Bats And Skates

I Don’t Get The Boston Red Sox

So as you may have heard the Boston Red Sox just completed a 5-player trade that ultimately landed them closer Andrew Bailey from the Oakland Athletics.  In completing this trade the most notable player they traded away was young & promising OF Josh Reddick.  Now I am not as much against this trade as I was the Nationals- Oakland Trade.  Also I do not think there was a clear winner in this trade but there was a sure loser in my eyes and that was the Boston Red Sox.  I just do not think they needed to trade away a great young OF when they already have Daniel Bard who can throw 100 mph and locates the ball well.  I was sure that the reason they traded away Jonathon Papelbon to make way for Daniel Bard but no.  On the other hand now that they obtained Andrew Bailey they have one heck of a bullpen.  C’mon Daniel Bard who will still pitch the 8th and then Bailey to close it out that is one heck of a bullpen.  And also don’t forget Mark Melancon.  

The Washington Nationals Are Stupid

The Washington Nationals recently made a traded catcher Derek Norris, and pitchers A.J. Cole and Brad Peacock and left-hander Tom Milone to the Oakland Athletics for Gio Gonzales and minor league pitcher Robert Gilliam.  I think this is the dumbest trade the Washington Nationals could make.  First off they are trading questionably their best prospect besides Bryce Harper away who has every possibility to be better than Gio Gonzales plus Tom Milone is also a very good young pitcher.  The Nationals are a very good young team and Peacock was an incredibly promising prospect.  I am sure we will see him in the all-star game in years to come. 

I am not saying that Gio Gonzales is a bad pitcher in fact he is a very good pitcher entering his prime, but I think they did not need to trade away both Brad Peacock and Tom Milone to get him. 

Who Keep an Eye On (More to come soon)

Almost a week and a half into the baseball season some people’s unlucky fantasy teams have taken a hit.  For you unlucky people out their I will try and help rescue you by writing about some somewhat or little known players to keep an eye on.

  Jack Hannahan 3B Cleveland Indians, owned 4%  If you have Evan Longoria then you are in loads of trouble at the third-base position right now.  Unless Jack Hannahan is owned in you league then he may be of help to you.  Over eight games and 28 at bats he has a .286 batting average.  He also has 7 runs a 2 homers and 6 RBI’s.  Hannahan is 31 years old.  If you do need help in the infield you may want to consider picking up Hannahan while he is still available.

Jack Hannahan

image courtesy of cleveland.com

Danny Espinosa 2B Washington Nationals, owned 10%.  You may think I am crazy.  Why would anyone want to own a National not named Ryan Zimmerman.  Although I do agree with that Danny Espinosa is an exception.  This guy is only 24 years old and has a legit power.  He has 6 runs 5 RBI’s and a homer this year.  He is also batting at a .280 clip.  If second base is week for you take a look at this youngster who already has won a starting 2nd base job for Washington.

Danny Espinosa

image courtesy of mlb.com

Tomas Kaberle

Today the Boston Bruins got both Rich  Peverley and Tomas Kaberle.  The Bruins gave up Blake Wheeler and Mark Stuart to get Peverley.  They also got defender Boris Valabik from the Thrashers.  Kaberle was to become a free agent at the end of this year so it is good the Toronto Maple Leafs got something in return for him instead of just having to let him go at the end of the 2010-2011 season.  The Bruins also got an upgrade at the center position because Peverley produces more on offense than Wheeler.

Boris Valabik

Source:cdn.nhl.com

Tomas Kaberle

source://mapleleafshotstove.com

Jose Bautista

While watching MLB Network they interviewed Jose Bautista.  Their have been rumors this offseason about what position he will play.  During this interview he announced that he would play third base.  Just thought for you fantasy sports players this might be a help.

Bats And Skates

The Top 3 Best Baseball Infields

#1 New York Yankees

1st Basemen Mark Texiara

2nd Basemen Robinson Cano

Shortstop Derek Jeter

3rd Base Alex Rodriguez

All the Yankees Infielders will be in the Hall Of Fame some day.  You simply can not beat them.

#2 Baltimore Orioles

1st Basemen Derek Lee

2nd Basemen Brian Roberts

 Shortstop J.J Hardy

3rd Basemen Mark Reynolds

The Orioles infield is not the strongest on defense but they make up for that with power from Lee and Reynolds.  Also Hardy is a good SS on both D and offense.  Brian Roberts always hits for contact.  Although I don’t agree with the Orioles choosing to get veterans instead of build for the future I do think that they have a splendid infield this year.

#3 Texas Rangers

1st Basemen Mitch Moreland/Mike Napoli

2nd Basemen Ian Kinsler

Shortstop Elvis Andrus

3rd Basemen Adrian Beltre

All of these players except Mitch Moreland are all star caliber plus they are solid on D and can hit.

Kevin Gregg And Koji Uehara

This off season the Baltimore Orioles added Kevin Gregg to their roster.  Last year for the Toronto Blue Jays he had 37 saves and a 3.51 ERA.  The O’s have said that Gregg is not locked in as their closer.  They should give him the closer role because the O’s have no other person who could handle the closer role.  The only other option for Gregg is for him to split save opportunities with Koji Uehara who had 13 saves in 2010.  The ideal situation for the Orioles would be to have Gregg get the call on the majority of the save chances this year and ease Uehara into the role over the next couple years.