Jim Edmonds (St. Louis)
2011 - Adrian Gonzalez and David Ortiz (Boston)
2013 - Yoenis Cespedes and Josh Donaldson (Oakland) -- Cespedes eliminated his own teammate in the new format.

6. I actually like the new format.  It prevents fatigue and rewards the bashers from the 1st round.  Oh...Stanton just laid a goose egg giving Frazier a 1-0 win in the NL final.  Wait, what's this?  @JoeyBats19 only hit 4 losing to defending champ Cespedes after waiting for 2 hours to hit again.  Nope...don't like the format at all.

7. Robinson Cano looks ridiculous in a Mariners hat.  Just saying.

8. THIS GUY. 

I don't even know what to say.
9. It would have been great to see Mickey Mantle vs. Willie Mays in the old-fashioned Home Run Derby in 1960.   Hard to imagine an event like that with no crowd.

10. Todd Frazier is not very animated.  Even in this picture back in the day with El Capitan:
"Bet you I can hit more home runs than you..."
But get this...he was on the team from New Jersey that won the Little League World Series and was also a Punt, Pass, and Kick Champion...thanks Chris Berman! (sarcasm)

11. The Stand Up 2 Cancer moments are always very moving.  I just wish it wasn't tied to people getting into more debt.  How about you just donate $4 million because you want to MasterCard?

12. The Re2pect Video has gone viral and there is a reason.  Watch it HERE!  The best scene is at 1:12 in my humble opinion. 1.68 million views today alone.

This Day In New York Yankees History 7/15 Dan Uggla Makes Three Errors In An All Star Game


The last time the New York Yankees hosted an All Star Game was in 2008 when we said goodbye to Yankee Stadium II. The House that Ruth Built was torn down at the end of the season but not before the Yankees had one more All Star Game and one last hoorah. In true Yankee Stadium fashion history was made on this day as Dan Uggla became the first player in the history of the All Star Game to make three errors in a game.

The Marlins second baseman had two errors in the 10th inning and one in the 13th inning while helping the American League win the game 4-3 in 15 innings. Uggla wasn't any better at the plate as he wen't 0-4 with three strikeouts while grounding into a double play with runners on first and third in the 10th inning for his fourth at bat.

I believe Uggla was probably the first out of Yankee Stadium that night and it would suit him just fine if he never went back. Speaking of Dan Uggla...